NANTWICH TOWN BANBURY UNITED - vs - Nantwich Town Football Club
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NANTWICH TOWN
vs
BANBURY UNITED
SATURDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2021
KICK OFF 3.00PM
CLUB DETAILS & HONOURS
Nantwich Town Football Club CLUB HONOURS
Company by Guarantee
Company No: 0732 8670
The Optimum Pay Stadium,
LEAGUE COMPETITION:
Waterlode, Nantwich, CW5 5BS Cheshire County League
Telephone: 01270 621771 Champions – 1980/81
County Affiliation: Cheshire FA
Year Formed: 1884 Mid-Cheshire League
Champions – 1963/64
At the Top Runners-Up – 1950/51, 1961/62, 1964/65
President: Frank Blunstone
Chairman: Jon Gold Crewe Amateur Combination League
Vice-Chairman: John Dunning Champions – 1946/47
Directors: Mark Hawkins, John Dunning,
Clive Jackson, Dave Clapp, Dan Cheshire League
Dunning-Cole, Tim Crighton Division One Runners Up – 1900/01
Company Secretary: John Dunning
Shropshire & District League
Football Officials Runners-Up – 1891/92
Manager: Dave Cooke
Assistant Manager: Jay Bateman Manchester League
First Team Coach Mentor: Nigel Deeley Runners-Up – 1966/67
Goalkeeper Coach: Keiron Clarke
Head Physio: Callum Carey Northern Premier League
Physio: Pete Williams Div 1 South – Play-Off Winners – 2007/08
Kit Manager: Jason Clarke Premier Division Play-Off Final – 2008/09
Behind the Scenes CUP COMPETITION:
Club Secretary: Carl Thorpe Cheshire Senior Cup Winners – 1932/33,
Match Day Secretary: Gary Richardson 1975/76, 2007/08, 2011/12, 2017/18,
Business Manager: Emma Crossan 2018/19
Press Officers: Jack Beresford, Liam
Price, Adam Bateman FA Vase Winners – 2005/06
Club Photographer: Jonathan White
Groundsman: TBC FA Trophy Semi Finalist – 2015/16
Stadium & Safety Officer: Bob Melling
FA Cup First Round – 2011/12, 2017/18,
Social Networks: 2019/20
Twitter: @TheDabbers
Facebook: /nantwichtownfc North West Counties League Cup
YouTube: Nantwich Town FC Winners – 1994/95
Instagram: officialnantwichtownfc
Mid Cheshire League Cup Winners –
1961/62, 1963/64
WELCOME TO NANTWICH TOWN A very warm welcome to everyone to The Optimum Pay Stadium this afternoon, including the supporters, players, management and Directors from our visitors, Banbury United. It’s been an indifferent week, it started with a poor result at Radcliffe last Saturday when we were outbattled and outplayed. Dave demanded a reaction on Tuesday night and got exactly what he asked for with a positive performance at Mickleover, however they just couldn’t quite get the full 3 points but would settle for 1 point instead. Finally on Thursday night Nantwich signed former Crewe Alexandra favourite and ex Premier League midfielder David Vaughan who brings a wealth of experience and he goes straight into the match squad today. We hope to see a good crowd today, in a very difficult FA Cup tie this afternoon, fingers crossed our number is in the famous velvet bag on Monday morning. Enjoy the programme and the match this afternoon and Up The Dabbers! Carl Thorpe Club Secretary & Programme Editor
BANBURY UNITED – MATCH PREVIEW It’s a first for Nantwich Town this coming Saturday as we meet Banbury United for the first time ever in the Second Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup. Here, we look ahead to what we can expect from our new opponents. Puritans return to Nantwich: While Nantwich and Banbury have never played football together before, there is a historical link between the two towns. Banbury United are nicknamed the Puritans, due to the town being a favoured place of Oliver Cromwell to plot and live during the English Civil War. One of the most famous battles of that conflict took place in Nantwich in 1644. And as anyone who’s watched the yearly re-enactment will know, it was Cromwell’s Parliamentarian forces that won on that occasion. So it could be said that there is a 377 year score to settle on Saturday, and not even the FA Cup can reach that far back. On the pitch, Banbury look like they will provide a stern test for the Dabbers. Put simply, they are unbeaten in league and cup this season, sitting 4th in the Southern League Premier Central with a game in hand on the teams around them. To compare that to teams from the same division that Nantwich have played in very recent times, Redditch United are 10th, and Barwell 17th. They beat Ardley United 1-0 to reach this stage and got to the 1st Round Proper last season, losing to Canvey Island in their joint best ever run in the competition. And while not a great barometer of true form, in pre-season they thrashed FC United 5-2 to show their quality against our division. Match Information: 17th September 2021, 15:00 kick-off at The Optimum Pay Stadium Opposition: Banbury United, nicknamed the Puritans Manager; Andy Whing Tickets: Available by clicking here: NTFC Vs Banbury United -FA CUP | Northern Premier League | Nantwich Town FC Web (ktckts.com)
BANBURY UNITED – BRIEF HISTORY IN TIME
CLUB INFO
Club Name: Banbury United FC
Year Founded: 1931
Club Nickname: The Puritans
Current Ground: Spencer Stadium, Banbury
Current Manager: Andy Whing
CUP HISTORY
Oxfordshire Senior Cup: Winners – 6 times
Buckingham Charity Cup: Winners – 5 times
FA Cup: First Round – 5 times
FA Trophy: Third Round – 1970/71, 1973/74
FA Vase: Second Round – 1999/00
LEAGUE HISTORY
Oxfordshire Junior League: Champions – 1933/34
Oxfordshire Senior League: Champions – 1934/35
Helenic League Premier Div: Champions – 1999/00
SFL Div One South & West: Playoff Winners – 2015/16
LAST 5 LEAGUE SEASONS:
Season League POS PL W D L GF GA Pts
2016-17 SL P 6/24 46 24 8 14 67 40 80
2017-18 SL P 9/24 46 19 15 12 90 59 72
2018-19 SL CEN P 17/22 42 13 14 15 53 55 49 ^
2019-20 SL CEN P ABAN 32 14 10 8 48 31 52 *
2020-21 SL CEN P ABAN 7 2 2 3 9 13 8*
* 2019-20 & 2020-21 Season both curtailed due to COVID-19
^ 2018-19 – 4 points deducted
BANBURY UNITED - HISTORY Banbury United’s genesis is to be found in Spencer Villa, a works club formed in 1931. Friendly matches were played on a ground on the town’s Middleton Road. The club joined the Banbury Junior League for the 1933-34 season and won the championship at their first attempt. They changed their name to Banbury Spencer in 1934 and moved to their current ground for the start of the 1934-35 season in which they competed in the Oxfordshire Senior League. This too they won at their first attempt. During the season they were elected to the Birmingham Combination for the start of the 1935-36 season. After the war, Banbury resumed in the Birmingham Combination and turned professional for the 1946-47 season. In 1947-48, with attendances averaging 3,500, they finished runners-up in the league and reached the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 2-1 at Colchester United, at that time a Southern League club. The next season the ground attendance record was broken when 7,160 turned up to see Banbury lose to Oxford City in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. The same season also saw Banbury reach the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup, losing 2-1 to Nuneaton Borough. Banbury’s manager at this time was Jimmy Cringan, who had joined them in 1936 and was to remain ‘The Boss’ for no less than 25 years until his retirement in 1961. The status of the Birmingham Combination began to decline in the early 1950s. At the end of the 1953-54 season the league disbanded and, along with most of its remaining clubs, Banbury joined the Birmingham League. In 1959-60 they reached the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup for the second time, again losing to Nuneaton, this time 1-0. In 1961-62, Banbury reached the first round of the FA Cup for the second time, travelling to Third Division Shrewsbury Town and losing 7-1. The Birmingham League continued to expand and became the West Midlands League in 1962. This coincided with the effective independence of the football club, the Spencer company having all but ended its association. The club name remained unchanged, however, until April 1965 when, with the club’s finances suffering – attendances had fallen to a historical low – a group of local businessmen bought the club. Banbury Spencer became Banbury United. The new owners were ambitious and were looking to a higher grade of football. Former Chelsea, West Ham, Arsenal and England player Len Goulden was installed as manager. During the summer of 1966 Banbury were elected to the Southern League. Significant improvements were made to the ground. Floodlights were installed and the famous old railway coaches that had been used as changing rooms were removed and replaced by a new clubhouse.
BANBURY UNITED - HISTORY United then embarked on an unbroken 24-season run as members of the Southern League. They came close to league honours in 1967-68 when they finished in seventh place in the First Division, just two points and three places behind Rugby Town who were promoted to the Premier Division. The first round of the FA Cup was reached twice more; in 1972-73, United lost 2-0 at home to Barnet, then a Southern League club, and the following season, after a 0-0 draw at home, they lost 3-2 away to Fourth Division Northampton Town in a replay. United twice reached the last sixteen of the FA Trophy, losing 1-0 in a replay to Hereford United in 1970-71 and, in 1973 74, by the same score in a second replay to eventual Southern League champions Dartford. From the late 1970s United’s fortunes declined sharply as debts mounted. The ownership of the ground was given up as security against the club’s debts. On the field the team was also struggling, finishing in the top half of the table just twice in twelve seasons after 1978. In 1990, United finished 21st of 22 and were relegated for the first time in their history, starting season 1990- 91 in the Hellenic League. Those fans who expected a quick return to the Southern League were to be disappointed. Only in 1993-94, when they finished third, did United make look like making a serious promotion challenge. However, from 1997 onwards a revived and expanded committee brought about such an improvement in financial circumstances that the club was ready to aim for promotion. Former Oxford, Newcastle and QPR player Kevin Brock was appointed first team manager for the 1999-2000 campaign. United’s form up to Christmas of 1999 was good but they entered the New Year no fewer than nineteen points behind leaders Highworth Town. In only eight weeks they overhauled their rivals with a run of 13 consecutive victories and remained unbeaten for the rest of the season. A 3-1 victory at Wantage Town clinched the Hellenic League championship with two games remaining and Banbury United were back in the Southern League. United took a couple of seasons to find their feet in the Eastern division, finishing 13th and 15th. Eighth place in 2003 was their best in the Southern League in 25 years. That was equalled the following season, enough to qualify for a play-off for a place in a reformed Premier division in the restructured non-League pyramid. Banbury beat Sutton Coldfield Town of the Western division, coming from behind to win in stoppage time in extra-time. A difficult first season in the Premier division (2004-05) was followed by a much better second. Seventh place in season 2005-06 was an improvement of ten places (United spent nine weeks in the play-off places) but thirteenth in 2006-07 was a big disappointment. However, it was troubles off the field that made the headlines. Club accounts showed a large deficit and big cuts were made to the playing budget. Shortly after the season ended, manager Kevin Brock resigned, citing the cuts as his reason for leaving after eight years. His departure was the first of six changes of manager in the next eight years as United went into another decline.
BANBURY UNITED - HISTORY Relegation was avoided in 2009 as the annual bout of resignations and demotions elsewhere in the Pyramid resulted in a reprieve. In 2012 a last-day victory ensured safety. Season 2013-14 began well enough – United were eighth in the table in early February – but more drastic budget cuts were applied. Another player exodus resulted; there followed the most embarrassing run of defeats in the club’s history as the team plummeted to 19th, conceding 43 goals in nine games. The dismal form continued into the 2014-15 season and the inevitable occurred. After 11 years in the Premier division level the club was relegated for only the second time in its history and was placed in the South & West division for the 2015-16 season. Change, however, was on its way. For a year fans had been discreetly working on a takeover. Advised by Supporters Direct, the umbrella organisation for supporters trusts, the supporters club launched its bid towards the end of the season. Agreement was reached with the existing board and a joint committee ran the club during the spring and summer until the takeover was formally completed in the first week of the new season, four months after the 50th anniversary of Spencer becoming United. In May that committee had appointed a new team manager, ex-Oxford United player and Brackley Town and Oxford City manager Mike Ford. He had to assemble a new squad from scratch. Early form was moderate with only four wins from the first 12 games but the team hit form to win 24 of the next 30 and finish runners-up to Cinderford. A nervy victory in the play-off semi- final against Winchester set up a final showdown with third-placed Taunton. In front of more than 1,200 spectators, the club’s biggest attendance for more than 21 years, United won 2-0 to regain their place in the Premier Division at the first attempt, a remarkable achievement for a club that had been on its knees a year earlier. Those supporters who had thought that after relegation and the takeover a season of consolidation was a realistic target saw their expectations exceeded but even the most optimistic followers might not have anticipated that upon their return to the Premier Division United would enter the last month of season 2016/17 challenging for a place in the play-offs. Only over the Easter weekend did their hopes disappear but a final position of sixth was the club’s best in the post-2004 Pyramid. Though this was followed by a creditable ninth place finish in season 2017/18, the next season was rather a disappointment, albeit never in serious danger of relegation, with the club finishing down in 17th place. In May 2020, the club appointed a new team manager/coach when Andy Whing took over in charge, but what turned out to be a baptism of fire with the resultant Covid-19 problems curtailing the season over halfway through, the Club reached the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time in 48 seasons, but the biggest disappointment was that with the raging pandemic, the Supporters were denied their moment of glory when the first round proper game had to be played behind closed doors.
BANBURY UNITED – SQUAD & STAFF ANDY WHING - MANAGER Made 346 Football League appearances, playing for Coventry City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chesterfield, Leyton Orient and Oxford United where he won the Supporters’ Player of the Season award in 2012 and was a popular figure with fans until retirement in 2015. He had coached at Oxford United, Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford before being appointed Banbury United manager in May 2020. JACK HARDING 29 year-old goalkeeper who came through the Banbury United youth side and would progress to be a regular in the reserve side, also making five first team appearances before having spells with Hellenic League sides Hook Norton and Ardley United. Returned to Banbury in the summer of 2015 and has now made almost 250 appearances for the club. SAM BROWN 28 year-old left back who was originally with the now defunct Rushden & Diamonds before joining AFC Kempston Rovers in 2009. Moved to AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the summer of 2012, playing in their first ever senior match in the United Counties League. He was a regular for the Northamptonshire side for eight seasons, as the club climbed through the non-league pyramid to Southern League Premier Division status, making for them over 300 appearances. Joined Banbury in August 2020. KELVIN LANGMEAD 36 year-old central defender who began his career as a striker with Preston North End, having loan spells whilst at Deepdale with Carlisle United, Kidderminster Harriers and Shrewsbury Town. Joined Shrewsbury permanently in 2004 and after making more than 80 appearances for them as a striker was converted to a central defender. Spells with Peterborough United and Northampton Town followed before, after making a career total of 375 Football League appearances, he dropped down to non-league playing for Ebbsfleet United, Kidderminster Harriers, Nuneaton Town, Harrogate Town and Brackley Town prior to joining Banbury in August 2020. CONNOR ROBERTS 25 year-old central defender who joined the Puritans in the summer of 2019, having returned to the area after spending four years at the University of Bath and for that period playing for Southern League Frome Town. Was originally a product of the Northampton Town academy before earning a professional contract with them, having a spell on loan with Biggleswade Town before being released in January 2015. Conor then had a short spell with St Albans City before signing for Biggleswade permanently until joining Frome in October 2015.
BANBURY UNITED – SQUAD & STAFF GIORGIO RASULO 24 year-old midfielder who came through the MK Dons academy, progressing to make his first team debut at the age of just 15 in an FA Cup tie against Cambridge City. He would go on to make his Football League debut, aged just 16, in the final game of the 2012/13 season. Whilst at MK Dons he had loan spells with Oxford United, Aldershot Town and Oldham Athletic. He was released by MK Dons at the end of season 2017/18 and joined Banbury in September 2018. BRANDON PATTERSON 17 year-old midfielder who signed for the club in July 2021 after impressing in pre-season games. Had been playing for Coventry Alliance side Dunlop FC. JACK WESTBROOK 26-year-old midfielder, who can also play in central defence, originally joined Banbury United at the start of season 2014/15 after spending three years with South Midlands League side Mursley United. After making 48 appearances for the Puritans he moved to Redditch United in the summer of 2015 but opted to return to Banbury just three months later in October 2015. Jack’s second spell with the Puritans saw him make another 108 appearances before leaving in November 2017 to join AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Re-joined Banbury for his third spell in the summer of 2019 and has now made over 200 appearances for the club. JACK FINCH 25 year-old midfielder who progressed through the Coventry City academy to sign professional forms with them at the end of season 2013/14, making 16 Football League appearances before being released at the end of season 2016/17. After a short spell with Kidderminster Harriers he joined Banbury United in November 2017. Jack would make 46 appearances for the Puritans before spending season 2019/20 with Daventry Town. Re-joined Banbury at the start of last season. MORGAN ROBERTS 20 year-old winger who joined the Northampton Town academy at the age of 10. Made his Northampton Town first team debut against Oldham Athletic in the final game of the 2017/18 season, signing a three-year professional contract a few weeks later. In his time at Northampton, Morgan made 17 first team appearances and had loan spells with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Banbury United and Brackley Town. Joined Banbury permanently in July 2021. Is the younger brother of Banbury defender Connor.
BANBURY UNITED – SQUAD & STAFF CHARLIE PATTISON 20-year-old midfielder who joined the MK Dons academy at under 9 level and progressed through the age groups to earn a scholarship and captain their U18 side. Made his first team debut for Dons in September 2018 in a home game against Peterborough United in the EFL Trophy. Gained non-league experience on loan to Welwyn Garden City before being rewarded with a professional contract on completion of his scholarship in the summer of 2019. Season 2019/20 would see Charlie have short loan spells with Kings Langley and Biggleswade Town. Joined Banbury in July 2021. ETHAN JOHNSTON 19 year-old striker who came through the Northampton Town academy to earn a professional contract with the club in February 2020. A prolific goal scorer at youth level, he would make his first team debut for the club in a Carabao Cup game away to Bristol City in September 2020. Last season saw Ethan gain experience of non-league football when joining Redditch United on loan. This was followed by a short loan spell with National League North side Kettering Town. Joined Banbury in July 2021. BEN ACQUAYE 21 year-old attacking midfielder who came through the Buckingham Athletic youth side, progressing to make 52 first team appearances for the South Midlands League side, scoring 24 goals. Moved up to a higher level of football in February 2018, joining Southern League Kempston Rovers, his performances earning him a move to Southern League Premier Central side AFC Rushden & Diamonds in December 2018, establishing himself in the Diamonds side the following season, making 35 appearances and scoring six goals. Last season, Ben joined Kettering Town and made his National League North debut towards the end of October against Bradford Park Avenue. CHRIS WREH 24 year-old striker who was with Northampton Town as a youngster and then spent a year at the Arsenal academy before playing men’s football at Stony Stratford Town, Barton Rovers, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Aylesbury FC, Newport Pagnell Town and MK Gallacticos. Joined Dunstable Town in the summer of 2018 before moving up a level to play for Stratford Town and Rushall Olympic in season 2019/20. At the start of last season. he returned for a second spell with AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Joined Banbury this past summer. Chris is the son of former Arsenal, AS Monaco and Liberian international striker Christopher Wreh.
WOMEN’S FA CUP – MATCH REPORT
Nantwich Town Ladies’ historic first ever game in the Vitality Women’s FA
Cup ended with a gutting last minute defeat to Didsbury Ladies on Sunday
afternoon.
Forward Emily Fallon came close to opening the scoring early on and the Dabbers
dominated the play and the chances but the teams were level at the break.
The trend of Nantwich control continued in the second half but against the run of
play it was Didsbury who took the lead in the 70th minute with a tap in.
Just 10 minutes later, the Dabbers got a deserved equaliser through Kirsty Fisher-
Sherratt and looked the more likely to go on and win the game, skipper Dani Fisher-
Sherratt’s header saved brilliantly by the Didsbury goalkeeper.
And the final sucker punch came a minute into added on time at the end of the tie,
a free kick was floated in and finished off by Didsbury to claim their place in the
Second Qualifying Round.
But Sunday was about so much more than the result, and we’ll leave the final word
to the Nantwich Ladies manager Chris Broad, who wrote on social media: “The
performance was one of the best seen in the green shirts since the teams’ inception
last season.”
“Everyone associated with the team are proud to have played their first FA Cup
match in the team’s short history and thank you to those that travelled to watch the
game.”
Below is the team who will forever be able to say they were part of a truly historic
match in Nantwich Town’s history.
Nantwich Town Ladies: Kara Townshend, Georgia Brookfield, Harriet Knight, Becca
Paton, Emily Done, Jo Case, Dani Fisher-Sherratt (C), Molly Tasker, Kirsty Fisher-
Sherratt, Marni Williams, Emily Fallon
Subs: S. Williamson, S. Williamson, C. Haseler, C. Rathbone, M. JonesRESERVE’S UPDATE The Dabbers reserves have had a mixed league campaign so far competing against all teams but not finding the 3 points. Notable game West Didsbury & Chorlton Res, earning a 2-2 draw against a team that stood 2nd in the league at this point. On the cup front the Dabbers Reserves played in the Cheshire County FA Amateur Cup 1st Round and have been narrowly defeated by Altrincham FC Reserves from the Cheshire Premier Division 1-0. A game that was won in the last ten minutes. In the Crewe and District Cup it was a different story winning 17-1 against AFC Crewe. Top Scorers in all completions: Callum Parker 16 David Neligwa 6 Bailey Hall 4 Joe Matthews 2 Steve Maluda 2 Rylan Bell 1 Upcoming fixtures. Golborne Sports (Away) 18/09/21 Cheshire League Division 2 Fixture Others Reserve News. Bailey Hall, Joshua Pemberton & Callum Walker have made the successful step up from Nantwich U18 Youth Team to be part of the Dabbers Reserve squad. A great example of the pathway from youth to senior football. Training takes place on Wednesday evenings 8pm until 10pm on the 3G pitch. New players are always welcome to trial. Further information please contact the Reserve manger on coachcolin9267@hotmail.com.
HYDE UNITED – MATCH REPORT On a perfect night football, Nantwich were looking to carry on the momentum that they got from winning their FA Cup tie against Grantham Town, and as both sides came out it looked as if they would do so. Dave Cooke lined his side up with the best chance to attack the visitors, and right from the off it looked like it would pay dividends, as within the first minute Hyde’s centre back Jordan Fagbola was booked for a foul. From there though things started to go pear shaped for the home side, as within five minutes of that incident, after a cross from out wide, Tom Pratt, the captain led the way for Hyde, as he struck to give the away side a vital, and one has to say, a much deserved lead. They had managed to win the vital midfield battle, and were very much on top, with the Dabbers only offering sporadic attacks, which didn’t mount to much in the first half. The visitors nearly doubled their advantage when in the 14th minute Liam Tongue hit a shot from just outside the penalty box, which hit the crossbar, the home side could feel very fortunate to see that rebound to safety. One rare display of attacking prowess in the first half from Nantwich, should have seen the home sides captain on the night, Joel Stair equalise, as a well worked bit of play ended with his shot from close range ending up being saved by Joel Green in the opposition’s goal. Not too long after though, Hyde grabbed a deserved second goal, after Jonah Mitchell pounced on a Liam Tongue free kick to put the ball high into the net, and at half time it looked as if there would be a mountain to climb for the home side.
HYDE UNITED – MATCH REPORT
Manager Dave Cooke rang the changes just before the second half kicked off with
Troy Bourne and Shaun Miller coming on for Luke Walsh and Tommy Montefiori, and
this did indeed look to have transformed the side, as Nantwich looked a completely
different side to the one that played in the first half. They were on the front foot, and
looked to have won the midfield battle, and looked renewed, and had a new belief
about them.
They still needed to find that first goal to get back into the game though, Sean
Cooke who had grown in importance in the game had a shot deflected just wide
three minutes in, and that set the tone for what was to come. There was not one,
but two penalty shouts for the home side turned down by the referee, and after the
first one Miller had a chance that just failed to go in.
Then later on, after a great move by Nantwich, Joe Mwasile had the best chance of
the game, out sprinting the visitors defence, and shooting wide of the far post. The
chances were there for the home side, they just were not taking them unfortunately.
Despite being on top in the second half, that vital first goal didn’t materialise, and
Hyde United held on for the victory, to dampen the home side’s spirits, as the game
finished Nantwich Town 0-2 Hyde United.
Teams:
Nantwich Town: Terry, J. Stair, Hatton, Harrison, Langley, Sy (T. Stair 71), Montefiori
(Miller 46), Haywood, Mwasile, Cooke, Walsh (Bourne 46)
Subs not used: Lawrie, Hughes
Hyde United: Green, Roscoe, Akiotu, Fogerty, Fagbola, Jones (Bailey-Jones 50),
Mitchell (Waters 67), Sherratt, Hardy (Bamba 83), Tongue, Pratt
Subs not used: Longato
Attendance: 314
NANTWICH TOWN 0
HYDE UNITED 2
Pratt (7), Mitchell (35)RADCLIFFE – MATCH REPORT
Radcliffe came from behind to win comfortably over Nantwich Town
with a 3-1 victory at the Neuven Stadium
The timing of the goals for the home side were crucial, with the equaliser coming
both three minutes after the Dabbers had taken the lead and just five minutes
before half-time, and their second just four minutes into the second half.
Radcliffe started the stronger and created the first openings of the match. The ever-
dangerous Bobby Grant curled wide early on, before playing in a free kick that was
flicked wide by Matthew Crothers.
Simon Lenighan was a commanding presence at the back for Radcliffe throughout,
despite starting at centre back he regularly engaged the Dabbers high up the
pitch, and while this did see him get booked early on for a bad challenge on Prince
Haywood, it meant both Sean Cooke and Shaun Miller had a difficult time finding
space to create.
Joe Mwasile was probably the Dabbers biggest threat as he often escaped the
centre backs and pinned the Radcliffe right back Adam Dawson who likes to go
forward, a ball played through to him caused some trouble but the offside flag
denied him.
Crothers was causing problems again shortly after, receiving the ball after some
powerful work by Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro against Jack Hatton and hitting the side
netting.
Then, against the run of play, the Dabbers took the lead. A teasing cross from the
left foot of Hatton was not sufficiently cleared and Sean Cooke was able to float an
excellent ball to Mwasile to tap in from close range at the far post. Radcliffe were
furious that no offside was given but this was a goal they could have prevented.
The home team weren’t effected at all by this setback and deservedly equalised
soon after. Moments after hitting the crossbar, Radcliffe came again, Crothers was
able to dribble past what felt like half the Nantwich team before using the space
that created to slide in Grant, who calmly squared for an unmarked Akpa-Akpro to
finish high into the net.RADCLIFFE – MATCH REPORT
A long ball from Radcliffe keeper Cameron Belford nearly created another goal just
before the break, Grant breaking away but Cameron Terry was out quickly to
challenge.
Four minutes into the second half, the Dabbers issues with set pieces reared their
head again as Radcliffe took the lead. Terry could clearly be heard shouting
‘keeper’ as the corner was curled in, but a combination of bad communication and
poor all round defending meant the ball was patted meekly out and Lenighan was
quickest to react, slamming in from about 12 yards.
The third goal was contentious and proved decisive. A ball was floated into the
Nantwich box and a scuffle between Troy Bourne and Grant was seen as a Bourne
foul and a Radcliffe penalty. It looked like both players were battling for position but
it was hard to see either player being more guilty of a foul than the other. Grant took
the penalty and sent Terry the wrong way.
In truth though, Nantwich deserved nothing from the game, a couple of Theo Stair
balls in caused concern and a late Sean Cooke free-kick was well blocked by their
wall but this was Radcliffe’s day. Mickleover away on Tuesday night provide the
next test of this up and down start to the season.
Teams:
Radcliffe: Belford, Dawson, Miller, Lenighan (Williams 75), Cummings, Thornley,
Carroll, Crothers (Gomes 85), Akpa-Akpro, Grant (Hall 77), Young
Subs not used: Ashton, Jones
Nantwich Town: Terry, J. Stair, Hatton, Harrison, Langley, Bourne, Haywood (Lawrie
55), Hughes, Miller (Heath 56), Cooke, Mwasile (T. Stair 57)
Subs not used: Montefiori, Sy
Attendance: 417
RADCLIFFE 3
Akpa-Akpro (40), Lenighan (49), Grant (69 – Pen)
NANTWICH TOWN 1
Mwasile (39)MICKLEOVER – MATCH REPORT
Nantwich secure an important point away at Mickleover
Nantwich Town manager Dave Cooke said his team “did the basics right and
looked a much better team all round” as his side halted their losing streak by
drawing 0-0 away at Mickleover.
The Dabbers had lost 5 out of 7 games going into Tuesday nights fixture so they
were looking for a change of fortunes as they made the trip to a wet and windy Don
Ammot Arena.
The hosts began the game on the front foot and they had the first opportunity of the
game after Joel Stair was caught in possession. Andy Dales drove towards goal
before squaring to Stuart Beavon who was unmarked in the left side of the box, but
the former football league striker’s curling effort was well saved by Cameron Terry In
the Nantwich goal
When talking about his sides change of fortunes, Cooke said “We needed to try and
get back on track and I thought tonight, after some bad results. The team showed
up all game and if anything, we had the better of the chances”
The Dabbers first chance of the game came just after the half hour mark when
Nantwich captain, Caspar Hughes lead the counter attack as he ran the length of
the pitch before getting into the Mickleover box and shooting straight at the hosts
keeper. Five minutes later Sean Cooke had a good opportunity as took two players
out the game by stylishly Cruyff-turning on the edge of the box before his left footed
shot flew over the bar.
At the break, The game was goalless and neither side had really deserved to be in
the lead.
Three minutes after the restart , Theo Stair who was leading the line for The Dabbers
to give them more height and power going forward, had a good opportunity as he
turned on the edge of the box before scuffing his shot straight at the keeper. “Theo
is a good footballer, with a clever brain” Said Cooke “we asked him to look after
the ball and that’s exactly what he did”.
James Lawrie was also back in the Nantwich starting XI after a brief absence and
he had the best opportunity of the game as he intercepted a poor back pass,
However Callum Hawkins came charging off his line and he was able to close down
the former Port Vale man before he could get his shot away.MICKLEOVER – MATCH REPORT
The Dabbers were looking much better than they had in recent weeks and the
change of system really seemed to help them both defensively and offensively.
“We wanted to shut things off down the sides, We have conceded some really poor
goals in recent games but I thought we were good down both sides tonight and it
gave us a nice platform to build on.
With fifteen minutes to go, James Lawrie came very close to opening the scoring,
Sean Cooke’s deep free kick was met by Joel Stair who headed back across goal
to Lawrie who had no time to adjust his body before he headed over from six yards
out.
With five minutes to go, there was almost late heartbreak for Nantwich as a cross
from the right was met by substitute Andrew Wright who headed wide of Cameron
Terry’s goal.
A relatively chanceless game came to an end with both sides having to settle for a
point, Dave Cooke said “if anything I thought we had the better of the chances, but
full credit to them (Mickleover), they play good football and I thought it was a good
advert of the league.
Teams:
Mickleover: Hawkins, Bennett, Lewin, Bateman, Butler, Morris, Dales, Agustien
(Wright 75), Bacon (Satchwell 83), Beavon, Battison
Subs not used: Lee, Gowing, Mann
Nantwich Town: Terry, J. Stair, Bourne, Harrison (Hatton 56), T. Stair (Montefiori 66),
Langley, Lawrie, Hughes, Sy, Cooke, Mwasile
Subs not used: Haywood, Miller, Heath
Attendance: 202
MICKLEOVER 0
NANTWICH TOWN 0NANTWICH TOWN – PLAYER PROFILES CAMERON TERRY (Goalkeeper) Cameron joined the Dabbers this summer after a season with Widnes. Cameron has had a very promising pre-season with Nantwich Town and has been awarded the number 1 shirt for the upcoming season. TROY BOURNE (Defender) Troy is a graduate from the Dabbers’ youth team, having impressed former manager Phil Parkinson in 2015/16 pre-season training. He spent much of the 16/17 campaign on loan at Alsager Town but did make a couple of first-team appearances for the Dabbers. Troy is currently a regular in the centre back position but can also play at right back when required. He won the Manager’s Player of the Season in 2017-18 and has excelled in Dave Cooke’s first two campaigns in charge. JOSH LANGLEY (Defender) Josh joined the club in the summer of 2019 with the club looking to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new season. The defender is great with the ball at his feet and has an excellent reading of the game, and as a former captain in a higher division, brings another leader to the Nantwich Town dressing room. BEN HARRISON (Defender) Ben re-joined the club in the summer of 2019 after a two-year stint with Altrincham, where he not only won the Northern Premier Division in 2017-18, he helped the Robins reach the National League North play-offs the following season. The defender is a favourite among Nantwich supporters after two excellent previous spells at the Weaver Stadium, and brings experience, a super reading of the game and a hard tackling but disciplined head to the field. JOEL STAIR (Defender) Joel joined the Dabbers in 2016 after impressing at North-West Counties Football League side Hanley Town. A warrior in defence, Joel is highly regarded at the Weaver Stadium, after winning the club’s Player of the Season in 2017-18 and captaining the club on several occasions. Joel can play across the back four, with his main strength being at centre-half, but can also adequately fill in at right-back and can even offer a threat in the box from set- pieces, having netted several times from corners during his time at the Weaver Stadium. MATTY DEVINE (Defender) Matty switched Cheshire allegiances in the summer of 2019 as he joined the Dabbers from Witton Albion. An attacking full-back, Matty offers a huge threat going forward but is equally as effective at the back. The defender is highly regarded not only at the Weaver Stadium but around the league as he has frequently been mentioned around the Team of the Season squad over the last few seasons. Jack HATTON (Defender) Jack joined the Dabbers from Widnes in the summer. The young full back has good pedigree spending his youth at Bury FC and is able to play both left and right back. Jack had hoped to play for Ytterhogdal in Sweden, however due to the pandemic despite moving and training there didn’t play. He returned to England and signed for Widnes in August 2020.
NANTWICH TOWN – PLAYER PROFILES CASPAR HUGHES (Midfielder) CLUB CAPTAIN Caspar re-joined the Dabbers from AFC Fylde at the start of the 2017-18 season, before being named captain in January 2018 after the departure of Sam Hall. While Caspar is an excellent ball-winner in midfield, the skipper can also play at full-back. The midfielder was a highly rated prospect in the famed Crewe Alexandra youth academy before joining Nantwich, where he spent two solid seasons before moving on to Fylde. The midfielder helped Fylde gain promotion from both the Northern Premier League and the National League North and is regarded one of the better midfielders in the league. SEAN COOKE (Midfielder) A productive attacking midfielder, Sean is the son of manager Dave and is a dynamic threat from his number ten role. A danger from set-pieces – especially free-kicks – Sean has a keen eye for goal and has proved that not only with Nantwich but at other clubs higher up the non-league pyramid. Sean, along with captain Caspar Hughes, was part of the AFC Fylde side that won promotion from the Northern Premier Division and has also played for FC United of Manchester. He has also won the Northern Premier League’s Young Player of the Season as well as making three Team of the Season appearances. DAVID WEBB (Midfielder) David joined the club after impressing in 2019-20’s pre-season series, with the midfielder capable of filling in across the pitch. Webb has displayed a good range of passing and an indefatigable attitude to his trial spell with the club. David has Northern Premier League experience having featured for Marine, and along with playing on Merseyside, Webb has also played for the Royal Air Force’s side. CARLOS “THOMMY” MONTEFIORI (Midfielder) The young Argentinian winger signed for Nantwich in February 2021 after turning 18. Thommy has been residing with his family in Chester for the last couple of years and was spotted and invited to Nantwich and subsequently signed. Thommy is a technically gifted winger having come through at All Boys FC in Buenos Aires. Having shone during pre-season we hope he carries this into the upcoming season. PRINCE HAYWOOD (Midfielder) Prince signed from fellow Premier Division club Radcliffe in January 2020. Ghanaian born, Prince previously played in Italy and has had spells with several different clubs in the North West at the non-league level, having played for Stalybridge Celtic, Colwyn Bay and Witton Albion. JOE MWASILE (Midfielder) A powerful winger with pace to match anyone in the league, Joe joined the club in 2016-17 originally after starting the campaign with Marine. He left at the end of the season to join fellow Cheshire outfit Warrington Town but re-joined the Dabbers in October 2017 after featuring in limited minutes for the Wire. Joe can not only beat his man for pace and strength but can put in a decent cross and has an eye for goal, having scored a few lovely efforts during his time with the club. A product of the Morecambe academy.
NANTWICH TOWN – PLAYER PROFILES LUKE WALSH (Midfielder) Luke joined the club in the winter of 2018-19 after impressing for Eccleshall in the North-West Counties Football League and made a solid step up to the Dabbers’ level, holding his own against EFL League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra in his debut. A wide player who can also play through the middle, Walsh is another product of the Crewe Alex academy. SHAUN MILLER (Forward) Miller started his career with Crewe Alexandra's youth system, and he signed a professional contract with the club in July 2006. He made his first-team debut in November 2006 in a 4–0 FA Cup loss to Bradford City at Valley Parade. Shaun has recently been with Bolton Wanderers recently scoring his 100th career goal and achieved promotion with the Trotters last season. He signs for Nantwich Town with a vast amount of league experience and a scoring threat. JOE MALKIN (Forward) Son of former Tranmere Rovers striker Chris, Joe joined the club at the beginning of the 2018- 19 season from North-West Counties Football League side Cammell Laird 1907 and enjoyed an exciting first season with the club, where he won the Northern Premier League Young Player of the Season. Malkin scored some excellent goals during his first season with the club, and offers a natural goalscoring threat, both from his feet and in the air. CONNOR HEATH (Forward) Connor is a new signing in the summer of 2000 after being released from Crewe Alexandra, after impressing during his 2-year scholarship period with a number of goals he signed a professional contract in the summer of 2019. Connor has impressed during the pre-season period with a few goals and will be looking to stamp his mark with Nantwich this season. IBRAHIMA SY (Midfield) Loan signing from Stoke City, Ibrahima moved to the Potters from Stade Reims in France and has playing in the Under 23’s for Stoke. A tall defensive midfielder who will hopefully give us some steel in the middle of the park and will be looking to impress his parent club during his loan spell here at Nantwich. DAVID VAUGHAN (Midfield) The 38 year old began his career at Crewe Alexandra. In 2007 he made the move to Real Sociedad for £300,000. He only made 9 appearances before coming back to England to join Blackpool where he played 109 times, he also captained the seasiders whilst they were in the Premier League. Vaughan then joined Sunderland where he made 49 appearances for the Wearside club, scoring three goals. In October 2013 he joined Nottingham Forest on loan. He made the move permanent in the summer of 2013 where he signed a two-year deal at the City Ground. Vaughan has also represented Wales 42 times, scoring one goal which was away at Liechtenstein in a 2010 World Cup Qualifying game. He was also part of their successful Euro 2016 side that made it all the way to the Semi Finals.
PITCHING IN NPL RESULTS & FIXTURES
Results - Tuesday 14th September 2021
Fixtures – Saturday 18th September 2021 (3.00pm KO)
Gainsborough Trinity v Stalybridge Celtic
Stafford Rangers v Matlock TownPITCHING IN NPL STANDINGS
EMIRATES FA CUP FIXTURES
Fixtures - Saturday 18th September 2021 (3.00pm
KO)
Ashton United v Witton Albion
Blyth Spartans v FC United of Manchester
Buxton v Rushall Olympic
Marine v Warrington Town
Marske United v South Shields
Mickleover v Basford United
Morpeth Town v Lancaster City
Mossley v Radcliffe
Nantwich Town v Banbury United
Prescot Cables v Whitby Town
Runcorn Linnets v Bamber BridgeNANTWICH TOWN BANBURY UNITED
MANAGER MANAGER
DAVE COOKE ANDY WHING
1 Cameron TERRY 1 Jack HARDING
2 Joel STAIR 2 Connor ROBERTS
3 Matty DEVINE 3 Sam BROWN
4 Troy BOURNE 4 Tom SHARPE
5 Josh LANGLEY 5 Kelvin LANGMEAD
6 Ibrahima SY 6 Jack WESTBROOK (C)
7 Jimmy LAWRIE 8 Giorgio RASULO
8 Caspar HUGHES (C) 9 Chris WREH
9 Shaun MILLER 10 Morgan ROBERTS
10 Sean COOKE 12 Ben ACQUAYE
11 Joe MWASILE 19 Alex BABOS
12 Prince HAYWOOD 12 Theo ROWE
14 Jack HATTON 14 Charlie PATTISON
15 Theo STAIR 15 Brandon PATTERSON
16 Luke WALSH 16 Ethan JOHNSTON
17 Thommy MONTEFIORI 17 Tom ROWLEY
18 David VAUGHAN 18 Harry REILLY
13 Oliver HAWKINS (GK) 13 Ben TAYLOR (GK)
REFEREE: Jordan Crossley
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Tom O’Brien, Declan Dunn
MAN OF THE MATCH SPONSORED BY:
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