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Talk of the Town Good afternoon, and welcome to Ruskin Drive for this Hallmark League, First Division North contest against AFC Darwen. May I open by welcoming our visitors, I hope they enjoy the short time they will spend with us and have a safe journey home after the game.
It has been an excellent start to the season as we built on the opening day victory at Lower Breck with an emphatic 3-0 win over Atherton LR here at Ruskin Drive last Thursday. We dominated from the first whistle and the only surprise was that it took until the second minute of added on time at the end of the first half for Town to break the deadlock when Sean Richards poked home from close range to open his Town account. The second half was more of the same with the hosts monopolising possession and skipper Liam Dodd headed home from a corner to double the lead with 70 minutes on the clock before Luke Edwards made an impact from the bench ten minutes later firing home from inside the box to make the three points secure with a third goal for Town. This result emulated our first home game of the 2015-16 where we followed up an opening day victory (on that occasion at Chadderton) with a three goal victory over LR (4-1 on that evening). We then made the trip to East Lancashire to take on Bacup Borough. It’s never an easy place to visit with the sloping pitch being a massive advantage to the hosts who play on it week in week out and the Borough team never give you an easy afternoon and that was the way it was last Saturday. It has often been said but it was a game of two halves as Town were not
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playing to the standard they had in the previous two performances in the first half but had secured a 1-0 interval lead as Liam Dodd continued his fine goal scoring form heading home his third goal of the season just before the half hour mark. To say that Town underperformed in the second half would be a major understatement and the pressure from Bacup built with Town second to everything and this culminated in the hosts levelling on 65 minutes. We then compounded this by gifting the hosts a soft but warranted penalty five minutes later and this was converted leaving the visitors with 20 minutes to get back into the game. I have to say that I was pessimistic about our chances of getting anything out of the contest at this stage and with more pressure from Bacup bringing the best out of Carl Williams in the Town goal it was the hosts who looked more likely to net the next goal in the contest. However as the game went into added on time a Town foray forward saw Neil Weaver try his luck from the edge of the box and his goalbound effort took a deflection which assisted it past the keeper and into the net. Bacup almost restored their lead straight from the kick off but for brave keeping from Williams at the feet of an attacker and Town had a great chance to steal the spoils moments later but Weaver’s effort was parried away and the spoils were shared. It was nice to have netted late on rather than have conceded as we did on so many occasions last season lets hope we can continue to keep this trend up for the rest of the season! The afternoons visitors AFC Darwen has a difficult campaign last season which culminated in their relegation from the Premier Division and the signs are promising that they will have a better season this term after their first few matches have seen them competing well at this level. Lee, Nick and the lads will know they need to be on top form this afternoon to keep our undefeated start to the season going. Let’s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them on to victory. Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller
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Chairman’s Welcome It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Arcoframe Stadium at Ruskin Drive for today’s match against AFC Darwen. Back in April 2015 when the NW Counties League introduced the playoff system for a third promotion place from Division 1, St. Helens Town were relegated – for the first time in their membership of the NW Counties League since its formation back in 1982 – and AFC Darwen were promoted in our stead. The East Lancashire side were relegated at the end of last season, so this will not only be the first ever league meeting between the sides, but will be the first opportunity we will have had to put right that injustice for (and this was nothing directly to do with our visitors today, you’ll understand)
all we had to do to stay up was to beat Silsden in the last game of the 2014/15 season, yet we conceded a last-gasp equaliser against the run of play and since that fateful day, Town have never looked likely to regain their Premier Division status. The former Darwen club resigned from the league in the early part of the decade and reformed and Town did meet and beat AFC Darwen a couple of seasons ago in a Macron Cup-tie at Prescot Cables’ ground in one of our best performances of the 2016/17 season. We’ve endured three seasons of disappointment since 2015, each season’s performances growing steadily worse, until this season and, yes, I know we’ve only played three games, but when you add three more unbeaten games at the end of last season, six games without defeat is quite an impressive run and I’m sure Lee Jenkinson, his staff and players will not want to surrender that momentum without a fight.
AFC Darwen, on the other hand, struggled as we did last term and duly lost their Premier status and have had an inconsistent beginning to the new campaign. They began the season with a win over new boys Shelley Community in Huddersfield but then slipped up at home to AFC Blackpool, never an easy fixture to win. Progress was made in the FA Cup at home to Barnton but in the midweek game against newcomers Avro at the Anchor Ground, they were soundly beaten 4-1, so they will come here today with something to prove, looking to return to winning ways. Town, on the other hand, lost their 100% record at Bacup, but fought back with a late equaliser where perhaps in more recent times defeat might have been accepted, so a keen encounter is anticipated this afternoon by spectators of both sides, neutrals and first-time visitors. After today’s game, we have another testing encounter on Tuesday, away to AFC Blackpool at the Mechanics’ Ground. Irrespective of this afternoon’s result, Tuesday’s outcome will be a good barometer of how far we have progressed since last season and will give a good indication of what we can expect in terms of our promotion chances. Blackpool beat us 3-2 here last October, but we managed a hard-fought draw when the sides met later in the season on the Fylde coast. Next Saturday, we entertain Cumbrian first-time visitors in Cleator Moor Celtic in what should also be an interesting game before visiting Chadderton on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. Glyn Jones
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Club Information Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens Vice Presidents: Jim Barrett, Steve Ball and David Watkins
Jenko’s Notes Good afternoon and welcome to Ruskin Drive for today's clash with AFC Darwen. May I welcome the officials, players and supporters of AFC Darwen to Ruskin for the first time and hope they enjoy the game.
Chairman: Glyn Jones Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Voller (07843 692695) Hospitality: Margaret Wood and Paul Wood Other Committee: Andy Langley, John McKiernan Kieran Ford, Ray Burns, David O’Keefe 1st Team Manager: Lee Jenkinson 1st Team Assistant Manager Nick Robinson 1st Team Physiotherapist Lisa Phillipson
Reserve Team Manager: David Platt U21s Team Manager: Jay Campbell U21s Assistant Manager: Joe McCann U18s Team Manager: Graham Arkle Sunday Team Manager: David Platt Snr / Jeff Voller
Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002
Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited Company Director: Jim Barrett
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Two games to report on since my last notes and I'm pleased to say that we remain unbeaten after our first three league games of the season. First up was our opening home game of the season where we entertained Atherton LR and in a game where we were in total control for the whole 90 minutes cruising to a 3-0 win. Next up was an away trip to Bacup Borough which I always feel is a tough place to go because Brent always musters up a very difficult, physical squad and last Saturday was no exception. It was the proverbial game of two halves; the first half we were really comfortable and the second and all credit to Bacup they came out and really put us on the back foot but with Neil Weaver equalising in the last minute of the game we were very pleased to come away with a 2-2 draw. Something we have drummed into the squad this season is that they need to be more patient and not go out and try and force games in our favour and I believe they have took that on board and Saturday’s second goal seemed to be a factor in that approach. On the injury/holiday front we welcome back Mick Furlong who has been out for a month with a knee injury picked up in pre-season and we see the return of Paul Cliff from holiday so I'm sure the changing rooms will be a lot noisier now. We still have a couple missing with Luke Edwards and Matty Smith on holiday but I believe we have a good squad this season to cover these positions and also believe the lads that come in can keep their place. Once again thank you for your continued support and enjoy the game. Lee Jenkinson
In Town Today At the end of the 2008/2009 Darwen FC; which was founded in 1870, was re-formed as AFC Darwen. The challenges of 21st century football and economic constraints meant that the club needed to be able to respond to these changes. Despite the challenges it was still clear that Darwen still had the desire to field a town team, and although various people had left the club; meetings began to take place to discuss the future of football in the town. As a result of the re-formation of the club AFC Darwen started life at step 7 in the football pyramid, so their inaugural season began in the West Lancashire Football League. The aim of the club was to gain its place back in the North West Counties League, and go on to compete at a higher level. The club now had a good solid foundation, with 13 youth teams representing the club; which out of those 10 played on a Sunday in the East Lancashire Alliance and 3 teams competed on a Saturday in the Accrington and District Football League. With the age range from 7 to 15 year olds and with new teams to follow the infrastructure of the club was in a sound position to move forward. AFC Darwen’s first ever competitive game took place at the Anchor ground on Saturday 11th July 2009 in a pre-season friendly against AFC Liverpool from the North West Counties League. With Darwen winning 3-0 things looked bright for the future. With high expectations of a good season AFC Darwen soon realised that life in the West Lancashire football league wasn’t going to be easy. Results over the first few games were inconsistent up until October 2009, after which the team went on a run of 8 straight defeats. However the club strengthened the management team and finished the season in 8th position, with a record of 13 wins, 3 draws and 14 defeats, goals scored 42, conceded 54. At the end of the 2009/10 season AFC Darwen gained re-election back into the North West
Counties Football League after achieving the required ground grading standards to compete at that level. The main aim of the club, now back in the NWCFL, was to steady the ship and cement their place in the league. AFC Darwen finished 13th, with a record of 9 wins, 10 draws and 12 defeats, goals scored 37, conceded. 62. This was seen as a respectable position for the first season. During the close season before the start of the 2012/13 campaign the structure of the club changed in order to make the club more efficient. The changes helped the club the move forward more positively not only on the pitch, but also on the development of the ground. AFC Darwen finished 5th, with a record of 20 wins, 3 draws and 11 defeats, goals scored 79, conceded 57. AFC Darwen also reached the semi-final of the 1st division trophy. The 2013/14 season proved to be disappointing for the first team, finishing 9th, with a record of 15 wins, 7 draws and 14 defeats, goals scored 64, conceded 64. However they had successful cup runs; yet again reaching the semi-final of the first division trophy. They also reached the semi-final of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy narrowly losing to Chorley. This was a major achievement with AFC Darwen being the first club at North West Counties league level to reach a semi-final in such a prestigious competition. The reserves won the clubs first silverware by winning the reserve division cup; beating Irlam on penalties when the tie had finished at 2-2 after extra-time. Having seen the club develop successfully it was also decided that for the club to progress the youth teams would have to be fully amalgamated to the club and play under the same L.F.A. Registration as the first and reserve teams. At the start of the 2014/15 campaign, not many could have predicted just how incredible the season would turn out to be. AFC Darwen got off to a good start and looked to be one of the favourites to gain promotion, however with the team competing well in the cup competitions and the weather starting to play havoc with the fixtures, Darwen soon found themselves with significant challenges. However the club policy of fielding a reserve
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team proved pivotal towards the success of the first team in the latter stages of the season due to injuries and suspensions. After beating Ashton Town in the First Division Cup SemiFinal at the end of March, Darwen embarked on a mammoth 9 league games in just 20 days, winning 8 and drawing 1. This achievement pushed the team into third place and into the enviable position of a home tie in the playoff semi-final and final. With a 2-1 win against Chadderton, Darwen set-up a home tie against 4th place Hanley Town in the first ever NWCFL play off final. What made the effort even more outstanding is that during the 20 day period leading up to the match against Hanley Town Darwen played the league champions Atherton Collieries in the Reusch First Division Cup Final. It was to be a memorable night with Darwen winning the cup with a fantastic 3 – 1 score line against a very good side. In front of over 840 spectators; the NWCFL biggest crowd of the season for a league game Darwen produced a stunning performance to defeat Hanley Town 5 – 3 and win promotion to the NWC Premier league. Not only did AFC Darwen do the double by wining promotion and division cup, other significant milestones where also achieved. No Darwen/AFC Darwen team had scored over 100 goals in a season since the NWCFL was formed in 1982, and two players scored 30 plus goals. The total record for the 2014/15 season is as follows: 22 wins, 8 draws and 8 defeats, goals scored 110, conceded 64. Ryan Steele scoring 41 and Paul Coote getting 30. The reserves also had success finishing 2nd in their first ever season in the East Lancashire Football League 2nd Division. Everyone involved with the AFC Darwen knew that the 2015/16 Season would be a big test for
Season 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
League NWC-2 NWC-1 W LAN-P NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P
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P 34 34 32 34 34 34 36 36 42 42 44
W 13 11 13 9 10 20 15 20 12 10 3
D 5 7 3 10 8 3 7 8 7 11 7
the club. Peter Devine, ex-professional player took over as first team manager; however after just one pre-season friendly Peter decided to leave the club. This proved to be a very challenging period for the club with a number of managers coming and going with the result that the club was pushed into a relegation fight to survive in the top division. This also proved very difficult for the players to form any kind of consistency until Adam Douglas took charge and the impact on moral was immediately evident and the team had regained the will and desire to fight for survival. Although they lost their first two games in charge performances significantly improved and the sense of desperation began to lift from around the ground. The relegation fight went right to the end; going into the last game of the season AFC Darwen required a draw or win to secure premiership football. The team produced a fine performance, beating Cammell Laird 1907 4-1 to maintain their status. With 13 games left it looked unlikely that they would survive, but the whole management team along with the players played a significant role in changing the fortunes of the club ” a massive achievement” AFC Darwen finished 18th, winning 12, 7 draws and 23 defeats, scoring 82 league goals and conceding 111. Last term saw them succumb to relegation after three seasons flirting with the relegation zone they finished rock bottom of the Premier Division table with just three wins all season and finished with a minus 118 goal difference. They will be looking to regroup this season in the First Division North as they look to bounce back from three torrid terms in the NWCL topflight.
L 16 16 16 15 16 11 14 8 23 21 34
F 55 51 42 38 62 78 64 103 82 50 42
A 65 74 56 69 77 47 64 60 111 110 160
GD -10 -23 -14 -31 -15 31 0 43 -29 -60 -118
Pts 44 40 42 37 38 63 51 68 43 41 16
Position 11/18 13/18 8/17 13/18 13/18 5/18 9/19 3/19 18/22 18/22 23/23
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Match Day Sponsors Opponents
We are looking for additional sponsors on matchdays with a host of benefits for match (£100), match ball (£50) and programme (£50) sponsors including free entry & programme; hospitality, programme and social media advertising; prematch photos, man of the match awards. Contact John McKiernan on 07713 339 682
Match Sponsor
Match Ball Sponsor
Programme Sponsor
Prabhu Ventures Ltd
AFC Blackpool AFC Darwen
Unite the Union, St Helens
Dave Watkins
AFC Liverpool
Abbey PACS Limited
Dave Wiggins
Ashton Town
Unite the Union, St Helens
Boar’s Head, St Helens
Atherton LR
St Helens Mind
Meadowcroft Group Ltd
Avro
ARC Glass and Bending
Alex O’Neill Photography
Bacup Borough
John Iddon Transport
Stuart Pyke
Bickerstaffe Boat Company
LM Travel
Stuart Pyke
Alex O’Neill Photography
Ugly Man Records
Carlisle City
Chadderton
St Helens Mind
Cleator Moor Celtic Daisy Hill Garstang
St Helens Mind
Boar’s Head, St Helens
Holker Old Boys
Thatto Heath Tech Shop
Window Warehouse
Longridge Town
Aspho Surfacing
Device Doctor
Lower Breck
Dave Wiggins
Liverpool County FA
Nelson
ARC Glass and Bending
St Helens Mind
Prestwich Heys
CWU Mersey AMAL
Liverpool County FA
Shelley
Unite the Union, St Helens
Airborne Bathrooms
Garry X Bradbury 50th
Prabhu Ventures Ltd
Steeton City of Liverpool
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David O’Keefe
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Photographs: Action from Town’s pre-season home fixture v TSV Uhlbach (4-4)
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Hall of Fame Foulkes Bill Foulkes, one of our two Honorary Presidents - the other being Bert Trautmann joined the club from Whiston Boys Club and played a number of games for Town during the 1949/50 season, under the captaincy of Harry McCann and alongside Billy Twist in the defence. He signed for Manchester United in March 1950 for the princely sum of £10. Born at Clock Face on 5th January 1932, William Anthony Foulkes began in junior football at Whiston. He was a right back of obvious talent, big and strong, due in no small part to his job as a miner at Lea Green Colliery. Sport was in his blood, as both his grandfather and father had played rugby for Saints. Indeed, his grandfather had captained Saints and became an England international and Bill proudly followed later in his footsteps, although in a different code. Although he signed professional at Old Trafford under Matt Busby in August 1951, Bill did not play in United’s Championship season, but made his debut against Liverpool on 13th December 1952. Remarkably, he continued to work full-time at Lea Green Colliery, catching the train from the nearby station to Manchester after the end of his shift to attend evening training sessions and he only finished at the pit after he won his one and only England cap against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast, on 2nd October 1954. He also appeared twice for England Under-23s the same season. As one of the legendary Busby Babes, Bill won back to back Championship medals with United in 1955/56 and 1956/57, he was an FA Cup winner in the 1963 Wembley final against Leicester City and he went on to win further Championship medals in 1964/65
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Bill Foulkes (pictured back row, third from left) 1950-51 St Helens Town Lancashire Combination Champions
and 1966/67 and played in the 1968 European Cup triumph over Benfica at Wembley. In all, he played in 563 league games and a total of 685 matches for United, then a club record only recently beaten by Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs. Bill was a survivor of the Munich air crash in February 1958. Along with Harry Gregg, he helped a number of the injured to safety from the burning plane. Eight of his team-mates lost their lives, together with club officials and a number of other passengers, including journalists who had flown with the team to cover the European Cup tie in Belgrade. Bill took over the captaincy of the team from that point, a position he held until 1966. He also switched successfully to centre-half. Remarkably, he played in every match in that fateful 1957/58 season, a feat he repeated in
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1959/60, 1963/64 and the Championship season 1964/65. Bills final game was against Southampton on 16th August 1969. After his playing days were over, Bill was a youth team coach at Old Trafford between 1970 and 1975. He briefly managed Witney Town, before his career took him to the USA, Norway and Japan. As a coach for the Manchester FA, he particularly enjoyed conducting Japanese visitors around the Old Trafford ground, being fluent in the Japanese language, having learned it during his four years in the Far East. Sadly Bill passed away in November 2013 aged 81 years. At the end of the 2013-14 season the club named the Player's Player of the Year Award 'The Bill Foulkes Trophy'.
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How do we Compare?
at St Helens Town NWC-D1 NWC-D1 NWC-D1 NWC-D1 NWC-D1
St Helens Town - last 6 matches All Competitions Most recent Home L D W L D Away L L D D W Collated D D D W W
W D D
AFC Darwen - last 6 matches All Competitions Most recent Home L L L L W Away L L L L L Collated L L W L W
15/8 W 15/8
St Helens Town games since... All Competitions Clean sheet 1 Goal Scored 0 Loss 6
AFC Darwen games since... All Competitions Clean sheet 36 Goal Scored 0 Loss 0
No score draw
4
No score draw
37
Score draw Win
0 1
Score draw Win
11 1
Home League Away League Home Cup Away Cup Neutral Cup Collated Collated
P 32 32 3 1 1 69 4
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W 17 9 2 1 1 30 2
Previous Meetings 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
at AFC Darwen NWC-D2 NWC-D2 NWC-D2 NWC-D2 NWC-D2
NWC-PD 2008-09 NWC-D1 NWC-PD 2009-10 W LAN-PD NWC-PD 2010-11 NWC-D1 NWC-PD 2011-12 NWC-D1 NWC-PD 2012-13 NWC-D1 NWC-PD 2013-14 NWC-D1 NWC-PD 2014-15 NWC-D1 NWC-D1 2015-16 NWC-PD NWC-D1 2016-17 NWC-PD NWC-D1 2017-18 NWC-PD 18/08/2018 2018-19 22/12/2018 St Helens Town Scores First
Previous Meetings D L 6 9 9 14 0 1 0 0 0 0 15 24 0 2
Games Played St Helens Town Wins Draws AFC Darwen Wins St Helens Town Goals AFC Darwen Goals Percentage Town Wins F 61 41 8 2 4 116 6
A 36 47 5 1 3 92 8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 GD 25 -6 3 1 1 24 -2
Win % 53.13 28.13 66.67 100.00 100.00 43.48 50.00
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League News New Mills are showing their support to The Offside Trust for the 2018/19 season, by wearing the organisation's logo on the front of their first team shirts. The Offside Trust was established in November 2016 in the wake of a series of high-profile revelations regarding child sexual abuse. Several former professional players bravely waived their right to anonymity to speak out about their past abuse, and the Trust now operates as an independent body to work alongside clubs, organisations and other
charitable bodies to further enhance safeguarding at all levels of sport. The Trust is committed to supporting survivors and working to make sport safer for children, and is led by ex- footballer Steve Walters and former professional golfer Chris Unsworth. Chris also spent time as a player at Church Lane, and as Millers Programme Editor Chris Culkin explained, the club have been in touch with Chris regularly since they became aware of his involvement with the Offside Trust. “This is a story that we have followed as a club for a while, obviously with Chris being a former player”, he said. “So we’ve maintained dialogue with him for over a year now I’d say, and things have developed from there
“Then last season, when the Trust was created we spoke to him and promoted the Trust on our website and in the match programme. “As the court cases came to an end earlier this year, the club decided that they would like to donate the shirt sponsorship to the trust and approached Chris, who was delighted with this. “Chris was welcomed back as a guest of the club at the season’s opening fixture against Vauxhall Motors, and a number of former players also attended the fixture in support of their team mate and the Trust”.
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On this day In history The 18th August has proved to be a popular date for St Helens Town with action on 18 occasions spanning a 75 year period from the early 1950s. On this date in 1951 Morecambe were the visitors to Hoghton Road when Town ran out 3-1 winners in the Lancashire Combination Division One. Wilson (2) and Garner goals earned Town the spoils on the day. Four seasons later (1956) Town were on their travels with a trip to Great Harwood Town, this time in the Lancashire combination second tier. A Maloney strike earned Town a 1-1 draw. The first of two games in the 1960s took place on this date in 1962 when Town made the short trip to Newtonle-Willows and Vulcan Institute FC. A William goal gave Town a narrow derby victory in the Lancashire Combination Division Two encounter. 1969 and two goals from Rylands and one from Nolan secured Town the league points in a 3-2 Lancashire Combination win over Wigan Athletic Reserves at Hoghton Road. Town were on the road on this day in 1973 when Atherton Collieries were the opponents at Alder House. Strikes from Redmond and Sharrocks saw Town win 1-2 in the last of the Lancashire Combination encounters on this day. The final year of the 1970s (1979) SAW Town in action at Hoghton Road with Hyde United the visitors in a Cheshire League Division One game. Town’s Larner hit the only goal for the blues in a 1-1 draw. Just two seasons later (1981) and Town were back at Hoghton Road with Accrington Stanley making the trip to Sutton in the Cheshire League top flight. The game ended 1-1 with Farnsworth hitting the Town goal. A third successive home 1-1 draw took place on this day in 1984 as Netherfield were the visitors in the North West Counties League Division One. Mark Shaw was on target for Town. It was yet another home fixture for Town on this
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date in 1987. Ellesmere Port and Neston were dispatched 2-0 in the North West Counties top flight with Humphreys and Filson on the scoresheet for St Helens. On this date in 1990 Town lost 2-1 away at neighbours Prescot Cables. Webster was on target for Town as the blues were downed in the North West Counties Division One. Two seasons later (1992) Town travelled to the Victoria ground, home of Burscough in the NWCFL top division. Despite goals from Kilshaw and Walker the home side took the spoils with a 3-2 victory. On this date the following season (1993) Town were on the right end of a 3-2 score line as they ran out victors over Chadderton at Hoghton Road. Goals from Terry Hoey and Glenn Walker (2) secured the win in the NWCFL Division One.
favour.
The new decade (2001) started well for Town on this date! A rousing 5-0 away victory at Maine Road saw the blues pick up the points in a NWCFL top flight encounter. Wilde (2), Baker, Heavey and Langley were all on target for Town. On this date in 2007 Town made FA Cup progress with a 3-2 win away at Holker Old Boys. Goals from Carroll and Dyson sent the game into extra time where an own goal settled the Extra Preliminary Round tie in Town’s
Two late goals saw Town defeat Ashton Athletic on this date in 2009. Mark Evans struck the opener just fifteen minutes from time and Rob Hanley added the second in stoppage time to secure three points in the NWCFL Premier Division. On this date in 2013 Town travelled to Barnoldswick Town in a NWCFL top flight encounter. Goals from Waugh and Dunne were not enough as the home side ran out 4-2 winners. Town heaviest defeat on this date came in 2015 as Runcorn Town ran out 7-2 winners at the Pavillions. McKay and Whyte were on target for Town on what turned out to be a disappointing afternoon. Two seasons ago (2016) Sandbach United were the visitors to our temporary home at Prescot Cables. A goal in each half for George Lomax and Sam Sheen could stop Town from going down 2-4 to the Cheshire outfit.
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The world This week Kieran Ford takes a trip down memory lane and discovers events that happened this calendar week in the history of St Helens Town, sport in general and world news. The week of 12th-19th August
Last Season: World – 15th August 2017 Daniel Craig confirms he will play James Bond one more time. Sport – 12th August 2017 The new Premier League season begins with Mo Salah scoring on his Liverpool debut, as the Reds draw 3-3 against Watford. Wayne Rooney also scores on his 2nd Everton debut in their 1-0 victory over Stoke City. St Helens Town – 12th & 17th August 2017 Town are defeated 2-0 by New Mills in their opening game of the season before the now infamous first league game at Ruskin Drive, with a 0-0 draw against Abbey Hulton United. 10 Years Ago World – 15th August 2008 Lee Berger and his nine-year-old son, Matthew, discover the twomillion-year-old fossils of a new species of
human ancestor (Australopithecus sediba) at Malapa Cave, South Africa. Sport – 16th August 2008 Usain Bolt sets a new 100 metres world record of 9.69 seconds at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. St Helens Town – 16th & 19th August 2008 Town travel to Holker Old Boys in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round and play out a 2-2 draw. The replay is played 3 days later, with Town progressing 1-0 at Knowsley Road. 20 Years Ago World – 17th August 1998 Monica Lewinsky scandal: US President Bill Clinton admits in taped testimony he had an "improper physical relationship" with the intern and on the same day admits before the nation he "misled people" about the relationship. Sport – 12th August 1998 Newcastle United sign Nolberto Solano, the Peruvian midfielder, from Boca Juniors for £2.48million. St Helens Town – 15th & 19th August 1998 Town open up their season with a comfortable 3-0 win at home against Rossendale United, but lose at home 4 days later 2-1 against Vauxhall Motors. 30 Years Ago World – 16th August 1988 IBM introduces software for artificial intelligence. Sport – 14th August 1988 Scunthorpe United F.C.'s Glanford Park is opened; the first new stadium to be built by a Football League club since the 1950s. 50 Years Ago World – 15th August 1968 USSR performs nuclear test at Sary Shagan USSR. St Helens Town – 17th August 1968 Town are defeated 2-1 at Darwen on the opening day of the 1968/69 season.
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Thanks to
Dave Wiggins
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No More Knives
Campaign Objectives Reduce knife crime by raising awareness
At their recent friendly v City of Liverpool, St Helens Town AFC welcomed Alan Walsh from Anfield Boxing Club who was promoting #NoMoreKnives.
This is an initiative started by a professional cage fighter, Paul Bentley, from Liverpool to put a stop to knife crime. MMA fighter Paul, said he had to do something after realising how bad knife crime was in Liverpool. Paul called on Scousers to go on video or through social media and demand that knife crime needs to stop as part of his #nomoreknives campaign.
Since its launch the project have teamed up with a host of new partners and sports clubs all spreading the message that we will not tolerate knives in our communities. The aims of this campaign became even clearer after within a week of him starting the campaign, Sam Cook was tragically stabbed to death on a night out in Liverpool Celebrating his 21st Birthday. Then within a week later Adam Ellison from Prescot was also tragically stabbed to death coming home from a night out.
Originally planned to be promoted through boxing circles, the initiative has exploded and is now being promoted throughout rugby and football circles as well. In the last six weeks the campaign has engaged with over 4,000 young people in Liverpool and over 800 in surrounding towns.
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Introduce intervention - metal detectors and other devices Challenge the culture - assist Merseyside police within their launch address why now more than ever we are carrying knives Campaign for longer sentencing for carrying weapons Reassurance – these delinquents often feel reassured carrying a knife, however, studies reveal that you are 65% more at risk of being involved in a knife related incident by carrying a knife. Risks and consequences – Young people are aware of the very serious legal and personal risks and consequences of carrying a knife or any offensive weapon (Young people are often unaware of the legal consequences of carrying a knife and the impact that knife crime can have on individuals, families and communities. Young people often think that carrying a knife offers them protection when in fact it puts them more at risk). Resilience – Young people are more aware of the influences, fears and pressures that can lead to the decision to carry a knife and how these can be managed or avoided. Responsibility – Young people are aware of the importance of telling someone if they know that someone else is carrying a knife (this is an important aspect of prevention work and is relevant to all young people).
Ashish Prabhu
2018-19 Fixtures, Facts and Fig Date Sat 04/08/2018 Thur 09/08/2018
Opponents Lower Breck ATHERTON LR
Comp HSL1N HSL1N
KO Result 15.00 1-2W 19.45 3-1W
GK Williams Williams
2 McHugh
3 Potter
4 Dodd1
Presho
Robinson
Sat 11/08/2018
Bacup Borough AFC DARWEN
HSL1N
15.00
Williams
Presho
Robinson
Dodd1 Dodd1
15.00 19.45 15.00
Sat 18/08/2018 Tue 21/08/2018 Sat 25/08/2018
AFC Blackpool CLEATOR MOOR CELTIC
HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N
Mon 27/08/2018 Sat 01/09/2018
Chadderton Ashton Town
HSL1N FAV1Q
15.00 15.00
Sat 08/09/2018
AFC Liverpool HOLKER OLD BOYS STEETON AFC LIVERPOOL
HSL1N
15.00
HSL1N HSL1N
15.00 15.00
HSL1N 1DC 2R
19.45 15.00
HSL1N HSL1N MC 1R
19.45 15.00 15.00
HSL1N
15.00
HSL1N HSL1N
19.45 15.00
HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N
15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00
HSL1N
15.00
HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N HSL1N
15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 19.45 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00
Sat 22/09/2018 Sat 29/09/2018 Thurs 04/10/2018 Sat 06/10/2018 Tue 09/10/2018 Sat 13/10/2018 Sat 20/10/2018 Sat 27/10/2018 Thur 1/11/2018 Sat 03/11/2018 Sat 17/11/2018 Sat 24/11/2018 Sat 01/12/2018 Sat 08/12/2018 Sat 15/12/2018 Sat 22/12/2018 Wed 26/12/2018
Sat 29/12/2018 Sat 05/01/2019 Sat 19/01/2019 Sat 26/01/2019 Sat 02/02/2019 Sat 16/02/2019 Sat 23/02/2019 Sat 09/03/2019 Sat 16/03/2019 Sat 23/03/2019 Sat 30/03/2019 Sat 13/04/2019 Sat 20/04/2019 Mon 22/04/2019 Sat 27/04/2019
Cheadle Heath Nomads Prestwich Heys DAISY HILL CHEADLE TOWN Longridge Town PRESTWICH HEYS Avro CARLISLE CITY
NELSON SHELLEY Atherton LR BACUP BOROUGH AFC Darwen Ashton Town CHADDERTON Cleator Moor Celtic AVRO LOWER BRECK Shelley Steeton
Holker Old Boys AFC BLACKPOOL LONGRIDGE TOWN Daisy Hill GARSTANG Garstang Carlisle City ASHTON TOWN Nelson
2-2D
5 Webster Webster Webster
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
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gures 6 Lomax Lomax
7 8 Smith Grimshaw Richards1 Smith
Lomax
Grimshaw
Richards
9 Diggle1
Diggle Diggle
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10 Greene Greene Greene
11 12 14 Weaver Richards8 Lawrence Weaver Edwards111 Grimshaw8 Weaver1 Edwards9 Whelan2
15 Dobney Dobney
16 Heron3 Potter
17 Moffitt7 Whelan4
McHugh6
Potter
Dobney
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All Together Now Town have made a flying start to the season, and I haven’t been here to see it. Harrumph. Personal and work commitments have kept me away until now. One of them was unusual and rewarding, however. Last week I guided a group of 40 veterans of our armed forces on a tour of parts of the battlefields of the First World War’s Western Front, in France and Belgium, for Leger Holidays. It was part of the Royal British Legion’s ‘Great Pilgrimage 90’ event, involving 2,400 men and women representing 1,200 Legion branches from across the United Kingdom. It marked the 90th anniversary of the original ‘Great Pilgrimage’ when 10,000 veterans and bereaved relatives made the same trip, just 10 years after the war. On Monday we visited Ypres (now Ieper) and surrounding area, including Hill 60, Messines, Zonnebeke and Tyne Cot Cemetery – the final resting place for almost 12,000 British and Commonwealth servicemen, making it the largest such cemetery in the world. We spent Tuesday on the Somme and at Arras, visiting Delville Wood (where we found a large howitzer shell sticking out of the ground – and left it well alone), Thiepval, Vimy Ridge and the Arras Memorial.
Wednesday was the focal point of the pilgrimage. The veterans paraded through Ypres: 1,200 standard bearers and 1,200 wreath layers. The Royal Marines Band led the way, to a service of commemoration beneath the Menin Gate, remembering the sacrifices made throughout the war, and the anniversary of the Battle of Amiens in 1918, marking the start of the greatest series of victories in the British Army’s history, leading to the signing of the Armistice that November.
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It was an impressive and moving day. St. Helens no longer has its own branch of the Legion, sadly, but it was represented through the Chairman of the Ashton in Makerfield branch (and its wreath layer) John Burns, a proud Yicker and Sintelliner, who regularly attends the SAMS breakfast club for local veterans. He was a rich source of anecdotes and Eccles cake, and formed a natural comedy duo with Ashton’s young Standard Bearer, George, from Newton. Towards the end of the trip, one of the group asked me if I had enjoyed it. I told him that I certainly had, and that listening to the veterans had been the best part: the 85 year old Guardsman who had been part of the Guard at King George VI’s funeral and Elizabeth’s coronation; the 79 year old physical training instructor – still a fine runner – who had served in the Royal Marines, Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Air Force, and been a gardener for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission; and the quiet gentleman who kept himself to himself, but paraded in the sand beret and winged dagger badge of the SAS, and turned out have been a Colonel in that most elite of regiments – veterans stood as he passed, and in the pub after the parade, beer appeared in front of him as if by magic.
So yes, I said, I had enjoyed it very much, as you never know who you are speaking to. He said, “well on that note, I was in the Royal Navy, served in the Falklands War and was blown up on HMS Plymouth…” and so began another round of education. The Pilgrimage brought together men and women from across the United Kingdom, into the most geographically representative group I have ever been part of. Naturally, the conversation turned to football, especially in Messines town square, where one of the “All Together Now” statues, commissioned by the Football Association, stands. The plaque begins “Football Transcends Conflict…” COYB Ste Lingard (@stelingard)
Match Report Saturday 11th August 2018 Bacup Borough 2-2 St Helens Town Hallmark Security League First Division North Town travelled to Bacup on the back of a fine start to the league campaign having secured three points less than 48 hours earlier when defeating Atherton LR 3-0 at the Arcoframe Stadium.
Saturday’s hosts had failed to register a goal in their opening two games which included a 0-0 home draw v Lower Breck in midweek. The game started at a blistering pace and it was Bacup who had the opening chance as Walne’s free kick found Dell at the back post but his header was cleared to Hall whose shot was blocked and the resultant corner came to nothing. Town’s Danny Greene was proving difficult to handle for the home side and his right wing runs and whipped crosses were a constant threat with Diggle heading narrowly wide midway through the half. At the other end Dell and Bellamy failed to hit the target. Town took the lead on the half hour mark, Liam Dodd with his third goal in three games. Danny Greene’s lofted free kick found the Town captain and his bullet header found the bottom corner of Monahan’s goal. Town should have extended their lead five
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minutes later when great work from the tricky Weaver put through Diggle who struck just wide of the upright. Just before the break the home side had a penalty appeal waved away with Mr Bamber adjudging Gervin had dived.
tease the home defence before finding Weaver just inside the Bacup penalty box. The Town striker’s shot took a deflection and beyond the despairing dive of Monahan to the delight of the travelling contingent.
The second period was dominated by the hosts and the opening fifteen minutes of the half saw chances fall to Constantatine, Hall and Walne but Williams in the Town goal was in excellent form. The pressure eventually told and on 60 minutes substitute Bobby Carter headed home from a Hall cross to restore parity.
Town could have stolen all three points as the game entered its fifth and final minute of added on time. Again, Weaver found himself with some space in the Bacup box but his well struck effort was saved by the home stopper.
Bacup were in full flow now and Town looked rocked; just three minutes later Hall earned his side a penalty following some trickery inside the box and he stepped up to give Bacup a deserved lead. Moments later it could have been worse for Town as Bellamy’s header forced another excellent save from Williams. Despite Town’s occasional break forward Bacup dominated proceedings and it wasn’t until the game entered stoppage time did the visitors test the home keeper. A break on the left from the impressive Jesse Robinson saw him
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John McKernan
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Commercial Corner Good afternoon and a very warm welcome our first time visitors to the Arcoframe Stadium, AFC Darwen. Let’s hope they have had a safe journey to St Helens and enjoy our hospitality for the duration. The lads have had a good start to the season with two wins and a draw from three outings and probably like most teams after three games there’s been some excellent play, some poor play and lots in between. Going forward I suppose Lee and Nick will be looking to increase the amount of excellent play and keep picking up points. I’d like to welcome this afternoon’s match day sponsors. Firstly, our Match Sponsors (and our 1st team kit sponsors once again this season) Unite the Union, St Helens. They are
joined by Dave Watkins who is one of our Club Vice Presidents as well as a wellrespected member of the Liverpool County FA. Today’s Match Programme sponsor is Prabhu Ventures Limited who has an extensive sponsorship package with the club again throughout 2018-19. Many thanks for your continued support. It continues to be another busy period for the club off-the-field with sponsorship always a key part of our activities. We’ve seen a couple of new pitch side board sponsors sign-up this week and Merlin Cycles and PEco Schools Network will soon be on show at the stadium. At less than the equivalent of £4.00 per week pitch side boards are a great way to your organisation or business. Ruskin Sports Village has over 130,000 visitors each year made up of lots of participating sports clubs and a breadth of events, seven days a week. I am still looking for match day sponsors as well as player sponsors – both these packages (starting at a one-off payment of £50) allow businesses to promote their activities over the full season as well as take in a VIP match day experience for two with hospitality. Don’t forget the club is run by volunteers and all monies generated from sponsorship go towards supporting all five adult teams. Our weekly Goldline Lottery is an excellent way to support the club – just £1 per week (70p comes directly back to the club) and offers a £500 prize each and every day Monday to Friday. On top of this there’s a week Extra Draw which starts at £250 and increases by £250 each week it is not won to a maximum of £5000 at which point the draw is made until a winner is found.
For the club to be successful we need to continue to gain the support of sponsors and we need to grow our home support. Encourage your family, friends and work colleagues to come along for a game or let them know about our fundraising activities. Enjoy the game John McKiernan 07713 339 682
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League News No hangover for Heys After the disappointment of missing out on promotion last season, many would have been wondering if there was going to be any sign of a hangover for Prestwich Heys - but none is evident so far. Three wins, just one goal conceded, and that against Premier Division side Abbey Hey on Saturday in the FA Cup, constitutes a good start by any standards, and with the bulk of last season's squad still at Adie Moran Park, and the addition of some new signings, it all points to Heys being up among the challengers in Division One North this season.
Good start to Purple rein for Craig When a successful manager leaves a club, there is always going to be pressure on the successor to keep up the good work, but so far new City of Liverpool manager Craig Robinson seems to have stepped seamlessly into his new managerial role. Taking over on the eve of the season from Simon Burton, Craig has overseen a 100% success rate after 3 games, that has also seen the Purps hit 11 goals in the process. An impressive attendance of 630 rocked up
to the TDP Solicitors Stadium on Saturday for the first home game of the season, against Silsden in the FA Cup, and more of the same from Craig and his team will certainly encourage them all to keep coming back for more. Longridge goal fests So far, when it comes to high scoring games, the team to follow has been Longridge Town. The three games involving Town have produced 8, 6 and 5 goals so far, with the latter two games involving goals in stoppage time, although the problem for Town has been that 8 out of the total of 19 goals have hit the back of their own net. As a result, their opening three games have delivered a win, a draw and defeat. Although it's not been great if you are Town follower, any neutrals watching their games up to now can't complain about value for money. No goal bonanza at the expense of the Bears A visit to Congleton Town is always an enjoyable experience, although once hostilities begin, there has been little sign so far of any generosity from the hosts when teams come calling to the Cheshire Silk 106.9 Stadium. The Bears have begun with three successive home games, two in the league and one in the FA Cup, and have kept clean sheets in all three games - the only team in the league to be able to boast such a feat. It's a statistic that would please any
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manager, but the challenge now for Brian Pritchard's men is to keep that record going on their travels too. Good start for Garstang Out of the new clubs who joined the league in the summer, Garstang are among those who have caught the eye, and are another team that have won three out of three games so far, with an average of three goals a game. Winners of the West Lancashire League Premier Division last season, it looks like Lee Baker's have so far found no problem in stepping up a level. Retain the Game grant for Avro Avro have announced that they have been awarded a grant from The FA’s Retain the Game scheme.
Retain the Game is a programme funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation, the nation’s largest sports charity. The programme awards grants of £750 to existing grassroots football clubs to boost their financial sustainability, and allow them to continue offering playing opportunities in organised football. Funding has been targeted at clubs that operate with two or more male teams aged under-17 and above, and either currently hold The FA’s Adult Charter Standard Award or commit to attaining the award within the next footballing season. The strategy aims to encourage more clubs to strive for Adult Charter Standard, with
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research from The FA demonstrating increased levels of sustainability and player recruitment for teams with this award. In Avro’s case, the grant will be used to cover the core costs of running their first team and reserve team, including matchday and training facility hire, first aid training and new Nike kit and equipment through a bespoke voucher. Paul Simpson, the England Under-19s Head Coach, is a spokesman for the scheme and said: “It’s great to see The FA and the Football Foundation supporting participation in the adult male game at the community level. “It is very pleasing to see Avro FC taking advantage of this pilot scheme and ensuring that they look forward to a bright future, providing regular opportunities for local people to enjoy the benefits of playing our national game.” Rob Fuller, Avro FC Chairman, said: “We’re delighted to have received this funding, which is vital for us to continue as a community club, offering access to football in our area“.
Photographs: Action from Town’s 2-2 draw at Bacup Borough last Saturday in the Hallmark Security League First Division North
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Photographs: Town’s 3-0 Hallmark Security League First Division North win v Atherton LR with goals from Richards,, Dodd and Edwards
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Q1. Which Scottish club did Belgium manager Roberto Martinez play for? Q2. Which ground hosted the 1950 FA Cup Semi-Final between Liverpool & Everton?
Q3. Sadio Mane became the first Liverpool player to score in the opening league fixture of three consecutive seasons since who between 1988/89 & 1990/91? Q4. Who is the only Uruguayan to have won a Premier League winners medal? Q5. Who is the most recent Goalkeeper to have won a full England cap whilst playing abroad? Q6. Who was the first player from the Republic of Ireland to net a Premier League hat-trick? Q7. Who was the last Scotsman to win the Football Writers Footballer of the Year Award back in 1991? Q8. Who is the only striker to have made more than 500 Premier League appearances? Q9. Who became the first goalkeeper to
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play in Europe’s top four leagues, Spain, England, Germany & Italy when he made an appearance for Bayern Munich on 14th March 2015? Q10. Who are the only current EFL Championship club not to have competed in the English top-flight? Q11. Which team comes next: Leicester City, AFC Bournemouth, Burnley, Newcastle United‌.? Q12. Who is the only Finnish player to have netted a Premier League hat-trick?
Q13. Which current Liverpool player scored a hat-trick in the 2014 World Cup Finals? Q14. Who was the last player before Leroy Sane to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award and lift the Premier League Trophy in the same season? Q15. Who became the first player to play for four British teams in the Champions League when he appeared for Celtic?
Answers: 1) Motherwell 2) Maine Road 3) John Barnes 4) Diego Forlan 5) Joe Hart with Torino 6) Robbie Keane 7) Gordon Strachan 8) Emile Heskey 9) Pepe Reina 10) Rotherham United 11) Wolves, (last five) EFL Championship winners 12) Michael Forsell 13) Xherdan Shaquiri 14) Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007 15) Kolo Toure, Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool & Celtic
Half Time Quiz
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St Helens Honours 1949 George Mahon Trophy Winners 1951 Lancashire Comb Division 2 Champions 1972 Lancashire Combination Champions 1973 Bass Charrington Cup Winners 1974 Watson Trophy Winners 1978 St Helens Hospital Cup Winners 1979 St Helens Combination Div 1 Runners Up 1979 St Helens Hospital Cup Runners Up 1980 St Helens Combination Div 1 Champions 1985 NWCFL Reserve Division 2 Runners Up 1986 NWCFL Reserve Division 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 2015-16 Cheshire FA U21 Premier Cup Finalists 2016-17 Cheshire FA U21 League Cup Finalists 2016-17 Cheshire FA U21 Premier Div Runners Up 2017-18 NWYA U18s President’s Cup Winners
Record Attendances: 3012 at Hoghton Road v Burscough (1948) 8000 at Hoghton Road v Man City (1950) 1723 at Knowsley Road v FC United of Manchester (2006) 9000 at Prescot Cables v Runcorn (1949) Programme Awards NWCFL Programme of the Year 1993-94, 1995-96, 1997-998, 1998-99, 2000-1 NWCFL Premier Division 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 NWCFL First Division 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 Wirral Programme Club National Survey NWCFL Programme of the Year 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99 Programme Monthly NWCFL Programme of the Year 2007-08 Soccer Club Swap Shop National Awards 2010-11 28th, 2011-12 8th, 2012-13 7th, 2013-14 8th, 2014-15 5th, 2015-16 8th, 2016-17 2nd, 2017-18 5th
St Helens Town AFC - Player Records 1946-2016 Goals in a Career
Goals in a Season
Career Appearances (Qualification 250 games)
216 Steve Pennington
47 Phil Stainton 1963/64
448 Alan Wellens (inc. 207 estimated)
118 Terry Garner
46 Steve Pennington 1997/98
359 John Critchley (16 estimated)
108 Gary Laird
45 Jackie Kendrick 1973/74
352 Steve Pennington
105 Lee Cooper
45 Steve Pennington 1993/94
346 Gary Lowe (1 estimated)
101 Glenn Walker
40 Bob Potter 1952/53
345 Glenn Walker
94 Iain Dyson
38 Terry Fearns 2000/01
327 Jackie Atherton (122 estimated)
84 Andy Gillespie
36 Albert Leadbetter 1950/51
300 Jackie Cooke (1 estimated)
83 Harry McCann
35 Arthur Tyrer 1957/58
287 Gary Laird
81 Ray Fairweather
34 Lee Cooper 2001/02
280 Kevin Grice (147 estimated)
72 Arthur Tyrer
33 Ronnie Rigby 1952/53
278 Jimmy Woodyer (67 estimated)
68 Phil Stainton
32 Harry McCann 1950/51
276 Iain Dyson
63 Mervyn Bull
31 Terry Garner 1950/51
272 Ray Fairweather (3 estimated) 265 Larry Redmond (134 estimated)
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Brief History Of Town 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 7th May 1949. Crowds averaged over 2000 that season, peaking with a league record attendance of 3012 against Burscough in October 1948. 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
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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 its ambitions, moved to the former St. Helens Recs. rugby league 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 in the last few years, Karl Ledsham, who had a productive career at conference level with Southport, Lincoln City, Barrow and Stockport County before moving to the USA. 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 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
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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. Current club captain Andy Gillespie won the NW Counties’ golden boot with 34 goals in the 2015/16 season and netted another 24 times last season. Last season saw Town in their third season in the Hallmark Securities League First Division, aiming to put behind themselves two seasons of inconsistent performances which have seen them finish some way short of the promotion places, despite some excellent results. Manager Lee Jenkinson, who served his time under the experienced Alan Gillespie, now has a settled first team squad and with the club having endured seven years of a nomadic existence, ground-sharing at Ashton Town, Ashton Athletic and Prescot Cables, the excellent 3G facilities at Ruskin Drive are now up and running and backed up by a strong development system, featuring Under-18s, Under-21s and Reserves managed by a top-class coaching team, St. Helens Town are looking forward once again to a great future. Glyn Jones
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Man of the Match News August 04 Lower Breck 09 Atherton LR 11 Bacup Borough 18 AFC Darwen 21 AFC Blackpool 25 Cleator Moor Celtic 27 Chadderton
Man of the Match Carl Williams Andy Presho Carl Williams
September FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round 01 Ashton Town 08 AFC Liverpool 22 Holker Old Boys 29 Steeton October 04 AFC Liverpool First Division Cup 2nd Round 06 Cheadle HN 09 Prestwich Heys 13 Daisy Hill Macron Cup 1st Round 20 Cheadle Town 27 Longridge Town November 01 Prestwich Heys 03 Avro 17 Carlisle City 24 Nelson December 01 Shelley 08 Atherton LR
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15 22 26 29
Bacup Borough AFC Darwen Ashton Town Chadderton
January 05 Cleator Moor Celtic 19 Avro 26 Lower Breck February 02 Shelley 16 Steeton 23 Holker Old Boys March 09 AFC Blackpool 16 Longridge Town 23 Daisy Hill 30 Garstang April 13 Garstang 20 Carlisle City 22 Ashton Town 27 Nelson
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Danny Greene
Alex Moffitt
Phil Heron
Jamie Casson
James Duke
Andy Presho
Hal McHugh
Matty Smith
Sean Richards
Danny Lomax
Andy Webster
Jesse Robinson
Neil Weaver
Tom Grimshaw
Luke Edwards
Carl Williams
Liam Diggle
Paul Cliff
Tom Potter
Scott Lawrence
Liam Dodd
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Ryan Dobney
Dom Whelan
Mick Furlong
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League News Garstang - the Club has announced the launch of their new website. Chairman Adrian Wilding said: "I would like to thank everyone whose hard work has brought us this new, modern, exciting website. This is another step forward for the club using modern technology in these social media times. "I want to thank Sue White from Sue White Secretarial for the magnificent job she did with the old website, to give us the tool to communicate with our supporters and promote our sponsors. Her support and professional help were invaluable. "We are moving forward in a professional manner both on and off the pitch and we look forward to feedback on the new site and any suggestions to keep improving". The website can be found at www.garstangfc.co.uk West Didsbury & Chorlton - former West favourite Carlos Mendes Gomes made his professional debut for Morecambe in their Carabao Cup tie at Preston North End on Tuesday evening. He came on as a second half substitute with his team already 3-1 down at Deepdale, and
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Carlos and his team were unable to overturn the deficit during his 25 minute appearance. Carlos joined the Shrimps from West in the summer after impressing in appearances for their reserve team, having wowed fans at Brookburn Road over the previous two seasons with moments of magic and some spectacular goals. Ashton Athletic - visitors to Broctsedes Park will be able to take advantage of being served food and refreshments from a brand new tea bar this season The previous tea bar within the club house building has been converted into an office, and the new tea bar is located between the players tunnel and the cantilever stand. The new tea bar is scheduled to be open for the first time at next Tuesday night's game, when Squires Gate are the visitors. Wythenshawe Town - Town are hosting a Family Fun Day on Sunday 26th August at Ericstan Park. It's free entry for all, starting from 12:00, and the attractions include a fun fair, bouncy castles, face painting, and food and refreshments will be on sale. Recent League Landmarks Wednesday 8th August 2018 New Mills' final goal in the 4-1 win at Cheadle Town, scored by Arron Kirk in the 78th minute, was the Millers' 300th away League goal. Thursday 9th August 2018 St Helens Town's 3-0 win over Atherton LR was their 300th home League win. Saturday 11th August 2018 Alsager Town's 2-1 home win over Rylands was their 700th League game.
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First Division North Table First Division North
This week’s Fixtures
P
W
D
L
F
A
1
Avro
4
3
0
1
12
4
GD Pts 8
9
2
Garstang
3
3
0
0
9
2
7
9
3
Carlisle City
3
3
0
0
7
2
5
9
4
St Helens Town
3
2
1
0
7
3
4
7
5
AFC Blackpool
3
2
1
0
4
2
2
7
6
Prestwich Heys
2
2
0
0
3
0
3
6
7
Steeton
3
2
0
1
5
5
0
6
8
Longridge Town
3
1
1
1
10
9
1
4
9
Cleator Moor Celtic
3
1
1
1
5
4
1
4
10
Shelley
3
1
1
1
3
3
0
4
11
Chadderton
3
1
0
2
6
6
0
3
12
AFC Darwen
3
1
0
2
6
8
-2
3
13
Ashton Town
3
1
0
2
2
7
-5
3
14
Nelson
3
1
0
2
2
7
-5
3
15
Bacup Borough
3
0
2
1
2
3
-1
2
16
Lower Breck
3
0
2
1
1
2
-1
2
17
Daisy Hill
2
0
1
1
3
5
-2
1
18
AFC Liverpool
2
0
0
2
6
10
-4
0
19
Holker Old Boys
3
0
0
3
2
6
-4
0
20
Atherton LR
3
0
0
3
0
7
-7
0
Saturday 18th August 2018 Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Abbey Hey Burscough v Bootle Charnock Richard v Hanley Town City of Liverpool v Irlam Litherland REMYCA v Barnoldswick T Northwich Victoria v Winsford United Padiham v Whitchurch Alport Runcorn Town v West D & Chorlton Silsden v Ashton Athletic Squires Gate v Congleton Town
Saturday 18th August 2018 First Division North Ashton Town v AFC Liverpool Atherton LR v Chadderton Carlisle City v Bacup Borough Daisy Hill v Avro Holker Old Boys v Nelson Longridge Town v Prestwich Heys Lower Breck v Garstang Shelley v Cleator Moor Celtic St Helens Town v AFC Darwen Steeton v AFC Blackpool Saturday 18th August 2018 First Division South Cammell Laird 1907 v Abbey Hulton Cheadle Heath N v Vauxhall Motors Eccleshall v Barnton Ellesmere Rangers v Wythenshawe A FC Oswestry Town v Alsager Town Maine Road v New Mills Rylands v Wythenshawe Town Sandbach United v Stone Dominoes Stockport Town v St Martins Stone Old Alleynians v Cheadle Town Monday 20th August 2018 Premier Division Whitchurch Alport v 1874 Northwich Winsford United v Runcorn Town Monday 20th August 2018 First Division North Daisy Hill v AFC Liverpool Tuesday 21st August 2018 First Division North AFC Blackpool v St Helens Town Chadderton v Lower Breck Nelson v AFC Darwen
Charity Charity Partner Partner 2017-18 2018-19
League Tables Tables correct as at Thurs 16/08/2018 P
W
D
L
F
A GD Pts
1
First Division South Wythenshawe Town
2
2
0
0
5
0
5
6
1
Premier Division
2
New Mills
P
W
D
L
F
A GD Pts
Runcorn Town
2
2
0
0
7
2
5
6
3
2
0
1
10
7
3
6
2
City of Liverpool
2
2
0
0
8
4
4
6
3 Cheadle Heath Nomads 3
2
0
1
6
4
2
6
3
Congleton Town
2
2
0
0
4
0
4
6
4
Abbey Hulton United
3
2
0
1
6
5
1
6
4
Squires Gate
2
1
1
0
7
2
5
4
5
Vauxhall Motors
3
1
2
0
5
2
3
5
5
Charnock Richard
2
1
1
0
3
1
2
4
6
Stone Dominoes
3
1
1
1
5
3
2
4
6
Hanley Town
2
1
1
0
3
2
1
4
7
Stone Old Alleynians
2
1
1
0
4
3
1
4
7
Northwich Victoria
2
1
0
1
6
5
1
3
8
Cheadle Town
3
1
1
1
4
5
-1
4
8
Padiham
2
1
0
1
5
6
-1
3
9
FC Oswestry Town
3
1
1
1
2
4
-2
4
9
Winsford United
2
0
2
0
3
3
0
2
10
Rylands
2
1
0
1
6
3
3
3
10
Silsden
2
0
2
0
2
2
0
2
11
Sandbach United
2
1
0
1
3
2
1
3
11
Bootle
2
0
2
0
1
1
0
2
12
St Martins
3
1
0
2
3
3
0
3
12
Whitchurch Alport
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
13
Alsager Town
2
1
0
1
2
2
0
3
13
Irlam
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
14
Barnton
2
1
0
1
2
2
0
3
14
West Dids & Chorlton
2
0
1
1
4
6
-2
1
15
Wythenshawe Ams
2
1
0
1
3
4
-1
3
15
Abbey Hey
2
0
1
1
2
4
-2
1
16
Eccleshall
2
1
0
1
3
5
-2
3
16
Ashton Athletic
2
0
1
1
1
4
-3
1
17
Stockport Town
2
0
1
1
1
3
-2
1
17
Litherland REMYCA
1
0
0
1
0
1
-1
0
18
Cammell Laird 1907
3
0
1
2
6
11 -5
1
18
1874 Northwich
1
0
0
1
3
6
-3
0
19
Maine Road
1
0
0
1
1
2
-1
0
19
Barnoldswick Town
2
0
0
2
1
5
-4
0
20
Ellesmere Rangers
2
0
0
2
1
8
-7
0
20
Burscough
2
0
0
2
2
8
-6
0
Charity Partner 2018-19
Charity Charity Partner Partner 2017-18 2018-19
Next HOME FIXTURE Sat 25th Aug 2018 Kick Off 3.00pm
Today’s Team Line-up
versus
Cleator Moor
Hallmark Security League Division One North
Next AWAY FIXTURE Tues 21st Aug 2018 Kick Off 7.45pm versus
AFC Blackpool Hallmark Security League Division One North Tonight’s SPONSORS Match: Unite the Union Match Ball: Dave Watkins Programme: Prabhu Ventures Limited
Main Club Sponsors
Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Charity Partner 2018-19