Quotes from the Weekend: Matchweek 37
Wed 9th April 2025 | Manager Reactions | By Jay Cooper
With a good amount of NWCFL teams in League action across this past weekend, there was plenty of scope to speak to club managers for their opinions on what their teams produced in their 90 minutes.
Premier Division:
Mike Smith, of FC St Helens (FC St Helens 5-0 South Liverpool)
“We wanted to end the season at home on a high after two defeats on the bounce there, albeit against Padiham and Bury. We didn't start off too well, we had a couple of shaky moments, but we quickly found our feet and took control of the game after about 15 minutes or so.
“We know South are a very physical and direct side, and we knew when we had possession that we'd have to move the ball with purpose. We got into some good areas and created chances.
“Our first goal came from a great delivery, it was a superb Joe Barker goal, and we never really looked back from then, going in 4-0 up at half time. I spoke to the lads about making sure we kept a clean sheet, and we kept doing the right things.
“It was a great way to sign off at home, we now aim to finish the season in the same fashion and cap off a very good first season at this level.”
First Division North:
Dave Jones, of Atherton LR © (Atherton LR 6-0 Bacup Borough)
“Saturday was a great day for everyone involved at the club. We knew we had to get the win on Saturday but to do it in the manner we did was really pleasing.
“The lads weren’t phased by the occasion and put on arguably the best performance of the season with some really well-worked goals.
“It was great to see the club packed, and I was buzzing to see how much it meant to everyone. From the players, staff, committee and volunteers, to family, friends and supporters, it is great to see smiles back on faces at Atherton LR again.”
Matty Atherton, of Euxton Villa (Maghull 1-2 Euxton Villa)
“Saturday saw us finally secure our play-off place for another season and everyone at the club is delighted to make it three successive seasons in those positions. The game itself was played out in tough conditions, with the hot weather, and dry and bobbly pitch making it a game of fine margins.
“There was not much to split the two teams, however our lads never stopped working for one another from the first to the last whistle, and we were just able to edge the three points in the end.
“That makes it just one defeat in our last eight games and we hope to keep building our momentum in the last game of the season away at Ashton Athletic next weekend, before we take on Nelson in the play-off semi-final.”
First Division South:
Liam Kelly, of Eccleshall (Cheadle Heath Nomads 1-2 Eccleshall)
“As expected, we were nervous in the opening 15/20 minutes, knowing a guaranteed play-off spot was resting on the game. Another superb strike from Macauley Taylor gave us the lead and we controlled the half until an individual mistake allowed Nomads back into it, and they finished the half stronger.
“Credit to my lads, who stuck to the game plan and didn't let Cheadle breathe in the second half. A wrongfully disallowed goal didn't stop our momentum, and we got our rewards with Tom Messham scoring the winner from the spot and confirming the clubs’ first ever appearance in the play-offs and our highest ever finish.
“A massive achievement from everyone involved and we head into the play-offs as one of the leagues form sides - we're not in there to make up the numbers!”
Dan Dawson, of Market Drayton Town (Market Drayton Town 4-1 Cammell Laird 1907)
“We’re finishing the season in a spell of good form. We started the game brightly and were thoroughly in control throughout.
“We went 2-0 up, but we gave a sloppy goal away and Cammell Laird had a great 10-minute spell which we weathered well, before moving through the gears and finishing really strong! Our prep for next season continues!”
Quotes from the Weekend: Matchweek 37
Wed 9th April 2025 | Manager Reactions
By Jay Cooper
With a good amount of NWCFL teams in League action across this past weekend, there was plenty of scope to speak to club managers for their opinions on what their teams produced in their 90 minutes.
Premier Division:
Mike Smith, of FC St Helens (FC St Helens 5-0 South Liverpool)
“We wanted to end the season at home on a high after two defeats on the bounce there, albeit against Padiham and Bury. We didn't start off too well, we had a couple of shaky moments, but we quickly found our feet and took control of the game after about 15 minutes or so.
“We know South are a very physical and direct side, and we knew when we had possession that we'd have to move the ball with purpose. We got into some good areas and created chances.
“Our first goal came from a great delivery, it was a superb Joe Barker goal, and we never really looked back from then, going in 4-0 up at half time. I spoke to the lads about making sure we kept a clean sheet, and we kept doing the right things.
“It was a great way to sign off at home, we now aim to finish the season in the same fashion and cap off a very good first season at this level.”
First Division North:
Dave Jones, of Atherton LR © (Atherton LR 6-0 Bacup Borough)
“Saturday was a great day for everyone involved at the club. We knew we had to get the win on Saturday but to do it in the manner we did was really pleasing.
“The lads weren’t phased by the occasion and put on arguably the best performance of the season with some really well-worked goals.
“It was great to see the club packed, and I was buzzing to see how much it meant to everyone. From the players, staff, committee and volunteers, to family, friends and supporters, it is great to see smiles back on faces at Atherton LR again.”
Matty Atherton, of Euxton Villa (Maghull 1-2 Euxton Villa)
“Saturday saw us finally secure our play-off place for another season and everyone at the club is delighted to make it three successive seasons in those positions. The game itself was played out in tough conditions, with the hot weather, and dry and bobbly pitch making it a game of fine margins.
“There was not much to split the two teams, however our lads never stopped working for one another from the first to the last whistle, and we were just able to edge the three points in the end.
“That makes it just one defeat in our last eight games and we hope to keep building our momentum in the last game of the season away at Ashton Athletic next weekend, before we take on Nelson in the play-off semi-final.”
First Division South:
Liam Kelly, of Eccleshall (Cheadle Heath Nomads 1-2 Eccleshall)
“As expected, we were nervous in the opening 15/20 minutes, knowing a guaranteed play-off spot was resting on the game. Another superb strike from Macauley Taylor gave us the lead and we controlled the half until an individual mistake allowed Nomads back into it, and they finished the half stronger.
“Credit to my lads, who stuck to the game plan and didn't let Cheadle breathe in the second half. A wrongfully disallowed goal didn't stop our momentum, and we got our rewards with Tom Messham scoring the winner from the spot and confirming the clubs’ first ever appearance in the play-offs and our highest ever finish.
“A massive achievement from everyone involved and we head into the play-offs as one of the leagues form sides - we're not in there to make up the numbers!”
Dan Dawson, of Market Drayton Town (Market Drayton Town 4-1 Cammell Laird 1907)
“We’re finishing the season in a spell of good form. We started the game brightly and were thoroughly in control throughout.
“We went 2-0 up, but we gave a sloppy goal away and Cammell Laird had a great 10-minute spell which we weathered well, before moving through the gears and finishing really strong! Our prep for next season continues!”
