Man of the Match v's FC United

Well, what a hugely frustrating result it turned out to be! Such a shame to lose in the dying seconds but the overall performance, against a regular top 5 team, was one to be proud of.

Lots of players stood out but the official  TFCSC MotM, chosen by George Cheetham, was Shelton Payne, who scored one and was instrumental in the build up to the 2nd.

Unfortunately, I forgot to do the presentation and take a picture of George giving Shelton this prestigious award. This was mainly down to the fact it was a bit hectic due to the huge crowd and NOT because I was a bit tipsy and forgot! 
This will be rectified on Saturday where I will be alcohol free!

Andy Glinka
#traffordfamily

Old Boys #4

So, our old boys did a few things this week such as:

In the NWCFL Premier Greg Hall kept two clean sheets in Maine Road's two games this week. They beat Bacup & Rossendale Borough, who featured Paul Socha among their subs, 1-0 via a last minute goal, and thrashing St.Helen's Town 5-0 away on Saturday.

Tom Bailey scored Glossop North End's winner in their 1-0 triumph at Surrey Street over Gaz Thomas' West Didsbury and Chorlton.

In the 1st Division Ashley Kelly netted the opener for Northwich Flixton Villa in their 2-3 home defeat to Chadderton. 

A player from last season who registered but never featured, Steve Craine, scored as 1874 Northwich came from behind to beat Rochdale Town 2-1.

On Saturday, Stuart Coburn kept a Clean sheet for Altrincham as they comprehensively beat Stockport County 3-0 in the Skrill North.

In the Evo-Stik North on Tuesday Evening, Tony Sullivan's Cammell Laird beat New Mills 5-0 at Kirklands, the scene of our play-off final triumph last season.

On Saturday, Kevin McGrath scored in Mossley's 3-3 away draw with Ossett Town.

Scott Metcalfe scored New Mills 4th in their 5-4 away triumph at Kendal Town in which they threw away a three goal lead.

Gaz Thomas' week improved on Saturday as his free-kick created West Didsbury's goal in their 1-0 victory at Brookburn Road over Congleton Town, their first win in the NWCFL Premier.

Tom Bailey scored again for Glossop in their 5-0 win over Wigan Robin Park.

Matt Cross scored the equaliser for Runcorn Linnets as they went on to beat the home side AFC Blackpool away 2-1.

Movements this week include Matt Landregan dropping a league to join up with Radcliffe Borough from Nantwich Town, Former Triallist Danny Bell has rejoined Clitheroe from Salford City. Another ex-triallist Matthew Russell has rejoined NWCFL leaders Maine Road from Ramsbottom Utd, and Kayde Coppin made a late switch to Ashton Utd from Mossley.

There may be more, and these will be included in my Bank Holiday Monday Old Boys round-up.

Away Days - Stafford Rangers

An (exhilarating) trip to Stafford Rangers

Well, little did we know on the morning of the 24th August 2013 what lay ahead. In a little under 8 hours time a little piece of TFC history would be made. And what a way it was done!

Anyway, we set off at just before midday, for our one-and-a-half hour trip to Stafford, and travelled through the poshest county of all, the footballer's paradise, the lesser spotted county (for us on our travels as we usually end up in Yorkshire!) of Cheshire.

On the way we set eyes on some strange cow related activities. This included seeing three cows being stood on top of around 12 other cows in some sort of cow pyramid, and cows using a motorway footbridge. Cheshire is a strange county.

Many cows later, we arrived in Stafford with little problem, where upon we were greeted by stewards, a very nice touch!

As Cappy's dad had made the journey alone earlier in the day, we a few of us, namely me, Ash and the youngest (and smallest!!) member Adam, accompanied him on this seemingly simple task. The curse if Cappy's tours almost struck again as we went on a trip looking for the 'Farmers Arms', leaving many locals bewildered. This was due to the fact that it wasn't in fact the Farmers, but the Joiners' Arms!

After a quick stop in the local 'Spoons, we set off in search of said Pub. We walked past the imposing Stafford Gaol, and found the charming little place on Marston Road, not too far from the ground. It's worth a visit, as is I'm told the King's Arms, according to Cappy.

Anyway, as we set off for the ground, (by this time Ash and Adan had already left), Cappy decided he and his dad would visit the King's beforehand, leaving me to find my way in.

After almost getting myself lost in the back alleys (no incinuations!!) of Stafford, I arrived at the turnstiles where upon I discovered the entrance fee was £10 (grrrrrr!!). I've already made my feelings clear on this, but will save my rant for something else a little later on!

So, after an extra £2 was paid for the quite impressive programme entitled 'The Boro' (????). Why the Boro I wonder? Not the nickname of the club, always referred to as Rangers, but with Stafford obviously the county town of the shire, let's run with that!

So, Marston Road is another decent ground, not too dissimilar to Farsley's Throstle Nest. It boasts two stands, one of which is all seater (for an extra £2!). Unsurprisingly only about 20 people took this offer up.

Both goal ends are open, one terraced and one flat, and has an official capacity of 4,000 of which 530 can be seated.

History Lesson:

A club with a long and distinguished history Stafford Rangers began life in 1876 officially, playing cup and friendly games during they're formative years. However, they did manage to reach the FA Cup 1st Round in seasons 1884-85 and 1885-86. They then entered league football, playing in the Shropshire, Birmingham and North Staffordshire leagues until the turn of the century. They moved to their current home in 1896.

They were demoted to the Birmingham Combination in 1912, but returned to the B'ham League as champions the next year.

After the war, they won the league in '26-'27, and finished runners-up on a further two occasions.

They disbanded in 1940, due to the outbreak of WW2.

Afterwards, the club returned to the Birmingham Combination for six years, before election to the Cheshire League was achieved in 1952. Financial problems blighted they're time there, however, they did defeat Dudley Town 11-0 in the FA Cup in '57.

They're fortunes took an upturn,and they won the Cheshire League Cup in '67-'68, and the following year finished as runners up, thus earning promotion to the NPL.

The 1970's was the golden age for the club and in '71-'72 they won the NPL Title, the Staffs Senior Cup and the FA Trophy. Alas, the club failed to be elected to the Football League.

Three years later, the club reached the FA Cup Fourth Round beating Stockport County, Halifax Town and Rotherham Utd along the way.

In '75-'76 they reached the FA Trophy final again, but lost 3-2 to Scarborough. Three years later they were back, this time ending up with the trophy after vanquishing Kettering Town under the twin towers.

STILL AWAKE?????

They became founder members of the Alliance Premier League, however they were relegated back to the NPL after four seasons.

However in '84-'85 they returned to the Alliance as champions. They went on to win the Bob Lord Trophy, Jim Thompson Shield and Staffs Senior Cup.

The Alliance became the Conference, but coincided with more struggles for the club, but they did sell Stan Collymore to Crystal Palace for a six-figure sum.

They were relegated to the Southern League at the end of '94-'95 and again the season after. They eventually were promoted again in '99-'00.

They beat Kidsgrove Athletic 15-0 in a Staffs Cup tie in '01, a club record.

The Cup was won in '02-'03 beating Stoke City 5-1, before becoming Conference North founder members in 2004.

After another Senior Cup win, they returned to the Conference, beating Droylsden on penalties.

In 2008 they were relegated back to the Conference North, and in '11-'12 season back to the NPL, despite the appointments of Steve Bull and Tim Flowers.

Onto our game (if anyone is still here), and we were fantastic, taking the lead through Andy Smart. The lead lasted just three minutes after Reado's shocker let Michael Lennon equalise. Shelts hit the bar amongst other chances, but how it wasn't 1-4 at half time is a mystery. A good battle with the good-natured Stafford singing fans was a highlight!

At half time is when the 'bargate' scandal occurred. One of our travelling band of fans was told he could not go in the main bar due tovthis being a 'members bar', and we had to go into a segregated bar instead. This isn't South Africa circa 1980's guys!! Me and Dan however spent our time being like United fans and singing ex-players songs for no reason.

The second half was a domination with Smart netting from 25 yards before Ali 'Yeboah' Nsangou scored on debut. This cued me and Dan doing the KP dance in celebration. (search YouTube for KP Gangnam and you'll see!), and Yeboah's trademark backflips. and Shelts rounded it off, after a couple of great stops by Tommy Read. What a player Shelts is and Tommy Read is one of the best keepers in the league.

We even managed to debut a few songs throughout the game including 'Shall we sing a song for Krou'.(however I still prefer Ced Krou is on fire to the tune of The roof is on fire. Thoughts please?!), and Matt resurrecting his Stone Roses classic.

After the game we took our place in our room, even being joined by a few Rangers fans (not members??), before we set off on our way back to Manchester with the points and our first away win in the Prem!!

P.S.- Many cows were seen on the return jouney. MOOOOOO!!!!!

Ratings:

Game (9)- Would've been 10 with a CLEAN SHEET

Ground (7)- Tidy, nice enough

Food (7)- Not too bad!

Programme (7)- Didn't really get the cricket rant! Too much away from football

Fans- (9)- Really nice people, with a good group of singers

Value For Money (5)- £10!!!!!

Referee: (8)- Nothing wrong.

My TFC M.o.M- Andy Smart

My SRFC M.o.M- Michael Carr

Supportees Featured Roll Call:

Cappy: Tour Operator.

Ash: da keeper adds good loud vocals to the songs as a keeper should do

Adam: Small one. We may lose him at some point this season ;)

Dan: The Chelsea fan. Likes Maine Road too, hates Whalley Range AFC also likes kebabs! So intensely intense!

Cappy's Dad- Went on to watch City at Cardiff. At least he saw one good team from Manchester!

Matt- One of the Brown holy trinity. Officially Commitee but hides it well on the terracing....

Bring on FC or if you're reading after the game either forget FC or laugh at FC!!!!!

Away Days - Blyth Spartans

A (long) trip to Blyth Spartans A.F.C.

Well. Blyth Spartans away. Or Blyth Spartans Association Football Club to give them their full and official title. It's a trek. It's a trek on a Saturday never mind on a Tuesday evening, and the 162 mile trip wasn't welcomed with fondness by the fans never mind the players.

So, my journey began with the short walk through Urmston towards Shawe View where the coach would be waiting. I arrived in my disguise, in which I was attempting to hide from Steve 'Mini' Mason, whom I had wrongly accused of gifting Matlock their goal on Saturday, after recieving some inaccurate info from an unnamed source! (Sorry Mini!)

With us motley crew in tow, the 'super whites' set off on their long journey up North, passing through that horrible county on t'other side o' t'pennines.(Sorry Goody), passing the exotic locations we would be missing out on visiting this year. (Garforth anyone??)

We arrived at the service station and allowed to stretch our DVT threatened limbs around about 3 hours in. As we disembarked, a certain Shelton Payne spied my Fruit Pastilles and asked if he could have one which ended up being three. YES I SAW!!!

The local delicacy of McDonald's was sampled by a few, as were the Gregg's butties stored away for the players. Inside the services I discovered the Non League Paper, and just as I did Mini walked through. I tried to hide it but to no avail!

After a 40 minute break, we continued our journey to Northumberland, passing by the Angel of the North, which isn't as impressive in the flesh (and yes I know it's not made of flesh) as you'd think, past the biggest indoor shopping centre in England, the MetroCentre, and around the outskirts of Newcastle until we arrived in the port town of Blyth.

We avoided the original recommendation of Cappy's tours, and instead headed for the Sports bar, where after a few games of pool with Ash and Popeahontas, I accompanied Ash on a trip to Gino's fish bar. Conveniently, there was a turnstile located just next door to the chippy, where I paid my dues to the gateman (£10), plus a further £2 for the glossy programme, imaginatively titled, Blyth Spartans.

I do, however, personally think that, with all due respect, £10 is a little steep for this level.

Croft Park is quite impressive, old yet atmospheric, it reverberates with the history of years gone by, including the famous FA Cup visits a couple of years back of AFC Bournemouth who were vanquished late on by Ged Dalton, in a 1-0 success, and the resultant tie with then Premier League side Blackburn Rovers, who only just scraped through, also by 0-1. It boasts four stands, one on each side, including the main Port of Blyth Stand which can be accessed for an extra £1 fee (an offer I declined). Croft Park has an official attendance of 4,435 of which 556 can be seated.

History Lesson:

Blyth Spartans began life in 1899, joining the Northumberland League in 1901. They had 3 league title wins before joining the Northern Alliance, where a further 2 titles were attained. 

They turned semi-pro in 1913 linking up with the North Eastern League, with a little success, acheiving 1 league and 2 league cup wins during their tenure there. However the league soon folded, and the club forced into fleeting visits to the Midland league and the North East Counties, but both leagues' demise ended with the club rejoining the re-formed North Eastern League in the early 1960's. However this revival was short lived and folded for good within the decade. 

After the demise of the league and the lack of a suitable replacement they ended up reverting to amateur status in 1964, in the Northern League, winning 10 League titles 

and finishing runners-up on a further five occasions. They achieved promotion to the NPL First Division in 1993-94 and immediately won the league and league cup double. 

During their time in the Premier Division they lifted the President's Cup before acheiving promotion as league winners to the Conference North in 2005-06. They also won the Chairman's Cup and the Peter Swailes Memorial Shield. They remained there for six seasons before finally succumbing to relegation in 2011-12 wherupon they returned to the NPL Premier for 2012-13 season.

Onto the game now, which was tidy, and played at a good tempo, with Trafford taking the lead from the spot after Shelton Payne was brought down. He converted said spot kick, but somehow the 'keeper avoided any sort of card.

Joe Kendrick returned the favour just three minutes later, his second pen in two games, before Dan Maguire rounded off a fine Blyth move seven minutes before the break.

At half time, a trip to the public conveniences was in order, of which I will mercifully spare you the details....

The second period saw Blyth on top, despite a few niggling challenges, and a very debatable refereeing performance which left both sets of fans livid, but Ally Brown almost nicked a point, but saw his low drive saved. Ally must be one of the most attacking full backs I've seen, regularly popping up in the six-yard box! Rory Fallon was also impressive, as was Andy Smart who was complemented widely bu Blyth fans near us, and our skip Nia Bayunu. Also a mention for Martyn Andrews who looked absolutely knackered at the end!

Despite the result there were many positives to be taken from our performance, in which we showed we could more than match a big name player in the league on their own patch after a long journey, which is no mean feat. This can only bode well for the future.

After the game, a visit to the tidy clubhouse was in order, where I was mistaken for a player, so I must be doing something right! This included an offer of food (it would be rude to refuse!), despite a commitee member making a tongue-in-cheek remark that I should be refused service due to the fact (or lack of) my sending off. The girl serving asked whether I had been, but just as my namesake George Washington once said 'I cannot tell a lie'.

And so, we left Blyth behind and set off on our three hour journey home, back to the bright lights of Manchester.....

P.S. The non attendance of King Leonidas at the Spartans game was a big disappointment. :)

RATINGS:

Game (7)- good, but unspectacular

Ground (9)- would have been 10 if not for the in game PA announcements.

Food (6)- the chicken and pasta had broccoli in it!

Programme (7)- informative

Fans (7)- marked down due to two obnoxious ones. The rest were great, and very sporting.

Value for Money (4)- CHARGING £10

Match Coverage (9)- live on Radio Northumberland. Impressive!!

Referee (4)- questionable for both sides.

My TFC M.o.M- Rory Fallon

My BSAFC M.o.M- Arjun Purewal

Featured Supporters Roll Call

Ash Saddoo (the newest addition to the travelling band. Also a goalkeeper. Once known by the alias ashdakeeper *cringe*).

Mike 'Cappy' Capp (leader of Cappy's Tours, he knows his real ale and struggles on double 1).

Mike 'Popeahontas' Pope (ask him why, popeahontas. He'll happily tell you. Rovers fan).

Vounteers Reminder

Just to remind everyone that if you are able to help out in any way with the preparing of the FC Utd game then the club have said that it would be appreciated greatly. The club will be open on the Sunday (25th) before the game from 11am for volunteers to come down and help out. The game kicks off at 3pm on the bank holiday Monday but again, you are welcome to come down early to help get everything ready for the big game.

The club also asked for 6 volunteers to help on the turnstiles and selling raffle tickets. We have 3 so are still in need of 3 more (to sell raffle tickets). If you can help please contact the supporters club (email or twitter).

Thank you in advance

Trafford Old Boys #3

So, in an eventful week which saw the return of the Evo-Stik Leagues and the early round of FA Cup action, this is what our old boys did this week...

Midweek Round-Up:

In the NWCFL Premier, Mark Keddie netted the winner for Runcorn Town, as they picked up a 2-1 home victory over Ashton Athletic on Monday evening.
Tuesday night's games saw Gareth Thomas score from the penalty spot, but he could not prevent West Didsbury and Chorlton going down 2-1 at home to Winsford Utd.
Greg Hall kept a clean sheet which proved crucial as Maine Road scored a 90th minute winner to take the points from Glossop North End.
In the First Division midfielder Ashley Kelly, who made a couple of brief appearances under former manager Ged Kielty, netted for Northwich Flixton Villa in their 4-1 mauling at the hands of Daisy Hill.

Weekend Round-Up:

In the Evo-Stik Premier Division Harry Winter scored the opener for AFC Fylde in their 2-1 victory over Stafford Rangers.
In the First Division Matty Warburton scored Curzon Ashton's first in their 3-1 away win at Ramsbottom Utd.
In the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round games, Tom Bailey scored the third goal for Glossop North End, as they progressed o the next round with a 4-1 win over Armthorpe Welfare.
It was a good week for Keddie as he netted Runcorn Town's sixth in their 7-2 thrashing of Winterton Rangers.
And Andy Robertson kept a clean sheet in Runcorn Linnets 3-0 victory at Maine Road.

Movements:

Movements this week include Scott Metcalfe swapping Curzon Ashton for New Mills, Kayde Coppin resuming his Mossley career after his trial spell at Stockport County came to an end, Danny Shannon has signed up for 1874 Northwich, Papis Dieyte has signed for Droylsden and debuted on Friday night during their 3-1 defeat to Stocksbridge PS. Chris Mackay has signed up to play for Prestwich Heys this season, but his debut ended in a 6-1 home defeat to Walshaw Sports, including Heys having a man sent off. Jon-Paul Caruana has also signed to play there. Troy Hayder is registered to play for Wythenshawe Amateurs, along with former triallist Danny Bell. Lee Hargreaves has registered with Old Alts, Glyn Barker has joined Northwich Flixton Villa, and Shelton Payne has returned to TRAFFORD!!!!

George Cheetham

Man of the Match #1 v Matlock Town

As mentioned in previous posts, TFCSC are running our own Man of the Match award. Each home game a different member will decide their MotM. This week, Karl Vaughan had the privilege and after much deliberation, chose Rory Fallon as the very 1st TFCSC MotM!

A massive well done to Rory who put in a shift and a half as well as producing some top quality football. Whilst Rory was deservedly MotM, it must be noted that the whole team put in great performances to earn a hard fought 2-1 win against a well-organised Matlock Town.

I can definitely vouch for all TFC supporters in saying how proud we are of the players and management and can't wait for the rest of the adventure to continue.

The next home game is against FC United of Manchester, where the next TFCSC MotM will be chosen by someone more decisive (haha!).

#TraffordFamily

Karl Vaughan with Trafford FCSC MotM, Rory Fallon

Almost here...

It feels like a life time. The excitement has been immense. And now it is finally upon us (almost)... The new footballing season starts tomorrow and we make our debut in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, WOW!

Not many teams will fancy us but that's fine. We have enough quality to 'suprise' a fair few of 'em!

Tomorrows visitors are Matlock Town, and we welcome them like we do all visiting teams (except Runcorn Town!). It should be a great game and hopefully a decent crowd are there to cheer on the super whites.

The supporters club are also doing a Man of the Match award, to be decided by a different member each home game. The 'verdict' will be announced straight after the game and a little trophy (with a slightly narrow head) will be presented.

Now, enough of the talk and lets get ready for another super season supporting the greatest club in the world... TRAFFORD FC!

Trafford FC Old Boys #2

Again some of our old boys have been in action this week. Not all that much to report other than a couple of goals, but this is what they have done in the past seven days:


Tom Bailey netted twice for Glossop North End, once on Tuesday in their 3-0 away win at Winsford Utd and in their 2-1 defeat at ex-manager Joey Dunn's Runcorn Linnets on Saturday.
Fellow hitman Tommy Turner also found the net on Tuesday night but his Atherton LR side fell to a 2-1 home defeat by Daisy Hill.

George Cheetham

Trafford FC Old Boys #1

This section will be for the more nostalgic of us who remember our 'old boys' fondly (or otherwise!). It will record anything of note that our former players have done in the past week. So for the first week of the new season...

Former TFC midfield general Gareth Thomas was sent off towards the end
of West Didsbury and Chorlton's 3-1 home defeat to AFC Liverpool in
the NWCFL Premier Division.
In the same division, striker Tom Bailey netted Glossop North End's
equaliser against Ashton Athletic but this did not prevent them being
toppled 2-1 at home, and goalkeeper Andy Robertson debuted for Runcorn Linnets in their 2-1 away win at Abbey Hey.
Onto the pre-season friendlies and these saw Matty Warburton net for
Curzon Ashton during their 5-0 crushing of the Isle of Man national
side.
Kayde Coppin scored for Stockport County in their 3-1 friendly win vs
FC Halifax Town at The Shay. He is currently on trial with the Hatters.

Movements for our ex-players this pre-season include Matt Landregan,
who has left us to join our ex-manager Danny Johnson at Nantwich Town,
and the only other departure has seen Melford Knight join New Mills
where he has linked up with another ex-TFC player, Kyle Harrop after
he left Ashton United. 
Other moves include the aforementioned Warburton's from Maine Road to Curzon Ashton, Tom Bailey's move from Maine Road to Glossop North End, and a former TFC triallist Matthew Russell has joined Ramsbottom United also from the Chorlton based side.
Centre halves Kevin McGrath, Ryan Marley and Andy Maclean are all
currently trialling at Mossley after leaving Winsford United.
Sam Freakes is currently trialling at fellow Premier Division club
Ashton United, Danny White has joined up with Radcliffe Borough after
leaving Salford City along with a triallist from this season, Brad Robinson and rumoured TFC target, Josh Bardsley.
Andy Robertson has joined up with Runcorn Linnets, and as previously
mentioned Kayde Coppin has moved from Mossley to Stockport County on
trial.

George Cheetham

Call Out to ALL TFCSC Members

On August 26th - Bank Holiday Monday! Trafford FC entertain our local rivals, FC United of Manchester. This game was expected to be a big game before the fixtures were decided, but as it has now been arranged for a bank holiday, it should be HUGE!

That means the club are in need of some help/volunteers. Now, we all know we attend matches as supporters and do not wish to miss any of the match. and rightly so, but there are some 'jobs' that the club have asked if we can help with that wouldn't mean missing any of the game.

In short, The TFC Committee have asked whether the TFCSC could provide volunteers to sell the raffle tickets before and during the game and it was decided they would need two teams of two to do this, therefore we need 4 volunteers from the Supporters to offer their services. This will not involve missing the action on the pitch.
The committee have also asked for a team of two on the turnstiles - one to take money and one to 'click' count people into the ground. This is to enable the turnstiles to be closed when the agreed maximum capacity has been reached - which is 1,700. There will be strictly NO ENTRY to anyone once this number had been reached. Therefore, TFC Committee have asked that TFCSC also supply an additional 2 volunteers to work along side their allotted 'turnstile operators' and the role of the TFCSC volunteers will be the additional 'Clickers'!! Once again, this means that no footy action will be missed.

So a total of 6 volunteers* are needed for the match itself. This is going to be a huge game and as supporters' we have a great chance to help the club and this particular game run as smoothly as possible, so EVERYONE can enjoy the match.

If you are able to help and can spare the time, please get in touch ASAP. Our email is traffordfcsc@gmail.com
*On the day before the match, Sunday 25/08/13, the ground will be open from 11am to begin preparation for the match and if ANY TFCSC members could get down to Shawe View to help anytime during the day their help would be appreciated. Similarly, on match day itself, the staff will be getting to Shawe View from 9am and again, any help from available TFCSC members would be appreciated.
The day following the match is a regular weekday and it was agreed that a clear up operation will be held on the Tuesday night 27/08/13 and any TFCSC members' help would be welcomed.
Cheers in advance everyone...

... Our club really does need us!