Gameweek 28: Review

Mon 3rd February 2025 | Match Reviews | By Jay Cooper

 Another weekend, another round of games from all 3 divisions of the NWCFL, as well as the Vase and Edward Case Cup. Let's run through the best and worst of what the last week has had to offer.

Isuzu FA Vase:

• The last remaining NWCFL horse in the race for Wembley were Atherton LR, who hosted Bourne Town, of the United Counties League Premier Division North. Despite going 2-0 down, Rovers fought back valiantly to a 2-2 draw in normal time, but unfortunately fell just short, losing 6-5 on penalties.

Edward Case Cup:

• More cup action, but not with the promise of Wembley for making the final. Firstly, Abbey Hulton United had to contend with Holker Old Boys, and, namely, Charlie McGladdery. He scored two, before Kieran Brown got one back for AHU, but Holker’s place in the next round was secured by Tyler Spence, helping the Old Boys to a 3-1 victory.
• Another home side to be 1-0 down at half time were Ashville. They had Euxton Villa as visitors to the Ray Parker Stadium, and Kai Shorrock got the ball rolling for Villa in the 39^th minute. Ashville turned the tables in the second half with two goals in as many minutes, but it was 2-2 by the full-time whistle. Ashville were able to outdo their opponents on penalties, winning 5-3.
• In what was undoubtedly the match of the weekend, First Division South title challengers Stafford Town hosted Maine Road. There were four goals in the first half with Town leading 3-1 at the break, but in the second half, all hell broke loose. There was a goal every six and a half minutes (if you do the maths), to eventually see the game end 7-4 to Stafford. No time to catch your breath!

Premier Division:

• Lower Breck kept up their consistent play-off push on Saturday on their travels to Abbey Hey. Thomas Mitchell scored within two minutes to give Breck the lead, and two goals in the second half ensured maximum points for the visitors, with the game finishing 3-1.
• Squires Gate are a little precarious as the second-bottom side in the division, and Barnoldswick Town smelled blood in their hosting of Gate on Saturday. Ryan Moore was the hungriest of Barlick’s sharks, scoring a hat-trick for Steve Pickup’s side as they stormed to a 4-1 win.
• FC St Helens were another side wanting to take full advantage of their visitors this past weekend, with Liam Houghton scoring two of his side’s four. It was Charnock Richard who were the unfortunate victims of this in-form FC side, with the final score reading 4-1.
• Cheadle Town didn’t score four like the two teams above them in this review, but they did still win by three goals in their game away at Litherland REMYCA. Helped along by a bit of fortune, with their first goal being an own goal by a REMYCA player, Cheadle kept a clean sheet and won 3-0.
• Ramsbottom United’s fairly consistent title push took a stumble this weekend, especially when you consider that Bury picked up all three points against Stockport Town. Rammy rushed into a 2-0 lead against Longridge Town, but Lee Ashcroft’s men fought back to 2-2, thanks to goals from Jordan Dainty and Jack Anderton.
• In what was definitely the match of the day from the Premier Division, Colne – currently playing with plenty of momentum after a struggled season before the turn of the year – must’ve thought they were on their way to another win when they found themselves 3-0 up at the break. However, hosts West Didsbury and Chorlton refused to roll over, and completely turned the game on its head in the second half, coming back to win 4-3.

Other scores:

• AFC Liverpool 2-0 Pilkington
• Chadderton 1-1 Padiham
• FC Isle of Man 1-1 Irlam
• Glossop North End 2-1 Prestwich Heys
• Stockport Town 1-2 Bury

First Division North:

• Ashton Athletic’s Deklan Hill will probably feel a bit disheartened by the fact that his hat-trick against Garstang wasn’t quite enough to help jay Foulds’ side pick up maximum points. Daniel Squires’ 96^th minute equaliser for Garstang saw the game end 3-3.
• It was another weekend to forget for bottom club Skelmersdale United as they hosted Steeton. The Chevrons were ready and willing to take the fight to Skem in this one, and has a 3-0 lead by half time. They didn’t allow much wriggle room for their opponents in the second half, with the final score reading 5-1.

Other scores:

• Daisy Hill P-P AFC Blackpool
• Darwen FC 0-1 Droylsden
• Nelson 2-1 Maghull
• Thornton Cleveleys 1-2 Bacup Borough

First Division South:

• Market Drayton Town’s hosting of Eccleshall was one that lasted a lot longer than anyone would’ve expected, largely due to a shoulder injury to MDT’s David Ablewhite. The game ended 3-1 to Eccleshall, with the final goal coming in the 109^th minute of play. We send our best to David Ablewhite, and hope that he has a speedy recovery.
• Dylan Wood was the hero of the day for Alsager Town as they battled to an away draw with New Mills. Woods scored twice, with his second being the final one of the game, and the score was 2-2 by the end.
• With Stafford Town in ECC action on Saturday, the chance was there for Winsford United to cement themselves as the league leaders. On their travels to Runcorn Town, Reece Davies, Matt Birchall and Leandro Tanswell Vargas all bagged to help United ascend to first in the table with a 3-1 win.

Other scores:

• Allscott Heath 1-0 Foley Meir
• Stockport Georgians 1-0 Shawbury United
• Wolves Sporting 1-2 Barnton