St Helens Town v AFC Liverpool by John McKiernan

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

Executive Executive Programme Programme Sponsor Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners Programme Year Five Time Winners of of Programme of of thethe Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Team News CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens Vice President: Jim Barrett Chairman: John McKiernan (07713 339682) Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Voller (07843 692695) Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Ste Ball, Chris Ford and Glyn Jones. Trustees: John McKiernan and Eric Bond Club Manager: Ian Price Assistant Managers: Paul Jones & Nick Matthews

Physiotherapists: Nicole Garner Jess Pritchard & Ben Fletcher U21 Team Manager Alan Gillespie U21 Asst Manager: J ohn Whelan

Saturday 13th September 2014, kick off 3.00pm North West Counties League, Premier Division St Helens Town Red & White Shirts White Shorts, Red & White Socks No

Gls

St Helens Town Rory Crowther Aaron Morris Lewis Saunders Hamish Falconer Jack McKay Chris Cottington Karl Bergqvist Paul Cook-Hannah Andy Gillespie James Rushton-Woods Marcus Perry Chad Whyte Neil Hulme Joe Peers Lee Harrison Chris Brinksman

AFC Liverpool Yellow Shirts Black Shorts & Black Socks No

Gls

AFC Liverpool Ryan Jones Michael Girvan Muktar Mahama Jack Sinnott Tomas Stewart Carl Peers Nathan Valentine Sean Calland Ronnie Morgan Francis Barry Ryan Cox James Robinson Nevil Picton Joshua Purcell Ryan Dobney Steven Williams

U18 Team Manager: Steve Wallis U17 Team Manager: Nick Matthews Veterans Team Manager: David Platt

Manager: Ian Price Asst: Paul Jones/Nick Mathews

Manager: Paul Moore Assistant: Jay Forshaw

Referee: Mr S Mahon (Chester)

Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk

Assist: Mr T Morgan (Chester) & Mr D Evans (Warrington)

Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Match Sponsor:

Main Shirt Sponsor: Eciguk St Helens Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002 Company Directors: Jim Barrett Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited

Cover: Aaron Morris in action v Abbey Hey (06/09/2014)

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Talk of the Town Good afternoon and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties Football League, Premier Division contest against our friends from AFC Liverpool. May I open by welcoming our visitors I hope they enjoy the short time they will spend with us and have a safe journey home after the game. It’s a quick turn around at home as we are back here at Brocstedes Park in the middle of a three match home streak after we welcomed Abbey Hey as the visitors on Tuesday. Whilst we can almost guarantee we won’t witness a goalless game (the last time St Helens Town were involved in a 0-0 draw was 57 matches ago, the final game of the 2012-13 season at Bacup Borough as they were then known) we did see something that was almost as rare as we kept a clean sheet for just the second time this season with the previous shutout also being at home against AFC Blackpool in our second match of the season. Whilst at the other end we know we generally tend to score at least once in a contest having only failed to score twice in the eleven matches do far this season coincidentally both 4-0 losses. It was just the one goal that separated the sides on Tuesday evening and as it was it was a well taken effort from Chad Whyte his third goal of the season just a couple of minutes after his entry to the contest from the substitutes bench. Tuesday’s game may not have been our best performance of the season so far but as I often say the history books only tell you the match score and result not the level of performance and if I had a choice I would much rather play badly and win rather than play well and lose! Whilst Town have come out on top in their last three matches, this afternoon’s visitors had recorded back to back victories having recorded a 2-1 home victory over Runcorn Town on Wednesday evening after a weekend FA Vase victory at Squires Gate . Prior to this AFC had lost their previous two encounters at table toppers Runcorn Linnets and prior to that at Abbey Hey. Liverpool come into the contest in 4th position with Town in 6th and our hosts Ashton Athletic sandwiched in between in 5th position. And with today's combatants having the second (Town) and joint third (AFC Liverpool0 best attacks in the league so far this term then we look to be in line to continue our tag a being the best value admission to goal ratio in the league! On a bit of fixture news our FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round Tie against Nostell Miners Welfare will be taking place on Sunday 5th October with a 3pm kick off this is due to landlords Ashton Athletic also being drawn at home against Shaw Lane Aquaforce.

Finally, let’s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them onto victory you support is vital to the cause! Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

In Town Today AFC Liverpool was formed in 2008, by Liverpool FC fans, who had becoming increasingly frustrated at the cost and difficulty in obtaining tickets for the Premiership. The supposed ‘39th game’ in which Premier League fixtures would be played in different parts of the world proved to be the final straw, highlighting that top flight football is now more concerned about money than its fans. A website was created and, with the response being positive, work began to move to the next stage and create a steering group to make the club a reality. At the beginning of March 2008 AFC Liverpool was officially formed and it was made clear that the club was not in any way a response to the ownership issue at Anfield or a protest against Liverpool Football Club, more a reaction to issues at the top end of football in general. By May, AFC Liverpool had appointed its first manager in Derek Goulding. The following month the club arranged a groundshare with Prescot Cables and had been accepted into the North West Counties Football League. The club’s first game was a 1-1 draw in a friendly with St Helens Town on 16th July 2008 and they began their inaugural league season extremely well, beating Darwen 5-0 in their first competitive game and going on a run of ten wins in the first eleven games. However they failed to keep this momentum going, and the club eventually finished fourth in the league. The season did prove fruitful though as a victory in the final of the First Division Trophy over Padiham at Ashton Athletic provided the club’s first piece of silverware.

2009/10 began with three successive victories but after this the season became very indifferent. After a 5-2 home defeat to Atherton Collieries on Easter Monday, Derek Goulding left the club and ex assistant and goalkeeping coach Paul Moore was appointed caretaker Manager. Under Moore’s stewardship AFC had a strong end to the 2009/10 campaign, winning five out of their last seven league games to climb to fifth in the league and also retaining the First Division Trophy, coming from behind to beat Cheadle Town 2-1 in the final at Flixton. In doing so, AFC Liverpool became the first club not only to win the Trophy twice but also successfully defend it. 2010/11 also began in promising fashion with the Reds going on a ten game unbeaten run after an opening day loss at AFC Darwen. However despite amassing their highest ever points total promotion never looked probable due to the form of would be Champions AFC Blackpool and second placed Runcorn Town, resulting in a fourth placed finish, missing out on third by goal difference. There was disappointment too in the First Division Trophy when they reached the final for a third consecutive time only to lose to Atherton Collieries 3-2 in extra time. In the FA Vase, steady

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

AFC Liverpool progress was made to the third round, where their dreams of Wembley were dashed by a defeat at Whitley Bay, who would go on to claim a third successive triumph. However at the League AGM in July 2011 there was a surprise when Rossendale were expelled from the league and Formby were demoted to the First Division. Holker Old Boys, who finished third on goal difference, declined an invitation to take up a place in the Premier Division, meaning that AFC Liverpool were invited to take the place and the club accepted the chance that was offered to them. The 2011/12 season started badly in terms of results but not performances for AFC Liverpool as they had to wait until November for their first League victory, which came about in the form of a 7-0 demolition of Winsford United. From that point, AFC Liverpool, who had been rooted to the foot of the table, began the steady climb out of danger, ultimately finishing in nineteenth place, sixteen points clear of the relegation places. 2012/13 saw AFC Liverpool consolidate their position in the North West Counties Premier Division with an eleventh placed finish, accumulating sixty points in the process. As the season progressed, manager Paul Moore built a core squad of players, which played some of the most exciting, attractive football in the league and post Christmas, won fifteen and drew five of twenty eight games, including a defeat of eventual Premier Division champions Padiham on their home patch. The performances were rewarded in the final game of the season as the Reds beat recently crowned champions of the Evo-Stik NPL First Division North, Skelmersdale United, 3-0 in the Liverpool Senior Cup semi final to book an all North West Counties clash with Bootle in the final. Last season the Reds started the campaign at a pace, topping the early tables. They fell just short of being the youngest club to claim the Liverpool Senior Cup, losing the final on penalties, and remained among the league's pacesetters until November and December when six points taken from eight games saw them drop away. Paul Moore's side remained consistent post Christmas though and the club eventually achieved their highest league finish, ending up seventh with a total of seventy points. Season

League

Pts

Position

2008-09

NWC-1

4/18

2009-10

NWC-1

5/17

2010-11

NWC-1

4/18

2011-12

NWC-P

-13

19/22

2012-13

NWC-P

11/22

2013-14

NWC-P

7/22

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

How We Compare at St Helens Town NWC-D1

Previous Meetings 1999-00

at AFC Liverpool N/A

NWC-D1

2000-01

N/A

2001-02

N/A

St Helens Town - last 6 matches All Competitions Home

Most recent

Away

NWC-D1

Collated

NWC-D1

2002-03

N/A

NWC-D1

2003-04

N/A

NWC-D1

2004-05

N/A

NWC-D1

2005-06

N/A

NWC-D1

2006-07

N/A

NWC-D1

2007-08

N/A

NWC-PD

2008-09

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2009-10

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2010-11

NWC-D1

16/08; 3-1

2011-12

02/11; 2-2

07/08; 2-1

2012-13

21/03; 1-3

29/03; 1-1

2013-14

11/09; 0-3

13/09/2014

2014-15

19/11/2014

AFC Liverpool- last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

St Helens Town games since...

AFC Liverpool games since...

All Competitions

Clean sheet

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

St Helens Town Scores First

Score draw

Win

Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

AFC Liverpool Wins

St Helens Town Goals

AFC Liverpool Goals

Percentage Town Wins

33.33

All Previous Meetings All Competitions P

Win %

Home

66.66

Away

-5

0.00

Collated

-2

33.33

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

From the Chair Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties League Premier Division fixture against our neighbours AFC Liverpool. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters have had a safe journey and enjoy our hospitality for their short stay. Both clubs arrive off the back of FA Vase progress last Saturday and midweek league wins. For AFC Liverpool they ousted in-form Squires Gate from the FA Vase with a 2-4 win at School Road while a midweek visit of Runcorn Town saw the ‘Reds’ win 2-1 with goals from Michael Girvan and Francis Barry. Tuesday evening saw Town battle to a 1-0 home win over Abbey Hey with substitute Chad Whyte netting midway through the second half to secure the spoils. The win, Town’s fifth of the season, sees them in 6th place while AFC Liverpool move up to 4th place. Last season (September 2013) saw Town lose 3-0 to AFC Liverpool at Hope Street while in the return home fixture (March 2014) Town earned a 1-1 draw with Nathan Parish putting Town in front before Ryan Cox levelled for the visitors. Next Tuesday evening we play our third successive home league fixture when league leaders Runcorn Linnets are our visitors. Tomorrow sees the U17s, U18s, U21s and Veterans all in action - full match details are elsewhere in today’s match programme - please try to get along and give the teams your support. Thanks to our latest kit sponsor Contego Security UK who have sponsored our Veterans Umbro kit. They join EcigUk St Helens (1st team), Bizspace UK (U18s and U21s) and Battmar Recovery (U17s) and Toast Café (U18s and U21s) who are our other shirt sponsors for 2014-15

Don’t forget we’re still looking for player sponsors (£50) as well as match (£100) and match ball (£50) sponsors - please call me on 07713 339 682 for more details. Enjoy the game . . . John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town AFC

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

U17s Photo Action

South Lancs Counties Under 17s Division Thursday 4th September 2014

Action from Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 0-1 win over Rylands U17s

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Recent Results Sunday 7th September 2014 F.A. Carlsberg Vase 1st Qualifying Round Appleby Frodingham 2-4 Ashton Town Matthew Oates (47p) Neil Weaver (30) Stephen McCarron (89) Micheal Boyle (90) C Williams (98, 119) (AET, 2-2 after 90 mins) Oldham Boro 0-2 1874 Northwich Matthew Ward (116) Sakeel Abdulla (119) (AET, 0-0 after 90 mins) Saturday 6th September 2014 F.A. Carlsberg Vase 1st Qualifying Round Alsager Town 1-3 Maltby Main Jordan Elcock (55) Ben Thornton (42) Martin Jones (79 85) Atherton Collieries 4-0 Penistone Church Bradley Cooke (29) Matt Grimshaw (33) Mark Battersby (67) Matt Boland (72) Barnoldswick Town 5-1 Tow Law Town Joel Melia (14) Lewis Harrison (85) Chris Ridehalgh (93) Mark Threlfall (95 115) Matt Cavanagh (110) (AET, 1-1 after 90 mins) Colne 2-1 Penrith Jason Hart (70) Ryan Hall (85) Danny Boyle (90p) Daisy Hill 3-2 Newton Aycliffe Martin Hastings (43) Tom Atkinson (16) Jordon Hussey (73p) Zak Boaggy (24) Tim Raines (86) Dudley Sports 0-3 Eccleshall A Thompson (3p 74) Jimmy Gartside (72) Holker Old Boys 3-0 Norton & Stockton Jordan Brough (15) Nathan Ried (60) Jamie Pattinson (89) Irlam 1-2 St Helens Town Steve Mills (77) Nathan Ogden (45) Karl Bergqvist (100) (AET, 1-1 after 90 mins) Winsford United Alex Byrne (34) Tom Williams (42) Kyle Riley (61p) Paul McGuire (69) Danny Egan (74)

5-0 Cheadle Town

HT: 0-1 Att: 64

HT: 0-0 Att: 216

HT: 0-1 Att: 60 HT: 2-0 Att: 119

HT: 1-0 Att: 110

Rossington Main 2-0 Lee Holmes (84, 89) Runcorn Town 11-0 Paul Shanley (6, 43,74) Mark Keddie (14) Andy Potter (24, 70) Sean Breen (40, 77) Sam Houghton (62) Jack Irlam (85, 86) Silsden 4-0 Own Goal (10) Zach Dale (37) Craig Nichols (67) Nick McNally (90) Squires Gate 2-4 Jack Sowerby (84) Jake Forshaw (88) Stockport Sports 5-5 Alex Crowe (2) Justin Pickering (7) Ben Halfacre (78p) Ben Halfacre (90p) Justin Pickering (119) (AET, 4-4 after 90 mins)

AFC Blackpool Glasshoughton W

HT: 0-0 Att: 68 HT: 5-0 Att: 74

Brandon United

HT: 2-0 Att: 91

AFC Liverpool Ronnie Morgan (48) Ryan Cox (53 69 89) Selby Town Jamie Forrester (11) Ryan Robinson (32) Jack Binns (39) Matty Start (90) Joel Evans (113)

HT: 0-0 Att: 88 HT: 2-3 Att: 57

HT: 0-0 Att: 198 HT: 1-2 Att: 71

HT: 0-1 Att: 42 HT: 1-0 Att: 54

HT: 0-1 Att: 85

HT: 2-0 Att: 68

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Abbey Hey Photos

NWCFL Premier Division Tuesday 9th September 2014 Action from Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1-0 win over Abbey Hey at Brocstedes Park

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

NWCFL News With relegation battles having been a feature of the last two seasons, Squires Gate manager Dave McCann is enjoying the sight of his side in the top half of the table this time around. Gate's FA Vase loss to AFC Liverpool on Saturday was only their second of the season and they remain unbeaten away from home, and Dave believes that a noticeable change in his squad's approach from last season has led to improved results this time around. "For whatever reason, last season we didn't have the unity we have this season", he said. "I think maybe at times some people were playing for themselves last season, and this season they are playing for the club. We've improved a lot since last season. "We have a more close knit group of players, which we haven't really had since I've been here, and there is a great spirit among the lads. They work hard for each other and are good players as well, and we've proved that by some of the results we have had. "We've been to Bootle and got a point, Silsden too, and won at New Mills in the FA Cup, and these are not easy places to go to. With the squad essentially being a young one, Dave also believes that experience gained last season in the NWCFL is also proving to be useful for the younger members, coupled with the experience they have gained elsewhere.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that does make a difference", he said. "A lot of the players have a good educational background and a couple of lads have come out the pro game and are now learning their trade at this level. They are good players in their own right, but have to learn to adapt to non-league football. "A club in our position can't really attract experienced players or players who have played higher, we have to give youth a chance and that is what we are doing. We try and play to our strengths and so far that has worked well this season". As far as the rest of the season is concerned, Dave is looking for his team to keep up the form they have shown so far. "In my first season we finished in the bottom two, last season we improved again although maybe only by a small amount, and I am just looking now to continue that progression", he said. "I'm not going to set targets, about finishing in the top half of the table or whatever, I'm just looking to progress from last season and at this moment in time I think we are on our way to doing that".

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

NWCFL News AFC Liverpool manager Paul Moore was happy to see his team bounce back to winning ways at Squires Gate on Saturday, after two successive defeats. Gate had inflicted an FA Cup defeat on the Reds a month ago, but a 4-2 win on the Fylde coast saw Paul's side progress to the next round of the FA Vase. "The positive from the result on Saturday was that we won after losing the last two games, although in saying that we hadn't played too badly", said Paul. "Obviously I'd have liked the results to have been better, but even though we lost (the two games) we were making chances. "But against Squires Gate (on Saturday) I thought we played really well. I thought my players applied themselves well, passed the ball all over the pitch, and really moved it around. "We made numerous chances, and scored four, and hopefully that result sets us up now for a little run both in the league and cup competitions". This season, of course, sees the Reds playing home games at Marine's Aviva Stadium, and Paul believes the move will help the team's style of play. "We are at Marine now, and the pitch is an absolute credit to them", he said. "When you see a pitch like that it just tells you to play football, and when teams come down hopefully they will play football on it too, but I'm not going to tell other managers how to play. "But the lads know how I want to play, I will never change my philosophy, and the pitch is a treat to play on. I said to our goalkeeper I might try and get myself fit so I can play on it!" Paul steered the club to seventh place last season, their highest ever league position, and is now setting his sights higher. "A lot of people outside our league don't realise that the North West Counties Premier Division is a very difficult league to win. You've had teams with good resources and that is what we are competing with.

"To get into the top five is our aim, and maybe one year we might be up there challenging at the top. " I've got a group of lads who want to play for me, for AFC Liverpool and our supporters, and wear their hearts on their sleeves when they go out on to the pitch. I feel as if we have established ourselves as a club in this league now, we play decent football, and I'm pleased with the way it's going at the moment".

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

Town Managers Between 1946 and 1962 the club, like many, didn’t have a ‘manager’. Town officials would liaise with first and reserve team captains over team selection. In 1962-63 ‘First Manager’ Pat Murphy came from Burscough with a nucleus of his team which won the Lancashire Combination Division One title for Burscough but the formulae didn’t work for Town despite financial backing of a brand new 200 seat supporters club opened by John Connelly in spring of 1962. 1963-64 Sam Cottingham came after success with Pilkington's in a move to rebalance the squad with more local players. 1964-66 Jimmy McKiernan became the club's first commercial manager and team boss after arriving from Earlestown via a successful playing career which included a spell on the North Wales circuit. 1966-68 Jackie Dewsnip, cousin of Town player Jimmy Dewsnip who along with the latter’s son Neil meant the Haydock based family served Town well over a couple of decades. 1968-71 Peter Jones took the reigns in the wake of the Northern Premier League being formed which reduced Town’s league (Lancs Combination) to one division. He moved on after three years to a position on the staff of Preston North End. 1971-77 Alan Hampson arrived from South Liverpool after a distinguished playing career at Holly Park and became a mini ‘Messiah’ as Town won the Lancs Combination title in 1972 along with the Bass Charrington and Watson trophy in quick succession. He also oversaw Town’s step into the Cheshire County League in 1975 as by then, the Lancashire Comb had become a pale imitation of its former self. 1977-79 The aforementioned Jimmy Dewsnip took the reigns after ‘Hampy’ had moved on and became the first ex Town player to become manager. He combined this with work for the Liverpool County FA with the latter eventually claiming his services after two years. 1979-80 Player manager Geoff Robinson hailed from the new overspill at Laffak where he also ran the increasingly successful ‘Starting Gate’ pub team in the blossoming new Sunday League. Many of his squad were ‘Town’ players but the ‘conflict’ of interests was seen as detrimental to the senior club. 1980-82 Jack Prytherch had been at Wigan Athletic and he brought in players from that area including new club skipper, his son in law, Steve Murfin. Jack’s reign saw the formation of the North West Counties League and Town’s first season was a struggle in the new league’s top flight resulting in a change in mid-term. 1982-84 Peter Rutherford. After the success of Alan Hampson a decade earlier, the Town board returned to South Liverpool again for their next appointment. Peter Rutherford was number two at Holly Park at the time but he also found it hard going in the NWCFL inaugural season and his charges only escaped relegation on a ‘technicality’. Things got a little better the following season and he bowed out just before glory arrived. 1984-87 Alan Wellens had skippered Town’s Lancs Combination title team and went on to become the club’s top appearances holder after making his debut at Great Harwood in 1966. His playing career was ended by a broken leg against Hyde in 1981 at Hoghton Road. Alan went on to Town history with the club’s historic journey to Wembley in 1987 before he and the vast majority of Allan Wellens receiving the Lancs the FA Vase winning side sought pastures new. 1987Combination Championship Trophy 92 Alan Aspinall (pictured opposite) took over the from Wesley Bridge in 1972 mantle of manager following the departure of the Vase squad and management team having been Reserve team boss and spent a successful five seasons in charge.

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Past & Present 1992-93 Mick Holgate presided over just one season at Hoghton Road before moving on to Leigh RMI. 1993-2002 Jimmy McBride stepped up from his position as Reserve team boss to take the reigns of the first team for almost a decade which saw the club’s move from Hoghton Road to Saints. Took the club to its first cup final since the visit to Wembley but lost out in the League Cup and Floodlit Trophy finals in the mid 1990s. 2002-2003 John Davison and Peter King arrived from Burscough having presided over a very successful period in the ‘Linnets’ history. After a disappointing first campaign despite significant financial backing the club’s need to tighten the purse strings led to the pair’s departure at the start of the 2003 campaign, along with most of the squad. 2003-04 Ex-Everton professional Paul Lodge became Town manager as the club reeled from financial cuts but unfortunately his youthful side struggled at the bottom of the league and he was replaced in January 2004. 2004-05 Former Town ‘keeper Joe Paladino took over the reigns from Lodge and secured the club’s safety from relegation before going to challenge for the title during most of 2004-05. Joe resigned in March 2005. 2005-06 Assistant to Paladino, Joe Gibiliru took over the manager’s position and presided over a period of on the field stability for the club before resigning in September 2006. 2006-07 Alex Wright, who had previously been assistant manager to Paul Lodge returned to the club as manager but his tenure was short-lived as family commitments led to him stepping down in September 2007. 2007-08 John Fletcher, Wright’s assistant, was given managerial responsibility and he steered the club away from the relegation battle with a 19th place finish at the end of 2006-7. Despite the club’s off the field problems and financial difficulties the following season saw Fletcher’s charges finish fourteenth after only one defeat in the last nine games. However Town remained rooted in a relegation spot for most of the following season and Fletcher departed with weeks of the season remaining. 2009 – 2010 Gary Bickerstaffe was appointed in March 2009 and secured the club ’s safety with some ease recording six victories from the final eight games. Bickerstaffe’s fine form as manager continued throughout 2009-10 eventually finishing in 9th place. 2010 – 2011 Lee Riley steps up from assistant manager when Gary Bickerstaffe steps down at the end of the 2009-10. Lee resigned in March 2011 due to work commitments and Iain Dyson took over the managerial reigns before he too stepped down at the end of the season. 2011-12 season saw Jimmy McBride make a return to Town but it proved a difficult season and Town parted company with him as we narrowly avoided relegation. 2012 - 2013 Ian Granite became manager following success with neighbours Wigan Robin Park FC. A challenging 2012-13 season saw Town eventually steer clear of relegation, in doing so maintaining their unique 30 year stay in the North West Counties League top division. Despite an excellent start to the 2013-14 season Ian stepped down at the end of November due to business and family commitments and Ian Price (left) took over the managerial reigns with Paul Jones as his assistant. Many thanks to Jim Barrett and Eric Bond for their input in compiling the information.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

2014-14 Fixtures, Facts an Date Aug 2 Aug 5

Opponents Maine Road AFC BLACKPOOL

Comp NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL

KO Result GK 2 3 3.00 1-2W Brinksman Cottington Saunders 7.45 3-0W Brinksman Cottington Saunders 3.00 0-4L Brinksman Cottington Saunders

Aug 9

ALSAGER TOWN

Aug 13 Aug 16

Bacup & Rossendale Boro’ NWCFL 7.45 ATHERTON COLLIERIES FAC EPR 3.00

Aug 18

Runcorn Town

NWCFL

7.45

Aug 23 Aug 26

Colne STOCKPORT SPORTS

NWCFL NWCFL

3.00 7.45

Aug 30

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

Sep 6 Sep 9

Irlam ABBEY HEY

FAV 1QR 3.00 NWCFL 7.45

Sep 13

AFC LIVERPOOL

NWCFL

3.00

Sep 16

RUNCORN LINNETS

NWCFL

7.45

Sep 20

Winsford United

NWCFL

3.00

Sep 23 Sep 27

Bootle W DIDS & CHORLTON

NWCFL NWCFL

7.45 3.00

Oct 11

SQUIRES GATE

NWCFL

3.00

Oct 18

Congleton Town

NWCFL

3.00

Oct 21

AFC Blackpool

NWCFL

7.45

Oct 25 Oct 28

Widnes or Barnton RUNCORN TOWN

Nov 4 Nov 8

Stockport Sports COLNE

NWCFL NWCFL

7.45 3.00

Nov 15

Runcorn Linnets

NWCFL

3.00

Nov 19 Nov 22

AFC Liverpool SILSDEN

NWCFL NWCFL

7.45 3.00

Dec 6

Alsager Town

NWCFL

3.00

Dec 13

1874 NORTHWICH

NWCFL

3.00

NWCFL NWCFL

3.00 3.00

Dec 20 Nelson Dec 26 ASHTON ATHLETIC

Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Crowther Crowther Crowther

Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Morris Saunders Morris Cottington

Houghton Houghton Houghton Morris Richardson Richardson Saunders Morris

Jan 3

Silsden

NWCFL

3.00

Squires Gate

NWCFL

3.00

Jan 24

West Didsbury & Chorlton

NWCFL

3.00

Feb 7 Feb 14

BOOTLE GLOSSOP NORTH END

NWCFL NWCFL

3.00 3.00

Feb 28

NELSON

NWCFL

3.00

Mar 7

Abbey Hey

NWCFL

3.00

Mar 14

CONGLETON TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

Mar 21 Apr 4

Glossop North End WINSFORD UNITED

NWCFL NWCFL

3.00 3.00

Apr 6 Apr 11

Ashton Athletic BACUP & ROSS’ BORO’

NWCFL NWCFL

3.00 3.00

Apr 18

MAINE ROAD

NWCFL

3.00

Apr 25

Barnoldswick Town

NWCFL

3.00

Morris1 McKay Lightbod Morris1 Lightbod McKay Morris McKay Lightbod Morris1 McKay Rushton-W Morris McKay Andy Gilles McKay1 Morris Peers Ogden McKay Andy Gilles Ogden Cottington1 Coulter Morris1 Cottington Bergqvis Ogden1 Bergqvis McKay Ogden McKay Bergqvis

Lge Cup 2 3.00 NWCFL 7.45

Jan 17

Executive Programme Sponsor

2-6W 2-5L 7-2L 4-0L 2-4L 4-3W 1-2W* 1-0W

Falconer Falconer Falconer Falconer Falconer1 Falconer Falconer Falconer Falconer Falconer Falconer

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

nd Figures

dy dy1 dy Woods spie1

Hulme Hulme Coulter Hulme Hulme Hulme spie Hulme r Hulme st1 McKay1 st1 Cottington st Hulme

Whyte1 Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Whyte1 Whyte Whyte Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah

Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Bergqvist3 Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods1 Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods

Perry Perry1 Perry Perry1 Perry Andy Gillespie Perry Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Perry Andy Gillespie

Name1

Pullinger Alex Gillespie7 Bergqvist11 Cook-Hannah9 Pullinger Alex Gillespie Houghton Bergqvist9 Pullinger Houghton3 Alex Gillespie8 Bergqvist11 Pullinger Coulter10 Barton11 Andy Gillespie91 Barton11 Pullinger/Saunder Whyte9 Peers/Crowther Pullinger Coulter6 Perry7 Cook-Hannah Pullinger10 Bergqvist11 Cook-Hannah Richardson7 Bergqvist7 Cook-Hannah3 Alex Gillespie Perry9 Harrison10 Alex Gillespie Peers Brinksman Peers5 Hulme11 Whyte9 Harrison Peers Whyte91 Perry11 Alex Gillespie

Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Coulter7 Crowther Crowther Crowther Brinksman Saunders

Player name and number of goals scored

Name

Player name and CAUTION

Name

Player name and DISMISSAL FOR 2 CAUTIONS

Name

Player name and DISMISSAL

Name10

Player name and number of replaced player

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Match Report Single goal gives Town a third straight win St Helens Town 1-0 Abbey Hey Tuesday 9th September 2014 St. Helens Town continued their winning ways with a third straight victory over a dogged Abbey Hey team at Brocstedes Park on Tuesday evening, a single goal from substitute Chad Whyte after 67 minutes proving good enough to secure all three points, giving Town their fifth win in nine league starts. The first half was a forgettable contest, with neither side able to get in a decent shot at goal and the ball spent most of the time in the air, but the second period was dominated by Town, particularly after the introduction of Chad Whyte and Marcus Perry, their injections of pace being decisive in the battle against the Manchester side’s well-organised defence. Although Town missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the first minute, the opening half soon settled down into a midfield battle and the first real chance fell to the visitors in the 17th minute when the home side were penalised for a back-pass to keeper Rory Crowther. It took a decisive block from Hamish Falconer to deny Hardy from the resultant free-kick. A few minutes later, Chris Cottington’s right wing cross found the head of Paul Cook-Hannah, but the big forward could only head the ball wide. With half-time approaching, Town had another chance, Karl Bergqvist heading down for Jack Mackay in front of goal, but the midfielder blasted the ball high over the bar and right on the half-time whistle, Hardy fired over at the other end. Ten minutes into the second-half, Aaron Morris headed just wide from James Rushton-Woods’ corner and Cook-Hannah only just failed to connect with Bergqvist’s cross, with the Abbey Hey goal at his mercy. That was his last contribution, as Whyte replaced him and, with almost his first touch, he burst clear from the half-way line between two defenders, drew keeper McIlwaine and coolly slid the ball past him into the net for what proved to be the only goal of the game. Perry replaced Andy Gillespie soon afterwards and the pace of the substitutes had Abbey Hey stretched and it seemed likely that the floodgates might open, but credit to Lawence, Samms and Smith in particular, they kept the Town attack at bay. Bergqvist had two chances of his own from the left side of the box, but both brought good saves from McIlwaine and the keeper had to be at his best again to deny Morris as the second half wore on. Town restricted Abbey Hey to one half chance in the second period, Hardy again blasting over the bar after seizing on a loose pass, but the home defence were well on top in what was one of their best displays of the season so far. Just before the final whistle, the impressive Perry burst between Lawrence and Samms, but he could not control his shot, which sailed over the bar and Town held out for their win with something to spare. St. Helens will surely not find AFC Liverpool or Runcorn Linnets so accommodating in their next two games, both at Brocstedes Park, on Saturday and Tuesday respectivelys.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

Statistical History ST. HELENS TOWN AFC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A STATISTICAL HISTORY by Glyn Jones Part 35 - Season 1981-82 CHESHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE Hyde United Chorley Burscough Winsford United Rossendale United Glossop Darwen (-2) Curzon Ashton Prescot Cables (-2) Stalybridge Celtic Fleetwood Town Formby Accrington Stanley Nantwich Town (-2) Leek Town Horwich RMI Bootle (-4) St. Helens Town Ashton United Droylsden Opponents Accrington Stanley Ashton United Bootle Burscough Chorley Curzon Ashton Darwen Droylsden Fleetwood Town Formby Glossop Horwich RMI Hyde United Leek Town Nantwich Town Prescot Cables Rossendale United Stalybridge Celtic Winsford United

Executive Programme Sponsor

P 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38

W 27 23 21 21 18 13 16 12 16 14 12 12 11 10 10 12 11 7 8 3

Home Date Aug 18 Oct 31 Oct 3 Apr 10 Mar 27 Sep 8 Aug 29 Mar 6 Sep 26 Jan 23 Sep 12 Aug 15 Jan 2 Apr 17 Apr 12 Apr 10 Feb 20 Nov 21 Oct 10

D 8 9 10 9 10 19 10 15 8 9 13 11 11 13 11 7 12 11 6 4 Home Result Drew 1-1 Won 2-1 Lost 0-2 Lost 0-2 Drew 2-2 Won 2-0 Drew 1-1 Won 2-0 Won 1-0 Drew 0-0 Drew 1-1 Lost 0-3 Lost 1-7 Won 3-1 Lost 1-2 Drew 1-1 Drew 0-0 Lost 1-2 Lost 1-2

L 3 6 7 8 10 6 12 11 14 15 13 15 16 15 17 19 15 20 24 31

F 91 70 70 68 62 52 63 57 51 71 42 42 40 48 39 58 49 34 38 26 Away Date Apr 15 Oct 5 Apr 3 Sep 22 Oct 15 Jan 30 Mar 20 Feb 27 Sep 15 Sep 1 Feb 6 Oct 17 Sep 28 Nov 14 Mar 13 Feb 13 Nov 7 Nov 28 Dec 5

A 34 34 39 43 44 30 62 50 45 66 55 55 57 49 45 72 47 71 77 96

Pts 62 55 52 51 46 45 40 39 38 37 37 35 33 31 31 31 30 25 22 10

Away Result Lost 2-5 Lost 0-1 Drew 1-1 Lost 0-4 Lost 0-3 Lost 0-2 Won 2-0 Won 3-1 Lost 0-3 Lost 1-3 Lost 0-2 Lost 1-3 Drew 1-1 Drew 1-1 Lost 0-2 Drew 1-1 Lost 0-1 Lost 1-5 Lost 0-3

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Season 1981-82 Sep 5 Oct 24 Aug 22 Aug 25 Nov 11

FA CUP Prescot Cables FA TROPHY 1st Round Shildon CHESHIRE LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP Preliminary Round STALYBRIDGE CELTIC Replay Stalybridge Celtic LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP 1st Round South Liverpool Preliminary Round

Player Ashton, J Brimelow, Steve Broome, W Carr, Geoff Currie, Dave Davies, Brian Diggle, Graham Doyle, John Edwards, M Evans, Carl Farnsworth, Derek Hipwell, Steve Hodgkinson, John Hughes Jones, M Latham, Peter Long, P Maguire, John Michael, Ian Milne, W.J. Milroy, Keith Murfin, Steve Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary, Kevin Perry, D Pinder, Paul Rafferty, S Ramsden, Dave Ravenscroft, John Smith, Mike Turner, N Wellens, Alan Wilson Witter, John Own goal Totals

Away

Lost

1-4

Away

Lost

2-4

Home Away

Drew Lost

2-2 0-5

Away

Lost

1-3

App 10 1 5 5 11 7 6 2 8 3 8 9 6 1 3 3 1 10 4 18 1 4 3 8 12 9 2 1 1 7

Prov. 3 13 3 6 2 9 3 15 5 8 5 5 7 11 13 15 7 33 22 14 1 20 8 24 10 34 5 3

Sub App 1 1 1 -

Total App 3 23 4 11 7 20 10 21 7 16 8 13 16 11 19 1 1 19 10 1 43 26 32 2 25 11 32 22 43 7 1 1 10

169

304

476

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Goals 3 3 5 2 4 2 2 3 2 1 1 1

2 1 3 1

3 1 40

Executive Programme Sponsor

A Brief History The original Town club was in existence from 1901 to 1928, but George Fryer and a number of local businessmen decided to re-form the club in 1946. They obtained a lease on the Hoghton Road ground in Sutton, adjacent to St. Helens Junction station on the Liverpool to Manchester railway line, took over a local St. Helens Combination team, Derbyshire Hill Rovers, signing a number of players from other clubs and entered the Liverpool County Combination in the 1947/48 season, playing against Everton “A” and Liverpool “A” and several reserve sides from the leading non-league clubs in the Merseyside area. Success was first attained in May 1949 when Runcorn were defeated in the final of the George Mahon Cup, played at the Prescot Cables ground. The following season, 1949/50, Town were elevated to the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination and they were promoted as Champions in only their second season to the First Division, where they ran up against teams such as Ashton United, Nelson and New Brighton, newly relegated from the Football League. Sadly, Town were themselves relegated in their first season and although promoted briefly again for the 1955/56 season, they spent most of their early years in the Second Division. Improvements were quickly made to the facilities at Hoghton Road in the early years, but in November 1952 the decision was taken to re-locate to the former St. Helens Recs’ rugby league ground at City Road in order to further their ambitions of reaching the Football League. Initially, the move resulted in some encouraging crowds, but the club had a change of heart and returned to Sutton in the October 1953. The ground was purchased and further developed and a social club and floodlights were added in later years. Town were Champions of the Lancashire Combination in 1971/72 season, losing only one game, finishing 6 points clear of Accrington Stanley. 1975 brought a switch to the Cheshire League, where they remained until the formation of the North West Counties League in 1982 and St. Helens Town is still the only club to feature in the top division of that league throughout its existence. The club’s major achievement was to win the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987. After a stuttering start in the Preliminary Round with a 5-4 extra-time win over Colne Dynamoes, further home successes over General Chemicals, Wren Rovers, Guisborough Town and Wythenshawe Amateurs, led to wins at Wisbech Town, at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare, away to Falmouth Town (after a replay) and in the away leg at Emley when, following a 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg, a 2-0 win in Yorkshire secured a Wembley Final against local rivals Warrington Town, who were dispatched 3-2 with goals from Phil Layhe (2) and Brian Rigby.

St. Helens Town boast an impressive “Hall of Fame”, including legendary goalkeeper and former German Prisoner-of-War Bert Trautmann, who signed for Manchester City over 60 years ago and who went on to play the game of his life in the 1956 FA Cup Final, despite breaking his neck in the latter stages. Bill Foulkes was transferred to Manchester United, where he had a glittering career, surviving the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, in which he bravely rescued some of his stricken team-mates. John Connelly, an England squad member in the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign, was sold to Burnley and he later moved to join Foulkes at Old Trafford. Sadly, all three have passed away in the last few years. Other future stars, groomed at St. Helens Town, include John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday), Geoff Nulty (Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton) and, most recently, ace goalscorer Dave Bamber, who began and ended his league career at Blackpool and who played in all four divisions of the Football League. Captain of the FA Vase winning team was Tommy O’Neil, who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United.

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

of St Helens Town AFC

Town sold their Hoghton Road ground in 2000 to move in with St. Helens Rugby League Club at their Knowsley Road base. Their farewell appearance at Sutton produced a 1-0 win over Champions Vauxhall Motors and the initial campaign at Knowsley Road got off to a cracking start, with Town leading the table for most of the season, before finishing in a rather disappointing fourth place. Recent seasons have been more of a struggle, ninth place in 2009/10 being the best finish since. Season 2010-11 saw Town slide to 16th and next to bottom in 2011-12, when they would have been relegated, but for Flixton’s decision to resign from the league. Town began the 2012-13 season under new manager Ian Granite, who brought in a new team and coaching set-up and they battled well to avoid relegation, their status being confirmed with a couple of games remaining. 2013-14 was a mirror-image of the previous campaign, with a 14-game unbeaten run between September and December putting the club just behind the front runners for two thirds of the campaign. Granite resigned in November 2013 due to work and family commitments and his assistant Ian Price took over the reins, assisted by Paul Jones and Nick Matthews, but the long breaks caused by the winter weather interrupted their earlier rhythm and Town finished the season once again in the lower reaches, although never in any serious danger of the drop.

Club Honours: 1949 George Mahon Trophy Winners 1951 Lancs Comb Division 2 Champions 1972 Lancs Combination Champions 1973 Bass Charrington Cup Winners 1974 Watson Trophy Winners 1978 St Helens Hospital Cup Winners 1979 St Helens Comb Div 1 Runners Up 1979 St Helens Hospital Cup Runners Up 1980 St Helens Comb Div 1 Champions 1985 NWCFL Reserve Div 2 Runners Up 1986 NWCFL Reserve Div 1 Runners Up 1987 FA Vase Winners (Wembley) 1994 League Challenge Cup Finalists 1994 NWCFL Reserve Division Runners Up 1995 NWCFL Reserve Division Champions 1996 NWCFL Reserve Division Runners Up 1998 Floodlit Trophy Finalists 1999 REALCO Fair Play Award Winners 2009 Bert Trautmann Trophy Winners Record Appearances: Alan Wellens Record Goal Scorer: Steve Pennington Record Attendances: 4000 at Hoghton Road v Manchester City 1723 at Knowsley Rd v FC Utd Manchester 9000 at Prescot Cables v Runcorn (1949) Programme Awards 1993-94 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1995-96 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1997-98 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1998-99 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1999-00 NWCFL Programme of the Year 2000-01 NWCFL Programme of the Year 2009-10 NWCFL Premier Division 2010-11 NWCFL Premier Division 2011-12 NWCFL Premier Division 2012-13 NWCFL Premier Division 2013-14 NWCFL Premier Division Wirral Programme Club National Survey 1996-97 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1997-98 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1998-99 NWCFL Programme of the Year Programme Monthly 2007-08 NWCFL Programme of the Year

Following the demolition of the Knowsley Road ground in Soccer Club Swap Shop National Awards 2010, Town have led a nomadic existence up the road in 2010-11 Placed 28th Ashton-in-Makerfield, sharing Ashton Town’s Edge Green 2011-12 Placed 8th Street ground for three seasons before moving across town 2012-13 Placed 7th to Brocstedes Park as the guests of Ashton Athletic in 2012. 2013-14 Placed 8th The current season is scheduled to be the club’s last in exile, as plans are in place for re-location back to St. Helens for the 2015-16 season at the Council-owned Ruskin Park site, currently undergoing massive redevelopment and a brand-new facility awaits. In readiness for the move, the club is undergoing a radical re-branding, adopting the town’s coat of arms as their badge once again and reverting next season to their traditional blue and white colours in preparation for a return to the town in 2015.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

1874 Northwich

North West Counties Football League Premier Division

Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

5-0

1-0 3-0

4-1

2-3

4-1

0-4

4-1 3-2

4-0

0-2

2-1 1-2

1-4 0-0 4-3

2-0 5-0

1-0

1-3 2-0

2-1

Congleton Town 5-5

x 0-0

0-1

2-5

3-1 3-0

2-0 x 4-1 x 1-1

1-4 1-1

1-1 1-2 3-1 2-2 0-6

Glossop NE

1-0

2-1

1-2 0-2

1-2

1-1

0-0 x

4-2 0-0 1-1

1-2 0-4

1-1 2-3

0-4 2-1

Silsden

x 1-0 4-2 0-4 2-1

0-5

Squires Gate

2-3

AFC Liverpool

4-0

Nelson

1-1

0-1 1-2

7-2

1-2

4-0

2-6

St Helens Town

3-2 1-1

Ashton Athletic

1-1

Colne

1-2

Maine Road

Bootle

1-4

Runcorn Town

x 0-1

Bacup & Ross

1-1

2-4

2-0

2-4 x

2-2

2-1

1-4 x 3-0 x

3-2 6-0

0-0

2-3

Winsford Utd

0-4

Alsager Town

4-2 2-4

Runcorn Linnets

x 4-1

WD&C

1-1

Abbey Hey

3-1

Stockport Sports

0-3

0-1

AFC Blackpool

Barnoldswick T

1874 Northwich Abbey Hey AFC Blackpool AFC Liverpool Alsager Town Ashton Athletic Bacup & Rossendale Barnoldswick Town Bootle Colne Congleton Town Glossop NE Maine Road Nelson Runcorn Linnets Runcorn Town Silsden Squires Gate St Helens Town Stockport Sports West Dids & Chrltn Winsford United

North West Counties Football League Premier Division 2014-15

Head 2 Head Results

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Tea Break Teasers Q1. Who scored the only goal in the 1995 FA Cup Final in which Everton beat Manchester United 1 -0? Q2. Which manager had been promoted from the Championship to the Premier League the most times? Q3. England have five, Germany, Italy & The Netherlands have three, Spain have two and France have one but what are they? Q4. Which club holds the unwanted record of most FA Cup Final defeats? Q5. From which Non-League side did Fulham sign current Manchester United defender Chris Smalling in 2008? Q6. Which former Everton player is the youngest ever Premier League Goalscorer? Q7. Which club have had Tulip Computers, TDK, Churchill, GAC Logistics & Neteller as shirt sponsors in the Premier League? Q8. Who is the only play to have scored more than 20 Premier League goals for Wigan Athletic? Q9. Which two Scousers have scored more than 150 Premier League goals? Q10. Which team lost in successive FA Cup Finals in the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s? Q11. Which former Everton player was the first to play in four FA Cup Finals and not be a winner in any? Q12. Which former player has scored the most Premier League goals direct from Free Kicks? Q13. Which two Scousers made their full England debut as substitutes coming off the bench to score and have never played again for their country? Q14. Which former Southampton & Liverpool Goalkeeper was the first Keeper to come on as a substitute in an FA Cup Final? Q15. Which English League club does not have any of the letters a, b, c, d or e in their name?

1) Paul Rideout 2) Steve Bruce 3) Clubs which have won the Champions League/European Cup 4) Everton (8) 5) Maidstone United 6) James Vaughan 16 Years 271 Days 7) Crystal Palace 8) Hugo Rodallega 9) Wayne Rooney & Robbie Fowler 10) Newcastle United 11) Paul Bracewell 12) Alan Shearer 13) Franny Jeffers & David Nugent 14) Paul Jones 15) Portsmouth

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

Meet the Players

Alex Gillespie 06/08/1997 Midfield

Rory Crowther 29/12/1996 Goalkeeper

Tom Barton 21/03/1997 Full Back

Marcus Perry 16/08/1996 Full Back

This player is available to sponsor

Sponsored by Dent Magic Warrington

Past player: Zidane Present: Cristiano Ronaldo Job: Work for AutoTrader Best player: Andy Gillepsie Worst Dressed: Marcus Perry Best Dressed: Lewis Longest in shower: Nelly Best Album: Eminem - Recovery Best song: Eminem - Lose yourself

Nathan Ogden 03/01/1992 Defender

Lewis Saunders 27/11/1991 Midfield

This player is available to sponsor

Worst trainer: Me

Best trainer: Jacko Sponsored by: Leigh Security and Engraving Centre

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Club Fixtures Town have three new teams (U17s, U21s and Veterans) operating at the start of 2014-15 in addition to our North West Counties League and North West Youth Alliance League (U18s) teams. We will bring results, match reports and photos through the campaign. St Helens Town AFC U21s (Cheshire FA Under 21s League) Sponsored by BIZSPACE UK September 2014 (home fixtures at Bobbies Lane, St Helens) A Sun 7th, 12.00 noon Stockport Sports U21s Won 1-3 H Sun 14th, 11:00am Sandbach United U21s League H Sun 21st, 11:00am No Fixture League A Sun 28th, 11:00am Silverdale Athletic U21s League October 2014 A Sun 5th, 11:00am Silverdale Athletic U21s Cup A Sun 12th, 11:00am Egerton U21s League H Sun 19th, 11:00am Wythenshawe Town U21s League St Helens Town AFC U18s (NW Youth Alliance League Div 1) Sponsored by BIZSPACE UK August 2014 (home fixtures at Bobbies Lane, St Helens) H Sun 24th, 2.00pm Nelson Youth Lost 0-1 A Sun 31st, 2.00pm Salford City Youth Drew 4-4 September 2014 A Sun 14th, 2:00pm Bootle Youth Cup H Sun 21st, 2:30pm Chester FC Colts League A Sun 28th, 2:30pm Macclesfield Town FC Youth League October 2014 A Sun 5th, 2:30pm Salford City Youth Cup H Sun 12th, 2:30pm Vauxhall Motors Youth League A Sun 26th, 2:30pm West Didsbury & Chorlton Youth League

A A H

St Helens Town AFC U17s (South Lancashire League Youth Division) August 2014 (home fixtures at JMO, Skelmersale) Sun 31st, 11:30am Atherleigh Athletic U17s September 2014 Thu 4th, 6:30pm Rylands U17s Sun 14th, 11.00am Aspull Juniors

Won 0-12 Won 0-1

St Helens Town AFC Veterans (Liverpool Business Houses) Sponsored by CONTEGO SECURITY August 2014 (home games at King George V, Grange Park, St Helens) H Sun 31st, 2:00pm Parrys Vets L 0-7 September 2014 A Sun 7th, 2:00pm Digmoor Vets L 7-0 A Sun 14th, 2:00pm Orford Vets League TBC Sun 21st, 2.00pm County Cup Cup A Sun 28th, 2:00pm MAS Vets League

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

NWCFL News A selection of quotes from those involved in the FA Vase games at the weekend. Runcorn Town 11 Glasshoughton Welfare 0 Runcorn Town assistant manager Daniel Salt: "The game was something special and all I can do is praise our lads for doing a professional job. It's easy to sit back when you are 5-0 up but they kept going and doing the right stuff to the end. I have to say Glasshoughton never gave up and kept fighting, which was a credit to them". Squires Gate 2 AFC Liverpool 4 AFC Liverpool manager Paul Moore: "I thought we played really well. From start to finish I thought my players applied themselves well, passed the ball all over the pitch, and really moved it around. "The lads never got frustrated or lost their discipline, and once we got the goal early in the second half, it set us up nicely for the rest of the game". Colne 2 Penrith 1 Colne manager Steve Cunningham: "I was very proud of my young side today. We played well against a very good side and got the reward for our work ethic.

"Colne have had a great history in the FA vase so it puts pressure on the lads to deliver, but today they went above and beyond, and I was very proud to be the manager in our first FA Vase win as a new team". Stockport Sports 5 Selby Town 5 (aet) Stockport Sports manager Asa Crowe: "We started off brilliantly and were winning 2-0 after 15 minutes, then we let two terrible goals in and they scored a screamer to put them three two up at half time.

"I gave them a good rollicking at half time, we came out and got a penalty to put us level, then another in the last minute of normal time to give us a 4-3 lead. Then we switch off and they scored the equaliser in injury time. "In extra time we went 5-4 down, then in the last minute of extra time Justin Pickering got his second and our equaliser to set up a replay on Tuesday and a journey I didn't want to do. We were very poor at times and hopefully we'll be better in the replay". Irlam 1 St Helens Town 2 (aet) St Helens Town manager Ian Price: "I'm really pleased with the character we showed to win a tough game against a good team. It's great for the lads and the Club to be through to the next round".

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Match Report FA Vase: Town ease past plucky Irlam in extra-time Irlam 1-2 St Helens Town Saturday 6th September 2014 St. Helens Town came up against a spirited Irlam side at Silver Street on Saturday and it took 30 minutes of extra-time before they could finally ease through to earn a Second Round Qualifying tie at home to old adversaries Nostell Miners Welfare on the weekend of 4th October. The first half was a rather drab affair, with little to excite the spectators, St. Helens starting well, but they were unable to get a clear shot on target. Irlam launched a number of raids, but Hamish Falconer was imperious in defence and though they earned seven corners in the opening half, they could not exert any real pressure on Town. St. Helens themselves went 42 minutes before they got their first corner and a minute later they took the lead, Nathan Ogden scoring his first Town goal with a powerful header, which a defender tried to head out from under the bar, but the assistant referee had a clear view and readily confirmed to referee Paul Ince that the ball had crossed the line. Town had much the better of the first 15 minutes of the second period, but could not get a second goal. Substitute Neil Hulme, replacing Marcus Perry, was brought down on 47 minutes but James Rushton-Woods’ powerful free kick could only hit the top of the bar. Several other raids came to nought and, on 55 minutes, Irlam broke against the run of play, only for Whitehead to strike the post with his shot. Irlam were finding it difficult to deal with their visitors’ speed on the break and a succession of fouls were punished with three yellow cards for the home side. St. Helens ratcheted up the pressure and moved into the attack again, Paul Cook-Hannah heading on for Karl Bergqvist – the visitors’ man of the match – to test Irlam keeper White, who saved brilliantly in the 58th minute. Irlam had a penalty claim turned down on the hour as the ball came off a defender’s arm and Ogden blocked a goal-bound shot at point-blank range two minutes later as the home side pressed for an equaliser. Aaron Morris carved out a wonderful position for himself, riding a number of tackles in the 75th minute but just when it appeared he might try to score himself, he turned the ball back, only for substitute Chad Whyte to fire narrowly wide. The home side finally levelled the tie with a scruffy goal with eight minutes remaining, Town failing to clear a succession of attempts before Steve Mills forced the ball over the line, but even then there was enough time for Town to get a winner, but keeper White pulled off another couple of fine saves to deny first Whyte and then Rushton-Woods from a free kick. Ogden was injured at the end of normal time and had to be helped off and Irlam scorer Mills was sent-off for a second yellow card to give Town the numerical advantage going into extra-time, but Irlam fought on valiantly to push St. Helens all the way. A foul by Illidge on Falconer led to a freekick and the ball was headed on by Morris to Berqgvist who headed low past White inside his lefthand post to restore Town’s lead on 100 minutes. Whyte produced another wonderful save from Rushton-Woods in the second period of extra-time and Town had to survive a late scare when Prescott hit the bar from 20 yards and sent the rebound across the face of the open goal.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

Irlam v Town FA Vase

FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round Action at Silver Street Irlam 1-2 St Helens Town Saturday 6th September 2014

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Town v AFC Liverpool

Action from Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1-1 with AFC Liverpool at Brocstedes Park last season

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Premier Division Premier Division Table as at Wednesday 10th September 2014 Premier Division

P W D

A GD Pts

Runcorn Linnets

23 28

Glossop North End

13 20

Silsden

19 10

AFC Liverpool

19 12

Ashton Athletic

15 10

St Helens Town

20 25 -5 15

Maine Road

19 19

1874 Northwich

Runcorn Town

21 15

Winsford United

19 14

Colne

12 11

Bootle

17 14

Congleton Town

15 13

Nelson

17 18 -1 11

Alsager Town

16 20 -4 11

Squires Gate

Stockport Sports

15 16 -1

West Didsbury & Chorlton

10 20 -10 6

Barnoldswick Town

12 27 -15 5

Bacup & Rossendale Borough

10 25 -15 5

Abbey Hey

10 29 -19 3

AFC Blackpool

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

23 -17 1

Tuesday 9th September 2014 F.A. Carlsberg Vase 1st Qual Rd Replay Selby Town 3-1 Stockport Sports Premier Division Runcorn Linnets 1-1 Maine Road Squires Gate 0-0 Barnoldswick Town St Helens Town 1-0 Abbey Hey West Didsbury & A-A Congleton Town Chorlton Winsford United 4-1 Alsager Town First Division Ashton Town 5-0 Atherton LR Chadderton 0-1 Cheadle Town Rochdale Town 3-3 Wigan Robin Park Wednesday 10th September 2014 Premier Division AFC Liverpool 2-1 Runcorn Town First Division Eccleshall 1-7 Hanley Town Saturday 13th September 2014 F.A. Challenge Cup 1st Qualifying Round Bamber Bridge v Squires Gate Northwich Victo- v Glossop North End ria Runcorn Town v Witton Albion Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Abbey Hey AFC Blackpool v Winsford United Alsager Town v Silsden Bacup & Ross v West Didsbury & Borough Chorlton Bootle v Runcorn Linnets Colne v Stockport Sports Maine Road v Barnoldswick Town Nelson v Ashton Athletic St Helens Town v AFC Liverpool First Division Ashton Town v Northwich F Villa Atherton LR v Irlam Cammell Laird v Eccleshall 1907 Chadderton v Atherton Collieries Hanley Town v Holker Old Boys Litherland v Cheadle Town REMYCA Oldham Boro v AFC Darwen Rochdale Town v Widnes Wigan Robin Park v Barnton

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

League Division 1 Division One Table as at Wednesday 10th September 2014 Division One

A GD Pts

Hanley Town

30 17 13 18

Atherton Collieries

Daisy Hill

16 10

Ashton Town

17 16

5 Cammell Laird 1907

21 11 10 14

Rochdale Town

22 15

Atherton LR

15 21 -6

AFC Darwen

19 10

Eccleshall

12 16 -4

Chadderton

11 17 -6

Barnton

14 17 -3

Cheadle Town

10 13 -3

Irlam

13 13

14 Wigan Robin Park

14 19 -5

Widnes

Holker Old Boys

15 13

Northwich Flixton Villa

18 Litherland REMYCA

Oldham Boro

17 15

16 -7 2

12 -4

20 -13

20 -14

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

Executive Programme Sponsor

Monday 15th September 2014 Premier Division Maine Road v Bacup & Rossendale Borough Runcorn Town v Ashton Athletic First Division Daisy Hill v Oldham Boro

Tuesday 16th September 2014 Premier Division Abbey Hey v West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC Blackpool v Nelson Alsager Town v Stockport Sports Congleton Town v 1874 Northwich St Helens Town v Runcorn Linnets First Division Rochdale Town v Atherton Collieries Manchester Premier Cup 1st Round Chadderton v Hyde FC Saturday 20th September 2014 League Challenge Cup 1st Round Ashton Town v Chadderton Atherton Collieries v Cheadle Town Barnton v Widnes Cammell Laird v Northwich Flixt Villa 1907 Daisy Hill v Atherton LR Eccleshall v Rochdale Town Holker Old Boys v AFC Darwen Irlam v Litherland REMYCA Wigan Robin Park v Hanley Town Premier Division AFC Liverpool v Bacup & Rossendale Borough Ashton Athletic v Abbey Hey Barnoldswick v Congleton Town Town Bootle v AFC Blackpool Glossop North End v Colne Runcorn Town v Maine Road Silsden v Runcorn Linnets Squires Gate v Alsager Town Stockport Sports v Nelson West Didsbury & v 1874 Northwich Chorlton Winsford United v St Helens Town

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14