AFC Didsbury: Leighton, Musson (Johnson), McDonald, Battersby (C), Jaffray (Owen), Lee, Mackie (Corbett), Creasey, Wallace, Walker (New), Corcoran 

Goals: Wallace, Corcoran, Johnson, Creasey
Assists: Lee, Walker, Wallace
Man of the Match: Creasey

One Sided affair by the Moss based Champions

The final day of the season arrived with the MASFL Championship already having been secured by a rampant Moss Side. AFC Didsbury were in a buoyant mood prior to kick off despite narrowly missing out on silverware less than a week ago as this game would see the team say an emotional farewell to one of its most influential servants since formation in 2010. 

Neil Creasey having made almost 100 appearances and scoring more than 40 goals in his 4 year spell was clearly fired up for leaving a lasting impression on the South Manchester village. His name will now be added to the hall of fame along with the likes of legends past Oliver Quaye, Alistair Rushton, Andrew Basley, David Hargreaves and Duane Augustine. 

The game started with Moss Side dominating possession, controlling the game and showing all the hall marks of a team that has only suffered one league defeat in the last 10 years. The breakthrough eventually came via a scrappy goal from a corner where a Moss Side player was found unmarked in the box to head home a simple finish. Didsbury showed good resilience with some solid defending and crunching tackles, however, still came off 3-0 down at half time. The highlight of the half for AFC came when Gaz Lee outwitted the Moss Side full back before playing in Jack Wallace who rifled a shot from 25 yards only to see the Moss Side keeper superbly palm the ball over the bar. 

The second half saw Didsbury come out fired up with a nothing to lose attitude and soon penetrated the Moss Side defence. Gaz Lee once again skilfully bypassed the cumbersome Moss Side full back before picking out Jack Wallace who bravely beat the onrushing keeper to find the bottom corner. The game was beginning to open up and Didsbury pressed forward looking to get back into the tie before an unfortunate own goal from a worked-up John Battersby put Moss Side back in control at 4-1. This lead to a heated exchange with the Moss Side number 10 who seemed slightly envious of the Didsbury Captains size 14 feet and harshly priced his larger than life boots at a modest £3 in an attempted belittlement, if ever a reminder was needed that this was a Sunday League match this was it. 

John Corcoran who has earned a reputation for being able to spring even the most advanced of offside traps was found with a through ball from Guy Walker, Corcoran showing brilliant composure rounded the keeper and slotted home his 8th goal of the season to make it 4-2. Following this goal the ever vocal gaffer Adam Musson made short work of the Moss Side striker in a verbal exchange, his superior education reigned supreme in the battle of wits, leaving the tricky number 9 with no response for seemingly the first time in his entire life. He instead opted to let his feet do the talking and before any thoughts of a comeback came to fruition Moss Side quickly increased their lead by a further two goals. 

With the game as good as over and only 20 minutes remaining Fletcher Moss saw the introduction of Didsbury Twitter Troll Jonathan Owen. His debut season unfortunately finished without breaking his goalscoring duck or providing a single assist; however, unlike Carlos Tevez and Ashley Cole he will be descending on Brazil for the World Cup this summer. While his player stats won’t be topping any fantasy football tables his Southern English charm and boyish good looks should see him score highly with the Latin American women. 

There were moments of consolation for Didsbury before the final whistle. Team veteran and proud father of two Paul Johnson who has erased the words ‘lost’ and ‘cause’ from his vocabulary smashed home a breath taking half volley, with credit going to John Corcoran and Jack Wallace in the build-up. Moss Side then restored their 4 goal lead with a dubious penalty before Neil Creasey was fouled 35 yards from goal. There could only be one outcome from the resulting free kick and it was fitting that the departing man’s final act in a Didsbury jersey would be a screaming strike that left the keeper no chance. It may be worth noting for any stat junkies out there that the 35 yards of this free kick is actually further than the cumulative distance of all 8 John Corcoran goals for Didsbury this season. 

With 2 minutes remaining this would normally signal the introduction of ‘Team Jock ’Michael Hay, however, he was unavailable for selection due to his pursuit of Scottish Independence and his seemingly relentless quest to try and outdo Gareth New in every aspect of life. No cameo from the fiery Scott enabled Moss Side to score a late goal capping off an action packed game between the two heavyweights of the Manchester Amateur Sunday Football League.

Words by Gareth New

AFC Didsbury: Leighton, Musson (Rogers), McDonald, Battersby (C), Jaffray (Corcoran), Lee, Whiteley, Creasey, Peat (Berté), Harrison, Corbett (Wallace).

Goals: -
Assists: -
Man of the Match: -

No Cup Glory For Didsbury

“Adam Musson at the far post… Musson leaps like Shearer…Goal... Musson wins it for Didsbury” Sadly that was the story of Mussinho’s Saturday night dream. Unfortunately, Sunday was not to be as successful. Before I begin on the actual events, this (still hungover) writer wishes to apologise for any inaccuracies. Any complaints can be made to the pub landlords of Didsbury.

AFC Didsbury turned up at the prestigious ‘Simon Field’, for the respected John Old cup final, to an absolute delight of a pitch. The start of the cricket season had been cut to a level only associated with the Camp Nou. Didsbury emerged from the changing rooms to a world record Didsbury sports crowd (30ish). Members of the crowd had come from as far as Leicester to witness this spectacle. 

Didsbury started well with Matthew Harrison’s words of the previous week prominent in the minds of the Didsbury players “this pitch is your tapestry, it is time to paint”. An early Didsbury, over the top, caused panic in the Hulme ranks setting Didsbury trequarista, Harrison, free of the last Hulme defender. With the ball hanging in the Manchester wind, the Hulme keeper stormed off his goal line to intercept play. Like Steven Gerrard, the Hulme keeper fell flat on his arse. Fortunately for Hulme, the weather was with them and the ball continued to hang in the air giving the Hulme centre back time to recover the situation. This was to be a day of maybes for the Didsbury men.

Maybe if this writer had gone home earlier on Sunday, he maybe would not have felt so bad at work on Monday.

Didsbury started to gain momentum, playing the total football the crowd had come to see; spraying balls out wide and Gaz Lee sending crosses into the Hulme box. Hulme were not a team afraid to shoot, pinging a number of 30 yarders high and wide of James Leighton’s goal.

Then came the first (very) questionable refereeing decision of the day. The linesman gave offside from a throw in! He must have been reading the same rule book as Jonny Mackie!!

Even with the pleasant Hulme attacker courteously stating to any Didsbury defender in range that “he would bite their nose off”, Didbury’s defensive partnership of Colin ‘Marriott Gold Member’ McDonald and John ‘Wedding? What Wedding?’ Battersby stood firm. A Hulme free kick was blocked by the substantial wall of Gaz Lee and Adam Musson. Chances were still at a premium. 

As half time was approaching, disaster struck… Neil Creasey’s right boot split. Fortunately, Ben ‘Knight in shining armour’ Jaffray had a spare pair of luminous yellow and purple boots waiting on the sideline. Was this to be when the magic started to happen? Unfortunately, the first act of the boots was to receive a yellow card for kicking the ball away (spooning a pass). Questionable decision number two. The goalless first half finished with the sight of Didsbury winger Rick ’50 minutes’ Peat carrying a dog off the pristine pitch. 0-0. Half time.

The Didsbury team talk was filled with Captain Battersby’s words of ‘How much do you want this?’, the second half would tell. The second half began as the first half had ended. Hulme continued to shoot from range. James ‘Brain the Beast Jensen’ Leighton produced a great save down to his right as a Hulme shot was arrowing for the bottom corner.

As the game began to reach its final stages, Rick Peat showed that he is more than just a lovely pair of feet. He started to play Mourninho-esque mind games with the Hulme full back. Upon the occurrence of a foul throw by said full back, Peat shouted “it’s because of his limp wrists”. Moments later the ball was played to the Hulme full back, who was still thinking of his limp wrists. Peat hassled and harried the defender and in a flash his lovely feet had taken up possession of the football and he was bearing down on the Hulme goal. One-on-one with the Hulme keeper. Could this be the moment the Didsbury faithful had been waiting for? Peat sidesteps to the right, to see an open goal waiting. But no! Peat is sent tumbling by the keeper’s outstretched leg! Penalty! Surely a red card… but no! The referee produces a yellow. What would the referee’s dog have done?

Up stepped Didsbury’s answer to Jan Age Fjortoft, Michael Corbett, in his stolen from school boots to place the ball on the spot. A born finisher this lad. Corbett shoots… but saved! #$@&%*! He will be burning those boots tonight… or did the image of an excited Musson celebrating in the showers enter his cerebral at the inopportune moment...?

Then the true turning point of the game. Disaster… Hulme score… the Hulme right winger found himself free on the right of the box. With a quality, well angled shot, the ball planted itself in the bottom left corner of the goal. Hulme 1-0. Didsbury, not known for giving up a fight, continued to press the Hulme defence. Harrison managed to catch one of the Hulme defenders on the ball. The ricochet fell to the feet of Luke Berte, who could only poke the half chance into the keeper’s arms. There was still time for Leighton to stake his claim for man of the match with a couple of good saves from a Hulme free kick and yet another Hulme 30 yard effort.

Time was nearing the end. Could Didbury’s Man United fans conjure up the spirits of 1999. Could Thomas Whiteley and John Corcoran conjure up the spirits of Istanbul. Could Wayne Rogers conjure up the spirits of… the Auto Windscreens Shield. Could Jaffray conjure up the… erm… 
 
Suddenly Didsbury break… but no… the referee has other ideas, taking out Whiteley as the Hulme defence was looking bare. There was still time. Battersby hooked an effort towards goal. It was in… it was still in… Didsbury’s water boys Bermo and Dingo were on the pitch… No! The ball had narrowly sneaked past the post and nestled itself amongst the bushes. Didsbury continued to press but to no avail. Hulme had seen out a very close final. The Didsbury boys can hold their heads high after all they are “not losers but beaten finalists”. Who am I to argue with an ex-marine sniper!?

The day wasn’t over there. After attempting to park the bus against Hulme, McDonald then attempted to park his car…. The only thing bigger than the club made an appearance… Leighton’s credit card! The Didsbury boys saw out the day celebrating John Corcoran staying onside and consoling themselves that they will not be present at the event of the summer…!

Next up for AFC Didsbury… Moss Side.

To quote Mr Pacino… “That’s a team, gentlemen. And either we heal, now as a team, or we will die, as individuals. That’s football guys. That’s all it is. Now what are you going to do?”

Words by Jonny Owen

AFC Didsbury: Leighton, Owen (Musson), Rogers, McDonald (C) (Jaffray), Mackie, Wallace, Harrison, Lee, Berté, Hay (Corcoran), Peat.

Goals: -
Assists: -
Man of the Match: Harrison

Lacklustre Didsbury no match for Stretford Vics

On a miserable May evening Didsbury failed to brighten up their loyal fans with their usual scintillating football and were outplayed by a good Stretford Vics side. 

Manager Adam Musson was forced to make a number of changes due to unavailability and niggling injuries, the latter of great importance with the upcoming cup final a few days later. With 3rd place already secured in the previous match Didsbury were playing for pride against a side they were yet to beat on 3 previous occasions.

The first 15 minutes saw Didsbury start well and they were, for the most part, controlling play and created a few chances from the edge of the area and with balls into the box without really testing the travelling keeper. However, as it took 15 minutes for Stretford’s 11th man to turn up without Didsbury taking advantage the signs for the rest of the game were already there.

To be honest I wouldn't read any further, essentially Didsbury failed to turn up, and lost to the better side. I am only writing the rest as it is technically a match report so shouldn't stop just yet. But trust me; I will be saving you a few minutes of your life, which would be better spent doing basically anything
else!!

Anyway, once Stretford had a full complement their presence in the game grew and they began to put more and more pressure on the Didsbury defence. Around the half hour mark a long ball forward caught Didsbury short at the back and their lively if very scroty forward managed to get on the end of it and knock it past the onrushing James Leighton and in to the back of the net. There was no response from Didsbury and it was 1-0 at the break.

Musson tried to en still some passion into his players at the break, which was certainly lacking in the first half and for the first 10 minutes things were much better. Didsbury were getting on the ball and keeping possession and created a few chances, noticeably when a through ball from Mike Hay was latched onto by Jack Wallace, whose shot under pressure was too close to the keeper and he parried it past the post. However, it wasn't too long before Stretford started to get a foothold back in the match.

Unlike Didsbury, Stretford made their pressure pay and some neat football around the edge of the Didsbury area, found the Stretford left winger free inside the box and he calmly placed it into the far corner.

Didsbury heads noticeably fell and what was a poor display got worse. Stretford continued to put pressure on and after missing a few chances finally put the game to bed with a third. A pin point long ball forward was well controlled by the still scroty centre forward who then went on an amazing run, turning Didsbury defender, Jonathan Mackie, inside out before squaring to a teammate to lash the ball into the roof of the net. 

3 became 4 movements later. A loose pass shortly after kick off gave Stretford the opportunity to play another through ball, which was easily dispatched by the fatter but no less scroty other Stretford striker.

Didsbury did finally wake up and substitute John Corcoran forced the surprisingly agile Stretford keeper into two fine saves. The first came from a glancing header from a cross from the left, which the keeper tipped around the post, and the second, another header, from a Gaz Lee corner which only the keeper will know how he got his hand to.

However, it was too little too late and all in all it was a poor performance. With a slight injury concern to Didsbury centre half and vice-captain, Colin McDonald, it was definitely a match to forget and quickly with the cup final only a couple of days away.

Come along and show your support when Didsbury face Hulme in the John Old Cup Final at Simon Field (Ford Lane, Didsbury) on Sunday 11 May, KO 11.00.

Words by Jack Wallace

AFC Didsbury: Leighton, Musson, McDonald, Battersby (C) (Johnson), Jaffray, Walker, Mackie, Whiteley, Vasko (Owen), Corcoran, Corbett (Rogers).

Goals: Vasko, Corbett, Corcoran
Assists: Leighton, Vasko, Whiteley
Man of the Match: McDonald

Didsbury call yet another halt on Juniors' Season to secure 3rd place.

Following a flawless 2-0 victory to reach the John Old Cup Final, Didsbury displayed attacking fluency and defensive resilience to outplay Halton Juniors for a second time in a week. 

Prior to kick-off, the mood was somewhat marred by an unforgiveable action from one individual; the referee. To establish himself as centre of attention on the centre spot, the ref attempted to show-off a ‘never-before-practiced’ piece of skill that a dying swan from San Marino with two webbed left feet could have better produced. Luckily, Didsbury remained unaffected - though a minute’s silence will take place next week.
 
Right from the whistle, the game began with both teams playing some fast and efficient Subbuteo©. Didsbury instantly became aware for the necessity to be well-positioned and organised against a skilful and attacking Juniors side. 

It was Didsbury who sent out the first warning. Breaking swiftly down the right flank, John Corcoran played a quick low ball across the 6 yard box, only for it to be tickled by the studs of an outstretched Mike Corbett. 
 
Encouraging signs were instantly followed by a break-through. The 10th minute bore witness to a quality and direct move from the away side. Initiated from a route one kick from the “soon to be insured for a significant amount, following some incredible skill during the warm-up” feet of goalkeeper, James Leighton, was well flicked on by Corbett into the path of an alert Pavol Vasko - who exhibited quality and composure to expertly loop over the keeper. 1-0 Didsbury.

The second goal soon followed. A pin-point cross field ball from tireless winger and new recruit, Guy Walker, found the ever-present Vasko who generously returned the favour with a composed assisted header across goal for Robin Van Corbett to accurately slot into the bottom corner. 2-0 Didsbury.

Half time.

Didsbury decided to introduce fresh legs for the second half. Like
for like substitutions included Johnson on for Battersby and... Rogers… to… replace… Corbett??? Rogers was able to dismiss any doubters, rendering his transition from centre-back to centre-forward as seamless by his presence and energy alone - like a somewhat smaller Christopher Samba.
 
Prior to the second half KO, the mood was once again marred by an unforgiveable action from one individual… the referee. On this occasion, he deemed that his ‘terminal swan-like-skill’ was better practiced (it wasn’t) and actually appropriate to form part of the kick-off (it wasn’t). An inquiry will soon take place.  

Halton Juniors started the second half with speed and intent and decided to issue an early warning by whipping in a cross only for the ball to bounce awkwardly and hit the crossbar - to the relief of a routed Jimmy Leighton.

Didsbury fought back and continued to show exactly why they hold the strongest backline in the Mikey Williams Premiership. Halton continued to probe but failed to penetrate for much of the second half, with tireless performances from Jonathan Mackie and Tom Whitely in the midfield centre to ensure that the backline were protected throughout. 

With one eye on the approaching cup final, manager Adam Musson was eager to come away from this fixture without an injury to any squad member. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case. As a strong and persistent Vasko managed to get his body in between his marker and the ball, as he often does so routinely well, the versatile winger was knocked off balance only to land awkwardly on his shoulder. Luckily though, Corbett was able achieve his second assist of the day - driving Vasko to A&E. Every cloud. AFC Didsbury wish Pav a swift and speedy recovery and pray he will be available for the cup final #Pray4Pav. Jonny Owen replaces the injured Vasko.

Throughout the second half, Didsbury posed a real threat and continued to demonstrate their attacking intent - including numerous shots from Wayne Samba Rogers Christopher and a first-time pin-ball shot from Corcoran - which seemed to hit the bar, then the post, then the keeper, then the post, then the bar and then caught by the keeper. Corcoran’s supportive Dad said it didn’t go in. Corcoran disagrees. 

Didsbury were to concede in the final 5 minutes. A trailing leg combined with a fancy bit of skill resulted in a Halton Juniors penalty. This was dispatched by veteran Mr Halton himself, resulting in quite a funny pile-on by the opposing players. I hope he’s okay… 2-1 Didsbury.

Any anxiety from the penalty was instantly addressed by a speediest of AFC Didsbury counter-attacks (approximately 17mph) that consisted of some neat feet from Whiteley, to then square the ball to Corcoran, who wrong footed the keeper to dispatch into the bottom right corner. 3-1 Didsbury.
 
Full time.

This was a real team performance and a superb victory for AFC Didsbury. Confidence is high and the club continues to improve. In the words of Robbie Nelson Mandela Savage (sorry), “Momentum is a hugely powerful weapon in the face of the opponent.” Didsbury must really focus on continuing this momentum for their penultimate league game against Stretford Victoria on Wednesday. 

Words by John Corcoran

AFC Didsbury: Leighton, Musson (Rogers), McDonald, Battersby (C), Jaffray, Lee, Whiteley (Mackie), Creasey, Peat (Wallace), Vasko, Harrison.

Goals: Vasko, Lee
Assists: Peat, Vasko
Man of the Match: Vasko

Didsbury show up Halton as Juniors to reach first cup final

The sun was out on this momentous occasion. AFC Didsbury were attempting to reach their first cup final in their short but rich history. Thoughts of an open top bus through the streets of Didsbury were playing on the minds of the players. But were these dreams of glory due to be killed off by Halton Juniors and driven away by the ‘pimp my ride’ hearse parked in the car park? The importance of the day was further underlined by the emergence of two assistant referees. This was not a day for substitutes to be aimlessly waving the luminous flags.

Any thoughts of the legendary John Old Cup Final were quickly put on hold as Halton Juniors started brightly; closing down Didsbury possession and sending crosses into the Didsbury box. The pressure of the situation was almost too much for Didsbury’s biggest fan, Hannah Harrison, and Didsbury’s eternal mascot, Dingo, to bear as they started to pace up and down the touchline. 

Didsbury’s midfield maestro, Neil Creasey, was obviously still getting over the fact that Stuart Pearce’s reign as Forest manager will not be starting in the Premier League. The new centre back partnership of John Battersby and Colin McDonald were standing firm, not giving the Halton strikers a sniff of James Leighton’s goal. The vertically challenged, Adam Musson, was even winning headers against Usain Bolt’s doppelganger.

Slowly but surely Didsbury’s midfield general, Tom Whiteley, and Creasey started to dominate the central areas allowing the trio of Gaz Lee, Rick Peat and Pavol Vasko to stretch the Halton defence. Didsbury’s lone front man, Matt Harrison, continued to work tirelessly up top, not allowing his opponents any time on the ball. The Didsbury machine was starting to purr and chances started to come.

First, Rick Peat (with his lovely feet) smashed the ball against the foot of the post. Didsbury’s belief was certainly starting to grow. Suddenly, with the ball bouncing around the box, Whiteley pounced, steering the ball passed the keeper and into the back of the net! Could Didsbury dare to dream? No! The linesman’s outstretched arm ruled the goal out for offside. Undeterred, Didsbury continued to attack with verve and panache. A Vasko and Harrison delightful one-two, reminiscent of Ronaldo and Rivaldo, split the Halton defence, culminating with Vasko placing the ball against the frame of the goal.

The woodwork had already stood in Didsbury’s way twice but finally the deadlock was broken. Peat played in Vasko with a charming through ball, allowing Didsbury’s Slovakian import to caress the ball past the onrushing keeper. 1-0! It’s moments like these when you wonder why Vasko has never received the call from Jan Kozak. The first half was called to a close after a Halton corner led to a body on the line double block by Battersby. Didsbury left the field buoyed by their performance, ready for more.

At the break, Halton brought on their star winger. The second half continued from where the first had ended. Didsbury continued to create chances. Gaz Lee’s pinpoint corner was blazed over by the size 24 feet of Battersby. The ball will be entering into orbit right about now. The second goal was coming. 

Against the run of play, Halton broke. Musson, aiming for the ball, floored the Halton attacker with a trademark slide tackle. Yellow card. Surprisingly to the referee this produced a smile on Musson’s face as he realised he had equalled Ben Jaffray’s (Didsbury’s hard man) yellow cards for the season. From the resulting free kick, Halton blazed over. Didsbury weren’t having this all their own way.

Didsbury’s high pressing game almost reaped its rewards with Vasko charging the keeper down. The resulting ricochet fell to the feet of Whiteley near the halfway line. Hopes were high with Jonjo Shelvey’s goal fresh in the minds of the Didsbury bench. Unfortunately he shot narrowly over the crossbar. Again Halton broke and again Musson flew into the tackle. This time executing it well and winning the ball but leaving the Halton star in a crumpled heap on the floor. Off departed the winger into a sea of angry Halton fans. Realising the severity of the situation, Mussinho, substituted himself off for Wayne Rogers.

The Didsbury chances continued to come. A Creasey corner was side footed wide by finesmaster (hint hint) Battersby. Jack Wallace then found Creasey, who played in Vasko clear of the last defender. One on one… the keeper saves! However, the ball loops to the edge of the area for Gaz Lee to volley home past the stranded keeper. Think Zidane 2002 Champions League final. 2-0! 

With the pressure off, Michael Hay on the Didsbury bench allowed himself a giggle as he remembered the bike incident of the previous week.

Halton continued to break, but McDonald and Battersby continued to show why Didsbury have the best defence in the famous Mikey Williams Premiership. With tiredness creeping in, Didsbury players continued to grit their teeth and dig deep. Full back, Jaffray, continuing to win challenge after challenge and making sure his marker remained comfortable in his back pocket. A final Halton attack ended when two forwards comically ran into each other, both immediately falling to the ground. The referee had seen enough. With three sharp blasts of the whistle, Didsbury had booked their place in the final! A truly sublime team performance.

Didsbury players left the field to chants of “Wemberly! Wemberly!” and happy in the knowledge that #GazNewOfficial can tell the girls of Didsbury he will be starring in a cup final. Now to book that open top bus…

Words by Jonny Owen

AFC Didbsury: Brookes, Musson, Mackie (Johnson), Whiteley, Jaffray (Bermingham), Wallace, Harrison (C), Creasey, Peat (Hay), Berté (Corcoran), Corbett (Lee).

Goals: Peat, Corbett (2), Creasey (2)
Assists: Jaffray, Berté, Wallace, Hay, Corbett
Man of the Match: Creasey

5 Star Didsbury Too Much For Student Town

Buoyed by the 4-2 victory over Joshua Brookes on Easter Sunday, Didsbury arrived at Turn Moss hungry for another empathic victory that would set them up nicely for their John Old cup semi-final this Sunday. The freshly cut grass and dry ground at Turn Moss provided the perfect conditions for AFC Didsbury’s passing game and the visitors were not waiting long for the first goal. On 8mins, Rick Peat received the ball just inside the Fallowfield half, skipped pass the hapless full back and curled a sublime right foot shot over the keeper that nestled into the far corner of the goal. Definitely a contender for goal of the season.

With the 1-0 lead in place the gaffer, Adam Musson, must have had his mind focussed on getting a second , although a call to line of“Bermo, are you doing the match report?”, showed that even at this early stage the right back was feeling comfortable that the 3 points were coming back to Simon Field. This confidence was well placed and after a knock on from Luke Berté, Michael Corbett showed some graceful footwork to dance through the Fallowfield defence and unleash a shot, which seemed to confuse the Fallowfield keeper so much that he decided to drop it into his own net. 

Not long after this mistake the stand-in Fallowfield keeper was replaced by their regular keeper, but this didn’t make any difference to the outcome of the game. The industrious Didsbury midfielder and man of the match, Neil Creasey played a perfectly weighted ball out to winger Jack Wallace, who squared to Corbett. The Didsbury striker, rather than just smashing the finish home, decided to neatly fake right, which sent the Fallowfield No.1 completely the wrong way and he calmly slotted into the empty net. 

With Didsbury camped out in the Fallowfield half, Tom Whiteley added some excitement to the defence by testing the reactions of the stand-in keeper Gary Brookes, with a challenging back pass. The scouse veteran dealt with the situation, but in truth it was the only the thing that went near him all half.

The second half started with a rare bit of Fallowfield pressure, which caught the Didsbury defence off guard. A throw in on the left wing caught the substitute full back, Ciaran Bermingham, out of position. The Fallowfield centre forward wriggled into the box and managed to get a shot off past the challenges of the AFCD defence and find the bottom corner of the net. This was a warning shout to the highflying Didsbury and it was heard loud and clear!!!

Following the restart, a Didsbury attack fell to Mike Hay at the edge of the Fallowfield box who unleashed a wicked cross, which confused the on-rushing Fallowfield defender as he almost caught it!!! (He must have thought it was his turn in net). Penalty given and Neil Creasey stepped up and did not disappoint. 

Didsbury’s final goal was a thing of beauty (unlucky Rick, that goal of the season looks a lot less likely now). The stalwart centre half, Whiteley, broke up a Fallowfield attack and fed the ball to Creasey. Creasey found John Corcoron on the left wing and Corcoron launched the ball to Corbett. Didsbury's top goalscorer then controlled the ball elegantly and fed it back to Creasey who smashed the ball home after running almost 90 yards to keep up with the play. A magnificent team goal.

The game was played in a good spirit by both teams and this was typified by Tom “the cuddler” Whitely. Not satisfied with his kiss at the corner, when call ashore by the gaffer, he couldn’t leave the field without saying one last goodbye to the Fallowfield centre forward. 

The only sour note of the game was a red card to the in form Didsbury winger, Rick Peat, for two bookable offences. The first was a cynical hand ball and the second was a tackle that the ex-Didsbury 4th choice left back, Nick “Chopper” Eaves, would have been proud off i.e. slicing through the Fallowfield winger at full pace!!!!

Even with 10 men the game finished with Didsbury clearly in the ascendancy. They will go into the Sunday’s semi-final in high spirits and good form.

Words by Ciarán Bermingham

AFC Didsbury: Leighton, Wallace (Owen), Whiteley, Mackie, Jaffray, Lee (Hay), Harrison (C), Creasey, Corcoran (New), Berté, Vasko.

Goals: Berté, Corcoran, Whiteley, Creasey
Assists: Jaffray, Harrison, Berté
Man of the Match: Harrison

Dominant Didsbury in four-goal Easter Eggstravaganza

Having suffered a disappointing defeat to Joshua Brooks only four days earlier, AFC Didsbury were aiming for revenge and a return to winning ways on this Easter Sunday clash. With Didsbury’s mini-Mourinho absent due to filming commitments on Game of Thrones (Tyrion), the weighty responsibility of lifting the men in Orange out of a two match losing slump fell to vice-captain, Colin McDonald, leading from the side-lines due to injury.

Hungry for a win, Didsbury started brightly, with real attacking intent; quickly closing down the man with the ball and setting up camp in the opponent’s half. Joshua Brooks were well and truly on the ropes, with several players still appearing dizzy from Rick Peat’s mid-week lovely feet. The early pressure was rewarded with several corners, and while not producing a goal, Didsbury had asserted their dominance on proceedings. Didsbury captain and man of the match, Matt Harrison, was king of the aerial battle, winning header after header in the middle of the park.

Despite Didsbury’s ever- easy on the eye tika-taka style of play, the eventual opener came from a classic route one set-piece that Stoke or West Ham would have been proud of. Ben Jaffray (feeling fresh from what sounded like a delightfully relaxing short-break in the picturesque Cotswold countryside) launched a perfectly weighted free kick from the halfway line deep into the opposition box, with Luke Berté converting in the resulting melee. 

Didsbury fans braving the cold (Dingo’s family and that lad who hilariously fell off his bike) didn’t have to wait too long to see the home side double their advantage. The lively John Corcoran stole a yard on his marker to get on the end of a flick-on from the industrious Harrison, burying a half-volley deep into the bottom corner.

It was another strong performance for Didsbury new boy, Gaz Lee, who enjoyed a lot of success down the right flank; turning his man time and time again, delivering dangerous balls into the area. Similarly, Didsbury’s European import, Pavol Vasko was wreaking havoc with deft touches and quick turns of pace. As the half time whistle sounded, leading by two, Didsbury were very much in the driving seat, knowing there would be more goals to come in this match.

However, as everyone knows, football is a game of two halves. Inspired by a Phil Brown styled public half-time dressing down, Joshua Brooks started the second 45 with an energy and enthusiasm that they had been distinctly lacking in the first half. And more goals did come, but for the visitors. Playing a high defensive line, a straightforward ball over the top was latched onto by the lone striker who calmly slotted past goalkeeper, James Leighton. Didsbury weren’t going to have it all their own way after all.

It took a while for Didsbury to switch on and recover from the shock of the goal. But eventually the two goal cushion was restored. Berté collected a loose ball outside the opponents box and having turned the defender, unleashed a somewhat hopeful but dangerous shot towards goal which was slotted away courtesy of a glancing header from Tom Whiteley; a fine goal, somewhat soured by the Rahim Sterling-esque celebration. 

Caught resting on their laurels, the home team’s high defensive line was again their downfall, as Joshua Brooks pulled another goal back with a carbon copy of the first. Surely Didsbury couldn’t let this victory slip from their grasp.

Looking to see out the closing stages of the match, AFCD brought on fresh legs, in the shape of Twitter’s biggest bragger @GazNewOfficial. However, in a calamitous homage to Arsene Wenger, Corcoran had to play on a few minutes longer while New wrestled with his jacket zip #stuckinhisjacketlikeatwat

Didsbury eventually put the game beyond doubt when Neil Creasey whipped in yet another fantastic curling corner, but this time finding the back of the net directly, in a moment the visiting keeper will want to forget. 

Didsbury held their nerve, smothering a few final attacks from Joshua Brooks, including a fine save from the rarely called upon Leighton, to record a well-deserved victory where the score line doesn’t necessarily give a fair reflection of their control of the match. It was an eggcellent performance in all areas of the park, making it a Happy Easter Sunday!

Words by Mike Hay

AFC Didsbury: Leighton, Musson (Hay), Rogers (Johnson), McDonald (C), Bermingham (Mackie), Lee, Whiteley, Creasey, Peat (Corcoran), Berté (Wallace), Harrison.

Goals: -
Assists: -
Man of the Match: Peat

Didsbury lack killer instinct

The first midweek game of the season for Didsbury came against Joshua Brooks, knowing that a win would stand them in good stead for a top 3 finish in the league. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, but enough about Whiteley's songs, there was an important game ahead, but unfortunately the weather was not reminiscent of the final result. 
 
Didsbury started sharply, and within two minutes Adam Musson and Rick Peat linked up down the right flank. The latter showed some lovely feet to ghost past the defender and fizz a tantalising ball across the edge of the 6 yard box, only for it to be narrowly missed by the outstretched leg of Tom Whiteley. 

Chances were coming for Didsbury and they could smell the sweet scent of blood, the midfield duo of Whiteley and Neil Creasey, were linking expertly with the front men. However, they remained cautious of the threat that the opposition posed, as their right winger pushed the ball past skipper Colin McDonald, who bundled into him just on the edge of the area; luckily the referee gave a free kick that lead to nothing. 

The flowing football of Didsbury was always threatening to rear its beautiful head, yet the pitch didn't lend itself to the tika-taka we are so used to seeing.
Despite this, a flowing move saw Matty Harrison put clean through on goal but he failed to capitalise on the situation. More efforts were carved out with the best falling to Neil Creasey, whose attempts were flicked round the post
numerous times by pirouetting defenders and the flapping keeper. The half time whistle blew with Didsbury clearly the side in the ascendancy.

The second half got underway with plenty of joy for the two wingers Gaz Lee and Man of the Match, Rick Peat. The chances however were drying up for Didsbury, somewhat poetically intertwined with the gleaming sunshine. Then the hammer blow. A half chance created, out of a rare defensive lapse and the Joshua Brooks' striker was cool enough to slot home and make the little they had created count. 
 
Didsbury began to pile on the pressure and had a goal ruled out after Creasey's corner was deemed to have crossed the by-line before substitute, John Corcoran, powered a header home. From a later corner Harrison propelled himself towards the front post and glanced a header neatly towards goal, only for the somewhat, let’s say, larger goalkeeper to leap uncharacteristically like a Salmon out of water to deny what would have been a great goal. The game trundled on towards a disappointing result for the Didsbury on what was a glorious evening in the middle class capital of the North West.

Words by Rick Peat

AFC Didsbury: Leighton, Musson, Johnson, Mackie, Owen (Rogers), Wallace, McDonald (C), Whiteley, New (Walker), Corcoran (Harrison), Corbett.

Goals: Whiteley
Assists: McDonald
Man of the Match: Mackie

Dismal Didsbury Dumped out of the Cup

Didsbury were knocked out of the J A Kennedy Cup after a miserable performance in their quarter-final against a spirited St John's Reserves side.
 
Looking to qualify for two semi-finals in as many weeks, Didsbury started well passing the ball with patience and composure, whilst looking dangerous at set pieces. It was through this route that Didsbury took the lead. After Jack Wallace was fouled, following a break down the right flank, Colin McDonald played a delightful ball to the front post where Tom Whiteley sneaked ahead of the advancing keeper to nod in his 6th of the season.

From a position of dominance, Didsbury conspired to let their opponents back into the game when Paul Johnson was judged to foul the St Johns striker in the box. The penalty was dispatched and Didsbury had to up their game. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Their patient build up (that has served them well so far in 2014) appeared to have deserted them and there was a real lack of quality in the final ball. In fact, it was left to goalkeeper, James Leighton, to keep Didsbury level before the break, as he scrambled across his line and saved at the back post from an effort that seem destined for the back of the net. 
 
At half time, 3 changes were made with Guy Walker, Matt Harrison and Wayne Rogers introduced, and despite their best efforts Didsbury remained disjointed and failed to keep possession. To give St Johns' credit, they looked the more likely to score as the game moved towards the final stages and the possibility of extra time. However, as with the first goal, Didsbury were the makers of their own downfall, as a speculative cross came in between keeper and right back, and under little pressure Adam Musson misjudged the cross and nestled a header past his own keeper and into the far corner of the goal. 

With 10 minutes plus stoppage time to play Didsbury began to play with greater urgency and desire, but still struggled to make anything happen in the final third. Yet again, they gifted the opportunity for their opponents to kill off the game when Leighton miscued a clearance to the feet of the opposing striker who chipped home and looked to settle the game.

Didsbury were to be given the chance to half the deficit from the penalty spot when number 9, Mike Corbett, was brought down as the keeper came rushing off his line. To sum up the game and performance overall, Corbett's penalty was saved and St Johns managed to clear their lines. The final whistle blew and St Johns Reserves came away as the rightful winners.

The lads will accept that this was a shocking performance, which comes off the back of an excellent run of victories over the last 3 months. However, they still have hopes of a 3rd place finish and the semi-final of the John Old Cup to play in two weeks’ time. Didsbury must pick themselves up and produce the sort of display that they have become far more accustomed to, when they face Joshua Brooks in the league on Wednesday.

Words by Mike Corbett

AFC Didsbury: Leighton, Musson, Rogers (Hay), McDonald (C), Jaffray, Lee, Mackie, Whiteley, Peat, Corcoran (New), Harrison.

Goals: Corcoran (2)
Assists:  Peat
Man of the Match: Lee

Didsbury get a semi as they despatch MUSC in the quarters…

AFC Didsbury booked their place in the semi-finals of the John Old Cup with a hard fought 2-1 victory against last year’s winners and their long standing rivals Manchester United Supporters Club.

Going into the game, Manager Adam Mussinho was missing the holy trinity of Pavol Vasko, Neil Creasey and top scorer Mike Corbett.  This grave situation was made worse by the late withdrawal of Captain, John Battersby, despite the pleas of his gaffer that he ought to battle through the pain barrier based on the sound logic that ‘You don’t play any better when you’re not injured anyway’. 

Unable to take part in the game, Battersby instead reverted to his less familiar role of assistant manager and delivered a rousing team talk, which made hairs stand up on the back of necks and left a few of the players reaching for the Kleenex. Channelling the motivational skills of the legendary Vince Lombardi, he reminded the players that 2014 was fast becoming a ‘beautiful year’ for this maturing squad. The message was clear, rise to the occasion, seize the moment and a semi-final place would be ours.

MUSC demonstrated their traditionally unorthodox approach to the pre-match warm up by turning up 20 minutes late for kick off. For a team defending the prestigious John Old Cup, this felt like a lack of respect for the famous old trophy and a hungry Didsbury outfit were in no mood to forgive them. 

Perhaps due to the relaxed warm up, MUSC were caught cold as Didsbury launched attack after attack in the opening 5 minutes. This pressure was rewarded when left winger Rick Peat displayed some really lovely feet, to dance around the right back and deliver a peach of a ball for John Corcoran to tap home from 5 yards.  

The opening half hour saw wave after wave of Didsbury attack as Rick Peat and Gaz Lee caused havoc down the flanks. Only some shocking finishing from Messrs Corcoran and Whiteley kept the score line at 1-0. 

The away side, MUSC, seemed content to sit back and soak up pressure and launch the occasional counter attack. With a couple of minutes to go until half time, a MUSC free kick was tipped over the bar by Didsbury’s underworked, but overpaid goalkeeper James Leighton. Sloppy marking from the resulting corner allowed MUSC’s vertically challenged forward to rise above the flat-footed Didsbury defence and head into the top right hand corner of the goal, drawing the sides level. 

The 2nd half continued in a similar vein to the first, with new signing Gaz Lee repeatedly skipping past his marker and delivering numerous dangerous crosses into the box. Unfortunately for the home side, many of these chances were spurned with Corcoran being the main guilty party.

Midway through the second period, defender Wayne Rogers’s weekend bedroom exploits appeared to catch up with him as he was forced to leave the action complaining of an itchy todger. This forced Mussionho into a tactical reshuffle with Mackie dropping into centre back and @GazNewOffical and Mike Hay entering the fray.

The Didsbury missed chances seemed to spur on MUSC, who grew in belief and created a number of threatening set piece opportunities following some textbook cynical fouls from Tom Whiteley, Adam Musson and stand-in captain, Colin McDonald. 

Just as the game seemed to be heading for extra time, the match was finally decided by a relieved John Corcoran. A free kick deep in the Didsbury half was beautifully flighted by Ben Jaffray towards his West Cumbrian compatriot Matty Harrison, who flicked the ball into the mixer. A panicked MUSC defender then played a weak back pass, which was intercepted by a grateful Corcoran who calmly rounded the keeper and slotted into an empty net. The final few minutes were uneventful as Didsbury ran the clock down with ease.

A second quarter final next week, this time against lower league opposition, means that belief is growing amongst the squad who have their sights firmly fixed on achieving Musson’s early season objective of reaching a cup final for the first time in the club’s history. Whilst it is maybe too early to book the open top bus, there is a growing feeling that 2014 may indeed turn out to be a beautiful year for Didsbury.  

Words by Ben Jaffray