Manchester United...

Just to add to the previous post, as you know we entertain a Manchester United Xl on Thursday and while it is only a friendly, the club are expecting a decent attendance. Baring that in mind, anybody who is able to volunteer some time to help the match run smoothly, such as getting things in order before the game to helping on the turnstiles and/or behind the bar, then the club would be very grateful.

If you can and are willing to volunteer then please report to the club president, Dave Brown at the club house between 6.30 and 7.00pm or email melody.stephens@sky.com

Cheers #traffordfamily

Manchester United Roll into Town

As the anticipation grows before the start of the new season, the club has just announced a friendly fixture against one of our local rivals, a Manchester United Xl. The game will take place on Thursday 1st August at Shawe View, 7.30 KO. As a supporter, this is an exciting game that will hopefully bring in a big crowd and give the players another platform to showcase their abilities!

The game has been announced at short notice so spread the word and lets bring as many Trafford FC fans as possible and get behind the lads!

Oh and lets not forget we host Runcorn Town tomorrow (Tuesday 30th July),  7.45 KO.

Next Meeting

The next supporters' club meeting will be on Thursday 15th August at The Club House, 8pm.

This will be our last meeting before the new season, which kicks off 2 days later against Matlock Town at home.
We have some important things to go through and would really appreciate if you could attend as your views/opinions/vote really count!

See you all then. #TraffordFamily 

Away Days - Pre-season Friendly

The 2013/14 season promises to be the most exciting yet for Trafford FC fans'. New grounds to attend and some very, very long journeys to tackle. Here, our very own George Cheetham will give an account of all these trips, under the title of 'Away Days' - hopefully giving an insight into following non-league football and, more importantly, Trafford FC...

A (rushed) Trip to..... Linotype/Cheadle

Hello. So then, this is the first of my new blog on Trafford's trips to the grounds of the Evo-Stik Premier Division throughout this season, or rather my experiences of the day, including trip, view of the ground and club and my report of the game itself. But beforehand it's the pre-season friendlies. As I missed the Sandbach Utd game, this starts with our trip to Linotype/Cheadle Heath Nomads to give
them their full title, of the Cheshire League First Division. So, here goes!.....

After leaving work at around 4 o'clock ish I decided to catch the end of the day's play at Lancashire vs Glamorgan at Old Trafford, as Lancs' Simon Katich was approaching his hundred. He duly achieved this milestone at 5.35pm which left me to sprint up Warwick Rd, just in time to catch the 256 bus back to Stretford, and just about manage my
connection through to Stockport. Once, at Stockport, the 11 bus onwards to Cheadle Heath was already in. Now, I am sure that in the whole of human history, during the existence of buses, no-one has ever had a journey on them work this well. Anyway despite stopping along the way for a handful of Stockport County fans on their way to their game at Cheadle Town, and dressed in all the kits for this season, arrived at the required bus stop five minutes before kick-off. Having been to the ground some 10 weeks earlier for Cheadle's game with Grappenhall Sports, I knew where I was
headed so, cue another sprint to make the kick-off. I managed to arrive at 6.58 for the 7pm kick-off, which in fact, ended up being slightly delayed.
Cheadle Heath Nomads were founded in 1919 and merged with Linotype FC to create the present club.
The ground, The Heath Norbreck Avenue, itself is just around the corner from Edgeley Park. It is very tidy with two full-size grass pitches, set almost side-by-side, one is the club's barred off league pitch, and the other is the pitch we would be using this evening. There was also a 3G-five-a-side pitch which was in use also, with many balls threatening the cars parked outside the cage. There are no
stands or seating in the ground, and only one pitch (the other one) contains dugouts.

Anyway, onto the game. Trafford began the game with their 'first' eleven, including new signing Joe Shaw, the returning Cedric Krou and captain Nia Bayunu. The opposition saw former white Micky Ryan in defence and another former TFC centre-half Paul Riley on the sidelines.
Trafford dominated the game, which, with all due respect to Cheadle, was to be expected. However,the first-half was a mostly dull affair, which appeared, as many early friendlies do, to be based on fitness over full performance. As such my attentions turned to the many examples of aviation flying over the pitch on approach to Manchester
and myself being ( possibly rightly) teased over my picks of hobbies. I also decided this would be the perfect opportunity to decimate the two pork pies I had brought with me for dinner. This proved correct!!
On the pitch, Cedric Krou in particular put in a good shift, as did Joe Shaw and Paul Ashton but it was Steve Mason who netted the first goal heading in from Andy Smart's corner. At half time, the small crowd in attendance headed into the clubhouse. Inside was a smart room with a big screen and dance floor, and the bar in the far corner. I ended up getting a coke which was kindly purchased by 'Little' Dave, who is the famous bar manager at
Vaughanie's haunt, the Nag!  I was also, asked what the 'small plane that keeps flying over' was. Never before had I been asked a plane related question at football before, but nevertheless I was happy to pass on my, ahem, expertise!
At half time it transpired that the flash car parked next to pitch was owned by Manchester City's Reece Wabara, who famously found the net for Oldham Athletic against Liverpool in last season's FA Cup tie. Anyway, onto the second half, and a fully changed X1 was introduced
including Kamahl Whight, Liam Shipton and Luke Heron. The game certainly livened up somewhat, and it saw five goals being scored, firstly Sam Hood scored his second in two games, Kamahl Whight netted twice, sandwiching Jordan James' strike and Eric Yeboah also found the net after replacing Liam Shipton for the last 20 minutes. 
So, the final score was six-nil and all goals were onside, despite the lack of any linesmen. The next few minutes were spent attempting to convince one of our players' girlfriends, who had little interest in the game, that the score was six nil and we were not pulling any legs!
And I managed to avoid any horror journey's back to Urmston by grabbing a lift back from manager Garry Vaughan, which I was very relieved about!
The club at Cheadle seems a very tidy and friendly set up, well run and they look well set for the future. Good luck to them in their season.
- George Cheetham

Trafford FCSC are the champions!

On Tuesday 16th July, we had our very 1st 'Pub Olympics' at the Nags Head.

We would like to thank everyone who came and either took part or supported... it was a great night.

The event consisted of four teams. First Trafford FCSC took on The Players team in a game of 301 darts - best of 3. Trafford FCSC's class told though as they romped to a 3-0 win. In the other game, the Committee then took on the KMD sponsors team in a tough battle that saw the Committee team come out on top and a spot in the final against The Supporters' Club.

In the first pool match, KMD took on The Players team. In a tight and nervy final frame, KMD finally pulled it out of the bag to win 2-1. Up next was The Supporters' Club v The Committee. The first match saw Foxy (committee) roll back the years to take the first game, but two great games on the bounce saw The Supporters' Club take the win 2-1 and into the final against KMD.

Just before the final matches, we held an auction with the role of assistant manager for the Altrincham friendly as the prize. You'll have to come to the actual game to find out who won but we did raise a fantastic £85!

THE FINALS

Darts: With an experienced team, made up of the Brown family, The Committee were confident and it showed as they took the first game. The pressure was now on The Supporters' Club but they failed to take their chances as The Committee also won the second game to take a 2-0 lead. The final match saw a clean sweep for The Brown's tea... I mean the Committee team, as they won 3-0 and with it, 4 points. The Supporters' Club took 3 points for 2nd place whilst The Players and KMD both took 1 point for coming 3rd (joint last!!).

Pool: All 3 games were to prove very close and tense but it was Trafford FCSC who won the first game as it went down to the final black. The second game saw KMD strike back, which meant a deciding last frame! Again, it went down to a black ball game but it was Trafford FCSC's superman, George C who pulled through with a stunning shot to take the win, 2-1 and the 4 points!

Overall Standings

1. Trafford FCSC          7 points

2. Commitee Team        5 points

3. KMD                        4 points

4. The Players                2 points

The trophy was awarded by club manager, Garry Vaughn and a few more beers were had over some pool. It was a great night and thank you again to everyone, especially the good folks at the Nags' for letting us take over the vault. Better luck next year to all the losing teams and a massive congrats to TRAFFORD FC SUPPORTERS' CLUB... the 1st ever 'Trafford Pub Olympics winners!!!!! 

Jonny Escott Article

Trafford FC- 6 Days We'll Never Forget!
By Jonny Escott

After a superb season which saw Trafford blossom at the start, struggle in the centre, then finish with finesse, it was a story which no one would dare predict.

Going into the last game of the season, a home fixture against Clitheroe, the whites needed a win to guarantee a place in the play offs. The anticipation was immense, just over 20 years after the club were founded, the team from Trafford, who play behind the Bird ith Hand, were on the verge of fighting for a place in the 8th tier of English football. 

The game started hesitantly as both teams seemed cautious too attack and to leave themselves open at the back. But just before half time, Trafford made the breakthrough. And from there on in, it was nerves until the whites all but secured their play off place with a 2nd goal in the 2nd half. As the game finished, everyone was waiting to find out who we'd play in the semi. "Cammell Laird away on Monday" shouted a certain Brown brother. Then the final results came through and we found out that on what was to be a sunny bank holiday Monday in May, Trafford were to travel to the small Derbyshire town of New Mills. 

The Sunday before the play off semi couldn't have gone any slower. Just waiting for the day to arrive. Many fans were optimistic and were just happy to see us in the play offs but many were eager to win and eager to help Trafford book their place in the play off final. Finally, Monday arrived. And what a day it was to be.

Sun shining as bright as ever, a brief walk in my back garden all but confirmed to me that it was a shorts day, something rather unfamiliar in this part of the world. An early meet at the Bird Ith Hand was the plan then the minibus to New Mills at 11, half an hour before the players coach as Cappy's tours had researched the local area and found that there were some decent boozers. 

As we arrived in the town in a Valley, it was oddly warmer that it was back in Urmston, but we weren't complaining. So as we made our way through the pubs of New Mills, we soon got news of the players coach getting stuck in traffic. "15:15 Kick Off now" Cappy shouted, which was greeted with muted applause as everyone slowly made their way to the bar for another round. 

So after being delayed by 15 minutes, kick off was finally upon us, it was time for the football to do the talking. 

A 90 minutes which saw a lot of football played in the middle of the pitch with both teams going close on occasions, the battle had just begun. Extra-time it was, 30 minutes for both teams to justify their challenge for the Evo-stik North Premier Division play off final. 

Extra-time seemed to find another gear for not just the players in White, but the travelling faithful who came to cheer Gary Vaughan's super white army.  "Take me home, Chassen Road" ringing around the Church Lane ground and most probably through and beyond the Pennines. Then finally, we grabbed the goal. Nerves? Nerves had nothing on the unbearable feeling that everyone from the Trafford family felt for them remaining minutes. With seconds on the clock remaining and the referee reaching for his whistle, the goal machine that is Michael Oates sent the Trafford barmy army crazy as he scored Trafford's 2nd of the game which booked our place in the final, which we soon found out was to be played on the Wirral against our Birkenhead rivals Cammell Laird. 

Fortunately everyone had four days to digest Monday's antics, all in preparation for the big finale on Friday night. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, didn't matter, it was all about Friday. 

In no time it came around, Twitter was buzzing with the 'Trafford family' hashtag flying about here there and everywhere. There was already a sense of major achievement just getting to the final but now we were there, we didn't want to lose, especially to a team managed by our old friend Tony Sullivan. 

With MK Dons manager Karl Robinson in attendance, it was a perfect opportunity for our players to show what they're made of and to put in a big performance, and that is exactly what every single player did. 

The fans gathered behind the dugouts, Sullivan quickly acknowledging the superb support which followed the whites that day. Frequent banter with the opposing manager started proceedings off peacefully off the pitch but the players soon got down to business on the pitch. The game was very even. Extremely similar to the New Mills game. Some superb saves from Tommy Reid keeping us in it and some missed opportunities at the other end kept the game goalless heading into extra time. 

Both teams looked tired, but both managers seemed to have predicted extra time with hardly any substitutions made within the 90 minutes. That showed the sheer respect that both managers had towards their rival club. Extra time proved to be no different. Chances here and there but nothing to separate the north west rivals. As the final whistle blew, it was time for what some teams dread and what some teams love, PENALTIES. Some call it a lottery, some say it just comes down to who's luck is in on the day. 

The ever consistent Martyn Andrews was the first to step up. Composed is an understatement as Martyn sends the Laird keeper the wrong way. Laird then levelled the shoot out firing past Tommy Reid. Smarty then put Trafford ahead once again but after this was when the match changed in Trafford's favour.  Reid went the right way to keep the shoot out at 2-1 but Ali Brown then had his penalty well saved. Super stopprr Reid then created history again for the club by saving Laird's third penalty. Tom Schofield then converted his spot kick and Cammell Laird slotted away their 4th penalty leaving it up to Paul 'Flash' Ashton to win the game and gain promotion for Trafford. 

The ground went silent with the odd put off technique from the Laird support. The pressure that Flash had on him for that 60 seconds was remarkable. But with pure composure, Trafford's number 11 smashed the ball into the back of the net which cued a pitch invasion by the travelling support. It was truly a touching moment. Players hugging fans, fans hugging coaches, coaches hugging each other and even the committee going a little bit mad, this was the best and most significant moment in the clubs short history. 

It's a day I, like many others, will never forget. The sense of passion and pride felt when Flash won us the game was something I will be lucky to experience ever again. Even now, it's not sunk in. 

So here's too next season, no expectations, no pressure, we're just that club from behind the Bird Ith Hand who are getting bigger and bigger.

Pub olympics - Full Details

WHEN: Tuesday 16th July

WHERE: Nags Head Pub

WHAT TIME: 7.30 Meeting/8.30 Games Begin...

You are all welcome to the 1st annual Trafford FCSC Pub Olympics where there will be lots of fun and games... and prizes!

First up at 7.30 is a supporters meeting. Members and non-members are ALL welcome. Those that have already joined can pick up their membership card on the night.

Once the meeting has finished, the games will begin (8.30pm). There will be a Trafford FC players team, a team representing the committee, a KMD sponsors team and of course, a Trafford FCSC team. All teams will compete in darts and pool games to decide the winner of the Trafford Pub Olympics Cup and a gallon of beer courtesy of the Nags head!

There will also be a football card and an auction - where the highest bidder will win the opportunity to be the Assistant Manager for the pre-season friendly game at home against Altrincham!!! This will include being on the bench through-out the game shouting "keep it, keep it". "don't fouuuul" and "reffffeeeeeeerrrrrrrrreeeeee!" as well as giving the lads a kick up the backside at half time (if required)!

There will also be an opportunity for people to join as a member and have a bigger part and say in our great club.

There is NO admission fee but if you feel like donating some pennies to the cause then we won't say no. There will also be some food laid on by the lovely people at the Nags Head.

This really is a great chance to socialise with players/management/committee and supporters for one great cause... Trafford FC! So please come along and get involved!

One week today...

Come and take part, have a laugh and support the club. One week today!

In other news... well done to Trafford FC for winning their first pre-season friendly 5-1 last Saturday against Sandbach. Only down side is that Chris Palmer broke his arm and will be out for a few months. From all at the supporters club; get well soon and come bacj stronger. Trafford Family

1st Annual Pub Olympics...

Two weeks today... NOT TO BE MISSED! A gallon of beer and the pride of Trafford trophy to be won.