RAKESMOOR LANE 12TH SEPTEMBER 2026
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HONOURS • West Lancashire League Champions: 1986/87 • Lancashire FA Amateur Shield Winners: 1988/89, 1990/91
THE CLUB 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
THE DUGOUT
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THE OPPONENT P8
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The Dugout
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The Opponent
24 Squads
Holker History
MATCHDAY SPONSORS
MAIN MATCH
MATCH BALL
Holker Old Boys AFC Unincorporated (Community Amateur Sports Club) is an equal-opportunities club committed to upholding the principles of equality, diversity and human rights. Supporters are urged to report any incident immediately to the nearest member of staff. Doing so allows the club to immediately deal with the situation. Any incident dealt with by a member of staff will be logged and passed on to the league and/or authorities where required. Holker Old Boys AFC takes very seriously its responsibility to protect children in its care. If you have any questions regarding child safeguarding at Holker please contact us at info@hobafc.co.uk. The views in this programme are not necessarily the views of Holker Old Boys AFC. Material in this programme is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the written permission of Holker Old Boys AFC. Holker Old Boys AFC has made every effort to trace the copyright holders of all photographs used. HOBAFC.CO.UK / 3
A WORD FROM THE DUGOUT KEV & DAVE
MAKE SURE WE’RE IN THE HAT Good afternoon and welcome Rakesmoor Lane for today’s FA Vase fixture against Seaton Carew. Looking back at last week, it was a disappointing result and a performance we know wasn’t at the level we expect. There was some context to it, with 10 players missing and a very depleted squad making the trip. The effort was there, but ultimately the number of absences caught up with us. Thankfully, we’re looking much healthier today with some important players returning to the squad. Attention now turns to the FA Vase as we welcome Seaton Carew. Cup games always bring a different challenge and our opponents are something of an unknown quantity to us, so the message to the lads is simple. We have to concentrate on ourselves, stick to our game plan and make sure our standards are where they need to be from the first whistle. We’ve enjoyed some memorable days in this competition and we’d love to put another good run together this season. First and foremost though, it’s about getting the job done today. We need to put in a professional performance and make sure our name is in the hat for the next round come 5pm. Hopefully there’s a little less drama than we had in this competition last season!
KEVIN WATKIN 4 / HOBAFC.CO.UK
WE’D LOVE A RUN IN THE VASE We welcome some vital players back into the squad today, fit and ready to go. Last week’s performance was very poor and nowhere near our normal standards. We had a lot missing, but it was still unacceptable and we know we need a response. Today we face Seaton Carew, a side we don’t know too much about, but we’re expecting a tough, physical encounter. It’s great to have our skipper Woody back after really missing him, along with Nath, Brad, Tyler Spence and Ryan Fagan, who returns after over a month out. We’d love another good run in the Vase this season, so hopefully that starts today and we can put ourselves in the hat for the next round.
DAVE ROUND HOBAFC.CO.UK / 5
THE OPPONENT SEATON CAREW FC
Seaton Carew FC were founded in 1998 and are based at Hornby Park in Hartlepool. The club has grown considerably since its formation, now operating around 45 teams across junior, senior, women’s, pan-disability and walking football. Following a carefully planned development of both the team and facilities, Seaton Carew achieved their ambition of reaching the Northern League ahead of the 2023-24 season.
TOP TEN FACTS •
Founded in 1998 – Seaton Carew have grown considerably since their formation.
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Hornby Park – The club’s home features several pitches and a modern clubhouse.
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Around 45 Teams – Teams range from junior football through to senior, women’s and pan-disability sides.
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Football for All Ages – Players range from four years old through to an over-50s walking football team.
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Five-Year Plan – Reaching the Northern League was part of a carefully planned long-term project.
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Patient Approach – The club twice decided against stepping up before feeling ready to make the move.
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Northern League Step – Seaton Carew were fast-tracked following a merger ahead of the 2023-24 season.
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Ground Development – A specialist committee helped bring Hornby Park up to the required league standards.
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Homegrown Players – Three members of the first-team squad have progressed through the club’s own pathway.
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FA Vase Journey – After receiving a bye, Seaton Carew were drawn away to Holker Old Boys in their opening tie.
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THE OPPONENT
THEIR STORY UNFILTERED Seaton Carew Football Club was formed in 1998, with the aim of providing football opportunities for the local community. Based at Hornby Park on Elizabeth Way, the club has grown considerably from its beginnings and has developed into one of the area’s leading grassroots football organisations. The club’s growth has seen it establish teams across a wide range of age groups and abilities. Today, Seaton Carew FC provides football for boys, girls, men, women and pan-disability players, with more than 45 teams playing from the club’s Hornby Park base. The club caters for players from as young as four through to walking football, making it a genuinely inclusive community football club.
The club continued to build its foundations, with the development of its facilities and playing structure remaining a major priority. Rather than rushing promotion, Seaton Carew focused on creating a sustainable club capable of supporting football at every On the senior side, Seaton Carew took an important level. This long-term approach eventually opened the step forward in 2012, joining the Wearside League after door to a move into the Northern League. progressing from the Hartlepool Church & District League. They spent three seasons in the Wearside League, finishing 10th in their first campaign and reaching 7th in 2013/14.
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The club’s progression has also strengthened its links with the wider Hartlepool football community. Seaton Carew became one of the founding members of Hartlepool United’s Hart of Our Club Youth Alliance, helping create stronger pathways between grassroots football and the professional game.
Today, Seaton Carew FC is much more than a senior football team. It is a community club built around participation, development and inclusion, with Hornby Park serving as a home for hundreds of players, coaches, volunteers and families. From its formation in 1998 to its continued development across the men’s, women’s, youth and pan-disability game, Seaton Carew FC has established itself as an important part of the footballing community in Hartlepool.
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HOLKER HISTORY
FOUNDING & EARLY YEARS 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
The formation of the Furness Premier
as an under-16 side, formed by the former
League in 1980 saw them enter two teams,
pupils of Holker Central Secondary School,
with the Reserves progressing into the
originally located on Holker Street in Barrow-
West Lancashire League Division 2. Success
in-Furness. While the school has long been
followed in the mid-80s, with a runner-up
replaced by a bingo hall, the club’s legacy
finish in 1985/86, before claiming the
continues to thrive.
West Lancs League Division 1 title in their Golden Jubilee season (1986/87). The late
By 1939-40, Holker joined the North Western
80s brought further glory, as Holker lifted
Open Age League, playing on local fields. Their
the Adidas Lancashire Junior Shield twice,
commitment to youth football remained strong,
triumphing over Walkden Town (1988/89)
with junior teams keeping their roots alive.
and Park United (1990/91).
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.
Holker Street School (n.d.)
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HOLKER HISTORY
LEAGUE CLIMB & STRUGGLES
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
With ambitions to compete at a higher level,
Cup’s Second Qualifying Round (2004/05)
Holker faced the challenge of upgrading their
and hosting FC United of Manchester in
Rakesmoor Lane ground. Through sheer
2005/06 before a record crowd of 2,303. These
determination and community effort, they
achievements provided vital funds for further
expanded facilities, built new changing rooms,
ground improvements, including floodlight
and enclosed the pitch. Their hard work paid
upgrades in 2006/07.
off in 1991 when they secured a place in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL)
The club’s commitment to youth development
Division Two.
was also recognised with the FA Charter Standard Development Club Award. This
Holker adapted well to the higher level,
dedication bore fruit in 2006/07 when the
finishing third in 1993/94 and earning
U18s, featuring many future first-team players,
promotion to Division One. Their time in the
won the LFA Furness Building Society Youth
top flight was mixed, peaking at 11th place
Cup. By 2008/09, the senior team had climbed
in 1995/96 before a difficult spell led to
to ninth in the renamed Vodkat League First
relegation in 1998/99. This prompted a period
Division.
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.
Holker Club House (2023)
HOBAFC.CO.UK / 19
HOLKER HISTORY
RECENT SUCCESS
& THE FUTURE
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.
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HOLKER OLD BOYS
JUNIOR STAGS
HOLKER OLD BOYS JUNIOR SPONSORS
Holker Old Boys AFC
Manager Kevin Watkin & Dave Round Patrick ALLINGTON Callum BAYNES Tyler CHESTER Brandon COLLINS Reece CRESSWELL Luke DAVEY Tom DAWSON Max DIXON Frankie ELLIS Ryan FAGAN Farryl FOSTER Jamie HODGSON Bradley HUBBOLD Finley MARTIN Jamie MELLEN Jordan MCGARRY Joe MCGLADDERY Charlie MCGLOWN Luke MITCHELL Nathan REID David ROUND Harrison ROUND Gareth SMITH Tyler SPENCE Sol STANWAY Kevin WATKIN Noah WILLIAMS Tyler WOOD Josh WOODEND
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee Peter Leonard Assistants Mark Brady & Colin Miles
Seaton Carew FC
Manager Danny Earl
Callum BLAKE Matthew BRADLEY Kingston BUTLER Jack CAYGILL Joseph COCKRILL Dean COPE Alfie CROFT Ryan FINN Joshua FLINT Noah GODFREY Thomas GOUNDRY Connor JOHNSON Alex KING Drew LAKE Ashley LAVAN Adam LINSEL Craig LINSEL Robbie LITHGO Lewis MURPHY Mitchel NOBLE Jack O’GORMAN Matthew POLLARD Bradlee POPPLE Shaun SCOTTER Gary SHAW Lewis STANDING Adam STUART Rylee TEASDALE Matthew WILKINSON Liam WRIGHT Lewis ROYLE Ali SALIM Exauce SUKULA Mamudu TOURAY TOURAY
Next at Rakesmoor Lane
Garstang
Saturday 26th September | Kick-Off 3:00pm | NWCFL