17 Widnes v Bootle

WIDNES FC

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2024-25

v BOOTLE The Northern Premier League West Division Saturday, 1st March 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) - 04.01.2025 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.

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 and welcome to this afternoon’s game against Bootle.

It’s getting to the point of the season where every game is becoming a huge game but this would be a big game at any point of the season. It’s a local derby and the fact that players on both sides have played for each clubs gives it that extra edge anyway.

We return home after 3 really tough away games against Hednesford, Clitheroe and Avro. These 3 games produced 3 very different performances and results. We came away from Hednesford content that we didn’t get beat but estatic that we also prevented a rival from closing the gap on us. Could we have played better? Of course. Could we have given any more effort? I don’t think we could and to come away with a 0-0 against the inform side of the league, we have got to be happy. That result and performance should have led us into the Clitheroe game full of confidence and we started the game well. Clitheroe scored against the run of play but from that point onwards we didn’t perform and Clitheroe fully deserved their win. It was our worst performance of the season and as a team we all felt we let everyone down at a very important time of the run in.

We then went to Avro Wednesday night under real pressure to put a performance on. Avro is probably one of the most difficult places in the league to go and the lads have gone and put on a real gritty performance in the first half and then showed their quality in the second half. To come away with a 4-0 win from a ground that not many teams win at is a great achievement and showed brilliant mental strength from our lads. Let’s not forget we went there without our captain Ste, Jacob, Dom or sheriff and all these lads would strengthen our group so it’s testament to the squad that it can still go and put on the performance they did.

Today’s opponents Bootle have assembled a squad that is full of quality and experience at this level of football. Both squads are well known to each other so it will be important that we give the best version of ourselves. They will be disappointed with their performance this season after reaching the play offs last season but they have picked some good form up of late and it will be a real tough game where we will have to be at our very best to give ourselves the best possible chance of getting a positive result. If the Clitheroe game has taught the lads anything then it should be that if we don’t do the basics well and we drop our standards both in and out of possession then we will be on the end of a pasting.

It’s important that we don’t forget that performance in our remaining 10 games and use it to benefit us. We can’t change that performance or result but we can learn from it, like we did against Avro then hopefully come the end of the season we will be exactly where we want to be.

Thank you for your continued support and I hope you enjoy the game.

Your support will be vital in our remaining games.

Cheers Lawty

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 05

Bootle Club History

T

he original Bootle FC were formed in 1880 and played adjacent to Bootle Cricket Club, on Hawthorne Road. The club were Everton FC’s main rivals and competed with Everton for the prestigious place in the newly formed Football League. With only one club per area permitted to join, Bootle narrowly lost out.

In 1889 Bootle became founder members of the Football Alliance. The season was the most successful as the club finished league runners-up and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, losing to Blackburn Rovers.

When the Alliance merged with the Football League in 1892, Bootle became founder members of the new Second Division. Despite finishing in a respectable 8th place, the club dropped out after one season due to ongoing financial problems. It was a new local club, Liverpool, who took Bootle’s place.

The possible resurrection of a Bootle team became a distinct probability in August 1947 when local councillors identified the popularity and talent on show in the ‘Bootle JOC’ league and knew the town was big enough to be put back on the football map with its own team again. For years it had been an exporter of its many players to other professional and semi-professional clubs.

The promise of sponsorship money from local businesses brought great optimism and the issue of one shilling shares further boosted club finances.

After local residents were assured that the ground at Bootle Stadium (Maguire Avenue) would not be used solely as a football ground, an application to join the Lancashire Combination for the 1948/49 season was made, and accepted. Club colours even posed a problem, red or blue were dismissed for fear of showing favour to either of the ‘big two’ so it was agreed that, as the original Bootle FC wore white shorts, this colour would be adopted.

Players mostly came from the local league and surrounding clubs, however one player that Bootle overlooked was a tall, blonde, ex-prisoner-of-war German, Bert Trautman.

Trautman, then living in Huyton, trained with Bootle at the stadium for several weeks but, with the area taking such a heavy pounding during the war, it was decided not to tempt any local bitterness and he was allowed to join St Helens Town and of course moved on to FA Cup and Manchester City folklore.

They kicked off their new campaign in 1948 against Barnoldswick and District. The league was won at the first attempt. However, Bootle struggled in the top-flight and after several tough seasons and a change in Council priorities they withdrew from the league and folded during the 1953–54 campaign.

In 1953, the current club was formed as Langton with Frank Doran Snr as a founding member. The club played in the various local Bootle leagues. After a very successful spell in the Liverpool County Combination – winning the leagues and cups on various occasions the club requested to change its name to the latest incarnation of Bootle FC. This was accepted in 1973 and a year later ‘the Bucks’ joined the Lancashire Combination.

After winning the Combination in both 1976 and 1977, Bootle then joined the Second Division of the Cheshire County League, which was won in the first season, and were promoted to the First Division.

In 1982 after the Cheshire County League merged to form the North West Counties League, Bootle became members of the First Division (now Premier Division). The club spent most of their time in the First Division until 2000 when the club was relegated to the Second Division.

Despite finishing 6th in 2002, the club dropped into the Liverpool County Combination as Bucks Park on Copy Lane closed its doors for the final time. In 2006 the club, with a new ground on Vesty Road, Bootle were elected back into Division 2 of the North West Counties League. In 2009 Bootle won promotion to the NWCFL Premier Division and also won the Championship. In 2009/10, the first season back in the NWCFL Premier Division Bootle finished 3rd. They equalled the 3rd place again in 2012.

In 2017 they finished runner-up which, their highest placing in the NWCFL, and in 2019 after a 20 game winning run the club were in the driving seat to get promoted on the final day of the season with one more win. However, that win was one too many and the club agonisingly missed out after a 1-1 draw, once again finishing runners-up.

In Spring 2020, the club saw the installation of a new ‘hybrid’ pitch. The pitch goes hand in hand with the investment in off the pitch facilities to develop Vesty Road as a community asset.

Everyone associated with the club was left shocked and saddened in January 2021 following the sad passing of our President, Frank Doran Senior.

06 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Bootle Player Profiles Anyone involved with football both locally and across the North West would have known Frank, or Mr Bootle as he was affectionately known, for his booming voice, quick wit and his extensive knowledge and love of football.

Tom Hannigan (Defender) - Established defender joined the club from Warrington Town where he won promoted to the National League North. Also played in successful promotion campaigns for AFC Fylde and Altrincham.

Frank was a Docker, but more importantly for him, a footballer who was part of the 1954 Langton FC team that became the latest incarnation of Bootle FC. It was Frank who drove the club forward, as player, manager, secretary, chairman, groundsman - you name it - and latterly president of the club.

Sam Hughes (Midfield) - A talented and technically gifted centre midfielder and Mick McGraa’s first signing from Vauxhall Motors having only joined the Motormen from Ashville in the West Cheshire league at the beginning of this season.

He would be seen every day up at both Bucks Park, on Copy Lane, and more recently at Vesty Road doing one job or another at the club, and that continued right up until December 2020. Frank’s memory will last forever in the town of Bootle, and in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Sean Williams (Midfield) - Vastly experienced and tenacious centre midfielder who joined the club from Warrington Town in the summer. Has won multiple promotions in spells at Altrincham and at Warrington Town where he made 203 appearances in two spells, and scored their first ever goal in the National League North last season.

Bootle enter their fourth season at Step 4 of the nonleague system. Mick McGraa lead the side to their best ever finish last season as they finished in the playoffs in fourth position. They were defeated 1-0 in extra time by eventual winners Prescot Cables. The Bucks will be looking to go one better this season.

Jack Lenehan (Midfielder) - Joined the club in October 2023 from Bury. Athletic centre-midfielder who impressed in a spell at Prescot Cables in 2018 before earning a move to the Northern Premier League Premier Division with FC United. He later moved to Atherton Collieries before his move to Bury.

Manager and Player Profiles

Kenzie O’Neill (Forward) - The former Runcorn Linnets, 1874 Northwich and Prescot Cables winger joined the club in the summer after a trial period. He was also a member of Wigan Athletic’s academy at under 17 and under 21 level and has also represented Northern Ireland U17s.

Mick McGraa (Manager) - Mick lead the club into the playoffs last season after joining the club in September. He previously spent 5 seasons at fellow Northern Premier League Division One West side Vauxhall Motors. During that time he won promotion from the North West Counties Division One and North West Counties Premier League. He also lead the team to mathematical promotion in a season “null and voided” by Covid.

Tony Thompson (Goalkeeper) - Experienced goalkeeper who was near ever present in Warrington Town’s promotion winning side to National League North last season. Previously part of the Altrincham side who were promoted from the Northern Premier League Premier Division and subsequently from National League North.

Harry Wright Ocaña (Defender) - Full back joined the club following his release from Fleetwood Town.

Joined their development squad from Everton in July 2023.

Sean Smith (Defender) - Left sided defender who joined the club in October 2023. Tough tackler and tenacious defender who has previous Northern Premier League experience at Marine who he joined from the Welsh Premier League where he had spells with Connah’s Quay Nomads and Bala Town.

Conor Harwood (Striker) - Signed from Vauxhall Motors in December 2023. Began his career in the Welsh Premier League with Connah’ Quay Nomads where he featured in the Europa League. Later moved to Flint Town before a switch to City of Liverpool in June 2022, making the move to Vauxhall Motors in September that season. A key member of Vauxhall’s promotion winning side to the Northern Premier League West.

Ben Hodkinson (Striker) - Rejoined the club last summer from Marine. Has been Bootle’s top scorer in both Northern Premier League West seasons he has completed with the club. An ever popular player amongst the fan base and one that everyone is delighted has returned to the club.

Courtney Duffus (Striker) - Former Republic of Ireland u21 international who joined the club from Macclesfield. Originally hails from Cheltenham from where he was picked up by Everton. Picked up Football League experience in spells at Bury, Oldham, Yeovil, Morecambe and Barrow before moving to Macclesfield in the summer.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 07

Today’s Mascots Widnes Under 7’s Whites

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spaces where there are none and converts 08 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME are not just players;tht

As we march through our first season, one thing is clear: Widnes Football Club Under 7’s Whites are not just players; they’re future legends in the making. The future of football in Widnes is as bright as these young stars, filled with passion, fun, and a whole lot of giggles.

Here’s to creating memories that will last longer than their milk teeth, and to a fantastic first season where every game is a step closer to greatness. Let’s make some more magic on the pitch! Go, Widnes Under 7’s Whites!

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WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 09

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From the Skipper - Ste Irwin Good afternoon everyone, Welcome back to the DCBL stadium for another big game in the season.

It’s been a week of mixed emotions really, we were extremely disappointed after clitheroe game were we let ourselves down not just with the result but the way in which we played. But full credit to all the lads on reacting fantastically well and putting in a great fighting performance away at Avro midweek.

We know today is going to be another big test but hopefully getting back on home turf we can put another good display in and get another vital 3 points on the board.

Hope you enjoy the game.

Stevie

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REPORT | Clitheroe 4-0 Widnes Whites suffer first away defeat since September Widnes suffered a blow in the NPL West title race as they lost heavily at Clitheroe on Saturday.

The Blues romped to a 4-0 victory at Shawbridge, condemning Michael Ellison’s side to their heaviest defeat in over two years, cutting the gap at the top of the table to three points.

And the result means that Widnes are now winless in their previous three matches – a run that has yielded just one point – after a first loss on the road since mid-September.

Ellison opted to run it back with the same 3-4-1-2 system that had valiantly earned a point at Hednesford Town last time out, although the suspension of captain Ste Irwin and the absent Dom McGiveron made two personnel changes necessary with Harry McGee and Ben Rydel earning recalls.

But despite a decent start, Widnes lacked the same intensity out of possession that had served them so well at Keys Park and a series of defensive lapses were ultimately punished by a clinical Clitheroe showing.

Even more worrisome for Ellison was his side’s continued profligacy in front of goal in the continued absence of talisman Sean Miller, who is out nursing a hamstring injury.

Five February fixtures have produced just two goals, and the Whites have now failed to score in each of their last three contests, totalling around 350 minutes.

They spurned a glorious chance to take a second-minute lead here.

Matty Rain busted a gut to pinch the ball from a shielding Cameron Lancaster on the Clitheroe by-line and squared for James Steele, aided by a cute Sharif Deans dummy, but Steele could only scuff a shot narrowly wide – an effort he would have been disappointed with.

Widnes won the toss at kick-off with stand-in captain Kingsley Williams electing to switch the teams around, looking to utilise the unique and steep incline on the far side of the Shawbridge.

And the Whites, to their credit, did so effectively in the game’s opening 10 minutes.

They peppered goalkeeper Liam Isherwood with a series of corners, set-pieces and long throw-ins from Sam Bird, but despite several decent moments, the Clitheroe shotstopper defended his goal-line well and Widnes couldn’t capitalise.

Clitheroe would fortuitously punish Widnes for a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

Defenders Jack Byrne and Louis Isherwood got themselves into a spot of bother and Isherwood’s square pass intended for Jay Cooper was over-hit and gave Lenni Cirino an opportunity to deliver a cross into the area.

Cirino did so, but his flighted ball got caught in a gust of wind and sailed high over a sprawling Mark Halstead and into the far corner, giving the home side the lead against the run of play.

Widnes looked to respond but Rain could only crash a freekick into the advertising hoardings at the top of the stand behind the goal while right-back Bird couldn’t sort his feet out quickly enough when presented with a decent shooting

opportunity, firing straight at Isherwood.

And that was as good as it got from a visiting point-ofview as they were again victims of their own doing when Clitheroe were awarded a 32nd minute penalty.

Cooper was surely fouled by Sam Olawumi when clearing danger inside his own area but Widnes never dealt with the resulting throw-in and napping Ben Rydel needlessly caught Emerich Poilly in the area, and Andy Sykes rightly pointed to the spot.

Veron Parny stepped up and just about squeezed his penalty beyond Halstead who guessed correctly, diving to his left.

Even at 2-0 down, Widnes would have felt that they were still in this contest but a disastrous concession of a third goal inside first half stoppage time killed any chance of a second half fightback.

The Whites lost possession in the Clitheroe half and a lumped nothing ball forward towards Leon Creech should have been routinely dealt with by Byrne and Isherwood.

But the Widnes centre-halves again tied themselves up in knots and Isherwood’s clearance cannoned against the body of Byrne and set Creech on his way.

The Clitheroe forward did brilliantly to take a first-time shot on that lobbed Halstead in no man’s land, capping a rotten first half from the NPL West league leaders.

Ellison made three half-time changes to muster any sort of response, reverting to a four-man defensive line, introducing Jack McGowan to play as a natural centre forward while Craig Carney was added to the midfield.

In truth, the second half wasn’t much better than the first and a fourth goal 12 minutes after the restart compounded the visitors’ misery.

Widnes twice had chances to play themselves out of trouble but Carney’s mis-placed pass allowed Jordan Windass to deliver a cross towards Poilly, who had peeled away from his marker to score at the front-post despite a desperate Williams lunge.

4-0 it remained and Widnes will be determined to break out of this wobble immediately in their game in-hand at Avro on Wednesday night (7:45pm).

Second-placed Vauxhall Motors can move level on points with victory at Chasetown on Tuesday night, but Ellison’s team need points of their own to maintain their lead at the top of the table and re-establish a gap to the chasing pack, with surging Hednesford Town currently six points behind in third.

Clitheroe: Isherwood, Hanson, Dwyer, Dent (C), Olawumi, Lancaster, Creech (Popoola 62), Windass, Poilly (Massanka 81), Parny (Gill 84), Cirino (Massey 77) Subs not used: McConville Widnes: Halstead, Bird (Walls 83), Rain, Cooper (Carney 46), Byrne, Isherwood, Williams (C), Rydel (HollandWilkinson 46), Steele (Peterson 67), McGee, Deans (McGowan 46) Subs not used: None.

by Callum Chadwick

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 15

s philosophy was rooted in discipline and teamwork, prioritizing a robust eZort over individual flair. Hill’s steady hand was exactly what Widnes Widnes FC: A Decade of Transformation, Triumph, and Tenacity nto the NWCFL. “Steve gave us a foundation to build on,” a club oZicial teady hand we needed in those early days.” Steve Hill: The

By Bill Morley.

I

Architect of

n the heart of Cheshire, where the Stability (20122016) echoesnot of industrial meet laying bricks, chasing heritage headlines.

He orchestrated the roar of passionate fans, Widnes Managerial Style m the West Cheshire League into the NWCFL Division Football Club has carved out a story of forward. Over three seasons, he delivered consistent Steve Hill took resilience and ambition. Since 2012, the helm in th in 2013-14, 10th in 2014-15, and 11th in 2015-16 this non-league outfit has undergone a September ed at this level. Hill stepped down in 2016, his bringing remarkable transformation, rising from and2012, a pragmatic, the West Cheshire League to the Northern that year left a poignant mark on the club. His legacy no-nonsense Premier League (NPL), guided by a k upon which Widnes’ later successes were built. approach to succession of managers whose distinct a club finding styles and achievements have shaped its its feet. His identity. For the readers of this Widnes philosophy was rooted in discipline and teamwork, prioritizing a robust defence and FC matchday programme, this in-depth collective effort over individual flair. Hill’s steady report delves into the club’s journey hand was exactly what Widnes needed as it over the past decade, spotlighting each ventured into the NWCFL. “Steve gave us a manager’s contributions and celebrating foundation to build on,” a club official told me. the crowning glory of the 2018 Macron “He was the steady hand we needed in those Cup victory a triumph that remains etched early days.” in the hearts of the Widnes faithful.

Achievements The Turning Point: 2012 and the Birth of a New Era

Widnes FC’s modern chapter began in 2012, a pivotal year that redefined its trajectory.

Originally founded as The Dragons A.F.C. in 2003, the club had competed in the West Cheshire League, but its ambitions outgrew its modest roots. On 10 July 2012, a landmark decision saw it join forces with Widnes Vikings RLFC under the Widnes Sports Group umbrella, igniting a 12-month transitional period. By the 2013-14 season, the newly christened Widnes Vikings FC stepped into the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Division One. In March 2014, the club streamlined its name to Widnes Football Club, signalling a commitment to its local identity and a vision to nurture homegrown talent. This wasn’t just a rebrand it was the dawn of an ambitious climb through the non-league pyramid.

Hill’s tenure was about laying bricks, not chasing headlines. He orchestrated Widnes’ promotion from the West Cheshire League into the NWCFL Division One, a significant leap forward. Over three seasons, he delivered consistent mid-table finishes—12th in 201314, 10th in 2014-15, and 11th in 2015-16 proving Widnes belonged at this level. Hill stepped down in 2016, and his untimely passing later that year left a poignant mark on the club.

His legacy endures as the bedrock upon which Widnes’ later successes were built.

16 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Managerial Style

footnote, a bridge toSeptember a more transformative era.

2016 brought Joey Dunn, a charismatic leade

whose motivational flair turned Widnes into a force. Dunn was hands-on, inspiring belief and unity while instilling an attacking mindset tempered by team spirit. His ability to y Dunn: The Motivational Maestro (2016-2017) players transformed potential into performance. “That da Achievements A Brief Interlude: Danny Meadowcroft and was about belief,” Dunn told Widnes FC news, recalling th Brian Pritchard (2016) nagerial Style Dunn’s impact was immediate profound.

In do title-winning moment.

“The ladsand knew they could his first season, he led Widnes to the NWCFL Style Joey Dunn, a charismatic leader ptemberManagerial 2016 brought something special.”

Division One title in 2016-17, clinched with ose motivational flair turned Widnes into a force. Dunn Danny Meadowcroft andDanny Brian Pritchard A Brief Interlude: Meadowcroft Brian5-1 Pritchard aand thumping victory over(2016) AFC Blackpool.

Achievements stepped in as joint managers at the start of s hands-on, inspiring belief and unity while instillingThis an championship was Widnes’ first major Dunn’s impact was immediate and profound. In his first s the 2016-17 season, their tenure was too Managerial Stylebut silverware and catapulted them into the acking mindset tempered by team spirit. His ability Division to rally One title in 2016-17, clinched with a thumping 5brief to leave a lasting tactical imprint. Their NWCFL Division.

Dunn steppedatdown Danny and Brian stepped in was as joint managers the start yers transformed potential into performance.

“Thatchampionship day Premier Widnes’ first major silverware and of cat approachMeadowcroft appeared hesitant, lacking thePritchard clarity early in the 2017-18 season, but his legacy or conviction needed to steer the club forward.

Dunn stepped down early in the 2017-18 season but their tenure FC wasnews, too brief toDivision. leave a lasting tactical imprint.

Their approa s aboutseason, belief,” Dunn told Widnes recalling the as the man who delivered the club’s maiden the club’s maiden trophy endures. trophy endures. e-winning moment. “The lads knew they could do delivered appeared hesitant, lacking the clarity or conviction mething special.” steer the club forward.

wcroft and Brian Pritchard (2016) hievements Achievements nn’s impact was immediate and profound. In his first season, he led Widnes to the NWCFL This duo’s stint was a forgettable blip. An indiZeren itchard stepped in as joint managers at the start of the 2016-17 ision One title in 2016-17, clinched with a thumping 5-1 victory over AFC Blackpool. This brief to leave a lasting tactical imprint. Their approach them depart by September 2016, with no notable r ampionship waslacking Widnes’ first major silverware and catapulted them into the NWCFL Premier appeared hesitant, the clarity or conviction needed to their name.but Their reign isaslittle morewho than a transitio steer the club forward. ision.

Dunn stepped down early in the 2017-18 season, his legacy the man footnote, a bridge to a more transformative era. ivered the club’s maiden trophy endures.

Achievements

Achievements This duo’s stint was a forgettable blip. An indiZerent start saw them depart September 2016, with no notable Thisby duo’s stint was a forgettable blip.results An to their name.

Their reign is little a transitional indifferent start sawmore themthan depart

by September Dunn: The Motivational Maestro (2016-2017) footnote,Joey a bridge to ano more transformative 2016, with notable results toera. their name.

Their reign is little more than a transitional

Managerial Style footnote, a bridge to a more transformative era. aestro (2016-2017) September 2016 brought Joey Dunn, a charismatic leader whose motivational flair turned Widnes into a force. Dunn Joey Dunn: The nn, a charismatic leader was hands-on, inspiring belief and unity while instilling an Motivational Widnes into a force.

Dunn Maestro (2016d unity while instilling an attacking mindset tempered by team spirit. His ability to rally 2017) eam spirit.

His ability to rally players transformed potential into performance. “That day o performance.

“That day Managerial Style wasrecalling aboutthebelief,” Dunn told Widnes FC news, recalling the nes FC news, knew theySeptember could do title-winning 2016 brought moment. “The lads knew they could do Joey Dunn, a special.” something charismatic leader whose motivational flair

nd profound.

In hisWidnes first season, led Widnes to thehandsNWCFL turned into aheforce.

Dunn was Achievements ched withon, a thumping victory AFCwhile Blackpool.

Thisan inspiring5-1 belief andover unity instilling Dunn’s was and profound. In his first season, he led Widnes to th major silverware andimpact catapulted themimmediate into NWCFL Premier attacking mindset tempered bythe team spirit.

His ly in the 2017-18 season, but his legacy as the man who ability to rally players transformed potential Division One title in 2016-17, clinched with a thumping 5-1 victory over AFC Blackpo hy endures. into performance. “That day was about belief,”

championship was Widnes’ major silverware and catapulted them into the NWC Dunn told Widnes FC news, recallingfirst the titlewinning moment. lads knew they early could do Division.

Dunn“The stepped down in the 2017-18 season, but his legacy as the man something special.” delivered the club’s maiden trophy endures.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 17

reign stretched to 2021, navigating the disruptions of COVID-19, and left Widnes entrenched in the NPL.

Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey: The Dynamic Duo (2017-

Dave Steve Akrigg and Peaks and Pitfalls (2021-2022)Managerial Style Dave Dempsey: Dempsey: Kevin Towey: The Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey arrived as joint player-manag Managerial Peaks and2017, blending experience with innovation. Bo Dynamic Duo Style September Dave Dempsey took charge in September 2021,on favouring Pitfalls (2017-2021) the pitch, they led by example, emphasizing team spirit (2021-2022) defensive solidity and home dominance.

His pragmatic, discipline, and a progressive style that fused veteran nous Managerial Style results-driven approach made DCBL Stadium afresh fortress, Managerial ideas. “It was our moment in the sun,” Towey reflecte Steve Akrigg relying on organization and resilience. However,Macron his styleCup win. “The fans deserved that day as much as Style and Kevin Towey sometimes lacked attacking spark, leaving Widnes vulnerable Dave arrived as joint Achievements on the road. “We showed we could mix it with the best,” Dempsey took player-managers in Their run. tenure marked Widnes’ golden era. In 2017-18, they s Dempsey told Widnes FC news during the FA Trophy charge in September 2021, favouring defensive September 2017, promotion to home the NPL Division One, lifting Widnes into the solidity and dominance.

His pragmatic, blending experience Achievements tier.

The pinnacle came on 13 May 2018, when Widnes cla results-driven approach made DCBL Stadium a with innovation.

Dempsey inherited a side in trouble mid-2021-22 and steered them safety inBurscough the NPL West NWCFL Macron Cup, defeating FC 2-1 at Fleetw fortress, relying on to organization and resilience.

Both active on leaning on a formidable home record. His standout wasThe Widnes’ best-ever FA Town’s Highbury Stadium. final was a rollercoaster: Bu However, hismoment style sometimes lacked attacking theDivision, pitch, they run, reaching the third qualifying round before bowing out to Bootle on penalties.

Yet the spark, leaving Widnes vulnerable on the road. ledTrophy by example, struck first with the best,” emphasizing team spirit, tactical discipline, 2022-23 season faltered—a winless start and9th an “We earlyshowed FAbut Cupwe exitcould led tomix hisitdeparture in through Jamie Clark inand the minute, Dempsey told Widnes FC news during a progressive fused veteran nousawith September style 2022.that Dempsey’s reignlevelled was mixed bag: moments of promise undone by the FA Ben Hodkinson it in the 22nd.

Sam Trophy run. fresh ideas. “It was our moment in the sun,” inconsistency.

Sheen’s 79th-minute winner, coupled with Towey reflected on the Macron Cup win. “The goalkeeper Richie Mottram’s late heroics, Achievements fans deserved that day as much as we did.”

sealed a historic victory. “Widnes didn’t just Dempsey inherited a side in trouble mid-2021win a trophy; they won a memory,” Widnes FC them to safety in the NPL West 22 and steered news wrote at the time.

Akrigg and Towey’s gg and Kevin Towey: The Dynamic Duo (2017-2021) Division, leaning on a formidable home record.

Their tenure marked Widnes’ golden era. In reign stretched the His standout moment was Widnes’ best-ever FA 2017-18, they secured promotion to to the2021, NPL navigating al Style Division One, lifting Widnes disruptions of COVID-19, and left Widnes Trophy run, reaching the third qualifying round into the eighth gg and Kevin arrivedcame as joint before bowing out to Bootle on penalties. Yet tier. Towey The pinnacle onplayer-managers 13 Mayin2018, entrenched the NPL.in r 2017, blending experience with innovation.

Both active the 2022-23 season faltered—a winless start when Widnes claimed the NWCFL Macron Cup, h, they led by example, emphasizing spirit, tactical and an early FA Cup exit led to his departure defeating Burscough FC 2-1 team at Fleetwood in September 2022. Dempsey’s reign was a Town’s Highbury Stadium.

The final waswith a and a progressive style that fused veteran nous Dave Dempsey: Peaks and Pitfalls (2021-2022) mixed bag: moments of promise undone by Burscough struck reflected first through s. “It wasrollercoaster: our moment in the sun,” Towey on the inconsistency.

Jamie Clark in the that 9thManagerial minute, butStyle Ben up win. “The fans deserved day as much as we did.”

Hodkinson levelled it in theDempsey 22nd. Sam Sheen’s Dave took charge in Michael September 2021, favouring Ellison: ents 79th-minute winner, coupled with goalkeeper defensive solidity and home dominance.

His pragmatic, A New Hope Richie Mottram’s sealed historic re marked Widnes’ goldenlate era.heroics, In 2017-18, theyasecured results-driven approach DCBL Stadium a fortress, victory.

“Widnes just win into a trophy; they made(2022-Present) to the NPL Division One, didn’t lifting Widnes the eighth relying on organization and resilience.

However, won a memory,” Widnes FC news wrote at the Managerial Style his style nnacle came on 13 May 2018, when Widnes claimed the sometimes lacked attacking spark, leaving Widnes vulnerable time. Akrigg and Towey’s reign stretched to acron Cup, defeating Burscough FC 2-1 at Fleetwood Michael on the road.of “We showed we could mixEllison it with the best,” 2021, navigating the disruptions COVID-19, hbury Stadium. finalentrenched was a rollercoaster: Burscough and left The Widnes in the Dempsey toldNPL. Widnes FC newsarrived duringinthe FA Trophy run.

ut am ith s, just nes FC y’s

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Achievements

Micha

Mana Micha recor philos while September 2022 ambit with a proven Achievements club h track record a Dempsey inherited a side in trouble mid-2021-22 and steered them to safety in thehere NPL 60% win record. ratio at His standout moment was Widnes’ bestt Division, leaning on a formidable home Runcorn Linnets Achie Trophy run, reaching the third qualifying round before bowing out to Bootle on penalties and a balanced As ofin 2022-23 season faltered—a winless start and an early FA Cup exit led to his departure philosophy. He September 2022. Dempsey’s reign was a mixed bag: moments of promise undone

by W NPL blends attacking inconsistency. for pr flair with defensive discipline, while suppo

18 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

A Journey of Resilience and Amb

prioritizing player development. His methodical yet ambitious approach aims to elevate Widnes sustainably. “This club has untapped potential,” he told Widnes FC news. “We’re not here to make up numbers.”

Achievements As of February 2025, Ellison has injected competitiveness into the NPL West Division.

Early results hint at a side capable of pushing for promotion or another cup run, reigniting hope among supporters eager for more glory days.

A Journey of Resilience and Ambition Widnes FC’s ascent since 2012 is a testament to tenacity and community spirit. From Steve Hill’s steady foundations to Joey Dunn’s championship heroics, and from Akrigg and Towey’s Macron Cup triumph to Michael Ellison’s ongoing vision, each manager has shaped the club’s identity. The 2018 victory over Burscough remains a defining moment—a small club punching above its weight. “This isn’t just a club—it’s a family,” one fan said outside DCBL Stadium. With that spirit, Widnes FC’s story is far from over.

Managerial Legacy at a Glance Manager

Tenure

Hallmark

Standout Feat

Steve Hill

2012-2016

Pragmatism

NWCFL stability, three mid-table finishes

Danny Meadowcroft & Brian Pritchard 2016

Short-lived

None notable

Joey Dunn

2016-2017

Motivation

NWCFL Division One title 2016-17

Steve Akrigg & Kevin Towey

2017-2021

Tactical cohesion

NPL promotion, 2018 Macron Cup

Dave Dempsey

2021-2022

Defensive resolve

FA Trophy run, NPL survival

Michael Ellison

2022-Present Balanced ambition Competitive edge in 2024-25

Conclusion: A Tapestry of Tenacity Widnes FC’s transformation since 2012 is a testament to its managerial lineage. Steve Hill built the foundations, Joey Dunn ignited ambition with a title, and Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey delivered the iconic 2018 Macron Cup. Dave Dempsey offered resilience, while Michael Ellison now steers the club toward new horizons. Each leader’s style pragmatic, motivational, innovative, or balanced has woven a rich tapestry of progress. Backed by a fervent community, Widnes continues to rise, with the Macron Cup triumph a cherished symbol of its potential. As one fan put it, “This isn’t just a club—it’s a family.” With that spirit, Widnes FC’s story promises more chapters of triumph and tenacity.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 19

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.

20 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 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Widnes 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 23

Widnes Football Club History

W

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 25

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 27

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.

28 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 15 10 2 3 17 10 4 3 32 20 6 6 64 29 +35 66 2 Vauxhall Motors 15 8 1 6 17 11 2 4 32 19 3 10 60 41 +19 60 3 Hednesford Town 15 6 6 3 17 10 3 4 32 16 9 7 64 37 +27 57 4 Congleton Town 16 10 2 4 16 7 3 6 32 17 5 10 64 51 +13 56 5 Chasetown 17 11 2 4 15 5 5 5 32 16 7 9 60 43 +17 55 6 Stalybridge Celtic 17 10 1 6 16 6 4 6 33 16 5 12 56 55 +1 53 7 Trafford 16 6 2 8 16 9 4 3 32 15 6 11 45 43 +2 51 8 Runcorn Linnets 16 6 new 3 stimulus 7 17 to the 8 club.

5 David 4 33 remained 14 8 on 11the44 52es- -8 50 bring some much needed Day newly 9 Nantwich 8 5headed 3 16 6 2 Chairman 8 32Ian14 11 55 the 43nec+12 49 tablishedTown Board of16 Directors, by incoming Ross 7that brought 10 Mossley 17 drive 7 to5enable 5 the 16 Club 5 to progress 5 6 over 33 the 12 coming 10 11 38 35 +3 46 essary expertise and seasons.

11 Witton Albion 2016, 17former 8 Runcorn 3 6 Linnets 15 6Manager 1 8Joey32 14was4appointed 14 47 46 +1 46 In September Dunn the new 12 Avro 16 7 5 4 16 5 4 7 32 12 9 11 39 39 0 45 First Team Manager.

13 Bootle 3 an 7unbelievable 16 7 142 game 7 winning 32 13 5 which 14 ended 54 53 Joey’s first season16 ended6 with streak with +1 44 14 Clitheroe 4 2 9 32 12 8 12 59 60 -1 44 the Division 1 title.17 8 6 3 15 15 Newcastle Town 16 start 5 to4the 7 16 6campaign, 6 4 Dunn 32 resigned 11 10his 11 37 +1 43 After an inconsistent 2017-2018 post, 38 and players 16 Stafford Rangers 7 jointly 3 6took16 5 2 9 32 12 5 15 47 51 -4 41 Steve Akrigg & Kev16 Towey the reigns.

17 Wythenshawe Townseason 16 4they5guided 7 the 16 club 6 to back 5 5to back 32 promotions, 10 10 12 47up 44 During their first and so to the+3 40 18 Atherton Collieries 5 with 3 a 7tremendous 17 7 run 1 of 70 9 points 32 from 12 the 4 remaining 16 39 7553 -14 40 Northern Premier 15 League, available to claim the runner on to42 claim52 a -10 37 19 Kidsgrove Athletic 15 6up spot 2 behind 7 17 Runcorn 4 5Linnets.

8 They 32 then 10 went 7 15 remarkable double, with 33 a 2-1 8win over FC at-23 31 20 Wythenshawe 17lifting 3 the 6 Macron 8 16Challenge 5 1Cup10 7 Burscough 18 37 60 Fleetwood ‘Highbury Stadium to end1the season an even high.

21 Hanley Town Towns 16 2 1 13 16 8 7 on32 3 greater 9 20 31 59 -28 18 Further success soon convincing win away Linnets the -47 15 22 City of Liverpool 17 followed 0 5 with 12 a15 3 13-0 11 32 at3 Runcorn 6 23 36 in 83

NWCFL season curtain raiser, The Reusch Champions Cup.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 29

T

WO rounds from gracing thew hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium, it’s perfectly naturally to assume that players from the 16 clubs competing in this weekend’s Isuzu FA Trophy and Vase quarter-finals are getting pretty twitchy right now.

So, as a football manager, the question is how do you channel those nerves, excitement, and perhaps a tinge of anxiety, into a winning mentality? Is it possible to keep emotions in check and feet on the ground?

Well, as Hartpury University manager Dr Martin Longworth told me this week, the answer is with great difficulty.

Dr Longworth’s entire Hartpury squad are made up of current students aged between 16 and 25 with dreams of a lasting football careers, and they’re making a pretty good fist of it so far, sitting pretty on top of the Hellenic League Premier Division table on the back of a 27-game unbeaten run stretching back to September.

“It’s really hard to keep a 16-18-year-old’s feet on the ground when you’re two rounds from Wembley and we haven’t shied away from that,” Dr Longwell said.

“We’ve made it very clear that that could happen, there’s no point hiding from it – it’s good motivation for us.

“Yes, you’ve got to take each game as it comes but, ultimately, we are potentially two rounds from Wembley.”

Hartpury’s two-game mission starts this afternoon when Southern Counties East League side Erith & Belvedere are the visitors to the Hartpury University Stadium they share with the Rugby Championship club of the same name.

Many people’s favourites for the Vase, Dr Longwell’s men have won all four of their matches 1-0 to get to this stage, could history repeat itself all the way to the semi-finals this afternoon.

In the other three quarter-final ties, Southern Counties East League play-off chasers Whitstable Town take on Whitchurch Alport, of the Midland Football League, while bookies’ favourites AFC Whyteleafe, of the Combined Counties Premier South, take on United Counties League Premier North opponents Bourne Town.

Re-instated Andover New Street, reprieved by Roman Glass St George fielding an ineligible player, complete the line-up with the Wessex League side hosting

United Counties League side Heanor Town, making the last eight for the first time in their history.

The Isuzu FA Trophy is just as intriguing.

Story of the season, undoubtedly, are Step 4 Isthmian League Division One South East club Sittingbourne FC. Not only are the Brickies the last non-National League club standing, but they have also won through eight ties, scoring 18 goals along the way.

During that run, Ryan Maxwell’s side have beaten SIX teams on higher standing, including away at National League Southend United in the last round.

According to our friends at @FATrophyFactfile, their run to the last eight in the club’s 50th FA Trophy campaign, is a competition record.

This lunchtime, Sittingbourne host National League Aldershot Town for whom a victory would equal their best Trophy performances to the semi-finals, last achieved 17 years ago.

Since the original Aldershot FC were formed 99 years ago, the club has never reached a Wembley final.

Elsewhere, the Shots’ local rivals, and three times former Trophy winners, Woking, travel to National League North opponents Oxford City who are equalling their best Trophy run from four years ago.

The Hoops will be looking to make it third time lucky against Woking in the FA Trophy having twice exited the competition at the hands of The Cards in the past.

The only other National League North club still involved are looking to prevent their opponents from avenging a past Trophy defeat. Spennymoor Town travel to National League side and 1980-81 Trophy finalists, Sutton United, hoping to replicate their 3-0 victory over the Us from six years ago.

And in the only all-National League affair, Rochdale, in just their second Trophy campaign, host an Altrincham side aiming to try to lift the Trophy for the third time in the club’s history.

One thing’s for sure, they’ll be 16 squads of players going hell for leather this afternoon in a bid to get one step closer to Finals Day on Sunday May 11.

As the great Ossie Ardiles sung during Tottenham Hotspur’s FA Cup song back in 1981, ‘Ossie’s Going To Wembley, His Knees Have Gone All Trembly’.

If the Vase and Trophy hopefuls aren’t nervous and excited enough this weekend, they’ll be plenty of trembly knees on the terraces, that’s for sure.

By Jon Couch

30 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Ever thought of volunteering to help your local football club?

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

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

Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to find out more

Mark Halstead Josh McGreavy Niall Battersby Owen Beamon Sam Bhatti 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: Bilal Moosa Assistant 1: Ben Cotton Assistant 2: Matthew O’Shea

Bootle Tony Thompson Jay Roberts Sean Smith Lewis Earl Thomas Hannigan Sean Williams Jack Lenehan Sam Hughes Courtney Duffus Kyle Campbell Ben Hodkinson Conor Harwood Ben Dufton-Kelly Michael Simpson Jack Morris Kenzie O’Neill

Played Scored

Widnes FC

Played Scored

The Squads