Division One Preview
Fri 1st August 2014 | General | By Joe Gibbons
The First Division proved to be one of the most entertaining leagues in non-league football last season, with promotion places being decided on the final day of the campaign once again. We have been spoilt in recent seasons, with ever growing crowds being treated to high scoring and entertaining matches.
We may not have the likes of Nelson, Formby and 1874 Northwich in the division this season, but a mixture of strong teams and the introduction of a play-off system will inevitably ensure that there is a plethora of entertainment in the second tier of the NWCFL.
We have three brand new clubs in Barnton, Litherland REMYCA and Cammell Laird 1907, with the latter being a rebranded version of the Cammell Laird side who have performed well in the Evo-Stik Division One North over the last couple of seasons. Lairds may have voluntarily dropped down two divisions, but they have kept their manager Tony Sullivan and the majority of their squad.
Barnton kick off their season at home to Ashton Town, with the Townfield side hoping to emulate the successes of West Didsbury & Chorlton, 1874 Northwich and Hanley Town in the last couple of seasons. Brand new sides have tended to perform quite well and Barnton look to have assembled a squad that will more than hold their own.
Litherland REMYCA begin NWCFL life away at Eccleshall, whilst Atherton Collieries are the first visitors to Rock Ferry to pit their wits against Cammell Laird. It will be interesting to see how Colls perform at Kirklands having assembled a brand new coaching team and squad over the summer.
Wigan Robin Park are another addition to the First Division this season having been relegated last campaign. Wigan won this division in 2012, beating Norton United to the title by one point. They will be hoping that they can bounce back at the first time of asking and welcome the newly rebranded Widnes FC to Robin Park.
Oldham Boro will be getting used to new surroundings when they play their first match at Seel Park in Mossley on Saturday afternoon. Oldham have resided in Atherton in recent years, but a move to Mossley means the club is now nearer to their original home. Cheadle Town are their oppponents.
Rochdale Town travel to Holker Old Boys, for a battle between two sides who will hope to be involved in the promotion shake up at the end of the season. Both sides performed well last campaign, with Rochdale in particular gaining momentum towards the end of the season.
Atherton Laburnum Rovers welcome Hanley Town to Crilly Park, in what will be Ross McNair's first competitive game in charge of Rovers. This fixture produced a 4-3 win for LR last season and a similar amount of goals may be on the cards on Saturday, with Hanley Town coming off the back of a pleasing pre-season in which they recorded 14 goals.
Elsewhere, AFC Darwen host Irlam and Daisy Hill play Chadderton at New Sirs.
Division One Preview
Fri 1st August 2014 | General
By Joe Gibbons
The First Division proved to be one of the most entertaining leagues in non-league football last season, with promotion places being decided on the final day of the campaign once again. We have been spoilt in recent seasons, with ever growing crowds being treated to high scoring and entertaining matches.
We may not have the likes of Nelson, Formby and 1874 Northwich in the division this season, but a mixture of strong teams and the introduction of a play-off system will inevitably ensure that there is a plethora of entertainment in the second tier of the NWCFL.
We have three brand new clubs in Barnton, Litherland REMYCA and Cammell Laird 1907, with the latter being a rebranded version of the Cammell Laird side who have performed well in the Evo-Stik Division One North over the last couple of seasons. Lairds may have voluntarily dropped down two divisions, but they have kept their manager Tony Sullivan and the majority of their squad.
Barnton kick off their season at home to Ashton Town, with the Townfield side hoping to emulate the successes of West Didsbury & Chorlton, 1874 Northwich and Hanley Town in the last couple of seasons. Brand new sides have tended to perform quite well and Barnton look to have assembled a squad that will more than hold their own.
Litherland REMYCA begin NWCFL life away at Eccleshall, whilst Atherton Collieries are the first visitors to Rock Ferry to pit their wits against Cammell Laird. It will be interesting to see how Colls perform at Kirklands having assembled a brand new coaching team and squad over the summer.
Wigan Robin Park are another addition to the First Division this season having been relegated last campaign. Wigan won this division in 2012, beating Norton United to the title by one point. They will be hoping that they can bounce back at the first time of asking and welcome the newly rebranded Widnes FC to Robin Park.
Oldham Boro will be getting used to new surroundings when they play their first match at Seel Park in Mossley on Saturday afternoon. Oldham have resided in Atherton in recent years, but a move to Mossley means the club is now nearer to their original home. Cheadle Town are their oppponents.
Rochdale Town travel to Holker Old Boys, for a battle between two sides who will hope to be involved in the promotion shake up at the end of the season. Both sides performed well last campaign, with Rochdale in particular gaining momentum towards the end of the season.
Atherton Laburnum Rovers welcome Hanley Town to Crilly Park, in what will be Ross McNair's first competitive game in charge of Rovers. This fixture produced a 4-3 win for LR last season and a similar amount of goals may be on the cards on Saturday, with Hanley Town coming off the back of a pleasing pre-season in which they recorded 14 goals.
Elsewhere, AFC Darwen host Irlam and Daisy Hill play Chadderton at New Sirs.
