caton - soccer nostalgia north lancs · pdf filerotten row still survives where ... played...

Caton

The old road through Caton was a track in Celtic times. Rotten Row still survives where

it forded the stony beck by the Black Bull (from “rhodden” Celtic= wheels “ruh” OE = rough.

i.e. a stony ford over the beck, rough for wheels). Later, the Romans built a road through, from

Lancaster to Burrow. A village was established where the road was joined by the track up to

Littledale to the other Roman road going east over the fells to Ivah (past the lookout on

Swaintley Hill). It became the Saxon Katti-tun, set on a rise with a good stream for water.

This road through Caton became the main road north, travelled by kings and armies. James

I had to cross Artle Beck Bridge in 1618 and it was so dilapidated that he was afraid to cross

and he ordered that it be rebuilt, costing the locals £100. The Normans built a church on the

mound between the two streams and the village clustered around it. They called it “Cattun”.

Nothing changed much until the late 1700’s and into the 1800’s when the mills were built,

taking water from the Arkel Beck (a Norse settler), a mile down the road. Another village grew

there to service the mills, around the ancient hamlet known as Town End i.e. the part of Caton

nearest Lancaster Town.

Looking at Yate's map of 1786, it can be seen that no mention is made of Brookhouse.

This is because present day Brookhouse was the centre of activity and was actually Caton,

the present day Caton being the hamlet of Town End. So how did old Caton become

Brookhouse? The G.P.O. had difficulties with the wide area of the “Caton” address and

arranged with Lancashire County to formally split it into two villages, calling Old Caton

“Brookhouse” (after Brookhouse Hall) and Town End became “Caton”.

This explains why Caton Green is no longer next to Caton but has Brookhouse in

between. It also explains why the parish church for Caton is in Brookhouse! It can also be

seen from the 1768 map that the A683 turnpike road has not yet been built although statutory

authority for its construction was granted in 1750. The railway opened in 1849 and was closed

to passengers in 1966 being closed completely in 1968.

As long ago as season 1890-91 Caton Albion were playing football and some of the

other teams in the area were Galgate, Wray, Gorrill’s, Storeys, Halton, Skerton and Gillow’s

Employees.

December 1890

“Just before Christmas 1890 Caton Albion travelled to Halton to play. The visitors kicked

off but the home forwards got away and scored a goal only to see it disallowed. The visitors

now made a rush and by good passing notched their first goal. Two more goals soon followed

to leave Caton Albion in front 3-0 at halftime. On re-commencing hostilities the home team

woke up a little and amid tremendous cheering put the leather in the net. The Catonians now

had a turn and beat the custodian for the fourth time. The home forwards worked very hard

but the visitors’ defence was too good for them and the game ended 4-1 to the Albion.

Caton Albion: G Beckingham; Foy, Snape; Mason, F Beckingham, T Baines; Salisbury,

Pedder, Dowthwaite, Moorhouse, Elliott

February 1891

Gorrill’s were a thriving club in these times with a first team and a reserve eleven and

played their home games on Haverbreaks but their secretary was eager to add a new club to

his fixture list and Caton Albion duly accepted the invitation.

“Gorrill’s journeyed to Caton Albion in February 1891 to play the village club for the first

time. The ground was in splendid order, the only fault being that the goalposts were about

two feet too low. Gorrill’s lost the toss and Sykes started the game against a strong wind. The

home team was immediately pressed and Gorrill’s soon scored through Muckalt. In the

second half Gorrill’s scored three more goals, the final result being a victory for the visitors by

4-1.

Gorrill’s: Price; Preston (captain), Harrison; Connor, Butler, Parker; Townson, Warden, Sykes, Muckalt, Ward

In the following season though a league was formed, the Lancaster & District League,

and Caton took their place in it but dropped the name “Albion”.

November 1891

“This match was played on Saturday between Caton and the 5th Lancashire Artillery

Volunteers before a large number of spectators. The teams faced each other at 3.30 pm; the

visitors kicking off on the Flax Field (Brookhouse) from the Holme Banks End quickly attacked

the home goal. Walter Painter however was equal to the occasion and saved in capital style.

The home side then attacked, Martin being conspicuous with a great dribbling run but his shot

at goal went wide. Caton were having the best of the game and Cunningham soon opened

the scoring and minutes later he increased Caton’s lead. Soon after this a free kick was

awarded to the home side and Foy, to the great delight of the spectators, scored to loud

applause. Martin added a fourth goal just before halftime and Caton led comfortably by 4-0.

Soon after the interval Atkinson reduced the arrears and this was followed by a splendid

headed goal from Currie. The “Russian” made some fine runs for Caton and “Wink” made

some great clearances. The home forwards should have scored more but their shooting was

feeble. The game ended with a 4-2 victory for Caton. For the visitors Cunningham and Currie

played good games and Stinchcombe played in champion style being very quick and tricky.

The Caton defence as usual was excellent with Walter Painter and Foy being outstanding.

Snape and Beckingham (captain) also played up to their usual form and if all the forwards

were up to the standard of Martin and Gamble the Caton team would be hard to beat. The

decisions of the referee gave general satisfaction.”

The first season of the Lancaster & District League proved to be quite a success for

Caton in as much as they played 11 games, winning 6 and losing 5 for a total of 12 points

scoring 29 goals and conceding 45. Unfortunately they failed to play their final fixture against

Morecambe and were struck out of the league along with Morecambe who were guilty of a

similar “offence”. As Morecambe were bottom of the league with 2 points it is more than likely

that the final game would have produced 2 points for Caton and put them in 3 rd place in the

final table. This harsh punishment was not repeated in future years when clubs failed to play

all their games making it seem even more unjust. Listed below are some of the clubs and

their home grounds.

Club Home Ground

Lancaster Town Lune Road

Galgate New Ground (over canal bridge)

Halton Halton

Skerton Swifts Acrelands

Morecambe Church Institute Regents Park, Summer Gardens

Lancaster Temperance Marsh

Caton Flax Field, Brookhouse

5th Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Mitchell’s Field, Meeting House Lane

1891-92 Lancaster & District League

P W L D F A Pts

Lancaster 10 9 0 1 61 7 19

Skerton Swifts 10 6 1 3 44 18 15

Lancaster Temperance 10 6 3 1 47 21 13

Galgate 10 3 5 2 24 41 8

Halton 10 1 8 1 16 58 3

5th Lancashire Artillery Volunteers 10 1 9 0 14 55 2

The Caton & Morecambe clubs were struck out of the league for non-fulfilment of fixtures and their records

expunged.

October 1894

A fairly unique game took place when the male population of Caton who worked at the

Claughton Brick Works played a “”Married” versus “Singles” match at Claughton.

“The married men, having won the toss, elected to play with the sun at their backs. The

ball was kicked off at precisely 3.30 pm by Mr Thomas Bridges, the works manager. No goals

were scored in the first half but on exchanging ends the single men played with more spirit

and finally won 2-0. Afterwards the players adjourned to the Fenwick Arms, Claughton, where

a sumptuous supper was provided by the landlord. Mr Thomas Bridges presided and after

the repast the evening was spent in a very enjoyable manner, songs being rendered by Messrs

T. Titterington, Andrew, Glarren and Master Thomas Bridges. The health of the manager was

drunk with ringing cheers, the men all rising to sing “For he’s a jolly good fellow”. Following

this the Chairman replied in a neat little speech and all singing the National Anthem they

dispersed to their respective homes well pleased with the afternoon’s entertainment.”

This event reveals the community feeling for football and how the clubs and their

followers identified with that community.

Soon after this match the Caton team, who had lost all five league games to date,

withdrew from the Lancaster & District League but immediately another team rose from the

ashes, the “Brookhouse Boys of England”. The name certainly had a euphonious sound and

their next three games produced excellent results with a 3-1 victory over Lancaster White

Rose, a 2-1 win over Halton and a 2-2 draw with Lancaster Parish Church. Football was

certainly being played in every village and every area of Lancaster although not always in an

organised league.

It is quite difficult to imagine the times that these clubs played in but a photo from 1908

of the Station Hotel is fairly illustrative.

Horse drawn coaches and passengers were a familiar sight in Caton in 1908. The

Station Hotel was a halt along a popular scenic route from Lancaster to Kirkby Lonsdale. The

Station Hotel, once known as the New Inn, was licensed in 1830 and by 1899 could boast a

bowling green as well as stabling for horses. The sign, suspended from the bracket mounted

on the hotel, confirms that the National Telephone Company had installed a telephone for

public use.

September 1898

Caton rejoined the league for season 1898-99 and as the record shows it was an

extremely difficult year. They didn’t win a single league game and their only point came from

a 2-2 draw with Lancaster Parish Church in March 1899. Some of their losing games were

against Scotforth 1-5, Skerton Reserves 4-8, Halton 1-7 and champions King’s Own 1-2 but

they did notch at least one win when they played a “friendly” against Morecambe Swifts in

March 1899 and delighted their supporters with a 7-0 victory.

1898-99 Lancaster & District League

P W L D F A Pts

Kings Own 20 17 1 2 68 20 36

Skerton North End 20 13 4 3 55 26 29

Freehold Athletic 20 11 6 3 58 37 25

Galgate 20 10 9 1 57 41 21

Skerton Reserves 20 10 9 1 44 32 21

Scotforth 20 8 8 4 74 39 20

Halton 20 8 8 4 50 49 20

St Peter’s 20 7 9 4 54 59 18

Morecambe 20 7 10 3 32 70 17

Parish Church 20 3 11 6 37 72 12

Caton 20 0 19 1 26 111 1

September 1909

“The North Lancashire League has undergone a considerable change with four Westmorland

clubs seceding to their own County League but there are still 15 clubs in the competition and

these have been divided into two divisions on a North and South basis.”

March 1910

“Halton have lost the form they displayed earlier in the season and fell easy prey to Caton.

Holmes scored the first goal after 20 minutes play and afterwards Caton had nearly all the

play, Holmes and Pooley each adding goals in the 3-0 victory.”

1909-10 North Lancashire League - Southern Section

P W D L F A Pts

Halton 16 10 4 2 42 18 24

Lancaster Reserves 16 6 9 1 41 21 21

Warton 16 7 4 5 25 22 18

Garstang 16 6 5 5 38 34 17

Lune Mills 16 6 4 6 29 32 16

Caton 16 4 6 6 31 33 14

Galgate 16 5 3 8 27 32 13

Lancaster St Mary’s 16 4 3 9 30 42 11

Morecambe Reserves 16 3 4 9 28 46 10 Bare Ramblers dropped out of the league and their record was expunged

August 1920

A trial match took place on the newly acquired ground on Saturday afternoon, a good

number of spectators being present. The teams lined up as follows:

Black & Whites: T Burrows; H Robinson, A. Beck; H Mashiter, J Akrigg, R Preston;

H Railton, W Robinson, H Croft, T Eglin, T Titterington

Greens: T Wiles; H Jacobs, F Goodwin; H Holden, H Hull, W Hunt; H Capstick,

J Watson, R Holden, J Mashiter, J Preston

The game was fairly even but eventually the Black & Whites won by 4-2, H Croft scored

all the goals for the winners.

April 1921

“A serious incident took place in a North Lancashire & District League game that was

played at Caton between the villagers and Springfield Athletic on April 23 rd 1921. The

secretary of Springfield Athletic at the time was acting as linesman for the referee, Thomas

Edward Richardson. Towards the end of the game the referee awarded a fifth goal to Caton

and was proceeding to the centre of the field to resume play when the secretary of Springfield

Athletic left the touchline, entered the field of play and claimed that the goal was offside and

in the course of the argument that ensued he struck the referee. The Lancashire Football

Association decided to prosecute the secretary of Springfield Athletic and the trial took place

at Lancaster Castle Court on May 21st 1921 in front of a packed courtroom. Colonel H D

Wilson prosecuted and said that Richardson was in charge of the match at Caton between

Springfield Athletic and Caton. Towards the end of the game after awarding Caton a fifth goal

Richardson saw the defendant coming towards him on the field of play. He said, “Referee,

was that a proper goal? Wasn’t it offside?” Richardson said, “How could it be when one of

your team kicked it last”. The defendant persisted and the referee told him to leave the field

but as he was writing his name down, he motioned to the Caton officials to come and remove

the defendant and at that point he was hit over the right eye with a fist. Richardson continued

to referee until the end of the game but was considerably hurt and not able to go to work on

the following Monday because of his black eye. The defendant said in his evidence that he

had apologised to Richardson after the match outside the Ship Hotel, a fact denied by the

referee. In giving judgement the Chairman of the Court said that the offence committed was

more serious because the defendant was acting as an official and should have controlled his

temper. He was liable to two months imprisonment but having apologised to the court they

would impose a fine on the defendant of £2 and advocate’s fees of £1.57p and costs of

witnesses of £4.42p or imprisonment if he failed to pay. Later, a Disciplinary Committee of

the Lancashire Football Association suspended him “sine die” from football and football

management.”

This season though had been a great success for Caton as they became champions of

the North Lancashire & District League Division II and gained a well-deserved promotion. In

those far off days the league champions always entertained a “Rest of the League” team and

the final report of the season reported thus:

“Caton, the winners of the Second Division, were without the services of Akrigg, Beck

and Procter in their game against the Rest of the Division and substitutes had also to be

provided for the “Rest”. Caton were first to score, Robinson netting with a fine shot but not

long afterwards Ginnochie (Carnforth) equalised. After the interval the game was still very

even with both sides playing well. Butler (Halton) was very clever in the “Rest” forward line

whilst Harold and Joe Mashiter did sterling work in the Champions half back line. Caton came

within an ace of scoring when they won three corners in quick succession. The half was 35

minutes old before Caton drew ahead, Holden converting a centre from Jacobs. Caton won

2-1.”

“After the match the players were entertained to tea at the Ship Hotel, Mr J Cole

presiding, supported by Mr J Fryers. The Chairman, presenting the championship medals to

the players said the league was one of the finest junior combinations in the north. Nearly

1,400 players had been registered for the various competitions and some splendid games had

been witnessed. He complimented Caton on their success.”

1920-21 North Lancashire & District League - Division II

P W L D F A Pts

Caton 26 20 3 3 103 27 43

Halton 26 18 6 2 81 33 38

St Joseph’s 26 14 8 4 54 33 32

Pilling 26 14 8 4 68 38 32

Marsh Wesleyans 26 15 9 2 64 42 32

Dolphinholme 26 14 9 3 69 61 31

Silverdale 26 14 11 1 60 46 29

Waring & Gillows 26 13 11 2 64 39 28

Bentham Wanderers 26 11 12 3 58 62 25

Carnforth Rangers Reserves 26 11 12 3 53 63 25

Burton-in-Lonsdale 26 7 15 4 51 71 18

Glasson Dock United 26 6 18 2 34 85 14

Bolton-le-Sands 26 5 20 1 29 85 11

Springfield Athletic 26 1 21 4 36 109 6

January 1925

“Till, Haythornthwaite and Gudgeon scored for Caton and Pennington for Brookhouse in a

village Derby.”

Although Caton would resign from the league at the end of this season they would return in

season 1926-27 as Caton United and play in Section “B” but the club struggled for a number

of years before returning to strength in the 1930’s.

1924-25 Section “A”

P W L D F A Pts

Carnforth Railway United 20 15 4 1 59 30 31

Ingleton United 20 14 5 1 41 27 29


Bolton-le-Sands 20 9 5 6 49 33 24

Lancaster Railway 20 10 7 3 39 36 23

Silverdale 20 6 7 7 30 30 19

Warton 20 6 10 4 30 36 16

Burton United 20 4 10 6 27 40 14

Millhead 20 5 11 4 25 39 14

Borwick 20 5 11 4 31 46 14

Wray 20 2 16 2 24 77 6

High Bentham, Caton, Halton and Warison’s resigned from the league and their records were expunged

A view of the Ship Inn, Caton, in 1926 with the landlord, Mr Robert “Bob” Sayce standing at

the edge of the road talking to a stationary motorcyclist. Caton Football Club held many

celebratory dinners at the Ship Inn, which was owned by Lancaster Brewers, Yates & Jackson.

Extreme Back Row (L- R) Joe Procter, Jim Robinson, Ernie Robinson, H Parkinson Back Row (L-R) W Parkinson, H (Pun) Robinson, Tinsley (GK), Walter Painter,

J Leather, W Akrigg Seated (L- R) J Mason, F Thistlethwaite, Albert Beck (Capt, ringed),

W Woolcock, Jim Akrigg Front (L- R) Joe Mashiter, Harold Mashiter, Richard Preston

Caton 1920-21

Albert Charles Beck (the Pied Piper of Caton) is ringed centre

Albert Charles Beck was typical of the young men who loved football

and played with a smile on his face. Albert was born in Lancaster in

1889 and lived on Primrose Street before moving to Caton where he

worked near Gresgarth Hall at the Forge. He was known as the “Pied

Piper” of Caton and all the kids loved him. He was a Parish Councillor

and would leave the house every night to light the street lamps and then

at 11 o’clock at night would go out and put them out again - all unpaid.

Before the First World War Caton used to play on the “Flask Field” at

Brookhouse and Albert was once carried from the field shoulder high

by his team mates after another scintillating display. Albert stopped

playing early in the 1920’s when in his thirties and in 1935 at the age of

46 he went in to hospital for a hernia operation and tragically did not survive.

December 1933

Caton sustained their first defeat of the season when they entertained Lancaster

Municipal Officers. Goals from G Mount, Harry Boyd and Ken Procter (penalty) could not

prevent the Lancaster team from gaining a hard fought victory by 4-3. After the match an oak

clock was presented to Harry Boyd by the Caton captain, Jimmy Till, on the occasion of his

forthcoming marriage.

November 1934

The headlines were “Oh, Caton”

“Caton broke a club record and also set up a new high scoring feat in Amateur League

matches on Saturday by defeating Bowerham 17-1. The fact that Bowerham only fielded nine

players made it apparent from the beginning that the game would be one-sided and this proved

to be the case. Caton pressed from the start and within three minutes T Milner scored for the

home team. Ken Procter followed with a hat trick in the next quarter of an hour. A fifth goal

was added soon afterwards by J Carney and with Caton dominating play goals came at regular

intervals. Ken Procter scored another four before the interval to make his total seven. Five

minutes from halftime Noble scored Bowerham’s only goal and the score stood at 9-1 when

the teams crossed over. In the second half Caton continued to pile up the goals and it merely

developed into a question of how many the home team would score. Actually Caton found

the net on eight occasions during this half, goals being scored by Ken Procter (2), T Nicholson,

W Parkinson (2), H Boyd, J Carney and Tustin (own goal). It was indeed a sorry match for

Bowerham but apart from the fact that they set up new records Caton got little consolation

from a game in which their opposition only consisted of nine men.”

April 1937

“Caton made local history on Saturday evening when they won the Infirmary Junior Cup

by defeating Cellulose Reserves by 3-0 on the Giant Axe. Never before Saturday had Caton

won a competition cup although they had appeared at least three times in the final. This was

their second year in succession to appear in the final. It will be remembered that last year

they lost to Edmondson Brothers after two replays and now they have a splendid chance to

bring off the “double” for they need only one point from their remaining three games to clinch

the amateur championship.

Malloy kicked off for Caton in a quickly fading light and they were soon on the attack,

forcing two corners but nothing came of them. A shot by T Stephens was dangerously fumbled

by Mountain but he managed to clear as Malloy challenged him. Cellulose made one or two

spasmodic attacks but their passing was erratic and they finished badly near goal. With only

five minutes of the first half left Malloy opened the scoring for Caton, beating Mountain from

close quarters, although there were doubts that the goal was offside. Owing to bad light there

was no interval and both goals came under fire soon after the re-start. After 52 minutes Malloy

went through to score a second goal for Caton. Alf Irving handled the ball only a foot outside

the penalty area but Ward could only send his shot high over the bar. At this stage Rawes,

the Caton outside left, came into a violent collision with the Cellulose goalkeeper and had to

be assisted off the field. He returned after 20 minutes but soon collapsed again and took no

further part in the game. With only ten men Caton were content to hang on to their lead and

defended stubbornly. Ward had a great chance to reduce his side’s arrears when in a solo

effort he raced through the Caton defence only to shoot inches outside the post as Mattinson

advanced towards him. Immediately afterwards Malloy tested Mountain at the opposite end

and Bill Hodgson should have scored as the Cellulose keeper only partially cleared. The

closing stages were uninteresting until three minutes from the end when Fred Stephens put

the issue beyond doubt by registering a third goal for Caton amidst wild enthusiasm. Both

teams were strong in defence, Mattinson being in excellent form for Caton while Hoswell and

Gardner were reliable backs in the Cellulose defence. Ward was the pick of the Acetate

forwards but received little support and Malloy was outstanding in the Caton forward line. In

presenting the cup to the winners Mr J Howie thanked the supporters for their attendance and

financial aid to the Infirmary. He congratulated the Caton team on their performance and

hoped Cellulose would have another chance next year of winning the trophy.

Caton United (Black & White Striped Shirts, White Shorts):

Mattinson; Jimmy Till, Clarkson; Hetherington, Alf Irving, T Stephens;

Bill Hodgson, Wilson, Malloy, Fred Stephens (captain), Rawes

Cellulose Reserves (Red Shirts, White Shorts):

Mountain; Gardner, Hoswell; Rawes, Redman, Hargreaves; Warburton,

Hardman, Ward, Crowe, Craig

Referee: John Bagot

Linesmen: Camm & Gardner


P W L D F A Pts

Caton United 28 24 2 2 156 35 50

Halton Lads 28 23 4 1 130 29 47

Technical College 28 15 5 8 85 56 38

Heysham LMS 28 17 8 3 95 63 37

Edmondson Brothers Reserves 28 16 8 4 97 60 36

Cellulose Reserves 27 13 10 4 98 67 30

Williamsons Reserves 28 13 11 4 66 65 30

Lancaster Municipal Officers 28 11 13 4 76 73 26

Nether Kellet 28 9 14 5 59 69 23

Greaves Amateurs1 28 8 14 6 52 85 20

M.G.S.O.B.2 27 7 14 6 56 98 20

Lancaster Lads 28 7 16 5 67 94 19

Greaves Old Scholars 28 6 17 5 44 106 17

Lancaster Rovers 28 4 19 5 43 128 13

Warisons 28 4 21 3 55 151 11

1 2 points deducted for playing unregistered players

2 Morecambe Grammar School Old Boys failed to raise a team for their final game against Cellulose Reserves

Hopwood Brothers resigned from the league after playing 18 games and their record was expunged

Caton 1936-37

February 1939

Caton United’s centre forward, Garnett, scored a double hat trick against Settle as was

reported in the Lancaster Guardian.

“In a remarkably fast game Caton heavily defeated their Yorkshire opponents, Settle, by

eight goals to two. After being on level terms at the interval when the score was 2-2, Caton

outplayed Settle, chiefly due to the splendid leadership of Garnett who scored all the first six

goals, thus completing a double hat trick. Settle were first to score after five minutes when

Hornby fumbled a shot and A Webb ran into score an easy goal. Caton retaliated and after

the Settle goalkeeper had saved well from Wilson, Bill Hodgson tested him again in the next

minute and the ball, after being tipped onto the crossbar, rebounded to the feet of Garnett who

drove it into the net. Caton continued their attack and in the 25 th minute Garnett scored to

give his side the lead from a cross by Bill Hodgson. After 40 minutes G Webb took advantage

of a defensive error and went through to level the scores again.

In the second half Garnett scored four goals which were the result of good

marksmanship and quick footwork. Ken Procter registered a seventh goal and in the 82nd

minute McCray scored from a penalty kick awarded for a foul on himself.”

July 1939

It was reported that the finances of Caton United Football Club were in good order.

“The annual meeting of members of the Caton United Football Club was held in the

Victoria Institute. The secretary’s report showed a rather disappointing playing season, the

first team finishing sixth in Division I while the reserves were placed mid-way in their section.

The treasurers’ report revealed that the Club’s finances were in a sound state, the general

account showing a balance of £24 10s 8d while £26 6s 4d had been raised towards a new

pavilion fund. Mr Frank Stephens was elected treasurer and Mr T Milner secretary. It was

decided to invite Major J C Hodding to be President for the ensuing year. As before two teams

will be entered in the North Lancashire & District League and the committee, which includes

one new member, Mr S Walker, hope for a more successful season. Mr W A Jowett will again

be chairman with Mr S Dunn as vice-chairman.”

March 1946

“There was only a moderate attendance at a meeting held in the Victoria Institute to

reform the Caton Football Club. Mr Walter Crossley presided over the assembly; Mr S Shaw

was appointed secretary and Mr Jimmy Till treasurer. The following were elected on the

committee: W. A. Jowett, Jimmy Mason, Rene Procter, Cecil Titterington, T Smith, Dougie

Procter, R Helme, Joe Mashiter, S Dunn, H Cross, T Johnson, Harold Mashiter, H Barnfield,

and Fred Stephens. It was decided to enter a team in Division I of the North Lancashire

League next season.

In the event Caton United were admitted to Division I and Caton United Reserves to

Division II of the North Lancashire & District Football League that began in September 1946.

It transpired that their first season back in football after World War II was a great success

as they won the Infirmary Senior Cup 6-3 against Milnthorpe Corinthians after extra time and

lost 2-3 in the final of the Parkinson Cup on Acrelands after a great struggle with Carnforth

Rangers. The brief reports in the Guardian noted that Albert Robinson scored one of the goals

in the defeat to Carnforth Rangers and was instrumental in their fine victory over Corinthians.

Albert Robinson was an exceptionally skilled football player and would go on to have

success not only with Caton United but also with Ingleboro. Albert was in the 26 th Battalion of

the Royal Marines and between February 1946 and January 1948 played for various teams in

different parts of the country depending on where he was posted. This information was taken

from postcards that the various football club secretaries sent to Albert informing him that he

had been selected to play. During this time he had many different addresses depending on

his Royal Marine base. When he was at home his address was 13 Langdale, Caton, or School

Lane, Caton.

Other addresses were:

Sydenham, London

36 Vale Road, Parkstone, Dorset

Woodlands Hostel, Chorley

He played for Lancaster City, Poole Town, Morecambe, Bentham United and even

Crystal Palace in a game against Queens Park Rangers. He boxed for the Royal Marines and

he was such a quiet unassuming man. He was without doubt a hero to many of the kids in

Caton who played football all week on the field in the middle of the Fell View Council Estate

and then went to watch Caton United every Saturday come hail, rain or shine.

Both Caton teams had a season to be proud of and this season laid a strong foundation

for future success in the late 1940’s when they won two championships and in 1957-58 when

they won all three trophies that were on offer.

1946-47 North Lancashire & District League - Division I

P W L D F A Pts

Galgate 22 18 0 4 80 31 40

Caton United 22 13 6 3 61 35 29

Carnforth Rangers 22 12 6 4 82 45 28

Dry Dock United 21 13 8 0 69 52 26

Milnthorpe Corinthians 18 10 3 5 68 32 25

Hustle Rite 19 8 6 5 55 55 21

Standfast Dyers & Printers 22 5 11 6 62 79 16

Lancaster United 22 6 12 4 47 63 16

Bentham United 19 7 12 0 37 78 14

Williamsons 22 5 15 2 37 78 12

Storeys of Lancaster 20 4 13 3 43 69 11

Lansil 21 5 15 1 42 86 11


P W L D F A Pts

Bolton-le-Sands 22 18 2 2 142 45 38

Caton United Reserves 22 18 3 1 121 40 37

Heysham 22 16 6 0 105 45 32

Holme Athletic 22 10 5 7 60 57 27

Galgate Reserves 22 9 10 3 61 78 21

Corinthians Reserves 20 7 7 6 55 41 20

Heysham L. M. S. 21 9 11 1 57 67 19

Arnside United 22 7 12 3 59 70 17


Bentham United Reserves 22 7 13 2 44 80 16

Mayfield United 22 4 16 2 40 100 10

G. P. O. Telecommunications 21 2 17 2 33 135 6

The league tables shown are not complete but the matches remaining to be played can have no effect on the

championships which have already been settled

Back Row (L- R) Harold Mashiter, Cliff Needham (trainer), Jimmy Till, Bill Hodgson, Jackie Curwen, Gordon Mashiter, Charlie Greaves, Jock Kerr, Ephraim Nixon

Front Row (L- R) Jimmy Mason, Tommy Porthouse, Albert Robinson, Fred Robinson, Ken Procter,

Dougie Procter, Mr W A Jowett

Caton United at Jowett’s Field 1946-47

(White shirts with black sleeves)

Caton United Reserves at Jowett’s Field 1946-47

(White shirts with black sleeves)

Back Row (L- R) Harold Mashiter, Dick Woolcock, AN Other, Jack Akrigg, AN Other, Eddie Greenbank, Jack Oldroyd, AN Other, Bill Pearson

Front Row (L- R) George Robinson, Fred Elvis, Ronnie Greaves, Percy Capstick, AN Other,

Walter Painter, Mr B Oldroyd

The team of 1957-58 was also quite special, John Edward “Ted” Fairclough, Dougie

Procter and Albert Robinson had returned from Ingleboro and along with talented footballers

like Eric Acton and Dougie Brown they made a real impact on local football.

Caton United equalled their 1948-49 record of winning three North Lancashire League

titles in one season. They won the Senior Challenge Cup, the Senior Charity Cup and the

Division I championship. Caton United’s 6-0 win over Bentham Wanderers in their final league

game earned them the league title with a superior goal average to Lower Holker with Lancaster

Lads Club Old Boys in 3rd place two points behind. Going into the final week of the season

Lads Club Old Boys had played all their games and topped the league on 39 points with Lower

Holker and Caton in 2nd and 3rd place respectively on 37 points with two games each left to

play. Lower Holker’s two away games resulted in a 1-0 win over Milnthorpe and a 5-2 victory

over Heysham but Caton’s two games resulted in home victories over Dry Dock United, 11-1,

and Bentham Wanderers, 6-0, to clinch the title by the narrowest of margins.

On a Monday night in late April 1958 on the Giant Axe Field Caton United beat Lancaster

Moor Hospital 3-2 in the final of the Senior Challenge Cup with goals from Dougie Brown (2)

and Ronnie Bargh with Parkinson and Stephenson replying for the Hospital. The Caton team

was at full strength and the Moor Hospital side contained some excellent players and the

Guardian reporter thought that the villagers were fortunate to win but football had always been

a game of opinion.

Caton United: Alan Shaw; Bill Carruthers, Dougie Procter; Albert Robinson,

Joe Eddington, Jock Kerr; Dougie Brown, Eric Acton,

Ted Fairclough, Ronnie Bargh, Fred Robinson

Lancaster Moor Hospital: George Pinder; Bill Short, “Tosh” Hall; Dennis Howell,

Simon Brown, Stan Woodhouse; Archie Bewes, Glover,

Stephenson, Parkinson, Paddy Rooke

“Caton United enjoyed a merry spree at Christie Park when they crushed Bentham

Wanderers 7-1 and added a third title to their impressive collection for the season, equalling

their 1948-49 record. At halftime Caton were two up through Dougie Brown and Ted

Fairclough. Bentham replied with a goal by Smith direct from a corner. Caton centre forward

Ted Fairclough completed his hat trick and Dougie Brown, Bob Porthouse and Albert Robinson

(penalty) netted the rest.”

Caton United: Alan Shaw; Fred Robinson, Bill Carruthers; Jock Kerr, Joe Eddington,

Albert Robinson; Dougie Brown, Eric Acton, Ted Fairclough,

Ronnie Bargh, Bob Porthouse

Bentham Wanderers: Wilson; McGooligan, Fisher; Richardson, Wilcock, Noble; Smith,

Guy, Tomlinson, Titterington, Ellershaw


P W D L F A Pts

Caton United 24 19 3 2 127 36 41

Lower Holker 24 20 1 3 125 39 41

Lancaster Lads Club Old Boys 24 19 1 4 114 37 39

Bulk St Annes 24 11 4 9 81 81 26

Dry Dock United 24 9 5 10 75 73 23

Warton 24 11 1 12 72 82 23


Galgate 24 9 2 13 55 71 20

Heysham 24 8 3 13 43 100 19



Bolton-le-Sands 24 7 3 14 66 124 17

Lansil 24 2 2 20 65 131 6

Caton United 1957-58

Back Row (L- R) Tom Parkinson, Bob Porthouse, Martin Fletcher, Joe Eddington, Bill Carruthers, Alan Shaw, Jack Akrigg, Ronnie Bargh, Albert Robinson, Frank Wimlott

Front Row (L- R) Dougie Brown, Eric Acton, Dougie Procter, Ted Fairclough, Jock Kerr,

Mascot (Dougie Procter’s son Terry)

May 1969

“Caton United Football Club celebrated its golden jubilee on Friday May 23rd 1969 with

a dinner and dance at the County Hotel, Carnforth, attended by 100 members. Mr Sid

Southward presided for Mr Albert Padgett who was unable to be present. Surviving members

of the original 1919 team, Mr J Akrigg, Mr Joe Mashiter and Mr Walter Painter were presented

with tankards by Mr Ken Irving, Registration Secretary of the North Lancashire and District

Football League.”

After the celebrations the following day Caton lost 1-0 to Lansil in the final of the

Memorial Challenge Cup at Quarry Park, Carnforth. Lansil scored after ten minutes and Caton

had few opportunities to equalise in a hard but fair game. Was it possible that the celebrations

of the previous evening had taken their toll on the Caton players?

May 1970

Caton United had finished in 4th place in the league in season 1968-69 but found the

perfect way to belatedly celebrate their Golden Jubilee by clinching the Division I

championship in the following year.


P W D L F A Pts

Caton United 22 19 1 2 68 22 39

Trimpell 22 16 1 5 80 37 33


Royal Albert Hospital 22 13 2 7 64 21 28


Newton 22 11 2 9 78 57 24

Lancaster Boys’ Club Old Boys 22 9 5 8 47 42 23

Holme Athletic 22 6 3 13 46 72 15

Lansil 22 4 4 14 34 56 12

Galgate 22 6 0 16 47 82 12


Arnside United 22 3 3 16 44 76 9

Some of the notable footballers who played for Caton United over the years are listed

here and their profiles were written by Derek Irving except for his own which was written by

the Terry Ainsworth:

John “T” Hinde “goalkeeper” known as “Jonty” was born in Skerton in 1920.

He played for Halton and Lancaster before World War II when he was also

on the books of Bolton and Preston. Whilst serving with the RAF in World

War II he played with Tom Finney in Palestine. He played for Caton United

in the 1960-61 season when Caton lost the league title on goal average to

Dry Dock United. John was well respected by his team-mates and

opponents alike. A character, a comedian and a gentleman of football.

John Edward “Ted” Fairclough, the centre half and captain of Caton

United for many years, was hewn from local stone in 1930. He played for

Caton for a number of years and also for Ingleboro and Bentham in the

days when incentives were offered. Starting his career at centre forward

he reverted to centre half in later years. A strong two footed tackler with

the ability to head the ball harder than most could kick it. A fine motivator

and captain, he represented the North Lancashire League in a Junior

International game at Dundee in May 1949.

Eric Acton, a natural “inside forward” was born in Lancaster in 1932. He

played for Hustlers from the age of 14-16 and then for the Red Rose

Boys Club, followed by Morecambe Reserves and Ingleboro where he

got a turkey at Christmas. Later on he played for Netherfield Reserves,

Bentham (more incentives) and Caton United. A proper inside forward

with good feet, passing and shooting ability he finished his playing days

at Williamsons.

Clarence Douglas “Dougie” Procter “Mr Versatile” was born in Caton,

April 7th 1924. His wife, Elsie, always called him Douglas but to his team-

mates he was simply Doug or Dougie. As a young man he was in the

Merchant Navy. Naturally left footed he could play any position and he

was always very vocal, trying to “wind up” the opposition. When we

played Dry Dock United in 1960 he would always say “leave Glaister to

me”. This was the result of playing against John Glaister over the years

when Doug played for Ingleboro and John played for Bentham United.

He also played in a representative game against a Scottish side in

Kilmarnock. As a boy of 7 or 8 it was great to watch Dougie play but even better to be in the

same side.

Dougie Brown, “outside right”, was born around 1931 at Newton,

Lancaster. He worked for many years at Standfast with Jock Kerr which

led to him joining Caton. A fast, direct winger who thrived on the ball

played in front of him so he could utilise his speed and then finish with the

perfect cross. He eventually emigrated to Australia where he died around

2010.

Harry Sanderson is best remembered as a “left half” and was born in

Lancaster in 1935. Before coming to Caton in 1959 for a few years Harry

had a couple of spells with Bulk St. Annes, Williamsons and finished his

playing days at Standfast. As a teenager Harry travelled to London and

played a trial game for Millwall at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace. I

recollect Harry being an enthusiastic, blond haired wing half and a very

good tackler, especially the sliding variety.

Derek Irving was an institution at Caton as a left fullback and was born

on the 20th of October 1936 at Dorrington Road, Lancaster. He was

quick, aggressive and strong in the tackle. Tutored by Ted Fairclough

he always gave of his best and let the opposition know they had been

in a game. Derek attended Caton Church of England Primary School

before completing his education at a school at the top of East Road,

Lancaster.

Bill Carruthers is maybe best remembered as a right fullback. He was

born in Lancaster in 1934 and played for Dry Dock United, Carnforth

Rangers and Warton before coming to Caton. Big and powerful with the

ability to play any position, his team-mates saw him as a gentle giant

although opponents would have a different view and took great care when

he was in their vicinity.

Terry Ainsworth was an old fashioned inside forward who played from

box to box and was born in Caton in 1942. A skilled inside forward who

had more clubs than most golfers. These were Lancaster Lads Club,

Red Rose Boys Club, Caton United, Lansil, Galgate and Newton. He

played at a higher level for some time at Blackburn Rovers and

Stockport County. His one season at Caton was 1960-61 when

together with Dougie Brown on one side and Malcolm Strickland on the

other they were responsible for a large proportion of the 137 league

goals that Caton scored that season in losing the league on goal

average to Dry Dock United.

Malcolm Strickland was an out and out centre forward and was yet

another local boy born in 1940. He was strong, very quick and an

outstanding header of the ball. At a local coaching session at

Carnforth, Malcolm was picked out by Tommy Docherty as an

example to the rest of the young players on how to head the ball. He

led the line well and was very mobile. His career was tragically cut

short at the age of 21 in a car accident.

caton - soccer nostalgia north lancs · pdf filerotten row still survives where ... played...

Documents