Week 2: Manager Quotes
Mon 10th August 2026 | Manager Reactions | By Media Team
Emirates FA Cup:
Euxton Villa made their own piece of history with their win this weekend in the FA Cup. They smashed Atherton LR for six without reply, after which manager Matty Atherton said, "it's an historic day for the club yesterday as we played our first ever fixture at home in the FA Cup. Lots of effort off the field to ensure we were in the best place possible, but I don’t think any of us anticipated what would happen on the field!
"An unbelievable 6-0 victory which has to rank right near the top of our most memorable victories since moving into the semi-professional ranks. Huge credit has to be given to the players who were relentless from the first whistle to the last on what was a very hot day to play football.
"We couldn’t have asked for more from them as they were quicker, sharper and hungrier than their opposite numbers, which led to a comfortable victory in the end. We know what a good side Atherton LR are through our many bottles that we’ve had over recent seasons.
"There’s a lot to admire about how they’ve continued to progress since moving into the Prem at the same time as us, and I am sure they will be right up there come the end of the season.
"But the result today was very much one for the Villa faithful to savour and means we go into uncharted territory for the next round of the FA Cup against Lower Breck in two weeks time - we can’t wait!"
Another NWCFL Premier Division side who progressed in English football's oldest competition were Litherland REMYCA. They overcame Charnock Richard 2-1, having lost to them in midweek. Following the game, manager Ste Scott said, "it was the perfect fixture for us after the disappointment of midweek. We approached the game today with a lot more intent and felt we were good value for the lead.
"The game got a bit edgy towards the end as you’d expect from a close cup tie, but all in all, we felt like we earned the win, just as Charnock had against us in the league midweek."
Longridge Town were also able to secure their spot in the next round. They eeked out a 1-0 victory away from home against Northern Counties East League side Keighley Town, which manager Lee Ashcroft called a "close game on a difficult pitch", but told of how he was "very happy to see out the victory".
Edward Case Cup:
There was a 10-goal thriller on Saturday amongst the opening fixtures of this year's Edward Case Cup. In the north draw, Fulwood Amateurs ran out 8-2 winners against new arrivals Halewood Apollo. Following such an impressive victory, manager Phil Blackwell said, "it was really pleasing to win our first home game of the season and obviously we're very happy with the result.
"We scored some late goals, which meant the final scoreline flattered us really. Halewood Apollo are going to be a really strong side this season. They have some real quality, and some experienced players. They obviously rested a few players but we wanted to try and keep the momentum from a solid start to the season for us so far, so we are really happy we managed to do that and progress to the next round."
Also victorious in the ECC north draw were Colne, who were away from home on Saturday to face Garstang. Gaffer Andy Harrison was not present as his side won 3-0, but did was still keen to speak about the preparation his team had managed.
"I wasn't at the game, but we prepared really well during the week after a tough opener. Training was superb and the lads were keen to bounce back. Alex and Marco took the team yesterday, so all credit to them for what was a fantastic performance and result. We've got a big game coming on Tuesday to hopefully kick start the league campaign."
Flixton are also in the next round after a 4-0 win over Ashton Athletic. Manager Alex Mortimer said "I am really happy with the performance and result against a good side who have started the season really well.
"The lads are starting to form relationships now and hopefully that result will kick us on as we go into Tuesday's home game with Halewood Apollo full of confidence."
First Division North:
In the North, Maghull broke Holker Old Boys' perfect start to the league season with a dominant 4-1 win on home soil. After full time, manager Joe Burns said, "it was a slow start for us today.
"We got to grips with the game mid-way through the first half, and totally dominated second half. The lads were fantastic throughout, and totally deserved to win - honestly, it could have been more in the end!"
Fans of Thornton Cleveleys would've been forgiven for leaving their away game against Ashton Town early. With 10 minutes to go, they were 2-0 down, but they turned it around for a mightily impressive 3-2 win.
Following the whistle, gaffer Paul Gregory said, "we didn't turn up for the first 80 minutes, but we got a goal from a long throw and it spurred us into life.
"We really kicked on for the last 10 minutes and we're delighted that we got the result - we arent at our best yet!"
First Division South:
Telford Town registered their first win of the season on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Alsager Town. Manager Shaun Ralph was in high spirits afterwards saying "Today’s first half was the best team performance we have produced to date, and credit must go to the whole group. Our new signings played a big part in helping us establish a two-goal lead going into half-time.
"Unfortunately, our standards dropped in the second half, allowing Alsager back into the game and bringing them level. With that in mind, we brought on a few players who have the ability to change a game, and one of those was George Dawes. His desire to drive at defenders was evident as he picked up the ball on the left, drove forward and smashed home the winner from 20 yards! A fantastic finish and a huge moment for George and the team.
"Full credit to the lads for digging deep and getting the win. Onto the next one!"
Barnton also secured their first win with a comeback victory at last seasons runners up Eccleshall. Manager Lewis Wood said afterwards "What a massive result for us as a group, both on and off the pitch. Those first three points are finally on the board!
"It was a fantastic win against a very good Eccleshall side, and hopefully this gives everyone the confidence and belief to kick on from here. Now we have to build on it!"
Finally New Miills made it two wins at Church Lane from two with a last gasp 2-1 win over Allscott Heath. One half of their Management team spoke to us afterwads saying "After Tuesdays performance it was all about a bounce back from us and getting back on track. The lads know we have to make Church Lane a difficult place to come and they all put a great shift in.
"Changes were made from midweek and a fresh Luc Ferry caused havoc down the wing all game whilst Marcello coming in for his first start of the season was an absolute rock at the back. We needed 3 points no matter what, and we achieved that.
"The fans played their part as always, they were fantastic and created a great atmosphere cheering the lads to a win Now focus turns to another tough away trip to Sandbach on Tuesday."
Week 2: Manager Quotes
Mon 10th August 2026 | Manager Reactions
By Media Team
Emirates FA Cup:
Euxton Villa made their own piece of history with their win this weekend in the FA Cup. They smashed Atherton LR for six without reply, after which manager Matty Atherton said, "it's an historic day for the club yesterday as we played our first ever fixture at home in the FA Cup. Lots of effort off the field to ensure we were in the best place possible, but I don’t think any of us anticipated what would happen on the field!
"An unbelievable 6-0 victory which has to rank right near the top of our most memorable victories since moving into the semi-professional ranks. Huge credit has to be given to the players who were relentless from the first whistle to the last on what was a very hot day to play football.
"We couldn’t have asked for more from them as they were quicker, sharper and hungrier than their opposite numbers, which led to a comfortable victory in the end. We know what a good side Atherton LR are through our many bottles that we’ve had over recent seasons.
"There’s a lot to admire about how they’ve continued to progress since moving into the Prem at the same time as us, and I am sure they will be right up there come the end of the season.
"But the result today was very much one for the Villa faithful to savour and means we go into uncharted territory for the next round of the FA Cup against Lower Breck in two weeks time - we can’t wait!"
Another NWCFL Premier Division side who progressed in English football's oldest competition were Litherland REMYCA. They overcame Charnock Richard 2-1, having lost to them in midweek. Following the game, manager Ste Scott said, "it was the perfect fixture for us after the disappointment of midweek. We approached the game today with a lot more intent and felt we were good value for the lead.
"The game got a bit edgy towards the end as you’d expect from a close cup tie, but all in all, we felt like we earned the win, just as Charnock had against us in the league midweek."
Longridge Town were also able to secure their spot in the next round. They eeked out a 1-0 victory away from home against Northern Counties East League side Keighley Town, which manager Lee Ashcroft called a "close game on a difficult pitch", but told of how he was "very happy to see out the victory".
Edward Case Cup:
There was a 10-goal thriller on Saturday amongst the opening fixtures of this year's Edward Case Cup. In the north draw, Fulwood Amateurs ran out 8-2 winners against new arrivals Halewood Apollo. Following such an impressive victory, manager Phil Blackwell said, "it was really pleasing to win our first home game of the season and obviously we're very happy with the result.
"We scored some late goals, which meant the final scoreline flattered us really. Halewood Apollo are going to be a really strong side this season. They have some real quality, and some experienced players. They obviously rested a few players but we wanted to try and keep the momentum from a solid start to the season for us so far, so we are really happy we managed to do that and progress to the next round."
Also victorious in the ECC north draw were Colne, who were away from home on Saturday to face Garstang. Gaffer Andy Harrison was not present as his side won 3-0, but did was still keen to speak about the preparation his team had managed.
"I wasn't at the game, but we prepared really well during the week after a tough opener. Training was superb and the lads were keen to bounce back. Alex and Marco took the team yesterday, so all credit to them for what was a fantastic performance and result. We've got a big game coming on Tuesday to hopefully kick start the league campaign."
Flixton are also in the next round after a 4-0 win over Ashton Athletic. Manager Alex Mortimer said "I am really happy with the performance and result against a good side who have started the season really well.
"The lads are starting to form relationships now and hopefully that result will kick us on as we go into Tuesday's home game with Halewood Apollo full of confidence."
First Division North:
In the North, Maghull broke Holker Old Boys' perfect start to the league season with a dominant 4-1 win on home soil. After full time, manager Joe Burns said, "it was a slow start for us today.
"We got to grips with the game mid-way through the first half, and totally dominated second half. The lads were fantastic throughout, and totally deserved to win - honestly, it could have been more in the end!"
Fans of Thornton Cleveleys would've been forgiven for leaving their away game against Ashton Town early. With 10 minutes to go, they were 2-0 down, but they turned it around for a mightily impressive 3-2 win.
Following the whistle, gaffer Paul Gregory said, "we didn't turn up for the first 80 minutes, but we got a goal from a long throw and it spurred us into life.
"We really kicked on for the last 10 minutes and we're delighted that we got the result - we arent at our best yet!"
First Division South:
Telford Town registered their first win of the season on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Alsager Town. Manager Shaun Ralph was in high spirits afterwards saying "Today’s first half was the best team performance we have produced to date, and credit must go to the whole group. Our new signings played a big part in helping us establish a two-goal lead going into half-time.
"Unfortunately, our standards dropped in the second half, allowing Alsager back into the game and bringing them level. With that in mind, we brought on a few players who have the ability to change a game, and one of those was George Dawes. His desire to drive at defenders was evident as he picked up the ball on the left, drove forward and smashed home the winner from 20 yards! A fantastic finish and a huge moment for George and the team.
"Full credit to the lads for digging deep and getting the win. Onto the next one!"
Barnton also secured their first win with a comeback victory at last seasons runners up Eccleshall. Manager Lewis Wood said afterwards "What a massive result for us as a group, both on and off the pitch. Those first three points are finally on the board!
"It was a fantastic win against a very good Eccleshall side, and hopefully this gives everyone the confidence and belief to kick on from here. Now we have to build on it!"
Finally New Miills made it two wins at Church Lane from two with a last gasp 2-1 win over Allscott Heath. One half of their Management team spoke to us afterwads saying "After Tuesdays performance it was all about a bounce back from us and getting back on track. The lads know we have to make Church Lane a difficult place to come and they all put a great shift in.
"Changes were made from midweek and a fresh Luc Ferry caused havoc down the wing all game whilst Marcello coming in for his first start of the season was an absolute rock at the back. We needed 3 points no matter what, and we achieved that.
"The fans played their part as always, they were fantastic and created a great atmosphere cheering the lads to a win Now focus turns to another tough away trip to Sandbach on Tuesday."
