Widnes v Hanley Town

WIDNES FC

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2024-25

v HANLEY TOWN The Northern Premier League West Division Saturday, 16th November 2024 Kick Off 3.00pm

£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 Afternoon everyone, we go into today’s game on the back of a hard fought 3 points on the road against Wythenshaw Town.

It was certainly a game of two halves, the fist half we where really comfortable and probably should have gone in more than 2 up. We made things a lot more difficult than they needed to be in the second.

Them going down to ten men changed the game and dare I say it give them a lift. It shouldn’t but they had nothing too loose and the game became scrappy, I was disappointed with their goal and we turned over possession far too easy. It’s something we’ve spoke about over the last couple of weeks and something we’re working on every week.

Having said that we seen the game out and backed up up two really good wins against Bootle and Clitheroe and find ourselves on a decent little run.

Today we face a Ganley side who are bottom of the table but that’s something that will not factor into how we approach the game. We need to continue doing the things we’ve done over the hart few weeks and we certainly won’t be overlooking Hanley who have got a lot of experience and will be fighting to stay in the division, which makes them really dangerous. We will certainly have to shuffle the pack due to injuries and suspensions.

If we stick to the game plan we will have a decent chance of getting 3 points.

As always thanks for your support.

Ello

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 05

Hanley Town Club History

B

ased in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, has a rich and storied history that reflects its deep roots in the local community and the broader football landscape.

Early Years and Formation Hanley Town Football Club was founded in 1966, initially competing in local leagues. The club’s formation was driven by a passion for football in the Hanley area and a desire to provide a platform for local talent to showcase their skills. Local Leagues and Growth In its early years, Hanley Town played in various local leagues, gradually building a reputation for competitive play and fostering local talent. The club’s dedication to the sport and its community helped it grow steadily, both in terms of its supporter base and its performance on the pitch.

Recent Developments and Achievements In recent years, Hanley Town FC has continued to progress, achieving notable successes and consolidating its status in the football hierarchy. The club has focused on building a strong team, improving its infrastructure, and engaging more deeply with its supporters and the local community.

One of the club’s key achievements includes its promotion to higher divisions within the non-league football system, showcasing its growth and ambition. Hanley Town’s commitment to excellence has also been reflected in its performances in various cup competitions, where the team has often punched above its weight.

Entrance into the North West Counties League A significant milestone in Hanley Town’s history came when the club joined the North West Counties Football League. This move marked a step up in competition and provided greater exposure and opportunities for the club. Competing in this league allowed Hanley Town to test itself against stronger opponents and develop its players and facilities further.

06 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

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From the Skipper - Ste Irwin Good afternoon everyone.

Welcome back this afternoon.

We’re all looking forward to getting back out at home today and hopefully putting another good performance in and hopefully getting another vital 3 points.

Last week was a massive win even though the performance wasn’t the best especially in the second half but I think we can take a lot of pride in how we defended as a whole.

We’ve took a few injuries in last few weeks so again we will have to shuffle the pack as we only have a small squad.

Enjoy the game.

Stevie

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Today’s Mascots Pex Hill Preds are an U10 team from Widnes. Forming in the Summer of 2024 as a new team they have started competing in the Halewood & Merseyside league.

They competed in and won a number of tournaments over Summer to create a special bond they are progressing in the new season with plenty of Wins.

This new team are strong, talented and have lots of respect for each other on the pitch and also off. Forming friendships along this new journey.

Coach: Tony Shone Ass Coach: Sif Nntshalintshali

Tony is the head coach with over 15 years’ experience and also his son is on our team! Tony trains both boys and girls football teams within Pex Hill. He is a calm coach very fun, supportive, and respected by all the players.

Sif is Tony’s right-hand man. Being a dad of a player and also a great coach. Sif is there to listen to the boys and also teach them new skills and tactics.

Pex Hill Predators U10s are: Marley Shone Mason Ntshalintshali Mohammad Perot Caio Bispo Martinez Finley McCann Milo Argent Arthur Oliveira Landon Owens Daniel Pugh Jaxon Vowles Chester Perry (GK) WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 11

Match Action | Wythenshawe Town 1-2 Widnes

12 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Match Action | Wythenshawe Town 1-2 Widnes

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 13

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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

16 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 17

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 19

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.

20 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 17 12 0 5 5 0 4 7 0 1 35 22 13 36 2 Widnes 17 10 4 3 6 1 1 4 3 2 35 16 19 34 3 Nantwich Town 16 10 1 5 5 1 2 5 0 3 30 20 10 31 4 Trafford 16 9 1 6 3 0 4 6 1 2 22 24 -2 28 5 Congleton Town 16 8 2 6 5 0 2 3 2 4 33 29 4 26 6 Chasetown 14 7 4 3 5 2 1 2 2 2 27 21 6 25 7 Newcastle Town 16 6 6 4 2 2 4 4 4 0 20 17 3 24 8 Mossley 17 new 6 stimulus 6 5 to the 5 club.

3 David 1 1 remained 3 4 on21 20 1es- 24 bring some much needed Day the newly 9 Stalybridge Celtic of Directors, 18 7headed 3 by 8 incoming 5 1 Chairman 2 2Ian 2 26 31the-5 tablished Board Ross 6that brought nec-24 10 Wythenshawe 18 to6enable 6 the 6 Club 3 to progress 5 1 over 3 the 1 coming 5 25 30 -5 24 essary expertise and drive seasons.

11 Runcorn Linnets2016, former 17 Runcorn 7 3 Linnets 7 3Manager 1 5Joey 4 21 26 -5 24 In September Dunn2was2appointed the new 12 ootle 4 0 4 3 2 4 32 33 -1 23 First Team Manager. 17 7 2 8 13 Kidsgrove Athletic 17 with 6 an 4unbelievable 7 3 142 game 3 winning 3 2streak 4 which 24 ended 23 with 1 22 Joey’s first season ended 14 Witton Albion 1 title.

16 6 2 8 4 1 4 2 1 4 25 24 1 20 the Division 15 Wythenshawe Town 14 to5the 4 5 3campaign, 2 4 Dunn 2 resigned 2 1 his post, 25 and 19 players 6 19 After an inconsistent start 2017-2018 16 Hednesford Town 13 jointly 5 4took4the reigns.

1 3 2 4 1 2 23 18 5 19 Steve Akrigg & Kev Towey 17 Clitheroe 14they5guided 4 the 5 club 4 to back 3 0to back 1 promotions, 1 5 25 so 24up to1the 19 During their first season and 18 Avro 15 with 5 a 3tremendous 7 3 run 2 of 70 2 points 2 from 1 the 5 remaining 18 21 75 -3 18 Northern Premier League, available to Rangers claim the runner on claim -9 a 15 19 Stafford 16up spot 4 behind 3 9 Runcorn 2 2Linnets.

3 They 2 then 1 went 6 18to 27 remarkable double, lifting 20 Atherton Collieries 15 the 4 Macron 3 8Challenge 1 2Cup 5with a32-1 1win over 3 Burscough 13 28 FC -15at15 Fleetwood Towns to end0the season an even high.31 -11 11 21 City of Liverpool FC ‘Highbury 17 2Stadium 5 10 4 5 on 2 1 greater 5 20 Further success soon followed Linnets 22 Hanley Town 16 1 with 6 a convincing 9 0 13-0 win 7 away 1 at5 Runcorn 2 12 26in the -14 9

NWCFL season curtain raiser, The Reusch Champions Cup.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 21

H

ALLOWE’EN is over and the bonfires have put out.

Aside from being Santa’s final call, that can only mean one thing…the Isuzu FA Trophy and FA Vase are now in full swing with a dream date at Wembley becoming ever more vivid.

Last week, the Vase was whittled down to the last 64, this week it’s the turn of the Trophy to enter its final qualification round before the big boys from the National League enter the fray in the third round.

This afternoon, the 48 clubs from National League North and South join the 32 Trident League clubs that have battled their way through to the Trophy second round.

Eight Step 4 clubs remain with Coleshill Town and Hadley FC both drawn at home (against Biggleswade Town and AFC Telford United respectively) as two of 14 clubs looking to reach the last 64 for the first time ever.

Southern League Division One South leaders Yate Town also have a home game, against Step 2 side Hampton & Richmond, whilst all five other Step 4 clubs are drawn away from home. Brentwood Town, Sporting Khalsa and Felixstowe & Walton United all also trip to Step 2 opposition in Hereford, Oxford City and Boreham Wood as they bid to reach the last 64 for the first time.

Sittingbourne’s visit of Winchester City in one of three ties where the winner will either equal or set their best run. Stockton Town v Scarborough Athletic is the only one of the three to guarantee a club reaches a firstever last 64 berth.

Three former winners are involved in this second round. Brackley Town (2017-18) and Hornchurch (2020-21) both have away trips to Hashtag United and Enfield Town respectively, whilst Kidderminster Harriers (1986-87) host Halesowen Town in a crunch West Midlands derby, National League North high-flyers Curzon Ashton will have revenge on their minds when they host runaway Northern Premier League leaders Macclesfield at the Tameside Stadium following the Silkmen’s 2-0 win last season on route to the semi-finals.

Weston-super-Mare, however, will be looking to end a 42-year wait to avenge a 1-0 replay loss to Weymouth.

Of the last 64 In the FA Vase, 11 still remain from Step 6 with three of those guaranteed a place in the fourth round, just four steps from the final under the arch.

Abbey Hulton United were rewarded for their fine 2-0 win at Step 5 Atherstone Town with a home tie against Droitwich Spa, who also recorded an away win over higher-level opposition, beating Ashby Ivanhoe 3-1.

Atherton Laburnum Rovers toppled Step 5 Abbey Hey 4-1 away and now host Ashton Town, while Vase debutants Sutton United (Birmingham), 2-0 winners at Midland Premier side Tividale, travel to fellow Step 6 club Winsford United, who were 6-1 winners over Darwen FC. Three other Step 6 clubs produced shock victories over higher-level opposition last weekend. Okehampton Argyle beat Thornbury Town 2-0 away, Windsor & Eton walloped Hilltop 5-0 at home, and Clay Cross Town, the competition’s top scorers with 19 goals, knocked out Stourport Swifts 4-3 away to reach the third round for the first time in 15 years.

Debutants Wombwell Town and Wells City are the other Step 6 clubs left in, alongside only one former winner, in North Shields (2014-15) and two runners-up (Epsom & Ewell 1974-75) and Tunbridge Wells (2012-13).

Defending champions Romford lost 3-2 to Essex Senior League rivals Takeley in their first Vase defence, while Newport Pagnell Town, back-to-back finalists in 2021-22 and 2022-23, were also knocked out, going down 2-1 at home to Dereham Town, Indeed, it was another weekend of thrills, spills and big scorelines. London Lions avenged their defeat

by Stanway Rovers last year with a 10-2 thumping – only the third time in Vase history that score had been produced.

And Crawley Down Gatwick were also flying high, recording their biggest ever Vase win with an 8-0 thumping of Southern Combination rivals Peacehaven & Telscombe.

All the facts and figures surrounding for the FA Trophy or FA Vase can be found by following our friends at FA Trophy Factfile or FA Vase Factfile on X or other social media streams. Visit @FATrophyFacts or @ favasefactfile.

By Jon Couch

22 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

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 Andy Briggs

Match Officials

Referee: Aaron Jackson Assistant 1: Jamie Tomlinson Assistant 2: Liam Ashcroft

Hanley Town Adam Whitehouse Louis Keenan Marc Grocott Pawel Zuk James Askey Jake Moult Joel Stair Kyle Blake Reece Jones Joe Edwards Lucas Baker Jack Bostock Kieran Cliffe Etan Stanton Tom Pope Daniel Moore Finley Ryder J Leitch-Smith Sam Turner Pawel Zuk

Played Scored

Widnes FC

Played Scored

The Squads