Widnes v Avro

WIDNES FC

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2024-25

v AVRO The Northern Premier League West Division Saturday, 5th October 2024 Kick Off 3.00pm

£2.00

ANDYSMANCLUB WHAT IS ANDYSMANCLUB? ANDYSMANCLUB is a free peer-to-peer group that provides a place for men to come together in a safe and open environment to talk about the issues or problems that they have faced or are currently facing.

WHEN IS IT?

ANDYSMANCLUBs meet every Monday at 7pm (excluding Bank Holiday Mondays).

HOW DOES IT WORK? The process is about bringing men together who have been in similar situations, to help each other on a peer to peer basis, sharing how they have dealt with various situations through lived experiences. No matter how big or small your problem feels, we are here to support each other. The 5 questions that are asked each week are designed not only to encourage men to talk, but to start to focus on the positives and on strategies to keep moving forward. There is no pressure to answer any of the questions and it is not uncommon for men to just listen for the first few sessions.

The clubs all run on the same format and adhere to the same guidelines. A key principle of ANDYSMANCLUB is anything that is said in the club, stays within the club.

WHO IS IT FOR? The club is open to any man 18 or over, who is going through a storm, been through a storm or just wants to meet a good group of people with the aim of improving one another.

WHERE IS IT?

ANDYSMANCLUB has over 100 locations across the UK. Check our website below for a full list.

HOW DO I JOIN?

Just turn up on the night.

No registration or referral is required, all we ask is that you arrive before 7pm.

The full list of our locations available on our website.

CONTACT US @andysmanclub @andysmanclubuk

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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 Afternoon everyone, we go into today’s game on the back of an excellent away performance at Stafford.

I’d describe the performance as efficient, the lads deserve massive credit and put a real shift in. The three points was the most important thing but feel we showed every side of our game. We had to defend well at times especially in the first half and then when our chances came we were clinical. 4 goals and a clean sheet don’t think you can ask for any more than that. That made it 3 wins from 3 and my challenge to the lads now is can we go and back it up and continue the decent run we are on.

We face really good Avro side today and know that we will have to be at it if we are to take anything from the game, they’ve got lots of experience and lads at the top end of the pitch who can really hurt you.

We will need to be defensively sound and if we can take our chances when they come hopefully we can get something from the game, as always thanks you for your support, Ello

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 05

AVRO Club History

T

he history of our club begins in the years just before the start of the Second World War. A.V.Roe established an aircraft factory which was situated in fields at the end of Moston Lane in North Manchester.

The factory would become the manufacturing home of the famed ‘Dambusters’ aircraft – the Avro Lancaster, as well as the famous Cold War ‘V’ bomber - the Avro Vulcan. A.V Roe purchased a smaller factory in Failsworth, where the Lancaster Social Club was located. 1936 saw this 16th century Lodge purchased by the AVRO works manager Mr Roy Dobson prior to the company opening their main Chadderton factory.

In 1950, the Lodge was opened up to all personnel of Avro and took on the Lancaster Club name. The Grade II listed Lancaster Club then became the clubs headquarters for the next 67 years.

We joined the Manchester League in 1954/55 season and won the Division 1 Championship in 1988/89 and reestablished our junior teams, but lasted just three seasons in the Premier Division before being relegated in 1991/92.

We again won Division 1 in 2003/04 and promotion to the Premier Division, but we were again relegated after three seasons in 2006/07. We bounced back immediately and were back in the Premier Division in 2008/09.

There followed success with us capturing the Manchester League Premier Division title in in 2009/10. By this time Oldham Council had bought the Lancaster Club land from Oldham Athletic FC who had purchased it as part of a plan to build a new stadium on the site, which never materialised.

After a lot of hard work and liaising with Oldham Council and various other parties

by Chairman Rob Fuller, we were granted a lease on the former Whitebank Stadium in Limehurst Village, Oldham. Again, after an enormous amount of work to bring it up to standard, this has become our new home ground ; The Vestacare Stadium.

In Summer 2017 the new management team of Lee O’Brien and James Hampson took over and along with 1st team coach Paul Armstrong and goalkeeping coach Paul Urbano they led the team to Manchester League Premier Division title, and the Manchester FA County Cup in their first season.

The move to the new stadium allowed the club to pursue its ambitions of Step 6 football which was achieved in 2018 with promotion to the NWCFL Division 1 North.

In our first season in NWCFL we reached the semi-final of the Macron Cup, and the final of the First Division Cup, as well as reaching the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Vase. In the league we finished runners-up to Longridge Town and were promoted as one of the highest points per game clubs in the country. Our first season in the

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NWCFL Premier Division 2019/20 saw us consolidate and finish a respectable 12th position after 30 games, the season being curtailed by the Corona Virus outbreak of course. We also made a first appearance in the FA Cup, losing to Litherland REMYCA. In the curtailed 2020/21 the team finished on Boxing Day top of the Premier Division after some excellent performances, particularly away from home. The 20/21 FA Cup ended in a defeat at home to Bootle after a performance that very nearly took the Merseysiders to penalties. January 2022 saw the resignation of our successful management duo of Lee O’Brien and James Hampson with the club sitting in a highly respectable 5th position in the Premier Division. Chairman Rob Fuller and the board acted swiftly and appointed from within and player Alex Frost became the new manager, appointing the highly experienced Phil Edghill as his right hand man. The positive results continued in the league and we finished in a very creditable 6th position.

During the close season the new management team recruited excellently and also tied down on contract many of our squad and we headed into the 2022/23 season in a strong position but knowing how tough the battle would be to secure a promotion place. We hit the ground running and recorded a club record 720 minutes without conceding a goal, Emley in the FA Vase being the first team to score against us on 26th August 9 games into the season. That consistency continued through the season and we suffered consecutive defeats on only 2 occasions, finishing the season

with fewest goals conceded in the NWCFL Premier Division in 2nd position. That led to a play-off final at NPL side Lincoln United, an historic day for the club as goals from Tom Bentham and Jack Morrow ina 2-1 win fired us up into the Northern Premier League.

Our first season in the Northern Premier League West saw us make an immediate impact at Step 4. The team was in the running for a play-off place until the end of the season, and finished with one of the best defensive records as well as one of the best overall away records in the division, eventually finishing a creditable 8th place. Notable victories included league ‘doubles’ over champions Leek Town and also promoted Prescot Cables, and we also made an appearance in the Manchester Premier Cup final.

At the end of the season management duo Alex Frost and Phil Edghill stepped down due to increased work commitments and the club moved fast to secure the appointment of successful Abbey Hey joint managers Michael Norton and David Birch.

We look forward to them bringing their own brand of successful football to the squad as we continue our journey for the 24/25 season.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 07

AVRO Player Profiles Jake Cottrell - Midfield - Team captain and another vastly experienced player with a pedigree from the NPL. Jake joined after his contract at Ashton United expired, after having spent most of his non-league career at FC United and Chorley FC. Sam Davidson - Midfield - Arrived in the Summer from Oldham Athletic’s academy. Sam is a highly talented player who has quickly become a key man in the squad.

James Dwyer - Defender/Midfield - Another local Oldham based player. James came through at Chadderton where he made his NWCFL debut. Spells with Prestwich Heys and Wythenshawe Town followed before joining Stalybridge Celtic in Summer 2023. James was there a short time before making the move to the Vestacare Stadium.

Geffry Ebhote - Defender - Italian born Geff was playing in Serie C for his local club in Verona before moving to the North-West. Geff was initally playing amateur football for AFC Oldham before being picked up by Stockport Town in the NWCFL. Joined Avro in Summer 2022.

Liam Ellis - Heywood based striker who has played in NPL for Radcliffe, Mossley and Trafford. Began his non-league career at Avros, rejoined in Summer 2020 after 2 spells at the club in 2019/20.

David Fitzpatrick - Defender - Highly experienced Manchester born defender who began at Northwich Victoria before playing Conference football for Southport, also played EFL football at Macclesfield before joining Port Vale. Signed from Radcliffe this season.

Aarron Grewal - Midfield - A recent arrival from Witton Albion. Aarron is a fast, pacy winger who began his career with West Didsbury & Chorlton.

Kyle Hawley - Forward - A powerhouse striker with an eye for goal, joined us early in the season from New Mills.

Benito Lowe - Forward. Another powerful, skilful striker Benny arrived in the Summer having played for Stalybridge Celtic and Bury FC last season. Benny came through the ranks at Curzon Ashton as a young player and was a part of the successful New Mills team built by Mike Norton and David Birch.

Jack Morrow – Midfield – Box to box midfield dynamo joined in Summer 2019 making his debut as a sub v Squires Gate. Previously with Rochdale Sacred Heart.

Sam Rathbone – Defender – Sam is Club Captain and Avros through and through.

Skipper of the Manchester League double winning side, and NWCFL Division 1 North promotion team, Sam doesn’t score many but when he does they are memorable, including scored the winner at Bury AFC in the NWCFL and our first goal in a national FA Competition.

Jamie Rother - Midfield - Jamie is a midfield dynamo and if there’s a blade of grass he’s not covered we haven’t found it yet ! Jamie joined us in December 2022 making his debut at Litherland REMYCA, a hugely experienced former captain at Ramsbottom United.

Grant Shenton - Goalkeeper - A massive presence in the dressing room and on the field, Shents is the team captain and no stranger to the NPL. He joined Avro in Summer 2022 after a career that has taken in FC United, Stalybridge Celtic and Chester FC. Grant was the NWCFL Premier Division goalkeeper of the season 2022/23 keeping a club record number of clean sheets.

Deane Smalley - Defender - A vastly experienced player with well over 100 appearances for Oldham Athletic in a distinguished career covering Rochdale, Oxford United and Bradford City, Deane joined us this summer from Wythenshawe Town.

Dominic Smalley - Defender - Younger brother of Deane, Dom is a talented experienced rightback and has played for Ramsbottom United, Salford City, Ashton United, Chester and Wythenshawe Town from whom he joined us this Summer.

Cheikh Thiam - Defender - Cheikh joined us from Warrington Rylands, and counts FC United and Stockport Town amongst his previous clubs. Appeared in the EFL Trophy for Fleetwood Town. Born in Verbania, Italy.

Kane Wallwork – Defence/ Midfield/Forward – A hugely talented player who has been at Avros for all his career, and a survivor of our Manchester League side. Kane can play anywhere on the right, but is mainly an attacking midfielder.

AJ Warburton - Defender/Midfield/Forward - A summer arrival from Droylsden FC where he had made an impressive entrance to the non-league scene. AJ is a fast, pacy player comfortable anywhere on the flank.

08 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

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Widnes Youth - Under 14’s Whites

F

ounded in 2017 as an U7s team, the current U14 Whites were one of the first two junior teams at Widnes FC. The team plays Saturdays in the Warrington Junior league and has enjoyed a number of successes over the last 7 years. Notably they finished runners up in League and were crowned Alf Holt Cup Champions in the 2022/2023 season and were Division 4 Winners in the 2023/2024 season subsequently earning back to back league promotions.

The team’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current status is a testament to its resilience and passion for the game. 7 of the original 10 players remain owing to the friendships formed and the nurturing and inclusive environment provided.

of their coaches and parents, the future looks bright for these superstars.

The U14 Whites are made up of: 1 Ryan (GK) 4 Annie (C) 5 Ellie 6 Thom 7 Dima 8 Noah (VC) 9 Will 10 Harry 11 Calvin 14 Sullivan 16 Reagan 17 Matt 18 Max 20 Charlie 21 Howie 23 Jack 27 Matthew 30 Jenson

The coaching team impress more than just football knowledge noting that they are helping to create future leaders, partners and employees as well football players.

The team, lead by captain Annie, possess a high level of ball mastery which can be attributed to the additional futsal sessions they attend in addition to their regular training.

They can be seen singing from the terrace every home game (and most away games too), supporting the first team, bonding and hoping to be part of the squad themselves in just a few short years.

As the season progresses, the Whites aim to continue their strong form and solidify their spot in a new, challenging league.

With the dedication and hard work of the players, and the unwavering support

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WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 11

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From the Skipper - Ste Irwin Good afternoon everyone.

After a great result last weekend and the performance we put in. We’re all looking forward to the game today. The challenge now is to try back up these performances with another one.

Welcome Avro to the DCBL today which we know will be another really tough game so we have to be at the level we know we need to be to get the points.

Enjoy the game Stevie

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14/10/2021 11:36 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 13

Gallery | Stafford Rangers 0-4 Widnes

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Gallery | Stafford Rangers 0-4 Widnes

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 15

W

HAT’S THAT noise you hear rumbling in the distance? Ah yes, it’s the national media getting ready to start covering the FA Cup from the first round proper.

No Non-League footballer’s day job is safe from being shoehorned into any report in a bid to save the romance of the FA Cup. Of course, if you’re reading this you know the FA Cup kicked off back in August and the magic has been well and truly alive ever since.

And while, yes, the first round proper is drawing ever nearer, the fourth round qualifying round as thrown up some mouth-watering ties.

We’ve said for quite a few years now how this stage of the competition – and even those before it considering the size of some Step 2 clubs – almost has a first round feel in itself.

Biggleswade v York City jumps off the page in a northern section of the draw packed with big names with the likes of Scarborough Athletic hosting Chester and Oldham Athletic taking on FC Halifax Town.

Will it be a Bigg weekend in Bedfordshire?

Biggleswade Town are still in the hat with their postponed replay against Alfreton Town due now scheduled for Tuesday after a midweek washout.

The winners host Spennymoor Town.

League Dagenham & Redbridge, while Chertsey Town host Sutton United.

Horsham enjoyed a fairytale run last season, drawing 3-3 with Barnsley before losing the replay and then being reinstated after the Tykes were found to have played an ineligible player.

They welcome Step 4 Gorleston, who have just dumped out St Albans City. The last time they reached the first round was in the 1957-58 season!

IF they get there, surely that’s worth a piece in the papers…

FA Cup fourth round qualifying draw NORTHERN SECTION Rushall Olympic v Peterborough Sports Tamworth v Macclesfield Oldham Athletic v FC Halifax Town Hartlepool United v Brackley Town Farsley Celtic v Kettering Town Altrincham v Solihull Moors AFC Fylde v Rochdale Scarborough Athletic v Chester Biggleswade v York City Harborough Town v Bury Curzon Ashton v Kings Lynn Town Gainsborough Trinity v Boston United Hednesford Town v Gateshead Biggleswade Town/Alfreton Town v Spennymoor Town Kidderminster Harriers v Guiseley

In the southern section of the draw we’re waiting to see whether Bishops Cleeve can add Chesham United to their scalps in the rearranged replay on Tuesday with Yeovil Town awaiting the winners.

SOUTHERN SECTION Taunton Town v Maidenhead United Horsham v Gorleston Aldershot Town v Bath City Eastleigh v Southend United Chertsey Town v Sutton United Boreham Wood v Carshalton Athletic Haringey Borough/Lowestoft Town v Weston-super-Mare Wealdstone v Gosport Borough Leiston v Dagenham & Redbridge Barnet v Chelmsford City Bishops Cleeve/Chesham United v Yeovil Town Cray Wanderers v Tonbridge Angels Woking v Slough Town Forest Green Rovers v Weymouth Maidstone United v Ebbsfleet United Plymouth Parkway v Worthing Braintree Town v Bishop’s Stortford

Suffolk side Leiston beat Hornchurch in extra time on Tuesday to set-up a home date with National

By Matt Badcock Editor, The Non-League Paper

Hednesford Town are a big Non-League name now under the charge of another big Non-League name in Steve King. The Step 4 side entered right at the very start in the extra preliminary round and, thanks to a 1-0 win over Shifnal Town on Tuesday, will now host Step 1 Gateshead.

And how about Step 5 Bury fresh from their win at National League North Radcliffe at the weekend?

They travel to Harborough Town who are looking to create their own history by reaching the first round for the first time.

16 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

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Widnes Football Club History

W

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

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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.

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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 Vauxhall Motors 9 6 0 3 2 0 2 4 0 1 19 13 6 18 2 Trafford 8 6 0 2 2 0 1 4 0 1 13 7 6 18 3 Widnes 9 5 2 2 4 0 0 1 2 2 18 8 10 17 4 Stalybridge Celtic 10 5 2 3 3 1 2 2 1 1 18 12 6 17 5 Bootle 10 5 1 4 3 0 1 2 1 3 18 19 -1 16 6 Clitheroe 9 4 3 2 4 2 0 0 1 2 20 15 5 15 7 Kidsgrove Athletic 9 4 2 3 2 2 0 2 0 3 12 8 4 14 8 Runcorn Linnets 10 new 4 stimulus 2 4 to the 2 club.

1 David 2 2 remained 1 2 on13 19 -6 bring some much needed Day the newly es- 14 9 Avro 8 4headed 1 by 3 incoming 3 1 Chairman 0 1Ian 0 12 10the 2nec13 tablished Board of Directors, Ross 3that brought 10 Wythenshawe 11 to3enable 3 the 5 Club 1 to progress 3 1 over 2 the 0 coming 4 14 22 -8 12 essary expertise and drive seasons.

11 Chasetown 7 3 2 Linnets 2 3Manager 1 1Joey 0 13 12 1 11 In September 2016, former Runcorn Dunn1was1appointed the new 12 Hednesford 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 0 1 13 8 5 10 First TeamTown Manager. 6 13 Wythenshawe Town ended 6 with 3 an1unbelievable 2 2 140 game 1 winning 1 1streak 1 which 10 ended 6 with 4 10 Joey’s first season 14 Congleton Town 8 3 1 4 2 0 1 1 1 3 16 15 1 10 the Division 1 title.

15 Nantwich 7 to3the 1 3 1campaign, 1 2 Dunn 2 resigned 0 1 his post, 11 and 12 players -1 10 After an Town inconsistent start 2017-2018 16 Witton 7 jointly 3 0took4the reigns.

2 0 2 1 0 2 11 10 1 9 SteveAlbion Akrigg & Kev Towey 17 Mossley 3 the 3 club 2 to back 1 1to back 0 promotions, 2 2 8 so 12up to -4the9 During their first season8 they2guided and 18 Stafford Rangers 9 with 2 a 2tremendous 5 1 run 1 of 70 3 points 1 from 1 the 2 remaining 8 18 75-10 Northern Premier League, avail-8 able to claim on a0 7 19 Newcastle Townthe runner 6 up spot 1 behind 4 1 Runcorn 0 1Linnets.

1 They 1 then 3 went 0 7 to claim 7 remarkable 20 Hanley Town double, lifting 9 the 1 Macron 3 5Challenge 0 0Cup 4with a12-1 3win over 1 Burscough 8 14 FC -6at 6 Fleetwood Towns an even 21 City of Liverpool FC ‘Highbury 7 1Stadium 2 to 4 end0the season 2 2 on 1 0 greater 2 8high.11 -3 5 Further Collieries success soon followed Linnets 22 Atherton 7 0 with 2 a convincing 5 0 13-0 win 3 away 0 at1Runcorn 2 1 13in the -12 2

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.

Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to find out more

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: Jacob Viera Assistant 1: Scott Dowell Assistant 2: Adrian Duicu

Avro Grant Shenton (C) Chiekh Thiam AJ Warburton Kane Hickman David Fitzpatrick Deane Smalley Max Harrop Sam Davidson Kyle Hawley Benito Lowe Mike Phenix Jake Cottrell Craig Carney Darren Ehimamiegho James Dwyer Liam Ellis

Played Scored

Widnes FC

Played Scored

The Squads