West Didsbury & Chorlton v Skelmersdale United

• Tuesday August 22nd 2023 
• 7:45pm kickoff - gates open at 6:30pm and we advise arriving early to avoid queuing or delays
• NWCFL Premier Division, Matchday 5
• The Step Places Stadium, Brookburn Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8FE
• £7 adults, £5 Students / 60+ / Under 16s, Free Under 12s
• Advance tickets available HERE
• Food and drink available 
• Dogs welcome

Preview

Skelmersdale United are the next visitors to M21, currently propping up the NWCFL Premier Division and yet to get off the mark this season.

West come into the game looking to move on quickly from Saturday's defeat to Prescot Cables, which denied the club the chance to equal its best ever FA Cup performance.

Curiously this is the third game in a row where West are facing an opponent either for the first time in the league or first time ever, the inaugural meeting with Cables following a first league clash with Ramsbottom United.

Skem unexpectedly find themselves back in the NWCFL two years after promotion, finishing 10th in the NPL Division One West last season. After a string of stadium troubles, the club is now tenant at Burscough's Community Ground. Despite the ground meeting the needs of its owner at step 5, it felt short of Skem's requirements at step 4 and thus the club was demoted.

Curiously, having looked at one point like the clubs would be two divisions apart this season, with Burscough finishing in the NWCFL Premier Division relegation zone, they now find themselves in the same division thanks to Burscough's reprieve and Skem's aforementioned demotion.

Skem then suffered the loss of manager Richard Brodie to their landlords, appointing former AFC Liverpool chief Matt Potter.

Skem's home colours are all blue, with a change strip of all red.

Stay tuned for the Supporter of the Match and Player of the Match awards, sponsored by Burton Road Brewing Co, and the post-match manager's interview sponsored by Steve Eckersley.

Follow West on Twitter for match updates.

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 spaces. Please instead use Hardy Farm, M21 8DP, which is open from 1pm.

Disability spaces must be accessed before 2pm 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 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.

Midweek fixtures (7:45pm kickoff unless stated)
Tuesday 22nd August 2023
NWCFL Premier Division
Burscough v Colne
Bury v Kendal Town
Chadderton v Charnock Richard
Cheadle Town v Prestwich Heys
Longridge Town v Ramsbottom United
Padiham v Glossop North End
Squires Gate v Barnoldswick Town
West Didsbury & Chorlton v Skelmersdale United
Wythenshawe Town v Irlam
Wednesday 23rd August 2023
NWCFL Premier Division
Pilkington v Wythenshawe
Litherland REMYCA v FC Isle of Man (8pm)
The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round
Lower Breck v Emley

Pictures by Chris Michell & Simon Cooke