Sacred Heart do the double after an incredible season

Date published: 23 May 2023

Rochdale Sacred Heart Football Club have won the league and cup double this year after an incredible season.

This is the second time the club has done the double as they first brought home both titles in 2017 – becoming the first Rochdale team to become champions of the Manchester Football League Premier Division, and the first Rochdale team to win the Gilgryst Cup.

The club’s 2-0 victory over Atherton Town on 20 May with goals from man of the match Aaron Nuttall and James Bartholomew, clinched them the Gilgryst Cup win, just four days after they secured the Premier Division title with a 2-0 win over Moorside Rangers.

First team manager Danny McWilliam said the team has had “a very good run” this season, having not lost in 20 games, and not conceding in the last eight.

“Atherton did chase us through the league and Uppermill were top until we beat them 4-1, but I’m really happy we’re over the line,” he said. “We’ve had a phenomenal run to the end of the season: we just took it game by game. Owen Whitehead, the captain, has had an exceptional season, and our goalkeeper, Tom Bamber, also deserves a shout-out.”

He added: “The club has a really good vibe at the moment. We’ve got new management in who have done really well, and with some good players who’ve fit in well. 

“We’ve got lots of volunteers who really help. Rodger Brierley and Mark Holcroft really help out with the kit, balls and equipment; they’re priceless. A lot goes on in the background and I’m very grateful for them.”

Of their second league win and overall third Gilgryst Cup win (having also won the cup in 2019), Danny added: “It’s worth it to see the smiles on their faces, to see that satisfaction and what it means to them. It’s a new team [to win the double] apart from Curtis Williams, who must be the most decorated player in Rochdale now!

“We’ve managed the double twice in the eight years I’ve been manager, which I did want to do.

“I’m just buzzing to see the trophy back in Rochdale.”