REACTION: NWCFL managers react to their Macron Cup results
Sun 20th October 2019 | Match Reviews | By Craig Kendall
Steeton manager Roy Mason: "I thought we were great value for the win & the only disappointment was conceding a goal so late in the game and missing a penalty at 3-0. It’s been a tough start for us but we are unbeaten in the last four games and we’ve only conceded one goal so we are giving ourselves a good platform to build on.
"It was an early start for everyone but one that was well worth it. I was pleased for the players who have stuck with us and bought into a few new ideas myself and Chris Reape have implemented and we are now starting to show the form I know we are capable of. We are not where we want to be yet, but it’s work in progress and we are improving game by game."
Rylands manager David McNabb: "I thought we started the game well and dominated possession from the outset. The lads moved the ball brilliantly throughout the first half and we deserved to go in at half time comfortably in front. Barnton deserves a lot of credit, they played some good stuff and didn’t keep going right until the end.
"Good luck for the rest of the season! Overall, a very pleasing performance scoring five and more importantly gaining a second clean sheet in succession."
(Bacup won 3-1 on penalties)
Bacup Borough Manager Brent Peters: "Except for Pete Monteith, Laquan Esdaille, Matthew Bryan we are a very young side. We said to the boys before the game that this would be a good test against Premier League opposition which should show just where we are as a group.
"The outcome of this collective performance was nothing but positive, it was an excellent game to watch, and as a contest, there was nothing between either side. Two teams with varying football styles, all over the pitch the group were not only working hard for each other but every one of them was competing well.
"Defensively as a unit, led impeccably by our captain Laquan Esdaille were solid, the fact that their leading marksman Grimshaw did not get much joy at all having been well marshalled by Esdaille himself speaks volumes. When the defence was breached keeper Pete Monteith was well and truly on form with some terrific saves.
"This was by far not all one-sided, for long periods Charnock Richard found themselves defending as we built up constant attacking moves. When we took the lead on 50 minutes, in my opinion, it was fully deserved. Despite Charnock throwing everything at us, everyone to a man got behind the ball, competed well, so much so there were five minutes of injury time, we had kept a clean sheet a fully deserved to have done.
"We had got it down to last minute of injury time when we had the ball in their defensive corner; a bad decision to put the ball in resulted in them breaking and scoring. This was a real shame as we had been solid and resolute all afternoon.
"I am proud of the boys. I also have to compliment Laquan, Ryan Siddle and Kyle Brooks on converting their spot-kicks and Peter Monteith on three wonderful penalty saves."
Chanock Richard manager Ryan Donnellan: "I thought we dominated the game in long periods but didn’t capitalise in the final third. We did well to keep knocking on the door ultimately scoring in the last second. I’m very disappointed to go out of the cup so early but we can concentrate on progressing in the league."
Runcorn Town manager Paul McManus: "Happy with today’s performance and result. We were 3-0 up at half time and still demanding more from each other in the dressing room which is good to see. Some lads who haven’t had many minutes of late played and performed well which shows our strength in depth.
"We took our goals well, could have had more and kept the all-important clean sheet again so will go away happy and enjoy the weekend."
Abbey Hulton United manager Russell Leadbetter: "Exactly the response I asked for I got. The lads worked hard from start to finish, there was nobody who can off the pitch with anybody left in them. And I'm not surprised because I know these lads have got it in them every week, it's just a case of them going out and doing it every week. A win in a local derby away from home... Say no more!"
Squires Gate manager Luke Evans: "Unfortunately today was just a bad day at the office. Losing our right back with in the first few minutes changed our plans and we struggled to break down our opponents in the final third. We didn’t seem in a massive amount of trouble but unfortunately, they took their chances and we were unable to take ours.
"We need to dust ourselves down and focus on our league campaign now starting with a massive game on Wednesday. Congratulations to Emley and good luck in the next round."
Winsford United manager Lee Duckworth: "No complaints. If we don't take our chances then we don't deserve anything. Good luck to a very hard working Prestwich."
AFC Blackpool manager Martin Baird: "We are pleased to get into the next round, though the lads second half was terrific going forward and were ruthless with the chances we had. Some of the goals we scored were pleasing as they were good patterns of play apart from Jays from the halfway line which was just individual brilliance.
"It’s one of the very few occasions this season that we looked like we have started to get everyone back even with a couple still to come back in the fold it promises to be a kick start we want to build on. Credit to the lads every man was brilliant, we are disappointed in the manner we conceded the two goals in the second half especially as we should see the game out at 5-1 but there’s always room for improvement.
"The lads deserved that win yesterday and we look forward to going to St. Helens in the next round."
Cheadle Heath Nomads manager Andy Gray: "We didn’t start well. Indecision in the box allowed their man too much space in the second minute and he finished well to give the early lead. They are a quality side and we knew we’d have to work extra hard and to be honest, bar the first 10 minutes I thought we more than matched them for large spells of the first half.
"It was a bit of a blow to then concede again five minutes before half time. 2-0 down at the break but I honestly thought we’d still be in with a shout if we got an early goal. Unfortunately, it was them that got it and we were up against it.
"We got a goal back and were unlucky not to get it back to 3-2 but then the greater fitness told and they pushed us back. They scored another couple late on and to be honest it could have been more I was proud of our lads today though and the work rate and effort we put in.
"They won’t face many better teams this season and we had opportunities. It was mentioned that we gave them more trouble than some Premier clubs have this season so we’ll take that as a positive.
"We worked to a plan and if we take that effort and commitment on through the rest of the season we’ll give ourself a chance I have to say well done to 1874, they’re a great club and I wish them well in the next round."
1874 Northwich manager Wayne Goodison: "In what could have been a difficult game we are really happy to come away with a solid performance and the win. Credit to Cheadle Heath though, they kept coming at us all game and we had to be at our best to overcome them."
Maine Road manager Ray Barnet: "We knew this would be a good game of football, Oswestry play really nice football and are not top of the league by chance, but the lads are in good spirits at the moment with some good results of our own especially the 3-1 win against Oswestry a couple of weeks ago.
"Our form continued and we played some lovely football and only the crossbar and three or four top draw saves from the Oswestry keeper kept it 0-0 at half time. There's was nothing to say at half time the performance spoke for itself and we focused on not wasting the effort of the first 45 minutes.
"The lads didn't disappoint as they kept up the pressure and we got the breakthrough with a great finish from Jack Coop and doubled the lead with another goal for Jamie Hill. Ten minutes to go we put the game toned with a well-deserved goal for Ben Mooney. A very pleasing day for the management team and our first clean sheet of the season but days like this belong to the lads."
FC Oswestry Town manager Matt Burton: "We weren't at the races today, we weren't at full strength and had too many square pegs in round holes. Credit to Maine Road, they worked hard and we weren't bright enough to break them down. Lots to do to ensure that we are ready for a tough test next week."
West Didsbury & Chorlton manager Brad Cooke: "Today we were far from our best but we got the job done and move on into the next round. You can't be at your best every week so to win when we are not, shows how far we have come as a group.
"The attendance of 299 for a league cup game is fantastic so a huge thanks to the fans. We look forward to the draw."
Burscough manager Nick Matthews: "We let ourselves, the club and the supporters down today. That second-half performance is not acceptable at any level of football. I thought we played ok for the first 43 minutes and then we conceded a daft freekick.
"It was a good strike from Cusani and we go in at half-time at 0:1. Two minutes into the second half and all the half-time team talk was out of the window. After that Ashton Athletic dominated.
"To be fair Dougie has them playing some good football, they are young fast and very fit bunch of lads. We need to be more ruthless in front of goal and put away the chances we create. Good luck to Ashton Athletic."
Ashton Athletic joint-manager Dougie Pitts: "Burscough is always a tough place to go and we are delighted to come away with the win and progression into the next round. Other than our defeat in the Vase last week, we are playing very well and we are made up that we have had a few different goalscorers today and a clean sheet to go with that.
"Credit to Burscough, it was a very tight first half and we had to dig in to get ourselves in front. It took a special Marcus Cusani free-kick to put us 1-0 up. We believe we have a strong squad and that was certainly evident today with the changes that we made.
"We have a few big months coming up in terms of league games, but we are we are certainly looking forward to the challenge."
Lower Breck manager Gary Moore: "Delighted with the win today which now makes it 10 on the spin in all competitions. We didn't start the game well but dominated for the majority after we got the equaliser. Lairds more than played their part and were dangerous on the counter and our keeper had to pull off two important saves at crucial times but at the other end, the Lairds keeper kept them in the game with the stops he was pulling off.
"Whilst we're not getting carried away it's hats off to my lads for putting together this runoff results with some big performances over the last two months and with the small squad we have it shows the shifts this group is putting in for each other week in week out to get the results."
Cammell Laird 1907 manager: "Balanced game with both teams having chances to win the game. Breck had more of the ball in wide areas causing us problems, we had some great chances on the break. To concede 2 goals from corners was frustrating. Pleased to give 3 players their debuts and impressed with there contributions. Well done to Breck who are a great club on and off the field.
"Best of luck for the season and in the next round."
Wythenshawe Town manager James Kinsey: "We made a few changes today and looked at some different options. We weren't at our best at all and Shelley deserved the win on the whole. There wasn't enough work rate but the lads have had a busy few weeks. That along with several changes has made it difficult to gain any momentum.
"We've got a big game to bounce back next week against Stone where we will reshuffle the pack."
Nelson manager Andy Harrison: "I was pleased with the performance today from the lads. A couple missing through injury and suspensions but a strong 11 none the less. First half was fairly boring until we should have had a penalty but it wasn't given.
"St Helens took the lead against the run of play and we then went on to equalise straight away from the spot. We went into injury time expecting penalties I think and with the last kick of the game their striker squared it to no one but our lad couldn't adjust his feet quickly enough and it's ended up in the back of the net.
"When your luck is out, your luck is out. Positive performance though, another day and we win this four or five. Back to the league. A special thank you to the St. Helens physio for his help with Lewis' head injury. Top man."
Stone Old Alleynians manager Jamie Cullerton: "It's another disappointing cup performance and result. It's a missed opportunity to have caused a cup shock and beaten a team from a higher division which sums up our cup for this season. The difference, in the end, was there forwards who produced the quality to win the game."
AFC Liverpool Chris Anderson: "It's great to get through to the next round of the cup. We started strong and capitalised on a couple of their mistakes but I still knew we were in for a tough game. They came out fast and in a way had nothing to lose to come at us in the second half, which saw them have majority of possession without really creating many clear cut chances. It was good to see us win in a bit of an ugly way.
"Sandbach are a good side and will be up the right end of the table at the end of the season."
Ashton Town manager David Dempsey: "We played very well today. I went into today's game with a bit of apprehension beating LR 9-2 last time out and then not being able to carry on the momentum with last weeks game being called off, but fair play to my players and staff for applying themselves how they did.
"We have just beat a strong Golcar side 5-1 and we were in control for the majority of the game. The boys are in a really good moment at the minute and we seem to have clicked. We are going into every game knowing what we need to do to win and the boy's application and hunger to win is fantastic.
"One very proud gaffer tonight!"
Vauxhall Motors manager Mick McGraa: "Top performance today away to a very strong Avro side dominated the game from start to finish we were ruthless at the right times just starting to build some good momentum going into a tough couple of months."
Eccleshall manager Kyle Adams: "It was always going to be a tough ask. Two games in 48 hours. Short on bodies. Travelling on a Friday night to a Bootle side doing well in the league above. The lads were magnificent though. They did everything we asked of them and nearly pulled off a great result. We were solid throughout and used the ball the well when we had it, creating some good openings and taking the two in the first half.
"There were a few tired legs out there and we just couldn't hold on but credit to Bootle, they changed the way they played second half and put us under pressure that told in the end. In all fairness, the goal to win the game was fantastic and good enough to win any game. The character and attitude amongst the group are superb at the moment though and we'll look forward to getting back to the league next week now to try and push on."
Irlam manager Michael Dodd: "The lads were professional from beginning to end. It sounds obvious but Friday night games are only good if you win, you can then sit back and enjoy your Saturday. Going and getting something at Skelmersdale on a Friday night is no easy task and so I'm proud of how the lads applied themselves.
"Skem did well towards the end and will feel they could have made it closer, but I felt we deserved the win in the end. We are glad to be in the next round."
Main photograph by James Lobley from Runcorn Town's 5-0 win against Atherton LR.
REACTION: NWCFL managers react to their Macron Cup results
Sun 20th October 2019 | Match Reviews
By Craig Kendall
Steeton manager Roy Mason: "I thought we were great value for the win & the only disappointment was conceding a goal so late in the game and missing a penalty at 3-0. It’s been a tough start for us but we are unbeaten in the last four games and we’ve only conceded one goal so we are giving ourselves a good platform to build on.
"It was an early start for everyone but one that was well worth it. I was pleased for the players who have stuck with us and bought into a few new ideas myself and Chris Reape have implemented and we are now starting to show the form I know we are capable of. We are not where we want to be yet, but it’s work in progress and we are improving game by game."
Rylands manager David McNabb: "I thought we started the game well and dominated possession from the outset. The lads moved the ball brilliantly throughout the first half and we deserved to go in at half time comfortably in front. Barnton deserves a lot of credit, they played some good stuff and didn’t keep going right until the end.
"Good luck for the rest of the season! Overall, a very pleasing performance scoring five and more importantly gaining a second clean sheet in succession."
(Bacup won 3-1 on penalties)
Bacup Borough Manager Brent Peters: "Except for Pete Monteith, Laquan Esdaille, Matthew Bryan we are a very young side. We said to the boys before the game that this would be a good test against Premier League opposition which should show just where we are as a group.
"The outcome of this collective performance was nothing but positive, it was an excellent game to watch, and as a contest, there was nothing between either side. Two teams with varying football styles, all over the pitch the group were not only working hard for each other but every one of them was competing well.
"Defensively as a unit, led impeccably by our captain Laquan Esdaille were solid, the fact that their leading marksman Grimshaw did not get much joy at all having been well marshalled by Esdaille himself speaks volumes. When the defence was breached keeper Pete Monteith was well and truly on form with some terrific saves.
"This was by far not all one-sided, for long periods Charnock Richard found themselves defending as we built up constant attacking moves. When we took the lead on 50 minutes, in my opinion, it was fully deserved. Despite Charnock throwing everything at us, everyone to a man got behind the ball, competed well, so much so there were five minutes of injury time, we had kept a clean sheet a fully deserved to have done.
"We had got it down to last minute of injury time when we had the ball in their defensive corner; a bad decision to put the ball in resulted in them breaking and scoring. This was a real shame as we had been solid and resolute all afternoon.
"I am proud of the boys. I also have to compliment Laquan, Ryan Siddle and Kyle Brooks on converting their spot-kicks and Peter Monteith on three wonderful penalty saves."
Chanock Richard manager Ryan Donnellan: "I thought we dominated the game in long periods but didn’t capitalise in the final third. We did well to keep knocking on the door ultimately scoring in the last second. I’m very disappointed to go out of the cup so early but we can concentrate on progressing in the league."
Runcorn Town manager Paul McManus: "Happy with today’s performance and result. We were 3-0 up at half time and still demanding more from each other in the dressing room which is good to see. Some lads who haven’t had many minutes of late played and performed well which shows our strength in depth.
"We took our goals well, could have had more and kept the all-important clean sheet again so will go away happy and enjoy the weekend."
Abbey Hulton United manager Russell Leadbetter: "Exactly the response I asked for I got. The lads worked hard from start to finish, there was nobody who can off the pitch with anybody left in them. And I'm not surprised because I know these lads have got it in them every week, it's just a case of them going out and doing it every week. A win in a local derby away from home... Say no more!"
Squires Gate manager Luke Evans: "Unfortunately today was just a bad day at the office. Losing our right back with in the first few minutes changed our plans and we struggled to break down our opponents in the final third. We didn’t seem in a massive amount of trouble but unfortunately, they took their chances and we were unable to take ours.
"We need to dust ourselves down and focus on our league campaign now starting with a massive game on Wednesday. Congratulations to Emley and good luck in the next round."
Winsford United manager Lee Duckworth: "No complaints. If we don't take our chances then we don't deserve anything. Good luck to a very hard working Prestwich."
AFC Blackpool manager Martin Baird: "We are pleased to get into the next round, though the lads second half was terrific going forward and were ruthless with the chances we had. Some of the goals we scored were pleasing as they were good patterns of play apart from Jays from the halfway line which was just individual brilliance.
"It’s one of the very few occasions this season that we looked like we have started to get everyone back even with a couple still to come back in the fold it promises to be a kick start we want to build on. Credit to the lads every man was brilliant, we are disappointed in the manner we conceded the two goals in the second half especially as we should see the game out at 5-1 but there’s always room for improvement.
"The lads deserved that win yesterday and we look forward to going to St. Helens in the next round."
Cheadle Heath Nomads manager Andy Gray: "We didn’t start well. Indecision in the box allowed their man too much space in the second minute and he finished well to give the early lead. They are a quality side and we knew we’d have to work extra hard and to be honest, bar the first 10 minutes I thought we more than matched them for large spells of the first half.
"It was a bit of a blow to then concede again five minutes before half time. 2-0 down at the break but I honestly thought we’d still be in with a shout if we got an early goal. Unfortunately, it was them that got it and we were up against it.
"We got a goal back and were unlucky not to get it back to 3-2 but then the greater fitness told and they pushed us back. They scored another couple late on and to be honest it could have been more I was proud of our lads today though and the work rate and effort we put in.
"They won’t face many better teams this season and we had opportunities. It was mentioned that we gave them more trouble than some Premier clubs have this season so we’ll take that as a positive.
"We worked to a plan and if we take that effort and commitment on through the rest of the season we’ll give ourself a chance I have to say well done to 1874, they’re a great club and I wish them well in the next round."
1874 Northwich manager Wayne Goodison: "In what could have been a difficult game we are really happy to come away with a solid performance and the win. Credit to Cheadle Heath though, they kept coming at us all game and we had to be at our best to overcome them."
Maine Road manager Ray Barnet: "We knew this would be a good game of football, Oswestry play really nice football and are not top of the league by chance, but the lads are in good spirits at the moment with some good results of our own especially the 3-1 win against Oswestry a couple of weeks ago.
"Our form continued and we played some lovely football and only the crossbar and three or four top draw saves from the Oswestry keeper kept it 0-0 at half time. There's was nothing to say at half time the performance spoke for itself and we focused on not wasting the effort of the first 45 minutes.
"The lads didn't disappoint as they kept up the pressure and we got the breakthrough with a great finish from Jack Coop and doubled the lead with another goal for Jamie Hill. Ten minutes to go we put the game toned with a well-deserved goal for Ben Mooney. A very pleasing day for the management team and our first clean sheet of the season but days like this belong to the lads."
FC Oswestry Town manager Matt Burton: "We weren't at the races today, we weren't at full strength and had too many square pegs in round holes. Credit to Maine Road, they worked hard and we weren't bright enough to break them down. Lots to do to ensure that we are ready for a tough test next week."
West Didsbury & Chorlton manager Brad Cooke: "Today we were far from our best but we got the job done and move on into the next round. You can't be at your best every week so to win when we are not, shows how far we have come as a group.
"The attendance of 299 for a league cup game is fantastic so a huge thanks to the fans. We look forward to the draw."
Burscough manager Nick Matthews: "We let ourselves, the club and the supporters down today. That second-half performance is not acceptable at any level of football. I thought we played ok for the first 43 minutes and then we conceded a daft freekick.
"It was a good strike from Cusani and we go in at half-time at 0:1. Two minutes into the second half and all the half-time team talk was out of the window. After that Ashton Athletic dominated.
"To be fair Dougie has them playing some good football, they are young fast and very fit bunch of lads. We need to be more ruthless in front of goal and put away the chances we create. Good luck to Ashton Athletic."
Ashton Athletic joint-manager Dougie Pitts: "Burscough is always a tough place to go and we are delighted to come away with the win and progression into the next round. Other than our defeat in the Vase last week, we are playing very well and we are made up that we have had a few different goalscorers today and a clean sheet to go with that.
"Credit to Burscough, it was a very tight first half and we had to dig in to get ourselves in front. It took a special Marcus Cusani free-kick to put us 1-0 up. We believe we have a strong squad and that was certainly evident today with the changes that we made.
"We have a few big months coming up in terms of league games, but we are we are certainly looking forward to the challenge."
Lower Breck manager Gary Moore: "Delighted with the win today which now makes it 10 on the spin in all competitions. We didn't start the game well but dominated for the majority after we got the equaliser. Lairds more than played their part and were dangerous on the counter and our keeper had to pull off two important saves at crucial times but at the other end, the Lairds keeper kept them in the game with the stops he was pulling off.
"Whilst we're not getting carried away it's hats off to my lads for putting together this runoff results with some big performances over the last two months and with the small squad we have it shows the shifts this group is putting in for each other week in week out to get the results."
Cammell Laird 1907 manager: "Balanced game with both teams having chances to win the game. Breck had more of the ball in wide areas causing us problems, we had some great chances on the break. To concede 2 goals from corners was frustrating. Pleased to give 3 players their debuts and impressed with there contributions. Well done to Breck who are a great club on and off the field.
"Best of luck for the season and in the next round."
Wythenshawe Town manager James Kinsey: "We made a few changes today and looked at some different options. We weren't at our best at all and Shelley deserved the win on the whole. There wasn't enough work rate but the lads have had a busy few weeks. That along with several changes has made it difficult to gain any momentum.
"We've got a big game to bounce back next week against Stone where we will reshuffle the pack."
Nelson manager Andy Harrison: "I was pleased with the performance today from the lads. A couple missing through injury and suspensions but a strong 11 none the less. First half was fairly boring until we should have had a penalty but it wasn't given.
"St Helens took the lead against the run of play and we then went on to equalise straight away from the spot. We went into injury time expecting penalties I think and with the last kick of the game their striker squared it to no one but our lad couldn't adjust his feet quickly enough and it's ended up in the back of the net.
"When your luck is out, your luck is out. Positive performance though, another day and we win this four or five. Back to the league. A special thank you to the St. Helens physio for his help with Lewis' head injury. Top man."
Stone Old Alleynians manager Jamie Cullerton: "It's another disappointing cup performance and result. It's a missed opportunity to have caused a cup shock and beaten a team from a higher division which sums up our cup for this season. The difference, in the end, was there forwards who produced the quality to win the game."
AFC Liverpool Chris Anderson: "It's great to get through to the next round of the cup. We started strong and capitalised on a couple of their mistakes but I still knew we were in for a tough game. They came out fast and in a way had nothing to lose to come at us in the second half, which saw them have majority of possession without really creating many clear cut chances. It was good to see us win in a bit of an ugly way.
"Sandbach are a good side and will be up the right end of the table at the end of the season."
Ashton Town manager David Dempsey: "We played very well today. I went into today's game with a bit of apprehension beating LR 9-2 last time out and then not being able to carry on the momentum with last weeks game being called off, but fair play to my players and staff for applying themselves how they did.
"We have just beat a strong Golcar side 5-1 and we were in control for the majority of the game. The boys are in a really good moment at the minute and we seem to have clicked. We are going into every game knowing what we need to do to win and the boy's application and hunger to win is fantastic.
"One very proud gaffer tonight!"
Vauxhall Motors manager Mick McGraa: "Top performance today away to a very strong Avro side dominated the game from start to finish we were ruthless at the right times just starting to build some good momentum going into a tough couple of months."
Eccleshall manager Kyle Adams: "It was always going to be a tough ask. Two games in 48 hours. Short on bodies. Travelling on a Friday night to a Bootle side doing well in the league above. The lads were magnificent though. They did everything we asked of them and nearly pulled off a great result. We were solid throughout and used the ball the well when we had it, creating some good openings and taking the two in the first half.
"There were a few tired legs out there and we just couldn't hold on but credit to Bootle, they changed the way they played second half and put us under pressure that told in the end. In all fairness, the goal to win the game was fantastic and good enough to win any game. The character and attitude amongst the group are superb at the moment though and we'll look forward to getting back to the league next week now to try and push on."
Irlam manager Michael Dodd: "The lads were professional from beginning to end. It sounds obvious but Friday night games are only good if you win, you can then sit back and enjoy your Saturday. Going and getting something at Skelmersdale on a Friday night is no easy task and so I'm proud of how the lads applied themselves.
"Skem did well towards the end and will feel they could have made it closer, but I felt we deserved the win in the end. We are glad to be in the next round."
Main photograph by James Lobley from Runcorn Town's 5-0 win against Atherton LR.