2017 started in thrilling circumstances at Brookburn Road as West kick started the New Year with the visit of New Mills to Brookburn Road on January 7th. New Mills had recently appointed Calum Sykes as their new manager and he took his place in the dugout for the first time against West.
His side gave him the best possible start as the Derbyshire side lead 1-0 at the break however West roared into a second half three goal lead thanks to goals from Nic Evangelinos (2), Ben Steer and Saul Henderson. Two late goals for the Millers ensured a nervous ending to a thrilling tie to start the New Year.
The following Saturday West travelled to title challenging Atherton Collieries backed by a large contingent of supporters. A superb chip from Martyn Andrews just before half time gave West the lead but Colls levelled from a free kick seconds before the break. Despite several superb chances and having a goal disallowed for offside Colls eventually ran out 3-1 winners.
January ended in disarray as West were shocked 3-0 away to AFC Darwen, their perennial bogey ground, as they fell behind to an early goal before eventually succumbing to two late goals.
February began in similar vein for West as they welcomed Hanley to Brookburn Road for their first ever visit. Hanley took an early lead before West turned it around thanks to goals from Nic Evangelinos and a Matty Kay penalty. However Hanley weren’t to be denied a point as they levelled in stoppage time.
Three days later West headed to the home of National League North side FC United in the Semi Finals of the Manchester Premier Cup. Backed by more than 200 noisy supporters West fell behind to an early goal before levelling through a superb Matty Kay strike. However, the eventual winners scored three times before half time to give them a commanding lead. West didn’t give up and Nic Evangelinos was denied on two separate occasions by the goalkeeping of Adriano Basso before FC added three goals in the last 10 minutes to give the score-line an emphatic look.
The Manchester Premier Cup hangover was in full effect the following Saturday when West welcomed high flying Runcorn Linnets to the Recreation Ground. Saul Henderson scored the only goal for West on an afternoon to forget for the home side.
A thread bare West side finished the month under the lights of Gorton as Friday Night Lights saw them make the short trip to Abbey Hey. Nic Evangelinos gave West the lead against the run of play with a fine team goal before Abbey Hey scored twice in quick succession in the second half to give them the lead. However Matty Kay levelled with a stoppage time penalty following a hand ball on the line which to this day Saul Henderson will claim as his goal!
You can buy our 2016/17 Yearbook now. Created, designed and illustrated by Lew Currie, it features recollections, stats and writings on last season. Find out more here: https://wdcfc.co.uk/201617-yearbook-lew-currie-pre-order-launch-night/
