RAKESMOOR LANE 3RD 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
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
BUILD ON THOSE LEVELS Good afternoon and welcome Rakesmoor Lane for today’s North West Counties Foobtall League fixture against Bacup. Last week’s clean sheet, along with some really good football, gives us plenty to build on going into today. The performance was encouraging and we want to carry those levels forward, although the news on Tyler Wood is a massive blow. Tyler’s shoulder injury could keep him out for around two months, which is a real shame given the form he’s been in. Harrison and Brandon also remain injured, while Ry Fagan is at a wedding and Tyler Spence is away golfing. On the positive side, Luke Davey returns and we also have the experience of Ross Lidicott in goal, which is important with the squad stretched again. It was also good to see Tommy Dawson looking sharp against Garstang after the injury problems he’s had. Nath Reid deserves a mention too because he’s been excellent so far this season and has consistently performed at a high level. Today we face a Bacup side who are always difficult to beat. We’ve got a good record against them, particularly here at home, but that counts for nothing once the game starts. We need to be right at it from the first whistle if we want another three points. The aim now is to build on last week’s performance, keep putting points on the board and then carry that momentum into Monday night’s away fixture in the Edward Case Cup.
KEVIN WATKIN 4 / HOBAFC.CO.UK
NEED TO BE RIGHT AT IT Last week’s clean sheet and performance gives us confidence going into today. We played some good football and want to build on that. Losing Tyler Wood for potentially two months with a shoulder injury is a massive blow, especially with the form he’s been in. Harrison and Brandon remain injured, while Ryan Fagan and Tyler Spence are unavailable. On the positive side, Luke Davey returns and we have experienced keeper Ross Lidicott involved. Bacup are always tough to beat, despite our good record against them at home. We need to be right at it today and hopefully take that momentum into Monday.
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THE OPPONENT BACUP BOROUGH
Established in 1879, Bacup Borough play at the Brian Boys West View Stadium. The club competed in the Lancashire Combination before becoming founder members of the North West Counties League in 1982, following the amalgamation of the Lancashire Combination and Cheshire League.
TOP TEN FACTS •
Founded in 1879 - Bacup Borough are one of the oldest clubs in Lancashire, with a history stretching back more than 140 years.
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West View - The club have played at West View since 1889, with their first match there attracting more than 1,000 spectators.
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Lancashire Combination Champions - Bacup’s proudest league achievement came in 1946/47 when they won the Lancashire Combination Championship.
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101-goal season - Bacup scored an impressive 101 league goals in 1972/73 but still finished runners-up on goal average.
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NWCFL founder members - Bacup became founder members of the North West Counties Football League in 1982 following the merger of the Lancashire Combination and Cheshire League.
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Brent Peters era - Brent Peters took charge in 1997 and celebrated 25 years as manager in 2022, an exceptional spell of continuity in non-league football.
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First Division Champions - Peters guided Bacup to the NWCFL First Division title in 2002/03, securing the club’s first major honour for 56 years.
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Challenge Cup success - Bacup beat Newcastle Town 3-0 to win the NWCFL Challenge Cup in 2003/04.
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Five-goal final victory - They lifted the NWCFL Challenge Cup again in 2011/12 with a 5-0 victory over Maine Road in the final.
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Rossendale name change - Following the demise of Rossendale United, the club became Bacup & Rossendale Borough in 2013 before returning to the historic Bacup Borough name in 2015.
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THE OPPONENT
THEIR STORY UNFILTERED Bacup Borough Football Club was established in 1879. Their first match to take place at their current Brian Boys West View Stadium was not until 1889 when one of the founder members of the English Football League Accrington Stanley played there in front of over 1,000 spectators. Bacup’s proudest achievement was winning the Lancashire Combination Championship in the 1946/47 season, this along with finishing runners up after losing to Marine 2-1 in the Lancashire Combination Cup Final. 1972/73 season the club finished runners up in the League, losing out on goal average despite scoring 101 goals. In 1974/75 they reached the Lancashire Junior Cup Final losing 1-0 against Lancaster City, this despite famous victories against Formby, Wigan Athletic, South Liverpool, and Morecambe. In the last ever Lancashire Combination Challenge Cup Final Bacup were beaten 1-3 by Caernarfon Town in a two-legged Final. In 1982 Bacup Borough became founder members of the North West Counties League, this following the amalgamation of the Cheshire League & the Lancashire Combination. In the 1987/88 season Bacup had to apply for re-election following finishing bottom of the Second Division. In the 1988 /89 season under the Management of Gary Warburton the club finished Runners up in Division Two and also finished Runners Up in the Lamot Pils Trophy, they also the same season reached the Quarter Final of the League Cup and due to the Leagues re-organisation the club started the 1989 /90 season as a First Division Club. However, in the1994 /95 season Bacup Borough were relegated back to the Second Division & did struggle both on and off the field.
This then made way for the appointment of the former Doncaster Rovers Assistant Manager, Bury F.C Youth Team Coach, Accrington Stanley Director of Football, & Rossendale Utd & Glossop North End Manager Brent Peters to take over as Manager, a position he has held ever since. Brent’s early record of achievement saw the club finish the 1997/98 season in 14th position, climbing in 1998 /99 to 11th position before in 1999/00 they finished 5th in the league, the clubs highest league position in over ten years. In Season 2000/01 the club reached the Second Division Cup Final but lost 1-0 to Squires Gate. Brent’s greatest achievement came at the end of the 2002/03 season when he guided the club to the Championship of the North West Counties League First Division, the first major success for the club in 56 years. This brought Brent Three Manager of the Month Awards and The Manager of The Year Award. Season 2003/04, Bacup’s first season following the First Division Championship the club finished 14th in the Premier Division and did win the North West Counties League Challenge Cup at Southport’s Haig Avenue Ground by beating Newcastle Town 3-0.
Other cup runs saw Borough as NWCFL Challenge Cup Quarter Finalists in 2004/05 and Lancashire FA CoIn September of the 1997/98 season with no points operative Trophy Quarter Finalists in 2007/08. on the board and following a humiliating 0-10 defeat by Tetley Walker this prompted the Committee to part They finished in 8th Position in the NWCFL Premier company with their then Manager. Division in the 2008/09 Season.
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Despite playing a team from two leagues above, Bacup gave a very good account of themselves against team from the Evo Stick Premier Division, AFC Fylde ran out 2-0 winners. June 17th 2013 Bacup Borough officially adopted the title of Rossendale; this came about following the sad demise of Rossendale United FC, thus leaving Bacup Borough as the Rossendale Valley’s most senior football club. They were now the sole flag bearers of the Rossendale Valley and, for the commercial side, it made sense to add ‘Rossendale’ to the club’s name making the club Bacup & Rossendale Borough FC. The new name also brings with it a newly designed crest to form its very June 14th 2004 brought another land mark for the club own identity, with a plan for progression in place and when Bacup’s Secretary Frank Manning celebrated not the words, ‘Prosperity Through Endeavour’ prominently only his 70th Birthday but also 50yrs in the game of which featured. well over 40 years have been spent in administration at his beloved Bacup Borough F.C, This achievement was The 2013/2014 season was a nail-biter right until the recognised by Frank being presented with a gold award last game, but with BARB’s place in the Pemier Division on behalf of the Football Association by Mr Jim Kenyon secured the club is ready to progress with its ambitious the Secretary of the Lancashire Football Association. plans as Rossendale’s number one football club. This achievement brought Frank the position of Chairman of the club, a post he held until accepting the Sadly the 2014/2015 season did not turn out as we had position of President of Bacup & Rossendale Borough FC wished. Injuries and other problems resulted in the team being relegated from the Premier Division. at the re-branding on June 17th 2013. A decision was taken to relaunch Bacup Borough Football Club from the start of the 2015/2016 season. The historic crest was brought back and there were exciting developments on and off the pitch. Among those was the creation of two junior teams – an U15 team and an U18 team – who competed under the banner of Bacup Borough FC and had excellent seasons; both teams winning trophies. Season 2015/2016 was a season of rebuilding and the first team finished the season very strongly reaching the Division One play-off final, only to The 2012/2013 season was another difficult time at the lose 2 nil in extra time of what had been a hard fought following the sad deaths of people dearly close to the and evenly balanced game. club. Four came in the month of October 12 from which the biggest shock was 27 year old player Bryan Herbert. Manager Brent Peters in 2022 celebrated 25 years in charge at the club making him the longest current On the pitch the team again did well by getting to yet serving manager in world football according to reports another cup final and this time it was the Lancashire FA on the BBC. A fantastic achievement for a man who has Cooperative Trophy Final played at the Reebok Stadium committed such a large part of his life to the historic club. at Bolton. It was a sad start to the 2011/2012 season with the sudden passing away of Kenneth Peters on the 15th June 2011 and he was also the club president and father of our manager. On the field of play further success was to come with more silverware, this following a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Maine Road in the NWCFL Challenge Cup Final which was played at the Tameside Stadium Ashton in front of a big crowd, the team was captained by Davey Luker.
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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 Lexie Ball & Antony Jones
Bacup Borough FC Manager Brent Peters Jamal ARTAN Kaiden BARLOW James BARTHOLOMEW William BLAKE Finlay BLAND Brady BOARDMAN Malachi CLARKE Charlie COWIN Sam DUNSTAN Joseph FALLON Mason FALLON Michael GERVIN Callum HEWITT Regan JARRETT Finlay JONES Aiden LANCASTER Benjamin LANGLEY Jamie LUKER Alex MELLOR Connor MORRIS Jacob ORMEROD Harry ROPER Ethan ROTHWELL Oscar ROTHWELL Paul SHOLABI Kyle SIDDLE Sheikh SOHNA Ben THOMPSON Jake TOWNSEND Emmanuel UJAHCHUKU Joshua WALNE Owen WHITEHEAD Dominik WILLIAMS Tyler WILLIAMS Toby WRIGHT George LORD Matthew RUSSELL
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Pickering Town
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