Manager Steve Settle’s programme notes, taken from today’s programme for the Winsford United game – available on the gate for £2.

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to this afternoons league fixture against Winsford. We hope everyone connected with our visitors has an enjoyable day and after today’s game we wish them well for the remainder of the season. 

This will be the 3rd meeting of the teams this season with us both having won 1 game each. Unfortunately, we have continued to struggle in our most recent games! Winsford have had a mixed season and find themselves in 10th position in the league. Having seen them beat us a couple of months ago it is clear that we will have to be at our best to get the right result today!

Saturdays game at City of Liverpool was again, extremely disappointing and frustrating for us as a group. After 60 minutes with the score 1-1 Tom had a great chance to put us 2-1 up. Unfortunately, it took a bobble and they went straight up the pitch and scored a soft goal. Psychologically it was too big a blow and we really collapsed in the last 10 minutes. For 70 minutes, the performance was good however and we’ll be looking to take some positives into today’s game.

We have some new additions to the squad. Firstly and following injuries to Aaron, Steve and Josh Ollerenshaw, we have signed young goalkeeper James Hodges on duel registration with Hyde United. Those of you that made the trip to Hyde will remember how well he played and he’s highly thought of. We are looking forward to playing a part in his development. Additionally, we have signed Malachi Slaven from Irlam. He’s a central midfielder that likes to get on the ball and dictate play. We have also added youngsters Stephen Affleck and Callum Darcy on duel registration from FC United and Chorley respectively. Both are young lads that have been in and around their respective parent clubs first teams at conference north level. Stephen is a fullback and Callum is a central midfielder. Again, they will be looking to contribute to us staying in this league. Disappointingly our objectives for the season have now changed. We are now in a relegation battle and have to make some changes in the way we approach games in order to get enough points to avoid relegation.

On the injury front Aaron Ashley, Steve Dryden, Mark Rogers, Michael Simcock, Richmond Botchey, Lee Gavin, Gaz Lilley, Paulie Loukola are all still long term injuries but Davide is working hard to get them recovered! 

I have said it numerous times but our support throughout the past two seasons has been phenomenal. Particularly recently when we have had little to shout about we have still been backed by unwavering support in large numbers. As a token of appreciation for the backing, all of the squad and management team for today’s game would like to donate their expenses behind the bar so that we can enjoy a beer together after the game! 

As always enjoy the game!

COME ON WEST!!