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Cheshire Football League

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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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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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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From Survival to Promotion: Mersey Valley’s Remarkable Rise and What Comes Next

By Club News

It’s been 2 months since the 10-men of Mersey Valley ended their 2024/25 season with a brilliant away win at champions St Helens Town – inflicting their only league defeat of the season.

It confirmed a 3rd place finish, just 1 point behind runners up Stretford Paddock. We’d heard rumours about a possible league restructure and about possible resignations from the league, but we had to wait patiently for a month before news of our promotion to Cheshire League 1 was confirmed.

It has been a very different summer at Mersey Valley compared to the previous two years. In the summer of 2023, the club appointed a new manager when Leo Kirk left to take over at Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves.

It was the former Nomads Reserves Manager that replaced him as Jon Hudson took on the challenge of rebuilding Valley after a abysmal campaign under Kirk which saw the team concede over 100 goals and finish 13th in League Two just one place above the bottom side.

Sam Deering…one of the players to progress and play higher up the pyramid

After a difficult start to the season performances started to improve but losing two key players to North West Counties teams and some internal problems they side eventually finished exactly halfway in the table – 13 wins and 13 defeats.

Another summer rebuild, 6 key players all left the club, and the first pre-season session saw more new players than existing, but this proved to be a huge turning point as a strong squad was put together – by Christmas the side sat top and had enjoyed a club record 7 straight wins in the league.

But a combination of injuries, suspensions and bad luck the team found themselves in a battle with St Helens and Stretford Paddock for the promotion places. The 2-1 defeat at Banky Lane to Paddock proved to be vital followed by a shock 1-0 defeat at Warrington Rylands Development team.

When things looked lost the side pulled together again, a change in system and an in-form goal machine Owen Adams put together 5 straight wins at the end of the season – including a brilliant victory over Lymm Rovers and that final day success at St Helens.

Owen Adams

Owen Adams…20 goals for the season including 11 in the last 5 games.

Adams, who has played in literally position for the club (including a Northern Cup game in goals), was played further forward and in those final 5 games scored 11 goals – including 2 hat-tricks, a goal from the half-way line and key goals at Lymm and St Helens.

With league status unsure it has been a quiet summer so far. Only one new player has been added so far but with a strong squad in place, a new Chairman taking charge and a feel good factor around the club everyone is looking forward to the challenges of 2025/26.

July 11, 2025
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