St Helens Town v Chadderton (Reusch Cup 2015-16) by John McKiernan

CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens

Saturday 7th November 2015, kick off 3.00pm

Vice Presidents: Jim Barrett and Steve Ball Chairman: John McKiernan (07713 339682) Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Voller (07843 692695)

St Helens Town

Chadderton

Red & White Shirts White Shorts, Red & White Socks No

Mathew Hodge

Gls Y R

Orange & Black Shirts Orange & Black Shorts & Socks No

Matthew Green

Gls Y R

Matthew Davidson

Macaulay Harewood

Stephen Rigby

Chris Pauley

Adam Lawrence

Ben Greenidge

Edward Pegler

Hospitality: Margaret Wood and Paul Wood

Keith Melvin

David Baines

Benjamin Fisher

Trustees: John McKiernan and Eric Bond

Alex Gillespie

Dillon O’Connor

Todd Blayney

Sean Sherwood

Andy Gillespie

Gareth Morris

Johan Du Toit

James Curley

Josh Hoult

Niall Sultan

Jack Golding

Adam Whitehead

Ant Whelan

Daniel Murray

U18s Team Manager: Ellis Hawksworth

Charlie Duke

Adam Sweeney

Matty Lennon

Adam Turner

U18s Assistant Manager: Alex Jardine

Marcus Perry

Tim Ojapah

Sunday Team Manager: David Platt

Managers: Alan Gillespie and Nick Matthews

Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Ste Ball, Andy Langley Paul Wood, Margaret Wood, Chris Ford and Glyn Jones.

1st Team Joint Managers: Alan Gillespie & Nick Matthews U21s Team Manager: John McLaughlan U21s Assistant Manager: Billy Davies

Club Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Managers: Steve Patterson and Mark Cook

Referee: Mr R Goodwin-Davey (Cheadle) Assistants: Mr D Lever (Stockport) & Mr Paul Howarth (Bolton)

Match Sponsor

Shirt Sponsor: EcigUK St Helens Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002

odsdesignerclothing.com

Company Director: Jim Barrett Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited Cover Photograph: Adam Lawrence in ation v Holker Old Boys (24/10/2015)

Match Ball Sponsors

Next Home Game: Saturday 21st November 2015 St Helens Town v Daisy Hill NWCFL First Division Adults £5, Concessions £3 U16s £1, U12s FREE*

Good afternoon and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this Reusch First Division Cup, Second Round contest against Chadderton. 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 has been a strange couple of weeks since we were last here hosting Holker Old Boys in league action. On that afternoon we started off well only to concede a penalty on Holker’s first foray in the Town box which was fired high and wide of the target but the relief was short lived as Holker took the lead as a cross from the right was deflected home by Adam Lawrence but Town levelled when Josh Hoult’s corner went directly in early on in the second period but Holker netted twice in the final quarter of an hour to take the spoils and send Town to only their second home league defeat of the season. We then took the rather short trip to Bootle for a Liverpool Senior Cup, First Round tie a rather ominous task as the Delta Taxi Stadium has never been the happiest of hunting grounds for us and with the hosts coming into the game as high flyers in the Premier Division it was never going to be an easy tie. We fell behind early when a half clearance was returned with interest by Jackson Ellis but drew level when Alex Gillespie sent a cross in from the right which the keeper could only push back into the danger area and Josh Hoult smuggled the ball home. After the break Andy Gillespie put Town in the lead with a well executed half volley high into the net from distance but Ellis was able to level before putting Bootle 3-2 up and a late fourth sealed the hosts advancement into the next round. We then took a trip up the East Lancs’ to West Houghton take on Daisy Hill. We had only ever visited the ground once in September 2012 for an FA Vase, 2nd Qualifying Round Tie which the visitors ran out comfortable 5-0 winners. Saturday’s visit was to prove a much closer contest! The hosts took the lead on 28 minutes when a corner from the right was half cleared to edge of the box and Craig Naylor fired the ball home. Town levelled in added on time at the end of the first half when skipper Andy Gillespie harassed an error from the home defence and then linked with Ste Rigby who crossed towards Johan Du Toit who slid the ball home to send the sides in level at the break. What turned out to be the winning goal came on 64 minutes when Alex Gillespie sent a right wing corner into the box which Du Toit met with a looping header at the far post it looked an easy take for the home keeper but he somehow made a mess of it and the ball sneaked inside the left hand post to secure the win for the visitors.

Attentions now turn to cup action and this our first ever outing the First Division Cup. Whilst we had a bye in the first round our opponents hosted Bacup Borough and ran out 2-0 winners to set up this afternoons contest here at Brocstedes Park, the winners of this tie will go into the hat for the Quarter Finals of the competition and one step closer to the final. The two sides have already met twice this season in the league with Town running out 3-1 winners on both occasions and I am sure we would take a repeat of that today but Chadderton will I am sure have other ideas! Let’s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them on into the next round!

Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

Chadderton Football Club was formed in 1947, under the name Millbrow Football Club, later changing to North Chadderton Amateurs, before adopting its present name in 1957. The Club started life in the Oldham Amateur League, winning the Challenge Cup in 1954/55. The following season the Club joined the Manchester Amateur League and won the League Championship in their first season. After winning the League Championship again in 1962/63, Chadderton then joined the Manchester League winning the Second Division title in their first season and gaining promotion to the First Division. The Club won the League`s Murray Shield in their first season in Division One, and then the League title in 1966/67.

During the 1970`s the Clubs only honours came in the form of the Manchester Challenge Trophy which they won in 1971/72, but failed to retain it in the following season, finishing runners-up. Chadderton made the step into a higher grade of football in 1980 when they joined the Lancashire Combination. The Club made a good start in this league, finishing runners-up in 1981/82. In 1982, Chadderton became one of the founder members of the North West Counties Football League, following the merger of the Lancashire Combination and the Cheshire County League. The Club gained promotion to Division One in 1989/90 after finishing third in the league, but were relegated the following season. Promotion came once again in 1992/93 but, after failing to meet ground grading requirements, were relegated in 1998/99. Chadderton`s proudest moments have come in seeing the progression of its former players, such as former England captain David Platt, Former Leeds United and Crystal Palace player, John Pemberton and Northern Ireland International, Steve Jones. Former player Mike Ford forged a successful career in both codes of Rugby and Mark Owen of Take That also once pulled on the red shirt of Chadderton FC! Paul Buckley, with his assistant Derek Ogden, joined Chadderton FC as manager in December 2005. Since then the Clubs fortunes have taken a turn for the better on the field. Chadderton finished in 5th position in 2006/2007 - the highest position for over a decade and in 2007/2008 Chadderton again acheived 5th place and reached the semi finals of both the League and Division Cup. In the 20082009 season Chadderton finished in mid -table. A quarter-final appearance against League newcomers and favourites AFC Liverpool ended in a tight 3-2 defeat. That came after beating League Winners Bootle 2-1 in the previous round. Off the field in 2007, the Club was the subject of a take-over by local businessmen Craig Halliwell and Tony Bhatti, the joint owners of The HB Property Group Limited (previously The Halliwell Bhatti Group) which is the parent company of the local property development company Hillstone Developments Limited.

The members of Chadderton voted overwhelmingly in October 2006 for the

take-over to go ahead and after 10 long months the legalities were finally completed in August 2007. In August 2009 Chadderton`s association with The HB Property Group Limited was terminated and Chadderton Football Club reverted to a members club run by the people for the people.

At the end of Season 2012/13 manager Paul Buckley was forced to stand down through ill Chadderton 1-3 Town health, with Derek Ogden going coaching in America the vacant NWCFL Division One managers position was offered to Steve Patterson, Steve was Paul’s assistant and also played for Chadderton in the nineties, Steve brought in another ex player Mark Cook as is assistant and Matty McNeil, Steve Mark and Matty hope to better last Season’s position in the League. Season 2014-15 saw Chadderton reach the last 32 in the FA Vase only to be knocked out by AFC Mansfield, they also reached the NWCFL First Division play offs only to be beaten at the Semi–Final stage by AFC Darwen the eventual winners. Season

League

Pts

Position

2000-01

NWC-2

2001-02

NWC-2

10/20

-16

15/21

2002-03

NWC-2

2003-04

NWC-2

-47

18/18

-21

18/20

2004-05

NWC-2

-54

17/19

2005-06

NWC-2

2006-07

NWC-2

-11

13/19

5/18

2007-08

NWC-2

2008-09

NWC-1

5/18

10/18

2009-10

NWC-1

2010-11

NWC-1

4/17

6/18

2011-12 2012-13

NWC-1

6/18

NWC-1

-17

12/18

2013-14

NWC-1

-13

13/19

2014-15

NWC-1

6/19

St Helens Town - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

Chadderton - last 6 matches All Competitions

Previous Meetings

at St Helens Town

Most recent

at Chadderton

NWC-D1

2000-01

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2001-02

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2002-03

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2003-04

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2004-05

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2005-06

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2006-07

NWC-D2

Home

NWC-D1

2007-08

NWC-D2

Away

NWC-PD

2008-09

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2009-10

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2010-11

NWC-D1

Collated

St Helens Town games since...

Chadderton games since...

NWC-PD

2011-12

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2012-13

NWC-D1

All Competitions

NWC-PD

2013-14

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2014-15

NWC-D1

10/10; 3-1

2015-16

08/08; 3-1

Clean sheet

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

St Helens Town Scores First

Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Chadderton Wins

0 6

Score draw

St Helens Town Goals Chadderton Goals

Win

Percentage Town Wins

100.00

Previous Meetings All Competitions P

Win %

Home

54.54

Away

-6

10.00

Collated

33.33

Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park for this NWCFL Reusch sponsored First Division Cup 2nd Round game v Chadderton FC. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters along with our own following are treated to an entertaining encounter. Many thanks to today’s Match sponsors ODs Designer Clothing (who are also our digital match programme sponsors) and our Match Ball sponsors The Track King who join us this afternoon for the first time although they did sponsor the club with match programme advertising last season. We hope you enjoy the game and Town win! Prior to the start of this season we had not played Chaddy since the late 1990s; we now meet them for the third time in four months with Town hoping to make it a hat-trick of wins having secured 3-1 home and away victories in the league. Town returned to winning ways last Saturday, despite a low key performance at Daisy Hill the lads ran out 1-2 winners with two goals from Johan Du Toit after the home side had taken a first half lead; again Glyn Jones’ match report and some photos included in today’s programme (more photos are available on the club website). I had the pleasure of watching our U18s make Liverpool County FA Sunday Youth Cup progress last weekend in a thrilling encounter against a very strong Canada FC U18s. The game was played at the County FA ground and as part of a refereeing exchange which saw three Norwegian youngsters officiate the game which finished 3-2 aet (full report and photos in today’s programme). The U18s will now travel to Mersey South on December 6th hoping to maintain a fantastic start to the 2015-16 season which has seen them win 10 and draw 1 on their 12 games! On the same afternoon the U21s were winning 1-0 at home to previously unbeaten Irlam U21s to make it to the semi-finals of the Premier Division Cup where they will now entertain Bootle in the New Year. Thanks to season ticket holder and sponsor Anthony Hall who has provided us with two complimentary tickets to next weekend’s Classic Motor Show at the Birmingham NEC. The tickets, which can be used on any one of the dates Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November, will be raffled this afternoon at £1 per ticket with all monies raised going to The Royal British Legion 2015 Poppy Appeal - please give generously. We travel to Atherton LR next Saturday before returning to Brocstedes Park v Daisy Hill on Saturday 21st November. We are still looking for a few Match and Ball sponsors - get in touch if you can help! Enjoy the game John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town AFC 07713 339 682

By Tony Incenzo of talkSPORT Radio (twitter: @TonyIncenzo) IN THE BEGINNING I’ve been watching Non-League football on a regular basis since I was 10 years old. What I like most is that the players, club officials and supporters are there for the love of the game. The true spirit of football exists at Non-League level. I grew up in North-West London and I was taken by my family to see my local club QPR as a child in the 1970’s. I’ve always supported the R’s, but when they were playing away from home I started going to see my local Non-League clubs – Hendon primarily, but also Finchley, Barnet and Edgware Town. GROUNDHOPPER From there, I decided to visit every Non-League club in London as my groundhopping bug began. By the time I was 17, I had visited all 92 Football League grounds and I visited all the Scottish League grounds whilst still a teenager. Since then, I’ve continued travelling all around the country to visit NonLeague clubs. Earlier this season, I chalked up my 2,000th ground at FC United of Manchester. WORLD RECORD One of the best groundhops was being part of a world record in March 2004. I joined 250 other groundhoppers to watch five matches at five different football grounds in one day in the Central Midlands League. This is listed in the Guinness Book of Records and we received certificates confirming the world record at the end of the fifth game. INSIDE PRISON! In December 2011, I set about watching a match inside Feltham Prison in Middlesex. This featured a team called Phoenix FC, who had to play all their fixtures at home (for obvious reasons!) as inmates of the Young Offender Institution at Feltham. I received special permission by email to attend a fixture, but I was told not to bring a phone or a camera with me. I was instructed to arrive in the main car park along with the match referee and the visiting players from Hanworth Villa Vets. We were met by members of the prison staff who escorted us all in together…via an airportstyle metal detector, a body search, numerous locked gates and along a path to the changing rooms. This process took 45 minutes. After the players and ref got changed, we were then accompanied through more locked gates out to the playing area. A high mesh fence with barbed wire on top surrounded the football pitch. There were dug-outs along one touchline and I watched the match from there as the only spectator. THE FUTURE By going to FC United, I re-completed visits to the top 16 divisions of English football down to Non-League step 4. Then at step 5 I need 30 grounds and another 81 at step 6. There are endless possibilities at step 7 and below. Also, I’ve been to 35 European countries plus the USA for football – so it would be nice to visit more countries.

Follow Tony Incenzo on Twitter @TonyIncenzo

THE REUSCH FIRST DIVISION TROPHY Or First Division Cup as most of us probably know the competition, is at the 2nd Round stage and it is a competition that I have seen a bit of over the previous couple of years, in the main watching some good matches.

My first taste of the cup was at this stage in November 2013 as Cheadle Town visited the now promoted AFC Darwen, a bitterly cold late November afternoon saw the visitors go 2-0 up fairly early on only to see the hosts slowly claw their way back into the tie and as extra-time loomed snatch a winner to complete the comeback and win 3-2. Certainly a winter warmer this one. As was my next taste 10 weeks later as promotion chasers Formby and 1874 Northwich went head to head at Burscough in the last 8. Due to face each other in the league a few weeks after I decided to go for the cup game, I picked right for once as they drew 0-0 in the league and I got a 6 goal cracker. Feisty from the start on another cold afternoon, the travelling Green Army in full voice as their team started to get picked off. In the end, the 4-2 scoreline to Formby slightly flattered 1874, they were never really in this tie and the hosts deserved to progress. Last season, with the draw split on a North / South basis, a freezing Remembrance night mtch in the Southern half at Park Road, Cheadle saw Town entertain Hanley Town. Both sides had entertained me on previous occasions, sadly though, not on this occasion. Unsure if it was the cold, but there was very little to talk about as we finished the 90 minutes deadlocked 1-1. Extra-time was worse and even the penalty shoot-out left a lot to be desired too, most being missed before the Staffordshire team prevailed. A week later, just under 400 of us turned up for the Atherton Derby in the Northern half of the draw; Collieries hosting but it was LR that came out all guns blazing and led 1-0 at the break and scored a second soon after the break despite being reduced to 10 men. The League Champions elect toiled and toiled, ultimately drawing level late on to take the match into extra-time, where they managed to grab another couple and also finished the match with 10. Earlier this year I went to two of the quarter-finals, both ending in victories for the visitors, first Atherton Collieries progressing to the last 4 against a subdued Barnton, winning 2-0 at a canter on a Friday night when the Villagers rarely threatened. Around 10 days later I was in Flixton to see Litherland REMYCA beat the then named Northwich Flixton Villa 10 on yet another cold night; neither match got the heart rate going. That is that folks for my experiences in this trophy, 22 goals in 6 matches, 2 going to extra-time, 1 to penalties; it is a cup that I will be getting to again this season, maybe even a semi-final this time.

It's been a few weeks since I last wrote my managers report, so it's good to report this week after a win.

On a really damp day in West Houghton vs Daisy Hill the lads battled to a 1-2 win. It wasn't the best spectacle of a match and we said before the game we wanted the three points and that's what we came away with. It wasn't our best performance of the season, but with a bit of luck, some good defending and two brilliant saves from young â&#x20AC;&#x2122;keeper Matt Hodge we came away with what we wanted. On the Transfer front we are very pleased to have brought in three players: Midfield playmaker Todd Blayney from Remyca; Todd had previously played in the Welsh league for Flint. He has a calm presence when on the ball and has a great passing range.

Another player joining the club is young goal-keeper Matt Hodge who is only 17 but stands at 6ft 5 inches; Matt joins from Maghull and he is a good agile â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;keeper, who for a young lad has a very professional manner and great communication with his back four. Matt has previous experience with both Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers. Last but not least Eddie Pegler comes in on loan from Burscough; he is comfortable at centre back or in a central midfield position. Eddie is a very composed player with the ball and always looks to play out from the back.

Today we take on Chadderton for the third time this season, both previous meetings has seen us run out 3-1 winners. However, neither game has been a stroll in the park and we don't expect this one to be either . I am sure it will be a good game as both teams like to play attack minded football. COYS! Nick Matthews Joint First Team Manager

AFC Darwen have announced the appointment of a new management team. Paul Marriott joins the club as first team manager, and with him are a team made up of Scott Campbell and Nick Lloyd as assistant managers and Matt Pilkington as first team coach. The new team replace the previous management trio of Neil Prince, Neil Black and John O'Toole. During his time at West Lancashire League side Eagley, Marriott built up the club throughout a successful five years before he returned in 2013 as director of football. During his time in charge he guided the team to the League Cup, the Bolton Hospital Cup and the Lancashire Shield, and to second place in the West Lancashire League Premier Division. Scott Campbell has joined from Atherton Collieries and has worked with Marriott at Eagley, both as reserve team coach and progressed to be his assistant at for the first team. He will be working closely with Nick Lloyd who has been involved with the club for five years, as assistant manager from 2010 to 2014 and last season took over as caretaker manager and led the team to victory in the Reusch Cup and promotion into the NWCFL Premier division. Matt Pilkington is the first team coach, and makes the step up to first team duties after spending time with the youth team last season. A club statement said: “The message from the management team is that ‘all players are part of the club and all players in the youth team should be aspiring to make the first team’, and the addition of Matt Pilkington to the senior management team will be a way for this to be put firmly into place. “The club give a wholehearted thank you to Neil Prince, Neil Black and John O'Toole for their efforts during the season”.

We are looking for additional sponsors on match-days with a host f benefits for both match (£100) and ball (£50) sponsors including free entry & programme; hospitality, programme and social media advertising; pre-match photos, man of the match awards. Contact John McKiernan on 07713 339 682 for more details. Date

Opponents

Match Sponsor

Match Ball Sponsor

Tue 11/08/15

Atherton LR

PC Problems St Helens

John Cahill

Sat 22/08/15

Irlam

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Mike Cole Web Design

Sat 29/08/15

Rochdale Town

Anthony Hall - Exiled Geordie on Merseyside LM Travel

Sat 12/09/15

Barnton

Wheel Pro - Alloy Wheel Repairs & Refurbishment Toast Café, St Helens

Sat 19/09/15

Cheadle Town

Paul Pritchard

The Cowley Vaults

Sat 10/10/15

Chadderton

KA Davies Electrical

Conor McGinn MP

Tue 13/10/15

Widnes

Rylance Fishmongers

David O’Keefe & Gary Shaw

Sat 24/10/15

Holker Old Boys

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Britannia Taxis

Sat 07/11/15

Chadderton (Cup)

ODs Designer Clothing

The Track King

Sat 21/11/15

Daisy Hill

CelebLook Ladies & Girls Fashion

Sat 05/12/15

Hanley Town

Stillia

Sat 19/12/15

Eccleshall

Northern Rags

Kiera’s Occasions Venue Dressing & Balloons Airborne Bathroom Services Danny’s Window Cleaning

Sat 16/01/16

Stockport Town

Michael Allison

Sat 06/02/16

Bacup Borough

Mon 28/03/16

Ashton Town Northwich Manchester Villa Whitchurch Alport

Sat 16/04/16 Sat 23/04/16

Invisible Heroes Stuart Pyke

Rylance Fishmongers

Extra Time Academy Wilf Marshall & Finding Furever Homes Invisible Heroes

All sponsorship fixtures are subject to confirmation (Litherland REMYCA date tbc)

Warrington Motors Man of the Match Awards Matty Lennon (v Irlam) and Graham McLoughlin (Rochdale) & Dave Dempsey (Cheadle T)

Warrington Motors Fiat and Nissan

201 Winwick Road, Warrington Cheshire WA2 7PE Telephone: 01925 669 401

Man of the Match Awards 2015-16 Town v Atherton LR Andy Gillespie/Dale Sealey Town v Irlam Matty Lennon Town v Rochdale Town Graham McLoughlin Town v Barnton Dale Sealey Town v Cheadle Town Dave Dempsey Town v Chadderton Adam Lawrence Town v Widnes Jack Marshall Town v Holker Old Boys Matthew Hodge

Town 3-1 Chadderton Man of the Match

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.

Allan Wellens receiving the Lancs Combination Championship Trophy from Wesley Bridge in 1972

Alan went on to Town history with the club’s historic journey to Wembley in 1987 before he and the vast majority of the FA Vase winning side sought pastures new. 1987-92 Alan Aspinall (pictured opposite) took over the 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.

1992-93 Mick Holgate (left) 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 took over the managerial reigns. The end of the 2014-15 season culminated in relegation for Town and Ian Price had already informed the club of his intention to step down. U21s boss Alan Gillespie and Ian Price’s long time assistant Nick Matthews were promoted to the joint managers Nick Matthews Alan Gillespie position. Many thanks to Jim Barrett and Eric Bond for their input in compiling the information.

Date

Opponents

Comp

Result

Aug 08

Chadderton

NWCFL

3.00

1-3W

McLoughlin

Davidson

Kelly

A.Whelan

Sealey

Baines

AUG 11 ATHERTON LR

NWCFL

7.45

4-1W

Bradley

Davidson

Kelly

A.Whelan

Sealey

Baines

Aug 15

FAC EPR 3.00

2-1L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon

Sealey

A.Whelan

AUG 22 IRLAM

NWCFL

3.00

3-1W

Bradley

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon1

A.Whelan

Agbodjan1

AUG 29 ROCHDALE TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

2-3L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon

A.Whelan

Griffiths

Sep 05

Winterton Rangers

FAV 1QR

3.00

0-4W

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon

Sealey

Begley

Sep 09

Litherland REMYCA

NWCFL

7.45

3-1L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Kelly

Lennon

Sealey

Begley

NWCFL

3.00

3-3D

McLoughlin

Davidson

Kelly

Gibson

Sealey

A.Whelan

Maine Road

SEP 12 BARNTON

Sep 15

Rochdale Town

SEP 19 CHEADLE TOWN

NWCFL

7.45

3-1L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Gibson

Sealey

A.Whelan

NWCFL

3.00

2-2D

Bradley

Baines

Marshall

Gibson

Lennon

A.Whelan

Sep 26

Hanley Town

MUC 1R

3.00

4-1L McLoughlin A.Whelan

Rigby

Gibson

Lennon

Begley

Oct 03

Rochdale Town

FAV 2QR

3.00

6-2L McLoughlin Lawrence

Rigby

Garcia

Gibson

Begley

OCT 10 CHADDERTON

NWCFL

3.00

3-1W Hawksworth Lawrence

Marshall

A.Whelan

Gibson

Davies

OCT 13 WIDNES

NWCFL

7.45

3-2W Hawksworth Lawrence

Marshall

A.Whelan

Gibson

Davies

Oct 17

NWCFL

3.00

3-0L McLoughlin Lawrence

Marshall

A.Whelan

Lennon

Twist

NWCFL

3.00

1-3L

Hodge

Lawrence

Rigby

A.Whelan

Lennon

Pegler

Stockport Town

OCT 24 HOLKER OLD BOYS Oct 27

Bootle

LSC 1R

7.45

4-2L

Hodge

Davidson

Rigby

Lawrence

Pegler

Davies

Oct 31

Daisy Hill

NWCFL

3.00

1-2W

Hodge

Davidson

Rigby

Lawrence

Pegler

Baines

NOV 7

CHADDERTON

FDC 2R

3.00

Nov 14

Atherton LR

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 21 DAISY HILL

NWCFL

3.00

Northwich Manchester Villa NWCFL

3.00

Nov 28

DEC 05 HANLEY TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

DEC 19 ECCLESHALL

NWCFL

3.00

Dec 26

NWCFL

3.00

JAN 16 STOCKPORT TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

Jan 23

Eccleshall

NWCFL

3.00

Jan 30

Cheadle Town

NWCFL

3.00

FEB 06 BACUP BOROUGH

NWCFL

3.00

Feb 13

Whitchurch Alport

NWCFL

3.00

Mar 05

Hanley Town

NWCFL

3.00

Mar 12

Widnes

NWCFL

3.00

MAR 28 ASHTON TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

Apr 02

NWCFL

3.00

APR 16 NORTHWICH M.V.

NWCFL

3.00

APR 23 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

NWCFL

3.00

Apr 30

Barnton

NWCFL

3.00

TBA

LITHERLAND REMCYA

NWCFL

TBA

Holker Old Boys

NWCFL

TBA

Ashton Town

Irlam

St Helens Town Player Sponsors 2015-16 Matty Lennon Premier Parking Luke Gibson Leech Bedrooms & Kitchens Adam Lawrence Leech Bedrooms & Kitchens Josh Hoult Gibney's Jewellers David Baines SG Specialist Roofing Johan du Toit Total Building Care Tom Bradley Kealshore Alex Gillespie Focus Windows & Doors Ltd Graham McLoughlin Electrician's Direct Jack Golding Rob Thompson Auto Repairs Declan Gregson Curtain Wizard North West Marcus Perry North West Piling Matty Davidson Kiera's Occasions Ant Whelan The Daily Grind Andy Gillespie Arco Frame Warren Twist Cornerstones Ste Rigby Airborne Bathroom Services Charlie Duke Warrington Motors Jack Marshall Danny's Window Cleaning Alan Gillespie (Manager) Star Physio Nick Matthews (Manager) Foxwood Joinery

Lorde1

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Nwachukwu

Marshall1

D.Whelan

Duke10

Russell21

Perry11

Bradley

Lorde1

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie2

Nwachukwu

Marshall

Lennon

Russell11

Perry71

Duke10

McLoughlin

Baines

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie1

Lorde

Kelly

Perry10

Nwachukwu7

Duke

D.Whelan3

Bradley

Duke

Griffiths

Andy Gillespie1

Nwachukwu

Golding

Lorde6

Perry11

Rooney

Rigby10

McLoughlin

Perry

Du Toit1

Andy Gillespie1

Rigby

Agbodjan

Golding10

Lorde7

Nwachukwu

Duke11

Rooney

Twist

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie1

Nwachukwu

Rigby1

Perry91

Agbodjan111

Golding10

A.Whelan

Rooney

Twist1

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Nwachukwu

Marshall

Perry12

Gibson11

Golding

Baines10

Bradley

Du Toit

Baines

Andy Gillespie1

Twist

Rigby

Perry102

Duke

Lennon5

Begley

Golding11

Duke

Baines

Andy Gillespie1

Du Toit

Rigby

Perry11

Nwachukwu6

Golding

Lennon2

Bradley

Duke10

Rigby

Golding5

McLoughlin

Du Toit

Twist

Andy Gillespie2

Dempsey

Sealey

Perry8

Baines

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Gregson

Twist

Perry11

Golding81

Hoult

Duke6

Bradley

Golding10

Hoult11

Graham

Bradley

Lennon

Perry71

Hoult

Twist8

Baines

A.Whelan

Andy Gillespie1

Du Toit

Gregson1

Lennon8

Duke

Gregson1 Andy Gillespie1

Golding

Du Toit

Rigby10

Du Toit1

Rigby8

Lennon

Perry7

Hoult

Twist10

Baines8

Perry2

Duke

Gregson

Andy Gillespie1

Golding1

Duke

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Gregson

Golding

Rigby11

Hoult

Al Gillespie

Duke

Gregson

Andy Gillespie

Du Toit

Hoult1

Golding11

Baines

Davidson7

Twist6

Al Gillespie

Baines

Andy Gillespie1

Blayney

Hoult1

Du Toit7

A.Whelan11

Duke

Lennon6

Bradley

Al Gillespie

Blayney

Andy Gillespie

Du Toit2

Hoult

Golding10

A.Whelan

Duke8

Lennon

Perry11

Name1 Name Name Name Name10

Player name and number of goals scored Player name and CAUTION Player name and DISMISSAL FOR 2 CAUTIONS Player name and DISMISSAL Player name and number of replaced player

Ashton Town

Widnes

Whitchurch Alport

Stockport Town

St Helens Town

Rochdale Town

Northwich Man Villa

Litherland REMYCA

Irlam

Holker Old Boys

Hanley Town

Eccleshall

Daisy Hill

2-3

2-1

0-2

2-2

4-1

3-0

3-2

0-3

5-2

2-1

1-1

1-6

1-1

3-3 3-1

3-3

1-2

1-4

1-6

1-1

3-5

2-2

2-1

0-1

1-1

2-2

0-2

4-0

5-1

Daisy Hill

0-1

0-0

Chadderton

4-3

3-0

0-3

4-2

0-2

1-2

0-1

2-1

1-1

0-4

2-1

1-0

2-2

0-3

1-3 3-1

1-2

0-3

2-2

3-2

1-1

3-2

1-3

1-1

2-1

0-2

2-3

2-1

3-0

2-0

2-1

4-2

0-3

1-2

1-3

1-1

2-3 3-0

3-1

2-2 3-1

4-0

1-2

0-3

9-2

2-1

3-2

St Helens Town

Cheadle Town

2-0

Bacup Borough

Barnton

5-5

1-3

Hanley Town

1-4

Holker Old Boys

0-4

Atherton LR

2-3

Chadderton

3-1

Litherland REMYCA

Bacup Borough

Barnton

1-1

Cheadle Town

5-1

6-1

1-2

1-0

1-2

2-1

4-1

1-1

0-0

Stockport Town

Atherton LR

Eccleshall

0-1

Irlam

4-3

Northwich M Villa

3-2

Rochdale Town

2-3

3-3

4-1

1-0

0-0

4-3

5-3

1-4

5-0

Whitchurch Alport

Ashton Town

North West Counties Football League Division One Season 2015-16 Saturday 31/10/15

3-3

2-2

3-2

2-3

4-1

4.3

4-3

0-1

Widnes

ST. HELENS TOWN AFC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A STATISTICAL HISTORY by Glyn Jones Part 62 - Season 2008-09 North West Counties League Team AFC Fylde New Mills Newcastle Town Congleton Town Glossop North End Ashton Athletic Alsager Town Bacup Borough Silsden Squires Gate Runcorn Linnets Atherton L.R. Maine Road Ramsbottom United (-1) Formby St. Helens Town Nelson Colne Flixton Winsford United Abbey Hey Atherton Collieries Opponents Abbey Hey AFC Fylde Alsager Town Atherton Collieries Ashton Athletic Atherton L.R. Bacup Borough Colne Congleton Town Flixton Formby Glossop North End Maine Road Nelson Newcastle Town New Mills Ramsbottom United Runcorn Linnets Silsden Squires Gate Winsford United

P 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 Home Apr 25 Oct 25 Nov 22 Mar 7 Oct 28 Nov 18 Oct 18 Apr 21 Mar 17 Dec 13 Mar 31 Mar 24 Apr 7 Apr 27 Feb 17 Sep 9 Mar 10 May 8* Dec 20 Nov 1 Feb 21

W 33 34 26 26 25 18 18 16 16 14 16 12 14 13 15 14 11 11 9 10 11 7

D 5 2 9 8 7 7 5 10 10 15 7 15 9 12 3 4 12 10 14 9 5 8 Result Won 5-4 Lost 0-3 Lost 0-1 Drew 1-1 Lost 1-2 Lost 3-6 Lost 3-4 Won 4-0 Lost 1-2 Lost 0-2 Won 1-0 Lost 0-6 Drew 0-0 Lost 0-3 Lost 1-4 Won 2-1 Lost 1-3 Won 5-0 Won 4-1 Lost 1-3 Won 2-1

L 4 6 7 8 10 17 19 16 16 13 19 15 19 17 24 24 19 21 19 23 26 27

F 122 92 91 85 83 67 66 71 62 56 64 70 60 56 57 63 68 64 58 52 60 42 Away Nov 29 Apr 4 Aug 9 Sep 22 Dec 26 Feb 24 Oct 4 Apr 13 Sep 27 Mar 14 Nov 25 Apr 29 Aug 23 Feb 28 Oct 11 Dec 6 Mar 28 May 2 Sep 13 Apr 11 Mar 3

A 35 33 33 44 49 68 72 71 67 56 84 77 74 71 67 97 86 75 86 82 89 93

Pts 104 104 87 86 82 61 59 58 58 57 55 51 51 50 48 46 45 43 41 39 38 29 Result Drew 2-2 Lost 1-3 Won 3-2 Won 3-0 Lost 0-5 Lost 0-4 Lost 0-3 Won 3-1 Lost 0-1 Lost 0-3 Lost 1-5 Won 3-1 Won 2-1 Drew 1-1 Lost 0-1 Lost 1-7 Lost 3-6 Lost 0-1 Lost 1-2 Won 3-1 Won 2-0

FA CUP Aug 16

Ex-Prelim.

Holker Old Boys

Away

Drew

2-2

Aug 19

Replay

HOLKER OLD BOYS

Home

Won

1-0

Aug 30

Prelim.

Bacup Borough

Away

Lost

1-3

Sep 20

Home

Lost

1-2

Lost

1-2

Lost

3-6 AET

FA VASE 2

Qual.

ASHTON ATHLETIC

VODKAT LEAGUE CUP

Nov 8

2nd Rd.

RUNCORN LINNETS

Oct 1

1st Rd.

East Villa

Home

LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP

Player

App Sub Total Goals

Away Player

App Sub Total Goals

Locke, Clive

Lynskey, Andy

McEwen, Steve

McLoughlin, Nick

Mitchell, Graeme

Mitchell, Phil

Monteith, Paul

Phillips, Peter

Purnell, Jordan

Redmond, Ray

Reilly, Adie

Rudkin, Paul

Baker, Scott

Baker, Tom

Bermingham, Chris

Bickerstaffe, Gary

Burke, Chris

Cliff, Paul

Critchley, Dave

Dempsey, Dave

Dyson, Iain

Edwards, Stephen

Elias, John

Fletcher, John

Forrester, Paul

Freeman, Vinnie

Gilchrist, Adam

Gillespie, Andy

Hampson, James

Harris, Lewis

Hatton, Brian

Holden, Neal

Jones, Chris

Jones, Neil

Own Goals

Ledsham, Karl

Totals

20 2

Scully, Mike

Stephens, Marc

Sumner, Tom

Voller, Jeff

1 1

Walker, Andy

Warriner, Antony

Webster, Andy

Whelan, Anthony

Williams, Phil

Woods, Kevin

1 528 100

628

The original St. Helens Town club was formed in 1901 and played at Park Road, behind the Primrose Vaults public house. Although it was known as the Primrose Ground, the players changed further down Park Road at the Black Horse pub. Playing in the Lancashire League and Lancashire Combination, the team enjoyed some early success, but struggled after the Great War and appears to have folded midway through the 1928/29 season. The club was re-formed by George Fryer and a group of local businessmen in 1946. They took out a lease of the former cricket ground at Hoghton Road, Sutton, adjacent to the St. Helens Junction railway station and, although it entered in the FA Cup in the 1946/47 season, a team could not be raised in time to fulfil its tie with Prescot Cables. Friendly games were played, then local team Derbyshire Hill Rovers were taken over in April 1947, those players forming the nucleus of the team which entered the Liverpool County Combination at the start of the 1947/48 season. St. Helens Town soon began to prosper and early results included a sensational 10-4 win over Everton “A” on 6th December 1947. Former German prisoner-of-war Bert Trautmann joined the club in the Summer of 1948, the strapping goalkeeper helping the team to win its first trophy, the George Mahon Cup, which was secured with a 2-1 win over Runcorn at Prescot on 7 th May 1949. Crowds averaged over 2000 that season, peaking with a league record attendance of 3102 against Burscough Tommy O’Neil in October 1948. Wembley,1987 The following season, 1949/50, Town entered the Lancashire Combination and, despite losing Trautmann to Manchester City in October 1949, they won the Second Division title in some style the following season, three players, Albert Leadbetter (36), Harry McCann (32) and Terry Garner (31) all netting over 30 goals apiece. An all-time club record attendance of “between 8000 and 9000” witnessed a friendly game against Manchester City, arranged as part of the Trautmann transfer deal, in April 1950 and another 4000 witnessed a second match with City the following season. Although relegated by a slender margin from the First Division in 1951/52, the club continued to look forward, even contemplating Football League status and, in order to further their ambitions, it moved to the former St. Helens Recs. ground at City Road. Initial crowds were encouraging but, despite success, the club decided to move back to Hoghton Road in October 1953, where they remained until April 2000. Town produced a number of fine players who joined Football League clubs, including Bill Foulkes (Manchester United), John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday) and John Connelly who joined Burnley, later transferring to Manchester United and who played in the England 1966 World Cup winning squad. More recently, Dave Bamber scored goals in all four divisions of the league with a host of different clubs, starting and ending his league career at Blackpool and Karl Ledsham is now playing his football at Conference level, initially with Southport, then at Lincoln City. Following a second relegation in 1956, St. Helens Town continued to play in the Lancashire Combination, winning the Championship in 1971/72, by nine points ahead of Accrington Stanley. However, the formation of the Northern Premier League in 1968 led to a gradual drain of stronger clubs from the Combination and St. Helens joined the Cheshire League in 1975, becoming founder members of the North West Counties League seven years later. They held the

St Helens Town 1948

proud record of being the only club to play in the NW Counties’ top flight every season until they were relegated in April 2015, conceding an injury-time equaliser to Silsden in the last game of the season, a match they had to win to stay up. Town enjoyed a golden era in the late 1980s, just missing out on an appearance in the First Round proper of the FA Cup in 1985/86, losing to Morecambe in a Fourth Qualifying Round Replay, but they obtained ample compensation by winning the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987, beating near neighbours Warrington Town 3-2, with two goals from Phil Layhe and one from Brian Rigby. They were regular promotion candidates for many years, largely due to the scoring exploits of Steve “Pellet” Pennington, who grabbed 216 goals in 351 games, his season’s best hauls of 45 in 1993/94 and 46 in 1997/98 just failing to beat the club record of 47 scored by Phil Stainton in 1963/64. This season is a momentous one for St. Helens Town: not only do they have to fight to regain their Premier Division status, but also they are looking to return to a new base, back in the town at Ruskin Drive. The Hoghton Road facilities had fallen into disrepair and the site was sold for housing in 2002, Town having gone into partnership with Saints Rugby League club, ground-sharing at the old Knowsley Road ground for 10 years, but the intended relocation to the new Langtree Park ground did not materialise and the club embarked on a nomadic existence, first at Ashton Town, now at Ashton Athletic. Construction work at the Council-owned multi-sports facility at Ruskin Drive has been delayed, but is now under way and Town are looking to move in at the start of the 2016-17 season, hopefully back in the Premier Division.

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 2014-15 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 Soccer Club Swap Shop National Awards 2010-11 Placed 28th 2011-12 Placed 8th 2012-13 Placed 7th 2013-14 Placed 8th 2014-15 Placed 5th

In addition to our North West Counties League side the club has an U18s team playing in the North West Youth Alliance League Division One and an U21s team playing in the Cheshire FA U21s League Premier Division (both Sunday Leagues) U21s L L L Cup L L Cup L L L Cup Cup L L L L L Cup SF

U18s L L L L L L L Cup L L Cup Cup L L L Cup L L L L L L L

DATE RES HOME AWAY VENUE 23/08/2015 W 2-1 St Helens Town Bootle Edge Hill University #2 06/09/2015 W 6-1 Claybrow FC St Helens Town Edge Hill University #1 13/09/2015 W 4-0 St Helens Town Winsford United Edge Hill University #2 20/09/2015 W 0-0* AFC Sefton St Helens Town Edge Hill University #2 27/09/2015 L 1-2 St Helens Town Stockport Town Edge Hill University #2 04/10/2015 L 3-1 Bootle St Helens Town JMO Sports Park 11/10/2015 W 0-5 The Highwayman St Helens Town 15/10/2015 L 3-0 Irlam St Helens Town Irlam FC 18/10/2015 L 2-4 St Helens Town Irlam Edge Hill University #2 25/10/2015 W 1-3 Winsford United St Helens Town Winsford United FC 01/11/2015 W 1-0 St Helens Town Irlam Edge Hill University #1 08/11/2015 12:00 Churchtown Jaguars St Helens Town 15/11/2015 14:00 Manchester Central St Helens Town Belle Vue Sports Centre 22/11/2015 11:00 Abbey Hey St Helens Town Abbey Hey FC 29/11/2015 14:00 Stockport Town St Helens Town Stockport Sports Village 06/12/2015 12:00 St Helens Town Rochdale Edge Hill University #2 20/12/2015 12:00 St Helens Town Abbey Hey Edge Hill University #2 21/02/2016 12:00 St Helens Town Bootle Edge Hill University #2 *0-0 after extra time St Helens Town won on penalty kicks 2-4

DATE 16/08/2015 23/08/2015 30/08/2015 06/09/2015 13/09/2015 20/09/2015 27/09/2015 04/10/2015 11/10/2015 18/10/2015 25/10/2015 01/11/2015 08/11/2015 15/11/2015 29/11/2015 06/12/2015 13/12/2015 20/12/2015 10/01/2016 17/01/2016 31/01/2016 07/02/2016 21/02/2016

RES HOME W 1-3 Egerton FC W 3-1 St Helens Town W 4-5 Marine D 0-0 St Helens Town W 2-1 St Helens Town W 1-3 Altrincham W 4-1 St Helens Town L 2-1 Macclesfield Town W 1-6 Macclesfield Town W 1-3 Vauxhall Motors W 0-5 West D & Chorlton W 3-2 St Helens Town 14:00 Chester Colts 14:00 St Helens Town 14:00 Irlam FC 11:00 Mersey South 14:00 Nelson 14:00 St Helens Town 14:00 AFC Blackpool 14:00 St Helens Town 14:00 Bolton Wyresdale 14:00 St Helens Town 14:00 Vauxhall Motors

AWAY St Helens Town Nelson St Helens Town Chester Colts Altrincham St Helens Town AFC Blackpool St Helens Town St Helens Town St Helens Town St Helens Town Canada FC U18 St Helens Town Irlam FC St Helens Town St Helens Town St Helens Town Marine FC St Helens Town Macclesfield Town St Helens Town Chorley FC St Helens Town

VENUE Egerton FC Edge Hill University JMO Sports Edge Hill University Edge Hill University Hale Country Club Edge Hill University Platt Lane Platt Lane Riveacre Park HARDY FARM Liverpool CFA Edge Hill University Edge Hill University Silver Street Edge Hill University VICTORIA PARK Edge Hill University Mechnics Ground Edge Hill University Little Lever School Edge Hill University Rivacre Park

Town 1-3 Holker Old Boys NWCFL Division One Saturday 24th October 2015

SLOPPY TOWN PAY THE PRICE FOR COMPLACENCY St. Helens Town 1, Holker Old Boys 3 by Glyn Jones

Holker arrived late for Saturday’s game at Brocstedes Park and, starting with only one substitute on the bench, the Barrow side had something of a vulnerable look to their line-up, which perhaps led St. Helens Town to the conclusion that they might stroll to an easy win. They began well enough, Andy Gillespie missing the target by the narrowest of margins in the opening exchanges, but a goal against the run of play in just the fourth minute gave the Old Boys the perfect start and something to hold on to. A ball from the right wing, played at high speed just above ground level, hit a Town defender, giving new keeper Matthew Hodge no chance and the visitors had a 1-0 lead. St. Helens were then fighting an uphill battle to get back into the game and, soon afterwards, Johann du Toit made a crucial tackle and hit a stinging shot, but it went straight at Oliver Bell in the visitors’ net. Du Toit tested Bell again on 20 minutes and although the stopper spilled the ball, there was nobody on hand to deal with the rebound. At the other end of the pitch, new goalie Hodge from Maghull, was fortunate not to be penalised for an ankle tap on Jordan Brough, but there was no such luck for Ste Rigby moments later when he upended the same player and a penalty was awarded by referee Rudd. Brough was a little too hasty with the spot kick and fired high and wide, so Town went in at the break just one goal in arrears, with all to play for.

Seven minutes into the second half, St. Helens drew level with a fluke goal from Josh Hoult, whose corner kick beat all the defenders on the goal-line and looped in at the far post, much to the debutant’s delight. Town should have gone on to win from that point, with Holker at full stretch, their only substitute deployed soon after the interval, but several chances were spurned, leaving the visitors to take full advantage on the break. On 77 minutes, Holker regained the lead when John-Paul Stanway touched in a cross from the right-hand side and Hodge saved a certain third minutes later, smothering a shot from the same player. Jack Golding, Matty Davidson and Warren Twist were sent on from the bench to try to salvage the game in the closing stages, with Town’s regular saviour Marcus Perry unavailable due to a family holiday, but it was Holker who finished strongly, Bradley Hubbold following up to score after Hodge had initially saved his penalty kick in the last minute.

Andy Gillespie

Q1. Which Football League club plays their home games at Loakes Park? Q2. Which Scottish League team are nicknamed “The Jags”? Q3. Which country have won the Copa America the most times? Q4. Which four English League clubs did Ossie Ardiles play for during her career? Q5. Which Serie A club are nicknamed “Il Vecchio Balordo (The Old Fool)”? Q6. With which Football League club did Wojciech Szczesny spend a loan spell? Q7. Which country was the last to host the Copa America for the first time? Q8. With which club did Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spent the whole of his senior player career? Q9. Which team holds the record for scoring the most goals in a relegation season? Q10. Which Scottish League side are based in Coatbridge?

Q11. Which player recorded the most assists in the English Championship in 2014-15? Q12. Which player won the first ever PFA Players Player of the Year award? Q13. What La Liga record does former Granada manager Abel Resino hold? Q14. What is unusual about the Ivory Coast’s four Africa Cup of Nation final appearances? Q15. Which club did Newcastle United sign Andy Cole from?

1) Wycombe Wanderers 2) Partick Thistle 3) Uruguay 15 wins 4) Spurs, Blackburn, QPR & Swindon 5) Genoa 6) Brentford 7) Venezuela in 2007 8) Mainz 9) Blackpool (55 in 2010-11) 10) Albion Rovers 11) Matt Richie (Bournemouth with 17) 12) Norman Hunter 13) Longest spell as a keeper without conceding a goal – 1275 minutes 14) All 0-0 draws 15) Bristol City

Liverpool County FA Sunday Youth Cup Round 1 St Helens 3-2 Canada AET It was a foggy start for this 10am kick off at the county FA and Canada who are 2nd in the Liverpool County Youth Premier Division took on a Saints side 2nd in the North West Youth Alliance first division and both sides served up a brilliant spectacle for a very appreciative crowd! It was a patched up St Helens side with injuries and unavailability effecting selection again. It was a 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation for Town and with only one recognised centre half it meant right back Jordan Patterson and left back Thomas Gibbings were deployed as centre halves to play along-side Ryan Howard with Liam Murray and Daniel Cull operating as wing backs. Sean Keyes captained the side in midfield along-side Liam Beech and Joe Stanley with Jonathon Dugdale and Jordan Ainsworth leading the attack. The game started off at a frantic pace and it was St Helens who were on the front foot playing some really good football and using the left side particularly well. Canada were also playing 3-5-2 and the systems threatened to cancel each other out. However on 8 minutes a mistake by a Canada defender gave Town the chance to take the lead. A stray pass across the back 3 was cut out by Jordan Ainsworth, he was about 20 yards from goal but drove into the box holding off a back tracking defender and coolly rolled Town into an early lead. St Helens 1-0 Canada, Ainsworth (8) Ainsworth then for the next 10 minutes ran the Canada back three ragged, his positively, pace and directness causing them all sorts of problems. The middle three of Stanley, Keyes and Beech were dominating keeping and using the ball well, Town were getting into some decent positions but werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite able to find that final pass or final finish to double their lead. Then on 31 minutes out of nowhere Canada levelled the game up. A corner from the right was only partially cleared and when it was put back into the box Dave Jones dropped the cross and it was poked home into the net for 1 -1. After the goal Canada dominated every aspect of the game as St Helens struggled to recover from conceding such a soft goal. Blocks, good defending, a bit of luck and near misses kept the scores at 1-1 until the 37th minute when a lack of communication at the back saw a clearance charged down by a forward, the ball went to the big number 9 who took a touch and hit a shot that goalkeeper Dave Jones will probably be disappointed that he didn't kept it out. St Helens 1 -2 Canada. Canada saw out the half with ease and Saints went in at the break trailing. Half Time 1-2

Town re-emerged from the changing rooms showing no changes and for the first 10 minutes of the second half pressed higher up the pitch played with more aggression and tempo. In fairness to Canada they dealt with Towns improvement and looked comfortable. Despite huffing and puffing it just wasn't working and on 60 minutes Jordan Ainsworth was replace by Reece Hughes and Daniel Cull replace by Harry Billingsley and Hawksworth's men went 4-3-3. Immediately Canada had to deal with more threat in behind as Town tried to use the pace of Hughes and Billingsley to their advantage. It didn't really work as Canada used their experience and slowed the game down and looked a major threat from set pieces and they were unlucky to wrap the game up with a succession of corners causing St Helens problems! Final substitute for Town saw George McManus replace captain Sean Keyes with 24 minutes to go. A few controversial offside decisions incensed the Town bench and the game was getting away from them, and with this the St Helens management went with their final roll of the dice. Goal scorer Jordan Ainsworth was sent back on in place of Joe Stanley as Jonathon Dugdale dropped into the midfield three and Town began to create chances, Canada had also gone 4-3-3 to try and see the game out and match the system Town were using. Little free-kicks lots of possession and general good game management was frustrating St Helens and it looked as though a cup exit was only moments away until Jordan Ainsworth came up with the goods again! Liam Murray linked up with Reece Hughes down the right with Hughes doing extremely well to roll his man, as Hughes drove towards goal he saw Ainsworth to his left a perfectly weighted pass set Ainsworth free he got into the box and the positioning of the goalkeeper made the angle look really difficult but Ainsworth's finishing is superb and he slotted the ball past the goalkeeper into the side netting off the far post a quite brilliant finish from the frontman much to the delight on the bench and supporters. St Helens 2-2 Canada, Ainsworth 85 The home sides tails were up and it was all Saints now attack after attack followed but the away side threw their bodies on the line in a desperate attempt to stay in the game, the Town attack was relentless though and the superior fitness levels were showing as Canada were struggling to get up the pitch and on 90 minutes Town almost snatched it and it would of been a great goal! A quick combination down the left from Billingsley and Gibbings saw the latter beat his man and get to the byline his superb cut back was met by the onrushing Reece Hughes who's first time shot flew agonisingly over the bar! Just inches away from a quite brilliant turn around! FT St Helens 2-2 Canada Extra time was next and Jordan Patterson who had been simply outstanding had to come off with a groin injury so on went Daniel Cull who slotted in at left back with Thomas Gibbings moving to centre half next to Ryan

Howard who had also been brilliant all morning. As ET got underway it was Town again on the front foot the energy levels were quite something and was to be a major factor in the result. Canada couldn't match the fitness levels of the home side and reverted back to 3-5-2 in a bid to regain control of a game looking increasingly one sided. However just 4 minutes into added time St Helens went ahead!! Thomas Gibbings had the ball just inside his own half and he spotted the run of Hughes, his clipped ball over the top was inch perfect and it found Hughes he took a touch away from the defender and as the keeper was quick off his line he managed to poke the ball beyond the Canada keeper it seemed to take an age to go in but in it went and the Town fans went mental, a quite remarkable turnaround by this young Saints side! St Helens 3-2 Canada, Hughes 94 (in ET)

and Town were 3-2 up in ET.

The early goal in extra time was just what Town's finish to the game merited and minutes later it almost got better a superb 4 man passing move saw the ball find Dugdale on the edge of the box, shoot was the cry from players and fans alike but Dugdale slipped a wonder pass through to Ainsworth who round the keeper and made it 4-2 only to be denied by the linesmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flag! Unlucky after a quite sensational spot from Dugdale. Town continued to dominate but the HT whistle sounded

No team talk just a quick switch round and the second half of ET was under way and Liam Beech and Dugdale were withdrawn as Keyes and Stanley were sent on in a bid to shut up shop and keep possession it worked for the majority of the half but with only 7 minutes of ET left Canada really should of equalised, a quick exchange of passes down the left saw the number 11 escape and his cut back evaded everyone bar a late arrival on the 6 yard box with the goal gaping he blazed a glorious chance high over the bar and Town survived. The final 5 minutes was ariel bombardment as Canada launched balls into the box but Town through heads in the way bodies on the line and repelled everything to see the game out After the game Alex Jardine said, 'With the absentees we have at the moment we've probably come up against the strongest team we've played all season and to go in at 2-1 down at HT and come away with a win after extra time shows the mental strength character and determination this young group has. We are delighted for the lads.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

St Helens Town U18s 3-2 Canada FC U18s Liverpool County FA Sun Youth Cup 1st Round Sunday 1st November 2015

KEEPER’S HALLOWE’EN HOWLER HANDS VICTORY TO TOWN Daisy Hill 1, St. Helens Town 2 by Glyn Jones Saturday’s game at New Sirs proved to be a tale of two goalkeepers, as St. Helens rode their luck to take three points from Daisy Hill. A blunder by home keeper Chris Taylor, handed Town the winning second goal, whilst a string of impressive saves from Matthew Hodge at the other end denied a Daisy Hill side whose strong performance belied their lowly league position. Town came into the game on the back of two league defeats against Stockport Town and Holker Old Boys and a midweek exit from the Liverpool Senior Cup at the hands of Premier Division title contenders Bootle, whereas Daisy Hill had recovered from a poor start with impressive wins over Irlam, Whitchurch Alport and Atherton L.R. in recent weeks, so St. Helens had to be careful not to give the early advantage to the home side. They began well enough, Johann du Toit going close just two minutes in, but centre half Craig Naylor, who was imperious throughout, put the Westhoughton side ahead after 27 minutes, a set-piece ball being headed on in Town’s packed penalty box, finding Naylor unmarked at the far post and with time to pick his spot, beating Hodge inside his far post. St. Helens re-gathered themselves soon afterwards, but had Hodge to thank for pulling off a fine diving save at full stretch from the same player after 34 minutes. The visitors began to get a foothold in midfield as the interval approached and launched an attack down the left, Andy Gillespie making good ground, before finding Ste Rigby, who could only slice his shot, but du Toit managed to reach out with his foot and place the ball inside the left post to level the scores on 44 minutes. Daisy Hill had the better of the early play in the second-half, but thanks in the main to Hodge, could not regain their lead. However, the match turned on its head in the 65th minute when du Toit headed innocuously towards the home cross bar, only for keeper Taylor, who initially appeared to catch the ball, to drop it over the line and into his net, thereby putting Town 2-1 ahead. Recovering from the shock, Daisy Hill pressed at the other end, but Hodge was again on hand to foil the attack. Home supporters claimed the Town keeper had handled outside his box, but no card was forthcoming and they had to make do with a free-kick, which Hodge again saved. The drama continued in the other penalty area when Andy Gillespie was manhandled part-way to the ground by Taylor, but tried to soldier on to take a half-chance at goal, when a penalty kick might easily have been given. That proved to be Town’s last chance to make the game safe and Naylor very nearly levelled the scores in the closing stages, but was thwarted by Hodge who surpassed his earlier efforts and pulled off the save of the match to deny Daisy Hill.

Daisy Hill 1-2 Town NWCFL Division One Saturday 31st October 2015

Nelson have announced the appointment of Paul Fildes as their new First Team Manager. Fildes, who is 34, takes over the managerial reins following the departure of Mark Fell last month and is a well-known face around the NWCFL, having had previous managerial experience at Barnoldswick Town as well as having played for a number of clubs including Nelson, Colne, Padiham and Runcorn Linnets. He now follows in the footsteps of his father Terry, who had two spells as Nelson manager. Speaking on the club website, Nelson Chief Executive Adam Keizer said: "We were looking for an ambitious local manager with good knowledge of the North West Counties and nonleague football, and someone who can buy into the culture and philosophy of the football club. “Having played for us Fildesy knows the club inside out and he beat some excellent candidates for the job. We were impressed with his vision for moving the club forwards, his enthusiasm and he's clearly very popular with everyone at the club, from the players to the Chairman to the supporters. “We're delighted to have him here as manager, he's got good links to local players and he's someone we feel can help develop and get the best out of the young talent we have in the squad, as well as the ability to attract quality local players to the club. “We're very excited about working with him and we will be working hard to ensure he has the resources to build an exciting team that can move the club forward". Once his appointment was announced, Paul Fildes said on his Twitter account: “Looking forward to the new challenge and thanks for all the support”. He takes charge of the team for the first time when the Admirals face Runcorn Linnets at home this Saturday at Little Wembley.

First Division Table as at Saturday 31st October 2015 First Division

W D

A GD Pts

Barnton

36 16 20 29

Cheadle Town

39 28 11 26

Ashton Town

33 18 15 25

Hanley Town

23 12 11 25

Stockport Town

29 33 -4 24

Irlam

24 11 13 22

Holker Old Boys

26 17

Bacup Borough

33 25

St Helens Town

5 28 27

Litherland REMYCA

19 18

Northwich Manchester 14 Villa

29 32 -3 17 17 31 -14 15

11 12

Atherton LR

Chadderton

6 20 25 -5 14

Rochdale Town

20 30 -10 14

Widnes

32 35 -3 13

Whitchurch Alport

23 39 -16 12

Daisy Hill

15 41 -26 11

Eccleshall

15 23 -8

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

Saturday 7th November 2015 Premier Division AFC Blackpool v Atherton Collieries Alsager Town v AFC Darwen Barnoldswick Town v Abbey Hey Bootle v Colne Cammell Laird 1907 v Squires Gate Congleton Town v Ashton Athletic Maine Road v Winsford United Nelson v Runcorn Linnets Padiham v West Didsbury & Chorlton Runcorn Town v AFC Liverpool Silsden v 1874 Northwich Monday 9th November 2015 Premier Division Winsford United v AFC Liverpool Tuesday 10th November 2015 Premier Division Bootle v Cammell Laird 1907 Cheshire Senior CUP 1874 Northwich v Alsager Town Stalybridge Celtic v Northwich Man Villa Lancashire Challenge Trophy AFC Fylde v Ashton Athletic Atherton LR v Padiham Bamber Bridge v Daisy Hill Colne v Holker Old Boys West Didsbury & Chorlton v Atherton Colls

Wednesday 11th November 2015 Lancashire Challenge Trophy Bacup Borough v Clitheroe Saturday 14th November 2015 Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Nelson Abbey Hey v Padiham AFC Darwen v Atherton Collieries AFC Liverpool v Silsden Ashton Athletic v Barnoldswick Town Cammell Laird 1907 v West Dids & Chorlton Colne v Alsager Town Congleton Town v Runcorn Town Maine Road v AFC Blackpool Runcorn Linnets v Bootle Squires Gate v Winsford United

Premier Division Table as at Wed 4th November 2015 Premier Division

W D

A GD Pts

Colne

16 12 3

48 19 29 39

1874 Northwich

18 10 4

41 33

Runcorn Linnets

15 11 0

31 16 15 33

Bootle

19 10 3

39 30

AFC Liverpool

18 9

51 34 17 32

Runcorn Town

17 9

38 24 14 30

Barnoldswick Town

17 8

37 28

Atherton Collieries

14 8

38 30

Cammell Laird 1907

19 7

41 37

Ashton Athletic

19 7

28 28

Abbey Hey

14 7

29 26

Nelson

17 7

32 28

West Didsbury & Chorlton

18 7

10 34 33

Padiham

18 6

36 38 -2 21

Maine Road

18 6

33 42 -9 21

Congleton Town

14 5

26 28 -2 19

Winsford United

16 5

23 31 -8 19

AFC Darwen

19 5

10 39 59 -20 19

Squires Gate

18 4

10 26 46 -20 16

Silsden

15 4

AFC Blackpool

16 3

11 27 52 -25 11

Alsager Town

15 1

12 19 41 -22 5

22 35 -13 15

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

Saturday 14th November 2015 First Division Ashton Town v Stockport Town Atherton LR v St Helens Town Bacup Borough v Whitchurch Alport Chadderton v Barnton Eccleshall v Cheadle Town Litherland REMYCA v Irlam Northwich Manchester Villa v Hanley Town Rochdale Town v Daisy Hill Widnes v Holker Old Boys Tuesday 17th November 2015 Premier Division AFC Blackpool v Barnoldswick Town Nelson v Squires Gate

Wednesday 18th November 2015 Premier Division AFC Liverpool v Cammell Laird 1907 Friday 20th November 2015 First Division Barnton v Litherland REMYCA

Saturday 21st November 2015 FA Vase 2nd Round AFC Mansfield v Alsager Town Atherton Collieries v Chadderton Colne v Newton Aycliffe Marske United v Runcorn Linnets Morpeth Town v 1874 Northwich Runcorn Town v Garforth Town Premier Division AFC Blackpool v Cammell Laird 1907 AFC Darwen v Abbey Hey Barnoldswick Town v Congleton Town Bootle v Maine Road Winsford United v Silsden

First Division Cheadle Town v Northwich Man Villa Eccleshall v Ashton Town Hanley Town v Bacup Borough Holker Old Boys v Atherton LR St Helens Town v Daisy Hill Stockport Town v Rochdale Town Whitchurch Alport v Irlam