st helens town v congleton town

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

Executive Programme Sponsor



Today’s Teams . . .

Cover: Michael Sykes-Wright in action v Silsden last Saturday

No Gls St Helens Town

Ciaran Gibson

Chris Tingay

Shaun Judge

Andy Mawdsley

Lewis Coyle

Cole Ashton

Mike Sykes-Wright

Danny Owens

Adam Storey

Andy Gillespie

Connor Sanderson

Nathan Parish

Lee Crompton

Neil Weaver

Sam Pullinger

Stephen Milne

No Gls Congleton Town

Martin Pearson

Chris Middleton

Ben Alston

George Whiteoak

Ian Willis

Scott Sephton

Griffith Jones

Michael Koral

Lee Healey

Jack Graham

Jay Burgess

Danny Bunce

Kurtis Gill

Elvis Banyihwabe

Rhys Jones

Jamie Turner

CLUB INFORMATION

Honorary Life Presidents: Bert Trautmann OBE and Bill Foulkes

Vice President: Jim Barrett

Chairman:

John McKiernan (07713 339682)

Vice Chairman: Glyn Jones

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Voller (07843 692695)

Commercial Manager

Darryl Picton (07908 833554)

Full Committee: John McKiernan, Jeff Voller, Jim Barrett, Darryl Picton, Ste Ball, Chris Ford and Glyn Jones.

Trustees:

John McKiernan and Eric Bond

Club Manager: Ian Granite

Assistant Manager: Ian Price

Coaches: Paul Jones and Nick Matthews

Physiotherapist: Nicole Garner

Reserve Team Manager

Nick Robinson

Assistant Manager: Paul Piert

Youth Team Managers: Rob Walker & Anthony Dunne

Email:

[email protected]

Main Club Sponsor: Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Legal:

St Helens Town Limited Private Limited Company

Company No. 04392840

Date of Incorporation 12.03.2002

Company Directors: Jim Barrett & Gordon McDonald

Parent Company:

A wholly owned subsidiary of Sporting Club St Helens Limited

Sat 22nd October 2013, kick off 7.45pm North West Counties League, Premier Division

Manager: Ian Granite Assistant: Ian Price

Manager: Jim Vince Assistant: Steve Hardy

Referee: Mr C Hope (Preston) Assist: Mr C Thomson (Rossendale) & Mr I Walsh (Clitheroe)

Today’s Match & Match Ball Sponsor:

St Helens Town Red & White Shirts

White Shorts, Red & White Socks

Congleton Town Yellow/Black Shirts

Yellow Shorts & Yellow Socks



Talk of the Town . . . Good evening and welcome to Brocstedes Park for this North West Counties Football League, Premier Division contest against our friends from Congleton Town. May I open by welcoming our visitors I hope they enjoy the short time they will spend with us and have a safe journey home after the game. Saturday saw us take on Silsden here are Brocstedes Park and it took an Act of God to stop us extending our unbeaten run as the match referee had to abandon the match after just over 85 minutes when a rainstorm of Biblical proportions descended on the players along with thunder and lightening which saw the players leave the pitch for approximately 10 minutes before with rain water coursing in off the car park and onto the pitch, leaving many areas of standing water the referee was forced to abandon the match. The North West Counties League, Management Committee will make a decision in relation to the outcome of the contest at their

next meeting on Wednesday 6th November. It was a major disappoint that we cannot add another three points to our current total and indeed another “W” onto our form as whilst we did not play as well as we have in recent times we were good value for our 2-0 lead with Andy Gillespie continuing his fine recent form netting both the goals in the contest. With less than five minutes of the contest remaining and Town continuing to dominate possession looking under no threat from the visitors the game was effectively over as a contest. Whilst we were being thwarted by the

weather our visitors this afternoon Congleton Town were advancing in the FA Vase, with a 3-1 away win at home (if that makes sense) to a Rochdale Town outfit who had to cede home advantage as their Rugby League hosts had priority over the ground on Saturday. With both teams coming into the contest in good form, this promises to be a good encounter and a real acid test of the progress that has been made for Town over the past 6 weeks or so. After this evenings contest we will take a break from League action as we host Alsager Town in the Challenge Cup, with revenge in mind after a 3-0 reverse in August and the same evening we have our first fundraising event when we hold a race night at Windleshaw, more details later in the issue. We then welcome Barnoldswick Town to Brocstedes Park a week today as Barlick will be looking to extract revenge for a the 2-1 Town win midweek win at the end of August. On Sunday the Youth Team advanced into the Semi-Finals of the Liverpool County FA Youth Cup with a fine 4-0 victory over Parkdale Sidac with Paul Jones taking over the reigns at short notice after the midweek departure of the management team of Rob Walker and Ant Dunne. First half goals from Josh Hurst, Tyler Kilbride and Ben McKenna were added to by Jordan Dunne in the 2nd half to secure their advancement to the next stage. Finally, let’s get behind Town this evening and hopefully cheer them onto a victory. Enjoy the game . . . Jeff Voller



In Town Today . . . Events which led to the formation of Congleton Town Football Club, began in the 1890’s, the St James’ North Street School amalgamated with another local club, the Messrs Pointons Joiners Shop. They played on West Heath before housing was built in that area, and then became Congleton Hornets Football Club. The Hornets played at the Willow Street ground famed in Congleton, and competed in the South Cheshire League and recorded its` record league win, 10-0 against Audley in the 1897/98 season. Congleton Town Football Club succeeded the Hornets in 1901, playing in the Crewe and District League for four years, the first three of

which saw the club lift the League Championship. The Club then moved into the North Staffordshire League in 1905, and won the League Championship in the 1919/20 season. The following year they joined the Cheshire County League, regarded at the time as the best League outside the Football League. The following season they finished runners-up and won the coveted Cheshire Senior Cup in their first appearance in the Final. The Club then suffered a barren spell until the Senior Cup was won again in 1938. Success after the War did not descend on Booth Street until the 1971/72 season when the Club, now playing in the Mid-Cheshire League, won the League Cup after being runners-up in the League both that season and in the previous season. Three Mid-Cheshire League Championships then came to Booth Street in the 1973/74, 1975/76 and 1977/78 seasons, together with the League Cup and the Cheshire Saturday Cup. Although this was the most successful period of the Club’s history as regards silverware, the truly successful period began in the 1981/82 campaign, when the Second Division of the Cheshire County League was gained on the last game of the season, and Town were narrowly beaten to the Cup by Macclesfield Town. That was the last season of the Cheshire County League before the North West Counties League came into existence. As founder members of this new League, Congleton finished the first three campaigns in mid-table and then were narrowly beaten to the Championship by Clitheroe on goal difference in the 1985/86 season. The Club then had its application to join the Northern Premier League rejected, but joined the higher league when the First Division of the NFL was formed in 1987. The highlight of the 1989/90 season was to reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in the Club`s history. Although beaten 2-0 by Crewe Alexandra, that achievement re-kindled local interest in the Club upon which its management hoped to build. The Final of the NPL’s First Division Cup was also reached in this season, but the "Bears" were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Harrogate Town. The "Bears" enjoyed exciting times in the First Division, initially finishing in mid-table but then, playing to avoid relegation as the seasons come to a close. Between 1993 and 1997 a new Board of Directors brought financial and managerial stability to the Club, whilst the present Directors aim to continue this work and improve the Club`s fortunes in the years ahead. The club had a good season in 1999/2000 but fell away badly the following year. The club appointed Sean Connor as manger in February 2001 but he could not prevent them finishing bottom of the UniBond League and relegation became a reality. The early season of 2001/02 saw the club take just 9 points from 17 league matches and early exit from FA Cup and FA Vase. Sean Connor was replaced as manager by Kevin Langley, ex Everton and Man City. The club made a fine revival and had reached virtual safety before Langley’s shock move to Kidsgrove Athletic. Bryan Griffiths took over as manager and gained the points to make safety a certainty and stake a strong claim to keep the manager’s job. He was formally appointed at the end of the season. Gary Bickerstaffe joined him as



. . . Congleton Town assistant. When Griffiths left to join Rossendale Utd, Kevin Langley was re-appointed as manager and Mark Cox joined to complete an experienced management team. During the summer of 2002, the clubhouse underwent major refurbishment and is seen by the club as a major step towards increasing its revenue potential. The changing facilities were redesigned and upgraded. The team reached the fifth Round of the FA Vase, beat three higher league sides in reaching the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, the semi-finals of the Cheshire Senior Cup and the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup. With promotion missed, a number of players left the club in the summer of 2004 leaving Kevin Langley with the task of rebuilding the side for the 2004/05 campaign. After a poor start and early exits from all major cup competitions, Karl Wilcox replaced Kevin Langley after he resigned. Karl Wilcox resigned after 11 defeats in 12 games. Paul Moore was appointed for the remainder of the season and he guided the team to safety. 2005/06 started brightly with SSG adding a third year to its already valuable sponsorship, but swift exits from cup competitions were a disappointment. After a steady start to the 2006/07 campaign, Paul Moore left to manage Leek Town and Andy Lee took over the managerial reins as the club strived to maintain continuity. The Bears lifted their first piece of silverware for some time when they won the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup after defeating Witton Albion 3-0 at Wincham Park. At the end of the season Andy Lee stepped down as he announced a proposed move to Blackpool and Anthony Buckle and Darren Twigg were appointed with the task of rekindling the on-field performances. Off the field new floodlights were installed and the stand behind the bottom goal was re-roofed. After a reasonable season, despite a poor final run in, both Anthony and Darren stayed with the club and continued to build a side with promotion the target within the next couple of years. That plan was maintained in 2008/09 as the Bears ended a creditable 4th, just 1 point away from a 3rd place finish. A final run in of just 1 league defeat in the last 20 matches encouraged everyone. For the start of 20010/11 the club now has a hospitality suite for sponsors and a new boardroom. With Ant and Twiggy remaining at the helm, they had been busy strengthening the squad for a serious attempt to lift some silverware and to complete the ambition for a return to Northern Premier League football. However, after an indifferent season in 2010/11 the pair tendered their resignation. 2011/12 saw the club jointly managed by Joe Paladino and Adriano Rigoglioso. Assisted by Joe Gibiliru, the playing side were completely reformed but indifferent results led to Dean Sibson placed in temporary charge in early November before Jim Vince was appointed in February 2012. His was tasked with rebuilding the side ready for a real push for promotion in 2012/13. He was initially assisted by Neil Gill and Steve Hardy before Neil left the club mid season. With the addition of Gateley Solicitors and PKF Accountants forming new partnerships with the club, the erection of a new spectator covered standing area and strengthening off field organisation, the club starts the new season with a new found enthusiasm and optimism for 2012/13. That was not borne out completely, so strengthening was needed for 2013/14. Having been awarded grade E for their ground in March 2013, ready for the next tier in the pyramid, strengthening of the playing squad was a priority and over the close season some additional players were brought in to complement the majority that were staying. Both Jim and Steve Hardy, now with Andy Alston on the coaching staff, look to improve on last year`s achievements with promotion still the obvious goal.



How We Compare . . . St Helens Town - last 6 matches

All Competitions Most recent

Home D L L D W W

Away L L D W D W

Collated W D D W W W

Congleton Town - last 6 matches

All Competitions Most recent

Home L W W W W W

Away W W L L W W

Collated L W W W W W

St Helens Town games since...

Congleton Town games since...

All Competitions All Competitions

Clean sheet

0 Clean sheet

3

Goal Scored

0 Goal Scored

0

Loss 7 Loss 5

No score draw

18 No score draw

12

Score draw

3 Score draw

17

Win 0 Win 0

Previous Meetings Since 1949/50

All Competitions

P W D L F A GD Win %

Home 19 7 1 11 25 30 -5 36.84

Away 17 7 1 9 22 25 -3 41.18

Collated 36 14 2 20 47 55 -8 38.89

at St Helens Town

Previous Meetings

at Congleton Town

NWC-D1 1998-99 NPL-1

NWC-D1 1999-00 NPL-1

NWC-D1 2000-01 NPL-1

13/04; 2-3 2001-02 30/10; 2-0

26/10; 2-1 2002-03 01/03; 1-0

06/04; 1-3 2003-04 20/04; 1-1

31/08; 1-2 2004-05 02/10; 4-1

10/12; 1-2 2005-06 05/11; 3-1

23/12; 2-1 2006-07 28/10; 0-1

08/04; 2-0 2007-08 16/02; 2-5

17/03; 1-2 2008-09 27/09; 0-1

05/12; 2-1 2009-10 13/10; 0-2

24/08; 2-3 2010-11 16/04; 1-4

10/03; 1-3 2011-12 01/10; 0-1

04/04; 0-1 2012-13 28/08; 0-2

22/10/2013 2013-14 TBA

St Helens Town Scores First

Games Played 24

St Helens Town Wins 8

Draws 1

Congleton Town Wins 15

St Helens Town Goals 31

Congleton Town Goals 41

Percentage Town Wins 33.33



Chairman’s Notes . . . Good evening and a very warm welcome to Brocstedes Park, for this NWCFL Premier Division encounter with our friends and rivals Congleton Town. Let’s hope their players, officials and supporters along with our own

followers are treated to an entertaining game. It was a surreal Saturday afternoon which culminated in our home game versus Silsden being abandoned in the 86th minute following a spectacular storm which left the pitch unplayable. It’s difficult to comment on a game which may or may not stand but we should celebrate another solid performance which saw Andy Gillespie hit another two goals with reply. Both tonight’s teams are on decent runs - with the ‘Bears’ making FA Vase progress on Saturday to add to a run of four consecutive league victories and Town unbeaten in seven (or 8 if we include last Saturday!) The St Helens Town Reserves made progress in the Liverpool CFA Junior Cup with a 1-3 win at Clock Face FC (Adam Owens 2 and Joe McKeegan). This Saturday will see them back in Cup action as they host Kirkby Town Railway in the West Cheshire League Shield. Unfortunately our A team lost 5-4 in their LCFA Intermediate Cup fixture at home to Alsop Old Boys, Michael Caffrey and Rob Marsh (3) were the Town scorers. Unfortunately Town’s Chris McKeegan broke his leg in the match - our best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.

Sunday morning saw the Youth Team progress to the semi-finals of the Liverpool CFA Youth Cup with a 3-1 win at Parkdale Sidac - a great effort from the boys. Thanks to First team coach Paul Jones who is looking after the team until a permanent appointment is made. Our best wishes also go to Jim Bradbury who suffered a broken cheekbone playing for the Reserves recently. Saturday sees Town at home again when Alsager Town are the visitors in the League Challenge Cup and later the same day we are holding a Race Night fundraiser at Windleshaw Sports Club, 8pm start. As many of you will know we are holding the Bert Trautmann Memorial game on Sunday 17th November, 2pm and today would have been Bert’s 90th Birthday. I am sure we would all raise a glass in his memory. Enjoy the game. John McKiernan Chairman, St Helens Town AFC



Town v Silsden AFC . . . Cloudburst puts Town “win” in doubt

St. Helens Town were cruising to victory against Silsden at Brocstedes Park on Saturday, when a sudden violent storm of almost biblical magnitude brought an early end to proceedings. Referee Corlett had no option but to bring the teams off with less than five minutes to go, as the pitch was under several inches of water. Town were leading 2-0 at the time and will have to wait for the next NW Counties League Management Committee meeting to learn whether the win will be allowed to stand or

the match replayed later in the season. Overall, the game was something of a midfield battle, with comparatively few chances at either end, but the outcome – assuming the result stands – was sealed thanks to two clinical finishes by Town striker Andy Gillespie, who has now scored seven goals in his last four games. The match started in bizarre fashion when a Town cross in the opening minute was intercepted by a Silsden defender, who instinctively stuck out a leg and a certain goal was saved only by the razor-sharp reactions of visiting keeper Edward Hall, who rescued the situation and stopped the ball with only an inch or so to spare. That looked likely to be the only incident of note in the first half, but with five minutes to go to half-time, a pass from Nathan Parish in the same position, ran across the goal as far as Gillespie, splitting the defenders, and as Hall scrambled out to effect the save, Gillespie’s deft touch was all that was needed to wrongfoot the goalkeeper and the ball trickled into the empty net. Just over a minute later, at the other end, Town goalie Ciaran Gibson pulled off a good save from a rasping shot from Silsden striker Chris Wademan and half-time came with Town a goal up. The second half was a continuation of the first, with chances at a premium until, after 54 minutes, a clever pass from Michael Sykes-Wright split the visitors’ defence wide open and Gillespie, running into space, placed a wonderful shot past Hall from 30 yards out. Silsden threatened to score soon afterwards and a pile-driver of a shot from Chris Williams hit Gibson’s right-hand post and ricocheted off him for a corner. The same two players were in action again after 75 minutes when another powerful drive was tipped over his bar by Gibson at full stretch. Lightning struck at the very moment of the save and resembled a host of photographers’ flash bulbs going off at the same time to record the event. Black clouds then moved in swiftly to fill the sky which had, until then, been bright blue and the ensuing cloudburst engulfed the pitch, first of all restricting visibility to what had become, in seconds, more like a foggy November afternoon and the coaching staff and substitutes had to flee the dug-outs in panic when they filled up thanks to a flash flood of water from the car park which ran over the terraces. It also stranded the spectators in the covered area further up the slope, from which they had to watch for several minutes, some apparently expecting an appearance from Charlton Heston, until the storm had died down and it was safe to leave for the clubhouse. Town start their League Cup campaign on Saturday, at home to Alsager Town, with the usual kick-off time of 3pm, then return to league action on Tuesday (7.45), with a visit from Barnoldswick Town and St. Helens will be looking to extend their unbeaten run and complete the double over Barlick following a 2-1 away win in August.

Glynn Jones



. . . Match Photos

Action from last Saturday’s NWCFL Premier Division abandoned game v Silsden AFC with Town winning 2-0



Season 2013-14 Match and Match Ball Sponsors Day Date Opponent Comp Match Match Ball

Sat 03/08/13 Norton United League ARC Glass & Bending Hardwick Group

Tue 13/08/13 Wigan Robin Park League Gemini Lettings Gemini Lettings

Sat 17/08/13 Ashton Athletic FAC EPR Cinema Bar Cinema Bar

Sat 24/08/13 Maine Road League Cheshire Concrete Products Cheshire Concrete Products

Sat 31/08/13 Alsager Town League Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Sat 28/09/13 Bacup & Rossendale B League Scuffs N Scratches Scuffs N Scratches

Tue 08/10/13 Squires Gate League The Window Warehouse The Window Warehouse

Sat 12/10/13 West Dids & Chorlton League The Window Warehouse The Window Warehouse

Tue 22/10/13 Congleton Town League Johnsons Toyota Liverpool Johnsons Toyota Liverpool

Sat 26/10/13 Alsager Town LCC 2R Freebets.co.uk Freebets.co.uk

Tue 29/10/13 Barnoldswick Town League

Sat 09/11/13 AFC Blackpool League

Tue 12/11/13 Winsford United League

Sat 23/11/13 Stockport Sports League

Tue 26/11/13 Bootle League

Sat 19/10/13 Silsden League Hardwick Group Hardwick Group

Sponsor News . . .

Congratulations to St Helens Town’s September Player of the Month Shaun Judge. The award is sponsored by Johnsons Toyota Liverpool the recipient receives VIP treatment from the club’s Main Sponsors, choosing any brand new car from the Toyota range. On this occasion Shaun chose a top of the range Toyota RAV4 which he had unlimited use of for one week. Shaun is pictured prior to the game v West Didsbury and Chorlton with the club’s Manager Ian Granite.



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



. . . 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. 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.

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



Hearts and Goals . . . St Helens Town has a new high-profile national charity partner for the 2013/14 season after joining up with Hearts & Goals, a lifesaving campaign for which Fabrice Muamba is ambassador. The club has forged a new partnership with Arrhythmia Alliance, the charity behind Hearts & Goals,a national campaign to tackle the UK’s biggest killer sudden cardiac arrest, by helping communities place lifesaving public-access

AEDs (automated external defibrillators). The campaign’s ambassador, former Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the football pitch in March 2012 and went on to make a remarkable recovery thanks to prompt treatment with CPR and an AED. Everyone at the club was so moved by his experiences and the work he and the charity has done through Hearts & Goals, Town want to raise as much money as possible for the campaign by holding a series of fundraising events throughout the season and beyond, as well as dedicating a percentage of all incoming sponsorship deals to the charity. Sudden cardiac arrest claims 100,000 lives in the UK every year and AEDs, like the one used on Fabrice on the pitch at White Hart Lane, increase a person’s chance of surviving from just 5% to 50% if they suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. The devices do not require training and can be used by anyone to shock a person’s heart back into its normal rhythm in the event of someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Arrhythmia Alliance has already helped communities up and down the UK place public-access AEDs as part of Hearts & Goals. The devices are placed in secure cabinets which are logged with local ambulance services and available to anyone in the community 24/7. In the event of an emergency anyone who phones 999 is then given immediate access to the lifesaving defibrillator. St Helens Town Commercial Manager, Darryl Picton, said: “The idea to forge this partnership came from Fabrice’s story. “Never before have I witnessed such an event that has brought football fans, clubs and



. . . 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 [email protected] Visit www.heartsandgoals.org for more information.



Date Opponents Comp KO Result GK 2 3 4 5 6

Aug 3 NORTON UNITED NWCFL 3.00 3-3D Clark Mawdsley Harrison Williams(C)1 Coyle Cooper

Aug 6 Squires Gate NWCFL 7.45 3-0L Clark Mawdsley Harrison Wright Crompton(C) Williams

Aug 10 Winsford United NWCFL 3.00 2-1L Clark Mawdsley Judge Williams(C) Coyle Ashton

Aug 13 WIGAN ROBIN PARK NWCFL 7.45 4-1W Taylor Mawdsley1 Harrison Williams(C) Coyle Chesworth

Aug 17 ASHTON ATHLETIC FAC EPR 3.00 2-2D Taylor Mawdsley Harrison1 Williams(C) Coyle Ashton

Aug 17 Ashton Athletic FAC Rep 7.45 1-0L Taylor Mawdsley Harrison Williams Crompton(C) Ashton

Aug 24 MAINE ROAD NWCFL 3.00 0-5L Taylor Mawdsley Harrison Crompton(C) Williams Ashton

Aug 27 Barnoldswick Town NWCFL 7.45 1-2W Taylor Mawdsley Judge1 Crompton(C) Coyle Wright

Aug 31 ALSAGER TOWN NWCFL 3.00 0-3L Taylor Tingay Judge C.Williams Coyle Sykes-Wright

Sep 7 Pontefract Collieries FAV 1QR 3.00 2-0L Taylor Tingay Judge Barber Coyle Chesworth(C)

Sep 12 AFC Liverpool NWCFL 7.45 3-0L Gibson Pullinger Judge(C) Curzon Coyle Ashton

Sep 21 Abbey Hey NWCFL 3.00 1-1D Gibson Pullinger Harrison Coyle Curzon Ashton

Sep 24 Bootle NWCFL 7.45 1-2W Gibson Pullinger Harrison Coyle Crompton(C) Parish

Sep 28 BACUP & ROSS BORO NWCFL 3.00 1-1D Gibson Sykes-Wright Harrison Mawdsley(C) Coyle Parish

Oct 1 Runcorn Linnets NWCFL 7.45 1-1D Gibson Tingay Judge Mawdsley(C) Coyle Ashton Sykes

Oct 5 Glossop North End NWCFL 3.00 2-3W Gibson Tingay Judge1 Mawdsley(C) Coyle Ashton Sykes

Oct 8 SQUIRES GATE NWCFL 7.45 5-0W Gibson Tingay Judge1 Mawdsley(C) Coyle Ashton Sykes

Oct 12 W DIDS & CHORLTON NWCFL 3.00 3-0W Gibson Tingay Judge Mawdsley(C) Coyle Ashton SykesOct 19 SILSDEN NWCFL 3.00 2-0A Gibson Tingay Judge Mawdsley(C) Coyle Parish Sykes

Oct 22 CONGLETON TOWN NWCFL 7.45

Oct 26 ALSAGER TOWN Lge Cup 2 3.00

Oct 29 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN NWCFL 7.45

Nov 2 Bacup & Ross Borough NWCFL 3.00

Nov 9 AFC BLACKPOOL NWCFL 3.00

Nov 12 WINSFORD UNITED NWCFL 7.45

Nov 23 STOCKPORT SPORTS NWCFL 3.00

Nov 26 BOOTLE NWCFL 7.45

Nov 30 West Didsbury & Chorlton NWCFL 3.00

Dec 3 Wigan Robin Park NWCFL 7.45

Dec 7 COLNE NWCFL 3.00

Dec 14 Silsden NWCFL 3.00

Dec 21 TBA NWCFL 3.00

Dec 26 Ashton Athletic NWCFL 3.00

Jan 4 RUNCORN TOWN NWCFL 3.00

Jan 11 Norton United NWCFL 3.00

Jan 18 ABBEY HEY NWCFL 3.00

Jan 25 Runcorn Town NWCFL 3.00

Feb 1 Alsager Town NWCFL 3.00

Feb 8 RUNCORN LINNETS NWCFL 3.00

Feb 15 Stockport Sports NWCFL 3.00 Mar 1 Colne NWCFL 3.00

Mar 29 AFC LIVERPOOL NWCFL 3.00

Apr 12 AFC Blackpool NWCFL 3.00

Apr 19 GLOSSOP NORTH END NWCFL 3.00

Apr 21 ASHTON ATHLETIC NWCFL 3.00

Apr 26 Maine Road NWCFL 3.00

Name1 Player name and number of goals scored

Name Player name and CAUTION

Name Player name and DISMISSAL

Name10 Player name and number of replaced player

Name Player name and DISMISSAL FOR 2 CAUTIONS

2013-14 Fixtures, Facts and Figures . . .



14 Fixtures, Facts and Figures . . . 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17

Weaver Wright Milne Sanderson Judge Pullinger Ross Bowen Owens61 Edwards71

Ashton Judge Edwards Milne Sanderson Pullinger Weaver11 Coyle5 Cooper Bowen9

Cooper1 Wright Milne Sanderson Etchells Pullinger Bowen7 Ross11 Chesworth Weaver9

Ashton Judge Cook-Hannah Sanderson1 Milne2 Pullinger10 Wright Bowen Weaver11 Edwards9

Cooper Judge Milne Cook-Hannah Etchells Finlay Pullinger Edwards10 Weaver71 Ross

Weaver Judge Cook-Hannah Sanderson Milne Pullinger/Ross Cooper/Wright Sykes-Wright Edwards9 Coyle10

Weaver Judge Cook-Hannah Sanderson Milne Pullinger Edwards Etchells Coyle Wright9

Weaver Parish Bergqvist Cook-Hannah1 P.Williams C.Williams4 Edwards Sanderson Milne10 Ashton7

Weaver Parish Bergqvist Cook-Hannah(C) P.Williams Edwards10 Chesworth6 Sanderson11 Milne Ashton

Weaver Parish Bergqvist Cook-Hannah Ashton Edwards9 Sanderson10 Milne11 C.Williams Sykes-W

Sanderson Parish Storey Wright Weaver Sykes-Wright10 Cook-Hannah Bergqvist7 Milne Barber

Sanderson Wright Cook-Hannah Milne1 Judge(C) Mawdsley2 Sykes-Wright7 C.Williams Weaver Crompton

Judge1 D.Owens Milne Cook-Hannah Ashton Sykes-Wright Wright Storey101 Mawdsley5 Sanderson8

Ashton D.Owens1 Cook-Hannah Milne Judge Tingay C.Williams Storey9 Weaver10 Sanderson8

Sykes-Wright D.Owens Storey1 Gillespie Sanderson Cook-Hannah Curzon Weaver11 Barber Wright10

Sykes-Wright1 D.Owens Storey Gillespie1 Sanderson Parish8 Wright7 Bailey Weaver11

Sykes-Wright D.Owens Storey Gillespie1 Sanderson3 Parish6 Pullinger Weaver Wright8 Milne9

Sykes-Wright D.Owens Storey Gillespie3 Sanderson Parish7 Weaver11 Crompton Pullinger Milne10

Sykes-Wright D.Owens Storey Gillespie2 Sanderson Milne Pullinger Wright Weaver Crompton



St Helens Town AFC . . . St Helens Town Statistical History by Glyn Jones

Part 15 – Season 1961/62 - LANCASHIRE COMBINATION DIVISION 2

FINAL TABLE P W D L F A Pts

Ashton United 36 29 4 3 124 32 62

South Liverpool 36 25 4 7 110 41 54

Droylsden 36 25 3 8 112 46 53

Morecambe Reserves 36 24 3 9 91 63 51

Glossop 36 20 5 11 85 62 45

Barrow Reserves 36 20 4 12 81 46 44

Chorley Reserves 36 17 7 12 79 58 41

Netherfield Reserves 36 16 8 12 92 66 40

Nelson Reserves 36 16 6 14 87 62 38

St. Helens Town 36 13 8 15 67 62 34

Wigan Rovers 36 14 6 16 67 82 34

Lancaster City Reserves 36 14 2 20 77 80 30

Rolls Royce 36 12 6 18 100 108 30

Horwich RMI Reserves 36 13 3 20 77 85 29

Crompton’s Recs. 36 12 3 21 73 109 27

Northern Nomads 36 10 6 20 68 94 26

Prescot Cables Reserves 36 10 4 22 63 107 24

Great Harwood 36 9 2 25 76 129 20

Lucas Sports Club 36 1 0 35 28 239 2

Accrington Stanley withdrew and their record was expunged. Note: Errors in table – goals for 1557, against 1571.

Opponents Home Result Away Result

Ashton United Oct 28 Lost 0-3 Mar 3 Lost 1-2

Barrow Reserves Sep 2 Drew 1-1 Jan 13 Drew 3-3

Chorley Reserves Apr 20 Drew 0-0 Apr 21 Lost 0-3

Crompton’s Recs. Nov 25 Drew 3-3 Mar 31 Won 2-1

Droylsden Feb 24 Lost 1-5 Oct 21 Lost 1-2

Glossop Apr 30 Lost 0-1 Jan 6 Lost 1-2

Great Harwood Dec 9 Won 8-1 Oct 7 Lost 1-3

Horwich RMI Reserves Mar 10 Won 5-1 Apr 16 Lost 2-4

Lancaster City Reserves Mar 24 Won 1-0 Nov 18 Drew 1-1

Lucas Sports Club Dec 30 Won 4-0 Apr 28 Won 2-0

Morecambe Reserves Aug 19 Lost 2-3 Dec 16 Lost 1-3

Nelson Reserves Oct 14 Lost 0-2 Apr 14 Lost 0-2

Netherfield Reserves Dec 23 Drew 0-0 Aug 26 Lost 1-4

Northern Nomads Sep 16 Won 2-1 Feb 3 Won 3-2

Prescot Cables Reserves Sep 23 Won 2-0 Feb 10 Won 5-0

Rolls Royce Feb 17 Won 3-2 Sep 30 Won 6-2

South Liverpool Aug 24 Lost 0-3 Apr 23 Drew 1-1

Wigan Rovers Apr 7 Drew 1-1 Dec 2 Won 3-0



. . . Season 1961-62 Player App Goals

Allen 8

Appleton, Dave 44 4

Ashcroft, Stan 40

Barnes, R (Dickie) 40 7

Bold, Johnny 1

Buckley, R (Bob) 4

Clifft, Paul 2

Cooke, John 39 2

Critchley, John 9

Fairweather, Ray 20 5

Fee, Alfie 16 5

Felmingham, Jimmy 2

Forshaw, Jack 8 3

Gilliker, Arthur 1

Goulding, Malcolm 5

Holden, Brian 2

Horton, Roy 15

Ireland, Ronnie 1

McCawley, Bernard 1

McLaughlin, Andy 6

Maloney, Derek 33 13

Pennington, Joe 25 2

Richardson, R (Bob) 9

Rigby, Jackie 1

Rigby, Jim 1

Robertson, Dave 40 4

Scott, Freddie 17

Smith, Ron 22 19

Taylor, Lol 15 4

Tirebuck, Ken 5

Trigg, Barry 23

Underdown, Ivan 21 19

Wilson, Doug 19

Own goal 1

Totals 495 88

FA CUP

Sep 9 1st Qualifying Round Prescot Cables (A) Lost 1-3

LANCASHIRE JUNIOR CUP

Jan 20 1st Round Clitheroe (H) Lost 2-4

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION CUP

Sep 4 Preliminary Round Crompton’s Recs (H) Won 4-2

Oct 2 1st Round South Liverpool (A) Lost 2-6

LIVERPOOL NON-LEAGUE CUP

Aug 31 1st Round Wigan Rovers (H) Drew 3-3

Sep 5 1st Round Replay Wigan Rovers (A) Drew 2-2

Sep 11 1st Round 2nd Replay Wigan Rovers (A) Won 4-1

Sep 18 2nd Round Burscough (A) Lost 1-3

LIVERPOOL CHALLENGE CUP

Nov 4 1st Round New Brighton Reserves (H) Lost 2-3



Reserve Team News . . .

DATE TIME HOME AWAY VENUE

Cup 26/10/2013 14:00 St Helens Town Res Kirkby Town Railway Windleshaw Sports Ground

Cup 02/11/2013 LCFA Junior Cup 3rd Round TBC

L 09/11/2013 14:00 Belfry St Helens Town Res

DIVISION THREE P W D L F A 1 Hales Res 10 8 2 0 32 13

2 South Liverpool Res 11 8 1 2 40 16

3 St Helens Town Res 12 7 4 1 26 17 4 Rainhill Town 11 6 4 1 38 10

5 Capenhurst Villa Res 12 7 1 4 29 18

6 Bootle Res 11 7 1 3 24 17 7 Ford Motors 11 6 3 2 31 15

8 Belfry 10 6 0 4 24 16

9 Kirkby Town Railway 9 4 4 1 33 18

10 Chester Nomads Res 13 5 1 7 23 31 11 Widnes Vikings Res 11 3 2 6 18 33

12 Neston Nomads 11 2 1 8 23 38

13 Christleton Res 11 2 0 9 13 34 14 *Marshalls Res 12 3 0 9 22 43

15 Merseyside Police 10 1 0 9 11 37

16 Upton A.A. Res 11 1 0 10 6 37

GD Pts 19 26

24 25

9 25 28 22

11 22

7 22 16 21

8 18

15 16

-8 16 -15 11

-15 7

-21 6 -21 6

-26 3

-31 3

St Helens Town Reserves After a series of ‘top of the table clashes’ for Town Reserves which have seen them take four points from South Liverpool Res and suffer their only defeat of the campaign losing 1-3 at home to Hale Reserves it’s cup action at the moment. The Reserves travelled to St Helens Combination outfit Clock Face FC in Liverpool Junior Cup 2nd Round last Saturday running out 1-3 winners with goals from Joe McKeegan and Adam Owens (2). Saturday they host Kirkby Town Railway in the West Cheshire League Shield 1st Round.

DATE TIME HOME AWAY

L 21/09/2013 15:00 NESTON NOMADS 1 - 2 ST HELENS TOWN RES

L 14/09/2013 15:00 KIRKBY TOWN RAILWAY 3 - 3 ST HELENS TOWN RES

L 07/09/2013 15:00 ST HELENS TOWN RES 3 - 3 CHESTER NOMADS RES

L 04/09/2013 18:15 MARSHALLS RES 2 - 3 ST HELENS TOWN RES

L 30/08/2013 18:15 ST HELENS TOWN RES 2 - 1 BOOTLE RES

L 27/08/2013 18:15 MERSEYSIDE POLICE 1 - 3 ST HELENS TOWN RES

L 19/08/2013 18:30 ST HELENS TOWN RES 2 - 2 WIDNES VIKINGS RES

L 16/08/2013 18:30 CHRISTLETON RES 0 - 2 ST HELENS TOWN RES

L 09/08/2013 18:30 ST HELENS TOWN RES 3 - 0 RAINHILL TOWN

L 28/09/2013 15:00 ST HELENS TOWN RES 2 - 1 SOUTH LIVERPOOL RES

L 05/10/2013 15:00 ST HELENS TOWN RES 1 - 3 HALE RES

L 12/10/2013 15:00 SOUTH LIVERPOOL RES 0 - 0 ST HELENS TOWN RES

C 19/10/2013 14:00 CLOCK FACE FC 1-3 ST HELENS TOWN RES



Head to Head Results . . . NW Counties

Football League

Premier Division

RESULTS GRID

Up to Sat 19.10.13

Abbey Hey

AFC Blackpool

AFC Liverpool

Alsager Town

Ashton Athletic

Bacup & Ross Boro

Barnoldswick Town

Bootle

Colne

Congleton Town

Glossop North End

Main Road

Norton United

Runcorn Linnets

Runcorn Town

Silsden

Squires Gate

St Helens Town

Stockport Sports

West Dids & Chorlton

Wigan Robin Park

Winsford United

AFC Blackpo

ol

3-3

1-0

3-0

1-1

1-2

3-2

AFC Liverpo

ol

4-0

1-1

2-0

2-3

0-4

3-0

Alsag

er Tow

n 1-3

0-1

1-4

0-4

1-2

2-0

Ash

ton Athletic

0-1

1-2

1-1

2-1

2-2

4-0

Bac

up & Ros

send

ale Borou

gh

0-0

1-2

1-1

0-2

0-2

1-1

0-4

3-0

1-2

Barno

ldsw

ick Tow

n

1-2

1-1

2-3

1-1

0-2

4-0

1-2

2-1

Boo

tle

2-1

4-0

2-0

2-1

2-4

1-2

5-0

5-0

5-1

Colne

2-0

0-4

1-0

1-2

0-1

3-1

Con

gleton

Tow

n

4-2

1-0

3-2

2-1

3-1

4-2

2-3

Glossop

North End

0-1

3-2

0-1

2-3

1-0

5-0

Maine

Roa

d

3-1

0-1

1-0

7-0

0-0

2-2

2-1

1-1

5-0

3-0

Norton United

2-0

3-1

4-2

3-1

4-1

4-2

1-0

Run

corn Linne

ts

1-3

4-2

3-1

2-1

1-5

1-1

2-1

Run

corn Tow

n

2-1

4-1

4-2

4-1

4-1

1-1

Silsde

n

4-1

3-2

0-2

1-3

1-3

1-0

2-2

1-0

Squ

ires Gate

2-2

1-1

4-0

2-1

0-1

3-2

3-0

0-2

St H

elen

s Tow

n

0-3

1-1

0-5

3-3

5-0

3-0

4-1

Stockpo

rt Spo

rts

1-1

2-1

0-2

0-3

5-5

0-2

0-0

3-0

Wes

t Didsb

ury & Cho

rlton

2-0

1-3

0-0

0-1

1-0

2-2

1-2

Wigan

Rob

in Park

0-8

2-3

2-4

3-2

0-1

1-1

3-4

1-3

Winsford United

1-2

0-2

1-1

1-1

0-3

2-1

2-1

Abb

ey Hey

1-4

2-2

2-1

1-2

1-3

2-1

0-3

1-1

0-3



Tea Break Teasers . . .

League Landmarks Tuesday 8th October 2013 AFC Blackpool's 3-0 win over Colne was their 400th League win, and also moved them on to 1,250 League points. Connor Sanderson's second goal for St Helens Town, Town's fourth in the 5-0 win over Squires Gate, was their 2,100th League goal. Wigan Robin Park reached 300 League points courtesy of their 1-1 draw with Silsden. Saturday 12th October 2013 Bobby Langford's 14th minute goal for AFC Darwen, their second in the 3-3 draw withe Atherton Collieries, was their 200th League goal, and also their 100th home League goal. Silsden passed 500 League points with their 3-2 win over Alsager Town (they are now on 502 points). Tuesday 15th October 2013 AFC Liverpool's 3-1 win at Runcorn Linnets was their 50th away League win. Wednesday 16th October 2013 Cheadle Town's 3-1 win at Eccleshall saw two landmarks being recorded. The win meant Town passed 1250 League points, and Christopher Sherrington's second goal for Cheadle Town was the 1,000th league goal of the season. Saturday 19th October 2013 Formby recorded two landmarks with their 3-1 win over Oldham Boro. Their opening goal, scored by Michael White in the 7th minute, was the Squirrels' 1750th league goal, and the win saw them reach 1300 league points.

Q1. Which former Liverpool and Wigan Athletic player represented England at the 2002 & 2010 World Cup Finals?

Q2. Which Englishman was top goalscorer in the first Premier League season in 1992/3?

Q3. Which player holds the record for the captain to have lifted the FA Cup most times?

Q4. Can you name the three Ferdinands to have played for West Ham United in the Premier League?

Q5. Which two players who played against Everton in the 1995 FA Cup Quater-Final against Newcastle went on to play for the Toffees?

Q6. Who is the only player to have scored 20 Premier League goals for Leeds United?

Q7. Who is the only manager to have managed teams in all three UEFA club competition finals, Champions League, UEFA Cup & Cup Winners Cup but never won any of them?

Q8. Who replaced Owen Coyle as manager of Burnley during their only season in the Premier League?

Q9. Which team has lost in the most English League Cup Finals?

Q10. Which English club did Liverpool beat in the Semi-Final of the 1972/3 UEFA Cup?

Q11. Which two former Everton players were inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in its inaugural year of 2002?

Q12. Which country have England played the most in FIFA World Cup qualifying & finals matches?

Q13. Who is England’s second most capped full international goalkeeper on 75 caps behind Peter Shilton?

Q14. Who is the Spanish all time top full international goalscorer?

Q15. Who has scored the most goals as a teenager in the Premier League?

1) Emile Heskey 2) Teddy Sheringham 3) John Ter-ry in 2007, 9, 10 & 12 4) Rio, Les & Anton 5) Marc Hottinger & Steve Watson 6) Mark Viduka 7) Arsene Wenger 8) Brian Laws 9) Arsenal lost 5 of 7 10) Spurs 11) Dixie Dean & Paul Gascoigne 12) Poland (13 occasions) 13) David Seaman 14) David Villa with 56 goals 15) Michael Owen with 40 goals



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 the vast majority of the FA Vase winning side sought pastures new. 1987-92 Alan Aspinall

Allan Wellens receiving the Lancs

Combination Championship Trophy



(pictured 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. 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. 2006-07 Alex Wright, who had previously been assistant manager to Paul Lodge returned to the club as manager but his tenure was short-lived as family commitments led to him stepping down in September 2007. 2007-08 John Fletcher, Wright’s assistant, was given managerial responsibility and he steered the club away from the relegation battle with a 19th place finish at the end of 2006-7. Despite the club’s off the field problems and financial difficulties the following season saw Fletcher’s charges finish fourteenth after only one defeat in the last nine games. However Town remained rooted in a relegation spot for most of the following season and Fletcher departed with weeks of the season remaining. 2009 – 2010 Gary Bickerstaffe was appointed in March 2009 and secured the club’s safety with some ease recording six victories from the final eight games. Bickerstaffe’s fine form as manager continued

throughout 2009-10 eventually finishing in 9th place. 2010 – 2011 Lee Riley steps up from assistant manager when Gary Bickerstaffe steps down at the end of the 2009-10. Lee resigned in March 2011 due to work commitments and Iain Dyson took over the managerial reigns before he too stepped down at the end of the season. 2011-12 season saw Jimmy McBride make a return to Town but it proved a difficult season and Town parted company with him as we narrowly avoided relegation. 2012 - present Ian Granite (pictured left) became manager following success with neighbours Wigan Robin Park FC. A challenging 2012-13 season saw Town eventually steer clear of relegation, in doing so maintaining their unique 30 year stay in the North West Counties League top division.

Many thanks to Jim Barrett and Eric Bond for their input in compiling the information.

. . . Managers 1946-Present



Congleton Town Stats . . .

Date Opposition H/A K.O / Score Goalscorers

Sat 03/08/13 AFC Blackpool H W 4-2 Michael Koral (22p, 77)

Adam Bayley (45)

Chris Middleton (67)

Tue 06/08/13 Stockport Sports H L 2-3 Kurtis Gill (24)

Michael Koral (50)

Sat 10/08/13 Bacup & Rossendale Borough A D 1-1 Michael Koral (1)

Tue 13/08/13 Bootle A L 0-2

Sat 17/08/13 Maltby Main (FA Challenge Cup EP)

A W 4-1 Chris Middleton (4, 61)

Griff Jones (49)

Ian Willis (70)

Tue 20/08/13 St Helens Town H Postp

Sat 24/08/13 West Didsbury & Chorlton A L 0-1

Tue 27/08/13 Runcorn Town H W 4-2 Own Goal (49)

Griff Jones (52, 56)

Jack Graham (88)

Sat 31/08/13 Prescot Cables (FA Challenge Cup Pre)

A D 0-0

Tue 03/09/13 Prescot Cables (FA Challenge Cup Pre Rep)

H L 0-1

Sat 07/09/13 Abbey Hey (FA Carlsberg Vase 1Q)

A W 2-0 Griff Jones (43)

Kurtis Gill (90)

Sat 14/09/13 Colne H W 3-1 Michael Koral (42)

Scott Sephton (47)

Andrew Brown (60)

Tue 17/09/13 1874 Northwich (Mid Cheshire Senior Cup 3)

H W 4-1 Elvis Banyihwabe (2p)

Brandon Moores (11)


Lee Healey (75)

Sat 21/09/13 Oldham Boro (FA Carlsberg Vase 2Q)

A W 5-1 Chris Middleton (17)

Louis James (61)

Ian Willis (82)

Elvis Banyihwabe (85)

Kurtis Gill (88)

Tue 24/09/13 Norton United A L 1-3 Michael Koral (35)

Sat 28/09/13 Glossop North End A L 2-3 Chris Middleton (60)

George Whiteoak (79)

Sat 05/10/13 AFC Liverpool H W 1-0 Scott Sephton (90)

Tue 08/10/13 Stockport Sports A W 2-0 Jay Burgess (87, 90)

Sat 12/10/13 Ashton Athletic H W 3-2 Lee Healey (10)


Jay Burgess (62)

Tue 15/10/13 Bootle H W 2-1 Chris Middleton (13)

Daniel Bruce (90)

Sat 19/10/13 Rochdale Town (FA Carlsberg Vase 1R)

A W 3-1 Griffith Jones (50p)

Kurtis Gill (86)

Jamie Turner (89)



NWCFL News . . . After a slow start to the season, St Helens Town are now climbing the Premier Division table, thanks to an unbeaten run that has stretched to seven games after their win over West Didsbury & Chorlton recently. The turnaround in fortunes began a few weeks back, and as manager Ian Granite explained, the catalyst for change was a bad result at Pontefract Collieries in the FA Vase in early September. “The changes came mainly after the Vase game, when we lost 2-0 and it was a terrible performance, so I let a few lads go after that”, said Ian. “We had a meeting after that game, when the lads were told in no uncertain terms what was expected. Some obviously didn’t match the ambition that we are looking for, so I had to decide after that game that it was time for a few players to go looking for other clubs. “We’ve changed the squad quite a bit from last season now, and there are probably only about five players left from last season. The lads who were here last season did really well, but when a few of them came back I think they thought that this year it was going to be easy. “This League isn’t like that, bottom can beat top quite easily, and if you are not properly prepared with the right attitude you are going to get beaten. So I’ve brought in hungry young lads with the right attitude who want to play football, and it is working for us. We brought in a mixture of some local lads, a couple in on loan, and some lads from the reserves and they have come through and done well. We haven’t changed the style much, just the personnel”. With a revamped squad still settling in, Ian is now looking to consolidate on the recent good performances. “I have a squad of about 18 players in the first team squad now. Our captain and player of the year from last year Lee Crompton has been injured all season, but he was on the bench on Saturday, so I’ve got him back now, and I’m not looking to bring in anyone else at the moment. We have had some good results recently, beating Glossop and Bootle away, and drawing 1-1 with Runcorn Linnets when they scored in the last minute. I think those results show how far the lads have come from the Vase game, which was only four weeks ago, and what they have done in these last four weeks is amazing. Taking seven out of nine points from games away at Bootle, Glossop and Runcorn Linnets is a great performance. I wasn’t banking on taking many points out of those games, so getting seven points from them was a real bonus, and I really don’t think there will be many teams that will do that this season.



We’ve Met Before . . .

Action from recent encounters with Congleton Town (Booth Street, Knowsley Road and Edge Green Street, Ashton



Back to Business . . . This past Saturday, it was great to finally get back to Brocstedes Park to watch Town, after missing the last six weeks due to personal commitments. Since I last saw the team play, which was the highly disappointing FA Vase defeat at Pontefract Collieries on 7th September, there have been a number of changes amongst the playing squad and we have seen a resurgence of form with us climbing to as high as 7th in the table after a faltering start to the campaign which promised so much. An average first half produced a number of chances at both ends and although the play was often scrappy, it was clear that the changes made in recent weeks by the gaffer Ian Granite had created a much better balanced Town side, and we took the lead just before half-time thanks to the slightest of contacts from the in form Andy Gillespie which just poked the ball beyond the Silsden keeper. The second half started brightly for Silsden with the opposition having a real spell of dominance for the opening ten or so minutes but Town soon got back on top and took control of the game, taking a 2-0 lead midway through the second period with a great finish for Andy Gillespie’s second of the game. We look odds on from that moment to record another superb 3 points only for a thunder storm of biblical proportions to halt play and force the referee to abandon the game with just 5 minutes remaining. In all fairness, the officials had no option as the surreal and chaotic scenes became a recipe for a serious injury, and we can now only hope that the league award us the 3 points for the result. Away from the pitch, things continue to progress nicely with our plans for the Bert Trautmann Memorial Game against a Manchester City Former players XI at Prescot on Sunday 17th November, with the news that Everton and Liverpool may now be looking to contribute with the attendance of some former players and club representatives involved in proceedings. It is anticipated that there will also be a host of non-playing representatives from City, other clubs and media in attendance as well as representatives of the Trautmann family and the day should have a wonderful atmosphere as we celebrate the life of a true football legend. Entry is available by pay on the gate on matchday for just £5 for adults and £2 concessions, with all profits going to support the Trautmann Foundation, The Hearts & Goals Campaign and The Mayors Charity. We are hoping to see supporters from all clubs join us on the day for what should be a great fun occasion. Enjoy today’s game and I look forward to seeing you at The Trautmann Game in November. Darryl Picton Commercial Manager



League Standings . . .

Premier Division P W D L F A GD Pts

1 Maine Rd 17 11 4 2 37 16 21 37

2 AFC Liverpool 16 10 2 4 36 16 20 32

3 Runcorn Town 15 10 1 4 36 19 17 31

4 Norton 14 9 3 2 37 17 20 30

5 Bootle 16 8 3 5 38 24 14 27

6 Runcon Linnets 12 8 1 3 23 20 3 25

7 Congleton 13 7 1 5 25 21 4 22

8 St Helens 15 6 4 5 26 27 -1 22

9 Colne 14 7 0 7 25 23 2 21

10 AFC Blackpool 16 6 3 7 22 26 -4 21

11 Squires Gate 15 6 2 7 25 29 -4 20

12 Ashton Athletic 14 5 3 6 22 18 4 18

13 Stockport Sports 16 4 6 6 25 28 -3 18

14 Silsden 14 5 3 6 20 24 -4 18

15 Glossop 11 5 2 4 22 11 11 17

16 Barnoldswick 16 5 2 9 22 33 -11 17

17 Abbey Hey 16 4 5 7 21 34 -13 17

18 West Didsbury & Chorlton

15 4 3 8 14 25 -11 15

19 Bacup & Rossendale 15 3 5 7 13 21 -8 14

20 Winsford 13 4 2 7 14 28 -14 14

21 Alsager Town 15 3 3 9 20 31 -11 12

22 Wigan RP 18 3 2 13 21 53 -32 11

Premier Division Table as at Saturday 19th October 2013

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

Saturday 19th October 2013

F.A. Carlsberg Vase First Round

AFC Blackpool 1-4 Norton United

Bootle 4-5 Parkgate

Chadderton 2-3 Athersley Rec

Cheadle Town 1-0 Stockport Sports

Garforth Town 1-2 Winsford United

Glossop NE 7-0 Kinsley Boys

Jarrow RBCA 2-0 Nelson

Maine Road 3-0 Atherton LR

Rochdale Town 1-3 Congleton Town

(To be played at Congleton Town FC)

Staveley Miners Welfare

2-0 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Whickham 1-0 Holker Old Boys

Worksop Parra 2-1 Runcorn Linnets

Premier Division

Abbey Hey 0-3 Squires Gate

Alsager Town 0-4 Colne

Bacup & Ross B 1-2 AFC Liverpool

Barnoldswick Tn 0-2 Runcorn Town

St Helens Town A-A Silsden

Wigan Robin Park 2-4 Ashton Athletic

First Division

1874 Northwich 4-1 AFC Darwen

Atherton Collieries 3-3 Northwich F Villa

Daisy Hill 1-1 Widnes Vikings

Formby 3-1 Oldham Boro

Hanley Town 3-0 Irlam

Leek CSOB P-P Ashton Town

Craven & District Association Cup

Ingleton A-A Barnoldswick Town

Derbyshire Divisional Cup North 1st Rd

New Mills 2-0 Chapel Town

Manchester Challenge Trophy First Round

Irlam 2-0 Old Stretfordians

Monday 21st October 2013

Premier Division

Runcorn Town v Squires Gate



League Standings . . .

Division One P W D L F A GD Pts

1 1874 Northwich 16 10 4 2 31 15 16 34

2 Hanley Town 15 10 3 2 35 18 17 33

3 Atherton Colls 14 9 4 1 43 23 20 31

4 Nelson 14 9 2 3 48 26 22 29

5 Formby 12 6 3 3 27 16 11 21

6 Ashton Town 15 5 6 4 30 28 2 21

7 Irlam 15 5 6 4 22 22 0 21

8 Widnes Vikings 16 5 5 6 28 30 -2 20

9 Atherton LR 15 6 2 7 26 31 -5 20

10 Cheadle Town * 13 6 4 3 25 20 5 19

11 Chadderton 13 4 4 5 22 31 -9 16

12 Daisy Hill 16 5 1 10 26 39 -13 16

13 Holker Old Boys 10 3 4 3 22 20 2 13

14 Leek CSOB 12 3 4 5 18 16 2 13

15 AFC Darwen 13 3 4 6 23 25 -2 13

16 Oldham Boro 14 3 4 7 25 37 -12 13

17 Northwich Flixton Villa

15 2 3 10 24 54 -30 9

18 Rochdale Town 11 2 2 7 13 20 -7 8

19 Eccleshall 13 2 1 10 12 29 -17 7

Division One Table as at Saturday 19th October 2013

* points deducted for a breach of league rules

Tuesday 22nd October 2013

Premier Division

AFC Blackpool v Barnoldswick Tn

Alsager Town v Ashton Athletic

Bootle v Winsford United

Norton United v Runcorn Linnets

St Helens Town v Congleton Town

Stockport Sports v Silsden

West Didsbury & C v Glossop NE

First Division

Atherton LR v Nelson

Cheshire Senior Cup First Round

Hyde FC v Cheadle Town

Wednesday 23rd October 2013

Premier Division

AFC Liverpool v Wigan Robin Park

Bacup & Ross B v Maine Road

Colne v Abbey Hey

First Division

Formby v Daisy Hill

Saturday 26th October 2013

League Challenge Cup Second Round

Abbey Hey v Eccleshall

AFC Darwen v Colne

Atherton Collieries v Bacup & Ross B

Bootle v Norton United

Chadderton v Ashton Athletic

Congleton Town v Ashton Town

Glossop North End v Maine Road

Irlam v Runcorn Town

Rochdale Town v Holker Old Boys

Runcorn Linnets v Barnoldswick Tn

Silsden v Formby

Squires Gate v 1874 Northwich

St Helens Town v Alsager Town

West Didsbury & C v AFC Liverpool

Wigan Robin Park v AFC Blackpool

Winsford United v Stockport Sports

First Division

Cheadle Town v Daisy Hill

Leek CSOB v Atherton LR

Nelson v Hanley Town

Widnes Vikings v Oldham Boro

st helens town v congleton town

Documents

premier division manager

pm north west counties

premier division contest

ian price manager

ian granite assistant

main club sponsor

paul jones

glyn jones