Irlam (H) \\\ Matchday Info

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• Tuesday 3rd September 2024 
• 7:45pm kickoff - gates open at 6:30pm and we advise arriving early to avoid queuing or delays
• NWCFL Premier Division, Matchday 6
• 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 under 12s
• Dogs welcome
• Food and drink available throughout the ground
• Burritos from WrapScallion

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Preview

Following Saturday's historic win, taking West to the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round for the first time, attention now turns back to the North West Counties Premier Division and the visit of Irlam.

Despite the excitement of the Cup run and the prospect of welcoming Darlington to Brookburn in the next round, West manager Paul Marshall’s immediate objective will be to start building momentum to propel West up the table. Currently sat in 18th and with already as many as four games in hand on divisional rivals, West are proving hard to beat but also haven't registered a league win since the opening day.

West have taken the lead in all four league games played since, but have ultimately added only three points to their total. These were all games that saw West on the front foot for long periods, but the fact that a stoppage time equaliser was needed against bottom side Litherland REMYCA last Monday just goes to show that nothing can be taken for granted. This week’s game will be the first of nine consecutive Tuesdays where West are in action, and hopefully this regular pattern of games will suit West much more than the stop-start run of fixtures in July and August.

Irlam have started the season slowly, one point and four places above West, albeit having played four more games. They have had a bit of a resurgence recently though, winning two of their last three games and scoring seven goals in the process. Before this, Irlam had only picked up one point all season - a 2-2 draw against Bury at Gigg Lane.

The visitors' main goal threat undoubtedly comes from prolific striker Declan Daniels - affectionately known as Irlam Haaland - who returned to the club in the summer following a brief spell at Bury. Daniels scored an incredible 33 goals for Irlam in the first half of last season before moving to Gigg Lane in December. He's picked up where he left off, scoring five goals in nine games.

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Irlam At A Glance

Home colours: All blue
Change colours: Red / black / red
Travelling distance: 9 miles
2023/24 position: 13th, NWCFL Premier
2023/24 average attendance: 198

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Form Guide

West
WDWDLW (9th)

Irlam
WLWLLL (16th)

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Past Meetings

Three of the last four meetings have ended 1-1, most recently on Easter Monday during a difficult run for West. Irlam took the lead early only for an 86th minute equaliser from Darren Thornton to rescue a draw and with it the last point West picked up during the Chris Rowley era.

West have won one of the last nine against Irlam - a 3-2 win at Silver Street in April 2019 - and none of the last four. That win granted West a brief stay of execution, but we finally fell to relegation from the NWCFL Premier on the last day, three weeks later.

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Head to Head

Overall:
P12 W3 D4 L5 F21 A21

At The Step Places Stadium:
P6 W1 D2 L3 F9 A12

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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.

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.