St Helens Town v Nelson 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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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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 28th February 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 James Halpin Jack Hont Hamish Falconer Aaron Morris Matthew Davidson Jack McKay Adam Birchall Kris Bell James Rushton-Woods Ed Richardson Paul Cook-Hannah Fraser Findlay Will Smith-Cunnington Dominic Whelan Jack Golding

Nelson Blue Shirts

Blue Shorts & Socks

Gls

Nelson Ben Woodhead Kieran Walmsley Lydon Hodgkiss Michael Fletcher Jake Lloyd Andrew Mason Edward O’Neill Ben Hoskin Peter Wright Jospeh O’Neill Matthew O’Neill Dean Smallridge Adam Nutall George Melling Daniel Mahoney Robert Grimes

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

Manager: Mark Fell Assistant: Tim Breaker

Referee: Mr B Speedie (Liverpool) Assist: Mr A Butler (Liverpool) & Mr J Sedley (Liverpool) 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: James Rushton-Woods in action v 1874 Northwich last Tuesday

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

Talk of the Town Good Afternoon and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties Football League, Premier Division contest against Nelson. 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. This afternoon we see a quick turnaround after we were here at Brocstedes Park on Tuesday evening when we hosted high flying 1874 Northwich who came into the contest in 4th position. The opening 25 minutes of the contest saw the visitors dominate possession but without really threatening the Town goal but the breakthrough came on 20 minutes when a ball into the box from the left wing saw Town stopper Rory Crowther go up for the ball and appear to be fouled by Neil Chappell as he claimed the ball, play was allowed to continue and Chappell centred the ball for Daniel Thomas to open the scoring. As has often happened this term we tend to concede goals in clusters and four minutes later 1874 made it 2-0 when Ryan Mitchell was able to head a free kick home. After the interval Town looked to take the game to the visitors and reduced the arrears thanks in no small part to some generosity from Matt Conkie in the Northwich goal who tried to take on one man too many outside of his area and was punished in the most brutal style when Kris Bell rob the ball from him and find the unguarded net to make it 2-1. This woke up the visitors who seemed content to coast their way through the second half prior to the goal from Bell but as they pressed forward they left space in behind which saw they contest become end to end in nature. It was indeed the visitors who netted net as another free kick was to prove costly when Joe Woolley headed home and a fine effort as the game went into added on time saw Matthew Woolley add a fourth to put an unwarranted gloss on the scoreline for the visitors. The tough contests continue to come thick and fast for us as we host 8th placed Nelson this afternoon before playing 1874 Northwich again on Tuesday at Barton Stadium, we then take the trip to Abbey Hey was are currently 13th before a spell where we play Glossop (2nd) home and away, Congleton (11th), Silsden (7th) & Winsford (12th) at home before “visiting” Ashton Athletic (3rd) and finally hosting 17th placed Maine Road in the final contest of the season. We need to start to pick up some points from games, none of which we will be the favourites in as we play mainly sides in the top half of the table in our remaining 10 contests. We are in a worryingly poor run of form at present with our last win in the league coming on 29th November when we defeated Bacup & Rossendale Borough here at Brocstedes Park 2-0. Since then we have only gained a solitary point with a 1-1 draw at Squires Gate in January and have now lost the last six matches. This coupled with the resurgent form of some of the sides below us sees the relegation zone getting uncomfortably close and relegation is becoming a distinct possibility if we continue our present form and the sides below us continue to pick up points. This afternoon’s visitors have had an excellent first season back in the NWCFL top flight as they currently sit in 8th position and have exceeded many “experts” expectations with Peter Wright carrying on his fine form from last term having netted 17 goals in all competitions to date. We know we’ll need to up our game and turn in a good performance this afternoon if we are to gain a much needed return to aid our cause. Let’s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them onto victory you support is vital to the cause!

Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

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

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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

In Town Today Think of a club that was the first English side to beat Real Madrid away from home. A side that also won away at Old Trafford in the same season. A side that has obtained positive results against six current Barclays Premiership clubs in league games (Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Hull City, Fulham, Southampton and Stoke City). A side that played in the Football League for ten seasons and has played competitive games against 34 current sides in the top four divisions. A side that has played many FA Cup ties in the competition proper with a record home attendance of over 14,000. All this, and more, has been achieved by “The History Boys” of Nelson FC, also known as “The Admirals”. The origins of Nelson FC can be reputedly traced to a group of townspeople who in 1881, on witnessing a local football match between Burnley and Blackburn, were inspired to form their own team. However, it wasn’t until 1889-90 that they competed in a senior competition, joining the Lancashire League upon its formation. The Blues started well, with a series of top six finishes, and claimed the title in great style in 1895/96, winning 22 of their 30 games and scoring 105 goals. However in 1898-99 the original club was disbanded. Just a few months after their demise, Nelson were reformed and accepted into the North East Lancashire League, later joining the Central League. When football resumed after the First World War, Nelson embarked upon the most remarkable adventure of their history. In 1921 the thirteen nonreserve teams of the Central League were voted into the Football League`s newly formed Third Division North. The first league match, on August 27th 1921, brought a record attendance at Seedhill of 9,000. The next season, 1922-23, saw the Blues lead a close race for much of the season, and five wins in a row during April saw them romp away to the title. One team was promoted from each of the Third Division North and South of the Football League at that time, and it meant Nelson were entering a nationwide league for the very first time. On the back of their title triumph, and in preparation for life in Division Two, Nelson took the remarkable step of an overseas tour to Spain, in May 1923. They performed with some success, winning two of their four games - a 2-1 success against Real Oviedo and a 4-2 victory at Real Madrid. Unfortunately Nelson’s time in Division Two was to be short-lived, lasting just the one season in which they finished second-bottom of the table. It was clear early on that they were struggling both on and off the pitch, but they achieved some remarkable feats on the way. They had a home victory over champions-elect Leeds United, one of only nine league defeats for the Yorkshire side. And their first away victory came at Manchester United. Few non-league clubs can claim to have won away at both Real Madrid and Manchester United! A return to Division Three North brought a drop in attendances, though big games saw new records established, such as 13,500 for the visit of table-topping Darlington. That first season back in the third tier of the Football League saw a second-place finish to the North-Eastern side, hence no promotion, and was to be the last time the Blues seriously threatened a return to the national stage. The next season brought a new and never beaten record attendance at Seedhill of 14,143 for the visit of leaders Bradford Park Avenue. The home team went two goals down but came back to draw 2-2. Two seasons later Nelson became serious strugglers, finding themselves £6,500 in debt. A rock-bottom finish meant a re-election application. Re-election was granted in 1928, but three seasons later Nelson were back in the same situation, and 1930-31 was to be their final season as a League club. Nelson struggled on in the Lancashire Combination without winning any honours, and things became much bleaker in 1936. A big loss was incurred that season and the club disbanded on 7th August.

Following the war, Nelson returned to action and to the Lancashire Combination. They were involved in some terrific tussles for the title with Wigan Athletic over the next few seasons, winning it twice in 1949/50 and 1951/52. In those three seasons of 42 league games apiece, Nelson scored 125, 120 and 139 goals respectively. The first title season also saw Nelson clinch the Lancashire Combination Cup to seal an historic Double in what was at the time one of the premier leagues in the country outside of the Football League. The men at the forefront of this period of success were two young player-managers. Centre-half Bob Johnson moved from Burnley for the start of the 1949/50 season and, when his contract expired, the Blues landed a young man from Manchester City, 30-year-old Joe Fagan. The team built by “Uncle Joe” romped to the title in his first season in 1951/52. Joe left to join Liverpool`s boot

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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Nelsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent playing record Season

League

Pts

Position

1999-00

NWC-2

3/18

2000-01

NWC-2

4/20

2001-02

NWC-2

9/21

2002-03

NWC-2

7/18

2003-04

NWC-2

-10

10/20

2004-05

NWC-2

6/19

2005-06

NWC-2

3/19

2006-07

NWC-1

110

-71

20/22

2007-08

NWC-1

-48

20/20

2008-09

NWC-P

-18

17/22

2009-10

NWC-P

-40

17/22

2010-11

N/A

2011-12

NWC-1

Executive 2012-13 Programme Sponsor 2013-14

-43

15/18

-12

10/18

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 29 22010-11, 5 2011-12, 135 2012-13 51 and84 89 2009-10, 2013-14

1/19

Nelson FC room team in 1958 and 25 years later he was the manager who took the Reds to a European Cup, League Championship and League Cup treble. As Fagan was beginning his long association with the Merseysiders, Nelson’s fortunes were to move, quite markedly, in the opposite direction. A third Combination Cup arrived in 1959/60, but a second place finish in 1960/61 was to be the nearest they came to winning the Combination title again. A third place was collected in the final season of that League in 1981/82 - which by this time had lost much of its former quality and status - before the restructuring of the non-league pyramid. Nelson joined the Third Division of the newly created North West Counties League - an amalgamation of the Lancashire Combination and Cheshire County League - in 1982. During that era, Nelson also moved out of their old Seedhill ground, and it was sadly demolished to make way for the M65 motorway, although subsequently the route was tweaked and most of the original site is still intact, minus of course the stands and buildings. The club were transferred into the Second Division of the North West Counties League when the Third Division was dropped six seasons later. However, after one more season, the club`s new ground was deemed not to be up to league standard, and the team were forced to play in the Second Division of the West Lancashire League for four seasons. It was a tough period for the Blues, and they finished no higher than 15th in that time. After much hard work, the new ground at Victoria Park - known by the locals as “Little Wembley” - was brought up to scratch, and the club were re-admitted to the North West Counties League. In the years that followed, Nelson usually finished in the top half of the lower Division. A cruel end to the 2000/2001 season saw Nelson finish above Atherton LR in the third and final promotion place on the final day of the season, only to see the latter granted a replay of their final game as their opponents had fielded an ineligible player. Atherton won the replayed game to snatch away third spot from the Blues. Former Blackburn Rovers coach David Hall took over the manager`s role at the start of the 2004/05 season, and set about rebuilding a fresh young team. Hall was to leave after a poor start to the following season, but his assistant Graham Howarth took over and oversaw an incredible late run which propelled the Blues to a third place finish, bringing with it a first promotion for the club in 83 years.

The club fought off relegation threats and maintained a place in the Premier Division for four seasons before administrative troubles forced the club to resign from the NWCFL in the summer of 2010. After a year out to regroup, Nelson rejoined the First Division under new ownership. With a mixed board containing English and Asian board members that reflect the diversity within the town in the modern era, the club now aims to build a strong multi-cultural community club that acts as a bridge between diverse sections of the community uniting everyone under the common banner of football and providing a pathway into senior non-league football for any local players good enough, regardless of their race or religion or background. Longer term the club want to re-establish themselves as the leading non-league club in the region and eventually regain the Football League place they lost in 1931. The first season back was a transitional one as the new owners learnt about life running a senior football team and a 15th place finish was achieved. The 2012/13 season started with a new young management team of Robert Grimes and Michael Morrison and things started well with The Admirals racing to the top of the table. However cracks soon started to appear and a couple of months in the management team departed along with most of the squad. Nelson limped along for a few weeks taking some heavy defeats due to fielding what was effectively the clubs reserve team before manager Mark Fell arrived. He immediately brought stability to the club and an upturn in fortunes along with a host of new signings. Through his contacts he also established a permanent training ground and base for the club at Accrington & Rossendale College meaning the club now boasts exactly the same training facilities as League Two neighbours Accrington Stanley. On the pitch the side recovered to a mid table 10th position. Fell's first full season brought long awaited success back to the town, a first league title in 62 years. Fell's Nelson were outstanding, scoring a remarkable 157 goals in 45 games and winning the NWCFL Division 1 by five clear points. Nelson's Peter Wright became the league’s top scorer with 38 goals and secured The Admirals return to the NWCFL Premier Division.

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

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

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

Nelson - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

at St Helens Town

Previous Meetings

at Nelson

NWC-D1

1999-00

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2000-01

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2001-02

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2002-03

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2003-04

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2004-05

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2005-06

NWC-D2

2006-07

16/12; 0-0

Home

26/04; 4-4

Away

29/12; 4-1

2007-08

03/11; 0-1

27/04; 0-3

2008-09

28/02; 1-1

17/10; 4-0

2009-10

13/03; 2-1

2010-11

N/A

Collated

St Helens Town games since...

Nelson games since...

NWC-PD NWC-PD

2011-12

NWC-D1

All Competitions

NWC-PD

2012-13

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2013-14

NWC-D1

28/02/2015

2014-15

20/12; 0-4

Clean sheet

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

St Helens Town Scores First Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Nelson Wins

Score draw

St Helens Town Goals Nelson Goals

Win

Percentage Town Wins

33.33

All Previous Meetings All Competitions P

Win %

Home

50.00

Away

-6

41.18

Collated

45.45

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

From the Chair Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park for the visit of Nelson FC in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. With just ten games remaining we are certainly at the business end of the league campaign and there’s no doubt we are the midst of a fight to avoid relegation for the first time in our 32 year history in the NWFCL. Last Tuesday our poor form continued with the visit of top flight newcomers, and first time opponents, 1874 Northwich, who ran out comfortable 1-4 winners. Our visitors dominated the first half and a 0-2 scoreline at the break was a fair reflection on proceedings. When Kris Bell benefited from some showboating from Green’s ‘keeper Matt Conkie it look possible that Town would force a leveller but as too often this season gifting possession and poor defending restored 1874’s two goal lead. Town had had a goal struck off late in the game which appeared to be very harsh and from the resultant free kick our visitors immediately notched a fourth! Nelson arrive having secured a 4-0 win over Town back in December and I am sure manager Ian Price and the lads will be hoping for a better performance and some much needed points. Since their victory over Town at ‘Little Wembley’ the Admirals have lost four of their six league games, winning one (Alsager 3-0) and drawing the other (Squires Gate 3-3) last Saturday saw them lose 2-3 at home to in-form Bootle while seven days earlier they were beaten 1-0 at Winsford United. Next Tuesday evening we make the return trip to 1874 Northwich (at Winsford United’s Barton Stadium), kick off 7.45pm. Next Saturday we travel to Abbey Hey for another tough encounter against a team in rich form. Don’t forget to show your support for Red Nose Day 2015 - we have Car Red Nose on sale for £5 and a collection bucket on the turnstiles - please give generously. You can also have your photo taken as part of our awareness raising - see me at today’s game!

We are still on the look out for a couple of match and match ball sponsors for our remaining home games - it’s a great afternoon or evening with us including hospitality, programme adverts, photos plus lots more from just £50. For more details give me a call on 07713 339 682 or check out www.sthelenstownafc.com Enjoy the game and give the lads your vocal support. John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town AFC

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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

Town U17s in action

North West Youth Alliance St Helens Town U17 2-2 Leigh Genesis Sunday 22nd February 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

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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

#RND Launch Photos

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

NWCFL News Ashton Town have organised a reunion evening to celebrate the club's 62 year history. The event will be held at the club on the evening of Saturday 11th April, between 7pm and midnight, and all former players, managers and committee members are invited to attend. The club's Vice-Chairman Jimmy Cahill came up with the reunion idea, and asked former player Pat Dooney to assist in organising the event. Entry is free, and there will be displays of memorabilia from throughout the club's history, from its early days as Makerfield Mill FC through to the present day. Former players and committee members are also being encouraged to look out any photos or items that may be of interest and bring them down on the evening, to assist present day club officials in compiling a comprehensive story of the club's history. Town Chairman Mark Hayes said: "It's a great opportunity to put together the missing years of history, if possible. Since coming to the club, I have always wanted to do another history book, and it should be a great night". 1874 Northwich supporters have donated a substantial number of items to The Mid Cheshire Food Bank, after a collection last Saturday. The MidCheshire Food Bank is run in partnership with local churches in the MidCheshire area, which encompasses Winsford, Rudheath and Northwich, and relies on donations of in date food and toiletries to help local people in crisis. The collection was originally meant to take place at the Barton Stadium prior to the scheduled home fixture with Silsden, but despite the game being postponed, the collection still went ahead as 1874 Board member Brian Edge explained. "We were all organised for the event to take place on Saturday afternoon and anticipated a big response from our supporters and players, but the weather was unkind", said Brian. "However, our lot are made of strong stuff. "Vicki England, our Secretary, sent a text out to over 50 supporters, and ensured that details were posted on our webpage and social media that we were still ready to collect food items between 1pm and 3pm last Saturday afternoon, and our supporters delivered in style. "Our Chairman’s trailer was quickly filled, as were a couple of other Board members’ car boots and the convoy set off to deliver the much needed items to the Mid Cheshire Food Bank nearby.”

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

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.

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

Town v Bootle . . .

NWCFL Premier Division St Helens Town 0-2 Bootle Saturday 7th February 2015

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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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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 24 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 18

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 Glossop North End SILSDEN WINSFORD UNITED Ashton Athletic MAINE ROAD

Executive Programme Sponsor

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 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00

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

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

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

0-2L 1-4L

Crowther Crowther

Halpin Halpin

Name1

3 4 5 6 7 Saunders Falconer Morris1 McKay Lightbody Lightbody1 Saunders Falconer Morris1 McKay Saunders Falconer Morris McKay Lightbody Houghton Falconer Morris1 McKay Rushton-Woods Houghton Falconer1 Morris McKay Andy Gillespie1 McKay1 Houghton Falconer Morris Peers Morris Falconer Ogden McKay Andy Gillespie Richardson Falconer Ogden Cottington1 Coulter Bergqvist1 M Richardson Falconer Morris1 Cottington Bergqvist1 Saunders Falconer Ogden1 McKay C Morris Falconer Ogden McKay Bergqvist Richardson Falconer Morris McKay Andy Gillespie C Morris Falconer Grant McKay Perry Ale Morris Falconer Grant McKay Perry Richardson Falconer Morris Cottington McKay Saunders Falconer Morris McKay Cottington Morris Falconer Ogden McKay Saleh Morris Falconer Ogden McKay Saleh Morris Falconer Ogden McKay Bergqvist Morris Falconer Grant McKay Cottington Morris Falconer Coyle1 McKay Saleh Saleh1 Morris Falconer Coyle McKay Hont Falconer Coyle Morris Saleh McKay1 Hont Falconer Coyle Morris Hont Falconer Coyle Morris McKay Bell1 Hont Falconer Morris Coyle Hont Falconer Morris Coyle Bell Hont Falconer Morris Coyle McKay Coyle1 Hont Falconer Morris McKay Hont Falconer Morris Duffy McKay Hont Duffy Morris Grant McKay D Hont Falconer Duffy Morris Davidson Hont Falconer Duffy Morris Davidson Hont Morris Vincent Davidson Ashton Richardson Falconer Morris Davidson Vincent Hont Falconer Morris Ashton McKay Rush Hont Falconer Morris Ashton McKay Rush Hont Falconer Morris Davidson McKay

Hont Hont

Falconer Falconer

Morris Morris

Davidson Davidson

Player name and number of goals scored

Name

Player name and CAUTION

Name

Player name and DISMISSAL FOR 2 CAUTIONS

Name

Player name and DISMISSAL

Name10

Player name and number of replaced player

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

McKay McKay

V B

nd Figures

8 Hulme Hulme Coulter Hulme Hulme Hulme Hulme Hulme McKay1 Cottington Hulme Cottington ex Gillespie Ashton Ashton Ashton Ashton Grant Grant Ashton Grant Grant Grant Grant Grant Duffy Grant Grant1 Grant Grant Davidson McKay McKay McKay Ashton hton-Woods hton-Woods Ashton

Vincent Birchall

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

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

Rushton-Woods Hynes Bell1 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

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 Whelan

Findlay7 Findlay7

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

Andy Gillespie Perry11 Golding11 S-Cunnington10 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

Abbey Hey

1874 Northwich x

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 1-1

0-2 0-1

West Dids & Chrltn 5-0

0-5 0-4

Stockport Sports

Winsford United

1-4 1-0

St Helens Town 0-0

3-0

1-1 1-0

2-0

0-2 4-1

Squires Gate

Silsden

2-1 3-2

2-3 0-1

Runcorn Town 2-1

1-3 1-1 2-0

1-4

3-2 6-2

2-1

2-2 4-1

0-9 0-4

1-2

0-2

3-2

2-0 4-3

1-3

1-2

2-4

2-2

1-1

x x

1-3

1-0

1-3

5-5 2-0 3-2

2-5

3-0

1-1 4-3

0-0

2-1 0-0

1-3

2-1

1-4 1-3

1-1

1-5

1-2 2-1

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

4-1

3-2

3-0 1-1

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

2-0 2-2

Nelson

Runcorn Linnets

0-1

Maine Road

2-1

2-3

3-1

0-1

3-0

2-0 2-1

2-3

1-0 4-2 0-4

5-0

0-0

1-0 1-2

0-1

1-0 0-4

4-0

1-1

2-2

1-6

1-2

1-1

3-0 3-1

1-0

2-0

3-0

1-1 2-1

0-1

1-1

2-0

0-4

4-0

1-2 1-1

0-1

3-2 3-1

1-2

2-0

2-2

0-4

1-1 1-0 5-0

2-0

3-4

Glossop NE

Congleton Town

Colne

Bootle

Barnoldswick Town

Bacup & Rossendale

Ashton Athletic

1-1 0-3

Alsager Town

1-1

3-0 2-1 1-4

4-1

2-0

2-0 0-4

0-1

1-1 2-1

2-0

6-2

1-4 1-1

0-1

0-8

1-0

2-2 2-5

1-3 1-5

0-2 3-1 3-0

0-3

1-3

0-6

0-5

0-6

1-2

6-0 2-1

1-2 3-1

0-4

4-2 4-0

1-2 0-2

1-2

2-4 3-4

2-1

0-4 0-2 0-0

2-2 4-1

1-1

1-0 4-2

5-1

0-2 1-0

1-6 0-4

1-2

2-3

3-2

0-0

3-0 3-0

4-1 3-0

2-8

0-1

2-3

2-0

3-1

1-2

1-6 1-3

2-2

2-1

2-1 2-0

0-0

2-7

6-0 1-2 2-2

2-0

1-0 3-2

1-2 3-4

6-0 2-0

2-2 4-2

2-2

6-0 4-0

2-1 0-1

1-2

2-4 1-1

1-3

2-4

3-0 3-3

3-0 6-0

0-2

4-1

3-0

1-2 1-4

0-3

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

2-1

7-2

2-2 2-0 1-1

3-1

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

3-0 4-0 3-0

1-1

1-3

3-4

4-2 2-0

7-3

4-2 0-1

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

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

1-3

0-2

1-2

1-1

0-3

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

3-4

1-3

0-1 3-0 0-5

Squires Gate

4-1

AFC Liverpool

3-1

1-1

Ashton Athletic

2-2 1-4

Bacup & Ross

4-2 2-4

Colne

Congleton Town

2-2

Runcorn Linnets

AFC Liverpool

AFC Blackpool

Alsager Town 0-0

St Helens Town

0-3 1-2

Barnoldswick T

0-4

4-2 0-0

Silsden

Abbey Hey

1-0

Stockport Sports

AFC Blackpool

Bootle 1-0

Glossop NE

3-1

Maine Road

1-0

Nelson

0-1

Runcorn Town

3-0

WD&C

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 48 - Season 1994-95 North West Counties League Bradford Park Avenue Clitheroe St. Helens Town Trafford Newcastle Town Glossop North End Blackpool Rovers Burscough Prescot Penrith Chadderton Maine Road Eastwood Hanley Holker Old Boys Kidsgrove Athletic Nantwich Town Darwen Rossendale United Bootle Skelmersdale United Salford City Bacup Borough Opponents Bacup Borough Blackpool Rovers Bootle Bradford P.A. Burscough Chadderton Clitheroe Darwen Eastwood Hanley Glossop North End Holker Old Boys Kidsgrove Athletic Maine Road Nantwich Town Newcastle Town Penrith Prescot Rossendale United Salford City Skelmersdale United Trafford

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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 30 27 27 27 24 23 22 19 16 16 15 14 14 13 14 14 14 12 11 10 9 3

Home Sep 14 Apr 1 Dec 26 Aug 20 Apr 17 Aug 17 Nov 9 Mar 25 Mar 29 Sep 28 Oct 8 Sep 3 Dec 3 Nov 30 Nov 26 May 3 Sep 24 Oct 15 Dec 31 Dec 10 Apr 29

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

L 8 6 7 10 11 11 13 8 18 19 20 19 20 18 20 21 23 19 21 25 24 33

F 96 104 86 98 75 88 81 102 47 72 56 68 75 63 66 85 65 60 46 67 45 35 Away May 6 Dec 6 Mar 11 Feb 17 Jan 21 Oct 22 Dec 17 Mar 18 Apr 25 Aug 13 Mar 22 Sep 17 Apr 22 Aug 24 Jan 28 Apr 10 Feb 28 Apr 15 Feb 4 Sep 20 Sep 6

A 43 49 42 50 57 59 64 65 47 72 70 81 81 72 78 83 82 82 68 118 85 132

Pts 94 90 89 86 79 77 73 72 56 55 52 51 50 50 50 49 47 47 43 37 36 15

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

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 1994-95 Aug 27 Sep 10 Oct 1 Oct 29 Nov 19 Jan 14 Mar 4 Mar 8 Oct 12 Oct 25 Nov 16 Feb 9

Player Bickerstaffe, Gary Boyle, Ian Brady, Mark Byron, Neil Cooper, Laee Dawson, Mark Earle, Kevin Hesketh, Neil Hill, Franny Hockenhull, Alan Hoey, Terry Hughes, Lee King, Ste Knowles, W (Billy) Langton, Ian Lowe, Gary McClatchey, Derek Nolan, Ged Ogburn, Lee O’Neill, John Pennington, Ste Reilly, Adie Shaw, Neil Taylor, Phil Walker, Glenn Weaver, Neil Williams, Scott Williams, Steve Totals

FA CUP SALFORD CITY WARRINGTON TOWN FA VASE Prelim. Rossendale United 1st Qual. Bradford P.A. CARLING CHALLENGE CUP nd 2 Rd. Rossendale United 3rd Rd. GLOSSOP NORTH END QF Tetley Walker Replay TETLEY WALKER TENNENT’S FLOODLIT TROPHY 1st Rd.(1) MAINE ROAD 1st Rd. (2) Maine Road LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP st 1 Rd. KNOWSLEY UNITED 2nd Rd. TRANMERE ROVERS Prelim. 1st Qual.

Apps 33 3 2 33 7 1 11 3 7 3 54 40 27 49 42 24 1 53 38 38 33 1 34 54 1 2 594

Sub Apps 4 1 3 2 2 2 3 2 1 9 1 21 6 2 5 6 1 2 73

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

Home Home

Won Lost

7-1 0-4

Away Away

Won Lost

2-1 AET 0-3

Away Home Away Home

Won Won Drew Lost

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

Home Away

Lost Drew

2-3 1-1

Home Home

Won Lost

4-2 1-3

Total Apps 37 1 6 4 35 7 1 13 3 10 3 2 54 41 27 49 51 25 22 53 44 40 38 1 40 54 2 4 667

Goals 3 1 27 1 1 4 3 12 2 4 1 1 2 1 24 1 6 1 16

111

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 The latest chapter in Glossop North End's 2015 cup story will be written on Saturday, as they travel to Shaw Lane Aquaforce in the FA Vase 6th Round. It's another big game in a busy period for Glossop, and sees them bidding for a place in the FA Vase semi-finals for the first time in six years. Often at this stage of the competition, the draw can throw up a ties against relatively unknown opponents from the opposite end of the country, but that isn't the case in this instance. The Glossop travelling party will in fact be making a journey of around 26 miles, shorter than many of the journeys they make for League games, to reach the Barnsley venue for Saturday's game against a side that has already seen off Ashton Athletic and Runcorn Linnets in this season's FA Vase. Shaw Lane currently sit in fourth place in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, but are just eight points away from table topping Tadcaster Albion with four games in hand, and just two points behind second placed Worksop Town, who of course lost to Glossop in the Fourth Round of the FA Vase this season. They are a team in excellent form, and rather like Glossop, have the combination of a mean defence and plenty of goalscoring firepower, most notably in Lee Morris and James Eyles, who have 44 goals between them in all competitions this season. For Glossop, Saturday's game is their eighth cup tie in their last nine games, across three different cup competitions - the Vase, the Men United Cup and the Derbyshire Senior Cup, although interest in the latter ended on Tuesday night with a home defeat to Matlock Town. They face a busy end to the season as a result, but with recent memories of their Wembley appearance in the final of the 2008-09 competition still fresh in the mind, the players and the noisy band of supporters will make the trip across the Pennines hoping to take one step closer to another final.

Glossop Press Officer Jonathan Haggart said: "Although we're away from home, Shaw Lane is just 45 minutes from Surrey Street door-to-door, so we expect a really good following from the GNE army as always. "It's a tight ground, you could only stand on two and a half sides when I visited, so our vocal support can really make a difference. They were fantastic at Dunston last week. The team will be well prepared. We've got a couple of knocks from Tuesday's semi final and we'll see how they are faring, but otherwise the whole club is excited about the game. Both clubs are having excellent seasons, so it promises to be a cracker, if the weather relents for us". Alsager Town's Ryan Wintle has signed a professional contract with League One club Crewe Alexandra. The Bullets youngster made 30 appearances for the club this season, scoring nine goals, including a hat trick against St Helens Town on 17th January. Following an extended trial at Gresty Road, Ryan has signed an 18 month contract with the club. Alsager Town Deputy Chairman John Shenton said: "Apparently Ryan stood out in his trials and last Saturday, he scored the winning goal in Creweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s under 18 Academy 2-1 win over Leeds United. "We would like thank Ryan for his efforts while playing for us. For a 17 year old he has excelled in open age football, and the club wishes him all the best and hopes that he can make a name for himself playing as a professional footballer at the highest level he is able to achieve. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ryan goes into our club's record books as being the latest player in our history to move to a Football League club".

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

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Q11. Who were the only visiting Ligue 1 side to win at Paris Saint-Germain last term? Q12. Which Scottish League Two side play home matches at Ochilview Park? Q13. Where did former Liverpool striker Milan Baros begin his professional career? Q14. What was the highest scoring game in Spain’s La Liga last season?

Q15. In which season did Southampton finish runners up in the top-flight?

1) Torino 2) Palmeiras & Corinthians 3) Norman Whiteside (17 years 41 days) 4) Stanley Matthews 5) 72 6) Angelos Charisteas 7) Alfred Finnbogason of Heerenveen 8) The Amsterdam Arena 9) Groningen 10) True 11) Rennes 12) East Stirlingshire 13) Banik Ostrava 14) Real Madrid 7-3 Sevilla 15) 1983/4

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

Meet the Players

Alex Gillespie 06/08/1997 Midfield

Rory Crowther 29/12/1996 Goalkeeper

Matthew Davidson 11/01/1992 Midfield

Marcus Perry 16/08/1996 Forward

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