Match Information
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Maghull 2-1 Ashton Athletic
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When: Saturday 30th November 2024
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Kick-off: 3pm
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Where: DT Hughes Community Stadium, Old Hall Field, Tommy Gent Way, Hall Lane, Maghull, Liverpool L31 3DY
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Competition: North West Counties League First Division North
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Attendance: 202
Maghull’s long awaited return to the National League System this year at Step 6 in the North West Counties League First Division North is quite remarkable.
Boasting a fine history dating back more than 100 years to formation in 1921, the Merseyside area club were previously well-established NWCL members having joined the league when it originally launched in 1982.
However, they resigned in 1999 because of stricter ground grading requirements and some 25 years ensued playing in the West Cheshire League.
Then last season, Maghull finished as WCL runners-up and thereby qualified for promotion to the NWCL.
Major improvements have recently taken place involving the installation of floodlights, perimeter fencing and a covered standing enclosure to ensure facilities were ready for Step 6 stipulations.
Bearing everything in mind, I set off on my 400 mile round trip via the M1, M6, M62 and M57 motorways. There was 20 minute delay on the Cheshire stretch due to a couple of accidents within a mile of each other.
During the enforced hold-up, I suddenly recalled a bizarre story containing slight relevance to today’s groundhop!
In the 1980’s and 1990’s, I was Non-League editor for the recorded football telephone information service Clubcall based at their offices in North London.
A respected colleague of mine was suddenly head-hunted to work elsewhere but he wanted to keep in touch without letting others know. He hailed from the North-West of England and studied the local football scene intently.
Consequently every time he rang the Clubcall switchboard and asked to speak to me, he would falsely tell the receptionist his name was “Mr Maghull.” I knew who it was straight away by the coded football reference and we always had a good chat!
Anyway bringing matters up to date, I duly arrived at DT Hughes Community Stadium an hour before kick-off despite the encountered motorway difficulties.
Maghull itself is a town housing 20,400 residents situated eight miles north of Liverpool.
Ground Description
Entry through a lane leads to adequate car parking provision which is shared by the adjacent cricket club.
For football supporters, DT Hughes Community Stadium has overhang shelter off the clubhouse building and a new covered terrace catering for 50 fans.
The floodlights were unveiled just over a month ago on Tuesday 29th October versus Widnes FC. In addition, a seated spectator stand will be incoming later in the season.
Entirely necessary too since attendances have been extremely encouraging for this level of the Non-League Pyramid incorporating a high of 430 against Darwen FC on the opening day.
Programme Details
Priced £2 at the entry hut. A nice glossy 16 page colour production effectively entitled ‘THE MAG’.
Contents included interesting welcome notes by club secretary Paul Ellis, the history of opponents Ashton Athletic, a middle page spread photo depicting the Maghull under-12’s squad, league table, fixtures & results, a quiz, extensive news round-ups from both the North West Counties League and the West Cheshire League, club fund raising activities and the matchday line-ups.
Furthermore, duplicated teamsheets were available prior to the start.
The Match
On a mild November afternoon, it was 12th hosting 9th amidst NWCL First Division North standings. Therefore anyone enjoying football betting knowledge would’ve expected a tight game.
My grasp of Premier League odds told me that Liverpool and Everton weren’t in action until the following day so it definitely helped create another decent attendance of 202 at Maghull.
The home side quickly raced into two goal ascendency courtesy of a Darren Brannigan flicked header on 15 minutes and Marcus Stewart’s crisp conversion two minutes afterwards.
Whilst light rain began to fall, Josh High tapped in the Ashton Athletic strike with 10 minutes to go.
The People
Everyone I met at Maghull was really friendly and took immense pride in their enhanced amenities.
Also evident to me was how important the club’s community aspect is regarded. It embraces numerous youth teams for boys and girls aged seven years upwards plus ‘Mini-Kickers’ sessions featuring children aged four to six.
Football grounds visited: 2,609.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Tony Incenzo*
