Widnes v Mossley

WIDNES FC

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2024-25

v MOSSLEY The Northern Premier League West Division Tuesday, 17th September 2024 Kick Off 7.45pm

£2.00

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Widnes Football Club Information

Chairman: IAN ROSS Directors: DAVID DAY JOHN McKEOWN GARETH HARTLEY ADRIAN BEVAN VICTORIA ROSS Club Secretary: ADRIAN BEVAN Match Day Secretary: BILL MORLEY Treasurer: VICTORIA ROSS Media Officer: CALLUM CHADWICK Assistant Media Officer: CHARLIE ROSS Photographer: PAUL WATSON of www.fja-photography.co.uk Club Ambassadors: PAUL PENNINGTON Match Day Sales: JANET MORLEY Club Development Officer: BILL MORLEY Manager: MICHAEL ELLISON Assistant Manager: CHRIS LAWTON Coach: PAUL BOWES Goalkeeper Coach: RYAN BROOKFIELD Kit Man: CRAIG PATTERSON

Home Ground: HALTON STADIUM, LOWERHOUSE LANE, WIDNES, WA8 7DZ Year Formed: 2003 Record Attendance: 630 v Macclesfield (NPL West Division) - 02.01.2023 Previous Leagues: West Cheshire League North West Counties League Honours: The Reusch First Division Winners 2016/17 The Hallmark Security League Premier Division Runner Up 2017/18 The Macron Challenge Cup Winners 2017/18 The Hallmark Security League Champions Cup Winners 2017/18 Website: www.widnesfootballclub.co.uk Twitter: @Widnes_FC Main Sponsor: www.nplfa.co.uk Kit Manufacturer: MACRON Online Club Shop: http:// macronstorecheshire.co.uk/widnesfc League Rule 2.13 Ownership:

In accordance with the Football Association Rule 2.13 Publication of ownership in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 Clubs within the Football pyramid, we hereby confirm that the Legal Status of WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED identified

by Company Number 08960635, takes the ‘Form’ of a Private Company limited by Shares (incorporated 26th March 2014).

Shareholder David Day holds a significant interest in the club as defined by the Football Association with 45.4% of the total company shares.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 03

Blackpool & District Amateur League: 1958 to 1961 Squires Gate were formed in 1948 as Squires Gate British Legion FC and competed in the Blackpool & District Amateur League. They won the leagues Rawling Shield in their first season. The name of the club was changed to Squires Gate FC in 1953. They won the leagues First Division in 1955–56 and 1956–57; also the Blackwell Cup in 1958–59 and 1959–60. They spent the 1960–61 in the Fylde District League, winning the Fylde Cup and losing finalists in the Bannister Cup.

West Lancashire League: 1961 to 1991 The following season they moved up to the West Lancashire League where they spent the next thirty years. From 1961 until 1980 they were in Division Two and were promoted in 1981 as champions. In the 1986–87 season they won the Richardson Cup.

The following season they moved up to the West Lancashire League where they spent the next thirty years. From 1961 until 1980 they were in Division Two and were promoted in 1981 as champions. In the 1986–87 season they won the Richardson Cup. North West Counties League: 1991 onward They were elected into the North West Counties Football League for the 1991–92 season, joining Division Two for the 1991–92 season. Squires Gate won the leagues Fair Play Award for the 1993– 94 season and were losing finalists in the 1997–98 Division Two Trophy.

They won the 2001–02 season Division Two Trophy and then the following season they missed the runner-up spot on goal difference but were still promoted to Division One following the demise of Stand Athletic who had originally been promoted as Division Two champions. They reached their highest league placing in the 2005–06 season also reaching the quarter finals of the FA Vase then last season, under the Management of Andy Clarkson, Gate improved still further on their best ever placing, finishing sixth in what is now the Premier Division.

On 10 March 2007 Squires Gate played a home match against FC United of Manchester at Curzon Ashton F.C.s ground. The club had approached Blackpool F.C. about playing the game at Bloomfield Road but the ground was not available. And so they played the match in Ashton-under-Lyne, as it was felt that FCUM fans were more likely to attend with the match being staged in the Greater Manchester area. A crowd of 1,650 saw Squires Gate lose 0-1 and Squires Gate earned about £7,000.

From the Manager - Michael Ellison Good evening everyone, we go into today’s game on the back of a really good point away at Nantwich and a disappointing defeat away to Chasetown.

We where certainly in the game Saturday and ultimately were done by two set pieces, at the minute we seem to be getting punished for every little mistake and we are far from clinical at the other end. We need to start taking our chances and scoring when we are on top.

We’re working really hard in training and hopefully we will get one or two back from injury this week, which will be a big help.

We face a Mossley side tonight who are always a tough side and will be there or there abouts.

It’s, nice to be back at home and we will be doing everything we can to get a result.

As always thanks for your support, Ello

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 05

Mossley Club History The early days Mossley were formed in 1903 as Park Villa, initially competing in local competitions but, after just one season the club’s name was changed to Mossley Juniors. In 1909 they became Mossley AFC and moved to their present ground Seel Park in 1912 from their previous site at Luzley.

The early years of Mossley AFC were spent in the Ashton & District League culminating in a superb season in 1914-15 when Mossley won the League, Manchester Junior Cup and the Lady Aitken Cup, progressing to the South East Lancs League in 1915, the Manchester Amateur League in 1916 and the Lancashire Combination in 1918.

In 1919 Mossley became founder members of the Cheshire County League, finishing runners up in the first season in both League and League Cup, returning to win the League Cup the following season beating Sandbach Ramblers in the final.

Apart from many successes in the Ashton Challenge Cup and various Manchester Cup wins Mossley had many lean years in the League, rarely finishing in the top half of the table, although, in 1961 they won the Cheshire League Cup for only the second time when they beat a strong Tranmere Rovers Reserve side 6-3 at Hyde United’s ground under the guidance of former Blackburn Rovers star Eddie Quigley.

Mossley’s most successful season in their Cheshire League days was in 1969-70 when Don Wilson’s side finished runners-up in the League, reached the 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in 20 years, losing narrowly in a replay to Stockport County and, made it to the quarter finals of the inaugural F.A. Challenge Trophy going out to then Southern League giants Barnet.

The glory years and ‘Mossley Goes To Wembley’ After more than fifty years in the Cheshire League, the Lilywhites were elected to the Northern Premier League in 1972.

During the late 70’s, Mossley grew into a formidable force in non-league football. They

won successive League titles in 1978-79 and 1979-80 and finished runners-up in each of the next three seasons.

With influential manager Bob Murphy at the helm the club also saw it’s greatest moment.

May 1980 saw the Lilywhites at Wembley in the Final of the F.A.Challenge Trophy.

After defeating supposedly bigger clubs like Altrincham, Blyth Spartans and Boston United on the way, Mossley unluckily lost 2-1 in the final to Dagenham, their first defeat in 31 games.

A crowd of 26,000 were at Wembley, and a memorable day for the Club and town was captured for posterity by Granada TV in their documentary “Mossley Goes To Wembley.”

At this time Mossley had the most formidable strike force in non-league football with the legendary Leo Skeete, Dave Moore and Ian Smith alongside first Eamonn O’Keefe (sold to Everton for a club record £25,000 fee), and then Kevan Keelan.

The following season saw Mossley take their only Football League scalp in the FA Cup when they beat Crewe Alexandra at Seel Park. Other League clubs faced in the FA Cup during the glory years were Rotherham United, York City, Mansfield Town, Stockport County, Huddersfield Town and Darlington.

Problems and solutions The great run of success ended abruptly in 1984 when following financial upheavals the Lilywhites finished bottom of the then one division NPL and had to seek re-election.

A gradual recovery took place through the 80’s with 1988-89 being the most successful since the glory days. Under the guidance of Bryan Griffiths and the later Football League manager Dave Jones, Mossley won the NPL Cup, Manchester FA Premier Cup, Reporter Floodlit Cup and at the start of the following season, the NPL Challenge Shield.

After this, fortunes faded again following further financial problems with the Club narrowly avoiding relegation in 1992. The

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following year, after a calamitous series of results not even the return of the legendary Bob Murphy could save the Club from the drop.

Over the next two years Mossley saw no fewer than six managerial changes and the Lilywhites run of 23 years in the Northern Premier League came to an end in 1995 when the Lilywhites were relegated to the North West Counties League.

1995-96 saw Mossley make a highly promising NWCL debut, involved in the promotion race for most of the season they eventually finished 4th, reaching the final of the NWCL Floodlit Trophy into the bargain.

The following season, after a bright start, the team failed to stay the pace with the leaders and finally finished in 7th position, but did have a great run in the FA Vase, reaching the quarter finals.

Climbing back Promoted in second place, 2004-05 season saw Mossley consolidate back in the Northern Premier League, being unfortunate to miss out on a place in the promotion play off’s after finishing in 7th place.

In the 2005/06 season Mossley excelled by becoming Division One Champions on the last day of the season, finishing two points above Fleetwood Town. This despite losing their last two games earned promotion to the Premier Division where they had last competed in 1993.

In 1997 the Club parted company with manager Kevan Keelan and installed another former Lilywhites player, Benny Phillips as his replacement. Season.

Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived as the Lilywhites were relegated at the end of the season, returning to a newly reconstituted Division One they were placed in the North Division. Beckford resigned followed quickly by the retirement of the clubs Directors and main sponsors, the Rigby family after a ten year period in control of club affairs.

1998-99 then saw Mossley more than unfortunate not to win the title, losing out in controversial circumstances to Workington on the last day of the season. It was a bitter pill to swallow after leading the table for the last three months which included a club record 12 successive wins.

The Millennium season saw Mossley again reach the quarter finals of the FA Vase, going down 3-1 at eventual winners Deal Town and slip from the title race after that blow to finish 4th. They did though reach the final of the Manchester Premier Cup, unluckily losing by a last minute goal to Droylsden at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park.

In November 2001 Benny Phillips was replaced as manager by former Coventry City and Stoke City star Ally Pickering and Mossley finished in 8th position and Mossley finished their Centenary Season 2002-03 in 3rd place, reached the quarter finals of the FA Vase for the third time and won their first silverware in over a decade when beating Clitheroe 2-1 to win the NWCL Trophy at Gigg Lane, Bury.

The 2003-04 season saw Jason Beckford replace Pickering as manager just prior to the

season and the club fought tooth and nail to win promotion to the UniBond League, going on a 21 match unbeaten run up to the new year. They were then hit by a 3 point deduction due to an administrative error and form took a nosedive as the team quickly crashed out of four cups and lost poll position in the League.

The drama continued to the end as Mossley where just pipped to the title by Clitheroe on the last day of the season.

A new Board of Directors made up of club supporters was appointed in the summer and former Emley, Altrincham and Ashton United boss Gerry Quinn was named as manager in what was a hugely transitional time for the club.

Summer 2008 saw Quinn replaced by former Mossley player Chris Willcock as club manager and the team finished in a creditable 10th position also reaching the final of the Manchester FA Premier Cup, unluckily losing 2-1 to Droylsden in the final at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park.

In late December 2009 severe weather caused two of the 39 year old floodlights to collapse and the remaining six pylons were condemned meaning midweek home games were played at Ashton United’s Hurst Cross for the remainder of the season. A new floodlight system was installed in the close season of 2010.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 07

Chris Willcock resigned in January 2010 to be replaced by his former assistant John Flanagan and the team enjoyed a great run climbing to 7th position. Unfortunately the popular Flanagan resigned at the end of the season and he was replaced by former Stalybridge Celtic reserve boss Shaun Higgins.

Despite a good FA Cup run to the final qualifying round Higgins reign only lasted until March 2011 when following a poor run of results and form he was replaced by former Woodley Sports boss Gareth McClelland, initially on a caretaker basis. McClelland impressed enough to be given the job for the 2011/12 season Mossley’s 100th year at Seel Park.

McClelland resigned in January 2012 and former Accrington and Droylsden defender Steve Halford was appointed player manager and lifted the team to a comfortable mid-table finish. Mossley also reached the final of the Manchester FA Premier Cup but the final was never played as scheduled opponents Droylsden couldn’t raise an eligible team and so the Lilywhites were awarded the trophy by default.

The 2012/13 season saw Mossley competing at the top end of Division One North throughout the campaign, finally achieving a play off position on the final day of the season.

However, the team were then desperately unlucky to lose to an injury time goal at Cammell Laird in the play-off semi final. The Lilywhites did, however, retain the Manchester FA Premier Cup beating Salford City on penalties in the final at Stockport County’s Edgeley Park ground following a 2-2 draw.

Manager Halford departed to Ashton United just prior to pre season and Mossley appointed his former assistant Peter Band and ex Winsford United boss Lloyd Morrison as joint managers for the 2013/14 season and with a completely rebuilt team finished just below mid-table.

The 2014/15 season saw Mossley competing all season for a play off place only losing out in the last week of the campaign. That disappointment was waylaid by success in the Manchester FA Premier Cup as the Lilywhites beat Curzon Ashton on penalties in the final at Oldham

Athletic’s Boundary Park to win the trophy for the third time in four seasons.

2015/16 saw the Lilywhites on the fringes of the play offs throughout the season but injuries and suspensions took their toll on League form and the team had to settle for a mid table finish.

However, Mossley retained the Manchester FA Premier Cup beating National League North neighbours Stalybridge Celtic 3-1 in the final at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields Stadium to win the trophy for the fourth time in five years.

2016/17 and 2017/18 were largely disappointing seasons culminating in the departure of the the popular Band and Morrison in April 2018 after almost five years in charge.

Former Stockport Town boss Dave Wild and ex Glossop and Cheadle Town coach Terry Hincks were appointed as successors.

The 2018/19 season saw the new look Lilywhites challenging for a play off place throughout the season but in the end finished in 8th place also reaching the Manchester Premier Cup Final losing 3-1 to Curzon Ashton. Terry Hincks departed to become manager of Abbey Hey at the end of the season leaving Dave Wild in sole charge.

Wild resigned in February 2020 with team captain Andy Keogh taking over as caretaker manager. However, four games later the season was halted due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak.

Into the future Former Chadderton FC Manager David Fish was appointed team manager in June 2020 and he finally completed his first full season in charge in 2021/22. A season that witnessed a promising 8th place finish and a strong desire to improve on that in the coming season.

Off the pitch a forward thinking chairman and board of directors have overseen a gradual upgrade of the facilities at Seel Park amidst greater community involvement which has seen the Lilywhites enjoy their best attendances since the glory days of the late 1970’s. With the new improvements to the floodlighting system completed the future looks bright and sustainable for the Lilywhites.

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Mossley Player Profiles MANAGEMENT David Fish - Manager David was appointed Mossley manager in June 2020 after spending the three previous seasons in charge at North West Counties Leaguers Chadderton. As a player David was a goalkeeper who played at Manchester United as a junior before joining Stockport County.

Following his release by Stockport, David joined Woodley Sports and was an integral part of the team that won the NWCFL Second Division title. His performances caught the eye of several teams and he moved to Stalybridge Celtic where he was part of the side that won the Northern Premier League, League Cup and Cheshire Cup treble and the side that played in the Conference the following season. He then moved to Witton Albion, Hyde United and finished his semi-pro career with a long stint at Curzon Ashton.

Following a break from the game he returned initially as a player, then player-manager and head coach at Lancashire Amateur League side Rochdale St Clements, before joining Chadderton as manager in October 2017.

Alex Craddock – Assistant Manager Alex Craddock joined Mossley in June 2020 from North-West Counties side Shelley FC who finished the previous season firmly in the promotion places. He was appointed as assistant manager in December 2021.

PLAYERS Sam Adetiloye – midfield/forward (dob 04/03/2001) Joined in February having left 1874 Northwich earlier last year. Plenty of NPL experience with Widnes and 1874 Northwich. Captained the u21s at Salford City where he came through their academy before making a handful of appearances for the 1st team.

Luke Barlow – defender (dob 22/03/2000) Luke is entering his 2nd season at the club, having appeared for Stalybridge Celtic previously. He was also a professional at Kilmarnock FC and has played for Ramsbottom United.

Alfie Belcher – attacking midfielder (dob 23/05/2000) Signed in October last year from Trafford FC. Attacking midfielder, Alfie, has previously played for Prestwich Heys FC before going on to study and play football in Kansas. An exciting player who creates and scores goals.

Joe Berks – midfielder (dob 05/09/2000) Having started his career at Port Vale progressing through the youth ranks to earn a contract. Joe has since gone on to play for clubs such as Stafford Rangers, Newcastle Town before finishing last season at Hednesford Town.

Michael Brewster – midfielder (dob 17/01/1996) Joining us from Stalybridge Celtic, Michael has a wealth of footballing experience after starting his career at Oldham Athletic before heading to St Mirren. Returning to England he has played for Southport, Marine, Atherton Collieries, Ashton United and Radcliffe.

Remi Efunnuga – midfielder (dob 02/10/2004) Having had stints with Stalybridge Celtic and Matlock Town as well as a spell in Croatia with Zmaj Makarska, Remi has spent pre-season with the Lilywhites before signing ahead of the new season.

Mason Fawns – midfielder (dob 10/01/1999) Returning to the club after spells at Bootle and Kidsgrove Athletic. In his last spell with us, he scored 26 goals in 71 appearances and established himself as a fans favourite.

Matt Kardacz – defender/midfielder (dob 15/04/2004) Joins the Lilywhites from Colne where he has spent the last 2 seasons and helped to win the Lancashire Cup. Prior to that he spent 8 years at Accrington Stanley.

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Sean Kgwakgwa – midfield (dob 28/03/2003) Having appeared 54 times for Chadderton FC last season, Sean has joined the club after featuring prominently during our pre-season.

Obua Mugalula – winger (dob 17/10/1999) Joining from Stalybridge Celtic, where he played last season. He also played for Irlam FC towards the end of last season. Obua started his career in the youth academy at West Ham United before joining the EDS set-up at Bolton Wanderers. He then moved to Workington AFC.

Mark Lees – midfield (dob 23/07/1988) Rejoined the club at the start of last season, Mark developed at Mossley Juniors before moving into non-league football where he presented Hyde, Altrincham, Stalybridge, and Matlock. He played for the Lilywhites in the curtailed 2019/20 season but made a huge impact during his previous time.

Fin Madigan – goalkeeper (dob 27/11/2000) Started his football journey at Leeds United academy before moving to Bradford City’s academy. Fin previously played regularly in the Huddersfield district league winning 3 Barlow Cups and a league title. Entering his 2nd season, he has established himself as our No1.

Jack Marrow – defender (dob 20/02/2003) Joins us from Kidsgrove Athletic. Having completed his scholarship at Crewe Alexandra, he previously played for 1874 Northwich before joining Kidsgrove during last season.

Bailey Marsden - midfield (dob 12/10/2002) Hard working attacking midfield player Bailey was signed in the 2021 closed season following his release by Crewe Alexandra. He was previously a junior player at Manchester United.

Kevin Masindo – defender (dob 21/06/2004) Having recently relocated to Manchester, Kevin joins the Lilywhites after starting his football career with Dover Athletic’s u18s. He then went on to represent Faversham Town and Shepshed Dynamo.

Kacper Mialkowski – defender (dob 12/10/2003) Started his football career at Rochdale academy making his debut at 16 and also received a call up to the Poland u17 squad whilst there. Before joining the Lilywhites, the left back has played in the NPL with both Glossop North End and 1874 Northwich.

Adam Sherratt – defender (dob 18/05/2002) Originally joined towards the end of the 22/23 season, the Australian born defender started his footballing career with Newcastle Jets before moving to Cooks Hill United. He also featured for New South Wales Elite and was called up to u16 Australia Squad.

Will Shepherd – midfield (dob 29/11/2001) Will originally signed from Warrington Town in September 2021. before departing to Colne during the same season. Returning to Mossley prior to the 22/23 season, he has provided some excellent performances over the last 2 seasons Reece Webb-Foster – forward (dob 07/03/1998) Signed from Silsden AFC last season with an impressive footballing CV. Starting his career at Bradford City, he moved onto Colne for 3 seasons, Matlock, and Clitheroe, where at each of those 3 clubs he was part of the squad that reached the play-offs.

Loui Williams – winger (dob 29/03/2005) Having spent 3 years at Altrincham, with his first two years as a scholar, Loui joins after an impressive pre-season. He was also part of the Colne squad that won the Lancashire Cup last season.

Eric Yahaya – forward (dob 27/06/1997) Joined us just prior to the start of this season.

Having finished last season at Runcorn Town, Eric also played at our level with Newcastle Town & Nantwich Town. Eric has played for clubs in Ireland and Sweden as well as starting last season in Wales with Aberystwyth Town.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 11

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From the Skipper - Ste Irwin Good evening everyone.

Welcome back to DCBL which seems a lifetime ago that we last played at home.

We’ve had some disappointing results lately which I don’t think the performances have deserved. That being said we need to try and cut the small mistakes out that seem to be costing us lately and hopefully start putting the ball in the back of the net.

Hopefully we can get that going at home tonight.

Enjoy the game Stevie

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Widnes Football Club Unveil New 2024/25 Kits with Fused Sportswear

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idnes Football Club is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Fused Sportswear as the club’s official kit and leisurewear provider.

Fused Sportswear, a dynamic brand established in 2020, has quickly earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke sportswear to clubs and teams across the UK. This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for the club as they prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 Northern Premier League season.

The new kits were recently unveiled, modelled by members of both the men’s and ladies’ teams.

Widnes FC is also proud to welcome SLL Properties as the new main kit sponsor. Their logo will be prominently featured on both the home and away kits for the next two seasons.

SLL Properties Ltd is a family-owned property company, head office based in Liverpool, that have been in operation since 1995. SLL Pride themselves in working with and alongside other commercial property owners in the North of England, supporting opportunities for regeneration and economic growth within local communities.

Club Shop, allowing fans to gear up and show their support in style, with more Widnes FC leisurewear to be added over the coming weeks.

Bill Morely the clubs’ General Manager said of the new kit deal: “As General Manager of Widnes Football Club, I am delighted to welcome Fused Sportswear as our new kit and leisurewear provider. Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our club’s values, and we are excited to showcase the fantastic new designs they have created for us. We look forward to what promises to be a long and successful partnership, with Fused Sportswear supporting our teams both on and off the pitch for years to come.”

Fused Sports Sales Director Phil Cooper said ‘Fused Sports are delighted to be partnering with Widnes FC for the next 2 seasons and beyond. Our efforts will be focused around supplying high quality team wear for the players, club staff and supporters of Widnes FC. We are looking forward to building a fantastic relationship with everyone at the club.’

New Club Shop for website: https:// fusedsport.co.uk/collections/widnes-fc

Liam Day of SLL (pictured with Widnes FC General Manager Bill Morley) said ‘We are delighted to sponsor and support Widnes Football Club at this exciting time in the clubs’ short history and we wish them every success in the coming seasons’.

Stamford Legal also joins the team as the shorts sponsor, aligning their brand alongside the club’s push for success.

Furthermore, the club’s official charity, Sams Diamonds, will be honoured with a feature on the back of the shirts, underscoring Widnes FC’s commitment to making a positive impact off the pitch as well as on it.

The new kits will be available for purchase both online and at the club’s newly rebranded 14 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

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Adam Morgan joins Widnes to bolster attacking options

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triker moves across DCBL Stadium tunnel from City of Liverpool.

Widnes Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of striker Adam Morgan.

The 30-year-old has completed a move from City of Liverpool in time to be eligible to face Chasetown on Saturday.

Morgan arrives at the DCBL Stadium with an impressive pedigree and standing in the game having initially being a highly-touted youngster at Liverpool.

He made three senior appearances under Brendan Rodgers, all in the UEFA Europa League, before departing for Yeovil Town on a permanent deal in 2014.

Adam made 19 total appearances in the Championship and League One for the Glovers, scoring once, while also spending time on loan in Scotland at St Johnstone.

He then moved to Accrington Stanley before spells in Non-League for Hemel Hempstead

Town, Colwyn Bay, Curzon Ashton - where he scored a hat-trick in front of the TV cameras in the FA Cup - and FC Halifax Town.

Morgan scored four goals in 16 appearances at Irish side Sligo Rovers in 2018 before returning to Curzon and eventually joining Mossley.

It was then that Adam was convinced to move to Widnes by then joint-managers Kev Towey and Steve Akrigg, but he left without playing a game after relocating down south.

Spells at Romford, Chelmsford City, Braintree Town and Haringey Borough all followed before he returned to Merseyside in 2022, winning the Liverpool County Premier Division with Halewood Apollo last season.

Morgan has started this campaign with the Purps, scoring twice in six games.

The Club would like to thank City of Liverpool for their co-operation and assistance in getting this transfer over the line.

Welcome to Widnes, Adam!

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Widnes Football Club History

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idnes FC’s origins can be traced back to 2003 when the club was originally formed as a youth football club.

In 2012, the groundwork was laid for the club to make the set up into senior football as in March of that year, a consultation process began with Widnes Vikings RLFC to become part of the Vikings Sports brand, a partnership that would enhance the clubs community status.

A First Team was formed with the initial shortterm goal of gaining admission into the North West Counties Football League under the guise of ‘Widnes Vikings FC.’ Steve Hill was appointed First Team manager in September 2012 and steered the Club to a 4th placed finish in its inaugural and so far, only season in the West Cheshire League Third Division. During this season, the Club also submitted its application to join the North West Counties Football League for the 2013/14 campaign.

Prior to the new season, Widnes’ application was successful, and the Club began life in the North West Counties Football League Third Division with a 3-1 home defeat to Cheadle Town before winning their first game in the NWCFL with an emphatic 5-1 away win over Northwich Flixton Villa.

Hill eventually guided his side to a 14th placed finish in their inaugural season in the First Division with 36 points from 36 games.

Off the pitch, the Club would be re-named as Widnes Football Club after ending their partnership with Widnes Vikings.

The 2014/15 season saw the Club make significant progress in cup competitions.

Widnes reached the last 16 of the League Cup before falling to eventual League Champions Glossop North End and reached the quarter-

final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, beating Prescot Cables before being knocked out in the last eight by eventual winners Skelmersdale United.

The season also oversaw the Club’s first foray in the FA Vase. Widnes were knocked out in the Second Qualifying Round following a 2-0 defeat at AFC Emley.

Following the season’s conclusion, winger Ben Tollitt became the first former Widnes player to play for a Football League club as he signed a one-year deal with 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth, after impressing on trial with Paul Cook’s side during pre-season. Tollitt’s performances earned the former Widnes man a one-year extension after scoring once in 16 games in all competitions for the EFL League Two club.

Tollitt has since gone on to achieve two promotions with Tranmere Rovers, and is now on the books at Blackpool in League One. The following season saw the Club again reach the quarter-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, coming up against an Everton XI managed by David Unsworth. The young Toffees excelled in the game and beat Widnes 8-0 despite an admirable performance from the home side.

After a 13th placed finish, Chairman David Day and Manager Steve Hill stepped down from their roles, allowing a new Board of Directors and management team to be appointed to bring some much-needed new stimulus to the club.

Mr Day remained on the newly established Board of Directors, headed by incoming Chairman Ian Ross that bring the necessary expertise and drive to enable the Club to progress over the coming seasons.

Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard where appointed as joint managers heading into the 2016/17 season but later left the Club by mutual

20 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Ultimately, manager Dunn would depart in early October, resigning from his position as manager.

Senior players Kevin Towey and Steve Akrigg were installed as player/joint-managers and would go on to enjoy a massively successful first foray into management.

consent following an indifferent start to the season in September. Danny Salt was appointed interim manager, leading the side to a win and a draw in his two games in charge.

Former Burscough, Warrington Town and Runcorn Linnets manager Joey Dunn was appointed as new First Team Manager later that month.

The duo began their stint with three successive 2-2 draws, with Widnes scoring late equalisers in each of those games to rescue a point. Their first win would come with an emphatic 5-1 win over Maine Road at the Halton Stadium as Sam Sheen netted twice.

Dunn’s appointment led to a massive turnaround in results, with Widnes putting together a run of just two league defeats in their final 32 league games as the Whites surged to the North West Counties First Division title.

The title and promotion was secured with a game to spare after a 5-1 win at AFC Blackpool, with Widnes winning 14 straight games to finish at the top of the pile. The Whites also performed admirably in cup competitions that season, reaching the last eight of both the League Cup and Liverpool Senior Cup, and the semi-final of the First Division Cup before losing out to eventual winners City of Liverpool.

During the season, Kevin Towey became the Club’s new record goalscorer following a brace at Skelmersdale United in November – a record that still stands to this day at 72 goals.

The summer of 2017 oversaw the Club’s attempts to re-establish a junior setup with two youth teams at Under-7s and Under-9s, and the section has thrived ever-since become a pillar of the local community.

The 2017-18 season started with Widnes’ firstever FA Cup game which ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat at home to Handsworth Parramore at the Halton Stadium.

Widnes would endure an inconsistent start to life in the North West Counties Premier Division (level 9 of the National League system) – the highest level in the Club’s short history.

Inconsistency would continue to plague the Whites in the following weeks, emphasised by a 3-3 draw at Padiham late in October that went viral after Widnes conceded twice in the last two minutes in a bizarre stoppage time period that was reported by various National Media outlets including the Guardian, the BBC and a feature on Soccer AM, while Champions League and World Cup winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas would tweet about the game on his Twitter account.

This would eventually have a positive effect on the side as Widnes never really looked back.

A 3-0 home defeat to Charnock Richard in November would be the last time Widnes would taste defeat in the league until March as the Whites won 23 of their 25 remaining games to seal a second successive promotion to the Northern Premier League, beating out local rivals Runcorn Town on the final day.

In truth, Widnes’ form from November onwards was remarkable, only tasting defeat twice against Marine (Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final) and Barnoldswick Town – a run that included a 5-1 home win over Southport in the Liverpool Senior Cup, and league double over neighbours Runcorn Linnets.

The form would continue in the League Cup, as Widnes would end the season with a trophy after beating Burscough in the final at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium, with the Whites coming from behind to win with goals from Ben Hodkinson and a late Sheen winner.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 21

The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation is a charity set up in memory of Daniel Wilkinson who died in 2016 aged 24, while playing the game he loved, from an underlying heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Dan played football from an early age and joined Hull City AFC when he was 10, earning a professional contract aged 18. Loughborough University followed where he completed a degree in Accounting and Financial Management while playing non-league football. He was an athlete who enjoyed the gym and took his health and nutrition very seriously. He lived life to the full and had so much ahead of him.

Other than feeling light-headed on a few occasions in the month before he died, he had no symptoms!

SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH IN THE YOUNG (SCD) SCD is the leading cause of death in young athletes during sport and the majority of deaths occur with NO SYMPTOMS or family history.

ARVC can be found in one in every 1,000 to 5,000 young adults - IF IT IS LOOKED FOR. Warning signs may include light-headedness, fainting, palpitations, swollen legs, breathlessness.

Every week in the UK, 12 apparently fit and healthy young people (aged 35 and under) die from previously undiagnosed heart conditions.

In Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, they have reduced the incidence of young sudden cardiac death by 89%.

OUR MISSION The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation has been set up to raise awareness of SCD and to provide funding towards heart screening, defibrillators and CPR/defibrillator training primarily for grass-roots sporting teams.

Tragedies can be prevented through cardiac screening. It is vital that young people are identified and treated.

Find out more @dannywilks5 thedanielwilkinsonfoundation dwfoundation5 contact@thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org

To donate: mydonate.bt.com/charities/thedanielwilkinsonfoundation

Widnes Football Club History (Continued) The summer of 2018 saw Widnes’ preparation for a first-ever season in the Northern Premier League Division One West (level 8 of the National League system) disrupted by pitch problems at the Halton Stadium, which had failed its FIFA artificial pitch test. With the surface due to be relaid after the conclusion of the Rugby League season, Widnes were forced to begin the season at Barnton’s Townfield Lane.

Once again, the Club continued to make significant strides as one of Halton’s best junior football clubs. The 2018-19 season saw the junior section expand to 14 teams across eight age groups, including two girls’ teams at Under 12s and Under 14s.

Widnes would once again consolidate their position in the NPL Division One North/West in 2019-20, sitting comfortably in mid-table when the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed the campaign early.

The Club did however reach the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time following an extraordinary replay win at Mossley in the preliminary round, in which Conor Ready netted a 93rd minute winner after the nine-man hosts had come from behind to equalise in the 90th minute.

Despite the pandemic, the club have continued to grow with its burgeoning junior section now overseeing 26 teams including a new Under-17s side and the popular Wildcats initiative.

Promotion to the Northern Premier League also allowed the Cub to enter a team into the NPL Football Academy, forming the Widnes FC ‘Education and Football Academy’ – an alternative to college, ideal for any 16/17 yearold who wants to gain a great education and develop as a footballer at the same time.

After the pandemic brought an early halt to the 2020-21 season, the Whites began the 2021-22 campaign with fresh optimism, but a poor start led to the departure of co-bosses Akrigg and Towey after a hugely successful three-and-a-halfyear spell in charge.

The Club’s first season at Step 4 proved to be an inconsistent one, with co-bosses Akrigg and Towey ultimately guiding the side to a consolidatory 12th placed finish. Widnes would again advance to the Liverpool Senior Cup semifinal, losing to Prescot Cables on penalties.

Dave Dempsey was appointed new manager in September 2021 and would steer the club away from relegation danger to a comfortable midtable position – a run which included a highly impressive set of results and to date, the club’s best ever run in the FA Trophy.

Widnes did add another trophy to the cabinet though with a 3-0 win at Runcorn Linnets to lift the North West Counties Champions Cup.

The Club’s junior section continued to expand, with the total number of teams now standing at over 30 ahead of the 2022-23 season.

It was a significant season for a number of players, with Kev Pollard, Mike Burke and Chris and George Lomax reaching a century of Widnes appearances, while Accrington Stanley loanee Niall Watson would become the Whites’ youngest ever player and goalscorer in a 2-2 draw against Colwyn Bay in January aged 18 years and 211 days.

After a poor start to the campaign, Dempsey was relieved of his position as manager and was replaced by Michael Ellison.

Despite being seven points from safety at the foot of the table with 14 games to play, Ellison led a remarkable turnaround and Widnes secured their Step 4 status on the final day of the season with Laurence Smith scoring the only goal in a win over 1874 Northwich.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 23

Home Ground: HALTON STADIUM, LOWERHOUSE LANE, WIDNES, WA8 7DZ Year Formed : 2003 Record Attendance: 462 v Charnock Richard (NWCFL Division 1) - 22nd April 2016 Previous Leagues: West Cheshire League North West Counties League Honours: The Reusch First Division Winners 2016/17 The Hallmark Security League Premier Division Runner Up 2017/18 The Macron Challenge Cup Winners 2017/18 The Hallmark Security League Champions Cup Winners 2017/18 Website : WWW.WIDNESFOOTBALLCLUB.CO.UK Twitter: @Widnes_FC Main Sponsor: WWW.NPLFA.CO.UK Kit Manufacturer : MACRON Online Club Shop: http://macronstorecheshire.co.uk/widnesfc League Rule 2.13 Ownership: In accordance with the Football Association Rule 2.13 Publication of ownership in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 Clubs within the Football pyramid, we hereby confirm that the Legal Status of WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED identified by Company Number 08960635, takes the ‘Form’ of a Private Company limited by Shares (incorporated 26th March 2014).

Shareholder David Day holds a significant interest in the club as defined by the Football Association with 45.4% of the total company shares.

24 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

League Table Season 2024/25 Northern Premier League - West Table

Pd W L D HW HL AD AW AL AD GF GA GD Pts 1 Trafford 6 5 1 0 2 1 0 3 0 0 10 3 7 15 2 Vauxhall Motors 7 5 2 0 2 1 0 3 1 0 16 11 5 15 3 Stalybridge Celtic 7 4 2 1 2 1 0 2 1 1 13 7 6 13 4 Avro 8 4 3 1 3 0 1 1 3 0 12 10 2 13 5 Bootle 7 4 2 1 3 1 0 1 1 1 11 9 2 13 6 Kidsgrove Athletic 8 3 3 2 2 0 2 1 3 0 11 8 3 11 7 Hednesford Town 6 3 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 0 13 8 5 10 8 Congleton Town 7 new 3 stimulus 3 1 to the 2 club.

1 David 0 1 remained 2 1 on14 12 2es- 10 bring some much needed Day the newly 9 Witton Albion 5 3headed 2 by 0 incoming 2 1 Chairman 0 1Ian 1 9 6 the 3nec-9 tablished Board of Directors, Ross 0that brought 10 Widnes 6 to2enable 2 the 2 Club 2 to progress 0 0 over 0 the 2 coming 2 10 7 3 8 essary expertise and drive seasons.

11 Clitheroe 6 2 2 2 2 0 2 0 2 0 11 10 1 In September 2016, former Runcorn Linnets Manager Joey Dunn was appointed the new 8 12 Chasetown 2 1 2 2 0 1 0 1 1 10 9 1 8 First Team Manager. 5 13 Mossley 5 with 2 an1unbelievable 2 2 141 game 0 winning 0 0streak 2 which 7 ended 6 with 1 8 Joey’s first season ended 14 Wythenshawe 8 2 4 2 1 1 2 1 3 0 9 17 -8 8 the Division 1 title.

15 Wythenshawe Town 4 to2the 1 1 1campaign, 1 0 Dunn 1 resigned 0 1 his post, 5 and 2 players 3 7 After an inconsistent start 2017-2018 16 Nantwich Town& Kev Towey 6 jointly 2 3took1the reigns.

0 2 1 2 1 0 8 10 -2 7 Steve Akrigg 17 Stafford 4 the 1 club 1 to back 2 1to back 1 promotions, 2 0 8 so 14up to -6the7 During Rangers their first season7 they2guided and 18 Newcastle 4 with 1 a 1tremendous 2 0 run 1 of 70 1 points 1 from 0 the 1 remaining 6 6 75 avail0 5 NorthernTown Premier League, able toTown claim the runner on claim -5 a 5 19 Hanley 7 up spot 1 behind 4 2 Runcorn 0 3Linnets.

0 They 1 then 1 went 2 6 to 11 remarkable double, lifting 20 Runcorn Linnets 7 the 1 Macron 4 2Challenge 1 2Cup 1with a02-1 2win over 1 Burscough 6 17 FC -11at 5 Fleetwood Towns ‘Highbury an even 21 City of Liverpool 5 1Stadium 3 to 1 end0the season 1 1 on 1 2 greater 0 6high.7 -1 4 Further Collieries success soon followed Linnets 22 Atherton 5 0 with 4 a convincing 1 0 23-0 win 0 away 0 at2 Runcorn 1 1 12in the -11 1

NWCFL season curtain raiser, The Reusch Champions Cup.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 25

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Ever thought of volunteering to help your local football club?

There are many different volunteer roles in non-league football and Northern Premier League football clubs need your help with them.

The Trident Leagues and Pitching In’s online Volunteer Hub is the place where you can find opportunities and contact your local football club.

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Mark Halstead Josh McGreavy Niall Battersby Owen Beamon Sam Bhatti Lewis Coulton Louis Isherwood Matty Rain Jack Walls Adam Bott George Hassall Steven Irwin Sean Miller Brendan O’Brien Ben Rydel Kingsley Williams Nathan Corness Ethan Danku Sharif Deans Josh High Jack McGowan Liam Paton James Steele

Match Officials

Referee: Mark Hanson Assistant 1: Liam Ashcroft Assistant 2: Bradley Thompson

Mossley AFC Mark Halstead Ben Rydel Matty Rain Brendan O’Brien Louis Isherwood Adam Bott Steven Irwin (C) Sharif Deans Jack McGowan Sean Miller Liam Paton Niall Battersby Paul Kyffin Nathan Caine Jack Walls Kingsley Williams

Played Scored

Widnes FC

Played Scored

The Squads