St Helens Town v Congleton Town 2014-15 by John McKiernan

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

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

Today’s Team News CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens

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

Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Ste Ball, Chris Ford and Glyn Jones. Trustees: John McKiernan and Eric Bond Club Manager: Ian Price

Assistant Manager: Nick Matthews Physiotherapists: Nicole Garner Jess Pritchard & Ben Fletcher U21 Team Manager Alan Gillespie U21 Asst Manager: John Whelan

Saturday 14th March 2015, kick off 3.00pm North West Counties League, Premier Division St Helens Town Red & White Shirts White Shorts, Red & White Socks No

Gls

St Helens Town

Rory Crowther Matthew Davidson Paul Casey Edward Pegler Lewis Coyle Adam Birchall Aaron Morris Fraser Derby Ryan Taylor James Rushton-Woods

Nathan Martland Jack Hont Jack McKay James Halpin Marcus Perry Christian Banasko

Congleton Town Yellow & Black Shirts Yellow Shorts & Socks

Gls

Congleton Town

Dale Eve Nathan Haynes Lee Jackson Andrew Alston George Whiteoak Scott Sephton Richard Bailey Aaron Kirk Scott McGowan Christopher Smith Ruiz Eder Andrew Langford Scott Barlow Louis James Luke Sephton Martin Pearson

U18 Team Manager: Cairns Hardie U17 Team Manager: Nick Matthews Veterans Team Manager: David Platt Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Manager: Ian Price Assistant: Nick Matthews

Joint Managers: Steve Hardy & Mike McDonald

Referee: Mr N Cox (Blackpool) Assist: Mr S Doherty (Preston) & Mr R Walsh (Preston) Today’s Executive Match Sponsor:

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

Cover: Ryan Taylor in action at Abbey Hey last Saturday

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Talk of the Town Good afternoon and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties Football League, Premier Division contest against Congleton Town. 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. We were last here on Tuesday evening as we welcomed FA Vase Semi-Finalists and NWCFL Premier Division Title contenders Glossop North End to Brocstedes Park. Their starting line up showed numerous changes to the one which had been successful in securing their continued involvement in the national competition on Saturday but there was no denying that even this much changed team had quality in every department and as everyone suspected prior to the contest it was going to be a difficult evening for Town. As it was the visitors had the ball in the back of the net twice in the opening ten minutes only to be denied on both occasions by the assistant referee signalling for offside but the deadlock was broken after a quarter of an hour when Tom Bailey netted. Town look to get back quickly into the contest but the stingy Glossop North End backline who has only conceded 10 goals in 24 league contests prior to Tuesday always seemed to have an answer and were able to thwart the Town forays forward. A dubious penalty was awarded to the visitors as the half drew to a close for a handball which had seen the Town defender pushed into the ball and justice was seen to be done when Rory Crowther continued his fine form against spot kicks to claim the effort. Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s let off was short lived however as less than a minute later Ben Richardson netted to send the Hillmen into the break two up. After the interval Glossop added a third when Richardson doubled his tally and then looked comfortable as Town huffed and puffed and were kept out until the closing stages when Jack McKay collected a loose ball on the edge of the box and steered it into the bottom left hand corner of the Glossop net. Despite the result extending the run of defeats to 10 matches the performance was encouraging as the new players start to bed in and get used to each other and those around them. We have six cup finals between now and the end of the season as we look to ease the worry of the relegation trap door getting closer and closer to us we currently sit one point in front of both AFC Blackpool and Barnoldswick (who occupy the first of the two relegation positions with Blackpool having played the same number of games and Barlick having a game in hand. Bacup currently sit at the foot of the table seven points behind us but with four games in hand and all three teams below us have a far better goal difference than Town at present. We are desperate to get some points on the board soon and get out of the losing rut as we look to preserve our ever present status in the NWCFL, top flight. This afternoons visitors have been one of the form sides in the league over the last month or so having secured the Team of the Month award for their fine form during the month of February and will be in confident mood coming into this contest on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Evo-Stick League, Division One North high flyers Northwich Victoria in the Cheshire Senior Cup Semi Final on Tuesday evening. Ian, Nick and the lads will know they need to turn in a top class performance this afternoon if they are to take at least a share of the spoils in the battle to avoid the dreaded drop. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them onto victory you support is vital to the cause! Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

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In Town Today Events which led to the formation of Congleton Town Football Club, began in the 1890’s, the St James’ North Street School amalgamated with another local club, the Messrs Pointons Joiners Shop.

They played on West Heath before housing was built in that area, and then became Congleton Hornets Football Club. The Hornets played at the Willow Street ground famed in Congleton, and competed in the South Cheshire League and recorded its’ record league win, 10-0 against Audley in the 1897/98 season. Congleton Town Football Club succeeded the Hornets in 1901, playing in the Crewe and District League for four years, the first three of which saw the club lift the League Championship. The Club then moved into the North Staffordshire League in 1905, and won the League Championship in the 1919/20 season. The following year they joined the Cheshire County League, regarded at the time as the best League outside the Football League. The following season they finished runners-up and won the coveted Cheshire Senior Cup in their first appearance in the Final. The Club then suffered a barren spell until the Senior Cup was won again in 1938. Success after the War did not descend on Booth Street until the 1971/72 season when the Club, now playing in the Mid-Cheshire League, won the League Cup after being runners-up in the League both that season and in the previous season. Three Mid-Cheshire League Championships then came to Booth Street in the 1973/74, 1975/76 and 1977/78 seasons, together with the League Cup and the Cheshire Saturday Cup. Although this was the most successful period of the Club’s history as regards silverware, the truly successful period began in the 1981/82 campaign, when the Second Division of the Cheshire County League was gained on the last game of the season, and Town were narrowly beaten to the Cup by Macclesfield Town. That was the last season of the Cheshire County League before the North West Counties League came into existence. As founder members of this new League, Congleton finished the first three campaigns in mid-table and then were narrowly beaten to the Championship by Clitheroe on goal difference in the 1985/86 season. The Club then had its, application to join the Northern Premier League rejected, but joined the higher league when the First Division of the NPL was formed in 1987. The highlight of the 1989/90 season was to reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in the Club’s history. Although beaten 2-0 by Crewe Alexandra, that achievement re-kindled local interest in the Club upon which its management hoped to build. The Final of the NPL’s First Division Cup was also reached in this season, but the “Bears” were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Harrogate Town. The “Bears” enjoyed exciting times in the First Division, initially finishing in mid-table but then, playing to avoid relegation as the seasons come to a close. Between 1993 and 1997 a new Board of Directors brought financial and managerial stability to the Club. The club had a good season in 1999/2000 but fell away badly the following year. Despite reaching a best ever 4th Round of the FA Trophy before defeat by Worksop Town, they struggled badly in the league. The club appointed Sean Connor as manger in February 2001 but he could not prevent them finishing bottom of the UniBond League and relegation became a reality. The early season of 2001/02 saw the club take just 9 points from 17 league matches and early exit from FA Cup and FA Vase. Sean Connor was replaced as manager by Kevin Langley. The club made a fine revival and had reached virtual safety before Langley’s shock move to Kidsgrove Athletic. Bryan Griffiths took over as manager and gained the points to make safety a certainty and stake a strong claim to keep the manager’s job. He was formally appointed at the end of the season. Gary Bickerstaffe joined him as assistant and in September 2002 he invited Kevin Langley to return as a player and to help with coaching. When Griffiths left to join Rossendale United, Kevin Langley was re-appointed as manager and Mark Cox joined to complete an experienced management team. Off the field the club continued to enjoy growing support from sponsors and steady improvements in its facilities. During the summer of 2002, the clubhouse underwent major refurbishment and the changing facilities were redesigned and upgraded. The team reached the fifth Round of the FA Vase, beat three higher league sides in reaching the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, the semi-finals of the Cheshire Senior Cup and the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup. In all cup competitions other than the FA Cup, only the eventual finalists beat the Bears. With promotion missed, a number of players left the club in the summer of 2004 leaving Kevin Langley with the task of rebuilding the side for the 2004/05 campaign. After a poor

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

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Congleton Town start and early exits from all major cup competitions, Karl Wilcox replaced Kevin Langley after he resigned in November 2005. In a further twist in an already difficult season, Karl Wilcox resigned after 11 defeats in 12 games. Paul Moore was appointed for the remainder of the season and he guided the team to safety before confirmation of his appointment signalled the start of rebuilding of a side aiming to challenge for honours. 2005/06 started brightly but swift exits from cup competitions were a disappointment. After many changes in personnel, the team settled to end the season with a creditable run in that held promise for 2006/07. After a steady start to the 2006/07 campaign, Paul Moore left to manage Leek Town and Andy Lee took over the managerial reins as the club strived to maintain continuity. The Bears lifted their first piece of silverware for some time when they won the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup after defeating Witton Albion 3-0 at Wincham Park. At the end of the season Andy Lee stepped down as he announced a proposed move to Blackpool and Anthony Buckle and Darren Twigg were appointed with the task of rekindling the on -field performances. Off the field new floodlights were installed and the stand behind the bottom goal was re roofed. After a reasonable season, despite a poor final run in, both Anthony and Darren stayed with the club and continued to build a side with promotion the target within the next couple of years. That plan was maintained in 2008/09 as the Bears ended a creditable 4th, just 1 point away from a 3rd place finish. A final run in of just 1 league defeat in the last 20 matches encouraged everyone. Off the field significant development of the clubs facilities were started. With a redesigned entrance, turnstiles and car park followed by refurbishment of the clubhouse. For the start of 2010/11 the club now has a hospitality suite for sponsors and a new boardroom. Ant and Twiggy remained at the helm but after an indifferent season in 2010/11 the pair tendered their resignation. 2011/12 saw the club jointly managed by Joe Paladino and Adriano Rigoglioso. Assisted by Joe Gibiliru, the playing side were completely reformed but indifferent results led to Dean Sibson placed in temporary charge in early November before Jim Vince was appointed in February 2012. His was tasked with rebuilding the side ready for a real push for promotion in 2012/13. He was initially assisted by Neil Gill and Steve Hardy before Neil left the club mid season. The erection of a new spectator covered standing area and strengthening off field organisation, the club started the 2012/13 season with a new found enthusiasm and optimism. That was not borne out completely with a , so strengthening was needed for 2013/14. Both Jim and Steve Hardy, now with Andy Alston on the coaching staff, look to improve on last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements with promotion still the obvious goal. Jim signed players that will improve the overall quality of the squad and once again push for that elusive promotion place for a return to Northern Premier League football. That wish just failed to materialise and the club once more looked to change direction with the replacement of Jim Vince. Steve Hardy and Mike McDonald have taken over the running of team affairs with Andy Alston and team captain Andrew Langford able to add their experience to the redeveloping of the side.

Season 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

League NPL-1 NPL-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P

P 42 42 44 42 42 42 42 42 38 42 42 42 42 42 42

W 14 8 13 19 15 9 15 18 17 26 24 18 18 20 17

D 12 6 11 8 16 7 8 8 6 8 8 10 5 9 9

L 16 28 20 15 11 26 19 16 15 8 10 14 19 13 16

F 63 43 71 72 62 54 50 75 73 85 90 70 56 85 58

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

A 73 94 79 62 50 88 63 62 60 44 46 60 64 55 58

GD -10 -51 -8 10 12 -34 -13 13 13 41 44 10 -8 30 0

Pts 54 30 50 65 61 34 53 62 57 86 80 64 59 69 60

Position 12/22 22/22 16/23 8/22 11/22 19/22 12/22 10/22 9/20 4/22 5/22 8/22 10/22 7/22 10/22

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How We Compare? St Helens Town - last 6 matches All Competitions

Home

Most recent

Away

Collated

Congleton Town - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

at St Helens Town

Previous Meetings

at Congleton Town

NWC-D1

1999-00

NPL-1

NWC-D1

2000-01

NPL-1

13/04; 2-3

2001-02

30/10; 2-0

26/10; 2-1

2002-03

01/03; 1-0

06/04; 1-3

2003-04

20/04; 1-1

31/08; 1-2

2004-05

02/10; 4-1

10/12; 1-2

2005-06

05/11; 3-1

Home

23/12; 2-1

2006-07

28/10; 0-1

Away

08/04; 2-0

2007-08

16/02; 2-5

17/03; 1-2

2008-09

27/09; 0-1

05/12; 2-1

2009-10

13/10; 0-2

St Helens Town games since...

Congleton Town games since...

24/08; 2-3

2010-11

16/04; 1-4

10/03; 1-3

2011-12

01/10; 0-1

All Competitions

04/04; 0-1

2012-13

28/08; 0-2

22/10; 1-1

2013-14

04/02; 0-1

14/03/2015

2014-15

18/10; 0-2

Collated

Clean sheet

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

Score draw

Win

St Helens Town Scores First Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Congleton Town Wins

St Helens Town Goals

Congleton Town Goals

Percentage Town Wins

29.63

All Previous Meetings All Competitions P

Win %

Home

-5

35.00

Away

-2

36.84

Collated

-7

35.90

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From the Chair Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties League, Premier Division encounter with our friends and rivals Congleton Town.

Many thanks and welcome to today’s match sponsors The Daily Grind (News & Coffee), Corporation Street, St Helens - we hope you enjoy your afternoon with us and we’re delighted with your continued support. Our dismal form continued on Tuesday evening when FA Vase semi-finalists and title chasing Glossop North End proved too strong as they ran out 1-3 winners with Jack McKay on target with Town’s late consolation. We take on the Hillmen once again at the end of the month (Monday 30th March) at Surrey Street in one of a number of re-arranged games - please see the centre pages for confirmation of all our remaining fixtures. Today’s visitors Congleton Town have also been on an impressive run with six consecutive wins prior to last Tuesday’s narrow Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final defeat (0-1) to Northwich Victoria. We met back in mid-October at Booth Street with our hosts running our 2-0 winners. As we enter the final few weeks of the 2014-15 season we are in desperate need of points and a number to new faces have joined the club in our bid to avoid the drop for the first time in our NWCFL history. Congratulations to four members of our North West Youth Alliance Under 18s team - Jordan Wynne (captain), Dominic Wallis, Mikey Coburn and John Fortes who have all been selected for the Liverpool County FA team for tomorrow’s fixture at the County FA ground, 2pm. The U18s have had a superb second half of the season losing only once in 8 games since the start of 2015. Almost all the U18s players will be eligible next season having played a year above their actual age group - so all bodes well for the future. With Nick Matthews’ U17s in a similar position and having reached the final of the Wilf Hickson Cup Final we have a huge amount to look forward to! Next Saturday we host Winsford United here at Brocstedes - please give the lads your best support over the remaining games! We are on the look-out for sponsors for next season. If you are interested or want further information give me a call on 07713 339 682 or email mckiernanj@live.com John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town AFC

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The Bears v Town

NWCFL Premier Division Congleton Town 2-0 St Helens Town Saturday 18th October 2014

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Bears Match Report Tuesday 10th March 2015 - Cheshire FA Senior Cup Semi Final Congleton Town 0-1 Northwich Victoria A Gary Burnett goal 15 minutes from time ended Congleton Town's hopes of cup glory, and secured Northwich Victoria's place in the final of the Cheshire Senior Cup. Despite more than matching their Evo-Stik League opponents over the course of the 90 minutes, the Bears now have to wait another year before launching another bid to reach the final of the competition for the first time since season 1982-83. In an entertaining game that was played at a good pace throughout and flowed from one end to the other, Vics had the better of the first half but the Bears always looked dangerous on the break.

Congleton had to survive some early Vics pressure, conceding three corners in quick succession in the opening minutes, but they managed to get a foothold on the game and their first effort, a Scott McGowan shot from 25 yards, was well held by Kessler in the Vics goal. McGowan had the Bears' next chance, beating a defender before firing wide, and then at the midway point in the half Chris Smith headed just wide from a Scott Sephton cross. The Bears kept pushing forward, and Kessler was called into action 10 minutes before the break when he had to tip over a McGowan effort after the Congleton man had collected a through ball from Andrew Langford. However, in the early stages of the second half it was Dale Eve in the Congleton goal who was the busier custodian, making three good saves to keep the scoresheet blank. As play swung from end to end, Scott McGowan again and Rick Bailey both had chances, but Vics struck the crucial goal with 15 minutes remaining. As a Congleton attack broke down, Vics hit swiftly on the counter, and with the Bears' defence caught by a ball over the top, Gary Burnett fired in a low right-footed shot into the far corner of the net from six yards. But Congleton kept going, and McGowan just failed to connect with a cross late on to give the Bears a lifeline. Congleton Secretary Ken Mead said: "We gave a very good account of ourselves, and we can take heart from the way we played against a team sitting in third place in the league above us. "For a long time it looked like the game would be settled on penalties, and it could have gone either way. But it was a good game played in a good spirit, and while we are obviously disappointed with the result, we have to be very pleased with the performance".

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NWCFL News 1874 Northwich - the club have arranged another collection day for the Mid-Cheshire Foodbank at their home game against Colne this coming Saturday, following a successful event last month.

Organiser Phil Burgess will be on hand once again at the ground to accept donations of in date food and toiletries, from anyone attending the game at the Barton Stadium. The following weekend, 1874 supporters have been invited by Northwich CleanTeam to assist in a clean up of major "grot spots" around Northwich, and any supporters who are able to offer a couple of hours on the morning of 22nd March would be most welcome. Hanley Town - the club are supporting a group of 18 cyclists who will be cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats on the 23rd May to raise money for the Douglas MacMillan Hospice. The group, who are known as Lejog15, have set themselves the challenging target of raising ÂŁ30,000 for the charity. The club are aiming to raise ÂŁ1000 for the event, and anyone wishing to donate can do so via a Just Giving donation page. Ashton Athletic - Club Secretary Alan Greenhalgh is still looking for any spare football shirts and scarves to be donated to the Alfie Lund Fund. As reported on the league website a few weeks ago, Alfie is a youngster who suffers from a condition called MECP2 Duplication Syndrome, which means he cannot walk or talk, and organisers of the Alfie Lund Fund have set themselves the challenge of creating the longest chain of football related items in the world during the 2014-15 season. Anyone wishing to donate a shirt or scarf can hand them in on matchdays at Brocstedes Park. Nelson - the Admirals have announced the appointment of Sandy Wilkie as the club's Events Manager. Nelson Chief Executive Adam Keizer said: "Sandy brings a wealth of events management experience and creativity, I'm extremely pleased to have him on board, and I'm sure he will prove to be a fantastic addition to the club". Chadderton - work has now been completed on the installation of a new security fence around the perimeter of the club grounds. Work will now continue to level an area behind the far end goal for training and future pre-match warm up, and will also be used by Chadderton Juniors for their organised small sided matches. Irlam - work is progressing well on the new clubhouse building at Silver Street, with the roof now complete and work on the internal areas of the building well underway. The completion of the build is back on schedule for mid -April, after a slight delay caused by the adverse weather in recent weeks.

www.nwcfl.com

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Club News We are looking for supporters to become Goldline members which will provide the club with a valuable source of income which will help us to achieve a bright future by assisting us in our goal of making a return to St Helens. In addition, you will have the chance to win up to £5,000 . . . so we could all be winners! As a lottery partner, St Helens Town Football Club will receive a massive 70p of your £1 weekly subscription. As a Goldline member you will receive your membership card which includes your membership number, 10 sets of Goldline draw numbers and 4 unique rollover draw numbers:

Your 10 sets of Goldline draw numbers will be entered into the Goldline draw every weekday for your chance of winning. Each week 5 prizes of £500 are paid out, that’s a total of £2,500 paid out every week. Your 4 rollover draw numbers will be entered into the weekly draw for your chance of winning up to £5,000. The rollover draw starts at £250 and each week rolls over and increases by £250 until won or until it reaches £5,000 at which time it will be drawn and redrawn until a winner is found. £100s in £10 consolation prizes are paid out every week. Goldline pays out over £170,000 in prizes every year to members. In addition your Goldline membership card will entitle you to exclusive deals available at St Helens Town Football Club. No claim is necessary. Prizes will be sent automatically and either delivered by post or by your agent. Club Chairman John McKiernan said, “Having joined forces with Bolton Wanderers in the Goldline Lottery we can ensure big cash prizes are dished out every week but the Club also wins too – with the possibility of raising thousands of pounds each year.

“We hope those who have previously supported our monthly 500 Club lottery will now join our new venture. We are going to start canvassing this week with a view to entering our first draw at the start of March. In the current climate, this income through the Goldline Lottery will be crucial to the club. If people are able to give up £1 a week to enter then we think this is ta great way to support the club – but also give yourself a real chance of winning some cash too!” For more information on how you can join call John on 07713 339 682 or email sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk. Club officials will also have details on match days.

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Town v Glossop . . .

NWCFL Premier Division St Helens Town 1-3 Glossop North End Tuesday 10th February 2015 Photos courtesy of Jim Lockwood

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

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

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

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

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2014-15 Fixtures, Facts an Date Aug 2 Aug 5 Aug 9 Aug 13 Aug 16 Aug 18 Aug 23 Aug 26 Aug 30 Sep 6 Sep 9 Sep 13 Sep 16 Sep 20 Sep 23 Sep 27 Sep 30 Oct 5 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 28 Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 25 Nov 29 Dec 6 Dec 20 Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 24 Feb 28 Mar 3 Mar 7 Mar 10 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 30 Apr 6 Apr 18 Apr 21

Opponents Maine Road AFC BLACKPOOL ALSAGER TOWN Bacup & Rossendale B ATHERTON COLLS Runcorn Town Colne STOCKPORT SPORT BARNOLDSWICK TN Irlam (*AET) ABBEY HEY AFC LIVERPOOL RUNCORN LINNETS Winsford United Bootle W DIDS & CHORLTON Burscough NOSTELL M.W. SQUIRES GATE Congleton Town AFC Blackpool Widnes RUNCORN TOWN YORKSHIRE AMS Stockport Sports COLNE Runcorn Linnets Alnwick Town AFC Liverpool BACUP & ROSSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; B TADCASTER ALBION Nelson Silsden Squires Gate Alsager Town West Dids & Chorlton BOOTLE Barnoldswick Town ASHTON ATHLETIC 1874 NORTHWICH NELSON 1874 Northwich Abbey Hey GLOSSOP NE CONGLETON TOWN WINSFORD UNITED Glossop North End Ashton Athletic MAINE ROAD Silsden

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Comp NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAC EPR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAV 1QR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL LSC 1R FAV 2QR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL LCC 2R NWCFL FAV 1R NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAV 2R NWCFL NWCFL FAV 3R NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL

KO 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 8.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 7.45 3.00 3.00 7.45

Result 1-2W 3-0W 0-4L 2-6W 2-5L 7-2L 4-0L 2-4L 4-3W 1-2W* 1-0W 0-9L 0-1L 3-0L 3-0L 0-3L 4-1L 2-0W 0-0D 2-0L 2-1L 4-4D# 2-2D 3-1W 0-2W 2-5L 1-0L 4-5W* 7-3L 2-0W 2-4L 4-0L 2-1L 1-1D 4-2L 3-0L 1-2L 4-1L 0-2L 1-4L 1-6L 5-0L 3-1L 1-3L

GK Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Mullin Mullin Crowther Crowther Name1 Name Name Name Name10

2 Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Morris Saunders Morris Cottington Saunders Duffy Cottington Duffy Duffy Whelan Duffy Duffy Duffy Duffy Halpin Halpin Duffy Duffy Halpin Duffy Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Whelan Halpin Halpin Halpin Morris Halpin Halpin Davidson

3 4 5 Saunders Falconer Morris1 Saunders Falconer Morris1 Saunders Falconer Morris Houghton Falconer Morris1 Houghton Falconer1 Morris Houghton Falconer Morris Morris Falconer Ogden Richardson Falconer Ogden Richardson Falconer Morris1 Saunders Falconer Ogden1 Morris Falconer Ogden Richardson Falconer Morris Morris Falconer Grant Morris Falconer Grant Richardson Falconer Morris Saunders Falconer Morris Morris Falconer Ogden Morris Falconer Ogden Morris Falconer Ogden Morris Falconer Grant Morris Falconer Coyle1 Morris Falconer Coyle Hont Falconer Coyle Hont Falconer Coyle Hont Falconer Coyle Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Duffy Morris Hont Falconer Duffy Hont Falconer Duffy Hont Morris Vincent Richardson Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Richardson Falconer Mawdsley Hont Morris Banasko Casey Dempsey Morris1 Casey Pegler Coyle

6 McKay McKay McKay McKay McKay McKay1 McKay Cottington1 Cottington McKay McKay McKay McKay McKay Cottington McKay McKay McKay McKay McKay McKay McKay Morris Morris Morris Coyle Coyle Coyle Coyle1 Duffy Grant Morris Morris Davidson Davidson Ashton Ashton Davidson Davidson Davidson Banasko Findlay Birchall Birchall

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

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

7 Lightbody Lightbody1 Lightbody Rushton-Woods Andy Gillespie1 Peers Andy Gillespie Coulter Bergqvist1 Bergqvist1 Bergqvist Andy Gillespie Perry A Perry McKay Cottington Saleh Saleh Bergqvist Cottington Saleh Saleh1 Saleh McKay1 McKay Bell1 Bell McKay McKay McKay McKay Davidson Davidson Ashton Vincent McKay Ru McKay Ru McKay McKay McKay Hynes Davidson Davidson Morris

nd Figures

8 Hulme Hulme Coulter Hulme Hulme Hulme Hulme Hulme McKay1 Cottington Hulme Cottington lex Gillespie Ashton Ashton Ashton Ashton Grant Grant Ashton Grant Grant Grant Grant Grant Duffy Grant Grant1 Grant Grant Davidson McKay McKay McKay Ashton shton-Woods shton-Woods Ashton Vincent Birchall Birchall Birchall Derby Derby

9 Whyte1 Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Whyte1 Whyte Whyte Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Whyte Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Whyte Bergqvist Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Whyte Whyte Whyte2 Whyte1 Whyte1 Whyte Whyte1 Whyte Whyte2 Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gillespie1 Whyte Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Whyte1 Andy Gillespie Cook-Hannah Andy Gillespie1 Rushton-Woods Bell1 Perry Perry Taylor Taylor

10 Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Bergqvist3 Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods1 Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Bergqvist1 Ashton Andy Gillespie Bergqvist Bell1 Bell1 Bell1 Bergqvist Andy Gillespie McKay Bell1 Bell2 Bell1 Bell Perry Perry1 Perry Andy Gillespie1 Bell Andy Gillespie1 Moore Hynes Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Martland Rushton-Woods

11 Perry Perry1 Perry Perry1 Perry Andy Gillespie Perry Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Perry Andy Gillespie Perry Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Bergqvist Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gillespie Saleh Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Perry Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Richardson Richardson Richardson Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods1 Rushton-Woods Richardson Perry Rushton-Woods Richardson Richardson Golding Golding Marshall Martland

12 14 15 16 Pullinger Alex Gillespie7 Bergqvist11 Cook-Hannah9 Pullinger Alex Gillespie Houghton Bergqvist9 Pullinger Houghton3 Alex Gillespie8 Bergqvist11 Pullinger Coulter10 Barton11 Andy Gillespie91 Barton11 Pullinger/Saunders Whyte9 Peers/Crowther Pullinger Coulter6 Perry7 Cook-Hannah Pullinger10 Bergqvist11 Cook-Hannah Richardson7 Bergqvist7 Cook-Hannah3 Alex Gillespie Perry9 Harrison10 Alex Gillespie Peers Brinksman Peers5 Hulme11 Whyte9 Harrison Peers Whyte91 Perry11 Alex Gillespie Peers3 Alex Gillespie11 Cook-Hannah9 Peers Ogden Whyte9 Saunders Saunders Harrison9 Barton7 Whelan Cook-Hannah Bergqvist9 Whelan10 Cook-Hannah10 Saleh11 Perry7 Andy Gillespie9 Lightbody10 Whyte91 Saunders Harrison8 Whyte9 Lightbody10 Saunders Rushton-Woods11 Harrison Whyte9 Cook-Hannah Bergqvist11 Bell10 Rushton-Woods8 Halpin2 Harrison6 Bell11 Harrison Bergqvist10 Cook-Hannah Bergqvist9 Rushton-Woods McKay7 Ogden Rushton-Woods Bergqvist Perry Saleh Perry81 Bell Cook-Hannah Peers Nicholson Ogden Halpin Rushton-Woods Perry9 Whelan Richardson11 Davidson10 Perry9 Duffy Davidson8 Perry9 Rushton-Woods11 Davidson8 Coyle Rushton-Woods7 Perry10 Coyle Saleh Rushton-Woods8 Perry9 Cook-Hannah8 Bell Grant Andy Gillespie Cook-Hannah6 Whelan2 Whyte Cook-Hannah Whelan Whyte10 McKay7 Perry8 Hont Stevenson8 Moore3 Whyte Price Halpin Davidson10 Birchall11 Moore9 Whelan2 Cook-Hannah9 Perry8 Cook-Hannah6 Findlay7 Andy Gillespie Perry11 Whelan Findlay7 Golding11 S-Cunnington10 Hont Findlay91 Davidson4 S-Cunnington Cook-Hannah6 Price McKay Hont McKay11 Hynes7 Perry10 Halpin Hont7 Banasko9 Perry

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

17 Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Coulter7 Crowther Crowther Crowther Brinksman Saunders

Halpin

Whyte11

C-Hannah Crowther C-Hannah

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

Bacup & Ross

Alsager Town

AFC Liverpool

AFC Blackpool

Abbey Hey

1874 Northwich

North West Counties Football League Premier Division

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

1-0 0-4 0-1 2-3

Maine Road

1-1 4-2 3-1 2-1 1-3

0-1 3-0 1-1 1-1

Winsford United

West Dids & Chrltn

St Helens Town

Squires Gate

5-0

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

0-2

1-6 0-4 1-3 4-1 2-4 1-1

3-0

1-0

2-2

6-0 4-0

4-2

1-2

1-0 6-0 2-0

2-0

0-0

0-3 3-0 4-1

3-0

1-1 2-0 2-2

0-0 2-1

3-1 2-7 7-2 1-2 3-4

2-1 2-0

1-6 0-1 2-2 1-3 0-1 2-2 2-5

1-3

1-1 3-2

2-1 1-1 2-3 3-3 4-0 2-2 4-2

2-0 0-4 2-3 2-1

0-1

0-2

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

5-1 3-0 3-0 4-0 5-0

4-1 1-3 2-2 4-1 2-3 1-2 1-1 2-1

2-0

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

0-0 0-3

1-3 6-2

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

3-2 1-4

1-4 1-0 3-0 0-9 0-4 0-2 2-0 4-3 1-2 2-5

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

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

1-0 0-3

1-1 1-0 2-1 7-2 1-2 2-0 0-0 1-0 0-0

1-1 2-1 1-1 2-0

2-3 0-1 1-1 2-1 3-2 1-3 1-4

2-0 2-1 1-2 3-4 2-6 1-3

0-1 0-0 2-2 4-0 1-2 0-3

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

0-0 7-3 3-1

2-1

2-1 0-5 1-4 1-1 1-1 0-2 1-0 1-1 3-0 1-2

3-2 6-2 2-1 1-1 4-3

Runcorn Town

4-1

3-2 2-2 3-2

0-2 4-1 2-0

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

5-0 4-2 0-1

1-2 1-2 3-1 1-4 2-1

0-4 6-0 2-1 3-4 2-4 3-4 2-2 0-6

4-0 3-0 3-1 2-0 4-2 2-1 0-0

Runcorn Linnets

Silsden

0-0

1-2 0-2 1-3 0-4 0-2

1-1 1-2 3-1

1-2 1-4 1-3

1-0 4-2 0-4

3-0 2-2 5-0

2-0 2-1

2-0 2-1 3-0 3-2 2-0 5-0 2-3

2-0 1-0

Nelson

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

4-0 2-0

3-1

Glossop NE

0-1

Colne

Congleton Town

2-2

Bootle

1-2

1-4 1-2 3-2 1-1 2-1 1-6 0-0

2-1

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

Barnoldswick Town

2-0 1-0

0-4

1-1 1-0 5-0

1-2 2-1

3-4 1-1 3-0 3-1 0-1 1-5

Bacup & Rossendale

Ashton Athletic

3-1 4-1

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

Alsager Town

2-2 1-4 1-1 1-1

Ashton Athletic

AFC Liverpool

Barnoldswick T

Bootle

0-3 1-2

Colne

AFC Blackpool

Congleton Town

0-1 3-0 0-5

1-0 4-2 0-0

Glossop NE

3-1 1-0

Runcorn Linnets

3-0 2-1 1-4 1-3 2-4

Maine Road

1-0

Silsden

2-2 4-2 2-4

Squires Gate

Nelson

3-0 0-1

Runcorn Town

St Helens Town

0-4

WD&C

Abbey Hey

Winsford Utd

1874 Northwich

2014-15

Premier Division

Counties Football League

North West

Head to Head

Executive Programme Sponsor

Statistical History ST. HELENS TOWN AFC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A STATISTICAL HISTORY by Glyn Jones Part 50 - Season 1996-97 North West Counties League Trafford Newcastle Town Clitheroe Penrith Burscough Eastwood Hanley Mossley Blackpool Rovers Prescot Cables Vauxhall GM Nantwich Town Bootle Glossop North End St. Helens Town Atherton Collieries Kidsgrove Athletic Rossendale United Chadderton Holker Old Boys Maine Road Darwen Salford City Opponents Atherton Collieries Blackpool Rovers Bootle Burscough Chadderton Clitheroe Darwen Eastwood Hanley Glossop North End Holker Old Boys Kidsgrove Athletic Maine Road Mossley Nantwich Town Newcastle Town Penrith Prescot Cables Rossendale United Salford City Trafford Vauxhall GM

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P 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42

W 29 27 23 23 22 20 20 17 17 14 14 15 14 14 12 10 11 10 10 9 9 8

Home Mar 29 Dec 4 Nov 21 Feb 5 Oct 12 Apr 19 Nov 6 Feb 22 Apr 5 Apr 26 Mar 15 May 3 Feb 8 Mar 22 Apr 12 Sep 28 Oct 5 Dec 21 Aug 17 Nov 13 Dec 7

D 7 7 14 10 9 10 8 16 11 15 11 8 11 6 9 14 9 11 9 11 10 12

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

L 6 8 5 9 11 12 14 9 14 13 17 19 17 22 21 18 22 21 23 22 23 22

F 99 71 75 75 68 64 79 70 68 70 74 62 56 65 63 53 51 49 60 49 49 53

Away Nov 9 Aug 26 Nov 16 Aug 24 Feb 11 Nov 30 Dec 14 Sep 21 Mar 1 Sep 10 Oct 2 Mar 31 Aug 20 Feb 1 Jan 25 Feb 15 Mar 26 Oct 26 Mar 8 Dec 28 Jan 18

A 38 31 36 49 48 51 58 47 60 69 74 73 67 79 85 73 76 80 80 85 82 82

Pts 94 88 83 79 75 70 68 67 62 57 53 53 53 48 45 44 42 41 39 38 37 36

Result Lost 4-7 Lost 0-3 Drew 2-2 Won 3-0 Lost 0-1 Lost 1-2 Won 2-0 Lost 1-4 Won 1-0 Lost 2-3 Drew 3-3 Lost 1-2 Lost 2-7 Lost 1-4 Lost 0-2 Lost 1-2 Won 3-2 Won 3-1 Won 1-0 Lost 0-1 Lost 1-2

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

Season 1996-97 Aug 31 Sep 4 Sep 14 Sep 18

Prelim. Replay 1st Qual. Replay

Sep 7

1st Qual.

Oct 16 Nov 2

2nd Rd. Replay

Oct 22 Oct 29

1st Rd. (1) 1st Rd. (2)

Dec 11

1st Rd.

Player

App

FA CUP PETERLEE NEWTOWN Peterlee Newtown GATESHEAD Gateshead FA VASE HASLINGDEN NWCFL CHALLENGE CUP MAGHULL Maghull NWCFL FLOODLIT TROPHY BOOTLE Bootle LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP Knowsley United Sub

Total

Goals

Home Away Home Away

Drew Won Drew Lost

2-2 2-1 0-0 1-5

Home

Lost

3-4

Home Away

Drew Lost

2-2 1-3

Home Away

Lost Lost

0-1 1-2

Away

Lost

0-1

Player

App

Sub

Total

Goals

Lowe, Martin

Achilleos, Gary

Allison, Mike

Martin, Andy

Ashton, Steve

Martinus, Darryl

Matheson, Billy

Nestor, Terry

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, John

Pennington, Ste

Reilly, Adie

Rothwell, Ste

Shaw, Mark

Shaw, Neil

Street, Ian

Ungi, A (Tony)

Vegon, Jamie

Bickerstaffe, Gary

Bonner, James

Bradley, Sean

Browne, Paul

Byron, Neil

Clay, Stuart

Dimbylow, Mark

Fallon, Sean

Gibiliru, Joe (Snr.)

Hartley, Paul

Hatton, Brian

Hill, Franny

Walker, Glenn

Walmsley, Chris

Hockenhull, Ste

Ward, James

Hoey, Terry

Weaver, Neil

King, Ste

Williams, Scott

Kirwan, Paul

Wilson, Andy

Leyland, Neil

Winstanley, Mark

Lockhart, Gary

Own goal

Totals

572

100

672

Lowe, Gary

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

1 77

Executive Programme Sponsor

A Brief History The original Town club was in existence from 1901 to 1928, but George Fryer and a number of local businessmen decided to re-form the club in 1946. They obtained a lease on the Hoghton Road ground in Sutton, adjacent to St. Helens Junction station on the Liverpool to Manchester railway line, took over a local St. Helens Combination team, Derbyshire Hill Rovers, signing a number of players from other clubs and entered the Liverpool County Combination in the 1947/48 season, playing against Everton “A” and Liverpool “A” and several reserve sides from the leading non-league clubs in the Merseyside area. Success was first attained in May 1949 when Runcorn were defeated in the final of the George Mahon Cup, played at the Prescot Cables ground. The following season, 1949/50, Town were elevated to the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination and they were promoted as Champions in only their second season to the First Division, where they ran up against teams such as Ashton United, Nelson and New Brighton, newly relegated from the Football League. Sadly, Town were themselves relegated in their first season and although promoted briefly again for the 1955/56 season, they spent most of their early years in the Second Division. Improvements were quickly made to the facilities at Hoghton Road in the early years, but in November 1952 the decision was taken to re-locate to the former St. Helens Recs’ rugby league ground at City Road in order to further their ambitions of reaching the Football League. Initially, the move resulted in some encouraging crowds, but the club had a change of heart and returned to Sutton in the October 1953. The ground was purchased and further developed and a social club and floodlights were added in later years. Town were Champions of the Lancashire Combination in 1971/72 season, losing only one game, finishing 6 points clear of Accrington Stanley. 1975 brought a switch to the Cheshire League, where they remained until the formation of the North West Counties League in 1982 and St. Helens Town is still the only club to feature in the top division of that league throughout its existence. The club’s major achievement was to win the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987. After a stuttering start in the Preliminary Round with a 5-4 extra-time win over Colne Dynamoes, further home successes over General Chemicals, Wren Rovers, Guisborough Town and Wythenshawe Amateurs, led to wins at Wisbech Town, at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare, away to Falmouth Town (after a replay) and in the away leg at Emley when, following a 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg, a 2-0 win in Yorkshire secured a Wembley Final against local rivals Warrington Town, who were dispatched 3-2 with goals from Phil Layhe (2) and Brian Rigby. St. Helens Town boast an impressive “Hall of Fame”, including legendary goalkeeper and former German Prisoner-of-War Bert Trautmann, who signed for Manchester City over 60 years ago and who went on to play the game of his life in the 1956 FA Cup Final, despite breaking his neck in the latter stages. Bill Foulkes was transferred to Manchester United, where he had a glittering career, surviving the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, in which he bravely rescued some of his stricken team-mates. John Connelly, an England squad member in the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign, was sold to Burnley and he later moved to join Foulkes at Old Trafford. Sadly, all three have passed away in the last few years. Other future stars, groomed at St. Helens Town, include John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday), Geoff Nulty (Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton) and, most recently, ace goalscorer Dave Bamber, who began and ended his league career at Blackpool and who played in all four divisions of the Football League. Captain of the FA Vase winning team was Tommy O’Neil, who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United.

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

of St Helens Town AFC

Town sold their Hoghton Road ground in 2000 to move in with St. Helens Rugby League Club at their Knowsley Road base. Their farewell appearance at Sutton produced a 1-0 win over Champions Vauxhall Motors and the initial campaign at Knowsley Road got off to a cracking start, with Town leading the table for most of the season, before finishing in a rather disappointing fourth place. Recent seasons have been more of a struggle, ninth place in 2009/10 being the best finish since. Season 2010-11 saw Town slide to 16th and next to bottom in 2011-12, when they would have been relegated, but for Flixton’s decision to resign from the league.

Town began the 2012-13 season under new manager Ian Granite, who brought in a new team and coaching set-up and they battled well to avoid relegation, their status being confirmed with a couple of games remaining. 2013-14 was a mirror-image of the previous campaign, with a 14-game unbeaten run between September and December putting the club just behind the front runners for two thirds of the campaign. Granite resigned in November 2013 due to work and family commitments and his assistant Ian Price took over the reins, assisted by Paul Jones and Nick Matthews, but the long breaks caused by the winter weather interrupted their earlier rhythm and Town finished the season once again in the lower reaches, although never in any serious danger of the drop.

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

Wirral Programme Club National Survey 1996-97 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1997-98 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1998-99 NWCFL Programme of the Year Programme Monthly 2007-08 NWCFL Programme of the Year

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

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

NWCFL News Congleton Town full back Nathan Haynes is preparing for a trip to South Africa in May, where he will be part of a group spending time teaching underprivileged children.

Nathan, 19, is a student at John Moores University in Liverpool, and wil be part of a travelling party of volunteers organised by a company called HQ Coaching Centre, who operate sports and arts training schemes on Merseyside. HQ has spent many years travelling to Cape Town, South Africa promoting sport in over 20 primary and secondary schools, and now have a project called "Engage For South Africa" set up with partner schools in the country. Nathan explained: "I first got involved with HQ through doing some part time coaching in schools with them on the Wirral. There is a group of around 20 of us going and we will be based just outside of Cape Town, in a place called Kulis River. However, we will be visiting different places and townships whilst we are there. "I will be coaching a variety of sports, but in the group there will be others teaching basic learning such as English, Maths, reading and writing. We will be teaching/coaching a variety of children in different schools and townships, all with different backgrounds. "However the majority of the children are very under-privileged and live in poverty struck environments, rely on the bare essentials to live, and often struggle for food and drink. "I have previously held a race night in order to raise money for this which was a great success, and also will soon to be planning a sponsored bag packing event in a supermarket. "I will also be taking part in a sponsored 18 mile run, around the perimeter of the Wirral from Seacombe to Heswall on the Sunday 22nd of March. "Sponsors can make donations via cash or to a paypal account I have set up, with the address of nathanhaynes96@live.co.uk. Congleton as a club and their fans have given me great support towards this, with sponsors made at matches, and there have been bucket collections at matches, the most recent one on Tuesday night for the game against Northwich Victoria. "The club has also provided some old club shirts to pass on to the children whilst I am out there, and if any other NWCFL clubs could donate a couple of old shirts, I will take some photos of them when I take them out there. Whilst I am out there, I will be personally wearing t-shirts with names of the organisations, businesses and clubs who have sponsored, donated and supported towards the cause in order to raise awareness in association. "Any support that anyone is willing to give me will be greatly appreciated for the good cause".

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

Tea Break Teasers Q1. Employees of Midlands cycle firm Singer formed which Football League Club in 1883? Q2. Before the 2014 Final which was the last Champions League Final to go to extra time?

Q3. Who is the only England player to have appeared at the finals of international tournaments in three different decades? Q4. How many of Steven Gerrard’s 14 Premier League goals last season came from the penalty spot? Q5. With which club did Didier Deschamps begin his managerial career? Q6. Who presented the World Cup to winning Brazilian captain Dunga at USA 94? Q7. Who is the only Latvian with a Premier League winners medal? Q8. Which Football League club used to play their home matches at Elm Park? Q9. Which Bundesliga team are nicknames “The Moody Divas”? Q10. With which country has Burnley forward Ashley Barnes appeared at Youth level?

Q11. Which League Two side began the 2014-15 season with five successive draws? Q12. With which country is Walsall forward Romaine Sawyers an international? Q13. Which team won the Australian A-League in 2013? Q14. Four Championship managers at the beginning of this season have won the European Cup/ Champions League as players, who are they? Q15. How many League Championship Medals did Eric Cantona win in England?

1) Coventry City 2) Barcelona Vs Sampdoria in 1992 3) Tony Adams 1988-2000 4) 11 5) Monaco 6) Al Gore 7) Igors Stephanovs with Arsenal 8) Reading 9) Eintracht Frankfurt 10) Austria 11) York City 12) Saint Kitts & Nevis 13) Brisbane Roar 14) Flexi Magath, Sami Hyypia, Ole Ginnar Solskjaer & Aitor Karanka 15) Five

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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