RAKESMOOR LANE 10TH OCTOBER 2026
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HONOURS • West Lancashire League Champions: 1986/87 • Lancashire FA Amateur Shield Winners: 1988/89, 1990/91
THE CLUB 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
THE DUGOUT
P4
THE OPPONENT P8
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The Dugout
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8
The Opponent
24 Squads
Holker History
MATCHDAY SPONSORS
MAIN MATCH
MATCH BALL
Holker Old Boys AFC Unincorporated (Community Amateur Sports Club) is an equal-opportunities club committed to upholding the principles of equality, diversity and human rights. Supporters are urged to report any incident immediately to the nearest member of staff. Doing so allows the club to immediately deal with the situation. Any incident dealt with by a member of staff will be logged and passed on to the league and/or authorities where required. Holker Old Boys AFC takes very seriously its responsibility to protect children in its care. If you have any questions regarding child safeguarding at Holker please contact us at info@hobafc.co.uk. The views in this programme are not necessarily the views of Holker Old Boys AFC. Material in this programme is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the written permission of Holker Old Boys AFC. Holker Old Boys AFC has made every effort to trace the copyright holders of all photographs used. HOBAFC.CO.UK / 3
A WORD FROM THE DUGOUT KEV & DAVE
FOCUS ON WHAT WE DO Good afternoon and welcome Rakesmoor Lane for today’s FA Vase fixture against Pickering Town. After a disappointing display this time last week, we got the reaction we needed on Monday night with a hard-fought away win at Maine Road. It was important to respond to that performance, and we did that with a win away from home. We’re having to manage quite a few injuries at the moment. That has forced plenty of changes to the team sheet, particularly across our back five. It’s never ideal to have to make those changes, but it doesn’t alter my belief in the players involved today. This group is more than good enough to get us into the next round. They know exactly what’s expected of them, and today gives them an opportunity to push for their places more regularly. With changes needed, there is a chance for those coming into the side to make their case. We welcome opponents who are something of an unknown quantity to us. We can’t afford to overthink that simply because they’re unfamiliar. The focus needs to stay on what we need to do, rather than allowing the uncertainty about the opposition to become a distraction. We need to start at a high tempo and put them under pressure early on. That’s the approach I want from us today, whoever we’re facing. Please give the lads your support as we look to reach the next round.
KEVIN WATKIN 4 / HOBAFC.CO.UK
BE AT OUR BEST It’s an exciting day for the club and hopefully we get a good crowd with Barrow away. The lads come in confident after a fantastic 4-1 win at Maine Road. Tommy and Davey were excellent out wide, while Brad and Ryan scored off the bench. Mitch was outstanding at the back and deserved his goal. We’ll miss Mitch today, alongside several others, but welcome Joe, Patty, Jay and Gaz back. Having lads like Max Dixon contributing so much this season shows the importance of a strong squad. Pickering Town will be one of our toughest tests, especially after beating the league leaders midweek. We need to be at our best and make sure we’re in Monday’s FA Vase draw.
DAVE ROUND HOBAFC.CO.UK / 5
THE OPPONENT PICKERING TOWN
Pickering Town FC, founded in 1888, are based in Pickering, North Yorkshire, and play at Mill Lane in royal blue. Nicknamed “The Pikes,” the club have a long history in Yorkshire non-league football, including spells in the Northern Premier League. After earning promotion to Step 4 in 2018, they returned to the Northern Counties East League in 2023.
TOP TEN FACTS •
Founded in 1888 – The club has over 135 years of footballing history.
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Mill Lane – Their home ground has a capacity of 2,000, including 200 seats.
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Yorkshire League Champions – Won the Third Division title in 1973-74.
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NCEL Founder Members – Joined the Northern Counties East League when it formed in 1982.
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Division Two Champions – Won the NCEL Division Two title in 1987-88.
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North Riding County Cup – Lifted the trophy in the 1990-91 season.
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North Riding Senior Cup – Added another county honour in 2012-13.
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Back-to-Back Runners-Up – Finished second in the NCEL Premier Division in both 2016-17 and 2017-18.
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Northern Premier League (2018) – Stepped up to Step 4 after finishing runners-up in 2017-18.
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Football League Connections – Former players Chris and Craig Short progressed to Stoke City and Everton respectively, via Scarborough.
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THE OPPONENT
THEIR STORY UNFILTERED Pickering Town Football Club was formed in 1888 and is based in the market town of Pickering, North Yorkshire, on the edge of the North York Moors. Known as ‘The Pikes’, the club has a long history in Yorkshire football and has progressed through several levels of the nonleague pyramid. The team traditionally plays in royal blue and has established its home at Mill Lane, a ground closely associated with the club’s identity. During its early years, Pickering competed in local and regional football before progressing into the Yorkshire League. The club enjoyed success during the 1970s, with one of its notable achievements coming in the 1973/74 season when it won the Yorkshire League Third Division championship. This marked an important period in the club’s development as it continued to establish itself within the Yorkshire football scene. The formation of the Northern Counties East Football League in 1982 brought a new chapter for Pickering Town. The Pikes became founder members of the competition following the reorganisation of regional football, beginning a long association with the league. Further success followed in the 1987/88 season when Pickering were crowned Division Two champions, earning another significant honour in the club’s history. Pickering continued to compete in the Northern Counties East League throughout the following decades, establishing itself as a familiar name in the competition. The club also enjoyed success in county cup football, lifting the North Riding County Cup in 1990/91. Another county honour followed in 2012/13 when Pickering won the North Riding Senior Cup, adding to its collection of silverware.
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The early 2000s brought a period of renewed progress under manager Jimmy Reid and his assistant Steve Brown. Following promotion back to the NCEL Premier Division in 2001, Pickering finished fourth in their first season back. Brown later took charge and guided the club to fifth place in 2003/04, although ground grading requirements prevented a possible move into the Northern Premier League. Former Ipswich Town and Newcastle United striker Alex Mathie subsequently took over as manager, bringing considerable Football League experience to Mill Lane.
The 2005/06 season produced one of Pickering’s most memorable cup runs as the club reached the quarter-finals of the FA Vase for the first time. Their journey eventually ended against Nantwich Town, but the achievement remains their best performance in the competition. Further progress followed under Mark Wood, with the Pikes finishing third in the NCEL Premier Division in 2007/08. Improvements to Mill Lane continued during this period, including additional spectator accommodation and facilities designed to meet higher league standards.
Another successful period began in 2015 when former Tadcaster Albion manager Paul Marshall took charge, assisted by Denny Ingram. Pickering finished sixth in his first season before securing consecutive runners-up finishes in 2016/17 and 2017/18. The latter campaign proved particularly significant, with a 2-1 victory away to Hall Road Rangers on the final day securing promotion to the Northern Premier League. It was a landmark achievement that saw the club reach Step 4 of the nonleague pyramid for the first time. Pickering spent four seasons in the Northern Premier League, although two campaigns were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Relegation in 2022 brought a move into the Northern League before the club returned to the Northern Counties East League in 2023. Following a difficult first season back, the Pikes improved to finish tenth in 2024/25 and eighth in 2025/26. Now competing in the NCEL Premier Division under player-manager Simon Heslop, Pickering continue their long association with Yorkshire non-league football.
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HOLKER HISTORY
FOUNDING & EARLY YEARS 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
The formation of the Furness Premier
as an under-16 side, formed by the former
League in 1980 saw them enter two teams,
pupils of Holker Central Secondary School,
with the Reserves progressing into the
originally located on Holker Street in Barrow-
West Lancashire League Division 2. Success
in-Furness. While the school has long been
followed in the mid-80s, with a runner-up
replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy
finish in 1985/86, before claiming the
continues to thrive.
West Lancs League Division 1 title in their Golden Jubilee season (1986/87). The late
By 1939-40, Holker joined the North Western
80s brought further glory, as Holker lifted
Open Age League, playing on local fields. Their
the Adidas Lancashire Junior Shield twice,
commitment to youth football remained strong,
triumphing over Walkden Town (1988/89)
with junior teams keeping their roots alive.
and Park United (1990/91).
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.
Holker Street School (n.d.)
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HOLKER HISTORY
LEAGUE CLIMB & STRUGGLES
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
With ambitions to compete at a higher level,
Cup’s Second Qualifying Round (2004/05)
Holker faced the challenge of upgrading their
and hosting FC United of Manchester in
Rakesmoor Lane ground. Through sheer
2005/06 before a record crowd of 2,303. These
determination and community effort, they
achievements provided vital funds for further
expanded facilities, built new changing rooms,
ground improvements, including floodlight
and enclosed the pitch. Their hard work paid
upgrades in 2006/07.
off in 1991 when they secured a place in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL)
The club’s commitment to youth development
Division Two.
was also recognised with the FA Charter Standard Development Club Award. This
Holker adapted well to the higher level,
dedication bore fruit in 2006/07 when the
finishing third in 1993/94 and earning
U18s, featuring many future first-team players,
promotion to Division One. Their time in the
won the LFA Furness Building Society Youth
top flight was mixed, peaking at 11th place
Cup. By 2008/09, the senior team had climbed
in 1995/96 before a difficult spell led to
to ninth in the renamed Vodkat League First
relegation in 1998/99. This prompted a period
Division.
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.
Holker Club House (2023)
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HOLKER HISTORY
RECENT SUCCESS
& THE FUTURE
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.
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HOLKER OLD BOYS
JUNIOR STAGS
HOLKER OLD BOYS JUNIOR SPONSORS
Holker Old Boys AFC
Manager Kevin Watkin & Dave Round Patrick ALLINGTON Callum BAYNES Tyler CHESTER Brandon COLLINS Reece CRESSWELL Luke DAVEY Tom DAWSON Max DIXON Frankie ELLIS Ryan FAGAN Farryl FOSTER Jamie HODGSON Bradley HUBBOLD Finley MARTIN Jamie MELLEN Jordan MCGARRY Joe MCGLADDERY Charlie MCGLOWN Luke MITCHELL Nathan REID David ROUND Harrison ROUND Gareth SMITH Tyler SPENCE Sol STANWAY Kevin WATKIN Noah WILLIAMS Tyler WOOD Josh WOODEND
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee William Owen Assistants Alan McDowell & Rowan Johnstone
Pickering Town FC
Manager Simon Heslop Connor AVISON Toby BEARD Joseph BHASKARAN Cameron BLACKBURN Wayne BROOKSBY Charlie COLLEY Riley COOPER Michael COULSON Souleymane COULIBALY Blake DRURY Nathan DYER Daniel GIBB Simon HESLOP Alfie HOPWOOD Alfie JACKSON Luke JACKSON George KENYON Ben LEYLAND Riley MCGINTY Emmanuel MARTIN Marshall NOCK Joseph PRATLEY Oscar SHAW Luke SUMMERFIELD George THEWLIS Charlie THOMPSON Jamie THORNTON Liam TIBBETT Dominic WESTON Emmanuel UJAHCHUKU Joshua WALNE Owen WHITEHEAD Dominik WILLIAMS Tyler WILLIAMS Toby WRIGHT George LORD Matthew RUSSELL
Next at Rakesmoor Lane
Woolton
Tuesday 20th October | Kick-Off 7:45pm | NWCFL