NANTWICH TOWN WITTON ALBION - vs
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NANTWICH TOWN
vs
WITTON ALBION
TUESDAY 1ST MARCH 2022
KICK OFF 7.45PM
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, Gordon Division One Runners Up – 1900/01
McKinnon
Company Secretary: John Dunning Shropshire & District League
Runners-Up – 1891/92
Football Officials
Manager: Dave Cooke Manchester League
Assistant Manager: Jay Bateman Runners-Up – 1966/67
First Team Coach Mentor: Nigel Deeley
Goalkeeper Coach: Keiron Clarke Northern Premier League
Head Physio: Callum Carey Div 1 South – Play-Off Winners – 2007/08
Physio: Pete Williams Premier Division Play-Off Final – 2008/09
Kit Manager: Jason Clarke
CUP COMPETITION:
Behind the Scenes Cheshire Senior Cup Winners – 1932/33,
Club Secretary: Carl Thorpe 1975/76, 2007/08, 2011/12, 2017/18,
Match Day Secretary: Gary Richardson 2018/19
Business Manager: Emma Crossan
Press Officers: Jack Beresford, Liam FA Vase Winners – 2005/06
Price, Adam Bateman
Club Photographer: Jonathan White FA Trophy Semi Finalist – 2015/16
Groundsman: TBC
Stadium & Safety Officer: Bob Melling FA Cup First Round – 2011/12, 2017/18,
2019/20
Social Networks:
Twitter: @TheDabbers North West Counties League Cup
Facebook: /nantwichtownfc Winners – 1994/95
YouTube: Nantwich Town FC
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 evening, including the supporters, players, management and Directors of our visitors, Witton Albion. Tonight is tinged with sadness with the death of our friend and supporter Kevin Hammersley yesterday. I’ve known Kevin for a lot of my time at the Dabbers. He was a wonderful man who travelled home and away with the Dabbers. He always had this infamous flat cap on. He was firmly involved with the NTISA and was instrumental in the project to build the disabled stand. We will remember Kevin on Saturday vs Whitby Town here at the Optimum Pay Stadium. Unfortunately the Dabbers couldn’t hold on to the lead on Saturday at South Shields. With injuries affecting us in the 2nd half South Shields improved performance was just too much for us with us leaving the North East as 4-2 losers. On to tonight and what a crucial game it is. Without doubt the biggest game of the season with a balance of the season possible hanging on this result. Even though there is still around 10 matches left. We have boosted the squad by welcoming back Jamie Morgan who is on loan from Altrincham until the end of the season. Witton come here on the back of a great comeback themselves at Grantham and will equally be confident about tonight and with 5 ex Dabbers in their ranks they will have something to prove. Enjoy the programme and the match tonight and Up the Dabbers!!!! Carl Thorpe Club Secretary & Programme Editor
WITTON ALBION - MATCH PREVIEW A Cheshire derby and a 6-pointer rolled into one for the Dabbers this Tuesday night (7.45 pm) as Witton Albion visit the Optimum Pay Stadium for what is surely both teams’ biggest game of the season. A Battle of Witts Witton in 21st place have 33 points, as do the Dabbers in 20th. Nantwich have the superior goal difference by 11, but Witton have played 2 games fewer, 29 to 31. The margins are incredibly fine as both teams strive to be above that dotted line. Witton have only won 2 of their last 13 matches in all competitions, but those 2 wins have come in their last 3 games, first over Ashton, then on Saturday they secured a vital win over fellow relegation strugglers Grantham. In circumstances the reverse of the Dabbers, they went 2 goals down but went on to win, 3-2. Last Time Out: It was a Bank Holiday Monday meeting in August where the Dabbers just edged it 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Sean Cooke. A repeat of that on Tuesday would do nicely. Players to Watch: It’s hard not to be drawn towards the raft of recent Dabbers players who now wear the red and white. Since that meeting in August, James Lawrie, Callum Saunders and Joe Mwasile have moved across Cheshire. Saunders has 15 goals to his name this season and we all know what he’s capable of in front of goal..
WITTON ALBION - BRIEF HISTORY IN TIME
CLUB INFO
Club Name: Witton Albion FC
Year Founded: 1887
Club Nickname: The Albs
Current Ground: Wincham Park
Current Manager: Carl McCauley
CUP HISTORY
Cheshire Senior Cup: Winners – 11 times
NPL Presidents Cup: Winners – 1990/91
FA Cup: 2nd Round – 1951/52, 1991/92
FA Trophy: Runners-Up – 1991/92
LEAGUE HISTORY
Cheshire League: Champions – 1948/49, 1949/50, 1953/54
NPL Division 1 North: Playoff Winners – 2011/12
NPL Division 1 South: Playoff Winners – 2016/17
Northern Premier League: Champions – 1990/91
LAST 5 LEAGUE SEASONS:
Season League POS PL W D L GF GA Pts
2016-17 NPL 1S 2/22 42 31 6 5 100 41 96 ^
2017-18 NPL P 7/24 46 19 13 14 83 63 70
2018-19 NPL P 9/21 46 16 10 14 45 41 58
2019-20 NPL P ABAN 31 10 9 12 40 43 39 *
2020-21 NPL P ABAN 7 5 0 2 13 7 15 *
* 2019-20 & 2020-21 Season both curtailed due to COVID-19
^ 2016-17 – 3 points deducted
WITTON ALBION - HISTORY In the 1880’s the district of Witton, centrally situated in the mid-Cheshire salt town of Northwich, had several different teams using the name 'Witton' as a prefix. The name Witton Albion itself can be traced back to a match played on October 26th 1887. No record of any matches has been found for 1889 and as such 1890 can be regarded as the year when the current club was actually formed. Witton Albion, after winning the Crewe FA Junior Cup, encountered their first league opponents in 1894 when part of the Cheshire Junior League. They then had a season in the Crewe & District Junior League, whilst having their Reserve Team replace them and actually win the 1896/97 campaign. From 1897-1901 the team then competed in the Cheshire League before spreading their wings as they joined The Combination where the opposition consisted of the likes of Bangor, Burslem Port Vale, Chester, Tranmere Rovers, Wellington (now Telford) and Wrexham. A move to the Manchester League was made for 1904/05 where they played Altrincham, Macclesfield, Hyde, Buxton and Northwich Victoria on a regular basis. As leagues became stronger and stronger Witton decided to join the Lancashire Combination in 1912 and the decision was rewarded the following season when they carried off the 2nd Division championship. Unfortunately, with the outbreak of World War One, Albion only had one season in the top flight, finishing a respectable 10th. Following the war Witton Albion became one of the founder members of the Cheshire County League. It was not though until after the Second World War that championship honours were achieved. The following ten years saw them arguably become one of the best non-league sides in the country. They won the league three times with the league and cup double attained in 1953/54. They were also League and Cup runners-up during this period as well as a long spell of consecutive appearances in the Proper Rounds of the F.A. Cup. Witton were denied founder membership of the Northern Premier League due to the entry qualification relating to the season two prior to the formation and so had to battle on before eventually gaining promotion, when finishing Cheshire County League runners-up in 1978/79. They almost won the NPL at the first attempt but were pipped by Mossley by just one point. The second season after moving to Wincham Park saw them as runaway champions with a sixteen point margin over Stalybridge Celtic. Season 1991/92 therefore saw them compete with the cream of the non-league world in the Football Conference. Cheltenham Town, Colchester United, Dagenham & Redbridge, Macclesfield Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Yeovil Town, future Football League clubs, were amongst their opponents in the three year spell as members. The end of the 1993/94 season saw the club relegated, for the first time in their history. With the club’s much publicised financial problems the end of the 1996/97 season brought a further relegation to the NPL First Division. In 1999/2000 Witton were only denied promotion on goal difference when they finished level on points with both Accrington Stanley and Burscough, along the way only suffering four defeats!
WITTON ALBION - HISTORY Nigel Deeley, previously the popular assistant, was the unanimous choice as the new Manager with the task of rebuilding the playing squad. After 7 points from an opening 9 the Manager's fortunes changed and after a run of nine consecutive defeats the Board decided to appoint former manager Gary Finley in his place. Finley and assistant Lee Coathup (a member of the Wembley FA Trophy squad in 1992) looked to have steered Albion away from relegation, however only 3 points from the final 8 games saw Witton slump to 3rd from bottom that relegated them to the NPL Division 1 South. The 2009/10 season saw Witton travel more than 3,000 miles in a mixed league campaign. Ever present in the top half of the table Witton touched the summit and appeared to be putting together a side capable of returning, at the first time of asking, to the Premier Division. Lack of consistency, injuries and a high turnover of players ultimately lead to the club missing out on the play-offs by six points and finishing 7th in the league. Manager Gary Finley departed on the final day of the season. In May 2010 Witton appointed the experienced Paul Ogden as Manager. With more than 40 years management experience his appointment was part of an overall restructure of the club's football activities by Chairman Mark Harris and the Board. Former fan's favourite Dave MacPherson returned to the club as Assistant Player/Manager, moving up later in the season when Paul Ogden relinquished his role, whilst Brian Pritchard stepped up to the position of Assistant Player/Manager following a record breaking previous season when he increased his number of games for the club to well over the 700 mark! At the end of the 2010/11 season and with Dave MacPherson’s departed, Brian Pritchard was appointed Manager with Mike Moseley his Assistant and Nigel Deeley added onto the coaching team. These full members saw their just rewards along with the rest of the “Witton Family” when their charges won both their Play Off semi and final 3-0 to earn their place back in the NPL Premier Division for season 2012/13. With virtually the same squad the following season saw the team achieve a marvellous 4th position only to be beaten at FC United of Manchester in the Play-Off semi-final. 2013/14 however saw a very different scenario as the team skirted around the relegation positions for a good while until early March when a good set of results saw them eventually finish in 16th spot. On the 2014 August Bank Holiday, Manager Brian Pritchard made the shock announcement that he was leaving the club after a total of 19 years with Witton. A massive decision for him but with his work commitments, together with his personal life to consider, then the club very reluctantly accepted his resignation. Anthony Sheehan stepped up from his role of Player Coach to manage the club and initially results went his way but a disastrous run of defeats saw him leave.
WITTON ALBION - HISTORY Tony Sullivan was brought in from Cammell Laird at the beginning of October charged with ensuring Premier Division status was maintained. It took over four months to finally establish a run of good results and by the end of March the team were finally out of the drop zone. April though brought just a single point from six matches the final one being at Stamford when 2-0 up at half-time against fellow relegation candidate an awful second period consigned the team to the First Division. Tony Sullivan duly stepped away but the club was able to take advantage of NPL First Division South Norton United’s sad demise to recruit their manager Scott Dundas along with almost his total backroom staff and a sizable contingent of players. However just two months into the campaign and following a poor set of results Dundas and his staff were relieved of their duties leaving Paul Ogden to step in once more along with stalwart Terry Murphy, who sadly has now passed away, to take temporary charge of team affairs prior to the appointment of former player Carl Macauley who along with his assistant Gary Martindale were the management team at Conference North Vauxhall Motors until the club’s resignation. They thankfully succeeded in steadying the ship and despite the club, once again being forced to change regional divisions set about recruiting their own team, both on and off the field. Their dedication certainly paid off in 16/17 when, in practically any other scenario picking up nigh on 100 points and scoring 100 goals along the way would secure automatic promotion, the team won their Play-off games against AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Spalding United to regain their place back in the NPL’s top flight. The first season back exceeded expectations as it was only in the final month that Albion missed out on a play-off position whilst in 18/19, playing catch-up, the team finished in the top ten. Last season saw them well placed, with games in hand, before the season was curtailed. Witton Albion first made it into the Proper Rounds of the F.A. Cup in 1948. Since then they have figured in the First Round draw a further twelve times. On three occasions further progress to Round Two has been made, 1951, 1953 and 1991. The latter being as a result of Witton defeating Football League opposition for the one and only time – Halifax Town in a replay at the Shay. When Albion met Bolton Wanderers in 1990 it was to be the main BBC TV’s Match of the Day. Barry Davies was in attendance and despite atrocious weather and pitch conditions the crowd of 3,784 plus the millions who tuned in saw Witton not be overawed. The soon to be promoted Wanderers, their then manager Phil Neal together with the 800 visiting fans departed much relieved with their 2-1 victory. The Cheshire County F.A. Senior Cup has been won by Witton eleven times since 1902 and they have been beaten finalists on ten occasions. The 90’s decade saw them carry off the trophy in 1995 & 1996 together with three further appearances in the Final.
WITTON ALBION – SQUAD & STAFF ISAAC BALDWIN Wing Back, Halifax born on 23/12/96 and after being on loan from Farsley Celtic since 19/10/2019, during which time he made 21 appearances (3 goals), agreed terms to join us permanently for last season's short campaign. A further 10 appearances were made adding a couple more goals. Initially on Huddersfield Town’s books as well as FC Halifax’s he’d been with Farsley since the summer of 2017, joining from Spennymoor Town, and was named in the NPL Team of the Year in his first season with the Celts before helping the club to the NPL title in 18/19. Isaac certainly made a big impression on his very first Wincham Park appearance when as a defender he netted a hat-trick that saw our visitors triumph 4-1. His total playing career at the Throstles Nest saw a total of 108 appearances (76 starts), scoring 10 times. JAY FOLEY Attacking Midfielder born in Liverpool 17/12/93 who was recruited during the summer of 2017 from Marine. In his three seasons with the Mariners, having joined them from Cammell Laird, he made 96 appearances (72 starts) scoring 5 times. He started out at AFC Liverpool making 8 appearances in 2011/12 prior to signing on Youth terms for Macclesfield Town before heading to the Welsh Alliance League, joining Buckley Town and then signing for Cammell Laird in January 2013. A very impressive first season with us, making 54 appearances (6 goals) also saw Jay win the Managerial Player of the Year award. RAJ GILL Goalkeeper born 15/8/93 in Birmingham who was signed last season following a couple of seasons with Newcastle Town during which he kept a clean sheet against us in a League Cup tie. A Panjab FA international who commenced his career at Leicester City’s Academy. Been between the sticks for a number of Midlands clubs that include Tamworth, Bedworth, Rugby, Walsall Wood, Cirencester, Redditch, Kettering, Evesham, Alvechurch. GREG HALL Goalkeeper, Manchester born on 8/2/86 who has been re-signed from Nantwich Town for whom he made 49 appearances (15 clean sheets) over the past two curtailed seasons. Greg originally joined us for the 18/19 season from local North West Counties side 1874 Northwich. Voted the Division’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2017/18, an award that he collected twice earlier in his career whilst at Glossop North End. During his 100 games at Glossop Greg played in the team that narrowly lost the 2014/15 FA Vase Final. Joining 1874 Northwich in December 2015 Greg made 143 appearances for the club and was instrumental in them reaching the semi-final of the FA Vase in 17/18. JAMES LAWRIE Attacking Midfielder born in Dundonald, County Down on 18/12/1990 but brought up in Middlewich, who joined us in early October from Nantwich Town. Came through the youth ranks at Port Vale to make 8 starts in his 30 appearances scoring twice, loaned to Kidderminster (3+7-1) before signing for AFC Telford United (25-4) for the 2010-11 campaign. Following an initial loan Jimmy signed permanently for Altrincham (2011-17) and made 231+43 appearances scoring 51 times for the Robins. Signed for Hednesford Town (37+10-7) for the 17/18 season before joining Nantwich Town for whom he'd made 101 appearances netting 16 times. James as well as making 23 Under 17-21 Youth International appearances, scoring 8 goals, earned himself 3 full Northern Ireland international caps in 09/10.
WITTON ALBION – SQUAD & STAFF ROB HOPLEY Striker born in Crewe on 2/1/85 who was a youth player at Macclesfield Town before moving on to Winsford United where he was top scorer in the side which won the North West Counties League Championship. Moving to Leek Town before being signed by Colwyn Bay where he spent eight seasons broken only by a brief stint with Chester. (Rob scored the newly born Chester FC’s very first competitive goal on 24/8/2010). Rob helped Bay in no small part to two promotions. He was the club’s top scorer in their first three seasons in the Conference North and was made team captain in February 2013, later to become club captain, and was appointed assistant manager in May 2015. Joined Witton at the end of November 2015 and has maintained his scoring form throughout by netting 85 times in his 177 games played up to the end of last season. Rob didn't get to play a competitive game in 19/20 following serious leg injuries in pre-season however he still sits comfortably in Albion’s Top 20 scorers, since 1945. To help regain match fitness Rob signed on dual registration with Winsford United and scored in the FA Vase on his 19th September debut prior to making a couple of substitute FA trophy appearances when returning to the Albion fold in December. JAWAD JEBRIN Forward and Liverpool born on 13/7/2002, JJ, who had been part of manager Carl Macauley at Robbie Fowler’s Education and Football Academy (FEFA) squad since July 2018 has been signed for this season. Of slight build, nevertheless he gave impressive performances against Macclesfield and Crewe to earn his place at Witton. JJ has had previous NPL experience with Warrington Town last season and has also been on St Helen's Town's books. WILL JONES – Striker born in Liverpool on 13/1/90 who eventually Albion got international clearance to play him in late February 2017 after a month's delay. Will, after playing for the likes of Bootle, Marine, Nantwich Town, Warrington and Burscough, was top scorer for the latter in the 2015/16 season prior to joining Colwyn Bay in the 2016 summer. By the end of last season, in his 153 appearances for Witton, Will has scored 41 goals that have included two campaigns "Goal of the Season". WILL JONES Striker born in Liverpool on 13/1/90 who eventually Albion got international clearance to play him in late February 2017 after a month's delay. Will, after playing for the likes of Bootle, Marine, Nantwich Town, Warrington and Burscough, was top scorer for the latter in the 2015/16 season prior to joining Colwyn Bay in the 2016 summer. By the end of last season, in his 153 appearances for Witton, Will has scored 41 goals that have included two campaigns "Goal of the Season". CESAIRE LINGOUBA Versatile Midfielder, Congolese born on 6/9/95 and having initially been on Morecambe's books, Cesaire, as he is known (it is his middle name) came through the Stalybridge Celtic academy ranks and made his first team debut on 18/8/15. Upon his release he joined Droylsden before signing for our tenants Northwich Victoria in March 2017. Got to make his Albion first team debut on September 17th 2017 and by the end of 19/20 season had figured in 82 games netting three times. Signed for Matlock Town in October 2020, only making a couple of substitute appearances and re-joined Albion at the end of August.
WITTON ALBION – SQUAD & STAFF DANNY McKENNA Right Midfielder, born 4/1/98 in Liverpool who, after spending six years on Bolton Wanderers books, was signed at the beginning of 16/17 season but spent virtually the whole of the season making many impressive performances in his 43 appearances for Runcorn Linnets in the North-West Counties League. Having started the 17/18 campaign with 8 more games he re-joined us in mid- September and has now become a regular starter providing lots of energetic performances. Come last season’s abrupt finish Danny had appeared 128 times scoring 8 goals for the Albion. CALLUM SAUNDERS Striker born 26/9/95 in Istanbul, where his father Dean was playing for Galatasary. Progressed through Crewe's Academy and made 35 1st Team appearances before moving to Notts County for the 17/18 campaign. After making 6 appearances he then joined Nantwich the following season. Started the 19/20 season with Curzon Ashton but returned to Nantwich in the November. A Welsh Under 19 & 21 International, Callum was signed by the Albion in early September and scored both our goals on his debut at Morpeth Town. He later went on to break a club 75 year old record when scoring in 9 consecutive league matches. JOSH WARDLE Central Defender born in Manchester 23/12/96 who stepped up a division when he signed for us last season after playing for Skelmersdale United, whom he’d joined in November 2017, his performances in the 28 matches winning him the Manager’s Player of the Season award. Josh commenced his career in 2014 at Lancaster City progressing through their development squad before joining Kendal Town in January 2017. Whilst studying he was captain of a first team at Liverpool John Moores University that finished top of their division in the British Universities and College Sport League with an unbeaten record. His first season saw him win both the Manager’s & the Players’ Player of the Year Awards. Turned down several offers to commit himself to the Albion during the summer and went on to make a total of 98 appearances prior to this campaign. Last season saw him appointed team captain, following Rob Hopley's serious injury and he certainly led by example throughout. CARL MACAULEY – Manager Liverpool born on 29/10/70 who returned in October 2015 to the club where he was one of our key players in seasons 1994-96 making 89 appearances and winning the then prestigious Cheshire Senior Cup in both seasons. He then went on to play for Lancaster City, Telford United, Barrow, Southport, Burscough and finally Vauxhall Motors in 2005. Appointed the Motormen’s Player- Manager within his initial five year spell, he briefly left to work within Liverpool's Academy before returning as Manager in November 2011. Upon their demise from the Conference North he briefly went to Chester FC as assistant before taking over the reins at Marine in May 2014. Carl also features highly within the Robbie Fowler Academy coaching set-up. GARY MARTINDALE - Assistant Manager born in Liverpool on 24/6/71 who began his football with Burscough. He then joined Bolton Wanderers before making 159 appearances and scoring 42 goals whilst with Peterborough United, Notts County, Mansfield Town and Rotherham United, before returning to non-League with Telford United, Burscough and Vauxhall Motors. In May 2003 Burscough reached the final of the FA Trophy against Tamworth. Having started the competition as 400–1 outsiders they pulled off a shock 2–1 win, with Gary scoring both their goals. Appointed Player-Manager of Formby in 2010 he later took on a coaching role with Prescot Cables before becoming number two at Vauxhall Motors in June 2011. He then assisted Carl at Marine prior to coming to us in October 2015.
BUXTON – MATCH REPORT The Dabbers welcomed Buxton to The Optimum Pay Stadium on Saturday as they looked to bounce back following Tuesday’s loss at Warrington Town. The visitors began the game on the front foot, and they had their first opportunity after just two minutes. Former Derby and Nottingham Forest forward Jamie Ward cut in from the right side and his curled effort forced a good save from Matty Gould in the Nantwich goal Ten minutes later, The Dabbers had a chance of their own as Shaun Miller crossed from the right side, but it was inches too high for Joe Malkin who failed to get a good connection. Despite not seeing much of the ball in the early exchanges, The Dabbers took the lead on the 20-minute mark. Malkin and Miller linked up nicely on the edge of the box before Miller beautifully curled a strike inside the far post to give Nantwich the lead against the run of play. The Bucks looked to hit back straight away as Ward once again took aim from distance but his shot was poor and it bobbled wide of the post. At the break, The Dabbers would have been pleased with their performance, despite not seeing much of the ball they had taken their chances and defended solidly to keep Buxton chances at a premium Five minutes after the break the visitors had their best opportunity as Heaney got in behind, but as he closed in on goal Matty Gould rushed off his line to close the angle and and save well. Ten minutes after the break, Heaney was at the heart of the action as he was pulled down in the box by Bell and the referee pointed to the spot. Jamie Ward stepped up and saw his penalty saved but the rebound fell kindly, and he blasted home the rebound. Six minutes later, Buxton had another penalty as they caught The Dabbers on the counter, Gilchrist found himself in on goal before he was tripped by Gould and once the again the referee pointed to the spot. This time Jamie Ward stepped up and made no mistake and he sent the keeper the wrong way as he rolled home to give his side the lead. After leaving for the majority of the game, The Dabbers now found themselves behind after giving away two sloppy penalties in the first fifteen minutes of the second period. All of a sudden, the momentum was with the visitors who looked to add more to their tally to put the game to bed. They came inches away from adding a third when Chris Dawson took aim from 25 yards and crashed a a strike off the upright before it cleared away.
BUXTON – MATCH REPORT
With ten minutes of the game to go, Buxton added a third and put the game to bed.
Mackenzie Heaney had been The Bucks stand out player in the second half, and he
scored a deserved goal when his long-range strike took a deflection and looped
over the helpless Gould, before bouncing off the underside of the bar and into the
back of the net.
It really was a game of two halves, in the first half The Dabbers got their goal, and
they weren’t really troubled by Buxton, but a second half change of formation
helped The Bucks get back into the game and go back to Derbyshire with all three
points.
After the game Nantwich Town assistant manager Jay Batemans said “We’re really
disappointed. The first half we looked good; Shaun Miller scored a great goal. We
said to the lads at half time that they have to keep going.”
“Sometimes the half time break kills you. When you’re playing really well, but we
said to the lads that the first 15 minutes of the second half is crucial and within 16
minutes we’re 2-1 down after conceding two penalties. So yeah, it’s a difficult one
to take”
Teams:
Nantwich Town: Gould, Hughes (Heath 77), Vaughan, Bourne, Stair, Nock, Raffie, Bell
(Robbins 61), Malkin (Montefiori 60), Cooke, Miller
Subs not used: Bickerstaff, Edwards
Buxton: Castle, T. Richardson, Curley, Newton, Cowan, Granite, Meikle, Ward
(Chambers 62), Dawson, Gilchrist (Fox 78), Heaney, Clarke
Subs not used: Taylor, H. Richardson, Turner
Attendance: 535
NANTWICH TOWN 1
Miller (22)
BUXTON 3
Ward (55, 60 pen), Heaney (80)DABBERS 2021-22 SEASON
DABBERS 2021-22 SEASON
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC – MATCH REPORT
Five-star Dabbers run riot at Stalybridge
Nantwich Town Assistant Manager Jay Bateman described his sides performance as
“pleasing” after they ran out 5-1 victors at Stalybridge Celtic on Tuesday night. A
Joe Robbins hat-trick and goals from Shaun Miller and Jake Bickerstaff helped The
Dabbers bring all three points back to South Cheshire.
Bateman said “We’re really pleased with that performance; we probably didn’t see
it coming but a wins a win”
The Dabbers were looking to bounce straight back after suffering a 3-1 loss at the
hands of Buxton on Saturday, despite being 1-0 up at half time.
“It’s nice that we’ve played well in both halves. On Saturday we did well in the first
half, not so well in the second half. But I think tonight we’ve done well in both halves
which is the pleasing thing”
At Bower Fold, The Dabbers lead 2-1 at the break after a frantic first half. Nantwich
opened the scoring after just six minutes when on-loan Fleetwood Town winger
Akiel Raffie crossed from the right. It was cleared as far as Joe Robbin’s who took
one touch to control and another to fire into the far corner to give the Dabbers an
early lead.
Despite going a goal down early, The hosts were seeing more of the ball and they
had a few chances of their own. Both Justin Johnson and Raul Correia had efforts on
goal but Gould dealt with them easily. Celtic levelled the scores on the half hour
mark when Stephen Brogan crossed from the left and found Correia who turned well
and fired into the net, past Matty Gould.
It took the Dabbers just two minutes to retain their lead. A weak back pass to the
keeper was intercepted by Miller and as he bared down towards goal he was
tackled but the loose ball fell to Wrexham Loanee Jake Bickerstaff who poked
home for his first Nantwich Town goal. The Dabbers looked good value for their
lead, and it would have pleased the Dabbers management team that they hit back
literally seconds after conceding to get them back in the driving seat.
The second half started much like the first as The Dabbers found the net inside ten
minutes. More good work from Akiel Raffie down the right side saw him get a lot
cross in that was cleared as far as Robbins who rifled his first-time strike into the top
corner to double Nantwich’s lead.
On the hour mark, the hosts task become a lot harder as they were reduced to 10
men after Stephen Brogan recklessly dived in on Akiel Raffie and the referee
showed the Stalybridge full back a straight red card.STALYBRIDGE CELTIC – MATCH REPORT
With twenty minutes to go, The Dabbers put the game beyond doubt when
Bickerstaff and Miller linked up well on halfway, before Miller found himself clean
through and he was never going to miss as he confidently finished to grab his
second goal in as many games.
No less then two minutes later, The Dabbers made it five as once again Raffie’s cross
from the right was cleared as far as Robbins who calmly stroked home to complete
his hat trick and earn him the match-ball.
“We’re pleased for Joe, he wasn’t in the team on Saturday and he’s got back in
tonight. It’s a great hat-trick, the three goals he scored tonight were fantastic” Jay
Bateman said.
With ten minutes to go, The Dabbers were still looking to add to the score
line as second half substitutes Joe Malkin and Tommy Montefiori both came
close to adding a sixth.
At full time, The Dabbers earned a valuable three points in their battle for
safety. It’s the first time they had scored five since beating Witton Albion 5-2
back in December 2020.
Teams:
Stalybridge Celtic: Hughes, Liptrott, Brogan (RED CARD), Wedgbury (Smith
brown 67), O’Grady, Killock, Harris, Quansah, Correia (Massanka 67),
Bakkor, Johnson (Doyle 71)
Subs not used: Jones, Varela
Nantwich Town: Gould, Stair, Devine, Bourne, Langley, Hughes (Montefiori
82), Raffie, Robbins, Bickerstaff, Cooke, Miller (Malkin 80)
Subs not used: Vaughan, Heath, Edwards
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 1
Correia (30)
NANTWICH TOWN 5
Robbins (7, 54, 74), Bickerstaff (33), Miller (73)NANTWICH TOWN – PLAYER PROFILES MATTHEW GOULD (Goalkeeper) Matty has come to Nantwich on loan from Altrincham until January 2022. Matt has great experience at this level and above, mainly recognised here for his time with our friends and league rivals at Stourbridge, as well as a spell at Spennymoor. He is the grandson of ex Wales Manager Bobby Gould. ANDY WYCHERLEY (Goalkeeper) Andy has joined the Dabbers after starting the season with Hednesford Town, Andy came just in time for the FA Trophy game against Barwell and made a big impact. Andy is no stranger having been involved in pre-season in the past. Andy has also played for AFC Telford United so has good experience at this level and the one above. 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. 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. MATT BELL (Midfielder) Club stalwart Matt Bell returned from Leek Town during this season, the combative midfielder has added some real grit back into the centre of the park. Matt can also score from set pieces with his deadly left foot, and has scored some memorable goals at Nantwich. The midfielder is regarding as one of the club favourites with over 200 appearances for the club, and has been a big part of the club’s highs over the last few years.
NANTWICH TOWN – PLAYER PROFILES CASPAR HUGHES (Midfielder) 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. JOE ROBBINS (Midfielder) Joe signed on a month’s loan from Crewe Alexandra for Nantwich in time for the Boxing Day game at Stafford, a technically gifted midfielder who is excellent on the ball. Joe has made a couple of appearance for the first team and had a spell with Altrincham in the National League last season. Joe will be looking to impress and follow the likes of Ollie Finney, Will Jaaskelainen and Luke Offord in coming to Nantwich on loan and going into back into the first team at Crewe. 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 midfielder having come through at All Boys FC in Buenos Aires. Having shone during pre-season we hope he carries this into the upcoming season. AKIEL RAFFIE (Midfielder) Raffie has spent the season on loan on Bamber Bridge and more recently Kendal Town where he gained valuable experience. In April 2021 Raffie signed a professional contract with the Cod Army after making his senior debut as a substitute in their 3-0 Papa Johns Trophy victory over Aston Villa in October 2020. The Australian was born in Sydney and he is the cousin of former New Zealand Rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams. So if Akiel can channel Williams’ sporting talent in the next few months, then we’ve got a great player on our hands. JACOB EDWARDS (Defender) Young full back arrived in pre season, after being released from Swansea City. Impressed during the pre season friendlies and has managed to appear a few times during the season at both left back and right back. Jacob has also played a few games at Alsager Town on dual registration.
NANTWICH TOWN – PLAYER PROFILES DAVID VAUGHAN (Midfielder) 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. 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. DAN COCKERLINE (Forward) Dan is a recent signing from AFC Liverpool. At 6 foot 4 there will be few players that are taller than him in the game. Dan brings a big threat in the air, but is a solid footballer too. Dan has played at this level and higher before previously playing for the likes of Barrow, Southport and FC United of Manchester. Dan will no doubt be looking to score a few goals in green this season. 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. JAKE BICKERSTAFF (Forward) The frontman began his career at The Dragons before being snapped up by Premier League giants Liverpool. He returned to the Racecourse ground two years later where he had excelled in U18s football allowing him to break into the first team. His debut for the senior side came whilst still on youth terms when he faced Ayr United in the Scottish Challenge Cup. In the summer of 2020 Bickerstaff signed his professional deal. Jake made his first league appearance on the opening day of the 2020/21 campaign against Boreham Wood in a 2-1 win.
SOUTH SHIELDS – MATCH REPORT
A JJ Hooper inspired comeback helped South Shields to a 4-2 win over
Nantwich Town at the 1st Cloud Arena.
A muted start to the game was well and truly broken 14 minutes in, as Akiel Raffie
led the Dabbers first real attack, a pacy and brilliant run that was ended with him
brought down in the area for a penalty.
Sean Cooke, as so often, nerveless converted for 1-0, leaving the league leaders
reeling. South Shields tried to respond, midfielder Mitchell Rose was often playing
very high up the pitch and had a couple of half chances, an effort curled over and
a header that hit the side netting from a narrow angle.
But it was the Dabbers who struck again, in spectacular style. An attack down the
left from Matty Devine saw the ball get to Jake Bickerstaff in the left channel, he
beat his man, cut inside onto his right foot and slotted it past Myles Boney in the
Shields goal. Pure magic to put the Dabbers 2 up.
Nathan Lowe was an ongoing danger for Shields, dropping into little pockets of
space on the right and whipping in crosses, a shot of his forced Matty Gould into his
first proper save. Then the non stop right back for Shields, Jordan Hunter, fired low to
Goulds right and he kept it out well, he also managed to somehow save the
rebound but it didn’t matter as he was offside.
The 2,000 plus home crowd were starting to get frustrated, groans could be heard
even on passes that went backwards, showing the demands put on this team to
deliver attacking and winning football.
Another cross from Lowe just evaded JJ Hooper who would surely have scored with
any sort of touch, and that meant the Dabbers went in with an unexpected but
brilliant 2-goal lead.
You always sensed that Shields would come out swinging in the second half, and
they did just that. Unfortunately, it was a poor refereeing decision that really started
to build the momentum for the home side. A shot hit Matty Devine on the elbow, the
referee pointed to the spot but video footage clearly shows that Devine was outside
the penalty area when the ball hit him.
The penalty was well hit but struck the post, justice maybe but the spark of belief
had been lit under Shields.
After Devine had to leave the pitch injured, South Shields got back into the game
down that side just two minutes later, an unfortunate slip let in Sam Hodgson who
dinked the ball over Gould for Hooper to finish off and really ignite the home crowd.SOUTH SHIELDS – MATCH REPORT
Just three minutes later, it was all square. Lowe, in that half-space again, clipped a
smart ball in and it only took a flick of the neck muscles of Hooper to direct it
goalwards and see the Dabbers lead disappear. After Robert Briggs fired just wide,
the Dabbers had to try and settle things down, and they nearly retook the lead with
20 minutes to go.
A counter that didn’t really look as if it was going anywhere saw the ball drop to
Cooke, taking a touch to control and another to hit hard and low, it took a great
save from Boney to stop it finding the far corner. Gould then had to be alert to stop
what would have been a goal from a mishit cross from the right hand side.
Joe Robbins tried in vain from distance to pull the lead back, but a final push from
Shields was coming. It was Hooper again, a dominant header to give Shields the
lead for his hat trick and retain their place at the top of the league.
The scoring was completed just four minutes later, another stumble making
Hooper’s job a bit easier as he finished high past Gould, an incredible afternoon for
him and a tough one to take for the Dabbers, two bursts of two goals had turned the
game on its head but there were definite positives to take into what is surely the
biggest game of the season so far against Witton on Tuesday night.
Teams:
South Shields: Boney, Hunter, Adams, Shaw, Morse, Bodenham, Lowe, Rose,
Hodgson (Osei 75), Briggs, Hooper
Subs not used: Jenkins, McGowan, Tee, Kempster
Nantwich Town: Gould, Sinclair (Cockerline 75), Devine (Edwards 59),
Bourne, Langley, Bell, Raffie, Robbins, Bickerstaff, Cooke, Miller (Malkin 60)
Subs not used: Heath, Montefiori
SOUTH SHIELDS 4
JJ Hooper (62, 65, 84, 89)
NANTWICH TOWN 2
Cooke (15 pen), Bickerstaff (25)PITCHING IN NPL RESULTS & FIXTURES
Fixtures - Tuesday 1st March 2022 (7.45pm KO)
Ashton United vs South Shields
Nantwich Town vs Witton Albion
Fixtures - Saturday 5th March 2022 (3.00pm KO)
Ashton United vs Stalybridge Celtic
Atherton Collieries vs Hyde United
Bamber Bridge vs Buxton
Gainsborough Trinity vs Matlock Town
Grantham Town vs Morpeth Town
Nantwich Town vs Whitby Town
Radcliffe vs Basford United
Stafford Rangers vs South ShieldsPITCHING IN NPL STANDINGS
NANTWICH TOWN WITTON ALBION
MANAGER MANAGER
DAVE COOKE CARL McCAULEY
1 Matty GOULD 1 Greg HALL
2 Joel STAIR (C) 2 Danny McKENNA
3 Jamie MORGAN 3 Isaac BALDWIN (C)
4 Troy BOURNE 4 Josh WARDLE
5 Josh LANGLEY 5 Rob HOPLEY
6 Caspar HUGHES 6 Cesaire LINGOUBA
7 Akiel RAFFIE 7 Joe MWASILE
8 Joe ROBBINS 8 James FOLEY
9 Jake BICKERSTAFF 9 Callum SAUNDERS
10 Sean COOKE 10 James LAWRIE
11 Shaun MILLER 11 Jesse DOWLING
12 Dan COCKERLINE 12 Will JONES
14 Matt BELL 14 Jawad JEBRIN
15 Connor HEATH 15 Nathan OKOME
16 Tommy MONTEFIORI 16 Harry BOWER
17 Jacob EDWARDS 17 Raajan GILL
REFEREE: Zharir Mustafa
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Jack Lambert, Matthew Knight
MAN OF THE MATCH SPONSORED BY:
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