Cheshire and Wirral Football League Weekend Round Up

A look at the upcoming vet’s football, which kicks off next Friday and Saturday, the 30th and 31st August.

Over the last few years, the committee have noticed that lots of teams struggle to field a team or request a free week on the bank holiday weekend of late August.

This year it was decided to alleviate that problem and give all teams this weekend off. So, this week there is no games to report on however instead I will look at the upcoming vet’s football which kicks off next Friday and Saturday the 30^th and 31^st August, as well as a few other talking points. The Chester and Wirral league now boasts an incredible five Divisions of vet’s football made up of 35 teams. Before dissecting each league, the Chester & Wirral league committee would like to thank our Vets league Sponsors “Tarvin Precision” for their continued support.

Starting in Division one the only change from last season is with Lache Vets who have moved into open age football (CWFL Championship) and last season’s Division 1 champions Upton Vets sadly folding. Neston Nomads vets are the new arrivals into the league after finishing 2^nd in division 2 last season.

It is David Carringtons “Mersey Royal” that have dominated the division over the years and if any team can somehow manage to finish above the Royal then they will surely be crowned champions. However, this will be extremely difficult given the quality within their squad and the Royal will be going into the 2024-25 season as strong favourites yet again. The Royal open their defence against a tough and battle hardened Higher Bebington Kelma on Friday 30^th August at the Shaftsbury astro pitch with a 7pm kick off.

Queens Park Vets with yours truly hoping we can improve on last season’s debut season in the league travel to promoted Neston Nomads vets and I am expecting a very difficult game. Last Season’s Cheshire Cup winners Hooton Vets travel to Capenhurst Vets which is always a difficult place to go, and it is also a tough game to call.

In Division 2, Great Float return to the fold now under the guidance of Lee Bridge who will pick up from Tony Edges good work last time out. Float should be one of the favourites along with Ricci Locks Birkenhead FC who have now secured an astro pitch and some decent new signings to improve their squad. I am going to edge towards Birkenhead for the Division 1 title, but it will be close, and the Float should push them, whilst Ellesmere Port Red Lions will be hoping to improve on their third-place finish last time out. Ashton Vets who won Division 3 last season will find things a bit tougher this year but cannot be ruled out. Winsford vets and West Kirby vets will be aiming to improve on last season’s performance and Chester Nomads Vets will be hoping to put on a good show in their debut season in division 2 after finishing second in division 3 last season.

In division 3, Darren Maws Ellesmere Port Town will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing season in Division 2 last year, whilst Newcomers Waggon & Horses are a relative unknown at present, but if the open age teams are anything to go by then the Waggon will surely be a force this season. My favourites for Division 3 will be Hartford vets who easily won division 4 last season winning 11 and drawing 1 of their 12 games, so they should be in the running this season too. Parkfield who finished third last season will be looking to go one or two places better this season as will Eastham Vets now under the guidance of Barry Barber and Peter Vaughan who will be hoping for a better season this time out. FC Farndon and Tarvin Vets who both finished mid table are the other teams that will be battling it out.

Last Season’s Division 5 champions Wirral Masters will be looking to make it another title winning season and based on last season’s performance will be my favourites for Division 4, whilst Nags Head and FC Vaults who finished second and third respectively should also be in the running. Upton JFC relegated from division 3 last season will be attempting a better season this time out as will Hoole Rangers, Frodsham JFC and Dee Rangers.

In Division 5 there are eight teams, and this will be the most difficult to call in my opinion. I am going go with Cheshire Vikings to improve on last season 3^rd place finish and lift the title. With Frodsham running them close. This could all depend on the how the return of Great Float will impact what players the Wallasey teams will have if you add in Poulton Athletic vets, whilst Port Sunlight vets, Witton Albion vets and Crossways vets make up the other teams.

Please note these are just my opinions based on the information and knowledge I have and its impossible to know everyone’s teams and who they have signed and how they will fair. Especially teams from outside of the Wirral. My predictions for league winners are at the bottom of this write up.

After speaking to teams throughout the past 2 seasons it has become clear that league fixtures have been an issue for many. As you can imagine compiling the fixtures is not an easy job. With teams sharing pitches, some pitches only available on a Friday night or clubs who have teams in multiple leagues for example a 1^st team in the West Cheshire and a 2^nd team in the CWFL. Not factoring in Cup Competitions and team requests to maybe not play on certain days, it can be an extremely complex and at times awkward job.

This year the fixture Secretary has worked hard to complete the whole fixture list for the season. Speaking for myself as a manager I feel this is the best way to compile the fixtures.  Obviously, some games may change due to cup competitions etc.  But the need for communication via your Club Secretary is vital to iron out any issues early. The Wats app groups have been set up for results and scorers to be sent in after every game but on some occasions it’s difficult to get the scorers in straight away after a game, but please try and remember to get them in by the latest Sunday morning.  The wats app groups can also be used as a point of contact to engage with upcoming opponents, again to iron out any problems like kit clashes or location of the ground or even confirming kick off times and as stated above the earlier this is done the better chance you give yourself of a problem free match day.

Speaking of match days have you got a team sheet book yet? If not, please contact a member of the committee. Team sheets need to be completed and given to the opposition and referee at least 10 minutes before the game along with the referee’s match fee which should always be paid before the game.