West Didsbury & Chorlton v Congleton Town

2014/15 SEASON / MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

NWCFL Premier Division

Congleton Town Tuesday 9th September – 7.45pm

WELCOME WELCOME

to WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC CLUB CONTACTS

FOOTBALL CONTACTS

Club President

First Team

Brian Cripps

Glyn Meacher 07905 431526

Manager: Andy Nelson 07952 567240 Asst Mgr: Steve Settle (coach) Asst Mgr: Steve Eckersley (admin) Match Secretary: Rob McKay 07706 302397

Club Secretary

Reserve Team

Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891 298441

Manager: James Plowright 07900 332825 Asst Manager: Jim Hines

Membership Secretary

Club Coaches Stuart Brown– First Team

Chairman

Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Dave Cooper 07961 063195

Rob Madden – First Team Tony Holmes – Goalkeepers Joel Hudson – Reserves

Head of Fundraising

Physio

Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Paddy Murphy

Community Development

‘A’ Team Manager

Davy Iredale

Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Publicity and Web

Youth Team Manager

Treasurer

John Churchman 07720 508082

Ian Depeiaza 07838 232401

Press Officer, Social Media & Web

Junior Football Co-ordinator

Rob McKay 07706 320397

Mark Rogers 07841 112903

Vets Manager Chris Smith 07867 171815 Ownership: In accordance with THE Football Association Rule 2.13 Publication of ownership in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 clubs in the Football Pyramid we hereby confirm that the legal status of WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB is as not for profit private members club. Any gain arising from the carrying on of the Club shall be applied for the benefit of the Club or for some charitable or benevolent purpose or purposes approved by resolution at a general meeting of the Club.

CLUB INFO… To contact the club please use the club website

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FE

EDITORIAL

Congleton Town

WELCOME TO CONGLETON TOWN It’s hard to believe it’s exactly one month since we played Glossop North End here on a Tuesday evening and tonight we welcome one of the League’s ‘Town’ teams who have been in the Premier Division for many years. Last season Congleton finished mid table and we had mixed fortunes in our results against them, winning the home game here 1-0, had the first away game abandoned due to floodlight failure when leading 1-0 at half time, and then losing the rearranged away game 3-1 towards the latter stages of the season.

Congleton have had a mixed start to this season but are currently above us in the table and present another difficult test for our squad as we try to get things back on track. The last month has been a very hard one with the bright start interrupted by holidays, non availability through work commitments and injury to key players and if that wasn’t enough we have played 3 of the top 4 pushing Glossop and Runcorn Town all the way and now need to get settled again and get points on the board in this really competitive league. Runcorn Linnets are now 7 points clear at the top after winning at Glossop last weekend and we need to get away from the wrong end and show the consistency we displayed last year when we recovered well from a very rocky start. There is a very long way to go this season and we know we have the ability to improve our results and concentration levels so let’s start tonight.

On Saturday we played much better for long periods in the game and it was harsh that we went in 1-0 down against Nelson at the interval. Our start to the second half was great with an early equaliser quickly followed by a quality move for the second goal to give us the lead after 55 minutes. We then had a disastrous 15 minute spell when we conceded an immediate equaliser and another 3 goals within a 20 minute spell everyone will want to forget. Every mistake cost us a goal and some were pretty basic, coupled with a very astute substitution by Nelson manager Mark Fell which changed the game.

Tonight we welcome the players, management, club officials and travelling support from Congleton and we look forward to an enjoyable encounter and wish them all a safe journey back to Congleton after the game.

UPCOMING FIXTURES Next Saturday 13th the first team travel to Bacup and Rossendale Borough in the League, next Tuesday evening 16th we are away again at Abbey Hey and then on Saturday 20th we’re back at home when we host 1874 Northwich.

The reserve team are at home here next Saturday against Wythenshawe Town in the Cheshire League when admission is free.

That promises to be a good game as Wythenshawe currently top the table so if you’re not going to Bacup please support the reserves.

THE FA VASE We now know that our opponents in the FA Vase will be Rossington Main from near Doncaster who we played last season at Rossington.

That game will be here on Saturday 4th October at 3pm and will be another game we’ll be promoting locally to continue to develop our home support base.

In the meantime thank you for your support this evening and ENJOY TONIGHT’S GAME. Rob Turley WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Dugout…

Hello to everyone again, it has been a quick turnaround since Saturday’s defeat at home to Nelson and it is important that we rally together and bounce back quickly.

The Nelson game was frustrating as we started slowly and clawed our way back into the game only to concede a silly goal just before half time. Once again we clawed our way back into the game in the second half, scored and then deservedly took the lead.

However we conceded another silly goal in exactly the same fashion as the first goal and ultimately poor defending cost us big time as Nelson punished us for individual mistakes.

As stated on Saturday we are only in the first weeks of September and we must not panic yet, we’ve had up to 10 players missing at any one point, unprecedented so early in the season anywhere in the game, and we’ve been without several key players in the last three weeks.

We must work hard, get the basics right, be positive and the results will come, hopefully sooner rather than later.

We’ve brought in some experienced faces and allowed one or two players to leave as we need to ensure that we are all fully committed to the task at hand.

What we need to do is look inside, dig deep and make sure that we commit 100% to every game and strive to get results. As we saw last season, there is quality throughout this league and no-one will be on hand to give us points.

In other news we will be facing Rossington Main in the next round of the FA Vase. We faced the Doncaster side last season in the same round last season, albeit away from home, and it took a last minute winner from Lewis Schofield to beat them 2-1. So we know we will be in for a tough game but its one that we can look forward to and they will be full of confidence going into that game having beaten AFC Blackpool.

Today’s opponents Congleton Town have made a good start to the season and they will be looking to push on after unluckily going out to Salford City in the FA Cup after a replay last week.

I would like to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Congleton Town and wish them a safe journey home after the game.

Enjoy today’s game.

Andy Nelson

Sponsorship opportunities…we need shirt number and home game sponsors Support Andy and the team by sponsoring a shirt for only £20 - please sign on poster in the clubhouse. If you or your company is able to sponsor one of home games please discuss this with a committee member.

We are very grateful to Dave Cooper for sponsoring our match against Nelson FC on Saturday.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 2 Nelson 5 ‌ match report Fans who chose West to take in a game on non league day were treated to a high octane end-to-end battle where attack dominated defense.

Nelson, known for their ability to score goals, were immediately out of starting blocks as their forward line showed their attacking intent early in the game with their forward line putting the West defence under pressure. Centre backs Callum Schofield and Anthony Potts remained composed under the pressure as Nelson looked to exploit Callum Jones at right back as the best chance for Nelson came on 18 minutes when a close range shot cannoned off the underside of the cross bar and out.

West grew into the game as Jerome Bryson received the ball on the left, drove down the middle beating two men and fired a menacing shot down the throat of the goalkeeper from distance. Chris McDonagh fired a warning shot sooner after as his shot clipped the top of the cross bar.

West’s good work of the first half was undone however, as a free kick was conceded 30 yards out by Alex Baird, it was taken quickly and floated up to Peter Wright who was, unopposed, able to flick it into the top corner to give Nelson a 1-0 lead with the last kick of the half.

In the second half West came out flying with McDonagh having forcing several good saves from the Nelson goalkeeper from corners. On 50 minutes it was deservedly 1-1 as a Bryson cross was curled in an nodded home by Callum Schofield for his first goal of the season. Moments later Steve Settle pounced on a poor clearance by the Nelson keeper and founed Gary Lilley with his pass, in the scramble Lilley managed to head the ball towards goal from about knee height but saw his effort cleared off the line. Lilley went close again forcing a good low save from the Nelson keeper with a low curling shot.

On 54 minutes it was 2-1 as Bryson, now on the right, skinned the left back, cut inside and hand the composure to square the ball to McDonagh to tap home on the six yard box for the lead.

Less than 60 seconds later it was 2-2 as Lilley gave a free kick away on the half way line and in a carbon copy of the first goal the ball was floated forward and hooked into the goal by Ryan Salmon. .A bitter goal to concede as Salmon could consider himself lucky to be on the field having elbowed Callum Jones just minutes before.

On 61 minutes it was 3-2 as the Nelson substitute raced down the right hand side with Scott Jones in chase, West goalkeeper Jordan Hitchen raced out of his goal but the Nelson winger was able to side step him and pulled his cross back from the bye line to give Salmon a simpe tap into an empty net.

It was almost three each moments later as a Scott Mason free kick was whipped in and nodded just wide at the far post by Bryson. However at the other end it was 4-2 on 70 minutes as the Nelson winger raced down the right again and his cross was flicked onto a West player and finished low into the bottom left hand corner by Salmon to complete his hat-trick.

The scoring was complete on 71 minutes to make it seven goal in 26 minutes as a loose ball was floated up into the box, Hitchen shouted to claim but has captain Anthony Potts moved out of its path, the ball clipped his boot into the path of Wright for a tap in and his second goal.

West rang the changes and almost got back into as West sub Lee Malkin forced a save at the near post and Tre Baldwin-Willis having a couple of long range efforts just wide before a last gasp tackle from the Nelson centre back prevented McDonagh grabbing his second.

Overall an exillerating game for those in attendance between two sides with excellent attacking intent but ultimately undone by some poor defending from West.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

West v Nelson… match action

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

OUR SPONSORS We would like to express our sincere thanks to our current pitch side board sponsors for their support. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

CLUB MERCHANDISE…AVAILABLE AT THE BAR Support your local club and show your support with our latest official club merchandise!

New for this season at £6 (£5 for club members and supporters’ club members) we have beanie hats and a club crest scarf. There are now more ways than ever to buy club merchandise as in addition to being able to purchase on match days our new online club shop is open. Simply log on to www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk today to purchase what you want and have it delivered straight to your front door!

Wrist bands £1, Mugs at £5, Key rings at £1, Club badges at £3 Club Ties at £12.50 Programme Back Issues

Follow News Updates on West via Twitter and Facebook!

Can’t make it to the game and want live match updates? Wanting the very latest news from the club on the move? Make sure that you log onto our Facebook page for all the latest news, views and updates on all things West Didsbury & Chorlton by clicking on www.facebook.com/westdidsburychorlton Alternatively you can follow on the very latest goings on the club with exclusive content by logging onto Twitter and following us @WD_CFC (picture of club badge)

Ground Safety In the interest of spectator comfort and safety, the following conditions apply at the clubs Brookburn Road ground and must be observed at all times.        

In case of fire or other emergency that requires the clubhouse or ground to be evacuated instructions will be given over the public address system, and we ask that you comply with those instructions immediately.

The chanting of racist or obscene chanting is strictly forbidden.

Glasses, bottles, gas canisters, knives, darts, tools, flag poles or any other articles likely to cause injury are not permitted into the ground.

Alcohol may be purchased and consumed in the bar area only.

Children are not allowed in the Club House unless accompanied by an adult.

Encroachment onto the playing area is forbidden at all times.

Standing is not allowed in front of the seated areas.

All forms of transport on the clubs car park is at the owners’ risk.

The club reserves the right to remove any person from the ground who is in breach of these rules or whose presence is a source of danger or annoyance to others. We hope you understand the reasons for the above are in order for the game to be enjoyed in safe and pleasant conditions.

Thank you, West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC Committee

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Our visitors

Congleton Town

Events which led to the formation of Congleton Town Football Club began in the 1890’s, the St James’ North Street School amalgamated with another local club, the Messrs Pointons Joiners Shop. They played on West Heath before housing was built in that area, and then became Congleton Hornets Football Club. The Hornets played at the Willow Street ground famed in Congleton, and competed in the South Cheshire League and recorded its’ record league win, 10-0 against Audley in the 1897/98 season. Congleton Town Football Club succeeded the Hornets in 1901, playing in the Crewe and District League for four years, the first three of which saw the club lift the League Championship. The Club then moved into the North Staffordshire League in 1905, and won the League Championship in the 1919/20 season. The following year they joined the Cheshire County League, regarded at the time as the best League outside the Football League. The following season they finished runners-up and won the coveted Cheshire Senior Cup in their first appearance in the Final.

The Club then suffered a barren spell until the Senior Cup was won again in 1938.

Success after the War did not descend on Booth Street until the 1971/72 season when the Club, now playing in the Mid-Cheshire League, won the League Cup after being runners-up in the League both that season and in the previous season. Three Mid-Cheshire League Championships then came to Booth Street in the 1973/74, 1975/76 and 1977/78 seasons, together with the League Cup and the Cheshire Saturday Cup. Although this was the most successful period of the Club’s history as regards silverware, the truly successful period began in the 1981/82 campaign, when the Second Division of the Cheshire County League was gained on the last game of the season, and Town were narrowly beaten to the Cup by Macclesfield Town. That was the last season of the Cheshire County League before the North West Counties League came into existence. As founder members of this new League, Congleton finished the first three campaigns in mid-table and then were narrowly beaten to the Championship by Clitheroe on goal difference in the 1985/86 season. The Club then had its, application to join the Northern Premier League rejected, but joined the higher league when the First Division of the NFL was formed in 1987.

The highlight of the 1989/90 season was to reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in the Club’s history. Although beaten 2-0 by Crewe Alexandra, that achievement re-kindled local interest in the Club upon which its management hoped to build. The Final of the NPL’s First Division Cup was also reached in this season, but the “Bears” were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Harrogate Town. The “Bears” enjoyed exciting times in the First Division, initially finishing in mid-table but then, playing to avoid relegation as the seasons come to a close. Between 1993 and 1997 a new Board of Directors brought financial and managerial stability to the Club, whilst the present Directors aim to continue this work and improve the Club’s fortunes in the years ahead. The club had a good season in 1999/2000 but fell away badly the following year. Despite reaching a best ever 4th Round of the FA Trophy before defeat by Worksop Town, they struggled badly in the league. The club appointed Sean Connor as manger in February 2001 but he could not prevent them finishing bottom of the UniBond League and relegation became a reality.

The early season of 2001/02 saw the club take just 9 points from 17 league matches and early exit from FA Cup and FA Vase. Sean Connor was replaced as manager by Kevin Langley, ex Everton and Man City. The club made a fine revival and had reached virtual safety before Langley’s shock move to Kidsgrove Athletic. Bryan Griffiths took over as manager and gained the points to make safety a certainty and stake a strong claim to keep the manager’s job. He was formally appointed at the end of the season. Gary Bickerstaffe joined him as assistant and in September 2002 he invited Kevin Langley to return as a player and to help with coaching. When Griffiths left to join Rossendale Utd, Kevin Langley was re-appointed as manager and Mark Cox joined to complete an experienced management team.

Off the field the club continued to enjoy growing support from sponsors and steady improvements in its facilities, culminating with the signing of a two-year deal with Macclesfield based SSG Group of Companies during the summer of 2003. During the summer of 2002, the clubhouse underwent major refurbishment and is seen by the club as a major step towards increasing its revenue potential.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Congleton Town History continued The changing facilities were redesigned and upgraded. The team reached the fifth Round of the FA Vase, beat three higher league sides in reaching the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, the semifinals of the Cheshire Senior Cup and the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup. In all cup competitions other than the FA Cup, only the eventual finalists beat the Bears. With promotion missed, a number of players left the club in the summer of 2004 leaving Kevin Langley with the task of rebuilding the side for the 2004/05 campaign. After a poor start and early exits from all major cup competitions, Karl Wilcox replaced Kevin Langley after he resigned in November 2005. In a further twist in an already difficult season, Karl Wilcox resigned after 11 defeats in 12 games. Paul Moore was appointed for the remainder of the season and he guided the team to safety before confirmation of his appointment signalled the start of rebuilding of a side aiming to challenge for honours.

2005/06 started brightly with SSG adding a third year to its already valuable sponsorship, but swift exits from cup competitions were a disappointment. After many changes in personnel, the team settled to end the season with a creditable run in that held promise for 2006/07. The start of a football academy for 6-15 year olds and the introduction of a reserve side were positive steps to help build the teams of the future. 2006/07 saw new sponsors STD Limited, part of the Pallex network, entering a 2year deal which they then extended a further year. The supporters trust provided kit for the reserve team. After a steady start to the 2006/07 campaign, Paul Moore left to manage Leek Town and Andy Lee took over the managerial reins as the club strived to maintain continuity. The Bears lifted their first piece of silverware for some time when they won the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup after defeating Witton Albion 3-0 at Wincham Park. At the end of the season Andy Lee stepped down as he announced a proposed move to Blackpool and Anthony Buckle and Darren Twigg were appointed with the task of rekindling the on-field performances. Off the field new floodlights were installed and the stand behind the bottom goal was re-roofed. After a reasonable season, despite a poor final run in, both Anthony and Darren stayed with the club and continued to build a side with promotion the target within the next couple of years. That plan was maintained in 2008/09 as the Bears ended a creditable 4th, just 1 point away from a 3rd place finish. A final run in of just 1 league defeat in the last 20 matches encouraged everyone. With two new key local businessmen, Nick Shatwell and Martin Lenton teaming up to add impetus to the club’s ambition, significant development of the clubs facilities were started. A redesigned entrance, turnstiles and car park were the first step. Refurbishment of the club house followed and tarmac has been laid in the car park. For the start of 20010/11 the club now has a hospitality suite for sponsors and a new boardroom. With Ant and Twiggy remaining at the helm, they have been busy strengthening the squad for a serious attempt to lift some silverware and to complete the ambition for a return to Northern Premier League football. However, after an indifferent season in 2010/11 the pair tendered their resignation.

2011/12 saw the club jointly managed by Joe Paladino and Adriano Rigoglioso. Assisted by Joe Gibiliru, the playing side were completely reformed but indifferent results led to Dean Sibson placed in temporary charge in early November before Jim Vince was appointed in February 2012. His was tasked with rebuilding the side ready for a real push for promotion in 2012/13. He was initially assisted

by Neil Gill and Steve Hardy before Neil left the club mid season. With the addition of Gateley Solicitors and PKF Accountants forming new partnerships with the club, the erection of a new spectator covered standing area and strengthening off field organisation, the club starts the new season with a new found enthusiasm and optimism for 2012/13. That was not borne out completely, so strengthening was needed for 2013/14.

Having been awarded grade E for their ground in March 2013, ready for the next tier in the pyramid, strengthening of the playing squad was a priority and over the close season some additional players were brought in to complement the majority that were staying. Both Jim and Steve Hardy, now with Andy Alston on the coaching staff, look to improve on last year’s achievements with promotion still the obvious goal. With the opportunity to continue strengthening the squad for 2014/15, Jim has signed players that will improve the overall quality of the squad and once again push for that elusive promotion place for a return to Northern Premier League football.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Weekend’s Results & Upcoming Fixtures…

Fixtures Tuesday 9th September 2014 F.A. Carlsberg Vase 1st Qualifying Round Replay Selby Town v Stockport Sports Premier Division Runcorn Linnets v Maine Road Squires Gate v Barnoldswick Town St Helens Town v Abbey Hey West Didsbury & Chorlton v Congleton Town Winsford United v Alsager Town Wednesday 10th September 2014 Premier Division AFC Liverpool v Runcorn Town Saturday 13th September 2014 Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Abbey Hey AFC Blackpool v Winsford United Alsager Town v Silsden Bacup & Rossendale Borough v West Didsbury & Chorlton Colne v Stockport Sports Congleton Town v Runcorn Town Maine Road v Barnoldswick Town Nelson v Ashton Athletic St Helens Town v AFC Liverpool Results Monday 1st September 2014 F.A. Challenge Cup Preliminary Round Replay Atherton Collieries 2-2 Radcliffe Borough (aet) (Radcliffe won 3-2 on penalties) Premier Division Maine Road 2-2 Winsford United

Tuesday 2nd September 2014 F.A. Challenge Cup Preliminary Round Replay Goole 0-1 Runcorn Town Prescot Cables 2-1 1874 Northwich Salford City 6-4 Congleton Town (aet) Premier Division AFC Blackpool 1-1 Bacup & Rossendale Borough Ashton Athletic 2-1 Bootle Colne 4-2 Barnoldswick Town Glossop North End 4-0 Alsager Town Nelson 2-3 Silsden Runcorn Linnets 2-0 AFC Liverpool Saturday 6th September 2014 F.A. Carlsberg Vase 1st Qualifying Round Alsager Town 1-3 Maltby Main Atherton Collieries 4-0 Penistone Church Barnoldswick Town 5-1 Tow Law Town (aet) Colne 2-1 Penrith Daisy Hill 3-2 Newton Aycliffe Dudley Sports 0-3 Eccleshall Holker Old Boys 3-0 Norton & Stockton Ancients Irlam 1-2 St Helens Town (aet) Rossington Main 2-0 AFC Blackpool Runcorn Town 11-0 Glasshoughton Welfare Silsden 4-0 Brandon United Squires Gate 2-4 AFC Liverpool Stockport Sports 5-5 Selby Town (aet) Vauxhall Motors 1-3 Rochdale Town Winsford United 5-0 Cheadle Town Premier Division Abbey Hey 1-4 Bootle Ashton Athletic 3-1 Maine Road Bacup & Rossendale Borough 2-2 Congleton Town Glossop North End 0-2 Runcorn Linnets West Didsbury & Chorlton 2-5 Nelson

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

In the League Challenge Cup West were drawn away in the second round at either Ashton Town or Chadderton to be played on Saturday 25th October. The two sides will meet at The Hardwick Group Stadium on Saturday 20th September.

The first round of the Lancashire FA Trophy has been drawn and West will travel to take on fellow NWCFL Premier Division side Colne, the tie will take place w/c September 29th.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

The first team next game at Brookburn Road…

Saturday September 20th – 3.00pm v 1874 Northwich

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

FA Vase and Youth Cup draws 2014/15 The Road to Wembley continues for West in the qualifying round of the FA Vase. In addition West’s Youth Team enters the FA Youth Cup for the first time ever.

FA Vase In the FA Vase West received a bye into the second qualifying round of the competition where they will face Rossington Main of the NCEL First Division, following their 2-0 victory over AFC Blackpool last Saturday. The game is at Brookburn Road on Saturday 4th October. West previously faced Rossington in the Vase last year with West scoring a late Lewis Schofield winner to secure a 2-1 victory and West’s first ever FA Vase win.

FA Youth Cup For the first time in their history West have entered a team into the FA Youth Cup and will face Wrexham away in the First Qualifying Round to be played on Tuesday 23rd September 2014, kick off 7.15pm. This comes hot on the heels after the club’s youth team were accepted in the first division of the North West Youth Alliance.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Terrace…

If you like to keep an eye on the latest goings on in the NWC league then you may have noticed the emergence of the website nonleague review over the last couple of months covering the goings on of our league and the Cheshire League.

As part of his coverage the man known only as Stew put together a podcast with Runcorn Town fan Martin Fallon from the league committee, Atherton Collieries programme editor Joseph Gibbons and yours truly. The non-league review NWCFL podcast has generated more than 2,000 downloads in the 6 episodes to date.

The podcast covers debate of the latest goings on around the nwcfl, interviews from around the league with the goal “To reach out to a younger, wider and more media knowledgeable audience.” Says Joseph Gibbons, known to all as Gibbo.

Stew himself says that the reason for setting up this podcast was to “Expose clubs to greater audience and gain new insight from people within the league.” Adding; “I'm really enjoying non-league football as a whole, but being local to me I want to boost the profile for the NWCFL and the clubs involved. In the modern age I believe a podcast will do wonders for the NWCFL as a means of attracting a new younger supporter.”

The league clearly agree as they will be posting a link on the site each week when it’s posted online via the audioboo website. Each week the team of four offer their views on the weekly round up with all the results and latest news from around the North West Counties before previewing the weekends fixtures. There has been a memorable run in from Atherton Collieries Secretary Emil Anderson in search of a cup tea, the continuous jinxing of Rochdale Town by myself and the Christmas bloopers edition is already at breaking point so much has been taken out.

There has been the odd technical snafu, as in true non-league fashion we’ve tried to do it as cheap as possible making Stew’s ambition for an eventual video podcast a grander scheme than anything Pinky and the Brain ever planned.

A huge part of the podcast’s early success has come from Martin Fallon, the league’s website development analyst and ardent Runcorn Town fan; “I've really started listening to podcasts over the last two years because it's so easy to download and listen when you are on the move. There are hundreds of podcasts on football but very little on non league football so this was a perfect opportunity to plug a gap in the market. We are all learning as we go along and the feedback we have got has been brilliant so it's a pleasure to be involved.”

If you want to give it a listen new shows are added weekly at audioboo and can be downloaded via itunes. http://audioboo.fm/channel/nonleaguereview Rob McKay WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Premier League Table after games on Saturday 6th September

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Statistics as 06/09/2014

 www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Statistics 06.09.2014

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WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

From the Supporters Club…

First of all…apologies about the lack of a monthly newsletter…or even a quarterly one. I started with good intentions, I managed one and I envisaged sending all you fine individuals out a monthly update of what was happening at the club.

Unfortunately, between the programme and the website about a quarter of a million words were written ahead of it. Throw in the social media and the ability to remain both entertaining and engaging was well out of the door (some say will say they never walked in).

I did start issue two, I promise, but it is still, to this day, a work in progress so I’ve christened this end of season special edition the supporter’s club yearbook.

Hopefully between each programme becoming available online, that was for your enjoyment too, and the website being updated each day you know that we’ve finished a respectable 12th place and advanced past the first round in both the FA Cup and Vase. It is a miracle of an achievement when you consider we lost the first five league games and only came off the bottom because Wigan Robin Park were beaten 8-0 by AFC Liverpool. I had a few Atherton Collieries fans texting me that night I’ll tell you!

It’s been a good year with visits to dozens of new grounds, meeting hundreds of new people, witnessing some special performances and even performing the odd upset here and there. Best of all it has been great to see so many faces come down for the first time and then come back! That means that we are doing things the right way when it comes to being both friendly and welcoming.

As for next season the good news is that I have brought on board two new people to share the load and assist (take over from) me in the running of the supporters club. I cannot confirm any details yet but there are plans in place to ensure that you get even better value for your money than you did this season (I’m hoping it’s going to be Richmond Botchey iphone cases for everyone!)

In the meantime if you wish to lend a hand or get involved please let me know at westdidsburychorltonsc@gmail.com If you were a supporters club member last season and have yet to renew please come and see me so that I can part you from your money.

Thanks, Rob McKay

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Cheshire League update…and North West Youth Alliance Following the demise of the NWCFL Reserve Division the 2nds have found a new home in the third tier of the Cheshire League. Over the summer the Step 7 league began an ambitious expansion adding a new division named ‘League Two’ accepting several new sides into the fold most notably former Manchester League side Wythenshawe Town who harbour ambition of reaching the NWCFL in the next five years. West also face the familiar sides of Irlam, Ashton Town and Cheadle Town whom they’d previously faced in the Reserve Division over the last two seasons.

West’s reserves also boast a new manager in James Plowright who joins from Knutsford and has been busy working with Jim Hines to put together his squad for the new season. So far it has had a positive effecet as the ‘Ressies’ have collected a 2-2 draw at home to Cheadle Town Reserves, long time bogey team of the 2nd XI, and an impressive 3-0 win away to Ashton Town.

In the JA Wallton Cup Plowright’s side have also had early success with a 2-1 win against Golborne Sports with a 3-1 loss to Grappenhall Sports the only blip to date.

For the A team it has been a slower start as their only league game to date was a 5-3 loss away to Denton Town, in which 6 of last season’s youth team were fielded, and a 0-0 draw away to Styal in the Reserve Division Challenge Cup. North West Youth Alliance Following capture of the Tameside League last season the Youth team have stepped up to under 18s and been accepted to the North West Youth Alliance. Coach Ian Depeiaza has managed to kepe the core of his squad and enjoyed early success with a 4-2 win over Altrincham’s youth side and a 2-2 draw with Bootle with a 5-1 loss away to Avro the side’s only loss to date.

There was more good news, albeit in unfortunate circumstances, as the youth team were awarded a walk over in the first round of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup when Ulverston Rangers sadly folded just days before the game was due to be scheduled. Coach ‘Peza’ will be looking to go one better than last season as his side reached the final only to be beaten by AFC Fylde.

STOP PRESS: Northern Cup 1st Round Draw Reserves v Porkies Pantry (Wallasey) Southport Trinity v A Team

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Join the action and support your local team‌ Please sign up on the poster in the clubhouse to get the number you want, there are only 16 shirts so don’t hang around! Already some numbers have been taken!! Picture by James Lobley

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

A Brief History…

West Didsbury and Chorlton FC, have come a long way in their 105 year history which began back in 1908 when the club was founded as Christ Church A.F.C. by Mr R F Hartley, a Sunday School Superintendent at the church on Princess Parkway, West Didsbury.

West played friendlies at first and then in the Manchester Alliance League until the First World War 1914. After the War the club joined the Lancashire and Cheshire League for the 1920/21 season and had to change its name to West Didsbury AFC, as that League did not permit a name suggesting association with any other body. The club was placed in Divisions 1 and A, staying in the top flight for 25 seasons. The first honours were double runners up in Div 1 and Rhodes Cup in 1922/23, and the club remained in the L+C League until 2006, winning many honours and providing 4 League Presidents along the way.

The home ground from before 1914 until the mid 1980’s was Christie Playing Fields, and then the owners, Manchester and Salford Playing Fields Society, gave the club notice to quit having decided to sell off the land for commercial development – now ironically called ‘Christie Fields’ office park.

After several years’ nomadic existence searching for a new home, the club acquired the redundant and overgrown Recreation Ground at Brookburn Road in 1996, and began to restore this to active use and develop a vision for a community club. This was down to the hard work of a core of players and Committee who refused to let the club fold. Work was completed in time to start the 1997-98 season using excellent new changing rooms and clubhouse facilities aided by a Lottery grant, new sponsors and members’ fundraising, but without a penny from the Playing Fields Society sale proceeds.

Further name change followed in 2003 to reflect the new location in Chorlton and the club was then elected to the Manchester League in 2006. In 2007/8 West won its first Manchester League silverware lifting the Murray Shield in the last game of our centenary year. That team was the nucleus of the previously successful junior team and the following season 2008/09 West just missed promotion to the Premier Division and again reached the Murray Shield Final. won their League.

With a new management team led by Andy Nelson, 2009/10 was very successful and honours spread throughout the club. The 1st team won the Murray Shield (the third consecutive year in the final) and was league runners-up. The reserves won the Bridgewater League Cup and the U17 Youth team won their League.

In 2010/2011 the 1st team won the Manchester League First Division title in style with a fantastic 65 points out of 72 possible. This ranks as one of the highest points totals per game in Manchester League history dating back over a century. The clubs reserve team and youth teams also had terrific seasons, resulting in promotion and for the second year reaching the Bridgewater Cup Final.

The Youth team reached yet another final where they were just pipped to the trophy by New Mills. The Veterans were runners up in the Premier Division of the Cheshire Veterans League and then started a second veterans team such was the interest in the club. Plans were also made to formally integrate junior football as the club Vision is to be a FA Charter Standard Community Club, playing at the highest possible level it can whilst remaining financially viable.

Further improved saw floodlights erected in 2011 to meet FA requirements and West competed in the FA Vase for the first time in 2011-2012 as a Step 7 club.

Election to the NWCFL followed in June 2012 and the club had an incredible first season winning the Div1 Trophy, finishing in 3rd position after an amazing run in during March and April to secure promotion and also winning a guaranteed FA Cup place. The over 45’s team again chipped in with Cheshire Veterans league silverware.

2013-14 saw the club meet a number of challenges on and off the field by recovering from a series of early season setbacks and defeats in August to consolidate with a very creditable 12th place league finish. Two new stands were installed to improves the spectator facilities, new grass pitches and youth teams were added as part of the long term development plan, whilst remaining as a volunteer run, ‘not for profit’ club.

The other historic milestones achieved during the season were the 2-0 home victory over Abbey Hey in the club’s first ever appearance in the FA Cup followed by a 2-1 first ever FA Vase victory away at NCEL Rossington Main near Doncaster in mid September. This season the club hosts Brighouse Town from the Evo Stik league in the FA Cup at the end of August having been given a walk by the FA against NWCFL new club Cammell Laird 1907.

NWCFL Premier Division Tuesday 9th September 2014 – Today’s Squads West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Congleton Town

White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks

Yellow/Black Shirts, Yellow Shorts & Socks

G’keepers Ben Simpson Jordan Hitchen Defenders Callum Jones Scott Jones Richmond Botchey Sam Dee Anthony Potts Callum Schofield Kial Callacher Midfield Alex Baird Danny Summers Mike Taylor Jordan Poole Gary Lilley Lewis Schofield Steve Settle Scott Mason Rick Gleave Forwards Sam Mitten Lee Malkin Chris McDonagh Jonathan Poizer Manager: Andy Nelson Assistants: Steve Settle & Steve Eckersley

Craig Ellison (GK) Christopher Middleton Lee Jackson Andrew Alston George Whiteoak Lewis Killeen Arron Kirk Scott Sephton Scott Barlow Thomas Rutter Paul John Hudson Nicholas Rogan Macauiley Booth Nathan Haynes Ryan Allcock Nicholas Rogan

Manager: Jim Vince Assistant: Steve Hardy

OFFICIALS Referee: Darren Strain Assistant Referees: John Lowe and Carl Trott