• 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 afternoon and welcome to Rakesmoor Lane for today’s North West Counties Football League fixture against Bacup Borough.
We’re in a good run at the moment, with three wins and a draw from our last four games, and that’s put us exactly where we want to be – right in the playoff mix. There was still a bit of frustration after Tuesday, conceding late and coming away with one point instead of three, but overall the recent spell has given us a strong platform to build from.
Today won’t be easy. Bacup are always a tough, competitive side and we’ll need to be at our best if we want the points. With the fixture list so congested between now and the end of the season, every game matters. It’s not just about results – it’s about maintaining momentum, managing the squad well, and making sure we stay fresh enough to keep performing at the level we need.
That’s the challenge for this group now. We’ve worked hard to get ourselves into the playoff conversation, and the focus has to be on staying there. These are the games that shape your season, and if we can keep standards high, keep collecting points, and make the most of our opportunities, we’ll give ourselves a real chance.
Your support always makes a difference, especially in a busy run like this, and we’ll need that again today.
Tuesday was a tough one to take because I thought we played very well. We created plenty of chances, dominated long spells, and looked solid at the back with Matt, Patty, Cal and Noah all putting in strong performances. Luke and Charlie worked their socks off as well. We did miss Tyler Wood late on, especially on set pieces.
The frustrating part was that we switched off and got punished. At this level, you can’t afford that. But I don’t want us dwelling on it because the lads are in good form and the performances have been there.
Tonight is another big test, and we need to make home advantage count again. Hopefully Mitch is back involved too.
The result on Tuesday against Blackpool probably didn’t tell the full story of the game. I thought the lads deserved a lot more from the performance, but that’s football. If you don’t take your chances or make your good spells count, teams will punish you.
There were still plenty of positives to take from the way we played, and the main thing now is making sure we carry that into today. We know the levels were there for long periods, so it’s about backing that up and being more ruthless when the key moments come.
Today against Bacup will be another big test. They’re in and around the play-off places with similar ambitions to ourselves, so it could be an important one in terms of how things shape up over the next few weeks.
Tuesday was frustrating because the performance probably deserved more than the result we came away with. We had good moments in the game and caused problems, but at this stage of the season small details make a big difference, and we were made to pay for not taking ours.
The focus now has to be on turning a decent performance into the right outcome. There’s no point playing well if you do not pick up points, especially with how tight things are around us in the table.
Bacup are another side with similar aims this season, so this feels like a big game. If we can show the same intent as Tuesday but be a bit more clinical, we’ll give ourselves a strong chance.
Tuesday was one of those games where the scoreline did not really reflect how it went. The lads put a proper shift in and on another night probably come away with something, but if you leave teams in the game they will always fancy taking their chance.
That is the frustrating part, because the performance itself was not miles away. It is more about making sure the good spells lead to goals and points, because that is what matters at this stage of the season.
Bacup will be another tough one. They’re up there competing for the same spots we’re aiming for, so these are the games that can really swing things. It is a good chance to put Tuesday behind us and get back on track.
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
Bacup Borough FC, founded in 1879, are one of the North West’s older non-league clubs and play at the Brian Boys West View Stadium. Traditionally associated with red and black, the club were Lancashire Combination champions in 1946-47 and became founder members of the North West Counties League in 1982. A standout modern story is Brent Peters’ extraordinary long reign as manager, beginning in 1997.
• Founded in 1879 – One of the region’s long-established non-league clubs.
• Historic Ground – West View hosted Accrington Stanley in 1889 in front of over 1,000 spectators.
• Lancashire Combination Champions – Won the title in the 1946-47 season, one of the club’s greatest achievements.
• Founder Members in 1982 – Joined the new North West Counties League at its formation.
• Promotion Success (2002-03) – Won the NWCFL First Division title for their first major success in 56 years.
• Challenge Cup Winners – Lifted the NWCFL Challenge Cup in 2003-04 and again in 2011-12.
• Cup Final at the Reebok – Reached the Lancashire FA Co-operative Trophy Final in 2012-13.
• Name Change in 2013 – Became Bacup & Rossendale Borough before later returning to Bacup Borough.
• Play-Off Finalists (2015-16) – Reached the Division One play-off final during a rebuilding season.
• Long-Serving Manager – Brent Peters took charge in 1997 and marked 25 years at the club in 2022.
Bacup Borough Football Club was established in 1879. Their first match to take place at their current Brian Boys West View Stadium was not until 1889 when one of the founder members of the English Football League Accrington Stanley played there in front of over 1,000 spectators.
Bacup’s proudest achievement was winning the Lancashire Combination Championship in the 1946/47 season, this along with finishing runners up after losing to Marine 2-1 in the Lancashire Combination Cup Final.
1972/73 season the club finished runners up in the League, losing out on goal average despite scoring 101 goals. In 1974/75 they reached the Lancashire Junior Cup Final losing 1-0 against Lancaster City, this despite famous victories against Formby, Wigan Athletic, South Liverpool, and Morecambe. In the last ever Lancashire Combination Challenge Cup Final Bacup were beaten 1-3 by Caernarfon Town in a two-legged Final.
In 1982 Bacup Borough became founder members of the North West Counties League, this following the amalgamation of the Cheshire League & the Lancashire Combination.
In the 1987/88 season Bacup had to apply for re-election following finishing bottom of the Second Division.
In the 1988 /89 season under the Management of Gary Warburton the club finished Runners up in Division Two and also finished Runners Up in the Lamot Pils Trophy, they also the same season reached the Quarter Final of the League Cup and due to the Leagues re-organisation the club started the 1989 /90 season as a First Division Club. However, in the1994 /95 season Bacup Borough were relegated back to the Second Division & did struggle both on and off the field.
In September of the 1997/98 season with no points on the board and following a humiliating 0-10 defeat by Tetley Walker this prompted the Committee to part company with their then Manager.
This then made way for the appointment of the former Doncaster Rovers Assistant Manager, Bury F.C Youth Team Coach, Accrington Stanley Director of Football, & Rossendale Utd & Glossop North End Manager Brent Peters to take over as Manager, a position he has held ever since.
Brent’s early record of achievement saw the club finish the 1997/98 season in 14th position, climbing in 1998 /99 to 11th position before in 1999/00 they finished 5th in the league, the clubs highest league position in over ten years. In Season 2000/01 the club reached the Second Division Cup Final but lost 1-0 to Squires Gate. Brent’s greatest achievement came at the end of the 2002/03 season when he guided the club to the Championship of the North West Counties League First Division, the first major success for the club in 56 years. This brought Brent Three Manager of the Month Awards and The Manager of The Year Award.
Season 2003/04, Bacup’s first season following the First Division Championship the club finished 14th in the Premier Division and did win the North West Counties League Challenge Cup at Southport’s Haig Avenue Ground by beating Newcastle Town 3-0.
Other cup runs saw Borough as NWCFL Challenge Cup Quarter Finalists in 2004/05 and Lancashire FA Cooperative Trophy Quarter Finalists in 2007/08. They finished in 8th Position in the NWCFL Premier Division in the 2008/09 Season.
June 14th 2004 brought another land mark for the club when Bacup’s Secretary Frank Manning celebrated not only his 70th Birthday but also 50yrs in the game of which well over 40 years have been spent in administration at his beloved Bacup Borough F.C, This achievement was recognised by Frank being presented with a gold award on behalf of the Football Association by Mr Jim Kenyon the Secretary of the Lancashire Football Association. This achievement brought Frank the position of Chairman of the club, a post he held until accepting the position of President of Bacup & Rossendale Borough FC at the re-branding on June 17th 2013.
It was a sad start to the 2011/2012 season with the sudden passing away of Kenneth Peters on the 15th June 2011 and he was also the club president and father of our manager. On the field of play further success was to come with more silverware, this following a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Maine Road in the NWCFL Challenge Cup Final which was played at the Tameside Stadium Ashton in front of a big crowd, the team was captained by Davey Luker.
The 2012/2013 season proved to be another difficult time at the club following the sad deaths of people dearly close to the club. Four came in the month of October 12 from which the biggest shock was 27 year old player Bryan Herbert. On the pitch the team once again did well by getting to yet another cup final and this time it was the Lancashire FA Cooperative Trophy Final played at the Reebok Stadium at Bolton.
Despite playing a team from two leagues above, Bacup gave a very good account of themselves against team from the Evo Stick Premier Division, AFC Fylde ran out 2-0 winners.
June 17th 2013 Bacup Borough officially adopted the title of Rossendale; this came about following the sad demise of Rossendale United FC, thus leaving Bacup Borough as the Rossendale Valley’s most senior football club. They were now the sole flag bearers of the Rossendale Valley and, for the commercial side, it made sense to add ‘Rossendale’ to the club’s name making the club Bacup & Rossendale Borough FC. The new name also brings with it a newly designed crest to form its very own identity, with a plan for progression in place and the words, ‘Prosperity Through Endeavour’ prominently featured.
The 2013/2014 season was a nail-biter right until the last game, but with BARB’s place in the Pemier Division secured the club is ready to progress with its ambitious plans as Rossendale’s number one football club.
Sadly the 2014/2015 season did not turn out as we had wished. Injuries and other problems resulted in the team being relegated from the Premier Division.
A decision was taken to relaunch Bacup Borough Football Club from the start of the 2015/2016 season. The historic crest was brought back and there were exciting developments on and off the pitch. Among those was the creation of two junior teams – an U15 team and an U18 team – who competed under the banner of Bacup Borough FC and had excellent seasons; both teams winning trophies. Season 2015/2016 was a season of rebuilding and the first team finished the season very strongly reaching the Division One play-off final, only to lose 2 nil in extra time of what had been a hard fought and evenly balanced game.
Manager Brent Peters in 2022 celebrated 25 years in charge at the club making him the longest current serving manager in world football according to reports on the BBC. A fantastic achievement for a man who has committed such a large part of his life to the historic club.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 06.01.24
SOUTH LIVERPOOL
I like the way the sunlight catches the camera in this one. It gives everything a warm glow, even though there’s still that fresh feel in the air. It feels like summer is just starting to show itself.
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.
