v ATHERTON COLLIERIES
The Northern Premier League West Division
Saturday, 8th February 2025 Kick Off 3.00pm
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.
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.
WHEN IS IT?
ANDYSMANCLUBs meet every Monday at 7pm (excluding Bank Holiday Mondays).
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.
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
Widnes Football Club Information
Home Ground: HALTON STADIUM, LOWERHOUSE LANE, WIDNES, WA8 7DZ
Year Formed: 2003
Record Attendance: 633 v Runcorn Linnets (NPL West Division) - 04.01.2025
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.
From the Assistant Manager - Chris Lawton
Good
afternoon everyone, welcome to the this afternoon’s game against Atherton Colleries.
The last time we played at home was against Congleton and what a performance that turned out to be. It was as close to a complete performance you are going to get in a game of that magnitude. What impressed me the most was the way we reacted to certain things in the game. When we conceded we didn’t let it bother us and went straight on the front foot and scored the 3rd goal. We was also very impressive when Congleton went down to 10 men, something that we have struggled with this season in various games.
We now return home after two away very difficult away games against two inform sides. Two very different performances, one at Stalybridge that was unbelievably impressive in really difficult circumstances and another at Witton that I would class as a really poor performance in many aspects but ultimately we came away with the same result and score line and in a week that we identified as pivotal we have so far achieved maximum points. We will definitely have to improve on Tuesdays performance if we want to get anything from today’s game.
Going back to the Stalybridge game, what the players produced last Saturday will hopefully give the players huge belief in their own ability. They were wrongly put in a difficult situation last Saturday for 70 minutes of the game. In previous seasons I believe we would have felt sorry for ourselves in that same situation and succumbed to a defeat but this group of players are showing that they have learnt from last season and are willing to push themselves into places that are at times difficult but so rewarding if you can stick to a game plan and capitalise on the key moments in a game when you are presented with them.
Atherton Colleries are a team that on paper are much stronger than their league position suggests. They are arriving to us on the back of a really important win last week and they will be looking
to build on that after previously being on a bit of a difficult run of results. They are littered with players that have vast amounts of experience at this level of football and are definitely capable of picking up results against anyone in this league. They have players at the top end of the pitch that can hurt you and they set up as a team that is often difficult to break down. They will be really disappointed with the position they currently find themselves in and it is up to us today to ensure we do not allow them to build on last weeks result.
The game is really important for us as well, our home games between now and the end of the season are going to be massive for us. We have 7 huge games left at home and if we can continue with our home form until the end of the season then it will go a long way in us achieving what we want to achieve come the end of April.
As always, your support is massively appreciated by the players and staff. It really does give the players a huge lift when they hear you and at times this season it has proven critical so please keep it up in these remaining games.
Cheers Lawty
Atherton Collieries Club History
AthertonCollieries were founded in 1916 by workers of the six local coalmining pits, in order to help raise funds towards the war efforts, initially playing under the banner of Atherton Collieries Joint Association.
The club enjoyed steady success at a local level for the first few years of their existence, lifting ten Bolton Combination titles and a record six Lancashire Junior Shields inbetween 1916 and 1965, alongside spending brief stints in the Lancashire Combination and Cheshire County Leagues.
In 1982, the Collieries were founding members of the North West Counties football league, enjoying a stable existence for the next few decades, including lifting the third division title in 1987 and the Bolton Goldline Trophy in 2002. In 2006, the club made headlines through the discovery of young future international footballer Anthony Pilkington, who earned a move to Stockport County in the Football League following a historic hat-trick at FC United of Manchester.
After relegation into the North West Counties Division One in 2009, the club sought to renew their ambitions under the management of Steve Pilling and then Michael Clegg. Under the stewardship of Clegg, the Black & Whites won their league titles & accompanying promotions in 2015, 2017 and 2019 to climb from the North West Counties bottom tier into the top division of the Northern Premier League, alongside a historic FA Vase run in 2017, and further successes in the 2015 Bolton Hospital Cup, 2016 NWCFL League Cup and 2018 NPL League Cup.
The club continued to settle to life amongst the Northern Premier League’s top rank under the guidance of club icon Brad Cooke, who maintained the club’s survival at the highest level in both the town & club’s history over a four year stint, with a defensive record that ranked amongst the league’s best combined with the club’s first major forays towards winning the Lancashire Trophy, reach their first final in 2023 following consecutive semi-final outings.
Following the appointment of David Chadwick going into the 2023-24 season, the Black & Whites bravely lost their NPL Premier Division status. It was not all doom and gloom with doubles over Workington and Bradford Park Avenue as well as the victory at FC United the standout moments.
The commencement of the 24/25 NPL Division 1 campaign was challenging and legendary gaffer Michael Clegg is now back at the helm. With renewed local enthusiasm let’s see how the season pans out.
Atherton Collieries Player Profiles
Danny Lafferty
A Collieries stalwart enjoying his third stint at the club, centre-half and assistant manager Lafferty first represented the club as a teenager in 2009, before returning in 2016 to play a key part as the Colls collected two promotions and a cup success in three seasons, accumulating almost 300 appearances. Lafferty has returned to the club following brief stints with Bury, FC United and Macclesfield.
Danny Lambert
Making his debut for the Colls in 2017, midfield general Danny Lambert joined the Black and Whites from Radcliffe before becoming a cult hero with his performances in two league successes and a cup win. Danny came out of retirement to return to the Colls in 2024, following a brief stint at Trafford.
Tom Bentham
An experienced and physical striker, “The Butcher” first played for the Colls in 2018 as his commanding, goalscoring presence helped lead the Colls to the NPL Premier Division. Tom returned to the club in 2024, also taking up an assistant manager role, after subsequently representing Trafford and Wythenshawe.
Ethan Kershaw
The “Collieries Pirlo” was first signed for the club by Brad Cooke from Mossley in 2021, and returned in 2024 following spells at Avro and Stalybridge. A talented midfielder with a keen eye for the spectacular.
Liam Sheppard
A product of the Collieries youth section, Liam caught first team eyes with his blistering pace and clinical finishing, before winning the North West Youth Alliance golden boot and making his senior debut at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. Liam began this season gaining senior experience with a successful short-term loan at Whalley Range.
Calen Gallagher-Allison
A summer signing from Lancaster City, centre-half Calen Gallagher-Allison has also represented Longridge, having played for Burnley and Manchester United as a youngster. Quickly becoming a popular member of the Colls community, Calen became first-team captain in October 2024.
Alex Doyle
A versatile midfielder who is adept in both defensive and offensive roles, Alex Doyle became a Collsmon after a successful season with Colne. Alex offers physicality, a great passing range and a keen eye for goals and assists.
Will Riding
A key player for Wythenshawe Town as they won promotion into the Northern Premier League, Riding can play across midfield, on the wings or as a ten, offering valuable offensive output with his creativity and skill.
Tom Warren
A full-back with quantitative experience for his young age, Tom has previously represented Warrington and Ashton United, and offers an attacking outlet alongside his defensive capabilities.
Kielen Adams
A powerful young striker, Kielen is a product of the Oldham Academy and made his name within non-league as a key player for Macclesfield. Kielen has since represented Michael Clegg’s Ashton, before joining the Colls in October 2024.
Sol Honor
Goalkeeper on loan from Blackburn Rovers, Sol has played the majority of his youth career with Manchester City, before moving to Ewood Park in 2024. A physical presence with quick reflexes and command of his penalty area.
Today’s Mascots Widnes Under 7’s
The Widnes U7s Rockets were formed 12 months ago and their coaches and parents are so proud of their progress!
Arthur, Sonny, Teddy, Harry, Theo, Drew, Seth, Brody and Luca all started their Widnes grassroots footy journeys at the club’s minikickers classes before joining together to become the Rockets in February 2024.
The boys have grown so much as footballers in the past year but win, lose or draw, they always come off the pitch smiling and are great friends!
There’s been brilliant goals, saves, passes, dribbles, tackles and lots of laughs along the way and they have developed into an excellent little team.
Arthur is the team’s superstar goalkeeper. ‘Arthurson’ is a brave and superb shotstopper who is also very good at passing out from the back.
Sonny plays mainly in defence but his amazing dribbling and passing ability and rocket of a shot means he’s a massive threat in attack too.
Teddy also likes to play in defence. Big and strong, he reads the game superbly and his passing ability is just getting better all the time.
Harry is an all-rounder, blessed with lovely feet and passing ability. He’s also a top tackler who is becoming more and more of a goalscorer.
Theo is a magician when he’s got the ball at his feet. He’s scored a lot of goals but he’s also set up loads too thanks to his amazing creativity.
Drew is nicknamed ‘Mini Messi’ thanks to his brilliant dribbling ability. He pops up with big goals and never gives the opposition a moment’s peace.
Seth is a wing wizard. Super fast and skilful, he certainly knows where the net is and is becoming a great passer and tackler too.
Brody is a powerful and skilful winger who has scored some worldies. His incredible stamina means he stops plenty of attacks too.
Luca has scored loads of goals. Quick, strong and with an unbelievable shot, he also works so hard getting back for the team.
The Rockets are really looking forward to being mascots. Hopefully one day they’ll be out on the pitch playing for Widnes’ first team!
Good afternoon everyone.
Welcome back to the DCBL, 2 wins in the last 2 away games were massive for us. We were disappointed with our performance overall on Tuesday night and we know we will have to step that up today if we want to get 3 more points. I think there was a few tired legs out there after being down to 10 men for 75 mins on Saturday so that had to be taken into account also.
That being said the win most the most important part and to get over the line was another big step.
We know how tough today’s game will be after the away game against atherton earlier on In The season, so hopefully we can put a good performance together and get another vital win.
Hope you enjoy the game.
Stevie
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REPORT | Stalybridge Celtic 0-1 Widnes
10-man Whites grind out three points at Stalybridge.
James Steele struck his 15th goal of the season to lift 10man Widnes to a huge three points at Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday.
The Whites had to play over 70 minutes one man down after Niall Battersby was sent off midway through the first half for a late challenge on Joe Duckworth.
But Michael Ellison’s team weathered the Stalybridge storm and took their only real high-quality chance when Steele bust a gut to get on the end of a Sean Miller cross.
Courtney Meppen-Walters struck the post late on for the hosts, who later had Jack Tinning sent off, but Widnes held firm to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the NPL West.
Ellison named an unchanged side from the team that had hammered Congleton Town last time out.
They were boosted, however, by the arrival of defender Jack Byrne who was named amongst the substitutes but the fixture came too soon for fellow new recruit Craig Carney, who is working his way back to full match fitness.
Widnes started positively and had started to make inroads down Stalybridge’s right-hand side as Harry McGee often combined well with Jack McGowan up top.
Stalybridge, who set up with three centre-halves and a diamond in midfield, initially struggled to cope with the Widnes’ intense pressing and found themselves affording too much space to their visitors in wide areas.
Matty Rain took advantage of this, galloping forward from left-back to rifle a shot towards goal that was beaten away well by Charlie Monks.
Then came the game’s talking point after just 22 minutes.
Celtic worked the ball well to the left-side where Battersby mis-timed his strong challenge on Duckworth, immediately drawing the whistle of referee Taylor Metcalf.
The referee took almost one minute to make his decision although his thought-process was unlikely to have been helped by the six or seven Stalybridge players that surrounded him.
Metcalf eventually brandished the red card, a decision which incensed manager Ellison who was also dismissed after overstepping the mark with his protestations to the officials.
Widnes were facing a big test of character and almost conceded from the resulting free-kick as Meppen-Walters peeled away from his man to head into the side-netting, albeit from an offside position.
Ben Rydel was sacrificed from midfield with Byrne thrown on for his third Widnes debut to plug the gap at the centre of the defence alongside Louis Isherwood.
Stalybridge sensed an opportunity and committed bodies forward, first going close through Lewis Rawsthorn’s volley that hit the side-netting.
Mark Halstead then had to be alert to make a good save from Duckworth after Celtic had fashioned a two-vs-one through the centre of the park.
Widnes were under the cosh but threatened to take the lead three minutes before the break.
Steele led the charge on the counter-attack, playing into
McGee who teed up Jack Walls to deliver a cross that evaded McGowan in the six-yard area – any substantial touch and the Widnes striker would have scored.
But Jon Macken’s team came again with Rawsthorn clipping the bar from a tight angle while Halstead did brilliantly to smother a later chance at Jack Irlam’s feet.
Widnes would have been relieved to get in at half-time level but you always felt that the Whites were always going to be firmly in this contest.
Celtic continued to enjoy their man advantage but unlike in the first half, they struggled after the break to create too many clear-cut chances up against the visitors’ stout defensive line.
Rawsthorn dragged an effort wide from the edge of the area and then forced Halstead into a save on the hourmark with a free header, which the Widnes goalkeeper pushed over his own crossbar.
Kingsley Williams came off the bench to provide a foothold in midfield for the Whites and he was involved in the move that led to Widnes’ goal.
Williams got the ball rolling wide to Walls who played into Miller’s feet on the halfway line.
Miller did brilliantly to feint coming inside to turn away from Tinning and surge forward into the Stalybridge defensive third.
He played a neat one-two with McGowan whose return ball was cleverly crafted into the channel for Miller to deliver a first-time cross into that corridor of uncertainty where Steele turned home ahead of Monks and Celtic captain Liam Tongue to score.
Widnes had had to be patient. They’d held firm against, at times, heavy Stalybridge pressure and made sure to take their big chance when it came.
The onus was now on Stalybridge to chase this game, and Macken made a double change with Greg Wilkinson and Jordan Burton introduced from the bench.
Their best chance came when Widnes conceded a cheap free-kick 25 yards from their own goal.
Meppen-Walters struck the wall but struck his immediate rebound perfectly, firing against the post, and Jordan Butterworth looked poised to score with the follow-up but skipper Ste Irwin made a crucial block and then won a free-kick of his own to relieve any danger.
Several Stalybridge players and supporters behind the goal were convinced that Irwin had handled the ball making his block, but referee Metcalf wasn’t interested.
Celtic pushed but were caught on the break again and Tinning was forced into fouling Widnes substitute Tom Peterson and he was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Stalybridge were awarded another free-kick six minutes into seven added minutes, but Meppen-Walters could only fire straight at Halstead, and that was that.
This was a result and performance that embodied everything this Widnes side are about, underlining their title credentials with a superb showing that overcame plenty of adversity.
by Callum Chadwick
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.
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.
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.
Warning signs may include light-headedness, fainting, palpitations, swollen legs, breathlessness. ARVC can be found in one in every 1,000 to 5,000 young adults - IF IT IS LOOKED FOR.
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 dwfoundation5
thedanielwilkinsonfoundation thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org contact@thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org @dannywilks5
Widnes Staff Profiles
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.
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.
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.
WWidnes Football Club History
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
League Table Season 2024/25
Further success soon followed with a convincing 3 -0 win away at Runcorn Linnets in the NWCFL season curtain raiser, The Reusch Champions Cup. Northern Premier League - West Table
bring some much needed new stimulus to the club. David Day remained on the newly established Board of Directors, headed by incoming Chairman Ian Ross that brought the necessary expertise and drive to enable the Club to progress over the coming seasons.
In September 2016, former Runcorn Linnets Manager Joey Dunn was appointed the new First Team Manager.
Joey’s first season ended with an unbelievable 14 game winning streak which ended with the Division 1 title.
After an inconsistent start to the 2017 -2018 campaign, Dunn resigned his post, and players Steve Akrigg & Kev Towey jointly took the reigns.
During their first season they guided the club to back to back promotions, and so up to the Northern Premier League, with a tremendous run of 70 points from the remaining 75 available to claim the runner up spot behind Runcorn Linnets. They then went on to claim a remarkable double, lifting the Macron Challenge Cup with a 2 -1 win over Burscough FC at Fleetwood Towns ‘Highbury Stadium to end the season on an even greater high.
HEARthe one about the NonLeague club whose first ever floodlights were stanchions from a dual carriageway?
It’s fair to say things have changed at Aylestone Park since 1974 and last week one of their most famous sons, Gary Lineker, went back to where it all began for him to see their progress.
The United Counties League Premier South side have benefitted from the support of more than £1.2m of funding from the Premier League and Football Foundation – who are funded by the Premier League, The FA and UK Government – to help improve their facilities.
The club now have more than 500 players across 34 teams with the funding also including grants for grass pitches, changing rooms, a full size 3G pitch, goalposts plus maintenance and improvements.
Long gone are the old lights with a £20,000 grant from the Premier League Stadium Fund used to upgrade to energy-efficient LED floodlights.
Lineker played in the first ever game under those original floodlights.
former England manager Don Revie to come down and switch them on for us.”
Lineker would go on to become a Three Lions’ great, scoring 48 times in his 80 appearances and landing the Golden Boot in the 1986 World Cup.
“He used to score goals out of nothing,” Greaves said of Lineker’s early days. “Nobody was surprised when Leicester City came in for him when he was 16.
“In those days, professional clubs didn’t come in for kids until they were 15 or 16. But nobody was surprised because he was banging in about 80 goals a season!
“I’ve been back a few times over the over the years,” Lineker said. “I remember the opening of the floodlights when they first had them put in and now I’m here to see what Premier League investment has done and the difference it has made. It’s quite significant and I think it’s transformed youth teams and children’s football in this country.”
Chairman John Greaves was a founding player of the club back in 1968 and remembers the occasion well.
“We were the first local club to have floodlights,” Greaves said. “Those floodlights were old stanchions off a dual carriageway which we managed to beg and borrow. So we were the first club locally to have floodlights – they weren’t very good but we had them!
“Gary played in the game to open the floodlights. Obviously he wasn’t famous then but we had
“He’s never lost the connection with the club. He’s our president and supports us well.”
He also took time out to talk about a famous NonLeague boy done good – Jamie Vardy!
“Jamie’s an absolute legend,” Lineker told The NLP. “We love him in Leicester. He’s a hero. Probably the second best striker in Leicester’s history! No, not at all.
“Jamie’s remarkable. He’s still going at 38, still knocking in goals and still hugely competitive. He’s a brilliant example for players. He’s mine and all my sons’ favourite player!”
And Lineker believes Non-League football can be a goldmine of talent.
“All players start somewhere along the lines, schoolboy level, often Non-League level, and find a way into the upper echelons of football,” said the broadcasting giant.
“There are so many examples. Ian Wright being one of them that springs to mind! And there are many others.
“So there’s not only one route to football. It’s not all about players going to an academy. Lots will come through different routes, mature later for different reasons and will make it eventually.”
By Matt Badcock Editor at large The Non-League Paper
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
The Squads
Widnes FC
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
Atherton Collieries
Sol Honor
Joe Rothwell
Tom Warren
Danny Lafferty
Calen Gallagher (C)
Aaron Dwyer
Danny Lambert
Tom Bentham
Keiran Adams
Alex Doyle
Liam Sheppard
Will Riding
Matty Bryan
Jack Dorsey
Ethan Kershaw
Joe Piggott
Joe Edwards
Scott Bakkor
Match Officials
Referee: Mark Reeves
Assistant 1: Kyle Lord
Assistant 2: Kaan Hayes