Men United Cup Preview - Saturday 28th November 2015
Thu 26th November 2015 | Macron Cup | By Stewart Taylor
We are still very much in the part of the season where cup competitions come thick and fast, and this weekend is no exception as the MEN United Cup returns for the Third Round.
Very often at this stage we see a number of matches where a Premier Division team comes up against a First Division side but, such has been the draw this year, there is only one example of such a pairing.
We start with the visit of Atherton Collieries to the Brian Boys West View Stadium to take on Bacup Borough.
Borough started their campaign in the First Division in very poor form having to wait until the last game in August to register their first win. Since then the form has improved and the side were going well, including a victory over Hanley Town in the 2nd Round of this competition, until a series of postponements brought proceedings to something of a halt.
A home win at the end of October against Rochdale Town has certainly been the highlight of the season so far results-wise with both Tom Black and Kelvin Trippier registering hat tricks in a 9-2 win so there are certainly goals within the side.
Colls became our second side through to the 3rd Round of the FA Carlsberg Vase on Monday with a win over Chadderton which was by no means as comfortable as the 3-0 scoreline would suggest.
In a match played in difficult conditions it was only very late in the match that Colls were assured of their passage into the next round and a trip to Northern League outfit and winners over Colne last Saturday, Newton Aycliffe.
Overall, it has been a positive return to the NWCFL top flight for Colls; good League form and cup runs see Colls top of the current form table and remain undefeated since the middle of September.
The hosts will need to be at their very best to take anything away from this match and prevent last years beaten finalists from progressing into the next round.
Two First Division sides in the middle of successful seasons meet each other as Barnton are the visitors to Lambeth Grove to take on league newcomers Stockport Town.
Barnton currently lead the First Division table and have proved formidable opponents for many sides this season. The Cheshire side are still going along in the Reusch First Division Cup following a win over Northwich Manchester Villa in the 2nd Round and in the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup where a victory over Winsford United booked them a semi-final place.
Not many league matches played recently but a recent reversal against Litherland REMYCA will have given encouragement to the chasing pack.
The Lions of Stockport Town are enjoying their first season in the NWCFL. League form has been good and progress has been made in Cup competitions. A 3-0 win away at Premier Division Alsager Town brought Stockport into this 3rd Round tie and another away victory, this time at fellow League newcomers Whitchurch Alport, sees them making progress in the Reusch First Division Cup.
A narrow defeat away at Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division side Hyde United in the Cheshire Senior Cup in midweek was no disgrace and they will be certainly up for this match against the current First Division leaders.
The only other all First Division tie sees Eccleshall host Irlam.
The Staffordshire side currently sit at the foot of the First Division table but numerous cup commitments has meant that only 11 League matches have been played.
Their most recent match came last weekend and they were impressive in coming back from behind twice before shading the match with Atherton LR by the odd goal in five thanks to a fine winner by man of the match Angelo Errico.
Steve Nixon’s charges are on a decent run of form despite a recent defeat away at Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North side Mossley in a match played in some of the worst conditions experienced in many a long year.
Driving rain and a howling gale made football all but impossible but the Irlam lads stuck to their task and contributed well to what was difficult game. Irlam reached this stage of this competition following a fine win at home over Runcorn Linnets and will be hoping to push on to the quarter final stage.
Of the five all Premier Division ties, we start at the Barton Stadium when 1874 Northwich host Ashton Athletic.
There will be huge disappointment at 1874 regarding the circumstances of their FA Carlsberg Vase tie against Morpeth but with matches continuing to come thick and fast that disappointment needs to be put behind them quickly.
1874 suffered a rare reversal against this afternoon’s opponents in a League match in early October but have been on a good run since with their only defeat coming on penalties against Alsager Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup. 1874 reached this stage by defeating landlords Winsford United in the 2nd Round in a match which featured a brace by leading scorer Matthew Beadle.
The Yellows have been on a decent run of form since three League defeats in a row back in October.
A notable victory was achieved over AFC Fylde in the Second Round of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy earlier this month thanks to a brace from Daniel Smith. Ashton Athletic tend not to score too many goals but don’t give many away and will perhaps be recalling their victory in the final of this competition against Maine Road back in season 2013/14. This match could well be a tight one.
Nelson progressed to this stage of the competition thanks to a 4-3 win after extra time over Congleton Town. Their reward for that victory is the tie today at Little Wembley against Cammell Laird 1907.
Nelson are struggling to regain some momentum after a decent start to the season rather fell away in October and November. A couple of recent postponements haven’t helped but a cup tie provides the opportunity to get going again.
Lairds seem to be something of the penalty kings this season having converted 13 penalties in 26 matches in all competitions in addition to defeating the Dabbers of Nantwich Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup on penalties, after the match had finished all square after extra time.
With Craig Cairns well up in the goalscorers table supported by Jamie Henders (#penaltyking1) and Paul Foy (#penaltyking2) goals can be expected in this match. Nelson will need to be on their mettle to progress to the quarter final stage.
Runcorn Town have had a good record in cup competitions of recent years, and this has continued this season as they became the first of our sides to progress to the 3rd Round of the FA Carlsberg Vase with a comfortable looking win over Garforth Town last Saturday.
The early season League form was a little wayward, but things have come together somewhat more recently with the returning James McShane showing his influence from a midfield role. Paul Shanley continues to find the back of the net regularly and the team will look forward to the trip this Saturday to the YESSS Electrical Arena where Steve Wilkes’ Padiham side await them.
The Storks returned to the NWCFL this season but have not found the going easy. Some indifferent League form sees them lying in 18th place in the Premier Division table but have shown better form than that recently.
Padiham progressed to this round of the MEN United Cup with a narrow 2nd Round victory away at AFC Liverpool and a win today will help the all round confidence going forward.
One of the matches of the season so far was the tie between Colne and Newton Aycliffe in the FA Carlsberg Vase last Saturday. Extra time was needed to separate two very good sides but it was the North Easterners who progressed, leaving Colne to think about what might have been. The Red Army are on the road this Saturday as they pitch up on the Fylde coast at Squires Gate.
Steve Cunningham’s men progressed to this stage with a late, late show win in a Friday night match away at Rochdale Town. Colne were within two minutes of going out, until goals from Ben Allen and Dominic Craig were enough to book their passage through into the 3rd Round draw.
Squires Gate changed manager earlier in the season as Danny Penswick came in for the departing Dave McCann. The side took a little time to settle under the new manager, but recent results have shown a significant improvement with two good League victories following a comprehensive victory over Maine Road in the last round of this competition.
Three postponements had rather taken the wind from their sails, and the first match back saw a defeat at West Didsbury & Chorlton but Gate have a reputation for playing good football on an excellent pitch so we can expect a good match up in this one.
Our final match sees Gate’s near neighbours AFC Blackpool making the trip to Silsden.
The Cobbydalers have fared better in cup competitions than in the League this season. Progress was made through two rounds of the FA Carling Vase before a home defeat to Northern League Sunderland RCA. Two matches won in the West Riding County Cup has set up a quarter final tie away at Thackley next month.
A Chris Wademan penalty early in the match was sufficient for a 2nd round win in this competition away at Abbey Hey. All at the Angel Telecom Stadium will be hoping that the side take their cup form rather than League form into this match.
Stuart Parker brings his side to West Yorkshire looking for a repeat of the League match played at the Mechanics Ground between these two sides back in September. In that match two goals in the first five minutes set up a comfortable 5-0 win for the Mechanics.
Cup matches have not been too kind for AFC Blackpool this season including going out of the Emirates FA Cup to Northwich Victoria in somewhat controversial circumstances. This match today represents the last cup in which they have an interest this season and progress will be a positive for the club.
As ever, interesting matches all over the region this Saturday and, wherever you enjoy your live football this weekend, enjoy the match.
NOTE:
If any of the Cup games are postponed this Saturday, the list of dates for a second attempt at playing the fixtures is as follows.
Eccleshall v Irlam - Wednesday 9th December
1874 Northwich v Ashton Athletic - Tuesday 8th December
Padiham v Runcorn Town - Wednesday 16th December
Nelson v Cammell Laird 1907 - Tuesday 8th December
Silsden v AFC Blackpool - Tuesday 15th December
Squires Gate v Colne - Tuesday 15th December
Bacup Borough v Atherton Collieries - Wednesday 16th December
Stockport Town v Barnton - Tuesday 8th December
If a fixture is postponed for a second time due to bad weather it will be switched to the opponents ground.
The Quarter Finals of this competition will take place on Saturday 27th February 2016.
Men United Cup Preview - Saturday 28th November 2015
Thu 26th November 2015 | Macron Cup
By Stewart Taylor
We are still very much in the part of the season where cup competitions come thick and fast, and this weekend is no exception as the MEN United Cup returns for the Third Round.
Very often at this stage we see a number of matches where a Premier Division team comes up against a First Division side but, such has been the draw this year, there is only one example of such a pairing.
We start with the visit of Atherton Collieries to the Brian Boys West View Stadium to take on Bacup Borough.
Borough started their campaign in the First Division in very poor form having to wait until the last game in August to register their first win. Since then the form has improved and the side were going well, including a victory over Hanley Town in the 2nd Round of this competition, until a series of postponements brought proceedings to something of a halt.
A home win at the end of October against Rochdale Town has certainly been the highlight of the season so far results-wise with both Tom Black and Kelvin Trippier registering hat tricks in a 9-2 win so there are certainly goals within the side.
Colls became our second side through to the 3rd Round of the FA Carlsberg Vase on Monday with a win over Chadderton which was by no means as comfortable as the 3-0 scoreline would suggest.
In a match played in difficult conditions it was only very late in the match that Colls were assured of their passage into the next round and a trip to Northern League outfit and winners over Colne last Saturday, Newton Aycliffe.
Overall, it has been a positive return to the NWCFL top flight for Colls; good League form and cup runs see Colls top of the current form table and remain undefeated since the middle of September.
The hosts will need to be at their very best to take anything away from this match and prevent last years beaten finalists from progressing into the next round.
Two First Division sides in the middle of successful seasons meet each other as Barnton are the visitors to Lambeth Grove to take on league newcomers Stockport Town.
Barnton currently lead the First Division table and have proved formidable opponents for many sides this season. The Cheshire side are still going along in the Reusch First Division Cup following a win over Northwich Manchester Villa in the 2nd Round and in the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup where a victory over Winsford United booked them a semi-final place.
Not many league matches played recently but a recent reversal against Litherland REMYCA will have given encouragement to the chasing pack.
The Lions of Stockport Town are enjoying their first season in the NWCFL. League form has been good and progress has been made in Cup competitions. A 3-0 win away at Premier Division Alsager Town brought Stockport into this 3rd Round tie and another away victory, this time at fellow League newcomers Whitchurch Alport, sees them making progress in the Reusch First Division Cup.
A narrow defeat away at Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division side Hyde United in the Cheshire Senior Cup in midweek was no disgrace and they will be certainly up for this match against the current First Division leaders.
The only other all First Division tie sees Eccleshall host Irlam.
The Staffordshire side currently sit at the foot of the First Division table but numerous cup commitments has meant that only 11 League matches have been played.
Their most recent match came last weekend and they were impressive in coming back from behind twice before shading the match with Atherton LR by the odd goal in five thanks to a fine winner by man of the match Angelo Errico.
Steve Nixon’s charges are on a decent run of form despite a recent defeat away at Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North side Mossley in a match played in some of the worst conditions experienced in many a long year.
Driving rain and a howling gale made football all but impossible but the Irlam lads stuck to their task and contributed well to what was difficult game. Irlam reached this stage of this competition following a fine win at home over Runcorn Linnets and will be hoping to push on to the quarter final stage.
Of the five all Premier Division ties, we start at the Barton Stadium when 1874 Northwich host Ashton Athletic.
There will be huge disappointment at 1874 regarding the circumstances of their FA Carlsberg Vase tie against Morpeth but with matches continuing to come thick and fast that disappointment needs to be put behind them quickly.
1874 suffered a rare reversal against this afternoon’s opponents in a League match in early October but have been on a good run since with their only defeat coming on penalties against Alsager Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup. 1874 reached this stage by defeating landlords Winsford United in the 2nd Round in a match which featured a brace by leading scorer Matthew Beadle.
The Yellows have been on a decent run of form since three League defeats in a row back in October.
A notable victory was achieved over AFC Fylde in the Second Round of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy earlier this month thanks to a brace from Daniel Smith. Ashton Athletic tend not to score too many goals but don’t give many away and will perhaps be recalling their victory in the final of this competition against Maine Road back in season 2013/14. This match could well be a tight one.
Nelson progressed to this stage of the competition thanks to a 4-3 win after extra time over Congleton Town. Their reward for that victory is the tie today at Little Wembley against Cammell Laird 1907.
Nelson are struggling to regain some momentum after a decent start to the season rather fell away in October and November. A couple of recent postponements haven’t helped but a cup tie provides the opportunity to get going again.
Lairds seem to be something of the penalty kings this season having converted 13 penalties in 26 matches in all competitions in addition to defeating the Dabbers of Nantwich Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup on penalties, after the match had finished all square after extra time.
With Craig Cairns well up in the goalscorers table supported by Jamie Henders (#penaltyking1) and Paul Foy (#penaltyking2) goals can be expected in this match. Nelson will need to be on their mettle to progress to the quarter final stage.
Runcorn Town have had a good record in cup competitions of recent years, and this has continued this season as they became the first of our sides to progress to the 3rd Round of the FA Carlsberg Vase with a comfortable looking win over Garforth Town last Saturday.
The early season League form was a little wayward, but things have come together somewhat more recently with the returning James McShane showing his influence from a midfield role. Paul Shanley continues to find the back of the net regularly and the team will look forward to the trip this Saturday to the YESSS Electrical Arena where Steve Wilkes’ Padiham side await them.
The Storks returned to the NWCFL this season but have not found the going easy. Some indifferent League form sees them lying in 18th place in the Premier Division table but have shown better form than that recently.
Padiham progressed to this round of the MEN United Cup with a narrow 2nd Round victory away at AFC Liverpool and a win today will help the all round confidence going forward.
One of the matches of the season so far was the tie between Colne and Newton Aycliffe in the FA Carlsberg Vase last Saturday. Extra time was needed to separate two very good sides but it was the North Easterners who progressed, leaving Colne to think about what might have been. The Red Army are on the road this Saturday as they pitch up on the Fylde coast at Squires Gate.
Steve Cunningham’s men progressed to this stage with a late, late show win in a Friday night match away at Rochdale Town. Colne were within two minutes of going out, until goals from Ben Allen and Dominic Craig were enough to book their passage through into the 3rd Round draw.
Squires Gate changed manager earlier in the season as Danny Penswick came in for the departing Dave McCann. The side took a little time to settle under the new manager, but recent results have shown a significant improvement with two good League victories following a comprehensive victory over Maine Road in the last round of this competition.
Three postponements had rather taken the wind from their sails, and the first match back saw a defeat at West Didsbury & Chorlton but Gate have a reputation for playing good football on an excellent pitch so we can expect a good match up in this one.
Our final match sees Gate’s near neighbours AFC Blackpool making the trip to Silsden.
The Cobbydalers have fared better in cup competitions than in the League this season. Progress was made through two rounds of the FA Carling Vase before a home defeat to Northern League Sunderland RCA. Two matches won in the West Riding County Cup has set up a quarter final tie away at Thackley next month.
A Chris Wademan penalty early in the match was sufficient for a 2nd round win in this competition away at Abbey Hey. All at the Angel Telecom Stadium will be hoping that the side take their cup form rather than League form into this match.
Stuart Parker brings his side to West Yorkshire looking for a repeat of the League match played at the Mechanics Ground between these two sides back in September. In that match two goals in the first five minutes set up a comfortable 5-0 win for the Mechanics.
Cup matches have not been too kind for AFC Blackpool this season including going out of the Emirates FA Cup to Northwich Victoria in somewhat controversial circumstances. This match today represents the last cup in which they have an interest this season and progress will be a positive for the club.
As ever, interesting matches all over the region this Saturday and, wherever you enjoy your live football this weekend, enjoy the match.
NOTE:
If any of the Cup games are postponed this Saturday, the list of dates for a second attempt at playing the fixtures is as follows.
Eccleshall v Irlam - Wednesday 9th December
1874 Northwich v Ashton Athletic - Tuesday 8th December
Padiham v Runcorn Town - Wednesday 16th December
Nelson v Cammell Laird 1907 - Tuesday 8th December
Silsden v AFC Blackpool - Tuesday 15th December
Squires Gate v Colne - Tuesday 15th December
Bacup Borough v Atherton Collieries - Wednesday 16th December
Stockport Town v Barnton - Tuesday 8th December
If a fixture is postponed for a second time due to bad weather it will be switched to the opponents ground.
The Quarter Finals of this competition will take place on Saturday 27th February 2016.
