15 - Widnes v Congleton

WIDNES FC

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2024-25

v CONGLETON TOWN The Northern Premier League West Division Saturday, 25th January 2025 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: 633 v Runcorn Linnets (NPL West Division) - 04.01.2024 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 Assistant Manager - Chris Lawton Good afternoon everyone, welcome to this top of the table clash with Congleton.

Although last time out against Stafford we wasn’t at our absolute best, I feel we showed a lot of the things we spoke about to the lads before the game. The recovery runs were much better, our shape out of possession was better and I felt we out worked Stafford for large parts of the game. Obviously we feel we can still improve on things, especially from an attacking point of view. This isn’t just down to our attacking players either. Our final pass was very poor at times from everyone and this is something that we are continuously working on in training so hopefully we will soon start to see the dividends of this in our games.

Congleton is definitely going to be our hardest test of the season. They are on a huge unbeaten run, have the ability to hurt teams with the players they have at their disposal and don’t give many goals away. They are a well coached side and have been massively successful over the last couple of years so they have that winning mentality that is hard to overcome.

When we played them back in October they will feel massively aggrieved to have lost the game 2-1. I thought they were better than us on the day but our lads found a way to win which we have done on a few occasions this season which is a huge testament to the lads.

We have trained well all week and have prepared a plan that we think will work both in and out of possession. It’s now down to the lads to go out and execute this plan and like I always say, if they do this and are good in both boxes then no doubt we will achieve a positive result.

The game will be the highlight of the fixtures this weekend across our league and most teams will be hoping for a share of spoils between us, we know how big a win would be for us and that’s exactly what we will be aiming for.

Thanks for reading, get behind the lads again and hopefully come 5pm we will celebrating a huge 3 points.

Cheers Lawty

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 05

Congleton Town Club History

C

ongleton Town Football Club was founded in 1901. It was effectively an offspring of the late Congleton Juniors’ squad bolstered by other local, amateur players with a view to creating a new town representative side, as indicated by its choice of club title, to fill the void left by the Congleton Hornets following that club’s demise through financial difficulties in April 1900.

The team initially played its matches on the Chaddock-Lowndes field at the top of Booth Street before moving to its current site on the upper-half of adjacent West Field in the summer of 1903.

The first Town team, known as the ‘Townies’, was a fine young side and included a 16 years old Hugh Moffat amongst its ranks, a full back who went on to play at the highest level and who remains the only Congleton born-and-bred footballer to have represented his country in a full international match.

In those early days the team first sported red jerseys, then later claret and blue before adopting their famous black & white striped kit in 1920.

This vibrant young side immediately claimed a hattrick of Crewe & District League titles prior to being accepted for the North Staffordshire & District League in 1905, where they finished as runners-up in 1915 and then champions in 1920 following the resumption of football after the Great War. Other successes prior to WW1 were a Crewe & District Cup win in 1904 and consecutive triumphs in the Cheshire Amateur Cup in 1906 and 1907. They were also beaten finalists in the Cheshire Amateur Cup in 1904 and 1909, and the Burslem Cup in 1913. In 1920 the club moved up to the Cheshire County League, then an elite league ranked just below the Football League. This switch coincided with the return to the club of Hugh Moffat, now in the twilight of his long career, who inspired the team to a runners-up spot in the league and a first-ever victory for the town of Congleton in the prestigious Cheshire Senior Cup when Winsford were beaten 1-0, with Moffat heading a goal-bound effort off the line in the final minute. This period also saw the introduction of accommodation at the football ground with the acquisition of an ex-Army Hut for changing rooms in 1920 and the building of a unique, wooden stand circa 1923. The latter, constructed by the aptly-named James Standeven, incorporated replacement changing rooms and a communal bath, in addition to providing sheltered spectator seating and a press box. It then served the club for the next 70 years. Although the club also finished as league runners-up the following season their successes leading up to the outbreak of WW2 in 1939 were

limited to a further Cheshire Senior Cup win against Crewe Alexandra in 1938 following two replays and being the beaten finalists in that cup in 1928 and 1934, and the League Cup in 1928.

The Cheshire County League was suspended following the declaration of war, but the club did compete in the local Macclesfield & District League in 1939-40 finishing in equal first place with Bollington, eventually emerging as champions following a play-off. The club also won the Sentinel Cup in 1939. Following the resumption of football after WW2 the club once again participated in the Cheshire County League. However, the team perpetually struggled to compete at this level, always languishing in the bottom half of the table, culminating in a bottom finish in 1965 that saw them controversially voted out of the league. Their games did attract big crowds though. In particular, the local derbies versus Macclesfield Town when spectators turned up in their thousands. Indeed, the ground’s highest ever attendance is reputedly an estimated 7,000 for this derby in 1954. That said a far more plausible nominee for that record is the definite crowd of 5,448 that turned up at Booth Street on 7th April 1950 against the same opponents. In April 1949 the club sold their star player, insideforward Desmond Frost, to Leeds United for a fee of £1K, the equivalent of £36K in 2021 money. That fee was, and still is, a club transfer record and it just happened to be the exact amount of money required to facilitate the club’s immediate purchase of the ground from the Lowndes-Yates family. Three seasons in the lowly Manchester League then followed before the club switched to the Mid Cheshire League in 1968.

This proved to be a successful period for the club on the pitch under the guidance of ex-player Roy Campbell but the club’s perilous financial situation resulted in the ground being sold off to the Congleton Corporation for the sum of £4.5K early in 1971. The club had been desperate and, not for the first time, on the verge of collapse.

Conversely the team, made up of quality local amateur players, was in great shape and it finished champions of the Mid-Cheshire League in 1974, 1976 and 1978; runners-up in 1970, 1972 and 1977; and won the League Cup in 1972 and 1978. they also won the Bartlett Memorial Trophy in 1972, and the Cheshire Amateur Cup in 1978. In 1978 the club re-joined the Cheshire County League. This time in its newly-formed second division and they were crowned champions of that division in 1982. Immediately afterwards though the Cheshire County League merged with the Lancashire Combination to create the North West Counties League with Congleton

06 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Town FC being one its founder members. The club finished runners-up in 1986, only losing the title on goal difference. In 1980 better times had obviously prevailed as significant ground improvements had been undertaken with the pitch’s infamous slope now levelled and the club’s first set of floodlights installed. In 1983 the team had again contested the Cheshire Senior Cup final narrowly losing 1-2 to the much higher-ranked Macclesfield Town, and in 1987 the club were elevated to the Northern Premier League’s newly-formed second tier. The 1989-90 season witnessed the club’s finest achievement when the team battled through all of the qualifying rounds to reach the First-Round proper of the FA Cup. They were drawn away to Football League side Crewe Alexandra and 1,000 supporters made the short journey to cheer them on. They acquitted themselves well but eventually lost 0-2 after holding out for 60 minutes. They were also League Cup finalists that season. The NPL years were very much a repeat of the post-war Cheshire County League period with the team struggling most seasons until a bottom finish in 2001, the club’s centenary year, saw them relegated to the NWCFL. The team did reach the 4th round of the FA Trophy that season though, the team’s best progression in that competition to date.

There were again turbulent times off the field with the club once more being close to extinction. In 1993 a new cantilever stand had been erected in place of the old wooden one, or rather what was left of it, and this undertaking nearly broke the club as they fell £10K short of the required £41K. Fortunately, the Congleton Town Council came to the club’s rescue.

There was also talk in 1996 of the club relocating to Back Lane Playing Fields following a proposal by Congleton Borough Council but, despite high hopes on both sides, nothing came of it in the end. Since season 2001-02 the club has been back in the NWCFL and it remains there to this day despite the FA inexplicably placing the club in the Midland League in 2021 as part of its reorganisation of the Pyramid.

Thankfully, the club’s appeal against that decision was successful. Unfortunately, there has been little success during this second stint in the NWCFL with the team’s highest placing to date being third position in 2019. The team did win the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup in 2007 for a first time and had been runnersup in 1997, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2014 but they now no longer enter this competition. There were also notable runs in the FA Vase when they reached the 5th round in 2004 and 2021, the team’s best progressions to date. Conversely off the field there have been massive strides. The club has been community-owned since 2014 thanks to the club shareholders from that time generously gifting all their Congleton Town Ltd shares to the community

benefit society that is Congleton Town Community FC Ltd at a financial loss to themselves, there have been continuous and significant facilities improvements since 2006 including replacement floodlights in 2019 and then, most significantly of all, the club kicked off an exciting new era in June 2020 following its merger with Congleton Vale (now CTFC Reserves) and Congleton Rovers Juniors (now CTFC Juniors).

The future looks bright for the Bears in their new club colours of yellow, black and white in spite of these Covid 19 times, which resulted in NWCFL seasons 2019-20 and 2020-21 being declared null and void.

The Bears narrowly escaped being laterally moved for season 2021-22 to the Midland Football League as a result of the restructuring of the non-league pyramid.

Only a well-constructed appeal to the FA, which was upheld, meant the Bears were reassigned back to the NWC. Whilst all that was taking place, new manager Richard Duffy with support from Director of Football Chris Rowley set about putting together a side that would be tasked with pressing for the much sought after promotion to step 4. Among notable signings were ex-Port Vale’s Tom Pope.

Season 2022/23 proved the most successful season for many years. Great progress in the FA Cup, beating 3 Northern Premier League sides to reach the third qualifying round before exiting to National League North AFC Fylde after a replay. Reaching the Isuzu FA Vase semi final where the then current holders Newport Pagnell defeated the Bears on penalties.

Winning the Macron Cup (NWC League Challenge Cup) and winning the Cheshire Senior Cup defeating full time National League side Altrincham. Added to that, although their league performance was just above ordinary, no side completed the double over the Bears. Building on that success and following lateral transfer to the Midland Football League (MFL), the Bears had little success in FA competitions in 2023/24 but ran our League Champions with promotion to Step 4 (Northern Premier League First Division West with a 34-match campaign that saw them win 25, draw 6 and lose just 3 with all defeats

by Nov 23. 101 goals scored and 31 conceded plus winners of the MFL Cup saw Richard Duffy deservedly pick up the Manager of the Year award. The Bears now prepare for a new, and welcome, challenge.

Progress over the opening half of the 2024/25 season has been sound with the Bears consolidating as Christmas approached. They will miss Anthony Griffith’s contributions as he has been accepted on the FA’s accelerated referee’s programme for explayers and his progress so far means he will need to be refereeing frequently. This has meant he has had to step away from his role as assistant manager at the club. He leaves with the best wishes from both officials and supporters.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 07

Today’s Mascots Widnes Under 12’s Whites Formed in the summer of 2018 as an Under-6s side, the current U12s Whites were part of the batch of first junior teams at Widnes FC. After six seasons together, a lot changed in the summer with coach Tony and his son Sam starting a new life in Ireland and other founding member players leaving.

But coaches Paul and Rob have been delighted by the way a new-look squad has come together and the spirit they are showing on the pitch.

Playing at a high standard in the Warrington Junior League, any side facing the Whites now know they are going to be in for a game and the boys kicked off the new year with a brilliant 3-0 derby victory at Pex Hill.

Of the original eight lads who started with the team, three remain: twin brothers Oliver and Owen, as well as Thomas.

Oliver, a great passer with pace to burn, has played in every position over the years, but he is now developing into a firstrate full-back.

Owen is an excellent ball-playing defender who reads the game so well.

Thomas has been the side’s leading goalscorer for a number of years but as he grows older, he is beginning to move further back to show off his superb passing and hold-up skills.

Trent joined the team at Under-8s level and has developed into an outstanding centre-back and leader with a fierce shot.

08 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Leo and Levi have been long-established Widnes players but joined the Whites in the summer of 2023.

Leo, who is captaining the team this season with Thomas, is a topclass full-back who is equally impressive when he plays in midfield thanks to his all-round ability.

Levi is a fast and skilful forward with an ice-cool finishing ability who has scored lots of goals.

Jacob, a tireless and skillful midfielder who runs his heart out, is currently the side’s top goalscorer in the league after his double against Pex Hill.

Also arriving the summer before last was Joe. A talented midfield player with great feet and positioning, he is growing into another leader for the team.

Joseph and Francis also joined the Whites in 2023. Experiencing team football for the first time, they have both developed as players so much.

Francis is now looking to be a holding midfielder, where he can utilise his passing and interception skills, while Joseph is a hard-working winger with an eye for goal whose understanding of the game is growing by playing in different positions.

The Whites boosted their squad with four new signings in the summer just gone and all have made a big impact.

Orren and Eathan are rugby team-mates of Trent and they have shown just what excellent sportsmen and competitors they are.

Orren is a strong centre-back who knows where the net is and Eathan is an allaction striker, who is very comfortable with both feet.

And earlier in the season the Whites were delighted to bring in Layton. Skillful and strong, he scored three goals not long after signing and, like all the boys, is developing all the time.

Charlie is an exceptional all-round goalkeeper who has already scored and set up goals this season with his pinpoint kicking and passing.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 09

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From the Skipper - Ste Irwin Good afternoon everyone.

Firstly it was great to get back to winning ways last weekend and the 3 points on the board was the main thing. Hopefully with a good week of training and preparation we can build on the good stuff we did amd iron out any mistakes.

We welcome Congleton today who have been in fantastic form over the last few months so we know we have to be right up for it today and on our best form if we are to get anything out of the game.

If we can play to our strengths then we know we can beat anyone in the league so that’s got to be our main focus and hopefully come 5pm we can have another huge 3 points on the board!

I hope you enjoy the game Stevie

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Match Action | WIDNES 2-0 STAFFORD RANGERS

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 15

Widnes Player Profiles Mark Halstead – Goalkeeper Former Blackpool goalkeeper Mark made his Premier League debut for the Seasiders in a defeat to Chelsea in November 2010.

The 34-year-old has made over 70 EFL appearances, winning promotion to League One with Morecambe in 2021.

Niall Battersby – Defender Imperious in the air, 24-year-old central defender Niall signed for the club in December 2023 and went on to make 15 appearances in the second half of last season. Niall has played at Step 3 for Ashton United and came through the youth ranks at Bolton Wanderers.

Owen Beamon – Defender Highly rated youngster Owen is one to watch at the DCBL Stadium. The 19-year-old spent much of last season on dual registration at Litherland REMYCA and will start this season at Litherland Sports Park too.

Sam Bhatti – Defender Equally adept at right-back and holding midfield, youngster Sam is a talented prospect who captained Crewe Alexandra as a trainee.

Sam made 19 appearances last season and spent time on dual registration at Litherland REMYCA. Louis Isherwood – Defender Louis is embarking on his second full season with the club. A natural centre-half, the 23-year-old can cover at both full back positions and is comfortable playing in central midfield. He signed his first senior contract with Chorley in 2021 and had loan spells at various Step 4 clubs before settling at Widnes.

Brendan O’Brien – Defender Brendan returned to the club for a second spell in late 2023, making 13 appearances last season. The 24-year-old first joined in 2019 on loan from Blackpool, where he came through the ranks under the tutelage of former Widnes midfielder Danny Ventre.

Matty Rain – Defender Left-back Matty has been a virtual ever-present since joining from Bootle in October. The 23-year-old possesses a wand of a left foot and lists Burnley, FC United of Manchester and Curzon Ashton amongst his former clubs.

Michael Simpson – Defender Right-back Simmo joined the club from City of Liverpool in November 2024. Equally adept in central midfield, the 31-year-old has played for manager Michael Ellison twice previously and won the NPL West with Warrington Rylands in 2022.

Jack Walls – Defender Right-back Jack previously played at Step 4 for City of Liverpool, playing under Michael Ellison.

The 23-year-old spent the majority of last season on dual registration at AFC Liverpool, appearing once for Widnes.

Fisnik Hajdari – Midfielder Fis is the club’s longest-serving player having first joined up in the summer of 2019. The 27-year-old has made 89 appearances for the Whites, a number that would be significantly higher had it not been for the COVID pandemic and injury.

George Hassall – Midfielder Versatile George arrived at the DCBL Stadium in October 2022 to re-join manager Ellison after working together at City of Liverpool. The 26-year-old came through the youth ranks at Shrewsbury Town, and has previously represented AFC Fylde, Marine and Prescot Cables.

Steven Irwin – Midfielder Club Captain Ste joined the club from Warrington Rylands in autumn 2022 and quickly became an influential figure in the changing room. The 34-year-old won the division with Rylands in 2022 and skippered Liverpool to an FA Youth Cup final appearance in 2009. He also lists FC United and Marine amongst his former clubs.

16 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Harry McGee – Midfielder 22-year-old Harry linked up with the Whites from Witton Albion in November 2024. He came through the ranks at Wigan Athletic, earning a professional contract in 2021, before switching to FC United of Manchester.

Dominic McGiveron – Midfielder Dom is a cultured and well-travelled attacking midfielder. The 28-year-old has represented clubs across two continents and five different countries. Off the pitch, Dom is Lead First Team Video Scout at Huddersfield Town.

Sean Miller – Midfielder A technically gifted footballer, you’ll find few better players in the NPL West than Sean Miller.

The 29-year-old is a talismanic figure for the Whites, capable of scoring extraordinary goals week in and week out. He has National League experience at Altrincham, Chester and Curzon Ashton and featured for Chorley in their run to the fourth round on the FA Cup in 2021.

Ben Rydel – Midfielder Ben appeared in every game at Step 3 for Atherton Collieries last season. A central midfielder who can deputise at left-back and play out wide, the 21-year-old has linked back up with manager Ellison this summer, who gave Rydel his first senior appearance when on loan at City of Liverpool from Salford City in 2021.

Kingsley Williams – Midfielder Kingsley returned to the club for a third spell earlier this summer. The 32-year-old is vastly experienced at Step 4, captaining Radcliffe to the NPL West title in 2019. He has since skippered both Colne and Witton Albion under Jon Macken.

Ethan Danku – Forward Impressive performances on trial during preseason, including goals at Prescot Cables and Marine, convinced manager Ellison to offer Ethan a deal earlier this summer. The 19-yearold spent last season playing for St Helens Town in the Cheshire League and is currently on dual registration at Euxton Villa.

Josh High – Forward Josh is a fans’ favourite at the DCBL Stadium after a series of eye-catching performances off the bench last season. The 20-year-old scored four goals in 16 appearances, despite starting just twice.

Sharif Deans – Forward Sharif returned to the DCBL Stadium for a second spell in April 2024, scoring on his debut against Prescot Cables. The 22-yearold is a pacey wide man who is equally competent playing as a central striker due to his impressive aerial ability.

Jacob Holland-Wilkinson – Forward Wide man Jacob arrived from Lancaster City in November 2024. The 22-year-old boasts impressive pedigree having been on the books at Preston North End, Stoke City, Sunderland, Chorley and Bury.

Jack McGowan – Forward 32-year-old striker Jack ended a seven-year association with Bootle to join the club early last season. A classic no.9, Jack is efficient in his build-up play and equally devastating in front of goal.

James Steele – Forward Steelie enjoyed the most impressive season of his career last season, scoring 19 goals off the flank. The 24-year-old has made over 100 appearances in a Widnes shirt and has also featured for Newcastle Town, Runcorn Linnets and City of Liverpool at Step 4.

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

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Widnes Staff Profiles Lee Bignell – First Team Coach Lee joined up with the management team earlier this summer after a stint as joint manager at Runcorn Town. Well known throughout the North West, Lee has also had a spell in temporary charge of Prescot Cables.

Michael Ellison - Manager Ello was appointed Widnes boss in September 2022. He has now managed over 150 games in the Northern Premier League despite having just six full managerial seasons under his belt. He became manager of Runcorn Linnets in 2016, steering them to promotion to the NPL in 2018, finishing narrowly ahead of Widnes. He would then go on to manager City of Liverpool from 2020-2022.

Chris Lawton – Assistant Manager Lawty is another to have served under Ello at three different clubs. His retirement from playing in 2018 saw his promotion to first team coach at Runcorn Linnets, before moving to City of Liverpool alongside Ello in 2020. Chris was a centre-half during his playing days, representing Linnets, Runcorn Town, Trafford and Atherton Collieries.

Ryan Brookfield – Goalkeeper Coach Goalkeeper Coach Ryan is another valued member of Michael Ellison’s backroom staff. He previously worked under Ello at City of Liverpool. As a player, Ryan played in the Football League for Chester City.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 19

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

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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

Official Benchwear Partner to the Pitching In Northern Premier League

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 # Team HP HW HD HL AP AW AD AL P W D L F A +/- Pts 1 Widnes 13 9 2 2 12 7 3 2 25 16 5 4 53 22 +31 53 2 Congleton Town 13 9 2 2 13 6 3 4 26 15 5 6 52 34 +18 50 3 Vauxhall Motors 11 7 0 4 13 9 1 3 24 16 1 7 48 32 +16 49 4 Nantwich Town 13 8 3 2 13 5 2 6 26 13 5 8 42 32 +10 44 5 Hednesford Town 13 5 5 3 13 7 2 4 26 12 7 7 57 35 +22 43 6 Chasetown 13 8 2 3 13 4 4 5 26 12 6 8 47 39 +8 42 7 Stalybridge Celtic 14 8 1 5 13 5 2 6 27 13 3 11 48 49 -1 42 8 Mossley 14 7 new 4 stimulus 3 13 to the 4 club.

3 David 6 27 remained 11 7 on9the33 30es- +3 40 bring some much needed Day newly 9 Witton Albion 7 1headed 4 13 5 1 Chairman 7 25Ian12 11 40 the 37nec+3 38 tablished Board of12 Directors, by incoming Ross 2that brought 10 Runcorn Linnets and 12 drive 5 to1enable 6 the 14 Club 6 to progress 4 4 over 26 the 11 coming 5 10 33 42 -9 38 essary expertise seasons.

11 Avro 13former 6 Runcorn 4 3 Linnets 12 4Manager 2 6Joey25 10was6appointed 9 30 27 +3 36 In September 2016, Dunn the new 12 Trafford 13 4 2 7 13 6 4 3 26 10 6 10 32 37 -5 36 First Team Manager.

13 Newcastle Town 3 an 5unbelievable 13 5 145 game 3 winning 25 9streak 8 which 8 ended 31 30 Joey’s first season12 ended4 with with +1 35 14 Kidsgrove Athletic 4 3 6 26 10 5 11 35 38 -3 35 the Division 1 title.13 6 2 5 13 15 Wythenshawe Town 13 start 4 to3the 6 13 5campaign, 4 4 Dunn 26 resigned 9 7 his 10 33 +5 34 After an inconsistent 2017-2018 post, 38 and players 16 Bootle 5 jointly 2 6took13 5 2 6 26 10 4 12 45 47 -2 34 Steve Akrigg & Kev13 Towey the reigns.

17 Clitheroe 13 7they4guided 2 the 12 club 2 to back 1 9to back 25 promotions, 9 5 11 43up 48 During their first season and so to the-5 32 18 Wythenshawe 3 with 5 a 6tremendous 13 5 run 1 of 70 7 points 27 from 8 the 6 remaining 13 33 7549 -16 30 Northern Premier 14 League, available to claim the runner on to29 claim47 a -18 30 19 Atherton Collieries 13 4up spot 2 behind 7 14 Runcorn 5 1Linnets.

8 They 27 then 9 went 3 15 remarkable double, a 2-1 7win over FC at -9 25 20 Stafford Rangers 13lifting 5 the 3 Macron 5 12Challenge 2 1Cup 9with 25 4 Burscough 14 34 43 Fleetwood ‘Highbury Stadium to end1the season an even high.

21 Hanley Town Towns 13 2 1 10 13 6 6 on26 3 greater 7 16 25 47 -22 16 Further success soon convincing Linnets the -30 14 22 City of Liverpool 13 followed 0 4 with 9 a13 3 13-0 win 9 away 26 at3 Runcorn 5 18 31 in 61

NWCFL season curtain raiser, The Reusch Champions Cup.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 25

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that means money. But there’s always been something to fork out for, even when Dorking were at their last ground, Westhumble.

Twenty-six years on, White and the Sussex club – who started in 1999 in the Crawley & District League – have reached the 1,000 game milestone.

“I remember having to spend 12 grand to build a boardroom to stay in the division,” he says. “Floodlights, concrete paths - the demands on facilities are really high. There is a lot of funding available but what’s never available is land. That’s every club’s biggest challenge in football.”

HEN Marc White and his mates decided to form Dorking Wanderers, Manchester United had just won the treble.

It sees boss White join a select club of longserving bosses.

But it only tells part of the story of a club that has risen through the divisions to the top table in Non-League.

And while last year they suffered their first ever relegation, White is determined to get his Meadowbank outfit promoted from the National League South again.

White sat down with The NLP in the build-up to the milestone moment against Westonsuper-Mare last weekend.

“Yeah, washing the kit… On a Saturday morning I’d be stretching the socks out, thinking ‘why are they shrinking?’,” he told The Non-League Paper.

“My ritual was to go to the Big Field in Brockham early and put the nets up. I’d hang out the kit, have lunch and meet the boys.

I wouldn’t swap it because I really enjoyed it but I was doing everything - literally.

When you get to this level, you swap those problems for money. I wouldn’t mind those problems again.”

And when he says problems, invariably at this level - where teams such as his own are a hybrid mixture of full and part-time -

White admits it didn’t cross his mind as he entered the new millennium that Wanderers could ever become the force at the top of the Non-League pyramid that they are now.

“Never. We’d socialise at The Royal Oak - they were our original sponsor,” he continues. “I felt bad asking for £280. We were a big bunch of mates, we’d go out after the match. The winning became a bug, infectious, and we wanted more of it.”

With their ever-growing following fuelled by the Bunch of Amateurs YouTube series that gives a no-holds-barred look inside the club, White and Dorking have become two of NonLeague’s most recognisable names.

But it’s promotion on the field he really craves.

“There is an element of thinking when you have all that success that you’re immortal,” he says of their relegation. “So when it did, it was a big shock to all of us. We’re all waiting for the next step forward, we can’t wait.”

By Matt Badcock Editor at large The Non-League Paper

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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 Louis Isherwood Matty Rain Jack Walls George Hassall Steven Irwin Sean Miller Brendan O’Brien Ben Rydel Kingsley Williams Ethan Danku Sharif Deans Josh High Jack McGowan Liam Paton James Steele Harry McGee Dominic McGiveron Michael Simpson

Match Officials

Referee: Daniel Hitchell Assistant 1: Scott Dowell Assistant 2: Joshua Mitchell

Congleton Town Craig Ellison Marco Fregapane Owen Williams Peter Williams Shaun Brisley Darren Chadwick (capt) George Sankey Ethan Hartshorn Max McCarthy William Arnold Daniel Needham Thomas Hampton Lewis Porter Matthew Gillam Kieran Garner-Knapper Richard Duffy

Played Scored

Widnes FC

Played Scored

The Squads