EDITORIAL
31 March 2012 – Heywood St James
Welcome to Brookburn Road for our penultimate home game in this challenging season. With 6 games to go we have given ourselves a real platform to build on as a result of some terrific team performances since January. The home draw against a determined Springhead side saw us fight back from a goal behind to draw level and although we had the chances to win it we had to settle for a point. Then it was successive away games against teams at the top, firstly at AVRO, 3rd placed at that time, and then last week at 2nd placed East Manchester. We again showed fantastic team spirit in those games coming from a goal down to go on and win 2-1 and secure maximum points on each occasion. These results have lifted us to 5th place in the table but with teams behind us having games in hand and a better goal difference we need to keep our focus and momentum as we aim to maintain or better a 5th place finish by the end of the season. After today we face 4 successive away games at Stockport Georgians, Royton, leaders Hindsford and the return game at Heywood before returning to Brookburn Road for our final home game with East Manchester on 28th April. It is a difficult run in but we can do it. Hindsford are still title favourites with a 9 point lead over East Manchester but AVRO now have 5 games in hand but face a congested fixture back log in April. The reserve and A teams have also been in good form recently and currently sit 6 th and 4th respectively in their divisions. The youth team is also doing well in their first season in a new league and the veterans have a great chance of honours in the Premier Division of the Cheshire Veterans League. With little over a month left to the end of the season there is still all to play for to make this another successful season for the club as a whole. Welcome to Heywood St James Heywood St. James are welcome visitors today and like ourselves have had to adjust to life in the Premier Division after their promotion last season. They are currently in a group of 5 teams at the wrong end of the division at present but in recent weeks their results have improved as they have begun to climb towards safety. They have taken 7 points from their last 3 games with victories over Monton and Wythenshawe and a draw against Dukinfield, all of which were at home, and this has lifted them off the bottom and heading in the right direction towards maintaining Premier division status. We know from last season they are hard to beat anywhere especially on their own patch, and it will be no different this afternoon as they will be fighting hard for the points they need for safety. Finally, please note that our PRESENTATION DAY will be here on Saturday 5 th May from 3pm with the ANNUAL PAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS taking place around 5.30pm. ALL ARE WELCOME. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE CLUB OVER THIS SEASON AND ENJOY THE GAME. Rob Turley WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
FROM THE DUGOUT March has been a good month for us so far, we completed a run of four home games with a 1-1 draw against Springhead before facing two tough away games against AVRO and East Manchester either side of a Saturday off. Both these teams are sitting above us in the table and provided us with two big challenges, I’m delighted to say we were up for the games and battled determinedly throughout to get two fantastic 2-1 away wins. We are now sitting where we need to be at the end of the season, but we must forget these successes and focus again to ensure we complete the season in the top five. We are looking forward to the run in and are determined to give our best as we welcome Heywood St James who were also promoted with us and proved to be a tough team for us achieve success against last season. We look forward to your continued support this afternoon. Andy Nelson
Action from our victory over East Manchester last Saturday
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
First Team - Fixtures and Results Date AUGUST Sat 6 Sat 13 Wed 17 Sat 20 Tues 23 Sat 27 Wed 31 SEPTEMBER
Opponent
H/A
Comp
Result
Rochdale Sacred Heart Prestwich Heys Walshaw Sports Manchester Gregorians AVRO Springhead Old Alts
H A A H H A A
Cup L L L L L L
7–2 3–0 0–5 2–1 0–5 1–3 2–1
Sat 3
Wyre Villa
A
Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24
Prestwich Heys Wythenshawe Amateurs Ashville FC
H H A
LFA Cup L L FA Vase
2–2 (4-5 pens) 3-0 0-1 0-2
A H H A H
L L L L L
2-1 2-2 1-0 2-0 0-3
A H A A
L L L Cup
0–2 1-4 1-4 1-3
H
L
1-1
A H
L L
4-3 0-3
H H
L L
2-1 2-0
H A A H
L L L L
1-1 2-1 2-1
A A A A H
L L L L L
OCTOBER Sat 1 Manchester Gregorians Sat 8 Stockport Georgians Sat 15 AFC Bury Sat 22 AFC Monton Sat 29 Hindsford NOVEMBER Sat 5 Dukinfield Town Sat 12 Royton Town Sat 19 AFC Bury Sat 26 Walshaw Sports DECEMBER Sat 3 AFC Monton 2012 JANUARY Sat 7 Wythenshawe Amateurs Sat 14 Walshaw Sports FEBRUARY Sat 11 Old Alts Sat 25 Dukinfield Town MARCH Sat 3 Springhead Sat 10 AVRO Sat 24 East Manchester Sat 31 Heywood St James APRIL Sat 7 Stockport Georgians Sat 14 Royton Town Tue 17 Hindsford Sat 21 Heywood St James Sat 28 East Manchester
Please check the club website at www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com and www.manchester-league.co.uk as fixtures change. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
MATCH REPORT - East Manchester EAST MANCHESTER 1 WEST 2 [Shilito 2] H-T 1-0 Sat 24th March. East Manchester has been near the top of the table all season and we knew this was a game we had to get something from to maintain our recent momentum. We started well enough but it was soon apparent that referee Connet was going to have a busy afternoon with a few stiff challenges from the home side early on. One of these resulted in Matt Eckersley being caught by a poor tackle in the opening exchanges and this finished his afternoon after about 15 minutes with Andy Levandis taking over in midfield. East had a lot of possession but our midfield and defence were resolute in keeping a good shape, albeit a bit deep and as the half wore on we began to create chances down both flanks. The best of these came when Tom Waring played in Lee Shillito who cut inside his man before cracking the ball over the bar. Dean Thurston battled tirelessly to hold the ball up front Scott Jones and Lewis Schofield linked well down the left side and Danny Summers gave another measured performance in midfield. Just before the break we were pushing forward only to lose possession and were immediately punished when the ball was launched towards the edge of our box and a slip allowed the East forward in to slot the ball beneath the advancing Simpson. We did not deserve to be behind. We started the second half well and equalized a few minutes in when Deano again won and held the ball on the left touchline just in their half before releasing Tom Waring who drove on into the area before squaring the ball to Shills who in turn slotted beneath the home keeper and got flattened in the process. Game on and this was no more than we deserved and it got even better on 58 minutes when the same combination saw Tom send a great ball wide right to Shills who cracked the ball first time across the keeper into the bottom corner to give us the lead. We could and should have added to this as fresh legs were introduced replacing Waring and Shillito and Lee Hendley outpaced the full back before sending a superb low pass across the 6 yard box which Lundy just failed to connect with. The game then opened up as East made some changes and threw everything at us in the closing 15 minutes. Our defence stood firm and the back four of Kennedy, Baird, Conlon and Jones very excellent. Alex Baird then got a bad knock on half way and had to go off for treatment. With all 3 subs used it looked like he wouldn’t be able to continue but a combination of superb emergency treatment from Winston and a never say die attitude from Alex saw him return to the fray as the battle intensified. As the tackles flew thick and fast Schofield was caught from behind and as he pushed his opponent away the East player threw himself to the ground and the referee produced a red card. The 10 men battled defiantly and as the 90 minutes were up East were also reduced to 10 when a reckless challenge resulted in another red card. Play was held up as the EAST player then decided to have a go at everyone in his path as he walked across the width of the pitch and the assistant referee and referee had another consultation before another 8 minutes of added time were played. West held on for another great away victory with Lee Shillito man of the match just ahead of a few other contenders. Above all this was a great team effort and we fully deserved the victory and all 3 points. Rob Turley
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
Our Visitors today – Heywood St James Heywood St James, nick named Jimmies, were formed in 1882 and are one of the oldest clubs in the Country. Named after the local church on Tower Street, Jimmies began playing competitive matches in the Heywood and District League before progressing to the South East Lancs League and on to the Manchester Amateur League. Jimmies moved to their present "Home" at Phoenix Park in 1933 and in recent years have moved into the Lancs Amateur League and finally the Manchester League. After a few years in the First Division Jimmies gained promotion to the Premier Division last season and also won the Manchester Amateur Cup(for the fourth time). The Premier Division has proved somewhat daunting for Jimmies and their current league position shows that, but the players are battling to the end in a positive frame of mind. In addition to life on the football pitch Jimmies are also striving to improve the playing surface and also the changing facilities at Phoenix Park-hoping one day to match those here at Brookburn Road. A part of Jimmies history reveals the fact that the Man United and England footballer Duncan Edwards played his first competitive game for the Reds at Phoenix Park-turning out for Manchester United Colts in 1952. Thanks to Dennis Booth for providing this overview. LAST WEEKS RESULTS IN THE MANCHESTER PREMIER LEAGUE AFC Bury
0-2
Wythenshawe Amateurs
East Manchester
1-2
West Didsbury & Chorlton
Heywood St James
2-2
Dukinfield Town
Prestwich Heys
3-3
AFC Monton
Royton Town
1-1
AVRO
Springhead
3-3
Walshaw Sports
Stockport Georgians
1-1
Old Alts
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING IS ON: Monday 2nd April at the clubhouse starting at 6.30pm
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Reserve Team - Fixtures and Results Date AUGUST Sat 20 Thurs 25 Sat 27 SEPTEMBER Thurs 1 Sat 3 Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24 OCTOBER Sat 1 Sat 15 Sat 22 Sat 29 NOVEMBER Sat 5 Sat 19 Sat 26 DECEMBER Sat 3 JANUARY 2012 Sat 7 Sat 21 Sat 28 FEBRUARY Sat 18 MARCH Sat 3 Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24 APRIL Sat 7 Sat 14 Thur 19
Opponent
H/A
Comp
Result
Stockport Gregorians Res Wythenshawe Amateurs Res Rochdale Sacred Heart Res
A H H
L L L
3–4 2–3 4–0
Old Alts Res AVRO Res Walshaw Sports Res East Manchester Res Old Alts Res
H H A A A
L L L L L
2–3 0–1 0-7 2–2 3-0
Elton Vale Res Prestwich Heys Manchester Gregorians Res Dukinfield Town Res
A A H A
L L L L
3–3 6-2 2-0 3-1
Leigh Amateurs Res East Manchester Res Beechfield United Res
H H A
L L Cup
3-4 2–2 4-0
Wythenshawe Ams Res
A
L
1-5
Springhead Res Leigh Ath Res Prestwich Heys Res
A A H
Cup L L
3–4 3-2 4-2
AFC Monton
H
L
2-2
Rochdale Sacred Heart Res Walshaw Sports Res Dukinfield Town Res Stockport Gregorians Res
A H H H
L L L L
3-1 1–0 4-1 0-0
Elton Vale Res AVRO Res AFC Monton Res
H A A
L L L
This month the 200 Club winners are: £100 Matt Eckersley £60 N Campbell £40 Monica Creer
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Reserves reports… 3rd March The reserves went to bottom of the league Rochdale, a relatively easy game on paper. However, Rochdale had a number of first team players coming back from injury and they soon put West under intense pressure, having a number of shots from outside the box, one of which struck the crossbar. West’s defence held up well and whilst we did not create much in the first half we went in at half time 0-0. After half time West started to play, moving the ball around well. Rochdale’s keeper decided to play as a sweeper and clear any ball that was put through for our strikers. This was their undoing as one such clearance went straight to centre back Nathan Wakelam just 10 yards from our own penalty area. Nathan seeing the keeper well off his line struck the ball very well and with three bounces went into the open goal. The introduction of Ruairi Quinn into midfield soon produced our second when he played a lovely through ball to Stephen Madden who curled the ball round the advancing keeper. Five minutes later Miguel Garcia played the ball again to Stephen Madden who beat the defender before rounding the keeper and scoring our third. Rochdale got a conciliation goal near the end to make the final score 3-1 to West. 10th March saw the visit of Walshaw who are currently third in the league with games in hand. This was our opportunity to try and overturn a 7-0 thrashing at their ground. Walshaw set a very fast pace from the off and like the game last week, put us under a huge amount of pressure hitting both the upright and crossbar in the first 15 minutes. Our defence held firm with some excellent defending from Nathan Wakelam, Nicky Grimshaw and a fantastic one handed save from keeper Daniel Mclaughlin. We were forced to change our formation after 20 minutes due to an injury to one of our strikers and went with five across the middle with Gary Lilley the lone striker. The team responded well to the change and we went in at half time 0-0. In the second half we upped the tempo and started to stamp our own authority onto the game with our midfield trio moving the ball wide at every opportunity and Bobby Ashcroft and Theo Warmington making Walshaws defence work hard. West got a corner which was swung into the box and Tommy Hendley scrambled the ball over the line for us to take the lead. Walshaw continued to put pressure on our goal with Daniel Mclaughlin pulling off another superb save and Tommy Hendley heading off the line, Walshaw began to run out of ideas. The game ended 1-0 to West extending our unbeaten. 17th March West went into the game against Dukinfield on the back of a 7 game unbeaten run. Neither side created much in the first half with goalkeeper Daniel Mclaughlin only being called into action once palming the ball over the bar from a 25 year shot. West’s defence controlling the threat posed by Dukinfield but went in at half time 0-0. The second half started better with Gary Lilley latching onto a through ball and going round the keeper to put West 1-0 up. West continued to dominate but couldn't get the second. A free kick on the edge of West’s box saw Dukinfield equalize against the run of play. This spurred Dukinfield on and for a ten minute spell they threatened to go into the lead. However the resilience that West have shown of late kicked in, a superb ball played down our right saw Bobby Ashcroft play the ball across the keeper and into the far corner of the net. This goal settled West’s nerves and enabled us to start playing possession football with Rob Jones, who had a superb game, coming in from the right and nearly getting a third. Goals from substitutes Lee Hendley, who was a constant threat with his pace and Danny Summers scoring one each to make the final score 4-1 to West.
Robert Madden WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
OUR SPONSORS We would like to express our sincere thanks to our current sponsors for their support. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today.
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
A Team - Fixtures and Results Since the last programme and a thumping 4 -0 win at Walshaw SC our good form has continued with a good away win at Leigh Athletic 5-3 in the league. Last week was the first of 4 in the Cup competition, this resulted n a 5-2 victory against Prestwich Heys away however, our run came to an end with a 2-4 home defeat last Saturday against Stockport Georgians A. Chris Argent Date Opponent SEPTEMBER Sat 17 Prestwich Heys A Sat 24 Dukinfield Town A OCTOBER Sat 1 Springhead A Sat 8 Stockport Georgians A Sat 15 Walshaw SC A Sat 22 Leigh Athletic A Sat 29 Atherton Town A NOVEMBER Sat 5 Hollinwood A Sat 12 Dukinfield Town A Sat 19 Royton Town A Sat 26 Springhead A 2012 JANUARY Sat 14 Royton Town A Sat 21 Stockport Georgians A FEBRUARY Sat 18 Atherton Town A Sat 25 Walshaw SC A MARCH Sat 3 Leigh Athletic A Sat 17 Prestwich Heys A Sat 24 Stockport Ge A Sat 31 Springhead A APRIL Thurs 5 Hollinwood A Thurs 12 Prestwich Heys A Sat 14 Walshaw SC A
H/A
Comp
Result
H H
L L
1–4 5–0
H H H H H
L L L L L
4–7 3–2 4–3 1–1 6–2
A A A A
L L L L
1–2 3–2 2–0 1–2
H A
L L
2–1 0–3
A A
L L
2–1 4-0
A A A H
L Cup Cup Cup
5-3 5-2 2-4
H A H
L L Cup
KIT MANAGER WANTED… We have a vacancy for a volunteer kit man to take overall charge of playing kit and equipment and be available to attend first team games home and away. If you would like more information on what this involves then please contact:
Rob Turley on 07891 298441 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
How our teams stand… Manchester League – Premier Division 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Hindsford East Manchester Walshaw Sports AVRO West Didsbury & Chorlton Springhead Royton Town Old Alts Wythenshawe Ams Stockport Georgians Manchester Gregorians AFC Monton Dukinfield Town Heywood St James AFC Bury Prestwich Heys
P 25 24 25 20 24 25 22 24 25 21 26 24 22 23 25 23
W D 18 5 15 2 13 4 12 3 12 3 9 10 11 4 11 4 9 6 8 6 9 1 5 8 7 2 6 2 4 7 4 5
L 2 7 8 5 9 6 7 9 10 7 16 11 13 15 14 14
GD 38 22 23 28 -9 7 6 -4 -2 -3 -12 -10 -9 -29 -20 -26
PTS 59 47 43 39 39 37 37 37 33 30 28 23 20 * 20 19 16 *
GD 16 24 33 4 10 5 12 0 -6 2 -17 -26 -18 -39
PTS 44 43 42 40 36 35 34 31 28 24 * 23 22 15 10
*Adjustment made
Manchester League – Division 2 (Reserves) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Stockport G Res Wythenshawe Ams Res Walshaw Res Old Alts Reserves Manchester Gregorians Res West Didsbury & Chorlton Res AVRO Res AFC Monton Res E Manchester Res Prestwich Heys Res Leigh Ath Res Dukinfied Town Res Rochdale SH Res Elton Vale Res *Adjustment made www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
P 23 23 20 21 24 23 17 21 23 22 21 23 20 21
W 13 13 13 13 10 10 11 9 8 7 6 7 4 2
D 5 4 3 1 6 5 1 4 4 4 5 1 3 4
L 5 6 4 7 8 8 5 8 11 11 10 15 13 15
Manchester League – Division 4 (‘A’ Teams) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
P 18 16 14 16 17 17 18 14 15 17
Springhead A Royton Town A Hollinwood A West Didsbury & Chorlton A Stockport Geo A Leigh Ath A Dukinfield Town A Prestwich Heys A Walshaw SC A Atherton Town A
W 14 10 10 10 8 6 6 3 3 1
D 2 2 1 1 3 3 1 4 2 1
L 2 4 3 5 6 8 11 7 10 15
GD 26 27 30 11 8 11 -13 -22 -19 -59
PTS 44 32 31 31 27 21 19 13 11 4
Cheshire Veterans Football League – Premier Division 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
P 12 9 11 9 10 12 9 12
Flint Town West Didsbury & Chorlton Grappenhall Sports Sale Town Cheadle Star Old Boys Bollington Bedians Hursts
W D 7 4 6 2 4 4 4 3 4 2 3 4 2 2 1 1
L 1 1 3 2 4 5 5 10
GD 20 18 13 5 2 -10 -10 -38
PTS 25 20 16 15 14 13 8 4
Cheshire Veterans Football League – Division 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Moore United Barnstoneworth United Grappenhall Sports B West Didsbury & Chorlton B MCYA Burtonwood Albion Old Boys Stepping Hill Presidents XI
P 10 8 11 11 10 8 10
W 8 5 5 5 5 1 1
D 1 1 1 1 1 2 1
L 1 2 5 5 4 5 8
GD 30 8 2 2 -2 -8 -32
PTS 25 16 16 16 16 5 4
Altrincham Youth Football League 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Wythenshawe Amts Cleavleys JFC West Didsbury & Chorlton Cheadle & Gatley Athletic Leigh Genesis Medlock Rangers FC NJ Wythenshawe FC Flixton Juniors FC Lostock Rangers FC Broadheath Central
P 14 11 15 13 9 12 8 15 15 14
W 9 8 8 7 6 4 5 5 2 1
D 2 2 1 2 0 3 2 2 0 0
L 3 1 6 4 3 4 1 8 12 13
GD 34 28 -2 16 7 0 47 -5 -94 -31
PTS 29 26 25 23 18 18 17 17 6 3
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Youth Team - Fixtures and Results The Youth team have been in action 3 times in recent weeks playing well in all of them. 26-2-2012 v Cleavleys away won 3-2. Our best win of the season against the League leaders who hadn’t lost a match up to now. Once again our strike duo of Josh Dawkins (2) and Louis Sanghera did the business seeing off a resilient Cleavleys team who made us work extremely hard for the victory. It was end to end and great to watch. 4-3-2012 v Wythenshawe Amateurs home lost 2-0. West failed to get revenge for a defeat away against same opposition couple weeks ago. A fair result and Wythenshawe thoroughly deserved to win as they were the better side. 25-3-2012 v Broadheath away won 2-1. Back to winning ways. Played under a baking hot sun more suitable for playing cricket! West were strangely lethargic in first half probably underestimating bottom of the table Broadheath and going a goal behind. Player/manager for the day Tucker urged the team on and West played much better 2nd half dominating the game. The woodwork was hit several times and then Tucker equalised with a shot from edge of box. It was only a matter of time before the inevitable happened when a long ball put Josh Dawkins through on goal and he lobbed the goalie with a cool finish. Mike Lewandowski Date SEPTEMBER Sun 25 OCTOBER Sun 2 Sun 9 Sun 16 Sun 30 NOVEMBER Sun 6 Sun 13 Sun 20 JANUARY 2012 Sun 15 Sun 22 FEBRUARY Sun 12 Sun 19 Sun 26 MARCH Sun 04 Sun 25 APRIL Sun 01 Tues 17 Sun 22
Opponent
H/A
Comp
Result
Medlock Rangers FC
H
L
1-1
Lostock Rangers FC Cheadle & Gatley Athletic Flixton Juniors Cleavleys JFC
A H H A
L L L L
2-4 1-3 5-3 0-4
Broadheath Central Leigh Genesis Medlock Rangers FC
H A A
L L L
1-0 1-5 4-3
Lostock Rangers FC Cheadle & Gatley Athletic
H A
L L
9-2 2-1
Flixton Juniors Wythenshawe Amts Cleavleys JFC
A A H
L L L
2-1 0-3 3-2
Wythenshawe Amts Broadheath Central
H A
L L
0-2 2-1
N. J. Wythenshawe FC N. J. Wythenshawe FC Leigh Genesis
A H H
L L L
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OUR SPONSORS We would like to express our sincere thanks to our current sponsors for their support. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Vets and Vets B - Results and Fixtures Cheshire Veterans League – Premier Division 4th Sept 11th Sept 25th Sept 9th Oct 30th Oct 13th Nov 27th Nov 15th Jan 22nd Jan 29th Jan 26th Feb 4th Mar 11th Mar 25th Mar 1st Apr 11th Apr 15th Apr 22nd Apr 6th May
Hursts (h) Grappenhall Sports (a) Bedians (h) Flint Town (h) Cheadle Star Old Boys (a) Burtonwood Albion Old Boys (h) CUP Flint Town (a) Mobberley (h) CUP Bollington (h) Bollington (a) Hursts (a) Sale Town (a) Bedians (a) Timperley (a) CUP Cheadle Star Old Boys (h) Bedians (a) Grappenhall Sports (h) Sale Town (h) Sale Town (a)
6-0 1-0 4-2 2-2 3-2 9-2 1–3 5-0 8-2 2-2 6-1 P P 1- 2
Cheshire Veterans League – Division 3 4th Sept 11th Sept 25th Sept 16th Oct 30th Oct 13th Nov 15th Jan 22ndJan 26th Feb 4th Mar 11th Mar 25th Mar 15th Apr
MCYA (a) Stepping Hill President’s XI (h) Barnstoneworth United (a) Burtonwood Albion Old Boys (a) Grappenhall Sports B (h) Mossley Hill Athletic Wanderers (a) CUP Stepping Hill President’s XI (a) Moore United (h) MCYA (h) Grappenhall Sports (a) Burtonwood Albion Old Boys (a) Moore United (a) Barnstoneworth United (h)
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
1-3 4-0 1-2 4-2 2-1 2-4 2-2 2-5 2-3 4-1 5-3 2-5
Vets Match Report 25th March v Timperley ...there's no disgrace in getting beaten by a strong outfit like Timperley, but this was not a good performance. They rarely gave our strikers any room and were all over our midfield whenever we had the ball. We rarely did the same to them, leaving them free to build easily up the pitch, creating a lot of pressure and pushing us back onto our box, which is how both their goals came about. The first was a bit of a freak from a quickly taken free-kick after they'd caught us on the break. We then finally managed to exert some pressure for around a ten-minute period in which we looked decent. They failed to clear a corner properly, leaving Maurice to punish them with a belting strike from the wide left of the area into the top-right corner. And then we let them take control again, building easily enough down their right and then straight through the middle without a decent challenge being made, something we need to work on against teams that put themselves about. In the second-half we had more of the play but rarely threatened as they sat a bit deeper and soaked it up easily enough. It wasn't all bad news: Andy did well in goal and the chip butties afterwards were a nice touch. Nice weather too. Luckily we've got a bigger prize to play for now so let's put this one down to experience and get ourselves sorted for the league. Sale drew 2-2 with Bedians today, which makes it tough for them to challenge now so all very much in our hands. Sam Hickey
PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTIONS The final edition of this season’s programme is the home game against East Manchester on 28th April. We want to make this a special edition and include reviews of the season for all our teams so that for the Presentation Day the following week on 5th May everyone will have a copy to take away. Please send John all your contributions as soon as possible, via e-mail: john.churchman@pennantplc.co.uk The print deadline is Monday 23rd April so the contribution deadline for contributions is Wednesday 18th April except final game reports for Sun 22nd April. Keep checking www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com for further details of events on 5th May. Help us collect TESCO vouchers for training balls...lets all get behind the initiative...club members, players, supporters, friends and family! Please bring your vouchers and put them in the collection box on the bar in the clubhouse.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
NEWS FROM THE COUNTIES We referred to our application to join the NWCFL last time along with that of South Sefton Borough FC. Unfortunately that club has had to withdraw their application as they could not get their ground improvements completed in time and so have decided to wait another year. Another application is from a newly formed club called Widnes Town which has never played a game before at any level.
South Sefton Borough Withdraw Application South Sefton Borough FC have informed the League that they have now withdrawn their application to join the NWCFL next season. As previously reported on the League website around a month ago, the club, who compete in the Liverpool County Premier League and play their home games at the Litherland Park Sports Centre in Liverpool, had received a ground grading visit from League officials, which identified that they had an issue with covered accommodation for spectators at the ground. At that stage, the club’s officials were confident that they would be able to overcome the problem, but they have now notified the league that they are withdrawing their application. League Secretary John Deal said: “The club’s officials have informed us that there are issues surrounding planning permission for the covered accommodation that needs to be installed if they are to meet the ground grading requirements necessary to compete in our league. They do not believe that these issues would be resolved before the required deadline of 31st March. “On that basis, they have withdrawn their application for season 2012-13, but they have told us that they hope to have the necessary accommodation in place that would enable them to make a successful application for season 2013-14”.
Widnes Town FC The League Management Committee has received an approach from Widnes Town FC, who have indicated that they wish to apply to join the NWCFL at the start of next season. The club is newly formed, and the club owners are looking to develop the club into a community based football facility. As well as a first team, they are looking to introduce additional teams including potentially a Reserve Team , a Ladies Team and Junior Teams ranging from ages 8 to 18 year old. Widnes Town’s Chairman is Mark Wright, a former professional footballer who played top flight football for Liverpool, Derby County, Southampton and Oxford United amassing almost 500 appearances. He also represented his country winning 45 caps at senior level and was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, losing to Germany on penalties. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Mark has significant football management experience having been at the helm of several League and Non-League clubs including Southport, Oxford United, Peterborough and Chester City. The Team Manager is Stephen Vaughan Jnr., another former professional footballer, who was on Liverpool FC’s books before going on to play for Chester City 58 times. He also played for several other Non-League clubs before his career was cut short by injury. The club has reached agreement in principle to play their home games at the Stobart Stadium Halton. The ground, previously known as Naughton Park, is primarily a rugby league ground which currently hosts the Widnes Vikings Rugby League Team and is also the home venue for Everton FC Reserves. The ground is owned by Halton Borough Council, is close to Widnes Town Centre and less than 2miles from Runcorn via the Widnes/Runcorn Bridge. League Secretary John Deal said: “We are, of course, always interested to receive applications from potential members of our league at a time when we have vacancies. However, as this approach is from a new club we have had to refer the matter to the FA as per National League System Regulations. “Widnes Town have informed us that they have had discussions with The FA National Leagues Manager Mike Appleby, and that a formal meeting will be held with him in April to give them the opportunity to go through their business plan in more detail. “Once that meeting has taken place, the outcome will be referred to the FA's National Leagues Committee, who will then notify us as to whether or not the FA sanction the application. “If the FA decides that they can proceed, Widnes Town’s application will then be discussed with the League Management Committee, with the aim being that the club’s application will be presented to our existing member clubs at the AGM in June. In accordance with league rules, the clubs would then vote to decide whether or not Widnes Town should be admitted to our league for season 2012-13. “We have had 17 enquiries from various Clubs this season, some from individuals representing clubs that do not have a ground and are not currently fielding a team in any of our feeder leagues, but it is only fair to point out in this instance that the business plan, and other information provided to us by Widnes Town, is far more detailed than we have received from these other clubs. “We should also clarify that Widnes Town are a new club, and should not be confused with a team known as Widnes Town who are playing in the youth league of the Carlsberg West Cheshire League, a competition which also includes teams from Runcorn Linnets and Runcorn Town”. REMEMBER our PRESENTATION DAY on Saturday 5th May from 3pm ANNUAL PAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS taking place around 5.30pm, all are WELCOME
www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com
Forthcoming event at Leigh Sports Village
West to host Cup Finals‌volunteers needed We will be hosting 3 Manchester Saturday Morning League finals on the evenings of Wed 25th April, Wed 2nd May and on the morning of Sat 5th May. We need assistance to steward the dressing rooms, help in the bar and help clear up afterwards. If you can help‌ please give your name to Monica or Rob.
Wishing West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC a successful season Parrs Wood High School and 6th Form Proud printers of the Match Programme
Many thanks to Mike Fryer for providing the pictures for this programme and allowing them to be used on the club website. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Manchester Football League – Premier Division Saturday 31st March 2012
Today’s Teams West Didsbury & Chorlton Ben Simpson Mike Kennedy Scott Jones Dave Conlon (Capt) Alex Baird Andy Levendis Danny Summers Tom Waring Tommy Walsh Dean Thurston Lee Shilito Matt Eckersley Ashley Farlow Lewis Childs Lewis Schofield Lee Hendley Andy Lundy Luke Lundy
Heywood St James Tom Elford Jack Nicholson Phil Taylor Darren Grundy Jordan Gill Scott Hardy Simon Carney Craig Winters Mike Weatherilt Andrew Tinker Chris Nuttall Callum Heap Aaron Spencer Steve Hogg Martin Magill James Sweatman
Manager: Andy Nelson
Managers: John Barlow / Danny Dyson
Assistant: Dave Conlon OFFICIALS: Referee: Peter Maxson
Assistant Referees: Paul Roberts and Sam Miskelly
NEXT HOME GAME:
WEST Res v Elton Vale Res Saturday, 7th April 2012 – Kick-off: 2.00pm Please check the club website weekly at www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com and www.manchester-league.co.uk as fixtures will change. www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com