stretford paddock fc

Paddock come out victorious in hard fought game against Urmston Town Juniors

3 November 2020
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By Casey Evans

Stretford Paddock came out victors in their latest fixture in the Lancashire and Cheshire League against Urmston Town Junior. This result put an end to the team’s run of three games without a win and pushes them up to second in the table and level on points with first placed Moston Brook.

Paddock again got off to a rough start again, when a cross by Urmston in the 8th minute was met unchallenged at the far post and was headed in to make it 1-0 to the home side. Paddock went close to equalising soon after, when a goal mouth scramble led to forward Adam Ashton getting a shot off, but it rolled just wide, then Urmston doubled their lead before the 20th minute.

Paddock have been having problems with set piece goals throughout their campaign, and this match was no different as the goal came from a corner which was spilled by Pearce and headed into the net. Stephen Howson’s men had again given themselves a hill to climb.

Throughout the first half Paddock showed their quality on the ball with some tight and precise passing around the Urmston side and this movement led to their first goal on the 36th minute when a lovely turn by midfielder Gabriel Fernando, played Jay Phillips down the line, who’s low ball in was met at the far post by Ashton and he slid it in to make the score 2-1.

Paddock got another goal before half time when defender and vice-captain James Oatt got on the end of a well hit corner and headed it into the back of the net to even the scores. Spectators on the day were unsure whether it was an own goal, but after reviewing the footage, James Oatt rightly claimed his first goal for the club.

Soon after the whistle was blown, and Paddock went into half time drawing 2-2.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Paddock pushing for a goal to go ahead consistantly. The break came in the 58th minute when Okera Simmonds was brought down after breaking through clean on goal and a penalty was awarded. Jay Phillips stepped up to take the spot kick and smashed it home to put Paddock ahead and add to his tally for the season.

Paddock forwards, Simmonds and Ronaldo Brown were a constant nuisance for the oppositions defence, with the latter being unlucky  not to get on the score sheet after beating the Urmston defenders time and time again.

But for Simmonds, his opportunity came in the 65th minute when he did well to get past the Urmston centre back and smashed it past the keeper to make it 4-2.

Urmston managed to get a consolation goal, with a stunning late strike from outside the box, making it 4-3, but it was too late for the opposition to mount a comeback and when the final whistle blew, Paddock were the victors.

Manager Stephen Howson said: “Going 2-0 down was not the sort of response I was hoping for and it’s funny because we win but it’s not funny because theres something about why we can’t score goals first.

“I don’t know if teams are getting up for playing us, they’re treating this like a cup final and they’re blasting and emptying themselves out in the first 15-20 minutes.

“I think today was a clear example of something I thought for a long time which is I think we’re fitter than a lot of teams, and I think we can blow a team out and I think we can blow a team out and that’s what we have to start doing. We have to start at a ridiculous tempo and that tempo has to be too much for teams to handle and we have to drag them into the deep water and we have to drown them. And if we do that we can put games to bed early.”

We are currently unsure of what the incoming COVID-19 restrictions will entail for Paddocks future contests in the league, so make sure to stay tuned on our social media channels for any updates.

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Stretford Paddock come out second best in top of the table clash against Moston Brook

26 October 2020
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By Casey Evans

On a rainy afternoon at Wright Robinson college, Stretford Paddock unfortunately fell to a defeat to Moston Brook in a clash where both teams were able to go top of the table with a win.

It was fortunate that the fixture was able to be played, after COVID-19 restrictions rendered Droylsden unusable, but fortunately Wright Robinson was available, and the game could be played.

There were a few changes from the usual Paddock starting eleven. New signings Gabriel Fernando and Kayode Adewale made their first starts for Paddock, with Nosa Iyamu pushing forward from his usual number 10 position to play up top.

The game started off with Moston on the front foot, pressing forward with waves of attacks which kept the Paddock defence and goalkeeper Kian Pearce very much on their toes. Pearce made a good save from a Moston free kick early on, getting down well to stop a ball that was hit hard and low.

Paddock had a handful of chances on the counter, with Fernando being the creative force going forward. His first found Iyamu with a cutting pass through the Moston’s defence which the goalkeeper and the Moston defender had to put their bodies on the line to stop. The second was again to Iyamu running forward, but this time it was floated over the top by Fernando, however after a good turn by Iyamu, the Moston defender did well to block.

Paddock’s undoing again came from a set piece. Moston won a free kick out wide and the resulting cross was met by the unmarked head of a Moston player, and Paddock were facing another fight back as they went into half time 1-0 down.

Further disaster struck early on in the second half as Moston scored again, following some confusion whether the ball had gone out for a throw in caused Paddock’s players to switch off and Moston took their opportunity well, slotting it into the far side of the set to make it 2-0 to the opposition.

This goal sparked the Paddock side to life. The team began to create more chances, register more shots and then in the 58th minute a long kick by Pearce was headed by to the opposition keeper who lost his grip on the ball and Iyamu who had followed the ball in, was able to latch onto the spillage and make it 2-1.

Seven minutes later another scramble in the box led to substitute Ul-Haque turning and finishing well to make the score 2-2 and put Paddock right back into the game with 25 minutes to go.

Five minutes later more heartbreak came, as despite their best efforts, Moston found a man on the back post free from a good cross and made it 3-2. Paddock tried their best to even the scores again, but saw their best chance well saved by the keeper and were unable to rescue a point come the full-time whistle.

Manager Stephen Howson said: “My initial thoughts were, I thought the players individually played well and there’s not one player I could say had a bad game and we came up against a hard opposition.

“I think every one of my team talks and every one of my interviews after the game I’ve been disappointed and I think it’s strange that the first time I’ve been fairly pleased is when we’ve lost but I think what happened today is we came up against a good opposition.

“I thought Moston were a very good side, a very organised side and they were good for their win and were good for getting their noses in front and that’s why I think I’ve come away from this a little happier than I have when we’ve dropped points the previous two weekends and I think there’s a lot more growing, learning, developing to go, understanding as a team, working as a unit and that’s what we’re trying to do a couple of times a week at training.”

Stretford Paddock FC continues its campaign next week against Urmston Town Juniors again at Wright Robinson College on Saturday 31st October.

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Paddock face a difficult challenge On their return home to Newton

9 October 2020
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By Casey Evans

Stretford Paddock are returning home for a three-game stint, beginning with a game against Newton 1st, at 2pm on Saturday, October 10th. Hopefully the weather will stay clear this week in order to allow the fans and players to fully enjoy the game.

Stretford Paddock come into this game on a three-game unbeaten streak, winning all of their opening games and will be hoping to make it a run of four to cement their current position at the top of the table.

Paddock’s last game was against bottom of the table Signol Old Boys and came out 3-1 victors. Goals from Louis Fitzpatrick on his return from suspension, Nosa Imayu and Jay Phillips were vital in securing the win.

Okera Simmonds saw red during the game and will therefore be unavailable for Saturday’s fixture. Captain Martin Parker and striker Jordan Corke both suffered injuries so will join a list of 8 players unavailable for selection against Newton 1st.

Midfielder Jay Phillips leads the scoring charts and was recently named the team’s player of the month for September

Newton 1st did not play last week and currently lie 6th in the league, however, they also won their last game against Signol Old Boys, but they bettered Paddock’s result with a 5-2 win, so they will be hoping to get another win under their belts when they visit the Butcher’s Arms Ground this weekend.

Manager Stephen Howson said: “Unfortunately it seems Covid-19 has finally caught up with Stretford Paddock FC. Myself and Cameron (Watters) are having to isolate after being in contact with someone who tested positive. On top of injuries and suspensions, we get this, which puts us at nine players missing for this weekend’s game. Luckily, we have a deep squad, which should be more than capable of getting the points this weekend.

“We enter into a run of 3 consecutive home games, all against teams in the top half of the table. It will be tough to come out of this run without dropping points, but make no mistake, that is our aim. Training has been of an incredible quality lately and I am seeing flashes of the one-touch football that represents our footballing philosophy in games. Our opener against Signol a perfect example of that.

“The lads tell me that they play to the level of the opposition, my own view is – that remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a good challenge for us. The league table will make a lot of sense by the end of this month. I’ll be happy if we’re 4 from 4 by tea-time on Saturday.”

Spectators hoping to come down to the ground are reminded not to attend if they or anyone in their household is showing coronavirus symptoms so we can continue to operate safely whilst holding live sporting events.

If you are planning on attending, please make sure you have the NHS Track and Trace app downloaded on your phone as we will be scanning the code as you come through the gate on Saturday.

We hope to see as many of you there as possible.

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Paddock prove they can do it on a cold rainy afternoon in Stockport against Signol Old Boys

5 October 2020
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By Casey Evans

It was a cold and rainy match day in Stockport, but Stretford Paddock did not disappoint, as they overcame the torrid conditions and came out 3-1 victors against Signol Old Boys.

The early stages of the game were close, with both teams trying to find their footing and figuring out how to play on the sodden pitch, but the deadlock was broken in the 18th minute when Louis Fitzpatrick, back in the team after his suspension, was found out wide. He controlled the ball well before chipping the outrushing keeper to make it 1-0 to Stretford Paddock.

The rest of the half was slow for both teams, without many chances, with most of the game being played in midfield. The weather definitely played its part visibly sucking the energy out of the players.

Captain Martin Parker was forced off early on with a groin injury and needed to be replaced by right back Ritchie Adjei.

In the 38th minute Paddock got the chance they needed. A fluffed clearance by the Signol keeper left him stranded and found Nosa Imayu about 30 yards out. Paddock’s number 10 calmly curled it into the open net with his weaker foot and Paddock went into half time 2-0 up.

Rain poured down during Saturday’s fixture, leaving the pitch sodden

The second half brought more of the same for both teams, the rain continued to pour down and neither team looked able to adapt to the awkward run of the ball.

Signol began to put pressure on the young Paddock side and finally got their goal in the 72nd minute, with a high shot that keeper Jonny Hart was unable to keep out.

Signol then went close to equalising moments later with a chip that was very similar to Fitzpatrick’s goal in the first half, but Adjei did fantastically well to get back and clear off the line, tipping the shot onto the post.

Two red cards followed in the match, firstly Paddock substitute Okera Simmonds was sent off in the 78th minute and then in the 92nd minute substitute Jordan Corke was clean through but was brought down by the Signol keeper who was shown a red and Corke also had to leave the field as he suffered a serious wrist injury.

Paddock took the resulting free kick quickly and Ronaldo Brown found the inform Jay Phillips in the box who volleyed it home to make it 3-1 to Paddock and make his personal tally of four for the season, so far.

The match ended 3-1 to Stretford Paddock resulting in three wins in three games for the fledgling side and more importantly, put them three points clear at the top of the league.

Manager Stephen Howson said: “We set high standards, of ourselves and of the players, and I am yet to see a performance that matches those expectations. I think I need to be better in my delivery of instruction, and the adherence has to improve.

“Three in three is a good start, but I’m not happy, and there’s a lot of work to done, before I will be. Next week, I want to see us push for a clean sheet and finish a game off without being nervous in the last 10. That would be a start.”

Stretford Paddock will now begin a three-game run at home, with the first of those games against Newton FC.

We hope as many supporters as possible can make the journey, but we would like to warn you not to attend if you, or anyone in your household is showing coronavirus symptoms and also to be aware of the ever-changing government guidelines.

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Review – Stretford Paddock come back to win in Maiden home fixture against De La Salle Reds

27 September 2020
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By Casey Evans

Today marked the first ever home fixture for Stretford Paddock FC. For the entirety of their journey so far, Stephen Howson’s men have played every single game away from home, so the weight of expectation on the shoulders of the team as they faced De La Salle Reds was immeasurable.

174 people attended the match at the Butchers Arms Ground and were witness to a 3-1 victory for the home side. The atmosphere at the ground was immense, with cheers and songs ringing out while the fans enjoyed beers from the bar.

The early stages of the match were end to end and neither team could really gain a foothold. Paddock forward Kev Gale had a few searching shots, but they all were easily held by the De La Salle goalkeeper.

Disaster struck for Paddock in the 34th minute however when a cross went in and an unmarked De La Salle player at the far post was able to put it into the net, beating Hart by inches.

Paddock quickly got back in the right mindset and a swift passing move between Cam Watters, Nosa Imayu and Ronaldo Brown, which then led to Ronaldo passing it back to Watters just outside the box. He hit it low and clean and it beat the keeper, to bring the match back level as the half came to an end at 1-1.

At half time Kev Gale was subbed and replaced by Adam Ashton.

The Stretford Paddock team go in to the changing rooms for half time

The second half began much better for Paddock. With encouragement from the crowd, the team stepped up a gear and with constant pressure on the De La Salle defence, resulted in just reward early on.

Ronaldo got on the end of a cross into the box and under fierce competition from the opposition keeper was able to slot the ball into the back of the net, making it 2-1, putting Paddock ahead for the first time in the match.

The rest of the match resulted in a lot of pressure for Paddock, De La Salle were searching for an equaliser and more in the following half hour, and in the 89th minute De La Salle unleashed a fierce shot from distance which looked destined to nestle in the top corner of the net, but showing unbelievable reflexes, Jonny Hart at full stretch, saved the Paddocks lead and left manager Stephen Howson overjoyed, with his heart in his mouth.

A few minutes later he had more reason for celebration, as Jay Phillips continued his scoring form getting Paddocks third and sending the Butchers Arms crowd into thunderous cheers.

The goal confirmed Paddock’s victory as the game ended 3-1 and marked two games for Paddock with two wins.

Paddock’s first ever home starting XI –
(Back) Jay Phillips, James Oatt, Martin Parker, Mo Barakat, Jonny Hart, Luke Zakian
(Front) Aaron Hopley, Kev Gall, Cam Watter, Nosa Imayu, Ronaldo Brown

A perfect day for all involved and we thank everyone at Droylsden who shared their fantastic facilities and for helping to make it happen, despite the terrible circumstances that led to them having to withdraw from competition this season.

Our collection for the Bloods totalled £186.22 and we will be continuing to collect voluntary funds at every home match this season to help the Droylsden club get back on their feet. If you want to donate follow the link here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/droylsden-fc

PHOTOS BY GREG WESTWOOD

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Our Official Sleeve Sponsor – Gripd

25 September 2020
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Stretford Paddock FC are proud to announce that we will be partnering with Gripd for the coming season as our official shirt sleeve sponsor.

Gripd will adorn the sleeves of both our home and away kits for every match we play this season. 

Gripd create state of the art non-slip socks which allow the wearer to twist turn and run with greater precision and control. Their innovative design providing comfort while allowing the user to achieve their maximum performance.

Speaking to the Gripd team they said: “When we heard Stretford Paddock were starting a football team we felt we just had to get involved.

“We have always tried to align ourselves with companies that have ambitions as high as ours. That coupled with the fact our performance socks are designed for sports and specifically football we felt it was the perfect fit. 

“We can’t wait to see where this journey goes and are excited to watch the lads play and express themselves week in week out, with GRiPD proudly sponsored on the sleeves and the our socks on the players feet.”

You can find out more about Gripd using the link here: www.gripd.co.uk

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Our Official Shirt sponsor – Buckley Design Solutions

23 September 2020
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Stretford Paddock FC are delighted to announce that they will be partnering with Buckley Design Solutions as one of our main sponsors for the upcoming season.

BDS will be our shirt sponsor and therefore will be displayed on the front of our home and away shirts in every game we play this season.

The company are based in the North West but operate all over the country, providing innovate and unmatched scaffolding design solutions and advice for many sectors of the construction industry, including Rail, Industrial, Commercial and Events.

Buckley Design Solutions will feature on the front of Stretford Paddock FC’s home and away shirts

Managing Director of BDS, Lee Buckley said “We have sponsored many football teams over the years, but these sponsorships have always been centred around youth teams, as I love the thought of contributing to kids getting a chance to do what they love.

“Sponsoring an adult team was never something that I considered, until Stretford Paddock FC came along. As a big Man Utd fan & season ticket holder, I have followed Stephen Howson, Stretford Paddock & Full Time Devils for many years on their social media platforms, so when I heard the announcement of Stretford Paddock FC forming a team, I immediately wanted to be involved from the start. I love the enthusiasm & passion shown by Stephen & his staff/team, & would really like to be part of the journey…who knows where it will lead..?!”

As a club who are proud of our northern heritage and the acknowledge the importance of hard work in striving for perfection, we are proud to partner with a company like BDS that champions these same values.

Find out more about Buckley Design Solutions here: https://www.buckleydesigns.co.uk

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Review – Philips Inspires paddock to win in first competitive fixture

21 September 2020
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by Casey Evans

On Saturday afternoon Stretford Paddock marked their first ever competitive fixture with a win against Bury Amateur AFC, in what was a hard fought 4-2 victory for Stephen Howson’s men. The anticipation around the pitch was palpable as both sides wanted to kick off this new season with a win.

Things started badly for Paddock, as Bury scored early on – a long ball over the top of the defence prompted a footrace between the Bury striker and Stretford Paddock’s ’keeper, Josh Hollobon. Unfortunately, Hollobon was beaten to the ball and the striker prodded it home. Their experience both in the league and as a team showed, Bury’s long balls caused problems for the fledgling Paddock side, in the early stages.

Paddock continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, with little reward for their efforts. Ronaldo Brown dribbled well to work his way into the box, but found his effort saved by the Bury keeper.

Stretford Paddock’s fortunes changed when a clearance from a corner landed back at the feet of the taker Jay Philips, in the 41st minute, who delivered a cross-come-shot towards the back post. The cross went past everyone in the box and nestled in the net, getting the equaliser Paddock were searching for.

Minutes later, midfielder Cameron Watters went down under a challenge in the penalty area, but the loose ball fell to Adam Ashton, who hit the ball into the top corner, with some venom. Paddock went into half time 2-1 up.

Jacob Philips directs his cross towards the net for Paddock’s equaliser

The scoring continued early on in the second half when Luke Zakian was brought down in the 47th minute, just outside the box. Philips stood over the free-kick and smashed it over the wall, into the top right corner, scoring a brace in the first competitive match for Paddock.

Philips went close to getting his hat-trick, with a curling effort, from outside of the box, hitting the post.

Bury, again, exploited the high line of the Paddock defence in the second half – using a long ball to get in behind and made it 3-2, resulting in the closing stages of the game being quite tense.

However, Ronaldo took the game in his stride, breaking through the Bury defence before being brought down in the box. He took the resulting penalty and slotted it home, making it 4-2 to the Paddock.

The ending of the game was marred by a second yellow card for Louis Fitzpatrick who left the pitch after a decent performance, but he will now be suspended for Paddock’s next fixture.

Manager Stephen Howson and the coaches were happy with the team’s performance and will be hoping they can use this win and take this momentum into the next fixture, which is Stretford Paddock’s first ever home game, next Saturday, against De La Salle Reds.

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The Upcoming Season: Our fixtures & where we’ll play them

14 September 2020
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Here is some of the important information you need to know before Stretford Paddock FC kick off in their inaugural season in the Lancashire and Cheshire league.

First Six Fixtures

Ronaldo Brown takes on the opposition during a preseason friendly against Dukinfield Town

Stretford Paddock’s first competitive fixtures in the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL Division 1 have been confirmed and they are as follows:

  • Away to Bury Amateur AFC – 19th September
  • Home to De La Salle Reds – 26th September
  • Away to Signol Old Boys – 3rd October
  • Home to Newton – 10th October
  • Home to Hadfield Athletic AFC – 17th October
  • Home to Moston Brook – 24th October

Stephen Howson and his team are excited to get started and we here at Stretford Paddock hope as many fans as possible will be able to get down to the matches, both home and away, to support us as we set out on our maiden campaign in amateur football.

However we do ask that you only attend if it is safe to do so and if you, or anyone you live with are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, please could you refrain from attending games, as it will help us operate safely in these uncertain times.

The highlights of every Paddock game will be available afterwards so you can still get your footballing fix if you are unable to attend.

If you are able to attend however, you made need to make a note of this next announcement.

Our New Ground

Fans will be able to watch Stretford Paddock from the terraces in the William Pace Stand

Stretford Paddock FC are delighted to announce that we will have the usage of Droylsden FC’s Butchers Arms Ground for the 2020/21 season.

Fans will be able to stand in the terraces and watch the first team play every home game at the East Manchester-based ground, and enjoy a drink while watching some good football. What more could you ask for?

We would like to thank David Pace and everyone at Droylsden FC for allowing us to use the ground and also for working around the clock to make sure the ground is ready for our first home game on the 26th September. We realise that access to a quality playing surface at this level is hard to find and we are thankful that even in this time of hardship for the club, they have worked to make sure that the team will have a surface that will allow Paddock to play entertaining football throughout the season.

The unfortunate news that Droylsden FC would have to withdraw from competition this season due to the financial implications of the COVID-19 crisis hit its fans and the surrounding community hard and we understand this, so every game the money made from the bar will be given to Droylsden FC and there will be an opportunity for donations at the gate in order to help this pillar of the community get back on it’s feet.

The address for any fans hoping to attend is as follows:

Droylsden FC

Market St

Droylsden

Manchester

M43 7AY

Guidelines will affect how many fans are permitted into the ground, however we hope to see as many of you there as possible when we kick off against De La Salle Reds on the 26th September.Entry for this, and all Stretford Paddock home games is free of charge for this season.

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Paddock enter the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL

12 June 2020
Alex Turk
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The clock is ticking down as Stretford Paddock FC grow ever-closer to making our mark on the competitive stage.

Following a ballot earlier this week, Paddock FC’s application has been deemed successful and the club is now officially a member of the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL – a monumental milestone and hopefully, the first of many.

Also referred to as the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League, the clubs involved are based throughout the old boundaries of the county; from Preston to Southport and Rochdale and Oldham to East Lymm.

Along with Paddock FC, the other clubs that have officially joined the league today are:

  • Hattersley FC
  • Shaw Athletic FC
  • Woodhouses FC

The 2019/20 season saw 81 teams take part across six divisions – the Premier Division, Division One, Division Two, Division Three, Division A, Division B and Division C.

Within those clubs is the Whalley Range A team, currently near the bottom of Division C, but also the Whalley Range First team, who are storming the 19/20 Premier Division – unbeaten in 18 games with 50 points so far.

Manchester United fans may be familiar with the name… that’s because Whalley Range are sponsored by academy graduate and FA Cup Final match-winner Jesse Lingard, whilst a former academy star, Larnell Cole is registered as a player.

Although it’s unlikely Paddock FC will be reaching the heights of the Premier Division in the short-term, there are certainly aspirations to reach that target in the future under the guidance of Stephen Howson and a huge backroom staff including over 20 people.

Formed in 1909, one of the league’s success stories and a major inspiration for Paddock FC are Stalybridge Celtic – starting off as a football club in the Lancashire & Cheshire AFL before turning professional just two years later.

Today, Celtic are playing in the seventh tier of English football, the Northern Premier League Premier Division, but have been as high as the sixth tier, just two divisions below the Football League, in the Conference North.

Whilst it’s currently unclear which division Paddock FC will enter in the 2020/21 campaign, the club’s fate is expected to be announced at some point in July.

The league typically gets up and running for the season midway through August each year, providing competitive action all the way until the end of April.

We’ve arrived… and are ready to make an early impact once the new campaign gets underway.

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