St Helens Town v Runcorn Town by John McKiernan

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

Executive Executive Programme Programme Sponsor Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners Programme Year Five Time Winners of of Programme of of thethe Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Today’s Team News CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens

Vice President: Jim Barrett Chairman: John McKiernan (07713 339682) Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Voller (07843 692695)

Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Ste Ball, Chris Ford and Glyn Jones. Trustees: John McKiernan and Eric Bond Club Manager: Ian Price

Assistant Manager: Nick Matthews Physiotherapists: Nicole Garner Jess Pritchard & Ben Fletcher U21 Team Manager Alan Gillespie U21 Asst Manager: John Whelan

Tuesday 28th October 2014, kick off 7.45pm North West Counties League, Premier Division St Helens Town Red & White Shirts White Shorts, Red & White Socks No

Gls

St Helens Town Rory Crowther James Halpin Aaron Morris Hamish Falconer Lewis Coyle Jack McKay Jamil Saleh Gareth Grant Chad Whyte Kris Bell Andy Gillespie Lee Harrison Karl Bergqvist Paul Cook-Hannah Nathan Ogden Cole Ashton

Runcorn Town Blue Shirts Blue Shorts & Socks No

Gls

Runcorn Town Stuart Plant Chris Lester Daniel Toole Jack Irlam Chris Lawton Thomas Spearitt Paul Shanley Mark Keddie Chris Thomas Scott Beckett Daniel Clarke Daryl Patton Stephen Latham Allan Glover Daniel Salt Sean Breen

U18 Team Manager: Steve Wallis U17 Team Manager: Nick Matthews Veterans Team Manager: David Platt Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Manager: Ian Price Assistant: Nick Matthews

Manager: Simon Burton Assistants: Danny Salt

Referee: Mr S Mather (Droylsden) Today’s Executive Match Sponsor:

Main Shirt Sponsor: Eciguk St Helens Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002 Company Directors: Jim Barrett Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited

Cover: Gareth Grant in actin at Congleton Town (18/10/2014)

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Talk of the Town Good evening and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties League, Premier Division contest against our friends from Runcorn Town. 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 been almost three weeks since we were last hosting a team here at Brocstedes Park when welcomed Blackpool outfit Squires Gate. I made reference in my programme notes to both teams abilities to score and concede goals and that the we wouldn’t be seeing a goalless draw, which of course the teams played out! Town dominated the opening period but could not net and the visitors has the better of the second period but they also could not make any impact on scoresheet and the sides shared the spoils.

We then had a rare midweek off prior to taking a trip to Congleton the following Saturday, again St Helens dominated the first half and could not net and prior to the break Congleton scored from a corner allowing Hudson sending a free header into the net. The visitors were denied a stonewall penalty in added on time at the end of the half when Whyte was scythed down by the home stopper after he spilled an initial effort and was slow getting to the rebound, the striker beat him to it and the keeper clipping his ankles but the poorly placed referee somehow awarded a throw in to the hosts. A minute or so later Whyte almost levelled from a corner but his goalbound effort was cleared off the line. Congleton secured the points when they netted a second after the interval. We then took a trip to Blackpool to take on AFC Blackpool and the usual gusty conditions were amplified with the end of the hurricane that had hit the country and Town had the wind at their backs in the first half netting first through the returning Lewis Coyle but conceded a sloppy goal from a long throw and the sides were level at the interval. It was the hosts who took the points with what can only be described as a “wind assisted” second goal from distance as they played the conditions better than Town. We then took our first trip to Widnes in MEN United Cup action on Saturday and looked to be coasting as they were quick out the blocks with Chad Whyte netting with 90 seconds on the clock. Whyte doubled the lead from the spot after a foul on Kris Bell and it was 3-0 with 25 minutes on the clock as Bell tapped home from close range and the first half scoring was concluded when a free kick was flicked past the visiting stopper by his own man. The second half saw Town looking comfortable but Widnes were always dangerous on the break and pulled one back on the hour when a speculative effort from distance by Bowden-Davies found the net. The hosts pulled a third back through Campbell-Joseph and forced extra time when Davies headed a right wing corner home in added on time. Neither side tested the keepers too much in the extra half hour and two missed in the shoot-out from Town cost them a place in the next round which looked assured at half time. We get back to the bread and butter of league action this evening as we host a Runcorn -Town side that have already give us a bit of a pasting this season having won the reverse game 7-2 at the Pavilions in August. Lets hope we can gain a modicum of revenge tonight! Finally, let’s get behind Town this evening and hopefully cheer them onto victory you support is vital to the cause! Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

In Town Today Runcorn Town were formed in 1967 under the name of Mond Rangers FC. They played for the first few years in the Runcorn Sunday league, and in 1973 they made the decision to try Saturday football in the impressive Warrington and District League (WDL). In their first season they finished as runners up, and after amalgamating with ICI Weston for the 1974/75 season, they became one of the strongest sides in the league. They remained in the WDL until 1984 when they were elected to join the West Cheshire League (WCL) Division Two. Mond established themselves as a good, solid mid-table team until the 1991/92 season when they won their first silverware in the West Cheshire Bowl as well as a respectable sixth place finish. The following season they finished third in the league and reached the Bowl final, with another third place finish the following season in which they scored 100 goals and regaining the Bowl. Promotion finally came in 1994/95 when they finished second in the league scoring 118 goals. They also reached the Final of the Cheshire Amateur Cup but lost to Poulton Victoria in a match played at Prenton Park, Tranmere. Despite sharing the Bill Weight Memorial Trophy in that first season, Division One proved a struggle and they were relegated for the first time in the clubs history in 2001/02. Success returned in 2004/05 with the team finishing as runners up in Division Two, winning the Runcorn Senior Cup and reaching the final of the Bowl.

Ahead of the 2005/06 season, the club changed their name to Runcorn Town in order to try and bring a more professional look to the club in general, and hopefully increase support from both businesses and individuals in the local community. A decision was also made to try and improve facilities at the club with a view to joining the North West Counties League. The season got off to a good start with the Bill Weight Memorial Cup won early on and the Runcorn Cup added, but on the final day of the season, they slipped into the relegation places for the first time to suffer a heart-breaking relegation. Town quickly regrouped and bounced back the next season by winning Division Two for the first time. The following three seasons saw top four finishes, although the main progression was off the field as the ground was transformed. Hard standing, seating and floodlights were installed for the first time, with the dressing rooms also upgraded. This enabled the club to be elected to the North West Counties League at the start of the 2010/11 season, with the club also entering the FA Vase and the Cheshire Senior Cup for the first time in their history. It is fair to say that the first season in the league exceeded all expectations, with the team losing just two league matches as they secured promotion to the Premier Division as runners-up, with James McShane finishing as the league's overall leading scorer with 43 goals. The Quarter Final of the Division One Trophy was also reached as well as the Semi Final of the Challenge Cup, whilst Warrington Town were held in the Cheshire Senior Cup before losing on penalties. In the clubs' FA Vase debut season, the club also wrote headlines as they progressed through four successive away ties before bowing out in the in the Last 32 stage against Dunston UTS, the last remaining North West Counties League side in the competition. The first season in the Premier Division saw Town continue in the same vein that they left Division One, with the team losing out on

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Runcorn Town the title on the last day of the season to Ramsbottom United. James McShane once again topped the scoring charts with Town scoring over 120 goals in all competitions. The club were also once again the last remaining NWCL side in the FA Vase, this time reaching a replay in the Last 32 before bowing out. We also made our debut in the FA Cup, winning two games before bowing out in the 1st Qualifying Round to Evo-Stik League side Ashton United. The 2012/13 season was another good one for the club, finishing in fourth place in the Premier Division just four points off top spot. Progress was made in the FA Vase with the Last 16 reached for the first time, with the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Vase made once more. Another good scalp came in the Cheshire Senior Cup with a 5-0 away win at Warrington which earned the "Team of the Round" award. Last term saw the club again fighting at the top of the division and looking for promotion to the next level. The club finished in 5th place their worst placing since their elevation to the top flight in the 2011/12 season. The club who had been known for progression in the national cup competitions also had a disappointing season in that respect exiting the FA Cup at the Preliminary Round stage at the hands of Glossop North End and falling at the first hurdle in the FA Vase visiting heavyweights and four time winners Whitley Bay in the 2nd round and losing 3-0. Season 1999-00

League W CHES-1

P 30

W 9

D 4

L 17

F 52

A 75

GD -23

Pts 31

Position 12/16

2000-01

W CHES-1

-18

14/16

2001-02

W CHES-1

-55

16/16

2002-03

W CHES-2

-31

14/16

2003-04

W CHES-2

6/16

2004-05

W CHES-2

2/16

2005-06

W CHES-1

-17

15/16

2006-07

W CHES-2

1/16

2007-08

W CHES-1

3/17

2008-09

W CHES-1

4/15

2009-10

W CHES-1

3/16

2010-11

NWC-1

114

2/18

2011-12

NWC-P

111

2/22

2012-13 2013-14

NWC-P NWC-P

42 42

26 25

9 4

7 13

105 87

45 45

60 42

84 79

4/22 5/22

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

How We Compare? St Helens Town - last 6 matches 21/10 All Competitions

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

Runcorn Town - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

at St Helens Town

Previous Meetings

at Runcorn Town

NWC-D1

1999-00

W CHES-1

NWC-D1

2000-01

W CHES-1

NWC-D1

2001-02

W CHES-1

NWC-D1

2002-03

W CHES-2

NWC-D1

2003-04

W CHES-2

NWC-D1

2004-05

W CHES-2

NWC-D1

2005-06

W CHES-1

Home

NWC-D1

2006-07

W CHES-2

Away

NWC-D1

2007-08

W CHES-1

NWC-PD

2008-09

W CHES-1

NWC-PD

2009-10

W CHES-1

NWC-PD

2010-11

NWC-D1

Collated

St Helens Town games since...

Runcorn Town games since...

12/11; 1-2

2011-12

05/09: 2-4

All Competitions

29/09; 0-2

2012-13

18/02; 1-1

03/04; 0-3

2013-14

17/03; 0-2

28/10/2014

2014-15

18/08; 2-7

Clean sheet

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

St Helens Town Scores First

Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Runcorn Town Wins

Score draw

St Helens Town Goals Runcorn Town Goals

Win

Percentage Town Wins

0.00

All Previous Meetings All Competitions P

Win %

Home

-6

0.00

Away

-12

0.00

Collated

-18

0.00

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

From the Chair Good evening and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties Football League Premier Division encounter with our friends and local rivals Runcorn Town. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters along with our own home support have had a safe journey and enjoy an entertaining encounter. I am not sure I have yet recovered from the disappointment of Saturday’s loss at the Select Stadium when our hosts Widnes FC recovered from a first half pasting to recover from 1-4 down at the break to draw level in added on time and with extra time unable to separate the sides Widnes progressed 4-3 on penalties. I am not sure what went wrong in the second half and in reality we still had plenty of chances to extend our lead throughout the game but failed to take any of them and the gutsy performance by the Division and our failure to defend set pieces cost us dearly! If you wish to revisit the game a superb video highlights package including the penalty shootout is available on the club website sthelenstownafc.com courtesy of Widnes FC and Matthew Martin. A full set of match photos are also posted on the website along with images from many of this season’s games. Tonight sees Runcorn Town looking to complete the double over Town having recorded a 7-2 win at the Pavillions back in August. We will need to be at our best to get anything from this evening and must ensure that we go into Saturday’s FA Vase game with Yorkshire Amateur in a positive mind-set. Runcorn made Men United Cup progress on Saturday with an excellent 1-4 win at Congleton Town with former Town player Danny Clarke on target along with Shanley, Beckett and Thompson. Tonight’s visitors will now entertain Cammell Laird 1907 (who knocked out Runcorn Linnets 1-0) on Saturday 29th November.

There’s a couple of players who have made the switch to the opposition this season with Mike Houghton starting the season with us before transferring to Runcorn while Gaz Grant made the switch from tonight’s visitors to St Helens! We are still looking for match and match ball sponsors and we also have a few player sponsorship packages still available from just £50 for the whole season. See me at tonight’s game or give me a call on 07713 339 682 or email mckiernanj@live.com

Saturday sees us back in FA Vase action as Yorkshire Amateur FC make the journey to Brocstedes while next Tuesday evening we make the trip to meet Stockport Sports at the Sports Village. Enjoy the game and hopefully we will see some of you again on Saturday John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town AFC

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Congleton v Town

NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 18th October 2014 Congleton Town 2-0 St Helens Town

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

NWCFL News After a bad run of defeats during August and September, West Didsbury & Chorlton manager Andy Nelson is happy with the way in which his squad have turned the season round. West suffered seven straight defeats during August and September, but since then have won seven out of ten games to move into a comfortable midtable position. But as Andy explained, there were some mitigating factors that contributed to the poor early form. "We have a lot of teachers in the squad and at the start of the season we had a problem at times as a lot of players were away. We went to Runcorn Linnets with nine players missing, and you can't go into a game like that with that number missing. We have had our fair share of bad luck too, we have been on the wrong end of some big decisions. "I don't want that to sound like there are sour grapes, these decisions pan out over the course of a season and I'm not criticising referees. It's just that so far, unfortunately the big decisions are the ones we haven't got. We have also had some bad injuries. We lost our captain Mark Rogers to a bad injury right at the start of the season, and that was a big blow.

"You are not just losing a player, you are losing the leader on the pitch, and it was something that took everyone back a bit. But we knew when the players all came back that we would turn the corner". Over the past few weeks results for West have indeed improved, and are all the more impressive given that a number of the squad have made the step up from the club's youth ranks. "It's not easy to keep getting results and at the same time give young lads that bit of experience, you have to try and balance the two", said Andy. "Without a big budget, which we don't have, the next generation has to be getting ready. You won't get them ready by keeping them way below the first team, so we keep integrating them. "We've brought in six or seven this year who were playing no more than parks football last year and that is a big step up, but if you don't allow them to get that chance you won't have them ready. We are looking to start and academy next year, which will bring more young players to the club. On top of that, the youth team are doing well in the North West Alliance, playing the likes of Southport and Salford City. Going to Wrexham in the FA Youth Cup was a great buzz for them and everyone at the club. "One of the lads that played in that game came on late on Saturday against Barnoldswick Town, and we are trying to do that with the young players, and introduce them when we can". Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Andy is targeting improvement on last season's 12th place finish. We do play some very nice football, and I am dead chuffed with the way we have been playing", he said. "We try and play the right way and have some good players. The challenge now is to keep it going.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Town v Squires Gate

North West Counties Football League Premier Division

St Helens Town 0-0 Squires Gate Saturday 11th October 2014

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Club News We are looking for supporters to become Goldline members which will provide the club with a valuable source of income which will help us to achieve a bright future by assisting us in our goal of making a return to St Helens. In addition, you will have the chance to win up to £5,000 . . . so we could all be winners! As a lottery partner, St Helens Town Football Club will receive a massive 70p of your £1 weekly subscription. As a Goldline member you will receive your membership card which includes your membership number, 10 sets of Goldline draw numbers and 4 unique rollover draw numbers:

Your 10 sets of Goldline draw numbers will be entered into the Goldline draw every weekday for your chance of winning. Each week 5 prizes of £500 are paid out, that’s a total of £2,500 paid out every week. Your 4 rollover draw numbers will be entered into the weekly draw for your chance of winning up to £5,000. The rollover draw starts at £250 and each week rolls over and increases by £250 until won or until it reaches £5,000 at which time it will be drawn and redrawn until a winner is found. £100s in £10 consolation prizes are paid out every week. Goldline pays out over £170,000 in prizes every year to members. In addition your Goldline membership card will entitle you to exclusive deals available at St Helens Town Football Club. No claim is necessary. Prizes will be sent automatically and either delivered by post or by your agent. Club Chairman John McKiernan said, “Having joined forces with Bolton Wanderers in the Goldline Lottery we can ensure big cash prizes are dished out every week but the Club also wins too – with the possibility of raising thousands of pounds each year.

“We hope those who have previously supported our monthly 500 Club lottery will now join our new venture. We are going to start canvassing this week with a view to entering our first draw at the start of March. In the current climate, this income through the Goldline Lottery will be crucial to the club. If people are able to give up £1 a week to enter then we think this is ta great way to support the club – but also give yourself a real chance of winning some cash too!” For more information on how you can join call John on 07713 339 682 or email sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk. Club officials will also have details on match days.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Executive Programme Sponsor

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

NWCFL News AFC Liverpool – in conjunction with landlords Marine FC, the Reds have organised “An Evening With Phil Neal” event on Friday 21st November at the College Suite, Arriva Stadium.

Tickets for the evening are just £25 for a two course meal with ex-Liverpool and England full back Phil Neal as an after dinner speaker, as well as entertainment from comedian Peter McCole and a raffle and auction. Tickets can be bought online through the club website, or in person on match days. Congleton Town – the Bears have organised a firework display at Booth Street on Wednesday 5th November. Tickets bought before the evening are priced at adults £4 and children £2, and on the night they are priced £5 and £3. Gates open a 6 pm, the display is at 7 pm, and anyone buying a ticket will get a 50% discount on entry for the home game against Ashton Athletic on Saturday 8th November. Nelson – the club is introducing a “Walking Football” initiative at Victoria Park, aimed at over 50s in the local community. Chief Executive Adam Keizer said: “It’s a fantastic initiative which has proved a great success in other parts of the UK. It’s a big passion of mine to see the club actively working within the community, and giving local people of all ages a chance to keep active and be part of this club”. Stockport Sports – the Saxons are reaping the rewards of starting an under 21/ Development squad in the summer, with a number of players already moving on to play in the first team. Under 21 manager Chris Culkin said: “The squad is a stepping stone for players to move from youth football into the senior squad. We’ve got some great young players at the moment, they’ve just got to kick on and impress the manager in training and in games”. Alsager Town - on Friday 7th November the club will be holding their second Sportsman's Evening. The guest speaker will be the former Port Vale manager and Stoke City Director of Football John Rudge. There are still some tickets left priced at £15 which includes a pie and peas supper, which ae available from the club. Cammell Laird 1907 have annouced the appointment of Paul McNally as full time manager. He takes charge of all football related matters within the club with immediate effect, replacing Tony Sullivan who left to take charge at Evo-Stik League side WItton Albion. Chairman Frank Games said: "We had some very good candidates but Paul was the man we felt could take the club forward, and lead the club back to where we believe we belong." McNally's first game in full time charge was last Saturday against Runcorn Linnets at the MBS Stadium with his side winning 1-0.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

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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. Alan went on to Town history with the club’s historic journey to Wembley in 1987 before he and the vast majority of Allan Wellens receiving the Lancs the FA Vase winning side sought pastures new. 1987Combination Championship Trophy 92 Alan Aspinall (pictured opposite) took over the from Wesley Bridge in 1972 mantle of manager following the departure of the Vase squad and management team having been Reserve team boss and spent a successful five seasons in charge.

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Past & Present 1992-93 Mick Holgate 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 (left) took over the managerial reigns with Paul Jones as his assistant. Many thanks to Jim Barrett and Eric Bond for their input in compiling the information.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

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2014-14 Fixtures, Facts an Date Aug 2 Aug 5 Aug 9 Aug 13 Aug 16 Aug 18 Aug 23 Aug 26 Aug 30 Sep 6 Sep 9 Sep 13 Sep 16 Sep 20 Sep 23 Sep 27 Sep 30 Oct 5 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 28 Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 15 Nov 19 Nov 22 Dec 6 Dec 13 Dec 20 Dec 27 Jan 3 Jan 17 Jan 24 Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25 TBA

Opponents Maine Road AFC BLACKPOOL ALSAGER TOWN Bacup & Rossendale Boro’ ATHERTON COLLIERIES Runcorn Town Colne STOCKPORT SPORTS BARNOLDSWICK TOWN Irlam ABBEY HEY AFC LIVERPOOL RUNCORN LINNETS Winsford United Bootle W DIDS & CHORLTON Burscough Nostell Miners Welfare SQUIRES GATE Congleton Town AFC Blackpool Widnes RUNCORN TOWN YORKSHIRE AMATEUR Stockport Sports COLNE Runcorn Linnets AFC Liverpool SILSDEN Alsager Town 1874 NORTHWICH Nelson ASHTON ATHLETIC Silsden Squires Gate West Didsbury & Chorlton BOOTLE GLOSSOP NORTH END NELSON Abbey Hey CONGLETON TOWN Glossop North End WINSFORD UNITED Ashton Athletic BACUP & ROSS’ BORO’ MAINE ROAD Barnoldswick Town 1874 Northwich

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Comp NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAC EPR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAV 1QR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL LSC 1 FAV 2QR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL LCC 2R NWCFL FAV 1R NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL

KO Result GK 3.00 1-2W Brinksman 7.45 3-0W Brinksman 3.00 0-4L Brinksman 7.45 2-6W Brinksman 3.00 2-5L Brinksman 7.45 7-2L Brinksman 3.00 4-0L Brinksman 7.45 2-4L Brinksman 3.00 4-3W Crowther 3.00 1-2W* Crowther 7.45 1-0W Crowther 3.00 0-9L Crowther 7.45 0-1L Crowther 3.00 3-0L Crowther 7.45 3-0L Crowther 3.00 0-3L Crowther 7.45 4-1L Crowther 3.00 3-0W Crowther 3.00 0-0D Crowther 3.00 2-0L Crowther 7.45 2-1L Crowther 3.00 4-4D# Crowther 7.45 3.00 7.45 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 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 TBA

2 Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Morris Saunders Morris Cottington Saunders Duffy Cottington Duffy Duffy Whelan Duffy

Duffy Duffy Duffy Halpin

3 4 5 6 7 Saunders Falconer Morris1 McKay Lightbody Lightbody1 Saunders Falconer Morris1 McKay Saunders Falconer Morris McKay Lightbody Houghton Falconer Morris1 McKay Rushton-Woo Andy Gillespi Houghton Falconer1 Morris McKay McKay1 Houghton Falconer Morris Peers Morris Falconer Ogden McKay Andy Gillespi Richardson Falconer Ogden Cottington1 Coulter Bergqvist1 Richardson Falconer Morris1 Cottington Bergqvist1 Saunders Falconer Ogden1 McKay Morris Falconer Ogden McKay Bergqvist Richardson Falconer Morris McKay Andy Gillespi Morris Falconer Grant McKay Perry Morris Falconer Grant McKay Perry Richardson Falconer Morris Cottington McKay Saunders Falconer Morris McKay Cottington Morris Falconer Ogden McKay Saleh Morris Falconer Ogden McKay Saleh

Morris Morris Morris Morris

Falconer Ogden Falconer Grant Falconer Coyle1 Falconer Coyle

McKay McKay McKay McKay

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Bergqvist Cottington Saleh Saleh1

nd Figures

ds ie1

1 1

8 Hulme Hulme Coulter Hulme Hulme Hulme Hulme Hulme McKay1 Cottington Hulme Cottington Alex Gillespie Ashton Ashton Ashton Ashton Grant

Grant Ashton Grant Grant

9 10 11 12 Whyte1 Rushton-Woods Perry Pullinger Perry1 Cook-Hannah Rushton-Woods Pullinger Cook-Hannah Rushton-Woods Perry Pullinger Bergqvist3 Perry1 Cook-Hannah Pullinger Cook-Hannah Rushton-Woods Perry Barton11 Whyte1 Rushton-Woods Andy Gillespie Pullinger Whyte Rushton-Woods Perry Pullinger10 Rushton-Woods1 Andy Gillespie Whyte Bergqvist7 Cook-Hannah Rushton-Woods Andy Gillespie1 Harrison10 Cook-Hannah Rushton-Woods Perry Peers5 Cook-Hannah Rushton-Woods Andy Gillespie Peers Whyte Rushton-Woods Perry Peers3 Cook-Hannah Rushton-Woods Andy Gillespie Peers Cook-Hannah Rushton-Woods Andy Gillespie Saunders Whyte Rushton-Woods Andy Gillespie Cook-Hannah Bergqvist Rushton-Woods Andy Gillespie Cook-Hannah10 Cook-Hannah Rushton-Woods Bergqvist Andy Gillespie9 Bergqvist1 Andy Gillespie1 Cook-Hannah Saunders

Cook-Hannah Ashton Whyte Andy Gillespie Whyte Bergqvist Whyte2 Bell1

Name1

14 Alex Gillespie7 Alex Gillespie Houghton3 Coulter10 Pulling/Saunder Coulter6 Bergqvist11 Cook-Hannah3 Alex Gillespie Hulme11 Whyte91 Alex Gillespie11 Ogden Harrison9 Bergqvist9 Saleh11 Lightbody10 Harrison8

15 16 Bergqvist11 Cook-Hannah9 Houghton Bergqvist9 Alex Gillespie8 Bergqvist11 Barton11 Andy Gillespie91 Whyte9 Peers/Crowther Perry7 Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Richardson7 Alex Gillespie Perry9 Peers Brinksman Whyte9 Harrison Perry11 Alex Gillespie Cook-Hannah9 Whyte9 Saunders Barton7 Whelan Whelan10 Perry7 Whyte91 Whyte9 Lightbody10

17 Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Coulter7 Crowther Crowther Crowther Brinksman Saunders

Andy Gillespie Saunders Rushton-Woods11 Harrison Whyte9 Saleh Cook-Hannah Bergqvist11 Bell10 Rushton-Woods8 Halpin Andy Gillespie Halpin2 Harrison6 Bell11 Andy Gillespie Harrison Bergqvist10 Cook-Hannah

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

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Match Report Town blown off course at Blackpool AFC Blackpool 2-1 St Helens Town Tuesday 21st October 2014

St. Helens Town turned in a much-improved performance at stormy Blackpool on Tuesday night, but were left kicking themselves after they failed to take advantage of the strong wind in the first half. Scoring for the first time in eight league matches, they took the lead but then lost the game 2-1, thanks in the main to a more astute AFC Blackpool side, who made the most of their few scoring chances, used the conditions to their advantage and held on for only their second win of the season. With the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo at their backs in the first half, Town went on the offensive from the start, forcing any number of scoring chances and corner kicks, but they scored only once and it was never going to be enough to win the game. In the early part of the season, they were scoring goals for fun, but since the goals dried up after the first week of September, they have found it hard to get back into the groove. Gaz Grant went close on 12 minutes, but his shot was deflected and hit the left-hand post and Lewis Coyle, returning to the club after a spell at Droylsden, had his header scrambled round the other post by home keeper Adam Caunce midway through the half. However, the stopper’s luck ran out when he was caught off his line and Karl Bergqvist’s shot was turned in by Coyle after 29 minutes. Town had been so far on top that it was difficult to see how the home side could get back into the game, but from a break a minute before half-time, Mitch Newsham headed past Rory Crowther for a surprise equaliser and this turned the game on its head. Eight minutes into the second half, Town fell behind to a goal from the enterprising Matt Muscroft who, seeing Crowther off his line, launched a huge up-and-under from over 40 yards out. Assisted by the gale at his back, the ball bounced over the stranded keeper into the net. Town might have levelled a minute later, but Chad Whyte’s header was saved by Caunce and the keeper rode his luck on 76 minutes when, after a cross by substitute James Halpin, Whyte got in a goalbound touch, but Caunce just held on to deny the young centre forward. St. Helens still had chances to salvage a point, but no player could get in a shot to test Caunce and Blackpool held on for the victory. In truth, Town had only themselves to blame for not building on their lead in the first half and, turning to face the full force of the storm, they were at the mercy of the elements and the shrewd home side who made the most of their relatively few chances.

Glyn Jones

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

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Statistical History ST. HELENS TOWN AFC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A STATISTICAL HISTORY by Glyn Jones Part 40 - Season 1986-87 North West Counties League Team Stalybridge Celtic Accrington Stanley Clitheroe Kirkby Town Bootle St. Helens Town Winsford United Fleetwood Town Penrith Rossendale United Congleton Town Burscough Leyland Motors Eastwood Hanley Radcliffe Borough Leek Town Netherfield Irlam Town Curzon Ashton Glossop Opponents Accrington Stanley Bootle Burscough Clitheroe Congleton Town Curzon Ashton Eastwood Hanley Fleetwood Town Glossop Irlam Town Kirkby Town Leek Town Leyland Motors Netherfield Penrith Radcliffe Borough Rossendale United Stalybridge Celtic Winsford United

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P 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 Home May 10 Dec 26 Aug 25 Apl 27 Feb 21 Oct 25 Aug 12 Oct 4 May 9 Apl 18 Apl 30 May 7 Apl 14 Aug 9 Aug 23 May 12 May 5 Dec 27 Apl 9

W 25 19 20 22 19 19 19 16 16 14 13 11 13 10 11 9 12 4 4 5

D 8 15 12 4 10 9 8 13 10 11 11 11 7 11 8 12 5 13 12 8 Result Lost 1-2 Won 1-0 Won 2-0 Drew 0-0 Won 1-0 Won 4-1 Lost 0-1 Drew 1-1 Drew 2-2 Drew 1-1 Lost 0-1 Won 4-2 Won 1-0 Won 2-0 Lost 0-1 Lost 0-2 Drew 0-0 Lost 1-3 Won 3-1

L 5 4 6 12 9 10 11 9 12 13 14 16 18 17 19 17 21 21 22 25

F 74 63 76 71 52 65 55 61 62 66 38 58 52 40 46 42 45 36 35 33

A 39 32 47 48 38 37 39 49 59 59 39 54 56 50 57 55 73 74 78 87

Away Aug 16 Mar 14 Sep 23 Apl 20 Feb 24 Mar 16 Nov 1 Mar 4 Apl 11 Feb 14 May 15* Aug 19 Oct 15 Dec 6 Dec 20 Nov 29 Apl 12 Oct 11 Aug 30

Pts 58 53 52 48 48 47 46 45 42 39 37 33 33 31 30 30 29 21 20 18 Result Lost 2-4 Won 2-1 Won 2-1 Lost 0-1 Won 1-0 Won 4-1 Won 4-0 Won 1-0 Won 3-0 Drew 2-2 Lost 0-1 Drew 0-0 Won 5-0 Won 3-0 Won 4-0 Won 4-2 Lost 2-4 Drew 1-1 Drew 1-1

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Season 1986-87 Sep 13 Sep 27 Sep 30

Prelim. 1st Qual. Replay

Sep 6 Sep 20 Oct 18 Nov 8 Dec 13 Jan 24 Feb 7 Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 21 Mar 28 Apl 25

Prelim. 1st Qual. 2nd Qual. 1st Rd. 2nd Rd. 3rd Rd. 4th Rd. 5th Rd. Replay Semi-Final (1) Semi-Final (2) Final

Nov 15 Mar 31

2nd Rd. 3rd Rd.

Nov 2 Feb 15 Apl 4

1st Rd. 2nd Rd. Semi-Final

Player Aspinall, Dave Baker, Steve Bendon, John Benson, Paul Carney, P Collins, Dave Collins, Jimmy Cummins, Marty Deakin, John Donnelly, Alan Farrell Gledhill, Mark Griffiths, Bryan Johnston, Andy Layhe, Phil Lowe, Barry McComb, Jay McDonald, Alvin O’Donnell, Dave O’Neil, Tommy Rigby, Brian Tickle, Steve Williams, Tony Wilson, Paul Own goals Totals

FA CUP HEANOR TOWN Home Armthorpe Welfare Away ARMTHORPE WELFARE Home FA VASE COLNE DYNAMOES Home GENERAL CHEMICALS Home WREN ROVERS Home GUISBOROUGH TOWN Home WYTHENSHAWE AMATEURS Home Wisbech Town Away RAINWORTH MINERS WELFARE Home FALMOUTH TOWN Home Falmouth Town Away EMLEY Home Emley Away Warrington Town Wembley NWC LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP WARRINGTON TOWN Home BURSCOUGH Home LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP FORMBY Home South Liverpool Away KIRKBY TOWN Home App 3 7 47 51 3 2 55 44 18 1 3 18 5 58 40 51 57 3 3 53 50 1 31 34

Sub App 1 1 1 -

Total App 3 7 47 51 3 3 55 44 18 1 3 19 6 58 40 51 57 3 3 53 50 1 31 34

638

641

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Won Drew Lost

6-0 1-1 0-1

Won Won Won Won Won Won Won Drew Won Lost Won Won

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

Won Lost

4-1 3-5

Won Won Lost

7-1 1-0 0-1 Goals 4 2 1 21 5 4 5 29 7 1 11 18 3 3 114

Executive Programme Sponsor

A Brief History The original Town club was in existence from 1901 to 1928, but George Fryer and a number of local businessmen decided to re-form the club in 1946. They obtained a lease on the Hoghton Road ground in Sutton, adjacent to St. Helens Junction station on the Liverpool to Manchester railway line, took over a local St. Helens Combination team, Derbyshire Hill Rovers, signing a number of players from other clubs and entered the Liverpool County Combination in the 1947/48 season, playing against Everton “A” and Liverpool “A” and several reserve sides from the leading non-league clubs in the Merseyside area. Success was first attained in May 1949 when Runcorn were defeated in the final of the George Mahon Cup, played at the Prescot Cables ground. The following season, 1949/50, Town were elevated to the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination and they were promoted as Champions in only their second season to the First Division, where they ran up against teams such as Ashton United, Nelson and New Brighton, newly relegated from the Football League. Sadly, Town were themselves relegated in their first season and although promoted briefly again for the 1955/56 season, they spent most of their early years in the Second Division. Improvements were quickly made to the facilities at Hoghton Road in the early years, but in November 1952 the decision was taken to re-locate to the former St. Helens Recs’ rugby league ground at City Road in order to further their ambitions of reaching the Football League. Initially, the move resulted in some encouraging crowds, but the club had a change of heart and returned to Sutton in the October 1953. The ground was purchased and further developed and a social club and floodlights were added in later years. Town were Champions of the Lancashire Combination in 1971/72 season, losing only one game, finishing 6 points clear of Accrington Stanley. 1975 brought a switch to the Cheshire League, where they remained until the formation of the North West Counties League in 1982 and St. Helens Town is still the only club to feature in the top division of that league throughout its existence. The club’s major achievement was to win the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987. After a stuttering start in the Preliminary Round with a 5-4 extra-time win over Colne Dynamoes, further home successes over General Chemicals, Wren Rovers, Guisborough Town and Wythenshawe Amateurs, led to wins at Wisbech Town, at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare, away to Falmouth Town (after a replay) and in the away leg at Emley when, following a 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg, a 2-0 win in Yorkshire secured a Wembley Final against local rivals Warrington Town, who were dispatched 3-2 with goals from Phil Layhe (2) and Brian Rigby. St. Helens Town boast an impressive “Hall of Fame”, including legendary goalkeeper and former German Prisoner-of-War Bert Trautmann, who signed for Manchester City over 60 years ago and who went on to play the game of his life in the 1956 FA Cup Final, despite breaking his neck in the latter stages. Bill Foulkes was transferred to Manchester United, where he had a glittering career, surviving the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, in which he bravely rescued some of his stricken team-mates. John Connelly, an England squad member in the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign, was sold to Burnley and he later moved to join Foulkes at Old Trafford. Sadly, all three have passed away in the last few years. Other future stars, groomed at St. Helens Town, include John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday), Geoff Nulty (Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton) and, most recently, ace goalscorer Dave Bamber, who began and ended his league career at Blackpool and who played in all four divisions of the Football League. Captain of the FA Vase winning team was Tommy O’Neil, who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United.

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

of St Helens Town AFC

Town sold their Hoghton Road ground in 2000 to move in with St. Helens Rugby League Club at their Knowsley Road base. Their farewell appearance at Sutton produced a 1-0 win over Champions Vauxhall Motors and the initial campaign at Knowsley Road got off to a cracking start, with Town leading the table for most of the season, before finishing in a rather disappointing fourth place. Recent seasons have been more of a struggle, ninth place in 2009/10 being the best finish since. Season 2010-11 saw Town slide to 16th and next to bottom in 2011-12, when they would have been relegated, but for Flixton’s decision to resign from the league.

Town began the 2012-13 season under new manager Ian Granite, who brought in a new team and coaching set-up and they battled well to avoid relegation, their status being confirmed with a couple of games remaining. 2013-14 was a mirror-image of the previous campaign, with a 14-game unbeaten run between September and December putting the club just behind the front runners for two thirds of the campaign. Granite resigned in November 2013 due to work and family commitments and his assistant Ian Price took over the reins, assisted by Paul Jones and Nick Matthews, but the long breaks caused by the winter weather interrupted their earlier rhythm and Town finished the season once again in the lower reaches, although never in any serious danger of the drop.

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 Record Appearances: Alan Wellens Record Goal Scorer: Steve Pennington Record Attendances: 4000 at Hoghton Road v Manchester City 1723 at Knowsley Rd v FC Utd Manchester 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

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

Following the demolition of the Knowsley Road ground in 2010, Town have led a nomadic existence up the road in Soccer Club Swap Shop National Awards 2010-11 Placed 28th Ashton-in-Makerfield, sharing Ashton Town’s Edge Green 2011-12 Placed 8th Street ground for three seasons before moving across town 2012-13 Placed 7th to Brocstedes Park as the guests of Ashton Athletic in 2012. 2013-14 Placed 8th The current season is scheduled to be the club’s last in exile, as plans are in place for re-location back to St. Helens for the 2015-16 season at the Council-owned Ruskin Park site, currently undergoing massive redevelopment and a brand-new facility awaits. In readiness for the move, the club is undergoing a radical re-branding, adopting the town’s coat of arms as their badge once again and reverting next season to their traditional blue and white colours in preparation for a return to the town in 2015.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

North West Counties Football League Premier Division

Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Winsford United

West Dids & Chrltn

Stockport Sports

St Helens Town

Squires Gate

Silsden

Runcorn Town

Runcorn Linnets

Nelson

Maine Road

Glossop NE

Congleton Town

Colne

Bootle

Barnoldswick Town

0-2

2-3

3-1

2-3

5-0

3-1

2-1

2-2 4-1 1-2

0-2

7-2 1-2

3-2

4-3

0-0

3-2 2-0 5-0

1-1

1-5

x x

1-3 2-0

1-0

0-1

5-5 0-8

0-0

2-2 0-6

2-1 0-0

2-1 1-1

2-1

0-4 6-0 2-1

4-2 4-0

0-3

0-1

0-2

2-5

3-0 4-0 3-0

1-0 1-1 3-0

0-4

4-1

1-2

0-0

1-1 3-2

1-1 2-3

1-5 2-8 1-6

0-1

0-4 2-3

4-1

3-1 3-0

0-1

1-1

2-0

0-0

2-0 2-0

3-1

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

3-0

7-2

4-2

2-2

2-1

2-2

3-0

1-2 1-4

2-4 0-3

3-4

3-2 6-0 2-0

1-2 2-2

6-0

2-4

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

2-2

2-4 3-4

2-1

0-4

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

1-4 1-1 1-1

1-1 1-2 3-1

1-2 1-4 1-3

2-1

1-0 4-2 0-4

0-0

0-1 3-0 1-1

1-1

3-2 1-3 1-4

4-1

4-0

3-0

1-0 3-0 0-9 0-4

4-1 2-0

2-2

2-0

3-2 1-1

2-0 1-0

1-2 1-1

0-1

Abbey Hey

0-4

AFC Blackpool

1-2 0-2

Squires Gate

Bacup & Rossendale

AFC Liverpool 0-1

Ashton Athletic

1-1 3-0

Glossop NE

Alsager Town

0-1 3-0 0-5

Silsden

Ashton Athletic

Bacup & Ross

Colne

4-1

Congleton Town

1-2 2-1

Nelson

2-1 1-4

Runcorn Linnets

1-4 1-1 1-1

Barnoldswick T

4-2 2-4

St Helens Town

1-0

0-3

Bootle

0-0

Stockport Sports

1-1

0-4

Abbey Hey

AFC Blackpool

Maine Road

4-2

Runcorn Town

3-1 1-0

Winsford Utd

AFC Liverpool

1874 Northwich

WD&C

3-0 0-1

1874 Northwich

North West Counties Football League Premier Division 2014-15

Head 2 Head Results

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Five Time Winners of Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14

Tea Break Teasers Q1. Which player holds the record for playing in the most World Cup Final Tournament matches? Q2. Who were the original sponsors of the Premier League?

Q3. Who was the first foreign manager to win the FA Cup? Q4. Who became the first non-Englishman to score 100 Premier League goals? Q5. Which nation has played in the most World Cup Qualifying tournaments without ever reaching the Finals? Q6. Which club were awarded a record 12 penalties in the Premier League last season? Q7. Who is the only player in the last 50 years to have won the Golden Boot for top scorer in both the English & Scottish top-flights? Q8. Which Premier League club played 22 of their 38 matches on a Sunday last term? Q9. Which team other than Manchester City won their final five Premier League matches last season? Q10. How many of England’s 1966 World Cup winning players received knighthoods?

Q11. How many different players scored Germany’s 18 goals in the 2014 World Cup Finals tournament? Q12. Who was the only Englishman to score a hat-trick in the Premier League last season? Q13. Who is Tottenham Hotspur’s top Premier League goalscorer? Q14. Which three teams have won the Spanish Top Flight on just the one occasion?

Q15. Which two team compete in the Turin derby?

1) Lothar Matthaus 25 apps 2) Carling 3) Ruud Gullit in 1997 4) Dwight Yorke 5) Luxembourg 6) Liverpool 7) Andy Gray 8) Tottenham Hotspur 9) Arsenal 10) Two, Geoff Hurst & Bobby Charlton 11) Eight 12) Adam Johnson 13) Teddy Sheringham 14) Real Betis, Sevilla & Deportivo La Coruna 15) Juventus & Torino.

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Meet the Players

Alex Gillespie 06/08/1997 Midfield

Rory Crowther 29/12/1996 Goalkeeper

This player is available to sponsor

Defender/Midfield

Marcus Perry 16/08/1996 Forward