West Didsbury & Chorlton v Walshaw Sports

Y R U B S D I D WEST FC A & CHORLTON

MFL - Premier Divison January 14th - Walshaw Sports 2011/2012

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E M O C WEL to

C F A N O T L R O H C & Y R U B S D I D WEST First Team Manager: Andy Nelson 07952 567240 Asst Mgr and Coach: Dave Conlon

Chairman Brian Cripps 01625 260094 Vice Chairman Glyn Meacher 07905 431526

Reserve Team Manager: Robert Madden 07730 655446 Asst Managers: Jim Hines & Paul Rowell

CEO Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891298441

Physio Sarah Roberts

Club Secretary Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Club Coaches Steve Eckersley / Kris Mahon

Treasurer Dave Cooper 0161 434 8181

‘A’ Team Manager Chris Argent 07962 352619

Commercial John Churchman 07720 508082

Youth Team Manager Mike Lewandowski 07796 690879

1st Team Match Day Secretary Richard Waring 07919 057655

Vets Manager Sam Hickey 07980 521988

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For up-to-date information visit; www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

EDITORIAL

14 January 2012 – Walshaw Sports

Welcome to The Recreation Ground at Brookburn Road for this our first home game of 2012. It has been quite a while since we last played at home against Monton in early December with the persistent wet weather during that month coupled with no fixtures on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve meaning that all the clubs have effectively has a mid season break of 4-5 weeks.

Fortunately we managed to get a mid week game in at Manchester Gregorians between Christmas and New Year which at least kept up some level of match fitness which was evident in our game away at Wythenshawe last Saturday when we completely dominated the second half as the home team tired.

WELCOME TO WALSHAW Today our visitors are Walshaw Sports FC who we play for the third time this season after a couple of unfortunate reverses in away fixtures in league and cup.

The first game is one we would rather forget about played on a very cramped and poorly illuminated floodlit pitch in Albert Park when we were beaten heavily whereas the cup game was a very close affair before Walshaw took advantage of some defensive errors to run out 3-1 winners.

Walshaw are having another good season and currently sit a few places above us in 4th place in the league table whilst we are now 7th having moved up a place after last Saturday’s last gasp victory.

In recent seasons Walshaw have been a tough nut to crack and as we know to our cost there are no easy games in this division and we will need to display the fight and tenancity we showed last weekend to add some much needed additional points to improve on the season’s tally.

Enjoy today’s game.

Rob Turley

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

FROM THE DUGOUT… As these are my first notes in 2012, it would be remiss of me not to wish all associated with the club a Happy New Year.

I hope in 2012 we realise our dream of finishing in a position that enables us to move in the North West Counties Football League, the management team and players will give everything to make this happen as I know the off field requirements are under good control.

Last Saturday was our first competitive game and it was pleasing to get a thoroughly deserved win against Wythenshawe Amateurs. The players’ effort and team spirit was there for all to see, long may it continue. Andy Nelson CLUB DEVELOPMENT Our application to join the North West Counties Football League is proceeding and on 17th December we had a ground grading visit from NWC representatives and the Manchester League. We have since received the grading report which sets out improvements we need to make. This involves improving the dugouts, installing a barrier between the players’ entrance and the pitch, a pay box at the entrance and signage to prevent spectators standing in front of the covered seating area. We need to complete these works by 31st March for the application to then go forward to the League AGM in June when elections of any new clubs will be decided. There are 4 vacancies at present but the only other Step 7 club which has applied for membership of the Counties is South Sefton FC from the Liverpool FA Premier Division.

Following submission of our application the FA amended the rules for promotion [mid season] and issued new guidance that any clubs applying for a Step 6 League needed to finish in the top 5 of their Step 7 feeder league. Whilst we are seeking clarification of this it means we have a huge incentive to press on and gather as many points as possible so that progression is in our own hands.

We will keep you posted on developments but in the meantime a belated Happy New Year. Enjoy todays game and let’s look forward to 2012 as we aim for another landmark in the club’s illustrious history.

For your information, North West Counties League website www.nwcfl.com

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

First Team - Fixtures and Results Date AUGUST Sat 6 Sat 13 Wed 17 Sat 20 Tues 23 Sat 27 Wed 31 SEPTEMBER

Opponent

H/A

Comp

Result

Rochdale Sacred Heart Prestwich Heys Walshaw Sports Manchester Gregorians AVRO Springhead Old Alts

H A A H H A A

Cup L L L L L L

7–2 3–0 0–5 2–1 0–5 1–3 2–1

Sat 3

Wyre Villa

A

Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24

Prestwich Heys Wythenshawe Amateurs Ashville FC

H H A

LFA Cup L L FA Vase

2–2 (4-5 pens) 3-0 0-1 0-2

A H H A H

L L L L L

2-1 2-2 1-0 2-0 0-3

A H A A

L L L Cup

0–2 1-4 1-4 1-3

H

L

1-1

A H H A

L L L L

4-3

A H H

L L L

H A A H

L L L L

A

L

OCTOBER Sat 1 Manchester Gregorians Sat 8 Stockport Georgians Sat 15 AFC Bury Sat 22 AFC Monton Sat 29 Hindsford NOVEMBER Sat 5 Dukinfield Town Sat 12 Royton Town Sat 19 AFC Bury Sat 26 Walshaw Sports DECEMBER Sat 3 AFC Monton 2012 JANUARY Sat 7 Wythenshawe Amateurs Sat 14 Walshaw Sports Sat 21 East Manchester Sat 28 Royton Town FEBRUARY Sat 4 Hindsford Sat 11 Old Alts Sat 25 Dukinfield Town MARCH Sat 3 Springhead Sat 10 AVRO Sat 24 East Manchester Sat 31 Heywood St James APRIL Sat 7 Stockport Gregorians

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First team action…

Wythenshawe Amateurs 3 WEST 4 This was an end to end up and down affair after a prolonged break in fixtures since early December and after an eventful game West ran out worthy winners playing all the football on a difficult surface with a swirling wind causing problems for both defences.

The first half saw West take an early lead when some good approach play put in Matt Eckersley whose shot was deflected to Lee Shillito who scored from close range. The boost from this early goal was evident as West played some neat controlled football on the ground and had a couple of half chances to add to the early advantage. Wythenshawe were making little impression and against the run of play then equalized when a long throw with the following wind eluded everyone before dropping to the home forward who turned the ball past a helpless keeper. Undeterred by this setback West pressed forward time after time and went ahead again when a Jones cross from the left drifted beyond the home keeper and Shillito was on hand again to crack home his second. Then it was Wythenshawe’s turn to level when a hand ball went undetected and another long throw hurled across the box was met by a powerful header from their no4. Unbelievably two long throws and two goals; and worse followed when yet another one into the heart of our defence was turned in to give the home side a 3-2 interval lead.

In the second period West again started brightly with a couple of half chances going wide before the home side got going again. When they did they began to pressurize our back four and the aerial assault continued. Then Dale Newbrook injured his shoulder when turning away another cross and was unable to continue with Matt Eckersley taking over in goal and Kyle Henley coming on in central midfield and going close soon after with a great effort which the keeper only just tipped over the bar. West kept pressing with Andy Levandis and Danny Summers pulling the strings, Dean Thurston holding the ball up well and Lee Shillito continuing to threaten the home defence.

The whole team was battling hard to get back on level terms and with about 10 minutes left Josh Ford scored after a series of corners had been scrambled clear as we encamped in the home penalty area. Wythenshawe had nothing left apart from the long ball and some last ditch defending but their midfield and forward players just could not penetrate. Mike Kennedy and Scott Jones were very solid in the full back roles and Mike Byrne came on for Dave Conlon to join Alex Baird in keeping the home side at bay. Kristian Mahon then came on for the injured Ford and provided width and support on the right flank. Just as it looked like ending all square Danny Summers picked up the ball in a central position advancing towards the edge of the home penalty area, and as he was ushered across to his right he side stepped one challenge and cut past another before cracking home the winner at the near post – a great goal!.

The last couple of minutes of added time saw Wythenshawe throw bodies forward to try and rescue a point but the West defence held firm. The final whistle saw great celebration of a tremendous team effort which resulted in a much need 3 points secured against all the second half odds. Credit to Matt Eckersley for resolute goal keeping but overall this was a great team performance to be proud of. It also showed what this squad is capable of, even when events do not appear to be going our way…Well done!

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

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

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Results & fixtures - Reserves Date AUGUST Sat 20 Thurs 25 Sat 27 SEPTEMBER Thurs 1 Sat 3 Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24 OCTOBER Sat 1 Sat 15 Sat 22 Sat 29 NOVEMBER Sat 5 Sat 19 Sat 26 DECEMBER Sat 3 Sat 17 JANUARY 2012 Sat 7 Sat 21 Sat 28 FEBRUARY Sat 4 Sat 11 Sat 18 Sat 25 March Sat 3 Sat 10 Sat 24 APRIL Sat 7

Opponent

H/A

Comp

Result

Stockport Gregorians Res Wythenshawe Amateurs Res Rochdale Sacred Heart Res

A H H

L L L

3–4 2–3 4–0

Old Alts Res AVRO Res Walshaw Sports Res East Manchester Res Old Alts Res

H H A A A

L L L L L

2–3 0–1 0-7 2–2 3-0

Elton Vale Res Prestwich Heys Manchester Gregorians Res Dukinfield Town Res

A A H A

L L L L

3–3 6-2 2-0 3-1

Leigh Amateurs Res East Manchester Res Beechfield United Res

H H A

L L Cup

3-4 2–2 4-0

Wythenshawe Ams Res Manchester Gregorians Res

A A

L L

1-5

Springhead Res Leigh Ath Res Prestwich Heys Res

A A H

Cup L L

3–4

Dukinfield Town Res AVRO Res AFC Monton Res AFC Monton Res

H A H A

L L L L

Rochdale Sacred Heart Res Walshaw Sports Res Stockport Gregorians Res

A H H

L L L

Elton Vale Res

H

L

The last game of 2011 ended in a 3-0 defeat at Platt Lane against a strong Manchester Gregorian's team containing 4 first teamers. However, the score line did not reflect the performance the whole team put in. West started well playing the ball from the back and forced several corners in the early stages. Gregs were struggling to cope with the strong defending from our back four and the excellent passing of midfield players Miguel Garcia and Kyle Hendley and the pace of Theo Warmington.

Unfortunately after 25 minutes Gregs hit us on the break and with their only chance of the first half scored with a low strike from 10 yards. The second half was much the same with West continuing to look for an equaliser. With 20 minutes to go and the score still at 1-0 we changed our formation and went with a back 3, Gregs capitalised on this and scored a second. With 5 minutes to go Gregs got a penalty and the score finished 3-0 to the home side. Robert Madden

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

A Team Since the last programme report we have not managed to play due to a number of postponements.

We sit mid table with games in hand so we look forward to positive progression towards the top end in 2012.

Chris Argent Date Opponent SEPTEMBER Sat 17 Prestwich Heys A Sat 24 Dukinfield Town A OCTOBER Sat 1 Springhead A Sat 8 Stockport Georgians A Sat 15 Walshaw SC A Sat 22 Leigh Athletic A Sat 29 Atherton Town A NOVEMBER Sat 5 Hollinwood A Sat 12 Dukinfield Town A Sat 19 Royton Town A Sat 26 Springhead A 2012 JANUARY Sat 14 Royton Town A Sat 21 Walshaw SC A Sat 28 Atherton Town A FEBRUARY Sat 4 Leigh Ath A Sat 11 Hollinwood A Sat 18 Prestwich Heys A

H/A

Comp

Result

H H

L L

1-4 5-0

H H H H H

L L L L L

4-7 3-2 4-3 1-1 6-2

A A A A

L L L L

1-2 3–2 2-0 1-2

H A A

L L L

A H A

L L L

KIT MANAGER WANTED… We have a vacancy for a volunteer kit man to take overall charge of playing kit and equipment and be available to attend first team games home and away.

If you would like more information on what this involves then please contact: Rob Turley on 07891 298441 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

How our teams stand…

Manchester League – Premier Division 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Hindsford East Manchester AVRO Walshaw Sports Old Alts Stockport Georgians West Didsbury & Chorlton Royton Town Wythenshawe Ams AFC Monton Springhead Manchester Gregorians Dukinfield Town AFC Bury Heywood St James Prestwich Heys

P 19 18 17 19 17 16 18 16 17 17 17 19 15 19 17 17

W 13 13 11 10 9 8 8 7 5 5 4 6 5 3 4 2

D 4 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 5 5 7 1 1 7 1 4

L 2 3 4 6 6 5 8 6 7 7 6 12 9 9 12 11

D 3 3 3 4 2 1 1 4 3 0 3 2 4 3

L 3 3 3 4 6 5 5 8 8 11 7 9 10 9

GD 29 24 23 18 -2 0 -11 3 -2 -3 -5 -9 -4 -12 -23 -26

PTS 43 41 35 33 29 27 26 24 20 20 19 19 16 16 13 9*

*Adjustment made

Manchester League – Division 2 (Reserves) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Wythenshawe Ams Res Stockport G Res Walshaw Res Manchester Gregorians Res AFC Monton Res AVRO Res Old Alts Reserves Prestwich Heys Res West Didsbury & Chorlton Res Dukinfied Town Res Leigh Ath Res E Manchester Res Elton Vale Res Rochdale SH Res *Adjustment made www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

P 16 16 15 16 16 14 14 17 16 17 15 16 16 14

W 10 10 9 8 8 8 8 5 5 6 5 5 2 2

GD 24 17 18 12 1 7 0 -1 -4 -9 -17 -9 -24 -15

PTS 33 33 30 28 26 25 25 18 * 18 18 18 17 10 9

Manchester League – Division 4 (‘A’ Teams) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Springhead A Royton Town A Stockport Geo A Hollinwood A West Didsbury & Chorlton A Prestwich Heys A Leigh Ath A Walshaw SC A Dukinfield Town A Atherton Town A

P 13 12 14 11 11 10 12 12 13 14

W 12 8 7 7 6 4 3 3 2 1

D 1 2 3 1 1 3 2 2 0 1

L 0 2 4 3 4 3 7 7 11 12

GD 21 24 12 16 6 2 -1 -13 -18 -49

PTS 37 26 24 22 19 15 11 11 6 4

D 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 0

L 1 1 3 2 2 4 3 6

GD 17 7 1 3 1 -5 -5 -19

PTS 19 13 10 8 7 7 7 3

L 1 1 2 4 2 2 6

GD 9 19 2 -4 4 -5 -25

PTS 13 12 12 10 9 2 0

Cheshire Veterans Football League – Premier Division 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Flint Town West Didsbury & Chorlton Bollington Grappenhall Sports Sale Town Cheadle Star Old Boys Bedians Hursts

P 8 6 7 6 5 7 6 7

W 6 4 3 2 2 2 2 1

Cheshire Veterans Football League – Division 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Barnstoneworth United Moore United Grappenhall Sports B MCYA West Didsbury & Chorlton B Burtonwood Albion Old Boys Stepping Hill Presidents XI

P 6 5 6 8 5 4 6

W 4 4 4 3 3 0 0

D 1 0 0 1 0 2 0

P 10 7 6 7 7 7 8 8 7 9

W 6 5 4 4 4 4 3 2 2 0

D 2 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0

Altrincham Youth Football League 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Cheadle & Gatley Athletic Cleavleys JFC NJ Wythenshawe TC Wythenshawe Amts Medlock Rangers FC Leigh Genesis FC West Didsbury & Chorlton Flixton Juniors FC Lostock Rangers FC Broadheath Central

L 2 0 1 2 2 3 4 6 5 9

GD 18 17 35 18 6 -2 -8 -14 -43 -27

PTS 20 17 13 13 13 12 10 6 6 0

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Youth Team …

The Youth team have not played since November 20th due to a combination of no fixtures and bad weather.

Up to now the team has adapted well to playing in a higher standard of football with a 10 point return from 3 wins a draw and 4 defeats. We are looking forward to the rest of the season and moving up the table.

Mike Lewandowski Date SEPTEMBER Sun 25 OCTOBER Sun 2 Sun 9 Sun 16 Sun 30 NOVEMBER Sun 6 Sun 13 Sun 20 DECEMBER Sun 4 Sun 11 Sun 18 JANUARY Sun 15 Sun 22 Sun 29 FEBRUARY Sun 5 Sun 19 APRIL Sun 1

Opponent

H/A

Comp

Result

Medlock Rangers FC

H

L

1-1

Lostock Rangers FC Cheadle & Gatley Athletic Flixton Juniors Cleavleys JFC

A H H A

L L L L

2-4 1-3 5-3 0-4

Broadheath Central Leigh Genesis Medlock Rangers FC

H A A

L L L

1-0 1-5 4-3

Flixton Juniors Wythenshawe Amateurs N. J. Wythenshawe FC

A A H

L L L

Postponed Postponed

Lostock Rangers FC Cheadle & Gatley Athletic Cleavleys JFC

H A H

L L L

Broadheath Central Leigh Genesis

A H

L L

N. J. Wythenshawe FC

A

This month the 200 Club winners are: £100 James Harris £60 D Scanlon £40 Ashley Farlow

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

Results and Fixtures - Vets and Vets B Cheshire Veterans League – Premier Division 4th Sept 11th Sept 25th Sept 9th Oct 30th Oct 13th Nov 27th Nov 15th Jan 22nd Jan

Hursts (h) Grappenhall Sports (a) Bedians (h) Flint Town (h) Cheadle Star Old Boys (a) Burtonwood Albion Old Boys (h) CUP Flint Town (a) Mobberley (h) CUP Bollington (a)

6-0 1-0 4-2 2-2 3-2 9-2 1–3

Cheshire Veterans League – Division 3 4th Sept 11th Sept 25th Sept 16th Oct 30th Oct 13th Nov 15th Jan 22nd Jan

MCYA (a) 1-3 Stepping Hill President’s XI (h) 4-0 Barnstoneworth United (a) 1-2 Burtonwood Albion Old Boys (a) 4-2 Grappenhall Sports B (h) 2-1 Mossley Hill Athletic Wanderers (a) CUP 2 – 4 Stepping Hill President’s XI (a) Moore United (h)

FA Visit West Didsbury & Chorlton Training The last few training sessions have been a little different at Chorlton High School. The sessions have been recorded and analysed as part of my UEFA ‘A’ Licence coaching course.

The FA Coach Education manager for the North West has visited and observed the coaching sessions and provided feedback to the coaches. Two other candidates (1 from Macclesfield Town and 1 from Manchester City) from the course have also been involved coaching different topics including: Attacking from the flanks in 11 v 11 Playing out from the Goal-Keeper in 11 v11 Defending effectively in a phase of play Playing out as a back three in a phase of play Overcoming a deep lying defence in a phase of play.

The FA were very impressed with the facilities and organisation of the club and the experience is massively important in preparation for Part 2 of the course next summer.

I would like to thank the committee, Andy Nelson, and Rob Madden who have been fantastic in supporting the sessions and allowing flexibility on training nights and the players from all the teams for taking part.

Thank you very much…Dave Conlon WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

Our Visitors – Walshaw Sports There has been a Walshaw Football Team of one kind or another since the 1890’s. They played on various sites in the village and in the 1920’s and 30’s they had a very strong side.

From 1939 to 1945 they played in Tottington but after the war they returned to the village and played on the same ground until the late 1940’s. The early 1950’s saw a good squad of players emerging and between 1954 & 1964 they won many league trophies.

In 1965 the village Cricket team and the football team merged and Walshaw Sports Club was formed. They secured a long lease on the present Sycamore Road ground and the members worked tirelessly to construct the new Clubhouse facilities and create a first class Cricket & Football venue on what was once rough grazing land.

The late 1960’s and early 1970’s saw many improvements to the facilities as the dedicated band of players and members set their sights on establishing a Sports Club that would not only be the pride of the village but would bring enjoyment to members and players for many years to come.

The Club was opened by Sir Tom Finney in 1968, the Changing Rooms were opened in 1970 by Sir Cedric Rhodes the then Chairman of Lancashire CCC, the members lounge was opened in 1973 by Emlyn Hughes and Sir Nat Lofthouse opened the extension in 1977.

The All weather floodlit 5 a side facility was opened in 2003.

The Club has gone from strength to strength and there are now four Senior Football teams as well as 14 junior teams with three Senior Cricket teams and six junior teams.

In 2005 Walshaw decided to take a step up into the Manchester league and in their first season won the Murray Shield which they successfully retained in the following year.

Since winning promotion to the Premier Division in 2007 they have continued to improve and won the Gilgryst Cup in 2010 and finished runners up in the same Competition last season.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

LOOKING BACK ON …2011 This is traditionally the time of year to look back at the previous 12 months and, in a nutshell, the main events and milestones month by month in 2011 were as follows: We started the new calendar year in JANUARY 2011 still unbeaten in league and cup and in contention for the 1st Division title, albeit on level pegging with Heywood St James. We had won 10 games out of 11 and gained 31 points out of a possible 33. Our 4-1 vistory against Rochdale SH on 8th January was the first competitive game in almost 2 months the previous one having been on 20th November 2010. As the freezing conditions since mid November began to thaw we regained momentum and eventually moved to the top of the table by the end of FEBRUARY when we had moved 6 points clear of Heywood.

MARCH saw our first set back when we lost away at Heywood in the Murray Shield semi-final but by mid APRIL the lead in the league had increased to 9 points as we remained unbeaten in league games. By the end of April our lead was unassailable and although we lost the final league game 1-2 at Heywood having already secured the title with 65 points out of a possible 72 was quite remarkable.

In MAY we agreed to proceed with installation of the floodlights and applied for assistance from the Football Association and the Football Foundation. Both were positive and so in JUNE final arrangements were put in place with Abacus Lighting for installation of the new lights in July.

JULY saw a series of related ground improvements as we took advantage of the trenching to lay the lighting cables to also install pipe work to enable a pitch sprinkler system to be used in periods of dry weather or to help stimulate grass germination and pitch renovation.

In AUGUST we took our place in the Premier Division with an opening 3-0 away victory at Prestwich Heys before coming back down with a bump at Walshaw and against AVRO. For the game by game picture since then see the results section in today’s programme.

SEPTEMBER was another landmark in the club’s history as we travelled to Ashville FC in the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Vase – our debut in a national FA competition after over 100 years! Although we lost 0-2 this gave us a taste of another competition and an indication of what we needed to do to raise the performance bar higher. OCTOBER was a good month results wise as we secured 10 points from a possible 12 and moved steadily up the table to 4 th place.

NOVEMBER was the opposite as we lost 4 games in succession and a number of players who moved elsewhere. However, the highlight of that month was undoubtedly the best Community event thus far when around 600 people crowded into the ground for a great bonfire and firework display.

We had few games in DECEMBER but we applied to join the NWCFL next season and notified the Manchester League and the FA. 2011 closed with a grading visit and report on things we need to do next so after what was on the whole a very successful and eventful year – here’s to another one in 2012.

Wishing West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC a successful season Parrs Wood High School and 6th Form Proud printers of the Match Programme

Our thanks to Mike Fryer for providing photographs to the club: www.mikefryer.com WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Manchester Football League – Premier Division Saturday 14th January 2012

Today’s Teams West Didsbury & Chorlton Ben Simpson Mike Kennedy Scott Jones Mike Byrne Dave Conlon (Capt) Alex Baird Joe Warmington Andy Levendis Gavin Lee Ellison Danny Summers Tom Waring Tommy Walsh Dean Thurston Lee Shilito Matt Eckersley Ashley Farlow Josh Ford Chris Pattison Lewis Childs Steve Walton Manager: Andy Nelson Assistant: Dave Conlon

Walshaw Sports Simon March Elliot Threkeld Nicky Baraas Damion Keegan Nathan Emery Kieran Delaney Ant Kenyon Jordan Hardman Lee Chapman (Capt) Luke Chapman Connor Gateley Mike Downing Lee Bruce Jamie Treanor Dominic Slavin Russ Brierley Chris Taylor

Manager: Steve Richardson Assistant: Malc Quilty

OFFICIALS: Referee: Tim Direkler Assistant Referees: Dan Scott and Neil Young NEXT HOME GAME:

WEST v East Manchester Saturday, 21st January 2012 – Kick-off: 2.00pm Please check the club website weekly at www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com and www.manchester-league.co.uk as fixtures will change.

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

WHAT’S OUR

STORY?

The story of West Didsbury began 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.

This was down to the hard work of a core of players and Committee who refused to let the club fold and the new facilities were secured without a penny of help from the Playing Fields Society who sold the land for commercial development.

West then joined the Manchester Alliance League where they competed until the outbreak of the First World War (1914-1918).

In 2007/8 season West won Manchester League silverware for the first time when they lifted the Murray Shield with the nucleus of our previously successful junior team. The following season West just missed promotion to the Premier Division and again reached the Murray Shield Final.

A further name change followed in 2003 to reflect our new location in Chorlton and we were elected to the Manchester League in 2006.

After the War the club joined the Lancashire and Cheshire League for the 1920/21 season and changed its name to West Didsbury AFC. The club was placed in Divisions 1 and A and stayed in the top flight for 25 seasons. The first team were double runners up in League and Rhodes Cup in 1922/23.

In 1927, West lifted the Rhodes Cup by beating Davenport 2-1 in the final, and by the early thirties the club had finished runners up in 1931/32 for the fourth time.

It was third time unlucky for West Didsbury (West) as they were beaten in the final of the Rhodes Cup by South Salford, who then won the cup for six consecutive years - a feat unequalled by anyone since.

The first team succumbed to relegation for the first time in 1952, losing a play-off 3-1 to Rusholme, but bounced back as second division runners up the following season, remaining in the top division for another 5 years, before relegation again in 1959/60 meant a 6 year wait to regain top flight status. Indeed during that period, relegation to the third division was narrowly avoided in 1963/64.

West finished runners up in 1965/66 and were back in the top flight for another spell before relegation again in 1968/69.

In 1969/70 West won the Rhodes Cup for only the second time. They faced a Monton Amateurs side that had dominated the league for a number of years, yet against the odds West equalised twice and scored the winner in extra-time for a famous 3-2 victory. Current Chairman Brian Cripps skippered the side that day and received the trophy in near darkness.

In 1970/71 West were promoted to Division 1 after securing runners up spot, before relegation in 1972/73 and 1974/75 meant that the team were playing in the third division. In 1976/77 West beat Heywood GSOB from the first division 2-0 in the Whitehead Cup Final.

Rob Turley scored both goals.

The club then had another hard period before promotion in successive seasons, from 1987-89, clinching both divisional championships and losing only once in two seasons.

The second team were unbeaten champions of Division B in 1987/88 and the club won the Aggregate Trophy for the best club in the Lancashire and Cheshire League for the first time in 50 years.

After several years of uncertainty when our former ground at Christie Playing Fields was sold off, the club were boosted when, in 1997/98, they kicked off the new season at their splendid new home at Brookburn Road, and began to develop a vision for a community club.

With a new management team, the 2009/10 season proved to be very successful. Honours were spread right through the club with: The first team winning the Murray Shield, (the third consecutive year we have been in the final) and finishing runners-up in the league. The second team winning Bridgewater Office Supplies League Cup and the U17 Youth team winning their League. Last Season 2010/2011, the First team won the First Division title in style this season with a fantastic points total (65 points out of 72 possible). This must rank as one of the highest points totals per game ever in the history of the Manchester League dating back over a century.

It was also one of the best and proudest seasons in the club’s history and CONGRATULATIONS to ANDY NELSON and ALL THE PLAYERS for their commitment to the club throughout the season.

Our thanks must also go to Dave Conlon, Steve Eckersley, Kris Mahon and physio Ronnie Cook, who have been integral to the management team, and to Rick Waring for his support week in week out as match day secretary for the 1st team.

Congratulations also to the Reserves for a terrific season under the guidance of Jim Hines and Paul Rowell, resulting in promotion and for the second year they contested the Bridgewater Trophy Cup Final, this time finishing runners up in a game they really should have won.

The A team have also performed well this year finishing in 3rd place and manager Chris Argent has done a great job in maintaining a squad this season, resulting in a complete turnaround in results and league placing.

Rob Madden and Barry Isaacs have steered the Youth team to yet another final where they were just pipped to the trophy by New Mills.

Finally, the Veterans finished 2nd in the Cheshire Veterans League Premier Division and were runners up in the Cup Final. This is another great achievement as this league has expanded in recent years to 4 very competitive divisions, comprising 30 clubs and finishing as one of the top teams is great credit to the efforts of Sam Hickey and Phil Bairstow.

In summary, 5 teams, 5 top 3 finishes and 3 cup finals to add to the League Championship.

So a great 2010/2011 Season – we look forward to what 2011-12 has in store.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC W TThe Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville, Manchester, M21 8EH www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com