Tag: Droylsden FC

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Spotkick success sees Mossley retain Willow Wood Hospice Cup

Mossley AFC lifted the trophy for the second successive year as the Willow Wood Hospice Cup match raised £252.17 in support of the Hospice.

After a goalless 90 minutes at a sunny Seel Park, the Lilywhites came out on top 4-2 in a penalty shootout against Droylsden FC as both teams continued their pre-season preparations last Saturday (12th July).

Supporters were able to purchase raffle tickets and make a donation in collection buckets at the ground to the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which cares for patients with any life-limiting illness in Tameside and Glossop.

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was an annual fixture in the Tameside and Glossop non-league football calendar for a number of years.

After a hiatus, it was revived last year by former councillor and Civic Mayor of Tameside, Brian Wild, and fellow long-time supporter of the Hospice, Chris Smith.

Mossley hosted the occasion this year after beating Glossop North End AFC 2-0 last year at the Asgard Engineering Stadium as the cup made a triumphant return.

Brian Wild (left) and Roger Dilkes representing the Hospice at Mossley AFC.
Brian Wild (left) and Roger Dilkes representing the Hospice at Mossley AFC.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser, said: “A huge thank you to both clubs, our patron Brian Wild and Roger Dilkes for representing the Hospice, and everyone who attended for their support.

“We’re grateful to all those who bought a raffle ticket or dropped a donation in the bucket. Every contribution helps us continue caring for our patients and those closest to them.”

Brian Wild, patron of the Hospice, commented: “We didn’t see many goals but, on a sweltering hot day in Tameside, it was a brilliant game of football. Thank you to Mossley AFC for their excellent hospitality.

“I’m so pleased to see the Willow Wood Hospice Cup growing in momentum again. It’s more than about football – it’s about the community coming together to support an important local cause.”

Stephen Porter, Mossley AFC’s chairman, added: “We were delighted to host this year’s Willow Wood Hospice Cup match and proud to continue supporting the amazing work the Hospice does for local people.

“Thank you to fans of both teams for their generosity and getting behind the occasion.”

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Tameside rivals to face off in Willow Wood Hospice Cup clash

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup will be up for grabs again when Mossley AFC face Droylsden FC in a pre-season friendly.

The local Tameside rivals will meet on Saturday 12th July at Seel Park on Market Street (postcode OL5 OES), with kick-off at 3pm.

The shiny trophy will be presented to the winning team on the pitch at the end of the game.

Admission will be £6 for adults, £4 for concessions, £1 for 12 to 17-year-olds and free for accompanied Under-12s.

There will be a raffle and collection buckets on the day around the ground, which will help to raise funds for the Hospice.

The match is not only an important part of the teams’ preparations for the 2025/26 campaign but also an opportunity to show their support for Willow Wood, which cares for patients from their local community.

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was a key feature of the Tameside and Glossop football scene for a number of years.

After a hiatus, it was revived last year by former councillor and Civic Mayor of Tameside, Brian Wild, and fellow long-time supporter of the Hospice, Chris Smith.

Mossley AFC beat Glossop North End AFC 2-0 at the Asgard Engineering Stadium so now it’s their turn to host the occasion.

Former Glossop and Mossley player Ben Richardson presenting the cup to Mossley captain Mark Lees in 2024
Former Glossop and Mossley player Ben Richardson presenting the cup to Mossley captain Mark Lees in 2024.

Brian, who is a patron of the Hospice, said: “We’re delighted that the Willow Wood Hospice Cup is back for the second successive year and, after Mossley’s victory last year, they will be looking to win the trophy again.

“The match is a brilliant way to bring the community together and support Willow Wood. Please come along to the game if you can and look out for the collection buckets. Every penny you can give will be greatly appreciated and help make a difference to patients cared for by the Hospice.”

Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients with any life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop and those closest to them.

It costs the Hospice around £10,000 a day to keep providing its vital services – 70 per cent of which are provided by its Community Services team at the Hospice and in a patient’s own home.

Willow Wood only receives 24 per cent of its annual income from the government – the remaining 76 per cent must be raised through the generosity of the local community through donations, organising or supporting fundraising events, donating or buying goods in the Hospice’s eight charity shops, or playing the weekly lottery.

Mossley AFC, now under new manager Alex Craddock, will compete in the Northern Premier League West Division when the campaign begins.

Meanwhile, Dave Pace’s Droylsden team will once again play in the North West Counties Division One North after losing 2-0 to Euxton Villa in last season’s play-off final.