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Match Report

Pressure builds on manager as Valley stumble to poor defeat

By Match Report

SATURDAY 24TH JANUARY 2026
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE

Mersey Valley

MERSEY VALLEY

0
Styal

STYAL

3

MATCH REPORT

A hugely disappointing team performance and a fourth straight defeat saw Mersey Valley well beaten by Styal team that fully deserved their three points at Banky Lane on Saturday.

The result puts more pressure on manager Jon Hudson after a disappointing season which has seen the side struggle to adapt to life in League One.

After a closely fought cup game with Newton-le-Willows last weekend confidence should have been high going into the game – new signings Arthur Gibson and Ted Palmer-Atkins were both named on the bench.

The home side started well, Mike Woolley nearly caught the keeper off his line but he scrambled back to make a smart save.

Styal look the lead on 15 minutes, another defensive error gave the ball away and it was a simple finish from inside the box.

It was a close game, Valley nearly equalised when James Matthews created an opening from himself and his shot was brilliant saved low down by the keeper.

One-minute later it was 2-0, another error as Valley gave the ball away in the midfield and Styal broke to beat keeper Sam Phillips.

Valley couldn’t get going, it took 40 minutes for them to get a good passing move going but they failed to create a clear opening.

HT: Mersey Valley 0 Styal 2

The home side started the second half stronger more possession but an alarming lack of quality in the final third.

Styal soaked up the pressure and despite more of the ball Valley failed to create a good opportunity.

Youngster Chris Antoniades was brought on for his full league debut for the club and Palmer-Atkins made his second debut replacing an out-of-sorts Green.

Styal put any chance of a come back to bed when the impressive Joe Knight smashed the ball into the back of the net and the game was done.

FT: Mersey Valley 0 Styal 3

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MATCH STATS

MVFC: Phillips, Howarth (Renshaw), Taafe (Antoniades), Skelton, Greenwood, Roach, Green (Palmer-Atkins), Adams, Matthews (Fraine), Riley (Gibson), Woolley

Booked: Roach

Referee: Andy Ollerenshaw

MAN OF THE MATCH

REECE SKELTON

Calm and composed surrounded by chaos at times, worked hard to control the midfield. Has been the most consistent performer all season.

POST MATCH

January 27, 2026
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PERFECT BIRTHDAY GIFT AS VALLEY THRASH NOMADS

By First Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2025
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE

Mersey Valley

MERSEY VALLEY

8

Riley 7
Own Goal 22
Matthews 42, 51
Deering 45
Woolley 63
Goldrick 71 (pen), 90

Cheadle Heath Nomads

NOMADS RES

1

Weston 72

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley gave manager Jon Hudson the perfect 50th birthday gift with a brilliant performance and a comprehensive victory over Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves.

Hudson made two changes from the side that lost at Knutsford – Renshaw and Taaffe both unlucky to miss out – Roach and Sam Deering recalled to the starting line-up.

The home side started well and took the lead after 7 minutes with a lovely flowing move, Howarth breaking down the left, Matthews with a clever flick into the path of Riley, who finished with a smart shot.

In-form Mike Woolley was involved down the left, his superb run and cross set up Deering, but his shot hit the post. Dignan then set up Woolley again, he fired over a great low cross which was turned into his own net by the Nomads’ number 5.

Nomads started to gain more possession, Stephenson dropping into good positions and looking dangerous, but Greenwood and Roach stood firm, and Gorst made two good saves.

The game swung in the final five minutes of the first half. Nomads had a corner, Gorst cleared with a strong punch, a quick break, and Deering put Matthews in the clear. The striker kept his nerve and beat the keeper.

Then, in added-on time, Howarth created the chance for Deering, who smashed the ball past the keeper to give the home side a 4-0 lead at the break.

HT: Mersey Valley 4 Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves 0

Valley flew out of the blocks in the second half – another good move, Skelton feeding Matthews, who grabbed his second of the match.

The sixth goal arrived just after the hour, Woolley scoring directly from a corner. Changes followed with all five Mersey subs coming onto the pitch.

A great run from Lincoln Green resulted in the young winger being brought down in the box – Goldrick stepped up with a well-taken penalty to make it 7-0.

From the kick off, Nomads grabbed a goal back after a nice move.

The game ended with the goal of the game, Renshaw setting up Goldrick, who smashed the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box to round off a very satisfactory afternoon for Mersey Valley.

FT: Mersey Valley 8 Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves 1

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MATCH STATS

MVFC: Gorst, Howarth (Renshaw), Dignan, German, Greenwood, Roach (Taafe), Deering (Palmer-Atkins), Skelton, Matthews (Goldrick), Riley, Woolley (Green)

Booked: None

Referee: Claudiu Tabacaru

MAN OF THE MATCH

JAMES MATTHEWS

James Matthews

An excellent team performance but striker Matthews takes the man of the match award – two goals at key moments in the game and another strong performance in the centre forward role, 3 in 4 games now since moving into the role.

POST MATCH

November 2, 2025
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LATE HEARTBREAK AS KNUTSFORD CLAIM THE VICTORY

By First Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2025
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE

Knutsford

KNUTSFORD

1

Wilbraham 85

Mersey Valley

MERSEY VALLEY

0

MATCH REPORT

A much-improved Mersey Valley lost to an 85th minute goal to give in-form Knutsford another win, extending their unbeaten run in the league to six games and move them just two points away from the promotion places.

Jimmy Taafe, signed from Egerton came in to the team for his second debut after playing a handful of games last season. Mark German also made his 20th appearance for the club after he re-joined on a dual-reg from Abbey Hey.

Both sides started well, looking to play football despite high winds but neither side could create any clear chances.

Matthews and Woolley both had half chances, Matthews unlucky after a great run just lost his footing. Knutsford big chance saw McDonagh burst through, but Gorst was out quickly to block the shot.

HT: Knutsford 0 Mersey Valley 0

Both sides continued to work hard to find the opening goal, but Valley continued to defend well, Greenwood and Taafe working hard to block shots and Gorst when needed was strong against the swirling wind.

Matthews had the first big chance of the half, burst into the box before dragging his shot just wide of the post.

A big moment came on 65 minutes, Skelton won the ball and found Matthews who flicked the ball into space for Woolley to run through and score, somehow the referee deemed it to be offside, and his whistle was met with anger from the visitors.

Riley burst through but his early low drive was well saved by the impressive Smith in the Knutsford goal.

With the game heading for a draw the home side struck. Cavanagh curled in a dangerous corner and it somehow bounced and bobbled in, Wilbraham getting the final touch to send the home side in wild celebrations in the corner, Valley players sinking to their knees.

HT: Knutsford 0 Mersey Valley 1

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MATCH STATS

MVFC: Gorst, Renshaw (Fraine), Dignan, Howarth, Greenwood, Taafe, Riley (Green), Skelton, Matthews (Goldrick), German, Woolley (Palmer-Atkins)

Knutsford: Smith, Wilbraham, Brotherton, Maunder, Cavanagh, McDonagh, McCabe, Box, Hill, Partington, Sheldon.
Subs: Gee, Wadsworth, Holloway, Gunter

Referee: Chris Stacey

MAN OF THE MATCH

MACAULAY DIGNAN

An excellent performance from all 5 of the defensive players but left-back Dignan stood out with his best display of the season.

POST MATCH

October 27, 2025
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VALLEY END BAD RUN WITH BIG THREE POINTS

By First Team, Match Report

SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2025
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE

Mersey Valley

MERSEY VALLEY

2
Congleton Town

CONGLETON TOWN RESERVES

1

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley produced a spirited team performance to beat Congleton Town Reserves at Banky Lane yesterday.

New signings Tom Brailsford and Noel Aredu were both incuded in the match day squad. Renshaw and Adams both returned to the starting line-up.

The visitors hit first, just 90 seconds in, and a bouncing ball caused confusion in the Valley defence, and Owen smashed home from inside the area.

Valley reacted brilliantly, Skelton flicked on to send Matthews clean through, and he kept his composure to score his first goal for the club. He nearly made it 2-1 after a stunning run but saw his effort cleared off the line.

Congleton looked dangerous down the left-hand side, Harding causing problems, but the Valley defence looked more organised and disciplined and stood firm.

At the other end, Woolley and Adams both had half-chances, but the game reached half-time even with both teams happy with their first-half performances.

HT: Mersey Valley 1 Congleton Town Reserves 1

Both sides started well, Matthews with a mazy run just overran the ball, and Gorst made two good blocks.

The big moment arrived just past the hour, Woolley with a brilliant corner, met by Adams, who powered his header home to give Valley the lead.

Matthews was replaced by debutant Aredu and Palmas-Atkins replaced Woolley who had again put in another fine shift down the left hand side.

A moment of madness from Maccabe saw Congleton reduced to 10 men, a second yellow card for decent, which led to a red card.

However, this seemed to spur the visitors on, who made positive changes in search of an equaliser, but Gorst was on hand to save two tame shots.

The full-time whistle went, and Valley has secured a big win to move above their visitors in the table – but the drama wasn’t over! A confrontation between Adams and Congleton skipper Clews saw the Valley man shown a straight red card, a sour end to such a sweet day.

FT: Mersey Valley 2 Congleton Town Reserves 1

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MATCH STATS

MVFC: Gorst, Renshaw, Dignan, Howarth, Greenwood, Roach, Riley, Skelton, Matthews (Arehu), Adams, Woolley (Palmer-Atkins)

Subs Not Used: Phillips, Acton, Brailsford

Sent Off: Adams

Referee: Paul Codling

MAN OF THE MATCH

ALFIE HOWARTH

Moved into central midfield position and had a brilliant game, winning majority of his battles and using the ball well to start dangerous attacks.

October 12, 2025
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VALLEY HIT FIVE AS RILEY RETURNS WITH A HAT-TRICK

By Match Report

WEDNESDAY 20TH AUGUST 2025
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE

Cheadle Heath Nomads

NOMADS RES

2
Mersey Valley

MERSEY VALLEY

5

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley made the short trip to Stockport to take on Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves. Valley included eight former Nomads players in their squad and manager Jon Hudson was making his first return since leaving Nomads in the summer of 2023 before he joined Mersey Valley.

Both sides started the game well, a quick pace both sides looking for their first win of the season but it was the visitors with the best chance – Howarth will a great cross, but Downing couldn’t get power on his header, and it was saved by the keeper.

The deadline was broken on 27 minutes; Valley broke down the left-hand side and Mike Woolley fired over a perfect low cross which was bundled home from close range by Joel Riley.

The home side reacted well and equalised on 38 minutes, Valley failed to clear the ball and the Nomads winger fired home from inside the area past Cooke.

Woolley was again enjoying himself on the wing, he beat three players before he was taken down. Riley curled a dangerous free kick which Adams just couldn’t get on the end of.

HT: Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves 1 Mersey Valley 1

A big half time chat and the visitors started the half on the front foot. Howarth hit the bar with a header and from a Roach long throw Adams was in the right place to fire home after the keeper had saved Riley’s header.

Dignan and Downing combined to send Woolley free down the left who continued his fine form with a brilliant finish to make it 3-1.

Minutes later it was 4 – Riley with a direct free kick that took a slight deflection and found its way into the back of the net.

The game seemed over but the home side rallied, and another piece of sloppy defending allowed the striker to fire past Cooke and make it 4-2.

Valley didn’t stop and when Riley seized on a poor back pass to hit a brilliant lob over the keeper from 30 yards out.

The visitors saw the game out and recorded their first win of the season.

FT: Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves 2 Mersey Valley 5

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MATCH STATS

MVFC: Cooke, Howarth, Dignan, Downing, Greenwood, Roach, Green (Price), Skelton (Inwood), Riley (Fraine), Adams (Renshaw), Woolley (Goldrick)

Booked: Dignan, Skelton, Downing

Referee: Jamie Barlow

MAN OF THE MATCH

JOEL RILEY

A solid team performance but a memorable return to his former club for captain Joel Riley who hit a hat-trick including a 35 year lob over the keeper to complete his trio of goals!

POST MATCH

August 21, 2025
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POINTS SHARED IN THE SUNSHINE AS VALLEY GET GOING

By Match Report

SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST 2025
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE

Styal

STYAL

3
Mersey Valley

MERSEY VALLEY

3

MATCH REPORT

Mersey Valley and Styal played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in the Cheshire sunshine with both sides deserving their points after a hard fought game.

Valley took the leas when Sam Deering curled home a free-kick but the home side hit back quickly with a fortunate goal after a clear foul on Alfie Howarth was missed in the build up.

The controversy continued as Styal took the lead a long high ball into the box and what looked like a clear foul on the keeper was turned home and the goal stood.

Just before half-time Valley equalised, Deering with the corner, headed home by Alfie Howarth.

The game was very stop start with a lot of fouls but it was the visitors who took the lead after a lovely team move, Skelton, Downing and Dignan all involved before Deering clipped a clever ball through for Woolley to run onto, he then keep his nerve, burst into the box and fired the ball past the home keeper.

Credit to the home side they reacted well and drew level again after static defending from the visitors allowed Simon all the space he needed to fire home from close range.

The game ended controversially, Knight judged to have fouled Phillips before scoring, a decision while angered most of the good crowd and the home side.

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MATCH STATS

MVFC: Phillips, Howarth, Dignan, Downing, Greenwood, Roach, Riley (Green), Skelton, Deering, Adams, Woolley
Subs Not Used: Renshaw, Needham, Inwood, Acton

Booked: Roach

Styal: Stockton, Meehan, Hammond, Kwiatkowski, Clarke, O’Mara, Oldbury, Walton, Norton, Knight, Simon
Subs: Jackson, Cummins, Matthews, Rawcliffe, Stott

Booked: Simon, Matthews

Referee: Chris Stacey

MAN OF THE MATCH

MIKE WOOLLEY

Continued good early season form with his first goal of the season and another solid performance on the left wing.

August 17, 2025
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DATEN TAKE THE POINTS AS VALLEY FAIL TO HIT THE TARGET

By Match Report

WEDNESDAY 6TH AUGUST 2025
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE

Mersey Valley

MERSEY VALLEY

0
Daten

DATEN

4

MATCH REPORT

It was another frustrating night at Banky Lane as mis-firing Mersey Valley went down to a solid Daten and their search for a first win of the season continues.

Following defeat on Saturday manager Jon Hudson added new signing James Inwood to the team and also had Reece Skelton back as the club looked for a big reaction to Saturdays defeat. Both sides started well, playing good football with both defences on top.

The breakthrough went the visitors way, a free kick pumped in the box was headed towards goal, although it seemed a foul on Adams, the full back Lowe also seemed in an offside position but tapped home unmarked from close range.

Valley reacted well, Adams with a brilliant curling effort hitting the post and Goldrick and Woolley both looking lively down the wings.

An injury to the Daten keeper meant Gallagher took goal kicks, him booming long balls easily reaching the edge of the Valley box causing problems but Downing, Needham and Inwood dealt well with the threat.

HT: Mersey Valley 0 Daten 1

Valley started lively, playing the better football but failing to create clear chances.

Another long ball but this time Needham was out-jumped and the Daten striker ghosted into the box to beat Phillips.

It was another long ball which led the third goal, a bad error from keeper Phillips who dropped the ball and the on-hand Daten player tapped into an empty net.

Riley thought he’d won a penalty when he was fouled in the area but the referee waved played on and then another long-ball, this time misjudged by Dignan led to the ball being squared for a back post tap in and another frustrating night for Mersey.

FT: Mersey Valley o Daten 4

MATCH STATS

MVFC: Phillips, Howarth, Dignan, Chaddock (Downing), Inwood (Renshaw), Needham, Goldrick (Lally), Skelton, Riley, Adams, Woolley
Subs Not Used: Acton, Downey

Daten: McMutrie, Lowe, Bromley, Gallagher, Ward, Rowe, Green, Everson, Satniszewski, Ashcroft, Hodgkiss
Subs: Sinker, J Sherwin, M Sherwin, Jackson

Referee: Yurii Bushma

MAN OF THE MATCH

JORDAN DOWNING

Another solid display in the centre of the midfield and dealt with the long ball and direct style all game. Pipped Owen Adams to the Man of the Match who also had a strong defensive game.

August 7, 2025
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WINSFORD STUN VALLEY AS OPENING DAY DISASTER STRIKES

By Match Report

SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST 2025
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE

Mersey Valley

MERSEY VALLEY

1

WINSFORD TOWN

6

MATCH REPORT

Winsford Town lived up to their pre-season billing with a stunning performance at Banky Lane to hammer League One new boys Mersey Valley.

With key players missing, it always felt like Mersey had to be at their best to get something from the game, but the home side never got going and never looked anywhere near their end-of-season form.

Three debutants made their Valley bow: Adam Needham and two teenagers, Jacob Lally and Dan Hoyle.

The visitors were on it straight away, a long-range effort testing Phillips. Valley almost got in after great work from Howarth nearly set Downey through, but the keeper was quickly off his line.

The dangerous O’Mara had the first big chance, skipping past Woolley and Downing before a great last-ditch challenge from Adams stopped him.

Youngster Lally looked lively in the midfield, a great ball out to Goldrick, whose cross was blocked behind for the game’s first corner. From it, Adams got a whack in the face and was taken off as a precaution, with Hoyle coming on.

The game felt quite even, but Winsford captain Eaton was winning everything in the midfield, and the visitors looked the more likely, and that was the case as on 24 minutes they took the lead. Phillips made a great save, but Valley failed to clear their lines and Stanton was in the right place to tap home from close range.

This gave them a lift, and despite Adams returning, the home side struggled to get a grip of the pace of the game – O’Mara again getting in and forcing another save from Phillips.

The second arrived on 39 minutes, Downing missed his header and O’Mara seized on the error and punished the home side, finding Wady who applied the finish.

HT: Mersey Valley 0 Winsford Town 2

Valley made a change at half-time, Chaddock replacing the unfortunate Downey, who had very little service in the first half.

It was an encouraging start from Valley. Adams went close, forcing the keeper into a save, and Riley and Chadock both had half-chances.

However, a long ball over the top caught the home side out, Phillips rushing off his line caught the Winsford player, and the referee awarded the penalty, Stanton stepped up and sent the young keeper the wrong way.

You could see the confidence drain from a few Valley players, and the visitors took full advantage. Phillips had to be at his best to deny O’Hara, but more poor defending allowed Wady space and time to smash the ball home to make it 4-0.

It was soon 5-0, man of the match O’Hara got the goal his overall performance deserved as Valley again made it far too easy for the visitors to pass the ball from back to front.

Valley did get a goal back, a long ball from Phillips set Riley clear, who calmly rounded the keeper and finished, but straight from the restart, Winsford went up the other end and made it 6-1, substitute Hughes with the goal.

Winsford looked impressive and also seemed like they had more gears if needed, and are looking like a strong contender for a promotion spot this season.

For the home side, it was a really tough start, but a lot will be learnt ahead of a busy August.

FT: Mersey Valley 1 Winsford Town 6

MATCH STATS

Mersey Valley 1 Winsford Town 6

MVFC: Phillips, Howarth, Woolley, Downing, Needham, Adams (Hoyle), Riley, Dignan, Downey (Chaddock), Lally (Renshaw), Goldrick (Acton)

Booked: Dignan

Winsford Town: Burton, Wynne, Bayley, Faulkner, Macauley, Eaton, Harvey, Herd, O’Mara, Wady, Stanton
Booked: None

Referee: Rob Goodwin-Davey

MAN OF THE MATCH

ALFIE HOWARTH

A bad day all round but the young full-back was Valleys best player, dangerous going forward and worked hard all game.

August 3, 2025
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