ROWLEY FINDS A FORMULA AT WEST
WEST Didsbury & Chorlton boss Chris Rowley believes his side’s “winning mentality and resolute defence” have driven them to the NWCFL First Division South title. A 2-1 win at Barnton on Wednesday night was enough to take the Manchester-based club beyond the reach of their nearest rivals, FC Isle of Man, and return to Step 5 for the first time since 2019. Despite joining West in December 2019, Rowley is overseeing his first full season at Brookburn Road due to the Covid pandemic.
The club missed out on promotion through the restructuring last summer, but former Altrincham Reserves coach Rowley believes promotion is the least that West’s very loyal fanbase deserves. “It was a record crowd for Barnton, 577, and I think we took around 400 fans,” he said. “I think the way we’ve got promotion will please all our fans, going up this way means they’ve had a full season to get behind the team and push us back into the Premier. “Brookburn Road has a capacity of 1,200, so this weekend when we face Alsager Town, we’d love to hit that number. We’re going to focus on the game and put on a show for the fans. They can enjoy themselves the whole afternoon, we’ll only do it when that trophy is lifted.” West have been the pace setters through the Division One South season, scoring 113 goals and conceding just 29. It’s clear to see where Rowley believes success has come from this year. “We’ve built a solid foundation defensively, we’ve gone with the theory of ‘if we don’t concede, we cannot lose’,” he notes.
“We lost in the league for the first time away at Ellesmere in December, but every time we’ve had a small setback the team has responded so well. It’s a winning mentality that’s been there since the season started in July. “We knew we could win the league, despite not having the biggest budget. The club are doing so much to the ground and around the community which is amazing.
“We may bring in a few players to reinforce the squad, but this team is young, talented and I believe they are ready for the Premier next season!”