Quotes from the Weekend 2025/26: Matchweek 1
Tue 29th July 2025 | Manager Reactions | By Jay Cooper
We’re back! With almost every NWCFL team 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 on the pitch.
Premier Division:
Carl Taylor, of Chadderton (Chadderton 1-0 Charnock Richard)
“It was a tough opening game against a very good side in Charnock, with both teams having chances to increase the scoreline in the game.
“Both ‘keepers pulled off some important saves. Whilst we weren’t at our best today, we worked hard and defended well, and it was pleasing to get the clean sheet.
“Overall, a positive result for us and hopefully better performances to come over the next few weeks.”
Jack Edwards, of Pilkington (West Didsbury and Chorlton 2-5 Pilkington):
“We what our task was in order to come away with three points today, and I am delighted for the players.
“After being pegged back to 2-2 it would’ve been easy to let our heads drop, but we found a way to get back in front and didn’t look back.
“A great start to the season, and we move straight into Tuesday now.”
First Division North:
Liam Hook, assistant manager at Ashton Athletic (Daisy Hill 0-1 Ashton Athletic):
“We always knew it was going to be a tough start to the season with players carrying knocks, and against a Daisy Hill side that always gives us a difficult game.
“After going down to 10 men within 5 minutes, we had to adjust and reconsider how we approached the game.
“With a relatively new set of players, their effort and work rate as a whole was faultless and they really dug in deep for the full 90 minutes.
“Plenty for us still to work on but it’s a great start to the season, and we will look to build on that in the next few weeks.”
Kevin Watkin, of Holker Old Boys (Holker Old Boys 5-0 Nelson):
“When the fixtures came out it was nice to get a start at home, but we knew Nelson would be a tough test as always.
“Pre-season has been disrupted in all honesty due to the loss of seven key players to higher leagues, but today showed the good work we have been doing at the club during the last three to five years. The youngsters stepping up showed today that they are capable and have the appetite to compete in the NWCFL.
“The first 20 mins was a bit sloppy from both teams but once we got the first goal we settled, and from them on I think we controlled the game. Numbers 1-16 were outstanding, and got everything we deserved from the game.”
First Division South:
Craig Humphries, of Barnton (Barnton 2-1 Haughmond)
“We’re feeling positive after the weekend’s 2-1 win over Haughmond , a result that really showcased the character and determination in this squad. It was a match full of drama from start to finish, and it took a late winner from James Sigsworth to finally seal the three points. Credit to the lads for keeping their heads and pushing until the very end.
“We’ve got to give credit to Haughmond as well. They came with a game plan, set up well, and showed real resilience throughout. They made it difficult for us to break them down and stayed organised under pressure. Matches like that test your patience and discipline, and it was good to see us come through it.
“To say it was an action-packed afternoon would be an understatement. We found the back of the net six times, with four goals disallowed, we also hit the bar three times, and had a penalty saved. On another day, the scoreline could’ve looked very different, but the important thing is we stayed composed and got the win.
“A huge shoutout has to go to the supporters who were fantastic, and we recorded the highest attendance in the league which is always great. That kind of backing gives the players a real lift, and we’re incredibly grateful for the way the local community continues to get behind us.
“Now it’s about building on that momentum and putting in another strong performance on Wednesday against Cammell Laird.”
Darren Moore, of Runcorn Town (Runcorn Town 4-0 Market Drayton Town):
“A great start to the season for us. Pre-season has gone really well on and off the field, so we were very confident today.
“Market Drayton battled well and to be fair, if they scored their penalty at 2-0, it could have been a different game. Fortunately for us, Will Ebbrell made a good save, and we pushed on for the third and fourth goal.
“Numbers 1 to 16 all played a part in the win today, and now we rest and prepare for Ashville on Tuesday. A great win for us, but it’s just one game, we now need to back it up.”
Quotes from the Weekend 2025/26: Matchweek 1
Tue 29th July 2025 | Manager Reactions
By Jay Cooper
We’re back! With almost every NWCFL team 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 on the pitch.
Premier Division:
Carl Taylor, of Chadderton (Chadderton 1-0 Charnock Richard)
“It was a tough opening game against a very good side in Charnock, with both teams having chances to increase the scoreline in the game.
“Both ‘keepers pulled off some important saves. Whilst we weren’t at our best today, we worked hard and defended well, and it was pleasing to get the clean sheet.
“Overall, a positive result for us and hopefully better performances to come over the next few weeks.”
Jack Edwards, of Pilkington (West Didsbury and Chorlton 2-5 Pilkington):
“We what our task was in order to come away with three points today, and I am delighted for the players.
“After being pegged back to 2-2 it would’ve been easy to let our heads drop, but we found a way to get back in front and didn’t look back.
“A great start to the season, and we move straight into Tuesday now.”
First Division North:
Liam Hook, assistant manager at Ashton Athletic (Daisy Hill 0-1 Ashton Athletic):
“We always knew it was going to be a tough start to the season with players carrying knocks, and against a Daisy Hill side that always gives us a difficult game.
“After going down to 10 men within 5 minutes, we had to adjust and reconsider how we approached the game.
“With a relatively new set of players, their effort and work rate as a whole was faultless and they really dug in deep for the full 90 minutes.
“Plenty for us still to work on but it’s a great start to the season, and we will look to build on that in the next few weeks.”
Kevin Watkin, of Holker Old Boys (Holker Old Boys 5-0 Nelson):
“When the fixtures came out it was nice to get a start at home, but we knew Nelson would be a tough test as always.
“Pre-season has been disrupted in all honesty due to the loss of seven key players to higher leagues, but today showed the good work we have been doing at the club during the last three to five years. The youngsters stepping up showed today that they are capable and have the appetite to compete in the NWCFL.
“The first 20 mins was a bit sloppy from both teams but once we got the first goal we settled, and from them on I think we controlled the game. Numbers 1-16 were outstanding, and got everything we deserved from the game.”
First Division South:
Craig Humphries, of Barnton (Barnton 2-1 Haughmond)
“We’re feeling positive after the weekend’s 2-1 win over Haughmond , a result that really showcased the character and determination in this squad. It was a match full of drama from start to finish, and it took a late winner from James Sigsworth to finally seal the three points. Credit to the lads for keeping their heads and pushing until the very end.
“We’ve got to give credit to Haughmond as well. They came with a game plan, set up well, and showed real resilience throughout. They made it difficult for us to break them down and stayed organised under pressure. Matches like that test your patience and discipline, and it was good to see us come through it.
“To say it was an action-packed afternoon would be an understatement. We found the back of the net six times, with four goals disallowed, we also hit the bar three times, and had a penalty saved. On another day, the scoreline could’ve looked very different, but the important thing is we stayed composed and got the win.
“A huge shoutout has to go to the supporters who were fantastic, and we recorded the highest attendance in the league which is always great. That kind of backing gives the players a real lift, and we’re incredibly grateful for the way the local community continues to get behind us.
“Now it’s about building on that momentum and putting in another strong performance on Wednesday against Cammell Laird.”
Darren Moore, of Runcorn Town (Runcorn Town 4-0 Market Drayton Town):
“A great start to the season for us. Pre-season has gone really well on and off the field, so we were very confident today.
“Market Drayton battled well and to be fair, if they scored their penalty at 2-0, it could have been a different game. Fortunately for us, Will Ebbrell made a good save, and we pushed on for the third and fourth goal.
“Numbers 1 to 16 all played a part in the win today, and now we rest and prepare for Ashville on Tuesday. A great win for us, but it’s just one game, we now need to back it up.”
