St Helens town v Holker Old Boys 2016-17 by John McKiernan

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Team Line-Ups Saturday 7th January 2017, kick off 3pm The Hallmark Security League, First Division

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

St Helens Town

Gls Y R

Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones

1st Team Manager: Alan Gillespie Interim 1st Team Manager Lee Jenkinson

1st Team Physiotherapists Lisa Phillipson U21s Team Manager: John McLaughlan

Josh Woodend

Jamie Mellen

Danny Greene

Jamie Hodgson

Andy Presho

Jamie Pattinson Samuel Joel

Eddie Pegler

David Swarbrick

Luke Edwards

Chris Wraighte

Will Threlkeld

Robert Parker John-Paul Stanway

Alex Worthington

Sam Lightfoot

Josh Hoult

Philip Coombe

Gage Walsh

Jaroslaw Bitner Interim Managers: Sean Mellen & Glyn Dixon

Referee: Mr D Gillon (Lancaster) Assist: Mr S Iqbal (Blackburn) & Mr R Spouse (Blackburn)

U18s Assistant Manager: Terry Smith

Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Gls Y R

Harry Mellen

Guy Heffernan

Manager: Alan Gillespie Assistant: Lee Jenkinson

U18s Team Manager: David McNabb

Ross Liddicott

James Bonner

Dominic Whelan

1st Team Coach: Nick Robinson

Adam Donohue

Andy Gillespie

Trustee: John McKiernan

Green Shirts Green Shorts & Socks

Andy Webster Alex Gillespie

Hospitality: Margaret Wood and Paul Wood

Club Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk

Ste Rigby

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

Sunday Team Manager: David Platt

Adam Fairchild Wade Muscart

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

U21s Assistant Manager: Lee Jenkinson

Holker Old Boys

Blue Shirts Blue Shorts, Blue & White Socks

Match Sponsor

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool 60 Rimrose Road, Bootle, Merseyside L20 4TX

Shirt Sponsor: Freestart plc

Match Ball Sponsors

Next Home Game:

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

LM TRAVEL

Hallmark Security League Saturday 14th January 2016, 3pm

Company Director: Jim Barrett

01744 340343

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

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Town v Eccleshall

Edge Green Street, Ashton Town

Cover Photograph: St Helens Town goal celebrations

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Talk of the Town Good afternoon, Happy New Year and welcome to Volair Park for this Hallmark Security League, First Division contest against Holker Old Boys. May I open by welcoming our visitors I hope they enjoy the short time they will spend with us and have a safe journey home after the game. It’s not been the best festive period for Town as we have lost both of our matches during this period. On Boxing Day we were looking to bounce back from the previous Saturday’s defeat at Whitchurch Alport and got off to a quick start as we opened the scoring with less than two minutes on the clock. An initial Will Threlkeld effort had been turned around the post by the visiting stopper and from the resulting set piece Litherland were unable to clear and Andy Webster was able to bundle the ball home. Webster was quickly in the action at the other end of the park as he was on hand to clear an effort off the line. Town doubled the lead on 9 minutes when Danny Greene released Luke Edwards with an incisive through ball beating the offside trap and Edwards fired a pin-point shot home off the inside of the post. Despite the excellent start we always knew the game was going to be a difficult one with REMYCA coming into the game in 4th position and Town having several starters unavailable through suspension, injury and unavailability. The visitors responded well to the set back and began to dominate the contest they reduced the deficit when Alex Ryan volleyed a clearance home and couldn’t have timed their equaliser better as they levelled through Tom Foley in added on time at the end of the half. The second half was going to be difficult and Town’s task was made doubly tough when Edwards could not resume and it didn't take the visitors long to take the lead former Town man Colin Quirk linked with visiting captain Colin McDonald who lobbed the ball over the advancing Town stopper and midway through the half Boyle added a fourth when he fired home from a tight angle to secure the spoils for the visitors. We then moved on to a visit to Prestwich Heys and it is fair to say that Town turned in one of their less impressive displays of the season to go down 3-0 to the play-off chasing hosts.

As we move into 2017 we must look to get back to winning ways as we start a run of four home games in the month of January now we have got players making their way back from suspension, injury and hopefully with availability for games becoming better we will have a much stronger squad to pick from and hopefully this will have a direct correlation with improving results. We welcome a Holker Old Boys outfit this afternoon who are on a decent run of recent form since a 61 reserve at City of Liverpool they have drawn 2-2 at home to Stockport Town and defeated Daisy Hill 3-2 at home last Friday. Town will be looking to avenge last seasons 3-1 home reverse at Brocstedes Park to Holker as we look to get back to winning ways and start the New Year with a maximum return. Let’s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them on to victory! Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

In Town Today Holker Old Boys AFC was founded in 1936 as an under 16 side from Old Boys of the then Holker Central Secondary School in Holker Street Barrow-in-Furness. The school itself has long since been replaced with a Kwik Save supermarket which has also closed its doors in recent years. In season 1939-40 the club joined the local North Western Open Age League, playing all their games on local playing fields. Junior teams were soon formed thus keeping the links with their roots. 1967 saw the club enter a team in the West Lancashire League whilst retaining a side in the N.W.L. In 1971 a site for a new ground was obtained at Rakesmoor Lane on land which had originally been an isolation hospital then allotments. The club moved from their previous home on Thorncliffe Road to their present one at Rakesmoor. On the formation of the Furness Premier League in 1980 the club entered two teams into this league and still retains two sides, the Reserves and A Team, in the League to date. Having spent years in the shadow of local rivals Vickers Sports Club (now Hawcoat Park FC.) and Dalton United in season 1985/86 they had their best ever season to date finishing Runners-up to BAC. Preston in the West Lancs League Div 1 However in the following season, which was also the Clubs Golden Jubilee season, they went one better and finished Champions ahead of Vickers SC. More success followed as the club won the Adidas Lancashire Junior Shield in 1988/89 beating Walkden Town 2-0 and again in1990/91 when they defeated Park United 1-0. The club were now thinking of progressing to a higher standard of football but much work was needed on their Rakesmoor Lane ground to bring it up to the standard required. Committee members, players, friends and their families all worked hard to extend the clubhouse, build new changing rooms and enclose the pitch. The reward for all this hard work was to be accepted into the NWCFL Second Division for the start of the 1991/92 season. Holker Old Boys took a couple of seasons to acclimatise to the new higher standard during which time floodlights were installed but in 1993/94 they finished third in the Second Division behind Haslingden (now defunct) and North Trafford (now Trafford). Haslingden were unable to be promoted because their facilities did not meet the requirements for the First Division so Holker Old Boys filled the second promotion place. Holker gave a good account of themselves for their first three seasons in the First Division and in 1995/96 they finished in their highest ever position of 11th. However the 1997/98 season saw them struggle finishing just two points ahead of relegated Darwen and the 1998/99 season was a disaster seeing them lose all twenty away games and scoring just five goals on their travels. Not surprisingly Holker finished bottom of the Division and were relegated for the first time in their history. After relegation the club restructured its finances and undertook a period of rebuilding which is started to bring returns. The club now has three open age sides and a Junior Section ranging from Under 6s to Under 16 plus 1 Girls Team. In season 2002/03 the Club had its best season since 1995/96 finishing fifth in Division 2. n season 2003/04 off the field the club secured over 80,000 in grants for stadium improvements, pitch drainage and car parking. Playing wise seasons 2003/04 to 2007/08 were a disappointment with the side languishing in the lower half of the Division however there have been one or two moments to savour namely reaching the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA. Cup in season 2004/05 and the successful arrangement of the game against FC. United of Manchester in 2005/06 at Craven Park, the home of Barrow Raiders RLFC, in front of a club record attendance of 2303. Both these events raised much welcome finance for the club enabling us to embark on more ground improvements starting with the upgrading of the floodlights for season 2006/07. The club was also rewarded for its efforts at junior level with the commitment and effort of coaches, managers and the Committee helping to attain the FA. Charter Standard Development Club Award for the junior section. Season 2006/07 did bring some success for the U18 side, which was a blend of many of the previous seasons U16 and U18 sides, when they lifted the LFA Furness Building Society Youth Cup. Because of the loss of several older players, at the end of season 2005/06, to lower levels of the pyramid many of the previous seasons U18 side also played in the First Team in season 2006/07 which may account for their success in the Youth Cup, having gained from the experience of playing Open Age football. The success of the Junior Section in producing quality players was beginning to show in the First Team as was the

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Holker Old Boys case in season, 2008/09, when they finished ninth in the renamed Vodkat League First Division our highest League placing since season 2002/03. Having achieved steady progress under the management of Dave Smith and his assistant Maurice Watkin over a season and a half to finish 3rd in the 1st Division in season 2010/11 Dave had to step down because of a job offer in the States at the end of that season and hand the reigns over to new manager Jon Balm for season 2011/12. However things didnt go well for Jon and a run of poor results ended with him resigning in mid November 2011. Dave Smiths job in the states didnt prove to be as good as promised and he and Maurice Watkin stepped back into the fray to steady the ship and finished the season in mid table. Season 2012/13 was a disaster from a League point of view with the Club just managing to avoid the wooden spoon right at the end of the season. The FA Cup provided the only solace with progress to the 1st Qualifying Round netting the Club nearly ÂŁ3000 in prize money. The 2013/14 season saw new faces in charge with Dave Smith and Maurice Watkin moving on to the Committee and Gary Fawcett and Stuart Roberts taking charge to propel the side to a respectable 6th place and the semi final of the NWCFL 1st Division Challenge Cup with the fresh signings brought in to bolster the nucleus of the squad that they retained. The Reserves benefited from a bigger 1st team pool by winning the Furness Premier League Premier Division and The Terry Clinton Memorial Trophy under the stewardship of Andy Forbes as the strength in depth proved its worth.

Further progress on and off the field in 2014/15 ensured another successful year, however the club lost one of its great servants in the passing of John Adams, who was a committee member for over 25 years and secretary of the club for over 15 years. Gary Fawcett again propelled the 1st team to a respectable play-off position of 5th, losing out to Hanley in a very even game. The side also reached the semi-finals of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy after wins against Padiham, AFC Fylde and Daisy Hill. A strong Chorley side winning the tie 3-0 at Leyland and who eventually went on to win the competition. 2015/16 saw the club at the right end of the table again but they just missed out on the play offâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finishing in 8th position. Manager Scott Redhead left the club in October 2016 to take charge at Gretna and Sean Mellen & Glyn Dixon have taken charge on an interim basis.

Season

League

Pts

Position

2001-02

NWC-2

-36

19/21

2002-03

NWC-2

5/18

2003-04

NWC-2

9/20

2004-05

NWC-2

-16

15/19

2005-06

NWC-2

-16

15/19

2006-07

NWC-2

-34

14/18

2007-08

NWC-2

-41

16/18

2008-09

NWC-1

-2

9/18

2009-10

NWC-1

7/17

2010-11

NWC-1

3/18

2011-12

NWC-1

-11

9/18

2012-13

NWC-1

-43

17/18

2013-14

NWC-1

6/19

2014-15

NWC-1

5/19

2015-16

NWC-1

8/18

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Chairman’s Notes Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to Volair Park for this Hallmark Security League fixture with Holker Old Boys. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters along with our own support have had a safe journey here and are treated to an entertaining encounter. Many thanks to Johnsons Toyota Liverpool, today’s match sponsor and to LM Travel, St Helens who are our match ball sponsors - your continued supported is greatly appreciated. This afternoon’s home fixture is the first of five successive home games and we are grateful to both our ’landlords’ Prescot Cables and neighbours Ashton Town who have agreed to host a couple of fixtures this month. At the time of writing I am still awaiting an update from St Helens Council on the outstanding work and planned completion dates for the Ruskin Drive Sports ground development. - fingers crossed we have some good news very soon! With that in mind I am currently recruiting pitch-side advertising board sponsors - at £200 for a full year it’s a great way to support the club and promote a business or organisation. Give me a call on 07713 339 682 for further details (the package also includes a quarter page advert in our match programme and lots of social media promotion). On the pitch it’s been a disappointing couple of weeks with Alan, Lee and Nick struggling to put out a full strength squad as a consequence of injuries, suspensions and holidays. Hopefully today will see the return to a settled side and we can get back to winning ways. There’s a great game in store at Ruskin Drive tomorrow afternoon and I am sure the U21s would appreciate your support as they host league leaders Irlam U21s with a 12.45 kick off. Our U18s travel to Heswall U18s in the First Division West Cup while Dave Platt’s Sunday team are in Liverpool & District Sunday League action at Mr Smiths FC.

Don’t forget we still have our Melissa Smile Fund 2017 Calendars on sale - just £5 each with all proceeds going directly to Melissa’s fundraising towards a sensory room. We are always looking for volunteers and with the move back to St Helens on the horizon it couldn’t be a better time to join us - see me at today’s game. Enjoy the game and we’ll see you at Ashton Town next Saturday (14th January) when we entertain Eccleshall.

John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town AFC

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

The world this week This Week in the World of... 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 1st-8th January Last Season: St Helens Town –Town have their final week without a match as their game again falls foul of the weather. Sport – 3rd January 2016 Gary Anderson retains the PDC World Darts Championship with a 7-5 victory over Adrian Lewis. World – 1st January 2016 Dubai skyscraper "The Address" burns as the New Year is rung in. Fire started on the 31st. 10 Years Ago: St Helens Town – 3rd January 2007 Town start 2007 with a 62 loss against now Conference North side Salford City at Knowsley Road. Sport – 5th January 2007 Australia win the 5th test in the 2007 Ashes Series by 10 wickets to complete the 1st 5-0 Ashes whitewash since 1920-21. World – 1st January 2007 Adam Air Flight 574 disappears over Indonesia with 102 people on board. 20 Years Ago: St Helens Town - Town continue their run without a game, only 2 weeks to go before their next one! Sport – 5th January 1997 Newcastle United are rocked by the resignation of manager Kevin Keegan, who explains "I feel I have taken this club as far as I can". World – 3rd January 1997 The People's Republic of China announces it will spend $US27.7 billion to fight erosion and pollution in the Yangtze and Yellow river valleys. The Vase Year (+1!): 1988 St Helens Town – This is much the same as 1997, as Town have to wait until the 24th January to kick off the year’s matches. Sport – 1st January 1988 Out of favour Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas returns to his native Scotland in a £500,000 move to Aberdeen. Billy Bonds of West Ham United, the oldest Football League player at 41, is awarded an MBE. World – 3rd January 1988 Margaret Thatcher becomes longest-serving British PM this century

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

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

Most recent

at St Helens Town

Previous Meetings

at Holker Old Boys

NWC-D1

2001-02

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2002-03

NWC-D2

Home

Away

NWC-D1

2003-04

NWC-D2

Collated

NWC-D1

2004-05

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2005-06

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2006-07

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2007-08

NWC-D2

NWC-PD

2008-09

NWC-D1

Holker Old Boys - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

Home

NWC-PD

2009-10

NWC-D1

Away

NWC-PD

2010-11

NWC-D1

Collated

NWC-PD

2011-12

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2012-13

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2013-14

NWC-D1

NWC-PD

2014-15

NWC-D1

24/10; 1-3

2015-16

15/03; 5-0

07/01/2017

2016-17

11/03/2017

St Helens Town games since...

Holker Old Boys games since...

All Competitions

Clean sheet

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

Score draw

Win

St Helens Town Scores First Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Holker Old Boys Wins

St Helens Town Goals

Holker Old Boys Goals

Percentage Town Wins

50.00

Previous Meetings P

Win %

Home League

66.67

Away League

66.67

Home Cup

100.00

Away Cup

50.00

Collated

68.75

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Ruskin Update

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Tea Break Teasers Q1. Which former Everton player has won African Player of the Year four times?

Q2. Which Welshman netted Liverpool’s first goal in their win over Watford at Anfield in May? Q3. Who became the oldest-ever World Cup debutant at 39 years 321 days at the 2010 Finals? Q4. Which current Championship club reached the 2010 Europa League final? Q5. Whose record for the worst start to a Premier League campaign did Sunderland equal collecting just two points from their opening 10 matches? Q6. Which two players have scored more Premier League goals for Everton than Romelu Lukaku? Q7. Which three Italians have made at least 100 Champions League appearances? Q8. Which former Liverpool player had played the most Premier League matches without being booked? Q9. Which two players have been capped for England whilst playing for Celtic? Q10. Which manager has won more promotions to the Premier League than any other? Q11. Which three players have been sent off for England in the last 10 years? Q12. Which player in 2001/2 became the first South American to win a Premier League medal? Q13. Which current Premier League player was voted best young player at the 2014 World Cup? Q14. Who was the top scorer at Euro 2016? Q15. Which former Liverpool player became Charlton Athletic’s youngest player aged 16 years and 59 days in 2010?

1) Samuel Eto’o 2) Joe Allen 3) David James 4) Fulham 5) Manchester City 6) Tim Cahill & Duncan Ferguson 7) Andre Pirlo & Paulo Maldini 8) John Barnes 9) Alan Thompson & Fraser Forster 10) Steve Bruce 11) Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard & Raheem Sterling 12) Edu with Arsenal 13) Paul Pogba 14) Antoine Griezmann 15) Jonjo Shelvey

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Ruskin Drive St Helens Town’s return ‘home’ took another step closer recently 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.’

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Photograph courtesy of James Lobley

Andy Webster in action v Prestwich Heys (Hallmark Security Lge) on Friday 30th December 2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

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

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

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

Dave Wiggins

Toast Café, St Helens

Britannia Taxis

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

LM Travel

Mon 26/12/16 Litherland REMYCA 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

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

Sat 25/02/17

Ashton Town

TBC

Alsager Town

TBC

Chadderton

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Michael Allison

Stillia

Stuart Pyke

Action Coach NW The Track King

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Team Fixtures St Helens Town Sunday Liverpool &District Sunday League 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 27/11/16 12:45 Town 2-8 MBS Woolton Fixtures 08/01/17 12:45 Mr Smiths v Town

St Helens Town U21s Cheshire FA U21s League Premier Division 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 Lge 11/12/16 12:30 Stockport Town v Town Fixtures Lge 08/01/17 12:45 Town v Irlam St Helens Town U18s North West Youth Alliance League 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 Lge 04/12/16 15:00 Town 2-1 Tranmere Rovers Lge 18/12/16 15:00 Town 1-0 Southport Fixtures Lge 08/01/17 15:00 Town v Vauxhall Motors

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Guest Writer Grounds for change or grounds for anger? Non-league football grounds are in a constant process of change. Even those that we think of as representing all that is unchanging about grounds are always evolving and changing, often slowly, incrementally. Yet, many non-league grounds have also changed in radical ways over the last couple of decades. Some have been treated to much needed upgrades and improvements; new stands, floodlights, facilities and the like. Examples of these new facilities abound including, for example, new stands at Whitby Town, Bamber Bridge, Marine and Droylsden. More broadly, a visit to Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold illustrates beautifully how a ground can be upgraded over the space of a couple of decades – two new stands, a covering over a terrace, a clubhouse and so on – without losing the soul of the place. Similarly, Ramsbottom United’s Riverside Stadium has been incrementally developed as the Rams have moved up the pyramid. Other clubs, though, have seen their existing grounds replaced with new grounds on alternative sites. A list of clubs moving grounds would resemble the telephone directory of a small town, but examples include Penrith, Bootle, Garforth Town, Ashington and Bishop Auckland. Some of these clubs have moved seamlessly from the old to the new. Others, less so, with the switch to a new ground from their original ground resulting in a few years in limbo; some have found themselves forced to share with another club or clubs, others have merged, or gone out of existence completely. Within this fluid landscape of change, one of the things that makes me most angry is the way that some non-league football grounds – many still viable, others needing small upgrades – have been demolished in recent years. Often situated in prime town centre locations, these grounds have found themselves in the sights of, usually, housing developers and supermarkets. These were grounds located in the centre of towns both literally and metaphorically. Arguably this trend started to become pronounced in the 1990s and then into the 2000s. The excellent football ground magazine, Groundtastic, has for a number of years printed a list of grounds (both league and non-league) that are under threat from the bulldozer. Issue after issue, the magazine had enough material to produce a steady list of those under both imminent and more long-term threat. Now, of course, many grounds have been replaced by impressive new grounds. In the best examples, clubs have sold their grounds to developers or supermarkets and have used the proceeds, often along with local authority and Football Foundation support to, arguably, enhance their facilities. In my view this is the case, for example, with Nantwich Town’s Weaver Stadium and Curzon Ashton’s Tameside Stadium – both of which provide arguably better infrastructures for their clubs, not too far from their previous homes at Jackson Avenue and National Park. But, some clubs have found themselves with ‘replacement’ new grounds that were not fit for purpose, often located out of town or on an industrial estate or some such other distant location. There are undoubtedly many stories that capture the variety of the ways in which different clubs have found themselves moving out of their historic homes, some good, others not so. This story of changing grounds takes place in a wider context; one where many clubs find themselves either under pressure to sell their, often ageing, ground to meet the costs of running the club; or they are presented with an ‘opportunity’ to sell their ground, use the money to build a new one and ‘progress’ up the football pyramid. The loss of many grounds has been due to unholy alliances, often of three elements: 1) supermarkets and property developers; 2) alongside the development of the pyramid and the way in which a particular version of the ideology of competition has seeped into it; and 3) the emergence of a new ‘entrepreneurial’ class of owner in non-league football. It is not always clear how these different interests, individually, loosen clubs’ hold on their grounds. But seeing this collectively – as a complex – it becomes apparent. On the first of these, it is clear enough why supermarkets and house-builders would like prime, valuable land. While, in my view, the role of developers and supermarkets in the story of non-league grounds is often a dark and negative one, there is more to the story. As powerful as they are, developers and supermarkets would not be able to develop without the consent of those claiming to represent clubs, leagues and governing bodies. I would argue that the development over the last three or so decades of a perverse notion of competition between clubs, promoted by the football authorities, is a big part of the problem. Prior to the establishment of the national pyramid in 1979 the non-league game was a patchwork of regional and

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Mike Hodson local leagues and how movement between them took place was often less than clear. The argument, at the time, was that the establishment of the pyramid, theoretically, would allow a club to progress all the way through the leagues. A, sort of, footballing American Dream. On the face of it, who could disagree? Ground grading criteria for moving between leagues and up the pyramid appeared to be a common sense mechanism to improve grounds as the standard of football played gets better and crowds get bigger. Yet, it contributed to an illusion and a pressure; an illusion that all clubs could be successful; and a pressure for clubs to actively chase that success. It institutionalised a particular view, that being ‘successful’ was about climbing the pyramid. In my view, success is the remarkable way in which so many clubs have managed to sustain themselves over decades and longer. Over time, many clubs, some that had played at a ground for a large part of the last century, began to ‘receive’ the message from those governing the non-league game that their ground was ‘inadequate’. Perhaps they had too few seats, maybe their pitch had too much of a slope, or how could fans be expected to safely stand on a grass bank? Alongside the money of supermarket chains and property developers, and the development of structures that prioritised climbing the pyramid, the last couple of decades have seen the emergence of a new class of non-league owner. Trumpeting aims of pushing ‘their’ club rapidly up the pyramid, often in to the Football League, the development of a new ground or stand is the most visible, material manifestation of this kind of narrow ego-driven view of success which, I would argue, is counter to the best traditions of non-league football. Yet, it doesn’t need to be this way. In a game where so much money is sloshing about the upper reaches of the professional game, but not making its way down the pyramid in great amounts, it is understandable why non-league clubs are structurally vulnerable to the cash-laden advances of supermarkets and property developers. If the authorities, particularly the FA, were seriously working for the health of the game in its widest manifestation more of this money could be diverted down to support ground improvements than is currently the case through, for example, the Football Foundation.

There also needs to be more of a challenge to ‘common sense’ narratives of the desirability of moving up through the pyramid. The vast majority of non-league clubs, by definition, are not ‘going to do’ an AFC Fylde or a Salford City. They’re not going to do what Fleetwood did and move rapidly into the Football League and see a rapid transformation of their ground. That is to say, many hundreds of non-league clubs are not going to scale the pyramid in short order, and spend millions on a new ground or new stands. Most clubs are fixtures of their local communities, dealing with ups and downs, but providing continuity over decades. Some ground moves have been good (see the examples of Curzon Ashton and Nantwich, but also Dartford). Others have pluses and minuses. The most savage ground moves, though, have resulted in the sale of historic grounds and, at worst, the end of clubs, or at best their replacement with grounds in a much poorer location and with lesser facilities. These generally represent a disregard for a club’s history. The alliance of developers, the perverse interpretation of an ideology of competition and of a small number of owners and officials who chase this can act to soften up fans and volunteers to the ‘inevitability’ of a move. The ground may be represented by club officials as a problem to the future ‘progress’ of the club, where it can’t climb the leagues without a much better ground. This was the case with the demise of Grundy Hill, the home ground of my team, Horwich RMI, in 1995. Where the deeppocketed house builder or supermarket chain provide a ‘solution’ to the problem. These relationships and the complex of pressures for change they produce leaves many existing fans stunned – or shocked as the Canadian activist and author Naomi Klein might characterise it – and unable to respond to this. My anger at this comes not from me being ‘anti-progress’. I love to see clubs building and developing in sustainable ways. Rather it is an anger that comes from seeing the greed of a small number of people wilfully trampling over a history that has accrued in these grounds, that is weaved in to their material structures, often over the course of a century or more. The stories, the graft, the lives that have made these grounds, that have been shared in these grounds, tossed aside to build a couple of hundred box homes or a large supermarket. There are always grounds for change – indeed, there is a need for a constant development of clubs and their grounds – and many clubs have shown the way in doing this. The extreme kind of change that I have identified, though, creates grounds for anger rather than grounds for the kind of change that is desirable and necessary.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Match Statistics 201 Date Aug 06 Aug 13 AUG 18 Aug 20 Aug 27 SEP 01 Sep 03 Sep 06 SEP 10 SEP 15 Sep 17 SEP24 OCT 01 Oct 08 Oct 11 OCT 15 Oct 18 OCT 22 Oct 29 NOV 05 NOV 10 Nov12 Nov 16 Nov 19 DEC 01 Dec 03 Dec 06 DEC 10 Dec 17 DEC 26 Dec 30 JAN 07 JAN 14 JAN 21 JAN 28 FEB 04 FEB 11 Feb 18 FEB 25 Mar 04 Mar 11 MAR 25 APR 01 Apr 08 APR 16 Apr 22 APR 29

Opponents Carlisle City Cheadle Town SANDBACH UNITED Litherland REMYCA Charnock Richard PRESTWICH HEYS Atherton LR City of Liverpool CHADDERTON WIDNES Daisy Hill FC OSWESTRY TOWN AFC DARWEN Alsager Town AFC Blackpool CARLISLE CITY FC Oswestry Town Bacup Borough Eccleshall Daisy Hill CHEADLE TOWN Silsden Litherland REMYCA Eccleshall CITY OF LIVEPOOL Ashton Town Bootle BACUP BOROUGH Whitchurch Alport LITHERLAND REMCYA Prestwich Heys HOLKER OLD BOYS ECCLESHALL AFC BLACKPOOL WHITCHURCH ALPORT DAISY HILL SILSDEN Sandbach United ASHTON TOWN Chadderton Holker Old Boys STOCKPORT TOWN ATHERTON LR Widnes CITY OF LIVERPOOL Stockport Town CHARNOCK RICHARD

Comp NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAV 1QR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL TMC 1R NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL TMC 2R RFDC 2R NWCFL NWCFL LS Cup NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL TMC 3R NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL

KO 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Result 4-3L 3-3D L2-4 W1-2 W1-3 2-2D 4-2L 5-1L 3-5L 1-1D 2-2D 2-1W 4-2W 3-1L 1-3W 3-4L 3-2L 1-1D 3-5W 2-0W 4-2W 1-4W 4-2L 0-4W 0-3L 0-2W 5-1L 2-0W 3-0L 2-4L 3-0L

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

GK 2 3 4 5 Novak D.Brady Williams Rawsthorne Falconer Novak Presho A.Whelan Falconer Rigby Novak Greene Rigby Presho An Gillespie Novak Greene Rigby Webster Falconer Novak Greene Rigby Webster Falconer Hodge Greene Rigby Webster Falconer Hodge Greene1 Rigby Falconer Webster Hodge D.Brady Presho Falconer Webster Taylor D.Brady Presho Webster Donohue Taylor D.Brady Rigby Pegler Webster Taylor D.Brady Rigby Ball Ogden Taylor Greene1 Rigby Donohue Falconer Walsh Presho Rigby Pegler Donohue Walsh Presho Rigby Pegler Donohue Walsh Presho1 Carney Pegler Webster Walsh Pegler Carney Webster1 A.Whelan Walsh Tserpes Carney Webster A.Whelan1 Novak Presho Rigby Donohue A.Whelan Hodge Presho Rigby Webster A.Whelan1 Walsh Presho Rigby Webster Donohue Walsh Presho Rigby Webster Donohue A.Whelan Chojnicki Rigby Donohue Webster Brinksman Presho Rigby Donohue1 Webster Walsh Presho1 Rigby Donohue Webster Walsh Presho Rigby Donohue Webster Walsh Chojnicki Rigby Donohue Webster Walsh Chojnicki Rigby Donohue Webster Fairchild Presho Rigby Donohue Webster Fairchild Presho Rigby Webster Donohue Fairchild Muscart Presho Webster1 Donohue Fairchild Muscart Rigby Webster Donohue

6 7 Presho Ash Sheen Gree Pegler D.W Presho Sh Presho Sh Presho Sh Presho Ash Ashton Will Davies Peg Donohue Sh Pegler Sh Ball She Carney Gre Carney Gre Tserpes Gre Rigby Gre Pegler Gre Webster K-Bu Carney Gree A.Whelan Gre A.Whelan Gre Presho1 Gre A.Whelan Gre A.Whelan Gre Al Gillespie Gre Pegler Gre Presho Gre A.Whelan1 Gre Davies Peg Al Gillespie Gre Al Gillespie Gre

www.sthelenstownafc.com

16-17

7 8 hton Pegler1 eene1 Pegler Whelan Sheen1 heen Pegler1 heen Ashton heen Ashton hton Sheen liams Sheen egler Sheen heen Davies heen Presho een1 Pegler eene Sheen eene Cliff eene Rigby eene Tserpes eene K-Butler1 utler1 Pegler eene1 Pegler eene Carney eene Carney eene Carney eene Carney eene Carney1 eene Carney eene Carney eene Al Gillespie eene Pegler egler Greene eene Threlkeld eene Presho

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 Andy Gillespie Korie-Butler1 Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gillespie1 Korie-Butler Korie-Butler Andy Gillespie

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 Korie-Butler Threlkeld Threlkled Korie-Butler Threlkeld Twist Pegler

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 Edwards Edwards1 Edwards Edwards Muscart Edwards1 Edwards

www.sthelenstownafc.com

12 14 15 Greene10 Alex Gillespie6 Threlkeld3 Williams10 C.Banasko Al Gillespie Threlkeld11 Alex Gillespie Tingay Threlkeld10 Alex Gillespie D.Whelan Davidson Mavers9 S.Brady Ball Mavers D.Brady D.Brady6 An Gillespie11 Pegler7 7 Greene C.Lomax G.Lomax61 Ball Williams71 Rowe5 Greene10 Rowe2 S.Brady11 Al Gillespie Bradley11 S.Brady4 Hoult10 Alex Gillespie Williams D.Brady S.Brady Rawsthorne Tserpes8 Ball5 Falconer Cliff8 Ball2 K-Butler11 Ball7 Ashton K-Butler10 2 7 Presho Rigby Donohue3 Cliff8 Alex Gillespie Cliff8 Donohue Threlkeld11 Cliff11 McDonald9 Threlkeld7 7 Chojnicki Ball Pegler Threlkeld2 Ball3 Al Gillespie9 Al Gillespie8 D.Whelan2 Pegler McDonald Chojnicki2 Threlkeld9 Chojnicki2 Pegler D.Brady A Gillespie9 Woods11 Al Gillespie6 Pegler6 Davies8 Twist Chojnicki2 Al Gillespie10 Hoult Hoult10 Worthington11 Cullen7 7 A Gillespie Heron Worthington2 Threlkeld6 D.Whelan2 Worthington

16 17 D.Whelan D.Whelan2 Threlkeld11 C.Banasko2 Tingay11 Ball2 Hodge1 S.Brady Al Gillespie Ball Dutton Ball4 Donohue Rawsthorne10 Hodge Mavers Novak Jones Ball Jones Al Gillespie Jones A.Whelan Novak Donohue Cliff6 Walsh An Gillespie9 Ball Ball Chojnicki Alex Gillespie Threlkeld10 D.Whelan Chojnicki D.Brady Al Gillespie D.Brady7 Twist8 Threlkeld10 Worthington Hoult Worthington11 Hoult Threlkeld11 Worthington Heron Hoult11 Hoult10 Walsh

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

On this day!

Town have taken part in seven competitive games on the 7th January across five different competitions over seven decades. An opening encounter back in 1950 saw Town win 2-3 at Napiers & English Electric in the Liverpool County FA Challenge Cup with goals from Twist, Garner and McCann. Six seasons later (1956) Town suffered a thumping at Fleetwood with the home side running out 7-0 winners in the Lancashire Combination Division One.

1961 saw Town on the wrong end of another big score as they lost 8-1 away at Liverpool â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the Liverpool Challenge Cup 1st Round; Barnes hitting the solitary effort for the Blues. A goalless draw with Rhyl took place at Hoghton Road in season 1978 as the two teams met in Cheshire League action. It was the early years of the North West Counties League before Town played again and 1984 saw Netherfield win 1-2 at Hoghton Road. Derek Farnsworth was on the scoresheet for Town.

Goals from Joe Gibiliru (Jnr) and Lee Pegram saw Town win 1-2 away at Maine Road in 2006 in the North West Counties League top flight. 2012 saw Town travel to Winsford United in the North West Counties League where the home side ran out 1-0 winners in a tight encounter.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Photograph courtesy of James Lobley

Adam Donohue in action v Prestwich Heys (Hallmark Security Lge) on Friday 30th December 2016

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Club News

The St Helens Town 2017 Calendar Raising Funds for Melissa’s Smile Fund

on sale at today’s game £5 with all proceeds going to Melissa

www.sthelenstownafc.com

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

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

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.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

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

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

League News Atherton Collieries - the theme will be green for the army of fans who will head up to the North East to support Colls in their FA Vase tie at Shildon on Saturday. Colls will be playing in their green away kit and the fans are being asked to also adopt this colour for the day, as well bringing drums or any other instrument that can help to create some noise. At the time of writing two full coaches have been sold out and people are also making their own way up there, meaning that well over 100 fans will once again be supporting Colls on their travels. Padiham - the Storks have designated Saturday's home game with Irlam as "Bring a Bottle Day", where supporters have been asked to donate any unwanted bottles of spirits received as Christmas presents to the club, so that they can be used in future fund raising raffles the Storks hold in 2017. Club Secretary Alan Smith said: "We held a similar event last year and it proved very successful, with the donated bottles being reused to raise some of the money needed to finance the club's running costs". Silsden - the Cobbydalers have been drawn away to Tadcaster Albion in the quarter final of the West Riding County Cup. The tie will be played on Tuesday 10th January 2017 with a 7.45 pm kick off. Winsford United v Irlam - This fixture has been abandoned twice so far this season on September 12th (due to player injury) and December 17th (fog). The teams will return to face one another yet again on Monday 27th March, hopefully this time it will prove to be third time lucky. AFC Liverpool - the Reds' Liverpool Senior Cup quarter final away at Prescot Cables has now been arranged for Tuesday 17th January 2017, kick off 7 45 pm. Thursday 29th December 2016 The 1,000th First Division goal of the season was scored by Michael Reed (Carlisle City), his second and Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third in the 4-2 win over Ashton Town. Friday 30th December 2016 Holker Old Boys opening goal in the 3-2 win over Daisy Hill, scored by Samuel Joel, was Holkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1500th League goal. 1874 Northwich reached 300 League points with the 6-1 win over Cammell Laird 1907. Dominic Craig's goal for Padiham in the 3-1 home defeat against Atherton Collieries was the Storks' 800th home League goal.

Saturday 31st December 2016 William Foster's opening goal for Winsford United in the 4-2 win over Congleton Town was the Blues' 700th home League goal.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Match Report v TOWN LOSE AT PRESTWICH by Glyn Jones Prestwich Heys 3, St. Helens Town 0 Match photos courtesy of James Lobley Playing their first ever Hallmark Security League game at the Adie Moran Stadium and their first league game for over 38 years at Prestwich Heys, St. Helens Town slumped to a third straight Hallmark Security League defeat, eventually going down 3-0 in a very flat performance. Despite the return of Ste Rigby and captain Andy Gillespie, the team were missing Dale Korie-Butler, who was unavailable, Ant Whelan, who was serving the final game of his suspension and the injured Paul Carney. As a result, the midfield was under-strength and little ball got through to Andy Gillespie up front and the wingmen Danny Greene and Luke Edwards. Town had the first chance of the game after 15 minutes when defender Carl Fitton stooped down low to head the ball right to the feet of Edwards, who appeared to have ample time to pick his spot, but the flying wingman found the home keeper Kallum Campbell-Rose in fine form as he advanced to

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Prestwich Heys make an excellent block. Within minutes, Edwards was involved in a penalty claim as he tumbled at the feet of Brad Lyons as he attempted a back pass to Campbell-Rose, but referee Dave Chisnall turned down claims for both the spot kick and the back pass.

the opening goal.

That was about as good as it got for Town as, facing a possession count of over 3 to 1 in the first half, the game slipped away from St. Helens. Although Prestwich had wasted a good deal of the ball in front of goal, right on the half-hour there was a glorious chance missed at the left post by Chris Baguley following a manic goal-mouth scramble. Almost immediately, following a short corner and a cross from the touchline, Jamie Baguley flicked a header beyond Town goalie Adam Fairchild into the roof of the visitors’ net for

Alex Gillespie was booked for a clumsy tackle from behind, just outside the penalty box after 36 minutes, but the yellow card was to be the least of Town’s worries. Although a defensive wall was erected, Heys’ wingman Chris Baguley saw the left post was exposed and his free-kick went straight as a die inside that post to double his side’s lead eight minutes from the interval. Fairchild did manage a point-blank save a few minutes later to keep St. Helens in the game, but half-time duly arrived with Prestwich 2-0 ahead. Town weren’t without chances in the second period as they evened up the balance of possession; Andy Presho forcing an excellent save from the home stopper with a drive from the edge of the Hey’s box on the hour mark. Chris Baguley added a third goal, his second, in the 72nd minute, with a superb looping shot from distance as Prestwich completed a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

Town’s final attempt to reduce the deficit fell to substitute Josh Hoult who found himself one-on-one with Campbell-Rose but his attempted curling effort lacked any real power and was easily gathered. With 18 games of the season remaining, 13 of which are at home, including the next five fixtures, a climb up the table is very much on the cards. The next scheduled fixture is against Holker Old Boys at Prescot on Saturday, 7th January, kick-off at 3pm. Last season saw an under-strength Holker team arrive late at Brocstedes Park, take an early lead and run out 3-1 winners yet, later in the campaign, Town travelled to Cumbria on a Tuesday night without four key players only to turn in their best performance of the season and come away with a 5-0 victory. Match photos courtesy of James Lobley

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Photo Gallery

Prestwich Heys 3-0 St Helens Town Friday 30th December 2016 Match Photos courtesy of James Lobley, KickOffMedia

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Match Report v Town Toppled By Resurgent Remy Comeback by Kieran Ford

After their 3-0 defeat to league leaders Whitchurch Alport last week, St Helens Town spent Christmas firmly in mid table in 11th place. Their excellent run of recent form came to an end with the Alport defeat, and it would be a hard test for the Blues to bounce back as they entertained 4th place Litherland REMYCA who they had already registered a victory and defeat against this season. Town have been struggling with injuries and suspensions as of late and were forced into 3 changes from last week, with Luke Edwards returning alongside starts for Warren Twist and Alex Gillespie in place of the suspended Ste Rigby, as well as Callum Davies and Ed Pegler. Town started positively immediately as captain for the day Danny Greene slotted through Will Threlkeld, but his attempt was saved by the outstretched hand of Litherland keeper Sean Lake out for a corner. This resulting set piece fell to Andy Webster at the back post who scrambled the ball in to give the hosts the lead after 71 seconds. Litherland looked to respond immediately and looked dangerous as a cross field Michael Boyle ball found Tom Foley who brought it down and lobbed Adam Fairchild but Webster was vital at the other end of the pitch too as he managed to clear off the line. This helped Town extend their lead soon after, Danny Greene found Luke Edwards in space on the left and the returning winger outmuscled David Flynn and slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2. This was met with a cry of “It’s not Christmas Day anymore!” from Litherland boss Phil Stafford, which seemed to have the desired effect.

Remy started to find their form and were crafting chances in attack, two of these were through former Town man Colin Quirk, who first missed an effort with plenty of Town defenders on the line before hitting a powerful shot that forced a good save from Fairchild. Foley then beat Fairchild to a lofted through ball but as the ball was bouncing into the open goal Andy Presho managed to clear it away off the line. Litherland number 9 and Captain

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Litherland REMYCA

Colin McDonald had a succession of headers that cleared the bar as the away side continued to create. Litherland eventually got their goal back through left back Alex Ryan as he was positioned right to volley an Andy Webster header into the top corner, giving Litherland a chance in the game. They then scored at the perfect time as a corner broke to Foley at the back post that he controlled and fired past Fairchild to make it a level game at half time. HT: St Helens Town (Webster, 2) (Edwards, 9) 2–2 Litherland REMYCA (Ryan, 33) (Foley, 45+2) Town were handed a blow at half time as goalscorer Edwards was forced off the field, to be replaced by Josh Hoult on the left hand side. Although Hoult was straight into the thick of the action, he couldn’t help Remy completing their comeback 5 minutes after the restart. A neat one-two between McDonald and Quirk saw the former in on goal, and he shot over Fairchild to give the away side the advantage for the first time. However Town continued to create chances even if they were under the cosh, workhorse Dale Korie-Butler put in a cross to the back post which Hoult connected with but his effort went over the bar. St Helens were then forced to change their team again as captain Danny Greene was forced off by injury, as he was replaced by Phil Heron. This meant that Town had less attacking options on the pitch which meant their chances of levelling the game were dwindling. REMYCA took full advantage of this and added a 4th as Heron was beaten by Michael Boyle on the right, the Litherland man then placed a fine shot off the far post to complete the scoring. FT: St Helens Town (Webster,2) (Edwards, 9) 2–4 Litherland REMYCA (Ryan, 33) (Foley, 45+2) (McDonald, 50) (Boyle, 76)

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Match Action

Town v Litherland REMYCA (Hallmark Security League) on Monday 26th December 2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notes Welcome to Volair Park home of Prescot Cables for today's Hallmark Security League Division 1 fixture against Holker Old Boys. The games last season against Holker produced two very different results a 3-1 reverse in the home fixture was followed by an emphatic 5-0 win in the return fixture. We played extremely well that night in what was one of our outstanding performances of the season. The Christmas period has been difficult with so many key players missing through suspension, injury or holiday and we have struggled to get our best team out in both fixtures against Litherland REMYCA and Prestwich Heys. The REMYCA game started well enough as we raced into a 2-0 early lead but they levelled the score right on HT and went on to score two more in a second half in which we ran out of players fit enough to carry on. Despite the result the lads worked extremely hard defensively and managed to create some good shooting opportunities which in another day weight gave taken. Our next trip to Prestwich Heys on the 30th started well enough without either team creating much with our best chance in 1st half falling to Luke Edwards but it was well saved. We then conceded 2 poor goals from a free kick and a short corner where we switched off. The second half saw us create some good chances but again failed to make the most of them only to concede a third which was a worldly from Heys debutant Chris Baguley. Very disappointing yes but there have been some stand out performances from goalkeeper Adam Fairchild and centre-back Andy Webster in both games and some of our young U21 players have gained some valuable game time. On the player front we have signed up Dan Hennigan previously at Accrington Stanley and Jake Preston from Bootle to strengthen the squad for the 2nd half of the season. Today sees us welcome back our defensive midfield partnership of Ant Whelan and Paul Carney who have been a big miss over last 2 games through suspension and holidays. I think the squad is looking strong now with plenty of options so I'm certainly hoping for a quick return to form. Enjoy the game Alan Gillespie

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

League News Too tight to call at the top of the Premier Division Has there ever been a more keenly contested battle at the top of the Premier Division? The latest round of results now means that just four points separate the top five clubs as we enter the New Year – a tantalising and fascinating state of affairs that will surely continue right up to the last kick on the final day of the season. We always like to believe that our League delivers good competitive football, and when the five best teams in the league are only separated by four points after the halfway point of the season, you couldn’t ask for a better demonstration. No festive blues for the Blues One team who have emerged from the festive season in ebullient mood are Winsford United, who ended a run of eight games without a win in impressive fashion across the Christmas period. A tidy 2-0 win over AFC Liverpool in the week leading up to Christmas was a decent start, and they followed that up in fine style with a 4-0 win over tenants 1874 Northwich on Boxing Day, before recording another good 4-2 win in another Cheshire derby at home to Congleton Town on Saturday. Lee Duckworth’s men now face a tough trip to Stockport County in a Cheshire Cup tie as their next test, but there will be no shortage of confidence in the Blues camp after recent performances. The only way is up for Town It’s always tough for a club when a manager leaves and most of the players follow him, so there will be many who can sympathise with Stockport Town’s situation at the moment. They are certainly not the first non-league club to experience the issue and equally certainly won’t be the last, but for now it’s a case of regrouping and steadying the ship after the 10-0 defeat to City of Liverpool at the weekend. With plenty of points still to play for, and a mid-table league position giving a cushion from the relegation place, the hope has to be that a revamped Town will soon be a force to be reckoned with once again.

Turnaround for Alport One club who certainly experienced differing fortunes during 2016 are Whitchurch Alport. After propping up the table at the end of last season, having won only two league games, progress in the space of a few months has been dramatic to say the least, and Alport begin 2017 at the top of the Division One table after Saturday’s 1-0 win at fellow promotion chasers Alsager Town. Boasting the meanest defence in the league, Alport are in good shape to build on the positive performances of the past few months, and the struggles of last season are certainly long forgotten. No problems in the goals department for Sandbach Sandbach United kept up their hopes of securing a promotion playoff place with a fine 5-1 win at FC Oswestry Town at the weekend. It was the latest in a series of impressive results for Andy Hockenhull’s men, who have now lost just once in eight games, and they have also demonstrated a healthy ability to conjure up goals from all areas of the squad, with nine different players hitting the back of the net in the last six games. Goalscoring versatility is an asset that could deliver the goods for United in the shake up at the end of the season.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

League News The League Management Committee have sanctioned a quote for restoration and repair work to be carried out on the Premier Division Championship Trophy. It’s the second year in succession that funds have had to be allocated in this way, following on from repair work carried out to the League Challenge Cup trophy last season. The Premier Division Championship trophy is an impressive piece of silverware which is over 100 years old. It was made by Fattorini & Sons of Bradford in around 1911 and was first called the Lancashire Football Combination Challenge Cup. The first winners were Eccles Borough in the 1912/13 season. The trophy was handed down from the Lancashire Combination at the time of the merger with the Cheshire County League in 1982, when the new North West Counties Football League was formed. League Secretary John Deal said: “The Premier Division trophy has a number of problems, the most notable being that the figure on top of the lid has been broken off. It is likely that this occurred due to the lid being out of shape and not fitting, and after being forced on, the easiest way to separate the lid from trophy would be to grab the figure and pull. “The rim of the lid is seriously damaged and out of shape, and it would appear someone has taken pliers to it in an attempt to straighten out, and aside of that the trophy has a number of other dents and marks and is in general need of restoration.

“The work will be carried out by Thomas Fattorini Ltd, who are silversmith specialists and a remnant of the original Trophy Maker, Fattorini & Sons of Bradford. The work they will carry out will involve removing the applied top disk at the top of the lid and re-fit the figure directly onto the lid, remove dents on the lid and straighten out lid, as well as removing dents on the trophy as best as possible. “They will also design and supply a “flight case” specially fitted to take the Trophy. We did agree at a Management Committee meeting a few months ago that the £3,000 Respect award prize money we were awarded should go towards trophy repairs, and this work will use up most of that money. The company have made us aware they will be unable to refurbish the Trophy to its original state, but will refurbish it as best as they can. Some might say it is a pity that League funds need to be spent in this way due to clubs in the past not looking after the trophy properly, but we feel it is money that is worth spending. We believe that the Premier Division trophy is an important symbol of our league, and must be kept in good condition for future winners to receive”. The current holders Colne are pictured at the St Lukes Barton Stadium after being presented with the trophy last season.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

League Tables First Division Table as at Saturday 31/12/2016 First Division

W D

A GD Pts

Whitchurch Alport

26 18 3

59 26 33 57

Charnock Richard

23 17 2

68 30 38 53

City of Liverpool FC

26 16 4

71 31 40 52

Litherland REMYCA

24 14 6

64 42 22 48

Alsager Town

23 14 4

58 29 29 46

Sandbach United

23 14 3

51 30 21 45

Prestwich Heys

21 12 2

55 27 28 38

Widnes

20 11 4

47 35 12 37

FC Oswestry Town

25 11 4

10 45 50 -5 37

Carlisle City

23 10 3

10 46 48 -2 33 11 58 65 -7 33

Stockport Town

24 10 3

St Helens Town

24 9

5 10 51 53 -2 32

Daisy Hill

22 9

10 49 55 -6 30

Chadderton

20 8

Cheadle Town

25 8

12 49 61 -12 29

Silsden

21 9

11 48 43

Holker Old Boys

22 8

4 10 37 45 -8 28

Bacup Borough

24 6

14 27 46 -19 22

AFC Blackpool

25 4

15 29 61 -32 18

Atherton LR

25 5

17 28 63 -35 18

Eccleshall

23 2

18 32 83 -51 9

Ashton Town

21 1

19 19 68 -49 4

43 43

0 5

29 28

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 Adam Donohue 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

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

League Tables Premier Division Table as at Saturday 31/12/2016 Premier Division

W D

Runcorn Town

25 18 2

72 29 43 56

Bootle

25 18 1

80 37 43 55

Atherton Collieries

24 17 4

66 27 39 55

Runcorn Linnets

26 16 6

63 28 35 54

1874 Northwich

24 16 4

51 29 22 52

Padiham

23 13 2

52 38 14 41

AFC Liverpool *

27 13 5

56 48

West Dids & Chorlton 25 11 4

A GD Pts

10 62 52 10 37

Hanley Town

27 10 7

10 54 48

Abbey Hey

24 11 2

11 43 43

Irlam

33 40 -7 34

Maine Road

47 40

Winsford United

10 43 49 -6 31

Ashton Athletic

10 51 49

Congleton Town

11 48 54 -6 30

Squires Gate

13 56 68 -12 30

Barnoldswick Town

10 39 34

Barnton

16 37 71 -34 27

AFC Darwen

12 27 64 -37 23

New Mills

16 34 59 -25 15

Nelson *

15 29 54 -25 12

Cammell Laird 1907

22 21 103 -82 6

7 2

33 30

Saturday 7th January 2017 The Buildbase FA Vase 4th Round Shildon v Atherton Collieries Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Ashton Athletic Abbey Hey v AFC Liverpool Barnoldswick Town v Maine Road Barnton v AFC Darwen Congleton Town v Bootle Nelson v Runcorn Town Padiham v Irlam Runcorn Linnets v Hanley Town Squires Gate v Cammell Laird 1907 West Didsbury & Chorlton v New Mills First Division Ashton Town v Eccleshall Bacup Borough v Daisy Hill Chadderton v Alsager Town Charnock Richard v Litherland REMYCA Cheadle Town v Whitchurch Alport City of Liverpool FC v AFC Blackpool FC Oswestry Town v Stockport Town Sandbach United v Atherton LR Silsden v Prestwich Heys St Helens Town v Holker Old Boys Widnes v Carlisle City Tuesday 10th January 2017 Cheshire Senior Cup 1st Round 1874 Northwich v Northwich Victoria Runcorn Linnets v Nantwich Town Stockport County v Winsford United Liverpool Senior Cup Quarter Finals Tranmere Rovers v Bootle West Riding County Cup Quarter Finals Tadcaster Albion v Silsden

Wednesday 11th January 2017 Cheshire Senior Cup 1st Round Barnton v Witton Albion Runcorn Town v Altrincham

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016