#nwcfl

DROYLSDEN 2 – 1 EUXTON VILLA Saturday saw Droylsden bagging their first three league points of the new North West Counties Division 1 North season, as the Bloods defeated Euxton Villa 2-1 at the Butcher’s Arms with the home side not being at their best in the match. A crowd of 622 watched on as two first-half goals from the Bloods’ took them just over the line, as they were far from their best…

What a whirlwind year the 2023/24 season was for the Tameside based club Droylsden FC, as having mothballed for three years due to finances caused by the pandemic, the side nicknamed “The Bloods” couldn’t have dreamt in their wildest dreams that they would enjoy the amount of success they had, even if things ended in late heartbreak come the end of the season. Having dropped out of the Northern…

Droylsden F.C 5 – 3 Eccleshall FC This past Saturday afternoon saw me heading back to Droylsden’s Butchers Arms Ground to watch some Non-League Football, and the first time I’ve been back since late July for the start of their campaign, as due to planned trips and illness affecting me I haven’t been anywhere close to the amount of games I’ve wanted to attend this year. Having attended the…

3 SEPTEMBER 2016

NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN 2-2 1874 NORTHWICH

@ SILENTNIGHT STADIUM, BARNOLDSWICK

ATT: 166

It took me far too long to visit this outpost of the NWCFL, finally chalking it off at the final game of last season, and as usual I vowed I would not leave it so long again. For once I actually kept the promise and I hope to be back a few times this season. It is a smashing club, I love the ground and the people genuine. When I did visit previously it was a nice dry day, not the same weather for this match.

Horatio collected me not long after midday and we made good enough progress to stop off in the centre to sample the delights of the Albert Road Fisheries, a bloody decent chippy. Though because of the weather we couldn't sit in the market place and eat, we returned to the Horatiomobile and steamed up the windows before carrying on the short distance up Gisburn Road to the ground.  

Parking up, we ignored the massive new sign pointing you in the direction of the new turnstile and started to walk to the opposite side, until assisted by another spectator at which point we saw the signs, typical Mr B 'follow me I know what I'm doing!' Only to be wrong. Once inside Barlick's ground we headed for the shelter of the Sewer End.

The sides came out into the rain and it was 1874 who came flying out of the blocks, winning a penalty in the opening minute and Tom Bailey dispatching it with ease. For the next half hour this was a pretty one-sided affair. Time after time the visitors came forward, quite often down the right wing and caused problems. After an effort was chalked off for offside just after the 10 minutes mark Barlick did look to settle slightly. Any good work was undone on the half hour as 1874 went 2-0 up. Breaking down the right hand side again a ball to the far post was laid off perfectly for Scott McGowan to snap up an easy finish. How many was this going to end up?

I am not sure what quite happened over the next two minutes, whether Barlick woke up or 1874 fell asleep, but the match just changed and less than 3 minutes later the hosts were back in it, a cross from the left was powerfully headed home by Aaron Hollindrake, the big striker was starting to make his presence felt.

H-T: BARNOLDSWICK TOWN 1-2 1874 NORTHWICH

As the teams went in for the half-time talk we happened to be stood near the 1874 Northwich dressing room, now I know there are times when a good old fashioned rollocking is needed but as the old adage goes, you get more with wine than you do vinegar. The team needed encouragement, what they got was a foul-mouthed tirade. Not pleasant at all to hear.

Whatever was said worked a treat, because a couple of minutes after the restart they had a player sent off for violent conduct and if the referee does his job and reports the fact the player then grabbed his opponent round the neck after getting his red card then surely Ryan Mitchell will receive more than the standard 3 games.

Mr Mitchell's moment of idiocy probably cost his team the full 3 points and in a half where the hosts toiled away trying to break down the visitors strong defence the pressure was being ramped up bit by bit. An 1874 player left the pitch for a blood injury, the away fans screamed for him to be allowed back on, obviously ignorant of the laws of the game, which state the referee must be satisfied it the bleeding has stopped and all cleared away. He can hardly do that whilst play is continuing.

Finally with 10 minutes to go Barnoldswick got their deserved equaliser, Greg Hall spilling a shot for Hollindrake to put in the rebound, harsh on the keeper who had had a decent game until that point. So the shares spoiled on a wet but thoroughly entertaining afternoon

F-T: BARNOLDSWICK TOWN 2-2 1874 NORTHWICH

We headed back towards Manchester, drying out but remarking that we must come back soon, the 4 of us in the car agreeing that Barlick's a great club to visit.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Aaron Hollindrake - Led the line brilliantly, caused 1874's defence problems and took his 2 goals very well.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: 1874's fans appealing as one for handball, cheering when the whistle blew, before realising the decision had gone the other way and turning on the official. Priceless to the neutral.

SOUNDTRACK: Easy Pieces - Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

CASH: Gate - £5, Programme - £1, Brew - 80p

IRLAM (0) 0 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON (3) 6

@ The Ambitek Stadium, Irlam

NWCFL Premier Division

Att: 166

After a couple of false starts I finally managed to get to my second Friday night match, and who could resist this local derby, less than 6 miles as the crow flies or a £50 Shelton Payne taxi-ride, whichever currency you prefer. So following a pretty awful week at work, what better way to start your weekend? Neither me or Horatio could come up with anything and we headed over Barton Bridge, past the egg-chasers place and to Irlam FC.

For a ground that is so close to my home I do not get here anywhere near enough, a negative in regards to the people and welcome I get when I do get round to it, however, there is a positive. This is a club that is growing, on the move in the right direction and something has improved every time I put in an appearance. Over the last few years, i have been welcomed by a new clubhouse, a much improved car park, pitch work and tonight, a new sign over the entrance. Really nice touch folks.

A debut season in the Premier Division  for the hosts has started as well as anyone could have wished for and they top the table heading into September, no mean feat given some of the teams in this division. Add into the mix West Didsbury & Chorlton's near perfect away record, only Runcorn Linnets have denied them victory on their travels (drawing 2-2), and this was a nailed on certainty for me.

Frantic is probably the best word to describe the start of this match, it was akin to watching a dog let off its lead at a beach or somewhere similar and just as it looked like the hosts were on top West struck. A cross from the right, the ball squirmed back to Ashley Woods who finished. The whites came into the game straight after and took over, in the 28th minute they won a penalty, by that point they could have had another couple at least. The spot-kick, awarded for a foul on Mason, was dispatched easily by Matty Kay.

What an opportunistic moment of brilliance we had from Joe Shaw ten minutes later; a free-kick given in the middle of the park, some 40 yards from goal, was taken quickly by the midfielder and Lee White could only watch it sail over his head, 3-0, superb strike. As the players headed in for their half-time cuppa, Irlam could count themselves lucky not to have conceded another couple, West had been fantastic.

Five minutes after the restart and it was 4-0, yet again the build-up came from the West right wing and Jonny Poizer had a simple chance which he snapped up. 

On the hour Irlam made their second substitution and slowly started to come into the match, an effort hit the bar with the keeper beaten, they went close from a corner, Williams in the West goal was being kept a little busier whilst he maintained his banter with the home support behind his goal. Then West rubbed salt and vinegar into the wounds of Irlam with two goals in a minute or so, Ben Woods was involved in both, scoring the fifth from a cross by Ash Woods, before providing for Jonny Poizer to volley home the sixth spectacularly. Whilst Ben Woods was credited with the fifth, I think the away administration team wer being kind as the ball definitely hit another of their players on the way in.

West's forwards pretty much declared at that point, but the home side continued to come forward, two efforts flew just wide, a couple just over, how they didn't score I do not know. At the final whistle I commented to Horatio, and later on twitter too, that whilst West were the better side, you cannot fault Irlam's effort. Irlam had chances, a fair number of them, West also missed a fair few more, it would not have been a surprise had West won 10-0 or if this had finished 6-6.

FINAL SCORE: IRLAM 0-6 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ash Woods - West's forward was a constant menace to Irlam and edged my award over several other teammates. Just. Take a bow Mr Woods

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Joe Shaw's 40 yard effort, missed by Horatio, and a fair few others. Sensational strike.

SOUNDTRACK: Millionaires - James

CASH: Gate - £5, Programme - SOLD OUT, Brew - £1

29 AUGUST 2016

NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION

MAINE ROAD 1-1 CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

@ BRANTINGHAM ROAD, MANCHESTER

ATT: 96

As a kid growing up football used to make the most of the bank holidays and they were games galore across all levels. That has very much stopped these days and there was a choice of just four across both divisions of the North West Counties. I had already decided that I would go to the nearest before the fixtures came out and when they did I found myself off to Brantingham Road.

A number 22 bus ride after leaving home and I was in Chorlton, with the young and trendy sat in the pubs, bars and cafes of the fashionable suburb, I made my way past them all and out to Whalley Range. Arriving and entering, I noticed two things immediately, whilst Road were all out warming up, there was no sign of Lairds. Secondly, the vegetable garden. All overgrown and gone to ruin by the looks of it, or at the very least in a dire need of a bloody good weeding. At least one of my concerns was put to rest immediately as out came the visitors to warm up.

Slightly later than advertised we got underway and the hosts started slightly the better but there wasn't much in it until Ryan Steele smashed an effort off the post from 20 yards with Morrow in the Lairds goal beaten all ends up, the hosts started to push forward a bit more However, Lairds were breaking with purpose and it was no surprise after 15 minutes when they took the lead, the ball breaking for Dan King, his shot was a beauty, giving the in-form Livesey no chance, 1-0 to the visitors.

This was pretty much where the team in yellow took control of the match, for the next 30 minutes they pushed their hosts back and looked likely to increase their advantage on a number of occasions. For now it was all the sky blues could do to offer resistance on the break, Steele tricky on the wing, Burke probing and running, all to no avail, this half was Lairds. Earlier in the season I saw them destroy AFC Darwen in the opening 45, this was very much similar.

As the half time whistle went the Lairds players approached the officials over a couple of decisions, as a neutral, I thought they made some poor decisions, but they were equally bad for both sides. I must say I was surprised it was only 1-0. Maine Road looked tired after their exertions on Saturday.

H-T: MAINE ROAD 0-1 CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

Whatever was said during the break in the home changing room it certainly worked, in less than a minute they drew level. Steele causing the problems and it was his cross from the byeline across the face of the goal that led to a defender turning the ball past his own keeper, Morrow did not stand a chance, all level.

From their on in the sky blues ramped up the pressure, looking to get the ball out wide, neat little passes, looking to unlock an excellent defence. Now it was the yellows that threatened on the break, Edgar looked like he had a goal in him, but he was denied by the hosts.

Steele was taken off and replaced by Williams, Burke was moved out to the left wing, that was until the right winger was taken off and he was moved over there. However, this was not to be Williams' finest afternoon, going very close with a header, he then missed what must be described as an absolute sitter, with the keeper beaten by the cross he blazed over from at most 2 yards out. I feel for anyone I see who misses a better chance than this one.

So Lairds survived until the end of the half, pretty much like Road had done in the first half, quite a decent game, though both teams looked like Saturday had taken it out of them, maybe just lacking that bit of full fitness at the start of the season.

F-T: MAINE ROAD 1-1 CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ryan Steele - Constant threat, beat his marker on a number of occasions, best threat Road had all day.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Williams miss. Possibly the worst I have ever seen. Certainly the worst I can remember. 

SOUNDTRACK: The Head on the Door - The Cure

CASH: Gate - £5, Programme - £2, Brew - £1

27 AUGUST 2016

NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION

AFC LIVERPOOL 1-2 MAINE ROAD

@ THE MARINE TRAVEL ARENA, LIVERPOOL

ATT: 127

Whilst I try to keep myself moving around the grounds I could not believe it had been four months short of three years since I had last visited AFC Liverpool. 252 games. 872 goals. Two trips to Wembley Stadium. That long that they have moved grounds since. Far too long, I will be back this season, I promise.

Train west towards Liverpool, changing at South Parkway Station, on the excellent MerseyRail and their service towards Southport. Alighting at Blundellsands and Crosby, I need to make time one day coming here to venture down to the nearby coast. A needed food stop-off at the nearby chippy and then it was into the ground.Do you ever get anything other than a great welcome in Liverpool? Well, I don't that's for certain, everyone is so helpful, nice and chatty. Today was no different.

We got going in sunshine with the visitors attacking the main stand and within seconds they were a goal up. Liverpool's keeper O'Connell, under pressure, gave a poor ball to one of his defenders, dispossessed easily, a square ball taking out the keeper gave Morgan the simplest of tasks, he didn't let his side down.

In the fifth minute it was 2-0, Michael Burke was played in down the exposed left wing, he took full advantage, running straight at goal from an acute angle, he calmly curled the ball past O'Connell into the back of the net. The home fans looked shell-shocked.

Slowly but surely the reds believed in their plan, started to execute it and get back in the match. Playing football from the back, neat passing and play in the middle of the park, full-backs Brislen and Hunter high up the pitch they put their opponents under pressure. AFC Liverpool got their crosses in, shots from outside the box got closer, the corner count started to mount and finally in the 25th minute they got back into the match.

Winning another corner, the ball played into the mix, Maine Road failed to clear and Freddie Potter got his second goal of the season. The signs looked fairly ominous for the sky blues, but they defended well, skipper Mason and his partner Edwards at the back holding firm, Livesey in goal being tested and being up to the task. All happening whilst Liverpool's Vice-Chairman was asking a guy out mowing his lawn to pop over a couple of houses to retrieve a lost ball in another garden, entertaining Mr Harrison.

As the half finished, words were being exchanged by Livesey and the home bench, no idea what happened but they were not on the best of terms at that point.

H-T: AFC LIVERPOOL 1-2 MAINE ROAD

With the sides came back out, the referee made a beeline straight for Ryan Livesey in the visitors goal, I presume it was to ask him to calm down. If it was a pep talk, then it certainly worked, he was in fantastic form in the second half.

The pattern of play for the second period was quickly formed and to be honest, rarely deviated, Liverpool passing, probing, testing Maine Road in search of the equaliser. Maine Road soaking up the pressure, looking to take advantage on the break, and nearly succeeding one a couple of occasions.

Maine Road also took their time. With every throw-in. With every free-kick. With every goal kick. Liverpool's bench didn't like it, they made their feelings known. Liverpool's fans didn't like it, they made their feelings known. Liverpool's players didn't like it, they made their feelings known.

One substitute in particular took two attempts and whilst amusing to the visiting and neutral fans led to Mr Harrison's tannoy announcement of "I give up, one Maine Road player will replace another". Message received.

I have no idea how AFC didn't score in the second half, the dangerous Adegbenro was introduced, White moved from defence upfront, nothing worked. Chance after chance came and went, as if a spell had been put on the goal, they all missed or were kept out by the excellent Livesey. Maine Road somehow hung on for the three points.

F-T: AFC LIVERPOOL 1-2 MAINE ROAD

Heading back to Mancland, a journey hindered by a broken down train blocking lines out of Lime Street Station causing chaos, I was looking forward to seeing the sky blues in action again on Monday. AFC Liverpool, you are a pleasure to visit, entertaining to watch and today at least, very unlucky to lose.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ryan Livesey - Somehow, and I have no idea how, limited the hosts to one goal.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Mr Harrison, in addition to being a true gentleman provides humour over the tannoy, his comment about the Maine Road substitution was priceless. 

SOUNDTRACK: Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches - Happy Mondays

CASH: Gate - £5, Programme - £2, Brew - £1.40

20 AUGUST 2016

NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION

RUNCORN TOWN 3-1 RUNCORN LINNETS

@ PAVILIONS, RUNCORN

ATT: 357

Not often I go through so many changes in the match of choice as I did to finally end up at the Pavilions, but it was well worth the wait. A change a week or so ago from Ramsbottom United to AFC Darwen had me an the boy Horatio heading further north but happy with our pick. Then came the rain. Darwen was off, now Horatio is fairly new to the groundhopping lark so where could we go, Hanley Town? Why the hell not.

Off we set towards the M6 only to hit a gridlock around Knutsford, give that a miss, quick check of the mobile and the Runcorn Derby it was, so turn north and head to the derby. Failing to find a chippy open in the area, we arrived at the ground a little after 2 and had to park on the grass as someone was getting married at the Pavilions club.

Entering we made our way to the left to the Tea Hut, only to be redirected over to the clubhouse where the hot food (meat and potato pies) were being sold, apparently Town are thinking of closing down the small hut on the far side this season. Shame.

What a difference in the weather from my match last week as the sides came out to wind and drizzle, with Linnets attacking the Pavilions end the match got underway. Following a similar pattern to my game last week, the visitors driven on by a big following being the better side until the hosts in blue took the lead.

A corner in the 10th minute was headed at goal by Rodgers, saved well by the Linnets stopper Hunt, Jarrett was on hand to fire home. From there on in Town were the better side in the first half and could have had 3 or 4 more before the break. Instead they had to make do with just one further goal to add to the score, Cairns thumping a spot-kick straight down the middle after a foul on the Town skipper Thelwall in the area.

Shortly before the interval we had some handbags in the middle before the venom from the visiting fans to the referee really boiled over when he denied them a penalty claim, correctly to me.

H-T: RUNCORN TOWN 2-0 RUNCORN LINNETS

The visitors emerged a couple of minutes or so after the break, with either some wise or angry words in their ears. Whatever was said, there was an improvement on the first half, unfortunately for them, just not enough.

As the yellows tried to find a way through the blues defence, the hosts looked dangerous on the break especially as their opponents defence did not appear at all comfortable in dealing with what Town threw at them.

Just before we got to the halfway mark of the second period the visitors scored. Smart play on the edge of the box created a chance for Foster, he beat the advancing O'Loughlin with ease, game on! Linnets pressed, Town held them at bay, Town then broke away, Linnets somehow kept them out. We moved towards full-time the blues wasted a couple of great chances on the break before Irlam slammed a final goal home in added on time.

F-T: RUNCORN TOWN 3-1 RUNCORN LINNETS

Heading back to Manchester in the HoratioMobile®, I read out the day's scores whilst we had New Order's 'Blue Monday' playing in the background, easily better than Sports Report.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Craig Cairns - Tucked away his penalty, a hand in the third, constant threat to the visitors.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Sad one for me, despite a good match, it will be the Linnets fan with 'Bob 82' on his back and his choice of insults aimed at the Town players. 

SOUNDTRACK: K - Kula Shaker

CASH: Gate - £6, Programme - £2, Brew - £1