St Helens Town v Northwich Manchester Villa 2015-16 by John McKiernan

CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens

Saturday 16th April 2016, kick off 3pm North West Counties League, First Division

Vice Presidents: Jim Barrett and Steve Ball 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, Andy Langley Paul Wood, Margaret Wood, Chris Ford and Glyn Jones. Hospitality: Margaret Wood and Paul Wood Trustees: John McKiernan and Eric Bond 1st Team Joint Managers: Alan Gillespie & Nick Matthews

1st Team Coach Lee Jenkinson 1st Team Physiotherapists Ellie Hayes & Paige Marcus U21s Team Manager: John McLaughlan U21s Assistant Manager: Billy Davies U18s Team Manager: Ellis Hawksworth U18s Assistant Manager: Alex Jardine Sunday Team Manager: David Platt

Club Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Shirt Sponsor: EcigUK St Helens Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002 Company Director: Jim Barrett Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited Cover Photograph: Eddy Pegler in action at Hanley Town (05/03/2016)

St Helens Town

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

Mathew Hodge

Gls Y R

Northwich Manchester Villa Green & White Shirts Green Shorts & Socks

Daniel Whiting

Gls Y R

Aaron Morris

William Bailey

Stephen Rigby

Madison Davis

Andrew Presho

Mark German

Ant Whelan

Sven Gibson

Todd Blayney

Mohamud Ali

George Lomax

Charlie Wardle

Edward Pegler

Nalatche Lassana

Andy Gillespie

Liam Delaney

Ellis Mavers

Stuart McDonals

Daniel Greene

Soctrates Martins

Alex Gillespie

Beck Murray

Jack Marshall

Kaden McCabe

Sam Rawsthorne

Callum Collinson

Matthew Davidson

Gavin Salmon

David Jones

Alexander Black

Managers: Alan Gillespie and Nick Matthews

Manager: Bill Prendergast Assistant: TBC

Referee: Mr I Jones (Preston) Assistants: Mr G Burke (Bolton) & Mr D Tyas (Newton-le-Willows)

Match Sponsor

Finding Furever Homes www.findingfureverhomes.org.uk Match Ball Sponsors

Next Home Game: Sat 16th April 2016, 3.00pm Town v Northwich Man Villa NWCFL Division One Adults £5, Concessions £3 U16s £1, U12s FREE*

Good afternoon and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties League, First Division contest against Northwich Manchester Villa. May I open by welcoming our visitors I hope they enjoy the short time they will spend with us and have a safe journey home after the game. It’s only been 10 days since we were last here at Brocstedes Park hosting high flying Stockport Town as we looked to bounce back from the defeat at Irlam the previous Saturday. Unfortunately we started slowly and fell a goal behind on 27 minutes when Ruben Abreu netted with a spectacular effort from the right wing and as we looked to bounce back and were having our best spell of the game George Lomax had a rush of blood and was sent off for a poor challenge and this made our difficult task all the more daunting. We got to the interval just one goal behind and a tactical change saw us start to assert ourselves more but a goal from the visitors midway through the half diluted any thoughts of a comeback from the hosts and further salt was rubbed into the St Helens wounds when Stockport added a third to complete the victory. We then venture to very familiar territory on Saturday as we visited former landlords Ashton Town and we started the game off well dominating possession but it was Ashton who opened the scoring on a counter attack with Marcus Cusani netting from the right wing. Skipper Andy Gillespie levelled matters with an excellent finish to find the bottom right hand corner of the net but for all of their huffing and puffing St Helens were unable to register again and the half finished like the start with Ashton netting against the run of play this time through former player Neil Weaver.

The start of the second half saw the visitors pick up where they had left off at the end of the first and Aaron Morris was felled for a spot kick which Sam Sheen converted but again Ashton netted against the run of play this time on a counter attack which was eventually bundled home by David Mills. For a third time the visitors levelled this time Ste Rigby collected a short corner and sent a well struck effort into the bottom left hand corner. With time running out goal-machine Gillespie poked a loose ball home in the congested penalty area from a free kick his 28th goal of the season but Town couldn’t hold on for the much needed victory as Weaver was able to level in added on time to see the sides share the spoils a result which didn’t do either team much good in the chase for the play off places. We were then frustrated on Tuesday evening as our scheduled game here against league leaders Hanley Town was called off due to a waterlogged pitch leaving us with 5 homes games prior to today still to play in just three weeks. This is a problem we won’t be experiencing at home next season as our plans to return home to St Helens and more specifically Ruskin Drive and a 4G pitch have been released this week which will be a welcome fillip for the club as we have been “on the road” for more seasons than I care to mention!

Onto this afternoons contest against a Northwich Manchester Villa outfit who have been in indifferent form of late having lost their previous two matches their game on Tuesday evening at Rochdale Town saw them fall to a 3-0 reverse and last Saturday they lost 2-0 at home to Stockport Town. Town will be looking to get back to winning ways and a repeat of the battling performance in the reverse fixture and indeed the result, a 1-0 win would be gratefully accepted as we look to force the issue and make a late run for the play-off places as we reach the business end of the season. Let’s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them on to victory. Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

The origins of the team came from Woodley Sports Reserves who were successful in applying to join the Mid-Cheshire League for the 2005-06 season. They were placed in the second division and the first season was a successful one with the team finishing second and being promoted to the first division. For the 2006-07 season can the first of a number of name changes as they became simply Woodley. That season saw a comfortable mid-table finish but the following season they struggled and finished 14th in a 17 team division.

The 2008-09 season saw the Cheshire club bounce back from the previous season in the best possible way by winning their first league title and followed this up the season after securing the runners up spot and winning the League Cup Final with a 3-2 win over Crosfields/ Rylands at Traffordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shawe View ground. For the 2010-11 season the young club had a second change of name this time to Northwich Villa to reflect the link up with Northwich Victoria with Villa playing at the same stadium and acting as a feeder team for their hosts. The club had a disappointing season on the field and finished in 10th position but having applied for promotion to the North West Counties Football League and with no other teams wanting to advance were promoted to the leagues First Division. It was a steep learning curve for the new boys as the first season saw them finish 16th in the league and off the field as in January 2012 the ground was sold to Thor Specialties and Villa had to find new home venues to finish off the season. The 2012-13 season the clubs second in the NWCFL saw them continue to struggle on the field and they finished bottom of the table.

For the 2013-14 season the club moved grounds and changed name once more as they added “Flixton” to their name to become Northwich Flixton Villa reflecting their location playing at now folded Flixton FC’s former home of Valley Road. The club played two seasons in Flixton finishing bottom of the table for a second consecutive term in the first and improving to 11th last season. Prior to the start of this season there was yet another name change and another new venue they are now hosting their home games at the Manchester Regional Athletics Stadium and replaced Flixton with Manchester to become Northwich Manchester Villa.

Season

League

Pts

Position

2005-06

M CHES-2

2/16

2006-07

M CHES-1

-6

8/16

2007-08

CHES-1

-17

14/17

2008-09

CHES-1

1/16

2009-10

CHES-1

2/15

2010-11

CHES-1

-5

10/16

2011-12

NWC-1

-35

16/18

2012-13

NWC-1

106

-68

18/18

2013-14

NWC-1

108

-60

19/19

2014-15

NWC-1

11/19

St Helens Town - last 6 matches 9/4 All Competitions

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

Northwich Manchester Villa - last 6 matches All Competitions Home

Most recent

CHES-D1

2010-11

CHES-D1

NWC-PD

2011-12

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2012-13

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2013-14

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2014-15

NWC-D1

16/04/2016

2015-16

09/01; 1-0

St Helens Town games since...

Northwich M.V. games since...

All Competitions 9/4

All Competitions 7

No score draw

M CHES-D2

2009-10

N/A

2005-06

NWC-PD

No score draw

2004-05

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

NWC-D1

CHES-D1

Loss

N/A

CHES-D1

N/A

2003-04

2008-09

Collated

Loss

2002-03

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

NWC-D1

M CHES-D1

N/A

2007-08

Goal Scored

2001-02

2006-07

Goal Scored

2000-01

NWC-D1

Clean sheet

NWC-D1

at Northwich Manchester Villa N/A

NWC-D1

Previous Meetings

Away

Clean sheet

at St Helens Town

St Helens Town Scores First

Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Northwich M V Wins

0 1

Score draw

St Helens Town Goals

Win

Northwich M V Goals

Percentage Town Wins

100.00

Previous Meetings All Competitions P

Win %

Home

0.00

Away

100.00

Collated

100.00

Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park for this NWCFL First Division meeting with first time visitors Northwich Manchester Villa. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters have had a safe journey and along with our own support are treated to an entertaining encounter. I’d like to thanks today’s match sponsors Wilf Marshall who has travelled down from Scotland is supporting North West Dog Rescue organisation Finding Furever Homes. There will be a bucket collection today on behalf of the charity - please give generously and take look at their website www.findingfureverhomes.org.uk for the details of their great work. We are still on the look out for one or two final sponsors for this season - please contact me on 07713 339 682 for more information. The full details of next season’s sponsor packages ae now on our website.

Our midweek game against Hanley Town fell foul of the weather while last Saturday’s trip to Ashton Town ended in 4-4 draw with our hosts hitting a stoppage time goal to rescue a point after Andy Gillespie had put Town ahead with his 28th goal of the season in the 89th minute. We start a sequence of four, possibly five home games before our final game of the season at Barton (we are unsure when the Hanley game will be rescheduled). There’s still lots to play for and we can’t afford to drop too many more points if we are going to have any chance of making the play-offs. Today is a tough game and we have a number of games against teams also pushing for promotion Ashton Town, Bacup Borough and Barnton all of these are must wins! Don’t forget our Presentation Evening will take place on Friday 6th May 2016, 8pm in the Percival Rooms, Ruskin Drive, St Helens. Enjoy the game and let’s hope the lads can pick up three points . . . John McKiernan Chairman, St Helens Town AFC

U21s 5-2 Winsford U21s Cheshire U21s Premier Division Sunday 10th April 2016

Litherland REMYCA have announced a partnership with Everton FC to promote girls participation in football. Following the launch of the Sister Club programme in March in association with the FA and WSL (Women’s Super League), REMYCA have reached an agreement with Everton Ladies and Everton In the Community (EITC) to agree to be their first Sister Club. More than £100,000 has been invested by the FA into the programme, which aims to drive girls' participation at grassroots level and attendances at FA WSL matches. Following successful bids, 11 clubs will take part this season – Arsenal, Birmingham City, Bristol City, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Everton, Notts County, Oxford United, Reading, Sheffield FC, Sunderland and Yeovil Town. The Sister Club Programme will help girls’ clubs around the country to become affiliated with their local FA WSL club, and as part of the programme, Sister Clubs will gain access to hundreds of match tickets, player appearances, coaching sessions, camps and mascot places. Litherland REMYCA's Head of Youth Development, Colin Begbie, who has been instrumental in the growth of the girls section in the club, was delighted to announce the partnership. “In a relatively short space of time we have built a good foundation for the girls section within the club and we are always looking to further development both player participation and awareness of girls and ladies football. "We see this as a great opportunity for both ourselves and Everton Ladies to involve grassroots clubs and players into the world of Women’s Super League football and hopefully help increase the support of the ladies game.

"We are delighted to be Everton’s first Sister Club and look forward to working with Poppy (EITC Lead Coach & Co -ordinator) and Everton Ladies throughout the coming season and beyond.”

A big welcome to everybody for this afternoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fixture at our adopted home for this season Brocstedes Park against first time visitors Northwich Manchester Villa.

The reverse league fixture at the Regional Athletics Stadium, Manchester back in January was a very closely contested affair as we edge our hosts by a single goal which then started an impressive run of form. Hopefully a win this evening will do something similar. Our midweek game at home to league leaders Hanley Town fell to a waterlogged pitch. While last Saturday's 4-4 draw at Ashton Town probably sums up our season in many ways in terms of our inability to defend a lead even when then there is just a minute left on the clock. We scored two stunning goals fighting our way back from being behind three times only to throw the win and 2 points away right at the death. Disappointing yes but the important thing is that we have learn from it in terms of closing a game out. Last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s midweek game ended in a 3-0 defeat against Stockport. This saw us get a third red card in four games and it cost us dearly. After losing an early goal to a wonder strike we lost George Lomax and despite changing our shape at half time and doing reasonably well second half we conceded two from crosses and that was game over.

On a brighter note with six games left there is still everything to play for and I feel if we can tighten up defensively we still have a good chance of making the play offs. With 5 of those 6 games at home and other top 8 teams playing each other the play off race remains a close call although Barnton and Stockport look favourites to take two of the four places; at least six teams are contesting the other two remaining places. Whatever the outcome of this season we believe that we have the makings of a good young team and we certainly hope to retain the bulk of the squad for next season and just try to strengthen in close season where we can. Enjoy the game . . . Alan Gillespie Joint 1st Team Manager

Manager Alan Gillespie and Nick Matthews collecting the Club of the Month award from NWCFL Vice Chairman Geoff Wilkinson

Advantage Colne – for now There will be many twists and turns in the Premier Division promotion chase, but for now it’s Colne who have the advantage after the important 2-0 win over Runcorn Linnets at the XLCR Stadium on Saturday. If Colne win all their games between now and the end of the season they will be champions – but with third placed Atherton Collieries still very much in the hunt, it will only take the Reds to drop points against Colls in the clash between the two sides on Tuesday night to blow the race wide open again. Bears look menacing Congleton Town continue to be the team bang in form at the moment, with Saturday’s 3-1 win at Cammell Laird 1907 continuing a run that sees them second in the Premier Division form table. It’s now 13 games unbeaten for the Bears and six successive wins with only two goals conceded in those six games, proving that they have the ideal recipe for success, a water tight defence with the ability to score goals at the other end. The run has come too late for them to have an impact on the promotion race, but no one will relish facing the Bears while they are in their current mood.

Cobbydalers keep fighting Silsden’s position in the relegation zone of the Premier Division is precarious, but they gave themselves an important lifeline with their 3-1 win at Abbey Hey on Saturday. It was only their second away win of the season, but with it moving them off the bottom of the table to within two points of safety, time will tell how crucial a win it was. Another big game at home to fellow relegation candidates AFC Blackpool is next up for James Gill’s men, and a victory in that game could give them daylight between the drop zone and safety. A history making win for Whitchurch Alport Amidst what has been a difficult first season in the NWCFL, there was some cheer for Whitchurch Alport with their 1-0 win at Atherton LR on Saturday. The victory was only their second of the season, it ended a run of five straight defeats, and most notably was their first away win since joining the league last summer – so history made at last on the road.

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

Opponents

Match Sponsor

Match Ball Sponsor

Tue 11/08/15

Atherton LR

PC Problems St Helens

John Cahill

Sat 22/08/15

Irlam

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Mike Cole Web Design

Sat 29/08/15

Rochdale Town

Wheel Pro - Alloy Wheel Repairs & Refurbishment

Anthony Hall - Exiled Geordie on Merseyside

Sat 12/09/15

Barnton

Toast Café, St Helens

LM Travel

Sat 19/09/15

Cheadle Town

Paul Pritchard

The Cowley Vaults

Sat 10/10/15

Chadderton

KA Davies Electrical

Conor McGinn MP

Tue 13/10/15

Widnes

Rylance Fishmongers

David O’Keefe & Gary Shaw

Sat 24/10/15

Holker Old Boys

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Britannia Taxis

Sat 21/11/15

Daisy Hill

CelebLook Ladies & Girls Fashion

Kiera’s Occasions Venue Dressing & Balloons

Sat 19/12/15

Eccleshall

ODs Designer Clothing

Action Coach NW

Tue 16/02/16

Litherland REMYCA

Kiera’s Occasions Venue Dressing & Balloons

Danny’s Window Cleaning

Tue 05/04/16

Stockport Town

A180 Darts

Invisible Heroes

Tue 12/04/16

Hanley Town

Stillia

Action Coach NW

Sat 16/04/16 Northwich Man Villa

Wilf Marshall & Finding Furever Homes

Tue 19/04/16

Ashton Town

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Airborne Bathroom Services

Sat 23/04/16

Whitchurch Alport

Invisible Heroes

Wed 27/04/16

Bacup Borough

The Track King Stuart Pyke

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

Warrington Motors Fiat and Nissan

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

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

Warrington Motors Man of the Match v Eccleshall Andy Gillespie with Match Sponsors Ian Finney (Action Coach NW)

Between 1946 and 1962 the club, like many, didn’t have a ‘manager’. Town officials would liaise with first and reserve team captains over team selection. In 1962-63 ‘First Manager’ Pat Murphy came from Burscough with a nucleus of his team which won the Lancashire Combination Division One title for Burscough but the formulae didn’t work for Town despite financial backing of a brand new 200 seat supporters club opened by John Connelly in spring of 1962. 1963-64 Sam Cottingham came after success with Pilkington's in a move to rebalance the squad with more local players. 1964-66 Jimmy McKiernan became the club's first commercial manager and team boss after arriving from Earlestown via a successful playing career which included a spell on the North Wales circuit. 1966-68 Jackie Dewsnip, cousin of Town player Jimmy Dewsnip who along with the latter’s son Neil meant the Haydock based family served Town well over a couple of decades. 1968-71 Peter Jones took the reigns in the wake of the Northern Premier League being formed which reduced Town’s league (Lancs Combination) to one division. He moved on after three years to a position on the staff of Preston North End. 1971-77 Alan Hampson arrived from South Liverpool after a distinguished playing career at Holly Park and became a mini ‘Messiah’ as Town won the Lancs Combination title in 1972 along with the Bass Charrington and Watson trophy in quick succession. He also oversaw Town’s step into the Cheshire County League in 1975 as by then, the Lancashire Comb had become a pale imitation of its former self. 1977-79 The aforementioned Jimmy Dewsnip took the reigns after ‘Hampy’ had moved on and became the first ex Town player to become manager. He combined this with work for the Liverpool County FA with the latter eventually claiming his services after two years. 1979-80 Player manager Geoff Robinson hailed from the new overspill at Laffak where he also ran the increasingly successful ‘Starting Gate’ pub team in the blossoming new Sunday League. Many of his squad were ‘Town’ players but the ‘conflict’ of interests was seen as detrimental to the senior club.

1980-82 Jack Prytherch had been at Wigan Athletic and he brought in players from that area including new club skipper, his son in law, Steve Murfin. Jack’s reign saw the formation of the North West Counties League and Town’s first season was a struggle in the new league’s top flight resulting in a change in mid-term. 1982-84 Peter Rutherford. After the success of Alan Hampson a decade earlier, the Town board returned to South Liverpool again for their next appointment. Peter Rutherford was number two at Holly Park at the time but he also found it hard going in the NWCFL inaugural season and his charges only escaped relegation on a ‘technicality’. Things got a little better the following season and he bowed out just before glory arrived. 1984-87 Alan Wellens had skippered Town’s Lancs Combination title team and went on to become the club’s top appearances holder after making his debut at Great Harwood in 1966. His playing career was ended by a broken leg against Hyde in 1981 at Hoghton Road.

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

Alan went on to Town history with the club’s historic journey to Wembley in 1987 before he and the vast majority of the FA Vase winning side sought pastures new. 1987-92 Alan Aspinall (pictured opposite) took over the mantle of manager following the departure of the Vase squad and management team having been Reserve team boss and spent a successful five seasons in charge.

1992-93 Mick Holgate (left) presided over just one season at Hoghton Road before moving on to Leigh RMI. 1993-2002 Jimmy McBride stepped up from his position as Reserve team boss to take the reigns of the first team for almost a decade which saw the club’s move from Hoghton Road to Saints. Took the club to its first cup final since the visit to Wembley but lost out in the League Cup and Floodlit Trophy finals in the mid 1990s. 2002-2003 John Davison and Peter King arrived from Burscough having presided over a very successful period in the ‘Linnets’ history. After a disappointing first campaign despite significant financial backing the club’s need to tighten the purse strings led to the pair’s departure at the start of the 2003 campaign, along with most of the squad. 2003-04 Ex-Everton professional Paul Lodge became Town manager as the club reeled from financial cuts but unfortunately his youthful side struggled at the bottom of the league and he was replaced in January 2004. 2004-05 Former Town ‘keeper Joe Paladino took over the reigns from Lodge and secured the club’s safety from relegation before going to challenge for the title during most of 2004-05. Joe resigned in March 2005. 2005-06 Assistant to Paladino, Joe Gibiliru took over the manager’s position and presided over a period of on the field stability for the club before resigning in September 2006. 2006-07 Alex Wright, who had previously been assistant manager to Paul Lodge returned to the club as manager but his tenure was short-lived as family commitments led to him stepping down in September 2007. 2007-08 John Fletcher, Wright’s assistant, was given managerial responsibility and he steered the club away from the relegation battle with a 19th place finish at the end of 2006-7. Despite the club’s off the field problems and financial difficulties the following season saw Fletcher’s charges finish fourteenth after only one defeat in the last nine games. However Town remained rooted in a relegation spot for most of the following season and Fletcher departed with weeks of the season remaining. 2009 – 2010 Gary Bickerstaffe was appointed in March 2009 and secured the club’s safety with some ease recording six victories from the final eight games. Bickerstaffe’s fine form as manager continued throughout 2009-10 eventually finishing in 9th place. 2010 – 2011 Lee Riley steps up from assistant manager when Gary Bickerstaffe steps down at the end of the 2009-10. Lee resigned in March 2011 due to work commitments and Iain Dyson took over the managerial reigns before he too stepped down at the end of the season. 2011-12 season saw Jimmy McBride make a return to Town but it proved a difficult season and Town parted company with him as we narrowly avoided relegation. 2012 - 2013 Ian Granite became manager following success with neighbours Wigan Robin Park FC. A challenging 2012-13 season saw Town eventually steer clear of relegation, in doing so maintaining their unique 30 year stay in the North West Counties League top division. Despite an excellent start to the 2013-14 season Ian stepped down at the end of November due to business and family commitments and Ian Price took over the managerial reigns. The end of the 2014-15 season culminated in relegation for Town and Ian Price had already informed the club of his intention to step down. U21s boss Alan Gillespie and Ian Price’s long time assistant Nick Matthews were promoted to the joint managers Nick Matthews Alan Gillespie position. Many thanks to Jim Barrett and Eric Bond for their input in compiling the information.

Date

Opponents

Comp

Result

Aug 08

Chadderton

NWCFL

3.00

1-3W

McLoughlin

Davidson

Kelly

A.Whelan

Sealey

Baines

AUG 11

ATHERTON LR

NWCFL

Aug 15

Maine Road

7.45

4-1W

Bradley

Davidson

Kelly

A.Whelan

Sealey

Baines

FAC EPR 3.00

2-1L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon

Sealey

A.Whelan

AUG 22

IRLAM

NWCFL

3.00

3-1W

Bradley

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon1

A.Whelan

Agbodjan1

AUG 29

ROCHDALE TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

2-3L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon

A.Whelan

Griffiths

Sep 05

Winterton Rangers

FAV 1QR

3.00

0-4W

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon

Sealey

Begley

Sep 09

Litherland REMYCA

NWCFL

7.45

3-1L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Kelly

Lennon

Sealey

Begley

SEP 12

BARNTON

NWCFL

3.00

3-3D

McLoughlin

Davidson

Kelly

Gibson

Sealey

A.Whelan

Sep 15

Rochdale Town

NWCFL

7.45

3-1L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Gibson

Sealey

A.Whelan

SEP 19

CHEADLE TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

2-2D

Bradley

Baines

Marshall

Gibson

Lennon

A.Whelan

Sep 26

Hanley Town

MUC 1R

3.00

4-1L

McLoughlin

A.Whelan

Rigby

Gibson

Lennon

Begley

Oct 03

Rochdale Town

FAV 2QR

3.00

6-2L

McLoughlin

Lawrence

Rigby

Garcia

Gibson

Begley

OCT 10

CHADDERTON

NWCFL

3.00

3-1W

Hawksworth

Lawrence

Marshall

A.Whelan

Gibson

Davies

OCT 13

WIDNES

NWCFL

7.45

3-2W

Hawksworth

Lawrence

Marshall

A.Whelan

Gibson

Davies

Oct 17

Stockport Town

NWCFL

3.00

3-0L

McLoughlin

Lawrence

Marshall

A.Whelan

Lennon

Twist

OCT 24

HOLKER OLD BOYS

NWCFL

3.00

1-3L

Hodge

Lawrence

Rigby

A.Whelan

Lennon

Pegler Davies

Oct 27

Bootle

LSC 1R

7.45

4-2L

Hodge

Davidson

Rigby

Lawrence

Pegler

Oct 31

Daisy Hill

NWCFL

3.00

1-2W

Hodge

Davidson

Rigby

Lawrence

Pegler

Baines

NOV 21

DAISY HILL

NWCFL

3.00

2-6L

Hodge

Davidson

Alex Gillespie

Lawrence

Pegler

Blayney

Dec 09

Chadderton

FDC 2R

7.45

6-3L#

Hodge

Davidson

Rigby

Lawrence

A.Whelan

Al Gillespie

DEC 19

ECCLESHALL

NWCFL

3.00

2-3L

Hodge

Presho

Rigby

Lawrence

Pegler

Blayney

Jan 09 Northwich Manchester Villa

NWCFL

3.00

0-1W

Hodge

Alex Gillespie

Rigby

Lawrence

Presho

A.Whelan

Jan 23

Eccleshall

NWCFL

3.00

0-3W

Hodge

Alex Gillespie

Marshall

Lawrence

Falconer

A.Whelan

Jan 30

Cheadle Town

NWCFL

3.00

1-2W

Hodge

Morris

Rigby

Lawrence

Falconer

A.Whelan

FEB 16

LITHERLAND REMCYA

NWCFL

7.45

2-3L

Hodge

Morris

Presho

Falconer1

Lawrence

A.Whelan

Feb 27

Atherton LR

NWCFL

3.00

1-4W*

Hodge

Morris

Presho

Lawrence

A.Whelan

Blayney

Mar 05

Hanley Town

NWCFL

3.00

2-1L

Hodge

Morris

Rigby

Lawrence

Presho

Blayney

Mar 12

Widnes

NWCFL

2.00

1-2W

Hodge

Morris

Marshall

Lawrence

Presho

Sheen

Mar 15

Holker Old Boys

NWCFL

8.00

0-5W

Hodge

Davidson

McDevitt

A.Whelan

Lawrence

Blayney

Mar 19

Bacup Borough

NWCFL

3.00

3-3D

Hodge

Davidson

Presho

Lawrence

A.Whelan

Blayney

Mar 26

Whitchurch Alport

NWCFL

3.00

0-5W

Hodge

Morris1

Rigby1

Presho

A.Whelan

Lawrence Blayney

Apr 02

Irlam

NWCFL

3.00

2-0L

Hodge

Morris

Rigby

Presho

A.Whelan

APR 05

STOCKPORT TOWN

NWCFL

7.45

0-3L

Hodge

Presho

Marshall

A.Whelan

Lawrence

Morris

Apr 09

Ashton Town

NWCFL

3.00

4-4D

Hodge

Morris

Rigby1

Presho

A.Whelan

Marshall

APR 16

NORTHWICH M.V.

NWCFL

3.00

APR 19

ASHTON TOWN

NWCFL

7.45

APR 23

WHITCHURCH ALPORT

NWCFL

3.00

APR 27

BACUP BOROUGH

NWCFL

7.45

Apr 30

Barnton

NWCFL

3.00

TBC

HANLEY TOWN

NWCFL

# - AET 3-3 @ Full Time * - 2 Own Goal @ Atherton LR 27/02/16

Name1

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

Lorde1

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Nwachukwu

Marshall1

D.Whelan

Duke10

Russell21

Perry11

Bradley

Lorde1

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie2

Nwachukwu

Marshall

Lennon

Russell11

Perry71

Duke10

McLoughlin

Baines

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie1

Lorde

Kelly

Perry10

Nwachukwu7

Duke

D.Whelan3

Bradley

Duke

Griffiths

Andy Gillespie1

Nwachukwu

Golding

Lorde6

Perry11

Rooney

Rigby10

McLoughlin

Perry

Du Toit1

Andy Gillespie1

Rigby

Agbodjan

Golding10

Lorde7

Nwachukwu

Duke11

Rooney

Twist

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie1

Nwachukwu

Rigby1

Perry91

Agbodjan111

Golding10

A.Whelan

Rooney

Twist1

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Nwachukwu

Marshall

Perry12

Gibson11

Golding

Baines10

Bradley

Du Toit

Baines

Andy Gillespie1

Twist

Rigby

Perry102

Duke

Lennon5

Begley

Golding11

Duke

Baines

Andy Gillespie1

Du Toit

Rigby

Perry11

Nwachukwu6

Golding

Lennon2

Bradley

Du Toit

Twist

Andy Gillespie2

Dempsey

Sealey

Perry8

Duke10

Rigby

Golding5

McLoughlin

Baines

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Gregson

Twist

Perry11

Golding81

Hoult

Duke6

Bradley

Baines

A.Whelan

Andy Gillespie1

Du Toit

Gregson1

Lennon8

Golding10

Hoult11

Graham

Bradley

Duke

Gregson1

Andy Gillespie1

Golding

Du Toit

Rigby10

Lennon

Perry71

Hoult

Twist8

Duke

Gregson

Andy Gillespie1

Golding1

Du Toit1

Rigby8

Lennon

Perry7

Hoult

Twist10

Duke

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Gregson

Golding

Rigby11

Baines8

Perry2

Hoult

Al Gillespie

Duke

Gregson

Andy Gillespie

Du Toit

Hoult1

Golding11

Baines

Davidson7

Twist6

Al Gillespie

Baines

Andy Gillespie1

Blayney

Hoult1

Du Toit7

A.Whelan11

Duke

Lennon6

Bradley

Al Gillespie

Blayney

Andy Gillespie

Du Toit2

Hoult

Golding10

A.Whelan

Duke8

Lennon

Perry11

Murphy

Morris

Andy Gillespie1

Lomax1

Rigby

A.Whelan2

Perry

Baines

Duke7

Du Toit8

Gregson1

Baines

Andy Gillespie1

Pegler1

Hoult

Woodhall7

Blayney

Marshall

Davies

Bradley10

Smith

Morris

Andy Gillespie2

Lomax

Greene

A.Whelan11

Davidson2

Baines7

Alex Gillespie

Bradley

Pegler1

Blayney

Andy Gillespie

Murphy

Greene

Lomax10

Baines7

Smith

Woodhall

Hoult11

Mavers

Sheen1

Andy Gillespie1

Murphy

Rigby

Greene3

Morris2

Davidson

Smith10

Mavers

Sheen

Andy Gillespie1

Greene

Murphy

Presho8

Alex Gillespie

Blayney

Smith

Lomax111

Lomax

Blayney

Andy Gillespie1

Sheen

Mavers

Greene

Smith

Alex Gillespie

Rigby8

Murphy7

Greene

Sheen1

Andy Gillespie

Lomax1

Pegler

Alex Gillespie

Rigby10

Smith8

Davidson7

Sheen

Mavers1

Andy Gillespie

Lomax

Pegler

Greene6

Alex Gillespie

Davidson8

Smith7

Pegler

Mavers

Andy Gillespie1

Lomax1

Greene

Blayney8

Alex Gillespie7

Davidson

Murphy11

Lomax1

Pegler1

Andy Gillespie1

Mavers1

Greene

Alex Gillespie6

Rigby91

Hoult7

Lomax

Pegler

Andy Gillespie2

Greene

Rigby1

Alex Gillespie7

Hoult10

McDevitt

Pegler

Blayney

Andy Gillespie1

Lomax1

Greene

Alex Gillespie11

Mavers

Brady101

Davidson2

Jones

Lomax

Pegler

Andy Gillespie

Mavers

Greene

Alex Gillespie10

Marshall6

Rawsthorne

Davidson7

Jones

Pegler

Lomax

Andy Gillespie

Greene

Rigby

Alex Gillespie7

Blayney

Mavers5

Davidson11

Jones

Sheen1

Blayney

Andy Gillespie2

Greene

Mavers

Lomax10

Pegler11

Alex Gillespie7

Davidson

Lawrence

A.Whelan Jones Jones

1-3

2-0 4-3

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

1-2 1-2 0-3

1-1 1-4

0-2 1-0

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

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

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

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

4-3 0-3 1-6 5-0

6-0

4-1 11-1 0-1

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

1-1 3-6 1-3

Northwich Man Villa 0-2 3-0 0-2 3-3 2-0

Widnes

2-1 4-2 9-2 3-3 1-1 1-0 1-2 2-1 7-1 1-1 1-1

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

3-1

0-5 0-2

3-1 1-2 0-0 4.3 1-2 0-5

8-0 3-1

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

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

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

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

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

3-1

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

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

Whitchurch Alport

Widnes

0-1 5-1

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

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

3-1 2-1

3-0 1-6 3-0

4-1

Whitchurch Alport

2-2 3-2 0-1

Stockport Town

Eccleshall

St Helens Town

0-4

Rochdale Town

1-2 10-1 3-0 2-2 1-1

0-2

Northwich M Villa

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

2-2

Litherland REMYCA

0-1 5-5

3-0 2-0

Daisy Hill

Litherland REMYCA

Irlam

2-3

Cheadle Town

Irlam

Holker Old Boys

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

6-0 0-0 0-0

Hanley Town

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

Chadderton

Holker Old Boys

Eccleshall

Barnton

Daisy Hill

Bacup Borough

Cheadle Town

1-1

Chadderton

0-0

Barnton

Atherton LR

Bacup Borough

Ashton Town

Atherton LR

Ashton Town

North West Counties Football League Division One Season 2015-16 Wed 13/04/16

1-3 3-1 2-3

6-0 1-0

2-3

5-1 0-3

3-2

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

4-1 2-2

2-2 1-5 1-6 1-1 1-4 1-1 0-5 0-3 2-2 0-3 1-1 0-4 1-1 0-5

3-3

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

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

St Helens Town AFC - Player Records 1946-2015 Goals in a career 216 Steve Pennington 118 Terry Garner 108 Gary Laird 105 Lee Cooper 101 Glenn Walker 94 Iain Dyson 83 Harry McCann 81 Ray Fairweather 72 Arthur Tyrer 68 Phil Stainton 63 Mervyn Bull

Goals in a season 47 Phil Stainton 1963/64 46 Steve Pennington 1997/98 45 Jackie Kendrick 1973/74 45 Steve Pennington 1993/94 40 Bob Potter 1952/53 38 Terry Fearns 2000/01 36 Albert Leadbetter 1950/51 35 Arthur Tyrer 1957/58 34 Lee Cooper 2001/02 33 Ronnie Rigby 1952/53 32 Harry McCann 1950/51 31 Terry Garner 1950/51

Career Appearances (Qualification 250 games) 448 Alan Wellens (inc. 207 estimated) 359 John Critchley (16 est.) 352 Steve Pennington 346 Gary Lowe (1 est.) 345 Glenn Walker 327 Jackie Atherton (122 est.) 300 Jackie Cooke (1 est.) 287 Gary Laird 280 Kevin Grice (147 est.) 278 Jimmy Woodyer (67 est.) 276 Iain Dyson 272 Ray Fairweather (3 est.) 265 Larry Redmond (134 est.)

ST. HELENS TOWN AFC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A STATISTICAL HISTORY by Glyn Jones Part 66 - Season 2012-13 North West Counties League Padiham Maine Road Bootle Runcorn Town (-3) Winsford United Runcorn Linnets Congleton Town Colne Barnoldswick Town AFC Blackpool AFC Liverpool Wigan Robin Park Glossop North End Norton United (-3) Alsager Town Stockport Sports (-6) Bacup Borough Silsden St. Helens Town Ashton Athletic Squires Gate Stone Dominoes Opponents AFC Blackpool AFC Liverpool Alsager Town Ashton Athletic Bacup Borough Barnoldswick Town Bootle Colne Congleton Town Glossop North End Maine Road Norton United Padiham Runcorn Linnets Runcorn Town Silsden Squires Gate Stockport Sports Stone Dominoes Wigan Robin Park Winsford United

P 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 Home Apr 9 Aug 7 Oct 20 Sep 4 Mar 5 Mar 26 May 4 Jan 5 Apr 4 Apr 25 Apr 6 Apr 16 Feb 23 Feb 26 Sep 29 Feb 16 Mar 23 Sep 1 Apr 27 Feb 12 Mar 30

W 26 28 26 26 25 21 20 19 19 19 18 17 14 16 14 14 13 11 9 10 8 3

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

L 6 11 8 7 9 12 13 13 14 14 18 20 17 19 20 15 21 25 24 27 28 35

F 92 99 79 105 85 82 85 93 77 60 69 66 73 69 66 72 51 58 54 58 47 31 Away Mar 9 Mar 21 Mar 19 Nov 24 May 6 Aug 18 Aug 21 Aug 4 Aug 28 Feb 9 Dec 1 Jan 12 Sep 8 Feb 2 Feb 18 Oct 6 Mar 2 Dec 8 Sep 22 Nov 3 Nov 10

A 45 57 43 45 45 58 55 60 57 58 64 71 71 83 78 69 71 98 91 91 95 166

Pts 88 87 86 84 83 72 69 67 66 66 60 56 53 52 50 49 47 39 36 35 30 13

Result Drew 0-0 Lost 1-3 Lost 0-2 Drew 2-2 Drew 0-0 Lost 2-4 Drew 2-2 Won 2-1 Lost 0-2 Won 4-3 Lost 1-2 Lost 2-5 Lost 1-4 Lost 2-4 Drew 1-1 Lost 1-7 Lost 0-3 Lost 1-2 Won 3-1 Lost 0-3 Lost 1-3

FA CUP Extra-Prelim.

Aug 11

ABBEY HEY

Home

Lost

1-5

FA VASE 2nd Rd. Qual.

Sep 15

Daisy Hill

Away

Won

5-0

1st Rd.

Oct 13

PARKGATE

Home

Lost

2-4 AET

2nd Rd.

Oct 27

Home

Lost

0-3

Away

Drew

0-0*

LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP AFC BLACKPOOL LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP

1st Rd.

Oct 23

Ashton Town Player

App

Sub

Newcombe, Andy

Novak, Lee

Osman, Carl

Player

App

Sub

Ashton, Cole

Total Goals 38

Burke, Chris

Total Goals

Crompton, Lee

Doyle, Gary

Price, Ian

Pye, Gary

Dunne, Alex

Dunne, Jordan

Edwards, Ste

Fitzjohn, Craig

Freitas, Andre

Harrison, Greg

Harrison, Lee

Hatton, Brian

Hoult, Kieron

Howard, Adam

Jennings, Joe

Johnson, Lewis

Judge, Shaun

Kilbride, Tyler

Laird, Callum

Lomax, Chris

Pye, Mark

Rimmer, Ash

Rudd, Stuart

Standley, David

Stevenson, Jordan

Stoker, Charlie

1 1

Storey, Adam

S-Wright, Michael

2 1

Taylor, Ryan

Vaughan, Lee

Walker, Lewis

Wallace, Ryan

Waugh, Mero

Williams, Chris

Williams, Phil

Woods, Dale

517

101

618

McNair, Scott

Wright, Dan

Mawdsley, Andy

Own Goal

Newbrook, Dale

Totals

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

St Helens Town 1948

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

Club Honours: 1949 George Mahon Trophy Winners 1951 Lancs Comb Division 2 Champions 1972 Lancs Combination Champions 1973 Bass Charrington Cup Winners 1974 Watson Trophy Winners 1978 St Helens Hospital Cup Winners 1979 St Helens Comb Div 1 Runners Up 1979 St Helens Hospital Cup Runners Up 1980 St Helens Comb Div 1 Champions 1985 NWCFL Reserve Div 2 Runners Up 1986 NWCFL Reserve Div 1 Runners Up 1987 FA Vase Winners (Wembley) 1994 League Challenge Cup Finalists 1994 NWCFL Reserve Division Runners Up 1995 NWCFL Reserve Division Champions 1996 NWCFL Reserve Division Runners Up 1998 Floodlit Trophy Finalists 1999 REALCO Fair Play Award Winners 2009 Bert Trautmann Trophy Winners 2014-15 South Lancs League U17s Cup Finalists 2014-15 Cheshire FA U21 League Champions

Record Appearances: Alan Wellens (448) Record Goal Scorer: Steve Pennington (216) Record Attendances: 3012 at Hoghton Road v Burscough (1948) 8000 at Hoghton Road v Man City (1950) 1723 at Knowsley Rd v FC Utd Manchester (2006) 9000 at Prescot Cables v Runcorn (1949) Programme Awards 1993-94 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1995-96 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1997-98 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1998-99 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1999-00 NWCFL Programme of the Year 2000-01 NWCFL Programme of the Year 2009-10 NWCFL Premier Division 2010-11 NWCFL Premier Division 2011-12 NWCFL Premier Division 2012-13 NWCFL Premier Division 2013-14 NWCFL Premier Division 2014-15 NWCFL Premier Division Wirral Programme Club National Survey 1996-97 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1997-98 NWCFL Programme of the Year 1998-99 NWCFL Programme of the Year Programme Monthly 2007-08 NWCFL Programme of the Year

Soccer Club Swap Shop National Awards 2010-11 Placed 28th 2011-12 Placed 8th 2012-13 Placed 7th 2013-14 Placed 8th 2014-15 Placed 5th NWCFL 2015 Awards Payer of the Month Oct Andy Gillespie ‘Keeper of the Month Nov Matthew Hodge January 2016 Team of the Month ‘Keeper of the Month Jan Matthew Hodge

St Helens Town AFC 1987 Following the FA Vase semi-final victory at Emley AFC - on their way to Wembley glory.

George Barrett, former committee member and dad of club Vice President Jimmy, with the Lancashire Combination Trophy 1972

Mid-1990s St Helens Town pictured at Hoghton Road with club sponsor John Burns along with committee members Bill Noctor, (Snr. and Jnr.), Joe Jones, Jim Barratt and Gordon McDonald

St Helens Fall at Final Hurdle as Ashton Rescue a Point By Kieran Ford Town are now winless in their last 3 as a stoppage time equaliser puts a dent in their play off dream in a pulsating game. St Helens returned to familiar surroundings as they took on former landlords Ashton Town at Edge Green Street in today’s contest. After 2 defeats in 4 days, the men from Brocstedes Park were looking to improve their fortunes as the play offs were still in sight despite these setbacks. Ashton had drawn 3 of their previous 4 games but were still hot on St Helens heels in the Division One standings. The game started evenly as both sides saw plenty of the ball and was tactically trying to suss the other team out. However, in the 11th minute, St Helens number 10 Danny Greene was played in inside the Ashton box, however was surrounded by defenders in red and could not get his shot away. The ball was stole off him and from the resulting Ashton counter attack Marcus Cusani was found, and after a neat turn to evade Jack Marshall, fired a shot with a bounce that deceived St Helens keeper Matt Hodge to put the hosts a goal to the good.

Ashton Town 4-4 Town Saturday 9th April 2016 Photos courtesy of Dawn Marshall

Arguably the goal of the game put the away side level as top goalscorer Andy Gillespie used his strength and dribbling ability to beat 3 Ashton defenders, before sending a curling effort past Joe Clements from the corner of the area. Gillespie had scored 26 goals this season prior to today, but the goal he scored surely has to be one of his best, as he used his attacking nous and accuracy to expertly find the far corner. St Helens fashioned out a few more chances as their heads were up after equalising, however as the weather took a downturn, as did the away team’s fortunes. They were dealt a blow right on the stroke of half time as the Blues defenders failed to clear which allowed former St Helens player Neil Weaver a chance to nip in and round Hodge in the St Helens goal for an easy tap in which saw the hosts retake the lead. HT: Ashton Town (Cusani, 11) (Weaver, 45+1) 2-1 St Helens Town (Gillespie, 19) The opening 10 minutes of the second half were played with both teams putting in some challenges that perhaps wouldn’t have been as rash if the weather wasn’t rain-ridden. This resulted in 2 cautions for Ashton in quick succession, the fouling trend continued as St Helens right back Aaron Morris was tripped inside the Ashton area resulting in a chance for the

visitors to level the score line once again. Sam Sheen, returning to the starting line up, stepped up and sent Clements the wrong way to bring the visitors back on level terms once again. However the hosts went ahead for a 3 rd time as after a goalmouth scramble involving as many as 6 players fell to David Mills who bundled the ball in despite the attempts of Hodge and Marshall to clear, this bad luck may have been a sign of things to come for the visitors… The fight shown by St Helens after they went behind was rewarded with another levelling goal as after a corner into the box broke to Ste Rigby, the left winger sent a curling effort past the Ashton number 1 in an effort that was similar to Gillespie’s an hour prior. This was a testament to Rigby’s high work ethic throughout the match and was ironic that Town’s equaliser number 3 was scored by number 3. St Helens knew however that a draw may not be good enough if they are to obtain a play off place, so threw everything at the Ashton defence for the final 10 minutes. Their persistence paid off as a free kick from the left hand side was scrambled in from that man Andy Gillespie as a vital 3 points seemed to be heading back to Brocstedes as the game approached stoppage time. However, even with substitute George Lomax attempting to keep the ball in the corner, Ashton stole the ball and surged down the opposing end of the field. A long ball over the top resulted in confusion between Jack Marshall and Matty Hodge, this allowed Weaver to nip in and get a shot on goal that was saved by Hodge; but he slammed home the rebound to end the enthralling contest 4 apiece.

Ashton Town 4-4 Town Saturday 9th April 2016 Photos courtesy of Dawn Marshall

Q1. Which four nations have won the Women’s World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1991? Q2. Which club did Atletico Madrid sign Sergio Aguero from in 2006?

Q3. How many assists did Mario Balotelli make in the Premier League for Manchester City? Q4. Which La Liga outfit play their home games at Vallecas? Q5. Which player is the most capped full Swedish international? Q6. Which Scottish League club play their home matches at Easter Road?

Q7. Which player scored 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup Finals, still the most scored in a single tournament? Q8. Which player had the most assists in the Champions League last season? Q9. Which player made an appearance on the sleeve of Oasis’s debut 1994 album “Definitely Maybe”? Q10. Which player scored the winning goal in Herford United’s infamous 1972 FA Cup Third Round win over Newcastle? Q11. Which German nicknamed “The Lilies”?

team

are

Q12. Which team topped their Champions League group last season despite only scoring 4 goals in the 6 games? Q13. Which two teams appeared in two European Cup Winners Cup Finals winning neither? Q14. Which English club were founded by Rev. W B Pitt in 1879? Q15. Which team have scored the fewest goals in a Premier League season without being relegated?

1) USA, Germany, Japan & Norway 2) Independiente 3) One (the title winner against QPR in 2012) 4) Rayo Vallecano 5) Anders Svensson 6) Hibernian 7) Just Fontaine 8) Lionel Messi with six 9) Rodney Marsh 10) Ricky George 11) Darmstadt 12) Monaco 13) Real Madrid 1971 & 83, & Rapid Vienna 1985 & 96 14) Swindon Town 15) Leeds with 28 goals in 1996-7

TOWN BOUNCE BACK TO WINNING WAYS (Saturday 9th January 2016) by Glyn Jones St. Helens Town turned in a tremendous defensive effort at Manchester Regional Arena on Saturday, to gain a precious 1-0 victory over a lively Northwich Manchester Villa side in the first ever meeting between the sides. Not only was this Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first win since October, but it was their first clean sheet since the FA Vase win at Winterton Rangers in September and it also represented their first shut-out in league games this season.

On a slick, wet pitch, Town began under pressure from the home side, who launched several attacks before the visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first raid, which saw Ste Rigby sprint 30 yards with the ball, only to fail to get sufficient power in his shot as the NMV defenders closed in after 12 minutes. A further 12 minutes on, Villa had a series of shots on goal in quick succession, which the Town defence did well to keep out and a few minutes later, a free-kick from Nalatche Lassana was passed to Gavin Salmon and Matt Hodge in the Town goal pulled off a fine save from point-blank range. Town had to wait until the half hour mark before they got in their second shot on goal, Todd Blayney hitting a few feet over the crossbar from 20 yards. As the action switched to the other end of the pitch, Hodge again saved from close range from Callum McGlynn. Nine minutes from half-time, St. Helens went ahead. A snap shot from Daniel Greene was blocked by a Villa defender and Ed Pegler hit the rebound in from 20 yards in spectacular fashion. The second half followed much the same pattern as the first, as the NMV forwards launched wave after wave of attacks in the pouring rain, but the Town defence turned in a tremendous shift to keep the home side out, on virtually every occasion getting in crucial tackles to deny the equaliser. Only once did Hodge make a mistake, slicing a clearance on 65 minutes, but there was Adam Lawrence on the far post to clear the ball off his line. In a rare attack, Town lost possession on the half-way line with twelve minutes remaining, but Hodge once again pulled off a fine save to deny Dominic McHale when he looked almost certain to score. It was a marvellous performance in deplorable conditions, but Town shone through and fully deserved their victory, which lifts the team into tenth place, with games in hand on most teams above them. Indeed, another win this Saturday against Stockport Town at Brocstedes Park, could elevate them into seventh place, hot on the heels of the promotion play-off contenders.

U18s 0-2 Macclesfield NW Youth Alliance League Sunday 10th April 2016

St Helens Town have announced details surrounding their planned return to St Helens this summer. With work well underway at their new home ground at Ruskin Drive, Town are looking forward to a return to St Helens following an extended period in exile which has seen them play ‘home games’ at Atherton Collieries, Ashton Town and currently at Ashton Athletic. The Ruskin Drive project is being led by St Helens Council Sports Development department, in conjunction with the Liverpool County FA and the Football Foundation, and will see a new 3G set-up at the former Pilkington’s Sport and Social complex which is now managed by the Council. Construction has recently commenced and is due for completion in the summer, with work including new floodlighting, a 200 seater stand and purpose built changing room facilities which will ensure the ground meets the minimum requirements for the NWCFL Premier Division. The development has been some years in the planning and will form part of a broader project across the site which will see the facilities for rugby, tennis, cricket, bowls and football hugely improved.

Town will access the facilities, alongside Cheshire League neighbours Pilkington FC who have been based on the site for many years. Club Chairman John McKiernan said, ‘We are delighted to be making a return to the town after a long time as the tenants of a number of clubs. Everyone at the St Helens Town is really looking forward to all our teams returning home, and we must thank all the partners involved in making this happen. ‘We have to be really thankful for the great support offered us over the last five years without which the club would now have been a distant memory. I’d like offer a special thanks to our current landlords Ashton Athletic who have been great hosts, especially in light of the dreadful weather we’ve experienced over the last two seasons. "We’ve worked hard to maintain a presence in the town and to fly the flag for the borough across the region and in the FA’s national competitions. When we left St Helens we were one team, and now we are four with an U18s, U21s and adult Sunday team added to our NWCFL first team with a plan to continue our growth. With a formal inspection of the new ground by North West Counties Football League officials unable to take place prior to the 31st March 2016 deadline, the club has entered into a ground share agreement for the 2016-17 season with Evo-Stik League side Prescot Cables.

John McKiernan added: "I’d like to thank Chairman Tony Zeverona and the board at Cables for agreeing to host us at Hope Street, should our new home not be ready at the start of the 2016-17 campaign. "We have had to sign a season-long agreement with Prescot to satisfy the FA security of tenure requirements, but we are confident that any use of Hope Street will be minimal.

‘We hope to have further updates as work progresses and plan a series of events next season to celebrate the club’s 70th anniversary".

St Helens Town 0-3 Stockport Town (Tues 5th April 2016) by Kieran Ford For tonight’s contest, Ste Rigby was moved to left midfield with Jack Marshall replacing Todd Blayney in the starting line up. This vacancy in the centre of midfield meant that Aaron Morris was pushed up from right back to fill this role. Andy Presho moved to right back with Ellis Mavers dropping to the bench, this allowed Adam Lawrence to return from suspension to partner Ant Whelan in central defence. Even though there were two changes from Saturday’s first eleven, the game started in a similar vain to that contest with Stockport using their talented midfield and attacking players to ask questions of the St Helens defence from the outset. As has given them success in the past, St Helens preferred to play the ball out of their own half, however, they were caught out doing this on a number of occasions by the hungry Lions who cut out any available passing lanes. Stockport were utilising the right hand side of the pitch well, by playing through balls to the pacey winger Ruben Abreu. Jack Marshall is no slouch himself, and the terrier of a left back will give any wide man a hard time during the game. However in the 27th minute, Marshall could do nothing about the neat turn inside from the Stockport number 7, who was given a few yards of free space and picked his spot from 25 yards out to beat the ever impressive Matt Hodge at his near post. With the ball crashing off the white beam and into the top corner, St Helens would feel that they were still in the contest and that little could be done about the goal they conceded. However, arguably the turning point of the game occurred just after the half an hour mark, as the ball broke just outside the Stockport area, St Helens’ George Lomax and a Stockport defender contested a 50/50 challenge for the ball. The home side’s striker went in two footed and caught his opponent, which in today’s game results in a straight red card. This was indeed the case as St Helens went into half time a goal down and a man down. Town responded in the second half by bringing on Ellis Mavers from the bench to replace Adam Lawrence in a more offensive move by Alan Gillespie and Nick Matthews as the hosts had to press and to try and get at least a point from the game. From the outset of the second period, St Helens started to see more of the ball, as Stockport sat back and allowed their extra man to affect proceedings as they stifled Town at every opportunity, hardly allowing a shot on goal for the hosts. The impressive defending of in particular Stockport’s Joseph Armstrong continued to frustrate the St Helens attack. Town had the wind knocked out of their sails with 25 minutes left as a deep free kick from the left was missed by Matt Hodge who had intended to punch the cross away, this allowed the ball to bounce off Stockport’s Adam Kay and roll into the net with Ant Whelan failing to clear for the hosts. Towards the last 10 minutes, lead by the rallying calls of Aaron Morris and Andy Presho amongst others, Town started to show more fight and desire as they managed to foray into the Stockport half more regularly, however an elusive shot on goal was not forthcoming as the contest was ebbing towards “one of those games” for the home side. 3 minutes into stoppage time, the away side added a third from yet another free kick, this time Stockport substitute Mason Dunkley-Hemlin was allowed a free header to nod past Hodge, which compounded a disappointing day at the office for St Helens.

PLEASE SUPPORT NON-LEAGUE FINALS DAY by Tony Incenzo of talkSPORT Radio I would like to call upon all football followers to support Non-League Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 22 2016: The FA Vase – Final Hereford v Morpeth Town (12.15pm) The FA Trophy – Final FC Halifax Town v Grimsby Town (4.15pm) I passionately believe that this is a major step forward in how the FA Trophy and FA Vase Finals are marketed. It should be possible to bring the whole Non-League community together for a glorious day of celebration at Wembley.

I have been an avid follower of Non-League football for more than 40 years. I grew up in North-West London and I used to watch my local teams – Hendon, Barnet and the old Finchley FC – whenever I could as a school kid. Nowadays, my diet of attending Non-League football mainly consists of ground-hopping. But I always try to take in the major Finals at Wembley. Over the last couple of seasons however, I have been very disappointed with the attendances at those showpiece games… 2014…18,120 for the FA Trophy Final, Cambridge United v Gosport Borough 2015…14,585 for the FA Trophy Final, North Ferriby v Wrexham 2014…5,431 for the FA Vase Final, Sholing v West Auckland Town 2015…9,674 for the FA Vase Final, North Shields v Glossop North End Now compare these figures to the record crowds for the respective Finals: 53,262 at 2007 FA Trophy Final, Stevenage Borough v Kidderminster Harriers 36,232 at 2007 FA Vase Final, Truro City v AFC Totton Yes I know there was special interest in 2007 as it was the first year that the Finals returned to the rebuilt Wembley Stadium. But even so, there has been an alarming decline in crowds since then. It must have been getting towards the point where it is no longer viable to stage these Finals at the national stadium – especially the FA Vase. That would be a great shame for the players and supporters of the participating teams. Therefore I would like to see every club that participates in the overall FA Trophy and Vase competitions attempting to sell 50 tickets each and running a coach to Non-League Finals Day at Wembley. A total of 276 teams took part in the 2015/16 FA Trophy competition with 572 in the FA Vase. If they all sold 50 tickets each, it would bring 40,000-plus to the Finals Day on top of the supporters of the respective finalists and other neutrals. I can hear people now saying: “Our club couldn’t sell 50 tickets!” Well even the smallest of Non-League clubs have 50 people involved – first team and reserve players, committee, supporters and WAGS. The ticket prices are very attractive and you would definitely enjoy a great day out! Anyway, those are my ideas. Let’s embrace and boost the FA Trophy and Vase Finals. The alternative is losing their traditional place at the national stadium due to a lack of interest. Follow Tony Incenzo on Twitter @TonyIncenzo

The League Management Committee is now in a position to issue a further update on applications from clubs wishing to join our league in season 2016-17.

PROMOTION APPLICATIONS FROM STEP 7 LEAGUES Charnock Richard of the West Lancashire League have passed the required grading inspection for promotion, and the NWCFL have recommended to the FA Technical Panel that the grading is approved. Prestwich Heys of the Manchester League and Sandbach United of the Cheshire League have also passed the required grading inspection for promotion, and the NWCFL have recommended to the FA Technical Panel that the grading is approved in both instances, subject to floodlight grant approval from the Football Foundation. Carlisle City of the Northern Football Alliance have passed the required grading inspection for promotion, and their League has notified the FA that they are prepared to release two Clubs for promotion Step 6. Carlisle City have informed the FA of their wish to be placed in the NWCFL and are currently in 4th position in their league. They are currently 11 points behind the other club that has applied for promotion from their league, Blyth Town, who are top of the table and have also passed their grading inspection. Whitehaven Amateurs of the Wearside League have passed the required grading inspection, and their League has also notified the FA that they are prepared to release two Clubs for promotion to Step 6. Whitehaven Amateurs have informed the FA of their wish to be placed in the NWCFL, but are currently in 14th position in their league and unlikely to finish higher than the other two applicants for promotion from the Wearside League, Stockton Town and Redcar Athletic, who also have passed their grading inspections.

First Division Table as at Wednesday 13th April 2016 First Division

W D

A GD Pts

St Helens Town Player Sponsors 2015-16

Hanley Town

28 21

58 25 33 66

Matthew Hodge Leech Bedrooms & Kitchens

Irlam

29 20

63 24 39 64

Adam Lawrence Leech Bedrooms & Kitchens

Barnton

29 17

83 30 53 58

Matty Lennon Premier Parking Limited

Stockport Town

29 16

58 44 14 52

Alex Gillespie Focus Windows & Doors Limited

Litherland REMYCA

30 14

10 54 46

Cheadle Town

30 13

78 53 25 47

Todd Blaney Rob Thompson Auto Repairs

Holker Old Boys

27 13

60 51

Ste Rigby Airborne Bathroom Services

Bacup Borough

26 13

63 44 19 43

St Helens Town

28 13

11 64 56

Ashton Town

26 11

Rochdale Town

28 12

12 55 65 -10 40

Daisy Hill

29 10

14 48 65 -17 35

Northwich Man Villa

30 10

16 48 60 -12 34

Widnes

18 61 73 -12 29

Chadderton

14 34 49 -15 29

Eccleshall

19 48 71 -23 25

Atherton LR

21 28 90 -62 17

Whitchurch Alport

10 19 31 103 -72 16

53 38 15 40

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

George Lomax Electrician’s Direct

Andy Gillespie Arcoframe Ant Whelan The Daily Grind Matty Davidson Kiera’s Occasions Charlie Duke Warrington Motors Jack Marshall Danny’s Window Cleaning Andy Presho Curtain Wizard North West

Danny Greene Total Building Care David Baines SG Specialist Roofing Josh Hoult Gibney’s Jewellers Hamish Falconer Cornerstones Aaron Morris Kealshore Ltd Ed Peglar North West Piling Ltd Alan Gillespie (Manager) Star Physio Nick Matthews (Manager) Foxwood Joinery

Premier Division Table as at Thursday 14th April 2016 Premier Division

W D

A GD Pts

Runcorn Linnets

36 28

30 55 85

Colne

34 25

37 47 80

Atherton Collieries

33 22

49 47 72

1874 Northwich

35 21

55 25 68

Congleton Town

35 19

49 20 64

West Did & Chorlton

35 18

13 69

53 16 58

Bootle

37 15

13 72

Ashton Athletic

34 14

11 57

Runcorn Town

37 15

16 66

Maine Road

38 15

19 67

-5 49

Winsford United

37 13

15 61

80 -19 48

AFC Liverpool

Cammell Laird 1907

Abbey Hey

37 11 13 13 82

-1 46

37 13

17 66

-5 46

36 12 10 14 56

-6 46

Barnoldswick Town

34 13

15 62

Padiham

35 12

15 71

-6 44

Nelson

35 11

18 56

-2 39

Squires Gate

20 44

81 -37 32

AFC Darwen

21 66 104 -38 31

AFC Blackpool

17 50

79 -29 29

Alsager Town

23 46

90 -44 29

Silsden

20 44

78 -34 27

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

Tuesday 12th April 2016 Premier Division 1874 Northwich 2-3 AFC Darwen Alsager Town 1-0 Cammell Laird 1907 Barnoldswick Town P-P Abbey Hey Colne P-P Atherton Collieries Congleton Town 2-0 Maine Road Silsden P-P AFC Blackpool Squires Gate 0-3 Bootle Division One Atherton LR 2-3 Widnes Irlam 3-1 Holker Old Boys Rochdale Town 3-0 Northwich Manchester Villa St Helens Town P-P Hanley Town Wednesday 13th April 2016 Division One Bacup Borough P-P Ashton Town Barnton 2-0 Chadderton Eccleshall 4-P-P Stockport Town Thursday 14th April 2016 Premier Division AFC Darwen 0-2 Runcorn Linnets Ashton Athletic 2-1 Cammell Laird 1907 Saturday 16th April 2016 Premier Division 1874 Northwich v AFC Liverpool AFC Blackpool v Congleton Town AFC Darwen v Alsager Town Atherton Collieries v West Didsbury & Chorlton Bootle v Barnoldswick Town Colne v Ashton Athletic Nelson v Winsford United Padiham v Runcorn Town Runcorn Linnets v Squires Gate Silsden v Cammell Laird 1907

Division One Ashton Town v Widnes Bacup Borough v Whitchurch Alport Chadderton v Stockport Town Eccleshall v Barnton Hanley Town v Rochdale Town Holker Old Boys v Atherton LR Irlam v Cheadle Town Litherland REMYCA v Daisy Hill St Helens Town v Northwich Man Villa