St Helens Town v Silsden 2014-15 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 21st April 2015, 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 Matthew Davidson Ed Richardson Hamish Falconer Christian Banasko Edward Pegler James Rushton-Woods Aaron Morris Marcus Perry Liam Hynes Jack Golding Daniel Brooks Frazer Findlay Jack Marshall Paul Cook-Hannah Dominic Whelan

Silsden Sky Blue & White Shirts Sky Blue Shorts & Socks No

Gls

Silsden Daniel Thorpe Matthew Moses Matthew Moore Joe Mitchell Josh Brown Ben Lamb Dale Feather Kevin Ryan Aaron Hollindrake Joe Jalil Craig Nicholls Will Storrie Aiden Smith Tom Sowerbutts Brad Fay Connor Erangy

U18 Team Manager: Cairns Hardie U17 Team Manager: Nick Matthews Veterans Team Manager: David Platt

Manager: Ian Price Assistant: Nick Matthews

Manager: Ryan Haigh Assistant: Chris Price

Referee: Mr D Hitchell (Prenton)

Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk

Assist: Mr M Southern (Liverpool) & Mr S Morland (Liverpool)

Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Today’s Executive Match Sponsor:

Main Shirt Sponsor: Eciguk St Helens

Eciguk

Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company

George Street, St Helens

Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002

Today’s Match Ball Sponsor:

Company Directors: Jim Barrett

Kiera’s Occasions, St Helens

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

Cover: Action from Saturday’s 2-0 home win against Maine Road

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 our final North West Counties Football League, Premier Division contest of the season against Silsden. 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 was a welcome performance and victory on Saturday against a hard working Maine Road side here at Brocstedes Park on what was a nervy afternoon more so off the pitch than on it if the truth be told! Town dominated the opening half and Rory Crowther in the Town goal was pretty much a spectator for the vast majority of the opening period. Marcus Perry had a great chance on the half hour mark to open the scoring when he chased a long ball down which visiting stopper Ryan Livsey came just outside his box to head clear but he misjudged it and flicked it on rather than headed it away with Perry collecting the loose ball and he looked to have an open goal to find but a well timed recovering challenge from James Flynn thwarted him a she looked to shoot. The deadlock was broken ten minutes later when a deep free kick was not cleared by the Maine Road backline and broke to Jack Golding on the left wing he did well but his centre was blocked and broke kindly to James Rushton-Wood on the edge of the box and his snap-shot took a deflect which beat the visiting stopper. The lead was doubled a couple of minutes later when more good work by Golding on the left saw him find Perry who made no mistake this time firing home off the underside of the crossbar. We went into the interval with a 2-0 lead as we had done on Easter Monday at Brocstedes Park against our landlords Ashton Athletic however this time there was to be a different outcome. In truth there was a bit of a storm to weather from the visitors but we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come under too much real pressure and comfortably played out the remainder of the game. The most uncomfortable moments came on the terraces as we monitored the scores of the other teams around us in table we knew that we needed a favour from Runcorn Town which thankfully we got as they defeated Barnoldswick Town 1-0 at Pavilions with Barnoldswick having now finished their games and having 27 points we need a win in our final game this evening to climb out of the relegation zone, nothing else will do for us.

The equation is much simpler this evening than it was on Saturday afternoon our fate is back in our own hands we know that there is just one permutation and it is win this evenings contest and we preserve our ever present tenure in the North West Counties League top-flight. With this being the final game of the season I always like to take the opportunity to thank the people without whom we would not have got through the season. My personal thanks go to all the players and coaching staff of all the teams across the club who give their free time to get games on and also all the committee and volunteers who do likewise. Special thanks go to all the sponsors who have been involved this term and last but not least to our hard working Chairman John McKiernan and more personally to my wife Debbie and Step Daughter Jodie who have to put up with wall to wall football for 40 weeks a year and also give up their time to run the snack bar at home games, feel free to pay them a visit and thank them personally this evening! Finally, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get behind Town this evening and help to cheer them onto victory that we need, your 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 The first ever Silsden AFC was formed in September 1904. The fledgling club adopted a blue & white playing kit that had been used by the recently defunct village rugby club, and a field adjacent to the original rugby field on Keighley Road was hired. It is amazing that the same field is used to this day by the current Silsden football club. 1905-06, saw Silsden become founder members of the Keighley & District League. Unfortunately success eluded them, finishing 5th in the league after being in the running for the title early in the season, and beaten in the Charity Cup final by Keighley Celtic 0-1, in front of 1000 wet & windswept spectators at Lawkholme Lane. For the 1909-10 season, Silsden FC resigned from the Keighley league, and they joined the Bradford & District League. For 1911/12 Season Silsden returned to the Keighley League and in 1913/14 won the Keighley Charity Cup for the second time after defeating Cullingworth 3-2. and lifted the Keighley League title for the first time in six seasons the next term. After the war there were a number of local clubs wanting a higher grade of football in which to play, and it was no surprise when the Keighley League’s top teams began to look to further themselves away from local competition. Silsden became founder members of the West Riding County Amateur League. For 1924/25 Silsden moved to the South Craven League. This was to herald what was to be a lean time for the club, who struggled badly in their new surroundings. The South Craven League came to sudden and abrupt end when its sides joined forces with others to form a strong Airedale & Craven League in 1931. Silsden won the inaugural A&C title after a titanic battle with Keighley Town and old rivals Sutton United. They defeated Keighley Town in the final game of the season 5-4 after twice being two goals in arrears to lift the title, also winning the Charity Cup and the Craven Morrison Cup finals. At the end of the 1933/34 season Silsden moved to the Bradford Amateur League in the hope of increasing their support and revenue. In their first season they had to settle for runners-up place, but they did retain the Charity Cup. After finishing bottom in 1936/37 Silsden moved back to the Keithley & District League, winning the League Cup in their first season. In 1939/40 with many teams closing down due to the war, Silsden won the League title, the League Cup and the Charity Cup. Silsden entered the Craven & District League after the war but after one season moved back to the Bradford Amateur League. In 1951 they moved again, this time spending 8 seasons in the Wharfdale League. This heralded another period of success for the club with League titles and cups being won. However, as ever the wheels turned and by the end of the decade Silsden moved back to the Craven & District League. In 1963/64 Silsden won the League and Cup double and on the strength of that were elected straight into the West Riding County Amateur Leagues top division for the following season. Over the next decade the side would win the Keighley FA Cup seven times, and lift both West Riding County Amateur and West Yorkshire League titles. Yet, despite their immense success, events would transpire that would lead them to a self inflicted downfall by the end of the 1970’s. In 1971/72 the club won the League title but at the end of 1972/73 Silsden were unable to raise a team to play in the League Cup final on the specified date and were expelled from the League. The club found a new home in the West Yorkshire League Division One and promptly won the title but there was no automatic promotion, so they were forced to play a second season in Division One. Silsden won the title again and this time were allowed promotion to the Premier Division where they took the title at the first attempt. An altercation between players from Silsden and Fryston at the League’s Presentation evening lead to both clubs being expelled from the League. Silsden managed to regain admittance to the West Riding County Amateur League. Incredibly Silsden were expelled from a league for the third time in six seasons, this time for violent and abusive behaviour from players and officials. Silsden also lost the use of their ground after breaking the tenancy agreement. With no home, the club broke up. However, Silsden United, a Sunday team who had taken over the facilities, changed their name to Silsden AFC as part of the tenancy agreement and in 1980 a Saturday team was formed which joined the Craven League. In 1983/84 they were accepted into the West Riding County Amateur League and in 1985/86 won promotion to the Premier Division. However, things didn’t work out and after finishing

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

Silsden AFC second from bottom in 1987/88, the club had withdrawn from the League by Christmas 1988 and folded. A new Silsden AFC was formed. They started life in the Craven & District football league Division Two and spent three years in the Craven League, moving up to the Premier Division and in the last year set a new record of going through the season unbeaten in all competitions. They then joined the West Riding County Amateur League in Division Two and quickly gained promotion up into the Premier Division where they enjoyed three seasons. In season 2002/03 Silsden set another record in going through the season unbeaten in all competitions. They won the League title and the League Cup. 2003/04 saw Silsden again walk away with most of the trophies. As well as winning the League, they became only the fourth team in history to win the County Cup three seasons running, they also took the Keighley FA Cup, the Keighley FA Suplementary Cup and the Keighley FA Sunday Cup, although they had to settle for runners up place in the League Cup final, losing 3-1 to Campion. In season 2004/5 Silsden gained promotion to Division 1 in the North West Counties Football League in their inaugural season by finishing runners up to Cammell Laird. 2005/6 saw the side finish their first season in Division One in 14th position a great achievement in only their second season on the league. The following season saw them replicate the previous seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 14th placed finish but this time they gained four extra points. The following year they improved they finished in a club record 10th position. The 2008/9 season saw the Yorkshire men improve again this time finishing in their best ever finish of 9th position in the Premier Division. Work was completed in May on the new clubhouse & changing facilities at their natural home of Keighley Road. Silsden returned to its natural home in Silsden at the start of the 2010/11 season but the club had an difficult start to the season on the pitch finding themselves battling at the wrong end of the table they regrouped and eventually put a string of results together to ensure that they were to play Premier Division football this season with a 15th position finish. The 2011/12 season saw the club have a more comfortable season with the club finishing in a mid-table position of 12th. The following term 2012/13 saw the club have a good start but a poor run of form saw them slide down the table and be drawn into the danger zone. A few good results in the final month of the season saw the club climb back up the table and finish in 18th position. Last season saw the club improve slightly with another lower mid table finish this time in 15th position.

Season 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

League WRCL-2 WRCL-1 WRCL-P WRCL-P WRCL-P NWC-2 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P

P 26 28 26 24 26 36 42 42 38 42 42 42 42 42 42

W 22 24 17 17 22 25 16 16 15 16 13 13 16 11 13

D 3 3 4 7 1 5 8 6 10 10 7 9 9 6 8

L 1 1 5 0 3 6 18 20 13 16 22 20 17 25 21

F 100 90 66 63 78 93 76 66 65 62 53 47 59 58 52

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

A 14 19 30 19 28 42 75 79 57 67 75 74 59 98 70

GD 86 71 36 44 50 51 1 -13 8 -5 -22 -27 0 -40 -18

Pts 69 75 55 58 67 77 50 54 55 58 46 48 57 39 47

Position 1/14 1/15 2/14 1/13 1/14 2/19 14/22 14/22 10/20 9/22 14/22 15/22 12/22 18/22 15/22

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? at St Helens Town NWC-1

Previous Meetings 1999-00

at Silsden WRCL-2

NWC-1

2000-01

WRCL-1

2001-02

WRCL-P

St Helens Town - last 6 matches All Competitions

Home

Most recent

Away

NWC-1

Collated

NWC-1

2002-03

WRCL-P

NWC-1

2003-04

WRCL-P

Silsden - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

St Helens Town games since...

Silsden games since...

All Competitions

All Competition

Clean sheet

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

Score draw

Win

NWC-1

2004-05

NWC-2

04/02; 3-2

2005-06

18/02; 2-4

31/03; 2-1

2006-07

14/04; 1-1

20/10; 4-4

2007-08

05/01; 0-5

20/12; 4-1

2008-09

13/09; 1-2

29/04; 1-0

2009-10

20/03; 3-2

19/04; 0-3

2010-11

11/09; 3-0

26/11; 1-1

2011-12

28/04; 1-1

16/02; 2-1

2012-13

06/09; 1-7

19/09; 2-0

2013-14

14/12; 0-1

22/11/2014

2014-15

03/01; 1-2

St Helens Town Scores First Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Silsden Wins

St Helens Town Goals

Silsden Goals

Percentage Town Wins

42.11

All Previous Meetings All Competitions P

Win %

Home

70.00

Away

-12

20.00

Collated

-5

45.00

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 our final game of the NWCFL Premier Division against our visitors from West Yorkshire, Silsden AFC. Let’s hope their players, supporters and committee have had a safe journey and along with our own support are treated to an entertaining encounter. I’d like to welcome tonight’s match sponsor (and our executive shirt sponsors) Eciguk, George Street, St Helens - their support has been superb this season and thankfully will continue during the 2015-16 campaign. We also welcome our guests from Kiera’s Occasions, Greenfield Road, St Helens who are tonight’s match ball sponsors and who have been one of this season’s player sponsors (Matty Davidson).

A difficult season draws to an end but there can be some ‘glory’ if we can secure a win tonight as three points would see us avoid relegation! Last Saturday afternoon proved to be a tense affair despite a two goal cushion at half time - Maine Road never made it easy and the wait after our final whistle to have the Runcorn 1-0 Town Barnoldswick Town result confirmed felt like an eternity. So after 40 games (42 if we include Stockport Sports) it comes down to the final 90 minutes - the lads cannot take anything for granted and I am sure Silsden will prove tough opposition and I neither side will give an inch but for Town it is an opportunity we must grasp with both hands. I must thank all of this season’s sponsors, especially Gareth Shone and our main club sponsors Johnsons Toyota Liverpool along with our shirt sponsors for our U17s ( Battmar Recovery), U18s and U21s (Bizspace UK and Toast Café) and the Veterans (Contego Security UK). We have very well supported by lots of others and I have been delighted with the support for our programme, website, player sponsorship and lots more - we go again next season and hope to be as successful!

I also offer a huge thank you to our good friends and landlords Ashton Athletic who have again proved to be the perfect hosts during our time out of St Helens. Thanks go to all our staff, coaches and players of all five teams and I would like to offer my best wishes to Ian Price who gets married next month. Finally, thank you to my fellow volunteers without whom the club could not function on matchdays and beyond - we’ve all had a tough season and hopefully there will be some rewarded with victory tonight. Enjoy the game . . . John McKiernan Chairman, St Helens Town AFC Please keep following the club’s website over the summer break for all the latest club news: www.sthelenstownafc.com

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

Town v Maine Road

Match and Ball Sponsors from our game v Maine Road last Saturday

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 College Partnership for Lairds Cammell Laird 1907 have announced a partnership between the football club and Wirral Metropolitan College.

The partnership will see a number of students joining the staff of the club from next season, covering the media elements of the club as well as some other key positions. The intention is that the opportunities will give the students valuable work experience, which will help them towards gaining full time employment. Speaking on behalf of the College, Lisa Rice said: “We are grateful to Cammell Laird 1907 FC to be giving great work experience opportunities to some of our students, and letting them experience a real working environment inside of a successful football club”. Cammell Laird 1907 Commercial Manager, Dave Taylor said: “I am delighted that this link has been created. Wirral Met has continually grown across the whole of the Wirral over the past 15 years and I look forward to continuing to work with Lisa and her team in the future. The potential plans are massive and we can see this opportunity for both club and college growing and growing”. League Landmarks Tuesday 14th April 2015 Chadderton's 3-2 win over Hanley Town produced a remarkable three landmarks. The game was Chadderton's 1200th in the League game, the three points brought up 1500 league points, while Daniel Murray's second goal was also Chaddys 1000th home League goal. 1874 Northwich recorded their 50th league win with a 2-0 victory over Congleton Town. Mark Threlfall's second goal for Barnoldswick Town, their second at Bootle in the 3-2 win, was Barlick's 400th League goal.

Wednesday 15th April 2015 Colne celebrated their 750th League game with a 1-0 win over Winsford United. Nathan Neequaye's goal for Cheadle Town in the 2-1 home defeat to Atherton Collieries was Town's 900th home League goal. Charlie Munroe's goal for Ashton Towmn in the 3-1 defeat at Holker Old Boys was Town's 700th away League goal. Friday 17th April 2015 AFC Darwen's 2-0 win over Atherton Collieries took them to 250 League points. Darwen are also the first NWCFL team this season to prevent Atherton Collieries from scoring. (Clitheroe are the only other team to stop Colls, when they beat them in the semi final of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy).

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 Cup Final for Town Under 17s Nick Matthews' U17s team, sponsored by Battmar Recovery, have reached the final of the South Lancashire Football League Wilf Hickson Memorial Youth Cup where they will meet Southport U17s. The fixture will take place at Brocstedes Park (Ashton Athletic) on Sunday 26th April 2015, kick off 11.30am. Admission: Adults £2.50, Under 18s £1, Under 5s and Senior Citizens FREE We'd like to invite everyone involved with the club to come along and support the youngsters. South Lancashire Counties Football League Wilf Hickson Memorial Youth Cup Final Southport U17s v St Helens Town U17s Sunday 26th April 2015, kick off 11.30am Brocstedes Park, Ashton Athletic FC, Downall Green WN4 0NR AFC Liverpool failed in their attempt to lift the Liverpool County FA Senior Cup, but were involved in a nine goal thriller of a game against Skelmersdale United. In the end, Skem won 5-4 in a game that produced three goals in the first five minutes, two more by the 17th minute and two more goals before half time to give Skem a 4-3 half time lead. A cagier second half still produced two more goals, but despite a spirited rally at the end by the Reds, Skem held on to collect the trophy. The opener for Skem came after just 30 seconds, Scott Bakker heading home at the back post, but a minute later Muktar Mahama found Francis Barry in space in the six yard box, and from his cross Ryan Cox finished from close range to put AFC Liverpool level. Within three minutes Skem were ahead again, through Aidan Kirkbride but AFC Liverpool equalised again in the 14th minute, with a free kick from Steven Jones that Andy Paxton in the Skem goal got a hand to but couldn’t keep out. Three minutes later Danny Mitchley put Skem 3-2 ahead from the penalty spot, and Bakker added a fourth, and his second goalscoring header of the afternoon, on 27 minutes to put Skem 4-2 up. As the half progressed, the Reds got a foothold in the game once more, and reduced the arrears before half time when Daniel Loughlin set up Francis Barry for AFC Liverpool's third goal. After seven goals in a terrific opening 45 minutes, the second half was less frantic in comparison, and just after the hour Skem restored their two goal lead when Danny Mitchley made it 5-3 to the hosts. With two minutes to go, an exciting finish was set up when AFC Liverpool substitute Josh Purcell's close range finish made it 5-4, but despite a rally in stoppage time by the Reds, Skem held on to collect the trophy.

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

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

Veterans in Action . . .

Liverpool & District Sunday League St Helens Town 0-4 Woolton FC Sunday 29th March 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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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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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

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

2014-15 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 22 Nov 25 Nov 29 Dec 6 Dec 20 Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 24 Feb 28 Mar 3 Mar 7 Mar 10 Mar 14 Mar 21 Apr 6 Apr 9 Apr 18 Apr 21

Opponents Maine Road AFC BLACKPOOL ALSAGER TOWN Bacup & Rossendale B ATHERTON COLLS Runcorn Town Colne STOCKPORT SPORT BARNOLDSWICK TN Irlam (*AET) ABBEY HEY AFC LIVERPOOL RUNCORN LINNETS Winsford United Bootle W DIDS & CHORLTON Burscough NOSTELL M.W. SQUIRES GATE Congleton Town AFC Blackpool Widnes RUNCORN TOWN YORKSHIRE AMS Stockport Sports COLNE Runcorn Linnets Alnwick Town AFC Liverpool BACUP & ROSSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; B TADCASTER ALBION Nelson Silsden Squires Gate Alsager Town West Dids & Chorlton BOOTLE Barnoldswick Town ASHTON ATHLETIC 1874 NORTHWICH NELSON 1874 Northwich Abbey Hey GLOSSOP NE CONGLETON TOWN WINSFORD UNITED Ashton Athletic Glossop North End MAINE ROAD SILSDEN

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Comp NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAC EPR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAV 1QR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL LSC 1R FAV 2QR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL LCC 2R NWCFL FAV 1R NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAV 2R NWCFL NWCFL FAV 3R NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL

KO 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 8.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45

Result 1-2W 3-0W 0-4L 2-6W 2-5L 7-2L 4-0L 2-4L 4-3W 1-2W* 1-0W 0-9L 0-1L 3-0L 3-0L 0-3L 4-1L 2-0W 0-0D 2-0L 2-1L 4-4D# 2-2D 3-1W 0-2W 2-5L 1-0L 4-5W* 7-3L 2-0W 2-4L 4-0L 2-1L 1-1D 4-2L 3-0L 1-2L 4-1L 0-2L 1-4L 1-6L 5-0L 3-1L 1-3L 1-3L 1-1D 4-3L 4-0L 2-0W

GK Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Brinksman Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Mullin Mullin Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther

2 Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Cottington Morris Saunders Morris Cottington Saunders Duffy Cottington Duffy Duffy Whelan Duffy Duffy Duffy Duffy Halpin Halpin Duffy Duffy Halpin Duffy Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Halpin Whelan Halpin Halpin Halpin Morris Halpin Halpin Davidson Davidson Davidson Tingay Halpin Davidson

3 4 5 Saunders Falconer Morris1 Saunders Falconer Morris1 Saunders Falconer Morris Houghton Falconer Morris1 Houghton Falconer1 Morris Houghton Falconer Morris Morris Falconer Ogden Richardson Falconer Ogden Richardson Falconer Morris1 Saunders Falconer Ogden1 Morris Falconer Ogden Richardson Falconer Morris Morris Falconer Grant Morris Falconer Grant Richardson Falconer Morris Saunders Falconer Morris Morris Falconer Ogden Morris Falconer Ogden Morris Falconer Ogden Morris Falconer Grant Morris Falconer Coyle1 Morris Falconer Coyle Hont Falconer Coyle Hont Falconer Coyle Hont Falconer Coyle Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Duffy Morris Hont Falconer Duffy Hont Falconer Duffy Hont Morris Vincent Richardson Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Hont Falconer Morris Richardson Falconer Mawdsley Hont Morris Banasko Casey Dempsey Morris1 Casey Pegler Coyle Casey Pegler Coyle Casey Pegler Falconer Davidson Falconer Dimitriou Richardson Falconer Tingay Richardson Falconer Banasko

6 7 McKay Lightbody Lightbody1 McKay McKay Lightbody McKay Rushton-Woods McKay Andy Gillespie1 McKay1 Peers McKay Andy Gillespie Cottington1 Coulter Bergqvist1 Cottington Bergqvist1 McKay C McKay Bergqvist McKay Andy Gillespie C McKay Perry Ale McKay Perry Cottington McKay McKay Cottington McKay Saleh McKay Saleh McKay Bergqvist McKay Cottington McKay Saleh Saleh1 McKay Morris Saleh McKay1 Morris Morris McKay Bell1 Coyle Coyle Bell Coyle McKay Coyle1 McKay Duffy McKay Grant McKay Morris Davidson Morris Davidson Davidson Ashton Davidson Vincent Ashton McKay Rus Ashton McKay Rus Davidson McKay Davidson McKay Davidson McKay Banasko Hynes Findlay Davidson Birchall Davidson Birchall Morris Hynes Birchall Hynes Morris Pegler Brooks Pegler Brooks Pegler Rushton-Woods1

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

nd Figures

8 Hulme Hulme Coulter Hulme Hulme Hulme Hulme Hulme McKay1 Cottington Hulme Cottington lex Gillespie Ashton Ashton Ashton Ashton Grant Grant Ashton Grant Grant Grant Grant Grant Duffy Grant Grant1 Grant Grant Davidson McKay McKay McKay Ashton shton-Woods shton-Woods Ashton Vincent Birchall Birchall Birchall Derby Derby Morris Birchall Morris2 Morris Morris

9 Whyte1 Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Whyte1 Whyte Whyte Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Whyte Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Whyte Bergqvist Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Whyte Whyte Whyte2 Whyte1 Whyte1 Whyte Whyte1 Whyte Whyte2 Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gillespie1 Whyte Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Whyte1 Andy Gillespie Cook-Hannah Andy Gillespie1 Rushton-Woods Bell1 Perry Perry Taylor Taylor Taylor1 Taylor Andy Gillespie1 Rushton-Woods Perry1

10 Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Bergqvist3 Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods1 Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Bergqvist1 Ashton Andy Gillespie Bergqvist Bell1 Bell1 Bell1 Bergqvist Andy Gillespie McKay Bell1 Bell2 Bell1 Bell Perry Perry1 Perry Andy Gillespie1 Bell Andy Gillespie1 Moore Hynes Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Martland Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods1 Hynes Harrison Hynes

11 Perry Perry1 Perry Perry1 Perry Andy Gillespie Perry Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Perry Andy Gillespie Perry Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Bergqvist Andy Gillespie1 Andy Gillespie Saleh Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Perry Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie1 Richardson Richardson Richardson Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods Rushton-Woods1 Rushton-Woods Richardson Perry Rushton-Woods Richardson Richardson Golding Golding Marshall Martland Andy Gillespie Andy Gillespie Golding Golding Golding

12 14 15 16 Pullinger Alex Gillespie7 Bergqvist11 Cook-Hannah9 Pullinger Alex Gillespie Houghton Bergqvist9 Pullinger Houghton3 Alex Gillespie8 Bergqvist11 Pullinger Coulter10 Barton11 Andy Gillespie91 Barton11 Pullinger/Saunders Whyte9 Peers/Crowther Pullinger Coulter6 Perry7 Cook-Hannah Pullinger10 Bergqvist11 Cook-Hannah Richardson7 Bergqvist7 Cook-Hannah3 Alex Gillespie Perry9 Harrison10 Alex Gillespie Peers Brinksman Peers5 Hulme11 Whyte9 Harrison Peers Whyte91 Perry11 Alex Gillespie Peers3 Alex Gillespie11 Cook-Hannah9 Peers Ogden Whyte9 Saunders Saunders Harrison9 Barton7 Whelan Cook-Hannah Bergqvist9 Whelan10 Cook-Hannah10 Saleh11 Perry7 Andy Gillespie9 Lightbody10 Whyte91 Saunders Harrison8 Whyte9 Lightbody10 Saunders Rushton-Woods11 Harrison Whyte9 Cook-Hannah Bergqvist11 Bell10 Rushton-Woods8 Halpin2 Harrison6 Bell11 Harrison Bergqvist10 Cook-Hannah Bergqvist9 Rushton-Woods McKay7 Ogden Rushton-Woods Bergqvist Perry Saleh Perry81 Bell Cook-Hannah Peers Nicholson Ogden Halpin Rushton-Woods Perry9 Whelan Richardson11 Davidson10 Perry9 Duffy Davidson8 Perry9 Rushton-Woods11 Davidson8 Coyle Rushton-Woods7 Perry10 Coyle Saleh Rushton-Woods8 Perry9 Cook-Hannah8 Bell Grant Andy Gillespie Cook-Hannah6 Whelan2 Whyte Cook-Hannah Whelan Whyte10 McKay7 Perry8 Hont Stevenson8 Moore3 Whyte Price Halpin Davidson10 Birchall11 Moore9 Whelan2 Cook-Hannah9 Perry8 Cook-Hannah6 Findlay7 Andy Gillespie Perry11 Whelan Findlay7 Golding11 S-Cunnington10 Hont Findlay91 Davidson4 S-Cunnington Cook-Hannah6 Price McKay Hont McKay11 Hynes7 Perry10 Halpin Hont7 Banasko9 Perry Marshall Derby9 McKay5 Halpin Marshall3 Golding11 Banasko Cook-Hannah Whelan Hassan Cook-Hannah9 Price Leyland2 Hughes11 Price Brooks7 Findlay9 Marshall11 Cook-Hannah

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

17 Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Coulter7 Crowther Crowther Crowther Brinksman Saunders

Halpin

Whyte11

C-Hannah Crowther C-Hannah McKay81 Perry11

Whelan

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 Linnets

Nelson

Maine Road

Glossop NE

Congleton Town

Colne

Bootle

Barnoldswick T

Bacup & Ross

Ashton Athletic

Alsager Town

AFC Liverpool

AFC Blackpool

Abbey Hey

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 x

1-1 1-0 5-0 0-1 2-1

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

0-3 2-2 0-6 1-1 1-2 0-3 4-3 1-2 3-4 2-6 1-3 3-2 x

St Helens Town

Winsford United

West Dids & Chrltn

0-0

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

1-0 0-2 4-2

0-0 3-0 4-1

3-0

0-3 1-1

1-1 2-0 2-2

0-0 2-1 6-1 0-0

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

1-4 1-0 3-0 0-9 0-4 0-2 2-0 4-3 1-2 2-5 1-3 1-3 2-0 1-6 0-1 2-2

0-1 1-1 1-0 2-1 7-2 1-2 2-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-1 0-2 3-1 3-0 1-1 2-0 2-0

3-1 2-7 7-2 1-2 3-4

2-1 2-0 2-0 1-0 6-0 2-0

0-2 4-1 2-0 1-0 1-1 2-1 1-1 2-0 0-1 1-0 0-3 0-1 2-0 0-4 2-3 2-1

2-3 0-1 1-1 2-1 3-2 1-3 1-4 1-0 1-2 1-3 3-0 0-0 0-1 2-2 1-1

2-1 1-1 2-3 3-3 4-0 2-2 4-2

Runcorn Town

x 1-1 2-1

3-2 2-2 3-2 0-2 4-1 0-3 3-2 6-2 2-1 1-1 4-3

Runcorn Linnets

Silsden

1-1 3-2 4-0 6-0 4-0 4-1 1-3 2-2 4-1 2-3 1-2 1-0 2-2

2-0 3-0 0-2 1-0 1-2 0-0

1-0 0-4 0-1 2-3 1-0 0-1 3-0 1-1 1-1 2-0 0-0 0-3

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

5-1 3-0 3-0 4-0 5-0 0-1

1-3 6-2 2-1 1-2 1-0 4-2 0-0 2-0 2-1 0-1

Glossop NE

1-3 0-6 3-1 2-0

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

Maine Road

1-2 1-1 0-4 2-0 0-2 1-1 4-2 3-1 2-1 1-3

1-2 1-4 1-3 2-0 1-1 1-0 1-5 1-6 0-4 1-3 4-1 2-4 1-1

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

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

Colne

0-3

2-0 2-1 3-2 1-1 1-2 3-1 0-2 0-1 0-0 2-2 4-0 4-3 2-0 2-1

Bootle

1-4 1-2 3-2 1-1 2-1 1-6 0-0

0-4 0-2 2-0 1-0 2-3 1-2

Barnoldswick Town

4-2 2-0 1-1

0-1 4-2 4-0 0-0 2-1 2-0 0-0 7-3 3-1 2-1

1-1 1-0 1-2 2-3 1-1 0-3 0-4 6-0 2-1 3-4 2-4 3-4

Bacup & Rossendale

3-4 1-1 3-0 3-1 0-1 1-5

Ashton Athletic

3-1 4-1

2-2

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

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

1-1 0-3 2-0 0-1

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

Alsager Town

0-3 1-2

AFC Liverpool

Squires Gate

Runcorn Town

Nelson

Silsden

Congleton Town

Squires Gate

AFC Blackpool

St Helens Town

3-0 2-3 0-1 1-0 0-0 6-2 3-1 1-0 1-4 2-0 1-0 4-2 0-0 0-0 3-0 6-1 1-1 5-0 4-2 0-1

WD&C

0-4

1874 Northwich

Winsford Utd

Abbey Hey

1874 Northwich

North West Counties Football League Premier Division 2014-15

Head to Head

Executive Programme Sponsor

Statistical History ST. HELENS TOWN AFC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A STATISTICAL HISTORY by Glyn Jones Part 53 - Season 1999-2000 North West Counties League Vauxhall Motors Newcastle Town Ramsbottom United Mossley Rossendale United Skelmersdale United Fleetwood Freeport Prescot Cables St. Helens Town Clitheroe Salford City Atherton Collieries Kidsgrove Athletic Abbey Hey Nantwich Town Great Harwood Town Glossop North End Cheadle Town Maine Road Leek C.S.O.B. Bootle Atherton L.R. Opponents Abbey Hey Atherton Collieries Atherton L.R. Bootle Cheadle Town Clitheroe Fleetwood Freeport Glossop North End Great Harwood Town Kidsgrove Athletic Leek C.S.O.B. Maine Road Mossley Nantwich Town Newcastle Town Prescot Cables Ramsbottom United Rossendale United Salford City Skelmersdale United Vauxhall Motors

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P 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 Home Mar 25 Jan 25 Sep 18 Oct 30 Sep 15 Oct 6 Oct 16 Feb 5 Jan 22 Aug 25 Jan 15 Apr 15 Apr 6 Mar 22 Oct 2 Dec 27 Aug 14 Dec 4 Aug 30 Mar 4 Apr 29

W 29 26 23 23 23 22 21 21 20 21 17 16 14 14 13 12 10 8 9 8 6 4

D 7 7 10 10 9 9 10 10 13 7 7 6 9 8 9 9 11 13 10 10 8 12 Result Won 5-1 Won 1-0 Drew 1-1 Won 5-0 Won 1-0 Won 3-2 Won 3-2 Won 5-2 Lost 0-2 Won 3-1 Drew 2-2 Won 4-0 Drew 3-3 Won 3-1 Lost 1-2 Lost 2-3 Won 3-1 Won 1-0 Won 3-2 Lost 1-5 Won 1-0

L 6 9 9 9 10 11 11 11 9 14 18 20 19 20 20 21 21 21 23 24 28 26

F 101 82 87 80 77 91 75 83 81 75 70 58 47 50 60 55 52 49 59 49 29 51

A 32 35 53 50 46 53 45 55 59 49 69 68 66 75 73 81 73 85 100 101 90 103

Away Jan 8 Nov 6 Oct 26 Aug 17 Oct 12 Oct 23 Mar 18 Apr 8 Nov 20 Nov 9 Nov 30 Nov 16 Sep 11 Oct 9 Feb 26 Mar 28 Mar 11 Apr 1 Aug 28 Jan 11 Jan 3

Result Lost 1-2 Won 3-2 Drew 1-1 Drew 1-1 Drew 1-1 Lost 0-2 Lost 0-3 Won 5-3 Drew 1-1 Won 2-0 Won 3-0 Drew 1-1 Drew 1-1 Drew 2-2 Won 1-0 Lost 0-2 Drew 1-1 Lost 1-2 Won 3-2 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

Pts 94 85 79 79 78 75 73 73 73 70 58 54 51 50 48 45 41 37 37 34 32 24

Season 1999-00 Aug 21 Sep 4 Sep 7

Prelim. 1st Qual. Replay

Sep 25

1st Qual.

Nov 27

1st Rd.

Sep 29 Feb 23 Feb 29

1st Rd. 2nd Rd. Replay

Sep 21 Oct 20

1st Rd. 2nd Rd.

FA CUP Chester-le-Street PICKERING TOWN Pickering Town FA VASE Selby Town NWCFL CHALLENGE CUP Mossley NWCFL FLOODLIT TROPHY ATHERTON COLLIERIES ROSSENDALE UNITED Rossendale United LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP Skelmersdale United Prescot Cables

Away Home Away

Won Drew Lost

3-1 1-1 2-3 AET

Away

Lost

1-4

Away

Lost

2-3

Home Home Away

Won Drew Lost

5-2 1-1 2-3

Away Away

Drew Lost

3-3* 1-5

Kilshaw, Brian

Kirwan, Paul

Laird, Gary

Langley, Paul

Morrow, Steve

Newbury, Lee

Player

App

Sub

Total

Adamson, Steve

Bickerstaffe, Gary

Bird, Frank

Bishop, D

Cavanagh, K

Goal 6

O’Connor, M

O’Hanlon, Terry

O’Neill, Steve

Clarke, Paul

Cooney, Phil

Cunningham, Ste

Dooner, Gary

Pearce, Steve

Dyson, Iain

Pennington, Ste

Farrell, Matty

Phoenix, Stu

Fitzsimmons, C

Quirk, Chris

Gilmore, Mick

Reilly, Adie

Griffiths, Bryan

Walker, Glenn

Hatton, Brian

Walmsley, Chris

Williams, Scott

Williams, Ste

Hill, Franny

Hollywood, Terry

Jones, Gary

Kelsey, Darren

8 4

Yates, W

Totals

572

128

700

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

102

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

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

Club News . . . In what is fantastic news for the club, the St Helens town centre based specialist supplier of electronic cigarettes, e-liquids and accessories will continue as the club’s 2015-16 playing kit sponsors. The sponsorship deal will see the Eciguk St Helens company logo adorning the front and back of the Town playing kit and the sponsor will continue to have a significant presence on the club’s website, social media outlets and in the award winning match day programme. An Eciguk St Helens spokesman commented on the deal, stating "We’re delighted to continue our sponsorship of St Helens Town and are looking forward to developing our partnership. ‘Our store was opened in October 2012 and was the first of its kind in St Helens and we have built a strong customer base. We are focused on providing high quality service and customer satisfaction.’ John McKiernan, Chairman of St Helens Town Football Club couldn't hide his delight when speaking about the deal and said ‘It's fantastic for the club to be able to retain such a sponsorship deal from a local company of the calibre of Eciguk St Helens. ‘So once again we would like to offer our thanks and gratitude to everyone at Eciguk St Helens for their superb support of the club and we look forward to developing our partnership throughout next season. ‘Remember to visit them at their retail store in George Street, close to St Helens Central railway station or on-line at www.ecigsthelens.vpweb.co.uk. The company believe that the customer’s needs are of the utmost importance and while product information is available on-line Eciguk St Helens prefer to meet the customer to give them the opportunity to try out products before deciding to make a purchase. As a result, a high percentage of the company’s business comes from repeat customers and referrals. Eciguk St Helens 32 George Street St Helens WA10 1BU Telephone: 01744 750800 Mobile: 07773 007731 Freephone: 0800 2707331 www.ecigsthelens.vpweb.co.uk

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

Tea Break Teasers Q1. Who are the only team to reach more than one MLS Cup Final and never win the Cup? Q2. Who is the only player in European football to win successive trebles (League, Domestic Cup and European Cup/Champions League? Q3. Who scored more goals for Manchester United Gary or Phil Neville? Q4. Which Football League club used to play their home matches at Leeds Road? Q5. Who scored an own goal against Aston Villa on the last day of the 2008-9 season to effectively relegate Newcastle United from the Premier League? Q6. Which team currently playing outside the top flight have spent the most seasons in the Premier League? Q7. How many of Tottenham’s starting XI at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in December 2014 weren’t born the last time Spurs won there? Q8. St Sidwell’s United is one of the forefathers of which League Two outfit? Q9. True or False - Prior to being appointed Real Sociedad manager David Mouses’ win percentage as Manchester United manager was the best of his career?

Q10. Which team completes the sequence? Fulham, Braga, Athletic Bilbao, Benfica & ……….. Q11. Who was the first Italian manager to win a Premier League winners medal? Q12. When was the last season that all three major domestic trophies were won by English Managers? Q13. Why was Alvin Martin’s hat-trick for West Ham against Newcastle United in 1986 unique?

Q14. Which two countries played in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup Finals? Q15. Which former Everton player is the current manager of Hibernian?

1) New England Revolution (2002, 05, 06, 07 & 14) 2) Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona 2008-9 & Inter Milan 2009 -10) 3) Phil 8 goals to Gary’s 7 4) Huddersfield Town 5) Damien Duff 6) Blackburn Rovers 18 seasons 7) Six 8) Exeter City 9) True 10) Benfica (Europa League beaten finalists since 2010) 11) Mario Balotelli 12) 1984-5 Howard Kendall (Everton, League, Ron Atkinson (FA Cup, Man Utd) & Ken Brown (Norwich, League Cup) 13) He scored past three different goalkeepers 14) Brazil & Croatia 15) Alan Stubbs

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

Meet the Players

Alex Gillespie 06/08/1997 Midfield

Rory Crowther 29/12/1996 Goalkeeper

Matthew Davidson 11/01/1992 Midfield

Marcus Perry 16/08/1996 Forward

Sponsored by Star Physio St Helens & Prescot