• 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 Darwen FC.
Looking back at last week, the frustration came from knowing we created chances but didn’t take them – and when you don’t do that, you always leave the door open. We also gave away a goal through a bit of sloppiness, and at this level, you get punished for those moments. That’s how cruel football can be sometimes – small margins make all the difference.
The important thing now is how we respond. We’ve got the opportunity to put it right today, and the group is fully focused on doing just that. Performances on the whole have been encouraging, and the work rate has been there, but we know we need to be sharper in the final third and tighter in key moments. It’s about making sure we learn from last week and bounce back with the right mindset.
Today’s test comes in the form of Darwen FC – a side who always compete, make life difficult, and carry real threat going forward. They’ve started well and have players who can hurt you if given time and space, so we’ve got to make sure we’re switched on from the start.
The intensity in training this week has been good, and the lads know what’s expected. These are the kind of games that test your character, and we’ve got to show a response in the right way –by being organised, clinical, and backing ourselves to get the job done.
KEVIN WATKIN
I’m still a bit disappointed with Saturday’s result. I thought the lads worked hard and battled well, but we weren’t great on the ball, which isn’t like us. We needed to slow the game down and take a bit more control.
It wasn’t our best performance, but I still felt we were the better side. We conceded two freakish goals, hit the bar four times, and definitely deserved something. Credit to Steeton – you could see from their celebrations what it meant.
Today will be another tough test. Darwen are well organised, play good football, and Leighton’s doing a great job there. We’ll need to take our chances and put in a stronger performance to make home advantage count. DAVE ROUND
We were disappointed with last week’s game — not just the result, but the performance too. It didn’t reach the levels we’d shown in the first two. It felt a bit frantic and neither side really took control. Credit to Steeton, they stuck at it and took their chance. That said, there’s still plenty to be positive about from how we’ve started overall.
Today’s another big test. Darwen are a strong side and one that people expect to be up there this season. They’ve got quality across the pitch, so we’ll need to be right at it. We’ve spoken about doing the basics better and taking more control when the game gets scrappy. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a good platform.
It’s a long season and bumps are part of it. What matters is how we respond. We’ve got a good group here and we’re ready to go again — the aim now is to put in a strong performance and start building that momentum back.
We were unlucky last Saturday not to build on what had been a strong start to the season. The lads were gutted not to come away with anything, especially after the effort that went in across the pitch.
Another home game today gives us a great chance to bounce back and get more points on the board. Darwen will be a tough test, but we’ll be ready for it.
Hopefully there’s another good turnout on the patio — and the HOB mascot leading the way as always.
A bounce back is a must after a disappointing performance and result last Saturday. We’ve set higher standards for ourselves, and we know we didn’t reach them. The dressing room felt that straight after the game, and it’s something we’ve spoken about during the week.
Darwen will come with a strong squad and probably a point to prove after last season, so we’re expecting a proper test. They’ve started well, and we’ll need to be sharp across the pitch. We’ve trained well this week and the focus is on putting things right.
There were plenty of positives to take from the opening two games, and we’ve shown what we’re capable of. If we get back to those levels, there’s no reason we can’t use Saturday as the start of a strong run.
Age: 26
Position: Goalkeeper
Sponsor: Unite The Union
Occupation: Architect
How long have you been at Holker: 2 Years
Previous Clubs: Milnthorpe
Childhood Football Hero: Peter Schmeichel
What is the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given: Keep the ball out of the net
What is the most memorable game you’ve played: Kids football final on Holker Street for Walney Island vs Holker, the only final we managed to win; 5-4.
How do you stay motivated during injury: The itch to get back playing, it never goes away!
Who at Holker brings out the best in you: Definitely the gaffers, with the confidence and respect they have for me, i always want to perform the best i can for the team.
Describe the gaffers in one word: Ambitious
Home or Away Games: Home
Favourite Ground to play at: Nelson
Ronaldo or Messi?: Ronaldo
If you could play for one team in the world, who: Manchester United
Early Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl
A Night in or A Night Out: A Night In
Favourite Film: Lone Survivor
Favourite Holiday Destination: Prague
Karakoe Song: Goo Goo Dolls - Iris
Darwen Football Club, founded in 1870, are one of the earliest pioneers of professional football in the north. Nicknamed “The Salmoners”, they play in red and call The Anchor Ground home. Historic highlights include an FA Cup semi‑final in 1881, early floodlit matches, and being among the first clubs to pay players. Reformed as AFC Darwen in 2009, they reclaimed their original name in 2022.
• Floodlight Pioneers (1878) – Darwen staged Lancashire’s first floodlit match, winning 3‑0 at Barley Bank.
• Early Professionalism – Signed Fergus Suter and Jimmy Love, football’s first paid players.
• FA Cup Trailblazers – Reached the semi finals in 1881 after a legendary series vs Old Etonians.
• Football League Founders – Joined the League in 1891 and earned the nickname “The Salmoners.”
• Anchor Ground Legacy – Moved in 1899; adopted red kits after a respectful gesture from Arsenal.
• League Successes – Won the Lancashire League in 1902 and the league and cup double in 1974–75.
• Club Reborn (2009) – Folded due to financial issues but reformed immediately as AFC Darwen.
• Promotion Glory (2015) – Won the First Division Cup and earned Premier Division promotion.
• Return to Roots (2022) – Changed name back to Darwen FC during the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.
• Enduring Identity – Darwen continues to mix tradition, resilience, and strong local support.
Formed in 1870, fully concentrating on Association Football in 1875, Darwen FC would become early pioneers of Professional Football in Northern England.
In October 1878, Darwen became the first club in Lancashire to stage a game under floodlights at our old Barley Bank Ground against a Blackburn and District side. This game was a huge success, not only because the club won the game 3-0 but the experiment of staging a game under floodlights was not repeated in this era of football in the area.
Darwen were the first working class, Northern ‘Mill Town’ club to have any success in the FA Cup, reaching the Quarter Finals of the competition in 1879. Darwen’s run in the tournament would cause controversy by signing two players, Fergus Suter a Jimmy Love, who were paid for their services, becoming the first two professional footballers in the English game. Paying players was strictly forbidden then, and the club was threatened with expulsion from all Football Association competitions. The Motion to throw Darwen out of the competition was defeated Three Times leading to Three famous FA Quarter Final showdowns with the Old Etonians. The first leg finished 5-5, with the hosts refusing to play extra time. Darwen travelled back to the Capital for the second leg drawing 2-2; finally, a third battle ended 6-2 for the Old Etonians.
Two years later, the club went one better by reaching the FA Cup Semi-Final by beating Romford 15-0 in the Quarters but lost out 4-1 to eventual winners Old Carthusians. This remains the furthest the club have gone in the competition.
In 1891, the club was elected into the Football League as it was expanded to Fourteen teams. To comply with a Football League rule demanding all member clubs to wear different colours, the club switched their traditional Black and White hooped shirts for a Salmon Pink kit, thus giving the nickname ‘The Salmoners’.
After finishing bottom in their inaugural season and a further expansion of the Football League, in 1892, Darwen FC became founder members of Division Two. After a short-lived promotion in 1893, the club found themselves a season later back in Division Two and, in 1899, resigned from the Football League and signed up to participate in the Lancashire League. This league change coincided with a move from Barley Bank to our current home, The Anchor Ground and the club have played at the venue ever since.
In 1902, the club won the Lancashire League title, and later Lancashire League triumphs followed in the 1930s. Darwen’s next famous foray in the FA Cup was in the 1931-32 season. In front of 10,000 spectators (a record at the Anchor Ground), they beat Chester and were rewarded with an away trip to Highbury to face Arsenal.
This game ended in an 11-1 defeat for the Salmoners, but the hosts were so impressed with Darwen’s spirit and sportsmanship that they presented the East Lancashire side with a Red Kit. This gesture resulted in Darwen adopting Red as its primary colour, and it has never changed since.
In the 1974/75 season, Darwen completed the double in the Lancashire (Combination) League, winning the Division and the Cup. The Cup Final resulted in ‘The Darreners’ beating Bootle 5-3 on aggregate.
After decades in the Lancashire League, the club moved into the Cheshire League in 1976 and later became founding members of the North West Counties League in 1982. After a multitude of financial issues and a fire that ravaged the Anchor Ground in 1990, the club never got back onto its feet. After many battles, Darwen FC were wound up in May 2009, but the club would never die.
In the same month, a group of local townspeople and fans resurrected ‘the Town’s Team’ as AFC Darwen and retained the Anchor Ground. AFC Darwen started life in the West Lancashire League. The club regained membership in the North West Counties League one season later.
In 2012, Kenny Langford took control of the club and breathed a new lease of life back into the club. The Most memorable season in this era was the 2014-15 season resulting in double success.
The Salmoners won the First Division Cup beating Atherton Collieries 3-1, and weeks later won promotion to the Premier Division via the playoffs beating Hanley Town 5-3 in the Playoff Final.
Two seasons later, AFC Darwen were relegated back into the NWCFL First Division, and after a series of managers, Kenny Langford took up the reigns for the Fourth time as Manager in 2019. This brought a period of stability to the club.
On the 2nd of June 2022, over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, it was announced that AFC Darwen would be changing its name back to its original moniker Darwen FC and a new Era would start for the organisation.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 30.07.22
My (Glen’s) first away day with Holker. Shot on a Canon G7X before the camera upgrades kicked in. The blur and depth might not make it a perfect photo, but that rough, rustic feel gives it something special.
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.
