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Midweek Reviews 31 July - 3 August 2023
Shakers fans, brace yourselves! We've made two wins out of two in the North West Counties Premier Division. Here's the roundup of the midweek games:
The First Division South champions, Wythenshawe, continued their impressive start in the Premier Division. This time, they served another 4-0 defeat to fellow promoted side Cheadle Town. Twice scoring in each half, the Ammies are now topping the table, but we know it's early days.
Burscough's fans must be ecstatic after winning a five-goal thriller at home to Lower Breck, clinching the winner just five minutes from time. Despite trailing twice, Burscough showed resilience and debutant Alberto Canache provided the dramatic winner.
Now let's talk about what you've been waiting for - Bury! Following up the 5-1 opening day glory over Glossop North End, the Shakers marched to a 3-1 victory at relegated Colne. The boys in blue wrapped it up in the first half, with Andy Briggs and Benito Lowe scoring for the second game in a row and Darius Palma sealing the third. Colne managed a consolation, but the Shakers are on a roll, and we're loving it!
Kendal Town is also off to a great start, recording another 1-0 victory, this time over Longridge Town. Robert Wilson's penalty secured the Mintcakes another three points.
Wythenshawe Town notched their first win of the season with a 3-1 home triumph over West Didsbury & Chorlton, recovering from an early own goal to take the victory.
In other games, AFC Liverpool edged Skelmersdale United 3-2, while Prestwich Heys dominated Pilkington 3-0. Ramsbottom United's last-minute heroics ensured a 2-1 victory over FC Isle of Man, and both Irlam and Barnoldswick Town continue their unbeaten starts.
Rounding out the fixtures were draws for Squires Gate and Charnock Richard at 1-1, while Padiham and Litherland REMYCA played to a goalless draw.
Shakers, the start to our season has been nothing short of thrilling. Two wins from two, and we're hungry for more. Keep backing the boys, and here's to making this season memorable. Let's keep the faith and support the Shakers all the way! #UpTheShakers! #BuryFc #UTS
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News From The NWCFL AGM
The League's Annual General Meeting took place today at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool. Representatives of 56 of the 60 member clubs were in attendance as well as the eight new member clubs that have been allocated to the league for the new season.
To open the meeting, League Chairman Paul Lawler welcomed all delegates at 11.00am prompt. After apologies were given, the minutes from the previous AGM were raised and adopted prior to moving on to the Chairman's Report.
The report from the Chairman said it was another great season for football. He said that average gates were well up on previous years, with clubs giving value for money with quality to match. We should be well placed to attract football fans from higher up the pyramid.
He then ran through successes of clubs. Vauxhall Motors won the Premier, with Avro also achieving promotion through the Step 4/5 Play-Off. He mentioned though how glad he was that the format has been scrapped with traditional play off's coming in. In the First Division North, Pilkington took the crown with Chadderton promoted in the Play Offs. In the First Division South it was Wythenshawe Amateurs who won it, with Cheadle Town promoted in the Play Offs.
Our last remaining side in tie FA Cup was Bury AFC, and Paul was very proud that we had three Quarter Finalists in the FA Vase. Well done to Bury AFC, Congleton Town and West Didsbury & Chorlton for their success in the competition this season.
Congratulations to Congleton Town and Bacup Borough on winning the respective league cups. Northwich Victoria won the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup, with Winsford Unitedas runners up. Credit to Congleton Town who became the first NWCFL side to win the Cheshire Senior Cup, and to Kendal Town who won the Westmorland Senior Cup. Also well done to Wythenshawe Town who were runners up in the Manchester Premier Cup.
Sadly we do lose clubs. As well as Vauxhall and Avro, we say goodbye to Cleator Moor Celtic, Foley Meir and Rocester who were relegated from the First Division. It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to both and hopefully they can return to us for 2023/24. To replace these we have eight new clubs, four from the Northern Premier League, three from the County Feeder League and one from hiatus. He then wished the new clubs all the best on their new journey,.
Then he came onto lateral movements. These come at a considerable cost, potentially putting their future in doubt. Winsford had to take voluntary relegation to secure the clubs future. With Uttoxeter getting a reprieve. This issue is one we have constantly raised with the FA. The lateral movement problem will not go away. Almost certainly, lateral movement end of 2023/24 from South Manchester sides or eastern sides. Current rules aren't fit for purpose and need changing.
Paul said behaviour on the field continues to be a problem, verbal abuse and incidents . Also record number of dismissals from the technical area. He asked clubs to read and digest the Respect and Fair Play reports produced by Stewart Taylor. The standard of administration from some clubs is poor and creates significant work. Our league is about respect and friendship which some clubs seem to have forgotten.
Administrative procedures were carried out which included adopting of standing orders, adopt the accounts for the financial year as well as reviewing the auditors report produced by Steve Conway. This technically concluded the league business for the 2022-23 season.
Next was the exclusion of clubs, which in a long-standing tradition at the NWCFL, was a chance to say goodbye. Avro thanked people for advice that they have been given, its been a great journey and that he hoped not to see us in 12 months time. Cleator Moor Celtic said that they had made good friends over the last four years, they are now dropping to the West Lancs and that he hoped to see us soon. Congleton Town said that they had had the best season for quite a number of years, that they looked forward to making friends in the Midland League and that they would miss us all.
Northwich Victoria echoed Congleton's thoughts, and said that it had been a tough few weeks. Its now a rebuild job and moving to the Midland League has put 149 years of football at stake. Finally Vauxhall Motors, who thanked the officers of the league for their help and to fellow member clubs for their hospitality and friendship. They then wished everyone all the best for the future, before all clubs left the room.
The constitution of the league was then agreed, with 24 clubs in the Premier Division, 19 in the First Division North and 18 in the First Division South. This is subject to any FA appeals. As Paul pointed out, we have no choice these days but to accept it as it is decided nationally by the FA! The eight new clubs were then accepted into the league with representatives from Colne, Droylsden, Glossop North End, Market Drayton Town, Route One Rovers, Ramsbottom United, Shelley Community, Skelmersdale United. All took to the stage to say hello and to give a bit of information about their clubs to the room.
The full make up of all three of our divisions at this present time is as follows:
PREMIER DIVISION
AFC Liverpool, Barnoldswick Town, Burscough, Bury (formerly Bury AFC), Chadderton, Charnock Richard, Cheadle Town, Colne, FC Isle of Man, Glossop North End, Irlam, Kendal Town, Longridge Town, Litherland Remyca, Lower Breck, Padiham, Pilkington, Prestwich Heys, Ramsbottom United, Skelmersdale United, Squires Gate, West Didsbury & Chorlton, Wythenshawe (formerly Wythenshawe Amateurs), Wythenshawe Town
DIVISION ONE NORTH
AFC Blackpool, Ashton Athletic, Ashton Town, Atherton LR, Bacup Borough, Daisy Hill, Darwen, Droylsden, Euxton Villa, FC St Helens, Garstang, Holker Old Boys, Ilkley Town, Nelson, Route One Rovers, Runcorn Town, South Liverpool, Shelley Community, Steeton
DIVISON ONE SOUTH
Abbey Hey, Abbey Hulton United, Alsager Town, Ashville, Barnton, Brocton, Cammell Laird 1907, Cheadle Heath Nomads, Eccleshall, Ellesmere Rangers, Maine Road, Market Drayton Town, New Mills, Sandbach United, Stafford Town, Stockport Georgians, Stockport Town, Winsford United
The next item was the Life Members and the Election of Management Committee members. With the passing of Bob Eccles, the President position is vacant and we have had no nominations thus far. Four committee members were up for re-election who were Mick Ainsworth, Martin Fallon, Rob Goodwin-Davey and Chris Stirrup. All offered themselves for re-election to serve for a 3 year term will commence another period of office which will see them on the Management Committee until 2026. With no other nominations, all were duly elected.
We did have a vacancy during the season. With Sue Hyde's departure the committee co-opted Charlie O'Brien. With no other nominations, a show of hands in the room formally elected Charlie to the League Management Committee.
Administration for the new season was addressed with the FA Standardised rules reviewed and agreed. John Deal explained that we don't really have a lot of choice these days.One change for 2023/24 will be the introduction of a Match Arrangement Form similar to FA Competitions due to some disagreements in the past between clubs regarding admission prices.
The fees tariffs was agreed. The one change from last season being a small increase in assistant referee's fees. The fines tariff was agreed, with no changes made.
Next was confirmation of the League Insurance Scheme, and there have been no proposals for change there. This was followed by the re-appointment of auditors which was agreed.
The Chairman then closed the Official Meeting at 11.45am.
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Shakers Triumph Again to Maintain Perfect Record: A Matchweek Overview 07/08/23
The Shakers stand proud at the top of the North West Counties Premier Division, continuing their unbeaten run. However, last season's promotion rivals Wythenshawe Town didn't make it easy for them. Bury emerged victorious with a 3-2 win but faced a daunting two-goal deficit at the break, courtesy of penalties by Luke Nock and Danny Byrnes.
In a thrilling match that encapsulated the essence of football, Bury staged a comeback that their fans will cherish. Andy Briggs quickly pulled one back and added a second in the 56th minute. Sajjad Elhassan then capped off the turnaround with a cool penalty in the 77th minute following a foul on Lewis Gilboy. Twelve yellow cards were shown in this hotly contested battle, but remarkably, no players were sent off.
Bury's winning streak remains intact, and the excitement for what's next in their campaign continues to build.
Keeping An Eye on the Competition
Bury's closest rivals, Kendal Town, are keeping the pressure on and could match Bury's 100% record with their next win. The Mintcakes dominated Padiham in a 3-0 victory, leaving their scoring until late in the game. The Cumbrians' defence has been impressive, as they have yet to concede a goal this season.
Other Notable Matches
Litherland REMYCA clinched a 4-1 win over Squires Gate, with Oliver Nugent and Elliot Taylor playing key roles. Colin McDonald's side now sits in third place.
Colne finally secured a league win, defeating Glossop North End 2-1 in a replay of their FA Cup triumph.
In a spirited display, Cheadle Town rallied from 2-0 down to snatch a point against Pilkington. Late heroics from Pat Davin and Kyle McGonigle salvaged a draw.
Prestwich Heys and Charnock Richard played to a goalless stalemate in the other match of the week.
Looking Forward
As Bury continues to impress and lead the division, fans will be eager to see if their beloved Shakers can maintain their form in the coming fixtures. With the team showing resilience, flair, and a winning mentality, the season ahead promises to be exciting for everyone connected with Bury Football Club. Stay tuned for all the latest updates, match reports, and exclusive fan content.
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The NWCFL opening weekend
Welcome back to Gigg Lane, Shakers fans! The Premier Division is back, and oh boy, did we return in style. Bury triumphed in our opening fixture, and the excitement was palpable. Let's dive into the details:
Saturday marked the beginning of a new era for Wythenshawe, Pilkington, and Chadderton, celebrating their promotion to Step 5 with victories. Wythenshawe impressively brushed aside Ramsbottom United 4-0. Pilkington began their new journey by overcoming Squires Gate 2-0, while Chadderton made their presence known with a 3-0 triumph over Litherland REMYCA.
But the highlight of the day, undoubtedly, was right here at Gigg Lane, where 5,451 of us – setting a new Premier Division record – witnessed our unified Bury demolish Glossop North End 5-1. Andy Welsh's men were relentless, taking a 3-0 lead within the first half an hour. Quickfire goals from Benito Lowe and one from Andrew Briggs gave us a flying start, and the atmosphere was electric. Jordi Nsaka added a fourth, and after Glossop managed a mere consolation, Jack Lenehan sealed the deal with a brilliant finish. The crowd's roar was deafening, and the kick-off delay of 15 minutes due to congestion only heightened the anticipation.
Unfortunately, the opening day wasn't as joyous for the teams dropping back into the North West Counties. All four tasted defeat, Colne being thrashed 3-0 at West Didsbury & Chorlton. Skelmersdale United, another fallen side, went down 3-1 to Padiham.
Meanwhile, despite being down to ten men, FC Isle of Man recorded a 2-0 win over Wythenshawe Town. Burscough picked up a promising 3-1 win over Prestwich Heys, and Longridge Town came from behind to draw 2-2 with Irlam. The other fixtures saw a 1-1 draw between Lower Breck and Barnoldswick Town, Charnock Richard's 1-0 win over Cheadle Town, and Kendal Town scraping past AFC Liverpool 1-0.
But let's not lose focus, Shakers faithful! This was OUR day, OUR triumph, and it's just the beginning. The spirit is alive at Gigg Lane, and we can't wait to see where this season takes us. Onwards and upwards, Bury! Here's to more glorious days ahead! #BuryFc #UpTheShakers! #UTS
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