‘Around the Grounds’ Edition 11: Winsford United
Fri 20th December 2024 | Winsford United | By Ben Wilkinson
'Around the Grounds' returns after a short break and reaches it's next stop - Winsford United of the First Division South and the Barton Stadium that they call home.
Winsford have had a turbulent time over the last few years. Following the FA's decision to laterally move them into the Midland League Premier in the summer of 2023, the club took voluntary relegation into our First Division South; the upheaval took its toll on the pitch as the Blues finished 17th out of 18 last season, becoming at the mercy of the FA (again) as to whether they would remain in the National League System. As it happened, they were handed a reprieve and have made the most of it this term, winning 15 of their 19 league games so far and have made good progress in multiple cup competitions.
The ground is steeped in history, having been Winsford’s home since all the way back in 1883 when they were founded as Over Wanderers. It was originally just playing fields before being developed into a football ground during the interwar period, with the ground taking its name from the club’s owner at the time, a Mr R G Barton. A greyhound track was built around the pitch in 1970 and this is still evident to this day with the oval hardstanding surrounding the playing surface, even though it’s been nearly 30 years since time was called on the racing.
There is covered standing down one side of the pitch, opposite the main pavilion with the clubhouse and dressing rooms separated from the pitch by a small covered seated stand. Some new hardstanding has been put in behind the near goal while the far end is currently closed for similar works to be carried out there shortly. I visited the Barton Stadium for a rearranged Macron Cup Second Round tie against Glossop North End of the Premier Division.
It took the hosts just four minutes to get themselves in front and it was number 9 Matthew Birchall with the goal - a bullet header into the top left corner left Glossop keeper Alex Brown rooted to the spot. Two minutes later and the lead was doubled through a fantastic effort from Oliver McDonough, who touched the ball down beautifully before nestling it in the bottom right corner. The Blues made it three on the stroke of half time when a cross in from the left was knocked towards goal by Blake Robinson and it was a horror show from the GNE defence who failed to clear the ball and it rolled into the net.
Elliott Coleman was denied twice in the second half by some great saves from Glossop ‘keeper Alex Brown but finally got his name on the scoresheet twenty minutes from time to put Winsford four goals to the good. The damage was well and truly done at this stage and although both sides went close in the late stages of the game the score remained 4-0 and Winsford’s passage to the Third Round was secured in style.
After the match, I spoke to Winsford’s secretary Mike Dawson about the future of the club… “We’ve got lots in the pipeline and have already got started as you’ve seen. We’ve got some new hardstanding behind one goal; it’s definitely good to have fans closer to the pitch. We’ve started construction on a new building near the entrance by the café which will include some outdoor seating. Once that’s completed we’ll re-purpose the existing building for community use on non-matchdays.
We’re very happy with how the season has gone so far. After a tough time last year we’d set an aim of reaching the play-offs this time around. Glossop are now the fourth Premier Division team we’ve beaten in cups this season and it’s these good results that are bringing the fans through the turnstiles; we’ve had a large increase in numbers compared to last year and we’ve got local businesses on side and helping out too, it makes a big difference.”
On future plans, including potential lateral movement: “We’re very aware of the likelihood of a transfer to the Midland League should we achieve promotion and we’re ready for that challenge should it come. We’re not here to hold the club back.”
‘Around the Grounds’ Edition 11: Winsford United
Fri 20th December 2024 | Winsford United
By Ben Wilkinson
'Around the Grounds' returns after a short break and reaches it's next stop - Winsford United of the First Division South and the Barton Stadium that they call home.
Winsford have had a turbulent time over the last few years. Following the FA's decision to laterally move them into the Midland League Premier in the summer of 2023, the club took voluntary relegation into our First Division South; the upheaval took its toll on the pitch as the Blues finished 17th out of 18 last season, becoming at the mercy of the FA (again) as to whether they would remain in the National League System. As it happened, they were handed a reprieve and have made the most of it this term, winning 15 of their 19 league games so far and have made good progress in multiple cup competitions.
The ground is steeped in history, having been Winsford’s home since all the way back in 1883 when they were founded as Over Wanderers. It was originally just playing fields before being developed into a football ground during the interwar period, with the ground taking its name from the club’s owner at the time, a Mr R G Barton. A greyhound track was built around the pitch in 1970 and this is still evident to this day with the oval hardstanding surrounding the playing surface, even though it’s been nearly 30 years since time was called on the racing.
There is covered standing down one side of the pitch, opposite the main pavilion with the clubhouse and dressing rooms separated from the pitch by a small covered seated stand. Some new hardstanding has been put in behind the near goal while the far end is currently closed for similar works to be carried out there shortly. I visited the Barton Stadium for a rearranged Macron Cup Second Round tie against Glossop North End of the Premier Division.
It took the hosts just four minutes to get themselves in front and it was number 9 Matthew Birchall with the goal - a bullet header into the top left corner left Glossop keeper Alex Brown rooted to the spot. Two minutes later and the lead was doubled through a fantastic effort from Oliver McDonough, who touched the ball down beautifully before nestling it in the bottom right corner. The Blues made it three on the stroke of half time when a cross in from the left was knocked towards goal by Blake Robinson and it was a horror show from the GNE defence who failed to clear the ball and it rolled into the net.
Elliott Coleman was denied twice in the second half by some great saves from Glossop ‘keeper Alex Brown but finally got his name on the scoresheet twenty minutes from time to put Winsford four goals to the good. The damage was well and truly done at this stage and although both sides went close in the late stages of the game the score remained 4-0 and Winsford’s passage to the Third Round was secured in style.
After the match, I spoke to Winsford’s secretary Mike Dawson about the future of the club… “We’ve got lots in the pipeline and have already got started as you’ve seen. We’ve got some new hardstanding behind one goal; it’s definitely good to have fans closer to the pitch. We’ve started construction on a new building near the entrance by the café which will include some outdoor seating. Once that’s completed we’ll re-purpose the existing building for community use on non-matchdays.
We’re very happy with how the season has gone so far. After a tough time last year we’d set an aim of reaching the play-offs this time around. Glossop are now the fourth Premier Division team we’ve beaten in cups this season and it’s these good results that are bringing the fans through the turnstiles; we’ve had a large increase in numbers compared to last year and we’ve got local businesses on side and helping out too, it makes a big difference.”
On future plans, including potential lateral movement: “We’re very aware of the likelihood of a transfer to the Midland League should we achieve promotion and we’re ready for that challenge should it come. We’re not here to hold the club back.”
