• West Lancashire League Champions: 1986/87
• Lancashire FA Amateur Shield Winners: 1988/89, 1990/91
Chairman Maurice Watkin
Vice-Chairman David Smith
Treasurer Paul Muspratt
Club Secretary John Squire
Matchday Secretary Gary Fawcett
Manager Kevin Watkin
Manager Dave Round
Safeguarding Officer Steve Thomas
Head of Digital Glen Ritchie
Groundskeepers Alan Wilson & Ian Littlehales
Bar Manager Sam Trewin
Good afternoon and welcome to Rakesmoor Lane for today’s North West Counties Football League fixture against Steeton AFC.
Our first two games have given us plenty to be pleased about – not just the results, but the level of performance across both matches. The lads have hit the ground running, and as a group, we couldn’t have asked for a much better start.
The biggest positive so far has been our work rate out of possession. That’s been key. The young front three of Faz, Luke and Charlie have really set the tone with their energy and pace, constantly pressing from the front and forcing teams into mistakes. That intensity has led to us winning the ball high up the pitch and creating chances in dangerous areas – and importantly, we’ve taken them.
It’s also meant we’ve made a strong start defensively. Because of the work across the pitch, we’re limiting teams to very few clear-cut chances. Everyone is doing their bit, and that collective effort is what gives us a solid platform to build on moving forward.
This weekend, we welcome Steeton to Rakesmoor Lane – a club we’ve had some good battles with over the years. They’ve started well and will be looking to keep that going, so we know we’ve got to be right at it. The intensity in training this week has been where it needs to be, and we’ve got to carry that into the game. With a run of home fixtures coming up, it’s a chance for us to keep building momentum and keep putting points on the board.
Today we welcome Steeton, a side who – like us – like to get the ball down and play. It’s usually a tight, entertaining fixture, and I’m expecting more of the same this afternoon. Both teams come into the game with confidence after strong results last time out, and with it being 1st vs 2nd, even at this early stage, it’s a big one.
We’re starting to look sharper each week, and the lads who’ve stepped up are thriving at this level. We’re taking our chances, working hard for each other, and showing real desire to keep the ball out of our net. Now we’ve got to keep that going and make the Handmark a tough place to come this season.
It’s been a solid start to season and we couldn’t really ask for much more from our opening two games, 6 points on the board, plenty of goals and strong performances to go with it. Now we’ve got to keep pushing on and build on the positive start.
Today is the first of a run of home games which we’ll look forward to and hopefully capitalise on. Steeton are now a side with plenty of experience in the NWCFL, after a good opening two games themselves we’ll need to be up for the battle.
If we bring the quality we’ve shown in the first two games that should stand us in good stead; consistency is key for this next spell and it’s on ourselves to make sure we’re hitting those levels.
After a strong but frustrating end to last season, there was always going to be some change. Losing a few key players meant pre-season was about finding rhythm and setting new standards, which we’ve done well.
The first two games have been spot on. A quality performance against Nelson, followed by a gritty win at Fulwood, has given us a strong platform.
Steeton will be another test, but we’re focused, working hard, and confident in the squad we’ve got. If we keep our levels high, there’s no reason we can’t be right in the mix again.
It’s been a great start to the season, winning our first two games, scoring nine and only conceding once. We’ve looked sharp going forward and have been clinical early on, which has helped us take control of both matches. Getting off to quick starts will be crucial again today.
If we can keep hitting those levels consistently, there’s no reason we can’t be right up there challenging for the play-offs like we have in recent years. The squad’s in a good place and there’s real competition for places, which is driving standards every week.
Steeton have had a strong start too, so we’re expecting a tough test. But we took six points off them last season and we’ll be aiming to do the same again.
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
Sponsor: Advanced Roofing
Occupation: Mechanical Fitter
How long have you been at Holker: 4 Years
Previous Clubs: Barrow AFC, Penrith, Hawcoat Park, Kendal Town
Childhood Football Hero: Steven Gerrard
What is the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given: Keep it simple.
What is the most memorable game you’ve played: Nelson at home in the play off semi final.
How do you stay motivated during injury: Staying positive and working hard.
Who at Holker brings out the best in you: Josh Woodend - leader on and off the pitch.
Describe the gaffers in one word: Awesome
Home or Away Games: Home
Favourite Ground to play at: Darwen
Ronaldo or Messi?: Messi
If you could play for one team in the world, who: Liverpool
Early Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl
A Night in or A Night Out: A Night Out
Favourite Film: Deja Vu
Favourite Holiday Destination: Ibiza
Karakoe Song: Quando Quando Quando
Steeton Football Club, founded in 1905 in Keighley, West Yorkshire, play at Marley Stadium in green and white shirts, green shorts, and green socks. Known as “The Chevrons,” they reached the County Cup final at Elland Road and hit a record attendance of 980 vs Bury in 2022. Recent years have seen steady progress in the North West Counties League and growth at both senior and junior levels.
• Founded in 1905 – Originally established as Steeton AFC (earlier youth teams from around 1908).
• Craven League Move – Joined Craven League in the 1960s after decades in the Keighley League.
• Rapid Rise (1999–2001) – Promoted from Division Two and won the County Trophy under Jez Fay.
• Up and Down – Promoted to Premier Division in 2003, relegated in 2005, later rebuilt under Roy Mason.
• Cup Double in 2013 – Won the Keighley Cup and achieved their highest-ever league finish (second).
• County Cup Finalists – Reached their first County Cup final at Elland Road in 2014, losing 5–2.
• Joined NWCFL in 2018 – Entered North West Counties League and secured their first FA Vase win.
• Marley Stadium Era – Moved into Marley Stadium (a fully redeveloped 3G venue) in 2020.
• Record Crowd – Attracted 980 fans vs Bury on Boxing Day 2022.
• Youth Focus – Invested in younger players and junior development to support club futurism.
The 1908-09 season saw Steeton’s first properly organised soccer team. Steeton Church Lads Brigade appeared in the Keighley & District League. Before that time there were dozens of ‘scratch’ or one-off teams in the district experimenting with the game and no doubt several in the Steeton area. One, named Steeton FC, played a team from Haworth in November 1905 and won 5-0 but this side was short-lived.
For the 1909-10 season, Steeton Church Lads Brigade continued in the Keighley League (finishing 3rd in the first division). There was also a new Steeton FC in the same division. It is probable that this new side was formed from the village rugby team Steeton Wesleyans FC also played in the 2nd division of the Keighley League this season, where they finished bottom.
For the 1910-11 season only Steeton FC existed. The other two sides in the village were said to have become defunct but it is likely there was some kind of merger between all three clubs, creating a strong village side that was independent from the rugby club. The fact that there was a reserve team this season suggests further that a merger had taken place. The final of the prestigious Keighley Charity Cup was reached for the first time. Steeton lost 1-5 to a strong Keighley Celtic.
The club plied its trade in the Keighley and District League until the early 1960’s when the club made the move to the Craven League. The late 1960s saw the club move from The Oaks to Summerhill Lane as the Oaks was part of a rebuild in the area that included Airedale Hospital and a new housing estate. With Jack Fortune a driving force behind the clubs move to Summerhill Lane.
When Jez Fay took over an ailing side towards the end of the 1999-2000 season, Steeton were struggling in the third tier of the West Riding League. Fay’s appointment proved a sound one as within 12 months they were Division Two champions, on goal difference from Rawdon Old Boys.
Not only that, but the side reached the semi-final of the recently introduced West Riding County Trophy, going out only to eventual winners Carlton Athletic reserves.
The 2001-02 season saw both heartbreak and glory. By the end of the season, Steeton were just a point away from becoming Division One champions, yet they were still deprived a second successive promotion as Bay Athletic edged runners-up spot on goal difference. Steeton were among the favourites to win the County Trophy, and progress was this time made to the final where they met County Amateur Division Two runnersup Hunsworth. In a dramatic game, Steeton trailed by two goals early on before fighting back winning the trophy thanks to a late winner from Steven Barker.
Promotion to the Premier Division of the league was not far off, as Steeton earned the right at the end of the 200203 season. With Paul Ettenfield taking the reins from Fay in 2003, Steeton sought to establish itself in the top league but were sadly relegated back to the first division in 2005. Three mid-table positions were achieved back in the second tier and another league cup was won the same season, with Roy Mason taking over the manager’s role before the start of the season.
Mason’s side finished a fine third in the league at the close of the 2008-09 campaign.
Steeton did win the District Cup for only the third time in their history in 2011, defeating holders Cowling 5-0 in the final.
The club continued to rise and in the 2012/13 season Steeton attained their highest league position finishing in second place behind Bay Athletic The side also won the Keighley Cup final that season.
The following season saw Steeton have one of their most memorable seasons when they reached the final of the County Cup for the first time, with the final game played at Elland Road. The earlier rounds had seen the likes of Oxenehope, Beeston and Brighouse Town’s reserves beaten for a semi-final place at Woodlesford was earnt. It took an early Michael Rhodes penalty to settle a tense and close encounter and set up a final with Bradford side Field FC. However it wasn’t to be Steeton’s day and in an awful first half they found themselves 4-0 down before Lee Reilly pulled two goals back. Field eventually ran out 5-2 winners.
The 2017/18 season saw Steeton apply for promotion to the North West Counties League. The introduction of a lot of younger players the team started to gel and apart from a County Cup defeat by Carlton Athletic they remained unbeaten all season.
The Keighley Cup was won thanks to two late goals from Graham Holmes. One to send the game into extra time after Silsden Whitestar had taken a first half lead.
The League Cup was also won for the first time in the clubs history.
Ben Richardson, Andy Holden and Andy Briggs had put Steeton 3-0 at half time against Campion and a further Briggs goal in the second period saw Steeton win in a convincing manner.
The season however was tinged with sadness as club stalwarts, David Baxter and Archie Airdrie both passed away within a few weeks.
The 2018/19 season saw the club move into the North West Counties League and proved to be one of the most historic moments of the clubs history, as we won our first ever game in the FA Vase by beating Northallerton 2-1 and also beating Thackley in the Senior West Riding County FA Cup.
The 2019/20 season saw club stalwart Albert Bates move up to club President and Pete Jeffrey taking over as club chairman. On the field the team will embark on its second season at this level playing at Cougar Park. A tough season for the team on the field which was eventually interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 20/21 season marked a new era with the move to our new home at Marley Stadium in Keighley and plans to grow both the senior football side and our junior setup. After COVID-19 had curtailed that season things really go going in 2021/22 with Steeton achieving their highest ever position in the pyramid (12th place) and getting it’s highest ever attendance (980 vs Bury on Boxing Day 2022).
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 12.11.22
FC IOM
From our FA Vase Second Round tie in 2022, this one’s a brilliant shot of Jamie Hodgson slotting home to seal a 3-1 win. You can feel the buzz in it. That mix of relief and jubilation you only get during a proper cup run.
Photo Credit - Ian Allington
Founded in 1936, Holker Old Boys AFC began as an under-16 side, formed by the former pupils of Holker Central Secondary School, originally located on Holker Street in Barrow-in-Furness. While the school has long been replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy continues to thrive.
Founded in 1936, Holker Old Boys AFC began as an under-16 side, formed by the former pupils of Holker Central Secondary School, originally located on Holker Street in Barrowin-Furness. While the school has long been replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy continues to thrive.
By 1939-40, Holker joined the North Western Open Age League, playing on local fields. Their commitment to youth football remained strong, with junior teams keeping their roots alive. The club expanded into the West Lancashire League in 1967, running teams in both leagues and later securing a permanent home at Rakesmoor Lane in 1971 - a site with a history as an isolation hospital and allotments.
The formation of the Furness Premier League in 1980 saw them enter two teams, with the Reserves progressing into the West Lancashire League Division 2. Success followed in the mid-80s, with a runner-up finish in 1985/86, before claiming the West Lancs League Division 1 title in their Golden Jubilee season (1986/87). The late 80s brought further glory, as Holker lifted the Adidas Lancashire Junior Shield twice, triumphing over Walkden Town (1988/89) and Park United (1990/91).
With ambitions to compete at a higher level, Holker faced the challenge of upgrading their Rakesmoor Lane ground. Through sheer determination and community effort, they expanded facilities, built new changing rooms, and enclosed the pitch. Their hard work paid off in 1991 when they secured a place in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Division Two.
Holker adapted well to the higher level, finishing third in 1993/94 and earning promotion to Division One. Their time in the top flight was mixed, peaking at 11th place in 1995/96 before a difficult spell led to relegation in 1998/99. This prompted a period of rebuilding, both financially and structurally. The club expanded its setup to include three open-age sides and a thriving junior section, covering ages six to sixteen, plus a girls’ team.
By 2002/03, Holker had regained stability, finishing fifth in Division Two. Off the pitch, significant investments followed, with £80,000 secured for stadium improvements, pitch drainage, and parking. Though the mid-2000s saw inconsistent league performances, there were standout moments: reaching the FA Cup’s Second Qualifying Round (2004/05) and hosting FC United of Manchester in 2005/06 before a record crowd of 2,303. These achievements provided vital funds for further ground improvements, including floodlight upgrades in 2006/07.
The club’s commitment to youth development was also recognised with the FA Charter Standard Development Club Award. This dedication bore fruit in 2006/07 when the U18s, featuring many future first-team players, won the LFA Furness Building Society Youth Cup. By 2008/09, the senior team had climbed to ninth in the renamed Vodkat League First Division.
Under Dave Smith and Maurice Watkin, Holker enjoyed a resurgence, finishing third in Division One in 2010/11. A managerial change in 2011/12 brought challenges, but Smith’s return helped steady the ship. The 2012/13 season was tough, with the club narrowly avoiding last place, though an FA Cup run provided a financial boost.
The 2013/14 season marked a turning point, with Gary Fawcett and Stuart Roberts leading the team to a respectable sixth-place finish and a semi-final appearance in the NWCFL Challenge Cup. Further improvements followed between 2017 and 2019, including pitch enhancements, bar refurbishments, and an extended kitchen. Chairman Maurice Watkin ensured a warm, modern club atmosphere.
Holker reached a milestone in 2018/19, playing their 1,000th NWCFL league game and receiving a commemorative trophy. Despite a challenging season, the team avoided relegation, with Kevin Watkin, Paul Southward, and Glyn Dixon taking the reins to guide the club to safety.
Through decades of highs and lows, Holker Old Boys AFC remains a club built on passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted community spirit - one that continues to shape its future with ambition and pride.
