• West Lancashire League Champions: 1986/87
• Lancashire FA Amateur Shield Winners: 1988/89, 1990/91
Chairman Maurice Watkin
Vice-Chairman David Smith
Treasurer Paul Muspratt
Club Secretary John Squire
Matchday Secretary Gary Fawcett
Manager Kevin Watkin
Manager Dave Round
Safeguarding Officer Steve Thomas
Head of Digital Glen Ritchie
Groundskeepers Alan Wilson & Ian Littlehales
Bar Manager Sam Trewin
Good evening and welcome to Rakesmoor Lane for today’s North West Counties Football League fixture against AFC Blackpool.
We come into this game in good spirits. With matches now coming every three or four days, momentum is everything, and it’s been pleasing to see the lads put together three wins on the bounce. One of the biggest positives has been our improvement in front of goal –we’re being more clinical, and that’s made a real difference in tight games.
Now we’ve got a big opportunity to build on that with two home games this week. It’s a key period for us, and we’ve spoken about making sure we take advantage of it. If we can maintain our standards, keep the same work rate, and continue taking our chances, we give ourselves a strong platform to keep climbing the table.
The aim is clear – we want to be firmly in the playoff conversation come April. These are the games that shape that. Playing at home gives us a real chance to keep the run going, and the support we get here always makes a difference, especially during busy spells like this.
It’s about staying focused, not getting ahead of ourselves, and making sure we back up what we’ve done over the last few games.
KEVIN WATKIN
We’ve hit some really good form lately, especially on Saturday against Thornton. I thought we dominated from start to finish, even with some big players missing. We defended well, controlled the middle, and looked dangerous going forward.
Tonight will be another tough test against AFC Blackpool, a side we always find difficult, so we’ll need to be at it again.
It’s a big boost to have Mitch, Patty and Tyler Spence back in the squad. Luke Davey was outstanding on Saturday, but it was a real team performance which was great to see.
Hopefully we can carry that on and make our home advantage count tonight. DAVE ROUND
The lads have picked up some great results over the last week or so with two really gritty performances. Against Maghull they created plenty of chances and, even after the setback of going down to ten men, they dug in and managed to come away with the three points.
Away at Maine Road it would have been easy to think the win had slipped away after conceding so late, but the boys kept going and showed great character to find a winner in stoppage time.
Thornton Cleveleys are a side right in the mix this season, so we know it will be another tough game. But if the lads can replicate the effort and attitude from the last couple of matches, hopefully it will be another three points on the board.
With the games coming thick and fast, it’s important we make the most of it. When you’re in good form, you want matches to come quickly so you can keep building that momentum and stay in a rhythm.
Saturday was a strong performance, especially going forward. We looked sharp, created chances and caused problems all over the pitch. That’s something we want to carry on and be more consistent with.
Blackpool will be a tough test, and we still remember the last result against them. That gives us extra motivation to put things right and make sure we come away with a positive result.
This is the sort of spell you want when you’re playing well. Games coming one after another, a bit of momentum behind you, and a chance to keep things moving in the right direction.
Saturday was a good example of what we can do. We looked lively going forward and created plenty, which is always a good sign. The key now is backing that up again.
We know Blackpool will be up for it, and the last game against them wasn’t good enough from us. That should be enough to focus the lads. If we match the levels from the weekend, we’ll give ourselves every chance.
Age: 27
Position: Defender
Sponsor: Abbey House
Occupation: Site Engineer
How long have you been at Holker: 15 Years
Previous Clubs: None!
Childhood Football Hero: Stevie G
What is the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given: You can’t control the weather, but you can control your attitudes
What is the most memorable game you’ve played: My first trophy in senior football and it was special to win it for groundsman and club legend Al Wilson.
How do you stay motivated during injury: The hunger to get back out onto the pitch is the main thing that keeps me going.
Who at Holker brings out the best in you: Paul Southward - he gave me lots of advice coming through at Holker as a young lad and even though most of it wasn’t great he tried his best. Although now he’s too busy golfing or watching Barrow.
Describe the gaffers in one word: Passionate
Home or Away Games: Home
Favourite Ground to play at: Darwen
Ronaldo or Messi?: Messi
If you could play for one team in the world, who: Liverpool
Early Bird or Night Owl: Early Bird
A Night in or A Night Out: A Night Out
Favourite Film: Goodfellas
Favourite Holiday Destination: Las Vegas
Karakoe Song: David Gray - Babylon
AFC Blackpool, originally founded as Blackpool Metal Mechanics in 1947, play at Jepson Way and wear orange kits. The club was renamed in 2008 to reflect a new era, and now runs a full youth setup alongside its senior team. They’ve steadily climbed the non-league system, with promotion to the Premier Division in 2010–11 capping a record-breaking season.
• •Formed in 1947 – Started as Blackpool Metal Mechanics, playing at Stanley Park before moving to Jepson Way.
• Name Change in 2008 – Became AFC Blackpool after merging with Squires Gate Junior FC.
• Jepson Way Ground – Home since 1949; the pitch is still nicknamed ‘The Mechanics’.
• Local League Success (1950s) – Won the Fylde District League and multiple local cups.
• West Lancashire League Titles – Champions in 1960 and 1961 after stepping up in standard.
• Lancashire Combination Era – Competed throughout the 60s and 70s; runners-up in 1974–75.
• Joined NWCFL in 1982 – Promoted to Division One in 1992; later relegated before stabilising.
• Merger with Lytham St Annes (2005) – Brought added resources and momentum to Jepson Way.
• 2010–11 Promotion – Crowned Division One champions with 28 wins from 34 matches.
• Youth Expansion – Offers football from under-6s to senior teams, supporting long term growth.
AFC Blackpool was formed in 1947 under the name of Blackpool Metal Mechanics and played at Stanley Park for two years before moving to the current Jepson Way ground.
They played in local leagues before taking the step up to join the West Lancashire League. During this period in local league football they won many awards, taking the Division Two title of the Fylde District League in 1950/51 and in Division One were champions twice and runners-up three times in five consecutive years between 1953/54 and 1957/58. Numerous local cup competitions were also won, including the Lancashire Junior Shield in 1957/58, a competition they were to win again in 1960/61.
As the 50’s drew to a close, Blackpool Mechanics decided to take the next step up and join the West Lancashire League. They were an almost immediate success, being runners-up in 1959/60 and champions for the next two seasons. Various cups and trophies from local competitions still regularly found their way to Jepson Way.
The club then took another step up the football ladder by joining the Lancashire Combination. The jump in standard meant the cups and honours that had poured into the trophy room dried up and it was not until the turn of the decade before many more honours were to come their way.
In 1972/73 they won the Lancashire Combination Bridge Shield and in 1974/75 they finished runners-up in the league, just one point behind champions Darwen. They remained a strong team throughout the 70’s although towards the end they suffered some poor results.
With the advent of the North West Counties League, Blackpool Mechanics were placed in Division Three and in 1985/86 were promoted to Division Two. At the end on 1991/92 they were promoted to Division One, but it was not a happy experience and the club returned to Division Two. After a few seasons of struggle, the club is now financially stable and looking forward to developing the club’s potential both on and off the pitch.
In the summer of 2005 Blackpool Mechanics FC merged with Lytham St. Annes FC who had just won the West Lancashire League Division One title. Lytham St. Annes resigned from their own league and brought their resources and manpower to Jepson Way in a bid to launch the new look Mechanics in their push up the nonleague football pyramid.
The club was re-named AFC Blackpool in May 2008 when Blackpool Mechanics FC and Squires Gate Junior FC got together to form one club. It was decided to mark the start of a new era by re-naming the club and the name ‘AFC Blackpool’ was chosen.
The club leased a further piece of land adjacent to the ground in Jepson Way to accommodate the enlarged club and investment to improve the facilities was begun. The club ground in Jepson Way retains its name ‘The Mechanics’ to maintain a link with the past.
Season 2010/11 saw the club have probably its best season ever. The first team were promoted to the Premier Divison as Div.1 champions with a record breaking 28 wins and three draws in 34 league matches. They also reached the semi finals in both the 1st Divison Trophy and the League Cup.
There were notable sucesses in the Junior section too with the under 16s doing the league and cup double, the under 10’s and 11’s winning their respective Divisions and the under 14s also winning promotion.
With the club now providing football from under 6 through to open age the future is looking secure.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 08.10.24
DARWEN FC
Under the lights on a night match – nothing better. A goal, a handshake, the few lads buzzing in the moment.
Founded in 1936, Holker Old Boys AFC began as an under-16 side, formed by the former pupils of Holker Central Secondary School, originally located on Holker Street in Barrow-in-Furness. While the school has long been replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy continues to thrive.
Founded in 1936, Holker Old Boys AFC began as an under-16 side, formed by the former pupils of Holker Central Secondary School, originally located on Holker Street in Barrowin-Furness. While the school has long been replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy continues to thrive.
By 1939-40, Holker joined the North Western Open Age League, playing on local fields. Their commitment to youth football remained strong, with junior teams keeping their roots alive. The club expanded into the West Lancashire League in 1967, running teams in both leagues and later securing a permanent home at Rakesmoor Lane in 1971 - a site with a history as an isolation hospital and allotments.
The formation of the Furness Premier League in 1980 saw them enter two teams, with the Reserves progressing into the West Lancashire League Division 2. Success followed in the mid-80s, with a runner-up finish in 1985/86, before claiming the West Lancs League Division 1 title in their Golden Jubilee season (1986/87). The late 80s brought further glory, as Holker lifted the Adidas Lancashire Junior Shield twice, triumphing over Walkden Town (1988/89) and Park United (1990/91).
With ambitions to compete at a higher level, Holker faced the challenge of upgrading their Rakesmoor Lane ground. Through sheer determination and community effort, they expanded facilities, built new changing rooms, and enclosed the pitch. Their hard work paid off in 1991 when they secured a place in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Division Two.
Holker adapted well to the higher level, finishing third in 1993/94 and earning promotion to Division One. Their time in the top flight was mixed, peaking at 11th place in 1995/96 before a difficult spell led to relegation in 1998/99. This prompted a period of rebuilding, both financially and structurally. The club expanded its setup to include three open-age sides and a thriving junior section, covering ages six to sixteen, plus a girls’ team.
By 2002/03, Holker had regained stability, finishing fifth in Division Two. Off the pitch, significant investments followed, with £80,000 secured for stadium improvements, pitch drainage, and parking. Though the mid-2000s saw inconsistent league performances, there were standout moments: reaching the FA Cup’s Second Qualifying Round (2004/05) and hosting FC United of Manchester in 2005/06 before a record crowd of 2,303. These achievements provided vital funds for further ground improvements, including floodlight upgrades in 2006/07.
The club’s commitment to youth development was also recognised with the FA Charter Standard Development Club Award. This dedication bore fruit in 2006/07 when the U18s, featuring many future first-team players, won the LFA Furness Building Society Youth Cup. By 2008/09, the senior team had climbed to ninth in the renamed Vodkat League First Division.
Under Dave Smith and Maurice Watkin, Holker enjoyed a resurgence, finishing third in Division One in 2010/11. A managerial change in 2011/12 brought challenges, but Smith’s return helped steady the ship. The 2012/13 season was tough, with the club narrowly avoiding last place, though an FA Cup run provided a financial boost.
The 2013/14 season marked a turning point, with Gary Fawcett and Stuart Roberts leading the team to a respectable sixth-place finish and a semi-final appearance in the NWCFL Challenge Cup. Further improvements followed between 2017 and 2019, including pitch enhancements, bar refurbishments, and an extended kitchen. Chairman Maurice Watkin ensured a warm, modern club atmosphere.
Holker reached a milestone in 2018/19, playing their 1,000th NWCFL league game and receiving a commemorative trophy. Despite a challenging season, the team avoided relegation, with Kevin Watkin, Paul Southward, and Glyn Dixon taking the reins to guide the club to safety.
Through decades of highs and lows, Holker Old Boys AFC remains a club built on passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted community spirit - one that continues to shape its future with ambition and pride.
