v West Didsbury & Chorlton

17.10.2015

NWCFL Premier Division

Kick Off: 15:00

Issue 10

£1.50

Club Information

Chairman

Stuart Hopwood

Secretary

John Maguire

Treasurer

John Stokes

Manager

Daniel Penswick

Reserves Manager

Andy Collins

Under 13’s Manager

Mick Bishop

Groundsman

Brian Addison

Micky Farrar

Peter Bryant

Steve Bellamy

Bar & Hospitality

Denise Gibson

Emma Hopwood

Christine Walsh

Media

Albert Cooper

Danny Braid

Mark Ashmore

Programme Editors

Daniel Hayden

Jay Hayden

Twitter

@squiresgatefc

Instagram

@squiresgatefc

MATCH PREVIEW Words by Daniel Hayden

We would like to welcome all West Didsbury & Chorlton supporters and the

committee to The Royal British Legion Stadium for today’s NWCFL fixture. Last

Saturday saw us heavily beaten by a strong Bootle side, where we didn’t

perform well and struggled to get going throughout the game.

On Tuesday night, we saw a completely different

Gate side as we beat Silsden 3-1 thanks to Billy

McKenna and a brace from Mark Buchan. However,

it was a great team performance and I feel we got

what we deserved. It just goes to show how football

can change within a couple of days.

It has been all change over the past few weeks, and

today we could move out of the bottom three with

a win, depending on other results. 6 points seperate

todays sides with West Didsbury 15th in the league

table, having won a third of their games - and if they can tighten up their

defence then they could easily push up the table. Turn to page 14 for an in

depth look at todays opposition.

Gate were without Danny Penswick and Ash Rowley on Tuesday, but the duo

are set for a return this afternoon and Rowley will be looking to add to his goal

tally after getting on the score sheet against Bootle.

In the last four meetings between todays teams, Gate have taken 9 points out

of a possible 12, with the most common score being 2-0. I’d certainly take that

today, and I’m pretty sure Gate supporters would too!

Personally, I would like to thank West fan Peter Jones for his great contribution

to this weeks programme, it’s much appreciated. I’d also like to thank Albert

Cooper for his contribution, as he tells us about his time at Squires Gate as well

as his fantastic career - where he has photographed some footballing legends

and has even got an exclusive photo from the World Cup final in 1996!

Our next game will be on Monday as we travel to Atherton Collieries who beat

us 4-3 in August. We will return to The Royal British Legion Stadium on the

31st as we face Padiham.

Ben Fletcher (Sponsored by S.E.I. [Maintenance] LTD)

Superb young shot stopper that had a tremendous season last year. He kept numerous clean sheets and

played every single minute of every single game. 2015/16 will be his 3rd season with the club where he’ll

be looking to continue his fine form.

Nathan Trout (Available for sponsorship)

Nathan moved to the Fylde coast from Liverpool. A ball winning centre half that has a big presence on the

pitch, he’ll be hoping to force his way into the team and make his position his own.

Alex Colquhoun (Available for sponsorship)

After a short spell at the club last season, Alex has returned to the club hungry and determined to play on

a regular basis. He showed signs of quality last season and will be looking to cement his place in the

2015/16 season.

Brett Ferguson (Sponsored by Service Solutions Direct Ltd)

One of the main characters within the changing room, “Channy” as he is called, always has stories to tell,

consistently produced good displays during last season and got on the score sheet on numerous occasions.

A very adaptable player that has made a huge impression on all within the club. Winner of Clubman of the

Year 2014/15.

Andy Richards (Available for sponsorship)

A club stalwart! ‘Rico’ as he is known, has been with the club for many seasons and has become a linchpin

of the side. His performances and changing room experience has played a vital role in recent success. A

player with many superstitions that is well liked at the club.

Josh Westwood (Sponsored by Mark Ashmore)

Josh was a rock at the heart of defence during last season. He produced some fine individual displays and

chipped in with a few headed goals. A quiet individual but very popular player that lets his feet, or head do

the talking. Josh is also adaptable to play up front.

Mike Hall (Available for sponsorship)

Mike was only with Gate briefly last season but his knowledge and experience of the game was beneficial

to all that played alongside him. He was influential in his performances and will be looking to have the

same impact throughout the 2015/16 season.

Conah Bishop (Available for sponsorship)

Conah is one of the youngest players in the squad and plays on the right side of midfield. He has the pace

to run at the opposition and can also score goals. He is a great addition to the team.

Joe Noblet (Available for sponsorship)

Joe had a spell with Gate a few seasons ago, and returned under the new management of Danny

Penswick. He is an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and will be sure to add goals to the squad.

Josh Kay (Available for sponsorship)

One of the youngest players in the squad that broke into the first team ranks at the end

of last season. Very talented player with a strong personality which makes him ideal for

non league football. Very bright future ahead of him if he stays focused and learns from

others around him.

Alex McKendrick (Available for sponsorship)

Alex has been at the club for a number of seasons, first arriving under the stewardship

of ex manager Russ McKenna. His work rate and willingness to do the unfashionable

jobs in a game have been hugely important to the team. Injury put a halt to his 2014/15

season but he’ll be looking to come back a stronger player this season.

Billy McKenna (Available for sponsorship)

The flying winger missed a large part of last season due to injury but is looking to make

the right midfield position his own. A popular player within the changing room that can

have a big influence on games when in the mood.

Antony Stayte (Available for sponsorship)

Stayte is a great addition to the squad, who brings experience from his time at AFC

Fylde and from teams in a higher tier. He knows how to organise and motivate his team

mates and is very good at holding the ball up.

Ashley Rowley (Travel Care World)

Ash joined Gate towards the end of last season, and impressed in the time he played. He

scored a crucial equaliser at home to Congleton Town and will be looking to have an

impact this season.

Danny Penswick (Sponsored by Bill White)

Danny is the manager and captain of the club. He first joined midway through the

2013/14 season and soon established himself as a leader and highly influential player.

His game understanding and levels of performance have seen him become a focal point

of the team.

Mark Buchan (Available for sponsorship)

Mark models himself on Ally McCoist. A fiery Scot that knows where the goal is. His

workmanlike performances often go unnoticed, but he scored some valuable goals dur-

ing last season. An influential player both on and off the pitch and will be a key player

during this season.

Aaron Clarke (Available for sponsorship)

Aaron was part of the Kirkham and Wesham squad which was victorious at Wembley in

2008. Unfortunately for Aaron, he picked up an injury the week before the final so didn’t

take part in the game. A quick striker who possesses skill and eye for a pass and can

also play in behind the striker in attacking midfield. Aaron will be looking to cement a

spot up top and to fire Gate up the table.

3

1

BUCHAN BRACE SINKS SILSDEN Tuesday 13th October 2015

Report by Mark Ashmore. Picture by Albert Cooper

Squires Gate hosted fellow strugglers Silsden on Tuesday night looking to get back to winning

ways after Saturday's 5-1 defeat to Bootle. Silsden say two places above Gate coming into the

game and were unlucky not to win against Linnets after a 97th minute winner for Linnets.

Manager Danny Penswick missed the game after picking up a knock and was replaced by

Noblet. Nathan Trout came in for Colquhoun who dropped to the bench and Ryan Riley came

in for Rowley who was unavailable.

Gate started the game very well early on with Josh Kay almost opening the scoring. He cut

inside but the ball cannoned off both posts before being cleared. Joe Noblet was the next to

try his luck from midfield but his curling shot fell the wrong side of the post. Gate opened the

scoring 13 minutes into the game. The ball played upto Buchan who cheated the ball to Riley

he took the ball in his stride and opened his legs. Riley took the ball to the byline and crossed

to find the run of Buchan who got himself in the box to head Gate in the lead. Riley was again

involved this time linking with McKenna who controlled the cross field pass well and took the

ball in his stride. He stormed into the box before drifting the ball into the back of the net. Gate

added a quick fire third on the 22nd minute a free kick from Fletcher fired into the box found

Buchan who challenged for the ball. Silsdens keeper dropped the ball in the challenge allowing

Buchan and easy tap in for his second. Silsden had the last chance of the first half but the cross

couldn't find the run of the number 9 at the back post.

Gate made a poor start to the second half and conceded nine minutes into the half. Gates

defence allowing Silsden space to find the back of the net and give them a boost. The second

half featured more chances for the visitors as they came into the game more. But Gate

defended well and had chances of there own. Josh Westwood with the chance to make it 4-1

but his header from the corner was cleared off the line. Billy McKenna had a chance to grab his

second but his shit with the left was over the bar. Gate held on to record their second victory

of the season much to the applause of the

crowd and players.

Pics by Albert Cooper

Tuesday 20th October 2015

Abbey Hey v Maine Road

AFC Blackpool v AFC Liverpool

Alsager Town v 1874 Northwich

Ashton Athletic v Colne

Runcorn Linnets v Congleton Town

West Didsbury & Chorlton v Nelson

AFC Darwen v Barnoldswick Town

Padiham v Silsden

Saturday 24th October 2015

The Men United Cup Round 2

!874 Northwich V Winsford United

Abbey Hey v Silsden

AFC Darwen v AFC Blackpool

Saturday 17th October 2015

1874 Northwich v Barnoldswick Town

AFC Liverpool v Runcorn Linnets

Ashton Athletic v Bootle

Atherton Collieries v Alsager Town

Cammell Laird 1907 v Abbey Hey

Colne v Padiham

Congleton Town v Winsford United

Maine Road v AFC Darwen

Runcorn Town v AFC Blackpool

Squires Gate v West Didsbury & Chorlton

Monday 19th October 2015

Atherton Collieries v Squires Gate

Runcorn Town v Cammell Laird 1907

Winsford United v Bootle

APP SUB GLS APP SUB GLS APP SUB GLS APP SUB GLS APP SUB GLS Y R

FLETCHER 12 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 17 0 0 0 0

RICHARDS 12 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 17 1 0 0 0

MCKENNA 9 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 0 16 2 1 0 0

WESTWOOD 11 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 16 0 1 1 0

PENSWICK 10 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 15 0 0 1 0

FERGUSON 12 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 17 1 0 1 0

MCKENDRICK 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 0

HALL 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0

BUCHAN 9 2 3 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 2 13 3 6 2 0

RILEY 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0

ROWLEY 5 5 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 1 8 7 3 1 0

KAY 11 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 0 15 0 4 7 1

COLQUHOUN 8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 11 1 0 0 0

BISHOP 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

HIGGINS 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 3 0 0 1

TROUT 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 5 6 0 0 0

CLARKE 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 0

DICKSON 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

HIGHAM 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

NOBLET 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0

LEAGUE LEAGUE CUP FA CUP FA VASE 2015/16 CARDS

P W D L F A GD PTS

C Padiham 42 26 10 6 92 45 47 88

2 Maine Road 42 28 3 11 99 57 42 87

3 Bootle 42 26 8 8 79 43 36 86

4 Runcorn Town 42 26 9 7 105 45 60 84

5 Winsford United 42 25 8 9 85 45 40 83

6 Runcorn Linnets 42 21 9 12 82 58 24 72

7 Congleton Town 42 20 9 13 85 55 30 69

8 Colne 42 19 10 13 93 60 33 67

9 Barnoldswick Town 42 19 9 14 77 57 20 66

10 AFC Blackpool 42 19 9 14 60 58 2 66

11 AFC Liverpool 42 18 6 18 69 64 5 60

12 Wigan Robin Park 42 17 5 20 66 71 -5 56

13 Glossop North End 42 14 11 17 73 71 2 53

14 Norton United 42 16 7 19 69 83 -14 52

15 Alsager Town 42 14 8 20 66 78 -12 50

16 Stockport Sports 42 14 13 15 72 69 3 49

17 Bacup Borough 42 13 8 21 51 71 -20 47

18 Silsden 42 11 6 25 58 98 40 39

19 St Helens Town 42 9 9 24 54 91 -37 36

20 Ashton Athletic 42 10 5 27 58 91 -33 35

21 Squires Gate 42 8 6 28 47 95 -48 30

R Stone Dominoes 42 3 4 35 31 166 -135 13

Opposition Home Away

AFC Blackpool 0-2 1-2

AFC Liverpool 2-3 1-0

Alsager Town 3-3 0-3

Ashton Athletic 3-2 4-0

Bacup Borough 0-2 0-0

Barnoldswick Town 0-2 3-2

Bootle 0-4 2-2

Colne 3-1 2-0

Congleton Town 1-3 3-0

Glossop North End 2-2 4-0

Maine Road 2-1 4-0

Norton United 1-2 2-0

Padiham 0-2 5-4

Runcorn Linnets 0-1 3-2

Runcorn Town 1-4 5-0

Silsden 1-1 2-1

St Helens Town 3-0 5-0

Stockport Sports 2-0 4-0

Stone Dominoes 0-1 0-3

Wigan Robin Park 2-2 2-1

Winsford United 0-1 4-1

SEASON REVIEW

Words by Daniel Hayden

A SEASON TO FORGET FOR GATE

It’s hard to look for positives out of a season where you’ve

only managed to pick up 8 wins. You just know it’s not a

good season when you lose at home to a side who finished

bottom with only one away win; which was against Gate.

Stone Dominoes relegated after winning only 3 games all

season, as they picked up 7 points and a goal difference of

–166!

Despite having one of the worst away records in the

league, there were some entertaining games on the road.

Gate played out a 9 goal thriller with eventual champions

Padiham - losing 5-4.

A few positives to take from the season was that we beat

local rivals AFC Blackpool 2-1 in one of our only away wins

of the season and getting a win over runners up Maine

Road.

—— TUE ——

03 NOV 19:45

VS AFC DARWEN

£6 ADULTS

£3 CONCESSIONS

FREE FOR UNDER 12’S

BOOTLE 2-4 SQUIRES GATE

Sat 28 September, 2013

Bootle's Delta Taxi Stadium Vesty Road, is not usually

a happy hunting ground for Squires Gate, and when with

only 18mins on the clock, Bootle were two goals up. it

looked as though nothing changes. Even though Gate

were the first to show, when straight from the kick off

the ball fell to the feet of Seydou Bamba, who slipped

the ball past the home keeper from close range, only to

see the ball go the wrong side of the post.

In the 13th min Sean Miller put the home side ahead

from the penalty spot, giving Ben Flet

cher no chance of prevent the shot going into the bottom left hand corner of the goal.

While Gate were trying to compose themselves , a shot from Bootle's James Riley, went

in, again in the bottom left hand corner of the net. As the first half progressed the mid-

field began to make progress, and returning from a year away, Andy Richards, was

settling in. Seydou Bamba was fouled 30 yards out on the right, and up stepped Lynden

Hodgkiss to fire a pile driver free kick, which the keeper could only parry, and Andy Harvie

was first to react, slotting the ball home on 35 mins. This was quickly followed by a foul

on Andy Harvie again 30 yards out this time on the left, and this time Andy Richards hit a

cracker, only to see the ball tipped over by the keepers fingers. The interval came with

Gate looking to be taking control of the game.

The second half saw Gate bring on Neil Unsworth, and as the game wore on it looked as

though the visitors would be the team to get the next goal, with their defence looking the

more solid, giving chances for Jack Sowerby and Seydou Bamba who was having his best

game of the season. Then on 70 mins it was Seydou who, climbed highest to head a

Charlie Russell corner beating the defence, and put

Gate level at two all. Joe Noblet, came on as sub, and

within mins, got on the end of a Seydou Bamba pass,

Twisting on one leg as he volleyed in from 27 yards to give

Gate the lead on 76 mins. Sensing victory they pushed on,

and a long ball from Andy Richards found Jack Sowerby on

the edge of the penalty area, he brought the ball under

control, rounded a couple of defenders, and left the keep-

er grasping at thin air, he raced through to slot home the

fourth goal on 87th min, sending team and supporters

home to celebrate their first away points of the season.

P W D L F A PTS POS

15 5 1 9 27 32 16 15th

THIS SEASON CURRENT FORM

P W D L F A PTS POS

6 4 0 2 31 12 12 4th

Founded:1908

Ground: Capacity: 1,000

Chairman: Glyn Meacher

Manager: Stevie Settle

COMPETITION DATE SCORE

NWCFL 08 Aug West Didsbury 1-2 Atherton Collieries

NWCFL 11 Aug Alsager Town 2-1 West Didsbury

FA Cup EP 14 Aug 1874 Northwich 3-0 West Didsbury

NWCFL 18 Aug West Didsbury 0-3 AFC Liverpool

NWCFL 22 Aug West Didsbury 0-1 Barnoldswick Town

NWCFL 25 Aug Nelson 4-2 West Didsbury

NWCFL 29 Aug AFC Darwen 2-2 West Didsbury

NWCFL 31 Aug West Didsbury 2-3 1874 Northwich

FA Vase Q1 05 Sep West Didsbury 2-1 Barton Town Old Boys

NW CFL 08 Sep Bootle 1-2 West Didsbury

NWCFL 12 Sep Winsford United 1-0 West Didsbury

NWCFL 15 Sep Ashton Athletic 3-0 West Didsbury

NWCFL 19 Sep West Didsbury 5-1 Padiham

NWCFL 26 Sep West Didsbury 0-3 Runcorn Linnets

FA Vase Q2 03 Oct West Didsbury 15-1 Dinnington Town

NWCFL 06 Oct West Didsbury 4-3 Alsager Town

NWCFL 10 Oct Abbey Hey 1-5 West Didsbury

NWCFL 13 Oct West Didsbury 2-3 Cammell Laird 1907

Highest Average Attendance: 118

Highest Attendance:

460 (vs FC United of Manchester July 2013)

FA Cup Progression:

Extra Preliminary Round

2013/14 saw a strong recovery from a series of early season setbacks and defeats in August to consoli-

date with a very creditable 12th place league finish in the Premier Division. Two new stands

were then installed to improve spectator facilities and the new grass pitches were laid out on adjoining

land as part of the long term development plan. Further historic milestones in 2013-14 were the 2-0 home

victory over Abbey Hey in the club’s first ever appearance in the FA Cup quickly followed by a 2-1 first FA

Vase victory away at NCEL Rossington Main near Doncaster in mid September.

Last season the club had an erratic start in the League and lost to Brighouse Town from the Evo

Stik League [North] in the FA Cup at the end of August having been given a walk over by the FA in the

previous round against NWCFL new club, Cammell Laird 1907. Rossington were FA Vase opponents for

the second successive year and again defeated 2-1, this time at home, before losing 1-2 to eventual

finalists Glossop North End. Some good mid season results garnered enough points to finish 16th in the

table, well clear of trouble, with a final home game 2-0 victory over Runcorn Linnets signing off manager

Andy Nelson’s six meteoric season’s in style.

This season has seen an early FA Cup exit away to 1874 Northwich, and a couple of narrow home defeats

by the odd goal compounded by injuries to several key players. The one away trip at time of writing saw

a good win at Alsager for the first time getting a first three points on the board. New manager Steve Settle

has given chances to a number on new younger players as the club aims to build on the steadily increas-

ing average attendances and improve on last season’s league position, whilst remaining as a volunteer

run, ‘not for profit’ club.

Squires Gate - last 5 matches 17/10/15 West Didsbury - Last 5 matches 17/10/15

ALL COMPETITIONS

Home D L L L W

Away W D L W L

Collated L L W L W

At West Didsbury & Chorlton At Squires Gate(2)

Overall (16)

Records

Previous Meetings

Results Total %

Squires Gate 2 100

West Didsbury 0 0

Draw 0 0

Goals Total Av.PG

Squires Gate 3 0.3

West Didsbury 0 0

Results Total %

West Didsbury 1 50

Squires Gate 1 50

Draw 0 0

Goals Total Av.PG

West Didsbury 3 0.3

Squires Gate 3 0.3

Results Total %

Squires Gate 3 75

West Didsbury 1 15

Draws 0 0

Goals Total Av.PG

Squires Gate 6 0.6

West Didsbury 3 0.3

Highest Aggregate Score: 2 Squires Gate 2-0 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Highest Squires Gate Score: 2 Squires Gate 2-0 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Highest West Didsbury Score: 3 West Didsbury 2-1 Squires Gate

Season Date

2013/14 Sat 08 Feb Squires Gate 1-0 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Sat 22 Feb West Didsbury & Chorlton 2-1 Squires Gate

2014/15 Sat 17 Jan Squires Gate 2-0 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Tue 31 Mar West Didsbury & Chorlton 1-2 Squires Gate

ALL COMPETITIONS

Home W L W W L

Away D W L L W

Collated L W W W L

SQUIRES GATE 1-0 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON

Sat 8th February, 2014

Gate travelled to South Manchester in their return game to West Didsbury & Chorlton FC, the pair had faced each other just

two weeks ago where Gate had turned out a great home win. West Didsbury hadn’t played at home since the 4th of January

but the pitch looked as if the whole of the 5 Nations Rugby squads had just had a tournament on it. A minute’s silence was

held in respect for the death of Sir Tom Finney, both teams started with chances at each end but it was Gate who first came

nearest to scoring when on 8 minutes when Seydou Bamba tested out the home keeper’s reflexes when he rifled in a

powerhouse from outside the penalty area which hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play, while at the other end Gate

keeper Dave Rodgerson made a brilliant save tipping the ball just wide of his right hand upright. The home side took the lead

on the 22nd minute when Didsbury’s Graham Kay pounced on a loose ball after a cruel deflection and tapped the ball past the

outstretched hands of keeper Rodgerson. As the first half went on the pitch looked more like a battlefield, as both teams

struggled to control much of the play, with even the simplest pass swerving and bobbling in all directions apart from its intend-

ed target.

The second half started much the same as the first, with chances going astray, Gate had a great chance of an equaliser when

hotshot Jack Sowerby made a great run down the right wing dodging a few tackles and fired a shot but seeing his effort rising

just above the home side’s crossbar. Gate keeper Rodgerson was again called into action saving another goal bound effort from

the hosts. Jack Sowerby was again in on the action when after Bamba was fouled 30 yards out, only to see his effort fly wide of

the post. As the game grew older the pitch looked like a freshly ploughed field, and passing became useless, and the visitors

suffered another sucker punch when the home side doubled their tally on the 62nd minute to a Matthew Kay goal. Gate boss

then fielded two substitutions Charlie Russell and new signing Marc Mullen, this seemed to put an extra zest into the team,

Jack Sowerby put a ball over to Seydou Bamba who raced down the left wing beating the defence and placing a neat airborne

chip back to Sowerby, he then fended off another defending challenge and volleyed home his first on 70 minutes. Gate looked

for their equaliser Charlie Russell, Sam Christensen also went close as Gate tried in vain but all their efforts went begging and

referee Mr Wood blew his whistle to end proceedings .

On a day that saw only 4 games out of 17 in the North West Counties football League Premier and 1st Div. it was a day when

football took second place to the wind and rain. It was the visitors very first visit to the Royal British Legion Stadium, and both

teams were unsure of each other, having never met before, but it was the home side that took the game to the visitors, and

had an early chance with a 30yard shot from Craig Carney, saved brilliantly by Paul Hughes in goal, he flung himself at full

stretch to tip the ball for a corner. Then Callum Cooke, broke free of his marker, to put in a shot, but the keeper was able to

save. The visitors who at start of play were 8 places above Gate, made runs into the home defence, and Mark Woodcock who

had come on as a sub. beat Gate’s defenders and hit the crossbar from 30 yards. But it was the home side who looked the

most likely to open the scoring, until, the final 15 mins of the half when the wind increased in strength, and the rain drenched

the surface, making the visitors defending more difficult to clear the ball up field, knocking at least 10yards off the length of a

clearance kick by their keeper, than was possible at the start of the game. This was of no help to the home side, even with the

wind in their favour, control became a lottery, and passes went beyond the forwards. So both teams must have been

frustrated at half time, with little to show for great efforts.

The second half showed no let up by both teams, and the relentless strong wind and rain, making it look as though neither

side was going to get ahead, but on 63 mins Jack Sowerby, picked up the ball on the right wing near the half way line, he just

powered his way forward outpacing his marker, who when they entered the penalty area, tried to pull back Gate’s leading

scorer with a hand on his shoulder, which seemed to give the striker the signal to shoot, and he hammered the ball past Paul

Hughes who was helpless against the pile driver, for a worthy match winning goal. Gate brought on fresh legs in the form of

Ryan Riley, for Jack Hindle. But for the last ten minutes of the game, the conditions were becoming so bad, that some of the

home fans were worried that the game might be stopped. But the pitch stood up to the test of the weather, which was

testimony to the loving care of award winning groundsman Brian Addison. The last kick of the ball brought a great save from

Home keeper Dave Rodgerson, who managed to get across to push the ball away to safety, and the ref blew for time.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON 2-1 SQUIRES GATE

Sat 22nd February, 2014

SQUIRES GATE 2-0 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON

Sat 17th January, 2015

Gate started the game the better side and could have gone ahead early on, good link up play be-

tween Murphy and Dunn but the latter couldn't convert Murphy's cross. Gate were a constant

threat down Wests Right hand side with Harry Dunn looking lively and full of confidence. Wests only

real chance of the game came after 20 minutes Baldwin Willis shooting but his drive was easily

saved by Fletcher. Gate's opener came after a beautiful ball out to Dunn on the wing was controlled

well he beat one man before driving the ball low towards goal the ball was intercepted by the

Didsbury defender and was out into his own net. Gate doubled there lead with fine work again from

Harry Dunn his ball back from the byline found the on rushing Buchan to slot the ball past the

goalkeeper to put Gate 2-0 up.

Into the second half and it was the home side that very much were the better of the two. Fletcher

was called Into action early on as the conditions became harder to play in due to rain and hail. It

would be fair to say that the home side had Gate rattled in the opening 20 and dominated the

minutes. And they would make it pay on 65 minutes when Gary Lilley jinked and jived through Gate

midfield before Poking the ball through to Daniel Russell who smashed the ball past Fletcher. What

followed was a very professional and disciplined 30 minutes from Gate who made sure they secured

the result and the three points. late on Mark Buchan and Sub Rowley combining before the latter

took a touch to many instead of shooting. But this wouldn't matter as Gate went on to secure all 3

points and get back to winning ways

The first half was largely dominated by the away side in which Gates back five produced an

impressive display. The highlight of the first half came when the ball was scrambled of the line

to deny a Didsbury goal. Both teams looked to get the ball forward quickly but neither pos-

sessed the quality to take the chances created. It wasn't until the 42nd minute when the break

through happened. Alex Murphy bought down on the edge of the area and from the resulting

free kick he found the back of the net. The Didsbury keeper will perhaps have been a little frus-

trated with his efforts to keep the ball out as Murphy's free kick seemed to go straight through

him. Gate will have been the happier side going in to half time, it being fair to say that the goal

came against the run of play.

Into the second half and Gate came out a much better side every player looked more motivated

than in the first half. One thing that changed in the second half was Gate's formation, Gate

changing to four across midfield allowing both Dunn and Mckendrick to move wider and stretch

the game. The benefit of this was clear to see when on the 64th minute Alex Murphy found

acres of space to run into to finish well for his and Gate's second of the day. Didsbury had the

chance to get a goal back late on but Ben Fletcher was more than equal to the shot to make yet

another fine save and to keep Gates clean sheet intact. Gate weathered a late storm of pres-

sure from Didsbury and saw the game out by bringing Jack Cook on to sure up the defence and

see out the win and three points.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON 1-2 SQUIRES GATE

Tues 31st March, 2015

AUGUST

Sat 8th 15:00 1874 Northwich A 2-0 293 19th NWCFL

Wed 12th 19:45 AFC Liverpool A 1-0 131 19th NWCFL

Sat 15th 15:00 Barton Town Old Boys A 2-2 122 FA Cup EP

Tues 18th 19:45 Barton Town Old Boys H 2-4 34 FA Cup EP R

Sat 22nd 15:00 Cammell Laird 1907 H 2-2 48 19th NWCFL

Tues 25th 19:45 Atherton Collieries H 3-4 150 21st NWCFL

Sat 29th 15:00 Barnoldswick Town A 3-0 109 22nd NWCFL

SEPTEMBER

Tues 1st 19:45 Nelson H 2-2 105 21st NWCFL

Sat 5th 15:00 Irlam H 2-2 37 FA Vase Q1

Tues 8th 19.45 Irlam A 2-3 80 FA Vase Q1R

Sat 12th 15:00 Ashton Athletic H 0-0 49 21st NWCFL

Wed 16th 19:45 AFC Darwen A 1-1 167 21st NWCFL

Sat 19th 15:00 Congleton Town H 1-2 69 21st NWCFL

Tues 22nd 19:45 Colne H 1-4 105 21st NWCFL

Sat 26th 15:00 Runcorn Town A 5-0 88 21st NWCFL

OCTOBER

Sat 3rd 15.00 Winsford United H 0-2 36 FA Vase Q2

Wed 7th 19:45 Padiham A 0-1 149 21st NWCFL

Sat 10th 15:00 Bootle A 5-1 129 21st NWCFL

Tues 13th 19:45 Silsden H 3-1 45 21st NWCFL

Sat 17th 15:00 West Didsbury H NWCFL

Mon 19th 19:45 Atherton Collieries A NWCFL

Sat 24th 15:00 Maine Road A MU Cup R2

Sat 31st 15.00 Padiham H NWCFL

NOVEMBER

Tues 3rd 19:45 AFC Darwen H NWCFL

Sat 7th 15:00 Cammell Laird A NWCFL

Sat 14th 15:00 Winsford United H NWCFL

Tues 17th 19:45 Nelson A NWCFL

Sat 21st 15:00 Alsager Town A NWCFL

DECEMBER

Sat 5th 15:00 Bootle H NWCFL

Sat 12th 15:00 West Didsbury A NWCFL

Sat 19th 15:00 Maine Road H NWCFL

Sat 26th 15:00 AFC Blackpool A NWCFL

JANUARY

Sat 2nd 15:00 Barnoldswick Town H NWCFL

Sat 9th 15:00 Maine Road A NWCFL

P W D L F A GD PTS

1 Colne 14 11 2 1 45 18 27 35

2 Runcorn Linnets 13 10 0 3 28 13 15 30

3 Runcorn Town 15 8 3 4 34 21 13 27

4 Barnoldswick Town 14 8 2 4 33 21 12 26

5 1874 Northwich 15 7 4 4 33 32 1 25

6 Bootle 16 7 3 6 29 28 1 24

7 Nelson 14 7 2 5 31 22 9 23

8 AFC Liverpool 14 6 4 4 40 29 11 22

9 Cammell Laird 1907 16 6 4 6 36 32 4 22

10 Ashton Athletic 15 6 4 5 22 18 4 22

11 Atherton Collieries 12 6 3 3 29 26 3 21

12 Winsford United 14 5 4 5 23 29 -6 19

13 Abbey Hey 11 5 2 4 22 23 -1 17

14 Padiham 15 5 2 8 29 34 -5 17

15 West Didsbury & Chorlton 15 5 1 9 27 32 -5 16

16 AFC Darwen 16 4 4 8 30 47 -17 16

17 Congleton Town 11 4 3 4 23 25 -2 15

18 Maine Road 14 4 2 8 24 34 -10 14

19 Silsden 13 3 3 7 20 30 -10 12

20 AFC Blackpool 12 3 2 7 22 34 -12 11

21 Squires Gate 14 2 4 8 15 32 -17 10

22 Alsager Town 13 1 2 10 17 32 -15 5

Sat 23rd 15.00 Abbey Hey H NWCFL

Sat 30th 15.00 AFC Liverpool H NWCFL

FEBRUARY

Sat 13th 15:00 Colne A NWCFL

Sat 20th 15:00 Runcorn Linnets H NWCFL

MARCH

Sat 5th 15:00 Silsden A NWCFL

Sat 12th 15:00 1874 Northwich H NWCFL

Sat 19th 15:00 Congleton Town A NWCFL

Mon 28th 15:00 AFC Blackpool H NWCFL

APRIL

Sat 2nd 15:00 Abbey Hey H NWCFL

Sat 9th 15:00 Winsford United A NWCFL

Sat 16th 15:00 Runcorn Linnets A NWCFL

Sat 23rd 15:00 Runcorn Town H NWCFL

Sat 30th 15:00 Ashton Athletic A NWCFL

1908 The year West Didsbury were founded .

15-1 West Didsbury beat Dinnington Town 15-1 in their

previous FA Vase win.

10 Ashley Woods is currently their top scorer after

netting 10 goals already this season.

229 Their highest attendance so far this season vs 1874

Northwick.

118 Their average attendance this season.

41 The amount of games since their last goalless

draw.

19 The amount of games since they last kept a clean

sheet.

3 West Didsbury have scored five or more goals in

THREE games this season!

1000 The capacity of the Recreation Ground.

8 The number of trophies they have won in their

history

Saeed Potts

Poole Evangelinos Russell

Buckley-Smith

Eckersley Gavin Kay

Jones Woods

How they lined up vs Cammell Laird 1907 (lost 3-2)

W D L

4 1 1

W D L

2 2 2

W D L

1 0 8

W D L

0 2 6

W D L

3 0 4

W D L

1 3 3

0 Wins 1

0 Home Wins 1

1 Away Wins 0

1 Defeats 0

1 Home Defeats 2

0 Away Defeats 0

8 Score Draws 10

9 No Score Draws 16

0 Conceding 1+ goals 0

0 Scoring 1+ goals 0

9 Clean Sheets 16

13 Back To Back Wins 1

2014/15 RECORD

Played 40

Won 13

Drawn 4

Lost 23

Scored 57

Conceded 84

Goal Difference -27

Position 16th

Played 40

Won 17

Drawn 16

Lost 7

Scored 62

Conceded 42

Goal Difference +20

Position 6th

2014/15 RECORD

Ten years ago my Grandson, Matthew, became a player with the then

Squires Gate Juniors, and I used to bring him along. When I saw that

the club had a senior team I decided to tale him to watch the first

team playing in the NWCFL.

Having spent a lifetime watching and photographing the professional

game from 1954 until retirement in 2000, I was most impressed with

the quality, and sportsmanship, organisation of football at the grass

roots. It was a new beginning for me and I made so many friends at both the club, and in the

league. I wanted to become involved, but at 65 I knew I wasn’t getting picked for the team! So I

offered my services as a photographer, I already did photographs of the junior sides, and

became a devoted follower of Non League football.

Having witnessed and photographed some great games

at the Gate, the match that is most memorable for me

was our trip to Hillingdon Borough, in Uxbridge, in the

last 16 of the FA Vase. It was an overnighter - a coach

load of players and fans, but felt more like friends. We

lost, but I felt proud of the team, who were on top form.

It was a game where the best team didn’t win!

I have been lucky to have been able to follow a career

which took me to different countries and photographed

the best players; Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, George Best, Pele, and Diego Maradona,

to name but a few. Now I focus my lens on our players, who I feel will show that they are

capable of climbing up the league this season, under the guidance of Danny Penswick, and

hope that we can attract more spectators to see the best open secret in football.

“Grassroots is footballs past, and the future”

We have several players who have potential to play at a higher level, it all depends on what

they do now. We give them the platform to improve their skills, at a club with a great playing

surface, nurtured and cared for by Brian

‘Taddy’ Addison, and his hard working team

of volunteers, who also maintain the

stadium. I know I speak for all at Squires

Gate when I say nothing would give us

more pleasure to see any of our boys reach

their goal in the future.

My prediction for today’s game is that our

team will be all out to do us proud. May the

best team win

So long as it is Squires Gate!

©Albert Cooper. All rights reserved.

Albert has allowed the use of his photographs exclusively to our programme.

WANT YOUR BUSINESS HERE?

GET IN TOUCH!

Player Sponsor

If you sponsor a player, you will get FREE entry to a match of your choice*. You will also have your advert in our fantastic programme which is also available online, and uploaded to the website. All this for only £100 a season!!

Match Sponsor

If you would like to sponsor a match, you will get FREE entry for up to FOUR people. FREE beverages, entry to the boardroom where you will be served tea/coffee and some food, a mention on the Squires Gate Official Twitter page (@squiresgatefc), and FREE complimen-tary programmes! £100 a match.

Ball Sponsor

If you would like to sponsor a match ball, you will get FREE entry or up to TWO people, FREE beverages, entry to the boardroom, a mention on the Squires Gate Official Page, and FREE complimentary programmes! Only £50.

Board Sponsor

If you want your advert on a board around the ground, we have a deal depending on whether you want a 1 year deal, or a 2 year deal. If you would like to discuss the options, feel free to contact the club chairman on 07850700171. You will get an 8ft x 3ft advertising board, your advert on the club website and in the programme and FREE entry to matches.

JULY

Sun 5 15:00 Rishton FC H 7-2 Friendly

Sun 12 15:00 Longsands FC A 0-7 Friendly

SEPTEMBER

Sun 06 14:15 Clifton Rangers H 8-2 League

Thu 10 18:15 St Annes H 9-0 League

Sun 20 14:15 Foxhall A 2-5 League

Sun 27 14:15 Bispham Vipers H 12-2 League

OCTOBER

Sun 04 14:15 Euxton Villa H 12-3 Cup

Sun 11 14:15 Lytham Juniors A 2-5 League

Sun 18 14:15 Thornton Cleveleys Blues A League

Sun 25 14:15 Eccleston & Heskin A Cup

P W D L PTS

1 Squires Gate 5 5 0 0 15

2 BJFF Blades 4 4 0 0 12

3 Foxhalll 4 3 1 0 10

4 BJFF Vipers 5 3 0 2 9

5 Poulton FC 3 3 0 0 9

6 Lytham Juniors 3 2 0 1 6

7 Clifton Rangers 3 1 0 2 3

8 St Annes 5 1 0 4 3

9 Thornton Cleveleys Blue 4 1 0 3 3

10 Foxhall Hoops 4 0 1 3 1

11 Blackpool Rangers 4 0 0 4 0

12 Fleetwood Gym 4 0 0 4 0

Mick Bishops boys will face 9th placed Thornton Cleveleys Blues away

tomorrow. They go into the game having scored 24 goals in the last 2

games so confidence will be high, and there will be plenty of goals.

After their previous 12-3 cup win over Euxton Villa, they will face

Eccleston & Heskin in the next round on the 25th October.

Kick off 2:15.

We interviewed Leicester and West Didsbury fan Peter Jones, and asked him some questions about West Didsbury

and football in general. Find out which Premier League player he thinks would enjoy the Chorlton lifestyle

After the first couple of months of the season, how do you think West Didsbury have coped so far? Are

you happy with the performances and results?

It’s been a tricky start to the season with a new manager Steve Settle taking over from Andy Nelson who pretty

much built the club up to where it is. But, to pardon the pun, Steve has really settled in now and has been able to

pick a team that is working well. We’ve definitely got a defensive mishap in us at any moment but it’s starting to

click and hopefully we can push on to midtable.

With one of the smaller budgets in the league, the hope is to continue to establish West Didsbury & Chorlton as a

club in the league, grow the supporter base and to be able to break the bar takings record week on week.

What has been your best performance/result?

The obvious one would be the 15-1 win in the FA Vase recently which is unlike any game I have ever been to at non

league or professional level but more impressive was actually the 5-1 win at Abbey Hey last weekend. From the

keeper making penalty saves to our forward players banging in the goals, it was a superb game of football.

Within your time watching West Didsbury, what has been the best game you’ve seen?

My first ever game at West featured them scoring a last gasp winner to be promoted to the NWC Premier Division

which was what got me hooked on the club. Big shout out to Callum Jones who scuffed in the winner at the death.

But it would have to be the final game of last season or ‘Andy Nelson Day’ as it will be known. Andy was retiring

wand we had an impressive Runcorn Linnets team coming down here. It had everything: blazing sunshine, ice cold

beers, a returning former West player not doing anything, the chairman getting a round in and most importantly, a

win!

And Nelson running down the line high fiving the supporters as the second goal went in was incredible too! It was

also impressive to the see the Linnets staff and players stick around to give Andy the respect and send off that he

deserved, it encapsulated the non league family and ethos.

If you could bring 3 PL players of your choice to the club. Who would they be and why?

As a Leicester fan, I need to pick at least one current player so let’s go for Jamie Vardy as he has the non league

experience and would happily bully defenders all game long. It would also be nice for Nick Evangelinos who formerly

was on the books at Leicester to play alongside him.

Juan Mata would love the Chorlton lifestyle so he definitely can come down. He could drink continental lagers

with the supporters after the game and pop into the many amazing pubs near the Recreation Ground to discuss

tactics, arthouse cinema and literature.

To even out the Manchester bias, we’ll go for a City player in Yaya Toure who would not only boss the midfield and

score goals but would also have his ego massaged by the supporters on the touchline. Birthday cards, Christmas

cards, Valentines cards, he’d get them all! Plus, just imagine Yaya and Gary Lilley in the heart of midfield - terrifying

and electrifying.

Which teams are you looking forward to going up against?

As ever the derby games against Maine Road are the ones that we look out for. I’ve never seen

West beat them so this season has to be the time that we change that. In both games last sea-

son, we didn’t really do ourselves justice so I’m really looking forward to the Boxing Day clash.

Supporters will be congregating in the Marble Bar in Chorlton from opening time to toast the

festive season.

After your 15-1 result in the Vase

against Dinnington Town, how do you

rate your chances in the competition?

As fun as it was (and I only felt guilty at

13-1!) Dinnington were a young team

made up of good people who were clearly

out of their depth. Their keeper was 16 but

still made some world class saves.

Basically, we’re not getting carried away

and in the next round we face a good

strong Morpeth team.

That aside, a friend made a cardboard and

tin foil FA Vase which I would love to walk

down Wembley Way for the final but only if

they let me take my dog into the game as I

do at every West home game!

Which West Didsbury players do you think will cause the most attacking threat to the

opponents this season?

Nic Evangelinos has just returned to the club after his university summer break and has already

been scoring for fun. It’s really made a difference having him at the club and it’s helped Ashley

Woods get amongst the goals too!

Squires Gate got 6 points off West Didsbury last season but have struggled so far.

How do you think Gate will get on this season?

I’ll be honest with you, I’m not really in a position to comment on any of the other clubs in the

league. It’d be more embarrassing and uninformed as Garth Crookes’ Team Of The Week on the

BBC website.

Finally, what’s your prediction for today’s game?

I’m going to say 3-2 to West Didsbury - We like scoring but less so defending so here’s hoping for

a good game enjoyed by both teams.

Why not join in our new prediction league for FREE! All you need to do if you want to

get your name in the programme is send your predictions to haydendan@live.co.uk

before 14:50 today. It is 10 points for a correct score, and 5 points for a correct result!

This weekend we have Squires Gate volunteer Denise, and goalkeeper Ben Fletcher.

From West Didsbury & Chorlton we have Peter Jones.

Name Team Pts

1 Spencer Leader Squires Gate 40

2 Daniel Hayden Squires Gate 35

3 Mark Halliwell Irlam 35

4 Albert Cooper Squires Gate 25

5 Brian Addison Squires Gate 25

6 Jay Hayden Squires Gate 25

7 John Maguire Squires Gate 25

8 Mark Ashmore Squires Gate 25

9 Mark Morrissey Irlam 25

10 Mick Fletcher Colne 25

11 Josh Kay Squires Gate 20

12 Stuart Hopwood Squire Gate 20

13 Chris Appleton Winsford United 15

14 Paul Eke Gateshead 15

15 Peter Barton Ashton Athletic 15

16 Ray Richards Squires Gate 15

Ben Denise Peter Your Prediction

Chelsea vs Aston Villa 2-1 1-1 3-1

Everton vs Man United 0-1 1-2 2-1

Man City vs Bournemouth 4-0 3-0 5-0

Southampton vs Leicester 2-1 2-1 2-2

Watford vs Arsenal 0-3 0-3 0-2

Middlesbrough vs Fulham 0-1 1-1 2-1

Preston vs Cardiff 1-1 1-0 0-1

Coventry vs Blackpool 2-0 1-2 0-7

Oldham vs Sheffield United 0-0 1-2 1-1

Fleetwood vs Burton Albion 1-0 1-2 0-3

BY ROAD

M60 junction 7,a56

towards Manchester,

A5145 (Stockport), A6010

Wilbraham road to

Chorlton. Left at the traffic

lights into Withington

Road, 1st eft into

Brantingham Road.

The ground is on the left.

PARKING

There is free parking

outside the ground

and in the clubs car

park.

BY TRAIN

Chorlton Metro Link.

To get to the Ground

from the station.

You walk straight up

Willbraham road

then just after the church

turn left onto Morville road

and ground will be at end of

the road.

PUBS

If you are looking for a pub

to go to before the game,

then here are many pubs in

Manchester Town Centre.

Here are a list of some:

Port Street Beer House

The Marble Arch

Sinclair's Oyster Bar

But the closest pub to the

ground is;

Hardy’s Well

LAST TIME

The last time Gate

played at Maine Road

was back in Novem-

ber 2014, where gate

won 3-2 thanks to

goals from Mark

Buchan and Alex

Murphy.

THEIR LAST GAME

Atherton Collieries 2

Maine Road 2

CURRENT FORM

LLLLWD

24.10.2015, KO 15:00

The Men United Cup Round 2

Altrincham

FC Halifax Town

Chelmsford City

Forest Green Rovers

AFC Telford United

Boston United

Havant & Waterlooville

Grays Athletic

Truro City

North Ferriby United

Hemel Hempstead Town

1

4

9

5

3

2

6

8

10

7

Altrincham - 4, FC Halifax Town - 1, Chelmsford City -8, Forest Green

Rovers - 7, AFC Telford United - 5, Boston United - 3, Havant &

Waterlooville - 2, Grays Athletic - 6, Truro City - 8, North Ferriby United

- 10, Hemel Hempstead Town - 9, Arbroath - 13, Peterhead - 11, Alloa

Athletic - 17, Basingstoke - 16, Berwick Rangers - 14, Weston Super

Mare - 12.

Arbroath

Peterhead

Ayr

Alloa Athletic

Basingstoke

Berwick Rangers

Weston-Super-Mare

13

11

15

17

14

12 16

Atherton Collieries (A)

Monday 19th October 2015

Adler Street, Atherton, M46 9EY

Kick Off: 19.45

Adults £5, Concessions £3

Maine Road (A)

Saturday 24th October 2015

Brantigham Road, Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, M21 0TT

Kick Off:15.00

Adults £5, Concessions £3

Padiham (H)

Saturday 31st October 2015

The Royal British Legion Stadium

Kick Off: 15.00

Adults £6, Concessions £3

AFC Darwen (H)

Tuesday 3rd November 2015

The Royal British Legion

Kick Off: 19.45

Adults £6, Concessions £3

Cammell Laird 1907 (A)

Saturday 7th November 2015

North West Construction Stadium, CH42 1PY

Kick Off: 15.00

Adults £5, Concessions £2

Winsford United (H)

Saturday 14th November 2015

The Royal British Legion

Kick Off: 15.00

Adults £6, Concessions £3

Saul LOMAX-NEWTON

Callum JONES

Scott JONES

Richmond BOTCHEY

Anthony POTTS

Steve BROCKLEY

Mark ROGERS

Michael SIMCOCK

Sam DEE

Jordan POOLE

Matt ECKERSLEY

Lewis SCHOFIELD

Steve SETTLE

Scott MASON

Lee GAVIN

Ric GLEAVE

Ashley WOODS

Jonathan POIZER

Matty KAY

Daniel RUSSELL

Tommy WALSH

Jamie WALDON

Ben STEER

Nic EVANGELINOS

Ben FLETCHER

Andrew RICHARDS

Billy MCKENNA

Joshua WESTWOOD

Daniel PENSWICK

Brett FERGUSON

Alex MCKENDRICK

Mark BUCHAN

Ashley ROWLEY

Joshua KAY

Alex COLQUHOUN

Michael HALL

Nathan TROUT

Aaron CLARKE

Stephen HIGGINS

Conah BISHOP

Ryan RILEY

Joe NOBLET

Antony STAYTE

Referee

Ian Gittins

Assistant Referees

David Gillon

Liam Marshall