Wythenshawe FC enjoyed a hugely successful weekend at the Avensure Community Stadium as both First Teams recorded home victories.
The Men secured their first Northern Premier League win of the campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Runcorn Linnets on Saturday, before the Women began their FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands season with an impressive 4–1 win against Northampton Town on Sunday.
Two matches, two victories and six points made it a weekend that demonstrated the quality, resilience and ambition running throughout the club.
Men respond with important home victory
Following a difficult opening game of the season at Hanley Town, James Kinsey’s side produced the response their manager had been looking for against an experienced Runcorn Linnets team.
The Ammies remained patient throughout a competitive encounter before finding the breakthrough and then showing the discipline needed to protect their advantage.
Reflecting on the performance, Kinsey was pleased with the reaction from his players and the way they approached the game following the disappointment of the opening fixture.
He highlighted the importance of returning to the standards the team had set throughout last season, with greater intensity, togetherness and determination evident across the pitch.
Kinsey was also particularly pleased with the clean sheet, recognising the work completed by the entire team to limit a strong Runcorn side and secure all three points.
While acknowledging there are still areas to improve, the manager felt the performance gave his players something positive to build upon as they continue adjusting to Northern Premier League football.
There will be little time to dwell on the result, however, with Newcastle Town visiting the Avensure Community Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Kinsey stressed the importance of recovering quickly and maintaining the same attitude as the Ammies look to build momentum from their first league victory.
Watch James’ Interview here: https://youtu.be/uaSxxmfK67U
Women open their campaign in style
The positive weekend continued on Sunday as Wythenshawe Women marked their first match in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands with a commanding 4–1 victory over Northampton Town.
Rachael Dunlop opened the scoring during the first half before Northampton responded with an equaliser, sending the teams into the interval level at 1–1.
Wythenshawe took control after the restart, producing a dominant second-half display in which Gillin, John and Kemi Olushonde all found the net.
Interim Manager Matt Phillips was delighted with the result, particularly given the considerable changes made to the squad during the summer and the limited preparation time available to the group.
Phillips spoke positively about the way the new-look team had come together and how the players responded after Northampton’s equaliser. Rather than allowing the setback to disrupt them, Wythenshawe returned for the second half with greater confidence and went on to take complete control of the contest.
The afternoon was made even more special by 16-year-old Kemi Olushonde, who came from the bench to make her First Team debut and complete the scoring.
Phillips praised the young player’s contribution and the confidence she showed after entering the match. Her debut offered another encouraging example of the pathway available to talented young players at Wythenshawe FC.
The manager was also keen to recognise the contribution made throughout the squad, with established players and new arrivals combining to deliver an excellent opening-day performance.
The result sent Wythenshawe to the top of the early Division One Midlands table, although Phillips remained measured about what it means at such an early stage of the campaign.
The focus now moves to next Sunday’s trip to Sheffield FC, where the Women will look to build on an extremely encouraging start.
Watch Matt’s Post Match interview here: https://youtube.com/shorts/AcUyhR0Fack
A collective club achievement
Across the two matches, Wythenshawe recorded five goals, conceded just once and collected all six available points.
The results were a reward not only for the players and management teams, but also for the volunteers, staff, sponsors and supporters who contributed to another busy weekend at the Avensure Community Stadium.
Both teams are at different points in their development. The Men are adapting to life at a higher level following last season’s championship-winning campaign, while the Women are bringing together a reshaped squad under an interim management team.
Nevertheless, both showed the same qualities over the weekend: resilience, togetherness and a determination to represent Wythenshawe FC in the right way.
Two home matches. Two victories. Six points.
A weekend to be proud of and a strong platform for both teams to build upon.
#Wythenshawe #UpTheAmmies
Photo Credits
Bill Shepherd
Lucy Palmer-Davies
Harley Walden
