• 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 Town.
Last weekend saw us name the strongest squad we’ve had available so far this season, and it gets stronger again today. With Hodgey and Joe back in the mix, we’re in a position to build some consistency, and we’ll be looking to carry the momentum from what was a really solid squad performance last time out.
There was a lot to like about our display – particularly the intensity in our play. That’s something we’ve spoken about a lot and it’s the standard we have to hit every week if we want to be competing at the right end of the table. The challenge now is to repeat that level and keep pushing it even further.
Ashton Town will be another tough test. They’re always competitive and they don’t give you anything for free. We’ve got to make sure we win the basic battles first – second balls, clearances, getting tight to runners – and then let the quality we’ve got higher up the pitch do its job. We’ve got players who can create and take chances, but that only matters if we earn the right to play.
The next few games are an important spell for us. Getting through the first 10 league fixtures in a strong position is always something we aim for, and the lads know how important that can be in setting the tone for the rest of the season. We’ve got the experience in the squad now to handle that pressure and keep climbing.
KEVIN WATKIN
I thought the lads showed some really good qualities last week, especially in the second half when we changed things up. It’s great to have that flexibility in the squad again, with Brandon and Nath coming off the bench and looking dangerous straight away.
We welcome back Hodgy and Joe today, which gives us more competition – and that’s exactly what we want, lads playing for their shirts.
It was another clean sheet for Matt and the back four, and great to see Brad Hubbould back after five weeks out – he made a big impact.
Tommy Dawson took his two goals really well too. We’re hoping for more of the same today against a strong and tough-to-beat Ashton side.
DAVE ROUND
We were pleased with last week’s result, taking all three points and keeping another clean sheet. It was great to see Tommy back amongst the goals, and hopefully we can keep supplying him and the rest of the forward lads with the chances they need to keep that going.
It’s also been a big positive to have more depth in the squad compared to the early weeks of the season. It’s creating healthy competition for places and pushing everyone to raise their standards, both in training and on matchdays.
Ashton Town will be a tough test. They’re well drilled, competitive, and I’d expect them to be right up there come the end of the season. We’ll need to be switched on from the first whistle if we want to keep our momentum going.
Age: 31 (TODAY!)
Position: Forward
Sponsor: Lancaster & Morecambe Eats
Occupation: Structural Designer
How long have you been at Holker: 10 Years
Previous Clubs: Kendal, Barrow AFC, Lancaster, Workington
Childhood Football Hero: Alan Shearer
What is the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given: Always back yourself.
What is the most memorable game you’ve played: Barrow v Eastleigh where I had my debut after 11 minutes.
How do you stay motivated during injury: Focus on the comeback.
Describe the gaffers in one word: Vocal
Home or Away Games: Home
Favourite Ground to play at: Nelson
Ronaldo or Messi?: Messi
If you could play for one team in the world, who: Newcastle
Early Bird or Night Owl: Early Bird
A Night in or A Night Out: A Night In
Favourite Film: Man on Fire
Favourite Holiday Destination: Skiathos
Karakoe Song: The Kooks - Naive
Ashton Town FC, nicknamed “The Town,” was re established in 1953 (original club dates from early 1900s). They play in red shirts, red shorts and red socks at their home ground Edge Green Street, also known as The Bartons Group Stadium (a.k.a Hebs Group Stadium). After moving through local Sunday and amateur leagues, they have spent recent years in the North West Counties League, following promotions and relegations.
• Founded 1953 (as Makerfield Mill) – Renamed Ashton Town in 1962 when they moved into a public park before acquiring their permanent home at Edge Green Street.
• League Progression – Founder member of the NWCFL in 1982, dropped to Manchester League in 1985, later promoted back to NWCFL Division One North in 2018‑19.
• Consistent Champions – Won numerous Warrington & District League Division One titles in the 1960s; also won St Helens Combination’s Division Two.
• Relegation & Return – Relegated to Cheshire League Premier in 2016‑17, promoted back to NWCFL Division One North in 2018‑19.
• Registered Colours – Home kit predominantly red; alternative colours are blue and white.
• Ground Nickname – Edge Green Street ground also known by its sponsor name— the Bartons Group Stadium.
• FA & NWCFL Records – Best FA Cup run is Preliminary Rounds; record attendance 1,865 vs FC United of Manchester in 2007.
• Youth & Community Focus – Strong junior section, with growing membership and improvements to ground and spectator facilities.
• Committee‑Run Club – Club is voluntary, run by a committee and supported by local volunteers, emphasizing sustainability.
• Badge & Identity – Emblem incorporates local town imagery, with motto revived in 2022 (“En Dieu Est Mon Espérance”).
The original Ashton Town joined Division Two of the Lancashire Combination in 1903, and were promoted to Division One in their first season.
However, they were relegated back to Division Two after finishing sixteenth in their first season in Division One.
Towards the end of the 1910–11 season the club withdrew from the league and their fixtures were taken over by Tyldesley Albion.
The current club was established in 1953 as Makerfield Mill. They initially played in the Wigan Sunday School League, before moving to the St Helens Combination, in which they played for three years, winning Division Two in 1957–58. In 1958 they joined the Warrington and District Amateur League, winning Division One in 1959–60 and 1950–61.
In 1962 the club were renamed Ashton Town after being forced out of their Windsor Road ground and moving home matches to a public park pitch at Whithill Street Recreation Ground in Bryn. However, they won the league again in 1962–63 and 1963–64.
In 1964 the club purchased their Edge Green Street ground, which had currently hosted Stubshaw Cross Rovers. They finished as Division One champions for a fifth time in 1964–65, before winning a sixth title in 1969–70.
They joined the Lancashire Combination in 1971, moved to Division Two of the Cheshire County League in 1978 and became a founder member of Division Three the North West Counties League in 1982.
In 1985 the club dropped into the Manchester League, but returned to Division Three of the North West Counties League the following season.
After Division Three was merged into Division Two in 1987, the club had remained at the same level until relegation to the Cheshire Football League Premier Division at the end of the season 2016/17. However, were promoted back the following season 2018/19 to the NWCFL Division One North.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 04.02.23
BACUP BORO
Taken against Bacup – this one says it all. The passion, the pride, the grit… it’s written across their faces. Moments like this show just how much it means to pull on the shirt. Class image. Captured by 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.
