FC St Helens (H)
NWCFL Premier Division
Matchday 17

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• Saturday 26th October 2024 
• 3:00pm kickoff - gates open at 1:30pm, please arrive early to avoid queuing or delays
• The Step Places Stadium, Brookburn Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8FE
• Pay on the gate with cash or card, or buy in advance via Shocal
  • £7 adults
  • £5 students / 60+ / 16 and under
  • Free for 12 year olds and under
• Dogs welcome
• Food and drink available throughout the ground
• Burritos from WrapScallion

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Preview

Following a first loss in 11 at Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday night, West host FC St Helens this Saturday with the aim of bouncing back against the side who sit immediately above them in the table. 

That defeat to Barlick was something of a reality check following West's incredible recent run of form and it left the club sitting in 7th place. Manager Paul Marshall described the 1-0 loss as "frustrating" in his post-match interview but encouraged his side to "hold that frustration and put it into Saturday" as they look to get back to winning ways. 

Tuesday's disappointment meant that West squandered their first chance to pick up a league double over another side this season, but that same opportunity does present itself on Saturday against FC St Helens. West came away with an impressive 1-0 win when they travelled to Merseyside at the end of September, and if they can take another three points this time around then they will leapfrog Saturday's visitors and move into the division's playoff places should FC Isle of Man fail to beat 2nd place Chadderton.

6th place St Helens will be another difficult test though. As noted prior to West's trip to the Windleshaw Sports Ground last month, the Stripes have adapted very well to life in the Premier Division following their recent promotion. Like West, they have played 16 league games, although they have accumulated a total of 32 points compared to West's 31. Both sides sit on the cusp of the playoff places and have four games in hand over the teams directly above them. West were only the second team to have kept a clean sheet against St Helens this season when they won 1-0 in September, but their opponents responded well by winning their subsequent three games and they remain unbeaten since their defeat that night. They have however been held in their last two games by South Liverpool and Padiham respectively and a 5-4 win over FC Isle of Man in August does remain their only win against any of the division's top seven sides. 

The visitors' goal threat undoubtedly comes from forward Joseph Barker, who has scored 13 goals in 12 league games this season. By contrast, West's top scorer Victor Abadaki will begin his four-match suspension this Saturday following his dimissal at home to Stockport Town in the FA Vase. Zak Bailey was also shown a red card in that cup tie after receiving two yellows in the first seven minutes on his 18th birthday, and as a consequence he will also be watching from the sidelines on Saturday. 

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FC St Helens At A Glance

Home colours: Red & white / red / red
Change colours: All blue
Travelling distance: 26 miles
2023/24 position: 1st, NWCFL D1 North
2023/24 average attendance: 168

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Form Guide

West
Position: 7th
Form position: 3rd
Home position: 3rd
Last six overall: LWWWWW
Last six home: WWWWDW

FC St Helens
Position: 6th
Form position: 6th
Away position: 13th
Last six overall: DDWWWL
Last six away: DDWLDW

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Past Meetings

West's win at SMS Pro Soccer Park last month is the only previous meeting between the two sides. It was settled by a 51st minute goal from Kris Holt and you can remind yourself of that match by reading our match report HERE. 

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Head to Head

Overall:
P1 W0 D0 L1 F1 A0

At The Step Places Stadium:
no previous meetings

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Browse through our wonderful match galleries, from club photographers:
Nathan Ashmall, Chris Michell, Jack Todd and Christina Bowett.

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Directions

We encourage supporters to use public transport, cycle or walk if possible. 

By car:

There is no parking available at the ground for supporters, except for pre-booked disability access.

Please instead use Hardy Farm, M21 8DP.

Disability spaces must be accessed no later than one hour before kickoff and all vehicles will be unable to exit until 15 minutes after the final whistle to ensure the safety of all supporters leaving the stadium.

There is additional public car parking on Chorlton Ees opposite The Bowling Green pub, who are also allowing supporters to use the pub car park, but there is little other on-street parking.

Please also note that there is no parking available on Brookburn Road itself, nor the surrounding Chorltonville area, as they are privately maintained, exclusively for the use of residents.

By public transport:

The Step Places Stadium is one mile from Chorlton Metrolink station, on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines. Follow Google Maps directions to find your way to the ground.

If you are travelling from outside the Greater Manchester area, the Metrolink network can be accessed from any of Manchester’s central train stations. Visit the Transport for Greater Manchester website for tram times and more information.

By cycle:

The Step Places Stadium is a perfect location for those who cycle, being located next to the River Mersey, Sale Ees and only a few minutes away from the Fallowfield Cycle Loop. We have secure bicycle racks inside the ground to lock up your bike throughout the game. Please ask a volunteer if you need assistance.

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Prohibited items

Bringing pyrotechnics, drums/instruments and/or alcohol into the ground is prohibited. It is a criminal offence to bring pyrotechnics into any stadium. Stewards may conduct bag searches for prohibited items upon entrance to the stadium. Bag searches are a condition of entry and your co-operation is greatly appreciated. Spectators who break these rules may be banned from the ground and any pyrotechnics and/or alcohol will be confiscated.