RAKESMOOR LANE 31ST 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
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THE OPPONENT P8
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The Dugout
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The Opponent
30 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
QUALITY WITH BETTER DISCIPLINE Good afternoon and welcome Rakesmoor Lane for today’s FA Vase fixture against Winsford United. Today we welcome Winsford United to Rakesmoor Lane for what promises to be another tough cup tie. Their league position and form this season show the quality they have, and we know we’ll need to be at our very best if we want to progress. Looking back at Wednesday against Nelson, there was plenty of frustration with how the game unfolded. I thought we played some excellent football in the first half and created enough chances to put ourselves in a strong position. Unfortunately, a few moments of poor discipline changed the game and ultimately cost us. Even when we went down to nine men, the lads continued to compete and create opportunities, which showed plenty of character. The important thing now is how we respond. We can take positives from Wednesday’s performance, but we also have to learn from the mistakes. Against another strong side today, we simply cannot afford to give ourselves those same problems. On the positive side, the squad is looking stronger with Brad returning, and we’re delighted to welcome Jamie Mellen into the group. He brings plenty of experience, quality and leadership, and importantly, he’s someone who will challenge those around him to maintain high standards. We’ve got a great opportunity to progress further in a competition that means a lot to the club. We need to show the same quality, but with better discipline. Hopefully come 5pm, our name will be in the hat for the next round.
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KEVIN WATKIN
WE NEED TO BE AT OUR BEST Wednesday’s defeat to Nelson was frustrating. We played some great football and could’ve been two or three up, but discipline cost us with Ryan Fagan’s sending off changing the game. Nath Reid was outstanding again, battling for everything. He’s been a breath of fresh air, so hopefully Workington or Lancaster don’t come calling again! Even with nine men we showed great character. Winsford are in excellent form, so today’s a massive test. A win would equal our best Vase run. Patty, Tommy and Joe face fitness tests, but Brad Hubbold and Jay Mellen return. We need to be at our best.be at our best.tests, but Brad Hubbold and Jay Mellen return. We need to be at our best.
DAVE ROUND HOBAFC.CO.UK / 5
THE OPPONENT WINSFORD UNITED
Founded in 1883, Winsford United are based in the Mid-Cheshire town of Winsford and play at the Barton Stadium. Nicknamed the Blues, they have competed in the Cheshire County League, North West Counties League and Northern Premier League. Their 2024–25 league title secured promotion to the Midland Football League Premier Division.
TOP TEN FACTS •
Original name – The club began life as Over Wanderers FC, initially competing in the Welsh Combination Football League.
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Name change – Renamed Winsford United, the club joined The Combination for the 1902–03 season.
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Cheshire founders – Winsford became founder members of the Cheshire County League in 1919.
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FA Cup breakthrough – Their first FA Cup first-round appearance ended in a 3–1 defeat away at Peterborough United.
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Trophy quarter-final – Altrincham ended Winsford’s FA Trophy run at the quarterfinal stage in 1977–78.
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Southall’s debut – Winsford gave future Welsh international and Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall his senior debut at Barton Stadium.
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Counties founders – Winsford became North West Counties League founder members in 1982–83, playing in Division One.
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Northern Premier entry – Winsford received a Division One place when the Northern Premier League expanded in 1987.
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Promotion and runners-up – Promotion in 1991–92 preceded a Northern Premier League runners-up finish the following season.
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Division Two champions – Winsford won the North West Counties League Division Two title in 2006–07.
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THE OPPONENT
THEIR STORY UNFILTERED The ‘Blues’ began life as Over Wanderers FC, initially competing in the Welsh Combination Football League. Games were played at the Bean Latham Playing Field, which would later become Barton Stadium. The club changed its name to Winsford United and joined a local competition, The Combination, for the 1902-03 season. The club went into abeyance before returning post World War I, owing to excessive spending. In 1919, Winsford became a founder member of the Cheshire County League, where they won the title a year The season ended with a second Cheshire County later. For several decades, the team finished no higher League title being delivered to Barton Stadium. In than third place before finishing runners-up in 1974-75. 1977-78, Altrincham ended a fine FA Trophy run in the last eight tie. The club gave future Welsh international The following season was one of relative success in the and Everton legend Neville Southall his senior debut FA Cup as the first round was reached for the first time. at Barton Stadium, which at the time also staged Four qualifying rounds were negotiated before Winsford greyhound racing. were paired with an away tie at London Road against Peterborough United, which ended in a 3-1 defeat. Winsford became a founder member of the North West Counties League (NWCL) in 1982-83 as a Division One team. When the Northern Premier League (NPL) was extended in 1987, the Blues were given a place in Division One.
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Promotion followed in 1991-92 before finishing as Northern Premier League runners-up the following season. The campaign also saw Wrexham beat United 5-2 in the first round of the FA Cup at the Racecourse Ground.
Back in the NWCL, the team was soon demoted to Division Two, before going back up as champions in 2006-07. Manager Joe Gibiliru led the side to a second successive promotion as Winsford headed to the Premier Division of the competition.
Manager Mike McKenzie moved on to local rivals Witton Albion, with many of the players following. Another firstround FA Cup appearance followed, with Chester City winning the tie. The team went down to the NPL Division One in the last season of the millennium before suffering a second successive relegation.
Managers came and went regularly after Gibiliru’s departure. Newly formed 1874 Northwich became tenants at Barton Stadium from the 2013-14 campaign. Meanwhile, United continued to finish in mid-table before being relegated to Division One South of the NWCL in 2022-23. Duxbury remained in the post until March 2024, when the combination of Dom Johnson and Dean Jones came in. The Blues won their league title in 2024-25 and were promoted to the Premier Division of the Midland Football League. The following season ended in a semi-final playoff defeat to former tenants 1874 Northwich.
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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 John Thompson Assistants Oliver Martin & Alex Richardson
Nelson
Manager Dean Jones & Dom Johnson Henry BERNARD BRISCOE Ashton BROGAN Daniel BROWN Junior BROWN Kieran JOHN BROWN Ryan BROWN isaac BUSH Lewis JOSHUA CORBETT Kerr DOLLOCHIN Zach GATWARD Daniel GUIVER Joshua HALL Regan HUGHES Steven JENYONS Dom JOHNSON Harry JOHNSON JORDAN JOHNSON Louis JOHNSON Dean JONES Jacob KIRWAN Sam LATHAM Kian ASA GENE LE FONDRE Jay-Jay MCCARTHY Diego MCGANN Ewan MCGEADY Harry ALAN MCGOWAN David NDENE Adam O'MARA Blake ROBINSON Iago SCOTT ABEL Mykah SKERVIN Reece STOCKTON Jacob STRETCH Samuel TAYLOR Sean TIERNEY Tomasi JERAHMEEL GREGORY WARA Kaylan PAUL ANSU WILKINSON
Next at Rakesmoor Lane
AFC Blackpool
Tuesday 10th November | Kick-Off 7:45pm | NWCFL