Abbey Hey (H)
NWCFL Premier Division
Matchday 31
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Preview
West will look for a sixth consecutive league win this Saturday as Abbey Hey make the short journey from Gorton to Brookburn Road.
It will be a meeting between two of the division's form sides as Saturday's visitors are also on an impressive run themselves. They are unbeaten since early December and have won three and drawn three of their last six. It's a spell that includes wins over Chadderton and Cheadle Town as well as commendable draws with Bury, Ramsbottom United and Irlam. It indicates that the Red Rebels have turned a corner recently, as they had lost five game in six prior to this unbeaten sequence. Abbey Hey have experienced both good and bad runs throuhgout their first season back in the Premier Division, and now sit in 13th place with a 12-point gap between them and the playoffs.
Abbey Hey's top scorer is former West striker Saul Henderson, and he has scored five goals in his last eight. He appears to be the most notable former West player in the visitor's squad now that Darren McKnight has returned to Cheadle Town following a very short spell at the Abbey Stadium. That said, the closest West connection in our opponent's ranks has to be Josh Dickin, whose sister Meg plays in goal for West. She will also be playing at Brookburn Road this weekend as the Women's team host Preston North End on Sunday (2pm - £3 entry).
Abbey Hey are West's most frequent opponent during the Counties era and the clubs have met on 21 occasions during that period. West have won 16 of those, including all of the last eight.
The clubs met earlier in the season and West won by three goals to one at the Abbey Stadium. The game was perhaps best remembered for a stunning overhead kick from Victor Abadaki to mark his return following a staggeringly short spell out with a dislocated shoulder. Remind yourself of one of the early highlights of the season HERE by reading our report from that night.
West fans should keep an eye on events at Gigg Lane this Saturday, as 2nd place Bury host 3rd place Lower Breck in a huge game at the top. Elsewhere, leaders Ramsbottom United travel to Squires Gate, whilst 6th place Padiham go to Pilkington and Chadderton in 4th head to Charnock Richard.
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Form Guide
West
Position: 5th
Form position: 5th
Home position: 3rd
Last six overall: LWWWWW
Last six home: LWWWWW
Abbey Hey
Position: 13rd
Form position: 6th
Away position: 15th
Last six overall: WDWWDD
Last six away: LLLLDW
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Abbey Hey at a glance
Home colours: Red / black / red
Change colours: All blue
2023/24 position: 4th, NWCFL D1S (promoted)
2024/25 average attendance: 288
Travelling distance: 6 miles __________________________________________
Head to Head
Overall
P21 W16 D3 L2 F50 A21
At the Step Places Stadium
P10 W7 D1 L2 F19 A10
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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.
