NANTWICH TOWN V ASHTON UNITED SATURDAY 31 AUGUST 2013

OFFICIAL PROGRAMMEOF NANTWICH TOWN FC

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Good afternoon everyone,

Today is a fantastic occasion for me personally and it gives me great pleasure in welcoming all the players, manage- ment, directors and supporters of Ashton United Football Club. Ashton are a club very close to my heart having spent the last 6 years there as manager. Since my departure Paul Phillips and have taken over as joint managers and are assembling a really good group of players. They have far too many special people behind the scenes for me MANAGER’S NOTES to mention but they know who they are! I wish everyone connected with the club all the very best for this season and the future.

the dabber Our results of late haven't been acceptable and Monday’s performance at home to Witton Albion fell well short of what I expect from my team. The lads are fully aware and we will be EDITOR/ DESIGN looking to put a few things right this afternoon. Ashton will JAMES BRISCOE pose another big test for us as they have started the season really well and will no doubt be full of confidence and want to CONTRIBUTERS continue from where they left off on Monday. However, I am ADE ROBERTS, fully aware that things can change very quickly in football IAN GARNETT, and we will be looking to start to turn a corner today and put MICHAEL CHATWIN in a much improved performance.

PHOTOGRAPHY The games against Skelmersdale and Matlock could have SIMON J. NEWBURY - gone either way and although we were very poor in the first www.simonjnewburyphotography.co.uk 45 minutes against Witton I am sure it would have been dif- ferent but for the sending off. You won’t hear us complaining, FRONT COVER EDIT we will just roll up our sleeves and look to move forward. The MATTHEW LIMESTALL - lads worked really hard in training on Thursday night and one @TheCornfed thing I can tell you is that they are certainly not suffering with a lack of confidence. The session was high tempo and it was NANTWICH TOWN FC very intense. Phil Eastwood uses the phrase 'train the way PRESIDENT FRANK BLUNTSTONE you play' quite a lot, well if we play today like we trained on CHAIRMAN JON GOLD Thursday we will be much, much better than we have been VICE-CHAIRMAN CLIVE JACKSON so far this season. DIRECTORS TONY DAVISON, JOHN DUNNING, I have big belief in this group of players but I have added STEVE TALBOT, BOB MELLING Stephen Johnson to our squad and barring a mishap I hope (NON-EXECUTIVE) he will be available for LIFE VICE-PRESIDENTS selection today. I worked CONTENTS NEVILLE CLARKE, ALBERT PYE, with Johno last season and 3 MANAGER’S NOTES PETER TEMMEN I am sure the supporters 5 FOOTBALL FACES CLUB SECRETARY JANET STUBBS will enjoy watching him do 9 THE NON-LEAGUE PAPER MATCH SECRETARY BERNARD his stuff at the Weaver PROGRAMME COLUMN LYCETT Stadium. He will certainly 11 THE BEAUTIFUL GAME have people on the edge of 13 GET TO KNOW THE DABBERS WEAVER STADIUM their seats and provide the 14 FIXTURE LIST & STATS WATERLODE team with some natural 19 MATCH REPORT NANTWICH width and pace. He has 20-23 ASHTON UNITED two exceptionally good feet 25 EDITOR’S NOTES CW5 5BS and can play either side of 28 TODAY’S TEAMS midfield so provides us 01270 621771 with a great option. I am sure everyone connected with Nantwich Town Football Club [email protected] will give Johno a very warm welcome.

Enjoy the game!

*Football Faces*

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COMICAL red and yellow cards are becoming more and more common – and considering our love for football fun- nies here at The NLP, long may that continue! Referees are letting little slide these days. The book is coming out for increasingly bizarre incidents, there's little place for comedy where the men in black are concerned. So in the aftermath of one the more strange red cards on record last weekend, we thought we would chart the very best – or very worst – of the ones that have got on the wrong side of referees. Now that's a mis-timed tackle! Louis Smith wasn't having the best of days last Saturday. Left out of the AFC Croydon side to face Colliers Wood in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, at 5-2 down there was little he could do when he got the call to come on finally came after 66 minutes. Referees don't like these thermal cycling shorts that seem to be in fashion, and whistle blower Jack Ohene didn't believe Smith when he said he had taken them off when the black ones he warmed up in didn't match the club’s maroon shorts. Smith protested that he'd removed the offending undergarment.... by not so subtly proving it! Sent off for flashing an official, his game was over before it started. Pires booked for taking the..... When you've got to go you've got to go. Welling's Loick Pires couldn't wait in September 2011 during the Wings Conference South clash with Woking. He jumped over the barrier in the first half and legged it into the supporters' toilets for a comfort break. His return was greeted with a yellow card for re-entering the field of player without permission. It left likeable Pires feeling rather flushed! Borat blunder is not niiiice! Ashley Vickers isn't a man to be messed with. So when a fan ran onto the pitch wearing nothing but a green mankini made famous by Borat and the stewards can't catch him, the 6'2 powerhouse is going in! The 38-year-old Dorchester player manager knew the importance of three points against Havant back in March 2011, and time was running out. So Vickers took down the illusive intruder and presented him to the club's security – only to be rewarded with a red card. “It beggars belief,” he grumbled. “The stewards actually thanked me!” It's a wind breaker! Levi Foster became the first player in the history of the game to be yellow carded... for breaking wind! The AFC GOP player was having his boots checked by referee Bunny Reid before the Portsmouth Sunday League clash with Apsley House in November 2009. The 30-year-old couldn't hold it in – and was lucky to be allowed to continue after team-mates talked the unim- pressed official round after a red card looked to be forthcoming. Levi, who went on to win man of the match in the 5-0 victory, blamed a dodgy Saturday night curry. Goal king Matt gets a bum rap! Wellingborough striker Matt Judge thought it would be a good 'craic' to moon AFC Rushden fans in the Northamp- tonshire Senior Cup last October. But it was a bum steer – as referee Scott Millar was watching. By the time he pulled his shorts up, the red card was in the air. The United Counties League side were forced to issue a statement apologising, labelling their player “stupid”. The cheek of it!

The Beautiful Game – Dressed For Service?

You wouldn’t turn up for work without the necessary uniform or safety gear would you? If you did, you’d probably be sent home to rectify the issue. Having said that, I do have a re-occurring dream that I get to work and have no socks on, or that I’m wearing pink sandals. That’s totally outrageous really as I don’t even own a pair of pink sandals! Anyhow, what’s the deal with Millwall turning up at Sheffield Wednesday recently with no kit to play in? You could understand it from a Sunday morning pub side but not a professional club surely? How embarrassing for them and especially for the kit man who eventually turned up with the players’ gear so they could change at the interval into their own strip. Having played the first half wearing an old (borrowed) Sheffield Wednesday strip, Millwall then took to the turf at the restart in their own colours. It must have been very confusing for both sets of supporters watching 45 minutes of Sheff Wednesday v Sheff Wednesday? We’re very proud of our colours and for us fans; we show this by wearing the replica shirts as worn by our play- ers. This however, is only a recent possibility. We’ve only been able to do so since the 1980’s as replica shirts didn’t get produced until then. Prior to the 80’s a rosette or scarf was the nearest we’d get to showing our col- ours at games. That must be really difficult to comprehend for the younger generation reading this, those that have never watched a black and white portable TV (with a coat hanger for an aerial) or can imagine life before mobile phones existed! Our clubs’ shirt gives us, and helps shape our identity. In the words of Liverpool’s Brendan Rogers ‘a football strip fuses a team together, it is a club’s uniform for players and fans alike’. I wonder if he feels the same about this seasons Liverpool away kit and 3rd kit. The re-introduction of ‘diamonds’ by US kit manufacturer Warrior would probably be enough of a turn-off to make any Liverpool fan switch to the blue of Everton – yes, the away and 3rd kits really are that bad! Some clubs go that extra mile with their club colours. In 2008 Plymouth Argyle claim to be the first club to pro- duce an ice cream in their club colours. They were handing out free tubs to fans in a game against Hull City call- ing it ‘Pilgrims Passion’. Sadly, the passion didn’t spread to the pitch on the day – they lost 1-0. Some clubs change the design of their shirts almost as often as the wind changes direction, although this is nor- mally the big greedy clubs cashing in on us demanding fans, as [some of us] will buy anything new that the club shop make available! Obviously, in the olden days, clubs have been forced to adopt new colours because of financial restrictions. Wigan Athletic used to play in red and white until the 1945/46 season, when they finished bottom of the Chesh- ire League. With wartime having only just ceased, the local sport shop that supplied their kit could only supply blue and white, hence the kit of today. Then there’s the tale of Juventus and Notts County. Juventus, until 1903 had played in Salmon pink shirts and a black tie. Continuous washing and the Italian heat caused the shirts to fade so Juve asked one of their team (an Englishman called John Savage) if he had any contacts back home. John had a mate in Nottingham who was a Notts County fan, he sent over some black and white stripey shirts [probably worked at Footlocker?] and as sure as night follows day, Juve have sported the same Black and White stripes ever since, although they did re- introduce the pink shirt for the 2012/13 Centenary season. Not with the black tie though - which was a real shame? Don’t feel sorry for the Millwall kit man [although he’s probably been relieved of his duties by now]. The one you should feel sorry for is Helen Perschky. Helen was 25 at the time (1998/99 season) and was appointed as kit manager for the then Conference side, Stevenage Borough. However, she received a call the following day in- forming her that club boss Richard Hill had vetoed the appointment because she was deemed ‘too attractive and would distract the players’. Perhaps she should now apply to Millwall FC? Enjoy today’s game and make some noise for the boys!! BY ADE ROBERTS

Commercial Corner

Welcome to our programme advertisers both old and new.

Supporters will have noticed that this season has seen the launch of a new style pro- gramme. The club are grateful to those who support us through advertising whether it be a pitch side board, stand sponsorship, match ball or through advertising in the match day programme. Advertising support really does help sustain what we do here at Nantwich Town.

It’s never too late to advertise in our match day programme and with over 20 home league matches left plus possible cup fixtures we can still welcome new advertis- ers on board.

Should you be reading this and feel that you might like to support us with an advert do not hesitate to get in touch on 01270 621771 or email [email protected] and we will ensure that someone gets in touch to provide further details and answer any queries.

Don't forget that there are match ball sponsorship opportunities here at The Weaver Stadium. For just £100 a company can have its name and logo in the match day programme together with a loudspeaker announcement. You also receive 2 reserved stand tickets. PLUS entrance to the hospitality area together with half time buffet!

GET TO KNOW THE NEW DABBERS!

By Ian Garnettt Luke Simpson is a goalkeeper with What’s your name? Luke Simpson good potential How old are you? 18 on-loan from Where are you originally from? Heywood Athletic. What position do you play? Goalkeeper Which club have joined from? On loan from Oldham Athletic What's your Job outside of football? N/A What did you want to be when you were a child? A professional footballer Who else have you played for? Oldham Athletic What do you like most about football? Saving penalties Which team do you support? Manchester Unit- ed How did you get in to football? My older brother & dad Who’s the best player you've played with? Jose Baxter Who’s the best player you've played against? Adnan Januzaj (Man United) What’s your favourite film? Defiance What sort of music are you in to? R&B What’s your favourite type of food? Chinese What one luxury item would you take on a desert island? A ball Are you on Twitter? If so, what’s your username so fans can follow you? @Lukesimpson33

MATCH REPORT: NANTWICH TOWN 0-2 WITTON ALBION

Andy White surges from a Witton Albion player in Nantwich’s loss Monday BY JAMES BRISCOE Dabbers goalkeeper, Luke Simpson, was sent off as Witton’s Kyle Wilson came back to haunt his former club to end his side’s spell of three games without a win. Wilson was far from prolific for Nantwich scoring nine in 31 starts but he scored his second this season with a clinical dink over a sprawling Simpson on 23 minutes. With Nantwich struggling to threaten Joshua Hancock extended Witton’s lead on 63 minutes from the penalty spot after Simpson saw red for fouling Daniel Andrews. Witton’s Joshua Hancock was ready to compete from the first whistle and his movement caused the home defence problems early on. Nicholas Platt who enjoyed a brief spell at the Dabbers last season blazed over on 10 minutes after a spritely Witton passing move. The Dabbers were penned in their half for the first 15 minutes and an Andrews corner was scuffed wide by Marc Joseph on 16 minutes. Nantwich’s Mark ‘Joner’ Jones had a weak attempt cleared off the line on 19 minutes after good build-up by Aaron Burns. There would have been short odds on the opening scorer, Kyle Wilson, who dinked over Simpson after neither goalkeeper nor defender, Egerton-Wilson, could reach on 23 minutes. Thomas Moore was thwarted on 27 minutes when his freekick was palmed on to the post by Matthew Cooper. Burns attempted to put Harrop through on 62 minutes but his pass was cut out. Nantwich stopper, Simpson, was sent off on 63 minutes after felling Andrews when one-on-one resulting in a Witton penalty. Moore took the gloves from Simpson and faced Hancock’s penalty but could not prevent the well-struck effort finding the corner of the net making it 0-2. Wilson should have scored again on 66 minutes when faced with stand-in Moore but his lob was cleared off the line. Nantwich had a promising spell in possession on 78 minutes but Devenney’s shot was blocked. Burns attempted a volley on 90+2 minutes but did not catch it well and it landed in to Cooper’s idle hands. Nantwich manager, Danny Johnson, said he and his players would work hard to improve on recent results. Johnson said: “I think the goalkeeper [Luke Simpson] and Sam [Egerton-Wilson] should’ve done a bit better for the first goal, it was really sloppy. “I thought we shaped up a bit in the second half, we came out and we had a bit more hunger. “We’ve got to bounce back. We’re not happy but we’re going to stick to our guns, we have big belief in the group.” Nantwich: Luke Simpson, Alex Frost (c), White, Thomas Moore, Earl Davis, Sam Egerton-Wilson, Adam Carden (Tom Williams 70), Mark Jones, Aaron Burns, Harry Clayton (Ashely Young 65), Max Harrop (Oliver Devenney 70). Subs: Phil Parkinson, Devenney, Lambert. Attendance 418 Photos by Simon J Newbury Photography – simonjnewburyphotography.com

Matt Bailey wins a header in a 1-1 draw between Nantwich and Ashton in 2012 at the Weaver Stadium ASHTON UNITED

Osebi ABADAKI (Midfield) Born 1991 (Nigeria) lost to a last minute goal in the play-offs; the livewire Still only 21, Osebi is already in his third spell with The striker then became one of several to leave Seel Park Robins. Having failed to settle since leaving Blackburn’s over the summer of 2013, joining Ashton after trials academy, he demonstrated an extra maturity to his with County. game in pre-season trials that convinced the manage- Chris DENHAM (Forward) Born 1982 (Manchester) ment team to offer the lightning quick winger/forward Able to play wide or as a central striker, Chris joined a place in the Hurst Cross set-up. Ashton for a third time I the summer of 2013 after Chris BAGULEY (Midfield) Born 1987 (Salford) spending most of the previous seven years playing at A skilful midfield playmaker that made his Ashton de- Conference National and Conference North level. but in August 2012, some six years after his brother Sam FREAKES (Midfield) Born 1990 Jamie had appeared for the club. Started few games in Lively midfielder who has featured for a number of the first half of last season but was a regular by the end local clubs; trialled for Ashton over the summer of 2013 of the campaign. and impressed with his work-rate and long-range John BEATTIE (Defender) Born 1996 (Liverpool) shooting. Captain of Ashton’s youth team, John is a tall, com- Gary GEE (Midfield) Born 1986 posed defender whose skill, pace and potential has Having come through the youth section at Woodley, already seen him involved with the first team squad. Gary switched to Seel Park in 2012 and picked up one Matty BURKE (Midfield) Born 1985 (Manchester) of ’s Player of the Season Awards last term A former Blackpool trainee and Youth interna- before moving up a level to join Ashton for the start of tional, Matty has plenty of Blue Square North experi- the 2013-14 campaign. ence; he joined Ashton in the summer of 2012 after Jason GORTON (Defender) Born 1985 completing a second spell at Vauxhall Motors and es- Jay spent seven seasons with Glossop during which tablished himself as a fixture in the Robins’ midfield. time he played at Wembley in the FA Vase final of 2009. Kayde COPPIN (Forward) Born 1989 Rose to the challenge of playing at a higher level after Kayde’s goals fired Mossley to the brink of promotion joining Mossley in 2012, where he was the supporters’ from Evo-Stik 1 North last season before the Lilywhites choice as Player of the Year last season before joining

Ashton in the summer of 2013. Lee RICK (Midfield) Born 1989 John HARDIKER (Defender) Born 1982 (Preston) A former Macclesfield junior, Lee made over 100 Having started his career as a midfielder, John appearances for Hyde between 2007-2011 before played over 100 times for Stockport County - the joining Mossley, where he was highly regarded. highlight being scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Played most of the 2012-13 season for Droylsden Manchester City. Now playing in central defence, before re-joining Mossley for the last ten games of he brings a wealth of experience into the Robins’ last season then switched to Ashton in the summer. squad having joined in August 2013. Jamie TANDY (Midfield) Born 1984 (Manchester) Carlos LOGAN (Midfield) Born 1985 Jamie possesses a cultured left foot and that ability (Wythenshawe) prompted Lancaster City to fork out a club record An exciting left-sided midfield player who can also transfer fee for him; The Dolly Blues’ ensuing finan- play full back, Carlos joined Ashton in the summer cial problems soon saw him back at Droylsden, one of 2013 from neighbours Droylsden. He has plenty of several local clubs where he plied his trade as an of Football League experience and has also played exciting winger before a spell in Australian soccer. at Wembley as part of Barrow’s FA Trophy winning side. Chris LYNCH (Defender) Born 1984 (Salford) Primarily a centre half but with the ability to play all KEY PLAYER across the back four or fill in as a midfielder, Chris was appointed captain upon his arrival at Hurst MARTIN PILKINGTON Cross and reinstated into the role on his return after a brief spell in Australian football. Martin scored at nearly a goal per game last Joe O’NEILL (Forward) Born 1982 (Blackburn) season on his way to winning the North West Counties League 1st Division Player of the Year. Experienced forward player & brother of Matty; Pilkington has scored three goals in four goals also a qualified physiotherapist. His career to date so far this season helping his side to the top of has included a number of League sides and plenty the Northern joint on points of experience at Conference level before coming to with Marine and Chorley. Ashton in the summer of 2013. Matty ’O NEILL (Midfield) Born 1984 (Accrington) One of the most reliable and consistent players at Hurst Cross, wingman Matty was restricted to less than half a game in pre-season last term due to injury and will be hoping a change of luck allows him to pass 200 club appearances this season after finally regaining full fitness. Greg PEARSON (Defender) Born 1992 (Halifax) ‘Dolph’ is a Yorkshire-based centre half or left back; played against Ashton in Ilkeston’s colours last season after his release from Huddersfield, where he had been on a professional contract. Martin PILKINGTON (Forward) Born 1988 A regular scorer over the years for Abbey Hey, Mar- tin scored at nearly a goal per game last season on his way to winning the North West Counties League 1st Division Player of the Year when helping his team to win promotion to the Premier Division; made the step up to a higher level in the summer of 2013. Ben RICHARDSON (Defender) Born 1989 Ben has proved to be a versatile player on the local soccer scene, primarily a full back he can play in a number of positions and has even had a spell as an emergency keeper.

ASHTON UNITED HISTORY

Like many others, the club struggled in the immediate post-war era. The change of name came about in 1946 but a change in fortunes did not follow. In 1948 the club failed to win re-election to the Cheshire League and re-joined the . Ashton's first honours after World War II again came in the form of the Manchester Challenge Cup, won in 1950 and then held for three seasons from 1953 to 1955. Cup form in general was good in the 1950's as the club twice reached the first round proper of the FA Cup; losing a replay at Hurst Cross to Halifax Town in 1953 and again in 1956 when the Robins were defeated at Southport.

Floodlights were installed at Hurst Cross in 1953 and inaugurated with a 4–3 win over Wigan Athletic on 29 September of that year; club record scorer Stuart Dimond – 201 strikes in just 251 games – appropri- ately notched the club's first goal under lights. During the 1954–55 season Hurst Cross staged the first FA approved floodlit competition - called the Lancashire and Cheshire Floodlit Cup. Ashton United invit- ed seven other clubs from a mixture of the Lancashire Combination and the to compete for the trophy, with all games being played at Hurst Cross. The competition ran for two sea- sons, with Hyde United the winners on both occasions.

The 1960s started with Ashton as holders of the Manchester Intermediate Cup and later that year (under the managership of his father) the club saw the debut of its youngest ever player - and scorer - a 15-year old schoolboy called Alan Ball, later a World Cup winner in 1966. In 1961 Ashton were demot- ed from the 1st Division of despite finishing 12th - they had originally resigned their membership in the hope of re-joining the Cheshire League but were beaten in a vote by old foes Wigan Athletic.

Ashton came back with a vengeance by storming to the 2nd Division title in 1962 – winning every home

league game that season - and also taking the League Cup for good measure under the managership of former Scottish international Hugh Kelly. 1963 saw the club win the Intermediate Cup once more, a feat repeated in 1966. The club remained in the top flight of the Combination until 1964 until, continually frus- trated in their attempts to re-join the Cheshire League, they embarked on a two year experiment of play- ing in the Midland League. During the 1964-65 season, Stuart Dimond - by now manager - was pressed into emergency action after an injury crisis and subsequently became the club’s oldest player and goalscorer, just short of his 44th birthday. Midlands League football proved a financial disaster and the club re-joined the Lancashire Combination (2nd division) in 1966; two seasons later they finally got their much sought after move back to the Cheshire League, where they stayed until the North West Counties League was formed in 1982. The intervening years had seen the club twice win the Manchester Senior Cup, whilst their first season in the NWCL saw Ashton land their second Manchester Premier Cup in three years.

In 1984 the club sank to its lowest point as they were relegated to the 2nd Division of the NWCL – four years later Ashton won promotion back to the top tier in impressive style as champions, but the club – like many others following the Bradford City fire disaster - were still struggling to improve their facilities off the pitch. Local businessman Terry Liversidge came to Hurst Cross in 1990 and helped transform the club and ground; in 1992, under manager Dave Denby, Ashton became the first team to win the NWCL title and the League Cup double, going on to win the League Challenge Cup and the Manchester Premier Cup for good measure. The club established itself as a force in the 1st Divi- sion, finishing 3rd on six occasions over ten seasons and winning the First Division Cup in 1994, 1997 and 1999. The Robins posted their best ever FA Trophy run in 1997, before John Coleman’s side lost to Dagenham & Redbridge in the Quarter Finals.

Ashton United, a new millennium

Ashton finally won promotion to the Premier Division via the inaugural NPL play-offs under Gerry Quinn’s stewardship in 2002 and also retained the Manchester Premier Cup they had won the previous season - they were to win it again in 2003 and were beaten finalists in 2004, the same year the club became founder members of the new Conference North. Their stay in the new league was ended after just one season - only the club's third relegation in over one hundred years of football.

Danny Johnson was appointed as manager towards the end of the 2006-07 season as the club just avoided relegation. His six-year tenure at the club saw Ashton establish themselves as a comfortable mid-table team in the NPL - despite the off-field events of 2009/10, when the club were sued by former Altrincham player, Marcus Hallows, following an on-the-pitch injury he sustained playing against Ashton in 2005. The courts subsequently found against the club, who were deemed liable to pay damages to Mr Hallows. The highlight of Johnson’s tenure was a first ever NPL League Challenge Cup victory when Ashton beat Northwich Victoria 1-0 in 2011. Johnson moved to league rivals Nantwich Town at the end of the 2012-13 campaign and his assistant-manager, Craig Robinson, was elevated to the role of manag- er for the 2013-14 season; at just 30 years of age. Robinson, brother of MK Dons’ manager Karl, is be- lieved to be the youngest manager to take the helm at Hurst Cross.

Image from www.pitchero.com

NTISA MEMBER BENEFITS 2013-14

10% off all drinks at home matches & NTISA meetings at the Weaver Stadium (one per member only) 10% discount on Christmas Party nights (applicable to members only) Discount on tickets for the end of season awards night (one per member) 10% off Sportsman’s Dinner night tickets (one per member) Guaranteed first option of buying a match ticket if we have an all ticket game in any competition. (one per member) £2 off on coach travel to away games (one per mem- ber only) Wickstead meal deals - 20% off food on home match days only (one member + guest) Bowling Green meal deals - beer, burger & chips £5.50 & any £5.00 meal from the specials board with any pint £7.50 (Saturday lunchtimes only) (per member only) The Studio - £1 entry on Tuesdays & Saturdays Entry before 12 midnight with production of your NTISA card (Excluding special events)

WIN THE NEW HOME SHIRT

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Paul Fiedorowicz

Painter & Decorator Based at Nantwich Market THE BOWLING GREEN

THE WICKSTEAD THE ODFELLOWS

THE BOSS Danny Johnson (manager) Born 1975 (Salford) Despite being amongst the youngest managers in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Danny spent six years at Hurst Cross making him the Robins’ longest serving manager since the 1950s. After joining Ashton from Trafford he managed to achieve respectable mid-table finishes on a small budget including a club record-breaking 9th place in the NPL in 2008. His smart business mind was one of the characteristics that persuaded the Nantwich hierarchy to hire him in the summer. Last August, Danny won the Manager of the Month award at Ashton.

EDITOR’S NOTES Welcome Dabbers and Robins fans to another game at the Weaver Stadium. Our teams have had opposite fortunes so far this season with our visitors, Ashton United, sitting pretty at the top of the Northern Premier League whereas our Nantwich heroes have won only one of their opening four matches, a 2-0 home win against promoted King’s Lynn Town. I don’t doubt a good number of Ashton fans have been keeping an eye on Nantwich’s progress since our clubs have a strong connection after ex-Robins boss, and arguably a club legend, Danny Johnson, joined our club and brought several Ashton players with him. We hope you’re not angry at us for taking him! Danny and the likes of striker Aaron Burns will be determined to fashion an impressive performance against their old club and show them what they’re missing but the Ashton players and staff are on a high and it’ll take all the Nantwich side’s ability and experience to stop their visitors in their tracks this afternoon. Nantwich fans and staff know only too well how ex-players can come back to haunt former clubs as on Bank Holiday Monday ex-Dabber, Kyle Wilson, put his new club, Witton Albion, in the lead with the kind of cool finish that was too rare while he walked out in green. Ashton enjoyed superiority over Nantwich in both of our clashes in the 2012/13 season with a 2-1 win at Hurst Cross and a 0-2 win at the Weaver Stadium. Please give both teams a warm applause today and let’s hope for an enjoyable watch!

BY JAMES BRISCOE, PROGRAMME EDITOR, WHO AM I? [email protected] I was a close-season capture following my release from Bury. I graduated through the Liverpool Academy before joining Bury where I was awarded the ‘Promising Newcomer of the Season’ award for 2009/10. I play on the left of midfield and have a similar dribbling style to that of Manchester United

legend Ryan Giggs

Harrop Max is name My

Potential line-ups nantwich town 1 Chris Cheetham 2 Alex Frost 3 Danny Caldecott 4 Ashley Young 5 Earl Davis 6 Russell Courtney 7 Adam Carden 8 Mark Jones 9 Aaron Burns 10 Harry Clayton 11 Max Harrop Subs: 12 Phil Parkinson 14 Danny Lambert 15 Niall Maguire 16 Sam Wilson 17 Chris Amadi ashton united 1. Paul Phillips 2. Ben Richardson 3. Greg Pearson 4. John Hardicker 5. Chris Lynch (c) 6. Gary Gee 7. Chris Denham 8. Lee Rick 9. Martin Pilkington 10. Joe Oneil 11. Carlos Logan subs 12. Jamie Tandy 14. Sam Freakes 15. Kayde Coppin 16. Matty Oneil 17. Steve Halford

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