St Helens Town v Pilkington Match Programme 07/08/2021 by John McKiernan

THE MARKSMAN Official match day programme of St Helens Town AFC Issue 2 I £2.00

Saturday 7th August 2021, KO 3.00pm Charity Partner 2017-18

St Helens Town v Pilkington

TALK OF THE TOWN Good afternoon and welcome to Ruskin Drive for this North West Counties League, First Division North contest. I would like to open by welcoming our friends and visitors from Pilkington who I am sure will be very familiar with the surroundings this afternoon but will be enjoying a rare afternoon off as it’s an “away” game for them today! I hope they enjoy the short time they will spend with us and have a safe journey home after the game. We started the season off a week ago today, here at Ruskin against a lively Atherton LR side. We got off to the worst possible start as Connor Comber netted after 3 minutes and double the visitors advantage before the half hour mark with Comber again on target. Town were caught with a classic sucker punch as when pressing to halve the deficit LR pounced to make it 3-0 Luke Nicholls netting his first of the encounter. The response from Town was positive as they continued their pressing and got their just reward before the break. Good work centrally by Sam Hughes saw him find Josh Clegg on the right of the box and his centre was turned home by Joel Douglas from close range. The start of the second half saw Town dominate proceedings and they had a good penalty shout turned down when Ste Brown was felled in the box but no spot kick was forthcoming. Despite this pressure it was Atherton who were next to register on the scoresheet as they again caught Town on the break and Nicholls added his second and LR’s fourth massively against the run of play. Again Town bounced back scoring the contests next goal when Liam Diggle headed home a Paul Cliff right wing corner at the far post but the reduced deficit wasn’t to last long as Nicholls completed his hat-trick and to rub salt into the wound Cliff was sent off for a petulant reaction in the aftermath of the goal. We made the first midweek trip of the season

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to Garstang on Wednesday evening and the signs were very positive as we had the better of a goalless first half and were unlucky not to go into the break in front having had the better chances and indeed had the ball in the back of the net through Sam Hughes only to be contentiously flagged offside. Town started the second half brightly but it was the hosts who were to break the deadlock countering from a Town attack on their right flank and taking advantage of a Town defender slipping at the worst possible moment to go ahead. Matters took a turn for the worse soon afterwards as the most blatant handball just outside the home box was not punished and with several Town out of position the hosts were able to make it 2-0. The sense of frustration was palpable but again this Town team showed grit and determination to battle their way back into a game, Liam Diggle fired home from the edge of the box and deep into added on time threw the kitchen sink at Garstang from a free kick. The ball broke towards Luke Diggle who tried an audacious overhead kick which found Sam Hughes who back-heeled home from close range to send the travelling Town faithful into ecstasy! It was certainly a case of a result that felt like justice for the performance and the frustration suffered previously. One point gained and it felt like a win not a draw! On to this afternoons match and we will be looking to gain a modicum of revenge for a 3-2 reverse at the hands of Pilks on Boxing Day 2019 after we had lead 2-0 and missed a penalty at that scoreline too. Whilst we were going down to LR here at Ruskin Pilks started the season with a trip to Nelson, they bounced back from being a goal behind at the interval to lead 2-1 late in proceedings only to be pegged back again at 2-2 before netting themselves late in the piece to secure all three points. Pilks then hosted Daisy Hill on Wednesday evening and a slow start were 3-1 after 6 minutes! A rousing comeback from the cutters saw them level by 78 minutes and the two teams played out a 3-3 draw. Let’s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them on to a first victory of the season! Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

GOLDLINE LOTTERY

CLUB INFORMATION

As you may be aware a few years ago St Helens Town Football Club joined forces with Bolton Wanderers Football Club as a Goldline lottery partner and throughout that time we have had great success with both our members winning prizes and raising monies for the Club.

Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens

Now as we start to get back to some kind of normality we are asking for supporters, family and friends to become Goldline members which will provide the club with a valuable source of income which will help us to achieve a bright future for the players, staff and supporters of the club. In addition, you will have the chance to win up to £1000 weekly, so we could all be winners! As a lottery partner, St Helens Town Football Club receives 70p of your £1 weekly subscription. Therefore if we could get 100 members that’s £70 per week or £3640 per year which would be fantastic for us! As a Goldline member you will receive your membership card which includes your membership number, 10 sets of Goldline draw numbers. Your 10 sets of Goldline draw numbers will be entered into the Goldline draw every weekday for your chance of winning. 1x £1000, 1 x £500, 3 X £250 and 25 X £25 every week! That’s a £2875 prize pot 52 weeks of the year! Goldline pays out over £149,500 in prizes every year to members. No claim is necessary. Prizes will be sent automatically by post. Club Representative John McKiernan said, “In the current climate as all sports look to recover from the impact of Covid-19 and it’s repercussions, this income raised through the Goldline Lottery is crucial to the our club. If people are able to give up £1 a week to enter then we think this is a 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 download the Goldline form from the club’s website, complete and return or email sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk for further details.

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Vice Presidents: Jim Barrett, Steve Ball and David Watkins Hon. Secretary: Jeff Voller (07843 692695) Treasurer: Debra Voller Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, James Barrett, Steve Ball, Andy Langley, David O`Keefe, Stephen Lingard, Ashish Prabhu, David Watkins, Debbie Voller, Stacey Savage, David Morris, William Bowman and David Platt. Playing Staff: 1st Team Manager: David W Platt 1st Team Assistant Manager: David Potter Cheshire League Reserve Team Manager: TBC Liverpool County Prem Reserves: Darren Peers Sunday Team Manager: David J Platt U21s Team Manager: Luke Diggle U18s Team Manager: David Morris U18s Development Team Manager: James Kelly U16s Manager: Ian Woods U15s Manager: Dave Morris U11s Manager: Ashley Stone Main Club Sponsor: Prabhu Ventures Limited 1st Team Kit Sponsor: Unite the Union, St Helens Charity Partner: St Helens Mind Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002 Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited Company Director: Jim Barrett Ground: Ruskin Sports Village, Ruskin Drive, Denton’s Green, St Helens WA10 6RP Website: sthelenstownafc.com Twitter: @sthelenstownfc Facebook: facebook.com/StHelensTownAFC Instagram: sthelenstownafc

NWCFL First Division North Liam Diggle in action v Atherton LR Ruskin Sports Village, St Helens Saturday 31st July 2021 Match photos courtesy of @Jess_Photo1

FROM THE MANAGER Welcome back to Ruskin Sports Village for our first derby of the year with our guests being neighbours Pilkington FC. A mixed week for us to start the season saw us lose heavily against Atherton LR and grab a late equaliser to share the points at Garstang midweek. What was the difference between the two games? Well, on the ball not a lot; in both games we've had the majority of the possession and created a lot of chances and whilst our conversion could be better 2 goals a game isn't too bad a return. The biggest difference was off the ball with some mistakes in the first game that aren't typical of the players who made them which so we back the lads and the type of football we are playing and hope that you can see as supporters what we are trying to do with a group of young footballers, most of who we firmly believe will develop into higher level players over the next few years. The fact that the mistakes led to goals comes down to me ultimately and how I set the team up so we will also look at that and hopefully can show you what we are about over the next few weeks As a club local support is massive for us in terms of meeting our financial obligations and we would love more involvement from the community, whether that's match attendance, match day volunteering, sponsorship or even joining the committee - we really do want you to feel like this is your club, come and be part of it. Today's opponents are always a tough game, a side who play good football and generally don't lie down even when the odds are against them. I'm looking forward to a really intense encounter and hopefully we can let our quality shine through. Regardless of the result though

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I think we have a group of young exciting players with a lot of potential and I think there is an exciting future ahead for the club. Thanks for coming, enjoy the match. Dave Platt

Forthcoming Fixtures: St Helens Town Reserves: 07/08 – Pilkington (H) 14/08 – Golborne Sports (A) 21/08 – Hartford (A) 24/08 – Avon Villa (A) 28/08 – West Didsbury & Chorlton (H) St Helens Town U21’s: 15/08 – Ramsbottom United (A) 22/08 – Stalybridge Celtic (H) 05/09 – Macclesfield (A) 12/09 – St Michaels DH (H) 19/09 – Chorley (A)

OUR VISITORS TO RUSKIN The club was officially founded in 1938 but it has history dating back many years before their official formation. The team's origins come from the Pilkington glass factory in St Helens, which had numerous workers teams that have been around for almost as long as the company has been making glass in the 19th century. The early teams that played are thought to have been representatives of their individual works, like the 1907 Sheet Glass Makers team. Works teams in St Helens were amalgamated to form a Pilkington Amateurs AFC in 1933, however, because of the 5 years lost during the war it is officially registered as being 1938 when the club was formed. Records show the 1st team being drawn against ‘Liverpool ‘A’ at Anfield in the Liverpool Challenge Cup and that the game was played before a crowd of 2,000. The club played its first games at Crossley Road and moved to Ruskin Drive at the start of 1948/49 season under the management of Mr W.Fish. The Club toured in Portugal in 1970. Posters advertising the game named them as Recs Pilkington de Liverpool and consequently thousands of Portuguese spectators flocked to the ground, hoping to see the Anfield team. In 1972, ex-Crewe player, Brian May, took over the reign’s at the club. It was his gruelling training sessions and the regular goal exploits of centre forward Ian Lancaster that helped the 1st team hold its own in the very competitive Liverpool Combination. John Delves followed Brian as 1st Team manager before Jack Potter took over around 1975. At this time the club was running three teams with the 1st team in the Liverpool County Combination and the other two teams competing in the St. Helens Combination. In 1983/84, the club was the first local side to successfully join the Mid-Cheshire League and finish in 14th place in their first season. Under the stewardship of Geoff Barlow, the 80's saw the first team struggle with the competitiveness of the Mid-Cheshire and were regularly finishing in the bottom half of the table. The start of the 1992/93 season saw the club elect a new Chairman, John Potter Jnr., the club's youngest ever Chairman who was still playing 1st Team football. A concerted effort saw them almost gain promotion

but they had to settle for third. At the start of the 1992/93 season, under the guidance of Dave Burrows, a well-respected figure in the ranks of local junior football, they asked Dave Burrows to Manage an U18’s team. Season 1993/94 saw a change at the top with players, John Wright and Paul Pinder, forming a new management team. The next few years were a period of frustration as the club tried to get back to the top tier of Cheshire League football. Thrown in between this were 2 League Cup Final appearances that also ended in defeat. At the end of 1996/97, John Wright left the club and Paul Pinder ran the 1st Team with Andy Hockenhull. Season 1997/98 was the best year in that decade for the club as the 1st Team finally gained promotion back into the First Division. The club also won the Bill Gray Trophy Club of the Year Award. Season 2000/01 saw Dave Burrows and Andy Hockenhull take over the reign’s of the 1st Team. Dave and his team brought a new, youthful look to Pilkington FC. Their first season was a huge success with the 1st team winning the Liverpool Junior Cup and finishing 3rd in the league, with club Captain, Lee Webber winning the Bill Gray Trophy - Player of the Season Award for the Mid-Cheshire league. In 2007/08, Paul Rees continued to push the 1st Team forward and they were only beaten at home twice and finished 3rd in the league. They also reached the semi-final of the President's Cup but unfortunately went out on a penalty shootout against local rivals Warrington Town Reserves. Looking to build on the previous season's impressive top 3 finish, Paul Rees started the 2008/09 campaign with vigour but the inability to put a run of successive wins together meant that they were only able to finish 7th in the league. The 2009/10 season saw Ste Palfrey take over the 1st team manager's job from Paul Rees. It was a season of huge disappointment that started with promise. By mid-season they were 6th in the league but a poor run-in of form resulted in only one win in the last ten games and they finished 12th, only two points away from relegation. The 2010/11 season was all about instilling a more professional and ambitious culture within the club. The ground was renovated and certain standards were asked of the players to ensure that we were competitive on the pitch at all levels. The 1st Team drastically turned around last season's disappointing 12th place and led the league from early October right up to the final day of the season. The team, managed by Ste Palfrey and his assistant, Lee Webber, had to suffer a crushing blow as they missed out on being crowned Cheshire First Division champions by goal difference. The Reserve team

had also benefited and completed the clubs firstever double winning season. They were crowned Reserve League champions for the second time in 3 seasons, which was capped off with a memorable night in March, when they won the Reserve Division Cup at Trafford. The disappointment of losing the league on goal difference mixed with the ambition of some players to move up to the next level, the 2011/12 season was one of frustration for Ste Palfrey and Lee Webber as they struggled to replace the quality that was lost and they ended up finishing 9th. The 2013/14 started with yet another new manager at the helm of the 1st Team as the Club looked at exWarrington Town FC Assistant Manager, John Evans to continue the development of the young players at the club. This appointment was again short-lived and Reserves Manager Lee Webber stepped into the fold halfway through the season and the 1st Team narrowly escaped relegation due to Cuddington FC pulling out of the league. In 2014/15 another new management team took over with Antony Dean hoping to make a success of a job that had become a hot seat in recent seasons. The season started very strongly and after the first 10 games they sat at the top of the league. However, after losing a few players to injury and suspensions, cracks started to appear. On the back of some pretty heavy defeats, Anthony decided to leave the position just after Christmas. The club then looked to Matt Potter to galvanise a new squad halfway through the season, this proved a very difficult task and the 1st Team were relegated to Division One for the first time since 1990. Ste Palfrey and Nick Robinson took over the reign’s of the 1st Team at the start of the 2015/16 season with the club at rock bottom. After the 1st Team was relegated the committee took the decision to disband the Reserves meaning the Club would only operate with one team. The first team competed in the Cheshire League Division One finishing mid table. At the start of the 2016/17 there was a fresh focus as the Committee recruited a new Chairman in ex-Bury Footballer and local businessman Jimmy Woodyer. An ex-player and manager at the club he came in with the vision to make it one of the best local clubs around and take advantage of the new facilities that were being developed by St Helens Council at Ruskin Drive. Almost instantly there was an impact as the Club reinstated the Reserves and also recruited a Youth Team for the first time since 1992. The 1st Team started the season strongly with Ste Palfrey and Nick Robinson in charge and despite losing Nick to local rivals St Helens Town early on, the campaign was successful. With a young squad and the return of some old favourites the team grew into the season and thanks to a fantastic 51 goals from forward Matty Taylor, finished third. They also

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topped off a positive season when they lifted the Cheshire League Presidents Cup for the first time. The summer of 2017 was the springboard for the transformation of the club into the one you see today. A new junior section was set up with explayers instrumental in bringing their own children to start their playing days at the club. Also, a 5-year plan was developed with a new vision and one of its main objectives being the promotion of the 1st Team into the North West Counties League. The 2017/18 season started with Ste Palfrey in charge of the 1st Team with Reggie and Danny Hughes helping out. Despite a poor start the 1st Team were only beaten twice in their last 16 games to finish runners -up and gain promotion back to the Cheshire League Premier Division after an absence of three seasons. The Reserves again finished a creditable seventh as the club continued to use this team to blood new players coming through the youth system. During the season the club was also continuing to grow as we added more junior teams as well as introducing a Ladies team for the first time. Towards the end of the campaign, Nick Matthews, an experienced North West Counties manager was brought in by Ste Palfrey to help him on the sidelines. After gaining promotion, Ste Palfrey informed the club that he felt it would be best for him to step down to allow Nick Matthews to take the 1st Team into the Premier Division. Nick Matthews started the campaign with some new faces in the 1st Team squad. Unfortunately, it was a stuttering start and after eight games Nick left the club. The first team was taken over by Dave Murphy, Peter Edwards and Ste Palfrey – all club stalwarts and best mates. They simply took the team to the next level in terms of organisation and commitment to win. They lost only 2 of the 21 league games they took charge of and with 8 straight wins at the end of the season they narrowly beat Altrincham Reserves to the title on goal difference. This led to the Clubs first ever promotion into Step 6 of the National League System gaining promotion into the NWCFL Division One North. The 2019/20 season was historic for the club as the First Team started life in the Non-League Pyramid and competed in the North West Counties First Division One North for the first time. After a slow start, we finished a creditable 8th in a campaign that was declared null and void by the FA due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Prior to the start of the curtailed 2020/21 season Stephen Palfrey was relieved of his duties as First Team Manager and David Tickle, was appointed Manager of Pilkington FC. He was joined by Lee Jenkinson and Phil Marsh, as his Assistant Manager and Coach, along with his father Steve who started his footballing career at Pilkington FC before becoming a professional at Preston North End FC.

Season 2021-22

HOW DO WE COMPARE? St Helens Town - last 6 matches All Competitions

at St Helens Town

Previous Meetings

at Pilkington

NWC-D1

2006-07

MCHES-1

NWC-D1

2007-08

CHES-1

NWC-PD

2008-09

CHES-1

NWC-PD

2009-10

CHES-1

NWC-PD

2010-11

CHES-1

NWC-PD

2011-12

CHES-1

NWC-PD

2012-13

CHES-1

NWC-PD

2013-14

CHES-1

NWC-PD

2014-15

CHES-P

NWC-D1

2015-16

CHES-1

NWC-D1

2016-17

CHES-1

NWC-D1

2017-18

CHES-1

NWC-D1N

2018-19

CHES-P

2019-20

26/12; 2-3

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

Pilkington - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

St Helens Town games since... All Competitions

Pilkington games since...

2020-21

All Competitions

2021-22

07/08/2021

12/03/2022

Clean sheet

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

Pilkington Goals

Percentage Town Wins

0.00

Score draw

Win

St Helens Town Scores First Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Pilkington Wins

St Helens Town Goals

Previous Meetings P

Win %

Home League

0.00

Away League

-1

0.00

Home Cup

0.00

Away Cup

0.00

Collated

-1

0.00

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BRIEF HISTORY OF TOWN The original St. Helens Town club was formed in 1901 and played at Park Road, behind the Primrose Vaults public house. Although it was known as the Primrose Ground, the players changed further down Park Road at the Black Horse pub. Playing in the Lancashire League and Lancashire Combination, the team enjoyed some early success, but struggled after the Great War and appears to have folded midway through the 1928/29 season. The club was re-formed by George Fryer and a group of local businessmen in 1946. They took out a lease of the former cricket ground at Hoghton Road, Sutton, adjacent to the St. Helens Junction railway station and, although it entered in the FA Cup in the 1946/47 season, a team could not be raised in time to fulfil its tie with Prescot Cables. Friendly games were played, then local team Derbyshire Hill Rovers were taken over in April 1947, those players forming the nucleus of the team which entered the Liverpool County Combination at the start of the 1947/48 season. St. Helens Town soon began to prosper and early results included a sensational 10-4 win over Everton “A” on 6th December 1947. Former German prisoner-of-war Bert Trautmann joined the club in the Summer of 1948, the strapping goalkeeper helping the team to win its first trophy, the George Mahon Cup, which was secured with a 2-1 win over Runcorn at Prescot on 7th May 1949. Crowds averaged over 2000

that season, peaking with a league record attendance of 3012 against Burscough in October 1948. The following season, 1949/50, Town entered the Lancashire Combination and, despite losing Trautmann to Manchester City in October 1949, they won the Second Division title in some style the following season, three players, Albert Leadbetter (36), Harry McCann (32) and Terry Garner (31) all netting over 30 goals apiece. An 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 its ambitions, moved to the former St. Helens Recs. rugby league ground at City Road. Initial crowds were encouraging but, despite success, the club decided to move back to Hoghton Road in October 1953, where they remained until April 2000. Town produced a number of fine players who joined Football League clubs, including Bill Foulkes (Manchester United), John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday) and John Connelly who joined Burnley, later transferring to Manchester United and who played in the England 1966 World Cup winning squad. More recently, Dave Bamber scored goals in all four divisions of the league with a host of different clubs, starting and ending his league career at Blackpool and in more recent times, Karl Ledsham, who had a productive career at conference level with Southport, Lincoln City, Barrow and Stockport County before moving to the USA. Following a second relegation in 1956, St. Helens Town continued to play in the Lancashire Combination, winning the Championship in 1971/72, by nine points ahead of Accrington Stanley. However, the formation of the Northern Premier League in 1968 led to a gradual drain of stronger clubs from the Combination and St. Helens joined the Cheshire League in 1975, becoming founder members of the North West Counties League seven years later. They held the proud record of being the only club to play in the NW Counties’ top flight every season until they were relegated in April 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

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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. Former club captain Andy Gillespie won the NW Counties’ golden boot with 34 goals in the 2015/16 season and netted another 24 times the following season. Town moved from Hoghton Road in 2000 and ground-shared with Saints Rugby League club pending an intended move to their new

stadium, which took many years longer than anticipated and finally moved out of Knowsley Road when it closed in September 2010. Plans for the move were shelved following a disagreement and Town went on a nomadic existence, playing out of town at Ashton Town, Ashton Athletic, Prescot Cables and odd games at Atherton Collieries, before St. Helens Council redeveloped the Ruskin Drive multi-sports complex and St. Helens Town moved back home there in August 2017, playing on an artificial 3G surface. On the playing front the 21st April 2015 saw Town’s ever-present status in the NWCFL top flight end with relegation to Division One. A 1-1 draw a home to Silsden sealed their fate in a season when all three bottom clubs were relegated. 2021-22 sees Town in their eighth season at Step 6, now the NWCFL First Division North, aiming to put behind themselves a number of seasons of inconsistent performances. Under the stewardship of manager Dave Platt and assistant Dave Potter the club will be looking towards regaining their competitive edge.

LEAGUE TABLES & FIXTURES First Division North

Pts

AFC Blackpool

Chadderton

Bury AFC

Bacup Borough

Pilkington

Garstang

Golcar United

Nelson

Atherton LR

South Liverpool

AFC Darwen

-2

Cleator Moor Celtic

Daisy Hill

-1

St Helens Town

-3

Holker Old Boys

-4

Campion

-2

Ashton Town

-3

Steeton

-3

Ilkley Town

-5

Saturday 7th August 2021 North West Counties Football League First Division North Fixtures AFC Blackpool v Cleator Moor Celtic Ashton Town v Ilkley Town Bury AFC v Bacup Borough Chadderton v Atherton LR Daisy Hill v Garstang Golcar United v Nelson Holker Old Boys v AFC Darwen St Helens Town v Pilkington Steeton v South Liverpool

Mechanics Ground Profiles Park Neuven Stadium The Falcon Fire Stadium New Sirs Skye Direct Stadium The Handmark Engineering Stadium Ruskin Sports Village Marley Stadium

LIZZY ASHCROFT Lizzy Ashcroft - Footballer from Parr A Short Biography of Nanna Bolton - my famous footballing granny known universally to her team mates as ‘Tommy’ Lizzy in her prime in 1925 with trademark bob Born: 8 January 1905 Parr, St Helens - Died March 1973 Preston Married: Preston Registry Office 21 November 1936 to Joshua Bolton Early Years Elizabeth Ann Ashcroft was born in 1905 in Parr, one of the four boroughs of the Lancashire industrial town of St Helens. Parr is an area which has had some difficult times and is targeted for regeneration.

Part 1 mother are ill and have no food in the house. This triangulates with stories I heard from my father of a young St Helens relative being despatched to Preston on a Sunday for a joint of meat. Times were hard. It is not hard to imagine Lizzy growing up as a tomboy and picking up her footballing skills and her lifelong love of football - rather like her lifelong mate Lily Parr. St Helens Ladies FC The famous St Helens Ladies FC was formed in 1919 out of the various St Helens munitionettes sides such as Sutton Bond 1201, Rainhill Munitionettes, etc. The Lancashire Evening Post records a game against the Dick Kerr Ladies (DKL) on Saturday 17th May 1919 at Wigan. They are described as the ‘solitary undefeated team ladies’ team in Lancashire’ in the newspaper article. Their Captain and goalkeeper that day was E. Waine. She was widely regarded as the best goalkeeper of her day and usually captained combined sides when they were put together to take on the DKL. St Helens were widely regarded as the second best team in 1921 after the legendary Dick Kerr Ladies. When they weren’t losing to the greatest women’s football team ever in its greatest incarnation they had a very

Ralph + Mary Ashcroft with other family members Lizzy is the tall one with her father’s arm around her Lizzy grew up with her 3 brothers and 5 sisters in a two up two down house on Broad Oak Road in Parr. Her father Ralph was Hewer in one or more of the many, many unregulated local coalmines. The Hewer’s job was to dig the coal out at the face - he would typically have a younger man who would shovel the loosened coal into a bucket or tub. This person would often lodge with the Hewer. Despite having 9 children in their small house they also had a lodger. In the family archive I have a letter from one of Lizzy’s brothers to Lizzy ( 1930s) begging for a few shillings because he and his

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impressive unbeaten record. The 27 games which have been uncovered so far in 1921 include four high profile games against the famous Stoke Ladies and include 3 draws and a win. E Waine (Goalie in white), Lizzy (bob), Sue Chorley (front middle) St Helens are often talked about in a negative manner - fall guys for the DKL. Rather like a

Season 2021-22 Fixtures, Facts and F Comp

Result

JUL 31

Date

Opponents ATHERTON LR

NWCFL

3.00

2-5L

Wolland

Brown Apperley

Kamara

Keenan

McMah

Aug 04

Garstang

NWCFL

7.45

2-2D

McDaid

Brown

Keenan

Luke Diggle

McMah

AUG 07

PILKINGTON

NWCFL

3.00

Aug 14

Cleator Moor Celtic

NWCFL

3.00

AUG 19

AFC BLACKPOOL

NWCFL

7.45

Aug 21

Steeton

NWCFL

3.00

AUG 28

DAISY HILL

NWCFL

3.00

AUG 30

SOUTH LIVERPOOL

NWCFL

3.00

Sep 04

Nelson

NWCFL

3.00

SEP 09

ASHTON TOWN

NWCFL

7.45

SEP 11

CHEALDE HEATH NOM’

FAV 1QR 3.00

Sep 18

Ilkley Town

NWCFL

3.00

SEP 25

HOLKER OLD BOYS

NWCFL

3.00

OCT 02

BACUP BOROUGH

NWCFL

3.00

Oct 09

Chadderton

NWCFL

3.00

OCT 16

BURY AFC

NWCFL

3.00

Oct 23

Campion

NWCFL

3.00

Oct 30

Golcar United

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 06

AFC DARWEN

NWCFL

3.00

Nov 20

NWCFL

3.00

NOV 27

NWCFL

3.00

Dec 04

NWCFL

3.00

Dec 11

NWCFL

3.00

DEC 18

NWCFL

3.00

Dec 28

NWCFL

3.00

Jan 08

NWCFL

3.00

JAN 22

NWCFL

3.00

Jan 29

NWCFL

3.00

FEB 05

NWCFL

3.00

FEB 12

NWCFL

3.00

Feb 19

NWCFL

3.00

FEB 26

NWCFL

3.00

MAR 05

NWCFL

3.00

Mar 12

NWCFL

3.00

MAR 19

NWCFL

3.00

Mar 26

NWCFL

3.00

Apr 02

NWCFL

3.00

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Cliff

Figures . . . 7

hon

Clegg

Devlin

Liam Diggle1

Hughes

Douglas1

Cliff2

Colford8

Luke Diggle4

McHugh

Rugg

hon

Hughes1

Devlin

Liam Diggle1

Weaver

Apperley

De-Andrade

McHugh3

Clegg8

Morgan10

Rugg

St Helens Town AFC Reserves Kit Sponsors 2021-22

Name1

Player name and number of goals scored

Name

Player name and CAUTION

Name

Player name and DISMISSAL FOR 2 CAUTIONS

Name

Player name and DISMISSAL

Name10

Player name and number of replaced player

LIZZY ASHCROFT ‘domestique’ in cycling. This is highly unfair. They were a very, very significant and important side. As we will see later in the persons of Alice Woods, Lily Parr, Lizzy Ashcroft, Sue Chorley and Lydia Ackers they provided new and much needed blood for the legendary DKL to carry on as the legendary Dick Kerr’s Ladies St Helens 1921 - 30,000 A Record Debut? Aged 16... Lizzy made her debut on 20th April 1921 in a 2-2 draw with Stoke Ladies at St Andrews (Birmingham City Football Ground). The crowd was reported as 30,000. She had just turned 16. Imagine how she must have felt? The beautiful medal below from this game is a treasured family heirloom. St Helens Ladies 2 - 2 Stoke Ladies In Aid of Father Hudson’s Homes Lizzy’s adversary that day was Stoke’s deadly assassin Daisy Bates. Daisy was a renowned sprinter and her and my granny were to meet in Stoke Ladies last ever game in 1923... Lizzy vs Daisy? 1921 This was the ‘golden year’ of women’s football. Modern women’s football (as we would recognise it today) started directly thanks to the First World War. However, despite some early games most of the intense football wasn’t until the 1917-1918 and 1918-1919 seasons. The golden ‘war’ season was 1917-1918 as by the end of 1918 and the start of 1919 the allies were winning the war, huge and abrupt layoffs of women workers were happening and priorities were changing. By 1920 it had begun

to be realised that even if we had ‘won’ the war we still hadn’t ‘won’ the peace and there was an incredible amount of unemployment, hardship, injury, mental illness and ill-health without the infrastructure to cope. Women’s football really started to take off again in 1920 and by 1921 the statistics are incredible. There hardly seems to be a blade of grass in the country that didn’t have some form of women’s football taking place. The FA Ban The day after my granny’s debut in front of 30,000 (one newspaper report actually says 40,000) St Helens played Stoke for a 1-1 draw at Port Vale’s ground in front of a crowd of 5,000. A quick trip up across to Yorkshire saw them play Huddersfield Atalanta. 10,000 spectators saw them draw with Stoke at The Hawthorns. A trip to Molineux had 15,000 spectators watch them defeat Birkenhead 1-0. Horrockses (cotton mill possibly the mill in which my other granny worked!) were despatched 5-0 in St Helens. Listers were defeated 2-0 in Keighly. Surely their finest moment followed on Saturday 28th May when in front of a crowd of 8,000 they defeated their arch-rivals Stoke 2 - 1 at Molineux. Daisy Bates gave Stoke the lead but ‘brilliant dribbling’ and two goals from Sue Chorley gave victory. During August the St Helens girls were taken on a 3 game tour of the Isle of Man by the DKL. One should understand that this was not two teams of equals. This was the legendary superstars taking generally a bunch of 16 year old girls (E Waine was older) with them. Young girls from Parr did not really get to travel much in those days so I can only imagine the excitement my granny felt to be accompanying legends such as Alice Kell, Jenny Harris and Florrie Redford. Oh, and the absolutely unique prodigy Lily Parr. Despite losing these games to the DKL the St Helens girls were praised for their pluck and determination. These were not ‘exhibition’ games. To lose by 3 or 4 goals to this incredible team of women footballers was a tremendous achievement. The DKL were not defeated in 1921. On 7 September the St Helens ladies squeezed in 4-1 defeat of the Barnes Ladies (Bolton Factory) at Turf Moor. I will have an awful lot to say about the December 1921 FA 50 year (50 YEARS!!!) ban in my book. Suffice it say for now that very few teams were able to carry on and St Helens I think largely ceased high

FOOTBALLER FROM PARR profile games although there is an intriguing reference to a game in 1923 which I am investigating DKL Lizzy teamed up with her fellow St Helens mates Lydia Ackers and Sue Chorley by joining the Dick Kerr Ladies in 1923. Her first game was I believe played in Carlisle on Monday 9th April where 5,000 spectators saw them defeat Dumfries Ladies 16 - 0. This was the start of a magnificent 13 year career until her retirement in 1935. Her last game was probably on Tuesday 13 August 1935 with a 5-2 win over France in front of a crowd of 1,500 at Furness Rugby Club, Barrow. There are many highlights in her career which can wait for my book. Lily Parr and Lizzy Ashcroft

of them playing.

Both Lizzy and her mate Lily were incredibly tall for women of that era. My granny was 5’ 8” and weighed approx 11 stone. She was a left footed defender but her and Lily are so alike that they are often difficult to tell apart on Pathe clips

‘World Champions’ ‘World Champions Postcard’ - Lily holding ball, Lizzy next and the rest of the gang (below) Marketing and branding genius Alfred Frankland used his incredible flair for publicity relentlessly. There are a whole series of these ‘World Champion’ and ‘British Champion’ postcards. We have a number of them in the family archive. This includes one signed by the entire team of legends. 1925 A very important game. In my opinion, the most important football match in the history of women’s football took place on Monday 11th May at Herne Hill Velodrome in Dulwich. After the incredible 1922 story of the trip to the USA reality dawned in 1923 and 1924. Generally things were not going well and Alfred Frankland decided to try his massive throw of the dice by getting a French team over to tour. This was the first game in this ultimately incredibly successful strategy and it had to go well. A very, very strong French side came over. At one point in and around the Paris region there were over 18 sides. Femina Sport had their own Stadium, Stade Elisabeth and a strong DKL side was put together for a high profile series of (hopefully) money-spinning games. Games were played at Herne Hill, Padiham, Mellor, Fallowfield, Hyde, Kilmarnock, Dumfries, Belfast, Chorley and finally a last match at Herne Hill. The DKL won 7, drew 2 and lost one. Lizzy actually played at Windsor Park in Belfast against the legendary Irish footballer Molly Seaton. Steve Bolton May 2021 Part 2 to follow in our next programme

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HALF TIME QUIZ Q2. Which team came second to Reading in the 2005-06 Championship season when they recorded a record 106 points? Q3. From which club did Chelsea sign legendary African striker George Weah? Q4. Which two Serie A teams play their home games at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris? Q5. Which then First Division Club provided multiple players who featured in the football match in the 1981 film Escape to Victory? Q6. Who scored Brazil’s only goal in their World Cup 2014 Semi-Final 7-1 reverse at the hands of Germany? Q7. Who did Diego Simeone manage before his spell at Atletico Madrid started in 2011? Q8. Which English player won the Balon d’Or in 2001? Q9. Which island nation does Bristol City striker Nahki Wells play international football for? Q10. Which former Fulham manager completed

France’s magic square at the 1984 European Championship? Q11. Before their 3-0 loss at Watford in February 2020 which was the last non“big six” team to defeat Liverpool in a Premier League game? Q12. Which son of a former Premier League manager is assistant coach at Inter Miami? Q13. Former Aston Villa player Mbwana Samatta became the first player from which county to play in the Premier League when he made his debut for the Villains in February 2020? Q14. Who replaced Jack Ross as Sunderland manager in October 2019? Q15. In which English city was Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna born? 1) Nikos Dabizas 2) Sheffield United 3) Milan 4) Genoa & Sampdoria 5) Ipswich Town 6) Oscar 7) Racing Club 8) Michael Owen 9) Bermuda 10) Jean Tigana 11) Swansea in January 2018 12) Tony Pulis’s son Anthony 13) Tanzania 14) Phil Parkinson 15) Sunderland

Q1. Which Newcastle Centre Back did Denis Bergkamp famously embarrass at St James Park in 2002?

NWCFL First Division North Liam Keenan in action v Atherton LR Ruskin Sports Village, St Helens Saturday 31st July 2021 Match photos courtesy of @Jess_Photo1

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ST HELENS TOWN HONOURS 1949 George Mahon Trophy Winners 1951 Lancashire Comb Division 2 Champions 1972 Lancashire Combination Champions 1973 Bass Charrington Cup Winners 1974 Watson Trophy Winners 1978 St Helens Hospital Cup Winners 1979 St Helens Combination Div 1 Runners Up 1979 St Helens Hospital Cup Runners Up 1980 St Helens Combination Div 1 Champions 1985 NWCFL Reserve Division 2 Runners Up 1986 NWCFL Reserve Division 1 Runners Up 1987 FA Vase Winners (Wembley) 1994 League Challenge Cup Finalists 1994 NWCFL Reserve Division Runners Up 1995 NWCFL Reserve Division Champions 1996 NWCFL Reserve Division Runners Up 1998 Floodlit Trophy Finalists 1999 REALCO Fair Play Award Winners 2009 Bert Trautmann Trophy Winners 2014-15 South Lancs League U17s Cup Finalists 2014-15 Cheshire FA U21 League Champions 2015-16 Cheshire FA U21 Premier Cup Finalists 2016-17 Cheshire FA U21 League Cup Finalists 2016-17 Cheshire FA U21 Premier Div Runners Up 2017-18 NWYA U18s President’s Cup Winners 2020-21 NWYA U18s President’s Cup Winners Record Attendances: 3012 at Hoghton Road v Burscough (1948) 8000 at Hoghton Road v Man City (1950) 1723 at Knowsley Road v FC United of Man (2006) 9000 at Prescot Cables v Runcorn (1949)

Programme Awards: NWCFL Programme of the Year 1993-94, 1995-96, 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01 NWCFL Premier Division 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 NWCFL First Division / First Division North 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 Wirral Programme Club National Survey NWCFL Programme of the Year 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99 Programme Monthly NWCFL Programme of the Year 2007-08 Soccer Club Swap Shop National Programme Awards 2010-11 28th, 2011-12 8th, 2012-13 7th, 2013-14 8th, 2014-15 5th, 2015-16 8th, 2016-17 2nd, 2017-18 5th 2018-19 6th 2019-20 5th M60 Programmes NWCFL Division One North Programme of the Year 2019-20

St Helens Town AFC - Player Records 1946-2021 Goals in a Career

Goals in a Season

Career Appearances (250+ games)

216 Steve Pennington

47 Phil Stainton 1963/64

448 Alan Wellens (inc. 207 estimated)

118 Terry Garner

46 Steve Pennington 1997/98

359 John Critchley (16 estimated)

108 Gary Laird

45 Jackie Kendrick 1973/74

352 Steve Pennington

105 Lee Cooper

45 Steve Pennington 1993/94

346 Gary Lowe (1 estimated)

101 Glenn Walker

40 Bob Potter 1952/53

345 Glenn Walker

94 Iain Dyson

38 Terry Fearns 2000/01

327 Jackie Atherton (122 estimated)

84 Andy Gillespie

36 Albert Leadbetter 1950/51

300 Jackie Cooke (1 estimated)

83 Harry McCann

35 Arthur Tyrer 1957/58

287 Gary Laird

81 Ray Fairweather

34 Lee Cooper 2001/02

280 Kevin Grice (147 estimated)

72 Arthur Tyrer

33 Ronnie Rigby 1952/53

278 Jimmy Woodyer (67 estimated)

68 Phil Stainton

32 Harry McCann 1950/51

276 Iain Dyson

63 Mervyn Bull

31 Terry Garner 1950/51

272 Ray Fairweather (3 estimated)

Charity Partner 2017-18

265 Larry Redmond (134 estimated)

ST HELENS MIND We aren't just there for people who are unwell

Volunteers! Help make it happen

You may think that St Helens Mind is somewhere that people access when they are unwell. That is only a part of our work. But much more it is about helping people to focus on staying well, what is important to them and their family. Of course we encourage people to think about when they are unwell, but we also help people to consider how they want to spend the rest of their lives.

Each and every one of them contributes to our success. Without them we would not have a service, an effective one at that!

We aim to improve the lifestyles of people living in St. Helens Borough regardless of their cultural, religious and lifestyle needs. Our services are non-judgemental and offer opportunities to develop self-esteem and confidence by encouraging and supporting involvement. We are an independent, user–focused organisation providing quality services for local people who are experiencing isolation and distress due to mental ill health. We do this by: Providing a range of services appropriate to the needs of people experiencing mental distress that enhances their self-worth as valued citizens. Promoting increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues within the community.

Charity Partner 2017-18

Without their dedication, time, skills, experience, sense of fun, enthusiasm and willingness to represent St. Helens Mind we would not have a Befriending Service, Social Groups and the many other activities

· · · · · · · ·

Befriending Service Reading for Wellbeing Men's & Ladies’ Groups Mixed Social Groups Arts & Crafts Music & Singing Allotment Social Events

Want to find out more about our services or how to become a volunteer? Email: admin@sthelensmind.org.uk Telephone: 01744 647089

NWCF LEAGUE NEWS Premier Division Skelmersdale United have been busy over the summer and developed their commercial relationships, including a new shirt sponsors. Ahead of the new North West Counties season, Skelmersdale United are delighted to announce FLOWTECH as the Main shirt sponsors, along with T&W Garners Skelmersdale based Flowtech are the largest distributor of Fluid Power products within the UK and Ireland. Trading since 1983, they are renowned for stocking and sourcing the widest range of Hydraulic, Pneumatic and Industrial products within the industry. A company spokesman said “We are pleased to be able to sponsor our local football team, we initially came aboard last year, upping our commitment for the coming season and we are proud to see our Company name on the club shirts and look forward to a long and successful partnership. Joining Flowtech will be T&W GARNER, needing little introduction to the people of Skem, Garners are the oldest establishment in the Town and have been trading at their Witham Road address since 1878. The Ironmongers and Tool dealers are renowned for its wide and varied range of goods and the friendly & helpful staff of a traditional business who are always ready & willing to offer advice and help with your needs. Garners will have their name on the back of the club shirts. The two Companies will join Federal Management who announced earlier will be sponsoring the club shorts along with the much needed high-tech defibrillator. Chairman of the club Paul Griffiths said “We are delighted to welcome the three companies into the fold, it has been a difficult few years for the club but with success in last seasons FA Cup and the commitment from Flowtech, Garners and Federal Management and our regular dedicated

Commercial Partners the future is bright at Skem” Skelmersdale United are delighted to have these partners on board and extend the invitation to all businesses in the area and beyond . Litherland Remyca have announced a new lead kit sponsor for the 2021-22 season in the form of Fun 1st Football. There have been long time connections between owner Alex Tunstall and The Remy going back some time. Club Secretary, Dave Evans tells us "Alex and The Remy go back a fair way when I first took on the reserves. He was a player then who made his way though to play for the First Team in the County Comp. Alex has always kept in touch with us and when he first started Fun 1st Football , he got in touch with us to get some of the Junior sides involved." "He recently heard that the First Team were looking for a sponsor and kindly offered to sponsor the home shirts. It's great that we still have that tie in and we can give Fun 1st Football some exposure across the region too." St. Helens Town was saddened to learn last week of the death of long-time supporter Tommy Smith. Tommy, pictured below, also sponsored the club during his time as landlord at the Rockware Rub. Tommy attended games when he could and spoke fondly of his day out at Wembley back in 1987. Tommy will be sorely missed and we sent our deepest condolences to his family.

NWCFL First Division North Jamie Apperley in action v Atherton LR Ruskin Sports Village, St Helens Saturday 31st July 2021 Match photos courtesy of @Jess_Photo1

Charity Partner 2017-18

MATCH DAY SPONSORS We are looking for additional sponsors on match-days with a host of benefits for match (£75), match ball (£40) and programme (£40) sponsors including free entry & programme; programme and social media advertising; pre-match photos, man of the match awards. Opponents

Match Sponsor

AFC Blackpool AFC Darwen

Match Ball Sponsor

Programme Sponsor

Prabhu Ventures Ltd

St Helens Mind

Willow Printing

Prabhu Ventures Ltd

Ashton Town Atherton LR

Prabhu Ventures Ltd

Bacup Borough

Unite the Union St Helens Branch

Bury AFC Campion Chadderton

Prabhu Ventures Ltd

Cheadle Heath Nomads FAV 1QR Cleator Moor Celtic Daisy Hill

Prabhu Ventures Ltd Prabhu Ventures Ltd

Garstang

Prabhu Ventures Ltd

Golcar United

St Helens Mind

Holker Old Boys

Prabhu Ventures Ltd

Ilkley Town Nelson Pilkington

Unite the Union St Helens Branch

Andrew, Michael and Callum O’Connor

St Helens Mind

South Liverpool Steeton

Prabhu Ventures Ltd

TOWN: ON THIS DATE Without a plethora of fixtures for this week’s ‘On this Date’ I have scoured the club records for this weekend covering the 6th, 7th and 8th of August which surfaced some seven encounters across the 120 years 6th August Town have played competitive fixtures three times on the 6th August; the first a decade ago and a 3-2 home win over Ramsbottom United in the NWCFL Premier Division on Saturday 6/08/2011 – goals from Williams and Ledger (2) secured the three points. Despite the bright start to the season Town would record only one win in their final 17 games which included a 0-5 home defeat by ‘Rammy’ on the 14/04/2012. Two seasons later (2013) on this date it was a trip to the seaside as Squires Gate played host to Town in another NWCFL Premier Division encounter. It was a day to forget in Blackppol for Town as their hosts ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. On this date in 2016 Town made the long trip north to take on new boys Carlisle City in the opening game of the 2016-17 NWCFL First Division season. Despite goals from Eddie Pegler, George Lomax and Andy Gillespie Town lost out by the odd goal in seven and in the return fixture two months later (15/10/2016) Carlisle once again took the spoils with another 3-4 score line. 7th August Town have only played twice previously on the 7th August. Firstly, a 2-1 away defeat at Alsager Town on the opening day of the 2010-11 North West Counties League Premier Division campaign. Ste Edwards scored Town’s only goal just before the interval but the home side held on to the points. Town gained some revenge when they hosted the ‘Bullets’ for the penultimate game of the season (27/04/2011) securing a 5-1 victory at Knowsley Road with goals from Dyson (2), Croxton,Partner Gardener and McGann – ending a run of Charity 2017-18

ten league games without a victory. The second occasion Town have played on this date was two seasons later (07/08/2012) when AFC Liverpool were dispatched courtesy of a 2-1 home win. Crompton and Edwards were on the scoresheet for Town in the NWCFL top flight to make it two wins from two at the start of the 2012-13 season. AFC Liverpool would have to wait until March 2013 to exact revenge when winning 1-3 in the reverse fixture – Stoker on target with Town’s consolation goal. 8th August Town have had just two fixtures on the 8th August, both league victories on the opening days on the 2009-10 and 2015-16 NWCFL seasons respectively. On this date in 2009 Town ran riot at Abbey Hey, goals from Burke, Ledsham, Hanley (2) and Dyson earned Town a superb 1-5 away victory. Two goals from Mike Scully would ensure a NWCFL Premier Division double (28/11/2009) as Town ran out 2-0 winners at home. Six seasons later (08/08/2015) goals from Marshall, Russell and Lorde saw Town take the three NWCFL Division One league points at Andrew Street home of Chadderton. Town would also win the return league fixture (10/10/2015) by the same score line with goals from Gillespie, Perry and Gregson. However, Chadderton would make progress, at Town’s expense, in the First Division Cup running out 6-3 winners (09/12/2015). The scores had been level at 3-3 after 90 minutes (Gregson, Gillespie and Pegler the Town goal scorers) but the home side proved too strong in extra time and Town bowed out. John McKiernan

BEATING THE BOUNDS Beating the Bounds of St. Helens Borough On Sunday 4 July, I walked around the boundary of St. Helens Borough, accompanied by a group of fellow optimists. The route was 43 miles - three miles shorter than the line on the map, as some of that is inaccessible to or unsafe for pedestrians. It took 16 hours, a lot of sweat and a bit of swearing. It was the fifth edition of our ‘Beating the Bounds’ event, named for the tradition of perambulating the parish boundary, the old guiding the young, showing them the limits of their just domain. It is a venerable practice, full of charming rituals: elders hoisting youngsters upside down and bumping their heads on boundary stones; singing ribald songs; and digging holes, climbing down into them, and drinking heavily. I’m puzzled as to why it fell out of general practice, to be honest. We follow in the spirit of our forebears by starting and ending at a pub, and calling into a couple in the later stages of the circuit. We tend not to sup much until the end, however, and we definitely don’t dig any holes. In 2020 we didn’t go in any pubs, as they were all closed. It only took 14 hours, that time, and it wasn’t a coincidence. To comply with the social distancing regulations in place at the time, we walked in small groups. That also helped speed things up, but it certainly wasn’t as much fun without the buzz of being in a group. With the regulations having eased a bit, we were able to go mob handed again this year, starting and finishing at The Manor Farm in Rainhill. A dozen of us started, seven of us completed it, and about another dozen joined us for stages along the way. These included Town’s first team manager Dave Platt, Trautmann fanatic and Mani impersonator Mike Bagshaw, and former player John Lingard (my Dad). Talk of prospects for the season ahead livened our step, and distracted us from our aches – we’re optimists, as I said.

Particular thanks are due to several people: Jim Housley and his colleagues from the North West Miners Heritage Association, who greeted us at the finish line with the replica Sutton Manor Colliery NUM banner, which is spectacular and honours an important part of our Borough’s history; members of Rainhill Parish Council and friends, who provided a warm welcome at the finish, and plenty of support on social media; Mike Devine’s colleagues on the staff at HMP Liverpool, who gave us great support, and contributed a lot of sponsorship; and Adam Gallimore, Trustee of Town’s charity partner, St. Helens Mind, who walked the whole route, was excellent company, and was able to tell us more about their work. All in all, we raised £1,058 for St. Helens Mind (which is £1,297 including Gift Aid). Thank you to everyone who donated, or shared the link, we really appreciate it. We’ll be back for another lap next year, and who knows – we may dig some holes. Ste Lingard

Charity Partner 2017-18

THE TEAMS St Helens Town

Pilkington

Blue Shirts Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Green Shirts Green Shorts, Green Socks

From: Ruairi McDaid Stephen Brown Paul Cliff Liam Keenan Luke Diggle Charlie McMahon Sam Hughes Christy Devlin Liam Diggle Neil Weaver Jamie Apperley

From: Sam Campbell Dominic Whelan Adam Howard Marcus Giglio Dean Curtis Christopher Cottingham Phil Marsh Daniel Bate Callum Laird Adam Gilchrist Nathan Quirk

Rhoss De-Andrade Hal McHugh Josh Clegg John Morgan Kyle Rugg

Paul Watson Jake Bickerstaffe Adam Neil Ben Maddocks Andrew Presho

Manager: Dave Platt Assistant: David Potter Coach: Callum Davison Coach: Sean Robertson

Manager: Dave Tickle Assistant: Lee Jenkinson

Referee: Mr K Lines Assistant: Mr C Gallagher Assistant: Mr A Yau Match Sponsors: Unite the Union, St Helens Match Ball Sponsors: Andrew, Michael and Callum O’Connor Programme Sponsors: St Helens Mind