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In December we started the month at home to Atherton Colls with Maccer scoring a last minute penalty to gain a 1-1 draw. I don't think anyone in their wildest dreams would have thought that would have been the last point we'd drop until the weekend just gone, again against Atherton Colls!!
From January to middle of March we had that amazing run where we only conceded 1 goal in 10 games and seeming to win games either 2-0 or 3-0.
That then took us into April where we wrapped up the league with a fantastic 5-1 win at home to Formby. The celebrations after the game will live long in the memory.
For me personally I believe that the league was won after our dramatic last minute win against Flixton hence the reason why I jumped the fence -should know better at my age! If we had drawn that game then I think it would have given Salford a lift and put a doubt in our minds. Our performances just prior to Formby and since then have been poor. However you cant go through a full season playing good football every week, even the best teams have an off period in their season. It is just important that you pick up the 3 points each game which we managed to do.
Next year is going to be a massive test for us in the Unibond League. From my experience of playing in that league previously I know that you have got to make sure you try and perform week in week out or else the other team take advantage of it whereas in the NWCFL you can sometimes not play to your maximum and still win comfortably. Recently the teams who have go into Unibond 1 from the NWCFL have done well so hopefully we can carry that on but no doubt Ged already knows where he needs to strengthen the squad for next year. Also, a message to the lads - don't make any plans for New Years Eve as you will have a game on New Years Day!
As has been confirmed we get the trophy on Saturday after the Salford game. Unfortunately I wont be there as I am on a stag weekend in Hamburg but my thoughts (through the bottom of a pint pot) will be on Shawe View at 4.45 when the party will get started. I have never won a league at this level of football before so I am gutted I wont be there but all I can say to everyone is enjoy the day as they don't come around too often and you may never been in this position again. I am really pleased for those people behind the scenes who have been here longer than me. All their hard work has finally been rewarded.
I cant finish without saying a big thanks to the supporters who pushed us over the finish line - your support has been fantastic, none more so than at Winsford when you all turned up in atrocious conditions and helped keep us going for that winning goal.
Hope to see you all at the presentation night on 23 May.
Finally, I thought it would be a bit of fun to give you my end of season report on each player:
Tom Read - Gentle Giant. I came across Tom when he played a game at the end of last season. However he certainly made his mark when he fell on me during a pre-season game! In my opinion has improved 100% and is only going to get better.
Andy Moore - came to us from Salford to get a winners medal! Not had a chance to stake a claim for a place yet due to Tom's form but looks capable enough. Going to have a new nickname of BT as he loves to talk, apparently!
Simon Woodford - made club captain this season. Must watch the Italians defend as he gets away with everything. Loves a tackle but never gets booked - cant be a proper defender then! Also stakes a claim for hair disaster of the season!
Sam Halligan - came to us from Maine Road and I didn't realise it was he who scored the own goal at their place last season. Thinks he has got the biggest muscles at the club. Still plays Sundays and gets injured. Probably one of the most consistent performers this season and will no doubt point out that he did not play in our 2 league defeats.
Andy MacLean - also came to us from Maine Road and reckons he is only 23. Cant say a bad word about Macca and can only wish that every player had his attitude. Been left on the bench a few times towards end of the season but has just got on with it. Has probably missed the most training sessions though!
Paul Riley - looking to get two winners medals in one season. Came to club late in season and made immediate impact, especially on the average age of the side! Old fashioned centre half who just wants to head and tackle.
Kevin Elvin - been on holiday since December! Hopefully can steer clear of injuries in time for next season. Bit more cultured than myself, Macca and Riley but got injured trying to take somebody out - leave that to the rest of us!
Sean Smith - the Darren Anderton of Trafford. Missed a lot of the season due to an early injury but has reappeared at the business end of the season. Hopefully he can have a good pre-season and be a big player for us next year.
Will Ahern - came to us in September. A local lad who loves to get his name in the papers! Probably our own Bryan Robson - whether this is down to his playing ability or drinking - I'll leave that for you to decide!
Harry Winter - another one who loves a night out - in KFC! Gets a sulk on if a new centre mid comes to the club but will always maintain that he's 'not ar@ed'. Had a great year and will talk you through each of his goals, if you let him!
Chris MacKay - developed a new nickname of 'Macceeerrrr' due to a stitching mistake on his white boots. The club's fine master but still remains popular! Some of the lads struggle to understand his accent. Loves a header (!!!!) and has in my opinion scored the best goal of the season.
Max Kisseh - suffered a bad injury at Bacup which put paid to his season. Glad he is on our side as would hate to play against him. Could do with sorting his physique out though!
Gaz Thomas - another one who loves to chat but normally to referees and the opposition. Got his chance following Will's injury and hasn't let the side down. Will make a packet on duty free in Magaluf!
Scott Metcalfe - our own ASBO. Always got a different story to tell you about what he has been up to. Has accumulated a collection of scars on his face - none through playing football. Another one who has a good first season at the club and has pushed Maccer for goal of the season.
Kayde Coppin - Joined us from Atherton LR and again due to the lads doing well hasn't got his chance yet. Has pace to burn and extremely skilful. Another one who will no doubt develop next year after having a pre-season with us. Likely to be seen stood next to Dion.
Wez Wilkinson - another one who has suffered a lot with injuries this year. When he did play he scored a couple of crucial goals and hopefully will be an asset to us in the Unibond next year.
Scott Barlow - claims to be a City fan but always singing United songs! Probably the easiest in the squad to wind up and gets annoyed when he is in the middle of 'keep ball'. Has had a great return in front of goal and is the 'best little striker Nick knows'.
Andy Lundy - returned to the club at the start of the season and has improved ten fold since he was last with us. Top scorer at the moment and will hopefully grab a few more in the last few games to take him to top of the charts. Cant believe he doesn't own a pair of boots with studs!
Dion Depiaza - chicken D came back to us at beginning of season. Probably the quickest at the club - slightly quicker than me. This lad must wake up laughing and go to bed laughing although can be known to go into a sulk when he doesn't play! Has been unlucky with the form of Scott and Lundy. However he doesn't mind being on the bench if someone next to him has got sweets.
Danny Stubberfield - came to us late in the season but hasn't had chance to show us what he is about yet. Has got a collection of excuses for missing training - best one being his last one!
Tony Coyne - as he came on for a 30 minute cameo appearance against Abbey Hey he deserves a mention. He got turned by Carlton Palmer.
Enjoy the summer, Southy.
Lee Southwood
He must have stayed in all weekend to write that !
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