v Longridge FC 27/8/18

FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE NORTH WEST COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE & LIVERPOOL COUNTY FA

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

ONWARDS & UPWARDS SEASON 2018 - 2019

PRICE - £1.50

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWN MARSHALL

HALLMARK SECURITY DIVISION ONE NORTH Monday 27/8/18 KO 3pm

ASHTON TOWN AFC V LONGRIDGE TOWN FC

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ASHTON TOWN AFC The Ashton Town Stadium, Edge Green Street, Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan, WN4 8SL

President - Jimmy Cahill Chairman - Mark Hayes Vice President - Stephen Barrett Secretary - Stefan Ochwat Clubhouse Manager - Clare Peters Committee Member - Peter Williams Committee Member - Keith Peacock Committee Member - Kieran Johnson Committee Member - Nikki Dean Catering - Denise Brady Advertising & Programme Editor - Ian Pomfrett All Advertising enquiries - i.pomfrett@yahoo.com Welfare Officer - Gordon Johnson Groundsmen - David Bourne, Jimmy Cahill www.pitchero.com/clubs/ashtontownafc www.facebook.com/ashtontownafc twitter - @ashtontownafc Life Member - Billy Pomfrett Club Photographer - Dawn Marshall

This Club is Unincorporated FORMED IN 1953 AS MAKERFIELD MILL FC RENAMED ASHTON TOWN AFC IN 1962 FOUNDING MEMBERS OF BOTH THE NORTH WEST COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE & THE LIVERPOOL COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION 2

www.pitchero.com/clubs/ashtontownafc

WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Good evening, and welcome to all to this North West Counties First Division North game against Longridge Town.

Longridge are another of this seasons North West Counties newbies, and to be honest one that I know very little about. I doesnâ€&#x;t take a genius though to know their level.

For me all I need to know is ex Salford, Fleetwood and AFC Fylde striker is in their ranks and you know straight away what you are up against.

In welcoming Longridge we also welcome an ex Wigan Athletic player in their manager Lee Ashcroft. Lee has been in and amongst non league for some time now, and this is not the first time that he has been at Edge Green Street. A couple seasons ago he lined up for Holker Old Boys as a player against us, and despite his age and fitness, he absolutely controlled the show and he got the man of the match.

The quality that has come into the Counties this term has been at another level.

Ritchie Allen today has scored 4 in 4 (excluding Saturday), and Longridge have put 5 past both Prestwich and AFC Liverpool. Lower Breck went to Chadderton the other day and scored 7, and Avro lined up with Michael Norton in their ranks and put 5 past us on the opening day ! Its some division now this and its just a shame that the play offs arent to play for as I could foresee that being some battle, and one of which I would like to think we couldve been in.

Next up is the FA Vase at home. A huge fixture in many ways, not only is it a derby, also a chance to win money, but also the team sat on the doorstep of my pub in St Helens and so the game has to be won for earache circumstances !!

Onwards and upwards as always Mark Club Chairman 3

northernpromise@hotmail.com

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SOME WORDS FROM THE MANAGER

Good Afternoon.

Thank you for joining us this afternoon in what we are expecting to be an excellent game of football.

This is my first column in this seasons programme and i am writing this as a frustrated manager. Over the past 4 games we have won just 1 league game and last time out threw a 3-1 lead away at the break against AFC Liverpool.

After creating so many chances to put the game to bed against Prestwich and AFC Liverpool in the 1st half we are well aware of the areas we need to improve on. Myself, the players and the team I have around me know that this form we are in is temporary and we are confident of putting this right.

Our visitors have had a strong start and will be in a better place than us mentally this afternoon but when that whistle goes its down to the Ashton players to deliver and compete, which i am sure they will. We are all working tirelessly behind the scenes and with the players we have returning from holidays and injuries over the next few games i am positive you will see a much improved Ashton Town as was displayed during pre season.

I once again thank you for your support as always and hope you’re all smiling come 5pm today.

Cheers.

Dave Dempsey 5

www.hallmarksecurityleague.com

By Dave Dempsey

Set up in August 2012 and based at The Ashton Town Football Club, the Radio Club was formed with a view to promoting the fascinating world of Amateur Radio to the wider community. The club is open for training and is also an Examination Centre, as you will need a licence to transmit on the Amateur Radio Frequencies.

As of now our club can boast contacts in the following countries as well as many others: USA, Brazil, the Azores, Falkland Islands and Tasmania

For more information please visit: Website: www.aimarc.co.uk Or contact us on: Email: mx0htr@gmail.com

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FIXTURES FIRST DIVISION NORTH

Monday 27th August 2018 15:00 AFC Blackpool v Carlisle City

Mechanics Ground

15:00 AFC Darwen v Garstang

WEC Group Anchor Ground

15:00 AFC Liverpool v Bacup Borough

The Marine Travel Arena

15:00 Ashton Town v Longridge Town

The Ashton Town Stadium

15:00 Chadderton v St Helens Town

ARK Fleetech Stadium

15:00 Cleator Moor Celtic v Atherton LR

JBV Park

15:00 Holker Old Boys v Daisy Hill

Rakesmoor

15:00 Lower Breck v Nelson

Anfield Sports Community Centre

15:00 Prestwich Heys v Avro

Adie Moran Park

15:00 Steeton v Shelley

Cougar Park

Our upcoming fixtures Sat 01/09/18

St Helens Town

H

15:00

Sat 22/09/18

Daisy Hill

A

15:00

Sat 29/09/18

Shelley

A

15:00

Wed 03/10/18

Garstang

A

19:45

Sat 06/10/18

Wythenshawe Amateurs

H

15:00 (The First Division Cup 2)

Tue 09/10/18

Shelley

H

19:45

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www.hallmarksecurityleague.com/fixtures.php

(The Buildbase FA Vase 1Q)

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HALF TIME QUIZ QUESTIONS

1.

Who plays at Excelsior Stadium?

2.

Who are the Anvils?

3.

Which team are nicknamed the Quakers?

4.

If you got off at train at Prittlewell station, which ground would you be at?

5.

Who are the Bairns?

6.

Who was captain of Stoke City when they won the League Cup in 1972?

7.

If you walked down Hamil Road, which ground would you come to?

8.

Who plays their home game at the Globe Arena?

9.

Who won the FA Cup in 1973?

10. Which club side play at Hampden park?

11. During the seventies & eighties which Liverpool player was known as Supersub?

12. In the early 1990‟s Jose Mourinho worked as an interpreter for which manager?

13. Name three England captains who have played for Scunthorpe United?

14. Which is the closest ground to the River Mersey?

15. Who was the manager of Wigan Athletic when they famously reached the FA Cup Quarter Finals for the first time in their history in 1987?

16. Who was the referee for the last ever game at Arsenal‟s Highbury Stadium in May 2006?

17. Who did the famous Glasgow Celtic “Lisbon Lions” beat to become the first British team to win the European Cup in 1967?

18. In what year was the Inter-Cities fairs Cup replaced by the UEFA Cup? 19. Only two English clubs have won all four UEFA trophies, The Champions League, Super Cup, UEFA or Europa League & the now defunct European Cup Winners Cup, who?

20. Which two English clubs share the same ground name, St James Park?

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By Gordon Johnson

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SPONSORS AUGUST 2018

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www.pitchero.com/clubs/ashtontownafc/d/sponsors.html

JOHN DUXBURY ANNUAL WRITTEN BY KEITH PEACOCK,

It‟s not often you feel as if you have “been volunteered” to do something, club work buddy Jimmy Cahill asked Reg Fallding if he had procured a referee for the John Duxbury Memorial Match, then proceeded to volunteer yours truly to take the whistle! In any event, it gave me the opportunity to return to the “dark side”, don the hated black suit and take charge of two raging bull veteran teams! An earlier start for Jimmy & I, putting up the goals and ensuring flags, balls etc were all in place for the titanic tussle. The valiant men assembled from 11.30am onwards, looking onto the pitch with memories of old and a willingness to get out there and relive past times. By 12.40pm it was apparent that the requisite number had been just achieved (23 players in total), so Joint Teams Manager Steve Halliwell assembled the gladiators and allotted them their teams and the other in Green & Yellow (allocated the Away). Yer man was happily ensconce changing room all to myself! Despite the threatening rain (which had been fall scheduled kick-off. Before proceedings commenced, a well-observed and poigna toss and elected to kick “down hill”. It had been agreed prior to the game that t during it that it would be reduced to 40 minutes per half. The game began at a given! We all knew this wasn‟t going to last, but it was a privilege to watch the fl unique styles. There were 3 players over the grand age of 70 on display and it w Jim, overstretching for a ball and suffering a painful hamstring injury. He was rep over Jimmy‟s Green & Yellow top. The play continued to swing from end to end It was the signal for a frenzied counter attack by the Greens, but despite their Green & Yellows 0 The second half began in glorious sunshine, with the humidity steadily ris players gave it their best shot for the next 30 minutes! Ten minutes into the half and the Green with a rasping drive into the top corner of the net. I say disputed, but in my mind there was no d and it was from one of their broken down moves that the ball was cleared upfield for an acute were calls for offside but once again the ref made the right decision, despite rumblings from St another blistering shot from the edge of the area, after a succession of superb inter play from t pitch becoming heavy and a very strong wind swirling. It was apparent the next goal would eith other Green attack and decisively put the 4th away to seal the game. There was still time for t the ball in the penalty area tried to con the poor Ref, by “divin ond piece of humour was probably the best. A clearance upfield to attempt to head it clear and hoped he would move, but nop head thrust upwards and the next thing he was flat on his back laughter and mickey taking, ensuring Reg were ok and back on Blues 4 Green & Yellows 1 Final whistle blown, relief all rou off to the dressing rooms to get a well-earned and refreshing sh grub and time to remember and reminisce. This is what football fair but hard tackles, ensuring your opponent was ok after a r wards, enjoying the good times. For me it was an absolute priv cepted, banter between players and Ref (which is sadly lacking I hope John was looking down and felt proud of all his mates eff Next year? If you want me to participate A very big "THANKS" To Ashton Town 12 for a fantastic day for John Duxbury Memorial were three 72yrs olds playing, Jimmy Cahill, Len Rainford, and myself (Reg), but wh git) but he was the only 72 year old who played the whole game. Those tablets he use and everyone who turned up for a Special Man who would just wonder what all the fu

MEMORIAL GAME 19/8/18 PHOTOS BY GORDON JOHNSON

, rather than self-volunteering! But this was most certainly the case when e y e n , m s d changing areas - one team in all Blue (allocated the Home Dressing Room) and ed in the match Officials Dressing Room, a luxury as it meant I had a shower and ling during the morning), the teams assembled on the pitch ready for the 1pm ant 1 minutes silence took place to remember John Duxbury. The Blues won the the full 90 minutes would be played, but as the game panned out, it was decided frenetic pace, with the play swinging to and fro, with no quarter being asked or licks, passing movement and efforts on goal with both teams playing in their own was not unexpected that one of them would fall early. As it happened it was our placed with dual substitute Reg Fallding, wearing Blue Shorts & Socks, but taking d, until eventually the Blues gained the upper hand and scored the opening goal. r best efforts the first half drew to a close with them still a goal behind. Half Time: Blues 1 sing. Obviously the pace of the first half would not be maintained in these conditions, but the ns were level – a disputed free kick on the edge of the penalty box was well worked and ended doubt and the Ref is always right… right? The play now swung downhill with the Greens pressing e through ball for the Blues centre forward to slot past the onrushing keeper. Once again there teve Halliwell from the bench! With just 12 minutes to go, their lead was increased to 3-1 with the Blues Team. By this time, the player‟s were becoming leg weary, with rain now falling, the her kill the game or re-ignite it. The initiative was with the Blues who broke away from yet antwo slices of humour, the first provided by the Blues centre forward who, realising he had lost ng”. Needless to say I was having none of it and to be honest it was laughter all round. The secd was caught by the wind and the speed of the ball increased. I realised Reg was actually going pe, valiantly closing his eyes and thinking of his team, k, the ball having nearly knocked him out! Cue lots of on his feet for the remaining 60 seconds! Full Time: und (including me!), handshakes, hugs and banter, then hower. Then into the clubhouse for a few pints, some l was and should be about. A hard battle on the pitch, robust challenge then arms around each other aftervilege to Referee. Decisions questioned fairly and acg these days) and respect during and after the game. forts, I certainly was.

I will gladly help out, fitness and health permitting! l Game Sunday, Especially Keith Peacock, and13t he one and only Jimmy Cahill. There hen I told Len that Town only had one defib rillator he demanded first use! (Selfish ed must be "A" bit Dodgy? So from Janet, Steve Halliwell and myself thanks to Town, uss was!

Gone Big Man But Will Never Be Forgotten. Reg Falding

HALLMARK SECURITY WEEK Saturday's fixture list delivered entertainment a-plenty, with just two out of 30 games failing to produce more than one goal, five teams scoring five goals and eight teams scoring four goals across all three divisions.

The Premier Division is headed by Runcorn Town on goal difference from Congleton Town, with both maintaining their 100% league records.

A Mark Reed hat trick and two from Ste Lewis delivered a 5-0 win at home for Runcorn Town against West Didsbury & Chorlton, and a John Main goal 11 minutes from time at Squires Gate secured a 1-0 win for Congleton Town.

Charnock Richard and City of Liverpool are two points behind the top two, with Charnock's 4-1 win at home to Hanley Town being rounded off by the inevitable goal from captain Carl Grimshaw, although it took a John Magrath penalty 15 minutes from time to rescue a point for the Purps in a 2-2 draw at home to Irlam.

Northwich Victoria rounded off a good week after their midweek cup win over Widnes in the FA Cup with a 4-1 win at home in another Cheshire derby, this time against Winsford United. Joel Brownhill struck twice for Vics, who are on six points alongside Padiham, for whom Lee Knight struck an 86th minute winner to earn the Storks a 3-2 home win over Whitchurch Alport.

Another side that enjoyed a good midweek FA Cup win were Barnoldswick Town, and it's now seven goals in two games for Barlick, although they had to rely on an equaliser from Shaun Airey nine minutes from time to rescue a point from a 3-3 draw at Litherland REMYCA. First half goals from Niall Sultan and Lee Spires saw Silsden to a 2-0 win over Ashton Athletic, their first home win of the season at the third attempt, and a penalty from Scott McGowan in the 53rd minute ensured 1874 Northwich picked up their first point of the season with a 1-1 home draw against Abbey Hey. Burscough remain at the bottom of the table without a point after goals from Elliott Nevitt, Anthony Hickey and a Charlie Kelly penalty earned Bootle a 3-0 win at Victoria Park.

First Division North is headed by Avro on goal difference ahead of Carlisle City who both won their respective games.

A first minute goal from Jake Pollard set Avro on the way to a 4-1 win at Daisy Hill, while it took a goal from Daniel Greenslade six minutes from time to seal a 2-1 win for Carlisle City over Bacup Borough.

Garstang remain in third place although their 100% record was ended at Lower Breck, with two Mason Nevitt goals helping the home side to a 5-1 win.

Garstang are now joined on nine points by Steeton, who celebrated their first home fixture at Cougar Park with a 1-0 win over AFC Blackpool, thanks to a 4th minute goal from Andrew Briggs.

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BY IAN TEMPLEMAN

http://w

KEND ROUND UP 18/8/18 St Helens Town dropped a couple of places in the table after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to AFC Darwen, Liam Diggle scoring both Town goals, and Longridge Town ended Prestwich Heys' 100 record with a 51 win over Heys at the MRG, with two first half goals from Paul Turner setting them on the road to victory.

The award for comeback of the day in the division must go to AFC Liverpool, who were 3 -1 down at half time at Ashton Town, but second half goals from James McGrane, James Howell and a stoppage time winner from Rhys Hardacre turned the half time adversity into a full time 4-3 win.

Nelson also scored four times without reply at Holker Old Boys, with Ryan Salmon scoring twice, and the remaining two games in the division ended in 2-2 draws, with Nathan Battersby's 90th minute equaliser rescuing a point for Atherton LR against Chadderton, and two goals from Emmerson Bradshaw earning Shelley a 2-2 draw at home to Cleator Moor Celtic after being two down at half time.

There's a three way tie at the top of First Division South, with New Mills in pole position ahead Cheadle Heath Nomads and Abbey Hulton United, who all won their respective games.

The Millers won 4-1 at Maine Road, Stephen Kirby and Kayle Power both grabbed doubles in Nomads 5-2 home win over Vauxhall Motors, and second half goals from Kieran Lazenby, Kris Parsons and a 90th minute strike from Angelo Errico earned Abbey Hulton United a last gasp 3-2 win at Cammell Laird 1907.

FC Oswestry Town sit in fourth place after a 4-3 home win over Alsager Town, one point ahead of Rylands, who knocked Wythenshawe Town off the top with a 3-0 win in their first home game of the season.

Rylands and Town are two of six teams on six points, and the other four all picked up wins.

Bradley Carr and Louis Downs both scored twice in Eccleshall's 5-2 win over Barnton, four first half goals without reply set Wythenshawe Amateurs on the way to a 4-0 win at Ellesmere Rangers, an 89th minute winner from Tawanda Melusi meant St Martins picked up their first away win of the season with a 2-1 victory at Stockport Town , and Sandbach United continued their recent good form with a 3-0 home win over Stone Dominoes.

In the other game, a double from Cheadle Town's Rhys Clooney put his side two up after half an hour at Stone Old Alleynians, but goals Jack Tomlinson and Will Bailey salvaged a 2-2 draw for the home side.

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WHO'S PLAYED AT Today we continue with our theme of retired professional footballers who have appeared at our Edge Green Street ground in recent years with a link to today’s visitors Longridge Town FC and one of their own ex Assistant managers, Ian Kilford.

Ian Antony Kilford was born on 6th October 1973 in Bristol.

He is an English former professional footballer who played 262 games as a midfielder in the Football League for three clubs, Nottingham Forest, Wigan Athletic and Scunthorpe United. Following his career in the Football League Kilford then had a few months with Barrow in the Conference North before moving on to Kendal Town of the Northern Premier League, where he teamed up with his former Wigan Athletic playing colleague and Longridge Town‟s current Manager Lee Ashcroft , as Ashcroft‟s player/assistant manager.

Kilford or “Killer” as he had become affectionately known during his professional playing days, then moved onto Northwich Victoria with Lee Ashcroft in January 2013. In December 2013 Kilford joined North West Counties Division One side Nelson on a free transfer. He made only three league appearances for the Admirals failing to score for them despite having scored 34 goals during his professional career at Nottingham Forest, Wigan Athletic and Scunthorpe United.

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BY GORDON

T EDGE GREEN ST?

On 16th July 2014 Longridge Town FC announced the appointment

of

Lee

Ashcroft as their new first team manager, with Ian Kilford as his assistant and from there comes the link to Edge Green Street.

Following his retirement from football and concentrating on a career in teaching “Killer” has appeared here at Edge Green Street on three separate occasions. All three occasions have been during our club‟s end of season charity fund raising games on behalf of the Joseph‟s Goal Charity. On the first occasion Kilford was part of the Latics Legends team that defeated a Hollyoaks “All-stars” team by a score of 10-0.

“Killer” then returned twelve months later in 2016 and was part of the Latics Legends team who defeated a team of Dutch Masters by a score of 2-0 and can be seen celebrating with “The Duke” Nathan Ellington after Ellington had scored the second of his two goals that evening. In 2017 Kilford returned once again to Edge Green Street at which time his was an unused substitute as the Latics Legends this time lost out to the Dutch Masters by a score line of 4-3.

N JOHNSON

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LEAGUE TABLE 1ST DIV NORTH

HALF TIME QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Airdreonians, 2. Crawley Town, 3. Darlington, 4. Roots Hall, Southend United., 5. Falkirk, 6.

Dennis Smith, 7. Vale Park, Port Vale., 8. Morecambe, 9. Sunderland, 10. Queenâ€&#x;s Park FC, 11.

David Fairclough, 12. Sir Bobby Robson, 13. Kevin Keegan, Ray Clemence & Ian Botham, 14. Edgeley Park, Stockport County., 15. Ray Mathias, 16. Uriah Rennie, 17. Inter Milan, 18. 1971, 19. Chelsea & Manchester United, 20. Exeter City & Newcastle United 19

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HISTORY OF ASHTON TOWN AFC Ashton Town Association Football Club originally joined the Div 2 of the Lancashire Combination in 1903 and were promoted Div 1 in 1st season.

However, relegated back to Div 2 after finishing 16 in first season of Div 1. Towards the end of 1910/11 season club withdrew from league and fixtures taken over by Tyldesley Albion. The Club was reformed in 1953 as Makerfield Mill FC and after a short spell in the Wigan Sunday School League, they played in the St Helens Combination League for three years before joining the Warrington and District Amateur League in 1958. The founder was a persistant man named Derek „Mick‟ Mycock.

In 1962 the Club was forced to move from its original ground at Windsor Road because of land development and it was at this point the Club name was changed to Ashton Town AFC. Home games were played on a public park pitch at Whithill Street Recreation Ground in Bryn until 1964, at which point the Club purchased a piece of land at Edge Green Street, previously the home of Stubshaw Cross Rovers. This became the Club`s new home, and development of the ground began. In 1969 the Clubhouse was completed, and was opened by Liverpool and England star Roger Hunt, and in 1975 the present dressing room facilities were built. During this period the Club joined the Lancashire Combination in 1971, and then in 1978, they left to join the Cheshire County League for four years.

The formation of the North West Counties Football League 1982 saw Ashton Town join as founder members, and the Club has remained in the league since then with the exception of season 1985-86, when they played in the Manchester League while essential ground maintenance work was carried out to bring the ground up to stringent ground grading requirements for the NWCF League.

Throughout the years there have been many custodians of the club, owned by no-one, powered by volunteers. I‟ll surely miss out a host of names here but….Notable is the involvement of Jack Longstaffe, Pat Dooney, Barry & Sandra Longstaffe, Gordon Ellis,, Les Bailey, Len Riley, Malcolm Magrath, Billy Pomfrett and Jimmy Cahill. The latter two who have clocked up over a hundred years service to Town and are still here on a daily basis.

In more recent times, Clare and James Horner made a massive boost to the club with the long overdue formation of a Junior section. As did the arrival of our current Chairman, Mark Hayes, who has helped build the profile of the club both locally and nationally. Other volunteers to mention are Steve, Stefan, Denise, Peter, Clare and more recently, Keith (Kitman/Physio) whose dedication and workrate is second to none on quite often a day to day basis. It would go amiss if I didn‟t mention at this point Brian Cunliffe, who has on and off, over the years worked behind the scenes painting, digging or mending often without the right resources for the job…..it‟s people like this who really make a place what it is. So Many to mention, others to forget, but we are here and that wouldn‟t exist if it weren‟t for those who give up their time and effort to keep the club alive. Our motto „Onwards & Upwards‟ sums us up as we now strive for promotion.

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www.pitchero.com/clubs/ashtontownafc/a/history-24589.html

HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE TOWN FC LONGRIDGE TOWN football club was formed in 1996 when the two main clubs in the town, Longridge United and Longridge St. Wilfred‟s amalgamated to give a single club with the ultimate aim of bringing a higher standard of football to the town (writes Bob Gornall).

Although Longridge Town football club has only been in existence since 1996, the two clubs from which it was formed have histories which can be traced back to the 19th century when two clubs Longridge St. Wilfred‟s and Longridge St. Lawrence were first formed.

Both of these clubs were based on sectarian grounds and played in their respective religious leagues. This situation existed until 1929 when Longridge St. Lawrence became a non-sectarian club and changed its name to Longridge United.

In 1996 Longridge United and Longridge St. Wilfred‟s amalgamated to give a single club which is still the situation today. The club initially played in the preston & District League, winning the Third Division title in 2003-4, en route to their rise to the Premier Division.

Following a third placed finish in 2007-08, the club‟s application to join the West Lancashire Second Division was successful. In only their second season in the league, the club were promoted to the First Division at the end of the 2009-10 season, as runnersup to BAC/EE Springfields.

And in 2011-12 the club enjoyed their most successful season so far when they won the First Division title from Crooklands Casuals and scored 91 goals in the process to be crowned champions.

Since then the club third in 2012-13 and repeated this last season which was enough to secure promotion to the North West Counties League.

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OUR CHOSEN CHARITY The Joseph’s Goal charity was set up in October 2012, by Paul and Emma Kendrick, to raise funds for research into NKH, (Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia), the life-limiting genetic condition that their son, Joseph, was born with. NKH is caused by an excess of glycine on the brain. Joseph was given five days to live but reached his ninth birthday in May this year. He is severely disabled and suffers from seizures. But he is resilient and is a fighter, and we, in turn, are fighting to find better treatments and, hopefully, a cure for NKH, which is very rare, with only fifteen children still surviving in the UK, and less than five hundred worldwide.

Joseph’s Goal is a Wigan-based charity, run by a small group of family and friends, who all volunteer their services. No-one is paid. We have received support from Wigan Council, Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic, as well as schools, local organisations and the business community.

In four years we have raised over £340,000, largely from charity balls, football matches, bike rides, marathons and 10-Ks, swimathons, spinathons, Xmas jumper days, numerous other fundraising events, and hundreds of donations from generous people.

The funds raised have been sent to Dr Johan Van Hove at Colorado University, Denver, USA, and Professor Nick Greene at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health in London. Both have presented their research findings to NKH families at conferences in the North West organised by Joseph‟s Goal, and trustees of Joseph‟s Goal have twice attended NKH conferences at Harvard University in Boston, USA. The many varied defective genes that have been found in different children/families in the brain that causes NKH have been identified, and the task now is to find a route to replace it with a healthy gene. There is, at last, some light at the end of a very dark tunnel, with real grounds for optimism that better treatments for NKH are not far away.

Since Joseph‟s Goal began, Joe has become a little celebrity locally: - in 2013, he was the mascot for Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup Final and was carried out onto the pitch at Wembley by the captain, Emmerson Boyce, which resulted in television appearances on BBC NW, Granada, and Sky News; - in 2013, Joseph‟s family were the WISHFM „Local Heroes Family of the Year‟; - in 2014, Joseph switched on the Xmas Lights in Wigan Town Centre; - in 2014, Joseph‟s Goal was recognised by Wigan Council as contributing to the „Believe in Wigan” campaign; - and in 2016, Joseph‟s Goal was a Finalist in the GM Chamber of Commerce Wigan Business Awards.

If you are looking for a charity to support, then please consider our charity, and help Joseph to achieve his Goal.

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www.josephsgoal.org

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JOHN COURTNEY JACK BROMILOW HARRIS SAUNDERS DALEY WOODS ADAM REYNOLDS HARRY GASKELL LIAM WILKINSON JOHN EDGERTON MATTY JOHNSON CHRIS HILL JACK RICHARDS JAMES LUDGATE BRAD SMART GINO KING ARON MCGRATH ROB LAMONT DYLAN GLASS GEORGE ATKINSON

LEE DOVEY(GK) JOE MELLING CONOR LINIGHAN JORDAN TUCKER GEORGE MELLING(C) ALEXANDER MURPHY GARY BASTERFIELD JACK BENNETT MICHAEL MORRISON BRADLEY WICKS DANIEL WILKINSON CHARLES EGAN THOMAS INCE GREGORY TIMBRELL DANIEL SMITH JASON HART RICHARD ALLEN PAUL TURNER JAMES SLOAN PHILIP DOUGHTY RYAN MCKENNA KENNETH TAYLOR

Manager: David Dempsey Asst. Mgr & Coach: Lee Bignell Coach: Michael Smith Coach: Lee Thompson Physio: Keith Peacock Colours: Red & White Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks GK: Grey

Manager: Lee Ashcroft Asst. Manager: Keiran Walmsley Coach - Simon Hurst Colours: All Blue GK: Grey 24

Referee:Daniel Sanderson, Assistant 1: Chris Rees, Assistant 2: Joe Bibby