Five Things We Learned 2024/25 - Gameweek 40
Thu 1st May 2025 | Five Things | By Jay Cooper
1. We have our Prem play-off final
We’re nearly there. The culmination of all league action from the NWCFL comes this Saturday, as Lower Breck host Padiham in the Premier Division play-off final. Breck solidified their place in the decider this past weekend with a 2-1 win over West Didsbury and Chorlton, where they came from behind thanks to a brace in the last 10 minutes by Sam Burns.
Padiham also won 2-1 in their semi-final visit to Ramsbottom United. The Storks took the lead in this game at the opportune time, right before the break via Daniel Wilkins and Joel Brownhill added another in the second half. Despite a late Rammy goal, Michael Morrison’s men hung on to set up a date with Breck, with promotion to Step 4 of the non-league system on the line.
2. Euxton Villa are promoted!
For the third season on the spin, Euxton Villa finished in the First Division North play-off places – would this finally be their year? They were drawn away to long-time league leaders Nelson in the semi-finals. They held their hosts to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, and held their nerve to win 10-9 on penalties.
Their deciding match against Droylsden this past Saturday would be less dramatic, but no less tense for Villa. Afte racing into a 2-0 lead in the first half, their job was to shut the Bloods out in the second, and they did it to a tee. Matty Atherton’s side held on for the 2-0 victory, and they will join Step 5 of the non-league system next season, along with Atherton LR from the First Division North. Congratulations to everyone at the club!
3. Abbey Hulton United are promoted!
After a blistering end to their First Division South campaign, Abbey Hulton United snuck in and stole second place from Stafford Town in the final fortnight of the season. They would then meet Staffs in the play-off final this past weekend after defeating Eccleshall in the semis for a chance at Step 5 football in 2025/26.
After a breathless match that saw a United lead twice extinguished by Town’s resilience, penalties were required with the score at 2-2. Jon Beaumont’s men ran a perfect shootout, winning 3-0 and confirming their promotion from the First Division South alongside Winsford Town. Congratulations to everyone at the club!
4. Chadderton return to Andrew Street
At the time of writing and release, there is yet to be a game played at the newly named Emplas Commercial North Stadium, home of Premier Division side Chadderton. But, as of this evening, the new 3G pitch that has been installed at Andrew Street will have seen its first action.
Chaddy are scheduled to play against an Oldham Athletic XI tonight (Thu, May 1st). They spent the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign playing their “home games” at Avro FC’s Vestacare Stadium, but they will return home for a series of training games ahead of the new NWCFL season.
5. All eyes on the Macron Cup final
Aside from the Premier Division play-off final next weekend, there is still one more piece of business to take care of for the NWCFL 2024/25 season. On bank holiday Monday, Premier Division outfit Charnock Richard will go head-to-head with First Division South side Stafford Town for the prestigious Macron Cup.
Charnock have knocked off Ashton Town, Droylsden, Maghull and Barnton to make it to the showpiece match, whereas Stafford have run through Ashville, Allscott Heath, Winsford United, Ramsbottom United and AFC Blackpool to set up this tie. The action kicks off at 3pm from Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium on May 5th – let’s do this!
Five Things We Learned 2024/25 - Gameweek 40
Thu 1st May 2025 | Five Things
By Jay Cooper
1. We have our Prem play-off final
We’re nearly there. The culmination of all league action from the NWCFL comes this Saturday, as Lower Breck host Padiham in the Premier Division play-off final. Breck solidified their place in the decider this past weekend with a 2-1 win over West Didsbury and Chorlton, where they came from behind thanks to a brace in the last 10 minutes by Sam Burns.
Padiham also won 2-1 in their semi-final visit to Ramsbottom United. The Storks took the lead in this game at the opportune time, right before the break via Daniel Wilkins and Joel Brownhill added another in the second half. Despite a late Rammy goal, Michael Morrison’s men hung on to set up a date with Breck, with promotion to Step 4 of the non-league system on the line.
2. Euxton Villa are promoted!
For the third season on the spin, Euxton Villa finished in the First Division North play-off places – would this finally be their year? They were drawn away to long-time league leaders Nelson in the semi-finals. They held their hosts to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, and held their nerve to win 10-9 on penalties.
Their deciding match against Droylsden this past Saturday would be less dramatic, but no less tense for Villa. Afte racing into a 2-0 lead in the first half, their job was to shut the Bloods out in the second, and they did it to a tee. Matty Atherton’s side held on for the 2-0 victory, and they will join Step 5 of the non-league system next season, along with Atherton LR from the First Division North. Congratulations to everyone at the club!
3. Abbey Hulton United are promoted!
After a blistering end to their First Division South campaign, Abbey Hulton United snuck in and stole second place from Stafford Town in the final fortnight of the season. They would then meet Staffs in the play-off final this past weekend after defeating Eccleshall in the semis for a chance at Step 5 football in 2025/26.
After a breathless match that saw a United lead twice extinguished by Town’s resilience, penalties were required with the score at 2-2. Jon Beaumont’s men ran a perfect shootout, winning 3-0 and confirming their promotion from the First Division South alongside Winsford Town. Congratulations to everyone at the club!
4. Chadderton return to Andrew Street
At the time of writing and release, there is yet to be a game played at the newly named Emplas Commercial North Stadium, home of Premier Division side Chadderton. But, as of this evening, the new 3G pitch that has been installed at Andrew Street will have seen its first action.
Chaddy are scheduled to play against an Oldham Athletic XI tonight (Thu, May 1st). They spent the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign playing their “home games” at Avro FC’s Vestacare Stadium, but they will return home for a series of training games ahead of the new NWCFL season.
5. All eyes on the Macron Cup final
Aside from the Premier Division play-off final next weekend, there is still one more piece of business to take care of for the NWCFL 2024/25 season. On bank holiday Monday, Premier Division outfit Charnock Richard will go head-to-head with First Division South side Stafford Town for the prestigious Macron Cup.
Charnock have knocked off Ashton Town, Droylsden, Maghull and Barnton to make it to the showpiece match, whereas Stafford have run through Ashville, Allscott Heath, Winsford United, Ramsbottom United and AFC Blackpool to set up this tie. The action kicks off at 3pm from Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium on May 5th – let’s do this!
