RAKESMOOR LANE 26TH SEPTEMBER 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
KEEP THIS RUN GOING Good afternoon and welcome Rakesmoor Lane for today’s Macron Cup fixture against Garstang. Looking back at last weekend, the 2-1 win away at AFC Blackpool was an excellent result for us. Historically, it’s a ground where we’ve struggled, so to go there in difficult conditions, put in the work and come away with all three points was really pleasing. It keeps the momentum going and gives us plenty of confidence heading into today. The squad is starting to look stronger again after welcoming a few players back from injuries and suspensions over the last couple of weeks. Having those options available makes a big difference, especially with the games coming regularly. Unfortunately, we did suffer another setback with Harrison picking up a shoulder injury during the Blackpool game. We’ll monitor that over the next week or two and hopefully it’s nothing that keeps him out for too long. Today the focus switches away from the league and onto the Macron Cup. Garstang will provide another good test and we know from previous meetings how competitive they can be. We want to carry our recent form into the competition, maintain the standards we’ve been setting and give ourselves the opportunity to progress. Cup football is straightforward in that respect. The objective today is to make sure our name is in the hat for the next round.
KEVIN WATKIN 4 / HOBAFC.CO.UK
KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING We come into today with confidence after some great results in the Vase and league. Winning away at AFC Blackpool was especially pleasing as they’ve been a bogey side for us, but the three points were fully deserved. We’re still missing Brandon, Buzzer and Harrison through injury, while Luke Davey is away (on holiday with his girlfriend...) and Joe McGladdery starts his suspension. Patrick Allington and Brad Hubbold return, which is a big boost. Today is another tough test against Garstang. They’re always well drilled and fight for everything, so we need to be at it from the start, keep the momentum going and make sure we’re in the hat for the next round.
DAVE ROUND HOBAFC.CO.UK / 5
THE OPPONENT GARSTANG
Garstang FC were formed in 1885 and play at The Riverside, their home since the mid-1960s. Known as “The Riversiders,” the club traditionally play in blue and progressed from the Preston & District League into the West Lancashire League before joining the North West Counties League in 2018. Their honours include two West Lancashire Premier Division titles and the Lancashire Amateur Shield.
TOP TEN FACTS •
Founded in 1885 – Garstang have more than 140 years of footballing history.
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Early Silverware – Won the Guildhall Cup in 1927 while competing in the Preston & District League.
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The Riverside – Moved from The Beeches to their current home during the mid1960s.
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West Lancashire League (1994) – Made the step up after decades in the Preston & District League.
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Lancashire Shield Winners – Beat Stand Athletic to lift the Lancashire Amateur Shield in 1999-00.
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President’s Cup Glory – Won the trophy via a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout in 1999-00.
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Premier Division Champions – Clinched the West Lancashire League title on the final day in 2007-08.
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Historic Double (2017-18) – Won both the West Lancashire Premier Division and Cup.
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NWCFL Step-Up – Joined Division One North in 2018 following their double-winning campaign.
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Record NWCFL Crowd – 352 spectators watched the local derby against Longridge Town in 2018-19.
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THE OPPONENT
THEIR STORY UNFILTERED Garstang Football Club was formed in 1885 and documented records show that, in 1927, the club won the Guildhall Cup as a member of the Preston and District League. In the mid-sixties both the First and Reserve Teams moved from “The Beeches” to the club’s current home of “The Riverside”. At the time of this move the club continued to be a proud member of the Preston and District League. After much soul searching and debate during the summer of 1994 the club made the decision to advance and two steps into the West Lancashire League. Adrian Wilding returned as Chairman and off the field plans were put in place to improve the facilities as the Garstang made steady progress in the early years and club, a major part being the “Score” lottery instigated by then, under the guidance of manager Keith Brindle, Les Taylor. the first team reached the Lancashire Amateur Shield final for two years in succession. The first final during An Under 18 team was formed with the ambition to the 1998/99 season, saw the team suffer defeat at the nurture our own talent and this is now starting to pay hands of Fulwood. However, the following year the club dividends. The club recorded their first ever Reserve bounced back and secured the trophy with a victory over Divison 1 title again under the leadership of Paul bail favorites Stand Athletic. and further silverware was won in the 2017/18 season which proved to be a historic one for the club. Former In the 1999/00 season, Garstang secured the President’s players from the 2008 Championship winning side Lee Cup with a thrilling sudden death penalty shootout Baker and Neil Beesley were now in charge and the victory and they also achieved promotion to the West First team won the West Lancs Premier League and Cup Lancashire Premier Division as runners up. There double. followed a few ups and downs until the 2007/08 season saw the Reserve In the same season the club was also runners up in The Lancashire Shield whilst the reserves under the Team secure the Reserve Division Two title under the stewardship of Hugh Sneddon and Joe Miller also did the guidance of Paul Bailey. The First Team were also double. After much hard work it was confirmed we had involved in a thrilling title battle that went down to the been accepted into The Hallmark Security League and last game of the season and in front of over 250 of their the beginning of a new chapter for Garstang Football. own fans, the team secured the three points needed to win the Premier Division title.
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The club started its first season in the Hallmark Security league Division 1 North in Season 2018/19 and a long campaign saw the club secure a highly creditable 7th place finish and the team had excellent cup run’s in 3 competitions including the Buildbase FA vase. During the season the club had its highest home attendance against local rivals Longridge Town with 352 spectators watching. Lee Baker left the club at the end of that season and was replaced by Richard Cookney who did an excellent job consolidating the clubs position within the league. After a number of Covid interrupted seasons Cookney left the club in November 2021 and following an interim role as Caretaker Manager, Zach Clark was appointed Player Manager.
Season 22/23 was a real Jekyll and Hyde season with the team either on a long run of wins or a long run of defeats. The team was decimated with injuries and the club has never had to contend with so many injuries in one season. This hampered the manager in being able to select a regular line up. The injury situation improved just in time towards the very end of the season, as the club secured 2 consecutive wins to close out the season and finish two places above the bottom three. In September 2023 Zach Clark chose to leave the club to concentrate on playing and after a recruitment process Darrell Slater - Smith was appointed to the First Team managers role assisted by Ian Mountain following a successful spell running the Second Team. After a very difficult season Darrell and his coaching staff left the club in May and was replaced by Guy Heffernan who brings with him a management team of proven operators at this level as the club looks to rebuild again for season 24/25.
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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 Liam Bullion & Harry Shuttleworth
Seaton Carew FC
Manager Guy Heffernan
Weslie BAJRALIU Sam BURTON Lewis CHAMBERS James CROWLEY Thomas DENNISON Luke DRAYSEY Louis EDWARDS Martin ENOW Cobie ENTWISTLE Spencer ETHERINGTON Elliott GRIME Ellis HANCOX Lucas HILL Noah HINDLEY Woody HOWARD Osawemwengie IMADIYIOSATOHANMWEN Soroush KHAMISI Joe LAWTON Dan LINDSAY George LORAN Harley MATHER Joseph MCDERMOTT Stephen MERCER Andrew MURPHY Philip NAGY Charlie NELSON Joseph PAINTER Liam PAINTER Jamie ROBERT James SHERRA Ben SUDELL Jake TURNER Shay WATT Isaac WEBSTER Jordan WIGNALL Denys ZAKOTIANSKYI Matthew RUSSELL
Next at Rakesmoor Lane
Bacup Borough
Saturday 3rd October | Kick-Off 3:00pm | NWCFL