Saturday 13 August 2016
Rochdale St Clement’s 0 v 2 Failsworth Dynamos – Paul MacKeown Memorial Cup (the Mushy Cup)
A sunny August afternoon for the hosting of the Mushy Cup for its third year.
The Mushy Cup is the ‘Charity Shield’ played between last season’s Premier League Champions (Failsworth Dynamos) and the Cup Winners (Rochdale st Clements). It honours Paul MacKeown, a former player and official of Rochdale St Clement’s and LAL Representative Team manager who died at a young age four years ago. His wife Elaine, son Jack, and two grandsons were present. It is always hosted by Rochdale St Clement’s who have been the only winners, on the last two occasions.
As President, I had the curious, and unanticipated, honour of ‘leading-out’ the teams and officials.
The team’s played in contrasting styles – Failsworth played through their very able midfield of captain Tex and ex-Oldham player, Phil Salt, whilst Rochdale played a longer-ball game. Goals either side of half-time secured a deserved victory for Failsworth. The game was well officiated and played in a good spirit.
I, and other members of the League Council, were welcomed and hosted well by the Club and ex-President, Simon Lord (nice Jag). I had the privilege of presenting the awards at the end of a wholly satisfactory start to the season.
Wednesday 17 August 2016
Ashtonians v Hesketh Casuals – Division 1
The first League fixture this season for both clubs. There is some history here – Ashtonians felt ‘hard-done-to’ last season when, eventually as runners-up in Division 2, they inexplicably lost 6-1 away to Hesketh’s Reserves, who didn’t win another game all season. Anyway, now they did face Hesketh’s 1st XI in their higher division having been promoted from Division 2 as Runners-Up.
The first surprise was to see Andy Smith, long-term captain for nine years since the age of 21, on the touch-line as Acting Manager (and acting linesman and acting sub). Despite a first 15 minute battering when Ashtonians goalkeeper made some important saves, Ashtonians moved into a comfortable 2-0 lead until Hesketh grabbed one back just before half-time as the Ashtonian full-back, Connor Neal, jumped under the ball allowing the Hesketh forward to finish well.
However, Ashtonians young guns dominated the second-half with two more goals; one, a superbly struck free-kick from Dale Clinton, and the other a scrambled affair claimed by Paul Vermigglio.
The match was played in an excellent spirit and very well refereed by young Jonny Entwhistle.
Saturday 20 August 2016
Prestwich 2 v 1 Ashtonians – Division 1
A warm welcome was received from Club Secretary (and Assistant Referee today), John Haslam, and the 1st XI manager on a surprisingly windy August afternoon with squally showers.
The match was characterised by the young Ashtonians team allowing Prestwich to play it out from the back, have most of the possession, and defending, quite successfully, within their own half of the field. Dale Clinton then scored an extraordinary goal, from almost the half-way line, lobbing the Prestwich keeper.
Ashtonians held their lead until mid-way through the second-half as the number of chances for Prestwich increased – both sides rattling a post during this period. Prestwich’s equaliser was well worked in open play then, two minutes before the final whistle, they finally hit a close range free kick on target to leave Ashtonians disappointed after resolute defence. However, on the balance of possession and number of chances, Prestwich were worthy winners.
The game was very well refereed by Mike Willmore and the game was played in a fine spirit by both sets of players.
Wednesday 24 August 2016
Astley and Tyldesley v Accrington Amateurs Reserves
Hard for the Fixtures Ernie to arrange a longer journey in the League for a Wednesday evening – hey, ho!
Astley and Tyldesley are a new team in the League having spent six years in the Wigan Amateur League and grown from a junior football set-up which was thriving this evening – kids everywhere with lots of adult helpers and encouragers. This is a great set-up with an exceptional pitch (very large) and surface at this time of the year. It is a significant ‘Miners’ Welfare’ set-up with a cycling track, tennis, bowls, cricket etc
The welcome was very warm from Kieron Unsworth and other Club officials and parents - this is a relatively young team. Accy were understandably down to a minimum team plus a couple of subs, but were equally welcoming. The referee was of the more mature, less mobile variety.
The match was a contrast of styles, with A & T playing most of the football and Accy employing a long-ball game. A & T made a shedful of chances when I was present, but hadn’t converted by the time I left with half an hour to go with the score at 0-0, although my feeling was that A & T would run out winners. I’ll leave the rest of the game to the Club’s website report:
The second half so the visitors make changes but still the home side dominated and never looking in trouble and when one of the endless free kicks given was delivered perfectly by Crowder, Jordan Pollock rose unmarked to open his account for the season.
This made A & T turn it on more and create more chances and should have been out of site when Molyneaux was taken out in the box. Crowder steps up and hit the underside of the bar.
This lifted the away team and they came out playing for the first time in the game. At this point yellow cards were flying everywhere and when another lunge on Kinlock this time a 2 footed lunge over the ball met with another yellow card it seemed inevitable that Accrington would get something and when another long ball went in behind the forward beat the on rushing keeper and was taken out the spot kick was dispatched by someone who it’s dubious should they have been on the pitch still. 1-1 79 minutes.
Despite this A & T came out flying and when Aspinall played it across the box Chapman stepped up and finished with aplomb. 2-1 83 minutes
This should have been game over.
However, straight from kick off the home side had gone to sleep and to their credit Accrington never gave up and when the equaliser went in 2-2 A & T had no one to complain too as they literally went to sleep.
On returning to Ashton-in-Makerfield to catch the end of the Div 1 match between Ashtonians and Wardle I was surprised to find no one on the pitch at 19 50 and no sign of the match having been played, although when I had driven passed earlier, players were warming-up. Painfully, after 90 seconds of the game having kicked-off, Joe Rooney from Ashtonians had suffered a suspected broken leg. The player, in great pain, could not be moved but waited 50 minutes for an ambulance, at which point the match had, inevitably, been abandoned.
Saturday 03 September 2016
Ashtonians v Roach Valley – Div 1
Not an official Presidential visit, but a Secretary’s anticipated spectatorship on the way home from holiday in Ireland. We had driven from Holyhead to Ashton in very heavy rain following a week of sunshine. At 13 50, both teams were present and both anticipated the pitch being passed fit and the match being played. Ten minutes later, when the referee arrived, it wasn’t, and it wasn’t.
Saturday 10 September 2016
Chaddertonians Res v Ashtonians Res
Had a work commitment but left early to attend this fixture at Hopwood Hall. On arrival – nobody there. Quick phone calls to Chadds secretary, Craig Stone, established that the match had been ‘cried off’ on Friday as Chadds were unable to raise a team (Manchester derby and PD’s rant refers). Craig thought that, Ashtonians would have informed me, as my Home club. Later in the pub, Ashtonians thought Chadds would have informed me. Much banter ensued!
All not lost though…..
Failsworth Dynamos v Old Mancunians - Prem
I switched across to Failsworth, arriving just as they scored their first goal. I was elegantly hosted by an acquaintance from my day-job, David Shenton, who is also Chair of Governors at St John’s, CE Primary School, Failsworth; a founder of the Club 20 years ago; and a parent of the centre-half. Other Failsworth club officials were very welcoming and very committed to the cause. So committed, in fact, that the two Old Mancunians subs, who I spoke to at half-time, described Failsworth as the ‘angriest team’ they have ever played against.
Observing the match, Failsworth are certainly an aggressive outfit within the parameters allowed by the official, but that is part of their strength which, by the end of the game, combined with significant skill, they had converted into a deserved, 3-0, Home victory. They will be a hard side to beat as last year’s Cup winners found in the Mushy Cup final. Again, solid foundations built on a junior set-up.
Rochdale St Clement’s 0 v 2 Failsworth Dynamos – Paul MacKeown Memorial Cup (the Mushy Cup)
A sunny August afternoon for the hosting of the Mushy Cup for its third year.
The Mushy Cup is the ‘Charity Shield’ played between last season’s Premier League Champions (Failsworth Dynamos) and the Cup Winners (Rochdale st Clements). It honours Paul MacKeown, a former player and official of Rochdale St Clement’s and LAL Representative Team manager who died at a young age four years ago. His wife Elaine, son Jack, and two grandsons were present. It is always hosted by Rochdale St Clement’s who have been the only winners, on the last two occasions.
As President, I had the curious, and unanticipated, honour of ‘leading-out’ the teams and officials.
The team’s played in contrasting styles – Failsworth played through their very able midfield of captain Tex and ex-Oldham player, Phil Salt, whilst Rochdale played a longer-ball game. Goals either side of half-time secured a deserved victory for Failsworth. The game was well officiated and played in a good spirit.
I, and other members of the League Council, were welcomed and hosted well by the Club and ex-President, Simon Lord (nice Jag). I had the privilege of presenting the awards at the end of a wholly satisfactory start to the season.
Wednesday 17 August 2016
Ashtonians v Hesketh Casuals – Division 1
The first League fixture this season for both clubs. There is some history here – Ashtonians felt ‘hard-done-to’ last season when, eventually as runners-up in Division 2, they inexplicably lost 6-1 away to Hesketh’s Reserves, who didn’t win another game all season. Anyway, now they did face Hesketh’s 1st XI in their higher division having been promoted from Division 2 as Runners-Up.
The first surprise was to see Andy Smith, long-term captain for nine years since the age of 21, on the touch-line as Acting Manager (and acting linesman and acting sub). Despite a first 15 minute battering when Ashtonians goalkeeper made some important saves, Ashtonians moved into a comfortable 2-0 lead until Hesketh grabbed one back just before half-time as the Ashtonian full-back, Connor Neal, jumped under the ball allowing the Hesketh forward to finish well.
However, Ashtonians young guns dominated the second-half with two more goals; one, a superbly struck free-kick from Dale Clinton, and the other a scrambled affair claimed by Paul Vermigglio.
The match was played in an excellent spirit and very well refereed by young Jonny Entwhistle.
Saturday 20 August 2016
Prestwich 2 v 1 Ashtonians – Division 1
A warm welcome was received from Club Secretary (and Assistant Referee today), John Haslam, and the 1st XI manager on a surprisingly windy August afternoon with squally showers.
The match was characterised by the young Ashtonians team allowing Prestwich to play it out from the back, have most of the possession, and defending, quite successfully, within their own half of the field. Dale Clinton then scored an extraordinary goal, from almost the half-way line, lobbing the Prestwich keeper.
Ashtonians held their lead until mid-way through the second-half as the number of chances for Prestwich increased – both sides rattling a post during this period. Prestwich’s equaliser was well worked in open play then, two minutes before the final whistle, they finally hit a close range free kick on target to leave Ashtonians disappointed after resolute defence. However, on the balance of possession and number of chances, Prestwich were worthy winners.
The game was very well refereed by Mike Willmore and the game was played in a fine spirit by both sets of players.
Wednesday 24 August 2016
Astley and Tyldesley v Accrington Amateurs Reserves
Hard for the Fixtures Ernie to arrange a longer journey in the League for a Wednesday evening – hey, ho!
Astley and Tyldesley are a new team in the League having spent six years in the Wigan Amateur League and grown from a junior football set-up which was thriving this evening – kids everywhere with lots of adult helpers and encouragers. This is a great set-up with an exceptional pitch (very large) and surface at this time of the year. It is a significant ‘Miners’ Welfare’ set-up with a cycling track, tennis, bowls, cricket etc
The welcome was very warm from Kieron Unsworth and other Club officials and parents - this is a relatively young team. Accy were understandably down to a minimum team plus a couple of subs, but were equally welcoming. The referee was of the more mature, less mobile variety.
The match was a contrast of styles, with A & T playing most of the football and Accy employing a long-ball game. A & T made a shedful of chances when I was present, but hadn’t converted by the time I left with half an hour to go with the score at 0-0, although my feeling was that A & T would run out winners. I’ll leave the rest of the game to the Club’s website report:
The second half so the visitors make changes but still the home side dominated and never looking in trouble and when one of the endless free kicks given was delivered perfectly by Crowder, Jordan Pollock rose unmarked to open his account for the season.
This made A & T turn it on more and create more chances and should have been out of site when Molyneaux was taken out in the box. Crowder steps up and hit the underside of the bar.
This lifted the away team and they came out playing for the first time in the game. At this point yellow cards were flying everywhere and when another lunge on Kinlock this time a 2 footed lunge over the ball met with another yellow card it seemed inevitable that Accrington would get something and when another long ball went in behind the forward beat the on rushing keeper and was taken out the spot kick was dispatched by someone who it’s dubious should they have been on the pitch still. 1-1 79 minutes.
Despite this A & T came out flying and when Aspinall played it across the box Chapman stepped up and finished with aplomb. 2-1 83 minutes
This should have been game over.
However, straight from kick off the home side had gone to sleep and to their credit Accrington never gave up and when the equaliser went in 2-2 A & T had no one to complain too as they literally went to sleep.
On returning to Ashton-in-Makerfield to catch the end of the Div 1 match between Ashtonians and Wardle I was surprised to find no one on the pitch at 19 50 and no sign of the match having been played, although when I had driven passed earlier, players were warming-up. Painfully, after 90 seconds of the game having kicked-off, Joe Rooney from Ashtonians had suffered a suspected broken leg. The player, in great pain, could not be moved but waited 50 minutes for an ambulance, at which point the match had, inevitably, been abandoned.
Saturday 03 September 2016
Ashtonians v Roach Valley – Div 1
Not an official Presidential visit, but a Secretary’s anticipated spectatorship on the way home from holiday in Ireland. We had driven from Holyhead to Ashton in very heavy rain following a week of sunshine. At 13 50, both teams were present and both anticipated the pitch being passed fit and the match being played. Ten minutes later, when the referee arrived, it wasn’t, and it wasn’t.
Saturday 10 September 2016
Chaddertonians Res v Ashtonians Res
Had a work commitment but left early to attend this fixture at Hopwood Hall. On arrival – nobody there. Quick phone calls to Chadds secretary, Craig Stone, established that the match had been ‘cried off’ on Friday as Chadds were unable to raise a team (Manchester derby and PD’s rant refers). Craig thought that, Ashtonians would have informed me, as my Home club. Later in the pub, Ashtonians thought Chadds would have informed me. Much banter ensued!
All not lost though…..
Failsworth Dynamos v Old Mancunians - Prem
I switched across to Failsworth, arriving just as they scored their first goal. I was elegantly hosted by an acquaintance from my day-job, David Shenton, who is also Chair of Governors at St John’s, CE Primary School, Failsworth; a founder of the Club 20 years ago; and a parent of the centre-half. Other Failsworth club officials were very welcoming and very committed to the cause. So committed, in fact, that the two Old Mancunians subs, who I spoke to at half-time, described Failsworth as the ‘angriest team’ they have ever played against.
Observing the match, Failsworth are certainly an aggressive outfit within the parameters allowed by the official, but that is part of their strength which, by the end of the game, combined with significant skill, they had converted into a deserved, 3-0, Home victory. They will be a hard side to beat as last year’s Cup winners found in the Mushy Cup final. Again, solid foundations built on a junior set-up.
