Issue #2 - v Thornton Cleveleys (11/08/2026)

RAKESMOOR LANE 11TH AUGUST 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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Thornton Cleveleys P8

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The Dugout

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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.

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A WORD FROM THE DUGOUT KEV & DAVE

SHOW A RESPONSE Good afternoon and welcomeo Rakesmoor Lane for today’s North West Counties Football League fixture against Thornton Cleveleys.

Saturday’s trip to Maghull was a tough afternoon for everyone involved. We fell well short of the standards we expect and ultimately got what we deserved from the performance. It was disappointing, but football gives you another opportunity quickly and we can’t afford to dwell on it. We need to cut out the mistakes, get back to doing the basics properly and, most importantly, show a response tonight.

We welcome the players, staff and supporters of Thornton Cleveleys to Rakesmoor Lane. They’ve made a perfect start with three wins from their opening three games, so they’ll arrive full of confidence.

We know they’ll provide another tough test and we’ll need to be much better than we were at the weekend.

The objective tonight is three points, but we have to earn them. That starts with matching their intensity from the first whistle, competing all over the pitch and showing the work rate we know this group is capable of. One poor performance doesn’t define us, but how we respond to it is important. Tonight gives us the chance to put Saturday behind us and get ourselves moving in the right direction again.

Enjoy the game!

KEVIN WATKIN 4 / HOBAFC.CO.UK

WE NEED A RESPONSE Last week was a real mix of emotions. We put in a fantastic performance away at Steeton with a bare 11, getting our first clean sheet of the season and two great finishes from Tyler Spence. The lads fought for everything and played some really good football.

Then at Maghull we followed it with a very poor second half. The pitch wasn’t great, but there are no excuses. We conceded sloppy goals and need a response tonight, especially defensively, against a Thornton side I expect to be right up there this season.

We welcome Skipper Woody, Patrick Allington, Ryan Fagan and Max Dixon back into the squad, although Nath Reid misses out injured. We need to make our home games count, starting tonight.

DAVE ROUND HOBAFC.CO.UK / 5

THE OPPONENT

THORNTON CLEVELEYS

Thornton Cleveleys FC, formed in 1980 and based on the Fylde Coast, developed from earlier works-team football linked to the ICI plant.

Playing in red and white, the club has enjoyed long spells in the West Lancashire League before earning promotion to the North West Counties League Division One North in 2024 following back-to-back league titles.

TOP TEN FACTS •

Founded in 1980 – Formed when Thornton Catholic Club side moved to the ICI site.

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Early Success (1982) – Won West Lancashire League Division Two in just their second season.

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Reserve Strength – Reserve side won their league title in 1991.

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Name Change (1992) – Became Thornton International after the closure of the ICI plant.

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Club Merger (1995) – Combined with Thornton-Cleveleys Junior FC to form the current club.

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Cup Success (2003–04) – First team won the Tavern Cup; reserves completed a league and cup double.

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Division One Champions (2010) – Earned promotion back to the Premier Division.

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Lancashire Amateur Shield (2014) – Won the county trophy for the first time.

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Back-to-Back Titles – West Lancashire League champions in 2022 and again in 2024.

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Step 6 Promotion (2024) – Promoted to the NWCFL Division One North after league success.

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THE OPPONENT

THEIR STORY UNFILTERED Library records indicate, ICI Ltd founded and sponsored a football team for their workers at the chlorineproduction plant in the early 1900’s. Its unconfirmed how long these early beginnings and precursor to the current teams were maintained throughout the early 1900’s but the records show a team known as Thornton Jubilee Football Club in the 1930’s and Trunnah United in the 1950s.

The present seniors club, in its more familiar guise was formed in July 1980 when Ronnie Andrews brought the Thornton Catholic Club side to ICI Thornton and in August of 1981 the club joined the West Lancashire League with Mike Sillis as Manager.

The clubs Reserve side, managed by Ronnie Andrews played in the Premier Division of the Blackpool and Fylde Football Combination.

In 1982 the First team finished the season Division Two Champions.

By 1987 the Reserve side had moved to the West Lancashire League Reserve Division and in 1991 they won the league championship. Following the closure of the ICI Plant at Thornton the club renamed as Thornton International in 1992 and for the 1991/92 season the first team were once again West Lancashire Division Two Champions, and also runners-up in the Presidents Cup.

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1995 Thornton-Cleveleys Junior Football Club merged with the open age teams of Thornton International FC, previously known as ICI, to form Thornton-Cleveleys Football Club.

In April of 2003, the first team won the Tavern Cup and the Reserves were double winners in the 2003/04 season being both Reserve Division 2 champions and winning the Houston Cup.

In 2010 the first team were Division 1 winners seeing a return to the Premier Division and in 2014 lifted the Lancashire Amateur Shield for the first time.In 2021, after over 20 years at its home on Bourne Way the club spent a transient year while a new £1 million facility was built on their former ICI Football Club ground.

In 2024 the club regained the West Lancashire League title winning in a dramatic ending to a season that was literally decided on the last minute of the campaign. Two weeks previously Thorntons Second team won the West Lancashire Reserve Division.

The Club was promoted to The North West Counties In 2022 Thornton Cleveleys won the West Lancashire League Division One North in 2024.

Premier Division League and followed a year later in 2023 winning the Presidents Cup.

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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 David Gillon Assistants Liam Oliver & Tony Jones

Thornton Cleveleys

Manager Paul Gregory Benjamin ANDERSON Jacob ASPINALL Jackson BATEMAN Jordan BEAVERS Benjamin DUFFIELD Joshua EDWARDS Jacob GREGORY Luke HARRIS Kyle HIGHAM Matthew HUGHES Oliver LEGGETT Luke NOBLE Benjamin READER Joseph ROBINSON Kieran SHAW Oliver SHEPHERD Mark SMITH Daniel STONEY Adam SUMNER Lewis WALMSLEY Oliver WILKINSON Joshua WINDER

Next at Rakesmoor Lane

Ashton Town

Saturday 15th August | Kick-Off 3:00pm | NWCFL