St Helens Town v Ashton Athletic by John McKiernan

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

Today’s Teams . . . CLUB INFORMATION Honorary Life President: Alan Wellens Vice President: Jim Barrett Chairman: John McKiernan (07713 339682) Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Voller (07843 692695) Commercial Manager Stephen Eves 07950314693 Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Ste Ball, Chris Ford and Glyn Jones. Trustees: John McKiernan and Eric Bond Club Manager: Ian Price Assistant Manager: Paul Jones Coach: Nick Matthews

Monday 21st April 2014, kick off 3pm North West Counties League, Premier Division St Helens Town Red & White Shirts White Shorts, Red & White Socks No

Gls

St Helens Town

Ciaran Gibson Alex Gillespie Joe McKeegan Andy Mawdsley Lee Crompton Liam Dodd Mason Ryan Mike Sykes-Wright Andy Gillespie Andy Olsen Adam Storey Karl Bergqvist Paul Cook-Hannah Danny Norris Rory Crowther Tom Lightbody

Ashton Athletic Yellow Shirts Yellow Shorts & Socks No

Gls Ashton Athletic

Adam Howard Ben Kay Ben Graham Dean Callaway Dean Midgeley Ian Rowlands Jay Foulds Louis Edwards Luke Holden Mike Downing

Mike Wood Paul Casey Phil Williams Richie Livingston Ryan Small Sam Bailey

Physiotherapist: Nicole Garner Reserve Team Manager Alan Gillespie Assistant Manager: John Whelan Youth Team Managers: Alan Gillespie & John Whelan Email: sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Manager: Ian Price Assistant: Paul Jones

Managers: Jay Foulds Ben Kay & Dougie Pitts

Referee: Mr M Duncan (Warrington) Assist: Mr B Richards (Wigan) & Mr A Worthington (Altrincham) Today’s Executive Match Sponsor:

Legal: St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company Company No. 04392840 Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002 Company Directors: Jim Barrett & Gordon McDonald Parent Company: A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited

Cover: Connor Sanderson in action v Ashton Athletic

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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 and landlords Ashton Athletic. May I open by welcoming our “visitors” I hope they enjoy the short time they will spend with us and have a safe if somewhat short journey home after the game! So here it is the final home game of the 2013-14 season this is the 24th and final time we will host a game here at Brocstedes Park this term and we will be looking to round the season off by claiming a win at the fourth time of asking against our landlords this term! This season started off with us in mixed form in August drawing on the opening day with a late comeback against Norton United before losing at Squires Gate & Winsford United before recording our first victory of the season here against Wigan Robin Park. We then drew with Ashton Athletic in the FA Cup before exiting in the replay and were well beaten by Maine Road before rounding the month off with a hard fought victory at Barnoldswick and somehow dominating but losing at home to Alsager. September saw us exit the FA Vase at the first hurdle to Pontefract and losing at AFC Liverpool before embarking on a 13 game unbeaten run in the league which took us into December. This run was interspersed with another brace of first hurdle Cup exits as Alsager and Cammell Laird ended our interest in the League Challenge & Liverpool Senior Cups. We ended December with a trio of defeats and then had a weather enforced break before going down to the odd goal in three at Norton on the second Saturday of 2014. It was another three weeks before we took to the field again this time at Congleton losing to a single goal on an awful night weatherwise before a 1-1 draw on the 3G at Stockport Sports. A skip through March saw us lose heavily at Colne and here to Ashton Athletic between which we secured a 2-1 home win over Abbey Hey. Rounding off the month with losses against Bootle, Runcorn Town and a draw at home to AFC Liverpool. We started this month with a home loss to Runcorn Town before a win at Alsager Town which we felt at the time (and later proved to be correct) was almost certain to secure a Premier Division berth for 2014-15. Mission was accomplished and we now look to next term when we start all over again! Before I close I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to all those who have volunteered there time to help the club function during the season be it with the programme, PA, fetching stray balls and more personally for Debbie and Jodie who have done an excellent job running the snack bar this season, helping to raise much needed funds for the club and hopefully they will be able to do the same again next term when once again we host games here at Brocstedes Park! Let’s get behind Town this afternoon and hopefully cheer them onto victory, enjoy the summer break and we’ll see you back here in August for the start of the new season! Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

In Town Today . . . Ashton Athletic Football Club was founded in 1968 and played in the Wigan Sunday League winning every division in consecutive seasons and many cup competitions before switching to the Warrington League on Saturdays where similar success was sustained. The club developed Brocstedes Park and was admitted to the Lancashire Combination, before becoming a founder member of the North West Counties League when the Combination merged with the Cheshire League in 1982. Unfortunately, financial restraints prevented the required ground improvements to be completed, and the club was relegated into the Manchester league division one in 1986 The drop of two leagues resulted that the majority of the playing staff moving to other clubs and for numerous years the club endeavoured to re build. Players came and went, lacking the club loyalty that had brought success to the club in the 1970's and 80's until the committee embraced an ambitious youth policy in 1999. The club is now at the end of a ten year development plan to enhance its recreational facilities and expand the club, in particular its junior section. Eight years ago the club had two teams, 50 members, one mediocre pitch with a dilapidated clubhouse and changing rooms. Since then, the club members have worked tirelessly to progress the club within its means, and with some help from external grant sourcesAssistance from the Football Foundation, awards for All Programme and Wigan Council enabled a series of improvements to be completed. The main pitch was re drained and a second pitch acquired/improved, new changing rooms and club house built, disabled access provided and other improvements made to the ground. More recently the ground has been brought up to the necessary Ground Grading for re entry into the NWCFL in time for the 2006/07 season and further improvements have provided additional seating. The 2008/09 season also saw a further progression of the club having been promoted to the Premier division of the North West Counties League.We will again take to the national stage having been accepted into the FA Cup competition after last seasons debut in the FA Vase which proved to be very lucrative for the club, progressing through 3 stages and beating 2 teams from higher leagues in the process. Last season also saw cup success for the club retaining the Atherton Charity Cup at the end of the season. A new vision for the club is under discussion for the further development of the club and this includes improvements to the access road, new junior sections and a proposed girls/ladies section. The main ground is also scheduled for enhancement works with

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

. . . Ashton Athletic additional covered spectator areas. The club is a voluntary organisation run by a committee of 14 alongside approximately 25 coaches and managers. Any money raised by the club has been ploughed back into improving the facilities and improving the youth section. The club now has a total membership of over 400. We have 9 junior teams consisting of approximately 160 children who take advantage of our now excellent facilities, whilst hundreds of adults and children from our opposition also take advantage of the facilities. In addition to the 2 open age teams, the occasional run out for the veterans team providing a further 20 members, the highlight being the now annual challenge match against the Past Players of Wigan Athletic. The club is keen to maintain the pace of development and future plans will enable increased activity at the club. Additional junior teams and a much safer and secure environment in particular for spectators and children. The club achieved its FA Charter Standard award in 2013 to complete its Holy Grail. Season

League

1998-99

MANC-1

-1

15/18

1999-00

MANC-1

-27

13/16

2000-01

MANC-1

-24

12/16

2001-02

MANC-1

5/17

2002-03

MANC-1

5/15

2003-04

MANC-1

10/17

2004-05

MANC-1

10/15

2005-06

MANC-1

4/18

2006-07

NWC-2

-24

16/18

2007-08

NWC-2

3/18

2008-09

NWC-P

-1

6/22

2009-10

NWC-P

101

-50

21/22

2010-11

NWC-P

122

-77

22/22

2011-12

NWC-P

-10

15/22

2012-13

NWC-P

-33

20/22

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

Pts

Position

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

How We Compare . . . St Helens Town - last 6 matches (Up to 15/4) All Competitions Home

at St Helens Town NWC-D1

Most recent W

Away

Collated

Ashton Athletic - last 6 matches (Up to 14/4) All Competitions

Most recent

Home

Away

Collated

St Helens Town games since...

Ashton Athletic

All Competitions (15/4) Clean 24 sheet

games since... All Competitions (14/4) Clean 4 sheet

Goal Scored

Loss

No score draw

Score draw

Win

at Ashton Athletic MANC-1

NWC-D1

1999-00

MANC-1

NWC-D1

2000-01

MANC-1

NWC-D1

2001-02

MANC-1

NWC-D1

2002-03

MANC-1

NWC-D1

2003-04

MANC-1

NWC-D1

2004-05

MANC-1

NWC-D1

2005-06

MANC-1

NWC-D1

2006-07

NWC-D2

NWC-D1

2007-08

NWC-D2

28/10; 1-2

2008-09

26/12; 0-5

18/08; 2-0

2009-10

12/12; 5-4

19/02; 2-1

2010-11

19/03; 3-1

04/05; 2-3

2011-12

26/12; 0-4

04/09; 2-2

2012-13

24/11; 2-2

21/04/2014

2013-14

11/03; 2-6

St Helens Town Scores First

Score draw

Previous Meetings 1998-99

Games Played

St Helens Town Wins

Draws

Ashton Athletic Wins

St Helens Town Goals

Ashton Athletic Goals

Percentage Town Wins

36.36

Previous Meetings Since 1949/50 All Competitions P

Win %

Home

33.33

Away

-11

28.57

Collated

-10

30.77

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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 North West Counties Football League Premier Division encounter with our friends and rivals Ashton Athletic. It’s fitting that our final home game of the season should be against our ‘landlords’ and I would like to thank Jim Whyte and his committee for their hospitality this season. A special thanks goes to Derek for his assistance with pitch inspections and the work he has undertaken on ensuring a great playing surface throughout the campaign. While we are working hard to see a speedy return to St Helens - things are currently in the hands of the planners - we will be back at Brocstedes Park in August. Our ‘visitors’ have had an excellent season and I’d like to offer my congratulations to Jay, Ben and Dougie and their Ashton Athletic squad on reaching the League Challenge Cup final against Maine Road. I’d like offer our sincere thanks to all this season’s sponsors especially our main sponsors Johnsons Toyota Liverpool. Without the support of individuals and the business community our task of maintaining NWCFL football for St Helens would be impossible. We will be working hard to maintain the sponsorship levels next season - of you can help support the club please contact me on 07713 339682. I’d like to thank Ian Price, his backroom staff and all the players for their efforts this season - thankfully we’ve avoided any flirtation with relegation and we now need to build for next term. Thanks also goes to Alan Gillespie and John Whelan for their work with the Reserves and Youth team and don’t forget the youngsters take on Skem’ United in the final of the Liverpool CFA Youth Cup on Thursday 1st May at the Walton Hall Drive, Liverpool - please get along and give them your support. My personal thanks go to the committee and club ‘helpers’ for their support throughout the season - every task undertaken is important in securing the club’s future. Don’t forget we are still looking for new additions to our weekly lottery which will continue to run through the summer - please see any committee member for a form! Enjoy the game. John McKiernan Chairman, St Helens Town AFC

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

Town in the Combination The original St. Helens Town were members of the Liverpool County Combination as far back as 1914/15 season, alongside Burscough Rangers, Borough of Wallasey, Skelmersdale United, Widnes County, South Liverpool, Southport Park Villa, Clock Face, Earlestown Rovers and North Engineers. Records from that season, however, together with the other First World War years, are incomplete. A team referred to as St. Helens Association competed in a fiveteam league in 1917/18. Emerging from the Great War, records are again hard to find, but a team called St. Helens Junction appear in the final table for 1921/22, finishing next to bottom in a 13-team competition, having played 24, won 6, drawn 2 and lost 16 games. Town's history points to the club ceasing to function after 1923, but Liverpool County Combination official tables show a St. Helens Town team nearing the end of the 1926/27 season two off the bottom of the league, having played 23, won 6, drawn 5 and lost 12 games. The table is said to be incomplete. The following season, 1927/28, saw St. Helens Town 7th of 11 clubs in the final table, having played 20, won 9, drawn 1 and lost 10 games. No other mention is found after that season. The present club was re-formed in 1946 and having played friendly games at various venues in a truncated 1945/46 season, the club secured the Hoghton Road ground and entered the Liverpool County Combination ready for the 1946/47 campaign. The only official table for that season shows only the top three placings, namely Liverpool A, Skelmersdale United and Burscough in that order. The First Division table for 1947/48 shows Town in 9th place, having played 34 games, won 13, drawn 8 and lost 13, goals for 83, against 80. The table is rather curious, as there are only 17 teams listed, whereas the number of games played by all clubs suggests there were 18 teams competing that season. The following season, 1948/49 was Towns last as members of the Liverpool County Combination, as they moved to the Lancashire Combination in 1949. Town ended the 1948/49 season in 7th place, having played 34 games, won 19, drawn 4 and lost 11, goals for 72, against 60. That season, the club won its first trophy, the George Mahon Cup (pictured), defeating Runcorn in the final at Hope Street, Prescot. St Helens Town Reserves were members of the Liverpool County Combination between 1962/63 and 1973/74. Their record (where tables are available) is as follows: 1962/63 2nd Division P30 W16 D3 L11 F86 A63 Pts35 Position 5/16

1969/70 1st Division P28 W9 D3 L16 F40 A53 Pts21 Position 11/15

1963/64 2nd Division P32 W12 D10 L10 F86 A81 Pts34 Position 8/17

1970/71 1st Division P30 W3 D1 L26 F40 A127 Pts7 Position 16/16

1964/65 1st Division P30 W10 D6 L145 F76 A82 Pts61 Position 2/16

1971/72 2nd Division P34 W10 D8 L16 F39 A55 Pts28 Position 15/18

1965/66 no table available 1966/67 no table available

1972/73 1st Division P30 W6 D1 L23 F31 A72 Pts13 Position 15/16

1967/68 1st Division P30 W14 D4 L12 F52 A42 Pts32 Position 7/16

1973/74 2nd Division P30 W9 D5 L16 F39 A57 Pts23 Position11/16

1968/69 no table available

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

Town’s trip to the seaside . . . Tuesday 8th April 2014, NWCFL Premier Division Town’s comeback just falls short It was a strange game at AFC Blackpool on Tuesday evening, for a number of reasons. With 16 players unavailable, St. Helens Town fielded a makeshift side, with three debutants – goalkeeper Rory Crowther, centre forward Danny Norris (pictured as sub v AFC Liverpool) and ex-Rugby League professional Kyle Ross – and a number of other players out of their usual positions and only one fit substitute. However, having gone 4-0 down on the hour, Town staged a remarkable comeback bid which only just fell short, eventually going down 4-2, with two other chances narrowly missing the target. Crowther pulled out some tremendous saves throughout the game, notably 25 minutes into the contest, when turning a powerful shot from Ben Singleton round the post and right on half-time, tipping a drive from Steve Betteridge over the bar. By that stage, unfortunately, St. Helens were already two goals down, Singleton curling a wonderful effort just inside Crowther’s far post from 30 yards out on 34 minutes and, two minutes before the interval, Martin Baird ghosted through the flat-footed defence to beat Town’s unfortunate young keeper. The second half began in similar vein, Singleton scoring his second goal after 52 minutes from a free header and, on the hour, Blackpool stretched their lead to four when Ryan Vaughan netted from just inside the touchline, 30 yards out. It only seemed a question of how many the Mechanics would score. However, in a remarkable turnaround, the visitors began to fight back and, for the remaining half-hour, it was virtually one-way traffic, with the home goal under siege. Michael Sykes-Wright scored the first goal after 70 minutes, tucking away a rebound with a well-hit shot. A few minutes later, it should have been a second goal for Town, as Andy Olsen burst through the home defence, drew the advancing keeper, but his drive hit the far post and out of danger. With twelve minutes left, a corner to St. Helens produced a good header from Norris, which was well saved by Adam Caunce in the home goal, but two minutes later, from a similar position, Norris’s corner found Olsen unmarked in front of goal and he headed home to make it 4-2. Against all the odds and expectations, Town pressed forward time and again and in the last minute, went close again when substitute Karl Bergqvist, playing his first game since September, could only find the side netting from a Sykes-Wright pass. The referee’s whistle sounded soon after and it was AFC Blackpool who breathed a sigh of relief. So near yet so far… Town have an early chance of turning the tables as the sides meet again in the reverse fixture at Brocstedes Park on Thursday evening, ahead of the Easter home double-header against Glossop on Saturday and landlords Ashton Athletic on Easter Monday.

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

Town Goldline Lottery . . . We are looking for supporters to become Goldline members which will provide the club with a valuable source of income which will help us to achieve a bright future by assisting us in our goal of making a return to St Helens. In addition, you will have the chance to win up to £5,000 . . . so we could all be winners!

As a lottery partner, St Helens Town Football Club will receive a massive 70p of your £1 weekly subscription. As a Goldline member you will receive your membership card which includes your membership number, 10 sets of Goldline draw numbers and 4 unique rollover draw numbers:

•

Your 10 sets of Goldline draw numbers will be

entered into the Goldline draw every weekday for your chance of winning. Each week 5 prizes of £500 are paid out, that’s a total of £2,500 paid out every week.

•

Your 4 rollover draw numbers will be entered into the weekly draw for your chance of winning up to £5,000. The rollover draw starts at £250 and each week rolls over and increases by £250 until won or until it reaches £5,000 at which time it will be drawn and redrawn until a winner is found.

•

£100s in £10 consolation prizes are paid out every week.

•

Goldline pays out over £170,000 in prizes every year to members.

•

In addition your Goldline membership card will entitle you to exclusive deals available at St Helens Town Football Club.

No claim is necessary. Prizes will be sent automatically and either delivered by post or by your agent.

Club Chairman John McKiernan said, “Having joined forces with Bolton Wanderers in the Goldline Lottery we can ensure big cash prizes are dished out every week but the Club also wins too – with the possibility of raising thousands of pounds each year.

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

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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 publicaccess 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. “Never before have I witnessed such an event that has brought football fans, clubs and

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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 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 a Race Night on Saturday 26th October and Comedy & Curry Night on Saturday 7th December. 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

Town’s Gala Dinner . . . The club is delighted to announce that Johnsons Toyota Liverpool will be the principle sponsor of our 2014 Gala Dinner and Presentation Evening in May. Club Chairman John McKiernan said, ‘I can’t thank our friends at Johnsons Toyota Liverpool enough for their continued support. 'We are organising an event that will commemorate the 2013-14 season and recognise the achievements of the club’s players and I am looking forward to celebrating our partnership with Johnsons in style.' Gareth Shone, General Manager at Johnsons Toyota Liverpool said, ‘We are really looking forward to the Gala Dinner and developing our partnership with St. Helens and it will be another opportunity to showcase the company.' The Gala Dinner will take place in the superb surroundings of the St Helens Masonic Hall on Saturday 3rd May 2014 and will include a pre-Dinner reception for Johnsons and a number of guests followed by a four course evening dinner and entertainment which includes guest speaker David Fairclough followed by Liverpool’s King of Comedy Frankie Allen. The club will also be hosting a charity auction as part of the event. This year’s presentations will see the player awards commemorate the lives of three former Town legends. Our two club Presidents Bert Trautmann and Bill Foulkes sadly passed away in 2013. The Bert Trautmann Award will be presented to the club’s Player of the Year while The Bill Foulkes Award to the Players Player of the Year. Former Manchester United player Tommy O’Neil who captained the 1987 St Helens Town FA Vase winning side sadly passed away 2006 will be remembered with the renaming of the Young Player of the Year award. Tickets for the evening will cost £30 or a table for 10 at just £250. Ticket information and sponsorship opportunities are available from the club Commercial Manager Stephen Eves on 07950 314 693 or email sthelenstownfc@hotmail.co.uk Further details are available on the club’s website www.sthelenstownafc.com

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

Where are we now? Something that always makes me smile is when a club from our League gains promotion to the Northern Premier League and then someone claims on their website that their club is now playing at its highest level ever. In most cases, the truth is that those clubs are still playing well below their highest ever level. The problem comes from the way things have changed over the last 35 years or so. Back at the tail end of the 70’s there was no official pyramid, but like the entire history of football, there was an unofficial one. If you go back to 1949/50 when St Helens Town competed in the Lancashire Combination Division Two, they were playing at what is now Conference North level. The top clubs in the Lancashire Combination applied directly to the Football League for membership, it was one of the Leagues at the top level of non league football (no Northern Premier League back then). Even at the start of the 1980’s when St Helens were in the Cheshire County League and then the North West Counties League Division One, above them was just a single division Northern Premier League and a single division Conference League, putting them at what is now Step 3, NPL Premier Division level. Of course, since then, the NPL has added a second division and then the Conference League added their Division One North above us, each one pushing us down a level meaning that we and other clubs who played alongside us and still do, such as Winsford, Congleton and Glossop are now playing two divisions lower than we were in the mid-80’s without being relegated! With all that in mind, has the non-league pyramid benefitted clubs or supporters? With St Helens playing at what is now Step 2 and Step 3 levels up until the mid 80’s, supporters were able to watch a high standard of football in and around the North West for little cost. Now in Step 2 you have Oxford City playing Workington and Barrow, a round trip of 568 miles and 492 miles respectively. Colwyn Bay have a few 6 or 7 hour round trips. If St Helens were at Step 2 now, this season, they would have a total of 4,242 miles to travel in round trips just in the League. In Step 3 you have to travel all over the north of England from Birmingham upwards. If St Helens were in the NPL Premier Division now, they would have total round trips of 3.064 miles for League games. Taking a season at random, 1985/86 when St Helens were at Step 3 in the NWCL Division One, they had a total of 1,408 worth of round trip miles. Only three clubs gave us more than a 100 mile round trip. So, up until the mid-80’s, St Helens Town supporters could watch Step 2 or Step 3 standard football, just in and around the North West meaning low cost for supporters and clubs alike and enabling part time players to play for their local clubs at a high standard. You may not think that’s an issue, but if you watch local football, for example in the West Lancs League, there are players there who have either played in the NPL or could easily do so, but they choose to play in a local League because of their job or family commitments. They don’t want the long travelling time. It was clear that changes were needed in non league football, but does massively increasing costs to clubs and supporters as well as the hugely increased travelling time, seem the right way to go? Would you rather the NWCL was still at Step 3 or are you happy to travel all over north England? Tim Lees

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 12 Sep 21 Sep 24 Sep 28 Oct 1 Oct 5 Oct 8 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct 29 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 3

Opponents NORTON UNITED Squires Gate Winsford United WIGAN ROBIN PARK ASHTON ATHLETIC Ashton Athletic MAINE ROAD Barnoldswick Town ALSAGER TOWN Pontefract Collieries AFC Liverpool Abbey Hey Bootle BACUP & ROSS BORO Runcorn Linnets Glossop North End SQUIRES GATE W DIDS & CHORLTON SILSDEN CONGLETON TOWN ALSAGER TOWN BARNOLDSWICK TOWN STOCKPORT SPORTS CAMMELL LAIRD West Didsbury & Chorlton Wigan Robin Park

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

Dec 7 Dec 14 Dec 21 Jan 11 Feb 4 Feb 15 Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 11 Mar 15 Mar 17 Mar 29 Apr 3 Apr 5 Apr 8 Apr 12 Apr 15 Apr 17 Apr 19 Apr 21 Apr 26

COLNE Silsden WINSFORD UNITED Norton United Congleton Town Stockport Sports Colne ABBEY HEY Ashton Athletic BOOTLE Runcorn Town AFC LIVERPOOL RUNCORN TOWN Alsager Town AFC Blackpool Bacup & Ross Borough RUNCORN LINNETS AFC BLACKPOOL GLOSSOP NORTH END ASHTON ATHLETIC Maine Road

NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL NWCFL

Executive Programme Sponsor

KO Result GK 2 3 4 5 6 3.00 3-3D Clark Mawdsley Harrison Williams(C)1 Coyle Cooper W 7.45 3-0L Clark Mawdsley Harrison Wright Crompton(C) Williams As 3.00 2-1L Clark Mawdsley Co Judge Williams(C) Coyle Ashton 7.45 4-1W Taylor Mawdsley1 Harrison Williams(C) Coyle Chesworth As 3.00 2-2D Taylor Mawdsley Harrison1 Williams(C) Coyle Ashton Co 7.45 1-0L Taylor Mawdsley Harrison Williams Crompton(C) Ashton W 3.00 0-5L Taylor Mawdsley Harrison Crompton(C) Williams Ashton W 7.45 1-2W Taylor Mawdsley Judge1 Crompton(C) Coyle Wright W 3.00 0-3L Taylor Tingay Judge C.Williams Coyle Sykes-Wright W 3.00 2-0L Taylor Tingay Judge Barber Coyle Chesworth(C) W 7.45 3-0L Gibson Pullinger Judge(C) Curzon Coyle Ashton San 3.00 1-1D Gibson Pullinger Harrison Coyle Curzon Ashton San 7.45 1-2W Gibson Pullinger Ju Harrison Coyle Crompton(C) Parish 3.00 1-1D Gibson Syke-Wright Harrison Mawdsley(C) Coyle Parish As 7.45 1-1D Gibson Tingay Judge Mawdsley(C) Coyle Ashton Syke 3.00 2-3W Gibson Judge1 Mawdsley(C) Sykes Tingay Coyle Ashton 7.45 5-0W Gibson Judge1 Mawdsley(C) Tingay Coyle Ashton Syke 3.00 3-0W Gibson Tingay Judge Mawdsley(C) Coyle Ashton Syke 3.00 2-0W Gibson Tingay Judge Mawdsley(C) Coyle Parish Syke 7.45 1-1D Gibson Parish1 Syke Tingay Judge Mawdsley(C) Coyle 3.00 1-2L Gibson Pullinger Richardson Mawdsley Crompton(C) Parish W 7.45 1-1D Gibson Pullinger Judge Mawdsley(C) Coyle Parish Syke 3.00 2-2D Gibson Pa Tingay Judge Mawdsley Crompton(C)1 D.Owens 7.45 1-3L Gibson Pullinger Richardson Mawdsley Crompton(C) Sykes-Wright R 3.00 1-2W Gibson Tingay Richardson Mawdsley Crompton(C) Parish1 Syke 7.45 1-4W Gibson Sykes Tingay Richardson Coyle Crompton(C) Parish 2.00 3.00 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 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00

0-1L 1-0L 0-2L 2-1L 1-0L 1-1D 0-7L 2-1W 6-2L 1-2L 2-0L 1-1D 0-3L 1-2W 4-2L 3-2L 0-3L

Lowton Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Gibson Crowther Gibson Gibson

Pullinger Pullinger Pullinger Pullinger Pullinger Kenny Tingay Tingay D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens Sykes-Wright Flood Flood Al.Gillespie D.Owens

Parish Syke Richardson Mawdsley Crompton(C) Richardson Mawdsley Crompton(C) Parish Syke Richardson Mawdsley Crompton(C) Parish W Ryan Mawdsley Crompton(C) Naughton H Ryan Wright Crompton(C) Naughton H Richardson Wright Crompton(C) Naughton San Richardson Wright Crompton(C) Naughton San Sykes Ryan Mawdsley Crompton(C) Wright Ryan Mawdsley Crompton(C) Wright Syke Judge1 Mawdsley Crompton(C) Parish Syke Judge Mawdsley Crompton(C) Sykes-Wright S Judge Mawdsley(C) Sykes-Wright Ryan F Judge Mawdsley Crompton(C) Parish F Richardson Mawdsley Crompton(C) Dodd R Al.Gillespie Mawdsley Crompton(C) Ryan San McKeegan Mawdsley Crompton(C) Dodd R Richardson Mawdsley Crompton(C) Dodd Syke

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

gures . . . 7

Weaver shton ooper1 shton ooper Weaver Weaver Weaver Weaver Weaver nderson nderson udge1 shton es-Wright s-Wright1 es-Wright es-Wright es-Wright es-Wright Weaver es-Wright arish1 Ryan es-Wright s-Wright1 es-Wright es-Wright Weaver Hand Hand nderson nderson s-Wright1 es-Wright es-Wright Saleh Flood Flood Ryan nderson Ryan es-Wright

Wright Judge Wright Judge Judge Judge Judge Parish Parish Parish Parish Wright D.Owens D.Owens1 D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens Wright D.Owens Sanderson D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens D.Owens Parish Parish1 Parish Parish Parish Ryan Ryan Parish1 Ryan Parish Sykes-Wright1 Sykes-Wright Parish

Milne Edwards Milne Cook-Hannah Milne Cook-Hannah Cook-Hannah Bergqvist Bergqvist Bergqvist Storey Cook-Hannah Milne Cook-Hannah Storey1 Storey Storey Storey Storey Storey Milne1 Storey Storey Gillespie Gillespie1 Gillespie2 Gillespie Milne Storey Gillespie Gillespie Gillespie An.Gillespie Gillespie1 Gillespie1 An.Gillespie An.Gillespie Lightbody Lightbody Storey1 Norris An.Gillespie Lightbody

Sanderson Milne Sanderson Sanderson1 Cook-Hannah Sanderson Sanderson Cook-Hannah1 Cook-Hannah(C) Cook-Hannah Wright Milne1 Cook-Hannah Milne Gillespie Gillespie1 Gillespie1 Gillespie3 Gillespie2 Gillespie Gillespie Gillespie1 Gillespie Storey Milne Milne Storey Gillespie Milne Parish Saleh Lightbody Lightbody Olsen Olsen Olsen Storey Olsen Olsen Olsen Olsen1 Olsen Storey

Judge Sanderson Etchells Milne2 Etchells Milne Milne P.Williams P.Williams Ashton Weaver Judge(C) Ashton Judge Sanderson Sanderson Sanderson3 Sanderson Sanderson Sanderson Judge Sanderson Ryan Sanderson Sanderson Sanderson1 Sanderson Ryan McNamara Richardson1 Richardson Saleh Saleh Lightbody Lightbody Sanderson Richardson Richardson Richardson Lightbody Ross Storey2 Ryan

Pullinger Pullinger Pullinger Pullinger10 Finlay Pullinger/Ross Pullinger C.Williams4 Edwards10 Edwards9 Sykes-Wright10 Mawdsley2 Sykes-Wright Tingay Cook-Hannah Parish8 Parish6 Parish7 Milne Milne Bailey9 Crompton Pullinger8

Ross Weaver11 Bowen7 Wright Pullinger Cooper/Wright Edwards Edwards Chesworth6 Sanderson10 Cook-Hannah Sykes-Wright7 Wright C.Williams Curzon Wright7 Pullinger Weaver11 Wright Wright6 Tingay Richardson Wright Milne91 A.Owens8 A.Owens8 Milne10 A.Owens A.Owens11 Judge11 Judge6 Milne11 A.Owens11 Saleh7 Richardson Richardson11 Parish A.Owens Norris Sykes-Wright Judge Cook-Hannah3 Olsen

Bowen Coyle5 Ross11 Bowen Edwards10 Sykes-Wright Etchells Sanderson Sanderson11 Milne11 Bergqvist7 C.Williams Storey101 Storey9 Weaver11 Bailey Weaver Crompton Pullinger Pullinger11 Cook-Hannah11 Milne10 Weaver11 Weaver11 Ryan11 Ryan11 Weaver11 Tingay Cook-Hannah6 Saleh6 Milne Tingay Al.Gillespie2 A.Owens10 Storey10 Saleh6 Sanderson Norris7 Dodd7 Al.Gillespie9 Lightbody Norris10 Al.Gillespie

A.Owens61 Cooper Chesworth Weaver11 Weaver71 Edwards9 Coyle Milne10 Milne C.Williams Milne Weaver Mawdsley5 Weaver10 Barber Weaver11 Wright8 Pullinger Weaver Weaver Coyle Wright8 Milne D.Owens7 Coyle Storey10 Ryan Weaver7 Judge Milne10 Lightbody8 Pullinger

Edwards71 Bowen9 Weaver9 Edwards9 Ross Coyle10 Wright9 Ashton7 Ashton Sykes-W Barber Crompton Sanderson8 Sanderson8 Wright10

Pullinger Pullinger Sanderson Wright D.Owens Mason7 Mason6 Richardson Saleh8

Sanderson Sanderson3 Sanderson Bergqvist7 Bergqvist9 An.Gillespie10

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

Storey11 Sanderson Storey10 Al.Gillespie Al.Gillespie Al.Gillespie Crowther Crowther Norris

Milne9 Milne10 Crompton Crompton D.Owens7 Bailey9 Richardson3 Weaver Weaver A.Owens

Kenny

Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Crowther Storey10

Crowther

Executive Programme Sponsor

St Helens Town AFC . . . St Helens Town Statistical History by Glyn Jones Part 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Season 1970/71 - LANCASHIRE COMBINATION

Prestwich Heys

P 30

W 23

D 3

L 4

F 85

A 35

Pts 49 45

Dukinfield Town

Radcliffe Borough

Wigan Athletic Reserves

Formby

Accrington Stanley

Blackpool Mechanics

Clitheroe

Prescot Town

Nelson

Darwen

St. Helens Town

Bacup Borough

Leyland Motors

Lytham St. Annes Wigan Rovers

30 30

5 2

5 3

20 25

38 26

78 78

15 7

Opponents

Home

Result

Away

Result

Accrington Stanley

Mar 13

Won 3-0

Jan 23

Lost 0-3

Bacup Borough

Aug 22

Lost 0-1

Apr 3

Won 3-0

Blackpool Mechanics

Sep 5

Lost 0-2

Dec 12

Won 2-1

Clitheroe

Jan 16

Drew 1-1

Feb 20

Lost 0-3

Darwen

Mar 20

Won 2-1

Feb 27

Drew 1-1

Dukinfield Town

Feb 6

Lost 2-3

Apr 17

Lost 0-3

Formby

Jan 30

Drew 0-0

May 6

Drew 1-1

Leyland Motors

Mar 6

Drew 0-0

Nov 7

Lost 1-2

Lytham St. Annes

Oct 24

Won 3-2

Mar 27

Won 2-1

Nelson

Apr 24

Drew2-2

Nov 21

Drew 0-0

Prescot Town

Apr 10

Lost 0-2

Jan 9

Lost 0-2

Prestwich Heys

Dec 5

Won 3-2

Nov 14

Lost 1-2

Radcliffe Borough

Feb 13

Lost 1-2

Oct 17

Lost 1-2

Wigan Athletic Reserves

Dec 19

Lost 0-1

Aug 15

Drew 1-1

Wigan Rovers

Dec 26

Won 5-0

Apr 12

Drew 1-1

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

. . . 1970-71 Appearances Player Allen, Len Atherton, Jackie Bond, Eric Carey, John Charnock, Ralph Connelly, Mike Critchley, John Devine, Jimmy Diggle, John Donnelly, Ken Forber, Alan Hegarty, Dave Hennessy, Alf Jones, Alan Kelsey, R (Bob) Ledsham, Colin Lesbirel, Eric Lingard McCullough McGovern Marr, J Marsh Marshall Morris, Dave Noon, Ronnie O’Brien, Andy O’Donnell, Paul Peake, W Pugh, Dave Rawsthorne, Bert Rooney, George Smith, Ken Stanley, Walter Tamm, Derek Tuft, B Weekes, R Wellens, Alan Woods, Ian Woollam, John Unknown goals Totals

App 1 20 2 1 3 7 5 5 25 14 3 19 2 8 1 16 9 5 1 2 9 1 1 6 10 1 4 9 12 8 1 4 8 8 15 11 19 3

Prov. 3 20 6 5 1 8 12 22 5 3 7 4 11 1 2 3 1 16 1 4 12 8 3 8 15 4 15 3

Sub. Pld. 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

Total App 4 40 2 1 3 13 10 6 34 26 3 41 2 13 4 24 13 16 2 4 12 1 1 8 26 2 5 13 24 16 4 5 16 23 20 11 34 6

281

203

489

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

N/P Sub

Goals

1 18 3

5 2

3 2 1 1 3

1 2 2 1 5 51

Executive Programme Sponsor

1970-71 Cup Competitions FA CUP Sep 19 1st Qual Round

ROSSENDALE UNITED

Lost

0-2

Lost

2-3

Lost

1-2

FA TROPHY Oct 31 1st round

FORMBY LANCASHIRE CHALLENGE CUP

Nov 28 1st Round

Formby LANCASHIRE COMBINATION CUP

Aug 17 Group

FORMBY

Lost

0-5

Aug 25 Group

Wigan Rovers

Won

1-0

Aug 31 Group

WIGAN ROVERS

Won

5-0

Sep 9 Group

Formby

Lost

0-1

Sep 12 Group

Prescot Town

Drew

0-0

Oct 3 Group

PRESCOT TOWN

Lost

1-2

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION CHALLENGE CUP Aug 29 1st Round

DUKINFIELD TOWN

Won

2-1

Sep 26 2nd Round

WIGAN ATHLETIC RES.

Won

1-0

Apr 1 Semi Final

LYTHAM ST. ANNES

Won

2-0

May 10 Final 1st Leg

Prestwich Heys

Lost

0-2

May 13 Final 2nd Leg

PRESTWICH HEYS

Lost

0-1

LIVERPOOL NON-LEAGUE CUP

No details available

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

Blast from the History Past . ... .. Unearthing Town’s St Helens Town was contacted by John Owens regarding a previously unknown item of club history relating to the original Town club which operated between 1901 and the late 1920’s. John made available a photograph of the St Helens Town team from around 1901 which contained his grandfather William Owens. (pictured below)

John said, “My grandfather was born in Garston, Liverpool on 28 December 1880 and played for St Helens around 1901. He is pictured on the back row, fourth from the left and appears to be looking away to the right. Although I don’t know the exact date of the photograph I’d say he was around 20 years old which seems right. He was 6’3” tall and played right back. His playing position was corroborated by my father and it was the position he played for Raith Rovers during the 1903-04 season.

“At 17 (1897-8) he was reportedly the youngest professional player in Lancashire earning 2s 6d per a game which was more than he was paid working a Saturday afternoon as a saw doctor at Grayson’s Bobbin works in Window Lane, Garston. I believe he had previously played for Garston Gasworks and subsequently for Tranmere Rovers”

Club Chairman John McKiernan added, “We were delighted to hear from John and his photograph is only one we have of the original club. There is some thought that the distinctive backdrop could be the Primrose ground in Park Road but at this moment we are unable to say for certain.”

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

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

Reserve Team News . . . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

L L L L L L L L L L Cup L L L L Cup Cup Cup L L L L L L L L L L L L

DIVISION THREE RAINHILL TOWN HALE RES

P 29 26

W 22 18

D 5 4

L 1 4

F 121 69

A 19 38

GD 102 31

Pts 71 58

ST HELENS TOWN RES FORD MOTORS SOUTH LIVERPOOL RES CAPENHURST VILLA RES BOOTLE RES KIRKBY TOWN RAILWAY WIDNES VIKINGS RES CHESTER NOMADS RES BELFRY NESTON NOMADS *MARSHALLS RES *CHRISTLETON RES *UPTON A.A. RES

26 27 24 25 26 26 26 27 27 25 27 25 25

16 14 15 13 12 10 10 10 7 4 5 4 1

5 5 1 3 5 10 7 4 6 4 3 4 2

5 8 8 9 9 6 9 13 14 17 19 17 22

61 58 73 57 56 79 48 49 49 35 53 29 23

33 36 41 46 51 50 64 61 85 74 92 74 96

28 22 32 11 5 29 -16 -12 -36 -39 -39 -45 -73

53 47 46 42 41 40 37 34 27 16 15 13 2

DATE 14/04/2014 05/04/2014 31/03/2014 22/03/2014 15/03/2014 22/02/2014 25/01/2014 28/12/2013 21/12/2013 14/12/2013 07/12/2013 30/11/2013 23/11/2013 16/11/2013 09/11/2013 02/11/2013 26/10/2013 19/10/2013 12/10/2013 05/10/2013 28/09/2013 21/09/2013 14/09/2013 07/09/2013 04/09/2013 30/08/2013 27/08/2013 19/08/2013 16/08/2013 09/08/2013

RES L W W W L L L D W L W W W W W L W D L W W D D W W W D W W

HOME ST HELENS TOWN RES ST HELENS TOWN RES ST HELENS TOWN RES HALE RES ST HELENS TOWN RES NESTON NOMADS RAINHILL TOWN BOOTLE RES ST HELENS TOWN RES CAPENHURST VILLA RES ST HELENS TOWN RES FORD MOTORS UPTON AA RES ST. HELENS TOWN RES BELFRY ST HELENS TOWN RES ST HELENS TOWN RES CLOCK FACE FC SOUTH LIVERPOOL RES ST HELENS TOWN RES ST HELENS TOWN RES NESTON NOMADS KIRKBY TOWN RAILWAY ST HELENS TOWN RES MARSHALLS RES ST HELENS TOWN RES MERSEYSIDE POLICE ST HELENS TOWN RES CHRISTLETON RES ST HELENS TOWN RES

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

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

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

AWAY BELFRY NESTON NOMADS FORD MOTORS ST HELENS TOWN RES UPTON AA RES ST HELENS TOWN RES ST HELENS TOWN RES ST HELENS TOWN RES MARSHALLS RES ST HELENS TOWN RES HALE RES ST HELENS TOWN RES ST HELENS TOWN RES CAPENHURST VILLA RES ST HELENS TOWN RES GARSWOOD UTD RES KIRKBY TOWN RAILWAY ST HELENS TOWN RES ST HELENS TOWN RES HALE RES SOUTH LIVERPOOL RES ST HELENS TOWN RES ST HELENS TOWN RES CHESTER NOMADS RES ST HELENS TOWN RES BOOTLE RES ST HELENS TOWN RES WIDNES VIKINGS RES ST HELENS TOWN RES RAINHILL TOWN

Executive Programme Sponsor

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

Bootle

Barnoldswick Town

Ashton Athletic

Alsager Town

AFC Liverpool

AFC Blackpool

Abbey Hey 5-1 1-1 4-0 2-0

0-4 1-3

North West Counties Football League Premier Division

Programme of the Year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 & 2012-13

1-1

1-4 2-1

1-1 0-3

0-5 3-3 0-3 0-3 2-0 5-0

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

1-1 3-1 0-8 2-3 2-4 4-1 3-2 3-3 0-2 1-2 0-3 3-1 1-5 0-1 1-5 1-1 2-3 1-4

1-2 0-2

Winsford United

2-0 3-1

3-4

1-3

1-0 1-2

2-3 1-1 2-1

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

Wigan Robin Park

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

1-0 2-1

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

5-1 1-0 2-2

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

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

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

Stockport Sports

West Didsbury & Chorlton

2-1

St Helens Town

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

3-0 2-0 2-0

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

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

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

2-2

Silsden

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

Runcorn Town

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

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

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

7-1 4-0 1-3 4-2 4-0 1-1 3-1 3-1 3-4 1-1 2-1 2-2 1-5

Norton United

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

5-0

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

0-4 4-2

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

Runcorn Linnets

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

0-1

0-2 3-3

Maine Road

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

5-0 5-0 0-1

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

2-1 0-0 0-1 0-1 1-6 0-3 3-1 4-0 7-0 3-2 0-4 3-1 5-1

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

Squires Gate

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

2-1

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

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

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

Glossop North End

3-1 4-2 1-0

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

1-2

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

Colne

1-1

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

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

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

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

Bootle

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

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

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

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

Bacup & Ross Boro

Congleton Town

Colne

Barnoldswick Town

Congleton Town

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

Glossop North End

Ashton Athletic

Main Road

Bacup & Rossendale Borough 0-0 0-0 1-2 1-1 0-2

Norton United

2-3 3-0

Runcorn Linnets

1-3 0-1 2-1

Runcorn Town

Alsager Town

Silsden

4-0 2-4

Squires Gate

3-3

St Helens Town

AFC Liverpool

Winsford United

AFC Blackpool

Stockport Sports

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

West Dids & Chorlton

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

Wigan Robin Park

Abbey Hey

Up to Wed 16.04.14

NW Counties Football League Premier Division RESULTS GRID

Head to Head Results . . .

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

Tea Break Teasers . . . Q1. Which four nations have reached the World Cup Final but have never won the tournament? Q2. Which referee was England’s representative at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, before the Howard Webb monopoly? Q3. Which League Two club play at the Proact Stadium? Q4. Who is the only Honduran to have featured in an FA Cup Final? Q5. Which team has won the Portuguese top flight the most times? Q6. Which former Champions League winner spent the 2013 MLS season at the Seattle Sounders? Q7. Which two English clubs have failed to win a single game in a Champions League campaign, including qualifiers since 1992-93? Q8. Which national team does Bradford City’s Nahki Wells represent? Q9. Which Premier League club is sponsored by GWFX? Q10. Who scored the goal which secured a 1-0 win over Newcastle on the final day of last season and qualification for the Champions League? Q11. Which Scottish top flight team play their home games in Dingwall? Q12. Which continent have won more World Cups, South America or Europe? Q13. Which five players scored goals for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics? Q14. Which city will host this years Champions League Final? Q15. Who was the last Englishman to win the Football Writers Player of the Year Award?

1) Czechoslovakia (34 & 62), Holland (74, 78 & 2010), Hungary (38, 54) Sweden (58) 2) Graham Poll 3) Chesterfield 4) Roger Espinoza for Wigan 2013 5) Benfica with 32 6) Djimi Traore 7) Everton (05-6) & Man City (12-3) 8) Bermuda 9) Swansea City 10) Laurent Koscielny 11) Ross County 12) Europe 10 to South America’s 9 13) Daniel Sturridge, Craig Bellamy, Ryan Giggs, Aaron Ramsey & Scott Sinclair 14) Lisbon 15) Scott Parker in 2011

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St Helens Town AFC . . . Between 1946 and 1962 the club, like many, didn’t have a ‘manager’. Town officials would liaise with first and reserve team captains over team selection. In 1962-63 ‘First Manager’ Pat Murphy came from Burscough with a nucleus of his team which won the Lancashire Combination Division One title for Burscough but the formulae didn’t work for Town despite financial backing of a brand new 200 seat supporters club opened by John Connelly in spring of 1962. 1963-64 Sam Cottingham came after success with Pilkington's in a move to rebalance the squad with more local players. 1964-66 Jimmy McKiernan became the club's first commercial manager and team boss after arriving from Earlestown via a successful playing career which included a spell on the North Wales circuit. 1966-68 Jackie Dewsnip, cousin of Town player Jimmy Dewsnip who along with the latter’s son Neil meant the Haydock based family served Town well over a couple of decades. 1968-71 Peter Jones took the reigns in the wake of the Northern Premier League being formed which reduced Town’s league (Lancs Combination) to one division. He moved on after three years to a position on the staff of Preston North End. 1971-77 Alan Hampson arrived from South Liverpool after a distinguished playing career at Holly Park and became a mini ‘Messiah’ as Town won the Lancs Combination title in 1972 along with the Bass Charrington and Watson trophy in quick succession. He also oversaw Town’s step into the Cheshire County League in 1975 as by then, the Lancashire Comb had become a pale imitation of its former self. 1977-79 The aforementioned Jimmy Dewsnip took the reigns after ‘Hampy’ had moved on and became the first ex Town player to become manager. He combined this with work for the Liverpool County FA with the latter eventually claiming his services after two years. 1979-80 Player manager Geoff Robinson hailed from the new overspill at Laffak where he also ran the increasingly successful ‘Starting Gate’ pub team in the blossoming new Sunday League. Many of his squad were ‘Town’ players but the ‘conflict’ of interests was seen as detrimental to the senior club. 1980-82 Jack Prytherch had been at Wigan Athletic and he brought in players from that area including new club skipper, his son in law, Steve Murfin. Jack’s reign saw the formation of the North West Counties League and Town’s first season was a struggle in the new league’s top flight resulting in a change in mid-term. 1982-84 Peter Rutherford. After the success of Alan Hampson a decade earlier, the Town board returned to South Liverpool again for their next appointment. Peter Rutherford was number two at Holly Park at the time but he also found it hard going in the NWCFL inaugural season and his charges only escaped relegation on a ‘technicality’. Things got a little better the following season and he bowed out just before glory arrived. 1984-87 Alan Wellens had skippered Town’s Lancs Combination title team and went on to become the club’s top appearances holder after making his debut at Great Harwood in 1966. His playing career was ended by a broken leg against Hyde in 1981 at Hoghton Road. Alan went on to Town history with the club’s historic journey to Wembley in 1987 before he and Allan Wellens receiving the Lancs the vast majority of the FA Vase winning side sought Combination Championship Trophy pastures new. 1987-92 Alan Aspinall (pictured from Wesley Bridge in 1972 below) took over the mantle of manager following the departure of the Vase squad and management team having been Reserve team boss and spent a successful five seasons in charge.

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

. . . Managers 1946-Present 1992-93 Mick Holgate (pictured right) presided over just one season at Hoghton Road before moving on to Leigh RMI. 1993-2002 Jimmy McBride stepped up from his position as Reserve team boss to take the reigns of the first team for almost a decade which saw the club’s move from Hoghton Road to Saints. Took the club to its first cup final since the visit to Wembley but lost out in the League Cup and Floodlit Trophy finals in the mid 1990s. 2002-2003 John Davison and Peter King arrived from Burscough having presided over a very successful period in the ‘Linnets’ history. After a disappointing first campaign despite significant financial backing the club’s need to tighten the purse strings led to the pair’s departure at the start of the 2003 campaign, along with most of the squad. 2003-04 Ex-Everton professional Paul Lodge became Town manager as the club reeled from financial cuts but unfortunately his youthful side struggled at the bottom of the league and he was replaced in January 2004. 2004-05 Former Town ‘keeper Joe Paladino took over the reigns from Lodge and secured the club’s safety from relegation before going to challenge for the title during most of 2004-05. Joe resigned in March 2005. 2005-06 Assistant to Paladino, Joe Gibiliru took over the manager’s position and presided over a period of on the field stability for the club before resigning in September 2006. 200607 Alex Wright, who had previously been assistant manager to Paul Lodge returned to the club as manager but his tenure was short-lived as family commitments led to him stepping down in September 2007. 2007-08 John Fletcher, Wright’s assistant, was given managerial responsibility and he steered the club away from the relegation battle with a 19th place finish at the end of 2006-7. Despite the club’s off the field problems and financial difficulties the following season saw Fletcher’s charges finish fourteenth after only one defeat in the last nine games. However Town remained rooted in a relegation spot for most of the following season and Fletcher departed with weeks of the season remaining. 2009 – 2010 Gary Bickerstaffe was appointed in March 2009 and secured the club’s safety with some ease recording six victories from the final eight games. Bickerstaffe’s fine form as manager continued throughout 2009-10 eventually finishing in 9th place. 2010 – 2011 Lee Riley steps up from assistant manager when Gary Bickerstaffe steps down at the end of the 2009-10. Lee resigned in March 2011 due to work commitments and Iain Dyson took over the managerial reigns before he too stepped down at the end of the season. 2011-12 season saw Jimmy McBride make a return to Town but it proved a difficult season and Town parted company with him as we narrowly avoided relegation. 2012 - 2013 Ian Granite (pictured left) became manager following success with neighbours Wigan Robin Park FC. A challenging 201213 season saw Town eventually steer clear of relegation, in doing so maintaining their unique 30 year stay in the North West Counties League top division. Despite an excellent start to the 2013-14 season Ian stepped down at the end of November due to business and family commitments and Ian Price took over the managerial reigns with Paul Jones as his assistant. Many thanks to Jim Barrett and Eric Bond for their input in compiling the information.

North West Counties Football League Premier Division 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

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

NWCFL Club News . . . Runcorn Linnets and Runcorn Town are teaming up by asking fans attending their Easter Monday derby match to come together in support of Runcorn Foodbank. Linnets entertain Town in a Premier Division clash on Bank Holiday Monday, April 21st (kick off 3.00pm) and spectators at the game are being invited to donate groceries to the charity, which offers emergency food to Runcorn families in need. Runcorn Foodbank is run by The Trussell Trust in conjunction with Runcorn Churches Together, led by Hope Corner Community Church in Church Street, Runcorn. Since launching in November 2012 and thanks to volunteer staff and public generosity, it has provided more than 3,000 crisis-hit people in the town with emergency food. Many of those it has helped are children and vulnerable adults. With demand for its services having recently risen by 170%, Runcorn Foodbank needs more donations than ever of nonperishable food - from pastas to puddings. The idea for the initiative involving the two football clubs came from Runcorn Linnets supporter, Tony Waddington. A former Linnets club secretary and Trust Board member, he will be co-ordinating the collection of food at the match. A donation point is being set up inside The Millbank Linnets Stadium in Murdishaw Avenue, Runcorn in an area between the clubhouse and pitch. In the build-up to the match, supporters of Linnets and Town are being urged to put some extra items in their shopping baskets to hand over or alternatively, bring along to the game any suitable items they may have stored in their larders or kitchen cupboards. Runcorn Foodbank operates at various locations in the town on Monday to Friday each week (excluding Bank Holidays). Vouchers issued to those in crisis by care professionals, charities and other agencies such as housing associations and church organisations are exchanged for a three-day food supply. These are redeemable at a foodbank centre, from where clients are also signposted to agencies for longer-term support with their problems. For further information, contact Runcorn Linnets FC on 07050 801733 or through the Contact Us facility at www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk.

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

Bacup v Town . . . Bacup & Rossendale Borough 3, St. Helens Town 2 With the rest of the country bathed in sunshine, Town’s game at Bacup on Saturday was played throughout in steady rain. It’s easy to see why so many games are called off at West View and the conditions suited the relegation-threatened home team to a tee, as St. Helens were out-muscled in a physical encounter in which the visitors attempted to play good, passing football. Town welcomed back Ciaran Gibson in goal and Andy Gillespie up front, but took to the field without a recognised full-back, Alex Gillespie and Joe McKeegan filling in, with Liam Dodd deputising for Nathan Parish in midfield. In contrast to their physical approach, Bacup’s second and third goals were spectacular efforts, fit enough to win any game. Town began the game on top and it came as no surprise when Adam Storey headed home from a Michael Sykes-Wright corner in the 20th minute and St. Helens were unfortunate not to increase their lead shortly afterwards when Storey’s overhead kick from the corner of the penalty area was saved by Kieron O’Boyle. As the half wore on, however, Bacup, fighting to maintain their Premier Division status, moved upfield and, seizing on a Lee Crompton header back to Gibson in the Town goal, Adrian Bellamy, a constant thorn in Town’s side, headed over the advancing keeper to equalise after 32 minutes. The remainder of the first half was end to end football, but neither side could produce a chance to trouble the goalkeepers. Into the second half, the home side grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck. Three minutes after the re-start, Aaron Kirk scored with a thunderous drive from out near the touchline, 40 yards from goal, which finished up in Gibson’s top corner, giving Town’s young keeper no chance. Worse was to come when, four minutes later, veteran striker Barry Massey hit a volley from 35 yards out straight into Gibson’s net. Two goals ahead, Bacup were not going to surrender their lead without a fight and the game descended into a niggly affair, with some hefty challenges going in on the St. Helens players. Centre back Gareth Wager was lucky to receive only a yellow card for a knee-high challenge on Andy Olsen, who went off the field soon after, along with Andy Gillespie. Massey then barged through, seemingly intent on flattening Gibson, but the big forward’s elbow pinwheeled skipper Crompton, which went unpunished. Massey was to pick up a yellow soon afterwards but, in reality, the home side were fortunate not to be reduced to nine men. Storey scored his second goal just before the hour mark, reacting quickly to a defensive mixup in the home box, but even following the introduction of three substitute forwards, Karl Bergqvist, Paul Cook-Hannah and Danny Norris, try as they might, could not get in a clear shot to trouble O’Boyle, Norris firing wide with his best chance. Just before the end, with Town chasing the equaliser, Bacup defender Lee Oldham beat Crompton to the ball and collided heavily with the perimeter wall, directly in front of the St. Helens fans. Oldham clearly thought Crompton had fouled him but there had been no contact between the two and, with players from both sides running into the ensuing melee, the referee flashed three more yellow cards as the game ended on a sour note in pouring rain. Glyn Jones

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Town v Ashton Athletic . . .

Action from Townv Ashton Athletic FA Cup Preliminary Round fixture back in August 2013 at Broctstedes Park

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

. . . Match Photos

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

League Standings . . . Premier Division Table as at Wednesday 16th April 2014 Premier Division

W D

A GD Pts

Norton United

38 29 3

6 94 38 56 90

Runcorn Linnets

39 26 8

5 92 37 55 86

Glossop North End 39 24 7

8 71 32 39 79

3 4

Runcorn Town

39 24 4 11 84 39 45 76

Maine Road

Bootle

39 21 6 12 84 50 34 69

AFC Liverpool

40 20 6 14 85 54 31 66

Ashton Athletic

37 20 5 12 66 44 22 65

Colne

39 18 3 18 66 64

2 57

Congleton Town

37 15 8 14 52 51

1 53

West Didsbury & Chorlton

39 15 7 17 52 62 -10 52

Stockport Sports

38 13 11 14 58 63 -5 50

Winsford United

38 15 2 21 55 75 -20 47

AFC Blackpool

39 13 5 21 55 84 -29 44

40 22 9

9 77 42 35 75

15 Barnoldswick Town 38 12 7 19 56 77 -21 43 16

St Helens Town

38 11 9 18 52 74 -22 42

Silsden

39 11 8 20 46 67 -21 41

Abbey Hey

40 9 11 20 46 85 -39 38

Bacup & Rossendale 19 39 9 10 20 36 64 -28 37 Borough 20

Squires Gate

40 11 4 25 48 85 -37 37

Alsager Town

39 8

7 24 49 81 -32 31

Wigan Robin Park

40 7

8 25 51 107 -56 29

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

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

Monday 21st April 2014 Premier Division AFC Liverpool v Bootle Congleton Town v Alsager Town Glossop North End v Abbey Hey Runcorn Linnets v Runcorn Town Silsden v Barnoldswick Town Squires Gate v AFC Blackpool St Helens Town v Ashton Athletic West D & Chorlton v Maine Road First Division 1874 Northwich v Widnes Vikings AFC Darwen v Nelson Atherton Collieries v Atherton LR Holker Old Boys v Formby Irlam v Chadderton Leek CSOB v Oldham Boro Northwich F Villa v Cheadle Town Rochdale Town v Eccleshall Tuesday 22nd April 2014 Premier Division Wigan Robin Park v Stockport Sports Winsford United v Norton United First Division Daisy Hill v Ashton Town Holker Old Boys v Rochdale Town Wednesday 23rd April 2014 Premier Division Barnoldswick Town v Ashton Athletic Colne v Bacup & R Borough First Division Eccleshall v Hanley Town Northwich F Villa v Leek CSOB Rochdale Town v Irlam Thursday 24th April 2014 Premier Division Ashton Athletic v Congleton Town First Division 1874 Northwich v Holker Old Boys Rochdale Town v Nelson Reserve Division Trophy Group A (North) Silsden v AFC Darwen

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League Standings . . . Division One Table as at Wednesday 16th April 2014 Division One

A GD Pts

Nelson

33 26

5 125 49 76 80

Formby

33 24

95 37 58 77

1874 Northwich

33 24

69 28 41 77

Hanley Town

33 22

81 47 34 70

Atherton Colls

34 19

7 100 61 39 65

Holker Old Boys

29 14

Atherton LR

34 16

16 63 65 -2

Rochdale Town

30 15

12 76 61 15 48

AFC Darwen *

33 13

13 58 60 -2

Irlam

33 12

13 49 56 -7

11 Cheadle Town *

34 13

14 62 70 -8

Ashton Town

32 11

12 54 56 -2

Chadderton

33 10

15 53 66 -13 38

65 44 21 50 50

14 Widnes Vikings * 33

17 52 78 -26 31

Oldham Boro

19 43 81 -38 28

Eccleshall

21 36 69 -33 23

Leek CSOB

20 44 82 -38 23

Daisy Hill

25 39 96 -57 18

19 Northwich F Villa 32

24 43 101 -58 16

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

Saturday 26th April 2014 Premier Division v Bacup & R Borough Abbey Hey v Congleton Town AFC Blackpool v Wigan Robin Park Alsager Town v Squires Gate Ashton Athletic Barnoldswick Town v Runcorn Linnets v Stockport Sports Bootle Glossop North End v Norton United v St Helens Town Maine Road v Colne Runcorn Town v West D & Chorlton Silsden v AFC Liverpool Winsford United First Division v Ashton Town AFC Darwen v Leek CSOB Chadderton v Eccleshall Daisy Hill v Atherton Collieries Formby v Holker Old Boys Hanley Town v Cheadle Town Oldham Boro Reserve Division v West D & Chorlton Silsden Reserve Division Trophy Group A (North) v Barnoldswick Town Padiham Tuesday 29th April 2014 Derbyshire Senior Cup Final Glossop North End v Ilkeston FC (To be played at Alfreton Town FC) Wednesday 30th April 2014 Reserve Division Trophy Group B (South) v Cheadle Town New Mills Thursday 1st May 2014 League Challenge Cup Final v Maine Road Ashton Athletic (To be played at Curzon Ashton F.C) Friday 2nd May 2014 Keighley FA Challenge Cup Final v Oxenhope Silsden

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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