St Helens Town v Widnes 2015-16 by John McKiernan

CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens

Tuesday 13th Oct 2015, 7.45pm NWCFL, First Division

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

St Helens Town

Widnes

Red & White Shirts White Shorts, Red & White Socks No

Ellis Hawksowrth

Gls Y R

Blue Shirts Blue Shorts & Socks No

Ben Morrow

Gls Y R

Adam Lawrence

Jordan Stanley

Jack Marshall

Paul Carney

Ant Whelan

Calum Finch

Luke Gibson

Thomas Mitchell

Callum Davies

Danial Lomax

Charlie Duke

Alex Davies

Declan Gregson

Ronnie McCarthy

1st Team Joint Managers: Alan Gillespie & Nick Matthews

Andy Gillespie

Anthony Wynne

Jack Golding

JamilCampbell-Joseph

U21s Team Manager: John McLaughlan

Johan Du Toit

Luke Edwards

U21s Assistant Manager: Billy Davies

Stephen Rigby

Braian Sturt-Rivelli

Matty Lennon

Daniel Burthem

U18s Team Manager: Ellis Hawksworth

Marcus Perry

Alessandro Zarrelli

Josh Hoult

Jamie Casson

U18s Assistant Manager: Alex Jardine

Warren Twist

George McGrogan

Sunday Team Manager: David Platt

Managers: Alan Gillespie and Nick Matthews

Manager: Steve Hill Assistant: Michael Boyle

Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Ste Ball, Andy Langley Paul Wood, Margaret Wood, Chris Ford and Glyn Jones. Hospitality: Margaret Wood and Paul Wood Trustees: John McKiernan and Eric Bond

Club Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk

Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Referee: Mr J Sheppard (Preston) Assistants: Mr J Chadwick (Leigh) & Mr S Robinson (Lowton)

Match Sponsor

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

RYLANCE FISHMONGERS St Mary’s Market, St Helens

Company Director: Jim Barrett Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited Cover Photograph: Declan Gregson in action v Chadderton 10/10/2015

Match Ball Sponsors

DAVID O’KEEFE GARY SHAW & MERSEY FIGHTERS: 3

Next Home Game: Saturday 24th October 2015 St Helens Town v Holker OB NWCL, Division One Adults £5, Concessions £3

Good evening and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties Football League, First Division contest against our local rival from Widnes. 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 nice to get back to winning ways on Saturday here against Chadderton in a game which was similar in many ways to the game at Andrew Street on the opening day of the season. We fell behind in the first half to a deft flicked header from Niall Sultan which found the top left hand corner of the Town net. We bounced back twenty minutes after the restart through September NWCFL Division One Player of the Month Andy Gillespie. A quick throw on the left caught Chadderton half asleep Marcus Perry collected the throw in and squared towards Gillespie who was unable to connect with the ball but it reached Jack Golding on the left of the area and he returned the ball into the six-yard box where Gillespie made amends side footing the ball home from close range. Perry then put the hosts into the lead less than ten minutes later when a swift counter attack saw him released by a long ball and sprint away from the Chadderton backline before drawing the keeper and firing goalwards his well struck effort finding the bottom left hand corner of the net despite the effort of Matt Green in the visitors goal. The destination of the points was wrapped up on 82 minutes when a flowing move culminated in Gillespie finding Declan Gregson with a searching ball which found him one on one with Green and the Town man showed great composure to round the stopper and slot into the empty net to secure a league double over Chadderton for Town mirroring the 3-1 victory in August.

With our first league victory since 22nd August secured we now turn our sights to this eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest against our near neighbours in what is our first league meeting. The two sides did meet in the League Challenge Cup, 2nd Round last season with Town 4-1 up at the interval, I happened to say half jokingly that we could still lose from that position and our hosts mounted a fine comeback to level matters at 4-4 and with the sides unable to be separated by an additional half an hours play the game with settled with 12 yards with the hosts holding their nerve and advancing to the next round. Widnes had a difficult start to the season, not recording their first victory until mid-September but since that success at Northwich Manchester Villa they had defeated title favourites Barnton at Townfield and come into this contest off the back of successive victories against high-flyers in the form of Ashton Town last Monday in the Liverpool Senior Cup and a 6-1 thumping of a Stockport Town side who went into the contest sat in 2nd place in the table, so we will need to be on our game this evening if we are to take at least a share of the spoils from this contest. On Saturday we visit the aforementioned Stockport Town before coming back here the following Saturday when we host Holker Old Boys, before a short trip on Tuesday 24th October to Bootle in the Liverpool Senior Cup, First Round. If you can get along to any or all of these contests to get behind the boys your support would be gratefully received! Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get behind Town this evening and hopefully cheer them onto victory. Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

Established in 2003 as a junior football club under the name The Dragons AFC with the aim of making football fun, teach new skills and self confidence, Widnes FC have a brief but growing history. The Dragons AFC, later to become known as Widnes Dragons, built a fantastic reputation locally for their contribution towards the development of grassroots football in Halton whilst providing opportunities for over 200 junior players to play football from the age of 6 to 18. The club put in a great amount of effort to run the club according to the best practices laid down by the FA. To that end, the club achieved the FA Charter Standard award in December 2003, less than a year after being established. The club is recognised as the first to achieve this award in Halton.

Kris Bell in action at Widnes NWCFL League Challenge Cup Season 2014-2015

Over the years, the club continued to expand encouraging players of all abilities to participate. The club’s sustained success on and off the pitch led to tours to Spain (twice), Belfast and Devon. In 2008, the club was awarded the FA Charter Standard Development award for their development of grassroots football. To celebrate this achievement the club staged their annual presentation at Goodison Park, the home of Everton Football Club, later that year. Further presentations followed at prestigious venues thereafter, namely the Stobart Stadium (now Select Security Stadium) and the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, to give the players an increased sense of achievement. In March 2012, Widnes Dragons began a consultation process with Widnes Vikings RLFC to become part of the Vikings Sports Brand. This proposed partnership was established to enhance the club’s community status whilst lending a hand to the continued growth of the club in the process. In July 2012 at the club’s AGM, members voted in favour of becoming part of the Vikings Sports Brand, agreeing on a 12 month transitional period over that course of the 2012-13 season, becoming known as Widnes Vikings FC in the process. Also involved in the agreement was the formation of a senior side that was placed into the West Cheshire League Division Three for the forthcoming season. Later that month,

the club received the FA Charter Standard Community Club award, enhancing the growth of a club who became official school boy recruitment partners with Everton Football Club later that year. The club’s first season in the West Cheshire Football League Division Three proved to be a successful one, as the team finished 4th in the table. After a mixed start to the season, Paul Pennington resigned as manager and was replaced by Steve Hill, who has given the task of overseeing the team’s development as they applied to join the North West Counties Football League, beginning in the upcoming 2013/14 season. The club’s application to join the NWCFL was accepted in 2013 with the club playing its first fixture in the league in August of that year as the Chad Whyte in action at Widnes side lost 3-1 to Cheadle Town in their inaugural NWCFL League Challenge Cup Season 2014-2015 fixture in the division. The side’s first victory followed at the third time of asking with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Northwich Flixton Villa. Widnes’ debut season in the NWCFL saw them finish 14th in the table. In March 2014, the club's committee called an EGM for its members to decide on the future of the club. A unanimous vote was made that the club was to move away from the Vikings brand and to restructure the club to secure its own identity and long-term future. Subsequently, the club parted ways with the Vikings brand and became known as Widnes Football Club, which was symbolic in representing where the team and its fans came from whilst recognising that a new club needed to be built to establish confidence in the local community and support young local talent in Widnes. The 2014-15 season saw the club make significant progress in their growth. Good form in cup competitions saw Steve Hill’s side reach the quarter-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup before being narrowly beaten by Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit Skelmersdale United. The club also reached the third round of the Men United Cup before being knocked out by league champions Glossop North End. The club also made their debut in the FA Vase before falling to AFC Emley in the 2nd qualifying round. 2015 has also seen manager Steve Hill take charge of his 100th game for the club and former players Connor McCarthy and Ben Tollitt sign for semi-professional and professional clubs respectively. McCarthy signed for Southport in February before signing a part-time deal prior to pre-season whilst Tollitt signed a one-year deal with SkyBet League Two side Portsmouth in July. Tollitt is set to become the first ever former Widnes player to play in the Football League. Season

League

Pts

2012-13

W CHES-3

2013-14

NWC-1

2014-15

NWC-1

Position

4/15

-26

14/19

101

-39

16/19

St Helens Town - last 6 matches All Competitions

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2002-03

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2003-04

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Widnes - last 6 matches

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St Helens Town games since...

Widnes games since...

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St Helens Town Scores First Games Played

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123

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Good evening and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park for this NWCFL First Division encounter with our near neighbours Widnes FC. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters have had a safe trip and along with our own following are treated to an entertaining encounter. Many thanks to tonight’s Match Sponsors Rylance Family Fishmongers who are based in the St Mary’s Market St Helens and this evening we have two match ball sponsors - David O’Keefe a regular Town supporter and Gary Shaw author of Mersey Fighters: 3 (The Life & Times of Merseyside’s Boxing Heroes which is due to be launched 20/11/15). Your support is very much appreciated. We meet Widnes for only the second time having been involved in a very entertaining Men United Cup game at the Select Security Stadium this time last year when Town looked to be cruising at 1-4 only for our hosts to hit back (4-4 aet) and progress courtesy of a penalty shoot out win. The match report from that game along with a selection of photos are elsewhere in tonight’s programme (if Town fans can bare to read)!

Both teams arrive with some confidence as Widnes inflicted a 6-1 defeat on Stockport Town in the battle of the artificial pitches last Saturday while Town recovered from a first half deficit (0-1) to eventually win 3-1, mirroring their opening day win against visitors Chadderton. On Sunday afternoon the U21s made it to the last 16 of the Liverpool County FA Sunday Junior Cup with a 0-5 win at The Highwayman FC. Goal scorers were Dugdale, Perry, McLaughlan (2) and Young. The U18s continued their excellent North West Youth Alliance League form recording a 1-6 at Macclesfield Youth giving them their seventh win from eight league games (the other being a draw) and they currently sit top of the table! Goals from Ains (2) Keyes, Gibbings, Cull & Hughes Saturday sees Town travel to Stockport Town kick off 3.00pm and we return to Brocstedes Park on Saturday 24th October when Holker Old Boys are our visitors in another First Division encounter. This is a recently re-arranged game and we are currently looking for a match sponsor £100 for up to six VIPs, programmes, hospitality, photos, website and social media coverage. Enjoy the game . . . and hopefully I will see some of you at the weekend. John McKiernan Chairman St Helens Town AFC 07713 339 682

Goals Galore in the NWCFL On a weekend when non-league clubs across the country were encouraged to attract spectators to their ground to celebrate Non-League Day, in our league there was entertainment galore – 89 goals in 19 games involving our clubs.

We had surprise results, great comebacks, high scoring games, last minute winners at several grounds – what more could anyone ask from a game of football? For action and entertainment, you can’t beat a game in our league. Alsager Town Denied At The Death When you are bottom of the league it’s often easy to complain about luck being against you, but Alsager Town must be wondering what they have to do to win a league game.

On Tuesday evening a last minute goal at West Didsbury sent them to a 4-3 defeat, and on Saturday at home to Ashton Athletic, they were 3-1 up with six minutes to go, only to end up with a draw after again conceding in the last minute. The Bullets’ last minute curse needs to be overcome if they are to climb away from the bottom of the table. Villa’s Fighting Spirit In Evidence When you go three goals down inside the opening 19 minutes against the team at the top of the league, who also happen to have the division’s best goalscoring ratio, an uncomfortable afternoon is normally on the cards. But Northwich Manchester Villa showed commendable spirit in coming back from that position to eventually draw 3-3 with league leaders Barnton. Villa may be in the bottom half of Division One, but they obviously don’t lack a never-say-die attitude.

Last Minute Linnets Do It Again Once again Runcorn Linnets proved that late winning goals are something of a speciality to them, with Matthew Atherton’s strike deep in stoppage time earning them a 2-1 win over Silsden. It was the fifth time this season that Linnets have scored a decisive winning goal in the last ten minutes of a game, and the second time a winner has arrived in the last minute, proving the old adage that where Linnets are concerned, “it ain’t over until it’s over”. Runcorn Town Building Momentum After a slow start, Runcorn Town are starting to look like promotion contenders again, with their 5-1 win at AFC Darwen being their fifth in six games. With Paul Shanley the second top scorer in the Premier Division, and five different scorers contributing to the win on Saturday, it is looks like Town are getting in the groove and it is shaping up to be a good season for Simon Burton’s side.

A MANCUNIAN IN THE NORTH-EAST As I am sure quite a number of you have, I have spent a fair part of my footballing life travelling around, in particular, the United Kingdom, the experiences you have are quite memorable. I have found that once you get past the Coventry area there is a lot more passion in the game, I am not saying that the North London Derby doesn’t mean anything or any match involving Millwall, but there is something not quite there. Aside from the Birmingham derby than can be very feisty and is one of my favourites I have been to, again you need to get into the North for the red hot stuff. The North is where it all started, it is our game, no-one else’s, ours. We have the oldest clubs, the oldest grounds, and the oldest leagues, all over the North, we have taken the game out to the world, and we have shared what was ours and still holds a fierce deep rooted love for it.

Being born and bred in Manchester, the derby here is the one that means the most to me and if they are being totally honest the vast majority of Mancs. Yes, Liverpool v United was a big game for years, especially as City went up and down the various divisions, but in the end, it is City they want to beat most of all, it is the defeats to the blue half that hurt the most, as it should be. The Merseyside derby is not to be sniffed at either, though I have always thought a little ‘too friendly’ when I have visited. Over in the Steel City, the Sheffield derby is a cracker, not often played due to the varying yo-yo performances of both clubs, when it is, it is tasty, and it was certainly one of my favourite experiences, mind, being in a full house at Bramhall Lane whenever they break into the ‘Greasy Chip Buttie’ song is quite a hairs on the back of the neck moment. Onto the North-East, over the years I have had some quite incredible moments up there. Although I have never managed to get to a Tyne-Wear Derby, I have been on both grounds for some ‘bigger’ matches where the places have been buzzing and it is incredible. My overriding impression though is how little that passion has changed at Newcastle United. Ground developments have taken a lot away from football; some for the good, at least we are not herded like cattle as much as we all were in the 1980’s and other stuff; but a lot for the worse. The biggest thing to me, is atmosphere. Where I am, City and United are miles away from where they used to be when the Kippax and Stretford End used to be in full voice, with a fair percentage less people too. What an intimidating place Elland Road was to visit. The only two where there has been no change on my visits have been Liverpool and Newcastle United. They both still buzz. As a teenager I was up in the early 80’s to see a recently relegated City visit St James’ Park for a top of the table clash, the atmosphere was incredible, and as Keegan, Beardsley and Waddle weaved their magic and destroyed the opposition 5-0 I knew I had visited a special place. Other visits and generally not good on the pitch (for me at least) have provided me with similar experiences, the people live for their team, they are very friendly and it has to be my favourite place to come and watch football. Hpefully, you will know that a number of years ago I fell out of love with Sky Football. After a sabbatical, I found the greatness of non-league. It is incredible, exactly what I fell in love with. Real people, playing the game with passion, for the right reasons and loving it. I have been up to the area on a number of occasions and witnessed matches at Crook Town, Heaton Stannington, Newcastle Benfield, Newton Aycliffe, North Shields, Shildon, Team Northumbria and West Allotment Celtic. The passion and fire I have seen in most people has been refreshing and uplifting, the history with some of the clubs is incredible and a couple of the grounds absolutely breath-taking, Crook Town is probably still my favourite ground of all-time. Experiencing the ‘Curva Nord’ at was fantastic, especially on during the path to Wembley last season and their goading of the opposition number 9 as he walked off following a deserved red card was something else. Not to be encouraged mind, but when the PA announcer did his best Michael Winner impression and asked for everyone to ‘Calm Down’, well that just made it all the better. Unfortunately, I can’t get to the North-East as often as I would like. We all have that passion, it just seems to come in numbers up in the ‘Land of the Geordies’ www.footballspoon.net

Following local government reorganisation in 1974, it was decided to apply to the College of Heralds for a new Coat of Arms, to incorporate those areas joining together to form the new Borough of St Helens.

A design brief was prepared by Councillor G R Parr, a Councillor for East Sutton who had training in graphic design. This was accepted and highly commended by the College of Heralds, with only a small amount of alteration. The silver shield contains:

  



   



The black cross of Haydock and Eccleston and the two blue bars of Parr In the top left hand corner is the red diagonal cross of the Gerards, representing Ashton and Seneley Green. In the top right hand corner is the black griffin of Bold, representing Rainhill, Bold and also Whiston RDC. (These were displayed on the previous County Borough of St Helens Coat of Arms issued in 1876). In the bottom left hand corner is the red cross of Pilkingtons, representing Windle. In the bottom right hand corner is the red crosslet of Billinge. The crest above the helmet is that of Lord Newton, representing Newton UDC and Haydock UDC. There is also the addition of two red fleur de lys on the body of the Ram. The supporters, a golden lion and a black griffin are differenced by seven red fleur de lys on the lion and seven black bars on the wing of the griffin, to denote the seven authorities which make up the Borough. The motto "PROSPERITAS IN EXCELSIS" is taken from the Rainford Council badge of office and means "Flourishing Well".

In recent times, and particularly since the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, some local people had advocated that the motto on the St Helens Coat of Arms be changed from 'Prosperitas in Excelsis' (Flourishing Well), to 'Ex Terra Lucem' (Out of the Earth - Light). The Ex Terra Lucem motto had been particularly prominent in 2012 due to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. The writer of the Opening Ceremony was Frank Cottrell Boyce, born locally in Rainhill, who attended local schools. Frank Cottrell Boyce had made it clear that Ex Terra Lucem was a significant influence on the development of the Opening Ceremony. It appeared to be particularly relevant to the development of the cauldron idea from which the Olympic Flame was lit. The Opening Ceremony captured the imagination of people worldwide, but had also led many people locally to question whether we should adopt Ex Terra Lucem as the motto on our Coat of Arms in place of Prosperitas in Excelsis. It was felt that it was more appropriate to the town's history and had more meaning for local people, representing hope for the future. A number of people had raised this and requested that the Council consider replacing the motto. A public consultation commenced on 17 January 2013 and at its meeting held on 17 April 2013, Council resolved to revert back to the original motto of 'Ex Terra Lucem'. The Coat of Arms remained the same.

The weekend’s games produced a mammoth 89 goals in 19 league games plus 5 more (plus 15 penalties!) in the two ties involving Eccleshall and Hanley Town in the Staffordshire FA Vase.

Colne remain at the top of the Premier Division table after a 4-2 win over Congleton Town at the XLCR Stadium, with a Jason Hart hat trick being the highlight of the afternoon for the home camp. Runcorn Linnets are two points behind in second place following their 2-1 home win over Silsden, but it took a winner in stoppage time from Matthew Atherton to clinch the points against a Silsden side reduced to nine men.

Three teams are tied on 24 points in joint third place, with Runcorn Town ahead on goal difference from Bootle and 1874 Northwich. Five different players were on the scoresheet for Town in the 5-1 win at AFC Darwen, while Josh Hamilton scored twice as Bootle won by the same score at home to Squires Gate. In a thriller at the Mechanics, a goal from Matthew Ward five minutes from time earned 1874 Northwich a 4-3 win at AFC Blackpool.

Barnoldswick Town are sixth after a Mark Threlfall goal 13 minutes from time earned them a point from a 1-1 draw at home to AFC Liverpool, and it took two goals in the last six minutes from Darrell Hale and Ian Rowlands to salvage a point and a 3-3 draw for Ashton Athletic, and deny bottom of the table Alsager Town their first league win of the season. West Didsbury & Chorlton emerged victorious in the south Manchester derby with a 5-1 at Abbey Hey, Ashley Woods scoring twice, while West’s near neighbours Maine Road turned round a half time deficit with second half goals from Matthew Morgan and Michael Burke earning them a 2-1 win over Nelson at Brantingham Road. A goal in each half from Curtis Haley saw Padiham through to a 2-1 win over Cammell Laird 1907, and a second half penalty from Kyle Riley secured a point and a 1-1 draw for Winsford United at home to Atherton Collieries. In the First Division, Barnton remain on top after a 3-3 draw at Northwich Manchester Villa, but the home side staged a remarkable comeback as Barnton were three goals up after 19 minutes, Kevin Towey grabbing a double. Ashton Town are second following a 3-2 home win over Rochdale Town, a last minute winner from Danny Coid clinching all three points. Stockport Town stay in third place although they had an afternoon to forget at the Select Security Stadium, going down 6-1 to Widnes Jamil Campbell Joseph and Paul Carney both scoring twice for Steve Hill’s side. Irlam are fourth after a 1-1 draw up at Holker Old Boys, and Bacup Borough kept up their winning run, with a 2-1 home win over Litherland REMYCA. Daniel Vincent scored twice in Cheadle Town’s 4-1 win at Atherton LR, St Helens Town came from behind with three second half goals earning a 3-1 win over Chadderton at Brocstedes Park, and Whitchurch Alport are still searching for their first win after eventually going down 4-3 in an entertaining game at Daisy Hill. In the First Round of the Staffordshire FA Vase, Hanley Town lost 3-2 at Wolverhampton Sporting Community, but Eccleshall progressed after winning a penalty shoot out 7-6 against Cheadle SMU, after the game ended goalless.

We are looking for additional sponsors on match-days with a host f benefits for both match (£100) and ball (£50) sponsors including free entry & programme; hospitality, programme and social media advertising; pre-match photos, man of the match awards. Contact John McKiernan on 07713 339 682 for more details. Date

Opponents

Match Sponsor

Match Ball Sponsor

Tue 11/08/15

Atherton LR

John Cahill

Sat 22/08/15

Irlam

Sat 29/08/15

Rochdale Town

PC Problems St Helens Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Wheel Pro - Alloy Wheel Repairs & Refurbishment

Anthony Hall - Exiled Geordie on Merseyside

Sat 12/09/15

Barnton

Toast Café, St Helens

LM Travel

Sat 19/09/15

Cheadle Town

Paul Pritchard

The Cowley Vaults

Sat 10/10/15

Chadderton

KA Davies Electrical

Conor McGinn MP

Tue 13/10/15

Widnes

Rylance Fishmongers

David O’Keefe & Gary Shaw

Sat 24/10/15

Holker Old Boys

Mike Cole Web Design

Britannia Taxis

Sat 21/11/15

Daisy Hill

CelebLook Ladies & Girls Fashion

Kiera’s Occasions Venue Dressing & Balloons Airborne Bathroom Services Danny’s Window Cleaning Invisible Heroes

Sat 05/12/15

Hanley Town

Stillia

Sat 19/12/15

Eccleshall

Northern Rags

Sat 16/01/16

Stockport Town

Michael Allison

Sat 06/02/16

Bacup Borough

Mon 28/03/16

Ashton Town

Sat 16/04/16

Northwich Manchester Villa

Wilf Marshall & Finding Furever Homes

Sat 23/04/16

Whitchurch Alport

Invisible Heroes

Stuart Pyke Rylance Fishmongers

Extra Time Academy

All sponsorship fixtures are subject to confirmation (Litherland REMYCA date tbc)

Warrington Motors Man of the Match Awards Matty Lennon (v Irlam) and Graham McLoughlin (Rochdale) & Dave Dempsey (Cheadle T)

Warrington Motors Fiat and Nissan

201 Winwick Road, Warrington Cheshire WA2 7PE Telephone: 01925 669 401

Man of the Match Awards 2015-16 Town v Atherton LR Andy Gillespie/Dale Sealey Town v Irlam Matty Lennon Town v Rochdale Town Graham McLoughlin Town v Barnton Dale Sealey

Town v Cheadle Town Dave Dempsey Town v Chadderton Adam Lawrence

Town 3-1 Chadderton Man of the Match

Between 1946 and 1962 the club, like many, didn’t have a ‘manager’. Town officials would liaise with first and reserve team captains over team selection. In 1962-63 ‘First Manager’ Pat Murphy came from Burscough with a nucleus of his team which won the Lancashire Combination Division One title for Burscough but the formulae didn’t work for Town despite financial backing of a brand new 200 seat supporters club opened by John Connelly in spring of 1962. 1963-64 Sam Cottingham came after success with Pilkington's in a move to rebalance the squad with more local players. 1964-66 Jimmy McKiernan became the club's first commercial manager and team boss after arriving from Earlestown via a successful playing career which included a spell on the North Wales circuit. 1966-68 Jackie Dewsnip, cousin of Town player Jimmy Dewsnip who along with the latter’s son Neil meant the Haydock based family served Town well over a couple of decades. 1968-71 Peter Jones took the reigns in the wake of the Northern Premier League being formed which reduced Town’s league (Lancs Combination) to one division. He moved on after three years to a position on the staff of Preston North End. 1971-77 Alan Hampson arrived from South Liverpool after a distinguished playing career at Holly Park and became a mini ‘Messiah’ as Town won the Lancs Combination title in 1972 along with the Bass Charrington and Watson trophy in quick succession. He also oversaw Town’s step into the Cheshire County League in 1975 as by then, the Lancashire Comb had become a pale imitation of its former self. 1977-79 The aforementioned Jimmy Dewsnip took the reigns after ‘Hampy’ had moved on and became the first ex Town player to become manager. He combined this with work for the Liverpool County FA with the latter eventually claiming his services after two years. 1979-80 Player manager Geoff Robinson hailed from the new overspill at Laffak where he also ran the increasingly successful ‘Starting Gate’ pub team in the blossoming new Sunday League. Many of his squad were ‘Town’ players but the ‘conflict’ of interests was seen as detrimental to the senior club.

1980-82 Jack Prytherch had been at Wigan Athletic and he brought in players from that area including new club skipper, his son in law, Steve Murfin. Jack’s reign saw the formation of the North West Counties League and Town’s first season was a struggle in the new league’s top flight resulting in a change in mid-term. 1982-84 Peter Rutherford. After the success of Alan Hampson a decade earlier, the Town board returned to South Liverpool again for their next appointment. Peter Rutherford was number two at Holly Park at the time but he also found it hard going in the NWCFL inaugural season and his charges only escaped relegation on a ‘technicality’. Things got a little better the following season and he bowed out just before glory arrived. 1984-87 Alan Wellens had skippered Town’s Lancs Combination title team and went on to become the club’s top appearances holder after making his debut at Great Harwood in 1966. His playing career was ended by a broken leg against Hyde in 1981 at Hoghton Road.

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

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

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

Date

Opponents

Comp

Result

Aug 08

Chadderton

NWCFL

3.00

1-3W

McLoughlin

Davidson

Kelly

A.Whelan

Sealey

Baines

AUG 11 ATHERTON LR

NWCFL

7.45

4-1W

Bradley

Davidson

Kelly

A.Whelan

Sealey

Baines

Aug 15

FAC EPR 3.00

2-1L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon

Sealey

A.Whelan

AUG 22 IRLAM

NWCFL

3.00

3-1W

Bradley

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon1

A.Whelan

Agbodjan1

AUG 29 ROCHDALE TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

2-3L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon

A.Whelan

Griffiths

Sep 05

Winterton Rangers

FAV 1QR

3.00

0-4W

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Lennon

Sealey

Begley

Sep 09

Litherland REMYCA

NWCFL

7.45

3-1L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Kelly

Lennon

Sealey

Begley

NWCFL

3.00

3-3D

McLoughlin

Davidson

Kelly

Gibson

Sealey

A.Whelan

Maine Road

SEP 12 BARNTON

Sep 15

Rochdale Town

SEP 19 CHEADLE TOWN

NWCFL

7.45

3-1L

McLoughlin

Davidson

Marshall

Gibson

Sealey

A.Whelan

NWCFL

3.00

2-2D

Bradley

Baines

Marshall

Gibson

Lennon

A.Whelan

Sep 26

Hanley Town

MUC 1R

3.00

4-1L McLoughlin A.Whelan

Rigby

Gibson

Lennon

Begley

Oct 03

Rochdale Town

FAV 2QR

3.00

6-2L McLoughlin Lawrence

Rigby

Garcia

Gibson

Begley

OCT 10 CHADDERTON

NWCFL

3.00

3-1W Hawksworth Lawrence

Marshall

A.Whelan

Gibson

Davies

OCT 13 WIDNES

NWCFL

7.45

NWCFL

3.00

OCT 24 HOLKER OLD BOYS

Oct 17

Stockport Town

NWCFL

3.00

Oct 27

Bootle

LSC 1R

7.45

Oct 31

Daisy Hill

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 7

CHADDERTON /BACUP

FDC 2R

3.00

Nov 14

Atherton LR

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 21 DAISY HILL

NWCFL

3.00

Nov 28

NWCFL

3.00

DEC 05 HANLEY TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

DEC 19 ECCLESHALL

NWCFL

3.00

Dec 26

Ashton Town

NWCFL

3.00

Jan 09

Northwich Manchester Villa NWCFL

3.00

Bacup Borough

JAN 16 STOCKPORT TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

Jan 23

Eccleshall

NWCFL

3.00

Jan 30

Cheadle Town

NWCFL

3.00

FEB 06 BACUP BOROUGH

NWCFL

3.00

Feb 13

Whitchurch Alport

NWCFL

3.00

Mar 05

Hanley Town

NWCFL

3.00

Mar 12

Widnes

NWCFL

3.00

MAR 28 ASHTON TOWN

NWCFL

3.00

Apr 02

NWCFL

3.00

APR 16 NORTHWICH M.V.

NWCFL

3.00

APR 23 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

NWCFL

3.00

Apr 30

Barnton

NWCFL

3.00

TBA

LITHERLAND REMCYA

NWCFL

TBA

Holker Old Boys

NWCFL

TBA

Irlam

Lorde1

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Nwachukwu

Marshall1

D.Whelan

Duke10

Russell21

Perry11

Bradley

Lorde1

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie2

Nwachukwu

Marshall

Lennon

Russell11

Perry71

Duke10

McLoughlin

Nwachukwu7

Duke

D.Whelan3

Bradley

Perry11

Rooney

Rigby10

McLoughlin

Baines

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie1

Lorde

Kelly

Perry10

Duke

Griffiths

Andy Gillespie1

Nwachukwu

Golding

Lorde6

Perry

Du Toit1

Andy Gillespie1

Rigby

Agbodjan

Golding10

Lorde7

Nwachukwu

Duke11

Rooney

Twist

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie1

Nwachukwu

Rigby1

Perry91

Agbodjan111

Golding10

A.Whelan

Rooney

Twist1

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Nwachukwu

Marshall

Perry12

Gibson11

Golding

Baines10

Bradley

Du Toit

Baines

Andy Gillespie1

Twist

Rigby

Perry102

Duke

Lennon5

Begley

Golding11

Duke

Baines

Andy Gillespie1

Du Toit

Rigby

Perry11

Nwachukwu6

Golding

Lennon2

Bradley

Duke10

Rigby

Golding5

McLoughlin

Du Toit

Twist

Andy Gillespie2

Dempsey

Sealey

Perry8

Baines

Du Toit

Andy Gillespie

Gregson

Twist

Perry11

Golding81

Hoult

Duke6

Bradley

Golding10

Hoult11

Graham

Bradley

Lennon

Perry71

Hoult

Twist8

Baines

A.Whelan

Andy Gillespie1

Du Toit

Gregson1

Lennon8

Duke

Gregson1 Andy Gillespie1

Golding

Du Toit

Rigby10

St Helens Town Player Sponsors 2015-16 Matty Lennon Premier Parking Luke Gibson Leech Bedrooms & Kitchens Dale Sealey Leech Bedrooms & Kitchens Jordan Lorde Gibney's Jewellers David Baines SG Specialist Roofing Johan du Toit Total Building Care Tom Bradley Kealshore Graeme Begley Focus Windows & Doors Ltd Graham McLoughlin Electrician's Direct Jack Golding Rob Thompson Auto Repairs Declan Gregson Curtain Wizard North West Marcus Perry North West Piling Matty Davidson Kiera's Occasions Ant Whelan The Daily Grind Andy Gillespie Arco Frame Warren Twist Cornerstones Ste Rigby Airborne Bathroom Services Charlie Duke Warrington Motors Jack Marshall Danny's Window Cleaning Alan Gillespie (Manager) Star Physio Nick Matthews (Manager) Foxwood Joinery Name1 Name Name Name Name10

Player name and number of goals scored Player name and CAUTION Player name and DISMISSAL FOR 2 CAUTIONS Player name and DISMISSAL Player name and number of replaced player

Widnes

Whitchurch Alport

Stockport Town

St Helens Town

Rochdale Town

Northwich Man Villa

Litherland REMYCA

Irlam

Holker Old Boys

Hanley Town

Eccleshall

Daisy Hill

2-3

2-1

0-2

0-4

2-2

4-1

3-0

3-2

0-3

5-2

0-1

2-1

1-1

1-6

1-1

3-3 3-1

3-3

1-4

1-6

Chadderton

1-1

2-2

2-1

Daisy Hill

1-1

2-2

4-0

5-1

4-3

0-3

4-2

0-2

1-2

2-2

1-2

0-3

3-1

1-1

0-4

2-1

1-0

1-1

1-3

1-1

2-1

3-0

2-0

2-1

4-2

1-1

2-3

4-0

1-2

0-3

2-1

3-2

3-1

1-3

6-1

1-2

1-0

1-2

2-1

4-1

0-0

3-3

4-1

1-0

0-0

4-3

5-3

Whitchurch Alport

Cheadle Town

Bacup Borough

0-0

0-1

2-1

0-2

5-1

St Helens Town

Chadderton

Ashton Town

5-5

Hanley Town

Barnton

Atherton LR

2-3

3-2

Holker Old Boys

1-4

Litherland REMYCA

Bacup Borough

Barnton

1-1

Cheadle Town

0-1

Stockport Town

Atherton LR

Eccleshall

4-3

Irlam

3-2

Northwich M Villa

2-3

Rochdale Town

Ashton Town

North West Counties Football League Division One Season 2015-16 Saturday 10/10/15

2-2

2-3

4-1

4.3

4-3

0-1

Widnes

ST. HELENS TOWN AFC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A STATISTICAL HISTORY by Glyn Jones Part 60 - Season 2006-07 North West Counties League FC United of Manchester Curzon Ashton Nantwich Town Salford City Trafford Maine Road Atherton Collieries Ramsbottom United Glossop North End Congleton Town Colne Newcastle Town Flixton Silsden Bacup Borough Atherton L.R. Abbey Hey Squires Gate St. Helens Town Nelson Formby Stone Dominoes Opponents Abbey Hey Atherton Collieries Atherton L.R. Bacup Borough Colne Congleton Town Curzon Ashton FC United of Manchester Flixton Formby Glossop North End Maine Road Nantwich Town Nelson Newcastle Town Ramsbottom United Salford City Silsden Squires Gate Stone Dominoes Trafford

P 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 Home Apr 7* Nov 4 Apr 3 Oct 21 Dec 2 Dec 23 Apr 21 Aug 12 Apr 16 Mar 13 Nov 25 Sep 12 Sep 16 Apr 26 Feb 17 Dec 9 Jan 3 Mar 31* Nov 28 Mar 20 Nov 18

W 36 31 29 26 24 22 19 19 19 18 16 16 15 16 11 11 10 10 10 7 6 2

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

L 2 5 5 7 7 13 10 16 17 16 13 16 16 20 18 22 22 24 26 29 32 37

F 157 116 108 103 94 79 72 78 71 75 75 70 72 66 50 65 44 56 47 41 43 36 Away Jan 13 Aug 28 Apr 24 Mar 17 Apr 28 Oct 28 Oct 14 Oct 11 Sep 27 Apr 10 Sep 9 Feb 10 Mar 6 Dec 16 Jan 20 Oct 7 Aug 26 Apr 14 Aug 15 Sep 20 Mar 27

A 36 38 41 55 46 58 55 63 71 62 70 63 67 79 65 106 83 97 92 113 111 147

Pts 112 99 95 87 83 73 70 64 63 62 61 58 56 54 46 42 40 38 36 27 22 9 Result Won 3-0 Lost 0-1 Won 4-3 Drew 0-0 Lost 2-3 Lost 0-1 Lost 0-5 Lost 0-3 Lost 1-5 Won 2-0 Lost 0-4 Won 2-0 Lost 2-4 Drew 0-0 Lost 0-1 Lost 0-3 Lost 1-2 Drew 1-1 Drew 1-1 Won 4-2 Lost 0-2

Aug 19 Aug 22 Sep 5

Ex-Prelim. Replay Prelim.

Sep 23

2nd Qual.

Nov 11 Jan 27

2nd Rd. 3rd Rd.

Oct 3

1st Rd.

Player Abewhite, Robert Bermingham, Chris Boden, Tommy Burke, Chris Burns, Michael Cameron, Aaron Cassidy, Derek Castley, Mark Cawley, Joe Cliff, Paul Clifton, Ray Cook, Andy Cushion, Craig Dickson, Lee Dyson, Iain Edgerley, Darren Elias, John Evans, Mark Gahgan, Phil Gibbons, Joe Gore, Ray Halpin, John Hannon, Kevin Hatton, Brian Hilton, Stuart Howgate, Matt Hughes, Danny Jones, Neil Kenny, Gary Leather, Steve

FA CUP Tow Law Town TOW LAW TOWN SKELMERSDALE UNITED FA VASE Abbey Hey NWCFL CHALLENGE CUP Bacup Borough Padiham LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP Bootle

App Sub Total Goals 1 1 5 1 6 7 7 6 6 1 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 15 7 22 3 14 3 17 1 7 7 3 3 3 1 4 5 5 1 38 38 15 3 3 18 18 34 34 8 8 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 7 2 29 12 41 6 22 2 24 1 3 2 5 8 11 19 16 16 1 2 2 8 1 9

Away Home Home

Drew Won Lost

1-1 2-1 0-3

Away

Lost

3-4

Away Away

Won Lost

5-3 0-2

Away

Lost

1-3

Ledger, Andy Ledsham, Karl Leyland, Danny McCall, Graeme McKane, Jay McKane, Joe McVey, Danny Mahama, Mukhtar Measey, Carl Murray, Dave Navarro, Eddie Nicholson, Mark Nightingale, Sean Owens, Michael Reilly, Adie Roberts, Neil Robinson, Sean Sheppard, Chris Spendlove, Chris Skinley, John Sumner, Tom Taylor, Robert Thompson, Lee Thompson, Scott Walker, Andy Walker, Scott Webster, Andy Westworth, Mark Williams, Franny Wilson, Colin Totals

4 34 16 19 6 4 5 2 13 1 6 30 5 9 6 1 3 29 19 6 1 11 21 2 3 16 539

1 5 3 37 1 17 19 6 6 6 4 4 9 1 1 2 2 2 13 1 6 2 32 5 9 18 6 1 2 2 5 1 30 4 23 1 7 1 13 24 1 1 10 31 1 3 1 4 1 17 117 656

1 4 2 2

1 59

The original St. Helens Town club was formed in 1901 and played at Park Road, behind the Primrose Vaults public house. Although it was known as the Primrose Ground, the players changed further down Park Road at the Black Horse pub. Playing in the Lancashire League and Lancashire Combination, the team enjoyed some early success, but struggled after the Great War and appears to have folded midway through the 1928/29 season. The club was re-formed by George Fryer and a group of local businessmen in 1946. They took out a lease of the former cricket ground at Hoghton Road, Sutton, adjacent to the St. Helens Junction railway station and, although it entered in the FA Cup in the 1946/47 season, a team could not be raised in time to fulfil its tie with Prescot Cables. Friendly games were played, then local team Derbyshire Hill Rovers were taken over in April 1947, those players forming the nucleus of the team which entered the Liverpool County Combination at the start of the 1947/48 season. St. Helens Town soon began to prosper and early results included a sensational 10-4 win over Everton “A” on 6th December 1947. Former German prisoner-of-war Bert Trautmann joined the club in the Summer of 1948, the strapping goalkeeper helping the team to win its first trophy, the George Mahon Cup, which was secured with a 2-1 win over Runcorn at Prescot on 7 th May 1949. Crowds averaged over 2000 that season, peaking with a league record attendance of 3102 against Burscough Tommy O’Neil in October 1948. Wembley,1987 The following season, 1949/50, Town entered the Lancashire Combination and, despite losing Trautmann to Manchester City in October 1949, they won the Second Division title in some style the following season, three players, Albert Leadbetter (36), Harry McCann (32) and Terry Garner (31) all netting over 30 goals apiece. An all-time club record attendance of “between 8000 and 9000” witnessed a friendly game against Manchester City, arranged as part of the Trautmann transfer deal, in April 1950 and another 4000 witnessed a second match with City the following season. Although relegated by a slender margin from the First Division in 1951/52, the club continued to look forward, even contemplating Football League status and, in order to further their ambitions, it moved to the former St. Helens Recs. ground at City Road. Initial crowds were encouraging but, despite success, the club decided to move back to Hoghton Road in October 1953, where they remained until April 2000. Town produced a number of fine players who joined Football League clubs, including Bill Foulkes (Manchester United), John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday) and John Connelly who joined Burnley, later transferring to Manchester United and who played in the England 1966 World Cup winning squad. More recently, Dave Bamber scored goals in all four divisions of the league with a host of different clubs, starting and ending his league career at Blackpool and Karl Ledsham is now playing his football at Conference level, initially with Southport, then at Lincoln City. Following a second relegation in 1956, St. Helens Town continued to play in the Lancashire Combination, winning the Championship in 1971/72, by nine points ahead of Accrington Stanley. However, the formation of the Northern Premier League in 1968 led to a gradual drain of stronger clubs from the Combination and St. Helens joined the Cheshire League in 1975, becoming founder members of the North West Counties League seven years later. They held the

St Helens Town 1948

proud record of being the only club to play in the NW Counties’ top flight every season until they were relegated in April 2015, conceding an injury-time equaliser to Silsden in the last game of the season, a match they had to win to stay up. Town enjoyed a golden era in the late 1980s, just missing out on an appearance in the First Round proper of the FA Cup in 1985/86, losing to Morecambe in a Fourth Qualifying Round Replay, but they obtained ample compensation by winning the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987, beating near neighbours Warrington Town 3-2, with two goals from Phil Layhe and one from Brian Rigby. They were regular promotion candidates for many years, largely due to the scoring exploits of Steve “Pellet” Pennington, who grabbed 216 goals in 351 games, his season’s best hauls of 45 in 1993/94 and 46 in 1997/98 just failing to beat the club record of 47 scored by Phil Stainton in 1963/64. This season is a momentous one for St. Helens Town: not only do they have to fight to regain their Premier Division status, but also they are looking to return to a new base, back in the town at Ruskin Drive. The Hoghton Road facilities had fallen into disrepair and the site was sold for housing in 2002, Town having gone into partnership with Saints Rugby League club, ground-sharing at the old Knowsley Road ground for 10 years, but the intended relocation to the new Langtree Park ground did not materialise and the club embarked on a nomadic existence, first at Ashton Town, now at Ashton Athletic. Construction work at the Council-owned multi-sports facility at Ruskin Drive has been delayed, but is now under way and Town are looking to move in at the start of the 2016-17 season, hopefully back in the Premier Division.

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 2014-15 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 Soccer Club Swap Shop National Awards 2010-11 Placed 28th 2011-12 Placed 8th 2012-13 Placed 7th 2013-14 Placed 8th 2014-15 Placed 5th

Welcome everybody again to Brocstedes Park for this eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Division clash with local rivals Widnes.

Widnes arrive on the back of a good run of results so we are expecting a tough fixture against a side who have scored 25 goal from 10 league games. We approach the game with renewed confidence after Saturday's 3-1 win over Chadderton. The previous week started badly with a heavy defeat at Rochdale in the FA Vase and this disappointing result initiated a rethink in a couple of areas to see if we can improve on a number of aspects of our game. We were therefore very pleased with the response on Saturdaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; game where despite falling behind we were playing much brighter inventive football, retaining the ball better and creating a lot more goal scoring opportunities. Behind the scenes we continue to work hard to improve the squad despite the loss of a number of key players this week Dale Sealey to work commitments, goalkeeper Tom Bradley has decided he needs more playing time elsewhere and Gavin OKeefe has decided to take a break to recover from a long term injury problem. On a positive note Matt Davidson has restarted training, Alex Gillespie continued his comeback with an appearance for u21 side on Sunday and 18 year old Callum Davies has been elevated from U21 side making a very impressive debut on Saturday. I've known Callum for a number of years and he is undoubtedly one of the best young players around and I'm sure he will continue to progress now he has made the breakthrough. In fact Saturday's team was packed with young talent Ste Rigby, Charlie Duke Josh Hoult, Warren Twist, Marcus Perry all learning, getting valuable game time and progressing - the future is looking very bright if we can manage their development well. Finally, a big thank you to Under 18 Manager Ellis Hawksworth who resumed his goalkeeping career for us on Saturday and very impressive he was too. Alan Gillespie Joint First Team Manager

Saturday 25th October 2014 Widnes 4, St Helens Town 4 (after extra time) Widnes won 4-3 on penalties

This game had to be seen to be believed. Leading 4-1 at half-time, Town simply did not turn up in the second half and allowed Widnes to claw their way back into a game in which they had appeared dead and buried, levelling the tie in the 90th minute, before winning the penalty shoot out 4-3. The first half was so easy for St. Helens. They carved open the Widnes defence time and time again, taking the lead in the first minute when Andy Gillespieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cross was dispatched by Chad Whyte for his first goal and the same player added a second from the penalty spot after Kris Bell had been brought down by Paul Carney after 13 minutes. At 2-0, the temptation was to sit back, but Widnes served warnings of things to come, twice going close Town in action at Widnes FC when James Halpin and then Jack McKay cleared Saturday 25th October 2014 shots off the line in the 17th and 20th minutes. Still, Town pressed home their advantage, Whyte nearly netting a third three minutes later, before another burst and cross from Gillespie was turned in by Bell to make it 3-0 after 25 minutes. Widnes reduced the arrears on 40 minutes, a free kick from out on the touchline, being deflected past Rory Crowther by one of his own defenders, but Town restored their three goal cushion right on half-time when a cross from Jamil Saleh found its way into the Widnes net from 20 yards out. Town took it easy in the second half, no doubt thinking they had done enough to win, trying pot -shots from distance, but Widnes hit back with a second goal on the hour, Sean Bowden-Davies hitting home from 45 yards out, beating Crowther all ends up. Still, the odds against a Widnes win lengthened when they were reduced to ten men soon afterwards, but the introduction of substitute Jamil Campbell-Joseph turned the game. He ran the Town defence ragged and was rewarded with a goal on 78 minutes when, drawing Crowther on the edge of his 18-yard box, slotted home to make it 4-3 and Town simply had nothing left to offer when Alex Davies scored the equaliser in the last minute. The home team very nearly won the tie seconds later, but Campbell-Joseph blasted over the bar when it seemed easier to score. Extra time found both teams tired and neither produced any chances of note. On then, to the penalty shoot out and both teams scored from their opening three kicks, Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gaz Grant, Saleh and Whyte netting. Widnes keeper David Nevitt then saved from Lewis Coyle before Campbell-Joseph put Widnes ahead for the first time and Karl Bergqvist hit his spot-kick against the underside of the bar and Town were out. Whilst Widnes were given a difficult trip to Glossop in the next round, St. Helens were left to lick their wounds. On the positive side, they have re-discovered their scoring touch but they must learn quickly how to shut out a game, especially with the FA Vase tie against Yorkshire Amateur at Brocstedes Park due next Saturday. Report by Glyn Jones

Town in action at Widnes FC Saturday 25th October 2014

North West Counties Football League DIVISION ONE Player of the Month - September 2015 ANDY GILLESPIE OF ST HELENS TOWN The Town skipper had another fine month for St Helens Town in September, taking his tally to 10 goals as he aims to be the First Team top goal corer for the third season in a row. He has almost equalled his goal scoring tally of 11 goals from last term in the first two months of the season with a record of 10 goals in 11 games at the end of September. Despite being only 24 years old he is the club captain and a real leader both on and off the pitch. Andy has been an inspiration to his teammates, having recovered from two season ending injures on Easter Monday 2014 & 2015, but he has bounced back both times and this term having a full pre-season of hard work behind him, has seen him looking at his sharpest. He has been the focal point of the team this term and leads from the front inspiring the team with his work rate, selfless play and also chipping in with goals. Often ploughing a lonely furrow up front on his own as a lone striker, he is both a creator, holding the ball up, bringing others into play and creating space for his teammates with his intelligent runs. Andy can score goals with his head and both feet and his versatility means he scores every type goal imaginable. His excellent play has been commented on by opponents throughout the month of September, during which he scored five goals in six games. Andy is sponsored by ArcoFrame

Andy Gillespie

Q1. Which player has scored the most hat-tricks in Premier League history? Q2. Who is France’s most capped player? Q3. Which Football League team started their life as North Town Wanderers? Q4. Which player finished top scorer in Euro ‘88? Q5. Which club did Napoli sign Edinson Cavani from in 2010? Q6. Which six players have won more than 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland? Q7. Which country do the teams Shonan Bellmare, Urawa Red Diamonds & Vissel Kobe play? Q8. What link does the University of Greenwich have to the Championship? Q9. Who scored Brazil’s goal in their 7 -1 Semi Final defeat to Germany at World Cup 2014? Q10. West Germany/Germany have reached the last eight of every World Cup they have entered, True or False? Q11. Which Serie A club nicknamed “The Little Zebras”?

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Q12. Who were the last team to collect more than 100 points in the Championship? Q13. What is the biggest margin of victory in a World Cup 3rd place play off and what was the final score? Q14. Which country’s clubs have won the most consecutive European Cup/ Champions Leagues (this can be different clubs from the same league)? Q15. Which team were relegated from the Football League in 2013-14 despite only spending less than an hour in the relegation zone during the whole season?

1) Alan Shearer 2) Lilian Thuram (142 caps) 3) Wycombe Wanderers 4) Marco van Basten 5) Palermo 6) Robbie Keane, Shay Given, Kevin Kilbane, Steve Staunton, John O’Shea & Damien Duff 7) Japan 8) Shirt Sponsor of Charlton 9) Oscar 10) False they lost in the 1st Round in 1938 11) Udinese 12) Leicester City 102 in 2013-14 13) Sweden 4-0 Bulgaria in 1994 14) England six seasons 1976/7-1981/2, Liverpool 3, Forest 2 & Villa 1. 15) Torquay United

The present St. Helens Town club is in its 69th league season. The first two 1947-49 were spent in the Liverpool County Combination, the period 1949-75 in membership of the Lancashire Combination, followed by 7 years in the Cheshire League and the last 30 in the North West Counties League, where they are the only club in permanent membership of the top division. During the early years, the newly reformed club had lofty ambitions, just as the original club had harboured in the early years of the last century. Success in the Liverpool County Combination culminated in the club’s first trophy, the George Mahon Cup, which was won in a thrilling final against Runcorn at Prescot on 7th May 1949. The following season, 1949/50, Town joined the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination, gaining promotion at the second attempt. Big crowds at Hoghton Road during the late 1940's and early 1950's

Back in 1951, long before the establishment of the football pyramid, the Lancashire Combination and the Cheshire League were widely regarded as the Football League’s Fifth Division. Leading clubs from both competitions vied for membership of the Football League. New Brighton had just failed to be reelected to the Third Division (North) and dropped into the Lancashire Combination, where they came up against Town on 20th October at the Tower Grounds, Garner and Sumner each scoring in a creditable 2-2 draw. Bert Trautmann in goal at Hoghton Road Wigan Athletic were prominent members of the Combination (and, later on, the Cheshire League) and many St. Helens Town supporters were of the opinion that, whatever Wigan could do, Town could also do. There was a great deal of ambition around the Town club, built on the back of early successes, that a Football League place could be an achievable aim. After all, despite the competition from the Saints at Knowsley Road, several thousand men travelled from St. Helens every week to watch Everton and Liverpool. Success on the football field might well persuade a good number of those people to watch their football on their St. Helens doorsteps. Town’s first season in the First Division of the Lancashire Combination was an uphill struggle. Nevertheless, three wins from the last five games almost secured their status and they finished just two points adrift of Rossendale United in 20th place. 1952/53 began well enough and there were 6 wins and a draw from the first 7 games. However, there was unrest at Hoghton Road, where crowds were not as good as many thought they should be. It was generally thought that a move to a ground nearer the town centre would result in bigger support and with the bigger gates, the club would be able to attract better players and further its ambitions for Football League status. St. Helens Recs. Rugby League club had played professional rugby at City Road between the wars, but the Pilkingtons company had withdrawn their financial support in April 1939 and the ground had stood empty until 1949, when Pilkington Recs. were re-born as an amateur rugby league club. Pilkingtons were approached and the company’s board agreed to make City Road available to St. Helens Town. The Town Chairman, W. P. Smith, told the local press that the club had come to the cross-roads and a drastic solution to the club’s financial problems had to be found. It was a question of raising income or

disband. Not enough people were willing to pay their shilling at the gate. It was announced that a meeting would be held in the refreshment hut following the Droylsden game on 22nd November to discuss the proposed move. The momentous decision was taken to relocate to City Road and the first game, a Liverpool Non-League Cup game against Stoneycroft, resulted in an 8-1 victory. The following week, 6th December, Morecambe Reserves were dispatched 8-0. Ronnie Rigby scored 4 goals in each match.

St Helens Town 2-1 Runcorn Town George Mahon Trophy Final Saturday 7th May 1949

Crowds were encouraging at first, although they were a little disappointing if Saints were at home the same day. The season was quite successful, but Town ran out of steam towards the end, finishing in fourth place and just missing out on promotion.

1953/54 season began at City Road but, by the end of October, Town were back at Hoghton Road and the ground was taken off the market. A renewed appeal was made for more volunteers to assist the club and for supporters to be militant, rather than passive and to back the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ten shilling shares scheme to secure the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial future. Part-way through the season, First Division Bootle folded and Town made application to take over their fixtures. However, their application was rejected and the season ended with some poor results. The following campaign, 1954/55, was worse and the club finished in eighteenth position yet, curiously, were promoted back to the St Helens Town 1950s First Division. Predictably, 1955/56, in the First Division, was a bridge too far. Three wins and three draws from 38 games (conceding 110 goals) resulted in a last place finish and, more importantly, the bitter realisation that ambitions for higher status were further away than ever before. Glyn Jones

Town 3-1 Chadderton NWCFL Division One Saturday 10th October 2015

In addition to our North West Counties League side the club has an U18s team playing in the North West Youth Alliance League Division One and an U21s team playing in the Cheshire FA U21s League Premier Division (both Sunday Leagues) U21s L L L Cup L L Cup L Cup L Cup L L L L L L

DATE RES HOME AWAY VENUE 23/08/2015 W 2-1 St Helens Town Bootle Edge Hill University #2 06/09/2015 W 6-1 Claybrow FC St Helens Town Edge Hill University #1 13/09/2015 W 4-0 St Helens Town Winsford United Edge Hill University #2 20/09/2015 W 0-0* AFC Sefton St Helens Town Edge Hill University #2 27/09/2015 L 1-2 St Helens Town Stockport Town Edge Hill University #2 04/10/2015 L 3-1 Bootle St Helens Town JMO Sports Park 11/10/2015 W 0-5 The Highwayman St Helens Town 15/10/2015 19:45 Irlam St Helens Town Irlam FC 18/10/2015 12:00 St Helens Town Irlam Edge Hill University #2 25/10/2015 11:00 Winsford United St Helens Town Winsford United FC 01/11/2015 12:00 St Helens Town Irlam Edge Hill University #1 08/11/2015 11:00 Rochdale St Helens Town Hyde United FC 15/11/2015 14:00 Manchester Central St Helens Town Belle Vue Sports Centre 22/11/2015 11:00 Abbey Hey St Helens Town Abbey Hey FC 29/11/2015 14:00 Stockport Town St Helens Town Stockport Sports Village 06/12/2015 12:00 St Helens Town Rochdale Edge Hill University #2 20/12/2015 12:00 St Helens Town Abbey Hey Edge Hill University #2 *0-0 after extra time St Helens Town won on penalty kicks 2-4

U18s L L L L L L L Cup L L Cup L L L L L L L L L L L L L

DATE 16/08/2015 23/08/2015 30/08/2015 06/09/2015 13/09/2015 20/09/2015 27/09/2015 04/10/2015 11/10/2015 18/10/2015 25/10/2015 01/11/2015 08/11/2015 15/11/2015 29/11/2015 06/12/2015 13/12/2015 20/12/2015 10/01/2016 17/01/2016 31/01/2016 07/02/2016 21/02/2016 28/02/2016

RES W 1-3 W 3-1 W 4-5 D 0-0 W 2-1 W 1-3 W 4-1 L 2-1 W 1-6 14:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00

HOME Egerton FC St Helens Town Marine St Helens Town St Helens Town Altrincham St Helens Town Macclesfield Town Macclesfield Town St Helens Town West D & Chorlton Chorley St Helens Town St Helens Town Irlam FC St Helens Town Nelson St Helens Town AFC Blackpool St Helens Town Bolton Wyresdale St Helens Town Vauxhall Motors Chester Colts

AWAY St Helens Town Nelson St Helens Town Chester Colts Altrincham St Helens Town AFC Blackpool St Helens Town St Helens Town Bolton Wyresdale St Helens Town St Helens Town Vauxhall Motors Irlam FC St Helens Town Egerton St Helens Town MARINE FC St Helens Town Macclesfield Town St Helens Town Chorley FC St Helens Town St Helens Town

VENUE Egerton FC Edge Hill University JMO Sports Edge Hill University Edge Hill University Hale Country Club Edge Hill University Platt Lane Platt Lane Edge Hill University HARDY FARM Bishops Rawsthorne Edge Hill University Edge Hill University Silver Street Edge Hill University VICTORIA PARK Edge Hill University Mechnics Ground Edge Hill University Little Lever School Edge Hill University Rivacre Park Cheshire County Sports

TOWN BOUNCE BACK TO WINNING WAYS by Glyn Jones St. Helens Town 3, Chadderton 1 The introduction of substitute Marcus Perry early in the second half was the catalyst to a return to winning ways for St. Helens Town on Saturday, as they completed a league double over Chadderton, both games ending with the same 3-1 scoreline. This was a first win in six league outings for Town who are now within reach of the play-off places in the NW Counties First Division. Little has been going right for Town since late August and Saturday’s game looked to be another uphill struggle after Niall Sultan gave the Oldham outfit the lead in the 35th minute, with a looping header from the edge of the penalty box, which took everybody by surprise. Up to that point, neither side had threatened to seize the initiative but once the goal went in, Chadderton gained in confidence, whilst St. Helens looked very flat.

Town’s main problem this season has been their failure to field a settled side and, once again, they were forced into bringing in two debutants in the Under-18s team manager Ellis Hawksworth in goal and Under-21s midfield Callum Davies. However, Hawksworth looked solid throughout and Davies looks to be an exciting prospect, running the show in the middle of the park. Adam Lawrence, playing only his second game at right back, was Warrington Motors Man-of-the-Match. With confidence levels low, Town needed a boost and the introduction of Perry turned the game. With 65 minutes on the clock, he sprinted down the right wing and crossed for Andy Gillespie, but the captain could not connect with the ball. However, all was not lost as Johann du Toit played the ball back in from the left and this time Gillespie buried the ball in Chadderton’s net for the leveller. This was the striker’s eleventh goal in 12 outings this season, a record which earned him the First Division player of the month award for September. Town took complete control of the game from this point on. Declan Gregson was unlucky when he headed Lawrence’s cross on to the roof of the net a few minutes later, then St. Helens took the lead on 74 minutes when Perry made another of his trademark bursts and he rounded Keith Melvin and keeper Matt Green to score a lovely goal, significant as it was Town’s 2200th in NW Counties League football. With eight minutes remaining, Gregson beat the offside trap and ran clear before beating Green from close range to wrap up the points with the final goal, giving the score a rather comfortable feel at 3-1. Town travel to new boys Stockport Town at Lambeth Grove on Saturday in what should prove an interesting battle.

Town 3-1 Chadderton NWCFL Division One Saturday 10th October 2015

Tuesday 6th October 2015 Hanley Town's 2-0 home win over Northwich Manchester Villa was their 50th League win. Jason Hart's second goal of the game for Colne in the 4-0 win at AFC Blackpool was their 600th away League goal. Saturday 10th October 2015 St Helens Town's second goal in the 3-1 win over Chadderton, scored by Marcus Perry in the 74th minute, was Town's 2200th League goal. 1874 Northwich recorded their 100th away League goal when Matthew Ward scored what proved to be the winning goal five minutes from time to clinch a 4-3 win at AFC Blackpool.

West Didsbury & Chorlton’s new pitch facilities was declared open at a ceremony on Saturday morning. Jeff Smith, MP for Manchester, Withington, officially opened the facilities at 11.45 am. A total of £66,263 was spent in developing four new pitches, including a £43,263 grant from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund, which provides grants towards developing new or refurbished grassroots football facilities. The club worked in partnership with Lancashire FA to secure the grant from the Premier League & the FA Facilities Fund. The grant has enabled the club to provide four new grass pitches for sides from Under-8 to Under-16 along with a new full-size pitch for the club’s Under-18 youth team and adult ‘A’ team. The pitches will occupy and bring activity to an area that was previously home to nothing more than overgrown playing fields. Squires Gate have announced the appointment of Danny Penswick as the club's new first team manager. The current Squires Gate captain becomes the third player manager for Gate in recent times. Penswick follows in the footsteps of Russ McKenna and latterly Dave McCann, who departed the club a week ago, who both held the same role. The former Blackpool, Fleetwood, Leigh Genesis and AFC Fylde player is in his third season at the club. Terms have been agreed for the rest of the season, with an option to extend. Speaking on the appointment, Gate Chairman Stuart Hopwood said: "We are delighted that Danny has made the step up. We feel Danny will be an asset both on and off the pitch, and we believe he has the footballing knowledge and experience to lead this club".

First Division Table as at Saturday 10th October 2015 First Division

W D

A GD Pts

Barnton

32 15 17 23

Ashton Town

28 17 11 22

Stockport Town

22 24 -2 20

Irlam

13 19

Hanley Town

Bacup Borough

23 20

Litherland REMYCA

15 13

Cheadle Town

29 23

St Helens Town

3 22 18

Holker Old Boys

18 14

Chadderton

18 17

Rochdale Town

16 19 -3 13

Widnes

4 25 24

Atherton LR

13 24 -11 12

Northwich Manchester 11 Villa

19 29 -10 8

Whitchurch Alport

19 31 -12 8

Daisy Hill

12 39 -27 8

Eccleshall

15 20 -5

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

Saturday 10th October 2015 Premier Division Abbey Hey 1-5 West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC Blackpool 3-4 1874 Northwich AFC Darwen 1-5 Runcorn Town Alsager Town 3-3 Ashton Athletic Barnoldswick Town 1-1 AFC Liverpool Bootle 5-1 Squires Gate Colne 4-2 Congleton Town Maine Road 2-1 Nelson Padiham 2-1 Cammell Laird 1907 Runcorn Linnets 2-1 Silsden Winsford United 1-1 Atherton Collieries First Division Ashton Town 3-2 Rochdale Town Atherton LR 1-4 Cheadle Town Bacup Borough 2-1 Litherland REMYCA Daisy Hill 4-3 Whitchurch Alport Holker Old Boys 1-1 Irlam Northwich Manchester Villa 3-3 Barnton St Helens Town 3-1 Chadderton Widnes 6-1 Stockport Town Staffordshire F.A. Vase 1st Round Cheadle (SMU) 0-0 Eccleshall Cheadle won 7-6 on pens Wolverhampton SC 3-2 Hanley Town Monday 12th October 2015 Premier Division Maine Road 2-2 Atherton Collieries Winsford United 2-0 Ashton Athletic Tuesday 13th October 2015 Premier Division Abbey Hey v AFC Liverpool Alsager Town v Runcorn Linnets Barnoldswick Town v Padiham Bootle v Runcorn Town Congleton Town v 1874 Northwich Nelson v AFC Blackpool Squires Gate v Silsden West D & Chorlton v Cammell Laird 1907 First Division Irlam v Barnton St Helens Town v Widnes

Wednesday 14th October 2015 Premier Division AFC Darwen v Colne

Premier Division Table as at Monday 11th October 2015 Premier Division

W D

A GD Pts

Colne

13 10 2

41 18 23 32

Runcorn Linnets

12 10 0

27 10 17 30

Runcorn Town

33 21 12 24

Bootle

29 27

1874 Northwich

29 28

Barnoldswick Town

31 20 11 23

Ashton Athletic

22 18

Atherton Collieries

29 26

Nelson

28 21

AFC Liverpool

37 27 10 19

Cammell Laird 1907

33 30

Winsford United

23 29 -6 19

Abbey Hey

20 20

Padiham

28 32 -4 17

West Didsbury & Chorlton

25 29 -4 16

AFC Darwen

30 43 -13 16

Congleton Town

19 21 -2 14

Maine Road

24 34 -10 14

Silsden

19 27 -8 12

AFC Blackpool

21 31 -10 11

Squires Gate

12 31 -19 7

Alsager Town

10 14 31 -17 2

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

Wednesday 14th October 2015 First Division Bacup Borough v Stockport Town Friday 16th October 2015 Premier Division Silsden v Nelson Saturday 17th October 2015 The Reusch First Division Cup 1st Round Barnton v Eccleshall Chadderton v Bacup Borough Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Barnoldswick Town AFC Liverpool v Runcorn Linnets Ashton Athletic v Bootle Atherton Collieries v Alsager Town Cammell Laird 1907 v Abbey Hey Colne v Padiham Congleton Town v Winsford United Maine Road v AFC Darwen Runcorn Town v AFC Blackpool Squires Gate v West Didsbury & Chorlton First Division Atherton LR v Hanley Town Cheadle Town v Holker Old Boys Irlam v Daisy Hill Litherland REMYCA v Rochdale Town Stockport Town v St Helens Town Whitchurch Alport v Ashton Town Widnes v Northwich Manchester Villa Monday 19th October 2015 Premier Division Atherton Collieries v Squires Gate Runcorn Town v Cammell Laird 1907 Winsford United v Bootle Tuesday 20th October 2015 Premier Division Abbey Hey v Maine Road AFC Blackpool v AFC Liverpool Alsager Town v 1874 Northwich Ashton Athletic v Colne Runcorn Linnets v Congleton Town West Didsbury & Chorlton v Nelson