St Helens Town v City of Liverpool (Reusch Cup) 2016-17 by John McKiernan

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Team Line-Ups CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens Vice Presidents: Jim Barrett and Steve Ball Chairman: John McKiernan (07713 339682)

Thursday 1st December 2016, kick off 7.45pm The Reusch First Division Cup, Quarter Final St Helens Town

City of Liverpool

Blue Shirts Blue Shorts, Blue & White Socks Gls Y R

Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones

Gage Walsh

Andy Presho

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Voller (07843 692695)

Ste Rigby

Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Ste Ball, Andy Langley Paul Wood, Margaret Wood, Kieran Ford, Chris Ford & Glyn Jones Hospitality: Margaret Wood and Paul Wood

1st Team Manager: Alan Gillespie

Bartosz Kowalczyk

Joel Burns Kevin McEllin

Andy Webster

Daniel Dalton

Ant Whelan

Allen Weston

Danny Greene

Joseph Camozzi

Paul Carney

Michael Roberts Aaron Rey

Dale Korie-Butler

Matthew Williams

Luke Edwards

Thomas Peterson

Interim 1st Team Manager Lee Jenkinson

Stuart McDonald

Daley Woods

1st Team Coach: Nick Robinson

Michael Chojnicki

Michael Smith

1st Team Physiotherapists Ellie Hayes & Paige Marcus U21s Team Manager: John McLaughlan U21s Assistant Manager: Lee Jenkinson

Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Christopher Dykes Declan Gregson Manager: Simon Burton Assistant: Tom Spearritt

Referee: Mr A Ball (Wigan) Assist: Mr P Rigby (Liverpool) & Mr P Sephton (Warrington)

U18s Assistant Manager: Terry Smith

Club Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk

Andrew Fowler

Alex Gillespie

Interim Managers: Andy Gillespie & Lee Jenkinson

U18s Team Manager: David McNabb

Sunday Team Manager: David Platt

Will Threlkeld Daniel Brady

Gls Y R

Christopher Lester

Adam Donohue

Andy Gillespie

Trustee: John McKiernan

White Shirts Black Shorts & White Socks

Match Sponsor

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

60 Rimrose Road, Bootle Liverpool L20 4TX

Shirt Sponsor: Freestart plc

Match Ball Sponsors

Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002

Dave Wiggins

Company Director: Jim Barrett Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited

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@DWiggo

Next Home Game: Town v Bacup Borough

Hallmark Security League Saturday 10th December 2016 Volair Park, Prescot Cables FC

Cover Photograph: Andy Gillespie and Ste Rigby

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Talk of the Town Good evening and welcome to Volair Park for this Reusch First Division Cup, Quarter Final tie against City of Liverpool. 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 a busy time on and off the park in the last couple of weeks. Off the field we have seen the first St Helens Town games at the new facility of Ruskin Drive with our Sunday & U21 teams playing there this on Sunday 20th November and with the facility now available for training the move to our new home is well under way. There are still a few things that need to be sorted before we will see first team games at the ground with the new dressing room block and hospitality facilities to still to be completed but hopefully these will be sorted at some point in December and we can play a home game in St Helens for the first time since 2010. Back to on field matters and the last time we were here was when we hosted Cheadle Town the previous game between the two sides had an August visit to Cheadle and despite having a two goal advantage going into added on time at the end of the contest we couldn’t secure the victory and left with a 3-3 draw. St Helens were to make amends on this occasion and despite going in at half time 1-0 down after a less then premium performance the lads bounced back in the second half with a triple salvo in 9 minutes turning the deficit into a 3-1 lead. Luke Edwards levelled from the spot after being felled and Dale Korie-Butler made it 2-1 three minutes later before Edwards added his second and the hosts third. St Helens were reduced to 10 ten men when Ant Whelan was sent off for retaliation after a fracas but this didn’t dent the momentum as skipper Andy Gillespie added a fourth and Cheadle netted to reduce arrears with 15 minutes remaining but there was to be no grandstand finish on this occasion as Town were able to see the game out and secure a maximum return. Next up was the long trip to Yorkshire to take on a Silsden side who had effectively relegated Town two seasons ago with a late leveller at Brocstedes Park and who themselves suffered relegation last term. Andy Gillespie appeared to be in no mood to mess about as he scored twice in the opening quarter of the contest on 4 and 18 minutes to set put the visitors stall early before the hosts pulled a goal back just half the half hour mark. Korie-Butler restored the two goal cushion just before the break and victory and a modicum of revenge was assured when Andy Presho netted a fourth to send Town back to Merseyside with all three points. Attention turned to the Liverpool Senior Cup and a visit to Litherland REMYCA which didn’t end well for Town as they lost their first contest in five. Despite coming from behind twice with Andy Gillespie and Adam Donohue restoring parity Town couldn’t repeat their league victory at the same venue and eventually went down 4-2. Last Saturday saw us venture to Eccleshall and an excellent performance saw Town record a comfortable 4-0 win. First half goals from Edwards and Paul Carney were supplemented in the second half with efforts from Andy Gillespie and Presho to move Town up to 11th in the table. We were then frustrated by the weather as the scheduled game against Bootle in the Macron Cup was postponed due to a frozen pitch and that game will now take place next Tuesday, 6th December at the Delta Taxi Stadium. On to this evening contest against on of the form sides in the First Division, Town have already been on the receiving end of a 5-1 reverse at the hands of COL this season and will be hoping to gain revenge and advance to the semis. Let’s get behind Town this evening and hopefully cheer them into the next round! Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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In Town Today The genesis of this club goes all the way back to 2008 and can be traced through lots of small meetings, chats, encounters, and talk. The club that has now become City of Liverpool FC had hovered just beneath the surface for 6 years before an angry “call to arms” email was sent out to 10 likeminded people in October of 2014. A meeting was hastily arranged and a 4 hour discussion ensued between 6 people, although it could rightly be called “putting the world to rights” as much as it could be called a meeting. Not much came out of that first meeting other than a general consensus that we would all meet again soon and keep talking. The next meeting got cancelled at very late notice when two people couldn’t attend and by the time we met again in November, our numbers were down to 3 people only; Paul Manning, Peter Furmedge & Martin Jones but that meeting in November 2014 was a crucial milestone in the history of the club. At that meeting the question was asked “When is this Football Club going to play football” and the process began that concluded with our successful appeal at Wembley on June 8th 2016. We all agreed that August 2016 was when we should be playing football, giving ourselves a generous 21 months to achieve our dream. Once we agreed the target date, we worked backwards trying to work out the milestones and hurdles we would have to get over to be playing in what is now the Hallmark Security Football League Division One. The notes taken that night, scribbled on a whiteboard formed the basis of the Timeline document which we placed on our website and became a quasi-business plan for us. We all agreed that night that City of Liverpool FC was a vehicle that we would use for community outreach that would help young footballers, old footballers, the poor, the needy, the impaired, as well as middle aged fat and baldy men like ourselves who were, even at our age, still addicted to football. We had all been following Liverpool and Everton FC for decades and had seen all too readily how our clubs were slowly morphing from community owned football clubs, representing the culture of their home city into global data mining corporations that no longer existed to embody the community from whence they came, but rather to keep a succession of corporate snouts (including players and agents) in the trough. Success on the field was great if it happened to come along but in no way compulsory. As long as those oinks that paid significant sums of money generally got the feeling that we were at least trying, then everything was OK. We knew that we definitely wanted to change that. We were looking east to FCUM and south to AFC Wimbledon for inspiration and readily found it in two unbelievable success stories. By early 2015, the executive committee grew to 4 with the addition of Stuart Fitzgerald but nothing much was happening generally – we had given ourselves too much time, so we gently nudged and prodded away at politicians and people who we felt could help. In May 2015, work began in earnest as we decided the various roles that we would each undertake voluntarily on behalf of the club. Paul Manning was to be Operations Director, Peter Furmedge was Finance Director, Stuart Fitzgerald was Commercial Director and Martin Jones was to be Sporting Director when the football actually started. The website and social media were launched in May 2015, and interest began to build. In addition to being the Finance Director, Peter Furmedge was also the resident expert on the legalities of a supporter owned football club and as such he called our very first public meeting for 21st September 2015, in order to legally form the club as a Community Benefit Society, owned by its members. Around 50 people attended that first meeting at the Quakers meetings rooms, we gained the support of the crowd to form the club. Peter worked with Supporters Direct and confirmation duly arrived – We were a supporter owned football club! After that meeting we had some great media coverage from The Liverpool Echo, Radio City and also the Guardian and a buzz was really starting to grow about the new club. October 14th saw us receive a massive blow as Liverpool City Council confirmed that they could not allow us a lease on either targeted facility as Wavertree was too small to host a football pitch and various organisations objected to us playing at Walton Hall Park.

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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City of Liverpool As a new club, our application to join the NWCFL had to be in by 31st December 2015, so given the Christmas period we had roughly 8 weeks to secure a groundshare or shelve our plans for another 12 months, which bearing in mind we had already been working for a year and had built a decent following and groundswell of opinion, was not an option. So the search began for a groundshare. We emailed literally every club or facility that could host Step 6 football within a 35 mile radius and got few replies. None of the other local non-league clubs seemed to want to help us play football! Then a breakthrough came towards the end of November when Neil Prince put us in touch with Bootle FC. Calls were made and emails flew and literally within a matter of 10 days we had our groundshare agreement to play at the Delta Taxis Stadium – what a relief – and so our application to join the NWCFL was submitted in plenty of time before the deadline.

On we went into 2016 full of hope and endeavour. We had an interview with the management committee of the NWCFL in February at Bootle, which seemed to go well and soon enough they had confirmed that they were supporting our bid for a place in the league. Our 1st members meeting took place at Jack Jones House and was well supported. We made the manager’s role available for application and got a good response from varied parts of the football spectrum. We wanted actual, nailed on, NWCFL experience, preferably experience of being promoted out of the 1st Division. We whittled 23 applications down to 5 candidates and interviews took place. Everyone was good in their own right, but 1 man stood out like a sore thumb; Simon Burton. He had already advised Runcorn Town that he was resigning at the end of the season and within a matter of days, COLFC had their 1st manager and the club had just taken another massive step forward. We now had a NWCFL Premier League ground and a NWCFL Premier League manager. In order for a new club to join the National League Pyramid at Step 6, the club had to show exceptional circumstances and so on April 20TH 2016 our 3 man delegation travelled down to Wembley to make our case for exceptional circumstances. We were confident and after maybe an hour and a half, we came out of a meeting with a 4 man committee from the FA, satisfied that we had made our case and given ourselves the best opportunity to succeed, if indeed there was a space in the league – which was by no means certain at this point. The FA leagues committee could not just make a dry decision of “shall we let COLFC in or not?” it was a complex nationwide jigsaw puzzle involving promotions, relegations, clubs folding and other considerations too. We were told to expect a decision towards the end of May. May 21st, 4pm and an Email arrives – We had not been placed in the NWCFL but instead been placed in the Liverpool County Premier League – Phone calls fly, emails too, the phone is red hot, no-one can believe it, but we are not in. But a NWCFL press release gives us hope, Northwich Manchester Villa have resigned from the league at the last minute, there is still a space and the FA confirm we have leave to appeal. June 8th. Wembley again. 3 man FA appeal panel, Paul Manning and Peter Furmedge arguing against the decision of the FA leagues committee, who are also present to defend their original decision to place us at Step 7. An hour of legal-esque arguing later and we head back to Liverpool with the promise of a decision later that day. Our heads are spinning. We got attacked for 45 minutes, but the tide did seem to turn our way in the last 15. We miss trains, give 1st Aid to passing sickly women in Gerrards Cross, eat Subway Sandwiches in Bicester and walk across Birmingham from Moor Street to New Street to catch the train home, all the while checking our phones for the fateful Email. It’s been 3 and a half hours now and nothing; this looks and feels bad. We’ve got 45 minutes to kill, so “let’s go for a pint”. Just as we walk into All Bar One the email arrives. Peter begins reading through the Appeal decision…….”Appeal board at Wembley” “3 Man Committee” “decision of the Appeal board”……yes, yes come on……… ”The appeal is upheld”…….”Appeal fee to be refunded” “COLFC will play at Step 6 in season 2016” “This decision is final and binding and cannot be appealed by any party” cue jubilation, with a lot of Birmingham office workers staring at two middle aged scousers jumping up and down, hugging each other and shouting “YES!” very loudly. We had the decision that we had worked so long and hard for and the relief was palpable. We had achieved our dream and that jubilant moment is the end of the Story So Far. The rest of the story should rightly belong to Simon Burton, his coaching staff and players beginning on July 9th at Prestatyn Town.

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Chairman’s Notes Good evening and a very warm welcome to Volair Park for this Reusch First Division Cup Quarter Final tie against Merseyside neighbours City of Liverpool. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters have had a safe journey and enjoy an entertaining game. Many thanks to this evening’s match sponsors (and club main sponsor) Johnsons Toyota Liverpool and our match ball sponsors Dave Wiggins your continued support is greatly appreciated. Incidentally, Dave has sponsored us on a number of occasions over the past couple of seasons and he’s also a COLFC shareholder - his twitter feed stated ‘there can be no winners’ Tonight's visitors are having a great season both on and off the pitch and they are currently battling it out for top spot with Whitchurch Alport; the Shropshire outfit just edging it at the mid-point of the season. On the Cup front the ‘Purps’ have already secured an impressive quarter final place following their Macron Cup game v Hanley when they dispatched the Premier Division outfit 2-0 at the Delta Taxis Stadium on Monday night. Off the field the league newcomers have provided many discussion points but their great home and away support has also provided a financial boost for the vast majority of their opponents with many clubhouses and refreshment bars doing great business. I must also say that during our league meeting earlier this season our hosts’ hospitality was second to none. We will definitely meet once more this season in the return league fixture which will be at Ruskin Drive as part of the Easter Ground Hop 2017. Last Saturday’s postponement was a disappointing end to a very good week for the club with Ruskin Drive finally opening it’s doors after a long wait. November 20th saw both our Sunday team and U21s make their debuts at the new 3G stadium with John McLaughlan’s U21s recording a fine 4-1 win over Manchester Central Reserves in the Cheshire FA U21s League. Unfortunately it was not a winning start for the Sunday team as they bowed out of the Ken Gillies Cup (Liverpool & District Sunday League) losing 1-3 to The Georgies. Equally as important, players across all our teams have access to the ground for training each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Unfortunately, Hallmark Security League football at Ruskin Drive will have to wait a little longer as the new dressing rooms, refreshment and hospitality facilities are yet to be completed. Congratulations to committee member Kieran Ford who represented the club and St Helens Council at the recent Merseyside Sports Award’s evening at Aintree Racecourse. Kieran had scooped the St Helens Sports Council Young Volunteer of the Year award and joined his fellow winners from the various local authorities at the prestigious event. We’re back in action in less than 48 hours when we travel for another derby, this time at Ashton Town’s Edge Green Street in the Hallmark Security League. The postponement of our Macron Cup fixture v Bootle on Saturday had been re -arranged for last Monday evening but we were unable to secure Volair Park and despite trying to find an alternative venue we had no option but postpone the fixture which will now take place at Bootle next Tuesday evening (6th December, 7.45pm) Enjoy the game and see you next week.

John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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The world this week Kieran Ford takes a trip down memory and discovers what events happened in the history of St Helens Town, sport in general and provides a reminder of any historical world events that occurred in this week in history. The week of 27th November – 4th December Last Season: St Helens Town – 28th December 2015 – Town’s proposed away fixture against Northwich Manchester Villa falls victim to the weather and is postponed. Sport – 29th November 2015 – Tyson Fury defeats Wladimir Klitschko to claim the WBA, IBF and WBO World Heavyweight Championship belts in Dusseldorf. World – 3rd December 2015 US Defence Secretary Ash Carter announces all combat roles in US armed forced will be opened to women. 10 Years Ago: St Helens Town – 28th November & 2nd December 2006 Town secure a fine 5-0 home win over Squires Gate, with club legend Ian Dyson and future Southport man Karl Ledsham amongst the scorers. Town then lose 2-1 against Colne at Knowsley Road 4 days later. Sport – 30th November 2006 Manchester United remain top of the Premiership, three points ahead of Chelsea. Portsmouth, having narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, are maintaining their European push although they are 11 points adrift of Chelsea in third. Bolton, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Liverpool complete the top seven, while Sheffield United, Watford and Charlton Athletic remain in the relegation zone. World –27th November 2006 The Canadian House of Commons endorses Prime Minister Stephen Harper's motion to declare Québécois a nation within a unified Canada.

20 Years Ago: St Helens Town: - 30th November & 4th December 1996 St Helens are met with 2 defeats in the space of 5 days as they fall 2-1 at Clitheroe before a 1-0 home defeat to Blackpool Rovers. Sport – 2nd December 1996 Tottenham Hotspur buy Norway striker Steffen Iversen from Rosenborg for £2.5million. World – 4th December 1996 NASA's 1st Mars rover launched from Cape Canaveral. The Vase Year – 1987: St Helens Town – 28th November 1987 Town avenge the previous weeks’ defeat against Ellesmere Port & Neston with a 3-1 victory over Salford, now in the Vanarama National League North. Sport – 30th November 1987 Liverpool lead the First Division by five points from Arsenal. Charlton Athletic, Norwich City and Watford continue to occupy the relegation places. Middlesbrough and Bradford City are level at the top of the Second Division on 43 points. Aston Villa, Hull City and Crystal Palace occupy the play-off places. World – 29th November 1987 France performs nuclear test at Muruora Island.

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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How We Compare? at St Helens Previous Meet- at City of LivTown ings erpool

St Helens Town - last 6 matches

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Ruskin Update

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Tea Break Teasers Q1. Who was the last Englishman to score a Champions League hat-trick?

Q2. Which three Dutch teams have won the European Cup/Champions League? Q3. Who are the last two English teams to reach the Europa League Final? Q4. Which player has scored the most goals for Spurs in the Premier League era? Q5. Which Scouser made his Everton debut on the opening day of the 2002/3 season against Tottenham? Q6. Who was the last Scottish player to score a Premier League hat-trick? Q7. Which six British clubs have won the UEFA Super Cup? Q8. Who is the only player to score more than 10 goals in the Premier League for Burnley? Q9. Which three non-European footballers have scored more than 100 Premier League goals? Q10. Which former Everton player is the only man to have scored a hat-trick in a Premier League game between Man Utd & Chelase? Q11. Which three players over the age of 38 have scored in the Premier League? Q12. How many Premier League goals did Romelu Lukaku score for Chelsea? Q13. Which ex-Everton player has scored the most Premier League goal without ever winning a full England international cap?

Q14. Which three clubs have won more than seven FA Cups? Q15. With which club did Danny Ings begin his professional career?

1) Danny Welbeck 2) Ajax, PSV Eindhoven & Feyenoord 3) Liverpool & Chelsea 4) Teddy Sherringham 5) Wayne Rooney 6) Steven Naismith 7) Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd, Nottingham Forest, Aberdeen & Aston Villa 8) Danny Ings 9) Dwight Yorke, Didier Drogba & Sergio Aguero 10) Samuel Etoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;o 11) Teddy Sherringham, Ryan Giggs & Dean Windass 12) None 13) Kevin Campbell 14) Arsenal, Man Utd & Spurs 15) Bournemouth

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Ruskin Drive St Helens Town’s return ‘home’ took another step closer last week with the opening of the new 3G pitches at Ruskin Drive Sportsground. While Hallmark Security League Division One football on the site is still a little way off for Town, players across all the club’s teams have now start to train at the St Helens Council owned venue. The club’s Sunday team and Under 21s outfit will made their new home debuts last Sunday afternoon in the Liverpool and District Sunday League and Cheshire FA U21s League respectively. With the U18s having to wait a little longer for their North West Youth Alliance first appearance at the impressive new facility as their next home fixture doesn’t take place until next month. The club is unable to confirm a start date for first team football at their new home which they will share on match-days with Cheshire League neighbours Pilkington FC. Club Chairman John McKiernan said, ‘It’s great to finally see the facility up and running and we’re delighted to be part of a project that will mean so much to development of sport in the borough. ‘It’s been a long time in the planning and construction but I am sure it will all be worth it for those involved now and in the future. We are extremely grateful to St Helens Council and the Liverpool County FA for their support in ensuring our recent nomadic existence is almost over.’ He added, ‘Our first team will have to wait a little longer before Hallmark Security League football can be played at Ruskin Drive as the new changing room facilities are yet to be completed along with the required on-site hospitality and catering amenities. ‘We now need to make the most of our return home and having a base in the town to ensure that we’re successful on and off the pitch.’

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Andy Gillespie in action v Eccleshall (Hallmark Security League) Eddie Pegler in action on Saturday 19th November 2016 v Eccleshall on Saturday 29th October 2016

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Andy Gillespie in action v FC Oswestry Town on Saturday 24th September 2016

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Match Sponsors We are looking for additional sponsors on match-days with a host of benefits for both match (£100) and match 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

Thu 18/08/16

Sandbach United

Beer EnGin, Whiston

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Thu 01/09/16

Prestwich Heys

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Cuncannon

Sat 10/09/16

Chadderton (FAV)

Top Car Detailing

Cuncannon

Thu 15/09/16

Widnes

Thatto Heath Tech Shop

Beer Engin, Whiston

Sat 26/11/16

FC Oswestry Town

Toast Café

Live Wire Electrical

Sat 01/10/16

AFC Darwen (Macron Cup)

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

MLR Heating Supplies

Sat 15/10/16

Carlisle City

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Excell Painting & Decorating

Sat 05/11/16

Daisy Hill

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Beechley Stables, RDA

Thu 10/11/16

Cheadle Town

Beer EnGin, Whiston

Toast Café, St Helens

Thu 01/12/16

City of Liverpool (Reusch Cup)

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Dave Wiggins

Sat 10/12/16

Bacup Borough

Kiera’s Occasions

Mon 26/12/16 Litherland REMYCA

Britannia Taxis

Sat 07/01/17

Holker Old Boys

Sat 14/01/17

Eccleshall

Connor McGinn

Sat 21/01/17

AFC Blackpool

Action Coach NW

Sat 28/01/17

Whitchurch Alport

Dave Wiggins

Sat 11/02/17

Silsden

North West Dog Rescue

Sat 18/03/17

Daisy Hill

The Track King

Sat 25/03/17

Stockport Town

Stuart Pyke

Sat 01/04/17

Atherton LR

John Cahill

Sun 16/04/17

City of Liverpool

The Boar’s Head

Sat 29/04/17

Charnock Richard

Toast Café , St Helens

TBC

Ashton Town

TBC

Alsager Town

TBC

Chadderton

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Michael Allison

Stillia

LM Travel

Action Coach NW The Track King

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Team Fixtures St Helens Town Sunday Liverpool &District Sunday League Results 08/09/16 18:30 Hunting Lodge 3-0 Town 11/09/16 11:00 Fulwood Arms 2-0 Town 18/09/16 11:00 Birkdale United 4-3 Town 25/09/16 13:00 Fazakerley Athletic 3-2 Town 02/10/16 12:45 Town 3-2 Mr Smiths 09/10/16 12:45 Western Approaches 1-4 Town 16/10/16 12:45 Town 2-4 The Claremont FC 23/10/16 12:45 Town 5-5 The Masons 30/10/16 12:45 Town 2-4 Bootle Wanderers 06/11/16 12:45 Picton Athletic 2-3 Town 13/11/16 12:45 The Georgies 3-1 Town 20/11/16 12:45 Town 1-3 The Georgies Fixtures 27/11/16 12:45 Town H-W MBS Woolton

St Helens Town U21s Cheshire FA U21s League Premier Division Results Lge 24/08/16 Manchester Central Reserves 0-4 Town Cup 21/08/16 Atherton Town 2-2 Town (Town won 1-3 on pens) Lge 18/08/16 Southport 2-2 Town Cup 11/09/16 11:00 Glossop North End 1-9 Town Cup 18/09/16 11:00 BRNESC Reserves 4-7 Town Lge 25/09/16 14:00 Atherton Town 1-6 Town Cup 02/10/16 12:30 Abbey Hey 2-0 Town Cup 09/10/16 12:45 Town 6-3 MSB Woolton Lge 23/10/16 12:45 Town 6-2 Stockport Town Cup 06/11/16 11:00 Clay Brow 5-0 Town Cup 13/11/16 12:45 Town 6-5 Litherland REMYCA Lge 20/11/16 12:45 Town 4-1 Manchester Central Fixtures Lge 11/12/16 12:30 Stockport Town v Town St Helens Town U18s North West Youth Alliance League Results Lge 21/08/16 14:30 Town 3-5 Chester Colts Lge 04/09/16 14:30 Chester Colts 1-3 Town Cup 08/09/16 19:45 AFC Blackpool 3-4 Town Lge 11/09/16 14:30 Town 2-8 Marine Lge 18/09/16 14:30 Witton Albion 1-3 Town Cup 21/09/17 19:30 Chadderton 1-2 Town Cup 25/09/16 11:00 Prescot Cables 1-2 Town Lge 02/10/16 14:30 West Kirby & Wasps 1-2 Town Cup 07/10/16 Town 1-2 Newcastle Benfield Cup 23/10/16 14:00 Chester FC 12-1 Town Lge 30/10/16 14:30 Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Town Lge 06/11/16 14:00 Town 11-0 Witton Albion Lge 13/11/16 14:00 Town 2-2 Newton Fixtures Lge 04/12/16 15:00 Town v Tranmere Rovers Lge 18/12/16 15:00 Town v Southport Lge 08/01/17 15:00 Town v Vauxhall Motors

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Guest Writer Get with the programme

I always used to buy a programme. It wasn’t even a calculation about whether I should or not. I just did. From my first non-league games in the 1970s and through the 1980s I regularly bought programmes. So much so that by the mid 1980s there were hundreds of programmes, both nonleague and league, in a box in my bedroom. Programmes, at that time, performed many functions. It’s easy to forget that in the 1980s the internet, as we know it today, didn’t exist, the sports sections of national newspapers were a handful of pages rather than the supplements they now often are, and specialist non-league newspapers and magazines were rare. Collective knowledge of the non-league game was largely restricted to our experiences of going to games and to the few media that dealt with the non-league game. Chief amongst these media were non-league programmes. In the 1970s, before the widespread diffusion of personal computers, programmes were often bashed out on typewriters. Unsurprisingly, many were quite modest products with quite a few typos. But in an era of few non-league publications programmes were quietly important vehicles for communicating what was going on at clubs. Through the 1980s the quality of programmes noticeably improved as the technology available to produce them on developed. Chiefly, programmes seemed to shift from standard paper to more glossy paper and to the use of more colour and photographs. In a time of limited available information about the non-league game, programmes would update fans about what was going on at a club. Staples of programmes were team sheets and league tables. This was information that was sometimes available in local newspapers but that was often difficult to find elsewhere. Programmes would usually have a piece from the manager, information on the history and players of the opposing team, details of previous meetings between teams and various other features. They were also ways of generating much needed funds for non-league clubs through advertising revenue. I didn’t mind the adverts being interspersed with the ‘real’ content; although there were odd occasions when some clubs ‘forgot’ to put content in their programme and loaded the adverts. This was always disappointing. Programmes bought at away matches would add some real texture to the trip and ground that I was visiting. It would bring to life, in written form, the history of the club, the cups they had won, the ground they played at and the players that played for them. I think one of the reasons I kept such a collection of these programmes was that not only did reading the Bower Bulletin (Stalybridge Celtic), The Dabber (Nantwich Town) and other programmes allow me to keep hold of knowledge of non-league that was otherwise scarce but they also provided a sort of

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Mike Hodson non-league travelogue of my childhood. Rooting my experiences in going to Barrow and Bacup, Formby and Fleetwood, and Macclesfield and Middlewich; providing a sort of way of capturing these experiences. Programmes, then, were a way of becoming familiar with both the non-league game generally and a place specifically. In the 1970s and 1980s buying a programme was a habit for me. It was important. I would not come away from a match without one. Since the 1990s or so I have only bought programmes sporadically. I don’t often buy one now. I continue to buy raffle tickets, Golden Goal tickets and food but not so much programmes. Maybe this is as I’ve got older and my reading has diversified! But perhaps it’s because we have more knowledge than ever about non-league clubs. Partly it is due to those reasons that I set out above; that the internet and a spread of new publications allow much more widespread and consumable access to knowledge of non-league football. Also, I travel more now as a matter of course rather than just in relation to football. All this is not to say that programmes today are no good. Many clubs have excellent programmes. I could give you a list of programmes as long as my arm of ones that are good. At the top end of nonleague they are often very professional. Indeed, going down the leagues the standard remains pretty good and excellent programmes are visible even down in Step 6 where St Helens Town have produced an award-winning programme for a number of years. The paradox is that when programmes were often of dubious technical quality they were quite widely read and consumed. Now many programmes are of excellent quality the challenge is to get people buying them. Clubs increasingly communicate with fans via new media such as Twitter and Facebook. A quick look on the internet will show that some National League clubs have large new media followings. Even down in Step 7 clubs have connections with multi-thousands of fans and those interested in their club. This is increasingly how clubs are communicating with fans and beyond.

I guess the question – in the face of competition from other sources of information about non-league football and the potential of new media – is: why should non-league clubs persist in producing programmes? Why should those small number of volunteers continue with their labour of love to provide a product for sometimes fewer than 100 people? In my view, not just for reasons of personal nostalgia, programmes remain an important way in which non-league clubs can communicate with fans. They are distinct products that are demonstrably identifiable with a particular club, that allow a club to communicate stories about that club. That is not to say that clubs don’t need to change how they produce and distribute programmes. In particular, rather than producing programmes just for the (sometimes few) people that turn up on match day they should use their increasing social media presence to communicate programmes online. The survival of the programme as a physical product in the long-term is probably dependent, paradoxically, on them being communicated better digitally through new media. This means, in short, clubs should bring their programmes and new media platforms together. This would allow those that prefer to buy their programme in the traditional way to continue to do so. It would also mean that producing a programme remains sustainable for clubs. This is as, first, communicating the programme digitally potentially significantly increases the numbers of those reading a programme. This, second, means that savvy clubs can use this widened readership of programmes to not only communicate the club more broadly but also to pull in more, much needed, advertising revenue. Some clubs, again notably St Helens Town, appear to be actively pursuing an approach to bringing their programme together with new media. The challenge for non-league clubs is to think though what the purpose of programmes is in the current day and to position them appropriately. Some clubs appear to be quite effective at this. For others, they need to get with the programme. Read all my previous blogs: https://mhod71.wordpress.com/ For future blogs follow my Twitter account: @MHod71

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Match Statistics 201 Date Opponents Comp KO Result GK 2 Aug 06 Carlisle City NWCFL 3.00 4-3L Novak D.Brady Aug 13 Cheadle Town NWCFL 3.00 3-3D Novak Presho AUG 18 SANDBACH UNITED NWCFL 7.45 L2-4 Novak Greene Aug 20 Litherland REMYCA NWCFL 3.00 W1-2 Novak Greene Aug 27 Charnock Richard NWCFL 3.00 W1-3 Novak Greene SEP 01 PRESTWICH HEYS NWCFL 7.45 2-2D Hodge Greene Sep 03 Atherton LR NWCFL 3.00 4-2L Hodge Greene1 Sep 06 City of Liverpool NWCFL 7.45 5-1L Hodge D.Brady SEP 10 CHADDERTON FAV 1QR 3.00 3-5L Taylor D.Brady SEP 15 WIDNES NWCFL 7.45 1-1D Taylor D.Brady Sep 17 Daisy Hill NWCFL 3.00 2-2D Taylor D.Brady SEP24 FC OSWESTRY TOWN NWCFL 3.00 2-1W Taylor Greene1 OCT 01 AFC DARWEN TMC 1R 3.00 4-2W Walsh Presho Oct 08 Alsager Town NWCFL 3.00 3-1L Walsh Presho Oct 11 AFC Blackpool NWCFL 7.45 1-3W Walsh Presho1 OCT 15 CARLISLE CITY NWCFL 3.00 3-4L Walsh Pegler Oct 18 FC Oswestry Town NWCFL 7.45 3-2L Walsh Tserpes OCT 22 Bacup Borough NWCFL 3.00 1-1D Novak Presho Oct 29 Eccleshall TMC 2R 3.00 3-5W Hodge Presho NOV 05 Daisy Hill RFDC 2R 3.00 2-0W Walsh Presho NOV 10 CHEADLE TOWN NWCFL 7.45 4-2W Walsh Presho Nov12 Silsden NWCFL 3.00 1-4W A.Whelan Chojnicki Nov 16 Litherland REMYCA LS Cup 7.45 4-2L Brinksman Presho Nov 19 Eccleshall NWCFL 3.00 0-4W Walsh Presho1 DEC 01 CITY OF LIVEPOOL NWCFL 7.45 Dec 03 Ashton Town NWCFL 3.00 Dec 06 Bootle TMC 3R 7.45 DEC 10 BACUP BOROUGH NWCFL 3.00 Dec 17 Whitchurch Alport NWCFL 3.00 DEC 26 LITHERLAND REMCYA NWCFL 3.00 Dec 30 Prestwich Heys NWCFL 7.45 JAN 07 HOLKER OLD BOYS NWCFL 3.00 JAN 14 ECCLESHALL NWCFL 3.00 JAN 21 AFC BLACKPOOL NWCFL 3.00 JAN 28 WHITCHURCH ALPORT NWCFL 3.00 Feb 04 Bacup Borough NWCFL 3.00 FEB 11 SILSDEN NWCFL 3.00 Feb 18 Sandbach United NWCFL 3.00 Mar 04 Chadderton NWCFL 3.00 Mar 11 Holker Old Boys NWCFL 3.00 MAR 18 DAISY HILL NWCFL 3.00 MAR 25 STOCKPORT TOWN NWCFL 3.00 APR 01 ATHERTON LR NWCFL 7.45 Apr 08 Widnes NWCFL 3.00 APR 16 CITY OF LIVERPOOL NWCFL 3.00 Apr 22 Stockport Town NWCFL 3.00 APR 29 CHARNOCK RICHARD NWCFL 3.00

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

3 Williams A.Whelan Rigby Rigby Rigby Rigby Rigby Presho Presho Rigby Rigby Rigby Rigby Rigby Carney Carney Carney Rigby Rigby Rigby Rigby Rigby Rigby Rigby

4 Rawsthorne Falconer Presho Webster Webster Webster Falconer Falconer Webster Pegler Ball Donohue Pegler Pegler Pegler Webster1 Webster Donohue Webster Webster Webster Donohue Donohue1 Donohue

5 Falconer Rigby An Gillespie Falconer Falconer Falconer Webster Webster Donohue Webster Ogden Falconer Donohue Donohue Webster A.Whelan A.Whelan1 A.Whelan A.Whelan1 Donohue Donohue Webster Webster Webster

6 Presho As Sheen Gre Pegler D.W Presho Sh Presho Sh Presho Sh Presho As Ashton Wi Davies Pe Donohue Sh Pegler Sh Ball Sh Carney Gr Carney Gr Tserpes Gr Rigby Gr Pegler Gr Webster K-B Carney Gre A.Whelan Gr A.Whelan Gr Presho1 Gr A.Whelan Gr A.Whelan Gr

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16-17

7 8 shton Pegler1 eene1 Pegler Whelan Sheen1 heen Pegler1 heen Ashton heen Ashton shton Sheen illiams Sheen egler Sheen heen Davies heen Presho heen1 Pegler reene Sheen reene Cliff reene Rigby reene Tserpes reene K-Butler1 Butler1 Pegler eene1 Pegler reene Carney reene Carney reene Carney reene Carney reene Carney1

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

9 Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gillespie1 Williams Andy Gillespie1 C.Lomax C.Lomax1 G.Lomax1 Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie2 Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie2 Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie2 Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gllespie1 Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie McDonald1 Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gillespie2 Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gillespie1

10 C.Lomax G.Lomax1 G.Lomax1 G.Lomax G.Lomax1 G.Lomax C.Lomax Pegler Greene Presho Greene S.Brady McDonald2 McDonald1 McDonald McDonald McDonald Edwards K-Butler2 K-Butler1 K-Butler1 K-Butler1 Korie-Butler Korie-Butler

11 G.Lomax1 C.Lomax C.Lomax Williams Williams2 Williams1 Williams Rigby Rigby Williams1 Williams Presho Edwards Edwards Edwards1 Edwards1 Edwards Carney Edwards Edwards Edwards2 Edwards Edwards Edwards1

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12 14 Greene10 Alex Gillespie6 Williams10 C.Banasko Threlkeld11 Alex Gillespie Threlkeld10 Alex Gillespie Davidson Mavers9 Ball Mavers D.Brady6 Andy Gillespie11 Greene7 C.Lomax Ball Williams71 Greene10 Rowe2 Al Gillespie Bradley11 Hoult10 Alex Gillespie D.Brady S.Brady Tserpes8 Ball5 Cliff8 Ball2 7 Ball Ashton Presho2 Rigby7 8 Cliff Alex Gillespie Cliff8 Donohue Cliff11 McDonald9 Chojnicki Ball7 2 Threlkeld Ball3 Al Gillespie8 D.Whelan2 McDonald Chojnicki2

15 16 17 Threlkeld3 D.Whelan Al Gillespie D.Whelan2 Threlkeld11 Tingay C.Banasko2 D.Whelan Tingay11 S.Brady Ball2 Hodge1 D.Brady S.Brady Al Gillespie Pegler7 Ball Dutton G.Lomax61 Ball4 Donohue Rowe5 Rawsthorne10 Hodge 11 S.Brady Mavers S.Brady4 Novak Williams Jones Rawsthorne Ball Jones Falconer Al Gillespie Jones K-Butler11 A.Whelan Novak K-Butler10 Donohue Cliff6 Donohue3 Walsh Threlkeld11 An Gillespie9 Ball Threlkeld7 Ball Chojnicki Pegler Alex Gillespie Threlkeld10 9 Al Gillespie D.Whelan Pegler Chojnicki D.Brady Threlkeld9 Al Gillespie D.Brady7

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Match Report Town handed 1st defeat in 5 as they suffer Senior Cup loss by Kieran Ford Litherland REMYCA progress to the next round with M.O.M performance from former St Helens player. St Helens Town were in a confident mood after comfortably defeating Silsden 4-1 on Saturday, which made it 4 wins from 4 for Lee Jenkinson and Andy Gillespie in charge of the team. However, Wednesday night saw a tough challenge as they visited 5th place Litherland REMYCA in the Liverpool Senior Cup. The winner of this match could potentially face Everton or Tranmere in the next round, which gave both sets of players an incentive to win the match. The saying “if it isn’t broke don’t fix it” came into fruition with Jenkinson and Gillespie’s thinking for the line up of the game as they only made 1 change from Saturday’s team. Ant Whelan came out of goal to start in central midfield for the game, and Chris Brinksman returned to the club to take the reigns in goal replacing right back Michael Chojnicki. Although not starting at a frantic pace, the game saw two goals in the opening 10 minutes. The first of these came the way of the home side as a corner saw youngster Niall Gannon unmarked to head home after 6 minutes. Less than 2 minutes later Town were level as a run from Danny Greene down the right saw him evade 2 Litherland defenders to square for Andy Gillespie who fired into an open net to level the game immediately. After this however, the game had few meaningful chances as both sides tried to establish a foothold in the game. Having said this Town did have two half chances in their forays into the Litherland half. A Luke Edwards free kick was flicked on from Ant Whelan but this went harmlessly wide. A poor back pass allowed Andy Gillespie in on goal, but his powerful drive was well saved from Litherland debutant and former St Helens Town goalkeeper Matt Hodge. However it was “Remy” who were to retake the lead just before the half hour mark. A hopeful low cross from the right wasn’t cleared by the Town defence and Lennon Whewell was allowed time for an easy finish as the hosts went into half time with the lead. HT: Litherland REMYCA (Gannon, 6) (Whewell, 29) 2–1 St Helens Town (Andy Gillespie, 7) Town started the second half somewhat brighter than the first as they knew they had to attack to take the game to penalties or potentially go on and win it. Only a few minutes after the restart, Paul Carney fell in the Litherland area however his penalty appeal was turned down.

Town created more positive and clear cut chances than in the first half, the first a well struck shot from Dale Korie-Butler that was well saved with Hodge’s knees before a driving run from Danny Greene resulted in a cross to Gillespie whose volley was caught by Town’s former number 1. However he could not keep out St Helens’ equaliser which was a powerful header by centre back Adam Donohue from an Edwards corner which was held by Hodge but he could only spill it into his own net. However 7 minutes later Litherland took the lead for the 3rd time as Michael Boyle turned inside of Ste Rigby on the edge of the area before firing a shot that squirmed in the front post. Town had further chances to equalise again through Gillespie and Korie-Butler but Litherland sealed the tie in injury time. A long Hodge clearance found Whewell who managed to bear down on goal before firing in a composed finish to send the home side through. FT: Litherland REMYCA (Gannon, 6) (Whewell, 29, 90+1) (Boyle, 76) 4–2 St Helens Town (Andy Gillespie, 7) (Donohue, 69)

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Dale Korie-Butler in action v Silsden (Hallmark Security League) on Saturday 12th November 2016

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U21s Match Action

21s 4-1 Manchester Central Cheshire FA U21s League Sunday 20th November 2016

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

A Brief History 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 Tommy O’Neil over 2000 that season, peaking with a league record Wembley,1987 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 alltime 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 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

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of St Helens Town

St Helens Town 1948 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. The 2015/16 season saw St. Helens Town in the First Division of the North West Counties League and despite some inconsistent mid-season form, they finished the season with an outside chance of making the promotion play-off places, only to fall short in the final match, losing at home to eventual champions Hanley Town in a game they needed to win thereby missing out for the first time on a place in this season’s FA Cup competition. Nevertheless, team captain Andy Gillespie landed the First Division Golden Boot Trophy with 29 league goals, 34 in all matches. At the start of the 2016/17 season, Town are looking to return to the borough and the new ground at Ruskin Drive will at last be ready in early October. In the meantime, early -season games will be played at Prescot Cables and with nearly all of last season’s squad staying on, boosted by new signings in key areas, they will be hoping to be among the front-runners for promotion in the club’s 70th year since their reformation, coincidentally, the 30 th year since their FA Vase success. The nomadic years since the loss of their Hoghton Road base in 2000 are now behind them, the return to their traditional blue and white colours herald a new beginning and the future once again looks bright.

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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 2015-16 NWCFL First 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 2015-16 Placed 8th NWCFL 2015-16 Awards Player 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

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Sunday Action

Town Sunday 1-3 The Georgies Ken Gillies Sunday Sup Sunday 19th November 2016

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Match Report v Town Secure 2nd Win in 3 Days as They Gather Momentum By Kieran Ford The Blues move up to 12th as Jenkinson and Gillespie make it 3 from 3. After St Helens Town’s impressive 4-2 victory over Cheadle Town on Thursday night, it could be seen that a quick turnaround was good for the side as they looked to keep their momentum going. Managers Lee Jenkinson and Andy Gillespie, along with Coach Nick Robinson clearly thought this was the case as they only made one forced change from the team 48 hours prior. This was a bizarre one as a goalkeeping crisis left normal centre back/ midfielder Ant Whelan to take the reins in goal. This was the side’s first meeting in 18 months, in which Silsden relegated Town to this division with the last kick of the season. Andy Gillespie was ruled out of that match due to injury, but his intentions of revenge on the “Cobbydalers” became clear as he opened the scoring for St Helens on 4 minutes. He broke clear down the right hand side before cutting in and firing a shot that was too powerful for Silsden keeper Jakovlevs to handle. Although Town had the early advantage, they were conceding chances to the home team as Silsden’s Daniel Riley had a free header wide of the post before Joshua Greenwood had a long range effort that was comfortably saved by Whelan.

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Silsden AFC However, Town proved their clinical finishing as they doubled their advantage. A neat through ball from the inform Dale Korie-Butler found Gillespie who went on a surging run towards goal, causing a Silsden defender to slip in the process. He sealed the move with a composed finish to complete his 4th 2 goal haul of the season. Even though Town were 2 up this didn’t change the pattern of the game as Silsden continued to create the better chances. The rapid Silsden forward Leon Smith was through on but blazed over the bar, this was followed by a powerful shot from Nicholas McNulty that was well handled by Whelan. Silsden eventually got their goal back as Daniel Riley spun clear of St Helens debutant Michael Chojnicki, and drove a powerful effort into the far corner leaving Whelan with no chance. St Helens restored their two goal lead at the perfect time as Dale Korie-Butler was fouled just outside the area 2 minutes into first half stoppage time. He stepped up to take the free-kick himself and curled a wonderful effort into the far corner.

HT: Silsden (Riley, 33) 1 – 3 St Helens Town (Andy Gillespie, 4, 18) (Korie-Butler, 45+2) Town started the second half brightly; as it appeared that the 3rd goal had knocked the wind out of Silsden’s sails. They created chances firstly through tough tackling central midfielder Paul Carney, whose dipping long range shot could only find the hands of Jakovlevs. This was followed by a surging run from Luke Edwards whose cross found his fellow wide man Danny Greene unmarked at the back post; however his volley went well over the bar. Edwards then had an attempt of his own as he made some space on the edge of the box, but his long range shot was parried away by the goalkeeper. Town grabbed a 4th goal with 25 minutes to play as an Andy Gillespie through ball was pounced on by the versatile Andy Presho who supplied a neat finish into the far corner off the post to round off a tremendous victory for the visitors. Silsden 1-4 St Helens Town Hallmark Security League 1st Division Saturday 12th November 2016

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FT: Silsden (Riley, 33) 1–4 St Helens Town (Andy Gillespie, 4, 18) (Korie-Butler, 45+2) (Presho, 65)

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Photo Gallery

Silsden 1-4 Town Hallmark Security League Saturday 12th November 2016

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Match Report v Town Make Amends and Keep up Good League Form By Kieran Ford St Helens put Wednesday’s defeat behind them as they thrash Eccleshall As regards to league position, Saturday’s trip to 2nd bottom Eccleshall was the perfect way for St Helens Town to bounce back from their Liverpool Senior Cup defeat to Litherland REMYCA 3 days earlier. Town had won 4 games on the bounce before that defeat, with that run starting with a 5-3 victory against today’s opponents Eccleshall. During that time, Lee Jenkinson and Andy Gillespie have been renowned for sticking with the line up that have performed so well in recent weeks, and this was no different for this game. The only change from Wednesday night was Gage Walsh reclaiming his place in goal. The game started similarly to that of the contest between these sides 3 weeks ago, with the away side dominating the possession stat with Eccleshall camped in their own half. St Helens created their first chance through top scorer Andy Gillespie, as he cut inside but his shot was well saved by Stuart Robertson. Eccleshall had a rare venture forward which resulted in a shot from Thomas Lowe but this was tipped onto the bar by returning keeper Gage Walsh.

Town took the lead with 9 minutes played as a cross across goal found Luke Edwards free at the back post to slot into the far corner and give the away team a deserved 1 goal advantage. St Helens continued to dominate proceedings but the sheer amount of Eccleshall defenders back to help out thwarted them of any testing efforts for Robertson in the Eccleshall goal. Paul Carney could only fire an effort straight at him from range before a good pick out from Ant Whelan found Luke Edwards but his instinctive flick was too tame and was easily saved. The visitors were camped on the edge of the Eccleshall area but could not find a way through their defence. It was

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Eccleshall FC therefore going to take something special to increase their lead and that’s exactly what they did. Paul Carney was presented with too much time on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful effort which left the keeper with no chance. HT: St Helens Town (Edwards, 9) (Carney, 40) 2 – 0 Eccleshall Town started the second half similarly to how they opened the first; however as they sat back more on their lead the game became more open. Having said this, Luke Edwards continued his fine attacking performance with a lobbed effort that was spilled by Robertson and nearly trickled over the line but he managed to get back and claim. The tough tackling Carney tried to replicate his long distance strike of the first half but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper.

Gillespie shot on the turn went wide.

Town made it 3 just before the hour mark as Carney surged forward with the ball before teeing up Gillespie who applied an excellent finish to put the game beyond any doubt. Town looked to make it 4 as Danny Greene surged down the right before hitting a powerful cross towards Edwards but this hit him in the midriff. Moments later an Andy

St Helens eventually added a 4th goal as Greene and Edwards again linked up, a Greene cross found Edwards on the volley, his shot turned into a cross and found Andy Presho unmarked to smash the ball home. Town’s intensity was evident right up until the final whistle, something will be sure to impress Jenkinson, Gillespie and Robinson. FT: St Helens Town (Edwards, 9) (Carney, 40) (Andy Gillespie, 58) (Presho, 71) 4 – 0 Eccleshall

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Photo Gallery

Eccleshall 0-4 Town Hallmark Security League Saturday19th November 2016

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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Manager’s Notes Good evening and welcome to the players, staff and supporters of City of Liverpool Football Club I hope you enjoy your evening here at Prescot. Despite last Saturday’s postponement v Bootle it’s been a busy couple of weeks since our last home game against Cheadle Town which saw us collect three points in the league with an excellent 4-2 win. We then had a journey to West Yorkshire to play Silsden and when we arrived we received news that due to illness we had no keeper. After a few discussions with Andy we decided to play one of our defenders/midfielders Anthony Whelan in goal. We then went out and played some great football and came away with a 4-1 victory. The result really showed what great team spirit the squad has and I must thank all the lads for their efforts that day and special thanks to Ant for stepping into the net and having a great game. I have to admit that I think it was the pink GK shirt which was his main reason he went into goal. Onto the next game and we ended up with a 4-2 defeat to Litherland REMYCA in the Liverpool Senior Cup. We definitely were not at our best on that evening but certainly deserved more out of the game especially when their goalkeeper picked up the man of the match award.

Kiera’s Occasions Man of the Match Luke Edwards v Cheadle Town

Our most recent game took us Eccleshall and it was probably the best performance of the season and again we managed to keep a clean sheet in a 0-4 win. The squad has come a long way in the last month and I would personally like to thank Andy Gillespie, Nick Robinson, all the players and the committee of the club for all their support during this time. Enjoy the game Lee and Andy

Picture left Melissa and Kat (Melissa’s Smile Fund) with our Johnsons Toyota Liverpool sponsored car. Johnsons very kindly donated a couple of raffle prizes for a recent fundraiser at the Boars Head, St Helens

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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League News It has been a busy week for Litherland REMYCA FC as they have taken a couple of large steps to transition to becoming a Community Owned Club. Last week they attended the Community Business Awards 2016 held at the highly regarded Titanic Hotel on Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waterfront where they were put forward to enter a Competition best new Community Business on Merseyside under the banner of the "Bright Sparks" award. The club were selected from a range of business start ups to be finalists and present their business idea to a packed audience "Dragons Den" style at the hotels Conference facility. Chairman, Don Rimmer spoke confidently the panel about the clubs aspirations and the high standing the club holds within the Sefton Community.

On the day despite intense competition The Remy came out winners impressing the three business judges with their ideas to grow and develop a Community Club. Chairman Don Rimmer said "What a great day for our club. Initially I did not think we could win a competition which involved so many businesses delivering benefit to the community. However, given we are a large Community Club we were able to demonstrate that sport particularly football can deliver social impact in areas such as health and wellbeing, education, social cohesion etc It's great to be recognised in this way and this will help on our way to deliver our vision of a facility of our own to include clubhouse, Community Space and playing pitch. As a result of our success in the Community Business Awards we will receive ÂŁ6,000 worth of Business Support to develop business planning ,financial projections and funding options.

It was a good day for us on a number of levels as we made lots of good contacts on the day which will be useful as we continue our development journey, we even struck a deal with a Community bakery to supply match day pies!" The Clubs charge towards Community Owned status was also bolstered over the weekend with a Club meeting held in Netherton to discuss the switch and an opportunity to vote upon the switch in status. The meeting was well attended and included presentations from Peter Furmedge from Supporters Direct who are assisting the club in the process and from Club Ambassador Andy Grant. On the day 80+ pledges were made by potential club members and this was more than enough to enable the club to continue the process.

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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League News High fives all round at Eccleshall A big shout out must go to Eccleshall, who ended a run of five straight defeats and earned their first win in over two months with an incredible 5-4 victory over Ashton Town at Pershall Park on Saturday. It was also new manager Jamie Cullerton’s first win since taking over, although his charges certainly put him through a full range of emotions over the course of the 90 minutes - 3-1 down just after half time, then going 4-3 ahead, then conceding an 84th equaliser before Jamie Mountford’s 90th minute winner ensured three points. After blasting everyone’s entertainmentometer into overdrive on Saturday, Jamie and his men will now be looking to deliver more of the same in the coming weeks as they target a climb up the table. Alport draw a blank Something quite remarkable happened at Yockings Park on Saturday – Whitchurch Alport didn’t score a goal. In one respect, their goalless draw against Cheadle Town could have been half expected as Alport have the meanest defence in the league, having conceded only 27 goals in 25 games, but they have hit the back of the net themselves in all but two games this season, and both of those games were back in August, so opponents’ nets have bulged on plenty of occasions since then. Based on past form, opposing goalkeepers keeping clean sheets will prove to be as rare as hen’s teeth as Alport resort to type and crank up their promotion chase. Away day play days for Chaddy On these pages a few weeks ago, we made mention of Chadderton’s liking for a day trip, and it does appear that the invigorating nature of an away day is still finding favour with Mark Howard’s men. Saturday’s cup win at Premier Division Maine Road was Chaddy’s third away win in four, and adds to the growing list of impressive performances they have delivered on the road this season, which includes scoring four and six goals on two visits to Holker, five at St Helens Town and four at Widnes. There’s an old saying that there’s no place like home, but there’s no obvious signs that Chaddy are missing the familiar surroundings of Andrew Street when they set off on their travels. Storks on the run There are lies, damned lies and statistics – and if you look beyond the form guide figures that see Padiham placed 9th in the Premier Division ratings, there is another more impressive record hidden among recent results. Although the Storks have lost in two cup competitions in the last couple of weeks, take those out and you find that in league games their victory over Cammell Laird 1907 on Saturday was their fifth in a row, and they have picked up 22 points out of the 24 available from their last eight league fixtures. It’s a run that has seen then move quietly up into 7th place in the table, and although there is a gap between them and the main promotion chasers, Steve Wilkes’ men will be a test for anyone at the moment, based on their current league form. Yellow pearls Another side going about their business quietly and efficiently at the moment are Ashton Athletic, who despatched Premier Division leaders Runcorn Town out of the Macron Cup on Friday night. That result now means it’s seven wins out of nine for the Yellows, and with star striker Isaac Kusaloka back in goalscoring form – his two goals against Runcorn Town take him on to 23 for the season so far – Athletic look in good shape for a push up the table in the weeks to come.

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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League Tables First Division Table as at Thursday 31/11/2016 First Division

W D

A GD Pts

Whitchurch Alport

22 15 2

51 24 27 47

City of Liverpool FC

22 14 3

54 28 26 45

Charnock Richard

18 13 2

50 25 25 41

Alsager Town

19 12 4

45 24 21 40

Litherland REMYCA

20 12 4

53 35 18 40

Sandbach United

19 11 3

42 26 16 36

FC Oswestry Town

20 10 4

40 32

Widnes

18 10 3

44 35

Carlisle City

20 8

40 44 -4 27

Daisy Hill

19 8

39 44 -5 27

Prestwich Heys

16 8

39 23 16 26

Stockport Town

18 8

49 45

St Helens Town

19 7

45 43

Holker Old Boys

19 7

31 35 -4 24

Cheadle Town

20 6

40 50 -10 23

Bacup Borough

20 6

10 24 36 -12 22

Chadderton

16 6

Silsden

17 6

10 38 40 -2 19

Atherton LR

21 4

14 27 53 -26 15

AFC Blackpool

21 3

13 25 47 -22 14

Eccleshall

20 2

15 28 71 -43 9

Ashton Town

18 1

16 17 59 -42 4

35 37 -2 21

St Helens Town Player Sponsors 2016-17 Anthony Whelan Focus Windows & Doors Limited Luke Edwards Airborne Bathroom Services Andy Gillespie Arcoframe Danny Greene Danny’s Window Cleaning Jake Ball Kiera’s Occasions

Andrew Presho Total Building Care Eddie Pegler Gibney’s Jewellers Lee Novak Howdens, Leigh

Phil Williams Kreative Kirsty Ste Rigby Kealshore Ltd Dale Korie-Butler Live Wire Electrical Alex Gillespie Walton Carpets Dom Whelan Walton Carpets Will Threlkeld Beer Engin, Whiston Stu McDonald MLR Heating Supplies Andy Webster Johnsons Toyota Liverpool We are still looking for a number of additional Player sponsors. Contact John McKiernan on 07713 339 682 for further details

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Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

League Tables Premier Division Table as at Wed 31/11/2016 W D

Premier Division Runcorn Town

20 16 0

61 24 37 48

Bootle

21 15 1

65 30 35 46

Atherton Collieries

20 13 4

52 23 29 43

Runcorn Linnets

21 13 4

50 24 26 43

1874 Northwich

19 12 4

37 20 17 40

Hanley Town

50 42

Padiham

19 10 2

40 31

AFC Liverpool *

21 10 5

8 9

West Did & Chorlton 20

A GD Pts

43 35

52 43

42 31 11 28

Maine Road

Abbey Hey

10 37 36

Irlam

26 32 -6 28

Ashton Athletic

47 39

Squires Gate

11 47 58 -11 25

Congleton Town

Barnton

14 28 64 -36 23

Winsford United

29 38 -9 22

Barnoldswick Town

33 32

AFC Darwen

10 20 51 -31 16

New Mills

12 31 48 -17 15

Nelson

12 21 41 -20 11

Cammell Laird 1907

17 18 82 -64 6

1 8

28 27

42 47 -5 23

Thursday 1st December 2016 The Reusch First Division Cup Quarter Finals St Helens Town v City of Liverpool FC Saturday 3rd December 2016 The Buildbase FA Vase 3rd Round Cleethorpes Town v Bootle Penrith v Atherton Collieries The Reusch First Division Cup Quarter Finals Carlisle City v Sandbach United Charnock Richard v Widnes Holker Old Boys v Whitchurch Alport Premier Division Barnoldswick Town v Cammell Laird 1907 Barnton v Runcorn Town Congleton Town v West Didsbury & Chorlton Hanley Town v AFC Darwen Irlam v Squires Gate Maine Road v AFC Liverpool Nelson v Ashton Athletic New Mills v 1874 Northwich Runcorn Linnets v Abbey Hey Winsford United v Padiham First Division AFC Blackpool v Silsden Alsager Town v Prestwich Heys Ashton Town v St Helens Town Bacup Borough v Eccleshall FC Oswestry Town v Cheadle Town Litherland REMYCA v Chadderton Stockport Town v Daisy Hill Monday 5th December 2016 Premier Division Winsford United v AFC Liverpool

First Division Widnes v City of Liverpool FC Lancashire Challenge Trophy Quarter Finals Daisy Hill v Chorley Tuesday 6th December 2016 Premier Division Nelson v AFC Darwen Lancashire Challenge Trophy Quarter Finals Ashton Athletic v Atherton LR Radcliffe Borough v West Didsbury & Chorlton

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016