St Helens Town v Alsager Town 2013-14 by John McKiernan

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

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Today’s Teams . . . CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life Presidents: Bert Trautmann OBE and Bill Foulkes Vice President: Jim Barrett Chairman: John McKiernan (07713 339682) Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Voller (07843 692695) Commercial Manager Darryl Picton (07908 833554) Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Darryl Picton, Ste Ball, Chris Ford and Glyn Jones. Trustees: John McKiernan and Eric Bond Club Manager: Ian Granite Assistant Manager: Stephen Edwards

Saturday 31st August 2013, kick off 3.00pm NWCFL, Premier Division St Helens Town Red & White Shirts White Shorts, Red & White Socks No

Gls

St Helens Town

Ryan Taylor Andy Mawdsley Shaun Judge Lee Crompton Lewis Coyle Dan Wright Neil Weaver Nathan Parish Karl Bergqvist Paul Cook-Hannah Phil Williams Chris Williams Ste Edwards Connor Sanderson Ste Milne Cole Ashton

Alsager Town Black & White Shirts Black Shorts, Black Socks No

Gls Alsager Town

Aaron Best Ryan Connor Jed Davies Angelo Errico Lee Garwood Alex Hedley Mariuzs Kisiel Reiss Lee Chris Lunn Joel Mills Thomas Parkes Leigh Skellern Dean Smith Jordan Stafford Kyle Wilding David Woodvine

Coaches: Ian Price, Paul Jones and Nick Matthews Reserve Team Manager Nick Robinson Youth Team Managers: Rob Walker Anthony Dunne Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk

Manager: Ian Granite Assistant: Stephen Edwards

Manager: Andy Turner Assistant: Callum Carey

Referee: Mr C Whitaker (Liversedge) Assist: Mr M Saville (Cleckheaton) & Mr P Secker (Cleckheaton) Today’s Match & Match Ball Sponsor:

Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002 Company Directors: Jim Barrett & Gordon McDonald

Cover photograph: Action from Town v Maine Road 24.08.13

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

Talk of the Town . . . Good afternoon and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties Football League, Premier Division contest against our friends from Alsager Town. May I open by welcoming our visitors I hope they enjoy the short time they will spend with us and have a safe journey home after the game. It was nice to get back to winning ways on Tuesday evening when a long trip North to Barnoldswick saw us record a hard fought 2-1 victory over a team many will have fancied prior to the start of the season for a tilt at the Championship. With three new signings coming into the fray after the dismal performance here a week ago against league leaders Maine Road, we looked more dangerous going forward with the addition of some attacking impetus we dominated large parts of the first period and it was no surprise when a good move ended with Shaun Judge powering the ball home at the front post, netting his first of the campaign after what was a prolific pre-season for him. We went into the interval a goal to the good and we knew that the hosts would come out firing at the start of the second period (partially because we could hear the rocket they got off their manager at half time as we sat in the hospitality room having a cup of tea!) and indeed Barlick were level less than three minutes after the restart as we conceded another penalty which the hosts converted with the aid of the inside of the right upright. The visitors were not to be deterred though and we were soon back in front after a flowing move saw Weaver link with Bergqvist who supplied an excellent low cross which Cook-Hannah swept home from close range as it turned out this was enough to secure all three points and make the 90 minute journey home all the better! Earlier that night and somewhat closer to home the reserves had secure a 3-1 win at Merseyside Police with goals from Adam Owens and a brace from Ste Bowen enough to send them back to the top of the West Cheshire League, Division Three table, well done to the boys. It has also been a great start to the season for the Youth Team as they have secured two 1-0 wins in their opening two matches over Glossop North End & Avro. Next Saturday we take the trip to Pontefract in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Vase and there are still seats available on the coach to the match leaving the Rockware Pub, Shaw Street, St Helens at 11.30am. With return fares at the bargain price of ÂŁ5 each! To book your place or for more info then please speak to a committee member or ring Darryl Picton on 07908 833 554. Finally, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them onto a victory. Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

In Town Today . . . No previous history can be found at present about the club before the 1971/72 season when Alsager FC joined the Mid Cheshire League and they finished 12th in their first two seasons. Following the 1972/73 season the club changed their name to Alsager Town and thirteen years later they were still members of the Mid Cheshire League and for most of that time had competed in Division One. For the start of the 1986/87 season they changed their name again, this time to Alsager United. They finished runners up in their second season under the United banner but for some reason they disbanded. Twelve months elapsed before the club re-formed for the 1989/90 season as Alsager United joining the Crewe League Premier Division. After two seasons the club moved back to the Mid Cheshire League Division 2 back under the Alsager FC banner, for the start of the 1991/92 season, They remained there until the end of the 1997/98 season when they moved to the Springbank Vending Midland League. Alsager finished runners up in their first season and were promoted to the North West Counties League Division 2 for the start of the 1999/2000 season. After just two seasons they again decided to change their name back to Alsager Town. The name change proved to be lucky for them as they finished in the runnersup spot with promotion to Division One. They remained in that league until the end of the 2005/06 season when they finished in third place. Due to changes being made by the FA to the non-league pyramid system Alsager were invited to step up to the Northern Premier League Division One which they did, finishing their first season in a creditable 14th place. Further changes were to be made by the FA to the non league system which saw Alsager Town move side ways in to the Unibond League Division One South. Another 14th place finish was the outcome but the club fell foul to the ground grading regulations and with required work not completed they were relegated back to the North West Counties League Premier Division. Due this set back the top management of the club walked out. Former chairman Peter Clegg stepped in taking control of the club . Clegg appointed former Witton Albion reserves coach, Neil Gill as manager. For two seasons Neil Gill did a good job in keeping Alsager Town in the N.W.C.F.L Premier Division and then in early 2011 with finances tight the players expenses budget had to be cut and then later stopped completely. This was followed by the news that there were to be major changes at the club at the end of the season. Neil Gill, his assistant, the players and the committee walked away. Acting Chairman Mike Cross had to Act quickly and Alsagerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remaining committee voted for change. Terry Greer the former Chairman of Biddulph Victoria was elected to be the new Chairman. A new management team and playing staff had to be found. Stepping into the fray were Damian Grocott and Andy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor they began the job of keeping Alsager Town in the N.W.C.F.L. Premier Divison. They worked hard to keep the status of the club secure which they did with three games in hand. For the 2011/12 season the club is looking to move forward with a new committee which was installed at the AGM in May their aim being to improve the club in all aspects on and off the pitch. With things going well off the pitch, new showers had been installed, the dressing rooms

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

. . . Alsager Town FC and some of the club house re-decorated. The ground in general had been given a face lift when on the night of the Monday 11th July a catastrophic fire destroyed the office and part of the dressing rooms and club house, the whole building had to be demolished due the asbestos it was constructed with and the electricity was cut off due to the damage caused with the switch boxes etc. Since then the committee have worked tirelessly to get things in to place so that football can return to The Town ground. The committee of the N.W.C.F.L. have been superb in the way they have switched fixtures for The Bullets due to their massive problems. The season ended with the Bullets finishing in 13th place with 57 points at end of the season poor run, but it was their best tally of points for some time. After the season ended manager John Brown stepped down and Chairman Terry Greer quickly set on former Kidsgrove Athletic Coach Andy Turner on as manager. Andy retained the previous season backroom staff but added another coach. Most of the 2011/12 season players stayed and Andy added a number of new faces, eventually finishing in 15th place with 14 wins. Date Sat 03/08/13

Opposition Silsden

H/A H

K.O / Score L 1-2

Tue 06/08/13

West Didsbury & Chorlton

W 2-0

Sat 10/08/13

Wigan Robin Park

W 3-2

Tue 13/08/13

Norton United

L 2-4

Sat 17/08/13 Sat 24/08/13

Atherton Collieries (FAC) Bootle

H H

L 1-3 L 1-4

Tue 27/08/13

Runcorn Linnets

L 2-4

Season 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

League MIDL NWC-2 NWC-2 NWC-2 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NWC-1 NPL-1 NPL-1S NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P NWC-P

P 38 34 38 40 42 42 42 42 46 42 42 42 42 42 42

W 28 11 19 24 15 16 19 27 18 12 18 11 10 16 14

D 6 8 8 9 11 15 11 7 7 7 5 7 8 9 8

L 4 15 11 7 16 11 12 8 21 23 19 24 24 17 20

F 94 48 48 77 61 54 65 87 72 58 66 60 57 63 66

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

A 18 64 42 31 67 47 47 43 75 88 72 79 94 65 78

Goalscorers Leigh Skellern (2) James Hampson (43) Leigh Skellern (89p) Chris Lunn (22) Chris Lunn (65) Reiss Lee (88) Own Goal (7) Chris Lunn (44) Joel Mill (75) Ryan Connor (8) Ryan Connor (40) Leigh Skellern (90p) GD 76 -16 6 46 -6 7 18 44 -3 -30 -6 -19 -37 -2 -12

Pts 90 41 65 81 56 63 68 88 61 43 59 40 38 57 50

Position 2/20 12/18 7/20 2/21 11/22 9/22 7/22 3/22 14/24 14/18 7/22 18/22 20/22 13/22 15/22

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

Chairman’s Notes . . . Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park, for this NWCFL Premier Division encounter with our friends and rivals Alsager Town FC. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters along with our own followers are treated to an entertaining game. Many thanks to this afternoon’s match and ball sponsors Johnsons Toyota Liverpool and in particular General Manager Gareth Shone for his continued support. The last time we were here at Brocstedes Park Town were on the wrong end of a 0-5 defeat by league leaders Maine Road. Our visitors played some excellent football and scored with some top draw finishes - the major disappointment was that we paid them too much respect and let our heads drop when they scored their third goal midway through the second half. Thankfully on Tuesday evening Ian Granite saw his side take the fight to our hosts Barnoldswick Town and we recorded our first victory at the Silentnight Beds Stadium with an excellent 1-2 win. We welcomed back Phil Williams as well as a couple of new faces from Prescot Cables - striker Karl Bergqvist and midfield player Nathan Parish. On the night Shaun Judge put Town ahead before a ‘soft’ penalty allowed Barlick back into the game but Town regained the lead after a great move involving Weaver and Bergqvist ended with Paul Cook-Hannah (pictured) slotting home from six yards. We had a nervy end to the game as Barlick looked to level but Town also had chances to extend their lead before the final whistle. Today’s visitors, like ourselves, have had a mixed start to the season and currently lie a place below Town in the league table with six points from as many games. Midweek saw them lose 4-2 at Runcorn Linnets and on the same evening the league’s final 100% record was lost as Maine Road drew 2-2 with in-form Norton United. There’s no midweek game next week but Saturday 7th Sept sees the start of this seasons FA Vase exploits and a trip to Pontefract Collieries. Coach travel details can be found elsewhere in the programme - your support at the game would be greatly appreciated by the lads. Many thanks to Johnsons Toyota Liverpool who are sponsoring our away travel in this season’s FA Vase - let’s hope we have a lengthy run in the competition. Our next confirmed home fixture is at the end of September when Bacup & Rossendale Borough are our visitors on Saturday 28th September. There may well be changes to fixtures due to replays etc, so check the club website www.sthelenstownafc.com and the local press. Following today’s game our first monthly 500 Club Draw will take place in the club house. If you’ve not entered it’s not too late - please see Darryl Picton or any of the committee for details! Winner details will be published on the club website as well as via Facebook and Twitter. Enjoy the game. John McKiernan Chairman, St Helens Town AFC

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

Town v Maine Road FC . . . Maine Road hand out a football lesson Saturday 24th August 2013 St Helens Town 0-5 Maine Road One consolation for St. Helens Town is that they won’t come up against a side like Maine Road very often this season. Last season’s NW Counties Premier Division runners-up have now won six out of six and are clear favourites for promotion this time around and they handed out a lesson in clinical finishing to leave Town reeling at the wrong end of a 5-0 thrashing. On the positive side, however, Town had the better of the game for lengthy periods when only two goals behind, but could not get into a clear scoring position against a very well drilled defence and once the third goal had gone in, the young Town team’s heads went down. The strong, gusty wind played an important part in the first half at Brocstedes Park and Maine Road were able to take full advantage, both goals coming from distance. The first was netted from the corner of the box after 14 minutes, centre forward Saul Henderson giving Ryan Taylor no chance with a drive which dipped over the keeper into the far corner of the net. Taylor was called into action again on 20 minutes when the dangerous Josh Gittings let fly from close range and it was the same player who scored the second from the edge of the centre circle, the ball beating Taylor’s despairing dive at his left post after 34 minutes. Taylor injured a shoulder a short time later following a collision with a Maine Road forward and, though he continued to play, his movements were obviously restricted. Paul Cook-Hannah was the pick of the home forwards and he was involved in a number of bruising tussles with central defender Richard Gresty. He was able to hold up the ball several times, but the defence stifled the supporting play of Steve Milne and Connor Sanderson so much so that chances in good positions were few and far between. As the interval beckoned, Town had their best chance of the half as Milne surged past two defenders but, with only the keeper to beat, managed to miss narrowly past the right hand upright. There was just enough time for another spectacular shot from the visitors, but the effort hit the top of the upright. St. Helens began the second-half in more determined fashion, perhaps due in part to the assistance of the wind. Skipper Lee Crompton went close on 53 minutes, heading powerfully from a corner, only for keeper Greg Hall to pull off a good save. Cook-Hannah, who has still to attain full match fitness, was substituted and his presence up front was sadly missed. Fifteen minutes later, Maine Road tied up the points with a remarkable goal, from a move which began with Hall almost putting the ball into touch on the half-way line. His right winger kept the ball in, then put Henderson clear of the defence and as he hit his shot at goal, Gittings ran in to distract Taylor on his line and the ball bounced into the net. Within 10 minutes, it was 5-0. Neil Chappell hit a spectacular shot past Taylor from 25 yards after 72 minutes and substitute Richard Williams completed the scoring with another well-worked goal. Town had two good chances in the closing stages to reduce the deficit. Milne found Cole Ashton with a good pass, but Ashton scuffed his shot with the goal at his mercy and then Milne himself fired wide of the right post just before the final whistle.

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Barnoldswick v Town . . . Town break their Barnoldswick duck in Style Tuesday 27th August 2013 Barnoldswick Town 1-2 St Helens Town St. Helens Town turned in a great performance to earn a first win at Barnoldswick on Tuesday and were well worth their 2-1 victory. Fielding three players on loan from Prescot Cables, Town looked confident going forward with the returning Phil Williams and the teenaged Neil Weaver terrorising the Barlick defence every time they got the ball. Paul CookHannah had great support from Karl Bergqvist, who had an outstanding game on his debut and there were solid contributions from Nathan Parish, Dan Wright and Lewis Coyle, with Andy Mawdsley and Shaun Judge dominant in defence. The only negative was another injury to captain Lee Crompton, who had to leave the field after only 20 minutes, but his replacement Chris Williams turned in a faultless display in the centre of defence. Beaten on each of their previous visits to the Silentnight Beds Stadium, Town laid the ghost of their heavy defeat at the hands of Maine Road three days earlier in style. They started the stronger and, after only 12 minutes, Judge surged forward from full-back past several players only to see his shot blocked on the line by the veteran Billy Carrington in the Barnoldswick goal. Phil Williams showed his speed to gain possession after 23 minutes, rounding the home defence, passing to Weaver, who set up Bergqvist for a shot which fizzed just over the bar and, three minutes later, the latter created a chance for CookHannah, whose header was only just off target. Town were dominant at this stage and took a deserved lead on 36 minutes when Phil Williams broke at speed and full-back Judge outsprinted his bemused opposite number to the corner of the penalty box and this time beat Carrington at his near post. Town could have extended their lead in the minutes before the break, with Phil Williams and Judge both going close. Barlick had a rollicking at half-time and drew level in the opening minutes of the second half, Danny Boyle scoring off the far post from the penalty spot. St. Helens took only six minutes to restore their lead when Weaverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dash down the flank found Bergqvist on the goal-line and his cross was driven emphatically into the net by Cook-Hannah for his first goal for the club. The same player could have scored again on the hour when he pounced on a mix-up in the home defence, but his shot hit the post with the keeper beaten. Phil Williams had another good chance a few minutes later, but he was just wide, and Weaver nearly scored with a deft lob over Carrington which hit the top of the bar when it might just as easily have dropped in. As the game entered its final 20 minutes, Steve Milne and Cole Ashton came on for CookHannah and Weaver respectively and both players fitted seamlessly into the eleven. Barnoldswick turned on the pressure, looking for an equaliser, but the Town defence was well-organised and Taylor in the St. Helens goal capped a solid performance with a pointblank save from Harry Thompson in the closing exchanges to secure the three points.

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. . . Match Photos

Action from Tuesday eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1-2 victory over Barnoldswick Town at the Silent Night Beds Stadium

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

Back to Business . . . It’s Saturday afternoon once and again which can mean only one thing, its game time. Today we welcome our visitors from Alsager for what should be another tasty encounter between the two sides. Last Saturday saw Town demolished 5-0 at home by a very good Maine Road outfit, but the lads showed great strength to bounce back with a stunning performance in midweek bringing home 3 vital points from our away trip to Barnoldswick, a notoriously tricky fixture for us over the years The introduction of three new signings added some much needed strength, guile and creativity to the Town team and we were worthy of a bigger winning margin on the night in a game we dominated from start to finish. Away from the pitch things continue to develop with Johnsons Toyota Liverpool very kindly agreeing to sponsor the clubs away travel for the season ahead of our trip to Pontefract Collieries in the FA Vase next week. I would like to remind our supporters that there are still places available to travel to and from Pontefract on the team coach at just £5 per seat. I would also like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to our Comedy & Curry Night Event on Saturday 7th September at the Windleshaw Sports Club. Tickets are priced at £15 per head and this includes a Curry, and three great comedy acts for your evening’s entertainment. Plans are also in progression for both a Bert Trautmann Memorial Match and our End Of Season Charity Dinner in aid of the Hearts and Goals Campaign. The club hopes to be able to make further announcements on these events in the coming weeks and I encourage supporters of all clubs to get behind the events and come and join us for two great evenings of outstanding entertainment. We also have a fundraising Race Night on Friday 18th October - big screen races, raffle, auction, etc. Tickets are £3 and includes a hotpot supper. Back to today and I hope all visitors to the club enjoy the game this afternoon and have a safe journey home following the conclusion to today’s contest. Warm Regards Darryl Picton Commercial Manager

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How we Compare . . . St Helens Town - last 6 matches All Competitions

Most recent

at St Helens Town

Previous Meetings

at Alsager Town

NWC-D1

1998-99

MIDL

Home

NWC-D1

1999-00

NWC-D2

Away

NWC-D1

2000-01

NWC-D2

Collated

NWC-D1

2001-02

NWC-D2

22/03; 1-1

2002-03

19/10; 1-0

Alsager Town - last 6 matches

11/11; 1-2

2003-04

15/10; 0-1

All Competitions

22/03; 1-1

2004-05

14/08; 2-0

16/08; 1-4

2005-06

28/02; 1-0

NWC-D1

2006-07

NPL-1

Home

Most recent W

Away

Collated

St Helens Town games since... All Competitions (24/8) Clean 8 sheet Goal Scored

Alsager Town games since... All Competitions (24/8) Clean 5 sheet

NWC-D1

2007-08

NPL-1S

22/11; 0-1

2008-09

09/08; 3-2

02/03; 1-1

2009-10

13/04; 3-1

27/04; 5-1

2010-11

07/08; 1-2

28/02; 0-3

2011-12

05/11; 2-3

20/10; 2-2

2012-13

19/03; 0-2

31/08/2013

2013-14

01/02/2014

St Helens Town Scores First

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

Score draw

Win

Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Alsager Town Wins

St Helens Town Goals

Alsager Town Goals

Percentage Town Wins

33.33

Previous Meetings Since 1949/50 All Competitions P

Win %

Home

-8

9.09

Away

66.67

Collated

-3

35.00

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

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

. . . of St Helens Town AFC

he bravely rescued some of his stricken team-mates. John Connelly, an England squad member in the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign, was sold to Burnley and he later moved to join Foulkes at Old Trafford. Other future stars, groomed at St. Helens Town, included John Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday), Geoff Nulty (Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton) and, most recently, ace goal scorer Dave Bamber, who began and ended his league career at Blackpool and who played in all four divisions of the Football League. Captain of the FA Vase winning team was Tommy O’Neil, who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United. Town sold their Hoghton Road ground in 2000 to move in with St. Helens Rugby League Club at their Knowsley Road base. Their farewell appearance at Sutton produced a 1-0 win over Champions Vauxhall Motors and the initial campaign at Knowsley Road got off to a cracking start, with Town leading the table for most of the season, before finishing in a rather disappointing fourth place. Recent seasons have been more of a struggle, ninth place in 2009/10 being the best finish since. Season 2010-11 saw Town slide to 16th and in 2010/11 next to bottom, when they would have been relegated, but for Flixton’s decision to resign from the league.

Club Honours: 1949 George Mahon Trophy Winners 1951 Lancs Comb Division 2 Champions 1972 Lancs Combination Champions 1973 Bass Charrington Cup Winners 1978 St Helens Hospital Cup Winners 1979 St Helens Comb Division 1 Runners Up 1979 St Helens Hospital Cup Runners Up 1980 St Helens Comb Division 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 Record Appearances: Allan Wellens Record Goal Scorer: Steve Pennington Record Attendances: 4000 at Hoghton Road v Manchester City 1723 at Knowsley Road 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 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

Town began the 2012-13 season under new manager Ian Granite, who brought in a new team and coaching set-up who battled well to avoid relegation. Though the club have the benefit of an 80-year ground-sharing agreement with Saints, they have been unable to re-locate to the new stadium at Langtree Park and having spent over two seasons sharing Ashton Town’s ground at Edge Green Street a new ground share agreement has been brokered with fellow Premier Division side Ashton Athletic to cover their immediate future as plans for a return to St Helens continue.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

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Hearts and Goals . . . St Helens Town has a new high-profile national charity partner for the 2013/14 season after joining up with Hearts & Goals, a lifesaving campaign for which Fabrice Muamba is ambassador. The club has forged a new partnership with Arrhythmia Alliance, the charity behind Hearts & Goals,a national campaign to tackle the UK’s biggest killer sudden cardiac arrest, by helping communities place lifesaving public-access AEDs (automated external defibrillators). The campaign’s ambassador, former Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the football pitch in March 2012 and went on to make a remarkable recovery thanks to prompt treatment with CPR and an AED. Everyone at the club was so moved by his experiences and the work he and the charity has done through Hearts & Goals, Town want to raise as much money as possible for the campaign by holding a series of fundraising events throughout the season and beyond, as well as dedicating a percentage of all incoming sponsorship deals to the charity. Sudden cardiac arrest claims 100,000 lives in the UK every year and AEDs, like the one used on Fabrice on the pitch at White Hart Lane, increase a person’s chance of surviving from just 5% to 50% if they suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. The devices do not require training and can be used by anyone to shock a person’s heart back into its normal rhythm in the event of someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Arrhythmia Alliance has already helped communities up and down the UK place public-access AEDs as part of Hearts & Goals. The devices are placed in secure cabinets which are logged with local ambulance services and available to anyone in the community 24/7. In the event of an emergency anyone who phones 999 is then given immediate access to the lifesaving defibrillator. St Helens Town Commercial Manager, Darryl Picton, said: “The idea to forge this partnership came from Fabrice’s story.

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

. . . Our Charity Partner “Never before have I witnessed such an event that has brought football fans, clubs and players together in support of one man as what happened on that horrific day at White Hart Lane. “The story touched the hearts of everyone and transcended sport. Those events really hit home to everyone at St Helens Town how quickly and unexpectedly tragedy can strike in a community and having access to this essential equipment will save hundreds of lives. “We are proud to be associated with Hearts and Goals and with Fabrice, and we will work tirelessly throughout the year to raise every penny possible for the campaign.” Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder and CEO of Arrhythmia Alliance, said: “We are absolutely delighted St Helens Town AFC have chosen our Hearts & Goals campaign as their official charity campaign. “Hearts & Goals focuses on tackling the UK’s biggest killer, sudden cardiac arrest, which kills 100,000 people in the UK every year. “We have already been able to help communities up and down the country place lifesaving AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and with partners like St Helens we can continue this work. “It is clear all involved at the club are very passionate about the campaign and we are delighted to welcome them on board.” A host of fundraising events are already planned throughout the year, including a Question of Sport tournament evening on Saturday 24th August and a Race Night on Friday 18th October. For full details of events or to make a donation to the campaign contact Darryl Picton on 07908 833 554 or by email at sthelenstownafc@gmail.com Visit www.heartsandgoals.org for more information.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

Executive Programme Sponsor

2013-14 Fixtures, Facts and Fig Date Aug 3 Aug 6 Aug 10 Aug 13 Aug 17 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 27 Aug 31 Sep 7 Sep 11 Sep 14 Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 1 Oct 5 Oct 8 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 19 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct 29 Nov 2 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 7 Dec 14 Dec 21 Dec 26 Jan 4 Jan 11 Jan 18 Jan 25 Feb 1 Feb 8 Feb 15 Mar 1 Mar 29 Apr 5 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 21 Apr 26

Opponents NORTON UNITED Squires Gate Winsford United WIGAN ROBIN PARK ASHTON ATHLETIC Ashton Athletic MAINE ROAD Barnoldswick Town ALSAGER TOWN Pontefract Collieries AFC Liverpool Bootle Wigan RP/Winsford United BACUP & ROSS BORO Runcorn Linnets Glossop North End SQUIRES GATE W DIDS & CHORLTON Wigan Robin Park Abbey Hey CONGLETON TOWN ALSAGER TOWN BARNOLDSWICK TOWN Bacup & Ross Borough AFC BLACKPOOL WINSFORD UNITED STOCKPORT SPORTS BOOTLE West Didsbury & Chorlton COLNE Silsden TBA Ashton Athletic RUNCORN TOWN Norton United ABBEY HEY Runcorn Town Alsager Town RUNCORN LINNETS Stockport Sports Colne AFC LIVERPOOL SILSDEN AFC Blackpool GLOSSOP NORTH END ASHTON ATHLETIC Maine Road

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Comp NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAC EPR FAC Rep NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL FAV 1QR NWCFL NWCFL FAV 2QR NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL Lge Cup 2 NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL

KO Result GK 2 3 4 5 6 3.00 3-3 D Clark Mawdsley Harrison Williams(C)1 Coyle Cooper 7.45 3-0 L Clark Mawdsley Harrison Wright Crompton(C) Williams 3.00 2-1 L Clark Mawdsley Judge Williams(C) Coyle Ashton 7.45 4-1W Taylor Mawdsley1 Harrison Williams(C) Coyle Chesworth 3.00 2-2 D Taylor Mawdsley Harrison1 Williams(C) Coyle Ashton 7.45 1-0L Taylor Mawdsley Harrison Williams Crompton(C) Ashton 3.00 0-5 L Taylor Mawdsley Harrison Crompton(C) Williams Ashton 7.45 1-2W Taylor Mawdsley Judge1 Crompton(C) Coyle Wright 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 Name1 Player name and number of goals scored 3.00 Name Player name and CAUTION 3.00 Name Player name and DISMISSAL FOR 2 CAUTIONS 3.00 Name Player name and DISMISSAL 3.00 Name10 Player name and number of replaced player 3.00 3.00

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

ures . . . 7

Weaver Ashton Cooper1 Ashton Cooper Weaver Weaver Weaver

Wright Judge Wright Judge Judge Judge Judge Parish

Milne Sanderson Judge Pullinger Ross Bowen Edwards Milne Sanderson Pullinger Weaver11 Coyle5 Milne Sanderson Etchells Pullinger Bowen7 Ross11 Milne2 Pullinger10 Wright Bowen Cook-Hannah Sanderson1 Milne Cook-Hannah Etchells Finlay Pullinger Edwards10 Cook-Hannah Sanderson Milne Pullinger/Ross Cooper/Wright Sykes-Wright Cook-Hannah Sanderson Milne Pullinger Edwards Etchells Cook-Hannah1 P.Williams C.Williams4 Bergqvist Edwards Sanderson

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

Owens61 Edwards71 Cooper Bowen9 Chesworth Weaver9 Weaver11 Edwards9 Weaver71 Ross Edwards9 Coyle10 Coyle Wright9 Milne10 Ashton7

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St Helens Town AFC . . . St Helens Town Statistical History by Glyn Jones Part 10 – Season 1956/57 - LANCASHIRE COMBINATION DIVISION 2 FINAL LEAGUE TABLE Rossendale United Crompton’s Recs. Clitheroe Rolls Royce Earlestown St. Helens Town Nelson Reserves Lytham Lomax Prescot Cables Reserves Burscough Reserves Wigan Athletic Reserves St. Annes Athletic Darwen Reserves Leyland Motors Great Harwood Chorley Reserves Padiham

P 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34 34

W 25 19 17 20 20 15 14 15 15 15 14 14 10 10 10 9 9 6

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

L 6 8 7 10 13 10 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 21 20 21 24

F 111 72 90 100 95 87 72 73 86 67 72 62 78 48 57 57 52 57

A 34 45 56 74 86 67 52 59 89 75 75 71 97 101 81 84 95 95

Pts 53 45 44 44 41 39 38 38 37 35 32 31 26 25 23 23 22 16

Opponents

Home

Result

Away

Result

Burscough Reserves

Feb 9

Won 3-1

Sep 29

Lost 1-3

Chorley Reserves

Mar 23

Won 3-0

Apr 26

Won 4-1

Clitheroe

Apr 19

Won 4-3

Apr 23

Won 4-2

Crompton’s Recs.

Dec 25

Won 2-0

Dec 26

Won 2-0

Darwen Reserves

Nov 3

Won 5-1

Mar 16

Won 5-1

Earlestown

Apr 20

Lost 1-2

Nov 24

Lost 0-4

Great Harwood

Dec 15

Won 7-0

Aug 18

Drew 1-1

Leyland Motors

Oct 6

Won 4-1

Feb 16

Drew 3-3

Lomax

Dec 8

Drew 3-3

Sep 15

Drew 2-2

Lytham

Dec 29

Lost 0-2

Sep 1

Lost 3-6

Nelson Reserves

Aug 25

Lost 2-5

Apr 30

Won 5-1

Padiham

Mar 9

Won 3-0

Oct 27

Drew 2-2

Prescot Cables Reserves

Oct 20

Lost 2-5

Mar 2

Won 3-0

Rolls Royce

Apr 29

Won 3-2

Oct 13

Lost 1-2

Rossendale United Reserves

Nov 17

Drew 2-2

Mar 30

Lost 0-2

St. Annes Athletic

Apr 13

Drew 3-3

Jan 12

Drew 2-2

Wigan Athletic Reserves

Sep 22

Drew 2-2

Feb 2

Lost 0-3

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

. . . Season 1956-57 Player

App

Goals

FA CUP Sep 8 Preliminary Round Marine (H) 2-2 D

Appleton, Dave

Ashcroft, Stan

Barnes, R (Dickie)

Connelly, John

Cooke, John

Critchley, John

Davock, Mike

Sep 13 Preliminary Round Replay Marine (A) 2-1 L LANCASHIRE JUNIOR CUP Jan 19 1st Round Bacup Borough (A) 4-4 D

Dewsnip, Jimmy

Eden, James

Fairweather, Ray

Farrell, B

Ferguson, Jack

Green, Eric

Johnson, W

McGinn, Jack

Madison, J

Manley

Jan 26 1st Round Replay Bacup Borough (H) 1-4 L LANCASHIRE COMBINATION CUP

Aug 30 1st Round Burscough (H) 4-6 L LIVERPOOL NON-LEAGUE SENIOR CUP Aug 23 1st Round South Liverpool (H) 1-4 L

Maloney, Derek

Mills

Owen, J

Pickett, Gerry

Proudlove

Quinn, John

Smith, Dave

Smith, Ken

Topping, Maurice

Turner, L

Tyrer, Arthur

Totals

451

101

North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

LIVERPOOL NON-LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP Nov 10 1st Round New Brighton (H) 1-4 L

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North West Counties Football League Premier Division Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

Reserve Team News . . . St Helens Town Reserves Nick Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charges have made a great start to their West Cheshire League Division Three campaign. Ten points from twelve possible has been a great start with and opening 3 -0 victory over Rainhill Town which saw Andy Gillespie hit a hat-trick. Two days later the team travelled to Christleton Reserves (Chester area) and recorded a 0-2 victory with goals from Ryan Johnsons and Dom Whelan. Widnes Vikings Reserves looked to be on course to inflict the Reserves first defeat as the visitors hit two first half goals, an advantage they held until six minutes from time when Dave Hunter reduced the deficit before Steve Powell struck with two minutes remaining to earn his side a point. Last Tuesday evening the Reserves recorded a 1-3 win at Merseyside Police Ste Bowen (2) and Adam Owens on target as the team regained top spot. Next up for the Reserves is a trip to Marshalls Reserves on Wednesday 4th Sept, 6.15pm

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

DIVISION THREE St Helens Town Res Hale Res Capenhurst Villa Res South Liverpool Res Bootle Res Belfry Ford Motors Widnes Vikings Res Rainhill Town Kirkby Town Railway Chester Nomads Res Christleton Res Marshalls Res Upton AA Res Neston Nomads Merseyside Police

P 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 2 4 3 3 4 3 3

DATE

TIME

HOME

30/08/2013

18:15

04/09/2013

18:15

07/09/2013

W 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0

D 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 3

F 10 14 14 15 10 7 11 5 3 9 5 5 4 5 6 1

A 3 8 5 7 7 6 8 6 4 5 7 8 9 14 15 12

GD 7 6 9 8 3 1 3 -1 -1 4 -2 -3 -5 -9 -9 -11

Pts 10 10 9 9 9 6 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 0 0

AWAY

VENUE

St Helens Town Res

Bootle Res

Windleshaw Sports Ground

Marshalls Res

St Helens Town Res

I.M.MARSH #2