• 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 Ashton Athletic.
Last weekend continued what’s been a frustratingly inconsistent start. Since those first couple of games, our overall performances have actually been decent – we’ve been getting into good areas and creating chances, but we’ve not made them count. At this level, that’s always going to come back to bite you.
Part of that has been down to availability. We’ve had to manage a few suspensions and injuries in key areas, which has left us a bit stretched at times. But we’re now starting to see that ease up. A few familiar faces returned last weekend and another comes back in today, which gives us a much stronger bench and more competition for places. Brad, Joe and Hodgey are also close to returning, and when they’re back involved, we’ll have a group with real depth and balance across the pitch.
We now look ahead to a run of three consecutive home games – and it feels like a key period where we need to find some rhythm and consistency. If we can get the results, it gives us a chance to properly kickstart the season. There’s no magic solution – it comes down to doing the basics well, being clinical when chances come, and starting games with the right intent.
We’ve spoken in the week about setting the tone from the first whistle. The lads are focused and we know what’s at stake. Now it’s about delivering when it matters.
KEVIN WATKIN
After a long trek to MSB Woolton with a depleted squad, the lads really pulled together and put in a strong defensive display – another clean sheet for Matt, which he and the team fully deserved.
We didn’t create much going forward, which was disappointing, so hopefully we put that right today. It’s a boost to welcome Tommy, Reidy and Freddie back, and Cal Fawcett returns from suspension – he’s vital to how we play. Charley McGladdery is also back, and we really missed his energy last week.
The squad’s building nicely now, with Joe, Hodgey and Brad set to return next week. Today will be another tough test, but we’ve got to make home advantage count.
Last week was a tough battle. With a few lads missing through suspension or being away, we had to really dig in, and while we always want to win, a point away from home isn’t the worst result. It showed good character from the group, especially when things weren’t quite clicking for us.
It was great to welcome back Tommy and Freddie, and with Reidy coming back into the fold this week, that definitely gives us a boost. Having those lads available again adds strength to the squad and creates some healthy competition for places, which will only push standards even higher.
We want to get back to winning games in the league as soon as possible, and today is a good opportunity to do that. Being back at Rakesmoor, we’ve got to make sure we use the home advantage and put in a performance that gets us over the line. Come 5pm, we want to be walking off with three points and a step in the right direction.
After a hard-fought draw last week against a tough and physical opponent, it’s important we get back to winning ways on home soil. Saturday is a chance to put things right and hopefully kick-start a strong run of form. We know what we’re capable of as a group, and with the fans behind us, there’s no better place to put that into action than here at home.
The squad is growing stronger each week with lads returning from injury, and that’s exactly what we need at this point in the season. More players available means more competition, and that raises standards across the board. When there’s quality on the bench, it pushes everyone to work harder for their spot — and that’s the kind of drive that keeps us moving in the right direction.
It’s been good to see a few familiar faces back in the squad this week, with Reidy, Freddie and Tommy all returning. That extra depth gives us a boost and brings a bit of freshness at the right time.
We were disappointed not to get the win last weekend, but keeping a clean sheet was a real positive and something to build on.
Defensively, we looked more solid, and that gives us a platform going forward.
Now it’s about getting back to winning ways and starting to climb the table again. We know we’ve got the quality in the squad — it’s time to show it.
Age: 38
Position: Manager
Occupation: Project Manager
How long have you been at Holker: 18 Years
Previous Clubs: Furness Rovers
Childhood Football Hero: Roy Keane
What is the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given: Do the basics well and never be complacent – always give everything for your teammates. Communicate on the pitch, and keep it to 2–3 touches to avoid losing the ball or breaking a run.
What is the most memorable game you’ve played: The NWCFL Playoff
Final at home to Golcar – the strongest squad I’ve known in 18 years, with the build-up, local support, atmosphere, music, and green flares when we scored making it unforgettable.
How do you stay motivated during injury: My competitive nature won’t let me sit still — having a clear goal gives me the drive to stay accountable and come back stronger.
Who at Holker brings out the best in you: Dad – from watching him manage when I was 10 to now seeing the effort he puts in as chairman, he’s shown me what Holker is all about. He drives me to help make the club the best it can be, so others can enjoy the same memories and friendships I’ve had.
Describe the gaffers in one word: Driven
Home or Away Games: Home
Favourite Ground to play at: Darwen FC
Ronaldo or Messi?: Messi
If you could play for one team in the world, who: Man United
Early Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl
A Night in or A Night Out: A Night Out
Favourite Film: Dumb and Dumber
Favourite Holiday Destination: California
Karakoe Song: You’ll never catch me on karakoe...
Ashton Athletic Football Club, known as “The Yellows,” was founded in 1968 and rose rapidly through the Wigan Sunday and Warrington leagues. Based at Brocstedes Park, they became founder members of the North West Counties League in 1982. Following setbacks, the club rebuilt through youth development and ground upgrades, achieving national recognition through cup runs, league progress, and FA Charter Standard status in 2013.
• Superb Sunday League Start (1968–82) – Won every division in Wigan Sunday League before moving to Saturday’s Warrington League.
• Infrastructure Overhaul (1999–2008) – Implemented a decade-long improvement plan; installed extra pitches, clubhouse, and achieved ground grading.
• Promotion to NWCFL Premier (2008–09) – Earned promotion and enjoyed a lucrative FA Cup run, advancing three stages and beating higher-league teams.
• Joint Manager Breakthrough (2013–14) – Under Jay Foulds, Ben Kay, and Dougie Pitts, the club won its first League Challenge Cup and recorded highest-ever league finishes.
• Record FA Cup Exposure (2017–18) – Reached the 3rd qualifying round, playing host to Chorley in front of live BBC coverage and a record crowd of 610.
• Historic Cup Double (2016–17) – Won the Lancashire Cup for the first time, scoring a last-minute winner in a comeback 2–1 victory over Radcliffe Borough.
• Massive FA Cup Effort (2019–20) – Defeated several higher-level opponents to earn a tie at York City, playing before over 1,000 spectators at Bootham Crescent.
• Joint Management Era Continues (2021–) – Jay Foulds and Richard Brodie now co-manage the club, steering growth and performance.
• Community Growth & Expansion – Over 400 members, nine junior teams, and future plans for girls’ teams, better pitches, and enhanced facilities.
• FA Charter Standard Club (2013 onward) – Recognised for quality coaching, management, and strong governance.
Ashton Athletic Football Club was founded in 1968, playing in the Wigan Sunday League – winning every Division in consecutive seasons and many cup competitions before switching to the Warrington League on Saturdays where similar success was sustained.
The Club developed Brocstedes Park and was admitted to the Lancashire Combination, before becoming a founder member of the North West Counties League when the Combination merged with the Cheshire league in 1982. Unfortunately, financial constraints prevented the required ground improvements to be completed, and the Club was relegated into the Manchester league Division One in 1986. The drop of two leagues resulted in the majority of the playing staff moving to other clubs and for numerous years the club endeavoured to rebuild. Players came and went, lacking the Club loyalty that had brought success to the Club in the 1970’s and early 80’s until the Committee embraced an ambitious youth development policy in 1999.
The Yellows then embarked on a ten-year development plan to enhance its recreational facilities and expand the Club, in particular its junior section. The Club members worked tirelessly to progress the Club within its means, and with some help from external grant sources. Assistance from the Football foundation, Awards for All programme, and Wigan Council enabled a series of improvements to be completed. The main pitch was re-drained, a second pitch acquired/improved, new changing rooms and Clubhouse built, disabled access provided and other improvements made to the grounds. The ground was brought up to the necessary Ground Grading for the NWCFL and further improvements provided additional seating.
The 2008/09 season also saw further progression for the Yellows, having been promoted to the Premier Division of the North West Counties League. The FA Cup proved very lucrative for the Club, progressing through 3 stages and beating 2 teams from higher leagues in the process.
The previous season also saw cup success for the Yellows, retaining the Atherton Charity Cup at the end of the season. Following an impressive 6th place finish in the 2008/09 season, the Yellows struggled in the league for the next 4 seasons, finishing in the bottom three of the league in three of the next four seasons. 21st (09/10), 22nd (10/11), 14th (11/12) and 20th (12/13).
In 2013, the Yellows took the unusual step in bringing in a trio of joint managers -Jay Foulds, Ben Kay and Dougie Pitts. Jay and Ben were brought in from Wigan Robin Park and Dougie came in following a break from the game. The trio needed to completely rebuild the squad for the 2013/14 season and made an excellent start to their managerial careers creating club history with a 6th place finish and beating Maine Road 1-0 to win the League Challenge Cup at Curzon Ashton. More club history was made in the 2014/15 season with a highest ever 5th place finish in the league, conceding only 38 goals and losing only 7 league games that season and the Yellows were successful in the Wigan Cup, beating Newburgh Harrock United 5-1 in the final at Brocstedes Park. The 2015/16 season brought a solid 7th place finish in the league.
The 2016/17 saw another top 10 finish with the club ending the season in 9th place, but the Yellows made history in the cups reaching the 2nd qualifying round for the first time ever, losing 5-0 against Halifax Town and winning the Lancashire Cup for the first time
coming from a goal down to win 2-1 against Radcliffe Borough. Lee Vaughan scoring the winner in the final minute of the game. With the impact the management trio made at the club in the 4 seasons that they were in charge , the success was noticed from clubs at a higher level and following the 2016/17 season, Ben Kay left his role as joint manager to take up the role as assistant manager to Simon Howarth at Clitheroe FC.
The following seasons saw further progression with finishes of 12th (17/18), 5th (18/19), and 5th and 14th in the covid curtailed campaigns of 19/20 and 20/21. The club enjoyed further cup success - the 2017/18 season saw Ashton Athletic see off Squires Gate, Runcorn Linnets, Bamber Bridge and Albion Sports in the FA Cup to set up a mouth watering 3rd qualifying round local derby with Chorley with the yellows suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in front of live BBC cameras and the biggest home crowd in their history of 610. In the 2019/2020 season, wins over AFC Liverpool, Skelmersdale and Morpeth set up an away trip to York City with the yellows beaten 5-0 by their illustrious opponents in front of over 1,000 spectators at Bootham Crescent.
In November 2021, Dougie Pitts stepped down from his position of joint manager due to family and work commitments with. Shortly afterwards, Jay Foulds was joined at the club by Richard Brodie with the pair operating as joint managers of the yellows.
A new vision for the Club is under discussion to further develop the Club and these will include plans for improvements to the access road, new junior changing rooms, additional playing fields for the junior section and a proposed girls/ladies section. The main ground is also scheduled for enhancement works with additional covered spectator areas. The Club is a voluntary organisation run by a Committee of 14 alongside approximately 25 coaches and managers. Any money raised by the Club has been ploughed back into improving the facilities and developing the youth section.
The Club now has a total membership of more than 400. We have 9 junior teams consisting of approximately 160 children who take advantage of the improvement of our now excellent facilities, whilst hundreds of children and adults from opposition teams also benefit from the continually improving facilities. The Club is keen to maintain the pace of development of the club and future plans will enable increased activity at the Club, additional Junior teams and a much safer and secure environment in particular for spectators and Children.
The Club was awarded the FA Charter Standard in 2013.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 08.04.23
An Ian Allington beauty with a bit of mood to it. The low angle makes the lads look like giants as they walk out, ready for battle. That burst of sunshine behind them just adds a warm, almost cinematic feel. A proper class shot that captures the build-up perfectly.
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.
