• 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 Fulwood Amateurs.
The turnaround between games is quick, but that’s the nature of this stage of the season and the lads are ready for it.
The last match was certainly one to remember – end-to-end, plenty of chances and a last-minute winner. It had everything. While it was great to come out on the right side of it, we’d all probably take something a little more straightforward this afternoon if possible.
Today marks the start of a demanding spell with four games in seven days. That kind of schedule tests everyone in the group, not just the eleven who start. Managing the minutes across the squad will be important if we want to maintain our levels and come out of this run still sitting in the playoff places. Every player will have a role to play.
Fulwood are a very good side and their recent results don’t really reflect the quality they have in the squad. They’ll pose a real threat and we know we’ll have to be disciplined and focused from the start if we want to get the result.
With a busy week ahead, the support from the stands can make a real difference, so hopefully we can make it another positive afternoon at Rakesmoor Lane.
KEVIN WATKIN
We got the positive reaction we wanted against a good Colne side. For me they’re one of the better teams we’ve faced at home this season and it made for a really entertaining game for those who were there.
It was end to end, especially in the second half. We had to deal with a lot of pressure and Matt was outstanding in goal, making some top saves to keep us in the game. Then we caught them on the break with a great goal – a superb ball from Davey and Nath Reid timed his run perfectly to slide it past the keeper.
Today will be another big test against a good Fulwood side. We need to keep ticking these games off, keep the pressure on the teams around us, and back it up with another strong performance.
DAVE ROUND
The result in midweek was a big one for the lads. To win it the way they did against a very good Colne side made it even more impressive. They’re one of the strongest teams I’ve seen up at Rakesmoor Lane this season, so to come out on top showed a lot about the group.
Now we head into a really congested spell with four games in the next week, so it’s important we keep that momentum going. Nights like Tuesday can give you a big lift, but the key is backing it up in the games that follow.
Starting today against Fulwood, we’ll need everyone over this next run. Fortunately we’ve got good quality throughout the squad and that depth will be important if we’re going to keep the results coming.
The win in midweek was a big boost for everyone. Colne are a strong side and they showed that, but the way the lads stuck at it and found a way to win was a real positive.
Those sorts of results can give you confidence going into the next run of games, and we’re about to face a busy period. With four matches in the space of a week, recovery and squad depth will be just as important as performance.
Fulwood will be another tough game, but the aim is simple. Keep the standards high, keep the energy up, and try to carry the momentum from the last result into the next one.
Midweek was a proper result for the lads. Colne are a good outfit and probably one of the better teams we’ve seen at Rakesmoor this season, so getting the win in the way we did made it even more satisfying.
The challenge now is backing that performance up. The fixtures are starting to come thick and fast and there’s not much time to dwell on results.
With four games coming up in a short spell, everyone in the squad will have a role to play. Fulwood will be a good test to start that run, and if we approach it the same way as midweek, we’ll give ourselves a great chance of another positive result.
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
Fulwood Amateur AFC, founded in 1924 in Preston, began playing behind the Black Bull Hotel before later establishing a permanent home near Preston Grasshoppers. The club has long been associated with amateur football in Lancashire, enjoying success in the Lancashire Amateur League and later the West Lancashire League. After decades of steady progress and cup success, Fulwood earned promotion to the North West Counties League in 2025.
• Founded in 1924 – The club began playing behind the Black Bull Hotel on Garstang Road.
• Early League Football – Joined the Lancashire Amateur League in 1928.
• First Trophy (1937) – Won the Manchester and Salford Medical Charles Hospital Cup.
• League and Cup Double (1938) – Retained the cup and won the league title the following season.
• Land Purchased (1955) – Bought ground at Grimsargh, securing the club’s longterm future.
• Champions in 1971 – Regained success during a strong period in the 1970s.
• Current Ground Move (1979) – Purchased land next to Preston Grasshoppers, their home ever since.
• West Lancashire League Era – Joined the league in 1992 and won numerous cups over the following decades.
• Lancashire FA Amateur Shield – Won the county trophy five times.
• Step 6 Promotion (2025) – Earned promotion to the North West Counties League Division One North.
Fulwood Amateur AFC were formed in 1924 and played their games on a field behind the Black Bull Hotel on Garstang RD before moving to a pitch on Watling St Rd using the Sumners Hotel for changing rooms.
They joined the Lancashire Amateur League in 1928 and moved to another ground that they rented off Dick Kerrs
1937 saw the club win their first trophy when they beat South Salford in winning the Manchester and Salford Medical Charles Hospital Cup.
The following season they did the double, retaining the cup and winning the league.
In 1955 the club purchased land at Grimsargh which proved to be sound investment. The club went through the 1950s winning a number of trophies before hitting a slump during the 60s
Things picked up again in the 1970s when Alan Kelly (PNE) took pre-season training and, despite his commitments at Deepdale, ran weekly sessions throughout the season. In 1971 the club were crowned champions.
In 1974 the club’s land was marked for compulsory purchase so a new pitch was required and eventually in 1979 the club purchased land next to Preston Grasshoppers where they have been ever since.
In 1992, Fulwood joined the West Lancashire League and in the following 26 years have won numerous cups and trophies including the Lancashire FA Amateur Shield five times.
In 2025, Fulwood gained promotion into North West Counties Northern Division.
Holker’s Digital Media Team hand-picks their favourite photo this week.
DATE 09.08.23
Another one where the light does the talking. The sun just dipping across the pitch and stand gives everything that soft glow.
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.
