2013/14 SEASON
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2
Main Club Sponsor:
Premier Division 23 November 2013 – 3.00pm
Runcorn Town
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) Kit Manager: John Barton
Club Secretary
Reserve Team
Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891 298441
Manager: Robert Madden 07730 655446 Asst Manager: Jim Hines
Membership Secretary
Club Coaches
Chairman
Monica Creer 0161 881 1135
Treasurer
Kris Mahon – First Team Tony Holmes – Goalkeepers Joel Hudson – Reserves
Dave Cooper 07961 063195
Physios 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 Managers Chris Smith 07867 171815 Steve Fisher 07595 678937
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
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FF
Editorial
Runcorn Town
WELCOME This afternoon is time for another return fixture as we welcome current league leaders RUNCORN TOWN to The Recreation Ground for the first time. Runcorn Town were elected to the NWCFL a few years ago and since then they have raced through the first division at the first attempt, consolidated quickly in the Premier Division and enjoyed several impressive runs in the FA Vase. This season they are impressing again and currently lead the group of clubs at the top of the table. They arrive today eager to erase the memory of the home defeat we inflicted back in September when an opportunist goal and an outstanding display from our goalkeeper Ben Simpson was the difference between the two sides as we took all 3 points with a 1-0 victory. NOVEMBER has so far been a very good month with a more settled side and a series of good results in the last 4 games and the goals beginning to flow again. The last home game saw us win a 4-3 thriller against Bootle in a game which had some top quality goals, great saves, narrow misses and end to end flowing football despite the terrible conditions. It was also a game played in the right spirit with the team determined to build on the 4-0 away win at Colne and the gritty second half showing away at AFC Liverpool when we came back from a 2-0 deficit to get a thoroughly deserved point. It also gave us a platform for the trip to the seaside last Saturday where our second half display blew away AFC Blackpool as we recorded another majestic 4-0 away win. Today will be a very different challenge as Runcorn are leaders of this division who fully deserve to be there and we will need everyone firing on all cylinders to match them and get something from the game today. We managed to do that when we played them away and the encouraging sign in recent weeks is that our target for this season of consolidating the squad and staying in this Premier Division is well within our capability. The last 4 games this month have certainly boosted confidence, gaining 10 points from a possible 12, and the result has been steady progress towards mid table as we reach the half way stage and 21st game of the league programme today. BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE - NEW FACILITIES In the last programme we mentioned the NWCFL and FA ground grading visit following last season’s promotion and the need to have covered seating for 100 and covered standing for another 100 spectators. The first stage will be the arrival of a new 50 seater covered stand which we hope to install as soon as it is ready from the manufacturer in December/January. We will also have new covered standing at the opposite end of the ground to the clubhouse along with a new hard standing spectator path at that end of the ground. Although we also have planning permission to extend the clubhouse to improve our internal facilities that extension needs to be built in brick with matching materials to the existing building and it will be a significant additional expense. We hope to proceed with that by 2017 subject to funding and we expect that will be the last of the major capital works to the existing ground. BUILIDING FOR THE FUTURE - YOUTH AND JUNIOR FOOTBALL Next season we will continue to expand junior football building on the success of this season’s new U17 - Youth Team. They are having a magnificent season and are currently unbeaten in the Tameside League and have reached the quarter finals of the Lancashire FA U18 Youth Cup. This is already a tremendous achievement having knocked out several U18’s teams along the way and their next round will be played here, weather permitting, on Sunday 1st December. We are also delighted to announce that Oswald Road Junior Football Club will merge with us formally next year so that from next season we will see football for all ages operating from the restored Hardy Farm playing fields next door which will be a base for our junior, youth and veterans teams. All these initiatives are designed to create a top quality club for the local area where we can nurture and grow young players and provide pathways into adult football at different levels including ensuring a steady flow of young players who can be part of the first team of the future. Thanks for your support today and don’t forget you can keep in touch with all our news at: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ …Rob Turley The front cover picture: Rick Gleave and Steve Settle in action Our thanks to Mike Fryer for providing photos for the web and programme.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
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View from the Dugout I would like to start by offering a very warm welcome to Brookburn Road today. We welcome league leaders Runcorn Town today with the prospect of completing a second league double after we our win 1-0 at Pavilions back in September. On the day I thought we fully deserved all three points thanks to a goal scored by Rick Gleave and made by Tommy Walsh. However it still required Ben Simpson to pull off three world class saves to ensure we got the points so we know what kind of threat Runcorn will pose today. The players will know what is in store for them today and I have every faith that they will rise to the challenge that we have asked of them so many times already this season. We go into the game in good form with three wins from our last four games after a back to back wins in which we scored 4 in each. We were very pleased to 'avenge' our 5-0 defeat that Bootle handed to us in August even if the conditions were less than ideal given the downpour immediately before kick-off but we were deservedly ahead early on and could have been out of sight when Graham Kay made it 4-2 as we had a host of chances but failed to make them pay. We travelled to AFC Blackpool for the first time last Saturday and although we took the lead in unusual circumstances with much debate about whether it was a throw or if it was offside I felt we deserved the lead. Although we lost our way a little after the lengthy delay for injury the team responded well in the second half and a 4-0 score line didn't flatter us. There were top performances put in throughout the team and it is difficult to single out any player although Rick Gleave and Tre Baldwin-Willis will get the headlines for their goals with Tre’s finish for the third, a chip over the keeper, a particular highlight. As usual I am asked to comment on the player profile for the programme and I am delighted that it is Tommy Walsh. Tommy has been an excellent stalwart for the club since joining us in the Manchester League 1st division. It’s fitting that it has come at a time when he is in fine form and the goals he has scored have had everyone at the club buzzing. His goal against AFC Liverpool was spectacular and I thought that his goal against Bootle where he held off his man before turning him and shooting over the keeper from distance was even better. Finally I would like to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Runcorn Town to today’s game. Andy Nelson We are on the lookout for Club Helpers. CAN YOU HELP? Our club is dependent on the time and effort of volunteer helpers who act as club officials, manage and staff the bar and clubhouse on match days, produce the match day programme and undertake a host of other tasks around the clubhouse and grounds. Every little helps so if you are interested in getting involved please contact us at www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton Or contact the secretary, Rob Turley on 07891 298441 or e-mail to: rob.turley@btinternet.com
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.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton 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
First Team Match Reports‌ Saturday 9 November: West 4 Bootle FC 3 Long serving centre forward Tommy Walsh yet again proved to be the talisman for [scoring twice to make it 4 goals in 3 games] as the home side gained another important 3 points last Saturday edging out high flying Bootle 4-3 in a 7 goal thriller at Brookburn Road. The weather began to close in early afternoon with the floodlights on before 3pm, but it was a resurgent West who brightened up the proceedings by racing into a 3-0 lead after 30 minutes. Rick Gleave put the home side ahead following up his saved penalty kick awarded for hand ball by a Bootle defender and was again instrumental when heading a Settle cross back across the 6 yard box for Tommy Walsh to head in a second from close range. Richmond Botchey then broke out of defence down the left to set Walsh marauding forward once again and after a sharp turn away from his marker Walsh clipped a great left foot effort over the keeper on the half hour mark. Bootle were stung into reaction and pulled one back a minute later off the post from a deep corner in the swirling wind and rain. By the interval the deficit was reduced to 3-2 with a close range effort as West failed to clear another corner making it all to play for in the second half. However, West resumed proceedings with confidence and increased their advantage to 4-2 when Kay powered home a towering header from a Mason corner after 50 minutes. As the game became more stretched West missed three gilt edged further chances to add a fifth and then it was Bootle who looked like getting something from the game late on, only to be denied a third goal for offside, before making it 4-3 with 10 minutes left. Walsh was still causing havoc in the visitors defence and after 2 wild challenges and successive yellow cards the Bootle skipper was sent off with a few minutes remaining. West kept their shape and discipline to see out the result gaining another vital win to make it 7 points from 9 in three unbeaten games so far in November. The result helped West move further away from the wrong end of the table as they prepare for a couple of tough away fixtures at AFC Blackpool on 16th and then midweek at Winsford United on 19th.
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Saturday 16 November: AFC Blackpool 0 West 4 West arrived at Blackpool in good heart having had a week to recover from the rigours of the Bootle game but had an early 2nd minute escape as the home No7 Shane Hull sent a dangerous low cross along the 6 yard line but just too far ahead of a finishing touch from a colleague. West replied immediately when Steve Settle raced clear only for his cross to be cut out by the home keeper Priestley. West began to control possession and play some good one touch football with Callum Jones and Rick Gleave both going close in the first 10 minutes. Then Tommy Walsh won the ball on the edge of the area and held off his man to play in Rick Gleave who shot home clinically to give West a 12th minute lead. West were getting on top and it needed a flying save from Priestley to deny Scott Mason 5 minutes later before another couple of half chances came and went. On 24 minutes the home centre back and Callum Jones collided close to the touch line and the game was then held up for about 5 minutes as the unfortunate AFCB player was concussed and had to be replaced. The disruption didn’t help the home side and it was 30 minutes before they managed their first direct attempt at goal with a shot just wide of the post. Two minutes later and Tre Baldwin Willis went clear only to shoot high over the bar and another break from Steve Settle saw him tee up Rick Gleave whose shot was blocked and then cleared. As the interval arrived Scott Mason had another chance following good work by Tommy Walsh with the end product another shot straight at the keeper, leaving it 1-0 to West at the break. The second period opened in similar fashion to the first when No7 Hull again got clear down the right and sent a tempting low ball across the face of goal with no one on hand to equalise. West resumed the offensive with Priestley again stopping a second, Gleave and Settle both going close and Tre firing one into the dark afternoon sky and onto the adjoining practice ground. On 62 minutes it should have been 2-0 when Tre ran past a series of challenges, honed in on goal only to shoot from a very acute angle as another great chance went begging with Walsh waiting unmarked and 6 yards out. It seemed only a matter of time before West would score again such was the dominance of possession and pace of attack and on 67 minutes Steve Settle cut inside to see his shot deflected into the air by the keeper and into the path of Rick Gleave who ran the ball in for 2-0. Debutant keeper Paul Hughes had been enjoying a quiet afternoon but he showed he was still alert and agile to finger tip away a solitary AFCB effort on 70 minutes. West powered on again and again and Tre got his due reward after 80 minutes when he again beat several men but this time cleverly chipped the ball home for 3-0 as the keeper came out to block. On 89 minutes the rout was complete as Tre again went through and steered the ball home at the second attempt after his first effort was partially saved.
October 200 Club Winners This month the three winners are: £100 winner: Dave Conlon £60 winner: M Starczewski £40 winner: Frazer Childs The 200 Club is a key source of revenue for club, would you like the chance to be winner. Why wait? For a monthly subscription of just £2 you will be in the next draw.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Reserve Team Match Report… Saturday 16 November: West 0 AFC Darwen 3 West suffered their worst defeat of the season last weekend at the hands of the clubs boggy team AFC Darwen. West playing their first game in over five weeks started well creating four excellent chances in the first 10 minutes. Shots from Josh Chishambo, Danny Summers, Rhys Bailey-Morton and Shackeel DePeiaza all either going wide or saved by the Darwen keeper. West continued to dominate throughout the half with only the occasional attack from Darwen. It was not till the 35th minute of the half that Darwen got their first corner, Darwen took a short corner which was played into the box and was put out by the West defence for further corner. This time the ball was swung into the box which beat everyone, the Darwen no. 5 on the far post headed the ball back across goal, the ball struck the back of a West defender and rebounded into the West goal. Going 0-1 down did not deter West who continued to press forward and forced the Darwen keeper to make three further saves before the half time whistle. The second half could not have started any worse, West kicked off and from the start Darwen pressed forward winning the ball in midfield, the ball was played out the left and struck from 25 yards and flew into the top corner to make the score 0-2. Even with the score 0-2 West continued to press forward and still looked as though they would get something from the game. With the introduction of Garry Lilley, Kieren Brocklehurst, making his West debut and Mat Zajac making his comeback after a number of years away from the club, West continued to camp on the edge of the Darwen penalty area. Shots from Gary Lilley, Alex Baird, Shackeel, Danny Summers were either saved by the keeper or went wide. With the referee just about to blow his whistle Darwen mounted a rare attack floating the ball to the far post, the ball being forced over the line from close range to make the score 0-3. A disappointing result in a game where West had more of the game and had more than 12 clear shots at the Darwen goal. Report by: Rob Madden
‘A’ Team Match Report… Saturday 9 November: West 2 Styal 1 The A Team returned to league action in apocalyptic conditions more suited to filming another instalment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy than a game of football. The first half was an understandably scrappy affair with neither team able to get the ball under control. The aerial nature of the game was playing into the hands of the vertically blessed Gavin Leahy making his debut at centre half and this led to the first goal as a corner from the left was met by Leahy and the resulting panic in the Styal box saw the ball fall opportunely for Jamie Harkis who made no mistake on his return to the starting eleven. The goal settled West and a brief period of dominance saw a number of tempting crosses delivered from Chris Grimshaw after hitting the right by-line. The A team were soon made to pay for their wastefulness as a Styal attack saw a penalty awarded, Sam Moore continued his fine record on penalties making the initial save but the defence were slow to react and former West player Gareth Metcalfe made up for his initial miss by tucking away the rebound. The second half saw a keenly contested but hardly vintage game of football continue on through the monsoon like weather and with chances at a premium Danny Iredale, by now stood under a double rainbow in the brightening sky like a sodden leprechaun, made a double substitution. The changes showed our intent and reignited our attacking verve eventually resulting in Gary Lilley claiming a trademark 20 yard dipping finish to seal the win. For the full match report and further information please visit the A Team page on the West website http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/78527/ Report by: Nick Grimshaw
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History‌Runcorn Town Runcorn Town were formed in 1967 under the name of Mond Rangers FC. They played for the first few years in the Runcorn Sunday league, and in 1973 they made the decision to try Saturday football in the impressive Warrington and District League (WDL). In their first season they finished as runners up, and after amalgamating with ICI Weston for the 1974/75 season, they became one of the strongest sides in the league. They remained in the WDL until 1984 when they were elected to join the West Cheshire League (WCL) Division Two. Mond established themselves as a good, solid mid-table team until the 1991/92 season when they won their first silverware in the West Cheshire Bowl as well as a respectable sixth place finish. The following season they finished third in the league and reached the Bowl final, with another third place finish the following season in which they scored 100 goals and regaining the Bowl. Promotion finally came in 1994/95 when they finished second in the league scoring 118 goals. They also reached the Final of the Cheshire Amateur Cup but lost to Poulton Victoria in a match played at Prenton Park, Tranmere. Despite sharing the Bill Weight Memorial Trophy in that first season, Division One proved a struggle and they were relegated for the first time in the clubs history in 2001/02. Success returned in 2004/05 with the team finishing as runners up in Division Two, winning the Runcorn Senior Cup and reaching the final of the Bowl. Ahead of the 2005/06 season, the club changed their name to Runcorn Town in order to try and bring a more professional look to the club in general, and hopefully increase support from both businesses and individuals in the local community. A decision was also made to try and improve facilities at the club with a view to joining the North West Counties League. The season got off to a good start with the Bill Weight Memorial Cup won early on and the Runcorn Cup added, but on the final day of the season, they slipped into the relegation places for the first time to suffer a heart-breaking relegation. Town quickly regrouped and bounced back the next season by winning Division Two for the first time. The following three seasons saw top four finishes, although the main progression was off the field as the ground was transformed. Hard standing, seating and floodlights were installed for the first time, with the dressing rooms also upgraded. This enabled the club to be elected to the North West Counties League at the start of the 2010/11 season, with the club also entering the FA Vase and the Cheshire Senior Cup for the first time in their history. It is fair to say that the first season in the league exceeded all expectations, with the team losing just two league matches as they secured promotion to the Premier Division as runners-up, with James McShane finishing as the league's overall leading scorer with 43 goals. The Quarter Final of the Division One Trophy was also reached as well as the Semi Final of the Challenge Cup, whilst Warrington Town were held in the Cheshire Senior Cup before losing on penalties. In the clubs' FA Vase debut season, the club also wrote headlines as they progressed through four successive away ties before bowing out in the in the Last 32 stage against Dunston UTS, the last remaining North West Counties League side in the competition. The first season in the Premier Division saw Town continue in the same vein that they left Division One, with the team losing out on the title on the last day of the season to Ramsbottom United. James McShane once again topped the scoring charts with Town scoring over 120 goals in all competitions. The club were also once again the last remaining NWCL side in the FA Vase, this time reaching a replay in the Last 32 before bowing out. We also made our debut in the FA Cup, winning two games before bowing out in the 1st Qualifying Round to Evo-Stik League side Ashton United. Last season was another good season for the club, finishing in fourth place in the Premier Division just four points off top spot. Progress was made in the FA Vase with the Last 16 reached for the first time, with the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Vase made once more. Another good scalp came in the Cheshire Senior Cup with a 5-0 away win at Warrington which earned the "Team of the Round" award. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances - goalscorers
TBC
Abbey Hey
H
TBC
Ashton Athletic
H
TBC
Winsford United
A
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First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers
Unused substitutes: 5 Bailey-Morton, 9 New brooke, C.Jones
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Be the last one to help the ground development‌ by sponsoring the last remaining shirt number for £20! Please sign up on the poster in the clubhouse http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
NWCFL Premier Division Table Table correct as of 18 /11/2013
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Player interview meet… Tommy Walsh Age: 31 From: Salford Position: Centre Forward Occupation: Electrical Surveyor Supports: Manchester United Previous Clubs: Monton Amateurs, Flixton Joined West: 2009 Where did you play your football in your early years? Did you have any stand out moments? In my very early years I was very tall and agile so I leant towards being a keeper. I played for Barr Hill and I also had trials for Bury but it wasn’t meant to be, as I preferred to score the goals rather than save them. My position changed as I reached the age of 11, as I was pushed into a centre backs role for a few years in which I played for Del La Selle and the Willows, which were Sunday league teams. I then went on to play for Flixton for a short while where I picked up a bad knee injury, which had to be operated on. I was injured for a year with my knee and came back pursuing a more forward roll as a striker. Playing for Barton Town another Sunday team allowed me to build up my confidence in front of goal and recover from my injury. I got my form back and was asked to join Monton Amateurs. You had previously played for Flixton, do you have any fond memories of your time there? Yes it was in the North West Counties at the time. I wouldn’t say I had any good memoires here as the club were going through some very bad times. I remember being on the receiving end of an 8-1 defeat against Kidsgrove Athletic and picking up a knee injury, which was to see me out for a whole season. You joined West Didsbury in the early days of the Manchester League, how did you find out about the club and join? It was (former West captain) Mike Aston who I didn’t really know and had only played against him for other clubs. He said “you’re a handful up front so why don’t you come and join West Didsbury as they have some very big plans for the future.” Having just come back from coaching in Florida I decided to join and become a part of the West Didsbury dream. How has the club changed since you joined? The club has gone through some major changes in recent years getting ever better. It’s great to see a club evolve and be a part of it and help it grow. There has been a healthy change of players throughout the club, which keeps everything fresh but still it maintains the level of professionalism to get the right results. Last season you switched between leading the line and as an impact substitute scoring 14 goals in 33 appearances (including 9 as a sub). Did you have any particular favourite games that you played in? There have been a few games that stand out such as the cup-tie against Bamber Bridge as it was a quite an impressive ground to play at and at home to Nelson when I came on as substitute to try to impact the game which I did by scoring the winning goal to seal all three points. The match that I most enjoyed playing in was the 2-0 win over Abbey Hey in the FA Cup as it was my first time playing in the completion even though I didn’t score in the game it was just great to be in such a cup completion. Do you have a particular favourite goal? My favourite goal has to be the one that was caught on camera at AFC Liverpool. It was just what we needed to get ourselves back into the game. Can’t believe it was actually caught on camera. Thanks AFC Liverpool.
In a memorable game at home to Leek CSOB when West won 8-2 you scored twice early before spending the remainder of the game creating for others. You are a striker who seems to enjoy making goals as much as scoring goals; you partnered Lee Malkin and Tre Baldwin-Willis. What is it like to play with each? WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Tommy Walsh continued… It’s great to play with both of these lads as they are bringing very different things to the pitch. Tre is a very skilful and fast player and on form no one can touch him with his technical ability, but sometimes I don’t even think he even knows what his feet are doing. He’s all instinct. Lee Malkin, when he is actually on the pitch and not injured, can make something out of nothing and has great awareness and is a great asset to the club. All three of us link up well together as we know what the other person is going to do. By occupying defenders and clearing a path through on goal gives these two players space to go on to score. It’s great to get on the score sheet but creating opportunities for others is equally as good, especially when it’s a well-worked goal. But what’s most important is to get a result at the end of the match so assisting players to score also gives me great pleasure. This season you’ve had to wait for your chance in the team but you’ve certainly made an impact with a goal at Colne followed by a wonder strike at AFC Liverpool. The training is a key part to our success as a club and the level of professionalism all the players and managing staff give. Knowing what kind of movement is needed and what channels to run gives us an advantage over the opposition as then it just come naturally. Do the simple things right and the rest will come as its shown in our recent games scoring 14 goals in 4 games. Your goal had the entire club buzzing courtesy of AFC Liverpool’s Youtube channel. Have you scored a better goal? What was your thought process when you got the ball? In this game the keeper was always off his line so when I had a chance to turn and get a shot off I did. Upon receiving the ball from Mark Rogers the ball was just at the right height for me to volley a strike over the keeper and into the net. At first I didn’t think it was in until the ball hit the ground in the goalmouth and rolled out. Before the game I had been working with Chris Marsdon on receiving the ball under pressure and turning and hitting the target so when I had chance to do this in the game I just reacted. To cap it you then ran Bootle ragged in a man of the match performance, scoring twice with your second goal nutmegging the defender and shooting over the keeper again. Was this goal better than your Liverpool strike? I think this goal was executed much better than the one against AFC Liverpool and with it being on my left foot and nutmegging the defender just made it more enjoyable. Why do the players call you ‘The Bull’ and is that what your celebrations about in recent games? I think it may be because I’m strong on the ball and a bit of a nightmare for defenders because I never stop going. It’s that rather than the nose ring and the grazing in the fields throughout the week. Only kidding…. Yeah the celebration just imitates a bull that I am thought to be. Bit of a joke with he lads really. Have you set yourself any targets for the remainder of the season? My personal targets are to better my score tally from last year and to keep my consistency up throughout the season. Another target would be to stop getting black eyes broken noses and busted lips because it’s spoiling my good looks. Finally hopefully what was your favourite story from the Isle of Man tour? There were so many fond memories from the Isle of Man like singing the Pottsy song on the coach to watching and laughing at Tre playing golf for the first time, he must have gone through about 10 balls over 9 holes. But the one memory that stands out the most was when Pottsy cast me out to sea on a boat and waving me off at the end of a night out. How I got on the boat in the first place I’ll never know.
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Statistics…as of 18/11/2013 Player Ben Simpson Ross Booth Paul Hughes Mark Rogers Alex Baird Anthony Potts Steve Settle Richmond Botchey Callum Schofield Steve Brockley Mike Aston* Dave Conlon Tommy Hendley Kyle Hendley Graham Kay Callum Jones Scott Jones Lewis Schofield Mark Woodcock Gareth Thomas Danny Summers Rick Gleave Scott Mason Sam Mitten Michael Meikleham Karl Dorney Tommy Walsh Tre Baldwin-Willis Josh Chisambo Lee Malkin Jon-Paul Coruana Dan Jones
Position Goalkeeper Goalkeeper Goalkeeper Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Defence Midfield Midfield Midfield Midfield Midfield Midfield Midfield Midfield Midfield Forward Forward Forward Forward Forward Forward
Start Sub Total Goals 20 0 20 0 4 0 4 0 1 0 1 0 20 0 20 1 13 4 17 0 21 0 21 1 19 0 19 0 17 3 20 1 3 0 3 0 3 4 7 1 0 1 1 0 9 2 11 0 2 4 6 0 0 5 5 0 6 0 6 0 12 0 12 0 13 1 14 1 13 0 13 2 8 2 10 0 9 1 10 1 15 4 19 1 12 1 13 4 13 2 15 0 6 6 12 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 14 7 21 2 17 6 23 7 0 3 3 0 5 4 9 0 2 0 2 0 1 1 2 1
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
Youth Team update… Sunday 10th November: West Youth 5 Bridge Hawks U18s 0 It has been another excellent couple of weeks for Ian Depiaza’s Youth Team as they marched passed Bridge Hawks Youth and into the Quarter Finals of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup with a 5-0 home win. West started brightly and quickly capitalised when Ebai Sam put the home side in front, soon followed by a second from Oliver Schofield and a third from Akime Pinder with the left back finishing in the top right hand corner. The game was far from over as Bridge Hawks were determined to keep the score respectable with some hard running but West were able to contain and absorb the pressure and West led 3-0 at half time. In the second half they lifted the tempo and the Bridge Hawk goalkeeper was forced into a string of saves to keep the scoreintact. However west were not to be denied and Taffarel Levy added a forth before Ebai Sam capped of a man of the match performance notching his second. Sunday 17th November: Radcliffe Juniors 2 West Youth 5 This was followed up with a win on their travels as Radcliffe Juniors were defeated 5-2 on a damp and foggy morning. In these conditions West struggled to get going and were behind early before Oliver Schofield levelled on 25 minutes before Joe Shaw made it 2-1 to ensure the visitors lead at the break. In the second half Joe Shaw added his second with a header to make it 3-1 before Radcliffe pulled one back on the counter attack. However Coach Peza’s side ensured their amazing run continued as Schofield added his second and Miles Jones added a 5th to ensure West went back to the top of the league. The unbeaten Youth team who still possess a 100% record entertain Westbury Social Club in the Quarter Final on Sunday 1st December at home. Ian Depeiaza
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/
WHAT’S OUR
STORY?
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 promises to be another testing season as the club adjusts to life in the NWCFL Premier Division, improves its spectator facilities, adds new grass pitches and youth teams as part of its development plan, and aims for long term consolidation and stability at this level whilst remaining as a volunteer run, ‘not for profit’ club.
NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 23rd November 2013 – Today’s Squads
West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC
Runcorn Town
White Shirts, Black Shorts and Black Socks
Pale Blue Shirts, Dark Blue Shorts and Pale Blue Socks
Ben Simpson (GK)
Karl Wills (GK)
Callum Jones
Danny Dalton (Capt)
Scott Jones
Matty Dooling
Anthony Potts
Darren Kinsey
Mark Rogers (Capt)
Chris Lester
Graham Kay
Danny Salt
Tre Baldwin Willis
Tom Spearitt
Rick Gleave
Danny Toone
Tommy Walsh
Scott Burton
Steve Settle
James Derbyshire
Richmond Botchey
Mark Dundon
Sam Mitten
Nick Haughton
Scott Mason
Mark Keddie
Danny Summers
Jason McShane
Mark Woodcock
Andrew Potter
Lee Malkin
Ian Robinson
Dave Conlon
Josh Smith Jason Carey Gareth Grant James McShane/Paul Shanley
Manager: Andy Nelson
Manager: Simon Burton
Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle
Assistant: Danny Salt
OFFICIALS Referee: Kelvin Sarsfield
Assistants: John Dillnut and Kieran Johnson
NEXT HOME GAME Saturday 30th Nov 2013, KO 3.00pm WEST v St HelensTown