YOUTH TEAM LEAGUE & CUP DATES

• 16/08/15 @ 14:30 ALTRINCHAM FC v SALFORD CITY at HALE COUNTRY CLUB & SPA
• 23/08/15 @ 14:30 PRESCOT CABLES v ALTRINCHAM FC at SUTTON SPORTS ACADEMY
• 30/08/15 @ 14:30 ALTRINCHAM FC v WARRINGTON TOWN YOUTH at HALE COUNTRY CLUB & SPA

Cup draws, with unspecified dates, as yet are:

• ALTRINCHAM FC v SKELMERSDALE UNITED YOUTH at HALE COUNTRY CLUB & SPA - NEIL THOMASON CUP (PREMIER DIVISION)2015-16
• ALTRINCHAM FC v BARNTON YOUTH at HALE COUNTRY CLUB & SPA - OPEN CUP
• SALFORD CITY v ALTRINCHAM YOUTH (U-17) at ECCLES SIXTH FORM CENTRE - OPEN CUP

The dates for the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup are

• Sunday 06th/ 27th September 2015
• Sunday 11th / 25th October 2015
• Sunday 8th November 2015
• Final, March / April 2016, Provisional

YOUTH CUP DRAW

ALTY YOUTH PLAYER AWARDS

• Manager's Player of the Season, U18s (James Black Trophy): Shaun Arrowsmith
• Manager's Player of the Season, U17s: Alex Robbins
• Players' Player of the Season, U18s: 1st William Foster, 2nd Laurence Taylor, 3rd Jamie Burrows.
• Players' Player of the Season, U17s: 1st Peter Iacovou, 2nd Daniel Havern, 3rd Ashley Knowles.
• Clubman of the Season, U18s: James Clancy
• Clubman of the Season, U17s: Fraser Hanlon
• Golden Boot U18s: Reece Dwyer
• Golden Boot U17s: Dominic O'Gara

George also reminds us that Altrincham FC Youth graduate, Duncan Watmore, won the "Revelation of the Tournament" award at the recent Toulon International Tournament, in which he represented England's under-20s.

YOUTH TRIALS

Last season the under-18s won the NW Youth Alliance Premier Division and the under-17s were winners of the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup.

YOUTH CELEBRATION

The presentation event will take place on Saturday, 23 May [not Sat. 29th as originally arranged], at 7pm in the Commmunity Sports Hall at the J. Davidson Stadium. As well as the players and their families, supporters are also very welcome to attend.

Youth manager George Heslop was delighted to see a good turn out of Altrincham supporters at the league title decider last Sunday and thanks everyone who attended. George has now won the NWYA Premier title five times (1999, 2001, 2004, 2010 and this season), whilst the District Cup has been won six times by Altrincham during his tenure, which is more than by any other club.

ALTY YOUTH TAKE THE TITLE

With a 3-2 win over league leaders Chester, Altrincham leapfrogged the visitors at Clay Lane to secure the Premier Division title in the NW Youth Alliance League. Alty took the lead against the run of play just before the interval, with Arrowsmith the scorer. Likewise, Chester equalised after Alty had been the better side for the first twenty minutes of the second period (65 mins). But two late goals, from Dwyer (79 mins) and Davis (90+4 mins), put Alty in the driving seat. The referee inexplicably played nine minutes of added time and, in the sixth of those, Chester pulled back a goal.

Match report here.

ALTY YOUTH 3 MORECAMBE YOUTH 0

Alty were the better team for most of Tuesday's game against Morecambe at the J. Davidson Stadium. Having taken a 34th minute lead through Boris Melingui (right), who had a fine game, Altrincham then had to withstand a comeback from the visitors in the middle period of the second half. But two late goals from Shaun Arrowsmith settled the outcome.

Match report here.

CHESTER PREPARE FOR LAST-DAY CLASH

Chester FC’s Youth Team face a tricky test on Sunday when they take on second-placed Altrincham in the North West Youth Alliance Premier. The Youth Team have had a great run of form, winning nine of their last 10 games after Christmas. This came following a disappointing start to the season where they recorded only four wins in their opening seven games.

Despite that poor start, one of the wins was at home to Altrincham. Their fine run of form started, as the side scored 17 goals and conceded only once in the first four games of 2015. More recently they have beaten Witton Albion both home and away; winning 6-2 at the Deva Stadium. 15-year-old Tom Crawford scored twice, whilst goals from Kieran Evans, Matt Waters, Joe Herbert and Jamie Hayes was enough to give their side the all-important win.

The team are utilising the club’s transport for the game, which is kindly sponsored by Malthouse and Co. as well as Rainbow Slush, who have donated funds towards the cost.

Speaking ahead of the game, Youth Team manager Calum McIntyre said, 'We’re in a great position heading in to Sunday; top of the league going into the final game of the season. It’s a cup final in one way and ultimately the best side will finish on top of the pile, however going into the game having been one point better over 21 matches is great and we just have to do it one more time. It’s a perfect end to the season really to get to play the team closest to you and I know our lads will relish that sort of opportunity and occasion.'”

Calum continued, '“It’s huge for their development to get these sort of experiences under their belt and that’s what we’re here to do. The form we’ve been in since the turn of the year is magnificent, we just have to do it one more time. We’ve had to put a real run together to get where we are and we must be one of the youngest squads in the division, but these boys are up and ready for Sunday, we can’t wait.'

Calum added how the support from the Chester fans has been magnificent and hoped for support at their last game of the season. 'Hopefully we will have some support there for the lads at Altrincham. We get great support for home fixtures as well as Youth Cup games home and away, this will be no different and hopefully we can see some Chester fans at the game.'

The match is scheduled to take place at Hale Country Club and Spa [Clay Lane, WA15 7AF], which kicks-off at 14.30".

VITAL GAME

Alty Youth play Morecambe at the J. Davidson Stadium tonight (Tuesday) at 7pm. Altrincham need to win this match to close the gap to one point between them and the league leaders, Chester FC. If they win, Alty would then meet Chester at the Hale Spa & Country Club on Clay Lane WA15 7AF on Sunday to decide the league title in the final match of the season.

Above Altrincham's eleven starters and the substitutes are seen before kick-off against Curzon Ashton on Sunday. . to take place at Hale Country Club and Spa [Clay Lane, WA15 7AF], which kicks-off at 14.30".

YOUTHS LOSE IN CUP FINAL

Above: Shaun Arrowsmith is sandwiched between two opponents in Sunday's match. Also seen are James Campion (left), Rhain Davis (centre) and Alty captain, Laurence Taylor (background).

Alty Youth went down 2-0 to Curzon Ashton in Sunday's final of the NWYA Premier Division Neil Thomason Cup, held at Ashton Town. Match report here.

ALTY YOUTH CUP FINAL

YOUTHS KEEP UP THE PRESSURE

Match report here.

Alty play Morecambe next, at the J. Davidson Stadium, next Tuesday at 7pm. If they win that game, they face leaders Chester in the final match of the season and a win for Alty in that game would clinch the league title.

TUESDAY

AARON IMPRESSES

One of the five players missing from the Alty Youth squad on Sunday was Aaron Goldman. This was because he was making his mark once again for the England Independent Schools' team as they thrashed Scotland 7-1 at Nantwich Town FC. The ISFA reports that "England were three up, minutes into the second half... Scotland grabbed a goal back... Subsequent goals for England from Tom Ardron, Aaron Goldman (2) and a Scottish defender rounded off an enjoyable, well contested encounter".

ALTY YOUTH 3 ASHTON ATHLETIC YOUTH 2

Match report here.

ALTY YOUTH 2 PRESCOT CABLES YOUTH 0

Match report here

Right: Boris Melingui fights for possession against Prescot Cables.

CHANGE OF VENUE

ALTY YOUTH 4 CURZON ASHTON YOUTH 2

After cruising to a 4-0 lead by early in the second half, Altrincham allowed the visitors back into the game, with two quick goals. But the win lifts Alty to second in the table, as they attempt to chase down the leaders Chester FC.

Match report here

Above: Alty defend in depth in the first half.

The remaining fixtures are here.

ALTY YOUTHS HELP CHESHIRE LIFT NATIONAL CUP

Cheshire started with Alty's James Campion and Harry Cain (the latter, replaced by James Clancy 62 minutes) while Sam Heathcote was a used sub on 72 minutes".

YOUTH TEAM'S BIG WIN

As they chase league leaders, Chester FC, Alty Youth's six remaining games are all at home, starting with a match against Curzon Ashton next Tuesday, at Clay Lane, 6.30pm.

MATCH OFF

YOUTH GAME POSTPONED

SUPPORT THE YOUTH TEAM ON SUNDAY!

A further indication of the excellent job done by Alty Youth manager George Heslop and his coaches over the years is that, last Saturday, both of Stockoport County's defenders, were ex-Alty Youth players, Matty Todd and Connor Hancock.

YOUTH SUCCESSES

• Youth graduate Duncan Watmore was on the bench for Sunderland in the Premiership.
• Altrincham under-17s represented Altrincham & District FA in the Cheshire County FA District Cup. They beat Stockport 6-0 at Cheadle to reach the final.
• Altrincham FC under-18s beat Witton Albion 4-0, away, to reach the final of the Neil Thomason Trophy, a competition named after the late Altrincham FC Youth coach.
• Glossop North End won their FA Vase semi f-nal first leg 2-0 at St Austell with five ex-Alty Youth players in the squad - Kieran and Kelvin Lugsden, Tom Bailey, Sam Grimshaw and Richard Gresty.
• Four Alty Youth players were in the squad as Cheshire FA beat Northumberland 2-1 to reach the FA Northern Counties final. James Clancy scored the first goal, Harry Cain laid on the second and James Campion played the full game whilst Sam Heathcote was on the bench.

YOUTH NEWS

The Cheshire FA reports that "The FA County Youth Cup Final is at 2pm, Sunday 12 April 2015 at The Hive, Barnet FC. Middlesex...will take on Cheshire, who themselves claimed County Youth Cup victory in 1984. After starting in the 1944-45 season, the competition is celebrating its 71st year and comes to Barnet's impressive new home for the very first time.

Middlesex came through four games to reach the Final... Cheshire have faced one more match, starting in the first round and playing four back-to-back ties at home. West Riding (3-2), Northumberland (4-3), East Riding (1-0) and Worcestershire (4-1) all succumbed before they travelled to Liverpool's Walton Hall Park ground in the last-four. The semi-final ended 1-1 after extra-time but the Cheshire side came through 4-2 on penalties to secure their visit to Barnet for the Final."

Alty Youth players who have featured for Cheshire are James Campion, Harry Cain, Sam Heathcote and James Clancy.

YOUTHS KEEP UP TITLE PUSH

Above: Sam Heathcote's penalty against Skelmersdale had enough power to get through the hands of the visitors' goalkeeper. Sam is just out of the picture.

On Saturday, Sam Heathcote scored the winning penalty in a shoot out between Cheshire FA Youth and Liverpool after the score was 1-1 at full-time and after extra time. Cheshire meet Middlesex in the final of the County competition, at a venue to be announced on Saturday, 11 April. Heathcote was a late substitute in the game against Liverpool. The Cheshire squad also included Alty's James Campion, James Clancy and Harry Cain.

YOUTH GRADUATES

The next Alty Youth game is on Sunday, 1 March, at home to Skelmersdale United at Clay Lane, 2pm.

ALTY WIN CONTROVERSIAL MATCH

Once again an Altrincham v Abbey Hey youth match was mired in controversy as the visitors included in their line-up a player allegedly contracted to a football club and, if so, therefore ineligible to compete in youth football. Earlier this season the Gorton club's use of ineligible players against Altrincham had led to their exclusion from the Neil Thomason Cup. The referee was not in a position to rule on the matter and so opted to play the game, leaving the League to resolve the eligibility issue.

And, with Alty leading 3-1, the game itself was to culminate in a mass brawl which saw Abbey Hey's Ryan Masterson and Alty keeper Jamie Burrows red-carded.

Altrincham took the lead with the last kick of the first half as Reece Dwyer converted a penalty, awarded after he had been fouled. Abbey Hey equalised through Masterson after 66 minutes. However, two late goals from James Clancy sealed the win for Altrincham.

There is a match report here.

Above: Reece Dwyer nets his penalty to make it 1-0.

ALTY YOUTH WIN AWAY

EXCELLENT AWAY WIN

A match report, courtesy of George Heslop, is here.

REPORT ON CURZON GAME

YOUTHS DRAW

SIX WEEKS OF INACTION

However, in a rearranged fixture, Alty are now set to travel to Ashton Athletic on Tuesday 27 January, k.o. 7.30pm.

SUNDAY'S GAME OFF

AARON'S SUCCESS

POSTPONEMENT

ALTRINCHAM YOUTH TEAM CLOSE IN ON SECOND PLACE

ALTY YOUTH PLAYER IN NATIONAL SQUAD

ANOTHER 1-1 DRAW

PRESCOT CABLES 1 ALTY YOUTH 1

YOUTH NEWS

YOUTH TEAM REPORT

Youth defender James Farrington has kindly provided a match report.

OPEN CUP EXIT

The next fixture on Sunday, 2 November, is away, in the league, to Prescot Cables.

YOUTH REPORT

LEADERS WIN

Chester report that "Chester FC Youth continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 win against Conference neighbours Altrincham. Goals from first years, Kieran Evans and Matt Waters, sealed the win for the blues, which was their third successive win in the league.

The first half saw chances at a premium... The second half became a more open affair from the opening minute. Sam Hughes’ knockdown from a free-kick couldn’t be steered goalwards as the Blues began to get hold of the contest. The opening goal finally came ten minutes into the second half. Matt Waters skipped past a man on the left hand side before forcing the ball to the back post, finding Kieran Evans in space who remained composed enough to slot the ball into the far corner of the net.

Altrincham had begun to open up, with a second goal looking imminent... The second goal was to come from the spot after a truly exceptional build up. Waters received the ball on the left side who then nut-megged his marker, before Robson let the ball run through his legs into the path of Jacob Evans. One touch passes were exchanged on the edge of the box before left back Waters skipped beyond the defence, only to be bundled over by the goalkeeper. Waters stepped up to convert the penalty to give the Blues a two-goal cushion.

Altrincham got a foothold in the game with a quarter of an hour to go. James Jones handled the ball in the penalty area, resulting in Jarrod Christopher being beaten from the spot. Despite the lead being halved, the youngsters showed great confidence to see the game out".

However, "Under the floodlights on Thursday evening Chester FC Youth were beaten in dramatic style by Irlam FC [Alty's conquerors] in the FA Youth Cup... It was Chester who opened the scoring... The Blues then doubled their lead moments later... The visitors got a goal back on the 39th minute after Zar Jordan was brought down in the Blues’ area following a foul from Jordan Coxall. John Main stepped up and placed the penalty in the top right corner... The lead was then extended just before half time...

The game quickly developed in Chester’s favour... Following the break the Blues were caught out after Christopher attempted a piece of skill to beat Main, the Irlam striker tackled the Blues stopper and simply passed the ball over the line... Irlam never gave up and they were awarded a penalty after Tom Waring brought down an Irlam attacker in the area. The Blues right-back was subsequently sent off for being the last man back. Main stepped up to take the penalty and converted it comfortably.

The visitors then took the lead following another similar incident. James Jones was the last man back and brought down another Irlam player in the area. The midfielder was immediately shown a red card which reduced Chester to nine men. Main stood over the ball and scored the resulting penalty. Minutes before the full time whistle, Irlam made it five after Isaac Illidge guided his header well to beat the Chester stopper and award the visitors a place in the next round of the FA Youth Cup".

YOUTH TEAM NEWS

In the 50th minute Cheshire equalised through Masterson. Within a minute West Riding retook the lead with a low hard drive into the bottom right hand corner... In the 80th minute Ryan Masterson equalised for Cheshire. From then on it was all Cheshire, dictating play with nonstop pressure in an attempt to score the winner... In the 85th minute, a neat combination between Jacob Evans and Jonathan Jones led to the ball being played wide to [Altrincham's] Harry Cain who drove in a low hard cross to the back post for Masterson to slide the ball home to claim his hat-trick and victory for Cheshire.

Following on from their previous victory away at Manchester FA in the Northern Counties Youth Competition, it was another good all round squad performance from Cheshire... Cheshire FA now play Northumberland FA at home in the Second Round of the FA County Youth Cup on 1st November 2014 at Vauxhall Motors."

The Cheshire FA Youth squad list includes Altrincham's James Campion, Harry Cain and Sam Heathcote

Meanwhile, the Independent Schools' FA reports that "Following the U18 North matches on Sunday 12th October, a squad has been selected to face Lancashire Schools on Sunday 16th November. It includes Alty Youth's Aaron Goldman, of Manchester Grammar School. Last Sunday the ISFA North beat Cheshire Schools 2-1 at The King's School, Chester

1-0 up, "The lead was doubled in the second half when fine work down the right by Ike Alexian ended with a cross for Aaron Goldman to score".

TRIUMPH IN ADVERSITY!

To make matters worse, late in this game, centre-back Sam Heathcote picked up an injury, which is likely to keep him out for several weeks.

James Farrington, who played at left-back for the Alty team, has kindly provided a match report on the game which Alty won 3-0.

BARROW BEATEN

ALTRINCHAM YOUTH 1 ABBEY HEY YOUTH 2

Interestingly, one of the linesmen for this game, Mr Jordan Crossley, was a spectator at the Altrincham v North Ferriby United match last season in Conference North. He was watching the game with local Premiership referee, Anthony Taylor. When the match referee went lame, Jordan, on Anthony Taylor's recommendation, stepped in to act as assistant referee and performed excellently.

ALTRINCHAM 1 IRLAM 2

A report from James Farrington is here.

YOUTH REPORT

Right, we see Altrincham defending a first-half Hyde freekick.

Don't forget that next Monday (22nd, 7.45pm), Alty Youth play Irlam FC Youth at the J. Davidson Stadium in the FA Youth Cup First QR. Spectators are welcome; adults £3, concessionaries £2.

OPPONENTS

Before then, on Sunday (14th) Alty Youth play a NWYA league match at home to Hyde FC at Clay Lane (2.30pm).

FA YOUTH CUP

The Alty v Irlam match will be played on Monday 22nd September, at 7.45pm.

Above, courtesy of Mike Ripley, we see the Altrincham FC Youth squad before their win over Colne last Monday (click on image to enlarge). This and more of Mike's excellent Alty photos are on his website.

ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH 3 COLNE FC YOUTH 0

In tonight's FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round match, Altrincham earned a home tie against either Irlam Town or Glossop North End in the next round of the FA Youth Cup. After a goalless first half, the lively Harry Cain finished off a well-worked freekick routine to give Alty a 55th minute lead. Joe Coffey's back-post header from Jake Foy's cross made it 2-0 after 67 minutes. Substitute Ben Reid completed the scoring with a fine shot from Cain's pass in the 85th minute.

Match report here

Above, Alty warm up before the match with Colne.

FA YOUTH CUP ON MONDAY

Altrincham FC Youth (under-18s) play Colne at the J. Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane, this Monday night (7.45pm) in the FA Youth Cup, at 7.45pm. Admission is just £3 for adults and £2 for concessionaries.

DISTRICT CUP

CHESHIRE FA MATCHES

DOUBLE-FIGURE VICTORY

Reece Dwyer netted six times, the other goals coming from Harry Cain, Sam Heathcote (penalty), Will Foster and Shaun Arrowsmith. The win was achieved despite injuries; Will Foster suffered a broken arm and Aaron Goldman received a fiercely struck ball in the face.

The team was: 1. Jamie Burrows, 2. James Campion, 3. Jake Foy, 4. Cole McGrath, 5. Sam Heathcote (capt), 6. Laurence Taylor, 7. Shaun Arrowsmith, 8. William Foster, 9. Marc Bellingham, 10. Reece Dwyer, 11. Harry Cain. SUbs, all used: 12. Tryevon Simpson, 14. Obajimi Folagbade, 15. Joseph Coffey, 16. Aaron Goldman, 17. Benjamin Reid.

FA YOUTH CUP

LOSS AT WARRINGTON

YOUTH TEAM DEFEATED

Right: Jimmy Folagbade (in blue shirt) contests possession with the Abbey Hey captain.

The latest league table is here.

FA YOUTH CUP

SEASON STARTS

FIXTURES

YOUTHS BENEFIT FROM IRELAND TRIP

"After an intense pre-season training period, Altrincham FC Youth travelled to Derry, Northern Ireland, to compete in the Foyle Cup which is a five day tournament with matches every day.

Altrincham Youth were led by Manager Paul Fay, Coaches Graham Houghton and Adam Nuttall. The team was put in a group with Inishshowen Youth League, Oldpark Reds, and hosts Derry City. The young Robins finished third in the group, finishing on four points, but had a weaker goal difference than Inishowen, who came second.

Altrincham drew their first game 1-1 with Inishowen Youth League, followed by a comfortable win over Oldpark Reds 4-1 the next day. The final day of the group stages saw Altrincham have a chance of finishing first with a win over Derry city. However, the lads lost to a strong Derry side that went on to win every game in the group stage.

Alty finished third in the group, which led them to enter the Foyle Rose Bowl. The Foyle Rose Bowl consisted of the four teams which finished third out of the four groups. Altrincham drew Mountjoy United, a match which they won 2-0 leading them to the final against Newtowne FC the following day.

Altrincham lost 2-1 after a close game but failure to make the most of their chances meant Alty, sadly, couldn’t get the result they desired.

However, the overall experience of getting to play full-time football for the week was a valuable and thoroughly enjoyable experience for each member of the team! Throughout the week it was evident the lads became much closer and it was a great team building exercise, standing them in good stead for the coming season.

Although the results didn’t go Altrincham’s way, they will hope to capitalise on this experience this season due to the intensity of the competition".

James Farrington".

CHRIS'S NEW ROLE

LEAGUE COMPOSITION

FRIENDLY

YOUTH CUP DATES

In the Cheshire County Football Association District Youth Challenge Cup League 1, Altrincham & District FA (comprising Altrincham FC players) play Mid-Cheshire FA (away) on Sunday, 7 September, Chester FA (away) on Sunday, 12 October Stockport (home) on Sunday, 19 October 2014 and Runcorn (home) on Sunday, 9 November.

ALTY YOUTH TEAM'S NEW ASSISTANT MANAGER

COACH/ASSISTANT MANAGER NEEDED

The team has also been the Premiership Cup winner three times & runners-up four times. So, we are trying to keep up a high standard of play and discipline. Our pre-season is due to start around June 24th. Manager George Heslop (Manager) can be contacted on phone 0161-718-0624 or by e-mail.

FIVE YOUTH TEAMERS AT FIRST-TEAM TRAINING

YOUTH PRESENTATIONS

Above, Max Pouncey received the James Black Trophy from Ian and Jenny Black after being selected by George Heslop as the Manager's Player of the Season.

The annual presentation night for Altrincham FC youth players was held on Friday evening. This year two youth squads were honoured; the Under-18s who play in the NW Youth Alliance Premier League, and the Under-17s, who feature in the NWYA First Division and represent Altrincham and District FA in the Cheshire County FA's District Youth Cup.

The Under-18s finished league runners up and progressed to Round Two of the FA Youth Cup before bowing out with honour at Walsall's Bescot Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Under-17s finished off their season on a high note by clinching the NWYA President's Cup trophy.

Paul Fay presented his Under-17s' Manager's Player of the Season award to Will Foster and the Players' Player of the Season trophy to James Campion.

Altrincham FC Vice-Chairman Andrew Shaw introduced the Under-18s Youth Team manager, George Heslop. Before announcing the awards, George paid tribute to his captain, Spencer Cunliffe, who had recovered from a bout of glandular fever to attend the event. He went on to praise Spencer's talent and commitment whilst joking about the verbal exchanges that he and his captain had during the past two seasons.

George's first award was to goalkeeper Steve Bullen, who was named as Clubman of the Season. Unfortunately, Steve was unable to be present to receive this honour in person.

George called on Karen Rowley to present the Goalscorers' Award to Max Pouncey. The manager then announced the prizes for Players' Player of the Season, as voted by the squad. Third place was won by goalkeeper Josh Samberg whilst the runner-up was defender Tom Clarke. The winner of the Players' Player award was fellow defender David Brown.

George then paid tribute to James Black, a keen supporter of Altrincham FC, who had died at the age of 18, and in whose memory his parents, Ian and Jenny Black, had commissioned a prestigious bronze trophy which is awarded each year to the Manager's Player of the Season. For 2013-14 the award went to striker Max Pouncey.

Finally, George paid tribute to his long-suffering wife, Jenny, who had not only endured George's many absences at football matches and training but had also washed the players' kit for 17 years. On his behalf, Club Secretary Derek Wilshaw presented Jenny with a well deserved bouquet.

Before the presentations ended, Andrew Shaw underlined the admirable work done this season by George in managing the team despite suffering ill health. For his part, George looked forward to being able to resume his full role in 2014-15.

Above, top row, David Brown, Players' Player of the Season with George Heslop and Andrew Shaw; Max Pouncey, Goalscorer of the Season, with Karen Rowley and George Heslop. Middle row: Tom Clarke and Josh Samberg, respectively second and third in the Players' Player of the Season voting. Bottom row: George Heslop with Andrew Shaw, and, right, Derek Wilshaw with Jenny and George Heslop.