Litherland Remyca Reserves v West Kirby – Match Report.

Litherland Remyca Reserves v West Kirby F.C

West Cheshire League Division Two

Saturday 5th February 2022

West Kirby faced Litherland Reserves on Saturday afternoon in tough weather conditions and left feeling disappointed with a result that halted their progression under their new manager.

The first half was in truth, a relatively even contest as each side had a few chances of their own. However, as they would do throughout the ninety minutes, the hosts took advantage of the chances they were able to create as they put themselves in front in the opening ten minutes. 

Liam Morris rolled his marker before firing the ball powerfully into the bottom left side of the net.

In the 35th minute, they were able to double their lead through a Lennon Wherell strike.

The visitors got themselves back into the game late into the half, Litherland’s keeper unable to prevent Carl Murphy’s glancing header firing into the net after a brilliant deep free kick was placed into the box.

As the weather began to get worse, the hosts continued to impress as they managed to finish the ninety off in a very comfortable manner. 

Ten minutes into the second half, Ewan McDevitt placid himself onto the scoresheet with a drilled finish from outside of the box. 

It wouldn’t take too long for Jay Hughes to extend the lead, an exquisite wind-powered free kick flying into the goal from 30 yards out.

The fifth was scored by Jay Alty, Lennon Wherrel soon got his brace and the seventh saw John Graham adding his name onto an extensive list of goalscorers. 

It was a performance to forget for the visitors but one to remember for the hosts as West Kirby were probably glad that the whistle came when it did to avoid further damage.

Following the final whistle, visiting manager Nathan Brooks was full of praise for the winners. 

He said “Litherland are where they are for a reason, I thought they managed the game excellently. They played attractive football and moved through the thirds at a really good pace. I am certain they will be promotion contenders”.

West Kirby F.C man of the match: Carl Murphy who managed to link play up well and continued to look a threat the whole time he was on the field. 

West Kirby F.C line up, subs included: Lewis Burrows, Robbie Williams, Dan Smith, Patrick Carpenter, Lewis Boardman, Dan Lewis, Jordan Chwalko, Joe Haste, Josh Sutton, Sam Haley, Carl Murphy, Dave Hird, Harrison Hindley.

Barrow AFC meeting the opposition.

Barrow – meeting the opposition.

Tranmere got back to winning ways after a heavy 4-0 defeat, with a 1-0 win at home to Stevenage on Tuesday night at Prenton Park. The defeat brought a fantastic run of results to an end, a run that consisted of a 2-0 over Barrow on Boxing Day.

Since that festive encounter, The Bluebirds have been on a mixed run of form with two League wins from seven outings. However, they will be heading into the fixture against Rovers at Holker Street this Weekend in a positive frame of mind after beating promotion candidates Northampton Town 1-0 on the road.

Ahead of the game I spoke to Barrow supporter Taylor Nelson who gave his thoughts on the season so far, the transfer window that saw the return of John Rooney and discussed how he feels the upcoming ninety minutes will be played out.

What were your expectations going into the season and how do they compare to those that you have now as we enter the second half of the campaign?

Honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect from this season. Our first season back in the EFL last campaign was a real struggle and I think we were served with somewhat of a reality check. There is quite a step-up when it comes to running a club in the EFL compared to a club in the National League League and we had to learn that the hard way. Surviving was massive for us and, personally, I wanted to see us make an improvement on that and learn from the past twelve months. It hasn’t been easy at all again this time around but I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to be in a position where we can keep our heads above water and maintain our league status again. The lower end of mid-table mediocrity seems to be where we’ll be headed.

Mark Cooper is Barrow’s manager and this is his first season in charge of the club. How would you describe Cooper’s time so far and are you optimistic about the future with him at the helm?

Cooper’s appointment was a real indication that the board were keen to learn from the previous season’s errors. We went with an experienced appointment with somebody who has a proven track record at this level and in the EFL with clubs like Swindon and, more recently, Forest Green, opposed to the inexperienced managers we went with previously. It hasn’t been easy for him. He’s come into a squad that he is still working on moulding to his own style and I think we’re only just going to start seeing what the blueprint is. Again, it hasn’t been easy and there have been a minority of doubters but I do think the mass majority see that he is probably best equipped to bring us forward. I see this season as one which he can start to build for the future and the summer will be a real indication as to what he can do with the club.

Who would you say are your stand out men and who, in your opinion, are Tranmere’s key players?

Former Tranmere midfielder Ollie Banks is probably the pick of the bunch when it comes to players to watch for. I remember quite a few Rovers fans being disappointed when he was allowed to join us in January last year. He often dictates the tempo of our game and is a real menace from set-pieces, as highlighted quite a few times this season – in particular against Barnsley in the FA Cup recently. Tranmere are well-known for a defence-first approach. Interestingly, aside from Peter Clarke, I don’t think there’s many real standout names in the defence but they obviously work together excellently.

How do you see the upcoming fixture panning out, score prediction etc, and do you believe this game will pose different questions than the previous encounter did (Tranmere won 2-0 on Boxing Day)? If so, why?

We’ll take a lot of confidence from our victory against Northampton and I’m hoping there is more to come from this group of players. However, Tranmere’s quality is obvious and I do expect a mightily difficult encounter. We often maintain a lot of possession but need to do more with it. Against a side who defend as stoutly as Tranmere do, we have to take our opportunities when they are afforded to us – otherwise, we’ll fail to get the breakthrough and that has been the case far too often. I think the first goal of the game will be massively important.

What starting eleven do you think will be selected by Mark Cooper and how would you describe the playing style he’s implemented onto his side?

I expect a largely similar side to that who played in midweek. It was a fantastic performance that has certainly lifted the mood a little after a pretty worrying few weeks, admittedly. We’ll look to keep the ball and work our way into the box however the recent acquisition of Aaron Amadi-Holloway provides us with another route which we were lacking for too long.

Thinking of the previous encounters between the two clubs, what games/moments stand out as being memorable for you?

None more so than that fateful night at Holker Street, unfortunately! Losing a game from 3-1 up so late into the game can never be forgotten. It certainly changes your perception on a result being ‘done.’

As the January transfer window has now finished, how would you describe the business The Bluebirds were able to complete in terms of incomings and outgoings?

The final 48 hours or so of the transfer window were massive for us. We brought John Rooney back to the club who was hugely influential in our promotion campaign and took no time in reintroducing himself into the team during the week. It was great to see him back in a Barrow shirt. Niall Canavan also joined the club from Bradford which I feel is somewhat of a statement. Capturing the captain of Bradford City on Deadline Day is certainly a way to improve your team and make the teams around you take notice. Elsewhere, we really bolstered our striking options which was massively important given our lack of goals throughout the season and I’m glad to see Amadi get off the mark. The only negative is that Offrande Zanzala, who was loaned out to Exeter in an attempt for him to regain his confidence after a poor spell with us, suffered an injury and will now require surgery. It’s a shame that what I would say was the marquee signing of the summer hasn’t quite worked out.

Everton v Brentford – Match Preview.

Everton v Brentford – Match Preview 

FA Cup 4th Round

Saturday 5th February 2022, 3pm K.O

Goodison Park

Frank Lampard’s tenure as Everton manager gets underway this weekend as Everton face Thomas Tuchel’s Brentford in the FA Cup 4th round at Goodison Park.

There has been some debate in the media throughout the past week regarding whether the former Derby County and Chelsea man was good enough to replace Rafa Benitez. However, if the Blues have a positive February and manage to remain in the cup then these doubts will almost vanish as The Toffees aim to have a period of progression that many thought would happen under the guidance of Italian Carlo Ancelotti. 

The 43-year-old was announced on Monday and his first few days have seen the club secure the services of attacking midfielders Donny Van De Beek, the Dutchman is on loan from Manchester United, and Dele Alli who signs on a 2.5 year deal from Antonio Conte’s Spurs. Away from the players Lampard has brought in, it will be interesting to see how left-back Mykolenko manages to benefit from the aid of coaches Leighton Baines and Ashley Cole. Everton’s coaching set-up now holds former players who you may expect to be in an all-time best 11 of England’s top division.

Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri spoke of the unity that needs to engulf the blue half of Liverpool if the club is to have success. This can be done by ensuring Goodison has an impassioned atmosphere on the weekend as Frank’s Bees travel north. 

Some would say that Brentford have started the campaign off in a better manner than their opponents, the visitors sit in 14th which is four points higher than the Blues. However, they have played three games more as Everton have had a few outings postponed for reasons such as a Coronavirus outbreak. Thus, although some have made a case for Lampard’s side being found in the Championship next year it is still very close at the bottom half of the table.

Frank’s side have definitely brought a breath of fresh air to the League though as games such as the opening fixture of the season, at home to Arsenal, stands out greatly in the mind. The atmosphere at Brentford’s new stadium has been applauded by many, Sky Sports Football pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville even managed a little dance there! 

To strive away from the three relegation spots, you need positivity and a sense of togetherness to get away from the rut that you have found yourself in. Thus, a great cup run would certainly do no harm. Lampard’s new found club hasn’t won the competition for 27 years, as The Bees have only got as far as the Quarter Final on four occasions with the last being further back than Everton’s trophy win. Another way you build that positivity is by having a successful transfer window by bringing in players of great quality, in that respect it would only be necessary to commend the signing of Christian Eriksen as Brentford captured the services of the former Spurs trickster on deadline day.

Regardless of the above, the modern landscape is almost typified by the head-to-head statistics as it shows that there isn’t that much between the two teams in terms of quality. The first meeting was in April 1936, the last was in November 2021 and Brentford have managed to edge out more wins thanks to an Ivan Toney penalty in that previous meeting. 

It will be interesting to see if Lampard is able to bring that head-to-head stat level this weekend as he embarks on a great new managerial adventure.

Officials.

Referee: Michael Oliver.

Assistants: Stuart Burt and Scott Ledger. 

Fourth Official: Andrew Madley.

VAR: Andre Marriner.

Assistant VAR: Harry Lennard.

Premier League teams in FA Cup action this weekend: Manchester United (v Middlesborough), Chelsea (v Plymouth), West Ham (v Kidderminster), Crystal Palace(v Hartlepool), Man City (v Fulham), Southampton (v Coventry), Wolves v Norwich, Spurs v Brighton, Liverpool (v Cardiff), Leicester (v Forest).

Stevenage F.C – meeting the opposition.

Stevenage F.C – meeting the opposition.

Following on from a heavy blow in a 4-0 defeat at home to first placed Forest Green Rovers, Tranmere will now be wanting to get back to winning ways after capturing the services of Everton u23s midfielder Lewis Warrington. In their way stand Paul Tisdale’s Stevenage who travel to Prenton Park on Tuesday night in great form, winning three out of their previous five.

Ahead of the midweek encounter, I spoke to Boro fan Reece Donnelly ‘@ReeceDSport’ who gave his thoughts on Stevenage’s start to the season as well as giving his opinion on a strong hosting defence despite the heavy weekend loss.

What were your expectations going into the season and how do they compare to those that you have now as we enter the second half of the campaign?

After such a strong end to last season, hopes were high. We were named ‘dark horses’ for the season by many but after a very strong start things quickly unravelled for Revell, once he got into a rut I’m just unsure if he had the experience to get out of it. Now it’s about building solid foundations for next season and finally push on after seasons of struggling

Paul Tisdale is Stevenage’s manager after being appointed in late November, was it the right time to part ways with Alex Revell and how would you describe Tisdale’s opening couple of months?

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the appointment but he’s slowly turning me around with his articulate interviews, calmness, approach and of course most importantly results. Our only loss recently was a 2-0 loss to Forest Green. We’re competitive in every game, we’ve got players who are thriving such as Jake Taylor and Terence VanCooten and that has meant we’ve been able to get ourselves away from the bottom.

Who would you say are your stand out men and who, in your opinion, are Tranmere’s key players?

Luke Norris scores goals, on one hell of a run of form at the minute. Jake Taylor has been truly exceptional since moving out wide, relentless energy and a desire to push us up the pitch. Jake Reeves is a real heartbeat to the side at the minute also.

Peter Clarke and Tom Davies have been exceptional this season and are going to be very hard to get past. Then there is a strong case for Callum McDonald to be one of the best in the league. That back unit is so impressive at Tranmere. Although maybe I shouldn’t say that after a 4-0 loss!

How do you see the upcoming fixture panning out, score prediction etc, and do you believe the game will pose different questions than the previous encounter did? If so, why?

It’s a very different game. We’ve been competitive in every game we’ve played unlike before so I think it’s a very different game. We have a bit of momentum too which can change the nature of games. Also after a real shock to the system on Saturday, Tranmere are gonna be desperate for a result. 

With Stevenage having a point to prove and Tranmere also desperate to prove a point also I think it turns into a bit of a scrappy ugly game rather than the game of football it could be. Think I’m edging towards a 1-1 draw at the minute. 

What starting eleven do you think will be selected by the Stevenage gaffer and how would you describe the playing style that he’s implemented on his side?

Pym – O’Neil, Cuthbert, Prosser, Coker, VanCooten, Reeves, Westbrooke, Taylor, Norris, Reid.

We want to play football. We want it at a fast pace. Those two midfielders of Reeves and Westbrooke want to constantly find the half spaces. We want crosses into the box and use the width of a 4-3-3 to our advantage as much as possible. We are comfortable letting a side have the ball due to the fitness, agility battling and counter abilities in our team.

Thinking of the previous encounters between the two clubs, what games/moments stand out as being memorable for you?

I’ll be totally honest, there aren’t too many memorable games when it comes to Stevenage v Tranmere. The lockdown game was a superb memory, celebrating that late screamer on zoom with mates. Also, I remember the home game on opening day a while back as we were both insanely optimistic for the season after that and of course only one of us had reason to be! 

As the January window has now finished, how would you describe the club’s business in the past month? 

I can’t fault Tisdale on the recruitment process, position wise, whatsoever I must say. Bought in everything we needed. Some experience too! We bought our average age up significantly but he’s very much ticked the boxes. I’m also never going to complain about a window where Micheal Bostwick came home! 

West Kirby v Marine u23 Report.

West Kirby F.C v Marine U23 F.C Report.

Haworth and Gallagher bowl Quarter Final.

Saturday 29th January 2022.

Marine progressed into the Semi Final of the Haworth and Gallagher bowl competition with a penalty shoot-out victory against West Kirby F.C.

It took both sides a little amount of time to settle into the game. However, a good competitive contest would soon be played out. 

There were plenty of good challenges placed in the opening stages of the afternoon as well as a few opportunities at either end, none testing the keepers too much.

The second half brought more of the same. However, the visitors would get a good hold of the game with twenty minutes remaining as they began to dominate possession. West Kirby’s defensive structure remained solid, starting a few counter-attacks when possible.

With the ninety being brought to an end at 0-0, there was a period of extra time to follow as the winners of the tie would be confirmed on the day. 

The hosts could have won if it wasn’t for an offside flag being raised to rule out a goal. Marine came close to scoring too as they put in a great corner, the ball failing to go further than the goal line on that occasion.

There has to be credit given to both keepers for their performances as two perfect saves were made in the shoot-out. However, for the hosts an unbeaten and resilient Marine side stood in their way of progression as the shoot-out would finish 4-3.

After the game, Captain Charlie Clewlow spoke of his side’s performance before speaking of the winners.

“Either side could have won the tie had the referee awarded a penalty for Marine in the second half for a potential handball, or allowed our disallowed goal during extra time. We can be proud of our performance today as we showed that we’ve got more than enough to compete against the top teams in the league. Good luck to Marine in the next round”.

Man of the match: Patrick Carpenter. West Kirby’s left back won multiple 1v1 duels.

West Kirby F.C team: Lewis Burrows, Robbie Williams, Adam Chwalko, Dave Hird, Dan Smith, Patrick Carpenter, Charlie Clewlow (c), Dan Lewis, Jordan Chwalko, Joe Stephenson, Sam Haley, Tila Davies, Jay Rimmer.

West Kirby F.C, February 2022 preview.

West Kirby F.C return to League action in February as they play three games on the road and one at home, Nathan Brooks and his side will hope to gather momentum as they look to end the campaign strongly.

The month starts with an away trip to Litherland Sports Park for a 3pm kick off, the hosts currently sit in second place in the league and as manager Brooks says they will be ‘tough opponents’. 

Following on from that away journey, in which a win for the visitors will be massive, Kirby will return to home action as they face Marshalls Reserves at Marine Park. Again another tricky tie with a 3pm kick off, the visitors winning the last meeting 2-1 in September. 

However, most of the month’s games will be played on the road as Brooks’s side with new recruits such as Lewis Boardman will come up against South Liverpool Reserves and Cheshire Lines. 

The game against South Liverpool will be played at Jericho Lane Sports Hub as the hosts sit comfortably in mid table. Adam Shelton and Luke Partington are ones to watch if they are selected to play by the hosts manager.

For Cheshire Lines, the game will be played at their Sports Ground with another scheduled three in the afternoon kick off. Lines were victorious in the previous meeting between the two sides, winning the fixture 7-1 in September. They have had a mix in form since but will be 6th in the table at the start of the month.

Ahead of a tricky February which brings a good few away games, new recruit Lewis Boardman spoke of the reasons behind his move. 

“West Kirby is a massive club. A well established club too. They’ve been around for years and it’s an exciting time for them at the minute. They’ve had a tough few years sadly but, at the minute, there seems to be a real buzz around the club and the appointment of Nathan seems to have given the people involved, and the players a real lift. Although the table doesn’t reflect it, they’re much better than the bottom half of West Cheshire Division 2. They should be in the top half of Division 1, as a minimum and it’s up to us now to get back to that level. They’re big factors for me and my reasons for joining the club as well as the manager. I’m excited for the challenge ahead” 

Speaking of how the current squad he finds himself amongst, in comparison to others he has played with, he says “I think there’s a real togetherness about this one. We know there’s going to be highs and lows so it’s important that we’re together as one through them. In terms of quality, on paper it’s a very strong squad but it’s all good and well saying that, it counts for nothing if you don’t perform and win games”.

You can read the full interview with Lewis and further club updates on ‘www.EthanHoijord.com’.

The link to the full interview – 

Lewis Boardman interview – West Kirby F.C

Lewis Boardman interview.

As West Kirby F.C have undergone a relative transformation under the managerial reign of Nathan Brooks, new signing Lewis Boardman spoke of his footballing career so far and why he believed the decision to move clubs was the right decision.

Hi Lewis, to start our conversation off, could you tell us a little bit about your career so far? How did your love for football start, what are some of the best games that you’ve been to and if you could offer some pieces of advice for those that want to stay in the game past their childhood .. What advice would you offer?

Hello Ethan, thanks for having me.

Football started at an early age for me, I think I was about 6 or 7. I’ve been in love with the game since the first time I kicked a ball. You tend to forget about all your worries and issues in life for 90 minutes, and it’s a real stress relief – win, lose or draw! Throughout my playing career so far, I’ve been fortunate to play for some very good local sides. I first started at Poulton Vics, then moved to Victoria Colts as an 11 year old. Football became a lot more serious for me then as we were always big rivals with Vauxhall’s.. it was always between the two teams for the league. Sadly Colts folded after a 5 year spell there due to unknown reasons but I had quickly signed for our close rivals Vauxhall’s where I probably strived most. 

We had a brilliant couple of seasons together and won numerous trophies as a team. I really enjoyed my time there. We had not only a brilliant manager, but a brilliant person in Paul Reid who was in charge at the time and he was spot on. Really understood us as players and had a lot of time for us as people which is important at that age. He’s a manager I’ve got a lot of time, respect and admiration for!

After two years at Vauxhall, Chester had approached me and offered me 2 years as a youth player with the potential of going into the first team and I can safely say that, during my time, I played with some of the best players at my age around this area. We had such a close knit group of players and I can safely say it was a proper team! We won the treble the second year and during the second year, I was fortunate enough to play for the first team. I made my appearance in the Cheshire cup, and came in the 70th minute – it was a real achievement in my eyes and a proud moment for me and my family. Even though I didn’t manage to push into the first team after that, it was an unbelievable experience for me and one I can now say I’ve done. My second year at Chester, Cal McIntyre was our manager and he was a brilliant coach. Looking back now, it was a shame how it ended, as in my eyes, we never really saw eye to eye I don’t think. I don’t think he took to me well to be honest but you learn to take it on the chin. In all fairness, he progressed me as a player and stood me in good stead for the rest of my playing days so I thank him for that. 

After leaving Chester, it was a little bit hard for me. I was hopping between clubs at various levels and finding my feet again. I eventually went to West Kirby for 2/3 years where it was probably the most challenging of periods for the club as they were constantly facing relegation battles from West Cheshire 1. After West Kirby I followed the management team to Heswall for a season. A club I’ve got a lot of time for as well as the people who are involved. Especially Robbie Mathews. The work he does behind the scenes is ridiculous. He was like one big dad to the lads and I think we appreciated that. He had our best interests at heart. We were unlucky in our first year as we’d just missed out on promotion and we lost a cup final on a penalty shootout. Things didn’t really work out the last 6 months of being at Heswall and I felt it was the right time to leave. Again, I have great memories even after a short spell and the club is one that’s going in the right direction.

I’ve been to numerous games that will forever live in the memory but the two that I’ll remember are the first game I went to which was also why I fell in love with the game. It was Liverpool V Chelsea and Michael Owen scored the winner in front of the kop. I couldn’t see much as I was only small but, I remember sitting with my dad and just taking everything in. It was surreal. My other favourite game would have to be the trip to Wembley with Tranmere. The one where we beat Boreham Wood with 10 men. What a day that was!!

If I had to offer any advice to those younger than me now, it would be, enjoy it. Enjoy every moment. Football really does move fast, and in the blink of an eye, you’ll be looking back wishing you played for longer. Even if you’re not playing at the top level, football is about enjoyment – Playing with your mates. Yes, we might lose games sometimes but the main thing is, you enjoy it.

You signed for West Kirby F.C recently, what were the reasons behind your move and how would you describe the quality of the team in comparison to the teams that you’ve played in before? 

Yes. Look, West Kirby is a massive club. A well established club too. They’ve been around for years and it’s an exciting time for them at the minute. They’ve had a tough few years sadly but, at the minute, there seems to be a real buzz around the club and the appointment of Nathan seems to have given the people involved, and the players a real lift. Although the table doesn’t reflect it, they’re much better than the bottom half of West Cheshire Division 2. They should be in the top half of Division 1, as a minimum and it’s up to us now to get back to that level. They’re big factors for me and my reasons for joining the club as well as the manager. I’m excited for the challenge ahead.

Touching on the squad compared to others, I think there’s a real togetherness about this one. We know there’s going to be highs and lows so it’s important that we’re together as one through them. In terms of quality, on paper it’s a very strong squad but it’s all good and well saying that, it counts for nothing if you don’t perform and win games.

Nathan Brooks is the manager of the club and you’ve said that you’ve played for him before. How long have you known of him in football and how influential of a reason was he behind your move to West Kirby?

Yeah, Nathan is the main reason as to why I’ve come back to West Kirby. He’s a manager, and a person that I’ve got a lot of time and admiration for. We’ve known each other for a number of years now and our relationship has only got stronger as the years have passed by. I first met Nathan when he came in as an assistant manager during my first spell at West Kirby, and he was always picking at the fine details on how we could improve then so I knew he was always going to be a good manager when the time came for him. Nathan does an unbelievable amount behind the scenes. He is someone who wants to win. He’s someone who wants the best for everyone, especially the club he represents. He was a big influence on me coming back to the club as I think he’s going to be the right man to take West Kirby forward. He wants stability, and he wants to put his stamp on things. He’s been in the game long enough now to know that it will take time but he also knows how big a job he has on his hands. I’m delighted he was in touch with me to follow him from Heswall to West Kirby. It always makes you happy knowing a manager thinks of you the way he does and wants you to be part of the rebuild at a club. We know each other well, and he knows me as a player so it makes it easier fitting in to one of his sides again. He expects the best from everyone so I’m sure he will get everyone on the same page and make sure they know what needs to be done to start picking up results. As I said earlier, I’m excited to get back out there and face the challenges as a player in his team.

What would you say are the aims for this season, your personal ambitions combined with the ambitions you’ve got for the team and what are your current feelings about getting started and being a part of it all?

First and foremost, the main ambition in my eyes, this season is to consolidate a position in division 2 ahead of next season. As a club, as a team, we don’t want to go down but it’s down to us. We know it won’t be easy but we have to treat every game as a cup final and focus on one game at a time. We can’t look behind us and we can’t look too far ahead of us. We have to use the next couple of games for now as building blocks and learning curves but we also need to make sure that we’re looking at picking up points through this initial period. We know what we need to achieve as a team, and that comes from the manager. He sets out a points per game target over a handful of matches and then we look at where we have to improve or what we did well. 

Next season, all being well, we will be competing in division 2 and without looking too far ahead, we want to be competing at the top end of the table. I haven’t come back to West Kirby for the sake of it. I’ve come back to compete and win things.

As an individual, my ambitions are just to help the team win games and lead the younger lads through the games. I’ve played enough games in the past to know what it takes to win games of football and see games through but, it needs to happen all over the pitch. I want to help improve those around me and make sure they know their roles on the pitch. It’s down to myself and the other senior lads to make sure we’re all meeting the expectations of Nathan and the club.

Touching on getting started, again I can’t wait for it. I look forward to being part of the rebuild and doing what we can in putting West Kirby back on the map. The club needs to be back in the top league and needs to get back to having a good reputation. I think it lost its ways a little bit over the last few years unfortunately but it’s going to be a really exciting few months all being well!

Focusing on your life away from football, what is your job and what does that mean in terms of your availability for playing? Does playing give you something to look forward to outside of work?

I work on the railway and have done so for almost 4 years now. Due to the shift patterns it affects my availability for football every week but Nathan understands this and knows my situation. It makes things easier for me having a manager who doesn’t hold a working life away from football that can affect availability. I enjoy my job. Yes, it means I don’t play football every week but that’s a sacrifice I have to make. Especially being a family man and having a little one at home, a source of income is my priority these days. I absolutely love my football and it’s a release for me at times but the main thing is, I always look forward to playing and competing for 90 minutes. The opportunity to play for West Kirby and help the club compete at the top excites me and even though I’m not able to play every week, I do things behind the scenes to try and help the lads succeed!

Forest Green Rovers meeting the opposition.

Forest Green Rovers – meeting the opposition.

Tranmere, the best defensive side in League Two, face Forest Green Rovers, the best attacking side in the division on Saturday afternoon at Prenton Park in a top of the table clash.

The two clubs have grown a bit of a relative rivalry in recent years, stemming from fighting for promotion in the National League which culminated in the 2018 Play-Off final where Forest Green would win 3-1.

Ahead of this weekend’s encounter, I spoke to Green Army supporter Alfie Ryan who gave his thoughts on the visitors this season amongst his thoughts on controversial owner Dale Vince and much more.

What were your expectations going into the season and what are they now as we enter the second half of the campaign?

I think going into the season the realistic expectation from most FGR fans was to be up and around the top 7 again, continuing to fight for promotion. However after a brilliant start I genuinely think that even if we didn’t win the league, we would still be up in the top 3.

What are your thoughts on those in charge at Forest Green? Rob Edwards is the manager having been appointed in late May 2021 and Dale Vince is the, somewhat controversial, owner.

I think Rob Edwards has really spurred fans on to believe that maybe this is the year that we get promoted, I’ll be completely honest I was sceptical when he was first appointed as he had a lack of experience within the professional club leagues, obviously he had a role within the England set up. Realistically though he’s been great, there’s a much greater feeling of unity at the club now. 

As for Richie Kyle, Rob’s assistant manager. He’s been great too; we’ve not had a real chance to connect with an assistant manager since Scott Lindsey left us a few years ago, Richie is a very nice bloke who’s got experience with being an assistant manager for the Canada women’s team. 

Dale Vince as you well know is deemed to be “controversial”, but the “maverick owner” has got a great vision for the club, and it is seriously paying off.

Who would you say are the visitors danger men and who do you see as the stand out hosting players?

I think for us, all of our players this season could well be considered “danger men” but if I had to highlight a few of them, both of the front men in Jamille Matt and Matty Stevens, the pair have scored 31 goals already this season combined. Another few danger men are the wingbacks Nicky Cadden and Kane Wilson, obviously most of the Tranmere fans will remember Kane, who has got 9 assists this season already, whilst Nicky Cadden, signed from Greenock Morton, has 6 assists so far this season. Defensively we’ve been solid, with Luke Mcgee in goal, Luke has the most clean sheets in the league with 12. Just ahead of Tranmere keeper Ross Doohan. I understand that Tranmere’s danger men are Peter Clarke, Ross Doohan and Charlie Jolley  . 

The last time the two sides met was 25th September as Calum MacDonald was sent off late in a goalless draw. How would you describe the course of that particular ninety minutes?

Yeah, the 0-0 draw back in September, wow that feels a while ago. In terms of describing the the 90 mins, in reality there wasn’t a great deal to describe apart from it being an end to end game 

How do you see the upcoming fixture panning out, score prediction etc, and do you believe it will pose different questions than the previous meeting did?

I can possibly see the game being a boring draw, or completely action packed as we’re scoring for fun and you’re defensively very good, best home team vs best away team. The game speaks for itself, therefore either 0-0 or 2-1 to us.

What starting eleven do you think Rob Edwards will select and how would you describe his playing style?

I’d say the starting XI on saturday will be a 3-4-1-2 as usual, with Luke Mcgee in goal, back three of Baily Cargill, Jordan Moore Taylor and Udoka Godwin-Malife, the midfield 4 will consist of Kane Wilson, Ben Stevenson, Regan Hendry and Nicky Cadden, just in behind the two strikers will be Jack Aitchison, and then the front two of Jamille Matt and Matty Stevens. To discuss Rob’s style of play, it’s particularly exciting. Obviously the goal stats speak for themselves, it’s quite a possessive style of play. 

Thinking of the previous encounters between the two sides, what games/moments stand out as being memorable for you?

Well, it would go without saying that fixtures between Tranmere and FGR have always been exciting, and the only answer I can genuinely give you is the VNL play off final in which we won 3-1 at Wembley. 

As we’re now halfway into the January transfer window, who would you like The Green to sign and would you say there are any particular positions that need to be strengthened? Have any outgoings/incomings been completed so far? 

So yeah, Dale Vince has already stated that we would not be bringing anyone in as long as no one went out, we’ve loaned young Jack Evans to AFC Fylde as he simply could not get near the team with the level of quality. I think we’ve got a pretty solid setup and don’t really need to strengthen any particular area, if we were to sign anyone, ideally a back up for Nicky Cadden at Left Midfield. Also potentially another midfielder just in case Ebou Adams did leave (as rumoured with Blackpool), however he is unlikely to leave due to still being with Gambia at AFCON.

Dave Higgins mid season review.

Dave Higgins – Mid Season Review.

Tranmere have conceded less goals than any other professional English football club than Manchester City, thus it’d be difficult not to mention Rovers’ great defensive work when talking to club legend Dave Higgins.

Dave gave his thoughts on how the season has gone so far, on Micky Mellon’s managerial return to the club as we also discussed the January transfer window and what position he believes Tranmere will end the season in.

‘Automatic promotion is in our hands. Who will win the league title? We will’.

How would you say the season has gone so far, has it been a positive start to Micky Mellon’s return to Merseyside?

It wasn’t an amazing start to the season but everyone knew that he normally gets his team going after Christmas. We had an awful lot of players come in pre-season so it was hard for him to understand what his best team was. I still wouldn’t say we’re at our best however if we’re winning eight out of ten league games whilst not playing at our best, imagine what we can do when we are. 

Micky’s come back from Scotland with more experience and he’s now utilising his new found team very well and we’ve got some amazing attacking talents. If you offered me, in the summer, second at this point of the season I’d snap your hand off so he is doing a really good job.

Talking about the squad we have, what would you say are their strengths and weaknesses? Would the weaknesses be linked to depth?

I think we’ve got enough bodies for depth, if you look at how many names we have on the back of a programme you’ll see that! 

The positives are that we’re clean sheet after clean sheet but we could do with scoring more. Our opponents are having more possession than us and we’re not letting them do much, if anything, with it. We’ve made a lot of changes to the squad but the way we’re digging in to win the games shows that the players are buying into what the manager wants of them. Positives? Clean sheets, results, the team is fighting like mad and we are where we should be. Second in January is brilliant.

Touching on the defence and the clean sheets they’re producing, with you being a defender what would you say are the reasons behind the success of the Rovers back line?

A settled back four and goalkeeper is very important as they’re able to build that bond and communicate with each other well, they’ll know when to move and when to stay. It isn’t just down to them though, great defensive work must start from your forwards and trickle down into a strong midfield before you reach the last line. When we’re defending a corner everyone is back, no ones being left up and the team’s work ethic is very very good.

We were able to reach the final of the Papa John’s Trophy last season but we’ve exited all cup competitions at an early stage this campaign. Would you say that’s something that has bothered yourself or would you have wanted to focus solely on the league?

Due to the size of the squad we have, we could’ve chopped and changed to suit the fixture list demands. However, less games mean that you’re less likely to get injuries to key players. It’s always great to have a good cup run, it’s amazing to get a big club to come to Prenton Park and all of the players would’ve wanted to experience that. However, we’ve just got to accept that we’re out of the cups as our main aim is to get promoted and we’re right on course to achieve that. 

Focusing on the January window and what we’ve been able to complete so far, the loans of Josh McPake and Kane Hemmings then the outgoings being Mark Duffy and Ryan Watson. How would you describe our business so far and what are your thoughts on the retirement of club captain Scott Davies?

Davies’ retirement is very sad as that was forced with injury, in a match that I was at. I’m sure he’ll get a coaching role or something similar elsewhere as he was a top professional for Tranmere. 

The signings? We needed forwards, we’ve brought in forwards. Nevitt was trying his hardest up front against greatly experienced centre halves. We were feeding him on scraps and he must’ve been wondering what he had to do at times to get more opportunities at times. We’re now creating more chances as we’ve brought in players with a bit of pace and knowhow but we could still do with scoring more.

You were in the stadium last season, commentating on matches for TRFC Radio. How is it like to have supporters back now? Have you noticed much of a difference?

It’s absolutely made a difference. You go out for a pre-match warm up and nobody’s there. It’s so hard to get yourself in that correct mood. As soon as you hear the fans, it motivates you so much more and when you’re relatively clinging on to games the crowds can help the team fight on until the whistle blows. Imagine going on a promotion push and there’s no fans there? It really lacks excitement and that has all come back.

We’re now entering the final months of the season. Do you believe automatic promotion is a possibility and do you believe we could nip Forest Green to win the league title with the game against them being next week?

That’s a massive game against them next weekend and we’ll go within four points of first with a win. We did well against them in the first meeting of the season, when we drew 0-0 at their place. 

Last season we had two games in hand, we had to win those games to go second and we were getting excited in the press box, what happened then was we got too far ahead of ourselves and it’s important now that we don’t make that same mistake. 

If we concentrate on our games, not other games, no one will be able to catch us and with the seasoned professionals we’ve got I believe promotion is in our own hands. I’m sure we can go on to get promoted, win the league title as well. 

What a win it would be to win the title. We’re doing the damage against the teams we’re facing and that’s why we are where we are.

Finishing our conversation off, where can people find your media work? Are you still commentating for the club?

I’m still doing the radio work for Tranmere. I’ve been away, I’ve been working and it’s happened that a home game hasn’t fallen in yet. Saturday I’ll be there and then the remaining Saturdays of the season, I’m unable to make midweek games due to work commitments.

Runcorn 6 West Kirby 1 Report.

Runcorn Sports 6 West Kirby 1 – Match Report.

Saturday 22nd January 2022 

West Kirby struggled to pose their capabilities against a strong Runcorn Sports side as they fell to a 6-1 defeat on Saturday afternoon.

In an end to end fast paced half, the hosts were clinical in the final third. However, it was West Kirby that netted first as Sam Haley beat his man with an instinctive side foot finish inside the box.

The scoreline would soon be made level, before Runcorn put themselves in front. The first was converted by Mick O’Neil with a low and hard finish before Ste Woodwood performed a well worked move on the left hand side as he cut in to finish in the top corner. 

Nathan Brook’s men had an opportunity to put the game level. However, Tila Davies’ header flew over the bar.

Just as they did with their opening two goals, Runcorn scored two in quick succession before the whistle blew for halftime. Josh Archer would score the third following a brilliant through ball and then Ste Jackson netted from the penalty spot.

The pace of the game would mellow after the break as the leaders enjoyed more of the possession.

A fifth, to put the game far out of the reach of a draw, was scored by Woodwood as the attacker pounced on a mistake at the back. In truth, the scoreline would’ve had a greater difference if Lewis Burrows hadn’t made two great close range saves midway into the half.

Woodwood sealed a hat trick with an exquisite 30 yard looping strike to take the scoreline to 6-1 as the afternoon’s play was soon brought to an end.

It’s important to recognise the importance of referees in the lower leagues, Clive Brown had a very good game which was rightly recognised by the hosts.

Man of the match: Ste Jackson, the left back created many goal scoring opportunities.

West Kirby Line up: Lewis Burrows, Callum McCaffrey, Dave Hird, Conor Eccles, Patrick Carpenter, Harrison Hindley, Charlie Clewlow, Josh Sutton, Jordan Chwalko, Tila Davies, Sam Haley, Joe Stephenson.