West Didsbury & Chorlton v Rossington Main

2014/15 SEASON / MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

THE FA VASE - 2nd Qualifying Round

Rossington Main Saturday 4th October – 3.00pm

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

Chairman

Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Treasurer

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

Dave Cooper 07961 063195

Physio Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Community Development Davy Iredale

Publicity and Web John Churchman 07720 508082

Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397

Paddy Murphy

‘A’ Team Manager Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Youth Team Manager Ian Depeiaza 07838 232401

Junior Football Co-ordinator 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

Rossington Main

WELCOME TO ROSSINGTOM MAIN and THE FA VASE Today is a break from league business as we welcome Rossington Main to The Recreation Ground for a return encounter following our visit to Rossington in the same competition last season. That was in the 1st qualifying round when we won 2-1 with a last minute goal after a very sporting contest played on a superb surface. The other memorable aspect of that day was the breakdown of the coach as we were leaving Doncaster due to a burst radiator hose. Chris, the driver, was very resourceful and found and fitted a new hose despite getting soaked to the skin in the process. We provided him with a change of shirt and he drove back wearing the spare No.1 shirt to a lusty rendition of ‘ Andy, Andy sign him up, Andy sign him up.’

Rossington play in the Northern Counties East League, the equivalent of the NWC on the other side of the Pennines and are currently in mid table in Division One of that League. We know from last year that they are a team who like to get the ball down and play on the ground so we look forward to a decent contest today as we like to do the same. We also found last year that the hospitality and attitude of everyone at Rossington was superb and we look forward to repaying that excellent hospitality today and wish all those travelling from Yorkshire a safe journey home after the game.

On the pitch however we need to start winning here at home instead of seeing the visitors enjoy their day and go home with the spoils. Virtually every visiting team and their officials comment on the quality of the playing surface and our facilities generally but it’s about time we began to make our home ground more of a fortress and it would be good to get back to winning ways today. This is our fourth season in the Vase with the first two seasons seeing us fall at the first hurdle. Last season it was third time lucky with our away win at Rossington before we went out at the hands of Staveley in the second qualifying round. Let’s hope we can progress further this season and enjoy some further games in this season’s competition.

RECENT RESULTS Our way league form has been excellent in recent weeks with 3 straight away wins at Bacup, Abbey Hey and then St Helens Town last Saturday. An impressive performance saw us overcome the non availability of three centre backs and buckled down to get a well earned three points with great teamwork all round.

LANCASHIRE FA CHALLENGE TROPHY Apart from the FA Vase today, last Tuesday evening we travelled away to Colne and deservedly won 3-2, our fourth successive away win and our first ever victory in the past 3 seasons of competing in that competition. There were several enforced changes from the team which played at St Helens Town with impressive displays from several players who slotted into the team and gave Andy a nice problem in terms of selection for today.

NWCFL CHALLENGE CUP [The MEN UNITED CUP] The League has recently announced that its primary cup competition, the League Challenge Cup, will be renamed The Men United Cup for this season’s competition in support of the campaign currently being run by The League’s Official Charity Partner, Prostate Cancer UK. We have been drawn away at Ashton Town on Sat 25th October in the second round of that Challenge Cup. UPCOMING FIXTURES If today’s match is drawn the replay will be at Rossington next Tuesday at 7.45pm. If not, we have 3 away games in 10 days with a short trip across to STOCKPORT SPORTS next Tuesday 7th October at 7.45pm, then Saturday 11th October we are at AFC LIVERPOOL who now play at Marine FC, kick off 3pm, and following that, Tuesday 14th October we are away at GLOSSOP NORTH END again at 7.45pm Thank you all for your support today - enjoy your visit, the refreshments on offer and the game.

Rob Turley WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Dugout…

Hello and welcome to today’s FA Vase game against familiar opponents in Rossington Main.

We had a very eventful and enjoyable day at this stage in the competition in Doncaster last year taking on and defeating today’s opponents 2-1 to reach the First Round proper for the first time in our history.

On the day we played well, deservedly took the lead through Tre Baldwin-Willis but it still took a last minute winner from Lewis Schofield to secure our place in the next round. We received a warm welcome last season, Rossington have an excellent facility, and we are delighted to be able to reciprocate the welcome this afternoon.

It has been an eventful couple of weeks for us as we secured back-to-back away wins at Bacup & Rossendale Borough and Abbey Hey scoring seven goals and doing so much needed repair work to our goal difference as well as collecting six vital points. The victory at Abbey was especially pleasing as we went a goal down and grew into the game before deservedly collecting the points.

We then welcome 1874 Northwich and all their fans to Brookburn Road and played out a splendid game but unfortunately ended in a 0-2 reverse. However the performance against a side that will finish in the top three this season was superb and but for a bit of bad luck and a couple of decisions that went against us we could have taken something from the game.

Last Saturday we made it three wins from three as we beat St Helens Town in a fine performance made all the more better considering that we had only one recognised centre half in the side and Steve Settle, Callum Schofield, Richmond Botchey, Scott Jones and captain Anthony Potts all missing! We were asking a lot of some of our younger players and Sam Dee, Jerome Bryson, and debutant Adam Hitlon all put in good performances. In addition the experienced players also showed their professionalism with captain for the day Alex Baird and Christopher McDonagh also putting top performances in.

It was a really tough decision for man of the match but the general consensus was for it to go to Matt Eckersley. “Matt Eck” has been a revelation since his return, working really hard for the team and has linked well immediately with the superb Gaz Lilley and was rewarded by scoring a simply brilliant strike from 30 yards against St Helens.

However we know that it’s just one game, we have real competition for places now so the aforementioned players will have to work hard to get back into the team, but if we can work hard and play to our best we can really push on and come out with some success at the end of the season.

We can start with a victory today to secure our place in the next round of the FA Vase.

Andy Nelson

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 0 1874 Northwich 2 … match report West manager Andy Nelson was able to name an unchanged side for the first time since August 27th 2013 as they hosted 1874 Northwich in front of a large crowd at Brookburn Road.

From the kick off West had the ball in the net almost immediately as Lewis Schofield chipped 1874 goalkeeper Conkie but the linesman adjudged it to be offside. On 5 minutes the visitors controversially took the lead as a ball was curled in by the 1874 left wing back to the far post, where Paul Connors looked to push Gary Lilley off the ball, his turn and shot was saved by Danny Lever but Michael Brandon poked home the rebound from a yard out.

West retained their composure with Matt Eckersley and Jerome Bryson trying to take the game to the visitors by trying to get the ball to Lewis Schofield and Christopher McDonagh who were both industrious. McDonagh came close to levelling having beaten the goalkeeper to a brilliant cross from Bryson but couldn’t direct it towards the goal.

Steve Settle, in the holding role, had a free kick deflected just wide after Matt Eckersley was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge but 1874 comfortably held onto half time in an even first half.

In the second half West started much the livelier side with Bryson chasing onto a McDonagh flicked on header but the keeper got enough on Jerome’s shot to stop it going into the net. Then, West were denied a stonewall penalty when Eckersley was upended at the far post as we was pulled back by Paul Connors.

It was all West as Steve Settle forced a wonderful fingertip save by the 1874 keeper onto the post with a flicked on header after a wonderfully curled in cross from Bryson.

The games most controversial turning point came as Matt Eckersley latched onto a bouncing ball through the heart of the 1874 defence, goalkeeper raced out of his area to deal with it but clearly handled the ball, only for the referee not to award it, the ball fell to Settle who squared it to Lewis Schofield, who teed up Settle who’s thunderous strike low into the bottom corner was tipped round the post by the lucky 1874 goalkeeper.

West didn’t give up though as Bryson fired wide from range after a long run cutting inside from the left. The chance of the game came as a high cross was whipped in evading everyone but the impressive Alex Baird at the far post, however he didn’t see it and it cannoned off his thigh in front of an open goal.

West continued to press as another cross from the right was fired in, but it was too high for Bryson to head home, however it fell to Eckersley who rounded the keeper from a tight angle but his pull back hit the outside of the post.

At the other end Lever, who had been a virtual spectator for much of the second half, forced a good save from Matt Beadle. Lever was to the rescue again as he dived at the feet of Beadle to deny a second with the whole of goal at his mercy.

The points were sealed for the visitors on 78 minutes as Danny Thomas out jumped McDonagh from a Jamie Tandy corner and headed home at the far post. Lever again came to the rescue in the dying minutes making a brilliant save low down to his right after Beadle had evaded Callum Schofield and raced through one-on-one as 1874 hung on to collect the points.

It was an excellent performance from the West players who continued to battle to the end and showed no signs of tiredness after two away games but were taught a harsh lesson in finishing from the visitors.

Action pictures on the facing page taken by James Lobley

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West v 1874 Northwich 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.

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CLUB MERCHANDISE…NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!!!

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

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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

History…

Rossington Main

Like many local football clubs, the history of Rossington Main FC has been revised several times in recent years. Originally thought to have been formed in 1926, local knowledge has since revised this date to 1919 when ‘Rossington Colliery’ entered the Sheffield Association League, playing their fixtures on ground at the back of the Colliery offices. A club had competed under the Rossington Colliery name in 1917, but only since 1919 has the club been in continued existence.

The club moved to their current Oxford Street ground in 1921, and just a few years later enjoyed their best ever run in the FA Cup, reaching the 4th Qualifying Round in the 1924-25 season, where they were beaten 3-0 at Lincoln City. The club continued under the name Rossington Colliery for thirty years, enjoying its most successful season at the end of the Second World War when they did the ‘Doncaster Double’, winning both the Doncaster Senior League and Cup in 1944-45. Following the nationalisation of the mines in 1948, the club endured a change of name to Rossington Miners Welfare, and under this moniker they lifted the Doncaster Senior League Premier Division Cup in 1974.

In 1983, now known as Rossington Main, the club became founder members of the Central Midlands League, being promoted to the Premier Division as runners-up in their first season. The following year the club took the top flight by storm, winning the Premier Division title and completing the double with the Premier Division Cup. In 1991, following the erection of floodlights and a new Main Stand at Oxford Street which were christened with a friendly against Leeds United that attracted a crowd of around 1,200, the club made the step up to the Northern Counties East League and have remained in Division One ever since. In 1998, after lengthy negotiations, the club merged with near neighbours Rossington FC. Formed as Station FC in the 1970s (initially changing in a small building at the pub of the same name for games on the adjacent Tornedale school field) they had begun life in local Sunday football, but had progressed rapidly, relocating to Rossington Welfare and joining the Central Midlands League in 1986. Here they excelled early on, lifting nine awards in their first two seasons in the league including the Division One title in 1987-88.

Rossington FC continued to grow operating four teams; a Sunday side and an Under 18s team flanking their 1st and 2nd teams in the Central Midlands League. But, despite growth and development on the field the club were unable to match the expectations of the Central Midlands League financially, and in 1998 they elected to leave the league; facilitating the merger.

Immediately after the merger Main ran both an over 35s and an under 18s team to much success.

The over 35s made good progress in the Wragg Sheffield & Hallamshire League finishing Division 2A Champions in 2001 and Division 1A Runners-up the following year. Whilst the under 18s enjoyed continued success in the Doncaster & District Boys League. The club’s reserves, competing in the Doncaster & District League, have also enjoyed much success since the merger. They achieved a League and Cup Double in 2000, have reached the Cup final on three other occasions in the past decade, and finished as League runners-up in 2011-12.

The early years of the 21st century weren’t as kind on the Rossington Main 1st team, but recently the club has enjoyed a revival of fortunes and reasserted itself at the heart of the community. In 2008 much work was done at Oxford Street to bring the club’s home back up to scratch, a job rewarded as the club hosted Doncaster Rovers, in a pre-season friendly; the gate receipts from which enabled the club to regain a financially sound footing. Further ground improvements have followed each summer, as the club have looked to provide better facilities for players and supporters alike, most notable of which is the new clubhouse which has enabled the club to bring in much needed revenue. The pride in the club’s off the field set-up continued with the club’s programme picking up awards in 2011 and 2012 whilst edited by Pete Murden 2013 whilst edited by Glen Wilson and a fourth year edited once again by Pete in 2014.

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Rossington Main History continued‌

Off field progress has been matched on the pitch too, with Main reaching the final of the Wilkinson Sword Trophy in 2011. And in 2011-12 the club enjoyed its best ever season in the Northern Counties East League, breaking club goalscoring and points records to finish seventh, despite losing 11 members of the 1st team squad along the way.

Rossington Main now operated two sides on a Saturday. The aims of the club are to provide a unified approach to football in the village so that there is a natural progression in the development of the game. The club strives to sustain competition at the highest possible and affordable level, to continue to provide excellent facilities for both players and spectators, to give opportunity for local players to progress, to reward loyalty and cater for the progression of football in the community of Rossington.

Again during the closed season newly promoted to The Championship Doncaster Rovers came to Oxford Street and a record crowd was in attendance when 1,245 came to watch at a newly refurbished ground. Manager Steve Lodge decided that he has taken the team as far as he could and stepped aside. After many applications for the new manager were studied former Scarborough Athletic Reserves and Hull University Coach, Steve Brennan, was chosen. Lee Holmes and Andy Cowe were appointed to complete the management team. After a tough start of 3 defeats the team went on an unbeaten run of 9 games (8 wins). Results to the end of the season were up and down but a 1-0 win away at eventual Champions Cleethorpes Town was one of the highlights as the team finished 13th with 57 points.

A major step forward for the club, during closed season, was the announcement that ourselves and the Junior set-up in the village would now become one organisation with the Juniors rebranding as Rossington Main Juniors and the reserves re-branded as a Development Squad with the whole intention of bringing the best of the village talent through the club and hopefully to play for the first team and beyond. Mick Fraser agreed to take on the role of manager of this squad and he will work closely with Steve and Lee.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

St Helens Town 0 West 3 Match Action‌

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St Helens Town 0 West 3 … match report A makeshift West side headed to St Helens in search of a third consecutive away win and their accomplished performance was rewarded with three points.

In the absence of Scott Jones, Anthony Potts and Richmond Botchey due to injuries and Callum Schofield as well as Steve Settle unavailable it meant that West manager Andy Nelson was forced to go with the unusual centre back partnership of Scott Mason and, captain for the day, Alex Baird. In midfield, without Settle, Matt Eckersley moved into the holding role in front of the back four with Adam Hilton, a loanee from Witton Albion, was handed his debut in the centre of midfield and made an excellent contribution.

The game started brightly with St Helens getting the ball forward to try and release Andrew Gillespie, a hat-trick scorer in this fixture last season, and he had the game’s first chance curling a long range shot past the post. At the other end West created their first chance of the game as Lee Malkin shot wide after a nice one-two pass with Gary Lilley.

West made the more chances with Hilton curling an effort just over and Jerome Bryson heading a corner wide before Christopher McDonagh headed a brilliantly whipped in Mason free kick just wide. Malkin also went close from a second Mason corner flicking it on and forcing the St Helens goalkeeper into making a good save tipping round the post.

On 38 minutes West’s pressure was rewarded when the ball was crossed from right, after some good work from Bryson, McDonagh’s shot was saved by the home goalkeeper but Bryson was on hand to finish the rebound off.

On 40 minutes it was 2-0 as Eckersley rocketed a shot into the top left hand corner from around 30 yards out to give West a deserved 2-0 lead at half time. A great finish capping off an excellent performance in the holding role.

The second half was a much more even affair as West sought to contain their hosts and ensure a first clean sheet since August with Lewis Schofield and Tre Baldwin-Willis joining the action on the hour mark as St Helens Town were limited to mostly half chances. The turning point of the second half on 68 minutes came when St Helens broke down the left hand side, crossed in and the excellent Baird made a brilliant challenge to prevent it coming back to 2-1.

West keeper Jordan Hitchen was the called into action to punch away a Hamish Falconer header at the far post whilst under heavy pressure from two St Helens players. At the other end Callum Jones almost made it three from 6 yards out when his shot was blocked on the line after Lilley had pulled it back from the by-line. West wouldn’t be denied a third as Baldwin-Willis toed it home from a yard after a 12 one-touch pass move down the field with almost every member of the team having a touch before Bryson crossed it into the path of Baldwin-Willis.

West weren’t finished as a Eckersley header forced the St Helens goalkeeper into another decent save and Sam Dee had a long range effort curl just wide and West registered their third straight away win in the league.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Thank you to our Match Sponsor against 1874 Northwich…

An independent consultancy providing specialist advice on how to obtain planning permission for various forms of new development, including facilities for sport and recreation and football clubs.

For initial advice without any obligation please call: Rob Turley on 0161 448 1838 or 07891 298441

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First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

The next games at Brookburn Road…

Saturday 11th October 3.00pm - West Reserves host Ashton Town Reserves Saturday 18th October 3.00pm - West first team host Barnoldswick Town Saturday 25th October 3.00pm – West Reserves host Wythenshawe Town Reserves Tuesday 28th October 7.45pm – West first team host Abbey Hey

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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NWCFL League Table’s after games on Tuesday 5th August

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

An injury update from Mark Rogers After receiving his horrific injury against Winsford on 5th August we are pleased to have an update from Mark, we all forward to his return, he has certainly been missed‌ Well it's been 7 long weeks now but I'm well on the road to recovery. The first few weeks were very painful and even after the operation, I was in a lot of discomfort, particularly when trying to sleep or eat anything. Although the hardest part throughout this whole time has been not being able to play football, nothing gives me greater pleasure every week than pulling on the West Didsbury & Chorlton shirt and playing with this group of lads. I’m not a great watcher at the best of times but it was particularly frustrating when we lost a few games on the bounce so I'm chuffed to bits we have since turned the corner and we are starting to play some really good football again.

Anyway, my cheekbone has been re-aligned with a titanium plate to the side of my eye and the operation seems to have been a success. I am still occasionally getting a few side effects with headaches and numbness in my cheekbone but I'm feeling much better. I've recently started exercising again which has helped me to stay positive and I even trained with the lads for the first time the other night in a non-contact capacity and it felt great to be amongst it again. I've got another appointment at the hospital in the first week of October so all being well I hope to be back in action again in 3-4 weeks.

I'd also like to place on record my sincere gratitude for all the messages of support from everyone at West Didsbury & Chorlton FC since the injury occurred, it has re-enforced what a special family spirit we have at the club and has also made me even more determined to get back fit and playing again....most likely with the help of a very attractive mask covering my nose and cheekbone!

Regards Mark

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WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

From the Supporters Club‌ So, here we are once again in the FA Vase & we encounter Rossington Main for the second time in as many seasons. Of course, we were made most welcome at "The Main"'s Oxford Road home. There, in our first ever game in the competition, we ran out 2-1 winners, thanks to strikes from Tre Baldwin-Willis, a one-yard thunderbolt, 7 a late, late Lewis Schofield strike after the home side had equalised in the 90th minute to seemingly force extra-time.

But, as it was, we earned our way through on that day, and we're very much hoping that history repeats itself today, just not via a late away winner and in such drama. I'm sure all of the travelling Rossington contingent will not feel the same way, much preferring a late away winner in dramatic fashion!

Anyway, I hope they feel as welcome as I did there last season (and I dare say, everyone else did too) and enjoy their trip here as much as I did there. You will find my "manchopper" write up somewhere within this issue, hopefully, and can read more about that historic day for our club in a bit more detail.

As for today, we look to progress deeper into the competition than we managed last season, when we bowed out in the next round at Staveley Miners Welfare. On the day, we had our chances, and possibly should at least have secured a replay, but it wasn't to be and we bowed out 2-0.

Continuing on from my last piece, I said that, realistically, we could target six points from the next three games (Abbey Hey (a), 1874 Northwich (h), St. Helens Town (a)). Lo and behold we did just that. Firstly, after falling behind to a goal against the run of play at the Abbey Stadium in midweek, we struck back in some style, with Chris McDonagh & Matt Eckersley netting to give us a lead at the break, before a strike from Lewis Schofield & a late own goal secured an emphatic away win.

The 1874 game was always going to be a difficult proposition against one of the strongest squads in the league, made up of many of last season's Maine Road team. But, despite this, we put up a great fight and competed well and truly up until the final whistle, and in many ways the 0-2 scoreline flattered the team from Winsford, with just their superior finishing being the true distinguishing factor between the two teams on the day.

Finally, we come to last Saturday & our visit to Ashton Athletic's Brocstedes Park to play their tenants, St. Helens Town. After a rather equal first half-hour, we gradually assumed control, with Jerome Bryson continuing his fine form with the opener and Matt Eckersley doubled this lead just two minutes later. Tre Baldwin-Willis got himself on the score sheet in the last minute with a real poachers goal to complete a really professional performance and put our, I hesitate to refer to it as a slump, run of defeats well and truly behind us.

So after a decent enough start in the league, and with only a couple of defeats that could be viewed as slightly disappointing at a stretch, the way we are playing bodes well for the games ahead, starting with today!

Every game is important, and none more so than cup games which can add a little revenue to the kitty. No matter how little the amounts, it's always nice to add a bit of cash into the bank, with the jackpot coming at the end. Does Wembley beckon? We can all dream can't we!

In the words of the Pet Shop Boys..."GO WEST!!!"

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

George Cheetham

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Appearances and Attendances‌29.09.2014

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Statistics 29.09.2014

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Week’s Results & Upcoming Fixtures…

Fixtures Saturday 4th October 2014 F.A. Vase 2nd Qual. Round AFC Darwen v Washington AFC Emley v Widnes Armthorpe Welfare v Bootle Ashton Athletic v Shaw Lane Aquaforce Athersley Recreation v Runcorn Town Atherton Collieries v AFC Liverpool Bottesford Town v Rochdale Town Chadderton v Abbey Hey Colne v Heatn Stannington Daisy Hill v Albion Sports Eccleshall v Atherstone Town Hallam v Ashton Town Holker Old Boys v Durham City Ryhope CA v Barnoldswick Town Silsden v Garforth Town Sporting Khalsa v Hanley Town Selby Town v Bacup & Rossendale Borough West Allotment Celtic v Nelson West Didsbury & Chorlton v Rossington Main

Results Tuesday 23rd September 2014 Premier Division 1874 Northwich 0-0 Runcorn Linnets Abbey Hey 3-0 Nelson Alsager Town 6-0 Maine Road Bootle 3-0 St Helens Town Colne 3-0 Squires Gate Silsden 2-0 AFC Blackpool Stockport Sports 0-8 Glossop North End Wednesday 24th September 2014 Premier Division AFC Liverpool 1-2 Winsford United Bacup & Rossendale Borough 0-3 Barnoldswick Town

Saturday 27th September 2014 F.A. Challenge Cup - 2nd Qual. Round Barrow 0-1 Runcorn Town Chorley 1-0 Glossop North End

Winsford United v Hemsworth Miners Welfare

Premier Division AFC Blackpool v Alsager Town Glossop North End v Squires Gate Maine Road v Congleton Town Stockport Sports v Runcorn Linnets First Division Cammell Laird 1907 v Atherton LR Cheadle Town v Litherland REMYCA Irlam v Barnton Oldham Boro v Northwich Flixton Villa Sunday 5th October 2014 FA Vase – continued 1874 Northwich v Wigan Robin Park (14:00)

St Helens Town v Nostell Miners Welfare Tuesday 7th October 2014 Premier Division AFC Blackpool v Ashton Athletic Bootle v Runcorn Town Nelson v Colne Runcorn Linnets v Winsford United Stockport Sports v West Didsbury & Chorlton Wednesday 8th October 2014 Premier Division AFC Liverpool v Maine Road

Premier Division Abbey Hey 0-4 1874 Northwich AFC Blackpool 2-2 Stockport Sports Alsager Town 1-1 Ashton Athletic Bacup & Rossendale Borough 3-4 Squires Gate

Barnoldswick Town 1-2 Bootle Congleton Town 2-0 AFC Liverpool Maine Road 4-1 Silsden Nelson 4-2 Winsford United Runcorn Linnets 1-1 Colne St Helens Town 0-3 West Didsbury & Chorlton First Division Atherton LR 1-2 Northwich Flixton Villa Barnton 0-3 Holker Old Boys Cammell Laird 1907 5-0 Chadderton Cheadle Town 2-2 Rochdale Town Eccleshall 2-1 Oldham Boro Hanley Town 0-6 Atherton Collieries Litherland REMYCA 2-1 Ashton Town Widnes 4-2 Daisy Hill Wigan Robin Park 1-0 Irlam Tuesday 30th September 2014 Premier Division 1874 Northwich 1-0 Bootle Congleton Town 1-0 Runcorn Town Glossop North End 2-0 Abbey Hey Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy Colne 2 -3 West Didsbury & Chorlton

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

The Manchopper returns…in Congleton FA Cup day once again, and the list of games to choose from is a long and difficult one to cut down but I decided that I would be making an overdue return to a favourite of mine. Congleton and it’s team “The Bears” Congleton Town.

Setting off towards Manchester Piccadilly at a little before 12.30, I was soon transiting through the rail hub of the city and onwards through the Cheshire countryside en route to Congleton. It was a largely uneventful trip with the highlight being a magpie landing on a sheep.

On previous experience, I had reserved a programme as they have ran out before, but I was slightly put back when, on arrival, I was informed that there was no programme saved on the gate, apart from the “one for my mate” said the gateman. No matter and I paid £8 to get in and was told to ask the guy selling the programmes in the hutch just past the turnstile. I intended to do so, but found it all shut up. Not good!

Anyway, I got onto the Congleton twitter account, and whoever runs it did a sterling effort into finding the whereabouts of my prog, which eventually came the second half. This was made all the more worthy of a mention, by the fact they weren’t even at the ground! So, thank you very much to that man/woman! It’s what non-league is about!

Congleton were playing host to the newly famous Salford City, who with the likes of Danny Webber, Jason Jarrett & Gareth Seddon in their ranks, boasted a formidable threat. Booth Street is a very smart ground, with four stands about to be joined by a fifth. The Main Stand is directly in front of you as you enter, and is all seated. It is joined to the right, as you look, by a newer terrace which is covered, and behind the near goal, to your left as you enter, is a long covered terrace. Opposite the main stand, on the far touchline is another covered stand, again a terrace, which stands behind the dugouts. The stand still in progress is behind the far goal which is currently a grass bank end. Hard standing has already been laid and iron stations put in place. Booth Street has a current capacity of 1,450.

The teams entered the field of play, Congleton in their black and white striped shirts, Salford in their new dark red shirts, which have replaced the familiar Tangerine colours following the Class of 92’s takeover of the club. The side’s crest has also changed, with the lion now facing forwards (as opposed to rampant) to reflect the club’s ambitions in looking forwards & progressing.

The crest is also visible on the back of the Ammies’ shirts, not that the Congleton players would’ve been too aware of that as they were facing a fair few Salford attacks in the early stages as the all-star front pairing of Gareth Seddon & ex-Manchester United frontman Danny Webber looked potent as did Sam Madeley. But in the 13th minute, Congleton almost took the lead against the run of play, when the dangerous winger Paul John Hudson showed great persistence to beat his man and cross for Tom Rutter to fire narrowly off target.

Craig Ellison, in the Bears’ goal, showed glimpses of the heroics to come, as he beat away a couple of well struck Madeley efforts and later kept out a stinging effort from Seddon with a smart low stop. But it was Congleton who had the best chances late in the half. First, Scott Barlow, the former Trafford dangerman, had a looping header tipped over by Salford’s gloveman Tom Stewart, who was the hero when, with the last kick of the half, Ryan Allcock’s low effort was kept out well by the City stopper.

Half-time, and if the first half had belonged to Salford, then the second was to belong to the Bears, who will wonder how they didn’t get the win. Congleton put pressure on the Ammies’ backline, with Hudson the architect-in-chief. But they were in danger on the break, and were almost caught out twice. But once again Ellison came to the rescue, saving twice from close range. He seemed unbeatable. Stewart, Ellison’s opposite number then did his bit to upstage him by firstly tipping a header away then acrobatically saving a shot from 20 yards which looked for all money as though it was destined for the top corner. And they almost won it, again with the last kick when sub Simon Thompson was kept out by Stewart’s legs when one-on-one.

The full time whistle blew, 0-0, and after the game, I went into the plush clubhouse/social club where there is a bear (or more an anteater in the corner). I presented Scott Barlow with his “Trafford FC 100 goals” flag from both of our previous lives, before saying my goodbyes and heading off from whence I came. It had been a good day out at Congleton again. A great Town, club, ground and people and it won’t be long before I return once again.

George Cheetham WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Today’s Match Sponsor: Cavendish Sport Cavendish Sports have been kit suppliers to West for many years and provide a one stop shop for all our playing kit, track suits and polo shirts embroidery and our sponsors’ logos. We are delighted they have supported us today for this home game in the FA Vase.

For more information please contact Stan at Cavendish on: 0161 747 5089 or 0161 748 8259

Make a note of the date:

Friday 7th November When our Community Bonfire night is taking place.

Bring family and friends to an action packed night of fun, food and fireworks.

Have you got any spare firewood?

We need more wood for the bonfire, if you have any please bring it to the ground between 12 noon and 1.30pm on Saturday 11 or 25 October or by prior arrangement with Davy Iredale on: 07930762773 or 0161 881 5098 PS: No toxic material please!!

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.

The FA VASE 2nd Qualifying Round Saturday 4th October 2014 – Today’s Squads West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Rossington Main

White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks

Blue Shirts, Blue Socks and Blue Shorts

G’keepers Danny Lever Jordan Hitchen Defenders Callum Jones Scott Jones Richmond Botchey Sam Dee Anthony Potts Callum Schofield Alex Baird Midfield Steve Settle Mark Rogers (Capt) Danny Summers Mike Taylor Jordan Poole Gary Lilley Lewis Schofield Jerome Bryson Scott Mason Rick Gleave Louis Garner Matt Eckersley

Forwards Sam Mitten Chris McDonagh Lee Malkin Tre Baldwin-Willis Manager: Andy Nelson Assistants: Steve Settle & Steve Eckersley

Adam Stevens (GK) Calum Coburn Brad Billam Andy Wood Stuart Fielding Zack Oakshott Tom Bennett Shaun Pendleton Lee Holmes (Capt) Will McGhie Jordan Hatton Jack Johnson Jordan Woodhall Daniel Green Niall Doyle Marcel Chipamunga Josh Bennett Josh Bathgate Ryan Thompson Jordan Wildey Nathan Fraser

Manager: Steve Brennan Assistant: Lee Holmes

OFFICIALS Referee: Wade Smith Assistant Referees: Ian McGuinness and Alexander Rowan