Issue #41 - v Ashton Town (23/03/2024)

23 MARCH 2024

First Division North vs ASHTON TOWN KO 3:00PM FREE ISSUE #41 THE STAG OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

SATURDAY

NWCFL

WHAT’S INSIDE? 4 6 8 10 14 16 18 KEVIN WATKIN PARTNER FOCUS EYES ON THE OPPONENT CLUB NEWSROOM PLAYER SPONSORS LEAGUE TABLE SQUADS Produced and Edited by GR.VISUALS Official Club Photography by Ian Allington and GR.VISUALS To advertisie in this programme please email commercial@hobafc.co.uk All editorial content within this programme is the copyright of Holker Old Boys AFC and can only be used with the club’s permission. The views in this programme don’t necessarily reflect those of Holker Old Boys AFC. 4 8 3

“WE HAVE WORK TO DO”

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THOUGHTS FROM THE DUGOUT

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

We’re down to the last seven games of the season, and we have work to do to force our way into those playoffs, starting today after a disappointing result Tuesday night away at Ashton Athletic.

The lads have the belief in each other to go on a run, and we will require hard work and no doubt a bit of luck along the way, starting with injuries as the squad is stretched going into this game.

Our season effectively starts today, and a win at home could provide a good platform ahead of four challenging away games within a week.

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KEV WATKIN

GOLD PARTNERS

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SILVER PARTNERS

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EYES ON OPPONENT COLOURS Red & White NICKNAME The Town GROUND NAME Hebs Group Stadium CAPACITY Unlisted RECORD ATTENDANCE 1,865 (vs FC United of Manchester - 2007) LEAGUE POSITION 3rd FACTSHEET 8

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.

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v Prescot Cables FC - July 2022 (Photo - Dawn Marshall)

CLUB NEWSROOM

In Memory of John Maxfield

A Tribute to a Holker Old Boys Football Club Legend

John Maxfield was a stalwart presence at Holker Old Boys Football Club, whether on the pitch, in the committee room, or tending to the grounds. As we bid farewell to a true legend, we reflect on the indelible mark he left on our hearts and the fabric of our beloved club.

John’s journey with Holker spanned decades and is marked by his unwavering dedication and tireless service. From his days as a player to assuming various roles as a coach, committee member, and groundsman, he was the embodiment of commitment and passion for the game. Week after week, he poured his heart and soul into ensuring that everything ran smoothly, that the grounds were immaculate, and that the club thrived.

But it wasn’t just his tireless work behind the scenes that endeared him to us all; it was his warmth, humility, and unwavering support that truly set him apart. John was the quiet force, the steady hand, and the reassuring presence that players and coaches alike looked forward to seeing after a hardfought victory. His smile, though soft-spoken, spoke volumes, a testament to his deep love for the club and the joy he found in its successes.

Indeed, John’s legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of the pitch. It lives on in the generations of his family who continue to uphold his values and dedication to Holker Old Boys. Nigel, his son, and Elliot, his grandson, carry forward his passion, now coaching the A-team and ensuring that his spirit remains at the heart of the club.

As we bid farewell to John, we do so with heavy hearts but also with profound gratitude for the countless memories he has given us. His presence may no longer grace our sidelines, but his spirit will forever linger in the echoes of the victories won and the camaraderie shared.

May John’s memory inspire us to carry forward his legacy with the same dedication, love, and unwavering commitment that defined his time among us.

If you wish to join us in celebrating John Maxfield’s life, his funeral is to be held on Thursday, March 28th, at 1:00pm at the Crematorium.

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2023/24 PLAYER SPONSORS

JOE AMISON JAY BARKER FRANKIE ELLIS CALLUM BAYNES CALLUM FAWCETT BRANDON COLLINS FARRYL FOSTER LUKE DAVEY JAMIE HODGSON TOM DAWSON SAM JOEL

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DYLAN ELLIS