West Didsbury & Chorlton v St Helens Town

2014/15 SEASON / MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

NWCFL Premier Division

St Helens Town Saturday 24th January – 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 Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Paddy Murphy Magdalena Maria

Community Development

‘A’ Team Manager

Head of Fundraising

Davy Iredale

Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Publicity and Web

Youth Team Manager

John Churchman 07720 508082

Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397

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

St Helens Town

A BELATED HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL AND WELCOME TO ST HELENS TOWN This is our first home game of 2015 as the home game against Bootle was postponed, so on behalf of everyone at WEST a belated Happy New Year to all our supporters and the players, committee and fans of today’s visitors, St Helens Town.

This is a game both sides will be keen to win after recent results and in our case to show we can eradicate the mistakes which have cost us dearly in our last two away games against Ashton Athletic and Squires Gate. In both games there was very little to choose between the sides but two defensive slips on a difficult surface saw the home side take full advantage at Ashton and last weekend two basic defensive errors were punished by Squires Gate. Our general play in both games was good but we couldn’t convert the chances which came our way and that has been the story of many of our games this season.

So far the two difficult away fixtures in January have seen an end to the good run of form during November and December. That run started with a deserved and hard earned 2-1 away win at Bootle on 8th November which saw us then go 7 games unbeaten in league and cup through November and December.

St. Helens Town have also found the going hard this season after a bright start when they won 3 of their opening 4 fixtures in August. Since then form has been erratic despite a creditable 1-1 draw at Squires Gate a couple of weeks back and last Saturday they fought back from 0-2 down to draw level at Alsager before the home side eventually prevailed, winning 4-2. St. Helens currently sit a couple of places and 9 points beneath us in the table having played a game more.

The earlier fixture this season saw us win 3-0 away to record our first victory against them in the NWCFL and reverse last season’s score and it would be good if we could do the same in today’s home game as last season St Helen’s ran out narrow winners 2-1 here at Brookburn Road.

Looking back on 2014 it has been a fantastic achievement to consolidate our position as a Premier Division club and by comparison we are currently a point better off than after the same number of league games last season. We have another 16 league games left to play and with 9 of these at home we still have a lot to play for as we aim to better last season’s points tally, as well as the huge incentive of a home tie against Bootle in the last 8 of the Challenge Cup. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT … … Especially over the Christmas period when our local derby against Maine Road saw a crowd of 220, our second highest this season, enjoy a really friendly and festive atmosphere as well as a very entertaining game. It is really encouraging to see our local supporter base growing steadily and our average attendance is also ahead of last season. We had a lot of very positive feedback from Didsbury Blues Supporters Club who sponsored the Maine Road fixture and are really grateful to all who have sponsored our home games this season. We will continue to promote games locally as best we can and also respond positively to any suggestions we receive which might improve your match day experience. If you have any suggestions please speak to any of the Committee.

Finally don’t forget the hot drinks and other refreshments in the clubhouse as we look forward to another good game this afternoon. We extend a warm welcome to all our visitors today, both from St. Helens and beyond and wish everyone a safe journey home after the game.

Rob Turley Thank you to James Lobley and Graham Currey for providing the pictures in the programme today.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Dugout…

Hello and a warm welcome to today’s game and also to our opponents Bootle FC. Today is somewhat of a preview for February’s League Challenge Cup Quarter Final and I’m sure our opponents will be as keen as ourselves to collect three points today and ensure they have the upper hand going into that game.

Our Christmas fixture here was a terrific occasion as we had more than 200 watching a very entertaining derby against our friendly rivals, Maine Road. Both teams were keen to play their football, despite the tough conditions, and although we’ve played better this year, we created enough chances to won several games at 2-1 but we missed them and we were punished in the worst way. The final minutes were end to end and a 2-2 draw was probably a fair reflection on the game.

At Ashton Athletic, we played well again in difficult conditions and we dominated possession for much of the game. However Ashton proved why they are a top three team with clinical finishing and a terrifically organised team and showed us just how fine the margins are between the mid-table and the top six.

If today is anything like our meeting here last season then we are in for a cracking game today. Having been handed a 5-0 lesson in August we met again here in November and raced into a 4-1 lead with some of the best football we played all season. However Bootle never gave up and pulled it back to 4-3 before a nervy ending as is a typical trade-mark of Liverpool non-league football, they never gave up and pushed us to the end.

Enjoy the game.

Andy Nelson

The club’s committee Wish all involved with the club: management, players and supporters the very best for 2015

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 2 Maine Road 2 match report‌ West and Maine Road met for the third time in competitive action and played out an entertaining draw in front of a bumper crowd. The crowd of 220 contained people travelling as far away as Norway to be part of the South Manchester Derby.

West manager Andy Nelson was without Captain Mark Rogers and Vice-Captain Anthony Potts through suspension, Scott Mason through illness and Nick Evangelinos. Nelson was able to call upon Christopher McDonagh for the first time in six games.

West started the game slowly and were behind on 11 minutes with the game’s first meaningful chance as Jack Langford's through ball released Connor Hughes who calmly finished low onto the on-rushing Jordan Hitchen to give the visitors the lead.

Matt Eckersley had the home sides first chance of the game with a long range effort shot well wide from outside the area. However West were on level terms on 16 minutes when Gary Lilley picked the ball up in midfield, advanced forward and fired a low shot into the bottom left hand corner from 25 yards. It was Lilley's third goal in three consecutive games.

Road had the games next chance as a wickedly curled free kick flew inches past the post.

However it was West who took the lead as Kieran Brocklehurst was deliberately tripped on the break away. Adam Hilton stepped up and cannoned his free kick into the top left hand corner from 35 yards to give West the lead on 37 minutes. A real contender for goal of the season and West led 2-1 at the break.

In the second half West flew out of the blocks with four terrific chances in the first five minutes but they couldn't extend their lead. Brocklehurst fired a good chance over after terrific play from Hilton on the right. Brocklehurst then turned provider as he skinned the Maine Road left back on the by-line but his pull back to Callum jones was blasted over from the West full back from less than 5 yards. Hilton almost doubled his tally when he ran from the half way line, beating three players, cutting inside but his shot was then blocked at the edge of the area.

On 55 minutes it was 2-2 as Maine Road Josh Tinkler was allowed to advance with the ball more than 40 yards, he played a one-two at the edge of the area and his shot cannoned off the inside of the post. Unfortunately the West defence failed to react and Tinkler was able to tuck the rebound home for the equaliser.

At the other end, West continued to make chances as Brocklehurst waltzed his way through the Maine Road defence and forced Road goalkeeper Ryan Livesey to make a good save at his near post. From the corner Lewis Schofield's cross deceived everyone and clipped the top of the bar.

Jordan Poole came on for Christopher McDonagh with Lewis Schofield into the middle. The move sparked a frantic few minutes as Schofield curled a superb effort onto the bar from more than 30 yards out which the Road keeper could only watch.

West continued to press but couldn't find the winner but could be thankful they could still collect a point as Maine Road missed a one-on-one in the dying seconds, despite huge suspicions of offside. However a draw was a fair reflection in an entertaining encounter that means West are now unbeaten in NWCFL competitions since November 3rd.

Rob McKay

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

West v Maine Road match action…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

FOOTBALL REMEMBERS At our game versus Maine Road we had a mixed group photograph comprising the players of both teams prompted by a FA initiative called Football Remembers, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Christmas Truce in 1914. The picture from James Lobley is below.

The MEN UNITED Cup The Men United Cup is in support of the campaign currently being run by The League’s Official Charity Partner, Prostate Cancer UK. Paul Lawler, League Development Officer, said: “The North West Counties League was delighted to link up with Prostate Cancer UK at the start of this season, in order to raise awareness of the Men United campaign and highlight the great work Prostate Cancer UK is currently doing in raising awareness of Prostate Cancer within the football community.

The draw for the Quarter Finals of the MEN United Cup has been made following the Runcorn Town v Cammell Laird 1907 game.

Glyn Davies and Alan Bennett conducted the draw, with John Deal and Dave Tomlinson supervising.

The draw is as follows:

West Didsbury & Chorlton v Bootle AFC Liverpool v Runcorn Town 1874 Northwich or Colne v Atherton Collieries Glossop North End v Squires Gate The ties will be played on Saturday, 14th February 2015

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Congratulations to our first NWCFL centurion…Pottsy Just a week after the club registered their 100th NWCFL game in a 2-2 draw against Maine Road, club vice-captain Anthony Potts celebrated his 100th appearance for West since joining the club In the summer of 2012. It has been two and a half years of accomplishment for ‘Pottsy’ since scoring on his debut against Chadderton on August 8th 2012.

In his first season at the club as well as helping the club secure promotion to the Premier Division, he lifted the 1st Division Trophy and rounded off his first season as the winner of the Players ‘Player of the Season Award’.

In his second season, as well as guiding West to a club record league best 12th in the NWCFL Premier Division, he scored the clubs second ever FA Cup goal in a 2-0 win against Abbey Hey and again collected the Players ‘Player of the Year’ for the second successive year.

The Breakdown: 87 NWCFL games, 2 League Challenge Cup, 4 First Division Trophy, 3 FA Cup, 3 FA Vase, 1 Lancashire Challenge Trophy Goals: 6, 5 league, 1 FA Cup

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Ashton Athletic 2 West 0 match report…

With a side ravaged by illness West began 2015 with a 2-0 defeat away to high flying Ashton Athletic. West were without Jerome Bryson and Lewis & Callum Schofield with Mark Rogers & Scott Mason both battling through a virus as they looked to start off 2015 in positive fashion.

Anthony Potts and Mark Rogers returned to the starting line-up after their respective suspensions with Potts making his 100th appearance for the club..

West started brightly, despite the pitch conditions in which the Ashton ground staff must be commended for getting the game on at all, and had the first chance of the game as Gary Lilley fired a shot wide of the goal from the edge of the area. The opening minutes of the game provided few chances as both teams tried to get to grips with the pitch conditions but the impressive Kieran Brocklehurst had West’s best chance of the first half when he fired a low shot just past the post on 8 minutes.

Ashton’s first chance of the game came on 10 minutes when Danny Regan broke the offside trap and lobbed the onrushing Jordan Hitchen but his shot landed on the roof of the net. West continued to press as Adam Hilton, Matthew Eckersley and Brocklehurst combined for some superb build up play but couldn’t supply the final ball. The next chance came West’s way as Scott Jones whipped in a superb cross to the far post where only a brilliant last ditch header prevented Brocklehurst from scoring. The next chance fell to Hilton as he curled a free kick wide from the edge of the area.

Ashton Athletic took the lead against the run of play on 28 minutes when the referee awarded a soft free kick at the edge of the area, the initial free kick was blocked by Potts but West failed to react to the rebound and Danny Greene finished low into the bottom corner to make it 1-0. The controversial moment of the half came as the home side appealed for handball outside the area

by Hitchen, West almost made them pay for their protestations as West immediately went down the field and Hilton almost levelled flashing a chance wide. However, West could not find the break through and went into the half time break behind.

West came out for the second half and began as they had done in the first half dominating the midfield, passing the ball well in the final third but without forcing the home side’s goalkeeper into making a save. The best move of the opening minutes of the second half came when Hilton was played into the penalty area on the left by Scott Jones but fired his shot into the side netting at the near post.

The second goal again came against the run of play as a loose ball was launched downfield, Potts went to clear but slipped on the half wine line allowing Adam Gilchrist to race down the left unchallenged and play a forward pass to Mike Downing on the line who tapped it in to protestations of offside from the West backline.

The second goal galvanised Ashton Athletic with West manager Andy Nelson introducing Scott Mason and Steve Settle into the proceedings. Mason’s first contribution was to whip in a corner to the near post where Mark Rogers met it on the half volley which went wide of the far post.

On 80 minutes, West finally forced the Ashton Athletic keeper into action as Brocklehurst forced him into a good save at his near post pushing a shot wide for a corner. From the resulting corner Brocklehurst went close again with an overhead kick flashing over the bar.

At the other end Ashton grew in confidence, hitting West on the break, and almost made it three when they had three chances blocked by West tackles in a frantic goalmouth scramble. West had a penalty shout turned down at the end as Settle was hauled down inside the area, however the referee deemed it outside the area and Mason blasted the free kick over from 20 yards and Ashton were able to run out the clock to secure their second win over West of the season.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Ashton Athletic v West match action…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Today’s Match Sponsor We are delighted that James Doxford has offered to sponsor today’s game against St Helens Town. James doesn’t want a fuss but we are very pleased he was joined the band of keen West’s supporters.

Thank you to our last Match Sponsors - THE DIDSBURY BLUES The Didsbury Blues' Official Supporters Club meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month (unless City are playing) at locations in Didsbury. The next meeting is on: Wednesday 7th January 2015 at 8pm at The Nelson pub, 3 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury M20 6TN. , nelson inn, matches, tickets, For all enquiries please email: tickets.didsbury.blues@gmail.com

www.didsburyblues.com

Match Sponsorship Packages start at £100 and include 2 features in the match programme, free admission for two people with half time refreshments.

Can you or the company you work for help support the club by sponsoring a game?

We are looking for game sponsors for our remaining home games. Please ask the committee for more information if you are able to support us in this way.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

History …

St Helens Town

The original Town club was in existence from 1901 to 1928, but George Fryer and a number of local businessmen decided to re-form the club in 1946. They obtained a lease on the Hoghton Road ground in Sutton, adjacent to St. Helens Junction station on the Liverpool to Manchester railway line, took over a local St. Helens Combination team, Derbyshire Hill Rovers, signing a number of players from other clubs and entered the Liverpool County Combination in the 1947/48 season, playing against Everton “A” and Liverpool “A” and several reserve sides from the leading non-league clubs in the Merseyside area.

Success was first attained in May 1949 when Runcorn were defeated in the final of the George Mahon Cup, played at the Prescot Cables ground. The following season, 1949/50, Town were elevated to the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination and they were promoted as Champions in only their second season to the First Division, where they ran up against teams such as Ashton United, Nelson and New Brighton, newly relegated from the Football League. Sadly, Town were themselves relegated in their first season and although promoted briefly again for the 1955/56 season, they spent most of their early years in the Second Division. Improvements were quickly made to the facilities at Hoghton Road in the early years, but in November 1952 the decision was taken to re-locate to the former St. Helens Recs’ rugby league ground at City Road in order to further their ambitions of reaching the Football League. Initially, the move resulted in some encouraging crowds, but the club had a change of heart and returned to Sutton in the October 1953. The ground was purchased and further developed and a social club and floodlights were added in later years.

Town were Champions of the Lancashire Combination in 1971/72 season, losing only one game, finishing 6 points clear of Accrington Stanley. 1975 brought a switch to the Cheshire League, where they remained until the formation of the North West Counties League in 1982 and St. Helens Town is still the only club to feature in the top division of that league throughout its existence. The club’s major achievement was to win the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987. After a stuttering start in the Preliminary Round with a 5-4 extra-time win over Colne Dynamoes, further home successes over General Chemicals, Wren Rovers, Guisborough Town and Wythenshawe Amateurs, led to wins at Wisbech Town, at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare, away to Falmouth Town (after a replay) and in the away leg at Emley when, following a 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg, a 2-0 win in Yorkshire secured a Wembley Final against local rivals Warrington Town, who were dispatched 3-2 with goals from Phil Layhe (2) and Brian Rigby.

St. Helens Town boast an impressive “Hall of Fame”, including legendary goalkeeper and former German Prisoner-of-War Bert Trautmann, who signed for Manchester City over 60 years ago and who went on to play the game of his life in the 1956 FA Cup Final, despite breaking his neck in the latter stages. Bill Foulkes was transferred to Manchester United, where he had a glittering career, surviving the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, in which he bravely rescued some of his stricken team-mates. John Connelly, an England squad member in the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign, was sold to Burnley and he later moved to join Foulkes at Old Trafford. Sadly, all three have passed away in the last few years. Other future stars, groomed at St. Helens Town, include John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday), Geoff Nulty (Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton) and, most recently, ace goalscorer Dave Bamber, who began and ended his league career at Blackpool and who played in all four divisions of the Football League.

Captain of the FA Vase winning team was Tommy O’Neil, who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United.

Town sold their Hoghton Road ground in 2000 to move in with St. Helens Rugby League Club at their Knowsley Road base. Their farewell appearance at Sutton produced a 1-0 win over Champions Vauxhall Motors and the initial campaign at Knowsley Road got off to a cracking start, with Town leading the table for most of the season, before finishing in a rather disappointing fourth place. Recent seasons have been more of a struggle, ninth place in 2009/10 being the best finish since. Season 2010-11 saw Town slide to 16th and next to bottom in 2011-12, when they would have been relegated, but for Flixton’s decision to resign from the league.

Town began the 2012-13 season under new manager Ian Granite, who brought in a new team and coaching set-up and they battled well to avoid relegation, their status being confirmed with a couple of games remaining. 2013-14 was a mirror-image of the previous campaign, with a 14-game unbeaten run between September and December putting the club just behind the front runners for two thirds of the campaign. Granite resigned in November 2013 due to work and family commitments and his assistant Ian Price took over the reins, assisted by Paul Jones and Nick Matthews, but the long breaks caused by the winter weather interrupted their earlier rhythm and Town finished the season once again in the lower reaches, although never in any serious danger of the drop. Following the demolition of the Knowsley Road ground in 2010, Town have led a nomadic existence up the road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, sharing Ashton Town’s Edge Green Street ground for three seasons before moving across town to Brocstedes Park at the invitation of Ashton Athletic in 2012. The current season is scheduled to be the club’s last in exile, as plans are in place for re-location back to St. Helens for the 2015-16 season at the Council-owned Ruskin Park site, currently undergoing massive redevelopment and a brand-new facility awaits. In readiness for the move, the club is undergoing a radical re-branding, adopting the town’s coat of arms as their badge once again and reverting next season to their traditional blue and white colours in preparation for an emotional return to the town in August 2015.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Can YOU Help?

Every little helps so if you are interested in getting involved please talk to a committee member or contact us at: www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk.

This Months 200

Club winners…

£100 winner: Peter McKay £60 winner: John Webb £40 winner: Zeki Istanbul

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First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

The next games at Brookburn Road…

Saturday 14th February

3.00pm – West v Bootle – MEN Cup

Monday

7.45pm – West v AFC Liverpool

5th March

Saturday 31st January 2.00pm – West Reserves v Altrincham FC Res. Saturday 7th February 2.00pm – West Reserves v Grappenhall Sports FC

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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NWCFL League Table’s… after games on Saturday 3rd January

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Hardy Farm Action from the first A Team match…

Result: West ‘A’ 2 Malpas FC Reserves 3

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Cheshire League results and fixtures - Reserves and A Team Reserves 27th Sept 4th Oct 11th Oct 18th Oct 25th Oct 1st Nov 15th Nov 22nd Nov 29th Nov 6th Dec 13th Dec 20th Dec

Warrington Reserves - Cup Altrincham FC Reserves Ashton Town Reserves Pork’s Pantry - Cup Wythenshawe Town – Cup FC Woodford Moore United FC Cuddington FC Irlam FC Reserves Cheadle Town Reserves Altrincham FC Reserves Wythenshawe Town

(A) (A) (H) (H) (H) (A) (A) (H) (A) (A) (H) (A)

0-3 (L) 1-3 (L) 2-4 (L) 0-2 (L) 0-7 (L) 1-4 (L) 4-1 (W) 6-1 (W) 5-1 (W) 1-1(D) p-p 0-8 (L)

A Team 27th Sept 4th Oct 11th Oct 18th Oct 25th Oct 1st Nov 8th Nov 25th Nov 29th Nov 6th Dec 13th Dec 20th Dec

Eagle Sports Reserves Wythenshawe Town Reserves Styal Reserves - Cup Southport Trinity - O Eagle Sports Res – Cup Moore United FC Res Rudheath Social FC Res. Golbourne Sports Cuddington Reserves Wythenshawe Town Reserves Cuddington Reserves Denton Town Reserves

(A) (H) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (H) (A) (A) (H) (A)

6-5 (W) 5-3 (W) 7-1 (W) 2-3 (L) 1-6 (L) 3-0 (W) 4-4 (D) 3-1 (W) 2-4 (L) 1-5 (L) p-p 2-2 (D)

North West Youth Alliance results and fixtures for the Youth Team 28th Sept 12th Oct 19th Oct 26th Oct 2nd Nov 9th Nov 16th Nov 23rd Nov 14th Dec 21st Dec

Langho Salford City FC Youth ST Helens Town Runcorn Linnets - Cup Chester FC Colts – AFC Fylde Salford City FC Youth .

Bolton Wyresdale AFC Bolton Wyresdale AFC Chester FC Colts

(H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (H) (A) (A)

3-4 (L) 2-4 (L) 6-1 (W) 0-2 (L) 3-1(W) 2 -1(W) 4-3 (W) 1-0 (W) p-p p-p

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Appearances and Attendances‌ after Saturday 3rd January

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Statistics after games on Saturday 3rd January

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Join the action and support your local team…

Please sign up on the poster in the clubhouse to get the number you want from those remaining…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Week’s Results & Upcoming Fixtures…

RESULTS Saturday 3rd January 2015 Premier League AFC Blackpool 2-2 AFC Liverpool Ashton Athletic 2-0 WEST Barnoldswick Town 1-2 Abbey Hey Bootle 5-0 Bacup & Rossendale Boro Maine Road 1-0 1874 Northwich Nelson 3-3 Squires Gate Runcorn Town 3-0 Congleton Town Silsden 2-2 St Helens Town Stockport Sports p-p Alsager Town Winsford United p-p Glossop North End First Division Atherton LR 2-0 Litherland REMYCA Barnton 6-1 Wigan Robin Park Cammell Laird 1907 3-1 Northwich Flixton Villa Daisy Hill 0-5 AFC Darwen Eccleshall 2-1 Ashton Town Holker Old Boys 5-2 Hanley Town Oldham Boro 0-5 Atherton Collieries Rochdale Town 2-2 Chadderton Widnes 2-2 Irlam

Saturday 17th January 2015 Premier League Alsager Town 4-2 St Helens Town Ashton Athletic p-p Nelson Bacup & Rossendale Boro p-p Abbey Hey Barnoldswick Town p-p Runcorn Linnets Bootle 3-0 Stockport Linnets Colne p-p Silsden Maine Road 0-1 AFC Blackpool Runcorn Town 2-1 AFC Liverpool Squires Gate 2-0 WEST Winsford United 3-2 Congleton Town First Division AFC Darwen p-p Cammell Laird 1907 Ashton Town p-p Wigan Robin Park Atherton Collieries 5-0 Hanley Town Cheadle Town 1-0 Daisy Hill Irlam 2-2 Northwich Flixton Villa Litherland REMYCA 6-2 Rochdale Town Oldham Boro p-p Eccleshall Widnes 1-2 Holker Old Boys

RESULTS

Saturday 10th January 2015

Saturday 24th January 2015

Premier League 1874 Northwich p-p Ashton Athletic Abbey Hey 2-2 AFC Blackpool AFC Liverpool 3-4 Alsager Town Colne 5-1 Runcorn Town Congleton Town 1-3 Glossop North End Nelson p-p Maine Road Runcorn Linnets 3-2 Bacup & Rossendale Boro Silsden p-p Winsford United Squires Gate 1-1 St Helens Town WEST p-p Bootle

Premier League 1874 Northwich v Stockport Sports Abbey Hey v Silsden AFC Blackpool v Glossop North End AFC Liverpool v Squires Gate Alsager Town v Winsford United Bacup & Rossendale Boro v Maine Road Barnoldswick Town v Runcorn Town Bootle v Ashton Athletic Congleton Town v Colne Runcorn Linnets v Nelson WEST v St Helens Town

First Division Ashton Town p-p Litherland REMYCA Atherton LR p-p Barnton Cammell Laird 1907 5-2 Oldham Boro Daisy Hill p-p Irlam Holker Old Boys p-p AFC Darwen Northwich Flixton Villa p-p Chadderton Widnes 0-5 Atherton Collieries

First Division Ashton Town v Cammell Laird 1907 Atherton LR v Oldham Boro Barnton v Irlam Chadderton v Widnes Cheadle Town v Holker Old Boys Daisy Hill v Rochdale Town Eccleshall v Atherton Collieries Hanley Town v AFC Darwen Northwich Flixton Villa v Litherland REMYCA

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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

Follow News Updates on West via Twitter and Facebook!

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

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

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

The chanting of racist or obscene chanting is strictly forbidden.

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

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

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

Encroachment onto the playing area is forbidden at all times.

Standing is not allowed in front of the seated areas.

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

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

Thank you, West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC Committee

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

A Brief History…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 24th January 2015 – Today’s Squads West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks

G’keepers Jordan Hitchen Paul Hughes Defenders Callum Jones Scott Jones Anthony Potts Callum Schofield Alex Baird Mark Rogers (Capt) Dion Battes Midfield Steve Settle Jordan Poole Gary Lilley Scott Mason Matt Eckersley Forwards Chris McDonagh Jerome Bryson Kieran Brocklehurst Adam Hilton Tre Baldwin-Willis Nic Evanogelinos Manager: Andy Nelson Assistants: Steve Settle & Steve Eckersley

St Helens Town Red/White Shirts, White Shorts & Red Socks

Rory Crowther James Halpin Jack Hont Hamish Falconer Aaron Morris Ryan Duffy Jack McKay Matthew Davidson Chad Whyte James Rushton-Woods Andy Gillespie (Capt) Kristian Bell Marcus Perry Lewis Coyle Edward Richardson Paul Cook-Hannah

Manager: Ian Price Assistant: Nick Matthews

OFFICIALS

Referee: Aaron Jackson Assistant Referees: Mick Southern and Christopher Sladen