RAKESMOOR LANE 15TH 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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THE OPPONENT 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. HOBAFC.CO.UK / 3
A WORD FROM THE DUGOUT KEV & DAVE
MAINTAIN OUR STANDARDS Good afternoon and welcome Rakesmoor Lane for today’s North West Counties Football League fixture against Ashton Town. It’s been a really positive start to the season, with three wins from our opening four games giving us a strong platform to build from. The credit goes to the lads for the way they’ve applied themselves, and Tuesday’s performance in particular showed the levels this group is capable of reaching. One of the biggest positives has been how we’ve already used the depth of the squad. The group feels well balanced, with quality across the pitch and genuine options from the bench to change games when needed. That competition for places is important and means everyone has to maintain their standards if they want to keep the shirt. Today we welcome Ashton Town. They might not have had the start they wanted, but we know exactly what they’re capable of. They have plenty of experience at this level and have always made things difficult for us, so their early results won’t change how we approach the game. We’ve set a good standard in these opening weeks and now the challenge is to maintain it. We can’t afford to drop our levels. We need to match their work rate from the first whistle, execute what we’ve worked on and give ourselves the best chance of putting another three points on the board. Thanks again for the fantastic support so far this season.
KEVIN WATKIN 4 / HOBAFC.CO.UK
HIT THOSE LEVELS AGAIN We asked for a response and we got it. For me, Tuesday was our best performance of the season so far. We controlled the game both offensively and defensively, and the back five were superb in making sure we got another clean sheet. It was also great having Woody and Patrick Allington back involved. We started with real intensity and controlled the midfield, while the front three really clicked and put a great shift in. Today will be another tough game. Ashton haven’t had the best start, but we know they’re a top side and always difficult to beat. We need to hit Tuesday’s levels again. Tyler Spence and Brandon are in great form, so hopefully the goals keep coming.
DAVE ROUND HOBAFC.CO.UK / 5
THE OPPONENT ASHTON TOWN FC
Ashton Town FC were established in 1953 as Makerfield Mill, adopting their current name in 1962. Based at Edge Green Street, their home since 1964, the club play in blue and white and have spent much of their history in the North West Counties League. They were founder members of the NWCFL in 1982 and returned to the competition following promotion in 2018.
TOP TEN FACTS •
Formed in 1953 – The present club began life under the name Makerfield Mill.
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An Earlier Ashton Town – A separate club competed in the Lancashire Combination from 1903 until 1911.
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First League Title – Won St Helens Combination Division Two in 1957-58.
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Renamed in 1962 – Makerfield Mill became Ashton Town after leaving their Windsor Road ground.
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Six-Time Champions – Won six Warrington & District Amateur League Division One titles between 1960 and 1970.
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Edge Green Street – Purchased their long-standing home ground in 1964.
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Lancashire Combination – Stepped up to the competition in 1971.
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Cheshire County League – Joined its Second Division in 1978.
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NWCFL Founder Members – Became part of the newly formed North West Counties League in 1982.
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NWCFL Return – Won promotion back to the league for 2018-19 after a season in the Cheshire League.
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THE OPPONENT
THEIR STORY UNFILTERED 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.
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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.
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 In 1985 the club dropped into the Manchester League, the NWCFL Division One North. but returned to Division Three of the North West Counties League the following season.
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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 Robert Greenwood Assistants Harry Shuttleworth & Kevin Ryworth
Ashton Town FC
Manager Kevin Towey Connor BROWN Dominic CAIN Joseph CUNNINGHAM Regan GREELEY Jack HATTON Deklan HILL Michael HOWARD Connor IKIN Noah INNEH Callum JAKOVLEVS Adam JONES Ben LAPPIN Jack LEVER Christopher LOMAX Adam MORRIS Liam OSHEA Flynn PROCTOR Conor READY Daniel SQUIRES David TAYLOR Kyle TRENERRY Samuel TWIST Jack WALKER Danny WARBURTON Chad WHYTE Simon WILLS Leon WRIGHT
Next at Rakesmoor Lane
Halewood Apollo
Saturday 22nd August | Kick-Off 3:00pm | NWCFL