Charnock Richard Football Club 12...the Winsford United 6-0 win at home to Burscough and Ashton Athletic’s 4-0 win at Squires Gate made our winning scoreline look rather tame. One

OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME SEASON 2019-20 £2.00

Charnock RichardFootball Club 12

V LANCASTER CITYPARTNERS FOUNDATION LANCASHIRE CHALLENGE TROPHY 2ND ROUNDTUESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER,7.45PM

Chorley Alliance League: 1947-48, 1956-57 | Gillett Cup: 1956-57, 1959-60, 1963-64 | Guildhall Cup: 1957-58, 1968-69, 1992-93 | Preston & District League: 1960-61, 1966-67, 1968-69, 1988-89 | Chorley Amateur Cup: 1960-61, 1961-62, 1964-65 | Hunt Cup: 1969-70 | Lancashire Amateur Shield: 1967-68, 2001-02, 2006-07, 2010-11, 2011-12 | West Lancashire League Division One: 1997-98 | West Lancashire League Premier Division: 2002-03, 2008-09, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 | Richardson Cup: 2001-02, 2003-04, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 | Goldline Trophy: 2000-01, 2005-06 | West Lancashire League Reserve Division Two: 1995-96 | West Lancashire League Reserve Division One: 1996-97, 1997-98, 2013-14

All editorial in this programme is copyright of Charnock Richard Football Club and may not be reproduced. The views of the contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the club.

Information correct at the time of going to press.

ISSUE 12EDITORIAL...

CHARNOCK RICHARDFOOTBALL CLUB Unincorporated Association A Charter Standard Club Mossie Park, Charter Lane, Charnock Richard, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 5LZ T: 01257 794288

CLUB OFFICIALSChairman: Shaun TootellVice Chairman: Geoff HaslamSecretary: Dave RowlandAssistant Secretary: Graham RandleTreasurer: Steve MawdesleyCommercial Manager: TBCClub Photographer: Alan WalkerWebsite Co-ordinator: Shaun TootellSocial Media Coordinator: Adam DonnellanGroundsman: Pleasant View GMGround Supervisor: Harold HeatonKit Man: Jim BibbyCommittee: Steve Porter, Dave Smith,Dave Dixon, Lewis Spensley, Brian Lowe, Ian Livesey, Alan Baron.1st Team Manager: Ryan Donnellan1st Team Assistant Manager: Dave Haslam1st Team Coach: Dan CroftsGoalkeeping Coach: Gareth JonesFirst Team Assistant/Analyst: Lewis Spensley Team Physio: Kate SmithReserve Team Manager: Ian MountainReserve Assistant Manager: Paul CharnleyReserve Team Coaches: Tom Charnley, Paul Billington

PROGRAMMEProgramme Co-ordinator: Ian LiveseyContributors: Keith Reader, David Rowland, Shaun Tootell, Ian Mountain, Dave Smith, Gareth Jones, Ryan Donnellan.Design & Print: Andy Calvert www.matchdaycreative.co.uk

G ood evening and thank you for purchasing a programme from us for

tonight’s game in the Partners Foundation Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy 2nd Round.

I would like to welcome everyone to Mossie Park, including our visitors from up the M6 for what can be described as a “Battle of the Motorway Service Stations”!

I’ve been fortunate to attend a few finals in previous years during my time at Chorley. They’re exciting affairs which are currently held in the grandeur of the home of Bolton Wanderers FC. It would be equally exciting to see Charnock get to the final at some point as it’s been a while since we’ve played there.

Tonight’s game will be no easy affair. Lancaster City are doing very well two divisions above, riding high in 3rd place as they look to get back to the National League North after an absence of 13 years.

Saturday’s 4-0 win over Whitchurch Alport was nothing short of superb. Everything worked for us and we seemed assured and positive on the ball when in the past we may have been too cautious for our own good. I’ve said in previous programmes that we know we can play, and on our day, we can beat anyone. Let’s hope we carry on the good performances of late against our opponents tonight.

Enjoy the game.Ian Livesey, Programme Co-ordinator

03THE OFFICIAL CHARNOCK RICHARD FOOTBALL CLUB PROGRAMME

04 THE OFFICIAL CHARNOCK RICHARD FOOTBALL CLUB PROGRAMME

1ST TEAM PLAYER STATS SEASON 2019-20

League Cups Total Overall App Sub Goal App Sub Goal App Sub Goal App Sub GoalAinscough R 1 1 1 Ascroft B 10 8 18 18 Bennett J 4 5 1 3 4 8 1 29 36 5Bibby S 11 1 8 1 19 2 184 51 16Darr J 5 1 4 2 1 1 7 2 5 7 2 5Dashti D 400 156 26Davision M 10 1 1 5 1 15 2 1 73 13 21Eastwood J 2 2 4 Fairhurst N 11 2 8 19 2 147 2 18Griffith A 5 3 4 3 1 9 6 9 10 1Grimshaw C 11 12 8 6 19 18 397 22 446Haydock L 10 2 3 8 18 2 3 18 2 3Kay J 2 3 3 1 1 5 4 1 5 4 1McNally L 2 2 Morris O 2 2 3 2 O'Farrell R 6 3 4 2 10 5 157 43 7Oxley O 6 5 2 2 4 8 9 2 22 35 10Pilgrim L 1 1 4 Regan D 10 1 1 7 2 17 2 3 40 1 5Schofield R 2 2 3 5 2 96 13 2Turner O 1 4 5 17 5 Walker J 10 4 3 14 3 82 7 6Woods M 7 3 2 4 3 1 11 6 3 139 27 22Young A 7 1 6 13 1 145 5 23

Premier Division Table P W D L F A GD Pts1 1874 Northwich 11 9 1 1 36 11 25 282 Bootle 11 8 2 1 24 13 11 263 Longridge Town 10 8 0 2 29 15 14 244 Whitchurch Alport 11 7 2 2 24 14 10 235 Irlam 11 6 4 1 31 18 13 226 Winsford United 13 7 0 6 31 25 6 217 Charnock Richard 12 7 0 5 29 23 6 218 Ashton Athletic 11 6 1 4 27 15 12 199 Rylands 11 6 1 4 24 16 8 1910 Northwich Victoria 11 5 2 4 25 13 12 1711 Avro 14 5 2 7 29 31 -2 1712 Runcorn Town 12 4 4 4 19 21 -2 1613 Congleton Town 12 4 3 5 25 26 -1 1514 Hanley Town 12 4 3 5 15 18 -3 1515 Barnoldswick Town 12 4 2 6 21 27 -6 1416 Padiham 13 3 2 8 14 28 -14 1117 Skelmersdale United 13 2 3 8 14 25 -11 918 Squires Gate 13 2 2 9 17 34 -17 819 Burscough 13 1 3 9 9 34 -25 620 Litherland REMYCA 12 0 5 7 5 41 -36 5

S aturday was a brilliant victory for us against a side that is pushing for promotion and had

an excellent start.

We dominated the game for start to finish. Everything we have been working on over the last few months clicked into place. The lads work hard on and off the ball, the discipline throughout the game was second to none. It shows we can compete at a high level.

After such a good win it would of been ideal to play in another league game but tonight we play in the Lancashire Trophy then no fixture at the weekend. We’ll be working hard over the next week in preparation for another tough encounter versus Bootle next Tuesday night.

Tonight we welcome a side that have been flying in their league and it isn’t going to be easy for us but we compete and make a game of it. It would be nice to progress into the next round and get a little cup run going again. After Saturday Aaron Griffith will miss tonight’s game as a precaution after sustaining an eye/head injury.

Keep giving us your support and enjoy the match.

Ryan Donnellan


THE MANAGER RYAN DONNELLAN

CHARNOCK RICHARD F.C. OFFICIAL PROGRAMME

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CHARNOCK RICHARD F.C. OFFICIAL PROGRAMME

G ood evening and welcome to Mossie Park for tonight’s Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy Second Round

fixture. I would firstly like to welcome the players, club officials and supporters of tonight’s opponents Lancaster City. We hope that you all have an enjoyable stay at our club and have a safe journey back home up the M6 after the match.

Saturday proved to be a very positive game at home to in-form Whitchurch Alport and we showed just what we are capable of with our second successive 4-0 victory. Due to work commitments, I was unable to attend the 2-0 win at Longridge Town earlier in the season (which many described as our best performance of the season) but our performance on Saturday was the easily best that I had seen this season. We never let Whitchurch get a foothold in the game and I thought our passing, movement and finishing were excellent throughout the 90 minutes. We also defended strongly and recorded our second successive clean sheet, so hopefully we can continue that form going into tonight’s difficult match.

Despite the good win, we remain seventh in the league table, partly due to some rather strange scorelines recorded in some of the other Premier Division games on Saturday. In particular, the 1874 Northwich 9-0 win at Litherland REMYCA, the Winsford United 6-0 win at home to Burscough and Ashton Athletic’s 4-0 win at Squires Gate made our winning scoreline look rather tame. One thing we have established so far this season in the NWCFL Premier Division is that on their day, any team can beat any other team, irrespective of current form. It will certainly make the chase for the three promotion spots very interesting as the season progresses.

Our Reserves travelled up to Dalton in Furness on Saturday and came away with a creditable 4-4 draw. Despite being down 2-1 at the interval, they fought back to lead 4-2 before a bad injury to a Dalton player halted the game with just over 5 minutes left to play. Unfortunately the lads conceded two very late goals after the restart which must have been a big disappointment for the lads. Next weekend the first team have no game scheduled but the Reserves will be playing Garstang Reserves here at Mossie Park with a 2pm kick-off time. Hopefully many of our regular supporters can be here to support our second string and we can all get behind the young team.Getting back to tonight’s match and for the second successive season, we meet Lancaster City in the early rounds of this historic County Cup competition. Last season we met in the first round at Giant Axe and Charnock ran out 2-1 winners against a Lancaster team which was under caretaker management at the time. We also met them a few months ago in pre-season where a strong second half display gave us a 4-2 victory. However, tonight we meet a team which have won seven of their last eight matches and currently sit third in the NPL Premier Division table. Last weekend they secured an excellent 1-0 victory at league leaders South Shields, so they will be brimming with confidence and no doubt we are huge underdogs for tonight’s match.

That’s all from me for now but please enjoy tonight’s match and as always, please give the lads your very best support. Hopefully you can join us here again at Mossie Park next Saturday for our Reserve fixture, kick off 2pm and also the following Tuesday evening when we entertain Bootle in another league game, kick off 7.45pm.

Shaun Tootell


FROM THE CHAIRMAN SHAUN TOOTELL

THE BOARDROOM SHAUN TOOTELL

Good afternoon and welcome to Mossie Park for thisthird home league game of the season for CharnockRichard FC in the Hallmark Security League. On behalfof everyone here at Charnock Richard, I would like towelcome the management, players and committeefrom St Helens Town. We hope you all have a veryenjoyable day at our club and have a safe journeyback home.

Our first ever home league game two weeks ago againstAlsager Town was a bit of a wake-up call for us all andshowed everyone that we can expect to face some verydifficult opponents in this league. It is however veryencouraging that as I write this article, the team has sincebounced back with two excellent away wins at Silsden andWhitchurch Alport. We were advised by the league thatone of the management committee would be present at ourfirst home game to offer advice and support on the day andit was the league Ground Grading Chairman GeoffWilkinson who visited us on the day. Geoff is very wellknown to us all here at Charnock and has been offering theclub valuable advice on ground grading matters over anumber of years. It is fair to say that Geoff’s advice hashelped to save the club a lot of money which could havebeen spent unwisely as we developed the Mossie Parkfacility.

On the day, Geoff took the opportunity to update us on ourcurrent Ground Grading status. For those who are notfamiliar with the grading standards, grounds must initiallymeet the FA Grading Standard H to gain promotion into theNorth West Counties League. Following admission into theleague, all clubs must then meet Grading Standard G bythe 31st March in the following year (in our case 31stMarch 2017). The difference between Grade G and H isvery minimal - Grade H requires a minimum coveredspectator accommodation of 50, whereas Grade Grequires a minimum covered spectator accommodation of100 (of which 50 must be seated and located in onestand). Both Grading Standards state ‘All seating mustafford a good view of the pitch’ and whilst our currentseated stand holds just over 100 seats, only the higher 50seats meet this criteria due to the potential for standingspectators along the touchlines blocking the views from thelower seats. It is fair to say that we have visited othergrounds recently and the same argument could be raisedas to whether some ground level seating at other venuesafford a good view of the pitch but we will leave that forothers to debate.

At the end of the day we have a responsibility to complywith the Ground Grading Regulations, so we have apredicament which must be resolved within the next sixmonths. One option would be to raise the height of thecurrent stand to ensure all that all 100 plus seats afford agood view of the pitch - not an easy option but notimpossible. A second option would be to build a coveredstanding area to accommodate 50 or 100 spectators sothat we can meet the Grade G requirements. Theseissues will be discussed at the next committee meetingwhich will be held in a few days’ time and hopefully wewill agree our preferred strategy going forward. Oneissue we mustn’t forget is that should we be the fortunateposition to challenge for promotion to the PremierDivision next season, then the ground must the meet therequirements of Grade F which will almost certainlyrequire us to raise the height of the stand to allow all 100plus seats to give a good view of the pitch.

On a final note I would like to thank many of you whoattended our recent Reserve league game at home toWorkington Reserves. Not only did we get an excellentattendance on a Monday evening but it is fair to say thatit was a superb game of football played by two excellentyoung sides who were both a credit to the game. I lostcount of how many spectators came up to me after thematch to say that they had thoroughly enjoyed the game.

That’s enough from me for the time being, so pleaseenjoy your day and hopefully we can look forward toseeing you again at Mossie Park as the seasonprogresses.

Shaun TootellChairman

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G ood evening and welcome to Mossie Park for this Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy 2nd Round tie against our

friends from the banks of the River Lune, Lancaster City. We would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm Charnock Richard welcome to the players, club officials and supporters of the ‘Dolly Blues’ and hope that you will enjoy your stay with us and have a safe and trouble-free journey home up the M6 after the game. We would also like to give a warm welcome to tonight’s match officials in the shape of referee, Michael Barlow and his two able assistants, Matthew Clarke & Emily Carney.

After a reasonable mid-table finish of 12thplace in the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League last time out, City have made an impressive start to the 2019-20 campaign. Indeed on going to press they stood in third spot in the table having won 10 and drawn 2 of their opening 14 games. In the cup competitions the ‘Dolly Blues’ have played five so far this term. They won 2-1 at Northwich Victoria in an FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round replay on the 11th September, following a 1-1 draw at Giant Axe four days earlier. Unfortunately, City fell at the ‘next fence’ when going out of the competition in the 2nd Qualifier at home to National League North side Spennymoor Town following a heavy 0-5 defeat. Last weekend they won their way through to the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy; winning 1-0 at home to fellow NPL side, Witton Albion. Their ‘reward’ is an away trip to either Stourbridge or Nuneaton Borough this coming Saturday. Both these sides ply their trade in the Southern League Premier Central Division. We wish City well whichever they meet. In the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy 1st Round, Charnock got a bye. However, the ‘Dolly Blues’ were not so lucky and were drawn out of the hat to play away at Squires Gate. They easily overcame the North West Counties League side; winning 6-1 on the 24th September.

Last term we met Lancaster City for the very first time in a competitive game when on the 25th September we clashed in the 1st Round of the Lancs Challenge Trophy at Giant Axe. City were struggling at the time and lay bottom of the Premier Division table without a win to their name having drawn 2 and lost 7 of their opening 9 league fixtures. Charnock took advantage and ran out 2-1 winners, following goals by James Walker via the penalty spot and Ashley Ball. Charlie Bailey was on the mark that night for City.

Lancaster City has an impressive record in the

Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy having competed in no less than 16 Finals between 1906-07 and 2015-16. They were named Lancaster when they played in their first two Finals, losing both; 1-3 in a replay following a 1-1 draw against the now defunct Earlestown in 1906-07 and 2-4 against Chorley two seasons later in 1908-09. Named Lancaster Town, they lost in their next two Final appearances going down 0-1 against Southport a hundred years ago in 1919-20 and by the same score by near neighbours Morecambe seven years later in 1926-27. They won their first Lancashire Junior Cup Final, as the competition was then known, in 1927-28; winning 1-0 against the now defunct Rossendale United and retained the trophy the following season with a 2-1 success over Darwen. Two seasons later in 1930-31 they triumphed again with a high-scoring 5-3 win over Clitheroe. Two years later Town lost 0-5 against Darwen in a reply after the first game ended all square at 0-0. In 1933-34 the club won their last Final as Lancaster Town with an impressive 3-0 win over Chorley. Their first Final under the name Lancaster City was lost 1-4 against South Liverpool in 1937-38. City had to wait 14 years before reaching the Final again but it proved to be a winning return following a 2-1 replay success over Wigan Athletic after a 2-2 draw in 1951-52. The two teams met again twelve months later but this time Wigan gained ’revenge’ beating City 2-1 in a replay following a 1-1 draw. Four Final defeats followed; 0-3 against Nelson in 1954-55, 0-1 against Southport in both 2000-01 and 2005-06 and against Chorley via a penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw as recently as 2015-16.

Please note that due to Padiham being involved in the 2nd Round of the Macron League Cup this coming Saturday the 9th November, the first team are without a game. The home game against Padiham has been rearranged for Tuesday the 19th November, 7.45pm kick-off. However, the reserves are at home to Garstang Reserves this Saturday in the West Lancashire League Division 2. Your support would be much appreciated. A reminder, that this game carries a 2.00pm kick-off.

A big thank you is due to club chairman, Shaun Tootell, Junior Secretary Jason Hodgkinson, and our Twitter ‘Fairy’, Ian Livesey who have done a superb job of upgrading the club website, which I am sure you will agree, is one of the better football club websites around. Ian does a great job on our twitter with up-to-date commentary on every game home and away. Again, the Charnock’ Twitter’ has one of the most comprehensive match-coverage pages around. Great if you are unable to attend games for one reason or another. Well done boys.

Dave Rowland, Secretary


SECRETARY'S REPORT DAVE ROWLAND

SECRETARY’S REPORT DAVE ROWLAND

Welcome to Mossie Park for this afternoon’s DivisionOne game against Sandbach United who are visitingus for the very first time and a warm Charnock welcome to all who have travelled up from deepestCheshire to be with us today. We hope that you willenjoy your stay and have a safe and trouble-free journey home after the game. The East Cheshire sideare a friendly and welcoming club as we found outwhen visiting them on that ill-fated fog-bound afternoon at the end of November. It is hoped that wecan return their excellent hospitality today.

I first met United’s secretary, John Clayton, and a coupleof their committee, at the Imperial Hotel on the NorthPromenade in Blackpool when attending the North WestCounties League AGM back on the 11th June. Applicantclubs were asked to remain outside of the meeting untilbeing summoned by League Chairman Paul Lawler whenthe representatives from each of the six applicants werecalled upon to give an introductory speech to the assembled throng before being voted in by the memberclubs. As we waited nervously in an adjacent room, SteveMawdesley and I got into conversation with the Sandbachcontingent and quickly found them to be a very sociablegroup. We got on with them immediately and it was andenjoyable exchange. That day we made our first friends inthe North West Counties League and long may it continue.

Sandbach United are one of the six newcomers to theNorth West Counties League this season and spent theprevious campaign at Step 7 in the Cheshire Leaguewhere they finished in 4th spot in the Premier Division.Like most of the newly promoted clubs they have made agood impression in their first season in the competitionand we wish them well. Today is of course our last homegame of the season not withstanding any play-off gamethat we may be involved in. To say that it has been a special one would be an understatement. We have enjoyed some wonderful football, been to many differentvenues for the first time, met some really great people andmade many new friends. When we left our comfort zone inthe West Lancashire League, we did so because the clubhad grown and developed to a point where new challenges and new horizons had become a necessity.

A new direction was needed if the club was to grow. Remaining stagnant was not an option. We have hadproblems to contend with. Finding funding for essentialground development and finding an appropriate level forour reserve side was only a couple of examples. The immediate aim was to consolidate at Step 6 level in theNational League System and to be in a position to sustain this in the long term. The players of our threesenior teams have had a fine season and once again thishas been due to the management skills and dedication ofthe management teams of all three. On the administration side, we have been joined by David Smithand Brian Lowe who have very kindly agreed to give oftheir precious time and for this we are very grateful.

For me, this is my fifth season as secretary and I canhonestly say, hand on heart, that the 2016-17 campaignis one of the best that I have enjoyed in football. At timesit has been hard graft and there are many individualswho have put in a good deal of that this term, literally. It isthe combined efforts of you all that make this, such aspecial football club and such a wonderful place to be.Of course, we do not know just how things will pan out asafter today. Indeed, we have three very difficult awaygames to negotiate. Whether we are in the play-offs ornot is anybody’s guess but it is a sign of the success thatwe have enjoyed, when we are still talking about wherewe will finish amongst the top group at this stage of affairs. Whatever occurs, well done one and all.

Dave Rowland | Club Secretary

“WE HAVE ENJOYED SOME WONDERFUL FOOTBALL, BEEN TO MANYDIFFERENT VENUES FOR THE FIRST TIME, MET SOME REALLY GREAT

PEOPLE AND MADE MANY NEW FRIENDS.”

07

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EARLY YEARS - 1911 to 1930 The Club was born out of meetings at the Market

Hall Tea Rooms, Lancaster on 9th May 1911 and 7th July 1911. There had been a lot of local support for having another representative side in the Lancashire Combination since the demise of the previous Lancaster FC in 1910, the main driving force being Mr John McGregor. The Club’s application to join the Lancashire Combination was accepted at a Combination meeting on 1st June 1911 and they were notified that they would be one of 16 teams playing in the Second Division of the Combination in 1911/12.

The Club’s opening fixture was a 2-0 victory against Great Harwood on the 2nd September 1911 at Quay Meadow, Lancaster, unfortunately this one of only four victories in the season and Lancaster finished bottom of the Division in 16th place with the following record:-

P - 30, W - 4, D - 4, L - 22, Goals for 29, Goals against 123 & Pts 12.

A steady improvement over the following three seasons saw the Club finish in second place in 1914/5, the final season before the Great War, and in that same season record a club record in the FA Cup when defeating Appleby 17-2.

There was no further competitive football until 1919 but on the resumption Lancaster finished second in 1919-20 season and fifth the following season in the Lancashire Combination, there now only being one Division. It was at this point that the club’s ambitions suffered a massive setback when they were refused admission to the new Third Division (North) of the Football League, had the club entered the league their standing today may have been very different. Town did take advantage of the absence of the clubs who had been elected to the league by winning the Lancashire Combination for the first time in 1921-22, and then again in 1929-30. The club also had a great FA Cup run in 1921-22 that saw the Blues knock out Third Division clubs Stockport and Barrow.

1931 to 1940In the 1930’s, Town won two more Combination

titles and managed to attract regular crowds of around 3,000, equal to many league clubs at that time and during the next decade the club

had more successes as it added back-to-back Championships in 1934-5 and 1935-6 and won the Lancashire Challenge Trophy in 1930-1 and 1933-4. The town of Lancaster was given its City Charter in 1937, one of the cities to be granted the charter as part of King George V1’s coronation celebrations and the club was appropriately renamed Lancaster City, but this new status never brought any luck with it as City have failed to win the League title since.

1941 to 1960After the Second World War ended in 1945, City

enjoyed some tremendous support with gates reaching 4,500 but failed to build on it although they did reach the FA Cup 2nd round in 1946-7 and were Combination Runners-Up and Lancashire Junior Cup Winners in 1951-2.

1961 to 2000

Since the 1960s Non-League football has always been in something of a state of flux, new leagues and divisions being created on a fairly regular basis. This restructuring saw City playing teams from a much wider geographical area than previously due to their presence from 1970-71 in the Northern Premier League. In 1972-3 City reached the FA Cup 2nd Round Proper but lost out by the odd goal against Notts County. In 1976-77 City achieved their highest Northern Premier League finish of seventh and in 1979-80 City were the League Challenge Cup runners-up when loosing 2-0 to Runcorn at Manchester City’s Maine Road Stadium.

In 1982 the Clubs fortunes nose-dived when City, finishing in 17th position (three places above their local rivals Morecambe) asked to drop down to the North West Counties League for the following season due to financial difficulties.

There ensued five seasons in the North West Counties League, the final two in Division 2 after being relegated in 1984-5. The formation of the Northern Premier League First Division in 1987 propelled the club back to a higher level as founder members but success eluded City until 1994-95 when the club won the President’s League Cup, a feat they duplicated the following season. The comeback was completed by also


IN OPPOSITION LANCASTER CITY FC

winning promotion in 1995-96 and thus doing the ‘double’ in what was now the Unibond League and during the same period the club opened its new social club, the Dolly Blue Tavern. Now in the Unibond Premier League City consolidated a mid-table position and completed the decade with a sixth position in the League and victory in the NPL Challenge Cup against Worksop Town.

2001 to PRESENTThe new decade started where the last one

finished, regaining the NPL Challenge Cup and recording our highest League position so far of fourth and this feat was bettered in 2001-2 when a third spot was achieved. In 2003-4 the Club once again reached the first round proper of the FA Cup, losing out by the only goal of the game at Milton Keynes and at the end of that season City were among 15 clubs from the Premier Division admitted to the newly formed Nationwide Football Conference North Division.

By the 2006-07 season the club was once again in financial difficulties and a shareholders committee was formed to run the affairs of the club. In order to survive it was decided to put the Club into Administration and although the Club finished bottom of the League with only one point, anyone who followed the Club at this difficult time would know how much the present set up owes to all involved, both on and off the pitch, in keeping the Club going. The Club reformed as Lancaster City FC Ltd and continued in the 2007-8 season after dropping two levels to the Unibond League First Division North where they finished in mid-table. The following year the Dolly Blues improved and were just three points short of that fifth and final play-off position and in 2009-10 a further improvement was made, in what was to be the last season of a 17 year Unibond League Sponsorship, with a second place finish that saw the Club in the play-offs. Having reached the play-off Final against Colwyn Bay, who had finished 21 points behind them in the League, City had the heartbreak of being beaten by the only goal of the game, a penalty 2 minutes from the end. The Club did win a Trophy with the League Fair Play Award but that was a scant reward for their efforts.

In 2010-11 City ended in 8th place but did win

the President's Cup, defeating four sides from the top five, and retained the League Fair Play Award as well as winning the prestigious FA National Fair Play and Respect Award, representing clubs from Tiers 1 to 4. The club retained the League’s Fair Play award in 2011-2 but finished 3 points off the play offs and whilst the play-offs were tantalisingly close in Darren Peacock’s first season as manager in 2013-4, failing on goal difference, the addition of ex-England player Trevor Sinclair as coach didn’t achieve the success the Club so desperately craved and the managerial roundabout now sees Phil Brown, an old Club stalwart, in charge and in the process of a re-building programme.

A sign of things to come was the Club’s tremendous effort in holding Chorley to a draw in the 2015-6 LFA Challenge Trophy Final at Bolton, eventually losing 3-1 on penalties and the new management team used this as a springboard for the 2016-7 season which saw further success with an Evo-Stik Division 1 North league title and automatic promotion to the Premier Division. In addition the club also regained the League’s Fair Play award again after a break of two years, thus winning it for the fifth time in the last eight years. After gaining promotion to the Premier League the plan to consolidate in the Division for the 2017-18 finishing 17th assured we did just that, also for the second year running the “Dolly Blues” picked up The Presidents Trophy for Fair Play gaining the Highest points across all three Divisions

2018-19 Season didn’t get off to a good start for the “Dolly Blues” seeing us at the foot of the table early on and saw Phil Browns resignation, the search for a new Manager began, in the interim Craig Stanley and Matty Blinkhorn took control and gained our first points of the season, The Clubs thanks go to Craig and Matty for there contributions at a difficult time for City, October saw the appointment of Mark Fell as Manager and things started to change for the better, the team went on to finish 12th in the Premier Division and although Lancaster City didn’t win the Presidents Trophy for the third consecutive season we did win the Premier Divisions Fair Play award.

We now look forward to the 2019-20 season with new players and a new challenge for Mark Fells Dolly Blues.


MARK FELL - Manager: Lancaster City Football Club announced the appointment of first team Manager, Mark Fell in October 2018 Fell, joins the club from Ramsbottom United, Ramsbottom United progressed well under Mark’s leadership since he took sole charge over the club in January 2017, a change that saw an improvement from 18th place to 10th with a run of 10 unbeaten games. Fells former clubs include Accrington Stanley, Preston North End, & Nelson FC, The Dolly Blues' Chairman Stuart Houghton said: ‘I am extremely pleased to welcome a manager with the passion and experience Mark possesses. He and his Assistant Graham Lancashire bring a different dimension to a very challenging and highly competitive league.'

GRAHAM LANCASHIRE - Assistant Manager: Lancashire progressed through the youth ranks with Burnley, who he made his Football League debut for in the 1990–91 season He shortly after signed professional terms with the Clarets. The following season saw him net nine league and one cup goal as Burnley won the Division Four championship,He spent time on loan with Halifax Town in 1992–93 and then had a memorable temporary spell with Chester City in the closing stages of the following season. He scored seven times in 11 appearances to help clinch promotion for the Blues, including a last-gasp winner against promotion rivals Preston North End in April 1994. Lancashire moved to Preston for £55,000 in December 1994, but was to make just six appearances when the club won the Division Three title the following season. In April 1996 he was transferred for £35,000 to Wigan Athletic, where he had played on loan in the previous months scoring 3 goals. he joined Rochdale for £40,000 in October 1997. He played at Spotland for four years leaving at the end of the 2000–01 season. This marked the end of Lancashire’s professional career, as he joined non-league side Hednesford Town.

BEN ANDERSON: Born Jul ‘ 98 in Blackpool, The young full back joins the first team after spending last season with Lancaster City Reserves, Ben joins us from AFC Fylde also captaining the Lancaster University Football Team last season.

SAM ASHTON: Born Oct ‘ 86 in Bolton, The 32-year-old experienced stopper started his career at Bolton before a five-year spell at FC United of Manchester. He then spent a period at Skelmersdale before arriving at Victory Park via Southport. At Chorley, he was an ever present in the side that got promoted to the Conference North, but a serious knee injury meant he sat

out the majority of the 16/17 season. After a full recovery he joined Ramsbottom United where he spent last season.

CHARLIE BAILEY: Born June’ 97 in Lancaster, A former Morecambe player the attacking midfielder joined for the moving across from Kendal Town The addition of intelligent players like Charlie will give us more craft and creativity, and ultimately makes us more effective in attack. Charlie showed last season the quality he has. He’s an excellent footballer. Players with creativity like Charlie has are hard to come by.

SAM BAILEY: Born Sept’ 95 in Lancaster, Sam, a fan-favourite well known to City fans, signs after a successful spell at Kendal Town where he netted 17 league goals in their 2016/17 campaign. The versatile player graduated from Bolton Wanderers' academy has played in a number of positions across the pitch, predominantly in central midfield and the right wing. Sam’s proved to be an excellent signing for us. He performed very well last season.

MATTY BLINKHORN: Born Mar’85 in Blackpool, Blinkhorn started his career with Blackpool FC as a youth player and was loaned to Luton Town, Bury and Morecambe FC before making that move permanent. He then moved to the Republic of Ireland where he played in the LOI Premier League for Sligo Rovers. Blinkhorn then returned to England with York City who he played for one season before moving to Hyde and eventually AFC Fylde. His honours include the 2004 Football League Trophy with Blackpool, The 2010 and 2011 FAI Cups as well as the 2010 League of Ireland Cup with Sligo Rovers.

BRAD CARSLEY: Born Aug’94 in Preston, The Preston based hit man arrived following his departure from Bamber Bridge in Jan 2019 .The 24 year old made a name for himself at Longridge Town with a remarkable goal scoring record before his move to Irongate. He spearheaded Brigs promotion to the Northern Premier Division with 22 goals and despite a significant period off after a nasty head injury has still contributed 11 goals this campaign. Carsley endeared himself to the Brig supporters with his robust, physical style which saw him attract attention from clubs further up the pyramid in the summer, but he chose to stay with Bamber Bridge to start the season before recently requesting his contract be terminated.


PLAYER PROFILES LANCASTER CITY FC

NIALL COWPERTHWAITE: Born Mar 92’ in Barrow-in-Furness, The 27 year old midfielder arrives with an excellent pedigree having won the National League North with Barrow, his career began with Morecambe before a switch to Barrow and then a prolonged absence from the game through an ACL injury. Known for his adaptability, the Grange based, 6ft 2 son of former Barrow striker Colin Cowperthwaite has penned a one year deal with the Dolly Blues and manager Mark Fell says he is looking forward to working with his latest recruit.

PAUL DAWSON: Born Jan ‘ 99 in Lancaster, Lancaster City made a further addition to the squad in late January with midfielder Paul Dawson following Brad Carsley from Bamber Bridge to the Giant Axe, The 20 year old, who lives literally a stones throw from Giant Axe . A product of the Academy at Morecambe, he grew up playing for local sides at junior level, he spent a season at Kendal in 17/18 before a summer move to Bamber Bridge under Neil Reynolds and most recently has been acclaimed as one of the most in-form midfielders in the division, cemented by a hat-trick just a week before becoming a “Dollie” against Hyde.

LEWIS FENSOME: Born Feb’00 in Preston Right back Fensome had previously enjoyed a loan spell at Giant Axe for season 17/18 and now returned on a permanent deal at the beginning of this season after leaving PNE in the summer.Fensome joined the squad in pre-season and played the first 2 league games already, clearly impressing manager Phil Brown."Lewis has done well in pre season games and has earned his place in the squad. Although a young player Lewis has looked comfortable. The experience he gained last year has helped him a lot.

BEN HUDSON: Born Dec’ 92 in Blackpool, This likeable right sided defender made his debut in Sept’ 2012 after joining from AFC Fylde. Previous clubs include Bradford City and Preston North End. Only played several games last season due to injury but has made 130 Appearances.Hudson, made 32 appearances last season, receiving the Player of the match award once. an old-fashioned defender who goes about his work quietly. He is powerful and disciplined. He can play in various defensive positions.

DAVID NORRIS: Born Feb’ 81 in Peterborough. Experienced midfielder David Norris came to Giant Axe in November from National League North club Boston.The midfield lieutenant needs no introduction to football fans, a combative

midfielder who has over 400 football league games under his belt for the likes of Leeds, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Ipswich and Blackpool. This season he played several games for Boston before leaving the club due to the distance from his Bolton home, David finished his full time career two seasons ago, having played 30 games for Blackpool in 2016, he went onto play for Salford City in their promotion season, and nearly 59 games for Shaw Lane last term.

GLENN STEEL: Born Mar’ 83 in Preston, Joined us in Jan 2017 and brought all his experience and know how a strong defender and calmness helps players around him signed from Bamber Bridge. Glenn made 35 appearances last season, scoring 1 goal and receiving the Player of the match award on 6 occasions. Glenn’s level of performance last season was consistently high. His defending qualities and strong character will be of vital importance in our quest to be successful this season.

JASON WALKER: Born Mar 84’ in Barrow-in-Furness The former Dundee, Luton, York, Östersunds, Barrow and Chorley hitman brings bags of experience and an excellent goalscoring record. Walker’s outstanding career includes several promotions and a goal in the FA cup 3rd round against then Premier League side Middlesbrough at the Riverside when in Barrow colours. He’s also represented England as a C international, the non-league National side.

SIMON WILLS: Born Dec’ 91 in Southport, the no-nonsense defensive midfield player returns for his seventh season. Simon originally came through the Reserve side while attending Myerscough College. His tough tackling and strong running for the cause has now made over 160 appearances.Simon joined the Dolly Blues in December 2012 from Kendal Town. Last season Wills made 46 appearances, scored one goal and was given the Player of the match award in 6 occasions.He is extremely competitive, gives his all every game and sets the tempo for everyone.

ROBERT WILSON: Born June’ 90 in Kendal, Rob is no stranger to the Dolly Blues as he was once a part of the set up at Giant Axe. Other than Lancaster City, Wilson played for Workington AFC, AFC Fylde, Kendal Town and recently, American side, Cincinnati Dutch Lions. Wilson, a midfielder, was ever-present for Workington last season, making 40 appearances, scoring 4 goals and notching 2 assists.


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FIXTURES & RESULTS 2019/20 SEASON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17A 3 Rylands a 2-3 131 Ascroft Griffith Walker Woods O'Farrell Bennett Davison Fairhurst 1 Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Haydock (6) Schofield (2) Kay (10) Ainscough 6 Barnoldswick Town h 2-1 164 Ascroft Bibby Walker Woods O'Farrell Bennett Davison 1 Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Haydock (6) Kay (10) Griffith Ainscough Schofield 10 Lower Breck FAC EPR h 2-1 185 Ascroft Bibby 1 Griffith Woods O'Farrell Haydock Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Kay 1 Regan Bennett (4) Oxley (10) Morris Walker (6) 17 1874 Northwich h 0-5 216 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Bennett O'Farrell Haydock Davison Morris Grimshaw Kay Regan Ainscough (4) Oxley (10) Walker Schofield (8) 21 Longridge Town a 2-3 195 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Schofield Morris Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Kay Regan O'Farrell (5) Oxley (6) McNally 24 Longridge Town FAC PR h 1-1 234 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner Schofield O'Farrell Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw1 Oxley Davison Morris Kay( ) McNally Young 26 Avro h 1-3 154 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner Schofield O'Farrell Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Woods (6) Kay (10) Griffith Young 28 Longridge Town FAC PRr a 2-0 525 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Turner Schofield Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Kay Regan 1 Woods (8) Oxley O'Farrell (6) Walker 31 Cammell Laird FAV 1QR a 3-2 103 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Turner Schofield Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw Kay Regan 1 Woods (10) 1 Oxley O'Farrell (5) Walker (3)S 7 Irlam FAC 1QR h 0-4 209 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner O'Farrell Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw Woods Regan Davison (10) Oxley (5) Kay Griffith (4) 10 Irlam a 4-2 114 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock 1 Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Oxley Regan Bennett (6) Darr (10) 1 Griffith 14 Prestwich Heys FAV 2QR a 3-2 117 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 3 Oxley Regan Bennett (11) Darr (10) Griffith (8) Turner 18 Runcorn Town a 3-1 146 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 2 Regan Bennett (6) Oxley (10) 1 Griffith (4) O'Farrell 21 Winsford United h 4-1 110 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock 1 Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Oxley 1 Regan Bennett (4) Pilgrim (10) Griffith (3) O'Farrell TurnerO 5 Burscough a 2-1 101 Eastwood Bibby 1 Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Darr 1 Oxley Regan Bennett (4) Griffith (7) Turner O'Farrell (6) Pilgrim 12 Lower Breck FAV 1R h 2-5 185 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Darr 1 Regan Bennett (7) Griffith (3) O'Farrell Oxley (6) 15 Congleton Town h 1-3 131 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Haydock 1 Young Bennett Regan Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr Woods Davison (11) Oxley (4) O'Farrell (6) Walker 19 Bacup Borough MC 1 a 1-1 71 Ascroft Bibby Griffith 1 Haydock O'Farrell Young Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr Regan Bennett Oxley (4) Woods (11) Walker (3) 22 Skelmersdale United h 4-0 128 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Haydock O'Farrell Young Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Darr Walker Regan (11) 1 Oxley Woods (7) 1 Bennett (8)N 2 Whitchurch Alport h 4-0 131 Eastwood Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Fairhurst 1 Grimshaw 1 Darr Walker Woods (3) 1 Oxley (10) Regan Bennett (8) 1 5 Lancaster City LCT 2R h 12 Bootle h 16 Congleton Town a 19 Padiham h 23 Winsford United a 30 Hanley Town hD 4 Litherland Remyca a 7 Northwich Victoria h 14 Padiham a 21 Squires Gate a 26 Ashton Athletic h 28 Whitchurch Alport aJ 4 Irlam h 11 Rylands h 25 Hanley Town aF 1 Burscough h 8 Northwich Victoria a 15 1874 Northwich a 29 Runcorn Town hM 7 Skelmersdale United a 14 Litherland Remyca h 21 Barnoldswick Town aA 4 Longridge Town h 11 Bootle a 13 Ashton Athletic a 18 Squires Gate h 25 Avro a

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17A 3 Rylands a 2-3 131 Ascroft Griffith Walker Woods O'Farrell Bennett Davison Fairhurst 1 Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Haydock (6) Schofield (2) Kay (10) Ainscough 6 Barnoldswick Town h 2-1 164 Ascroft Bibby Walker Woods O'Farrell Bennett Davison 1 Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Haydock (6) Kay (10) Griffith Ainscough Schofield 10 Lower Breck FAC EPR h 2-1 185 Ascroft Bibby 1 Griffith Woods O'Farrell Haydock Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Kay 1 Regan Bennett (4) Oxley (10) Morris Walker (6) 17 1874 Northwich h 0-5 216 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Bennett O'Farrell Haydock Davison Morris Grimshaw Kay Regan Ainscough (4) Oxley (10) Walker Schofield (8) 21 Longridge Town a 2-3 195 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Schofield Morris Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Kay Regan O'Farrell (5) Oxley (6) McNally 24 Longridge Town FAC PR h 1-1 234 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner Schofield O'Farrell Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw1 Oxley Davison Morris Kay( ) McNally Young 26 Avro h 1-3 154 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner Schofield O'Farrell Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Oxley Regan Woods (6) Kay (10) Griffith Young 28 Longridge Town FAC PRr a 2-0 525 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Turner Schofield Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Kay Regan 1 Woods (8) Oxley O'Farrell (6) Walker 31 Cammell Laird FAV 1QR a 3-2 103 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Turner Schofield Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw Kay Regan 1 Woods (10) 1 Oxley O'Farrell (5) Walker (3)S 7 Irlam FAC 1QR h 0-4 209 Ascroft Bibby Walker Turner O'Farrell Young Haydock Fairhurst Grimshaw Woods Regan Davison (10) Oxley (5) Kay Griffith (4) 10 Irlam a 4-2 114 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock 1 Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Oxley Regan Bennett (6) Darr (10) 1 Griffith 14 Prestwich Heys FAV 2QR a 3-2 117 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 3 Oxley Regan Bennett (11) Darr (10) Griffith (8) Turner 18 Runcorn Town a 3-1 146 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr 2 Regan Bennett (6) Oxley (10) 1 Griffith (4) O'Farrell 21 Winsford United h 4-1 110 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock 1 Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Oxley 1 Regan Bennett (4) Pilgrim (10) Griffith (3) O'Farrell TurnerO 5 Burscough a 2-1 101 Eastwood Bibby 1 Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Darr 1 Oxley Regan Bennett (4) Griffith (7) Turner O'Farrell (6) Pilgrim 12 Lower Breck FAV 1R h 2-5 185 Ascroft Bibby Walker Haydock Young Woods Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 1 Darr 1 Regan Bennett (7) Griffith (3) O'Farrell Oxley (6) 15 Congleton Town h 1-3 131 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Haydock 1 Young Bennett Regan Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr Woods Davison (11) Oxley (4) O'Farrell (6) Walker 19 Bacup Borough MC 1 a 1-1 71 Ascroft Bibby Griffith 1 Haydock O'Farrell Young Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw Darr Regan Bennett Oxley (4) Woods (11) Walker (3) 22 Skelmersdale United h 4-0 128 Ascroft Bibby Griffith Haydock O'Farrell Young Davison Fairhurst Grimshaw 2 Darr Walker Regan (11) 1 Oxley Woods (7) 1 Bennett (8)N 2 Whitchurch Alport h 4-0 131 Eastwood Bibby Griffith Young O'Farrell Haydock Davison Fairhurst 1 Grimshaw 1 Darr Walker Woods (3) 1 Oxley (10) Regan Bennett (8) 1 5 Lancaster City LCT 2R h 12 Bootle h 16 Congleton Town a 19 Padiham h 23 Winsford United a 30 Hanley Town hD 4 Litherland Remyca a 7 Northwich Victoria h 14 Padiham a 21 Squires Gate a 26 Ashton Athletic h 28 Whitchurch Alport aJ 4 Irlam h 11 Rylands h 25 Hanley Town aF 1 Burscough h 8 Northwich Victoria a 15 1874 Northwich a 29 Runcorn Town hM 7 Skelmersdale United a 14 Litherland Remyca h 21 Barnoldswick Town aA 4 Longridge Town h 11 Bootle a 13 Ashton Athletic a 18 Squires Gate h 25 Avro a

Goalscorers in BOLD | ( ) Indicates substitute was used


CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERSCHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERSTRUE BEARING

PeterAshcroft-TrueBearing-Ad-125x60mm-Oct19-081019-Paths.indd 1 08/10/2019 16:54

The Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy - A history

T he Lancashire FA Junior Cup was instituted in 1885 by the demand created by the rapid growth of

the game in the county at the time. Entries to the Lancashire Senior Cup competition had become too numerous and was dominated by the big clubs.

The Junior Cup caught on from day one and has remained a popular competition ever since. With the formation of the Football League in 1888, the Junior Cup has been the premier knock-out competition for non-league clubs in the county.

Bell’s Temperance became the first winners and indeed won it a second time the year after. Turton who were the earliest Lancashire club to take up football in 1872, were to win the competition on four occasions in those early years. Skerton became the first club to compete in four consecutive Finals, between 1895-96 and 1898-99 losing the first two and then winning twice. In the 1895-96 season they had to meet Haydock four times to decide a Semi-Final tie.

In those early years, long before the days of sponsorship, the glory of winning the Cup was very much of greater concern to clubs than any financial returns. Teams fought out ties enthusiastically even when gate receipts were negligible. On a number of occasions the gate receipts in Final ties were around the £30 mark, and if there was a £100 made from the gate it was regarded as a great achievement. Despite this the old competition has stood the test of time.

As the years rolled by, clubs from the Lancashire Combination looked upon the Junior Cup almost

as their own, with the competition comprising entirely of clubs from this League. There were, however, a number of non-Combination sides who took part such as Adlington, Breightmet United, Black Lane Rovers, Bootle, Coppull Central, Little Lever, Lytham, Walsden United and Ulverston Town.

They not only occasionally won the odd tie against Combination sides, but also won the competition itself. In 1922-23 Croston who were then playing in the West Lancashire League, won the Cup after beating Lancaster Town in the Semi-Final and Bacup Borough in the Final. This, of course, could not happen today as such clubs are placed in the Lancashire FA Junior Shield competition.

In more recent years the stronger non-league sides have contested the final stages, but in 1947-48 Burscough, then a Liverpool County Combination outfit, made a little history by winning the trophy. Clitheroe were the first North West Counties League side to have won the Cup when they triumphed in the 1984-85 season, whilst in the Second Division - a great achievement indeed. Great Harwood Town became the second NWCL side to have won the Cup in 1991-92.

The record number of Final victories belongs to present holders Chorley, who has won the trophy on no less than eighteen occasions stretching right back into the nineteenth century when winning it for the first time in 1893-94- a truly formidable record. Wigan Athletic has won it eleven times and Morecambe have taken the Cup eleven times. If you don’t believe me, ask Steve Porter!!! Morecambe can also lay claim to being the only non-league side to have won the Lancashire FA Senior Cup when beating Football League 1st Division side Burnley in the 1967-68 Final.


ISN'T THAT A PIP? DAVE ROWLAND

SECRETARY’S REPORT DAVE ROWLAND

Welcome to Mossie Park for this afternoon’s DivisionOne game against Sandbach United who are visitingus for the very first time and a warm Charnock welcome to all who have travelled up from deepestCheshire to be with us today. We hope that you willenjoy your stay and have a safe and trouble-free journey home after the game. The East Cheshire sideare a friendly and welcoming club as we found outwhen visiting them on that ill-fated fog-bound afternoon at the end of November. It is hoped that wecan return their excellent hospitality today.

I first met United’s secretary, John Clayton, and a coupleof their committee, at the Imperial Hotel on the NorthPromenade in Blackpool when attending the North WestCounties League AGM back on the 11th June. Applicantclubs were asked to remain outside of the meeting untilbeing summoned by League Chairman Paul Lawler whenthe representatives from each of the six applicants werecalled upon to give an introductory speech to the assembled throng before being voted in by the memberclubs. As we waited nervously in an adjacent room, SteveMawdesley and I got into conversation with the Sandbachcontingent and quickly found them to be a very sociablegroup. We got on with them immediately and it was andenjoyable exchange. That day we made our first friends inthe North West Counties League and long may it continue.

Sandbach United are one of the six newcomers to theNorth West Counties League this season and spent theprevious campaign at Step 7 in the Cheshire Leaguewhere they finished in 4th spot in the Premier Division.Like most of the newly promoted clubs they have made agood impression in their first season in the competitionand we wish them well. Today is of course our last homegame of the season not withstanding any play-off gamethat we may be involved in. To say that it has been a special one would be an understatement. We have enjoyed some wonderful football, been to many differentvenues for the first time, met some really great people andmade many new friends. When we left our comfort zone inthe West Lancashire League, we did so because the clubhad grown and developed to a point where new challenges and new horizons had become a necessity.

A new direction was needed if the club was to grow. Remaining stagnant was not an option. We have hadproblems to contend with. Finding funding for essentialground development and finding an appropriate level forour reserve side was only a couple of examples. The immediate aim was to consolidate at Step 6 level in theNational League System and to be in a position to sustain this in the long term. The players of our threesenior teams have had a fine season and once again thishas been due to the management skills and dedication ofthe management teams of all three. On the administration side, we have been joined by David Smithand Brian Lowe who have very kindly agreed to give oftheir precious time and for this we are very grateful.

For me, this is my fifth season as secretary and I canhonestly say, hand on heart, that the 2016-17 campaignis one of the best that I have enjoyed in football. At timesit has been hard graft and there are many individualswho have put in a good deal of that this term, literally. It isthe combined efforts of you all that make this, such aspecial football club and such a wonderful place to be.Of course, we do not know just how things will pan out asafter today. Indeed, we have three very difficult awaygames to negotiate. Whether we are in the play-offs ornot is anybody’s guess but it is a sign of the success thatwe have enjoyed, when we are still talking about wherewe will finish amongst the top group at this stage of affairs. Whatever occurs, well done one and all.

Dave Rowland | Club Secretary

“WE HAVE ENJOYED SOME WONDERFUL FOOTBALL, BEEN TO MANYDIFFERENT VENUES FOR THE FIRST TIME, MET SOME REALLY GREAT

PEOPLE AND MADE MANY NEW FRIENDS.”

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Over the years there have been some thrilling ties and this ancient and much loved competition remains a most prestigious prize for any non-league club affiliated to the County Association. Indeed, the passage of years has neither diminished nor devalued its worth or standing. From its inception in 1885 and down through the years, the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy has come to revive the spirit in the heart of a Lancashire winter. It has always been so, and, no doubt, will always remain so, for its pedigree lies in its strength and tradition.

Charnock Richard Football Club are, therefore, proud to take up the mantle and cherish the heritage left to us by those Victorians of the late nineteenth century who instituted this fine old County Competition and long may it continue to flourish.

Now isn’t that a pip?

Dave Rowland, Secretary.


Charnock Richard FC acknowledge that every young person or adult who plays or takes part in football should be able to do so in a safe and enjoyable manner. The club also acknowledges that all the above mentioned should be protected from poor practice and free from abuse be it verbal, physical or racial. The club will not tolerate any form of foul or abusive language from spectators, guests, visitors or club officials of both teams on the sidelines, especially abuse which is directed at an individual player or match official. Admission to the ground and the right to remain is on condition that spectators adhere to the above. Throwing missiles of any description or encroachment on to the playing area, climbing on boundary fences or buildings will not be tolerated. Alcohol must not be brought into or consumed in the ground unless it has been purchased in plastic glasses from the Clubhouse. By order of Charnock Richard Football Club.

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CHARNOCK RICHARD 1 LONGRIDGE TOWN 1 Penalties 6-5Lancashire Amateur Shield Round 4Saturday 14th November 2015

Team: Gavin Bates, Spencer Bibby, Damian Dashti, Oliver Vaulks, Matt Ashcroft, Josh Norgate, Danny Smith, Lewis Swarbrick, Carl Grimshaw, Mark Adams, Mark Woods. Subs: (Not Used) David Prout, Jordan Murdoch.

After days of unsettled weather it was a surprise that this game went ahead. Played in pouring rain it was an exciting encounter with both sides going for the win. The pitch took a battering but did not suffer as much as anticipated.

The starting line-up included Mark Woods who had been absent since injuring his knee in August. Smith also made a start and Vaulks was back in the centre of defence along with Ashcroft. Fletcher was suspended. Burrows was injured and O’Farrell and Jamie Sanderson were dropped to the bench. Fit again Adams started up front.

Charnock started playing towards the Mawdesley Plantation end and Smith soon set up Grimshaw but he had the ball whipped off his toe before he could shoot. Grimshaw then headed just beyond the far post after Bibby centred following a right wing corner. When after 10 minutes Dashti cleared a header from a right wing corner there were claims that the ball had crossed the line. A goal bound header was then diverted for a Longridge corner.

It would appear that a comment made about the failure to award the goal saw Walmsley sent off after 11 minutes. Vaulks had to make a last ditch tackle when Wilkinson got clear and Charnock failed to make the most from a couple of chances after a right wing corner.

Charnock took the lead after 23 minutes Bibby put Adams away down the right and his centre eventually gave GRIMSHAW a chance and he steered his shot just inside the post. Another centre from Smith saw Adams miss-kick. A McKenna header from a Nightingale centre was easily saved by Bates. Another right wing corner from Charnock saw two shots blocked and finally Bibby shot over the bar. Brad Carsley brought a fine save out of Bates as the game swung from end to end. An Adams shot hit Grimshaw in the penalty area and then Woods shot over the bar. A great move involving Bibby and Adams finished with Grimshaw shooting home but he was flagged offside.

Despite only having ten men Longridge upped their game for the second half and Charnock were virtually reduced to relying on breaks. An early right wing corner saw Bibby shoot well off target but the visitors saw plenty of the ball and it was only some last ditch defending and a solid performance from Bates in goal that saw Charnock maintain their lead. Hind in goal finger-tipped a Grimshaw shot over the bar after Adams had done well down the right. Vaulks then headed just past the post. Brad Carsley saw Bates do well to turn his shot around the post and there was a strong shout for a penalty when a Longridge player went to ground. However on 68 minutes Ashcroft brought Brad Carsley down in the area and he got up to level the scores. Hind immediately made a great save from a Grimshaw snap shot before Bowen had a glorious chance to score from a Melling centre but he headed wide.

With the game level at 90 minutes it went to a penalty shootout. It was 4-4 when Bennett and then Melling saw their spot kicks saved. And after Charnock had taken a 6-5 lead Troy Carsley saw his effort saved by Bates. It was a disappointing way to see a quarter final decided.


GAMES FROM THE PAST 4 YEARS AGO

TURTON 1 CHARNOCK RICHARD 3 AETWEST LANCASHIRE LEAGUE RICHARDSON CUP ROUND 1SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2005

Team: Dave Critchley, John Hyde, Dean Taylor, Adam Critchley (Graeme Keenan 36), Damien Corcoran, Craig Duckworth (Nick Vosper 30), Damian Dashti, Andy Roberts, Paul Richards, George Craddock, John Sanderson (Keith Best 108).

On a heavy pitch Charnock finally won through to the next round of the Richardson Cup in extra time. There were no goals until the 83rd minute and when Turton took the lead it looked as if it was all over for the 10 men Villagers but a late equaliser from top scorer Craddock saw the game move into extra time and another goal from Craddock and a great Paul Richards goal saw the visitors triumphant.

With the reputation that the Turton pitch has and a week of heavy rain it seemed incredible that this game would go ahead but whilst the pitch cut up it was certainly playable. Charnock welcomed back Damien Corcoran in the centre of defence which resulted in Keenan dropping down to the bench. Duckworth was given the start in midfield over Vosper who was also on the bench.

There was little of note in the opening stages of the game as both teams came to terms with the heavy pitch. Dashti had a long shot but it was straight at the keeper. Charnock were having most of the play but too many final balls were not finding the strikers. A home free kick finished up as a comfortable save for Critchley. Richards could possibly done better when his header from a right wing cross went

past a post. There were problems when Dave Critchley left his area and failed to get to the ball but the home player was crowded out and Taylor cleared. Duckworth had to be replaced after 30 minutes having received a heavy knock. Dean Taylor made a couple of timely interventions when Turton threatened. There was a further disappointment for Charnock when Keenan had to replace Adam Critchley who suffered hamstring problems. Sanderson brought a save from the home keeper but Charnock’s performance was not top notch. Then just before half time Hyde was shown a red card for a wild tackle and Charnock were down to 10 men.

Although Charnock were a man short there was no difference between the teams in the second half. Critchley made a couple of good saves and Richards went close but as the 90 minutes approached it looked as if the game would go into extra time. Then on 83 minutes a Turton break down the left resulted in a cross and Mack drove the ball into the net from the right hand side. Charnock kept plugging away and the equaliser came when a CRADDOCK shot was mishandled by the home keeper. This was followed by a Turton shot rebounding off a post but at 1-1 at full time the game went into extra time. The visitors were still full of running and it was a credit to their fitness and Critchley had to make an excellent save before Charnock took the lead when Corcoran up in the penalty area found CRADDOCK who hit the ball home. RICHARDS then scored one of his individual goals that we have come to know and it was all over.


GAMES FROM THE PAST 14 YEARS AGO

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T his Charnock performance must rank as one of the best so far this season with the visitors arriving

with an impressive record this term having only lost one league game. The Villagers took the lead on 23 minutes doubled it three minutes later and went in at the interval leading 2-0 having largely dominated the half. In the second half Charnock continued to run the game and a further two goals in the final quarter of the game saw the team in green record a second consecative 4-0 home win.

There was only one change to the starting eleven that defeated Skelmersdale United 4-0 ten days earlier, Ascroft was required in his coaching role at Blackburn Rovers so once again reserve goalkeeper Eastwood was in goal, the bench was unchanged. It was an overcast, chilly afternoon but the light rain that started before kick-off ceased in the second half. The pitch, as usual, was in good condition.Whitchurch won the toss and chose to play towards the Mawdesley Plantation end. There was a real blow for the Villagers in the first minute when Aaron Griffith went down having received a blow to his face. He failed to recover and had to leave the field and Woods replaced him on five minutes. Walker dropped into the back three with Woods operating on the left. The first 20 minutes saw both teams threaten but neither side could produce a shot on target.

The closest that Charnock came was on 21 minutes when Darr headed a corner narrowly wide. A fine spell of neat passing football led to Charnock taking the lead on 23 minutes with FAIRHURST completing the move with an accurately struck shot into the top corner of the net. There was another half chance a minute later a deep cross to beyond the far post was headed back across goal by Grimshaw but goalkeeper Parton collected before any home player could react. It was a similar cross from the right, this time by Darr, on 26 minutes that saw Charnock increase their lead. Again it was GRIMSHAW just beyond the goal who cleverly headed back over the head of Parton and the ball hit the far post and rolled over the line.

On 30 minutes when Eastwood came out to a free kick and missed the ball completely, however, Grimshaw was on the line to nod the ball out for a corner. On 36 minutes Minshall reacted to a decision by the assistant and, in anger, punched the ball away and he was sent to the sin bin. Charnock failed to take advantage of their opponents being reduced to 10 men but a healthy two goal lead was more than satisfactory at half time considering the record of their opponents.

In the second half the match continued in a similar manner to the first with the visitors struggling to have a shot on target. Davison cut in after 47 minutes but his left foot shot went narrowly over the bar. Darr played Haydock in


SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2019 CHARNOCK RICHARD 4 WHITCHURCH ALPORT 0

TEAMS: Charnock Richard: Eastwood, Bibby, Griffith (Woods 5), Young, O’Farrell, Haydock, Divison, Nathan Fairhurst (Bennett 73), Grimshaw, Darr (Oxley 71), Walker. Sub: (Not Used) Regan.Whitchurch Alport: Parton, Minshall (O’Neill 64), Pickerill, Bath (Robinson 77), Ashman, Goddard, Howarth (Cuff 54), Sean Griffiths, Johns, Ellis, Hughes.

but Parton easily collected his deflected shot. On 54 minutes Whitchurch had their first real shot on goal but it was straight at Eastwood. Johns had a great chance to reduce the arears on 57 minutes but his effort was nowhere near the target and it summarise the performance from Whitchurch neatly. After 63 minutes WOODS picked the ball up 40 yards out and ran forward before hitting a powerful shot just inside the left hand post. Immediately Charnock replaced Fairhurst with Bennett. On 71 minutes Darr gave way for Oxley. The day deteriorated further for the visitors on 73 minutes when BENNETT raced into the area to finish off another fine attack. Although the Villagers continued to produce some fine attacking football and the visitors plugged away everyone knew that the game was, to all intents and purposes, over so the final 15 or so minutes lacked the tension of earlier in the match.

Charnock have already had several excellent wins so far this season but this win was an example of how good they can be when they move the ball around quickly, produce plenty of off-the-ball running and convert their chances. Clean sheets have been scarce this season the first only in the win over Skelmersdale United so two on the run is particularly welcome.


CAR PARKTo prevent inconvenience to local residents on Charter Lane it

would be appreciated if all players, officials, visitors and supporters would PLEASE USE THE CLUB CAR PARK

West Lancashire League Division 2Reserve Fixtures/ResultsAug S 3 Storeys a 2-0 Charnley, McNallyT 13 Burscough Dynamo h 3-2 Meite, Morris, TurnerS 17 Furness Cavaliers a 3-0 Meite, Pilgrim, C RigbyW 21 Rossendale a 0-3 S 24 Walney Island a 1-5 TickleS 31 Galgate h 7-1 McNally 2, Banks, Blackhurst,

Hendy, McLoghlin, MorrisSep S 7 Chipping a 2-3 McNally 2S 14 Dalton United h 2-2 Hendy, McNallyW 18 Burnley United a 4-1 Hendy, Lindley, Tickle, TurnerS 21 Freckleton a 1-3 HendyS 28 Mill Hill St Peters a 3-0 Hendy 2, ColeyOct S 19 Furness Rovers LC1 a 3-3 Nolan 2, HendyNov S 2 Dalton United a 4-4 Hendy 4S 9 Garstang Reserve a 2.00pmS 16 Kendal United h 2.00pmS 23 Storeys h 2.00pmDec S 7 Burscough Dynamo a 2.00pmS 14 Chipping h 2.00pmJan S 4 Furness Rovers h 2.00pmS 18 Furness Cavaliers h 2.00pmS 25 Rossendale h 2.00pmFeb S 1 Kendal United a 3.00pmS 8 Garstang Reserve h 3.00pmS 15 Mill Hill St Peters h 3.00pmS 22 Longridge Town Res h 3.00pmMar S 21 Freckleton h 3.00pmtba Furness Rovers a tba Burnley Unired h tba Galgate a tba Walney Island h tba Longridge Town Res a


FROM THE RESERVES IAN MOUNTAIN

R ecently the TV companies released their schedules for televised games over the

Christmas and New Year period and as usual there were some anguished responses from the top managers.

“They are trying to kill players” was one outburst from one of the top coaches after finding out that his club had to play two games in three days. Really! I think this was a touch over the top to say the least. In all the lower reaches of football playing two games in three days is not unusual. Earlier this season Charnock played on Wednesday, Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and I do not remember any of our players subsequently being out of action due to life threatening fatigue. I would be very disappointed if Charnock players did not put as much effort into a game as the Football League players, I know that the football in the North West Counties League is not as fast as Premier League but their players train for it and should be at peak fitness. They do not have to rise and go to work at some unearthly time to earn a living and can rest up if they are tired. After all it is not all that long ago that clubs had fixtures on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day and there were no complaints or reports of close to death experiences then. What the top clubs have to realise is that they, many years ago, sold everything to television companies who pull all the strings, in exchange the clubs have billions of pounds to pay players and managers and ‘hangers on’ ridiculous salaries so “shut up and get on with it” is my advice.

The frequent change of managers at Premier and Football League level provides plenty of news print around the country but it would appear that clubs at the lower levels also have a constant turnover of managers. The North West Counties League recently issued the statistics of each club’s manager showing how long each one had been in post and it made interesting reading. The Premier Division clubs have been very loyal over the last

six months with only Burscough and Charnock changing their managers over the summer and since then only Barnoldswick Town and Squires Gate have made changes but it is a different story in Division 1 both North and South. In the North Division AFC Liverpool, Cleator Moor Celtic and Emley AFC, transferred from North East Counties East, all changed their managers in the close season. Since the season kicked off AFC Darwen, Atherton LR, Garstang and St Helens all have different managers.

In the South Division Abbey Hey, Alsager Town and West Didsbury and Chorlton all started the season with new managers. Subsequently Stone Old Alleynians have made yet another change whilst Barnton, Cheadle Town, Ellesmere Rangers, St Martins and Withenshaw Amateurs have also swopped.

There are 60 clubs in the North West Counties League and since the end of last season 20 clubs are now playing under a new manager which represents a 33% change. In the Premier Division the percentage is 20 whilst Division 1 North has seen seven changes representing 35%. It is the South Division that has recorded the most changes 10 out of 20 clubs, one club twice, which results in a 50% figure. It should be noted that the season is only three months old so with six months still to go how many more managers will be just a name in a club’s history by the end of the season?

To date there have been 14 manager changes in the 92 league clubs so far this season representing 15% whilst the NWCL has seen 12 out of 60 managers depart, 20%, so it would appear to be easier to lose your job in the NWCL than the football league, However, I accept that managing in the football league is a full time, well paid job totally different to the part time bosses in the lower levels of non-league the majority of whom do it for personal satisfaction rather than for financial reasons.

Keith Reader


THE LAST WORD KEITH READER

THE LAST WORD KEITH READER

Due to printing and editor deadlines I have to writethis final column of the season with four leaguegames outstanding so it is impossible to comment onCharnock’s final position in the table and, most importantly, where they will be playing their footballnext season. Will it be in the Premier Division by automatic promotion or through the play-offs ormaybe we will have to be satisfied with having a second season in Division One but whatever happensit has been a very successful and exciting first seasonin the North West Counties League.

This season saw Charnock make their debut in the FAVase and it has been very satisfactory but with a little bit ofluck it could have been even more successful. In the preliminary rounds we won at Whickham in the North Eastthen visited Yorkshire to beat Harrogate Railway Athletic.The First Round Proper saw a home tie against old opponents Barnoldswick Town which we won after extratime. The home defeat at Mossie Park at the hands ofStaveley Miners Welfare was largely due to having to fieldan understrength team; suspensions for Spencer Bibby,Josh Norgate and Mike Fletcher all made them ineligible,Ashley Young missed through a knee problem and thenlosing Danny Smith to injury before half time and a missedpenalty all contributed to the defeat. If we had won wewould have had a trip up to play South Shields of theNorthern League who are now through to the Wembleyfinal. At the time they were averaging gates of over 1200.Win or lose it would have been a bumper pay day for theclub with a share of the gate receipts and more FA money for reaching that stage of the competition. As it was Staveley made the journey, pocketed the money andlost 3-0.

Charnock were drawn away to Bamber Bridge in the firstround of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy, it was ourdebut in the competition and against all the odds cameaway with a 2-0 win. Drawn away at Ashton Athletic in thenext round we had plenty of chances to win the game inthe first half but in the end lost 1-0. Ashton went on to win2-1 against Radcliffe Borough in the final at the MacronStadium after knocking out Chorley in the semi-final. A littlemore accuracy with our shooting at Ashton and who knowswhat could have happened? In our league cup debuts wemade early exits in both competitions. In the Macron Cupwe were unlucky to lose 2-1 at Handley Town, the winningpenalty being awarded for the ball hitting Josh Norgate’sshoulder. We successfully negotiated our way through theReusch First Division Cup to the quarter-finals where welost 4-1 at home to Widnes.

Football squads inevitably evolve over the years and anumber of new signings were made for this season.Some players have fitted in well and have made regularappearances others disappeared; several did not evenmake one appearance. Over previous seasons CarlGrimshaw and David Burrows formed a successful goalscoring partnership for the club. Last season they totalled77 goals between them and there was the expectancythat they would score a similar number this season. Unfortunately domestic problems resulted in Dave making himself unavailable and he has been sorely missed.

In the 2015-16 season Damian Dashti passed the landmark of 500 appearances for the first team and hehas continued to feature in most match squads this season. He is now approaching 550 appearances whichis another remarkable record of dedication to CharnockRichard FC. There have been other impressive performances by players this season but for me oneplayer has stood out above anyone else - Ross O’Farrellhas had an outstanding season to date. Ross is anotherplayer that has been at Charnock for almost all his career first appearing in the ‘A’ team back in season2007-08 from where he has worked his way up to become a regular in the first team squad. He is mychoice as “Player of the Year”.

Finally I must mention the support that the club have enjoyed both home and away. To date home attendanceshave only dropped below 100 once and the average sofar is 140. Everyone at the club has put in a remarkableamount of time and effort and come May we will be looking forward to our second season in the North WestCounties League. I hope to be writing this column againnext season, many thanks for reading it.

Keith Reader

30


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Lancaster City

Manager Mark Fell

SAM ASHTONLEWIS FENSOMEGLENN STEELBEN HUDSONJACK ARMERSIMON WILLSNIALL COWPERTHWAITESAM BAILEYDAVID NORRISMATTHEW BLINKHORNBRAD CARSLEYMAX POVEYPAUL DAWSONROB WILSONCHARLIE BAILEYJASON WALKER

Charnock Richard

Manager Ryan Donnellan

BEN ASCROFTJAMES WALKER

SPENCER BIBBYROSS O'FARRELLASHLEY YOUNGOLIVER TURNERJACK BENNETT

MATTHEW DAVISONOLIVER OXLEY

LEWIS HAYDOCK MARK WOODS

AARON GRIFFITHDANIEL REGAN

NATHAN FAIRHURSTCARL GRIMSHAW

JORDAN DARR

MATCH OFFICIALSReferee Michael Barlow

Assistants Matthew Clarke & Emily Carney

Documents

Charnock Richard Football Club 12...the Winsford United 6-0 win at home to Burscough and Ashton Athletic’s 4-0 win at Squires Gate made our winning scoreline look rather tame. One