All of the latest news from the club
April Preview
A statistical look at the run-in....
This is it: the run-in. Sadly this season's isn't tinged with the potential of chasing a play-off spot but we could certainly have a say in how the top-six pans out given that we are playing two of the contenders within the next four weeks.
All statistics are correct at the time of writing
Wednesday 5th
Prestwich Heys (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Previous meeting: a 2-0 home win towards the end of October.
Position in table: 8th, 66 points from 33 matches
Form: WWWLLD
No meetings between the teams in last five seasons at Park Road.
Saturday 8th
AFC Blackpool (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Previous meeting: a rather drab 1-1 draw back in mid-November
Position in table: 19th, 26 points from 36 matches
Form: DLDWLL
No meetings between the teams in last five seasons at Park Road.
Friday 14th
Stockport Town (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Previous meeting: a 2-0 home win on Boxing Day
Position in table: 10th, 52 points from 36 matches
Form: WWDLWL
Last five seasons at Lambeth Grove:
2015-16: won 5-3
2014-15: did not meet
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
Monday 17th
City of Liverpool (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Previous meeting: a narrow 1-2 defeat in the First Division Trophy
Position in table: 2nd, 74 points from 35 matches
Form: WWWDWW
Apart from the First Division Trophy match this season, no previous meetings between the two teams in Liverpool.
Wednesday 19th
Daisy Hill (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Previous meeting: a 4-0 home win at the end of January
Position in table: 16th, 39 points from 33 matches
Form: LWDLLD
Last five seasons at New Sirs:
2015-16: won 1-0
2014-15: lost 3-4
2013-14: won 2-0
2012-13: won 3-1
2011-12: won 2-1
Saturday 22nd
Atherton LR (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Previous meeting: a much-needed 3-0 away win back in mid-October
Position in table: 20th, 21 points from 34 matches
Form: WLLLLL
Last five seasons at Park Road:
2015-16: won 10-1
2014-15: won 2-1
2013-14: drew 1-1
2012-13: won 1-0
2011-12: did not meet
Saturday 29th
Silsden (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Previous meeting: an entertaining 5-2 home win in mid-January
Position in table: 14th, 44 points from 33 matches
Form: LLDWLW
No meetings between the teams in past five seasons at Silsden
February Preview
A statistical look at what lies ahead for February 2017....
All position in table and form statistics are correct at the time of writing
Saturday 4th
Hallmark Security League First Division
Holker Old Boys (home)
Previous meeting: a 5-2 away win for us at Rakesmoor Lane earlier this season.
Position in table: 15th, 34 points from 35 matches
Form: LDWLWW
Last five seasons at Park Road
2015-16: drew 0-0
2014-15: drew 0-0
2013-14: won 4-1
2012-13: won 3-0
2011-12: drew 0-0
Saturday 11th
Hallmark Security League First Division
Carlisle City (home)
Previous meeting: an unlucky 1-2 defeat at their place just before Christmas.
Position in table: 13th, 36 points from 26 matches
Form: WLWLLW
Saturday 18th
Hallmark Security League First Division
Eccleshall (away)
Previous meeting: a 3-5 home defeat, right in the middle of the miserable run we had in September.
Position in table: 21st, 13 points from 27 points
Form: LLDLWL
Last five seasons at Pershall Park:
2015-16: won 6-3
2014-15: won 1-0
2013-14: won 3-1
2012-13: won 2-0
2011-12: won 5-0
Saturday 25th
Hallmark Security League First Division
Bacup Borough (home)
Previous meeting: a dramatic 3-2 win at their place before Christmas that heralded a decent run of form
Position in table: 18th, 23 points from 27 matches
Form: LLLDLL
Last five seasons at Park Road:
2015-16: won 3-0
2014-15: did not meet
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: lost 0-2 (FA Vase 1st Round)
November Preview
As autumn sets in and the midweek games start to wind down, we have a look at what is in store for the First XI this month....
Wednesday 2nd
Runcorn Town (home)
Cheshire Senior Cup Preliminary Round
If you follow us on Twitter you'll know that, courtesy of the hashtag of the same name, this is chapter two of "Three Cups Week".
The first part has already seen us exit the League Cup at the hands of Widnes. This second part sees us pit our wits against Premier Division high-flyers Runcorn Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup.
It's a competition that always gives us the opportunity to flex our muscles against loftier opposition as our ball is in the same hat as Stockport County, Tranmere Rovers (who we played last season), Altrincham, Crewe Alexandra etc.
We last faced Runcorn Town way back in the 2010-11 season when they were newcomers to the NWCFL and were promoted that very season. They currently sit high-and-handsome in the Premier Division.
Saturday 5th
City of Liverpool (away)
Reusch First Division Trophy
...and onto the final part of the "Three Cups Week".
The draw for the First Division Trophy - now sensibly split into "North" and "South" for the earlier rounds - sees us travel to City of Liverpool for what looks like a tough tie.
Thursday 10th
St Helens Town (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Yes, you read that right. Thursday night football.
We meet St Helens again after that incredible 3-3 draw at Park Road back at the start of the season when we scored thrice in stoppage time to complete one of the most unlikely comebacks ever in football.
More drama to come on this autumnal Thursday evening....?
Previous five seasons away to St Helens Town....
2015-16: drew 2-2
2014-15: did not meet
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
Saturday 12th
Ashton Town (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
...and 48 hours later we welcome Ashton Town to Park Road.
At the time of writing Ashton Town weren't having the best of seasons, sitting bottom of the First Division table.
It may look like a formality on paper but past history means that caution must be exercised.
They have a decent record at Park Road - unbeaten in their last six visits - and have come to SK8 2AN before when down on their luck and gone away with a win; they were rock-bottom in 2008-09 without a win to their name but came away with a 2-1 victory and halted our run of five straight league wins to boot....
Previous five seasons at Park Road....
2015-16: lost 1-2
2014-15: lost 1-2
2013-14: drew 1-1
2012-13: drew 1-1; drew 2-2 (League Cup)
2011-12: drew 2-2
Saturday 19th
AFC Blackpool (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Like Runcorn Town, another club we haven't faced for a while.
Also since 2010-11 as they were promoted alongside Runcorn Town, enjoying a decent run in the Premier Division before being relegated at the end of last term.
AFC Blackpool are another team that - at the time of writing - were struggling a bit. That said, it promises to be an intriguing day out at the seaside and a welcome return back to The Mechanics ground.
Saturday 26th
Whitchurch Alport (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
What a difference a season makes.
Languishing down at the bottom of the table last season, Whitchurch are having a rare one this time around and haven't been out of the top six to date.
It promises to be a different prospect to the 4-1 win we had last time around....
Last five seasons at Yockings Park....
2015-16: won 4-1
2014-15: did not meet
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
October Preview
The details of what's in store for the First XI - mainly on the road - for the month of October 2016
Saturday 1st
Holker Old Boys (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
The folklore that used to surround this fixture is no more.
Last season we famously broke a long-running hoodoo by winning for the first time at Rakesmoor Lane since 1999 with a comfortable 3-1 win in atrocious conditions.
My God do we need to repeat the dose this season.
At the time of writing Holker are mid-table with two wins from their last six matches with the vast majority of their points being gained on home turf.
Last five seasons at Rakesmoor:
2015-2016: won 3-1
2014-2015: lost 2-4
2013-2014: lost 1-4
2012-2013: lost 0-3
2011-2012: drew 3-3
Wednesday 5th
Alsager Town (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Yet another midweek fixture (they start to tail off come the end of October) and it's against high-riding opposition as Alsager Town - relegated from the Premier Division last season - visit Park Road.
Alsager have made an impressive start to life in the First Division. They haven't been out of the top six all season and are, at the time of writing, undefeated in the league with seven wins and three draws from ten matches.
Saturday 8th
Charnock Richard (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Another team doing well thus far are NWCFL newcomers Charnock Richard.
Formed in 1955 they spent most of their formative years in local Preston & Chorley leagues before finally making the step up to the West Lancashire League in 1993.
They won two promotions in their first five years in the WLL to reach the Premier Division, winning the title for the first time in 2003, going on to do so five more times before being admitted to the NWCFL for the start of this season.
By all accounts it's an impressive set up at Mossie Park; everybody at Cheadle Towers likes somewhere new to visit so we are looking forward to it.
As mentioned they have done well so far and have gained some impressive results, including a home win over City of Liverpool.
Saturday 15th
Atherton LR (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Atherton LR will have been sick of the sight of us last season: a 1-4 defeat on their home patch was then followed by a 1-10 reversal in the away fixture, with Cheadle Town being 8-0 up at half-time.
They made a fairly reasonable start to the season but recent results have seen them drop near us in the league table.
This has been tempered somewhat by results in the FA Vase. A week after they host us they will be welcoming Chester-le-Street Town from the Northern League in the 1st Round of the FA Vase, having disposed of NWCFL Premier Division outfit Cammell Laird on the way.
Last five seasons at Crilly Park:
2015-2016: won 4-1
2014-2015: lost 1-2
2013-2014: lost 1-4
2012-2013: won 2-1
2011-2012: did not meet
Wednesday 19th
Litherland REMYCA (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
A chance to avenge the 0-3 defeat that we suffered for our first league match of the season.
Again, REMYCA are another side that have made a really decent start to the season. They're in cracking form (at time of writing) and haven't been out of the top six all season thus far with an inexplicable 0-4 defeat at Stockport Town the only noticeable blot on their copybook.
Last five seasons at Litherland Sports Park:
2015-2016: lost 1-2
2014-2015: won 3-1
2013-2014: did not meet
2012-2013: did not meet
2011-2012: did not meet
Saturday 22nd
Prestwich Heys (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
And another NWCFL newcomer to face in October. I use the word "newcomer" rather loosely there as Heys are anything but new to the NWCFL scene.
Founded back in 1938 they started off in the local Prestwich & Whitefield League, progressing through the Bury Amateur League and South East Lancashire League before joining the Lancashire Combination towards the end of the 1960s, becoming champions in the 1970-71 season.
They then spent the 1970s in the Cheshire County League before becoming founder members of the NWCFL in the 1982-83 season.
Despite finishing mid-table in what was then the NWCFL Division Three they left to join the Manchester League, winning the title six times (three times on the trot in the mid 2000s) with the sixth one claimed at the end of last season before they were rightfully allowed back in (after an unsuccesful attempt the previous summer) to the NWCFL.
Saturday 29th
Widnes or Alsager Town (away)
Macron League Challenge Cup 2nd Round
The 1st Round match between Widnes and Alsager will be played out as we face Holker Old Boys. Watch out for the Twitter feed to find out where we will be travelling to on the 29th.
September Preview
September already? Yes it is. Another busy month in store for our First XI with a good mixtures of old and new faces to meet....
Saturday 3rd
Trafford (away)
Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
Our September starts with an FA Cup tie at Trafford, earned thanks to our exploits away at Penistone Church and Northwich Victoria.
We've been here before...in two respects. We haven't been as far as the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Cup since the 2007-08 season (when we defeated Atherton Collieries 5-2 on their own ground before falling 1-2 at Dinnington Town) and we visited Shawe View for an FA Cup tie more recently in 2011-12 when the hosts ran out rather comfortable 3-0 winners...after which they were then eliminated by Northwich Victoria. Small world.
We're hoping to give them a closer run for their money this time around.
Shawe View - one of the Northern Premier League's better grounds
(image: Wikimedia Commons)
They're back at the footballing level they were for that 2011-12 match: the Northern Premier League 1st Division which places them two levels above us - the same as Northwich Victoria - after being members of the NWCFL as recent as 2007-08.
Since their win in the last round at Prescot Cables they have suffered two defeats so we're hoping we have caught them on a slump. This is cup football; anything can happen.
If a replay is required it will be at Park Road on Wednesday 7th.
Wednesday 7th
Sandbach United (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Assuming no FA Cup replay is required then we will be facing another of the new clubs to the Hallmark Security First Division.
Founded in 2004 they started their life in the Staffordshire County League before transferring to the more geographically-apt Cheshire League in 2011.
Promoted to the Cheshire League Premier in time for the 2014-15 season, they were then admitted to the NWCFL in time for this season.
At the time of writing they have made a decent start and find themselves in the top six.
Saturday 10th
Staveley Miners Welfare (away)
FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round
Deja vu.
At exactly the same time of year last year we were preparing to make the same journey in the same round of the FA Vase.
And hopefully it will be with the same result after we came from 1-3 down to clinch the tie 4-3 with a late Rick Whyatt goal.
Result aside everybody connected with Cheadle Town FC really enjoyed the visit to Inkersall Road last year because of the wonderful facilities on offer. The clubhouse is first-rate - as is the fayre that is served - and Staveley's own clubshop, located separately in the far corner of the ground, is also worth a look.
Staveley Miners Welfare FC clubhouse - we like it a lot
(image: facupgroundhopper.blogspot.com)
The victors will be rewarded with a home tie versus Barton Town Old Boys or Grimsby Borough on Saturday 24th in the 2nd Qualifying Round.
Wednesday 14th
City of Liverpool (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
...and yet another of the league's new clubs makes the visit to Park Road this month.
City of Liverpool FC were founded as recently as 2015 with an initial remit of providing non-league football within the boundaries of the City of Liverpool (hence the name). As things stand that hasn't been possible due to lack of facilities (they are groundsharing with Bootle this season) but their search continues.
The club is officially registered as a Community Benefit Society and is owned completely by its supporters.
They have made a rare start to their life at this level, topping the First Division at the time of writing.
Saturday 17th
Chadderton (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
From new faces, to the very familiar.
Once the final whistle sounds that will be Chadderton dealt with as far as league matches are concerned for 2016-17, having been part of a fascinating 5-4 win only a couple of weeks ago in the reverse fixture at Park Road.
Andrew Street - we know it well
(image: Chadderton FC official website)
Recent matches at Andrew Street haven't been as lavish where goals are concerned. We have come away with two 1-0 wins in our past two visits there but, if the other week is anything to go by, a 1-0 might be a long shot....
Last five seasons at Andrew Street:
2015-16: won 1-0
2014-15: won 1-0
2013-14: won 2-1
2012-13: drew 1-1
2011-12: won 8-2 (FA Cup); lost 1-2
Wednesday 28th
Widnes (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
And onto the final league game of the month, a potentially testing home one versus a much-fancied Widnes side.
Any squad that has Kevin Towey on its roster is guaranteed goals, and that has proven to be the case with him netting in wins over Sandbach United and a hat-trick versus Oswestry. However, these have been tempered by losses at home to Chadderton and Alsager.
We will face them again in the Macron Challenge Cup should they overcome Alsager Town in their First Round tie.
Last five seasons at Park Road:
2015-16: won 2-0
2014-15: lost 3-5
2013-14: won 5-2
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
August Preview
And so it begins. The games come in thick and fast this month: let's see what's in store....
Saturday 6th
Penistone Church (away)
FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round
What a way to start the season: with an FA Cup match.
But we're not complaining. After being without FA Cup matches for the past two seasons we are delighted to have them back once more.
This year's draw has sent us halfway across the Pennines to pit our wits against Penistone Church FC of the Northern Counties East League Division One, which puts them at the same level of the footballing pyramid as us.
(Image: theunderdogblog.com)
They are relative newcomers to football at this level. Formed as early as 1906 they spent their formative years in the Sheffield Amateur League before joining the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League.
They flitted inbetween the First and Premier Divisions in the 1990s before becoming more permanent residents of the Premier Division in the 2000s/10s.
They joined the Northern Counties East League in the 2014-15 season and finished a respectable 9th before finishing an even better 5th last season, enduring the same play-off heartbreak as us as AFC Emley defeated them in the semi-final.
The reward for the winners will be a trip to Northwich Victoria in the Preliminary Round on Saturday 20th.
Should the match be tied then the replay will be at Park Road on Wednesday 10th, taking the place of...
Wednesday 10th
Litherland REMYCA (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Assuming no replay is required then this will be our first Hallmark Security League Division One match of the season.
As you can see from the previous results this usually brings a hatful of goals, with last season's run-out coming right in the middle of our shocking run in new year; REMYCA caught us at the right time....
Previous five seasons at Park Road:
2015-16: lost 2-4
2014-15: won 4-3
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
Saturday 13th
St Helens Town (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
St Helens were the team that we pipped to 6th spot last season; probably fair to say that St Helens will be up there again this season so this might end up being a crucial battle for three points very early doors.
...and also a chance for us to avenge the 1-2 reversal from last season, another defeat that came in that awful January slump.
Previous five seasons at Park Road:
2015-16: lost 1-2
2014-15: did not meet
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
Saturday 20th
Alsager Town (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
Assuming that we are unsuccessful in our FA Cup tie vs Penistone Church then this will be our first league away match of the season...and also our first one against one of the newcomers to the First Division after 'The Bullets' were one of the three relegated teams.
We have faced Alsager at their ground in more recent history - a 0-6 reversal in the FA Cup Preliminary round back in 2006-07 when they were a Northern Premier League 1 side - but as is customary with any "new" team we face in these monthly previews, a spot of history....
Formed in 1968 they were members of the Mid Cheshire League in the 1970s and early 1980s - changing their name to Alsager United in the process - before gaining promotion from the Midland League and joining the North West Counties League in 2001-02...and changing their name back to Alsager Town.
They were promoted from Division Two (as it was back then) immediately and enjoyed top-half finishes in Division One before being promoted to the Northern Premier League for the 2006-07 season (when they faced Cheadle in the FA Cup).
They only stayed in the NPL for two seasons before rejoining the North West Counties League, remaining in the Premier Division before being relegated at the end of last season.
Wednesday 24th
Chadderton (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
It's August so therefore we must be playing Chadderton at some point....
Chadderton's aim this season will be to improve on their 14th place last season and recapture the good form that saw them take a play-off berth two seasons ago (where they were ultimately defeated by AFC Darwen).
Previous five seasons at Park Road:
2015-16: drew 1-1
2014-15: drew 1-1
2013-14: won 2-0
2012-13: drew 0-0
2011-12: lost 1-2
Saturday 27th
Oswestry Town (home)
Hallmark Security League First Division
And it's a warm welcome to the first of our league newcomers to Park Road.
The original Oswestry Town were formed in 1860 and were members of the Shropshire League, Birmingham & District League, Cheshire County League (1960s and early 1970s), Southern League (late 1970s) and then the Northern Premier League before they folded in 1988.
They were reformed in 1993, joining the Welsh National League before becoming twice champions of the Cymru Alliance before becoming members of the League of Wales (later to become the Welsh Premier League) in the early 2000s.
In 2003 they were merged into Total Network Solutions FC (a name that will be familiar to Manchester City fans as they faced them in the UEFA Cup in 2003-04) and thus technically ceased to exist as a separate entity.
Until 2013, when FC Oswestry Town were formed (note the slight name change), joining the Mercian Regional League and wining the title last season before being admitted to the NWCFL for 2016-17. Their "link" with TNS still exists in that they share the Park Hall ground with them.
Tuesday 30th
Ashton Town (away)
Hallmark Security League First Division
It still grates. That 2-3 defeat at Edge Green Street last season, a match lost in the last ten minutes when coasting 2-0 up. Anyhow...
The last game of a busy August sees us given the chance of avenging that loss and to arrest a poor run of form at Edge Green Street; the only game we have won there in the past five seasons is a 2-0 win in a League Cup replay with our last league win there being at the start of the 2010-11 season.
Last five seasons at Edge Green Street:
2015-16: lost 2-3
2014-15: lost 0-1
2013-14: lost 1-4
2012-13: won 2-0 (League Cup 1 replay); drew 3-3
2011-12: drew 0-0
April Preview
Just five games remain. Let's have a closer look at what's in store for April 2016....
Saturday 2nd
Manchester Northwich Villa (away)
NWCFL Division One
Our first match of the new month takes us to plush surrounds as we go to the Manchester Regional Arena.
Where? If you've ever been to The Etihad Stadium then you may have noticed a small athletics stadium next door. This was the home of Manchester City's Women's Team before they moved across the road to the new City Football Academy. Manchester Northwich Villa have been using it as their home this season.
Manchester Regional Arena (the one at the top of the picture!)
Traditionally this is an awkward fixture for us, home or away, and a controversial match back at Park Road in the first half of the season may add some unwanted tension and truculence to this encounter.
Whatever prevails, we need a win to kick the month off.
Last five seasons away to MNVFC:
2014-2015: lost 1-2
2013-2014: lost 1-3
2012-2013: won 3-0
2011-2012: drew 1-1
2010-2011: did not meet
Wednesday 6th
Barnton (home)
NWCFL Division One
Fond memories. The (deserved) win in the reverse fixture back at the start of December cemented our place at the top of the table.
Now matters are slightly different. We're not top anymore and the three points will keep our play-off chances alive. Barnton are here for different reasons as, at the time of writing, they are neck-and-neck with Irlam for one of the promotion places.
Last five seasons at Park Road:
2014-2015: lost 0-3
2013-2014: did not meet
2012-2013: did not meet
2011-2012: did not meet
2010-2011: did not meet
Sunday 10th
Rochdale Town (away)
NWCFL Division One
The Mayfield - as you can see below, traditionally a good hunting ground for us of late.
File under "usually win there"
Alas, Rochdale Town are in rare form at the time of writing and will probably be cursing the fact that they have left their charge that little bit too late to make a significant challenge for the play-off places.
And yes, you read it right. This match IS on a Sunday.
Last five seasons at The Mayfield:
2014-2015: won 4-2
2013-2014: won 2-0
2012-2013: lost 0-1
2011-2012: won 3-2 (FDT); won 1-0
2010-2011: won 3-1
Saturday 16th
Irlam (away)
NWCFL Division One
By the time it kicks off, this third meeting between us and Irlam this season could be absolutely crucial, just as crucial as the match at Park Road the other night.
The clubhouse at Silver Street. We like it a lot.
Same importance, hopefully not the same outcome....
Last five seasons at Silver Street:
2014-2015: drew 2-2
2013-2014: lost 0-1
2012-2013: won 5-3
2011-2012: won 3-1
2010-2011: won 2-1
Saturday 30th
Daisy Hill (away)
NWCFL Division One
And so it all endeth here, at New Sirs.
Pointless to try and predict whether we'll be all checking Twitter feeds and doing ad hoc mathematics to see if we're still in the play-off picture...but let's just hope we are and thus treated to a thrilling end to the season.
Goals guaranteed in this fixture, it would seem. Not sure what another 5-4 win would do for one's health....
Last five seasons at New Sirs:
2014-2015: lost 3-4
2013-2014: won 2-0
2012-2013: won 3-1
2011-2012: won 2-1
2010-2011: won 5-4
March Preview
With the end of the season nigh, we have a look at what's in store for the First XI in the month of March 2016....
Only nine games to go this season; the "run-in" has well and truly begun. A key month lies ahead with most of March's matches seeing the First XI facing sides that are in the play-off mix.
Saturday 5th
Barnton (home)
NWCFL Division One
And here is the first one.
Barnton - there or thereabouts at the top of the pile since day one of the season - will be looking for revenge after we claimed a 2-1 win at the start of December.
Barnton's manager at the time, Leon Knight, said that win for us wouldn't alter the final outcome of the table come April. Maybe not, but what it does do is give us a slight psychological advantage. Barnton are beatable and, at the time of writing, are experiencing a bit of a wobble form-wise in the league: no wins in their last three league matches.
Last five seasons at Park Road:
2014-2015: lost 0-3
2013-2014: did not meet
2012-2013: did not meet
2011-2012: did not meet
2010-2011: did not meet
Wednesday 16th
Eccleshall (away)
NWCFL Division One
Once more the fixture Gods have decreed that we travel to deepest Staffordshire on a midweek evening (our third consecutive midweek visit).
Club development officer Brian Lindon can never get enough of the oatcakes at Pershall Park
Not that it has been a problem: the previous two visits saw wins for Cheadle Town, as did the two prior to that, making for an impressive away record at Pershall Park in recent years.
At the time of writing Eccleshall's form has picked up somewhat, seeing them gradually haul themselves away from the foot of the table.
Last five seasons at Pershall Park:
2014-2015: won 1-0
2013-2014: won 3-1
2012-2013: won 2-0
2011-2012: won 5-0
2010-2011: lost 2-3
Saturday 26th
Holker Old Boys (away)
NWCFL Division One
...or in other words, the longest-living hoodoo in Cheadle Town FC history.
I defy any club to have an away record at one particular ground as pitiful as ours at Rakesmoor Lane. No win there since a 4-2 one in the latter half of the 1998-99 season which makes it 17 years of travelling the 100 miles back down the M6 without anything significant to show for it.
The 3-3 draw back in 2011-12 felt like a win, mind. With the clock well into injury time Matt German hooked in an equaliser to send the bench into raptures. Let's hope we can go one better this time.
Because it's about time we did.
Last five seasons at Rakesmoor Lane:
2014-2015: lost 2-4
2013-2014: lost 1-4
2012-2013: lost 0-3
2011-2012: drew 3-3
2010-2011: lost 1-2
Wednesday 30th
Irlam (home)
NWCFL Division One
Another of the sides that are hanging around the play-off picture.
With games-in-hand to use, Irlam are in a strong position to mount a play-off challenge. They have yet to play us both home and away, so a win in both may be vital for us to keep them at bay, so to speak.
Irlam will be relying on their half-decent record at Park Road. Only one defeat in their seven visits since they re-entered the league back in 2008-2009.
Last five seasons at Park Road:
2014-2015: lost 0-3
2013-2014: won 4-2
2012-2013: drew 2-2
2011-2012: drew 2-2
2010-2011: lost 1-2
February Preview
What's in store for our First XI this coming month?
January 2016 wasn't much cop: not a solitary league point to our name. Here's hoping February 2016 is a little bit better....
Saturday 6th
Rochdale Town (away)
After four matches on-the-bounce at Park Road it's a relief to be on the road again.
Rochdale Town may be saying the opposite: of the 20 league matches they have played at the time of writing, only 6 have been at The Mayfield so I'm sure they'll only be too glad to be on home turf for a change.
Our record here isn't that bad - only one defeat in our last six visits here - but we are well aware that a poor performance on our part against Rochdale Town will be punished, something that was ably demonstrated by our 0-3 home defeat in the reverse fixture back in autumn.
Previous five seasons at The Mayfield:
2014-15: won 4-2
2013-14: won 2-0
2012-13: lost 0-1
2011-12: won 1-0; won 3-2 (FDT)
2010-11: won 3-1
Tuesday 9th
Hanley Town (away)
A crucial clash.
A quick glance at the table will suggest that Hanley Town hold a massive trump card where the promotion race is concerned: in one of the top two spots anyhow (at the time of writing) and with a hatful of games-in-hand as "insurance".
Our two previous visits here haven't been without angst. On both occasions we got ourselves into good positions (we were 2-0 up last time around), only to be leaving Stoke-on-Trent with nothing but wounds to lick.
After the disastrous January we need to make another statement of intent along the lines of our win at Barnton back in December. Winning here would be just the tonic.
Previous five seasons at Abbey Lane:
2014-15: lost 2-3
2013-14: lost 3-5
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
2010-11: did not meet
Saturday 13th
Stockport Town (home)
Oh joy of joys, a local derby.
If you enjoy the tension of such occasions then go and see a doctor. To be frank, parochial willy-waving is not for me and unfortunately the football itself ends up coming second. Anyhow....
This could end up being another important fixture as far as the play-off shake-up is concerned as Stockport Town are also in the mix. Both sides already have one win to their name in this fixture - Stockport Town taking the First Division Trophy tie and us taking the three points at Lambeth Grove in the league fixture.
Any takers for the draw?
Saturday 20th
Atherton LR (home)
The NWCFL fixture gods have given us a week off on Saturday 27th (thus far - anything can change!) so this will be our swansong for February.
Not much to say about this fixture other than we hope to add LR to our list of teams that we have done the double over this season, thanks to a very comfortable 4-1 win at Crilly Park back in October.
If all of the above four fixtures take place as expected, then there will only be eight league fixtures left. Eight. Yes, the season end is that near already....
Previous five seasons at Park Road:
2014-15: won 2-1
2013-14: drew 1-1
2012-13: won 1-0
2011-12: did not meet
2010-11: did not meet
December Preview
Weather-permitting, a tricky-looking December awaits with some key fixtures in and around the upper part of the NWCFL First Division table....
Saturday 5th December
Barnton (away)
NWCFL First Division
Barnton may be only one-and-a-half seasons into their NWCFL existence but they have certainly had a rare old time.
Leon Knight at Park Road last season
They were in the play-off picture until the very last moment last season and look to be making strides to be in it again this time around; at the time of writing they were sitting in the top two.
Manager Leon Knight strengthened the attack by signing Kevin Towey in close season which has paid off royally with Kevin netting the largest proportion of Barnton's goals.
Our very first visit to Townfield resulted in an entertaining 2-2 draw last season.
Previous five seasons at Townfield:
2014-15: drew 2-2
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
2010-11: did not meet
Saturday 12th December
Hanley Town (away)
NWCFL First Division
Another away-day to a team that will probably be there-or-thereabouts at the end of next April.
We've not had much luck in our visits to Abbey Lane: having gone 2-0 up last season we allowed Hanley back into it with a 3-2 win at the death with a couple of injuries upsetting our rhythm the season before having taken a 2-1 lead.
At the time of writing, Hanley are in a strong position: sat comfortably in the top three and with games-in-hand in the bank to "pounce" with.
We could do with a change of luck at Abbey Lane. Now would be a good time.
Previous five seasons at Abbey Lane:
2014-15: lost 2-3
2013-14: lost 3-5
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
2010-11: did not meet
Saturday 19th December
Bacup Borough (home)
NWCFL First Division
How time flies.
It doesn't seem that long ago since that eventful 5-5 draw in the away fixture at the start of the season. Not long since we were covering our eyes in the 13th minute of injury time wondering if Luke Pearson would net the penalty to level it and cap a remarkable comeback but hopefully long enough for Bacup's Sylvester Yeboah - who suffered a horrendous leg break at the end of the match - to be a better distance down his road to recovery.
Bacup made a slow start to the season after that match but have picked up form of late - including a 9-2 battering of Rochdale Town and a handy 4-2 away win at Hanley - which has put them in a position to challenge for a play-off spot.
This could be a close call...but I'm not sure if we will get a repeat of the 5-5!
Previous five seasons at Park Road:
2014-15: did not meet
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: lost 0-2 (FAV1)
2010-11: did not meet
Saturday 26th December
Irlam (away)
NWCFL First Division
Again? So soon?
Not much to write about this one as it comes soon after our 2-3 defeat in the First Division Trophy last month, except to say that it is our traditional Boxing Day trip, three points would be a great festive boost and it gives us another excuse to give their excellent clubhouse a visit.
November Preview
A not-so-busy November ahead for our First XI but some key fixtures nonetheless....
Saturday 7th
Irlam (away)
First Division Trophy 2nd Round
Our first November fixture offers us the chance to step away from the stress of the league campaign and focus on the smaller of the two "domestic" cup competitions, the First Division Trophy.
Our record at Silver Street isn't that bad, upset only by the one defeat in our last five visits there but we will have to be wary of an Irlam outfit that have had a very good season thus far; at the time of writing they are sitting in 6th spot and have only been defeated twice at home.
This visit will also give us the opportunity to see how their new clubhouse is coming along. Going off what we have seen on social media it looks very smart indeed.
Irlam's new clubhouse - from the outside...
...and on the inside. We can only look on in envy.
A win takes you into the quarter finals, the format of which will be announced by the NWCFL soon after all ties have completed.
Previous five seasons at Silver Street:
2014-15: drew 2-2
2013-14: lost 0-1
2012-13: won 5-3
2011-12: won 3-1
2010-11: won 2-1
Wednesday 18th
Eccleshall (away)
NWCFL First Division
Re-arranged from Saturday 14th (due to Eccleshall having a Staffordshire Vase tie), this will be our third midweek trip to Pershall Park in succession. A long night awaits, especially if the M6 is up to its usual tricks.
They may be rock bottom of the table but don't let that fool you. They still have plenty of games-in-hand to haul themselves out of trouble and gave us plenty of food for thought when they came to Park Road earlier in the season.
Previous five seasons at Pershall Park:
2014-15: won 1-0
2013-14: won 3-1
2012-13: won 2-0
2011-12: won 5-0
2010-11: lost 2-3
Saturday 21st
Northwich Manchester Villa (home)
NWCFL First Division
As this goes to press Northwich Manchester Villa have an FA Vase 1st Round replay versus Whitley Bay pending which puts this fixture in a "50-50" status as it's the 2nd round on Saturday 21st.
The fact that they have taken Whitley Bay to a replay should tell us that this won't be easy.
Despite our relatively good record at Park Road against 'Villa the victories haven't come without extraordinary effort on our part; 'Villa have always proved to be hard work and you never know what you are going to get when you face them.
At the time of writing they were in good league form. Another difficult afternoon awaits.
Previous five seasons at Park Road:
2014-15: won 2-1; lost 2-3 (Cheshire Senior Cup)
2013-14: lost 1-2
2012-13: won 2-1
2011-12: won 3-0
2010-11: did not meet
Saturday 28th
Whitchurch Alport (away)
NWCFL First Division
The powers-that-be at Yockings Park won't thank me for this but if I was a betting man I'd put my money on a draw.
Yockings Park - somewhere new for us to tick off the list
At the start of November the NWCFL newcomers had already clocked up nine draws, seven of which at Yockings and were it not for two late goals for us in the fixture at Park Road at the start of the season, the number of draws would have been ten.
We always like to go somewhere new so we are looking forward to our first visit there...and to hopefully come away with all three points before a difficult-looking December schedule hoves into view....
Bonfire Night by Ismail Mia is licensed under Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0
September Preview
A full rundown of what September has in store for our First XI.
In writing this preview to our fixtures in September it has dawned on me that one wasn't written for August, for which we apologise.
September is traditionally when the FA Vase kicks in, and that's where we start....
Saturday 5th
Staveley Miners Welfare (away)
FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round
The road to Wembley starts here.
Find Chesterfield on a map, run your finger north-east on the page and you'll very quickly come across Staveley, home to our opponents in this years' FA Vase campaign.
As the team's moniker would suggest, Staveley's history lies heavily within the mining industry with several pits situated around the area. Staveley Miners Welfare is also the name of a building on Market Street so, should you ever find yourself in Staveley looking for a football game, specify which "Miners Welfare" you're looking for as you may be directed to the old market hall!
The "other" Miners Welfare in Staveley
The football club was founded in 1962 as a Sunday League outfit with their history in the Northern Counties East League starting only as recently as the 1996-97 season.
We find them in the Premier Division which technically puts them one level higher than us in the pyramid system, so we're expecting a testing afternoon at Inkersall Road.
SMWFC's Inkersall Road ground
What we're also expecting - and what we have been promised by those at SMWFC via a series of tweets - is a warm welcome, good playing surface and quality food and ale.
Pies and pints at the ready!
Hopefully what sounds like a good away-day already will be complemented by a win and a place in the next round at Handsworth Parramore or AFC Liverpool.
Wednesday 9th
Eccleshall (home)
NWCFL First Division
Assuming that no replay will be required we will then be in action at Park Road against Eccleshall. We haven't faired too well against our Staffordshire opponents at Park Road of late (see below) with them running out winners by the odd goal in four of their last five visits here. Can we put that right on Wednesday 9th?
Last five seasons at Park Road....
2014-15: lost 2-3
2013-14: won 3-1
2012-13: lost 1-2
2011-12: lost 1-2
2010-11: lost 1-2
Saturday 12th
Ashton Town (away)
NWCFL First Division
Towards the start of last season we travelled to Edge Green Street and were defeated by a single, late goal thus prolonging our stuttering start.
We've started much better this time around...and so have Ashton Town at the time of writing so this should be an interesting contest.
Last five seasons at Edge Green Street....
2014-15: lost 0-1
2013-14: lost 1-4
2012-13: won 2-0 (LC1 replay), drew 3-3
2011-12: drew 0-0
2010-11: won 2-1
Saturday 19th
St Helens Town (away)
NWCFL First Division
At the time of writing St Helens Town are just above us in the league table so by the time this fixture comes around the result could mean a swap-of-positions. One of the relegatees from the Premier Division last season this could prove to be another testing away day.
We haven't faced St Helens away in recent seasons (not since the turn of the century) but it will mean a first return to Brocstedes Park - where they groundshare with Ashton Athletic - since the end of the 2007-08 season.
Brocstedes Park
Saturday 26th
Stockport Town (home)
NWCFL League Cup 1st Round
Aren't cup draws wonderful? There's always a nice little local issue in there somewhere and the First Round of the NWCFL League Cup has delivered.
This will see the return of Nathan Neequaye, our top scorer from last season who now wears the red-and-white stripes of our geographical neighbours.
A tie away at Premier Division Alsager Town awaits the winners.