Derby Day

Wednesday 23rd April 2014
Eccleshall 1 Hanley Town 2
North-West Counties League Division One
At: Pershall Park, Chester Road, Eccleshall
Kick-off: 7-30 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (32 pages)
Weather: rain

Why Eccleshall?
It may seem a strange quirk of the fixtures that Eccleshall entertained their nearest neighbours on an April Wednesday evening in their last home league game of the season. Of course I’m not one to complain especially as Pershall Park is a lovely scenic venue in daylight, a fact I rediscovered on my last visit a few weeks ago, and a nice rural setting under lights as well. Tonight’s game provided the best of both even in wet weather.

Reformed in 1971
Eccleshall FC was reformed some 43 years ago as Eccleshall Old Boys and met at the George and Dragon pub where the leader of the committee, Mr M. Beale, was landlord. They progressed via the Mid Staffordshire League and Staffordshire County League (North), moving to their present home at Pershall Park during the early 1980s. By this time, ‘Old Boys; had been dropped from their name. Eccleshall FC was a founder member of the Staffordshire Senior League in 1984 and gained promotion to the North-West Counties League as 2002/03 Midland League champions. Their entire 11-year spell in the NCWL has been spent in the lower division. (http://www.eccleshallfc.com/football-history.php)

Pershall Park
Located about a mile to the west of Eccleshall town centre on the B5026 Loggerheads road, the ground boasts three separate areas of cover including the seated stand in front of the clubhouse. The small stand behind the dugouts had been erected prior to my first visit to the ground in August 1987.

17th v 4th
After a poor start to the season, Eccleshall’s current management led by boss Shaun Hollinshead have worked hard to lift the team up to third bottom in the table with 23 points from 33 games prior to this evening’s game. Each of their last 10 league games finished as a draw or were settled by a single goal margin. League newcomers, Hanley Town (4th with 70 points from 34 games) have enjoyed an excellent first season in the North-West Counties League, a campaign which began with the 2-2 home draw I saw against Chadderton on the opening day.

Eccleshall 1 Hanley Town 2
The early 7-30 pm kick-off almost caught me out as I walked into the ground during the handshakes and announcement of the lineups. With lights on from the start, Eccleshall (in blue and black) got the game underway defending the Chester Road end in the first half.

Both sides were forced to make a change in the 18th minute and, midway through the half, Eccleshall’s goalkeeper Chris Middleton-Hill kept out a low shot from James Pointon with his boot.

A lovely move led to Eccleshall taking a 26th-minute lead. Angelo Enrico got into the area down the left and delivered a low cross which Tom Wakefield fired into the near bottom left corner.

Hanley’s Brad Grice had the ball in the back of the Eccleshall net just after the half-hour but the referee spotted a foul on Middleton-Hill who failed to hold Jacob Vernon’s in-swinging corner.

Chris Fletcher produced a smart save to turn round a low shot from Anthony Marshall and James Banawich saw the ball cleared off the line at the far post direct from the resulting corner.

Just before the break, Theo Stair lifted the ball over the advancing Middleton-Hill only to see the ball bounce in front of the empty net and over the bar.

Early in the second half, Josh Thorpe fed Theo Stair who saw his angled drive hit the outside of the far right-hand post as Hanley looked for an equaliser.

The visitors got back on level terms in the 56th minute. Jamie Turner and Theo Stair combined on the left inside the area to get the better of defender Bradley Cooper. Stair squared a pass to James Pointon who sidefooted home at close range.

Hanley scored what proved to be the winner seven minutes later following a miss-directed clearance inside the Eccleshall area. Theo Stair set up a chance for substitute Martin Stanyer to blast into the back of the net from eight yards out.

In terms of chances, Eccleshall dominated the last 20 minutes. The lively Angelo Enrico sent “one hell of a shot” just wide of the left-hand post and Banawich hit the bar direct from a corner. James Marrow, playing as a makeshift defender, got forward from the back and hit 35-yard drive which the diving Fletcher fumbled around the left-hand post.

The Eagles couldn’t find an equaliser and Hanley took the points back to North Staffordshire while I headed home admiring the pretty High Street resisting the temptation to call in at either the Joule’s Royal Oak or Cask Marque accredited The Bell.

Eccleshall (blue and black stripes / black / black): 1. Chris Middleton-Hill, 2. Bradley Cooper, 3. Andrew Hadzik, 4. James Banawich, 5. Jack Warren, 6. Dan Counter, 7. Craig Hulme, 8. Anthony Marshall (capt), 9. James Marrow, 10. Tom Wakefield, 11. Angelo Enrico. Subs: 12. Tim Barras (for Counter, 18), 14. Lee Smith (not used), 15. Jordan Flattley (not used), 16. Jake Stribling (not used). Manager: Shaun Hollinshead.

Hanley Town (red/red/red): 1. Chris Fletcher, 2. Curtis Evans, 3. Nathan Grice, 4. Joel Stair, 5. Josh Thorpe, 6. Jacob Vernon, 7. Ben Blowers, 8. Michael Morton, 9. James Pointon, 10. Theo Stair (capt), 11. Jamie Turner. Subs: 12. Matt Elkin (not used), 14. Martin Stanyer (for Joel Stair, 18), 15. Nathan Jones (not used), 17. Danny Tainton (for Pointon, 82). Manager D. Price.

Referee: Abid Hussain (Oldham).
Assistants: Jack Beech and Alex Perkin (both Leek).

Attendance: 78
Duration: first-half: 45:36; second-half: 47:55

Goals:
1-0 Tom Wakefield (26)
1-1 James Pointon (56)
1-2 Martin Stanyer (63)

Cards: none

Battling Eagles

Eccleshall 1 Cheadle Town 3…Yesterday evening was spent pacing up and down the lounge while watching England reach Brazil with that tense 2-0 victory over Poland. The bonus turned out to be some Wednesday night football at Pershall Park where Eccleshall entertained Cheadle Town in a North-West Counties League Division One fixture. This was my first visit of the season (and sixth in total) and I arrived hoping that Eccleshall would follow up Saturday’s excellent Staffs Vase victory over holders Redgate Clayton with another win tonight. The Eagles certainly showed plenty of battling qualities especially after falling behind early in the second half. However, despite Dan Fenton’s stunning left-foot free-kick giving them hope when 2-0 down, visitors Cheadle ended up taking home the points with an eventual 3-1 victory.

Pershall Park is a lovely ground at night with the floodlights on, which illuminate the tall trees and general greenery in its rural location. It has a nice clubhouse with a homely feel and the unmissable Le Café McHenney tea bar. Outside, two rows of red seats sit in front of the clubhouse and there are two other two areas of covered standing, one near the clubhouse corner and the other opposite on halfway. That small stand between the dugouts survives from my first visit way back in 1987 when the ground had a much more rural and exposed feel.

I do like seeing the centre of Eccleshall at night as well, and the scene following the left turn into the High Street off Stafford Street always gives me that wow factor! The High Street oozes history starting with the first of many Grade II listed buildings, continuing past the Royal Oak and clock, all the way to Holy Trinity Church at the far end. With time to spare I stopped to admire and also visit another Cask Marque pub, namely The Bell with Holden’s Black Country Bitter.

The current 2013/14 season is Eccleshall’s 11th in the North-West Counties League but, so far, it hasn’t been too kind on the team, currently in 19th and bottom position with seven points from 12 games. They’ve won two and drawn one though five of their ten defeats were inflicted by the odd goal. The Eagles have enjoyed more success in cup football as victories over Northwich Flixton Villa and Redgate Clayton have taken them to the second round of the League Cup and Staffordshire Vase.

Visitors Cheadle stood bang in the middle of the Division One table (10th with 16 points from 12 games), looking to follow up Saturday 4-1 win at home to Holker Old Boys.

Cheadle (in green) got the game underway attacking the Chester Road end and, despite plenty of chances, neither find could find the net during what I thought was an entertaining first half.

After Mark Hall fired over the Cheadle bar with just 28 seconds on the clock, the game really came to life in the 12th minute. Eccleshall had shots from both Dan King and Mark Mapperson, up for a corner, cleared off the line. The Eagles then had goalkeeper Dave Dyson to thank for a diving save to turn round a well-struck Chris Sherrington shot.

Just before the interval, with further chances created and not taken, Dyson again thwarted Sherrington by deflecting a rising drive out for a corner.

It was the turn of Cheadle’s Stephen Piggott to display his talents four minutes after the restart. The goalkeeper must have seen the ball late as Anthony Marshall’s free-kick took a deflection through a crowded area and Piggott got down to his right to save.

Cheadle broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. A pass from Matt German picked out Sherrington in plenty of space on the edge of the area and he fired low past Dyson to score his third goal of the season.

The Eagles spiritedly looked for an equaliser and almost got one. Dan Fenton delivered a free-kick into the area from the right for captain Mapperson to head towards goal, only for Piggott to tip the ball over at the expense of a corner.

Sherrington doubled Cheadle’s advantage with a second goal scored in the 82nd minute. Again fed by German, he hit a low right-foot 20-yard shot into the bottom right corner out of reach of the diving Dyson.

Game over for Eccleshall…or was it.

Following a foul on Bradley Cooper on the edge of the ‘D’, Fenton stepped up and rifled a left-foot free-kick past the wall (photo above) and statuesque Piggott straight into the left-side of the net.

“How long left?” asked the Eccleshall bench. “Seven,” came the reply and they almost equalised a minute after having the deficit. Hall delivered right-wing corner and Jordan Elcock rose to send a downward header towards goal. Piggott got down but spilled the ball and Marshall saw a follow-up shot blocked on the line.

French-born former Stafford Town and Brocton forward Romuald Mede came on for the final few minutes.

Eccleshall have lost five league games so far this season by the odd goal and this one looked like going that way as well. Cruelly, they conceded a third goal in stoppage time. After a corner was kept near the quadrant, German broke free along the right bye-line and found Samuel Pollard in front of goal who sidefooted home past Dyson.

Despite a difficult start to last season, Eccleshall ended 2012/13 finishing 15th in the Division One table. Let’s hope things pick up in a similar fashion this season – turn the narrow defeats into draws and turn the draws into wins.

Wednesday 16th October 2013
Eccleshall 1 Cheadle Town 3
North-West Counties League Division One
At: Pershall Park, Chester Road
Kick-off: 8-00 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (32 pages)
Weather: mild and dry

Eccleshall (blue and black stripes / black / black): 1. Dave Dyson, 2. Bradley Cooper, 3. Dan Fenton, 4. James Banawich, 5. Mark Mapperson (capt), 6. Dan Counter, 7. Mark Hall, 8. Anthony Marshall, 9. Dan King, 10. Jordan Elcock, 11. Tyrone Wilson. Subs: 12. Kane Fletcher (for King, 76), 14. Tom Swann, 15. Andrew Hadzik (for Babawich, 71), 16. Romuald Mede (for Hall, 87), 17. Chris Middleton-Hill (not used). Manager: Dean Sibson.

Cheadle Town (green/green/green): 1. Stephen Piggott, 2. Ashley Smallwood, 3. Luke Pearson, 4. Josh Taylor, 5. Andrew Lindon, 6. Paul Walley (capt), 7. Matt German, 8. Antony Trucca, 9. Bradley Brokenbrow, 10. Dean Nolan, 11. Chris Sherrington. Subs: 12. Niall Rhodes (for Nolan, 65), 14. Samuel Pollard (for Brokenbrow, 71), 15. Ben Connolly (not used). Manager: Steve Brokenbrow.

Referee: Kieran Jones.
Assistants: S. Winley and John Taylor.

Attendance: 39
Duration: first-half: 46:11; second-half: 48:40

Goals:
0-1 Chris Sherrington (55)
0-2 Chris Sherrington (82)
1-2 Dan Fenton (84)
1-3 Samuel Pollard (90+1)

Cards:
Eccleshall: David Dyson (YC, 90+2)
Cheadle: Andrew London (YC, 69)

Hanley make point on debut

Saturday 3rd August 2013

Following something of a pattern from the past few seasons, I opted to watch a newly-promoted side play their first game at a higher level and so this afternoon made a first visit to Abbey Lane in over 20 years. Hanley Town, Staffordshire County Senior League champions, hosted Chadderton for their first-ever North-West Counties League game and began life at step six with a 2-2 draw. Following a goalless first half in front of a decent gathering of locals and groundhoppers, Hanley twice took the lead through Joel Stair and Danny Tainton. Twice, however, they were pegged back by equalising goals from Chadderton’s Matthew Russell and Naill Sultan. The only disappointment on an excellent afternoon being the programme sell out long before I arrived 80 minutes before kick-off. 

Hanley Town 2 Chadderton 2
North-West Counties League Division One
At: Abbey Lane
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: sold out
Weather: warm and sunny 

Hanley Town (blue/blue/blue): 1. Dave Jackson, 2. Josh Goodall, 3. Tom Hall, 4. Josh Thorpe, 5. Joel Stair, 6. Michael Machin, 7. Philip Parkes (capt), 8. Ben Blowers, 9. Danny Tainton, 10. Theo Stair, 11. Sean Mallin. Subs: 12. Neil Edwards (not used), 14. Nathan Grice (for Hall, 90+3), 15. Philip Ben Sambrook (not used), 16. Phillip Mannion (for Mallin, 76), 17. Thomas Cawley (not used). 

Chadderton (red/black/black): 1. Nathan Beckett, 2. Benjamin Fletcher, 3. Christopher Pauley (capt), 4. Benjamin Greenidge, 5. Keith Melvin, 6. Michael Cheetham, 7. Sean Sherwood, 8. Macauley Harewood, 9. Niall Sultan, 10. Matthew Russell, 11. Joseph Jacombs. Subs: 12. Clive Best (for Jacombs, 67), 14. Sean Nolan (not used), 15. James Fawcett (for Harewood, 76), 16. Matthew O’Keefe (not used). 

Referee: D. Critchlow.
Assistants: G. Wild and S. Winley. 

Attendance: 203
Duration: first-half: 45:28; second-half: 50:15 

Goals:
1-0 Joel Stair (49)
1-1 Matthew Russell (54)
2-1 Danny Tainton (74)
2-2 Niall Sultan (84) 

Cards:
Hanley: Josh Thorpe (YC, 68)
Chadderton: Michael Cheetham (YC, 30)

Stone Dominoes 2 Bacup Borough 3

Wednesday 1st May 2013
Stone Dominoes 2 Bacup Borough 3
North-West Counties League Premier Division
At: Wellbeing Park Stadium, Yarnfield
Kick-off: 8-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (20 pages)
Weather: mild and dry, chillier during second half (same as last night) 

I didn’t know that Stone Dominoes were playing their final game of the season tonight until Facebook friend Paul Proctor asked some for some advice. He and Callum travelled up from Hampshire so it was rude not for me to join them. Rooted to the bottom of the table and probably quitting Saturday football altogether, goals from Dwayne Spence and Derrick Agbor gave Stone two-goal lead during the first half and Jake Ratcliffe saved a penalty as well. It all went wrong, however, after the break after defender Alex Hutchinson received a straight red. Bacup scored twice in a minute to level things before Adrian Bellamy scored their late winner. Spare a thought for both clubs… the sad plight of the Doms, who finish the season with 13 points from 42 games, goal difference –135, and Bacup, required to play seven games in ten days to complete their fixtures. 

Stone Dominoes (red/black/black): 1. Jake Ratcliffe, 2. Adam Edwards (capt), 3. Thomas Larosu, 4. Jack Beech, 5. Alex Hutchinson, 6. Josh Nugent, 7. Daniel King, 8. Daniel Counter, 9. Dwayne Spence, 10. Derrick Agbor, 11. Aaron Johns. Subs: 12. Luke Robinson (not used), 14. Angelo Enricco (for Johns, 24), 15. Kevin Davies (for King, 76). Manager: Dave Dale. 

Bacup Borough (blue/blue/blue): 1. Paul Horridge, 2. Gareth Wager, 3. Shane Birtles, 4. Adam Turner, 5. Adrian Bellamy, 6. Danny Coleman, 7. Lee Oldham, 8. Matthew Hampson, 9. Ben Shedwick, 10. Boic Nhlizyo, 11. Daniel Cocks (capt). Subs: 12. Artjons Buturins (for Shedwick, ht), 14. John Stephenson (for Coleman, ht), 15. Paul Arrowsmith (not used), 17. Paul Soccha (for Oldham, 39). 

Referee: M. Stewart.
Assistants: A. Hall and G. Clinton. 

Attendance: 20 

Duration: first-half: 46:28; second-half: 49:44 

Goals:
1-0 Dwayne Spence (29)
2-0 Derrick Agbor (41)
2-1 John Stephenson (73)
2-2 Artjons Buturins (74)
2-3 Adrian Bellamy (86) 

Cards:
Stone: Alex Hutchinson (RC, 61)
Bacup: Gareth Wager (YC, 61), Daniel Cocks (YC, 61), Boic Nhlizyo (YC, 84), Artjons Buturins (YC, 89)

Alsager Town 1 Bootle 3

Tuesday 26th March 2013

Title-chasing Bootle recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory over mid-table Alsager Town and will go top of the table if they win their three games in hand on current leaders Padiham. It was no surprise when Bootle took the lead in the 25th minute through Jamie Hay. Light snow fell during and after the interval but didn’t stop the visitors extending their lead with two further goals in five minutes from Daniel O’Connor and Lee Thompson around the midpoint of the second half. A great shot from Sam Aspinwall gave Alsager a late consolation goal. The LAW Training Stadium is still a pleasant ground and now has an impressive new clubhouse. 

Alsager Town 1 Bootle 3
North-West Counties League Premier Division
At: LAW Training Stadium
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1-50 (36 pages)
Weather: cold, light snow during second half 

Alsager Town (black and white stripes / black / white): 1. Michael Langley, 2. Alex Hedley, 3. Elliott Ledwards (capt), 4. Liam Prince, 5. Raphale Evans, 6. Ryan Mitchell, 7. Sam Aspinwall, 8. Tom Parkes, 9. Jack Kenny, 10. Leigh Skellern, 11. Jed Davies. Subs: 12. James Lunn (for Kenny, 81), 14. Andy Stockton (for Davies, 85), 15. Joel Mills (not used), 16. Dave Woodvine (for Evans, 75). Manager: Andy Turner. 

Bootle (yellow/yellow/yellow): 1. Dean Porter, 2. Mark Kilroy, 3. Paul Byrne (capt), 4. Neil McQueen, 5. Liam Dodd, 6. Kurtis Gill, 7. Neil Prince, 8. Jamie Hay, 9. Daniel O’Connor, 10. Jack McCabe, 11. Lee Thompson. Subs: 12. Kevin Black (not used), 14. Nathan Martland (for McCabe, ht), 15. Phil Green (for McQueen, 75), 16. William Smart (for Gill, 68), 17. James Olsen (not used). Player-manager: Neil Prince. 

Referee: J. Hayes (Manchester).
Assistants: S. Osiadacz (Manchester) and A. Coop (Altrincham). 

Attendance: 41 

Duration (45): first-half: 47:05; second-half: 48:21 

Goals:
0-1 Jamie Hay (25)
0-2 Daniel O’Connor (64)
0-3 Lee Thompson (69)
1-3 Sam Aspinwall (87) 

Cards:
Alsager: Alex Hedley (YC, 56), Leigh Skellern (YC, 56), Michael Langley (YC, 78)
Bootle: none

Daisy Hill 1 Irlam 2

Saturday 23rd February 2013
Daisy Hill 1 Irlam 2
North-West Counties League Division One
At: New Sirs, St James Street, Westhoughton
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (20 pages)
Weather: light snow
Attendance: 29
Duration (45): first-half: 45:08; second-half: 47:52 

Just like the game I saw at Rocester on Tuesday, a straight red card to the side holding a one-goal advantage proved crucial as the opponents took full advantage by scoring late goals to win 2-1. Today, Daisy Hill led with an early goal scored after just 61 seconds by Craig Xuereb then had Jake Foster sent-off on the hour for violent conduct. Irlam levelled things up though Dave Castle and won game with an injury-time penalty converted by Ryan McGreevy. 

If Wednesday’s trip to Cheadle Town plugged a gap in my football-watching ‘CV’ then this long-overdue visit to the New Sirs filled one of canyon proportions. It meant that a journey that started at Bacup Borough in April 1998 is completed and I can now ‘boast’ to have finally visited all the grounds of the current 40 members of the North-West Counties League. 

Daisy Hill FC, as the club history printed in the programme explained, was established in 1894 and folded sometime between the two World Wars before reforming in 1951. They became founder members of the North-West Counties League in 1982 and for five seasons between 1989 and 1994 were known as Westhoughton Town. It is a puzzle to me based on that history that it has taken me so long to visit the New Sirs. 

The Daisy Hill and Westhoughton area is located a few miles west of Bolton and, even though Daisy Hill station is only a half mile from the ground, I decided to drive today. On a Saturday afternoon for those using public transport, there are two trains per hour in each direction connecting Manchester Victoria and Wigan Wallgate. 

Approaching the ground from Leigh and the outskirts of Atherton along the B5325, I could help but notice the parish church of St James, an impressive brick-built place of worship with bells visible in the bell turret topped by a weathercock. Certainly, well worth a walk back up St James Street for a closer look after I’d parked up. 

Programmes were on sale at the turnstile and included a history of both clubs as well as the interesting story of the North-West Counties League. I was indebted to the two officials at the tea bar who, despite being short of numbers, produced the teamsheets for me copy down the lineups – much appreciated. 

Through the entrance, the pitch ran lengthways with an interesting clubhouse behind the near goal with seats in front and covered standing down the right-hand side next to the dugouts. I know that work has been carried out to move the pitch barriers and improve the drainage of the playing surface which looked in very good nick. Despite the warnings to keep off the pitch, a stray hen wandered into the penalty area at the far end! 

The league table showed that both Daisy Hill (17th with 16 points from 21 games) and Irlam (15th with 18 points from 22 games) both occupied positions in the bottom four. Both sides played in midweek with Daisy Hill winning 2-1 at Oldham Borough and Irlam going down 5-2 at home to Formby. Irlam had a change of manager a couple of weeks ago with Steve Nixon replacing the outgoing Nick Parker. 

Though Irlam (in a change kit of red white and black) got the game underway attaching the clubhouse end, Daisy Hill took the lead after just 61 seconds. Captain Craig Xuereb hit a superb unstoppable rising 25-yard right-foot shot into the top left corner of the net, which flew past Jamie Brewer in the Irlam goal. 

As the home side continued to threaten, Kyle Hynes crossed from the right and Richard Smith sent a free-header over the bar. Irlam goalkeeper Brewer produced a fine save in the 12th minute to keep out a rising shot from Matty Boland. The opening exchanges certainly provided plenty of entertainment between two sides closely matched in terms of the league table. 

Elsewhere, a few miles to the east at the Reebok Stadium, “Bolton [were] three-up already” against Hull City. Three goals during the opening eight minutes I later learnt. 

Daisy Hill’s Chris Taylor was also on good form as well and produced a brave save to block a close-range from Ryan McGreevy. 

As well as Daisy Hill’s Xuereb, who seemed to be influential all over the field, I was also impressed with Irlam’s captain Steve Mills and the central defender headed just wide of the far post from Conor Braithwaite’s right-wing corner. 

As the snowflakes began increasing in numbers and size, Daisy Hill went close again in the 35th minute. James Jordan crossed low from the left to Boland who flicked a shot past Brewer and agonisingly the left-hand post as well. 

Into the second half and Irlam had a strong shout for a penalty waived away after McGreevy went down inside the area. Similar appeals by Daisy Hill suffered the same fate when Xuereb’s cross hit Mills. 

Boland hit a 35-yard free-kick on target which Brewer could only block but the goalkeeper bravely claimed the ball at the second attempt as two attackers pounced on the loose ball. 

After this warning, the visitors were told from the dugout to “step it up, Irlam”. 

Arguably, the turning point of this game came in the 59th minute when Daisy Hill’s Jake Foster received a straight red card for violent conduct (photo right). Irlam’s Steve Castle was booked for his part in the incident. 

Having a one-man advantage certainly gave Irlam a lift and they equalised 10 minutes in the 69th minute. Castle’s brave header looped over goalkeeper Taylor into the net. 

From the dugout, Irlam were encouraged to “push for it” and they forced the home defence to work hard. On the break, Daisy Hill almost took the lead in the 87th minute when the influential Xuereb fired over outside the area. 

The side with ten men at Rocester on Tuesday lost the game to a late goal and they same happened this afternoon in perhaps more dramatic circumstances. With the 90 minutes completed and just added time remaining, Liam Duffy went down in the area prompting the referee to point to the spot. McGreevy stepped up and sent Taylor the wrong way to claim all three points for his side. 

I know I’m supposed to be concentrating on healthy eating nowadays but I couldn’t resist a portion of chips from the interestingly-named ‘Golden Chopsticks’ before heading home. 

As always, this was another a ‘good day out’ at a friendly and welcoming club. I’d certainly recommend a visit. 

Daisy Hill (blue/blue/blue): 1. Chris Taylor, 2. Kyle Hynes, 3. Darrell Gavin, 4. Marc Shemwell, 5. James Brooks, 6. Craig Xuereb (capt), 7. Matty Boland, 8. Richard Smith, 9. Danny Gregory, 10. Jake Foster, 11. James Jordan. Subs: 12. Simon Farrell (for Boland, 68), 14. Danny Brookes (for Jordan, 86), 15. Samuel Howell (not used), 16. Kane Duffy (not used), 17. Nicholas Swiran (for Brooks, 52). Manager: Craig Thomas.

Irlam (red with white sleeves / black / black): 1. Jamie Brewer, 2. Conor Braithwaite, 3. Alex Barlow, 4. Jordan Smith, 5. Steve Mills (capt), 6. Dave Castle, 7. Liam Duffy, 8. Tommy Smith, 9. Adam Campbell, 10. Jordan Icely, 11. Ryan McGreevy. Subs: 12. Scott Mason (for Braithwaite, 70), 14. Dean Burgess (for Tommy Smith, ht), 15. Christian Lawlor (for Campbell, 60), 16. Ryan Hutchinson (not used), 17. Liam Pennington (not used). Manager: Steve Nixon. 

Referee: C. Porter.
Assistants: V. Evans and T. Haworth.

Goals:
1-0 Craig Xuereb (2)
1-1 Dave Castle (69)
1-2 Ryan McGreevy (90+1 pen) 

Cards:
Daisy Hill: Jake Foster (RC, 59), Richard Smith (YC, 71), Craig Xuereb (YC, 90+1)
Irlam: Dave Castle (YC, 59) 

 

Cheadle Town 0 Chadderton 0

Wednesday 20th February 2013
Cheadle Town 0 Chadderton 0
North-West Counties League Division One
At: Park Road Stadium, Cheadle Hulme
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (16 pages)
Weather: very cold, windy, dry
Attendance: 47
Duration: first-half: 46:41; second-half: 47:24 

Stalemate on a very cold night at the Park Road Stadium with few decent goalscoring chances and I think Cheadle will be disappointed not to have claimed all three points. 

Cheadle Town (dark green / dark green / dark green): 1. Stephen Piggott, 2. Sam Dee, 3. Ben Roberts, 4. Adam Roberts, 5. Warren Gaskin (capt), 6. Paul Walley, 7. Gage Eme, 8. Andrew Lindon, 9. Ben Brooks, 10. Justin Pickering, 11. Christopher Sherrington. Subs: 12. Jordan Walker (for Sherrington, 79), 14. Scott Clarke (not used), 15. Daniel Doherty (for Eme, 84), 16. Aaron Riley (for Pickering, 75). Manager: Steve Brokenbrow. 

Chadderton (orange/orange/orange): 1. Kristian Ventrees, 2. Ben Feltcher, 3. Chris Pauley (capt), 4. John Rogers, 5. Keith Melvin, 6. Andy Bainbridge, 7. Andrew Kremner, 8. Sean Sherwood, 9. Karl Valentine, 10. Josh Lynch, 11. Niall Sultan. Subs: 12. Jon-Paul Lewis (for Kremner, 62), 14. Michael Cheetham (for Rogers, 57), 15. Matt Pownall (for Sultan, 75). Manager: Paul Buckley. 

Referee: Abid Hussain (Oldham).
Assistants: L. Lever (Stockport) and P. Rapaport (Stockport). 

Goals: none 

Cards:
Cheadle: Andrew Lindon (YC, 56), Jordan Walker (YC, 82)
Chadderton: Keith Melvin (YC, 74)

Walsall Wood 4 Wigan Robin Park 1

Sunday 6th January 2013
Walsall Wood 4 Wigan Robin Park 1
FA Carlsberg Vase Third Round
At: Coles Lane (Sutton Coldfield FC)
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £5; Programme: £1 (20 pages)
Weather: mild/cold, cloudy, dry
Attendance: 176
Duration (45): first-half: 46:10; second-half: 52:00 (plus 14 minute delay) 

In a much postponed FA Vase tie switched to the 3G pitch at Coles Lane, Walsall Wood kept the Midland Combination flag flying in the competition by storming into the Fourth Round with a giantkilling 4-1 victory over Wigan Robin Park. Wood scored late in the first half and again on the hour mark to take control before a lengthy delay caused by an injury to referee James Thornhill halted proceedings for around 14 minutes while a replacement assistant was appointed. When play resumed, both sides quickly scored to make it 3-1 and Wood ended any threat of extra time with a late fourth goal. A home tie against Hanworth Villa at Oak Park awaits the successful Walsall Wood side in two weeks time. 

A late decision to head out this afternoon and had kick-off been 2pm rather than 3pm I wouldn’t have had enough time to drive to Coles Lane, park up, buy a programme, get the line-ups and settle down before the action got underway. 

Originally scheduled for Saturday 10th December, the day when Rocester beat Long Eaton 2-1, this much-postponed tie had to be switched from Walsall Wood’s Oak Park ground to Coles Lane to ensure it was played this weekend. The pitch at Coles Lane is a 3G surface, as you’ll know from reading recent blogs of games invloving Sutton Coldfield Town. 

As expected, there were plenty of familiar faces in the crowd including ‘Albion Steve’, ‘Ratty’, Albion Paul’, ‘Cannock Rob’ and ‘Groundhopper Dave’. 

Home side Walsall Wood play in the Athium Midland Combination Premier Division (step 6) like my locals sides Stafford Town and Brocton. While currently in third position (36 points from 15 games), they do have eight games in hand on leaders Bromsgrove Sporting who are just seven points better off. 

Visitors Wigan Robin Park achieved last season what Walsall Wood are striving to achieve this season – gain promotion from step 6 to step 5 of the non-league pyramid. After yesterday’s games, they stood in 15th position in the North-West Counties League Premier Division on 26 points from 21 games. 

Defending the car park end in the first half, Wigan Robin Park (in a change kick of yellow and green) got the game underway but their goalkeeper, Jason Foulds, was soon called into action to turn round a low angled shot from the dangerous Ahmet Bilgimer. 

Both sides made a lively start though the game developed into a midfield contest with defences on top and few decent scoring opportunities. 

However, there was a breakthrough before half-time and it was Lewis Taylor-Boyce who gave Wood a 38th-minute lead. Tom Evans got down the right and crossed low into the area where Taylor-Boyce turned a defender and thumped a close-range shot past Foulds. 

Just before the break, a club official with white hair and glasses announced to my section of the stand that the tie would be decided today with extra time and penalties if necessary. 

Those comments seemed to become irrelevant just before the hour mark when Walsall Wood doubled their lead. Ian Rowlands chopped down Taylor-Boyce inside the area and Jamie Hawkins made no mistake with the resulting penalty. The home side immediately made a change – Scott Cooper replaced Danny Forrest – but the game didn’t resume. Clearly a problem had arise but what? 

Some puzzled looks on the pitch (photo right)and also in the stand; @Sam_Hodkin tweeted to let me know that ‘Injured lino according to the NWCFL Media Officer at the game’. It turned out that referee James Thornhill was unable to continue. After a delay of around 14 minutes, senior assistant Martin Watts took over in the middle and someone from the crowd ran the line.

The delay didn’t harm Wood as they scored a third goal within three minutes of the resumption. A terrible backpass (if indeed it was a backpass) ended up at the feet of Evans who hammered the ball past Foulds from 20 yards out. 

Game over? Well no, as Wigan Robin Park quickly pulled a goal back. Ryan Small crossed low from the left and to the unmarked Joseph Hull in front of goal who steered the ball wide of Dale Faultless into the far right corner of the net. 

Three goals in six minutes though they took 22 minutes to score them! 

Undeterred, Wood kept pushing forward without showing signs of nerves and Foulds kept Wigan’s feign hopes alive with a save to keep out a shot from Bilgimer. 

However, Bilgimer put the outcome beyond doubt with his side’s fourth goal scored in the 81st minute. He chased a seeming lost cause down the left, which lured Foulds out of his area. The striker won the ball, ran towards goal and slotted it into an empty net chased by the goalkeeper. 

The Fourth Round draw is now complete (ties to be played on Saturday 19th January 2013):
Gornal Athletic v Wisbech Town 
Bodmin Town v Ashington 
AFC Emley v Hadleigh United 
Tunbridge Wells v Dunston UTS 
Rye United v Guernsey
Bitton AFC v Shildon 
Larkhall Athletic v Peacehaven & Telscombe 
Brantham Athletic v Whitley Bay 
Newport (IW) v Brighouse Town
Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Blackfield & Langley 
Ampthill Town v Enfield 1893
Ely City v Spalding United 
Spennymoor Town v Lordswood 
Rocester v Runcorn Town
Borrowash Victoria v Ascot United
Walsall Wood v Hanworth Villa 

Walsall Wood (red with white diagonal stripe / red / red): 1. Dale Faultless, 2. Craig Deakin, 3. Tom Evans, 4. Shawn Boothe, 5. Lee Stretton, 6. Danny Forrest, 7. Ahmet Bilgimer, 8. Jamie Hawkins, 9. Lewis Taylor-Boyce, 10. Drew Aiton, 11. Andre Gonzales. Subs: 12. Scott Cooper (for Forrest, 60), 14. Michael Murray (for Hawkins, 84), 15. Tom Howard (not used), 16. Nathanial Jones (not used), 17. Matthew Bennett (for Bilgimer, 90+4). Manager: Mark Swann. 

Wigan Robin Park(yellow/green/yellow): 1. Jason Foulds (capt), 2. Ian Rowlands, 3. Sean White, 4. Stephen Kay, 5. Michael Wood, 6. Colin Quirk, 7. Joseph Hull, 8. Andrew Neafcy, 9. Philip Howard, 10. Ryan Small, 11. Dean Callaway. Subs: 12. Callum Mahoney (for Callaway, 67), 14. Daniel Curren (not used), 15. James Edgar (for Hull, 67), 16. Philip Johnson (not used), 17. Daniel Whiteside (for Neafcy, 39). Manager: John Neafcy. 

Referee: James Thornhill (replaced by senior assistant Martin Watts after 60 minutes).
Assistants: Martin Watts and Robert Massey. 

Goals:
1-0 Lewis Taylor-Boyce (38)
2-0 Jamie Hawkins (59)
3-0 Tom Evans (63)
3-1 Joseph Hull (65)
4-1 Ahmet Bilgimer (81) 

Cards:
Walsall Wood: Danny Forrest (YC, 25)
Wigan Robin Park: none

Irlam 1 West Didsbury & Chorlton 1

Saturday 1st December 2012
Irlam 1 West Didsbury & Chorlton 1
North-West Counties League Division One
At: Silver Street, Irlam
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1-50 (48 pages)
Weather: very cold, dry
Attendance: 45
Duration: first-half: 45:50; second-half: 46:45 

For a moment in second-half stoppage time I thought I’d seen something occur at a match for the very first time – a goalkeeper scoring in open play. Trailing to a nice bit of clinical finishing by West’s Tre Baldwin Willis in first-half stoppage time, Irlam threw everyone bar one defender forward in a bid to grab a last-gasp equaliser. Goalkeeper Jamie Brewer headed Chris Rowan’s corner towards goal and Theo Bailey Jones got the final touch before the ball entered the net. 

Around eight hours before that equaliser, I got a bit of a surprise on opening the curtains; instead of an expected frozen winter wonderland, I was greeted by weak sunshine and light rain. I had thought my only option was going to be a 3G pitch so it became a question of which direction to head especially as a possible 2 pm kick-off in Sutton Coldfield ended up being out of reach due to an overrunning family commitment. 

Twitter again provided valuable information and a message from Irlam FC (@IrlamFC) persuaded me to head up the M6 to make a first visit to Silver Street in over 21 years:

1st team game is on 3pm kickoff at sliver street vs west didsbury and chorlton 

Like a lot of grounds I visited at night during the early 1990s, I’ve got little recollection of my previous visit to Silver Street on Tuesday 10th September 1991 to watch now defunct Irlam Town and Congleton Town in the NPL Division One which finished 5-3. With no photos to look at, my old plan of the ground shows that the three stands which stood back then have disappeared as has the clubhouse. I’m enjoying returning to some of these long since visited grounds and Irlam’s home was no exception. 

I approached from M6 Junction 21 along the A57 and B5320. After passing Irlam railway station, I knew I needed to turn left but found street signs difficult to spot. Most helpfully, immediately after passing the Co-op, a sign pointed the way down Silver Street to ‘IRLAM FC’ and ‘Animals in Distress sanctuary’. 

The programme today included the history of Irlam FC, which was formed as Mitchell Shackleton FC in 1969 by a group of employees working for Mitchell, Shackleton and Company Limited, a well established engineering company based in Patricroft. The club changed name to Irlam MS, then moved to Silver Street in 2003 and subsequently changed name again to Irlam FC. The club joined the North-West Counties League in 2008. 

I saw West Didsbury & Chorlton play their first-ever North-West Counties League game back in August when they lost 3-2 to Formby (http://pitch-side-stories.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/saturday-4th-august-2012.html). We didn’t know at the time how good that narrow defeat was as Formby began the season with nine straight league victories. 

League table wise, Irlam (12 points from 15 games) went into game in 16th position with West Didsbury (26 points from 16 games) pushing for promotion in fourth position, seven points behind leaders AFC Darwen with a game in hand. 

Teams were announced over the tannoy, the turnstile man went out of his way to sell me a programme (I was an early arrivee) and the tea bar was a nice place to relax out of the cold before the game. Just before kick-off, I was approached by a fellow traveller, Colin, who had made his way up from Birmingham. Nice to meet you. 

West Didsbury (in white and black) got the game underway attacking the entrance end in the first half – left to right in relation to a seat in the stand. 

Defences were very much on top from the off and the first decent scoring opportunity didn’t come until the 11th minute. A good move by Irlam set up Theo Bailey Jones who forced West’s goalkeeper Ben Simpson to dive to his right to hold a low shot. 

As the half wore on, I felt that the touch-tackling visitors were starting to get on top and, in the 36th minute, Tre Baldwin Willis picked up the ball in space on the left and fired low across the face of goal. Lee Shillito also shot across the face of the Irlam goal and wide of the far right post a few minutes later. 

It looked like the first half would end goalless until the visitors took the lead in stoppage time. Baldwin Willis got clear and confidently hammered a well-struck shot past Jamie Brewer.

For the second half, I stood between the two dugouts and saw West Didsbury continue to threaten after the restart. Shillito stayed onside as he broke down the right and cut in to hit a low shot which Brewer parried at the near post. 

Just before the hour mark, Callum Jones latched onto a pass from Anthony Potts down the middle and poked the ball past the onrushing Brewer just past the unguarded goal.

The Irlam defence was certainly forced to work hard to keep their side in contention. Gareth Thomas played the ball to Danny Summers who took it into the area with two players unmarked at the far post. But Irlam’s Jordan Smith blocked the cross amid unsuccessful appeals for handball. 

With 20 minutes remaining, I started to feel that West’s one goal advantage might not be enough especially when Irlam really started to pose problems in what was a really absorbing contest. 

A corner from Chris Rowan wasn’t completely cleared and Liam Morrison drove low past the right-hand post. 

“Millsy, keep us going, pressure,” shouted the home bench, “keep working”. An Irlam equaliser was a distinct possibility. Yet, while they were pushing forward, the defence continued to work hard. 

Irlam made a third and final chance with Liam Pennington replacing Morrison in the 83rd minute (photo right). 

With time running out, Rowan’s corner fell to Pennington at the far post who saw his shot cleared. Paul Monk tried to put Bailey Jones clear but Simpson raced out of his area to boot the ball out of the ground. 

Dramatically, Irlam gained one last chance to equalise from a corner. Everyone bar one defender and one attacking packed the area including Brewer wearing a bright orange top. Rowan delivered the ball into the area, Brewer headed it goalwards and it ended up in the net. Bailey Jones was credited with the equaliser – a just reward for the hard work put in by the home side. 

This was a fitting end to an enjoyable, though cold, afternoon at Silver Street. 

Irlam (blue/blue/blue): 1. Jamie Brewer, 2. Paul Monk, 3. Barry Lomas, 4, Steven Mills (capt), 5. Connor Braithwaite, 6. Jordan Smith, 7. Mark Ratcliffe, 8. Liam Morrison, 9. Richard Chetcuti, 10. Darron Green, 11. Theo Bailey Jones. Subs: 12. Chris Monaghan (for Chetcuti, 69), 13. Chris Rowan (for Ratcliffe, ht), 14. Liam Pennington (for Morrison, 83), 16. Ryan Hutchinson (not used). 

West Didsbury & Chorlton (white with black sleeves / black / black): 1. Ben Simpson, 2. Callum Jones, 3. Scott Jones, 4. Callum Schofield, 5. Anthony Potts, 6. Mike Aston (capt), 7. Danny Summers, 8. Mark Woodcock, 9. Tre Baldwin Willis, 10. Lee Shillito, 11. Lewis Schofield. Subs: 12. Gareth Thomas (for Baldwin Willis, 60), 14. Conrad Britton (for Summers, 79), 15. Tommy Walsh (not used), 16. Matt Eckersley (not used), 17. Paul Lewis (not used). 

Referee: Abid Hussain (Oldham).
Assistants: D. Crompton and A. Hodgkinson. 

Goals:
0-1 Tre Baldwin Willis (45+1)
1-1 Theo Bailey Jones (90+1) 

Cards:
Irlam: Darron Green (YC, 60)
West Didsbury: & Chorlton: Mark Woodcock (YC, 61)

Eccleshall 0 Northwich Villa 1

Wednesday 19th September 2012
Eccleshall 0 Northwich Villa 1
North-West Counties League Division One
At: Pershall Park
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Admission: £4; Programme: £1 (28 pages)
Weather: mild, dry
Attendance: 33
Duration: first-half: 45:40; second-half: 50:34

If I do manage to complete 2012 and/or a century of games without seeing a 0-0 draw then I’m sure I’ll owe a big ‘thank you’ to Northwich Villa’s Kwame Barrett for scoring tonight’s only goal in the second minute of stoppage time. By the time the striker fired low past goalkeeper Stuart Plant, I’d settled for, and felt pleased about, my local side Eccleshall gaining a valuable point to double their tally for the season and keeping a clean sheet at the same time. So, thanks to Kwame, my current run extends to 86 games since the goalless draw at Wolverhampton Casuals on the 27th December.

This was my fifth visit to Pershall Park, found just over a mile to the west of the town centre in the village of Pershall on the B5026 towards Loggerheads. My first visit back in 1987 had been followed by more recent games in 2008 and 2011.

I like the ground with three separate areas of cover. The original stand with a bench at the back is still in situ behind the dugouts and there are around 50 seats in front of the clubhouse, as well as further covered standing in the corner behind the Chester Road goal One thing I noticed tonight was a superb level playing surface, ideal for passing football. As I and others have mentioned before, the chap manning the far paybox gave a friendly welcome. The clubhouse is a good place to relax before the game, complete with the ‘Café McHenny’ tea bar. Teams were announced over the tannoy, through I’d already obtained the lineups from the Secretary.

On Saturday, Eccleshall (17th with 1 point from 7 games) put their league form behind them and recorded a fine 3-1 win at Midland Alliance side Stratford Town to progress in the FA Vase to the First Round.

Northwich Villa (in green and white) got the action underway attacking the Chester Road end. Play was confined to midfield for the opening nine minutes until Eccleshall’s Ryan Smith hit a rising right foot drive from the right which the diving Villa goalkeeper Niiakai Sonne turned round the far post.

By the midway point of the first half, the only other notable chance was a drive over the home bar by Cameron Clarke from an offside position.

A couple of further chances were created and wasted before Dan Jones, in space, fired against the boot of Sonne. Jones according to the programme was named Man of the Match on Saturday by the Non-League Paper’s reporter at Stratford.

Just before the break, Dylan Norris, wearing the ‘33’ shirt, hit a rising 30-yard drive which Stuart Plant tipped over.

Half-time arrived goalless for the second game running.

Hope of a goal noticeably increased at the start of the second half with a flurry of chances. Kwame Barrett fired into the sidenetting and Smith saw a well-struck shot blocked by Sonne. Eccleshall’s Plant did well to hold another shot from Clarke.

Unlike the last two matches I saw without a first-half goal – Nantwich yesterday and Dolgellau last month on the Hop where, at both, one side had scored before the 61st minute – the second half wore on without anyone finding the net.

Was my run of 85 games without a 0-0 about to end?

Even the referee didn’t help my quest for a goal either by turning down a strong Villa appeal for a penalty when a defender appeared to pull the shirt of Barrett inside the area. The ref was far better positioned than me to make the decision he did!

Plant produced another save to deny Clarke a goal and, on 80 minutes, I settled for a goalless draw which meant that Eccleshall had gained a point and kept a clean sheet.

Substitute Daniel Colclough played a pass into the path of Lee Ratcliffe who got forward from defence and sent a 25-yard shot inches wide of the target.

I really didn’t know what to do when Northwich (13th in the table with 7 points from 7 games) scored the winner in the second minute of stoppage time. Barrett latched onto a throughball and coolly slotted low past Plant. Celebrate as ‘Tram’ would have done or feel for Eccleshall? It was more like the latter.

My thoughts turned to Eccleshall and whether they had enough time to bag an equaliser. They won a free-kick on halfway which Plant booted into the area and was cleared for a corner. Plant went forward, Colclough delivered the resulting corner and Jordan Flattley saw a volley blocked.

All in all, I enjoyed my fifth trip to Pershall Park and hope they have a few more Wednesday evening games during the season.

Eccleshall (blue and black stripes / black / black): 1. Stuart Plant, 2. Bradley Cooper, 3. Lee Ratcliffe, 4. Michael Davies, 5. Jack Warren, 6. Nathan Hunt (capt), 7. Ryan Smith, 8. Jordan Flattley, 9. Dan Jones, 10. Calum Hassall, 11. Jordan Foster. Subs: 12. Lee Summerfield (for Jones, 80), 14. Daniel Colclough (for Foster, 68), 15. Gary Gibson (for Waren, ht), 16. Mitchell Lovatt (not used).

Northwich Villa (green with white sleeves / white / green): 13. Niiakai Sonne, 2. Anthony Lloyd, 33. Dylan Norris, 4. Matthew Carr, 5. Lee Lloyd (capt), 6. Philip Clorley, 7. Romeio Gray, 8. Patrick Nolan, 9. Chris Peach, 10. Kwame Barrett, 11. Cameron Clarke. Subs: 12. Sean Rushe (for Gray, 56), 14. Martin Rushe (for Nolan, 73), 15. Lee Garwood (for Clarke, 80), 16. Oliver Bell (not used), 17. Wale Ajet (not used).

Referee: P. Ince (Bolton).
Assistants: N. Burke and A. Waring.

Goals:
0-1 Kwame Barrett (90+2)

Cards:
Eccleshall: Lee Ratcliffe (YC, 87)
Northwich: none.