21 Widnes v Nantwich Town

WIDNES FC

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2024-25

v NANTWICH TOWN The Northern Premier League West Division Saturday, 19th April 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, welcome to today’s huge game against Nantwich.

It’s been a few weeks since I last wrote some programme notes and in that time we have dropped points that really we shouldn’t have done. Our last game at home against Witton was a performance that was very lacklustre.

We felt we just let the game drift by and didn’t stamp our authority on it and then we conceded a really poor goal towards the end and walked away with zero points. I’m not saying we deserved to lose the game but at this time of the season you have to make things happen and that is something we discussed as a team after the Witton game and we all agreed that over the remaining 5 games we wasn’t going to let that happen again.

We have then had 2 really tricky away games against teams that have always been massively competitive in this league. We have picked up 2 draws in them games and I feel we have been far the better side in both games. The pitches are at that stage now where minimal football can be played so we have asked the players to adapt the way we want to play and they have done this really well. To go away from home and dominated both Newcastle and Mossley in the way we have is really hard to do. Having said all that football is about what you do in both boxes and over the last two games we haven’t been good enough in our attacking box and have missed some guilt edge chances and then we have made two mistakes in our defensive box and conceded two really soft goals from our point of view.

So we now find ourselves in a really tight title race, at the time of writing this we are still currently 3 points clear at the top of the league but due to Hednesford playing Friday we could be kicking off in second place. There is now no more room for slip ups by any side at the top of the league with only 3 games to go. What

we have to do now is remain calm and back ourselves for the full 90 minutes. This group of players have shown time and time again this season that they can prove their doubters wrong, we need to do this 3 more times and the reward at the end of it will be a league title that no one will ever be able to take away from us.

Today’s game will be much tougher than the 3 previous games in my opinion. I expected Nantwich to be right up at the top end of the table but for whatever reason they have had a couple of difficult months and find themselves sat in mid table. They have some of the best players in the league in Kai Evans, Harrison and Saunders and believe me when I say this, if we defend poorly in key moments today then these players will punish us. We have to remain focused for the whole game today, take our chances when they are presented to us and hopefully come 5pm we will be top of the league going into the final 2 games of the season.

Your support is going to be vital over the last 3 games, be as loud as possible and let’s drag the players over the line.

Cheers Lawty

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 05

Nantwich Town Player Profiles BEN GARRATT Goalkeeper 25 APRIL 1994 The 30-year-old is best known for his many years spent at Crewe Alex, where he came through the academy and went on to make 246 appearances for the first team after being given his break by former Dabbers manager Steve Davis. The former England under-19 international also made nearly 100 appearances for Burton Albion before leaving at the end of 2022/23. He signed a 2-year contract in the summer to remain with the Dabbers.

ERIC MERNER Goalkeeper 17 SEPTEMBER 2001 22-year-old Eric made 3 appearances for Leek Town last season, and has also played for Connah’s Quay Nomads, Sandbach United and Eccleshall. Eric made his debut for Nantwich in the Cheshire Senior Cup match against Hyde United this season.

KELVIN MELLOR Defender 25 JANUARY 1991 Mellor returned this summer to the Dabbers, where he started his career in 2007. He played in the 2007-08 season for the Dabbers under Steve Davis before joining Crewe Alex as a 17-year-old. He was briefly back on loan at Nantwich in 2009, before Davis was reunited again with Mellor at the Alex and it was under Steve that Kelvin had his breakthrough into Crewe’s first team, ending in two pieces of Wembley glory in the League 2 play-offs and the EFL Trophy in 2012 and 2013. Across two spells at Crewe he made over 130 appearances. He has vast EFL experience across several other clubs including Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle, Bradford City, Morecambe, Carlisle, and Accrington Stanley.

TROY BOURNE Defender 13 JANUARY 1998 Troy is a graduate from the Dabbers’ youth team, having impressed former manager Phil Parkinson in 2015/16 pre-season training. He spent much of the 16/17 campaign on a dual registration at Alsager Town but did make a couple of first-team appearances for the Dabbers. Troy is now the club captain and picked up four awards at the 2022/23 end of year awards night, including players’ player of the season and managers player of the season. Troy is in his testimonial season after celebrating his 10 years with the club with a friendly against Wolves in pre-season.

BEN HOCKENHULL Defender 03 SEPTEMBER 2001 The 23 year old central defender recently arrived on a dual registration with Curzon Ashton. The Crewe based defender was at the Manchester United academy from the age of 6. However he left and transferred to Brentford to become part of their B side in 2020 on a 2 year deal, and trained with the first team squad on a number of occasions.

At the end of his contract Ben joined Tranmere Rovers on a two year deal, and made his professional debut against Crewe Alexandra. During his time at Tranmere he had a number of loan spells particularly at Warrington Rylands and Southport.

Ben signed a contract with Stafford Rangers at the start of this season before transferring to Bury. However he departed in January 2025 to join Curzon Ashton and has been dual registering with Mossley and now with Nantwich Town since.

06 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

PERRY BIRCUMSHAW Defender 21 DECEMBER 1994 Equally capable at centre back or full back, Perry joined the Dabbers early on in the 22/23 season, initially on dual registration terms from Winsford United.

But such was the manner he impressed the staff at Nantwich with his performances, he was quickly signed up permanently in September 2022 and has become a fixture in defence since.

JON MORAN (MANAGER) Defender 20 JUNE 1997 Moran returned to the Dabbers in 2022 for his second spell after being first signed in 2015 by Phil Parkinson. Jon made a big impact, becoming an integral part of the side that went on the famous run to the FA Trophy semi-finals, knocking out higher ranked Salford City, Stockport County and Dover Athletic in the process. His performances that season turned a lot of heads, and he was bought by then National League side Forest Green Rovers in the summer of 2016. After loans at Halesowen and Weston-Super-Mare, he joined Chester on a free in 2018, and Bradford Park Avenue in the summer of 2019. That winter, he moved to Stafford Rangers where he stayed until February 2022, when his spell was mutually ended due to injury, captaining the side at times for them.

He’s achieved over 100 playing appearances for Nantwich across his two spells. Jon has recently taken on the position of manager on a permanent basis after taking on the reins initially on an interim basis in late September 2024 when Paul Carden took up the opportunity to return back to Warrington Town.

JAMES MELHADO Defender 29 JANUARY 2001 The 23-year-old full-back impressed during a trial period in early pre-season and has now been brought in for good. Melhado started his career at Newcastle Town, via a loan at Hanley, and made enough of an impression to be signed by Salford City in 2021, playing for them in the EFL Trophy.

While at Salford, there were loans at Ashton, Hereford, and AFC Telford United.

Most recently, he was plying his trade in Cornwall at Truro City in the National League South, but is now back up north and ready to contribute for the Dabbers.

PADDY KENNEDY Defender

The 20-year-old did play for the Dabbers as a trialist in pre-season but saw that period cut short by injury. Kennedy was at Litherland REMYCA in the North West Counties Premier for the last two seasons and captained them during the last campaign.

Paddy has impressed since his baptism of fire into the first XI, and after rejecting a couple of seven day approaches from other NPL clubs, Paddy signed his first contract with the club much to the delight of everyone connected with the club.

JOEL CONNOLLY Midfielder 19 NOVEMBER 2002 The 21-year-old is a product of the Burnley youth academy, making it to their under 21s before being released.

He then joined Prescot and made 14 appearances for them before joining Paul Carden here at the Dabbers for the run-in to the end of the 2022/23 season and beyond.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 07

Nantwich Town Player Profiles MATTHEW TWEEDLEY Midfielder 16 APRIL 2004 The 20-year-old was a product of the Bolton Wanderers academy and played for their B team before being leaving last summer.

NPL play-off semi-finalists Bamber Bridge playing 20 games, before re-joining Ashton this summer under Steve Cunningham.

Having featured eight times this season for Ashton, Joe joins Nantwich after starting this season at Stafford Rangers.

He is familiar with the NPL system too, having made 15 appearances on loan for Lancaster City in the NPL Premier in 2022/23.

KAI EVANS Forward 27 JANAURY 2004 After impressing in pre-season of the 2023/24 season, Evans was signed by The Dabbers after being released by Wrexham in the summer. Evans signed his first pro contract at the Welsh side in the COVID hit 2020 season and showcased his talents over the course of the following season when he topped the scoring charts in the National League Youth Alliance from midfield. He won the Dabbers’ Young Player of the Season for 2023/24.

Tweedley scored a truly spectacular goal as a trialist for the Dabbers in the 140th Anniversary Match against Prescot Cables that immediately had supporters asking for him to be signed, and here he is.

TOM PRATT Midfielder 03 JUNE 1995 The attacking midfielder is known to Dabbers supporters from his brief loan spell last season, where in just 1 month and 3 matches he racked up 6 assists, winning all of the trio of games he was involved in by an aggregate score of 11-1.

Previously at Guiseley, he scored 8 goals in 28 games for them last season, and before that a long and highly successful period at Hyde United over 6 years.

JOE ROBBINS Midfielder 20 FEBRUARY 2002 Joe Robbins started his career in the academy at Crewe Alexandra, Joe signed a professional contract in 2020 and made his debut for Crewe, scoring in a 3-0 win over Wolves U21s in the EFL Trophy. Joe’s first stint was on loan at Nantwich for a large part of the 2021-22 season, scoring a hat-trick at Bower Fold in Nantwich’s win over Stalybridge Celtic in February 2022.

Joe signed permanently for Nantwich before joining Ashton in 2022. He then spent the second half of last season with

BYRON HARRISON Forward 15 JUNE 1987 The 6ft3, vastly experienced striker has nearly 150 Football League appearances, the majority of which were during a successful spell at Cheltenham Town where he scored 20 goals in 94 games between 2012 and 2015.

In more recent years, he also performed strongly for Barrow in the National League, scoring 32 times in 67 appearances in 2 seasons that ended in 2018, before he returned in 2019/20 to help them gain promotion to the EFL. Starting his career in non-league with clubs like Havant and Waterlooville and Boreham Wood, he earned a move to League 2 Stevenage in 2010, before spending time at AFC Wimbledon and Chesterfield as well as that run with Cheltenham.

08 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

In 2018, he returned to non-league, and has played for teams such as Sutton, Barnet and most recently Altrincham. He was the Dabbers’ top scorer and Player of the Season in 2023/24.

CALLUM SAUNDERS Forward 26 SEPTEMBER 1995 Currently in his second spell at the club.

Saunders has been a consistent goalscorer for several years. He scored 29 goals in 75 appearances across his previous time at the Dabbers.

He was the Dabbers’ top scorer in the 2018/19 season and curtailed 2020/21 season.

Callum was most recently at Stafford, where he spent the 2022/23 campaign.

The season before, he was joint third highest goalscorer in the NPL Premier with 18 goals.

Outside of the NPL Saunders made 27 senior appearances for Crewe Alexandra where he began his footballing career at a young age.

NATHAN SANDISON Forward 02 FEBRUARY 2006 Nathan played schoolboy football in Liverpool and then joined Wigan Atheltic.

He plays as a striker or a ten, with football ability beyond his years. As part of the Wigan Athletic youth setup, he played for them in the FA Youth Cup. However he was released last summer.

ALEX PANTER Forward 09 DECEMBER 2001 Alex Panter is a mid-season signing from Wythenshawe Town. The young forward has been on somewhat of a meteoric rise over the last year. Up to the end of last season he was at Poynton in the Cheshire League, scoring 20 goals as they won 3 trophies in 2023/24.

That earned him a move into the North West Counties system with Maine Road (10th tier). The step up didn’t seem to faze him at all. Between July and November 2024 he scored 11 goals and set up 4 more in 23 appearances.

This caught the attention of Wythenshawe Town, who he made 9 appearances for after joining in November. He played against Nantwich in the game earlier in January and will now seek to continue his progress with the Dabbers.

KOFI MOORE (On Loan from Oldham Athletic) Forward 25 SEPTEMBER 2004 Kofi is on a season long loan from Oldham Athletic. Kofi had a brief spell with Nantwich on a one month loan at the start of the season, and was starting to impress towards the end of his first spell.

Kofi made 5 appearances in his initial loan spell between August and September this season, scoring once and impressing with his general attacking play.

Since his first spell, he has made the matchday squad for Oldham in an FA Cup First Round tie against Tranmere in a sign of his progress.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 09

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From the Skipper - Ste Irwin Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the DCBL stadium.

Obviously we were reallly disappointed after the last few results especially last week conceding so late after controlling the game so well.

There’s 2 wins that we havnt come away with but there’s nothing we can do about that now we just have to focus on another huge test.

We have had a good weeks training and the lads are all up and ready to hopefully put another good performance in and if we can just iron out the small mistakes then I’m sure we can get the result we want in the end.

It’s a huge weekend with 2 games back to back so we willl have to use the whole squad which we have done all season but eveyone is ready and raring to go from today!

Enjoy the game.

Stevie

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he UK. Their journey has taken them to footballing landmarks such as Arsenal's m, Manchester United's Old Tra8ord, and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, Widnes FC U18s Edge Out Apalachee High School in Poignant Friendly Widnes for what proved to be a memorable encounter.

I

n a poignant andbeing spirited friendly gap, Apalachee’s players a year or two match at the humble yet charming rican side showed remarkable composure P&P ground affectionately dubbed g the match remained fiercely competitive the “beautiful potato field” Widnes early exchanges were evenly poised, with FC’s U18 team hosted Apalachee ng out promising opportunities. It was High School from Georgia, USA, ck first,inas Luke unleashed a clinicalthe strike a contest that transcended the penalty area toofbreak the deadlock and boundaries sport. de the lead.

The visitors, whose squad includes

survivors ofwith a tragic shooting on 4 ever, responded flair.school Demonstrating September last year, are on a fundraisingnd audacity, one of their forwards caught inspired tour of the UK. Their journey per Corey histhem line,toexecuting sublime lob haso8 taken footballingalandmarks such as Arsenal’s Stadium, he net to restore parity.Emirates The first half Manchester United’s Old Trafford, and and flow, with both sides threatening.

Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, before closest to taking the lead when a long-range arriving at Widnes for what proved to be a Second-Half Drama encounter. ey intomemorable an outstanding save, tipping the ball wide to ensure the teams went into Widnes emerged for the second half with 1-1. Despite the age gap, Apalachee’s players

renewed vigour, dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances. Yet, despite their pressure, they struggled to and skill, ensuring the match remained find the target. Max Spruce thought he for thefiercely second half withthroughout. renewed The vigour, competitive earlydominating possession and creating a had restored Widnes’s lead when he met exchanges were evenly poised, both to find the target. Max Spruce . Yet, despite their pressure, theywith struggled Max F’s corner with a powerful header, carvinglead out promising estoredteams Widnes’s when heopportunities. met Max F’s corner a powerful only onlywith for the Apalacheeheader, goalkeeper to It was Widnes who struck first, as Luke produce a breathtaking save that kept the e goalkeeper to aproduce a breathtaking unleashed clinical strike from the edgesave of that kept the scores level. scores level. the penalty area to break the deadlock and h finallygive arrived through Ethan his first goal for Widnes the home side the lead. Campbell, who marked The breakthrough finally arrived through Perfectly positioned, he slotted home a squaredEthan passCampbell, from Christian to put who marked histhe first Apalachee, however, responded with goallater, for Widnes in fitting fashion. p. But Apalachee refused to be subdued.

Moments they equalised once flair. Demonstrating both precision and hroughaudacity, a brilliantly taken free kickcaught that left CoreyPerfectly with nopositioned, chance. he slotted home a one of their forwards squared pass from Christian to put the Widnes goalkeeper Corey off his line, home side 2-1 up. But Apalachee refused ment came shortly after,lob with executing a sublime thatLuke sailedonce into again proving Widnes’s talisman. With to be subdued. Moments later, they the net restore parity.

Theturf firsthe half e assisted byto the uneven P&P netted whatequalised would be themore, winning goal,through a once this time continued to ebb and flow, with both sides brilliantly taken free kick that left Corey ctory for the home team. threatening. Apalachee came closest to with no chance. taking the lead when a long-range effort the Scoreline forced Corey into an outstanding save, tipping the ball wide to ensure the teams t, this match was testament to the unifying power of football. Played in an went into the a break level at 1-1. being a year or two younger the American

ama side showed remarkable composure

both teams displayed sportsmanship and mutual respect, with the Apalachee y relishing the experience. For Widnes, it was a performance that did their club 14 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

The decisive moment came shortly after, with Luke once again proving Widnes’s talisman. With a touch of fortune assisted by the uneven P&P turf he netted what would be the winning goal, securing a 3-2 victory for the home team.

while for the visitors, it was another step in their healing journey a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the beautiful game can bring joy and connection.

A Game Beyond the Scoreline

Men of the Match: Luke and Corey

Goals: Luke (2), Ethan Campbell

Beyond the result, this match was a testament to the unifying power of football. Played in an exemplary spirit, both teams displayed sportsmanship and mutual respect, with the Apalachee players reportedly relishing the proud, while for the visitors, it was another step in their healing journey a reminder that even in experience. For Widnes, it was a the face of adversity, the beautiful game can bring joy and connection. performance that did their club proud, Goals: Luke (2), Ethan Campbell Men of the Match: Luke and Corey

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 15

a place of reverence among supporters and players alike. This column delves into the depth of his career at Widnes, examining his loyalty, consistent performance, leadership, achievements, and lasting impact.

Kevin Towey: A Pillar of Widnes FC’s Modern Era

B

and Longevity: A Steadfast Presence Towey’s y Widnes Wanderer, Widnes Kevin Towey: A Pillar of Widnes FC’sYet, Modern Era presence was Club Matchday where playerFootball movement is often dictated by ambition or a constant, ance, Kevin Towey’s five-year to Widnes Programme, April 2025 Wanderer, Bycommitment Widnes Widnes Football Club Matchday Programme, April 2025

providing s as a beacon of loyalty. Arriving in the summer of 2016, In the rich tapestry of non-leaguestability football, few figures em In the arich ickly became cornerstone of the squad, amassing 136 spirit of loyalty, performance, andthrough leadership quite like K of nonnces andtapestry netting 73 goals, a remarkable tally that seasons of leagueand football, both his talent his enduring dedication to the club. His five-year tenure with Widnes Football Club, from 201 triumph few figuresstriking in the non-league landscape,stands as a defining chapter in the club’s and history, marke evity is particularly challenge alike. embody the e transient nature of careers often disrupts continuity. blend of on-field brilliance and oI-field influence. As bo spirit was of loyalty, His loyalty Towey’s cont y’s presence a constant, providing stability throughstriker and a guiding force in management, performance, extended of Widnes FC have etched his name into the Chronicles of triumph and challenge alike. and leadership beyondand his players alike a place of reverence among supporters quitebeyond like Kevin y extended his playing duties. In 2017, Towey playing duties. column delves into the depth of his career at Widnes, ex Towey.

Hismanager fivehe mantle of joint alongside Steve Akrigg, a In 2017, loyalty, consistent performance, leadership, achieveme tenure with commitment as both player and eld until year 2021.

This dual Towey took on lasting impact.

Widnes underscored hisFootball deep connection to the club, the mantle of Club, 20162019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, joint manager rly during the from turbulent Loyalty and Longevity: A Steadfast Presence to 2021, stands as a defining chapter in alongside Steve COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience of football at every level. As noted in the the club’s history, marked bywhere aTowey’s rare player blend In an era movement is often dictated byuntil ambition a role he held 2021.or This dual icial statement upon his resignation, service duringAkrigg, these years was nothing of on-field brilliancecircumstance, and off-field influence. commitment as both player and manager Kevin Towey’s five-year commitment to Widnes distinguished.” His willingness to shoulder such responsibility in times of uncertainty As both a prolific striker and a as guiding forceof loyalty. his deep connection stands a beacon Arriving in the summer of 2016,to the club, olumes about his characterFC and his devotion to Widnes FC. underscored in management, Towey’s contributions particularly turbulent136 2019-20 Towey quickly became a cornerstone of theduring squad,the amassing have etched his name into the Chronicles of ent High Performance: A Goal-Scoring anda2020-21 seasons, when the COVID-19 appearances andMaestro netting 73 goals, remarkable tally that Widnes FC, earning him a place of reverence pandemic tested the resilience of football reflects both his talent his enduring dedication towas the club. was the among foundation of Towey’s career atalike.

Widnes, consistent high level. performance supporters and players This hisand at every As noted in the club’s official His longevity is particularly striking in the non-league landscape, ring edifice builtdelves upon it.

From moment he donned the white and black, column into the the depth of his career statement upon Towey’s his resignation, Towey’s the19 transient nature of 21 careers disrupts continuity. ring prowess was evident.

Inwhere his games, he struck times,often a blistering at Widnes, examining hisfirst loyalty, consistent service during thesestart years was nothing short Yet, Towey’s presence was a constant, providing stability throughto shoulder performance, and leading him surpass Ben Tollittleadership, to becomeachievements, the club’s all-time scorer by November ofgoal “distinguished.”

His willingness seasons of triumph and challenge alike. lasting impact. s early feat was no flash in the pan; Towey maintained a remarkable scoring rate such responsibility in times of uncertainty ut his tenure, finishing with 73 goals in 136 appearances anspeaks averagevolumes of 0.53 about goals per his character and his Loyalty and Longevity: His loyalty extended beyond his playing duties. In 2017, Towey devotion to Widnes FC. A Steadfast Presence took on the mantle of joint manager alongside Steve Akrigg, a Highas Performance: rolemovement he held until 2021. This dualConsistent commitment both player and In an era where player is often Goal-Scoring Maestro manager underscored to the club, dictated by ambition or circumstance, Kevinhis deep Aconnection particularlyto during the turbulentIf2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, Towey’s five-year commitment Widnes loyalty was the foundation of Towey’s FC stands as a beacon of the loyalty.

Arrivingpandemic in when COVID-19 tested resilience football at every level. As not career the at Widnes, hisof consistent high the summer of 2016, Towey quickly became upon his club’s oIicial statement resignation, Towey’s service edifice during these years w performance was the glittering a cornerstone of theshort squad, amassing built upon From thesuch moment he donnedin times of u of “distinguished.”

His willingness toit. shoulder responsibility 136 appearances and netting 73 goals, a his character the white black, Towey’s goal-scoring speaks volumes about and and his devotion to Widnes FC. remarkable tally that reflects both his talent prowess was evident. In his first 19 games, and his enduring dedication to the club.Performance: Consistent High A Goal-Scoring Maestrostart that he struck 21 times, a blistering His longevity is particularly striking in the saw him surpass Ben Tollitt to become If loyalty foundation of Towey’s career at Widnes, his consistent high perfor non-league landscape, wherewas thethe transient the club’s all-time leading goal scorer by the glittering edifice built upon it.

From the moment donned the white and black nature of careers often disrupts continuity.

November 2016.

Thishe early feat was no flash goal-scoring prowess was evident. In his first 19 games, he struck 21 times, a bliste that saw him surpass Ben Tollitt to become the club’s all-time leading goal scorer b 2016.

This early DAY featPROGRAMME was no flash in the pan; Towey maintained a remarkable scorin 16 WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH throughout his tenure, finishing with 73 goals in 136 appearances an average of 0.53

in the pan; Towey maintained a remarkable scoring rate throughout his tenure, finishing with 73 goals in 136 appearances an average of 0.53 goals per game.

Such consistency is rare in the rigours of non-league football, where physical demands and competitive intensity often take their toll. Yet, Towey’s ability to deliver season after season, particularly in the Northern Premier League, speaks to his technical skill, mental fortitude, and unyielding work ethic.

His performances were not merely about numbers; they were about lifting the team when it mattered most, as seen in crucial fixtures and high-stakes encounters. In the words of a club insider, Towey was “a player who could change a game with a single touch,” a sentiment echoed by fans who witnessed his artistry firsthand.

Leadership On and Off the Pitch: A Guiding Force Leadership, both visible and subtle, defined Towey’s influence at Widnes FC. On the pitch, his presence was commanding—a striker who led by example, inspiring teammates with his relentless drive and clinical finishing. Off the pitch, his leadership

took on a more formal role when he was appointed joint manager in October 2017.

Tasked with steering the club through the competitive waters of the Northwest Counties League, Towey, alongside Akrigg, orchestrated one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.

The 2017-18 season remains a standout, with Widnes securing promotion to the Northern Premier League and lifting the Northwest Counties Challenge Cup. Under Towey’s guidance, the team embarked on a remarkable run, winning 23 of their final 25 games to finish as runners-up with 96 points a feat that cemented his managerial acumen.

His ability to balance the dual roles of player and manager, a rarity in modern football, highlighted his versatility and tactical intelligence. Beyond the first team, Towey’s leadership extended to the grassroots level, coaching the club’s under-9’s team and showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation.

Memorable Moments and Achievements: Defining the Era

Towey’s career at Widnes is studded with moments that will be recounted for years to come. Chief among them is his ascent Such consistency is rare in the rigours of nonto the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, football, where physical and compe a milestone achieved with ademands brace against Skelmersdale United in the Liverpool Senior intensity often take their toll. Yet, Towey’s abil Cup in November 2016. Yet, for Towey, the deliver season after season, particularly in the goals were always a means to an end, victory Premier technical skill, for the League, team. As aspeaks manager,to hishis crowning achievement came in the 2017-18 season,His perfo fortitude, and unyielding work ethic. when Widnes clinched promotion and cup were not merely about numbers; they were ab success. The image of Towey lifting the theNorthwest team when it mattered as seen in cr Counties Challenge most, Cup remains iconic, a testament to his ability to galvanise fixtures and high-stakes encounters. In the wo the squad during that campaign.

club insider, Towey was “a player who could c game with a single touch,” a sentiment echoe who witnessed his artistry firsthand.

Leadership On and O? the Pitch: A Guiding Force

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 17

Leadership, both visible and subtle, defined Towey’s influence at Widnes FC. On the

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of player and manager, a rarity in modern football, highlighted his versatility and tactical intelligence. Beyond the first team, Towey’s leadership extended to the grassroots level, coaching the club’s under-9’s team and showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation. a sense of belonging and and aspiration among Memorable Moments Achievements: the next the generation.

Defining Era Upon his resignation in 2021, the club paid tribute to his “immense

contribution” andWidnes “unwavering dedication,” Towey’s career at is studded with moments words that only scratch the surface of the Chief that will be recounted for years to come. respect he commanded. among them is his ascent to the club’s all-time Conclusion: A Chapter leading goal scorer, a milestone achieved with a Closed, A Legacy Endures United in the Liverpool brace against Skelmersdale As goals Widneswere FC looks to the future, the Senior Cup in November 2016. Yet, for Towey, the always a means to an end, victory echoes of Kevin Towey’s contributions willwhen for the team. As a manager, his crowning achievement came in the 2017-18 season, Impact Beyond Statistics: reverberate through the club for years to Widnes clinched promotion and cup success. The image of Towey lifting the Northwest A Legacy of Inspiration come. His loyalty, performance, leadership, Counties Challenge Cup remains iconic, a testament to his ability to galvanise the squad during and impact have woven him into the fabric Whilecampaign. statistics provide a framework for that of the club’s identity. For the supporters who understanding Towey’s contributions, his true impact lies in the intangible qualities he brought to Widnes FC. His tenure as joint manager was not just about wins and losses; it was about instilling a culture of resilience and ambition. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Towey’s steady hand helped navigate the club through uncertainty.

His work with the under-9’s team further exemplifies his broader influence, fostering

cheered his goals, the players who thrived under his guidance, and the young talents who benefited from his mentorship, Towey’s name will forever be synonymous with a golden era in Widnes FC’s history. His career was not just about football; it was about building something timeless.

Sources: Widnes FC official website, historical

Impact Beyond Statistics: A Legacy of Inspiration WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 19

While statistics provide a framework for understanding Towey’s contributions, his true impact lies in the intangible qualities he brought to Widnes FC. His tenure as joint manager was not just

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 Hednesford Town 20 10 6 4 20 13 3 4 40 23 9 8 79 39 +40 78 2 Widnes 19 12 3 4 20 11 6 3 39 23 9 7 75 37 +38 78 3 Vauxhall Motors 20 10 4 6 20 12 3 5 40 22 7 11 72 52 +20 73 4 Congleton Town 19 13 2 4 20 9 3 8 39 22 5 12 71 56 +15 71 5 Chasetown 20 14 2 4 19 7 5 7 39 21 7 11 76 50 +26 70 6 Stalybridge Celtic 20 12 2 6 20 8 4 8 40 20 6 14 68 64 +4 66 7 Avro 19 10 5 4 20 7 5 8 39 17 10 12 50 43 +7 61 8 Runcorn Linnets 20 9 new 3 stimulus 8 19 to the 8 club.

7 David 4 39 remained 17 10 on 12the53 60es- -7 61 bring some much needed Day newly 9 Trafford 7 4headed 9 19 10 5 Chairman 4 39Ian17 13 52 the 53nec--1 60 tablished Board of20 Directors, by incoming Ross 9that brought 10 Nantwich Town and 20 drive 9 to6enable 5 the 19 Club 7 to progress 2 10 over 39 the 16 coming 8 15 68 54 +14 56 essary expertise seasons.

11 Clitheroe 19former 9 Runcorn 6 4 Linnets 20 7Manager 2 11Joey39 16was8appointed 15 75 70 +5 56 In September 2016, Dunn the new 12 Stafford Rangers 20 9 4 7 19 7 3 9 39 16 7 16 64 58 +6 55 First Team Manager.

13 Mossley 6 an 6unbelievable 20 6 145 game 9 winning 40 14 11 which 15 ended 44 43 Joey’s first season20 ended8 with streak with +1 53 14 Bootle 7 3 10 40 15 7 18 61 63 -2 52 the Division 1 title.20 8 4 8 20 15 Atherton 20 start 8 to4the 8 19 7campaign, 3 9 Dunn 39 resigned 15 7 his 17 58 -7 52 After anCollieries inconsistent 2017-2018 post, 51 and players 16 Witton 8 jointly 3 8took20 7 3 10 39 15 6 18 50 55 -5 51 SteveAlbion Akrigg & Kev19 Towey the reigns.

17 Newcastle Town 19 6they5guided 8 the 20 club 6 to back 6 8to back 39 promotions, 12 11 16 45up 50 During their first season and so to the-5 47 18 Kidsgrove 8 with 3 a 9tremendous 19 4 run 6 of 70 9 points 39 from 12 the 9 remaining 18 48 7560 -12 45 NorthernAthletic Premier 20 League, available to claimTown the runner behind went 17 on to53 claim56 a -3 43 19 Wythenshawe 20 4up spot 6 10 20 Runcorn 6 7Linnets.

7 They 40 then 10 13 remarkable double, with 39 a 2-110 win over FC at-24 38 20 Wythenshawe 19lifting 3 the 7 Macron 9 20Challenge 7 1Cup12 8 Burscough 21 44 68 Fleetwood ‘Highbury Stadium to end3the season an even R Hanley Town Towns 19 2 1 16 20 8 9 on39 5 greater 9 25high.

35 73 -38 24 Further success soon convincing win away Linnets the -72 15 R City of Liverpool 20 followed 0 5 with 15 a19 3 13-0 15 39 at3 Runcorn 6 30 37 in109

NWCFL season curtain raiser, The Reusch Champions Cup.

WIDNES FOOTBALL CLUB MATCH DAY PROGRAMME 29

C

ROWN dependencies offshore football clubs have become part and parcel of the NonLeague Pyramid in recent years with Guernsey, Jersey Bulls and FC Isle of Man all valued members of our National League System.

But I wondered what the arrangements entail for opposition teams flying across to play on these islands, so I joined the official Southall party heading to Guernsey for their Isthmian South Central; fixture last Sunday to find out more.

The build-up saw Guernsey sending travel details to their opponents. In effect, the host club covers the cost of return flights for a group of up to 25 people from Southall plus coach transport to and from Guernsey Airport. This forms part of Guernsey’s agreement to compete in mainland competitions.

Here is my diary of how the mammoth matchday experience unfolded…

7.00am – Meet up deadline at Gatwick Airport South Terminal.

The Southall players arrive on time smartly dressed in club tracksuit tops.

7.15am – Southall’s enthusiastic chairman Sanjeev Sharma does a final headcount to make sure everyone is present. He grins: “I’m feel like I am the players’ dad looking after them all!”

8.00am – We are through security and on to the plane. I am sitting next to Southall manager Max Howell. He admirably video calls his young children prior to take-off.

8.35am – The Aurigny Airline flight to Guernsey departs on schedule. It’s a one-hour journey spanning 160 miles. Also on board are the three match officials for this afternoon’s game.

Not surprisingly, they respectfully keep their distance.

8.50am – There is escalating merriment amongst the Southall squad because midfielder Chris Mulindwa has fallen asleep with his mouth wide open. So, his crafty teammates rest a coffee stirrer on his lower lip. I take a photo to capture the moment for posterity.

9.00am – Max explains his deep-thinking managerial philosophy to me. “My players are chess pieces that I move around the pitch,” he says, reflecting on his nine years at Southall as a player, then coach and now manager.

9.35am – We touch down in Guernsey and the local coach appears outside the tiny airport. Our driver is a dead ringer for TV personality Bill Oddie. Much to my amazement, he negotiates the narrow island roads by frequently mounting pavements to pass oncoming cars. This time, I am sat alongside chairman Sanjeev. He describes his burning desire to find his beloved club a permanent stadium in Southall. It will end 33 years of nomadic groundsharing following the loss of their spiritual home at Western Road. They are currently based out of the area at Burnham but will switch to Hayes & Yeading next season.

10.00am – We stop off at a very nice hotel where Southall booked pre-match breakfast. It is good to see the players choosing healthy options from the buffet spread although some of us

older guys readily tuck into fried eggs and black pudding!

12noon – The coach is ready to take us to the game.

12.30pm – We pull up at Guernsey’s newly unveiled £10 million Victoria Park Stadium which is staging only its second fixture.

The Southall party are warmly greeted by Guernsey directors John Loveless and Nic Legg.

12.35pm – I take a peek at the facilities consisting of two excellent grandstands on either side (offering 700 seats combined) and covered terracing behind both goals. I am thoroughly impressed by the 3,000 capacity venue. It is easily up to National League South grading criteria. The Guernsey Football Association offices are here too.

1.00pm – Several of the Southall players don’t have football boots compatible with requirements specified by Victoria Park’s artificial pitch manufacturer. However, Guernsey are able to loan replacement boots.

1.10pm – I approach Southall director Stephen Harrison for an in-depth chat. His family possess a long association with the club and Stephen outlines how he decided to become a coowner. In addition, I spot a couple of loyal Southall supporters visiting Guernsey for the weekend.

2.00pm – Kick-off in our Isthmian League South Central Division encounter. Guernsey have the wind behind them and dominate pulsating first half exchanges without scoring. Into the second period, Southall muster a great 20 minutes peppering the home goalmouth. All of a sudden, Guernsey break away and Sam Murray decisively shoots into the net. Two minutes later, Southall are reduced to ten men (Ryan Hope red card) thereby affecting their chances of gaining a positive result.

3.50pm – Final score…Guernsey 1 Southall 0, attendance 891.

A vital three points for the ‘Green Lions’ in battling against relegation.

4.20pm – Guernsey serve a delicious sit-down meal of Thai green curry to the Southall party in a reserved section of the plush clubhouse. Yet the West London players are visibly disappointed by the match outcome and eat in near silence.

5pm – The coach returns to take us to the airport ahead of our 6.10pm flight.

7.10pm – After the Southall contingent waited patiently in Departures throughout an unexpected one-hour delay, we embark on our plane back to London. I’m seated again beside manager Max who is considerably deflated by this defeat. He gives me a fascinating blow by blow analysis of the match I’ve just watched. I tell him that he can take plenty of positives from his team’s performance.

8.15pm: We land at Gatwick Airport to conclude our lengthy day out. There are handshakes all around as the exhausted Southall party go their separate ways freshly anticipating local derbies versus Rayners Lane and Uxbridge over Easter.

Needless to say, I was pretty cream crackered when I eventually arrived home, but the trip will go down as one of my most memorable ever.

By Tony Incenzo

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: Adewunmi Soneye Assistant 1: Matthew Pointer Assistant 2: Daniel Manning

Nantwich Town Perry Bircumshaw Troy Bourne (Club Captain) Joel Connolly Kai Evans Ben Garratt (GK) Ben Hockenhull Byron Harrison Steven Hewitt Paddy Kennedy James Melhado Kelvin Mellor Eric Merner (GK) Kofi Moore Alex Panter Tom Pratt Joe Robbins Callum Saunders Matthew Tweedley Reece Vaughan

Played Scored

Widnes FC

Played Scored

The Squads