Issue #05 - v Ashton Town FC (01/10/2022)

“ONCE WE HAD SETTLED, I THINK WE CREATED THE BETTER CHANCES OVERALL”

THOUGHTS FROM THE DUGOUT

Good afternoon, and welcome to Rakesmoor Lane for today’s North West Counties Football League fixture against Ashton Town FC.

After the disappointing result against Pilkington, it was a tough week for the group. However, we managed to pick each other up and go into the FA Vase game against NWCFL Premier League opposition - Padiham FC - with belief.

I think the cup fixture came at the right time despite several key personnel not being available through injury/other absence. But that gave us a chance to give others minutes, so Luke Mitchell came in for his First Team debut and performed and adapted to the pace and quality of the game well. Sam Stephens also returned after a short spell away from football and injected some leadership and organisation.

In terms of the game itself, we expected a tough test and for Padiham to come out quickly, which they did, and it took us 10-15 minutes to react to their style. However, once we had settled, I think we created the better chances overall with some good opportunities; many good balls flashed across the 6-yard box but, unfortunately, were not quite there to finish them. Nathan’s goal was an excellent piece of play that shows what he is capable of when he is direct and has that desire to score goals. Another major positive to take away was our game management. To defend as a unit and take any momentum away from Padiham. We’re always pleased to come away from any game with a clean sheet and a 1-0 victory.

We look forward to this league game, with it being 1 of 2 league games in October but, unfortunately, a bit of a disruptive month with three league games sandwiched between the two league fixtures.

KEVIN WATKIN

SILVER

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

ON THE OPPONENT

THEIR HISTORY

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 Tyldesley Albion took over their fixtures.

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, where 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.

They joined the Lancashire Combination in 1971, moved to Division Two of the Cheshire County League in 1978 and became a founding member of Division Three of the North West Counties League in 1982.

In 1985 the club dropped into the Manchester League but returned to Division Three of the North West Counties League the following season.

After Division Three was merged into Division Two in 1987, the club remained at the same level until relegated to the Cheshire Football League Premier Division at the end of the 2016/17 season. However, they were promoted back the following season, 2018/19, to the NWCFL Division One North.

Cables

2022 (Photo - Dawn Marshall)

NEWSROOM

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Holker

Old Boys AFC have progressed to the First Round Proper of the FA Vase after defeating Padiham FC 0-1 in the Second Round Qualifying at the Ruby Civil Arena on Saturday, 24th September.

The two sides went in level at the break, but Holker broke the deadlock in the 80th minute with a goal from Nathan Reid. The single goal was enough to secure the victory, and Holker will now face Whickham FC at Rakesmoor Lane in the First Round Proper Saturday 22nd October at 3pm

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PLAYER SPONSORS

PATRICK ALLINGTON

JAMIE HODGSON

JOE AMISON

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SPONSORS

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