West Didsbury & Chorlton (Saturday, August 4)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

West Didsbury & Chorlton 2 Formby 3

Brookburn Road sounds hard to find, so I plan my route on Google Earth. Like a slack-jawed hillbilly who still points at planes in the sky, I’m mesmerised by this amazing website.

The extremely helpful club secretary reserves some programmes for me. I expect a high turnout of Hoppers. Upon my arrival, they are waiting for me along with a handful of free back issues – how very kind.

Everyone’s very friendly and looking forward to their big day. The weather forecast warned me that I would die if I even thought about leaving the house (devastation, floods, storms etc), so it’s no surprise to find everyone basking in the sunshine.

In the newly-refurbished clubhouse, hot food is already being served, along with tasty-looking thick rolls. I’m warmly greeted by the secretary who hands me even more free programmes and sorts out a badge for me.

The Formby secretary joins in and offers his club’s badge, how enterprising. Many Hoppers are treated in the same welcoming manner. There is a wonderfully stylish history board along one wall, check it out when you visit.

The ground is very tranquil. Parking is on the grass behind one goal, the? clubhouse is situated behind the other goal and a nature reserve forms the boundary along one side.

Unfortunately, the Didsbury defence is also in a hospitable mood and gift Formby two goals as well as a penalty. This spot-kick is worse than anything ever taken by someone called Ashley. It is skied high and wide of the retaining net
protecting the clubhouse!

Formby’s strong following nearly witness their team’s collapse, as Didsbury level the score in the second half. They go wild when their team snatch a late winner in this entertaining match.

This club is a very welcome addition to the NWCL, but I suspect it may be a steep learning curve for them as regards to the football side of things.

After all, they only finished seventh in the Lancashire League last season.

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