St Helens Town v Prestwich Heys 2016-17 by John McKiernan

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

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

Thursday 1st September 2016, 7.45pm Hallmark Security Football League, First Division St Helens Town

Gls Y R

Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones

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

1st Team Joint Managers: Alan Gillespie & Nick Matthews 1st Team Coach Lee Jenkinson

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

Red Shirts White Shorts & Red Socks No

Daniel Taberner

Andy Presho

Darius Photiou

Any Whelan

Bradley Howard Josh Hill Jacob Wood

Danny Greene

Daniel White

Jamie Baguley

Andy Gillespie

Paul Tierney

George Lomax

Gregory Wills

Chris Lomax

Michael Itela

Phil Williams

Luke Hodson

Alex Gillespie

Paul Hinchy

Dom Whelan

Ashley Reece

Will Threlkeld

Carl Fitton

Christian Banasko

Adam Tse

Managers: Alan Gillespie and Nick Matthews

Gls Y R

Shaun Johnson

Sam Sheen

Eddie Pegler

Trustee: John McKiernan

U18s Assistant Manager: Patrick Dooney

Ste Rigby

Hospitality: Margaret Wood and Paul Wood

U18s Team Manager: Colin Hamlet

Lee Novak

Hamish Falconer

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

U21s Assistant Manager: Lee Jenkinson

Prestwich Heys

Blue Shirts Blue Shorts, Blue & White Socks

Manager: Jon Lyons Assistant: Ian Hutchinson

Referee: Mr A Johnson (Preston) Assist: Mr P Sephton (Warrington) & Mr J Thompson (Liverpool)

Sunday Team Manager: David Platt

Match Sponsor

Club Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk

Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

60 Rimrose Road, Bootle, Merseyside

Shirt Sponsor: Freestart plc Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002 Company Director: Jim Barrett

Match Ball Sponsors

Cuncannon

Fire and Flood Damage Restoration Specialists

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

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Next Home Game: Town v Prestwich Heys

FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round Sat 10th September 2016, 3pm Volair Park, Prescot Cables FC

Cover Photograph: Phil Williams and George Lomax

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Talk of the Town Good evening and welcome to Volair Park for this Hallmark Security League, First Division contest against another new team for us as Prestwich Heys return to the league after an absence of 31 seasons! 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 fortnight since we last took to the field here as we played Sandbach United for the first time. Town netted the first goal of the contest as George Lomax fired home on 37 minutes and this was the way the teams went into the break. Shortly after the restart the visitors levelled matters but Town responded quickly as Sam Sheen put the hosts back into the lead. The advantage was only to last 5 minutes as Carlos Correia drew Sandbach level for the second time and 7 minutes later put the visitors into the lead for the first time in the contest. Town made some attacking substitutions as they attempted to get back into the game and an injury to home stopper Lee Novak late in proceedings saw Christian Banasko have to don the gloves but he could do nothing about a strike deep in injury time to put an undeserved gloss on the result for the visitors. We then took the daunting if short trip to league leaders Litherland REMYCA. Nerves were settled early in proceedings as Sam Sheen continued his good scoring form netting after 7 minutes but again Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backline was breeched this time from the penalty spot as former player Colin Quirk converted from 12 yards. It was captain fantastic Andy Gillespie who proved to be the match winner as he popped up with 20 minutes remaining to find the back of the net and send Town home from Sefton happy! After a blank midweek we then visited Charnock Richard a venue that held some unhappy memories from a 8-1 pre-season reverse a few seasons ago! An early injury to Lee Novak saw a goalkeeping change as Mathew Hodge came off the bench and the visitors took the lead after half an hour taking his tally for the season to four goals in five matches. Town doubled their lead in spectacular fashion as Phil Williams collected a clearance from the keeper in the centre circle and sent it straight back from where it came lobbing the keeper from all of 50 yards! The hosts responded well after the break and pulled a goal back five minutes after the restart but with less than ten minutes to play Phil Williams added his second of the contest this time in more conventional style disposing a defender before firing home to seal the points and make it back to back wins for Town for the first time this season. Whilst Town were winning at Charnock Richard this afternoons visitors were also on the road at Sandbach United and secured an eye-catching 3-1 victory. Heys have had a solid start to their return to life in the league having lost at home to Widnes on the opening day before winning at Daisy Hill and drawing at Chadderton. They then secured a 2-0 win at home to Silsden then lost at Stockport Town last midweek before the above mentioned victory at the weekend and prior to the midweek action they sit in 9th position. Alan, Nick and the squad will know that they will need to be on form if we are to secure our first home win of the season against a team we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t played competitively since 1983 but we have enjoyed visiting a few times recently in pre-season contests. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get behind Town this evening 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 Ground: Adie Moran Park Sandgate Road, Whitefield, Manchester M45 6WG Website: www.prestwichheys.com Twitter: @PrestwichHeysFc Colours: Red shirts, white short, red stockings

County Affiliation: Lancashire Year Formed: 1938 Record Attendance: 4,000 v. Highgate United, FA Amateur Cup 3rd Round 11th February 1967 Previous Leagues: Manchester League Lancashire Combination Cheshire League NWCFL (Founder Members)

Formation The origins of Prestwich Heys A.F.C. can be traced back to February 9th 1938 when a meeting was called at the Music Room of the Heys Road Boys School at which Elgar Lumsden put forward the idea of forming an Old Boys Association. Attending that first meeting were Messers Bridge, Stott, Foster, Taplin and Alan Proctor Bell, who was to become a central figure in the Club's history and whose progress he was to report on in the Prestwich Guide under the guise of 'Touchliner'. Despite the onset of the Second World War a year later, the Association flourished under the Chairmanship of Bell, who also acted as Secretary of the football arm, known as Heys Old Boys AFC and was acknowledged as one of the region's best. The team went on to win its first honours in 1943 in the Prestwich and Whitefield League with the Woodward Shield a success which was repeated for the next three seasons.

Honours: Manchester Football League: Premier Division Champions: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2016 First Division Champions: 1988, 1997 Second Division Champions: 2007, 2016 Murray Shield Winners: 1997 Open Trophy Winners: 1966, 2007, 2010, 2016 Gilgryst Cup Winners: 2004, 2016 Lancashire Combination: Champions: 1971 Runners-up: 1970 Challenge Cup Winners: 1971 League Cup Winners: 1971 George Watson Trophy Winners: 1971 South East Lancashire League: Champions: 1960, 1961, 1964 Runners-up: 1959 Shield Winners: 1960, 1961 (joint) Moore Cup Winners: 1961 Heys Trophy finalists: 1962 Other Honours: Lancashire Amateur Cup Winners: 1967 Bolton Hospital Cup Winners: 2016 Kenyon Cup Winners: 2015 Goldline Trophy Winners: 2003, 2007 Molyneaux Cup Winners: 1961, 1962. 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1972

www.sthelenstownafc.com

The Glory Years The team gradually progressed through the Bury Amateur League and in to the South East Lancashire League claiming Championships in 1960, 1961 and 1964. Under the guidance of Peter Gilmore in the sixties, Heys won the prestigious Lancashire Amateur Cup in 1967 followed by the one and only Lancashire Combination Grand Slam in the 1970/71 season with Heys bringing all four trophies available back to Grimshaws. The club also changed its name in 1964 to Prestwich Heys AFC, an acknowledgement of the fame achieved by the club as they proved one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top amateur clubs. Thousands flocked to see Heys play, and beat, the likes of Sutton United, Ferryhill Athletic, Finchley and Highgate United in the FA Amateur Cup with the clubs best run taking Heys to the last 16. The victory over Sutton United in 1969 ranks as one of Heys most famous moments, attracting nationwide coverage, coming a week before their opponents were due to

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Prestwich Heys meet Leeds United in the FA Cup.

Restructuring and a New Home These were heady days but with the seventies came the onslaught of professionalism and the club struggled to maintain its winning ways. After claiming the Manchester Amateur Cup in 1972, the trophy cabinet remained bare as Heys negotiated the gradual restructuring of semi-professional football, moving from the Cheshire County League in to the newly formed North West Counties League in 1982. Ground grading problems saw the club drop in to the Manchester Football League in 1986 but the club went on to gain its first trophy for over a decade when the First Division title was claimed in 1988. 1991 saw Heys relocated by Bury Council off their Grimshaws home on Heys Road for a new base at Sandgate Road, just over the border in Whitefield. After relegation in 1996, the club bounced back with the Manchester League double of First Division Championship and Murray Shield built on the back of a record 19 league wins from the start of the season. Present Day After finishing runners-up to champions Royton Town in the 2003/04 season, the 2004/05 season saw Heys finally take the major prize of their first Manchester League Premier Division title. They followed this up by retaining their crown the following season with a 2-0 victory in their penultimate game of the season at Hindsford. In 2006/07, Heys made it a hat-trick or Premier Division titles and also lifted the Goldline Trophy after defeating Charnock Richard on penalties at the Reebok Stadium. However, on the Eve of the 200708 season tragedy struck when Moran died whilst on holiday in Sri Lanka at the age of 43. It stunned the football community and left Heys reeling. Indeed, the following four years were marked by decline and successive relegation battles before, in 2011, Heys turned to former player Jon Lyons, who had played under Moran to resurrect their fortunes. Bottom of the table they collected 25 points from the last fifteen games to again stave off relegation. Heys have since made steady progress re-establishing themselves amongst the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading clubs culminating in 2016-17's glorious record breaking season which sees Lyons lead his team back into the Hallmark Security League. At a club with an illustrious history the clubhouse at Adie Moran Park is adorned with the names and faces of legends of Heys past. However, the class of 2016 can now proudly take their place alongside those greats after delivering the most successful season in the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. A first team treble and Reserve team double brought five trophies to the club, capped by achieving the long held dream of a return to the North West Counties League after a 30 -year absence. After the disappointment of missing out in 2015, Heys took that knock on the chin and redoubled their efforts on and of the pitch. Although goals were set, promotion as Champions the chief one, no one could have dared to believe that things would turn out as they did. Heys won the Manchester League Premier Division by 13 points. More glory followed. The Bolton Hospital Cup was secured with a 1-0 at the Macron Stadium over Atherton Collieries. Then, despite a weary performance, the League and Cup double was secured with a 1-0 win over Manchester Gregorians in the Gilgryst Cup Final. It was an example of the resolve that ran though the squad throughout the season. For all the plaudits for their football, they scored 91 goals in the League, Heys had an underlying grit. They conceded only 29 goals in 30 league games and kept a club record for consecutive clean sheets when their goal was not breached in their last seven matches.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Chairman’s Notes Good evening and a very warm welcome to Volair Park for this Hallmark Security League First Division encounter with our first time visitors Prestwich Heys. Hopefully their players, officials and supporters along with tonight’s match officials and our own supporters have had a safe journey and are treated to an entertaining encounter. Many thanks to tonight’s match sponsors Johnsons Toyota Liverpool and our match ball sponsors Cuncannon Fire and Flood Damage Restoration Specialists – your continued support is greatly appreciated. We are still on the look-out for additional match sponsors – a match day VIP package costs just £100 and includes entry for up to six guests, complimentary programmes including a full page full page advert, half time hospitality, select and present the Man of the Match, photographs plus much more. After a disappointing start to the campaign the last week or so has given some relief with two very good wins away at high flying Litherland REMYCA (1-2) and Charnock Richard (1-1) match reports courtesy of Kieran Ford and Glyn jones are included in tonight’s programme. The results to date show the league is going to be extremely competitive and with the division at full capacity the battle for promotion and the play-offs is likely to run until very late in the season. The countdown is now on for our much anticipated return to St Helens and the main work on the new Ruskin Drive Sports ground looks to be completed in the next week or two. However, there are still the new changing room facilities to be completed along with the new car parking for up to 300 vehicles. It is likely our U18s, U21s and Sunday teams will access the facilities in the next few weeks with the first team joining as soon as the project is complete – fingers crossed sometime in early October. The club are looking for pitch-side board advertisers at Ruskin - £250 per board includes manufacture, installation for 12 months along with a quarter page programme advert and lots of social media coverage. Thursday night home games mean we have a quick turnaround and will travel to Atherton LR in less than 48 hours before a trip to league leaders City of Liverpool FC next Tuesday evening (at Bootle FC). The two teams met on Bank Holiday Monday with the league newcomers running out very comfortable 8-0 winners in front of a bumper 551 crowd - a game which saw a number of former Town players on show for both sides including Brian Hatton, Adam Lawrence, Adam Owens, Gavin O’Keefe (LR) and Tom Bradley, Todd Blayney, Daley Woods, Nathan Martland and Leon Williams (COLFC). Don’t forget our new club pin badges (£3) and official club mugs (£5) are on sale at all our home games – see any club official. Enjoy the game. John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town AFC 07713 339 682

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

The world this week This Week in the World of... I take a trip down memory and discover what events happened in the history of St Helens Town, sport in general and provide a reminder of any historical world events that occurred in this week in history. The week of 28th August – 4th September Last Season: St Helens Town – 29th August 2015 Town lost their first league game of the 2015/2016 season at the 4th attempt, with a 3-2 home defeat against Rochdale Town (pictured). Sport – 30th August 2015 15th World Championships in Athletics close at Beijing, China World – 30th August 2015 Rap artist Kanye West announces he will run for President in 2020 at the MTV Video Music Awards 10 Years Ago: St Helens Town - 28th August 2006 Town continue their winless start to the league season with a 1-0 away defeat against Atherton Collieries. Sport – 28th August 2006 Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland great Roy Keane signs a three-year deal to manage English Championship side Sunderland. World – 31st August 2006 Stolen on August 22, 2004, Edvard Munch's famous painting "The Scream" is recovered from a raid by Norwegian police. The painting was said to be in a better-than-expected condition. 20 Years Ago: St Helens Town: - 4th September 1996 Town defeat Peterlee Newtown in an FA Cup Preliminary Round replay 2-1 away from home. Town stalwart Brian Hatton scored in this game, 17 years before his final game for the club. Future boss Gary Bickerstaffe also played in this match. Sport – 1st September 1996 Kenya's Daniel Komen lowered the world record in the 3,000 meters by more than four seconds in the Rieti Grand Prix II. Komen, who set the two-mile record in July, finished in 7 minutes, 20.67 seconds, breaking the mark of 7:25.11 set by Noureddine Morceli in 1994. World – 2nd September 1996 Jerry Lewis' 31st Muscular Dystrophy telethon raises $49,200,000 The Vase Year – 1987: St Helens Town – 29th and 31st August 1987 Town smash Curzon Ashton 6-2 at Houghton Road with Woodyer grabbing a hat trick, however they could not prevent 3-2 away defeat to Colwyn Bay 48 hours later. Sport – 1st September 1987 15 year old Michael Chang is youngest man to win US Tennis Open match World – 31st August 1987 South Africa's longest mine strike in history ends 50 Years Ago: St Helens Town – 29th August & 1st and 3rd September 1966 In Town’s 3 games in a week, they faced Wigan Rovers for the 2nd time in 9 days, this time in the L.C Cup 1st Round which they managed to win 2-1. They then faced Guinness Exports in the Liverpool Non League Cup Round 1 and again came out 2-1 victors. They played in their 3rd competition of the week in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round but were convincingly beaten 5-1 by Rhyl. Remarkably, Fairweather scored in all 3 of these matches. Sport – 2nd September 1966 Mickey Wright wins LPGA Ladies' World Series of Golf World – 29th August 1966 The Beatles' last public concert (Candlestick Park, SF)

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

How We Compare? St Helens Town - last 6 matches

All Competitions

Most recent

St Helens Town

Previous Meetings

Prestwich Heys

NWC-D1

2001-02

MANC-P

Home

NWC-D1

2002-03

MANC-P

Away

NWC-D1

2003-04

MANC-P

NWC-D1

2004-05

MANC-P

NWC-D1

2005-06

MANC-P

NWC-D1

2006-07

MANC-P

NWC-D1

2007-08

MANC-P

NWC-PD

2008-09

MANC-P

Collated

Prestwich Heys - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

Home

NWC-PD

2009-10

MANC-P

Away

NWC-PD

2010-11

MANC-P

Collated

NWC-PD

2011-12

MANC-P

NWC-PD

2012-13

MANC-P

NWC-PD

2013-14

MANC-P

NWC-PD

2014-15

MANC-P

NWC-D1

2015-16

MANC-P

01/09/2016

2016-17

31/12/2016

St Helens Town games since...

Prestwich Heys games since...

All Competitions

Clean sheet

St Helens Town Scores First

Goal Scored

Games Played

Loss

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

No score draw

Prestwich Heys Wins

Score draw

St Helens Town Goals

Win

Prestwich Heys Goals

Percentage Town Wins

0.00

Previous Meetings All Competitions P

Win %

Home

66.67

Away

-1

37.50

Collated

52.94

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Ruskin Update

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Tea Break Teasers Q1. Which team has won the Football League Trophy the most times?

Q2. Which Italian team play their home matches at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara? Q3. Which team won the European Cup/Champions League recording the fewest wins in 90 minutes? Q4. Which country was Gonzalo Higuain born in? Q5. Which National League team play their home games at the Racecourse Ground?

Q6. Who are the top three Goalkeepers with the most Premier League clean sheets? Q7. Which Major League Soccer side are nicknamed “Rave Green”? Q8. Which Football League team play their home games at Victoria Road? Q9. Which team has had the most top flight, top goalscorers since 1888? Q10. Which team outside the big three (Benfica, Porto & Sporting Lisbon) has spent the most seasons in the Portuguese top flight? Q11. What did Frank Lampard do more score for Chelsea or make appearances for West Ham? Q12. How many cities hosted the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay?

Q13. Who scored the last goal at the Old Wembley Stadium? Q14. Which country has reached the World Cup Final on the most occasions? Q15. Who scored the only goal in Aston Villa’s 1982 European Cup final victory over Bayern Munich?

1) Bristol City (3) 2) Bologna 3) PSV in 1987/88 (3 wins in 90 mins) 4) France (Brest) 5) Wrexham 6) Peter Cech, David James & Mark Schwarzer 7) Seattle Sounders 8) Dagenham & Redbridge 9) Everton (12) 10) Beleneses (75 Seasons) 11) 148 Apps to 147 Goals 12) One - Montevideo 13) Dietmar Hamann 14) Germany 15) Peter Withe

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

From The Dugout Good evening and welcome back, I hope you all enjoyed the preseason break.

Players in and outs We managed to keep hold of most of the squad that finished the season strongly , that meant re-signing the likes of Andy Gillespie, George Lomax, Danny Greene, Eddie Pegler and Sam Sheene. We strengthened up by signing up players such as ex Runcorn Linnets favourite Chris Lomax , Cole Ashton , Goal keeper Lee Novak came in from Prescot Cables and midfielder Phil Williams from Ashton Town. A brief recap of the season so far The season did not get off to the start we had planned for . . . a long trip away at league new boys Carlisle City was first up; a game which I thought we dominated but did not take our chances. We were dealt with the ultimate body blow which came via a long range strike in the last 5 mins . The away game at Cheadle had the most disappointing end to a game that I personally have ever faced in football; 0-3 up in to injury time and we got pegged back to 3-3 draw. Our first home game of the season we faced a Sandbach, a game which went the same way as Carlisle , felt we were in complete control of the game but conceded goals at bad times. After the game we made a few decisions on players , we targeted a new experienced centre half. We brought in Andy Webster, his wealth of experience has improved the defence massively as recent results have shown this. We went to league leaders Litherland REMYCA and came away with a good 1-2 win. That form continued into Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game away at league new boys Charnock Richard, a game which saw new summer recruit Phil Williams score a fantastic goal from the half way line. We welcome new comers Prestwich Heys, who I noticed have ex Salford city forward Michael Itela amongst their ranks. Some strange results have happened early on in the season, only City of Liverpool have some real kind of consistent form. BUT no league has ever been won in August and things are not going to now. We have had a steady start to the season and I hope we can start a run of consistency. Thanks for all your support, get behind the boys and the results will get better I am sure. Come on you Blues!!

Nick Matthews Joint 1st Team Manager

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Club News Town to take part in Groundhop 2017 After a fair bit of planning over the last six months, the Hallmark Security League are delighted to confirm the details of the 2017 Groundhop. In association with the UK leader in this field - GroundhopUK, are delighted to announce the host clubs for the first Groundhop of its kind in the League which will be held on Easter Sunday and Monday, 16 & 17 April 2017. On Easter Sunday, 16 April, the host clubs are planned to be: Ashton Athletic St Helens Town Runcorn Town Easter Monday, 17 April, sees the Hop visit: West Didsbury & Chorlton Maine Road Atherton Collieries Kick off times and order of the games will be decided at a later time. Speaking recently, League Development Officer Gary Langley said “I am absolutely delighted with this line-up. These are six fantastic clubs who I know will be excellent and welcoming hosts, and everyone is excited about the prospect of the first Groundhop to be held around our League.” Chris Berezai from GroundhopUK said “The League have come up with an excellent choice of host clubs that will prove very popular with groundhoppers. Having a fairly recent addition to the League in West Didsbury & Chorlton, and a brand new ground at Ruskin Drive marking the return home for St Helens Town will be added attractions! It’s a very popular League, and we are very much looking forward to working very closely with the Hallmark Security League to make sure it’s a fantastic event” Further hop weekends are planned in following seasons, including a massive Easter weekend in 2018/19. The six Hallmark Security League matches will boost the GroundhopUK 2017 Easter weekend to a massive thirteen matches, running from Maundy Thursday to Easter Saturday with the Northern Counties East League before the North West Counties League takes over on the Sunday and Monday.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Andy Gillespie in action at Litherland REMYCA on Saturday 20th August 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)

Thu 15/09/16

Widnes

Sat 01/10/16

AFC Darwen (Macron Cup)

Sat 15/10/16

Carlisle City

Sat 22/10/16

Chadderton

Beechley Stables, RDA

Thu 10/11/16

Cheadle Town

Invisible Heroes

Thu 17/11/16

Ashton Town

Sat 19/11/16

Eccleshall

Sat 26/11/16

FC Oswestry Town

Thu 01/12/16

Alsager Town

Sat 10/12/16

Bacup Borough

Mon 26/12/16 Litherland REMYCA

Thatto Heath Tech Shop

Michael Allison

Stillia

Conor McGinn

Action Coach NW

Danny’s Window Cleaning Toast Café

Stuart Pyke The Track King

Kiera’s Occasions

Britannia Taxis

Sat 07/01/17

Holker Old Boys

LM Travel

Sat 21/01/17

AFC Blackpool

Action Coach NW

Sat 28/01/17

Whitchurch Alport

Invisible Heroes

Sat 11/02/17

Silsden

North West Dog Rescue

Sat 18/03/17

Daisy Hill

Invisible Heroes

Sat 25/03/17

Stockport Town

Live Wire Electrical

Sat 01/04/17

Atherton LR

John Cahill

Sun 16/04/17

City of Liverpool FC

The Boar’s Head

Sat 29/04/17

Charnock Richard

Toast Café

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Team Fixtures St Helens Town Sunday Liverpool &District Sunday League 04/09/16 12:00 Cool IT v St Helens Town 08/09/16 18:30 Hunting Lodge v St Helens Town 11/09/16 11:00 Fulwood Arms v St Helens Town St Helens Town U21s Cheshire FA U21s League Premier Division Results Lge 24/08/16 Manchester Central Reserves 0-4 St Helens Town Cup 21/08/16 Atherton Town 2-2 St Helens Town (Town won 1-3 on pens) Lge 18/08/16 Southport 2-2 St Helens Town Fixtures Cup 11/09/16 11:00 Glossop North End St Helens Town Cup 18/09/16 11:00 BRNESC Reserves St Helens Town Lge 25/09/16 14:00 Atherton Town St Helens Town Cup 02/10/16 12:30 Abbey Hey v St Helens Town Lge 09/10/16 12:45 St Helens Town v Irlam Lge 16/10/16 12:30 Abbey Hey v St Helens Town Lge 23/10/16 12:45 St Helens Town v Stockport Town Lge 30/10/16 11:00 Malvern v St Helens Town Lge 06/11/16 12:45 St Helens Town v Atherton Town Lge 13/11/16 12:45 St Helens Town v Southport Lge 17/11/16 19:45 Irlam v St Helens Town Irlam FC Lge 20/11/16 12:45 St Helens Town v Manchester Central Lge 27/11/16 12:45 St Helens Town v Malvern Lge 04/12/16 12:45 St Helens Town v West Kirby Lge 11/12/16 12:30 Stockport Town v St Helens Town St Helens Town U18s North West Youth Alliance League Results Lge 21/08/16 14:30 St Helens Town 3-5 Chester Colts Fixtures Lge 04/09/16 14:30 Chester Colts v St Helens Town Lge 11/09/16 14:30 St Helens Town v Marine Lge 18/09/16 14:30 Witton Albion v St Helens Town Lge 25/09/16 14:30 St Helens Town v Tranmere Rovers Lge 02/10/16 14:30 West Kirby & Wasps v St Helens Town Lge 09/10/16 14:30 St Helens Town v Heswall Lge 16/10/16 14:30 St Helens Town v Vauxhall Motors Cup 23/10/16 14:00 Chester FC v St Helens Town Lge 30/10/16 14:30 Tranmere Rovers v St Helens Town

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Town Managers Between 1946 and 1962 the club, like many, didn’t have a ‘manager’. Town officials would liaise with first and reserve team captains over team selection. In 1962-63 ‘First Manager’ Pat Murphy came from Burscough with a nucleus of his team which won the Lancashire Combination Division One title for Burscough but the formulae didn’t work for Town despite financial backing of a brand new 200 seat supporters club opened by John Connelly in spring of 1962. 1963-64 Sam Cottingham came after success with Pilkington's in a move to rebalance the squad with more local players. 1964-66 Jimmy McKiernan became the club's first commercial manager and team boss after arriving from Earlestown via a successful playing career which included a spell on the North Wales circuit. 1966-68 Jackie Dewsnip, cousin of Town player Jimmy Dewsnip who along with the latter’s son Neil meant the Haydock based family served Town well over a couple of decades. 1968-71 Peter Jones took the reigns in the wake of the Northern Premier League being formed which reduced Town’s league (Lancs Combination) to one division. He moved on after three years to a position on the staff of Preston North End.

1971-77 Alan Hampson arrived from South Liverpool after a distinguished playing career at Holly Park and became a mini ‘Messiah’ as Town won the Lancs Combination title in 1972 along with the Bass Charrington and Watson trophy in quick succession. He also oversaw Town’s step into the Cheshire County League in 1975 as by then, the Lancashire Comb had become a pale imitation of its former self. 1977-79 The aforementioned Jimmy Dewsnip took the reigns after ‘Hampy’ had moved on and became the first ex Town player to become manager. He combined this with work for the Liverpool County FA with the latter eventually claiming his services after two years. 1979-80 Player manager Geoff Robinson hailed from the new overspill at Laffak where he also ran the increasingly successful ‘Starting Gate’ pub team in the blossoming new Sunday League. Many of his squad were ‘Town’ players but the ‘conflict’ of interests was seen as detrimental to the senior club. 1980-82 Jack Prytherch had been at Wigan Athletic and he brought in players from that area including new club skipper, his son in law, Steve Murfin. Jack’s reign saw the formation of the North West Counties League and Town’s first season was a struggle in the new league’s top flight resulting in a change in mid-term. 1982-84 Peter Rutherford. After the success of Alan Hampson a decade earlier, the Town board returned to South Liverpool again for their next appointment. Peter Rutherford was number two at Holly Park at the time but he also found it hard going in the NWCFL inaugural season and his charges only escaped relegation on a ‘technicality’. Things got a little better the following season and he bowed out just before glory arrived. 1984-87 Alan Wellens had skippered Town’s Lancs Combination title team and went on to become the club’s top appearances holder after making his debut at Great Harwood in 1966. His playing career was ended by a broken leg against Hyde in 1981 at Hoghton Road.

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

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

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Past & Present in charge.

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

Alan Gillespie

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Match Statistics 201 Date

Opponents

Comp

Result

Aug 06

Carlisle City

NWCFL

3.00

4-3L

Novak D.Brady Williams Rawsthorne

Presho A.Whelan

Falconer

Presho

Rigby

Sheen

Aug 13

Cheadle Town

NWCFL

3.00

3-3D

Novak

AUG 18

SANDBACH UNITED

NWCFL

7.45

L2-4

Novak Greene

Rigby

Presho

Aug 20

Litherland REMYCA

NWCFL

3.00

W1-2 Novak Greene

Rigby

Webster

Falconer

Presho

Aug 27

Charnock Richard

NWCFL

3.00

W1-3 Novak Greene

Rigby

Webster

Falconer

Presho

SEP 01

PRESTWICH HEYS

NWCFL

7.45

Sep 03

Atherton LR

NWCFL

3.00

Sep 06

City of Liverpool

NWCFL

7.45

SEP 10

CHADDERTON

Andy Gillespie Pegler D

FAV 1QR 3.00

SEP 15

WIDNES

NWCFL

7.45

Sep 17

Daisy Hill

NWCFL

3.00

OCT 01

AFC DARWEN

TMC 1R 3.00

Oct 08

Alsager Town

NWCFL

Oct 11

AFC Blackpool

NWCFL

7.45

OCT 15

CARLISLE CITY

NWCFL

3.00

Oct 18

FC Oswestry Town

NWCFL

7.45

OCT 22

CHADDERTON

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 10

CHEADLE TOWN

NWCFL

7.45

Nov12

Silsden

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 17

ASHTON TOWN

NWCFL

7.45

NOV 19

ECCLESHALL

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 26

FC OSWESTRY TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

DEC 01

ALSAGER TOWN

NWCFL

7.45

Dec 03

Ashton Town

NWCFL

3.00

DEC 10

BACUP BOROUGH

NWCFL

3.00

Dec 17

Whitchurch Alport

NWCFL

3.00

DEC 26

LITHERLAND REMCYA

NWCFL

3.00

Dec 31

Prestwich Heys

NWCFL

3.00

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

TBC

Apr 22

Stockport Town

NWCFL

3.00

APR 29

CHARNOCK RICHARD

NWCFL

3.00

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Alex Gillespie

Andy Gillespie

And Pr

Eddie Pegler

George Lomax

Hamish F

Will Threlkeld

Andy Webster

Matt H

www.sthelenstownafc.com

16-17 7

Ashton

Greene1

Name1

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

Pegler1 Andy Gillespie1

Pegler

D.Whelan Sheen1

Player name and number of goals scored

Name

C.Lomax

G.Lomax1

Greene10

Alex Gillespie6

Threlkeld3

D.Whelan

C.Lomax

Williams10

C.Banasko

G.Lomax1

C.Lomax

Threlkeld

G.Lomax

Williams

Threlkeld10 Alex Gillespie

Andy Gillespie1 G.Lomax1 Williams

Sheen

Pegler1 Andy Gillespie1

Sheen

Ashton

C.Lomax

G.Lomax1 Williams2

Davidson

Alex Gillespie Mavers9

Alex Gillespie D.Whelan2 Threlkeld11 Tingay

C.Banasko2

D.Whelan

Tingay11

S.Brady

Ball2

Anthony Whelan

Chris Lomax

Danny Greene

Dom Whelan

Falconer

Sam Sheene

Lee Novak

Phil WIlliams

Ste Rigby

Hodge

Ellis Mavers

Matty Davidson

Jake Ball

Cole Ashton

resho

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Hodge1

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Town Elite Seven decades have been completed since St Helens town were re-formed immediately after the war and the following are our ‘shining lights’ of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. 1940s Bert Trautmann The war meant that football only took place in earnest in the latter half of the decade but it was that very same conflict which was to provide us with our all-time ‘star’. One of the world’s greatest goalkeepers, ex-German paratrooper Bert came to St Helens via the prisoner of war camp in Ashton-in -Makerfield having played for the ‘inmates’ team against various local sides. He was only with us for a season and a third before Manchester city swooped for him as his reputation drew large crowds wherever town played. He played fifty one times for St Helens Town being an ever present in season 1948-49 and collected a George Mahon cup winners medal in what was our last season in the Liverpool County combination. Season 49-50 saw us then operating in the Lancashire Combination and Bert managed just ten games before Manchester City intervened in October 1949 but his last game for us was not a happy one as he got out of a sick bed suffering from flu to play an FA Cup tie against Bangor City at Hoghton Road which we lost 3-0. His move shocked and saddened the three thousand or so regulars we had in those days but he was destined for a much bigger stage eventually becoming ‘Footballer of the Year’ in 1956.

1950’s Harry McCann Following Bert’s departure, Town supporters were looking for another new ‘idol’ as we won the Lancs. Comb. Second Division in 1951 and into the void stepped Rainhill lad, Harry McCann. The challenge of the Lancs. Comb. Top flight meant we needed high calibre players to compete and ‘inside left’ Harry proved just that. He was an extremely cultured player with a venomous shot and soon became a big favourite with his allround ‘style’. That ‘style’ was evident off the pitch also as those austere days of drab fashion and military hairstyles. Harry cut a dashing figure with luxurious flowing ‘mane’ which drew more than a few comments from opposition fans. Sadly Harry’s talents alone were not enough to maintain our division one status and within a season we were back in the Lancs. Comb. second division. By the midfifties Harry McCann had built up quite a reputation on the non-league scene and again controversy and disenchantment manifested itself amongst the Town followers when the Cheshire County League champions Witton Albion, took Harry from our midst and it led to a huge decline in attendances at Hoghton Road forcing an experiment which saw Town play one season at City Road. 1960s John (Jackie) Atherton As the decade turned into what was to become the swinging sixties Town were well served by the likes of Jackie Cooke, Maurice Topping, Stan Ashcroft, Jackie Critchley and Derek Maloney who had emerged from the ‘Rock and Roll’ years of the late 50’s. Another form of ‘rock’ came our way at the decades mid-point when no-nonsense Haydock lad Jackie Atherton began a career lasting some ten seasons in which he became the club captain. Though not the tallest of centre halves Jackie couple leap with the best and his robustness on the ground meant that very few got the better of him. The side of which he was the anchor man contained flair players like his namesake Eric Atherton, Ray Fairweather, Johnny Smith and the then club record goal scorer Phil Stainton who’s haul of forty five in season 1964-65 has only been surpassed once since. Though centre half was Jackie’s usual position he also showed versatility at times when being asked to play up front and scored more than the odd goal or two when wearing the No. 9 shirt but it was at the back, bossing affairs in the box which he will always be remembered for. Jackie’s career went well into the 1970’s when his years of gutsy services were rewarded with a Lancs. Comb. championship winning medal in 1972.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Stephen Rigby in action at Charnock Richard on Saturday 27th August 2016

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Match Report Another Goal Fest Sees Town Fall Short by Kieran Ford A Carlos Correia brace sinks St Helens as it’s now 3 games without a win. After a late collapse against Cheadle Town last week, St Helens needed to get their season off the mark. They had the perfect opportunity at Volair Park for their first home game of the season against league newcomers Sandbach United. The away side had suffered 2 consecutive defeats to start the campaign but managed to defeat Atherton LR on Saturday.

With only 1 starting centre back due to various circumstances, last season’s top scorer Andy Gillespie had to partner Dom Whelan in a makeshift Town defence. The only other change for Town was Phil WIlliams making the starting eleven in place of Hamish Falconer as Town stuck with the 4-4-2 system that was played last Saturday. The game started slowly, as both sides tried to establish the other team’s approach to the game. Impressive starts from Sandbach’s number 9 Dereece Garnder and 11 Carlos Correia had the Town defence stretched from the off, however the back 4 handled this threat well as no real chances could be mustered in the opening exchanges. The sides then traded chances as Sandbach came close through Gardner who turned well but fired over, before a terrific ball from Town’s Andy Presho was had just too much pace for Phil WIlliams who’s header went wide. Williams this time showed great pace and strength to hold off a defender before crossing to Danny Greene whose effort sailed over the bar. The hosts took the lead just before half time as a defensive mistake presented the ball to George Lomax who calmly slotted home to score in his 3rd successive game and send the hosts into half time in the lead.

HT: St Helens Town (George Lomax, 37) 1 – 0 Sandbach United The second half began just as evenly as the first, however the away side drew level soon after as Alfred Hammond played through Dereece Gardner who picked out the far post. It was evident that the visitors had plenty more energy left in the tank and then demonstrated this throughout the entirety of the second half.

The home side continued to create chances with Chris Lomax sending his shot over the bar before they retook the lead on 56 minutes. Sandbach captain Tom Watkin was booked for a challenge on George Lomax, which resulted in a free kick taken by Sam Sheen. The central midfielder wrong footed Moss in the Sandbach goal to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage. Sandbach levelled again through a free kick of their own through Correia which arrowed into the top right hand corner giving Novak no chance. Sandbach then took the lead for the first time as Correia added a second. A long throw caused havoc in the St Helens penalty area; the ball broke for the Sandbach number 11 whose low drive beat Novak at his far post. Town brought on attacker Will Threlkeld and Chris Banasko which allowed Gillespie to venture up field, but this was in vein as Sandbach closed the men in blue down at every opportunity. Deep into stoppage time, Town goalkeeper Lee Novak had to leave the field due to injury, and due to all 3 subs having been made, Banasko had to take the goalkeeper jersey for the final exchanges. Sandbach still had time to add a fourth though as Alfred Hammond had space to rifle a shot over Banasko who had no chance. FT: St Helens Town (George Lomax, 37) (Sheen, 56) 2 – 4 Sandbach United (Garnder, 49) (Correia, 61, 68) (Hammond, 90+6)

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

Town News Town team up with Melissa St Helens Town U18s are delighted to announce ‘Melissa’s Smile Fund’ as their 2016-17 shirt sponsors. Melissa’s Smile Fund logo will take pride of place on the front of the U18s home kit throughout 2016 -17 and the club’s match programme will feature the details of Melissa’s fundraising activities during the season.

Club Chairman said, ‘We are delighted to be able to support Melissa and her bid to raise funds towards the costs of creating a sensory room. We met a year or so ago when Melissa and her family attended one of league matches at Brocstedes Park, Ashton. He added, ‘Hopefully the shirt sponsorship, programme coverage and our support through social media will further raise the profile of Angelman Syndrome and hopefully help with fundraising’ Melissa Grace is 12 years old and has a rare genetic condition called Angelman syndrome (AS). AS is a complex genetic disorder which affects every aspect of her life. She has delayed development, and intellectual disabilities. She is 12 years old but still needs help with eating and toileting and most of the everyday tasks most people take for granted. Melissa also needs 24 hour care and will do so for the rest of her life. Melissa has problems with movement and balance and also has seizures (epilepsy) and has a very poor sleep pattern and can sometimes have as little as three hours sleep each night. The most frustrating part for her is the inability to speak, and she finds her lack of communication very difficult to cope with sometimes. Melissa’s website (http:// melissassmile.weebly.com) has been set up by her brother Jacob and mum Kathryn to help to support Melissa’s SHARE THE SMILE TEAM who are fundraising to help provide her with the things she will need to help make life a little easier as she grows. And to help raise awareness of Angelman syndrome. The first thing people notice about Melissa is her smile, one of the main characteristics of Angelman syndrome is a happy demeanour, Melissa smiles all the time, even when she is hurt or upset. You can keep up to date with Melissa’s adventures on her Blog page (via the website) and if you would like to send her a message then please visit the Contact page.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Match Report Solid Defence Helps Town Get Off the Mark by Kieran Ford St Helens Town prove that the form book means nothing as they defeat high flying Litherland REMYCA Defence was a clear focus point for St Helens Town, as they had leaked 11 goals in their opening 4 games of the campaign. Having let in 4 goals against Sandbach United on Thursday night, there was perhaps a sense of trepidation as they were still looking for their first league win and travelled to league leaders Litherland REMYCA. “Remy” had only conceded once in their 3 matches played so far. Town were looking to avenge the two defeats that they suffered against today’s hosts last season, a 3-1 early season clash followed by a 3-2 home defeat in February left Town with a point to prove. Town were strengthened at the back by the return of Andy Webster, who had come back from life in the USA, in his first match for 7 and a half years, slotted in at right back of a four man defence. Hamish Falconer also returned in place of Dom Whelan to partner Andy Presho at centre back with Ste Rigby filling his usual role of left back.

Town made the perfect start as they won a free kick 25 yards out, Sam Sheen was the obvious choice to take, after his goal from the dead ball on Thursday. This was duly the case and Sheen delivered once again, his shot fooled keeper Carroll who expected a cross, to put the visitors 1 up inside the early stages. St Helens started brightly and seemed to have the energy that had deserted them against Sandbach, they were positive in attack whilst limiting Litherland to few attempts on Lee Novak’s goal. This included a tame header by Litherland’s Niall Gannon that was easily claimed by the Town stopper.

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

v Litherland REMYCA In an uncommon turn of events, the blues were awarded an indirect free kick inside the area after Caroll picked up a back pass from one of his defenders, this meant that Andy Gillespie teed up Sheen whose attempt was blocked, the rebound fell to Ed Pegler, but his shot blazed over the bar. However, after a corner, Litherland number 3 Danio Flynn was fouled in the area, which resulted in a penalty for the hosts. Ex Town midfielder and Budweiser Dream Goal winner Colin Quirk sent Novak the wrong way from the spot to equalise for the hosts. HT: Litherland REMYCA (Quirk, 32) 1 – 1 St Helens Town (Sheen, 7) As the second half commenced, Litherland came into the game, as they weren’t going to provide an easy return for Webster at right back! Quirk kept testing Novak in the Town net, however he never hardly have to move to claim his half volley at the edge of the box. Also, an effort from striker Tom Foley left the St Helens stopper motionless but could only trickle wide. Town then had a spell as the better side, as a Ste Rigby penalty shout was turned down. This was before Town struck the eventual winner. A barnstorming run from Rigby allowed him to feed the ball to Gillespie just inside the box. The number 9 was allowed to turn despite being surrounded by defenders, he slotted the ball into the far corner to score his 3rd of the season. This meant that Litherland continued to pressure the Town defence, and took more and more risks in order to find their second equaliser. This included a Quirk free kick that went over the bar before Jake Connor couldn’t connect with a teasing ball into the box. In a scenario that perhaps you would expect St Helens Town to concede in judging by their previous games, they held firm for a deserved win and to end Litherland’s 100% winning record. FT: Litherland REMYCA (Quirk, 32) 1 - 2 St Helens Town (Sheen, 7) (Andy Gillespie, 71)

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Photo Gallery

Litherland REMYCA 1-2 Town Hallmark Security League Division 1 Saturday 20th August 2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

Match Report Williams at the Double in another win for Town Charnock Richard 1, St. Helens Town 3 by Glyn Jones St. Helens Town secured a second successive Hallmark Security First Division League win at Mossie Park on Saturday against high-flying new boys Charnock Richard on Saturday, thanks to two goals from enterprising winger Phil Williams and one from George Lomax. Although they did not have things all their own way, they coped well without skipper Andy Gillespie, who had to go to America and substitute goalkeeper Matty Hodge stepped seamlessly up to the mark to take over from Lee Novak who left the field injured after 20 minutes.

Once again, the eye-catching form of the Lomax brothers, Chris and George, up front, ably supported by Phil Williams were the key to spring the tight defensive line set up by Charnock Richard. No sooner had Hodge taken over from Novak, a free kick found Chris Lomax, but the centre forward had no time to get his foot to the ball as the home keeper Adam Halton closed in to block any chance. Ten minutes later, however, the Lomaxes combined in a move straight off the training ground, executed in the blink of an eye, Chris flicking on to George to unlock the defence and then, with an ice-cool head, placed the ball expertly between the advancing Haltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legs for the opening goal. With 40 minutes on the clock, Ste Rigby hit a free-kick into the box from out wide, finding Williams rushing through at speed, but the wingman could only get his knee to the ball, which ballooned high and wide. The home defence was beginning to show signs of crumbling under pressure and, two minutes later, Halton cleared ineffectively at the second attempt, the ball landing at the feet of Williams in the centre circle. All in one movement, the Town speedster looked up, saw Halton off his line and he lobbed the keeper from all of 50 yards, straight as a die, into the empty net, thereby doubling Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead. The teams left the field at the interval with St. Helens 2-0 up, but within five minutes of the re-start, the home team had halved the deficit by virtue of a free-kick taken by David Burrows, which found its way into

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

v Charnock Richard the net without any other player touching it.

Charnock Richard turned the screw on the Town side from that point and there were any number of strong challenges from both sides, which resulted in a number of yellow cards and informal warnings. The game was all but settled nine minutes from time when Halton and two defenders were caught napping in their own box, playing a private game of inter-passing, blissfully unaware of Williams, running in at speed. The flanker had no difficulty seizing possession and lashing the ball into the back of the net to seal the 3-1 victory. Town are next in action at home to Prestwich Heys on Thursday night at Prescot Cablesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ground (kick-off 7.45pm), then make the short trip to Crilly Park to take on Atherton L.R. on Saturday afternoon with the usual 3pm start.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Photo Gallery

Charnock Richard 1-3 Town Hallmark Security League Division 1 Saturday 27th August 2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Ruskin Update

Ruskin Drive Sports Ground A number of photographs taken last weekend which has seen more work completed as the project nears its end.

Recent work has included permanent pitch markings and the artificial pitch ‘crumb’ has been added. The initial layer of tarmac hardstanding has been completed in most areas with a final ‘finish’ due this week. We will endeavour to keep you updated at sthelenstownafc.com

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

League News Linnets bounce back After losing manager Joey Dunn and a number of players in the close season, Runcorn Linnets had to ring the changes with new manager Michael Ellison having to bolster the squad with a number of new recruits. However, despite a disappointing opening when they picked up just two points from their opening four league games and also went out of the FA Cup, any early suggestions of a possible demise were snuffed out on Saturday when they picked up their first win of the season in convincing style by beating Irlam, who started the day at the top of the table, by 4-1. There is a long way to go yet, but it looks once again like Linnets will be a tough nut to crack this season. Bootle firepower to the fore One team who have begun the season firing impressively are Bootle, whose 5-1 win over Winsford United on Saturday took them to 19 goals in seven games since the start of the season, the highest of any club in the Premier Division. With three goals or more in four of their last five games, the Bucks certainly have their shooting boots on at the minute, and with the experienced striking power of Steve Jones and Ryan Cox up front, they look like being a force to be reckoned with as far as opposing defences are concerned. City game for goals One team that has provided no shortage of entertainment so far this season are Carlisle City, who continued their good start with a 6-2 win over Daisy Hill at Gillford Park. The result means that in City’s first six games, 28 goals have been scored – a statistic all the more impressive when you consider that one of the games was a goalless draw at home to Bacup Borough, and aside of that game, no less than four goals were scored in each of their other games. It’s certainly the type of start that will attract supporters to City games, both home and away. 4G or not 4G, there’s no question for Alport It was a good week for Whitchurch Alport, who racked up eight goals with only one conceded on their trips to FC Oswestry Town and Stockport Town. Alport will return to the green, green grass of home when they host Alsager Town on Tuesday at Yockings Park, but judging by their performances on artificial pitches in the past two games, they appear to have no difficulty adjusting to alternative surfaces, and will no doubt be looking forward to forthcoming visits to Widnes and St Helens Town later in the season. Defence best for West One team that has begun the season in a quietly efficient way are West Didsbury & Chorlton, whose victory over Padiham on Saturday moved them into fourth place in the Premier Division table. Three wins and a draw from four league games is a tidy start by any standards, but the secret so far has been their defensive performances with just three goals conceded, the best defensive record in the Division. They aren’t too shabby up front either, with eight goals scored in the four games, and it all paints a picture that suggests Steve Settle’s men could well improve on last season’s best ever League finish.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

League News Atherton LR - we may still be in the opening weeks of the season, but already Atherton LR have successfully converted four penalties, with three different players all successful from the spot in the space of a week. Imade Favour started the run with a goal from the spot in LR's 3-1 defeat at hom to Sandbach United, Adam Owens scored the second gaol with a penalty in the 2-2 draw at Bacup Borough, and Andy Miller went one better with two penalties in his four goal haul at Chadderton on Saturday.

Chadderton FC - We were saddened this week by the news that former Chadderton Chairman, Manager & Player Harry Mayall passed away on Monday. The Hallmark Security League sends its condolances to his family and the club at this difficult time. Counties Podcast - Like it or struggle with it, the Counties Podcast returned to the airwaves over the weekend after a two month hiatus. The podcast that discusses all things Hallmark Security League each week returned with a new look line-up. It can be found at countiespodcast.com and features Atherton Collieries Committee members Zach Pierce and Joe Gibbons. It features a rotating panel including League Results co-ordinator, Mr Martin Fallon and a number of guest interviews from around the league. Sticky Situations - The League are relieved to confirm that another batch of sticker albums have been ordered and will be shipped out shortly. Good timing indeed as we are scraping the bottom of the box of our current supply! The Sticker albums have been immensely popular and we are delighted that so many people are going out and about to the various grounds to visit the clubs. Visitors to Whitchurch Alport can now enjoy the benefits of new seats if they want to watch the game from the Gordon Ellison stand at Yockings Park. The club has just replaced seats in the stand with new ones, which were used during the 2012 London Olympics in the aquatics centre. However, the club has also been able to gain an added benefit by selling the old seats to a furniture restoration company, as they came originally from Stoke City’s old Victoria Ground, which was their home before they moved to their present stadium. The company restores the seats, assembles them in pairs on an oak base with an extra back rail to make them more sturdy, and then sells them on to collectors.

Alport’s Press Officer Martin Wild explained: “Stoke City played at the Victoria Ground until 1997 when they moved a few miles to the swanky new Britannia (now Bet 365) Stadium. “The Boothen End was the popular terrace at the Victoria Ground, and Whitchurch Alport had a number of seats taken from there donated by a local farmer, who had bought them when the ground closed nearly 20 years ago.

“The seats served the club well and were an important factor when they were granted a place in the Hallmark Security League last year. But Whitchurch are a club very much on the up these days, on and off the pitch, and the sale of these seats - 96 in total - will help towards the upkeep of Yockings Park, as well as stadium improvements, which has seen upgraded floodlighting and a complete refurb of the clubhouse”.

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

League Tables St Helens Town Player Sponsors 2016-17

First Division Table as at Wednesday 31/08/2016 W D 5 1

City of Liverpool FC

P 6

First Division

A GD Pts 7 14 16

2 3

Alsager Town Charnock Richard

6 8

5 4

1 2

0 2

16 3 13 16 15 11 4 14

Litherland REMYCA

Whitchurch Alport

Sandbach United

18 13

Widnes

8 9

Carlisle City Chadderton

6 8

3 3

2 2

1 3

16 12 4 11 19 21 -2 11

Prestwich Heys

14 11

11 12

Silsden Holker Old Boys

6 7

3 3

0 0

3 4

17 9 12 11

8 1

9 9

FC Oswestry Town

12 12

Andrew Presho Total Building Care

14 15

Bacup Borough Atherton LR

6 8

2 2

2 4

10 7 3 8 12 24 -12 8

Eddie Pegler Gibney’s Jewellers

St Helens Town

13 13

17 18

Cheadle Town Stockport Town

5 6

2 2

1 0

2 4

12 15 -3 15 20 -5

7 6

Daisy Hill

13 23 -10 6

20 21 22

AFC Blackpool Ashton Town Eccleshall

6 8 7

1 1 0

2 0 1

3 7 6

7 6 6

14 -7 5 23 -17 3 25 -19 1

Anthony Whelan Focus Windows & Doors Limited Sam Sheen Airborne Bathroom Services Andy Gillespie Arcoframe Danny Greene The Daily Grind George Lomax Kiera’s Occasions Chris Lomax Danny’s Window Cleaning

Lee Novak Howdens, Leigh Matthew Hodge Kreative Kirsty Ste Rigby Kealshore Ltd Hamish Falconer Live Wire Electrical Alex Gillespie Walton Carpets Dom Whelan Walton Carpets Will Threlkeld Beer Engin, Whiston Cole Ashton MLR Heating Supplies Phil Williams 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 Wednesday 31/08/2016 P 7

W D 4 2

14 12

Bootle Barnoldswick Town

6 6

4 4

0 0

2 2

19 17

9 9

10 12 8 12

Runcorn Town

5 6

1874 Northwich Atherton Collieries

5 5

4 3

0 1

1 1

12 14

7 6

5 8

12 10

Hanley Town West Didsbury & Chorlton Congleton Town

12 13 -1 10

Squires Gate

13 11

New Mills

15 15

12 13

AFC Liverpool Ashton Athletic

5 5

2 2

1 1

2 2

12 12 0 9 10 -1

7 7

Padiham

15 16

Barnton Runcorn Linnets

7 6

2 1

1 3

4 2

7 18 -11 7 10 11 -1 6

Abbey Hey

13 -6

18 19

Maine Road Winsford United

4 4

1 1

2 1

1 2

6 5

6 9

0 -4

5 4

Cammell Laird 1907

-2

21 22

AFC Darwen Nelson

5 6

1 0

0 1

4 5

4 2

19 -15 3 8 -6 1

1 2 3

Premier Division Irlam

A GD Pts 2 14

-1

Saturday 3rd September 2016 Premier Division AFC Darwen v AFC Liverpool Barnoldswick Town v 1874 Northwich Bootle v Congleton Town Cammell Laird 1907 v Abbey Hey Hanley Town v Atherton Collieries Nelson v Barnton New Mills v Runcorn Town Runcorn Linnets v Padiham First Division Alsager Town v Holker Old Boys Ashton Town v Sandbach United Atherton LR v St Helens Town Bacup Borough v Litherland REMYCA Charnock Richard v Chadderton Daisy Hill v City of Liverpool FC FC Oswestry Town v Silsden Prestwich Heys v Eccleshall Stockport Town v AFC Blackpool Whitchurch Alport v Carlisle City Monday 5th September 2016 Premier Division Atherton Collieries v Barnoldswick Town Barnton v Runcorn Linnets

First Division Widnes v Whitchurch Alport Tuesday 6th September 2016 Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Cammell Laird 1907 Abbey Hey v Maine Road Ashton Athletic v AFC Darwen Congleton Town v New Mills Hanley Town v Irlam Squires Gate v Nelson West Dids & Chorlton v Runcorn Town First Division Chadderton v Ashton Town City of Liverpool FC v St Helens Town Holker Old Boys v Atherton LR Silsden v Carlisle City

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016

www.sthelenstownafc.com

Celebrating 70 years, 1946-2016