Matlock & District Football League

Welcome...

This is the archive section of the official web site of the Matlock & District Football League – where we preserve historical moments that have helped shape grassrootss football within our community.

You can always return to the present by clicking on the 'Home' link above.

We welcome memories and will endeavour to include any send to us. You can e-mail us by clicking this link

The Matlock League was founded in 1898, with the winners of our first competition being Crich Stars. In 1905 the Cavendish Cup was donated by the Right Honourable Victor Cavendish (9th Duke of Devonshire 1868-1938). So, as you see, the league has been in operation for a very long time and we are looking to enhance our reputation by providing a valuable community outlet for football.

Shirland's squad...

Darren Shaw. 'Designer Daz' has a Primark phobia. Best goalie around by far.

Richard Hill . Talks and plays a good game. Much improved this season. Excellenbt team player.

Ben Skelton. 'Smiler' models himself on 'Xavia'. Dependable and always does the job.

Paul Hardy. Does what it says on the tin. Assistant manager, consistent player.

Gary Bacon. Our jammy dodger, he really does take the biscuit. Returned this year better than ever.

Anthony Brooks. AKA Bambi Brooks and just as cute, lives to roll in the mud. Consistent player.

Matt Murphy. Long-standing member of the team. Back now after missing a lot through injury.

Gareth Brown. Quiet, level-headed player (every team should have one). Consistent player.

Oliver Brown. Oli, Mr Dress To Impress, and we are impressed. Good all round player.

Lee Bellamy. 'Super Sub'. Always does the job when he comes on. Incredi-Bell.

Dean Cupit. Mr Nice Guy. Not sure he can tell the time though. Sensible, strong player.

Steven Boot. Captain Workhorse. Backbone of the team, never gives up.

Richard Harrison. AKA Titch. Can throw a ball further than most can kick if. Good football head.

Ian Hursthouse. Memory like a sive, hope he remembes we are in a final. Has speed and skill.

Dale Hegarty. The team's Mr T. Runs faster when he takes off all that gold. Respected team member.

Steven Wright. 'Have-a-go Steve' Good player who knows where the net is.

Darren Goodall. Walt hung up his boots this season due to injury. Thanks for your support.

Dave Thurnum. Manager.

David Thurnum (Junior). Linesman.

We would like to dedicate tonight's match to the memory of Neil Barr (Bean) who died on the 17 July, 2009. One of our own lads whop is sadly missed. 'Our 12th Man'.

We would like to say thank you to Shirland Miners Welfare and all their staff or their support. Thank you to Denise & Kerry Thurnham, the brains of our outfit. A big thank you to all ou supporters who follow us come rain or shine, especially Lee & Emma. To Ken, a big thank you.

We are pleaed to say next season we will see the return of Dean White after injury.

A football team is only as good as the players and the people who run it. Thankfully we have the best of both.

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Manor Pharmacy Shield action...

Pacy Hilcote's Manor Pharmacy delight
Hilcote United 4 Shirland Miners Welfare 2
(After extra-time, 1-1 full-time)
Hilcote scorers: D. Ryan D Noakes (2), R Pepper
Shirland scorers: S. Boot (2)

Hilcote United lifted the first trophy of the Matlock & District Football League season as their tenacity and resolved earned them a fantastic 4-2 extra-time victory over an injury hit Shirland Miners Welfare.

   Impressive Daniel Ryan, who grabbed the first goal, deservedly earned his Manor Pharmacy Sheild final man-of-the-match award as his pace caused Shirland problems throughout this entertaining encounter at Matlock Town's Causeway Lane ground.

   Tricky winger Daniel Noakes, who netted a braced, and Hilcote's other scorer Ryan Pepper were also oustanding

   It was a highly competitive close match with both teams providing flowing football and it was not until the second period of extra-time that Hilcote tamed Shirland who were reduced to ten men for more than an hour through numerous injuries.

   Hilcote's disallowed 23rd minute goal meant it was a goalless first-half but it was within the first minute after the break that Shirland gained the advantage with a well-worked goal from Steven Boot. Four minutes later and Hilcote were back on level terms through Ryan and that's the way it stayed in a match that saw both sides created great opportunities to win. On the full-time whilse blown by referee Chris Hillman the teams were locked in a 1-1 deadlock.

   Within two minutes of extra-time Boot gave the much-fancied Shirland side the lead with a trademark strike. But there was always a sense that Hilcote would battle back from every setback and just fives minutes later Noakes struck to equalise for the second time.

   Shortly after the turnaround Hilcote, a highly motivated side that showed great pace and style, took the lead thanks to Pepper and five minutes from time they extended their grip on the Manor Pharmacy Shield with a fourth from Noakes.

   It was sheer delighted when Hillman - helped by assistants Samih Taktak, Dan Bailey and fourth official Ben Brown - blew the final whislte in a pulsating game.

• League chairman Drew Robertson presented the Shield to a ecstatic Hilcote United team.

Hilcote's squad...

Mark Turner. Hilcote's longest serving player. He's a massive asset on the off the pitch. Mark has had one of his most impressive seasons so far and has been a differrence between winning and mosing in many games this year. He is very confident in the area and a great shot stopper.

Martin Wilinson. Fearless defender who reads the game well. He has missed part of the season but he has come back strong to influence Hilcote's final stages of the season in a big way/

Shane Fazaferley. Impressive first season at left back, centre back. Started every single game this season. He gives the opposition plenty to think about when going forward with mazy runs and a good final delivery plus the odd goal as well.

Ant Butler. Enjoying yet another consistent year. Only 22 but with a head as old as his central partner (rumoured to be 40). Wicked shot when the opportunity arises from distance.

Mick Hopkinson. Veteran centre back who runs a tight ship. His years of experience have been vital this season. Hoping to finish his final playing year with a trophy.

Eddie Cramp. Touch tackliing and versatile midfielder. Has played an important role breaking up attacks, giving defensive support letting players around him get forward and attack.

Daniel Noakes. First season at the club. He has gone from strength to strength. A tricky winger with plenty of pace. Has scored important goals when he has played up front.

David Gibson. Midfield maestro who after a season away has come back to lead the team in these finals. Tireless running, two great feet and the ability to turn a game on its head at any time.

Dean Guy. Centre forward who has always made the defence work with his positioning and striking ability. He has also improved his all round game which has cost his personally tally but benefitted his team mates around him.

Daniel Ryan. Hilcote's leading scorer with over 20 goals this season. A hat-trick in the semi-final which helped us reach tonight's final. An outstanding striker and definitely one to watch.

Ryan Pepper. Speed merchant is in blistering form since returning from a ban. His work rate is second to none. Great ability and an eye for goal.

Craig Madden. Tireless worker who gets on with the job. P{roved himself a reak team player in his first season. A tidy player who gives nothing away.

Tom Mourbey. In and out this year through injuries. Plays anywhere without a complaint.

Craig Thomas. Good reliavle team member who has covered well when we were short of players. Gets his head down and is always ready to get stuck in.

Richard Kirk. Has laced up most games this year and fortunately only had to play a handful. Managed to keep all his teeth this year.

Dave Cross. Late signing, good displays but not out for the season through injury.