Five Things We Learned 2023/24 - Gameweek 3
Thu 17th August 2023 | Five Things | By Jay Cooper
1. Wythenshawe look right at home in the Prem
As a newly-promoted team, when you're the only side in the division with a 100% win record after your opening 4 games, I'd call that a successful start. This is the situation that new Prem side Wythenshawe FC find themselves in after winning the First Division South last season.
Their most recent win came on Tuesday, when they dismissed Prestwich Heys 5-2 away from home, and this result nicely compliments their earlier 3-1, 4-0 and 4-0 wins over Irlam, Cheadle Town and Ramsbottom United, respectively. The only side keeping them from the top of the table is Kendal Town, who have played 1 more game than they have, and have amassed 1 more point.
2. The first Premier Division hat-trick
There were quite a few league hat-tricks throughout the opening gameweek, 6 to be precise, but they all came from either the First Division North or the First Division South. Well, better late than never for the Prem to join the party.
In Kendal Town's 3-1 home victory against Litherland REMYCA on Saturday, James Bailey was the man behind all 3 of his side’s goals, with 2 of them coming within the opening 6 minutes of the game. He also bagged 2 in Kendal's 4-4 thriller with Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday, taking his total for the season to 8 in all competitions.
3. The strongest of starts for FC St Helens
I've already made mention of Wythenshawe FC being the only members of the 100% club left in the Premier Division. Well, in the First Division North, the same credit must be given to FC St Helens. Last year’s play-off finalists, who only lost on penalties in the end to Chadderton, are certainly looking to make sure they don't suffer that same fate in 2023/24.
From 6 league games so far this season, FC have managed to pick up maximum points, score 12 goals, and have only conceded 3. They currently top the table by 3 points, and have surely emerged as the division’s top pacesetters.
4. No mercy shown by Ashton Town
There have been a few high-scoring victories for teams already this season - if you remember last week's list, I spoke about both Charnock Richard and Euxton Villa managing to score 7 goals in their games. Ashton Town saw those results, and raised them, before raising them again.
Playing host to Shelley on Saturday, Kevin Towey's side were in no mood to take any prisoners, and managed to put 9 goals past their opponents, who could only manage 1 in return. Special mention to Jordan Southworth, who bagged himself a hat-trick in this mauling.
5. Abbey Hey brought back down to earth
Abbey Hey made the First Division South play-offs in 2021/22, but had a more transitional and less thrilling campaign in 2022/23. They've started this season like a house on fire, however, as they managed 4 wins from their first 5 games, including two 5-0 victories.
Well, in an ironic twist of fate, the red rebels succumbed to their first defeat of the season on Tuesday when they welcomed Cheadle Heath Nomads. Wouldn't you know it, they were beaten 5-0. They remain top of the league, but only on goal difference, with Stockport Town breathing down their necks.
Five Things We Learned 2023/24 - Gameweek 3
Thu 17th August 2023 | Five Things
By Jay Cooper
1. Wythenshawe look right at home in the Prem
As a newly-promoted team, when you're the only side in the division with a 100% win record after your opening 4 games, I'd call that a successful start. This is the situation that new Prem side Wythenshawe FC find themselves in after winning the First Division South last season.
Their most recent win came on Tuesday, when they dismissed Prestwich Heys 5-2 away from home, and this result nicely compliments their earlier 3-1, 4-0 and 4-0 wins over Irlam, Cheadle Town and Ramsbottom United, respectively. The only side keeping them from the top of the table is Kendal Town, who have played 1 more game than they have, and have amassed 1 more point.
2. The first Premier Division hat-trick
There were quite a few league hat-tricks throughout the opening gameweek, 6 to be precise, but they all came from either the First Division North or the First Division South. Well, better late than never for the Prem to join the party.
In Kendal Town's 3-1 home victory against Litherland REMYCA on Saturday, James Bailey was the man behind all 3 of his side’s goals, with 2 of them coming within the opening 6 minutes of the game. He also bagged 2 in Kendal's 4-4 thriller with Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday, taking his total for the season to 8 in all competitions.
3. The strongest of starts for FC St Helens
I've already made mention of Wythenshawe FC being the only members of the 100% club left in the Premier Division. Well, in the First Division North, the same credit must be given to FC St Helens. Last year’s play-off finalists, who only lost on penalties in the end to Chadderton, are certainly looking to make sure they don't suffer that same fate in 2023/24.
From 6 league games so far this season, FC have managed to pick up maximum points, score 12 goals, and have only conceded 3. They currently top the table by 3 points, and have surely emerged as the division’s top pacesetters.
4. No mercy shown by Ashton Town
There have been a few high-scoring victories for teams already this season - if you remember last week's list, I spoke about both Charnock Richard and Euxton Villa managing to score 7 goals in their games. Ashton Town saw those results, and raised them, before raising them again.
Playing host to Shelley on Saturday, Kevin Towey's side were in no mood to take any prisoners, and managed to put 9 goals past their opponents, who could only manage 1 in return. Special mention to Jordan Southworth, who bagged himself a hat-trick in this mauling.
5. Abbey Hey brought back down to earth
Abbey Hey made the First Division South play-offs in 2021/22, but had a more transitional and less thrilling campaign in 2022/23. They've started this season like a house on fire, however, as they managed 4 wins from their first 5 games, including two 5-0 victories.
Well, in an ironic twist of fate, the red rebels succumbed to their first defeat of the season on Tuesday when they welcomed Cheadle Heath Nomads. Wouldn't you know it, they were beaten 5-0. They remain top of the league, but only on goal difference, with Stockport Town breathing down their necks.
