St Helens Town v Chadderton 2015-16 by John McKiernan

CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens Vice Presidents: Jim Barrett and Steve Ball Chairman: John McKiernan (07713 339682) Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Voller (07843 692695)

Saturday 190th Oct 2015, 3.00pm NWCFL, First Division St Helens Town

Chadderton

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

Graham McLoughlin

Gls Y R

Orange & Black Shirts Orange & Black Shorts & Socks No

Matthew Green

Matty Davidson

Macauley Harewood

Jack Marshall

Nathan Martin

Luke Gibson

Ben Greenidge

Dale Sealey

Hospitality: Margaret Wood and Paul Wood

Dillan O’Connor

Ant Whelan

Chris Pauley

Trustees: John McKiernan and Eric Bond

Charlie Duke

Timothy Ojapah

David Baines

Sean Sherwood

1st Team Joint Managers: Alan Gillespie & Nick Matthews

Andy Gillespie

Niall Sultan

Johan Du Toit

James Curley

U21s Team Manager: John McLaughlan

Stephen Rigby

Lee Knowles

Marcus Perry

Adam Turner

Alex Nwachukwu

Ryan Lyons

U18s Team Manager: Ellis Hawksworth

Jack Golding

Liam Woods

Matty Lennon

Keith Melvin

U18s Assistant Manager: Alex Jardine

Tom Bradley

David Glynn

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.

U21s Assistant Manager: Billy Davies

Club Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Shirt Sponsor: EcigUK St Helens Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002

Gls Y R

Managers: Steve Patterson and Mark Cook

Referee: Mr Matt Scholes (Bolton) Assistants: Mr P Rigby (Liverpool) & Mr E Duckworth (Preston)

Match Sponsor

K. A. ELECTRICAL

07834 374 014 @kadavieselec

Company Director: Jim Barrett Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited Cover Photograph: Andy Gillespie in action at Hanley on Saturday 26 September 2015

Match Ball Sponsor

CONOR McGINN MP 6th Floor Century House St Helens, Merseyside

Next Home Game: Tuesday 13th October 2015 St Helens Town v Widnes NWCL, Division One Adults £5, Concessions £3

Good afternoon and welcome to Brocstedes Park on Non-League day for this North West Counties Football League, First Division 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. I would also like to welcome any first time supporters who have ventured to Brocstedes Park this afternoon to take advantage of our “Pay What You Want” offer and hopefully you will enjoy the experience so much that you want to return in future. If you do then we would welcome your support on Tuesday evening when we host Widnes in what is the first league derby game between the clubs. It has been three weeks since we were here at Brocstedes Park taking on Cheadle Town in our last league encounter prior to this afternoons contest. We fell behind twice on the day as first an early well struck free kick found the corner of the net before a corner was met by Dale Sealey and diverted home by Andy Gillespie. The visitors regained the lead before another effort from Gillespie which took his tally to ten for the season earned the hosts a share of the spoils. We then turned our attention to cup action as first we visited Hanley Town in the Men United Challenge Cup. The performance was below par and we were lucky to only be one goal behind at the interval thanks in no small part to some good saves by Graham McLoughlin in the visitors goal. In the second half St Helens fell further behind and netted a late consolation through Jack Golding on his birthday as we exited the competition at the first hurdle. Last Saturday we visited Rochdale for the second time in less than a month on this occasion in FA Vase action. The hosts scored first unlike the two league meetings this term but St Helens Town levelled through Declan Gregson his first goal for the club but a poor start to the second period saw the hosts net soon after the restart and a spell of three goals in five minutes put the result well beyond doubt. Rochdale added a sixth before Andy Gillespie netted from the penalty spot late on to equal his goalscoring tally from last term of 11 goal in just 12 matches this season. We turn our attentions to this afternoon as we welcome a Chadderton side who we played in the opening game of the season coming from a goal behind to record a 3-1 success and I am sure that everyone involved at St Helens Town would take a repeat of that scoreline this afternoon as we look to break the run of six matches without a victory. The visitors have yet to record a victory away from home so far this season but have had some good results recently including recovering from being 3-2 behind to beat Widnes 4-3 last Saturday. With it being Non-League Day this afternoon we will have some events going on including a bucket collection in aid of Prostate Cancer UK and a chance to win a downloadable version of Football Manager 2016 thanks to Non League Day UK and Sports Interactive Limited. Please give our fundraising your support.

Let’s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them onto victory. 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 NWCFL Division One coaching in America the vacant Saturday 8th August 2015 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

at St Helens Town NWC-D1

Previous Meetings 2000-01

at Chadderton NWC-D2

Home

NWC-D1

2001-02

NWC-D2

Away

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

NWC-D1

2007-08

NWC-D2

NWC-PD

2008-09

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2009-10

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2010-11

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2011-12

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2012-13

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2013-14

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2014-15

NWC-D1

10/10/2015

2015-16

08/08; 3-1

Collated

Chadderton - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

St Helens Town games since...

Chadderton games since...

All Competitions

Clean sheet Goal Scored

Clean sheet

Goal Scored

St Helens Town Scores First Games Played

1 1

Loss

St Helens Town Wins

No score draw

Draws

Chadderton Wins

Score draw

St Helens Town Goals

Win

Chadderton Goals

Percentage Town Wins

100.00

Previous Meetings

All Competitions P

Win %

Home

50.00

Away

-6

10.00

Collated

-20

30.00

Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park for this NWCFL Division One game with Chadderton FC on Non League Day 2015. Let’s hope the Chaddy players, officials and supporters along with our own following are treated to an entertaining encounter. May I thank today’s match Kroiy Davies of K. A. Davies Electrical who are in their second season sponsoring Town and we also welcome and thank Conor McGinn MP for St Helens North who is in attendance today as our match ball sponsor and for his support as we look to make a return to the borough. Congratulations go to club captain Andy Gillespie who this was announced as the NWCFL Division One Player of the Month for September (full details are in today’s match programme). While results have been disappointing Andy’s individual performances have merited such a great accolade. Recent performances have meant we are without a win in the last six games and we need to get back on track very quickly in what is turning out to be a very competitive division. As expected we’ve had the usual early season player departures and arrivals and hopefully those who have stepped up from the U21s will continue to develop while those joining the club will hopefully settle in quickly. I am still on the look-out for Player, Match and Ball sponsors for a few remaining games this season player sponsorship is available at £100 as is match sponsorship while a ball can be sponsored for as little as £50. Al proceeds help the club ensure it can support players across our U18s, U21s, First and Sunday teams.

In offering their support to the club sponsors are helping the our constant battle for survival from season to season and in return I ask you to use them when possible - whether it’s a taxi or a new shirt; local band or an electrician we’ve got a whole range of local and regional support. And don’t forget to give the club a mention if you do use them! It’s a quick turnaround for Town with a rare midweek outing here at Brocstedes Park when Widnes FC are our visitors on Tuesday evening in the NWCFL. We look forward to hosting our near neighbours in a genuine local derby.

As part of Non League Day we are holding a bucket collection and half time raffle in aid of Prostate UK - please give generously. Enjoy the game and hopefully we’ll see some of you back on Tuesday evening.

John McKiernan Chairman, St Helens Town AFC 07713 339 682

Silsden – the Cobbydalers have taken delivery of a new multi-purpose pre-fab building, which will be used for match day catering and hospitality, as well as for the junior teams to use when the club house is unavailable due to private hire. An outdoor children’s play area and decking for parents to sit out and watch their children is also being planned at the Angel Telecom Stadium. West Didsbury & Chorlton – West had some unexpected visitors for their FA Vase tie against Barton Town Old Boys, with four fans from Hamburg in Germany making their way to Brookburn Road for the game. The four were associated with a German amateur club FC Alu, and bought West scarves, programmes and badges to commemorate their visit and promised to come back if they were ever in the area again. 1874 Northwich - the Greens skipper Neil Chappell has informed the club that he has decided to retire from football to spend more time with his family. Neil made the switch to the Barton Stadium after a long association with Maine Road in the summer of 2014. Chadderton – the club’s academy team has had four players from the squad called up for the Manchester County Under 18s squad to face Durham. Jack Snape, Reece Axon, Levi Simic and Ben Matthews are all members of a squad that made a great start to the season in the North West Youth Alliance League.

Nelson – the club’s Junior Academy is up and running once more, taking place every Saturday morning at Nelson and Colne College. The Academy is part of the club’s commitment to promoting sport and wellbeing in the local community and has proved hugely popular so far. Whitchurch Alport - Tuesday 27th October sees a League first, as Alport become the first ever NWCFL club to take part in the Shropshire FA Senior Cup when they travel to face Shifnal Town. AFC Blackpool have been awarded FA Cup prize fund money, as a result of Northwich Victoria playing an ineligible player in the First Round Qualifying tie between the two clubs on Friday 11th September. Northwich Victoria won the game 4-0, and progressed to the Second Round Qualifying against Hyde United on Saturday 26th September 2015, a game in which the player in question also played. An FA Sub-Committee have decided not to remove Northwich Victoria from the competition, and ordered the Second Round Qualifying tie to be replayed to a conclusion at Hyde United on Saturday 10th October 2015.

The Sub-Committee acknowledged the fact that AFC Blackpool did not have the opportunity to progress in the competition and decided that Northwich Victoria should forfeit the prize fund payment for the First Round Qualifying, and awarded that payment to AFC Blackpool. League Secretary John Deal said: "The League Management Committee are disappointed at this decision, and give the circumstances, believe that AFC Blackpool should have been reinstated into the competition. We have been in contact with the FA to make them aware of our view, and they have responded to say that our comments have been noted".

CHADDERTON FC Today I wanted to talk a little about my experiences with the visitor ‘Chaddy’. Along with St Helens Town they are the stand out clubs in the division for giving me a fantastic welcome, the side from North Manchester have also provided me with some very entertaining games too.

My Spoon time started off at Hanley Town’s first foray into the world of Step 6, which was my main intention of the day, seeing a club take its first tentative steps. A beautiful afternoon in August 2013, and as the nerves settled for the hosts and their opponents who were under their brand new management team, the spoils were shared in an entertaining 2-2 draw. Six or so weeks later, I took the short trip over the Ship Canal to Irlam for a Manchester Premier Cup match, what I witnessed is still in my top 5 ever games. The first half was ok and a fair number of chances went begging as the visitors led 1-0. The second period was like when two boxers stand in the middle of the ring and have a slugfest, it was pure end to end stuff in the rain, a couple of moments of handbags thrown-in and Irlam finished with a 5-4 win. A couple of months later and I again witnessed Chaddy on their travels, this time at near rivals Rochdale Town. Yet again a goal feast was offered up for the few who had made their way to Castleton. The hosts looked physically bigger and this showed in the physical encounter as Town were the victors 6-2. Buoyed by the previous match, I made my first trip to Andrew Street for the reverse fixture, once again the physical side shone through as Rochdale were victorious, despite a wonderful welcome, I couldn’t believe I only saw 3 goals, all for the visitors. I didn’t get to see Chadderton for a while for one reason or another, but towards the end of 2014 I was at their home for the FA Vase tie against Newcastle Benfield. This match followed hot on the heels of an incredible comeback days earlier in the competition at Darwen, where 30 down in no time, they vectored 5-3.

As the Northern League Chairman came along to witness the inevitable victory, the hosts completed an incredible week winning 2-1. In the first half in particular, it was one-way traffic, but Chaddy somehow managed to repel what was thrown at them, scoring either side of a 20 minutes goalmouth scramble. Yes, it was that bad; when the second regained the lead for them, I have never seen a team deflate as visibly as I did Benfield that day.

Following a deserved 2-1 home victory against Widnes and a last day of the season play-off spot clinching away win at Ashton Town, 3-0 the score, I have witnessed 2 draws this season. After missing an early penalty at Cheadle Town they came from behind to draw 1-1, followed by another amazing match, at home to Bacup Borough. I still have no idea how it finished 0-0, could and should have been 3-3 by half-time, and it continued in a similar vein for the second half. If today’s match is as entertaining as any I have seen them in, you are in for a cracker today, enjoy. www.footballspoon.net

Marcus Perry

Following local government reorganisation in 1974, it was decided to apply to the College of Heralds for a new Coat of Arms, to incorporate those areas joining together to form the new Borough of St Helens.

A design brief was prepared by Councillor G R Parr, a Councillor for East Sutton who had training in graphic design. This was accepted and highly commended by the College of Heralds, with only a small amount of alteration. The silver shield contains:

  



   



The black cross of Haydock and Eccleston and the two blue bars of Parr In the top left hand corner is the red diagonal cross of the Gerards, representing Ashton and Seneley Green. In the top right hand corner is the black griffin of Bold, representing Rainhill, Bold and also Whiston RDC. (These were displayed on the previous County Borough of St Helens Coat of Arms issued in 1876). In the bottom left hand corner is the red cross of Pilkingtons, representing Windle. In the bottom right hand corner is the red crosslet of Billinge. The crest above the helmet is that of Lord Newton, representing Newton UDC and Haydock UDC. There is also the addition of two red fleur de lys on the body of the Ram. The supporters, a golden lion and a black griffin are differenced by seven red fleur de lys on the lion and seven black bars on the wing of the griffin, to denote the seven authorities which make up the Borough. The motto "PROSPERITAS IN EXCELSIS" is taken from the Rainford Council badge of office and means "Flourishing Well".

In recent times, and particularly since the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, some local people had advocated that the motto on the St Helens Coat of Arms be changed from 'Prosperitas in Excelsis' (Flourishing Well), to 'Ex Terra Lucem' (Out of the Earth - Light). The Ex Terra Lucem motto had been particularly prominent in 2012 due to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. The writer of the Opening Ceremony was Frank Cottrell Boyce, born locally in Rainhill, who attended local schools. Frank Cottrell Boyce had made it clear that Ex Terra Lucem was a significant influence on the development of the Opening Ceremony. It appeared to be particularly relevant to the development of the cauldron idea from which the Olympic Flame was lit. The Opening Ceremony captured the imagination of people worldwide, but had also led many people locally to question whether we should adopt Ex Terra Lucem as the motto on our Coat of Arms in place of Prosperitas in Excelsis. It was felt that it was more appropriate to the town's history and had more meaning for local people, representing hope for the future. A number of people had raised this and requested that the Council consider replacing the motto. A public consultation commenced on 17 January 2013 and at its meeting held on 17 April 2013, Council resolved to revert back to the original motto of 'Ex Terra Lucem'. The Coat of Arms remained the same.

Fifteen of the best from West Without a doubt the headline performance of the weekend was provided by West Didsbury & Chorlton, who recorded the highest ever win by a NWCFL club in League history when they beat Dinnington Town 15-1 in the FA Vase Second Qualifying Round. West were 8-1 up at half time against their opponents from the Central Midlands League North Division, and in the end nine different players got on the scoresheet, with two own goals thrown in for good measure. Well done to West, for entering the history books! Congleton Town love cup ties There's something about cup ties that bring out the best in Congleton Town this season, with Saturday's 4-3 FA Vase win at Emley the latest in a series of fine cup results in the past few weeks. The Bears were 3-1 down with 15 minutes to go, but two goals from Declan Fletcher and the second of the game for Scott McGowan clinched a fine comeback. The duo have an impressive goalscoring record in cup competitions this season with Fletcher on eight and McGowan seven - Congleton's next opponents should take note. Rochdale's Vase goalscoring form For the second round in a row, Rochdale Town scored six goals in an FA Vase tie, with Saturday's 6-2 win over St Helens Town following on from their amazing 6-5 win over Parkgate in the last round, a game in which they were four goals down in the first half. On that occasion Jonny Thompson and Kristian Evans were both on target twice for Town, and Thompson continued his goalscoring love affair with the Vase on Saturday when he grabbed another double and this time was joined by Scott Alfrey who also scored twice. Town's league form has been inconsistent but they certainly come alive in the Vase. Friday night football popular once again at Colls Once again, Atherton Colls enjoyed a good Friday evening crowd at Alder House, with a season's best attendance of 429 turning up for the Flat Cap derby against Atherton LR. The attendance follows ni the footsteps of other good attendances on Friday evenings last season, and as the official Atherton Colls Twitter feed reported - "Tonight's game confirms that @ACFC1916 v @AthertonLRFC games are the real deal. Local pride! Mind blowing attendance!!" Linnets looking good Runcorn Linnets moved to the top of the Premier Division table for the first time this season with a 3-0 win at Ashton Athletic. Always among the promotion favourites in recent seasons, and runners-up in the past two seasons, Linnets made a slower start than expected this season, but now sit on top of the pile once more, and will again be one of the teams to beat in the promotion chase this 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

John Cahill

Sat 22/08/15

Irlam

Sat 29/08/15

Rochdale Town

PC Problems St Helens Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Wheel Pro - Alloy Wheel Repairs & Refurbishment

Anthony Hall - Exiled Geordie on Merseyside

Sat 12/09/15

Barnton

Toast Café, St Helens

LM Travel

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

Mike Cole Web Design

Britannia Taxis

Sat 21/11/15

Daisy Hill

CelebLook Ladies & Girls Fashion

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

Sat 05/12/15

Hanley Town

Stillia

Sat 19/12/15

Eccleshall

Northern Rags

Sat 16/01/16

Stockport Town

Michael Allison

Sat 06/02/16

Bacup Borough

Mon 28/03/16

Ashton Town

Sat 16/04/16

Northwich Manchester Villa

Wilf Marshall & Finding Furever Homes

Sat 23/04/16

Whitchurch Alport

Invisible Heroes

Stuart Pyke Rylance Fishmongers

Extra Time Academy

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

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

OCT 13 WIDNES

NWCFL

7.45

Oct 17

NWCFL

3.00

OCT 24 HOLKER OLD BOYS

NWCFL

3.00

Oct 27

Bootle

LSC 1R

7.45

Oct 31

Daisy Hill

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 7

CHADDERTON /BACUP

FDC 2R

3.00

Nov 14

Atherton LR

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 21 DAISY HILL

NWCFL

3.00

Nov 28

NWCFL

3.00

DEC 05 HANLEY TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

DEC 19 ECCLESHALL

NWCFL

3.00

Dec 26

Ashton Town

NWCFL

3.00

Jan 09

Northwich Manchester Villa NWCFL

3.00

Stockport Town

Bacup Borough

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

Irlam

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

Nwachukwu7

Duke

D.Whelan3

Bradley

Perry11

Rooney

Rigby10

McLoughlin

Baines

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie1

Lorde

Kelly

Perry10

Duke

Griffiths

Andy Gillespie1

Nwachukwu

Golding

Lorde6

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

Gregson1

Lennon8

Golding10

Hoult11

Graham

Bradley

Baines

A.Whelan

Andy Gillespie1

Du Toit

St Helens Town Player Sponsors 2015-16 Matty Lennon Premier Parking Luke Gibson Leech Bedrooms & Kitchens Dale Sealey Leech Bedrooms & Kitchens Jordan Lorde Gibney's Jewellers David Baines SG Specialist Roofing Johan du Toit Total Building Care Tom Bradley Kealshore Graeme Begley 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 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

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

0-4

2-2

4-1

3-0

3-2

0-3

5-2

0-1

1-6

3-3

1-4

1-6

Chadderton

1-1

2-1

1-1

2-2

2-1

Daisy Hill

1-1

2-2

4-0

5-1

4-3

0-3

4-2

0-2

1-2

0-1

2-2

1-2

0-3

3-1

0-4

2-1

1-0

1-1

1-3

1-1

2-1

3-0

2-0

2-1

4-2

1-1

2-3

4-0

1-2

0-3

3-1

1-3

1-2

1-0

1-2

2-1

4-1

0-0

3-3

4-1

1-0

0-0

5-3

Whitchurch Alport

Cheadle Town

Bacup Borough

0-0

Hanley Town

2-1

St Helens Town

Chadderton

5-5

0-2

Litherland REMYCA

Barnton

Atherton LR

2-3

Holker Old Boys 3-2

5-1

Rochdale Town

Bacup Borough

Ashton Town

1-1

Barnton

0-1

Stockport Town

Atherton LR

Cheadle Town

4-3

Eccleshall

3-2

Irlam

2-3

Northwich M Villa

Ashton Town

North West Counties Football League Division One Season 2015-16 Wednesday 07/10/15

2-2

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 59 - Season 2005-06 North West Counties League Team Cammell Laird (-6) Skelmersdale United Alsager Town Nantwich Town Salford City Newcastle Town Curzon Ashton St. Helens Town Colne (-6) Maine Road Abbey Hey Congleton Town Squires Gate Silsden (-6) Trafford (-3) Glossop North End Bacup Borough Ramsbottom United Atherton Collieries Atherton L.R. Stone Dominoes Formby Opponents Abbey Hey Alsager Town Atherton Collieries Atherton L.R. Bacup Borough Cammell Laird Colne Congleton Town Curzon Ashton Formby Glossop North End Maine Road Nantwich Town Newcastle Town Ramsbottom United Salford City Silsden Skelmersdale United Squires Gate Stone Dominoes Trafford

P 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 Home Mar 21 Aug 16 Feb 11 Sep 3 Feb 21 Jan 2 Oct 11 Dec 10 Mar 25 Apr 18 Mar 11 Dec 3 Feb 14 Dec 13 May 2 May 4 Feb 4 Aug 23 Sep 20 Jan 14 Oct 22

W 35 28 27 26 23 21 20 20 22 17 14 15 12 16 13 12 13 9 7 7 5 4

D 3 7 7 6 10 9 8 7 3 10 12 8 15 8 13 11 8 18 9 8 5 7 Result Drew 1-1 Lost 1-4 Lost 0-1 Drew 2-2 Lost 0-2 Lost 1-3 Won 6-1 Lost 1-2 Won 2-0 Won 2-1 Won 2-1 Won 2-1 Won 2-0 Won 2-1 Won 2-0 Lost 0-2 Won 3-2 Lost 2-5 Won 1-0 Won 2-1 Won 1-0

L 4 7 8 10 9 12 14 15 17 15 16 19 15 18 16 19 21 15 26 27 32 31

F 126 119 87 91 79 97 72 70 84 65 61 50 43 76 71 62 44 45 43 40 39 43 Away Aug 13 Feb 28 Sep 17 Oct 8 Apr 29 Oct 18 Sep 7 Nov 5 Mar 18 Dec 26 Apr 1 Jan 7 Apr 22 Oct 1 Oct 15 Aug 20 Feb 18 Jan 21 Apr 25 Nov 26 Dec 17

A 36 48 43 37 46 52 66 68 70 56 70 63 62 75 56 78 62 60 93 115 146 105

Pts 102 91 88 84 79 72 68 67 63 61 54 53 51 50 49 47 47 45 30 29 20 19

Result Lost 1-2 Won 1-0 Won 2-0 Won 2-0 Won 2-0 Lost 1-3 Lost 2-3 Won 3-1 Lost 0-2 Won 1-0 Drew 3-3 Won 2-1 Lost 1-2 Drew 4-4 Drew 0-0 Won 2-1 Lost 2-4 Lost 1-6 Drew 1-1 Drew 3-3 Lost 1-2

FA CUP Aug 27

Ex-Prelim.

Crook Town

Away

Won

3-0

Sep 10

Prelim.

NORTHALLERTON TOWN

Home

Drew

3-3

Sep 14

Replay

Northallerton Town

Away

Won

3-2

ALFRETON TOWN

Home

Lost

0-2

Sep 24

1 Qual.

FA VASE Oct 29

1st Rd.

Marske United

Away

Won

3-2

Nov 19

2nd Rd.

DUNSTON FEDERATION BREWERY

Home

Lost

1-3

NWCFL CHALLENGE CUP Nov 12

2nd Rd.

ATHERTON L.R.

Home

Won

4-1

Jan 28

3rd Rd.

ALSAGER TOWN

Home

Lost

1-3

LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP Nov 1

1st Rd.

Prescot Cables

Away

Drew

2-2*

Jan 31

2nd Rd.

Marine

Away

Lost

1-4

Player Barnes, David Burns, Michael Byers, Darren Carroll, Lee Clifton, Ray Cringle, Dave Dahl, Paul Dickson, Lee Duffy, Stephen Dyson, Iain Earley, Dean Forrester, Paul Gibiliru, Joe (Jr. Gibiliru, Joe (Snr) Griffiths, Colin Grogan, Paul Halpin, John Hickey, Liam Howard, Phil Hughes, Lee Jensen, Gary Kennedy, Ross Kilroy, Mark McKane, Jay

App 25 8 15 2 14 3 2 2 1 3 31 14 36 2 12 24 4 1 5 2 33 3 14 14

Sub 10 1 2 1 4 1 2 2 2 1 15 2 -

Total 25 8 25 2 14 4 2 4 1 4 35 14 37 4 12 24 4 3 7 2 34 18 16 14

Goals

5 14

Player Madin, Lee (Jr.) Mason, Phil Milsom, Jordan Molyneux, Dave Mullally, Paul Nazianya, Chris Obong, Ben Oldham, Ian Owens, Michael Paxton, Andy Pearson, Matt Pegram, Lee Pomford, Paul Roberts, Neil Robinson, Karl Sheppard, Chris Showers, Mischa Street, Ian Watson, Stephen Wallace, Steven Westworth, Mark Own Goals Totals

*Game v Prescot Cables won 0-3 on penalties after extra time

App 35 7 26 29 5 22 41 4 1 10 45 7 35 21 9 2 1 2

Sub 6 7 3 1 3 3 6 1 8 24 2 1 1 1 2 1 1

Total 41 14 29 1 32 8 28 1 49 4 1 34 47 7 36 22 10 2 2 2 3

Goals 22

572

114

686

1 1 5

3 1 3

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

Good afternoon and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties Football League First Division game.

September has definitely been a disappointing month on and off the field. On the pitch we dropped points at home in both the Barnton and Cheadle Town games with a little more luck we could have and should have taken six points from those two games. I always like to speak the truth and in the month of September our away performances just have not been good enough. Sadly, the month of September also seen the departure of a few players. We knew before the start of the season that we would be likely to lose a few lads to bigger clubs; this all after such a promising start to the season. Sean Kelly and Ste Milne both moved on to Runcorn Town; Sean has started all si games since moving and I can definitely see him moving even higher up the non league ladder as he is a superb left back. Alex Chu moved to Clitheroe and Alex Russell to Winsford United.

With a few lads outgoing it is important that we add to the squad, hopefully a few signings will be brought in over the next week or two and we did however manage to sign on Adam Lawrence and Luke Gibson from our neighbours Ashton Athletic. Both are defenders; Luke Gibson I know very well as he was my skipper up at Atherton LR. He is a very commanding, vocal centre half and although only in his early 20's he has over 100 NWCFL games under his belt. Adam comes from a very good footballing pedigree as his grandad is Liverpool legend Tommy Lawrence. Adam looks very comfortable anywhere in the back four. Josh Hoult was moved up from the u21 squad and he is a very lively attack minded player. Josh made a cameo appearance at Rochdale Town in the FA vase and did not look out of place. The boys continue to work very hard during training and I am sure the hard work they are putting in will enable us to start picking up points again. Nick Matthews First Team Joint Manager

St. Helens Town 2, Cheadle Town 2 by Glyn Jones If St. Helens Town thought life in the First Division would be easier than that which they had been used to in the Premier Division, their early season optimism has all-but disappeared. Three wins in the opening fixtures seemed straightforward enough but, five games on, it seems they can’t buy a win. Two points from 15 tells its own story and, as the poor run continued last week, they struggled to take a point from the home fixture with Cheadle Town on Saturday. The game produced another lacklustre performance, with several players involved in positional changes. With only seven minutes on the clock, Town fell behind to a screamer of a free kick from over 30 yards out, expertly placed by Chris Sherrington, just out of home keeper Tom Bradley’s reach. St. Helens then woke from their slumbers and Johan du Toit launched a tremendous drive which Steve Piggott did well to save. Soon afterwards, Town equalised through Dale Sealey’s header from a corner in the 17th minute, but then surrendered their lead almost immediately when a poor clearance by Bradley was returned by Luke Hincks, again from long distance, right over the hapless goalie’s head and into the empty net. The second half was another story and, once again, the injection of speedy substitutes Marcus Perry, Charlie Duke and Jack Golding, made all the difference. Sealey cut through the visitors’ defence but, just as it seemed he might fire home, the ball bobbled under his feet and the danger passed. Golding then went on a similar run in the 68th minute and he linked with Gillespie and the captain finished well for his 9th goal of the season.

As the game drew to its close, Gillespie turned provider for Perry, whose shot spun across the face of the goal and was very nearly turned in at the far post by a Cheadle defender. Play then switched to the other end of the field and Bradley pulled off a double save to deny the visitors a winner and the final whistle sounded with 2-2 a fair result. Town currently sit in mid-table, with three wins, two draws and three defeats, but with a game or two in hand over many of the teams above them. However, they will need to rediscover the winning habit before long if they are to launch an assault on the play-off places. The draw for the opening ties of this season’s Liverpool Senior Cup has been made and St. Helens Town face a testing trip to Bootle, with the game set to take place on Tuesday, 27th October. As a consequence, the league match at Holker Old Boys has been put back to a date to be fixed.

Jack Marshall

North West Counties Football League DIVISION ONE Player of the Month - September 2015 ANDY GILLESPIE OF ST HELENS TOWN The Town skipper had another fine month for St Helens Town in September, taking his tally to 10 goals as he aims to be the First Team top goal corer for the third season in a row. He has almost equalled his goal scoring tally of 11 goals from last term in the first two months of the season with a record of 10 goals in 11 games at the end of September. Despite being only 24 years old he is the club captain and a real leader both on and off the pitch. Andy has been an inspiration to his teammates, having recovered from two season ending injures on Easter Monday 2014 & 2015, but he has bounced back both times and this term having a full pre-season of hard work behind him, has seen him looking at his sharpest. He has been the focal point of the team this term and leads from the front inspiring the team with his work rate, selfless play and also chipping in with goals. Often ploughing a lonely furrow up front on his own as a lone striker, he is both a creator, holding the ball up, bringing others into play and creating space for his teammates with his intelligent runs. Andy can score goals with his head and both feet and his versatility means he scores every type goal imaginable. His excellent play has been commented on by opponents throughout the month of September, during which he scored five goals in six games. Andy is sponsored by ArcoFrame, St Helens

Andy Gillespie

Q1. Which is the only team in the English top four divisions whose name starts with five consonants? Q2. Which England goalkeeper won more full international caps, Gordan Banks or David Seaman? Q3. True or False? Celtic & Rangers are the only Scottish clubs to have won a European trophy? Q4. What was Sir Bobby Robson’s first job after leaving school aged 15? Q5. What is Jurgen Klopp’s middle name? Q6. Which midfielder set an unwanted Premier League record last season when he was booked in seven consecutive games? Q7. What was significant about Rafael Marquez’s appearance for Mexico at the 2014 World Cup? Q8. Who are the three Welsh teams playing in the English top four divisions? Q9. Which team are second behind Barcelona in the list of most Copa Del Rey trophy wins? Q10. Which player is the all time top goalscorer in Serie A history? Q11. Which four clubs from Moscow currently compete in the Russian Premier League? Q12. Which Football League club play at Glanford Park? Q13. Who is the only international footballer to have played for his country in four different decades 1980’s – 2010’s? Q14. Which Bundesliga outfit are nicknamed the Brazilians of Breisgau? Q15. Which former Premier League defender has appeared at a record eight African Cup of Nation finals tournaments?

1) Crystal Palace 2) David Seaman 75 to Bank’s 73 3) False, Aberdeen won the Cup Winners Cup in 1983 4) Electrician 5) Norbert 6) Joey Barton 7) It was his fourth World Cup as captain, a record 8) Cardiff, Swansea & Newport County 9) Athletic Club Bilbao on 23 10) Silvio Piola 11) CSKA, Dynamo. Lokomotiv & Spartak 12) Scunthorpe United 13) Jari Litmanen Finland 1989-2010 14) Freiburg 15) Rigobert Song

The present St. Helens Town club is in its 69th league season. The first two 1947-49 were spent in the Liverpool County Combination, the period 1949-75 in membership of the Lancashire Combination, followed by 7 years in the Cheshire League and the last 30 in the North West Counties League, where they are the only club in permanent membership of the top division. During the early years, the newly reformed club had lofty ambitions, just as the original club had harboured in the early years of the last century. Success in the Liverpool County Combination culminated in the club’s first trophy, the George Mahon Cup, which was won in a thrilling final against Runcorn at Prescot on 7th May 1949. The following season, 1949/50, Town joined the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination, gaining promotion at the second attempt. Big crowds at Hoghton Road during the late 1940's and early 1950's

Back in 1951, long before the establishment of the football pyramid, the Lancashire Combination and the Cheshire League were widely regarded as the Football League’s Fifth Division. Leading clubs from both competitions vied for membership of the Football League. New Brighton had just failed to be reelected to the Third Division (North) and dropped into the Lancashire Combination, where they came up against Town on 20th October at the Tower Grounds, Garner and Sumner each scoring in a creditable 2-2 draw. Wigan Athletic were prominent members of the Combination (and, later on, the Cheshire League) and many St. Helens Town supporters were of the opinion that, whatever Wigan could do, Town could also do. There was a great deal of ambition around the Town club, built on the back of early successes, that a Football League place could be an achievable aim. After all, despite the competition from the Saints at Knowsley Road, several thousand men travelled from St. Helens every week to watch Everton and Liverpool. Success on the football field might well persuade a good number of those people to watch their football on their St. Helens doorsteps. Town’s first season in the First Division of the Lancashire Combination was an uphill struggle. Nevertheless, three wins from the last five games almost secured their status and they finished just two points adrift of Rossendale United in 20th place. 1952/53 began well enough and there were 6 wins and a draw from the first 7 games. However, there was unrest at Hoghton Road, where crowds were not as good as many thought they should be. It was generally thought that a move to a ground nearer the town centre would result in bigger support and with the bigger gates, the club would be able to attract better players and further its ambitions for Football League status. St. Helens Recs. Rugby League club had played professional rugby at City Road between the wars, but the Pilkingtons company had withdrawn their financial support in April 1939 and the ground had stood empty until 1949, when Pilkington Recs. were re-born as an amateur rugby league club. Pilkingtons were approached and the company’s board agreed to make City Road available to St. Helens Town. The Town Chairman, W. P. Smith, told the local press that the club had come to the cross-roads and a drastic solution to the club’s financial problems had to be found. It was a question of raising income or

disband. Not enough people were willing to pay their shilling at the gate. It was announced that a meeting would be held in the refreshment hut following the Droylsden game on 22nd November to discuss the proposed move. The momentous decision was taken to relocate to City Road and the first game, a Liverpool Non-League Cup game against Stoneycroft, resulted in an 8-1 victory. The following week, 6th December, Morecambe Reserves were dispatched 8-0. Ronnie Rigby scored 4 goals in each match.

St Helens Town 2-1 Runcorn Town George Mahon Trophy Final Saturday 7th May 1949

Crowds were encouraging at first, although they were a little disappointing if Saints were at home the same day. The season was quite successful, but Town ran out of steam towards the end, finishing in fourth place and just missing out on promotion.

1953/54 season began at City Road but, by the end of October, Town were back at Hoghton Road and the ground was taken off the market. A renewed appeal was made for more volunteers to assist the club and for supporters to be militant, rather than passive and to back the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ten shilling shares scheme to secure the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial future. Part-way through the season, First Division Bootle folded and Town made application to take over their fixtures. However, their application was rejected and the season ended with some poor results. The following campaign, 1954/55, was worse and the club finished in eighteenth position yet, curiously, were promoted back to the St Helens Town 1950s First Division. Predictably, 1955/56, in the First Division, was a bridge too far. Three wins and three draws from 38 games (conceding 110 goals) resulted in a last place finish and, more importantly, the bitter realisation that ambitions for higher status were further away than ever before. Glyn Jones

Town 2-2 Cheadle Town NWCFL Division One Saturday 19th September 2015

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 L L L L Cup L Cup 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 15/10/2015 19:45 Irlam St Helens Town Irlam FC 18/10/2015 12:00 St Helens Town Irlam Edge Hill University #2 25/10/2015 11:00 Winsford United St Helens Town Winsford United FC 01/11/2015 12:00 St Helens Town Irlam Edge Hill University #1 08/11/2015 11:00 Rochdale St Helens Town Hyde United FC 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 *0-0 after extra time St Helens Town won on penalty kicks 2-4

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

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 28/02/2016

RES W 1-3 W 3-1 W 4-5 D 0-0 W 2-1 W 1-3 W 4-1 L 2-1 14:30 14:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00

HOME Egerton FC St Helens Town Marine St Helens Town St Helens Town Altrincham St Helens Town Macclesfield Town Macclesfield Town St Helens Town West D & Chorlton Chorley St Helens Town St Helens Town Irlam FC St Helens Town Nelson St Helens Town AFC Blackpool St Helens Town Bolton Wyresdale St Helens Town Vauxhall Motors Chester Colts

AWAY St Helens Town Nelson St Helens Town Chester Colts Altrincham St Helens Town AFC Blackpool St Helens Town St Helens Town Bolton Wyresdale St Helens Town St Helens Town Vauxhall Motors Irlam FC St Helens Town Egerton St Helens Town MARINE FC St Helens Town Macclesfield Town St Helens Town Chorley FC St Helens Town 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 Edge Hill University HARDY FARM Bishops Rawsthorne 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 Cheshire County Sports

Rochdale Town 6, St. Helens Town 2 by Glyn Jones Town played well for portions of their FA Vase Second Round Qualifying tie at Mayfield Sports Centre, holding hosts Rochdale Town 1-1 at the break, but a poor spell of twelve minutes saw the visitors concede four goals and they ultimately had to bend the knee to superior opposition. This was the third time this season that Town have met and lost to their new East Lancashire rivals and, barring being drawn together in the Reusch First Division Cup, they will certainly be glad they won’t be meeting them again any time soon. St. Helens are rebuilding their team once again, having been relegated from the NW Counties Premier Division at the end of last season and, having opened well with three straight wins, they now find themselves coming up against more experienced sides who have evidently played together for much longer. Missing a number of defenders through injury and unavailability, Town began with two more youthful debutants (including Adam Lawrence, grandson of the former Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy) and another on the bench. Johann du Toit had an early chance to score from a header, but failed to trouble Mike Smith in the home goal. Shortly afterwards, Town paid the price after a slip in defence allowed their now-familiar nemesis Johnny Thompson to net at the other post on 25 minutes, but the visitors rallied, firstly keeper Graham McLoughlin saving well from Thompson in quick succession before captain Andy Gillespie put du Toit clear but, rounding the last defender, the Billinge midfielder chose the wrong side and again made it easy for Smith to save. Play switched to the other end and St. Helens were let off the hook as first Gareth Hill and then Lee Kershaw hit the bar in rapid succession, but then Declan Gregson levelled the scores with a wonderful shot under Smith’s body, finishing off a wonderful training-ground move involving a slick interchange passing between Gillespie and du Toit. Rochdale went ahead seven minutes after the resumption, Thompson scoring his second goal, seizing upon a long punt upfield from Smith, which the Town defence allowed to bounce in the visitors’ box. Nevertheless, they did have chances to level again, but Graham Begley scooped his shot over the home bar and Gillespie looked to have found Gregson in space in front of goal, but the chance slipped by due to quick defending. Liam Bennion put Rochdale 3-1 up after 75 minutes and this was followed in quick succession by further goals from Ryan Burgess (77) and two from substitute Scott Alfrey in the 79th and 87th minutes. A late penalty, awarded for handball, was dispatched by Gillespie for his 11th goal of the season, to bring the final score to 6-2.

Rochdale Town 6-2 Town FA Carlsberg Vase Saturday 3rd October 2015

Winsford United and Manchester Metropolitan University Football Academy have set up a scheme to target school leavers in a new educational and football venture.

Manchester Metropolitan University football academy is based at the Cheshire Campus in Crewe, to provide Level 3 and Level 2 BTEC courses in Sport Performance and Excellence. The Academy was set up in 2004 in partnership with Newcastle Under Lyme College (NULC) to provide school leavers with the opportunity to be part a of structured educational and football programme .The football academy programme is run by NULC who were rated by Ofsted as ‘outstanding for sport, recreation and leisure’ in 2013. The programme continues to flourish under the educational provision of NULC. The venture will see opportunities for further youth development for school leavers and potential participating players, to progress through education into the football industry. Winsford United will act as recruitment hub for the MMU/NULC Football Academy in the Mid Cheshire area. Blues Youth Development Officer and U21’s manager Chris Appleton said: “This venture is a massive step forward for the club in terms of progression and youth development. I believe this is a result of the progress the club have made over the recent months". The draw for the First Round Proper of the FA Vase has been made and we are guaranteed at least three clubs progressing into the next round, with three allNWCFL clashes. The ties involving NWCFL clubs are as follows: West Didsbury & Chorlton v Morpeth Town Atherton Collieries v Newcastle Benfield Silsden v Sunderland RCA Rochdale Town v 1874 Northwich Runcorn Linnets v Winsford United Congleton Town v Marske United Athersley Recreation v Colne Runcorn Town v Abbey Hey Northwich Manchester Villa v Whitley Bay Alsager Town v Borrowash Victoria

Ties will be played on Saturday 31st October 2015. The winners will each collect £900 from The FA’s prize fund.

First Division Table as at Wednesday 7th October 2015 First Division

W D

A GD Pts

Barnton

29 12 17 22

Stockport Town

21 18

Ashton Town

25 15 10 19

Hanley Town

Irlam

13 18

Litherland REMYCA

14 11

Chadderton

17 14

Bacup Borough

21 19

Holker Old Boys

17 13

Cheadle Town

25 22

Rochdale Town

14 16 -2 13

Atherton LR

12 20 -8 12

St Helens Town

19 17

Widnes

19 23 -4

Whitchurch Alport

16 27 -11 8

Northwich Manchester Villa

16 26 -10 7

Daisy Hill

Eccleshall

15 20 -5

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

36 -28 5 4

Saturday 10th October 2015 Premier Division Abbey Hey v West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC Blackpool v 1874 Northwich AFC Darwen v Runcorn Town Alsager Town v Ashton Athletic Barnoldswick Town v AFC Liverpool Bootle v Squires Gate Colne v Congleton Town Maine Road v Nelson Padiham v Cammell Laird 1907 Runcorn Linnets v Silsden Winsford United v Atherton Collieries First Division Ashton Town v Rochdale Town Atherton LR v Cheadle Town Bacup Borough v Litherland REMYCA Daisy Hill v Whitchurch Alport Holker Old Boys v Irlam Northwich Manchester Villa v Barnton St Helens Town v Chadderton Widnes v Stockport Town Staffordshire F.A. Vase 1st Round Cheadle (SMU) v Eccleshall Wolverhampton SC v Hanley Town Monday 12th October 2015 Premier Division Maine Road v Atherton Collieries Winsford United v Ashton Athletic

Tuesday 13th October 2015 Premier Division Abbey Hey v AFC Liverpool Alsager Town v Runcorn Linnets Barnoldswick Town v Padiham Bootle v Runcorn Town Congleton Town v 1874 Northwich Nelson v AFC Blackpool Squires Gate v Silsden West D & Chorlton v Cammell Laird 1907 First Division Irlam v Barnton St Helens Town v Widnes

Wednesday 14th October 2015 Premier Division AFC Darwen v Colne

Premier Division Table as at Wednesday 7th October 2015 Premier Division

W D

A GD Pts

Colne

37 16 21 29

Runcorn Linnets

Barnoldswick Town

30 19 11 22

Runcorn Town

28 20

Ashton Athletic

19 13

1874 Northwich

25 25

Bootle

24 26 -2 21

Nelson

27 19

Cammell Laird 1907

32 28

Atherton Collieries

26 23

AFC Liverpool

36 26 10 18

Abbey Hey

19 15

AFC Darwen

29 38 -9 16

Winsford United

20 28 -8 15

Congleton Town

17 17

Padiham

26 31 -5 14

West Didsbury & Chorlton

20 28 -8 13

Silsden

18 25 -7 12

AFC Blackpool

18 27 -9 11

Maine Road

20 31 -11 10

Squires Gate

11 26 -15 7

Alsager Town

10 11 28 -17 1

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

16 27

Wednesday 14th October 2015 First Division Bacup Borough v Stockport Town Friday 16th October 2015 Premier Division Silsden v Nelson Saturday 17th October 2015 The Reusch First Division Cup 1st Round Barnton v Eccleshall Chadderton v Bacup Borough Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Barnoldswick Town AFC Liverpool v Runcorn Linnets Ashton Athletic v Bootle Atherton Collieries v Alsager Town Cammell Laird 1907 v Abbey Hey Colne v Padiham Congleton Town v Winsford United Maine Road v AFC Darwen Runcorn Town v AFC Blackpool Squires Gate v West Didsbury & Chorlton First Division Atherton LR v Hanley Town Cheadle Town v Holker Old Boys Irlam v Daisy Hill Litherland REMYCA v Rochdale Town Stockport Town v St Helens Town Whitchurch Alport v Ashton Town Widnes v Northwich Manchester Villa Monday 19th October 2015 Premier Division Atherton Collieries v Squires Gate Runcorn Town v Cammell Laird 1907 Winsford United v Bootle Tuesday 20th October 2015 Premier Division Abbey Hey v Maine Road AFC Blackpool v AFC Liverpool Alsager Town v 1874 Northwich Ashton Athletic v Colne Runcorn Linnets v Congleton Town West Didsbury & Chorlton v Nelson