Monday 30 September 2013

Clothes Bank

I've been meaning to post this for a couple of weeks now. Ooops!

The Rag Bag Clothes Bank is now in place at Shawe View. Any donations of unwanted clothes etc. will be most welcome to raise funds for the Club. Bags are available in the Clubhouse or at the Nags Head Pub. Please fill these bags and bring them to deposit in the Clothes Bank at the ground on any home match day or night. If you can’t make it to the ground on a match day, please drop bags at the Nags Head pub where they will be collected and taken to the Club. Alternatively, have a word with anyone from the Trafford FC Supporters’ Club or contact us via our website and we can arrange to collect them from you (locally).
 
Every little helps!!
 
The items accepted include the following:
 
All unwanted textiles including:
Clothes in any condition – including ladies and gents’ underwear items (washed please)
Shoes (paired and tied together with laces or elastic bands)
Hats
Bags
Belts
Curtains
Towels
Bed linen

Cheers

Sunday 29 September 2013

MotM v Altrincham

Well what a great feeling it is to wake up on a Sunday morning knowing Trafford FC are going to be in the hat for tomorrows FA Cup draw!

Yesterday was a massive local derby against Altrincham. Although we beat them in a pre-season friendly, we were definitely the underdogs but the team performance was outstanding!
Paul Hornby's man of the match was Lewis Lacy. After a torrid start against Chorley, Lewis has shown some real quality over the last few games and this award is well deserved. Well done!

#TraffordFamily

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Away days - Salford City

I was sat in The Church, Flixton. Reminiscing with Cappy about how we both went to the same high school. Sempie was buzzing after a "really good day" and Matt Brown was developing a new nickname. Trafford FC had just beaten Salford 3-2 away in the Manchester Cup. School the next day was an after thought...

... The night began with me thinking I might not even make the game. It was just over an hour to kick off and The Stephens' had not yet got back in touch with me about the lift they'd offered. Fear not, Tim knocked on my door at 7.00 just I was putting my little girl to bed. 25 minutes later and via picking Mel up, we were outside the ground.

After a little discussion of 'can we get in this way', we soon found we could and we did. After watching Melody trying (and failing) to kick a stray ball in her 24 inch high-heels back onto the pitch and walking past some Trafford FC 1st teamers sat in the stands, I was at the bar ordering a beer. 

I sat down and within 2 minutes had bagged myself a couple of TFCSC jobs to do the next day! Pint transferred into a plastic cup and out to watch the game I went.
Earlier on in the day it had been announced that Trafford had released/sold two players and there was lots of discussion of what team we would put out... it turned out to be a 2nd string/youthful/experienced players coming back from injury sort of selection. There was a pleasant atmosphere although the Salford manager was obsessed with Mini Mason's feet shouting, "Look at his feet, liner" every time he took a throw-in! The first half saw some entertaining football and the Trafford lads very much played like a 1st team. HT and we were 2 up!

I went and got the beers in as Sempie was 'desperate for the bog'. 
Sempie later remarked how beautiful and clean the toilet behind the stand was. He mentioned how you definitely did not have to walk through a swamp of wee to enter it and that it definitely did not resemble a cell out of Alcatraz! 

Anyway, out for the 2nd half and as I walked to the other end of the pitch I could hear the never ending banter of Mark Molyneux giving out some generous portions of stick to anyone and everyone. Something along the lines of singing a Proclaimers song came my way!

The 2nd half saw more Trafford dominance but some poor defending or perhaps a case of taking their foot off the peddle saw Salford twice get back into the game. It should have been out of sight! a quick, yet regrettable visit to the aforementioned toilet (It would have been cleaner to do it in my pants!) and I had been persuaded to go for another pint. Spirits were high and two pints later and one and a half hours after I said I would be, I was home.

Ratings
Game: 8/10   
Ground: 7/10 nice pitch, awful toilet
Food: Sempie said food was awful, so 2/10.
Beer: Crystal lager... lovely. 8/10
Fans: 7/10 friendly enough.
Value for money: 9/10 £6 admission.
Referee: 4/10. If the Salford manager shouted offside, the linesman gave it!
My Man of the Match: Killa Kam!
By
Andy Glinka

Christmas Curry!

Yes, you read right!

Someone (Mr Semp) has brought the dreaded C word up (no that one!!), yes Christmas is coming and TraffordFCSC are having a curry night. Boom!
TheDeccan (in Urmston) have said that they can do a 3 course dinner for £20pp (approx)

The night in question is December 14th (Saturday) and if we can get around 60 people they have said we can have the restaurant exclusively to ourselves for the night!

Garry Vaughan will “encourage” the players and their families to attend. John Eadie will do likewise with the committee and so now it's our turn to drum up as many supporters and friends/partners as possible.

This is open to everyone however numbers and deposits of £5 are needed for next meeting, which is on Thursday October 10th at the Nags Head (8pm).
If you can't make that meeting but wish to come to the 'Christmas Curry' then please email me on

traffordfcsc@gmail.com or speak to either myself (Andy Glinka) or Andrew Semple at any game. Don't forget your deposit. We NEED that to secure the night!


It should be a cracking night... hohoho! #TraffordFamily

Altrincham FA Cup

This saturday we host our friends, Altrincham FC in the FA Cup. It promises to be another cracking game but the club are expecting a big crowd and, as a result are asking for 8 volunteers for the day of the game from the supporters club to help out.
We already have 5 so require just 3 more. If you would like to volunteer then you must let myself (Andy Glinka) or Andrew Semple know asap. I will pass on the names of those that volunteer to the club and those names will get free entry for the game.
Any jobs to help out will NOT involve missing the game itself. Volunteers are asked to be at the ground for 1-1.30.

Thanks in advance to volunteers.
If anyone is willing and can help on the Friday afternoon, putting up beer tent, tidying etc then that would also be appreciated.
Cheers

Sunday 22 September 2013

Next Meeting

Haven't I been busy today, eh? Well, no rest for the wicked as I have information of our next supporters' meeting.

The meeting will be on Thursday 10th October at the Nags Head. Meeting will start at 8.00pm. If there is anything you wish to discuss, then please let me know and I will add it to the agenda.

After the meeting there will be a pool competition, which everyone is welcome to (supporters and non-supporters). Prizes to be won and chit-chat to be had!

We genuinely appreciate everyone's efforts in coming down to previous meetings and hope to see you all on the 10th.

#TraffordFamily

Michael Oates - 100 club

A massive congratulations from everyone at the supporters' club to Michael Oates who played his 100th game for the mighty Trafford recently. This achievement came at the home game against Stamford.

To commemorate this, the supporters' club have given Oatesy a mug with his own 'mug' on it! All future players making it to the 100 club will also receive a personalised mug, so something to aim for, eh! :-)

Na-naa-na-na-na-na-na-na... Michael Oates is Traffords number 9!

Michael Oats receiving his 100 club mug off Andrew Semple.

MotM - Rushall

Well yesterdays game threatened to carry on from recent results when we went 1-0 down within 5 minutes. But great credit to the team, management and fans as we didn't panic and kept playing our football and supporting the boys. The rewards were duly served with a cracking 3-1 win!

Lots of players had a good game but it was decided, by Jonny Escott (and agreed with by many others) that the Man of the Match was our captain Nia Bayunu who had a tough job of keeping a very physical and experienced ex-pro quiet, which he did (after a nervy 5 mins!)

Overall, a great team performance and now on to Salford on Tuesday.

Player of the Month - August

As announced last week, Rory Fallon is the TFC Supporters' Club player of the month for August.
It was a pleasure giving him the award at yesterdays game!
From all at the supporters club, well done!

August Player of the Month - Rory Fallon (with some lanky git)

Thursday 19 September 2013

Away Days - Frickley

4pm and it’s all aboard Tony’s coach for our trip to Frickley, a scattering of committee, even fewer players but with the manager and Sempie on board I was sure we could get a result. Off we set only to spend 45 minutes crawling through road works just to get to Chill Factor. Memories of New Mills traffic jams came flooding back and we did ok there. Traffic cleared and away we went through the rain to pick up the rest of our lads freezing at Junction 19. The rest of the journey passed quickly eating Tin Tin’s sweets and saw us reach the home of The Blues by before 6.30 where we were met by the club stalwarts pointing us in the general direction of the bar.   I settled down with my usual can of coke while Sempie went to reacquaint himself with a ground he had previously visited with Wigan in their non-league days. Not a lot had changed apart from the slag heap had gone and was now a country park. One chap remembered the game so a bit of reminiscing over the cider passed the time away.  Unfortunately a trip to the club shop could not provide a Frickley badge, our first failure of the season, however we were given a mobile number to call to order one.  
Match time was approaching and the call for food was getting stronger. Off we went to the other side of the ground to Big Fellas snack bar, the pie rating was poor, a generous amount of mushy peas was only to camouflage a pie burnt to within an inch of its life  but the cheeseburger was ok.  More importantly the people were friendly and chatting to several fans showed the true worth of the club. These were football people who loved the club even if things didn’t always go well. Tales of finger biting last day of season, winning your game but still depending on other results to maintain your place in the league were told on the bitterly cold concrete of Frickley. We told our tales of playoff penalty shoot outs and the pure joy of winning through.
Our few travelling fans huddled together; George and Cappy raised the flag, and off our team set. First half was a good end to end game of football. Brilliant goal by Lewis Lacey had us jumping for joy, before an equaliser quickly brought us down to earth. Half time we sampled soup and Bovril to try and beat the chill, both failed miserably. Never mind the lads are back out again. It was all going ok until the 68th minute when their captain scored what turned out to be the winner.  The final whistle was greeted with great joy to Frickley fans, and a never mind we go again Saturday attitude from us.
Back to the club house, sharing a drink with the thoughtful manager, waiting for our lads to demolished well-earned  pie & chips. Tony was waiting with the bus revved up and ready to go. It was a very quiet trip! The only eventful thing on the way home was a bizarre sighting of the Simpsons on a garden patio. That’s Yorkshire folk for you.  

Ratings
Game:         8/10   
Ground:      5/10   dated but big renovation plans in offing
Program:      ?       to mean to buy
Food:             4/10    Barbara & Kath have no competition from here
Fans:              5/10    lovely elders but youngsters foul mouths let   them down
Value for money:    8/10   £9 admission it better than usual £10 at this level
Referee:                   8/10   Didn’t notice him so he did ok
My Man of the Match: surprise surprise it’s not Gallers (he didn’t share his sweets) but Rory Fallon again.
By

Lynda, The Tea Lady

Monday 16 September 2013

Player of the Month - August

After the supporters club meeting last Friday, it was unanimously decided the TFCSC player of the month for August is Rory Fallon!
A massive well done to Rory. There will be a little presentation before our next home game.

Sunday 15 September 2013

Away Days - Droylsden in the Cup

The Romance of the Cup - Droylsden Away!

After a couple of ciders the night before, I was woken up by the alarm clock (my little girl). I grabbed my phone to check the time and saw that it was 8am, Saturday 14th September… FA Cup day!

After fulfilling my husband/daddy duties which involved a morning of changing nappies (including my own), making bacon butties for all, washing up and nipping to the shops, I was ready for the off. 
My day pass had been earned!

The wife had kindly offered to drop me at the Nags Head for the 11 am rendezvous, picking Lord Semp up along the way. Before getting out of the car Helen (that’s what I call the wife) gave Semp a clear instruction: “Make sure he doesn't get wasted!” 

So in the Nags Head we went where we were greeted with some handshakes and some “alrights.” My bacon butty had barely been digested before I was washing it down with a cold pint of Cider. It was 11:03. At this point Semp had mentioned he hadn't even had breakfast, he then took a sip of his Cider (or lemonade if Lynda is reading).  What better breakfast is there than what is actually an apple smoothie when you break it down?
“Here’s the coach” someone shouted. With that, I downed the rest of my pint and excitedly got on the coach. 
Oh and by the way, the sun was shining. It was going to be a good day!

40 Minutes or so later, we arrived in Costa del Droylsden. After waiting for what felt like an hour for the little green man to let us cross the road, we headed for The Beehive. The look on the one man’s face who was sat enjoying a quiet pint whilst reading his newspaper when 30 odd people and one ‘Terry from Brookside impersonator’ came pouring in was priceless!
It was my round and another 2 Strongbows were swiftly ordered, and swiftly drank as I tried to keep up with Semp! (Again if Lynda is reading, Strongbow is just what I call Lemonade and when I say swiftly, I mean taking our time.)
Two (more) ciders later and the warm up act was about to kick off… United v Crystal Palace. I was sat next to Sempy at the back of what was now effectively the Nags Head (minus Little Dave serving). Our view mainly consisted of this:


It didn’t matter too much as we spent most of the match nattering on about all things Trafford FC. I did manage the odd glimpse and saw a few Ashley Young dives and two United goals. At some point during the game I went round the pub asking people for a quid for the opportunity to guess the attendance for today’s other, more important game. I guessed 223.
The elder Hornby had arranged with the lovely people at the Beehive that we would be taking their pub over, so they kindly put on a spread of butties and chips!
These were quickly demolished, along with 2 more ciders, now 6 in total and it had just gone 2:30. 
Now it was the main event! A quick 2 minute walk and into the ground we were. I know we’d just left the Beehive so it was no surprise that there was a massive buzz around the Trafford fans (haha sorry, I couldn’t resist!). 
Off behind the goal next to the very quiet Droylsden fans we went.
As we were missing our usual chief song conductor, Matt Brown, duties were taken up by myself and Ashley, who decided that it was down to us that we went in a half time 2 up. Who am I to disagree?!
Half time and another cider came and went. The second half had already kicked off before we’d settled at the side of the pitch near the end we were now shooting. It wasn’t long before some of the Droylsden fans could now be heard shouting something nice like F**k off Trafford (on repeat). Maybe it was because I’d had 7 pints or maybe because I’m stupid, most probably both, but I decided to suggest “Can you hear them? Shall we go back over and start singing?”
I shouldn’t have been surprised when no-one put their hands up… but then Dave Hornby piped up and said “yeah, let’s go over!”  Now, when Helen told Sempie to make sure I didn’t get wasted, not letting me get beat up wasn’t what she meant but I’m sure she didn’t want that either!
Anyway, over we went and Trafford FC is what we shouted. The Droylsden fans suddenly went quiet. Dave lasted about 15 minutes before making his way to the other side of the pitch. I was now on my own but I kept singing (shouting). To be fair, the banter with the Droylsden fans was good. The only time they did shout anything was to slag off their own players rather than heckle me. Droylsden (the team) did manage to pull a goal back. 1-2 and game on… or so I thought. “It’s 3-1 mate!” Someone informed me. I’d somehow missed Shelton get his hat-trick putting us 3-0 up (so it was now 1-3. Following?).
2 more goals form Shelton and a penalty save from Tommy Read made it a day to remember and by the full-time whistle I had the stand to myself, minus my voice.
Two more ciders, a tweet from Robbie Savage hailing Trafford FC as his non-league team of the day and one from Jonny Escott of some artwork in a Droylsden toilet and it was time for me to head off into town to meet the wife where she would pass judgment on whether Sempie had made sure I’d not got wasted.
He failed.

P.S. The attendance was 186.

Ratings:
Game: 10... 5-1 away win and a peanalty save!
Ground: 6
Programme: No idea
Food: If by food, you mean Cider then 10. Tasted great with a victory
Fans: 6 (good banter, but no noise)
Value For Money: 10 but only because we won!
Referee: Couldn’t care less… we won!
My Man of the Match: Shelton Payne, 5 star!

by Andy Glinka

Wednesday 11 September 2013

MotM v Whitby

Despite the defeat, everyone at last nights game that I spoke to, including Whitby fans said it was harsh! Some of the football was cracking to watch and with a bit more composure/luck we would of at least drew last night.

Dave Hornby had the pleasure of selecting the TFCSC MOTM and most of us were in agreement when he chose Martyn Andrews. A player that always gives it his all. Well done to Martyn and unlucky to Trafford. Stay positive!

Meeting/quiz

Just to remind you all that there is a supporters meeting this friday at the club house. Doors open at 7.30. There is a pub quiz at 9 which EVERYONE is welcome to!

So come down to shawe view this friday night and bring a friend/partner for some beers and a quiz.

Sunday 8 September 2013

Rallying Cry

So we suffered another defeat on Saturday! Players aren't playing so well? Supporters' getting down?

Bulls*it! WE ARE TRAFFORD! Lets get behind the boys and show them support. We are only 7 games in, which means 39 more league games to go! It's a long old slog and there will be some lows and some highs! We need to believe. To a man, every player has shown that they are good enough at some point in at least one game THIS season. We just need to put in a collective performance and show everyone what we are made of. Supporters too! 

Lets get behind the team this Tuesday athome to Whitby and away at Droylsden in the FA Cup on Saturday. 2 wins and everyone will be buzzing... Lets sing. Lets make sure the team know we are 100% behind them. 

It is easy to enjoy it when we are winning but the true test comes when the chips are down. Well my chips are up. WE AREEE TRAAAAFORRRD, WE ARE TRAAAAFORD, SUPER TRAFFORD FROM SHAWE VIEW... BELIEVE!!!

#TraffordFamily #InItTogether

Friday 6 September 2013

Old Boys #5

So, in the past week this is what our old boys did on the pitch...

On Saturday:
In the FA Cup, Danny White scored an equaliser for Radcliffe Borough in their 1-1 draw with Athertin Colls. Radcliffe then went on to win the replay 2-1 at Stainton Park.
Scott Metcalfe netted with his first touch as a Warrington Town player, with a first minute strike in their 5-0 home thrashing of Winsford United.
Gavin Salmon netted the first for Joey Dunn's Runcorn Linnets in their 3-1 away triumph over Ossett Albion.
Matt Warburton continued his fine run of form this season with Curzon Ashton's first as they progressed to the First Qualifying Round with a 4-0 win over Ashton Athletic at The Tameside Stadium, and Nathan McDonald was another to net an opener, in a 3-0 away win for Alsager Town over St. Helen's Town.
In the NWCFL, First Division, Steve Craine also continued a good spell of form for 1874 Northwich by scoring their second in their 3-1 away win over Atherton LR.
And lastly in this division, Leonard 'Rico' Richards scored the first for Northwich Flixton Villa in their entertaining 4-4 draw with Ashton Town.
In the Evo-Stik League Premier, Kayde Coppin netted the second for Ashton United to grab them a point at Danny Johnson's Nantwich Town.
And Harry Winter also found the onion bag during AFC Fylde's 6-1 mauling of Worksop Town.

Over the Bank Holiday Monday, this happened:
Mossley and Curzon Ashton's Tameside derby saw 4 of the 5 goals netted by Old Boys. Matt Warburton scored all of Curzon's three goals to seal the match ball, rendering Kevin McGrath's effort a mere consolation.
Jamie Baguley netted for New Mills during their 2-0 victory at Church Lane over Ossett Town.
On Tuesday 28th August in the NWCFL, Gavin Salmon scored again for Runcorn Linnets in their 4-2 win over Alsager Town, and Chris Mackay netted from the spot for Prestwich Heys, but then went on to miss a late one to win the game vs Hindsford, which proved costly as Hindsford grabbed a winner to run out 4-3 victors at Heys' Grimshaw Park.
Movements over the past week include Rob Flint registering with Alsager Town on dual registration with Droylsden after he left Salford City. Scott Metcalfe left New Mills after just a couple of weeks for Warrington Town.

Away Days - Chorley

An (easily forgettable) trip to Chorley

Well, we knew that the trip to Chorley would be difficult. But we were wrong. It was punishment and a real lesson for us in the true standards of the top sides in this division.
More on the game later, but first let's talk about the journey. It began for me at around 6.45pm with Cappy picking me up from my front door (taxi!). Further stops to pick Ashley and Sempie from his favourite haunt at the Bent Brook. After a trouble free journey up the well trodden (or should that be driven?) path, up past Botany Bay (not Australia smart-a***), and into Chorley.
Now, if anyone who is not a Trafford fan is reading this (and God knows why you'd be here, but thanks all the same!), and is still awaiting a trip to Chorley, make sure you do not walk down the approaching road from the Pilling Lane side. If you do, your eyes will be met with the most torturous sight they'll ever encounter. A car covered in pictures of Shane Richie's face. Yes, that's right. SHANE RICHIE! Alfie, from EastEnders! If this is human life, then God help us all.
As it was we entered the little alley leading to Victory Park whereupon we were met by two guys selling programmes outside the turnstiles (£2). If you like your programmes or even if you don't, make an exception, and buy it. It is well worthy of the price.
A further £9 to get in (yes,even with only a pound difference, i'm happier), we entered into Victory Park. For me, it is my fourth visit to the Magpie's home (nest?). In our previous travels Trafford had encountered varying levels of success, drawing 1-1 in our first game back in the Unibond League with Scott Barlow netted the opener before bagged the equaliser from the spot before half time. It was Barlow's first in what would become a TFC record 40 goal season,which stood until last year until Oatesy broke it (albeit 1 was in the play off semi at New Mills). We almost won it late on too, but the legend that is Dion Depeiaza struck the post.
The following season we were defeated by 4-2, with Joe Shaw netting on his debut (with Cappy calling him 'new lad', and Barlow replying to goals from Eckersley, the disgraced Terry Fearns, Chris Mason and Danny Nolan. 
The next season, we avenged this defeat by beating a much stronger Chorley side (indeed this side went on to win the play-offs) 1-0 with Tommy Bentham scoring in the first half, which was then followed by a defensive masterclass, including Greg Hall who kept an impressive clean sheet.
However, the performance tonight at Victory Park, would not quite match up to that standard.
Victory Park, i have to say, is one of my favourite grounds to visit. It resonates with the history of the club. It has a capacity of 4,100, 2,800 are covered and 900 of which can be seated within it's old fashioned raised all seater stand, with a small amount of terracing in front of it on one-side, faced by a grass bank on the other. In 1945, the original wooden structure was burnt down moments after being vacated following an FA Cup tie with Accrington Stanley. A wide stand takes its place behind the clubhouse-end goal, and there's a smaller stand at the far end; It was here where we would take our place for the first half, which will begin after everyone's fave bit of this piece it's the:
History Lesson:
Chorley FC began life originally as a Rugby League club, but switched codes to football in 1883. In 1875, playing at Dole Lane, the club officially began with Major John Lawrence becoming the incumbent captain. The club was also the brainchild of the Major.
They played as an RL club for 7 yrs before pressure mounted on the club to switch.
They joined the Lancashire Junior League in 1889, before becoming founder members of the Lancashire Alliance the next year, and won the title in 1892-93 season, finishing runners-up the next season.
They then switched to the Lancashire League in 1894, where they won the Lancs Junior Cup, beating Clitheroe 3-2 in a replay at Ewood Park. They won the league twice in 1896-97, and '98-'99.
In 1901 they moved home to Rangletts Ground, even taking the grandstand complete with hoardings with them!
In 1903, the Lancs League was reformed as the Lancashire Combination, which resulted in a two-tier expansion, Division A & B, with the club playing in the latter.
In 1904 they were evicted from Rangletts, resulting in a switch to St. George's Park.
In 1914-15 they finished bottom but were reprieved by the outbreak of war, and the resulting league suspension.
For they war years they joined the Northern Division, but disbanded in 1916, with difficulties in raising a side.
They had no side until the war ended in 1918, when the  club was resurrected after its sabbatical, initially playing friendlies. They then returned to the reformed Combination, now made up of just the one division.
During the 1920's the club experienced a golden period, winning honours for 10 consecutive seasons, before they left St. George's Park for their current Victory Park ground, named as such due to the victory in WWI. Coincidentally the groundd is adjoined to Rangletts.
They won the Lancs Combination title 11 times spanning between 1919 and 1964.
In 1968, they became founder members of the NPL, left for a season before rejoining for '70-'71.
After a two-season spell, they joined the Cheshire League ending as runners-up on three occasions.
In 1982 they rejoined the NPL for a third spell,and were crowned champions '87-'88, being promoted to the GM Vauxhall Conference.(still better than Skrill!!), before being relegated back in 1991.
In '95-'96 they reached the FA Trophy semi-final stage, but had no other success and ended up being relegated to the NPL 1st Division in 1999, where they remained until 2007 when they were allocated to the newly formed Northern section of the First Division.
There they remained until their play-off victory over AFC Fylde in 2010-'11, a 2-0 victory at home in front of 2,950, and resulted in promotion to the NPL Premier where they currently reside. During their first season that level they beat Kendal Town 2-1 at the Reebok to lift the Lancashire FA Trophy.
The season was remembered however, for the financial irregularities saga, in which a Chorley official was arrested for stealing £50,000 from the club. This resulted in delays of payments and a campaign launched to save the club with the aid of the local businesses. The man and a co-defendant, the former club accountant, were both convicted.

The game began quite even within the first 15 and we even managed to go in front, with Shelts' ball across met by the poacher Ally Brown at the back post.
However our jubilation wasn't to last. Indeed it was to be crushed to smithereens,as Chorley found their feet, and despite Trafford looking a little threatening on the counter, forcing Sam Ashton into a couple of decent stops, they found themselves 2-1 up at the break through Darren Stephenson and the deadly Josh Hine, despite our singing efforts.
This didn't show what was to come and Stephenson netted again, as Tom Read made an error of judgment, an his header flew in.
Now, Reado is a fine keeper, of which there is no doubt, and he pulled off many fine saves to prevent double figures, but this was the crucial goal, and it was a bad mistake. This appeared to influence the fourth too, as he looked to have been able to come and collect, but didn't, and another header, from Andrew Teague, flew past him. 
By now I'd lost interest, and began thinking what was for tea, when five  and six arrived, including Stephenson's hat-trick, and Tom Baker (anyone who didn't think of Doctor Who must leave at this point!), before Oatesy netted late on following Ashton's error. A day to forget for the keepers' union! Throughout this the strong Chorley contingent managed just one 'Come on Chorley' chant,which was a poor effort considering how they were last time we visited.
It did seem, as it did against Stamford, that the missing of the understanding shared between Nia and Mini is a big factor in the defeats, but both replacements Cedric and Lewis Lacy have had good individual displays, so no problems there, just the understanding doesn't exist.
The way home was in the dark, thus sparing us the nightmare sight of the Richie car, and was spent in the knowledge that 3 of our 6 early games have been very difficult with just one disappointing result, so let's not get too disheartened yet!
My TFC M.O.M: Michael Oates
My CFC M.O.M: Darren Stephenson

Ratings:
Game: 5 (10 if you're of the Chorley persuasion!)
Ground: 8 (like the old-fashioned style)
Programme 9 (very good effort. Lots of info and very professional)
Food ? (didn't try any. Too poor!!)
Fans: 6 (pleasant, but no noise from 600+? Come on boys and girls!)
Value For Money: 7 (can't argue)
Referee: 8 (got everything right, but can't give a ref 10 ever!!)

New Feature: Most Famous Person from: Chorley is..... There's so many! Josh Charnley Sam & Joel Tomkins of RL, The Tate Gallery Founder, David Unsworth, Micky Walsh (RoI), Tom Smith (LCCC), Phil Parkinson, Paul Mariner, Starsailor (Band), and I believe 'The Assett' Paul Nicholson of PDC fame.

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Next Meeting

The details of the next meeting are listed below. Hope to see you all there to discuss ideas, plans, have a beer and chat about all things Trafford FC/football.

Date: Friday 13th September (Don't be too spooked out!)
Venue: Trafford FC
Time: Meeting @8.00pm, doors open @7.30.

If there is anything you wish to be added to the agenda then please get in touch.
There will be drinks (and possibly a Pub Quiz by John Eadie) after.

See you all there!

Monday 2 September 2013

Man of the Match v Stamford

It was hard to hide our disapointment after saturdays performance and many supporters could only think of one or two players that came out of the game with some positives! In the end the TFCSC MotM for the home game against Stamford went to Rory Fallon for a solid if unspectacular display. The MotM for this game was chosen by Ritchie 'I like to disagree with everything Karl Vaughan says'!

Onwards and upwards to the Chorley game.

#traffordfamily