2009-10 SEASON

 

Malcolm Maginn was elected President for the new season in recognition of a lifetime devoted to football in which he still finds time to keep goal for Burnage Metro in addition to his other duties at the club and in many charity fundraising events. The Management Committee retained all its members with Keith Marsden continuing as Chairman with the addition of the retiring President Bob Stafford assisting on fixtures and referee, Pete Tupman added to the Grounds Sub-committee.

 

The League was to continue implementing the FA Respect Programme throughout the Premier, First and Second Divisions and it was hoped this decision would attract referees into the League to cover the fifty plus games arranged every Saturday.

 

The League Committee introduced a free-flow system between a restructured nine divisions with the top two divisions reserved for first teams of full member clubs. ‘One team’ clubs will in future be required to successfully run two teams for one full season prior to being eligible for promotion out of the Second Division. The season started with forty-eight clubs fielding one hundred and sixteen teams over the nine divisions. Twenty-one of the clubs have achieved FA Charter Standard and this high percentage will allow the League to seek the new FA Charter League standard award, which it is hoped will be achieved during the season. Four clubs were to use 3G all-weather pitches.

 

The League lost VC United, Pendlebury United and Hattersley during the close season and whilst eight clubs sought membership of the League only Barrhill, Gorse Hill Athletic, North Reddish WMC and Urmston Town were admitted. AFC Oldham were to field four teams and Chorltonians a record seven with Denton West End adding a Second XI. Standians found themselves without membership of a League and were admitted at the start of the season, but the Committee’s worst fears were founded with the Club having their membership cancelled during the season. In addition, there were the usual early season casualties with Barrhill withdrawing their Second XI as did Manchester Rovers. Droylsden Amateurs were unable to field a Third XI as hoped though Aldermere added a Fourth XI and Burnage Metro a Fifth XI.

 

League ties were presented at the Annual Dinner to T. Martin of Stoconians and B. Adamson of Old Stretfordians following twenty-five-year service to their respective clubs.

 

Cheadle Hulme Villa were awarded the S.E. Woollam Aggregate Trophy following their First XIs success in winning the First Division title and their reserves Division ‘C’. The Cheadle Hulme club last won this award in the 1948-49 season.

 

Whalley Range successfully defended their Premier Division title with a resounding fourteen points gap over runners-up Spurley Hey and their Third XI were runners-up in Division ‘C’. Deans finished the season champions of Second Division and their Third XI retained the Division ‘E’ title.

 

Bedians Third XI successfully defended their Division ‘D’ title with a seventeen-point gap over Irlam Steel’s Third XI. Bedians Second XI finished runners-up to Rochdalians in Division ‘A’ by the narrow margin of one point allowing Rochdalians to hold onto their trophy following a season without a league defeat.

 

Irlam Steel’s Third XI also won the Whitehead Cup against Moston Brook, whose Fourth XI won the Division ‘F’ championship from Stoconians Fifth XI. Stoconians also finished runners-up in the First Division. Heaton Mersey was runners-up in the Second Division and was the only club to reach the final of a county cup competition losing out in the Manchester FA Amateur Cup.

 

Alkrington Dynamoes Second XI retained the Division ‘B’ title from Gorse Hill Athletic in their first season in the League. Gorse Hill showed their potential by reaching the Final of the Rhodes Cup losing out to Chorltonians in a close game. The Chorltonians club showed their cup fighting capabilities by defeating Mellor in the Hellawell Shield Final though Mellor reversed the result in defeating Chorltonians in the Final of the Wray Cup.

 

Hooley Bridge Celtic’s Third XI were runners-up in Division ‘E’. All cup competition finals were played at enclosed grounds with Oldham Athletic again providing their excellent Boundary Park facilities for the Rhodes Cup Final.

 

Danny Stocks of Heaton Mersey received the Secretary of the Year trophy and the League Referee’s Secretary, Phil Heaps carried off the Referee of the Year award. Milton achieved the Fair Play Award through the lowest number of on field offences committed in the season.

 

2010-11 SEASON

 

Alec Gill was elected President for the season in recognition of great service to the Hooley Bridge Celtic club over a period of twenty-nine years. He also spent time in managing the League Representative team. The Management Committee saw changes allowing Keith Marsden to step down from the Chairman’s role after fourteen years’ service, during which term the League strengthened its premier position in local grassroots football with one hundred and twenty teams enjoying games promoted in the finest League traditions with the highest standards of discipline. The Management Committee saw the resignations of Steve Dunn and Geoff Gable leaving to promote the development of Denton Town. Peter Williams, Stephen Howard, Steve Groom and Russell Hoyte joined the committee.

 

The FA Respect Charter was implemented throughout all divisions of the League and in recognition of its support for this project, the League were nominated for the FA Fair Play and Respect award for open age leagues, finishing in a credible runners-up position.

 

Ardwick, Fletcher Moss Rangers, returning again after a five-year absence, Hillgate, Inter-Macc, Marauders, Harpurhey, Old Bartonians, Trafford United and Whitworth Park formed the greatest number of new clubs to enter the League in one season with New East Manchester and Norris Villa resigning.

 

The free-flow system adopted in the previous season was continued and is already rewarding teams in achieving a higher standard of football their skills warrant.

 

The precarious nature of running grassroots football clubs was highlighted during the season with Barrhill, Harpurhey United, North Reddish WMC, and Marauders failing to last the season. In addition, Oldham Victoria and West End were reduced to one team each.

 

During the season Inter-Macc, Alkrington Dynamoes, Gorse Hill, Rochdalians, Santos and Stoconians achieved the FA Charter Standard award.

 

Whalley Range once again proved their strength in finishing Premier Division champions and with the help of their Second XI the Aggregate Trophy. The League success was achieved for the third successive season with a sixteen-point advantage over the second team. The first team lost in the Rhodes Cup Final to Old Trafford in a game played at Boundary Park, Oldham Athletic’s fine facility.

 

Following their successful season in 2009-10, Cheadle Hulme Villa finished runners-up in the Premier Division. Chorltonians with five teams found success in winning the First Division and were runners-up in the Whitehead Cup. AFC Oldham will be enjoying Premier Division football next season after finishing runners-up in the First Division.

 

The Bedians club experienced continued success with their reserve team winning the Second Division and Division ‘F’ with their fourth team, which team lost in the Final of the Hellawell Shield to Stoconians and their reserve team lost to Ardwick reserves in the Wray Cup Final. Stoconians fifth team finished runners-up in Division ‘F’ and Ardwick reserves achieved the double in their first season in the League by taking the Division ‘E’ title with their First XI taking the runners-up spot in the Third Division.

 

Tintwistle Athletic finished runners-up in the Second Division and Fletcher Moss Rangers experienced a successful return to the League with the double of Third Division and Division ‘D’.  Deans reserves were Division ‘A’ champions with Burnage Metro finishing runners-up as did their third team in Division ‘E’. Hooley Bridge Celtic reserves were champions of Division ‘B’ with Gorse Hill reserves runners-up. Parrswood Celtic reserves won the Division ‘C’ title with Staley Lions taking the runners-up spot. Irlam Steel 3rds were runners-up in Division ‘D’ and Mellor 3rds won the Whitehead Cup. The Veterans Cup went to Burnage Metro for the third time with Stoconians finishing runners-up.

 

The Club Secretary of the Year was awarded to Nathan Loeb of Hooley Bridge Celtic with John Molloy receiving the Referee of the Year award and Newton the Fair Play trophy.

 

League ties were presented at the Annual Dinner to Ian Hewitt of Old Stretfordians in recognition of twenty-five years’ service to his club, Ken Gandy having given twenty-five years’ service to refereeing in the League and Ged Lee on his retirement from forty years of competitive football in the League during which time he never received a disciplinary punishment.

 

Deaths during the season of Brian Ball President, management committee and Old Standian, Ken Gribben, referee, Bob Leech, President, referee and management committee and finally Albert Hardisty, Old Standian and Inter League player were recorded

 

2011-2012 SEASON

 

The season started with Old Ashtonians recording their second win in the Veterans Cup and Whalley Range defeated the Inter League side to win the Bedians Centenary Cup for the first time. D. Jameson was elected president for the season in recognition of his service to Spurley Hey, entering the League in 2001, at which time he was club secretary, a position he has retained throughout their League membership. The main positions on the Management Committee saw no changes, though, R. Stafford resigned to concentrate his energies on the development of Stoconians and he was replaced by another long serving League member, Malcolm Kershaw, the secretary of Old Stretfordians for the past twenty-five years.

 

The League received the FA Charter Standard Award, which ensures all member clubs will have to reach Charter Standard within two years.

 

VIP and Old Bartonians changed their names to Burnage FC and Barton Town respectively with the addition of Boothstown and Signol, junior clubs forming their first open age teams and established senior clubs, Bury Amateur, Castleton and East Levenshulme, enabling the League to run ten divisions of one hundred and twenty teams for another season.

 

The problems associated with running grassroots football clubs in difficult economic times was highlighted early in the season with Burnage FC, Deans and East Levenshulme all withdrawing their membership of the League. The disappointment in seeing teams and clubs withdraw continued into the season with the Deans club, who had experienced such a successful 2010-11 season resigned due to lack of a player interest in open age football. Droylsden felt financial pressures and withdrew their Second XI followed by Aldermere who were unable to fulfil fixtures for their three teams and withdrew their Second and Third XIs leaving one team in the Second Division. Aldermere were the longest serving club in the League celebrating one hundred years membership in the current season.

 

Whalley Range added their fourth successive Premier division title with an eight-point cushion and their reserves finished runners-up in the Third Division. The prestigious Aggregate Trophy was won by Irlam Steel following their First XI’s success in winning the First Division title without losing a league game all season and their Second XI finishing runners up in Division ‘B’. Their reserves also finished runners-up in the Wray Cup which was won by Ardwick reserves for the second successive season. Ardwick’s First XI won the Second Division title.

 

Cheadle Hulme Villa enjoyed partial success with their Second XI becoming the champions of Division ‘A’ and their First XI finishing runners-up in the Premier Division and the Rhodes Cup added to which their Third XI were also runners-up in the Whitehead Cup. Newcomers, Boothstown won the Third Division championship.  Newton and Gorse Hill were runners-up respectively in the First Second Divisions with Spurley Hey occupying runners-up spot with their Second XI in Division ‘A’ and their Third XI in Division ‘E’, the title being won by Alkrington Dynamoes Second XI.

 

Eagle reserves dominated Division ‘B’ in winning the title by eleven points losing only two games and amassing a record one hundred and thirty-two goals in twenty-two games with a goal difference of ninety-three. Mellor Third XI won the Division ‘C’ title to add to their First XI’s success in winning the Rhodes Cup after a gap of twenty-five years since they last had their name on the trophy.

 

Moston Brook’s lower teams were successful with their Third XI achieving the double in winning Division ‘D’ and the Whitehead Cup and their Fourth XI Division ‘F’. Bury Amateur reserves were runners-up in Division ‘C’, Stoconians Thirds runners-up in Division ‘D’ and Parrswood Celtic Thirds runners-up in Division ‘F’. The Hellawell Shield was won by Chorltonians Fourths beating AFC Oldham Fouths in the Final. 

 

The Club Secretary of the Year was awarded to Ian Davies of Milton with Andrew Sykes receiving the Referee of the Year award and Boothstown the Fair Play trophy in their first year in the League.

 

League ties were presented to Alan Malarky of Old Stretfordians in recognition of his twenty-five years’ service to the club. Trevor Messitt and Phil Singleton were also tie recipients following twenty-five years’ service to the Chorltonians club. 

 

2012-13 SEASON

 

The President for the year was Phil Norbury a long serving member of the Govan Athletic club. There were a number of changes to Committee through the resignation of Peter Williams, Peter Tupman and Peter Doyle with the addition of Phil Faulkner and Paul Owen, both referees. The season started with the sad news of the loss of Alan Jones who had served on Committee for seventeen years including the role of Chairman. Peter Howarth also passed away and he had served for thirty-two years including many years as League Secretary and over fifty years at the Hazel Grove club. We also lost Roy Harrison a past Secretary, Peter Williams and Graham Smith all people who gave their time to the League and contributed to its continuing success.

 

Irlam Steel resigned from the League after nineteen years membership and Whitworth Park, Inter Macc and Droylsden were unable to field teams as was Fletcher Moss who left during the season. 

 

The League Committee was engaged in ongoing discussions with regard to the inclusion of the League in the National League Structure at Step 7 and it was hoped a decision would be taken in the near future. As the League has been recognized as a FA Charter Standard League all clubs now have to attain Charter Standard to retain League membership.

 

Moorside Rangers had been awarded the most commendable Charter Standard Community club of the year by Manchester FA. Cheshire FA awarded Hazel Grove and Signol with County Fair Play awards.

 

The League was used as a pilot for the FA Respect and Fair Play scheme when it was started over five years ago. Their efforts were recognized by the FA during the season by becoming the overall winner of the FA Respect and Fair Play award in the County. This entitles the League to use the exclusive national Respect Bronze Award identity to promote the League’s commitment to high standards on the football field.

 

The S.E. Woollam Aggregate Trophy was won by Castleton following the success of their First XI in winning the Second Division and their Second XI finishing runners-up in Division ‘A’. Whalley Range seemed to be losing their position as serial Premier Division winners until they turned their game round in late February and an unbeaten run-in to the end of the season saw them secure their fifth consecutive Premier Division title overhauling Cheadle Hulme Villa by two points. The Club also saw their Third XI win Division ‘C’.

 

Gorse Hill have enjoyed a successful four years in the League and this season was no exception with their winning the First Division championship and being only the second club in the League’s history to reach the final of the Manchester FA Challenge Trophy losing by the odd goal to Hyde United.

 

Runners-up in the First Division was Moston Brook, whose junior teams continued their success occupying the runners-up spot in Division ‘C’ and winning the Whitehead Cup from Cheadle Hulme Villa.

 

Boothstown continued their impressive form since joining the League by being runners-up in the Second Division. Spurley Hey reserves won the Third Division from Bury Amateur and Ardwick completed their most successful season since joining the League in 2010 by winning Division ‘A’, the Wray Cup for the third successive season and the Manchester FA Amateur Cup a record that will take some beating. Staly Lions finally found success after nine years League membership through winning the Division ‘B’ championship from Milton Reserves.

 

The young Tintwistle reserves took the Division ‘D’ championship from Old Ashtonians and Hillgate took Division ‘E’ after losing only one game from Moorside Rangers. Bedians Fourth XI won Division ‘F’ to take the Club total of league and cup wins to a record forty-nine.

 

Stretfordians were runners-up as they were in the Hellawell Shield Final to Chorltonians, but they were successful in the Veterans Cup which is now run as an introduction to the start of the season. Stretfordians added their name to the trophy for the third time to equal the records of Bedians and Burnage Metro.

 

The Rhodes Cup Final was played at Altrincham FC and saw AFC Oldham overcome a Second Division challenge from Eagle FC which Club had taken major scalps in their run through to the Final.

 

The Secretary of the Year award went to Ronnie Lapsley of Whalley Range, with Stephen Howard receiving the Referee of the Year and Stoconians the Fair Play award. Philp Faulkner received his League tie.

 

2013-14 SEASON

 

The League Chairman reported at the start of the season that there were well over one hundred and ten teams registered for the new season with changes being made to the numbers of teams in each division which will mean fourteen in the top divisions and twelve in the lower ones and the number of divisions reduced to nine.

 

The Chairman welcomed two new clubs in Westdene and High Lane and the return of Salford Victoria from the Manchester League. Hollingworth and Alkrington Dynamoes were forced to resign from the League due to lack of player commitment. Ardwick, Cheadle Hulme Villa and Hazel Grove have been demoted to the Second Division following the loss of their lower teams and in accordance with League Rules such clubs were unable to occupy places in the Premier and First Divisions. The majority of Clubs have achieved Charter Standard which is now a requirement of League membership.

 

John McGartland the Newton FC Chairman was elected President for the season in recognition of his work on and off the field in helping to maintain the club’s strong position in the Hyde area.

 

Mellor held pride of place for their success in winning the Stockport FA Senior Cup for the first time and were losing Rhodes Cup finalists to Rochdalians who won the trophy for the first time to complete a clean sweep of all trophies available to their two teams since joining the League in 1994.

 

Castleton and Newton Heath reached the semi-finals of the Lancashire FA Amateur Cup and Manchester FA Amateur Cup respectively only to finish on the losing side.

 

Whalley Range enjoyed a successful season winning the S.E. Woollam Aggregate Trophy, the Premier Division and Division ‘B’ and the Whitehead Cup a double for their third team. AFC Oldham beat the Inter League team in the Bedians Centenary Cup and their First XI finished runners-up in the Premier Division as did their Fourth XI in Division ‘E’.

 

Boothstown held off a close challenge from Castleton to win the First Division, with Old Trafford leading the field in the Second Division from Signol.

 

In their first season in the League, High Lane won the Third Division title from a close challenge by Salford Victoria, who also won Division ‘C’ from Urmston Town and Division ‘E’ to make a very successful return to the League.

 

Parrswood Celtic enjoyed success in winning Division ‘A’ this being their third trophy success in the twenty-seven years membership of the League. Moston Brook were runners-up in Division ‘A’ as were Chorltonians in Division ‘B’ who were also runners-up in the Whitehead Cup.

 

The Wray Cup was won by Old Ashtonians over Urmston Town.  Moorside Rangers were the winners of Division ‘D’ with Bury Amateur finishing as runners-up but gaining success in the Hellawell Shield defeating Old Stretfordians in the final to give them their first trophy in their third season of League membership.

 

The Club Secretary of the Year was awarded to Jill Crossland of Tintwistle Athletic, Referee of the Year went to Dave Wardle and the Fair Play trophy to Govan Athletic.

 

Ties were awarded to Dave Corcoran of Oldham Victoria, Ian Davies at Milton and Steve Taylor at Parrswood all for giving twenty-five years’ service to their respective clubs. A special award was made to Phil Heaps in recognition of his eight years as Referee’s Secretary.

 

2014-15 SEASON

 

Whilst there was a drop in teams from last season to one hundred and seven the new season promised to be as competitive as ever with nine divisions. Deans returned to the League and there were a number of mergers between clubs. Mike Melia the Moston Brook secretary was elected President in recognition of his many years’ service to the Club.

 

Whalley Range continued with their winning ways capturing the S.E. Woollam Aggregate Trophy though this was the only success finishing runners-up in the Premier Division, Second Division and Rhodes Cup.

 

Rochdalians pipped Whalley Range for the Premier Division title. Gorse Hill won the First Division title, High Lane the Second Division and Deans the Third Division. Salford Victoria reserves finished as Division ‘A’ winners and were runners-up in Division ‘B’ and the Whitehead Cup.

 

Division ‘B’ winners were Aldermere, Division ‘C’ Chorltonians Town, Division ‘D’ Tintwistle Athletic and Division ‘E’ Signol Athletic. Mellor were successful in the Rhodes Cup and Wray Cup making a unique double. The Whitehead Cup winners were Old Stretfordians and the Hellawell Shield was won by Burnage Metro. The Veterans Cup went to Old Stretfordians.

 

The Club Secretary of the Year was awarded to Darren Kay of Moorside Rangers, Referee of the Year was Paul Owen, and the Fair Play award went to Stoconians with an additional trophy given to Aldermere as a one team club.

 

A special award was made to George Dearsley of the Mellor club following his emigration to Turkey.

 

2015-16 SEASON

 

The withdrawal of clubs in the close season reflected the current state of grassroots football. Leaving the League were: - Ardwick, Castleton, Cheadle Hulme Villa, FC Bury Town and Winton JFC. New members were: - AFC Stockport, Cheadle Hulme Athletic and Swinton.

 

John Howard was elected President in recognition of his past work on the Committee. The death of Bob Stafford was recorded in January 2016. Bob had given many years’ service to the Stoconians club including ninteen years as Secretary. His work was recognized in 2008-09 season with his appointment as League President in the League’s centenary season. Oldham Victoria also lost the services of Dave Corcoran who had been associated with the Club since joining the League in 1992 serving as secretary throughout this period. A further loss to grassroots football was reported in the passing of Rob Turley who was a passionate advocate for the West Didsbury and Chorlton Club whilst in the L&C and latterly in the NW Counties League. Rob’s achievements were an inspiration to all in football.

 

Following the resignation of members on committee, Joe Perselli joined in the role of Referee’s Secretary replacing Phil Heaps and Stuart Smith long standing referee and new chairman of Mellor also became a committee member.

 

The honours were shared across many clubs in a season that never seemed to end due to the number of cancelled games following weeks of bad weather. It was a change to see club’s names not usually found on trophies defying convention with Oldham Victoria gaining the double of the S.E. Woollam Aggregate Trophy for the first time and Division ‘D’.

 

Rochdalians retained their Premier Division title in a close-run affair with Mellor finishing runners-up and beaten finalists in the Rhodes Cup to Whalley Range, which club enjoyed further success winning the Wray Cup and the Second Division title with their Second XI and runners-up spot with their Third XI in Division ‘B’.

 

Parrswood Celtic’s Second XI had the dubious honour of finishing runners-up in the Second Division and the Wray Cup. Tintwistle Athletic were Second Division champions and their Third XI runners-up in Division ‘C’ and the Whitehead Cup.

 

Chorltonians finished off the season with multiple successes being Third Division champions, Division ‘A’ runners-up, Division ‘C’ champions and Whitehead Cup and Hellawell Shield winners and runners-up. High Lane were runners-up in the First Division, Swinton in their first season runners-up in the Third Division, Salford Victoria were Division ‘A’ champions and Division ‘D’ runners-up.

 

Division ‘B’ champions were Signol Athletic and Hillgate were champions of Division ‘D’. Division ‘E’ runners-up were Burnage Metro. The Veterans Cup season opener was won by Old Stretfordians for the fourth time.

 

The Club Secretary of the Year was awarded to Steve Limb of Staley Lions, Referee of the Year, Bill Hines and Trafford United won the Fair Play Trophy.

 

2016-17 SEASON

L&C chairman Mike Yates said:

 

“The Management Committee have had a busy close season overhauling changes in league and cup competitions, introducing new rules and welcoming several new teams to the biggest Saturday amateur league in the region. “The change in the league structure will see eight Divisions, instead of nine, to give teams more games to play, particularly at the lower level. “In the Premier Division Rochdalians will be defending the title which was a close race last season and making their debut in the top-flight will be Tintwistle Athletic, who play Rochdalians in their opening match, and High Lane who have both shown great promise and organisation as they have risen through the Divisions. “In Division one there is a new name of Didsbury, formerly Burnage Metro, who have changed their name to match where they play. “Other teams new to the league are Waterloo, Chadderton Park (with two teams), Manchester Polonia, Hargreaves, Hollingworth (making a return to the league), Rochdale Galaxy and Village Manchester all of whom have been placed in Divisions hopefully reflecting their potential development within the league. “Our domestic cup competitions have been overhauled to give teams in the lower Divisions more games and also to take the fixture backlog endured by some of our top teams with their involvement in county cup competitions. “We are also looking closely and growing a league development plan, particularly aimed at developing football for younger players and also, we will again be supporting the FA Respect project. “The fixture secretaries had a torrid time last season with the awful weather and to offset this we have hired a 3G pitch for clubs to transfer their games to when their pitches are causing postponements. “Our Inter league team has reached the semi-finals of the North West Cup and will be looking to do well in the FA Inter League Cup later in the season. “Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the hard work, often unrecognised, that the volunteers who run our clubs put in each week and without them amateur soccer would be in a very poor state and I would also like to welcome our new President Harry Jack into office in what should prove to be another exciting season in a great league.”

 

The Football Association launched a month of action under the heading of ‘Football v Homophobia’. To launch the project in Manchester the Lord Mayor and Colin Bridgford the Manchester FA CEO attended our Division ‘B’ game between Village Manchester and Rochdale Galaxy. The League membership of Village Manchester and Manchester Polonia reflects the changing diversity of football at grassroots level.

 

Stockport County were again hosts of the League’s 108th season Dinner Presentations. The League chairman outlined the successes of clubs and thanked all officials and the Management Committee for their hard work during a hectic season. These sentiments were supported by the League President, Harry Jack. A reply on behalf of the guests was given by Colin Bridgford the Manchester FA CEO who paid tribute to the quality of the League.

 

The award for the top Club Secretary went to Tommy Walker of Newton Heath, the Referee of the Year award went to Kevin Moore and Moorside Rangers won the Fair Play Trophy for their great discipline throughout a very competitive season for the club. There was a special award to Bob Norris of Stoconians who has been involved with the club for over sixty years.

 

The stars of the night were the players and officials of Mellor football club, who set a new record for both the club and League by winning five trophies the ‘double double’. The First XI won the Premier Divison and Rhodes Cup, played once again at Bury FC, the Second XI won the Second Division title and the Wray Cup with the club’s overall record being rewarded with the S.E. Woollam Aggregate Trophy.

                                                                                               

Moorside Rangers were not far behind being awarded the Fair Play Trophy, the First XI winning the First Division and the reserves achieving the double of Division ‘C’ and the Hellawell Shield.

 

Other divisional winners were Didsbury reserves in the Third Division, Hollingworth in their first season on return to the League, Division ‘A’ and losing Whitehead Cup finalists, Abacus Media reserves Division ‘B’ and Bedians Third XI Division ‘D’.

 

Taking runners-up medals were Whalley Range in the Premier Division, Newton Heath in the First Division and losing Rhodes Cup finalists, Waterloo in their first season,  the Second Division, Chorltonians reserves in the Third Division, Whalley Range Thirds in Division ‘A’, who were compensated with the winning of the Whitehead Cup and their reserves were runners-up to Mellor in the Wray Cup, Village Manchester in their first season in the League were runners-up in Division ‘B’ with Spurley Hey runners-up in Division ‘C’ and the Hellawell Shield and finally Old Stretfordians runners-up in Division ‘D’.

 

2017-18 SEASON

 

Manchester FA hosted a Grassroots Awards ceremony at the Midland Hotel in November when John Melia current Management Committee member and past President received a long service award following thirty-seven years’ service to grassroots football, with his connections to Moston Brook, refereeing and League Management Committee duties. A similar award was presented to Malc Kershaw the League fixtures Secretary and long serving Secretary of Old Stretfordians. His service has totalled thirty-one years. Further awards went to new League club Dom Doyle receiving the FA Male Team of the Year and Steve Joyce of Village Manchester received the Volunteer of the Year award.

 

The Annual Presentation Dinner was again held at Stockport County and the trophies were evenly spread amongst the clubs. Salford Victoria were presented with the prestigious S.E. Woollam Aggregate Trophy also winning the Division ‘B’ championship.

 

Moorside Rangers were crowned Premier Division champions but failed in their attempt to win the double losing out to High Lane in the Rhodes Cup Final played at the new Salford City facility.

 

First Division champions were Waterloo who pipped Milton to top spot. Milton reserves were also runners-up in Division 'B'. Chorltonians Reserves were Second Division winners with Hooley Bridge finishing, second. Dom Doyle’s first season finished on a high note winning the Third Division and the Wray Cup edging ahead of other new boys, Irlam Tigers who finished runners-up in both competitions.

 

Stoconians had a successful season winning Division 'A' and 'D' competitions. Mellor Thirds were runners-up in Division 'A'. New club Radclyffe were champions of Division 'C' with AFC Oldham holding runners-up spot and winning the Hellawell Shield the runners-up being AFC Stockport, who were also runners-up in Division 'D'.

 

The Whitehead cup was won by Hargreaves defeating Village Manchester.

 

Ties were presented to Tony McNicholls and Wayne Piper of Chorltonians, the Secretary of the Year was awarded to Tim Roebuck of Abacus Media in recognition of twelve years service in the post. Ryan Alderson was awarded with the Referee of the Year award and Chadderton Park the Fair Play trophy.

 

2018-19 SEASON

 

The new season saw a considerable change in club membership with Moorside Rangers, Moston United, Newton Heath and Manchester Rovers leaving and replaced by Chadderton Cottage, Flixton AFC, Unicorn Athletic, Urmston Town and the return of Govan Athletic fielding their third team. Dave King retired from committee after twenty-four years service and committee appointed him a Life Vice-President along with Keith Marsden and Geoff Garnett.

 

Dave Jameson of Spurley Hey was presented with FA Long Service Award at the November General Meeting. Dom Doyle were awarded the Greater Manchester Sports Club of the Year award at a dinner held at the Emirates Old Trafford.

 

The Annual Presentation Dinner was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Manchester city centre to celebrate the League’s one hundred and ten year anniversary.

 

Honours for the season were spread evenly amongst the membership with new members taking a fair share of the spoils.

 

The prestigious S.E. Woollam Aggregate Trophy was presented to Parrswood Celtic which didn’t win a trophy but came close on three fronts, finishing runners-up in the First Division and the Manchester FA Amateur Cup.

 

The Premier Division was presented to Rochdalians after having another dominant season. High Lane came a close second. Dom Doyle continued their first season success by becoming First Division champions. Second Division champions were Newton with local rivals Hollingworth finishing runners-up.

 

Radclyffe enjoyed a most successful season in winning the Third Division, runners-up in the Rhodes cup and winners of the Wray Cup. Dukinfield were runners-up in Third Division. Chadderton Cottage completed the double in winning Division 'A' and the Whitehead Cup. Division 'A' runners-up were Elton Liberal Hargreaves. Division 'B' champions were AFC Stockport with Old Stretfordians Reserves becoming runners-up. Division 'C' winners were Deans with Old Stretfordians Third finishing runners-up.

 

The Rhodes Cup was won by Salford Victoaria. The Wray cup runners-up were Village, Whitehead cup runners-up Stoconians and the Hellawell Shield runners-up were Chadderton Park reserves.

 

Ties were presented to five members of Rochdalians for twenty-five years service to the club. The recipients were C. Wilde, H. Holland, P. Hyde, M. Wilson and E. Higgins joined by L. Buckle of Old Stretfordians and R. Mottram of Old Ashtonians.

 

The Club Secretary of the Year was awarded to Ian Ward of Santos, with Mike Crump becoming Referee of the Year and AFC Oldham the Fair Play trophy.