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| JIMMY LEE SHOOTS FOR GOAL. |
Probably the most famous game of that period was the Liverpool cup tie
against Everton "B". the illustrious visitors refused to change at the Clap Gate Hotel, as Halebank had no dressing rooms,
preferring to change on thir coach.
A shock looked to be on the cards when Halebank led 3-2 with seconds to
go, but the Everton team included future stars Tansey, Parker and Hickson equalised in the dying seconds.
The replay at Everton saw them comfortabley through by 5-1, but a great
performance from Halebank.
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| DAVE HICKSON PLAYED IN THE LIVERPOOL CUP TIE |
Another epic game was the 5-4 defeat at Crawfords, Halebank really suffered
by conceeding five converted penalties that saw the home team through.
The main rivals at the time were Cronton, William Evans, Everite and
Fairfield, but of course the main rivals would always be Hale. The derby matches between the two sides were always of interest.
The squad included Harry Barton. Lol Greenwood, Freddie Sumner, Fred Colebrook,
Wally Colebrook, Tommy Stevens, Arthur Viggers, Billy Pritchard, Arthur Forbes, Tommy Lomax, George Haughton, Jimmy
Lee, Kenny Pritchard, Joe Pritchard, Joe Griffiths and Gerald Parry.
HALEBANK ATHLETIC
We are in the process of updating this item, though we do have several sources of information
on the Halebank Athletic era, any information photo's etc would be gratefully received from any source.
If you have any information or memorabilia on the Halebank Athletic or the earlier team, please
let us know.
We hope to have a complete and comprehensive history of Football in the Halebank area.
HALEBANK ATHLETIC 1960
R. HOLYAN,M. CARNEY, W. WINDOWS, J. ELLISON, J. GIBBONS, C. BROOME, R. GRIFFITHS, J. PYE, K. ROBERTS.
B. TRAVIS, R. McDONALD, W. HANLEY, C. HENSLEY, B. HICKS.
HALEBANK ATHLETIC 1962 WITH A COMPREHENSIVE HAUL OF TROPHIES,
DIVISION ONE, WEELKY NEWS CUP, BENEVOLENT CUP, KNOCKOUT CUP.
K. ROBERTS, D. BURROWS, J. ELLISON, H. BROADFIELD, J. GIBBONS, T. MELIA, W. HANLEY,
R. GRIFFITHS, D. HALE.
M. CARNEY, J. SELBY, C. HENSLEY, R. WISE, V. MATHEWS.
HALEBANK ATHLETIC 1963
Team
A. CARTLIDGE, J. PYE, W. HANLEY, T. GIBBONS, J. GIBBONS, T. SKILLANDIS, R. GRIFFITHS, K. ROBERTS, J. ELLISON
R. WISE, R. GEORGE, C. HENSLEY, M. CARNEY, H. BROADFIELD.
| Halebank Athletic Cup Final Tickets 1962 |
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| I came across these treasures in my loft. At 9 yrs I was a Halebank fan. (P Sheridan). |
MERSEYVIEW/THE ODDIES
AT PRESENT WE BO NOT HAVE MUCH INFO ON THIS TEAM FROM THE 1980'S, BUT AS YOU CAN SEE MOST OF THE TEAM WAS
MADE UP FROM HALEBANK PLAYERS. I BELIEVE IT TO BE A TEAM BASED AT THE ODDIES AROUND 1983. MORE INFO TO COME.
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| PICTURE COURTESY OF SPEN SUTTON. |
Halebank FC 1968
In 1968 very few would have believed the actions of a few locals would have still being felt at the present
time. Yes 40 years ago that group, many of whom were former Halebank players / members of both the previous defunct clubs
just knew it was something Halebank deserved, why should all the top class players from Halebank,
parade their skills for the clubs from other areas of the town.
So things were put in place and in late 1968 the first game of the new club was played on the playing field
ground. Cash was short and this mean't the team would wear amber teashirts for it first few games, until Mr R Sutton came
to the clubs assistance and provided the blue strip pictured in Oct 1968. ( see time line)
1968/69-The team was entered into the Widnes Alliance div one, and what a season it turned out to be.
Double winners of the Medals Competition, Division One and runners up in the District Knockout Cup. What a thrill for all supporters and members this was, pleasing Secretary Harry Williams in particular and justifying
the Selection Committee and its decisions. Derek Whitley elected as club Treasurer a position he holds to this day, everyone
will agree that 40 years is a remarkable length of service to the club. 1970-71-controversey
was to strike for the first time! In a local Derby match against Ward Blenkinsops, a loose
dog chased some players from both teams during the game. The visitors complained to the Widnes Alliance and the
league committee amazingly banned Halebank FC from all competitive football. Jimmy Hulme took on the Secretary's
role. 1971-73 -Halebank's back room staff acted quickly and the club was entered
into the league under the name of Lowerhouse Rangers, playing home matches at Leigh Recreation ground, the Playing Field
was not allowed by the league. Joint team managers Bernie Allen and George Ireland took this
team to glory winning the very prestigeous Thomas Minards Trophy in 1972/73 season. Both George (who was also secretary)
and Bernie had only one regret, it was not Halebank's name on the trophy that year. 1973/74 -The
club returned under its own name into the Widnes Alliance, the sentence having been served. This season
was the inaugural one for our Reserves as they also entered the Widnes Alliance. Bob Whitley was to take the Secretary's
position and it is a position he holds to this day, for 35 years Bob has held this vitally important role. George Ireland and
Bernie Allen handling the Reserves this time. Bernie Allen in the Chairmans seat. 1974/75
- An appearance in the Weekly News Cup final against local rivals St. Michaels saw Halebank go in as red hot favourites. It
was not to be though, as Halebank stuttered dissapointingly for co mangers Bob Whitley and Ken Symes and lost by a single
goal. It was a pity, as it was to be the first teams last game in the league. Phil Sheridan took on the Reserves managers
role after twice breaking a leg against St Basils and then St. Michaels, in the previous year. 1975/76 -The first team entered the Central Cheshire League Div one and Phil Sheridan held the managers position.
It was a steady first season for the club just missing out on promotion in 3rd place and losing to Bass in the League cup
final. The reserves who took on the first teams slot in the Widnes Alliance did magnificently under Bob Whitley and Ken
Symes, with two cup final appearances in the Benevolent cup and the Weekly News cup, going down to St. Basils on both occasions.
Billy Whitley the chairman. End of season Presentation night entrace for members 30pence non members 60pence, The wooden hut
dressing rooms were moved onto the playing field site. 1976/77-After missing out the previous
year our first team clinched promotion to the Premier league by finishing in the runners up spot of Central Cheshire Div one.
They then went on to more frustration by losing to Bass in the League Cup final for a second year in succession. Derek Whitley
in charge of the Reserves in a difficult season as the league was having problems with the number of teams in its ranks. Eric
haughton in the Chairmans spot. 1977/78-This was a tough season for the first
team in the premier league and Bernie Allen's new charges found scoring goals difficult. They ended up amazingly
with the best defensive record in the league, but were relegated. Another Cup Final appearance, this time the Tapparell
Trophy saw them miss out again. Norman Kelly at the helm of the Reserves finished in 12th place and our first junior team
the Under 17's was formed and saw Barry Brabin in charge. In May the original red mini
bus was sold for £40 and the green mini bus was purchased thanks to many sponsors who placed adverts on the
vehicle.
1978/79 -The season saw new manager Dave Burrows at the helm for the first team,
at last the team put it's frustrations behind them and went on to win two trophies. The Div one championship on goal
difference from Tanners and at last the League Cup, this time overcoming arch rivals Bass after a replay. A terrific
first season for Dave. Barry Brabin still in charge of the Under 17's, who were runners up in the Runcorn under 17's
Debbie Webb cup final. Barry also added the Reserves managers job and the Chairmans role to his workload. Team managers were
automatically members of the committee. 1979/80 -Dave Burrows took his side to the Warrington
Guardian cup final, losing to the rank outsiders St. Benedicts 2-0. Barry Brabin continued
in his three roles of Under 17's and Reserves manager and chairman. Tom Sutton donated trophies for players player of
the year awards. 1980/81 -The firsts were runners up in the Central Cheshire Premier league,
really frustrating for all. Made even more frustrating by having two great cup runs, only to find 9 league games in the last
three weeks just too much for them. Barry Brabin in charge of the Reserves, Under 17's and Phil Sheridan took on
the role of Chairman, a position he still holds to this day. 1981/82 -Once again the first
team were just short of the Premier Division title, finishing runners up. Keith Pearsall took on the Reserves managers role
and his young side showed some ability and gained promotion from the Warrington District Reserves section 2, the under
17's were disbanded.
1982/83 -This was a very tough season for Dave Burrows and the first team, no less than 7 members of the
squad left for pastures new. Thus the firsts struggled at this level. many of the promising Reserves players from
last term were promoted into the first team,. Keith Pearsall and his young Reserves side also found it tough.
1983/84 -A change of managers for both teams, Phil Sheridan for the first team for his second term finished
in 6th place and Wayne Forbes/John Maule for the Reserves, it was a dissapointing season for both teams and
they both suffered a goal drought. There was some progress though as the Club started construction of the dressing rooms,
thanks to a Sports Council grant and a lot of hard work by several members.
1984/85 -The Annual General Meeting at the start of the season decided to disband the committee, only to
reinstate it 6 months later. Dave Ellis took up the First team managers role and his first term had a fairly good season
without gaining any honours. Jack Hartley at the helm of the Reserves. The sponsorship from The Oddies was
first of this period.
1985/86 -Dave Ellis took his first team into the Warrington and District League Division one and after
getting off to a flying start , were just not able to mantain it at the end of the season and finished 5th in the
league. Jack Hartley with the Reserves again. More Sponsors were obtained this year, G & K Catering and K. McDonnell
Auto's. The first of many succesful sportsmens nights was held as a fundraising event. Ron Yeats and Duncan McKenzie were
guest speakers with President Tommy Sutton in the compere's chair. Triangular tournement with St.Michaels and Ditton was competed
for in the Harolds Engraving pre season competition.
1986/87 -Tony Poole returned after a 3 year break to take the managers job, assisted by Terry McGloughlin.
Together they took the first team to third in the league missing promotion by1 point. Jack Hartley once again with the Reserves. 1987/88 -A close season win in the Norton Priory 5 - a - side summer competition gave the club a boost, but Tony
Poole's side were not able to carry it through to the league, finishing fourth. Once again Jack Hartley at the helm
of the Reserves aided by John Roberts in a quiet season. Further Sportsmens dinners were held with Bobby Charlton and Tommy
Docherty the guests. 1988/89 -Bernie Allen took the first team Managers role in his third
spell for the club. Aided by Ronnie Hough the first team had a great run but just ran out of steam at the end of a very high
quality Division one. Derek Whitley once again in charge of the Reserves as they entered the Central Cheshire league and managed
a Supplementary Cup Final spot. Subs to play increased to £2 per game 1989/90 - Ronnie
Hough at the helm of the firsts, Les Webster and Roy Tasker for Reserves 1990/91 -The firsts
finished in a disappointing league position of 12th for Ronnie Hough for firsts and Paul Tiernan for reserves 1991/92 -Ronnie Hough and Paul Tiernan 1992/93 -Ronnie Hough in charge of firsts
Paul Tiernan with reserves, 25 year celebration, 200 attended function at the United Services 1093/94 -Andy Kirkbride side went to a Drinkwater Trophy final Paul Speed and \john Anderton for reserves. 1994/95 -first team in 12th place in Warrington Premier Division under Dave Ellis, Ray O'Connor took charge of
the Reserves an finished 10th in Res Div two. 1995/96 - First team scored a convincing
Drinkwater trophy win against Butchers Arms taking silver ware at last in the Warrington league. There was just a hint of
the forthcoming glory for Dave Ellis's sides end to the season. though they finished an unconvincing
11th in Premier division. Reserves in 8th position of Reserve Section 2 for Ray O'Connor 1996/97
-Wonderful performance from Dave Ellis's charges, double glory taking the Jubilee Trophy after a replay and the Premier
Division title by a clear 7 point margin. The Reserves in 4th place in Reserve Div 2 for Ray O'connor. 1997/98 -Dave Ellis continued in the first team managers role and finished 10th in the Premier division, while
Ray O'Connor kept the Reserves in touch with the leaders in 5th place, 1998/99 -A wonderful
season for new manager Lee Brabin and his Reserves, they took the Reserves section 2 title by a clear 8 points and it was
well deserved. Dave Ellis in charge of the first team finished in 5th spot, Lol Gore's new Junior U16s side in 8th
position of the new Youth division. A 30 year celebration at the Columba Hall was held with over 200 guests celebrating the
anniversary.
1999/2000 :- Dave Ellis and Vinny Parker in charge of the firsts who finished ... Lee Brabins reserve found
the step up to res 1 testing finishing in ....place Bonfire night fund raiser was held at the Cock and Trumpet.
2000/2001 :- Dave Ellis still with the firsts finished ..... the Reserves with Lee Brabin in .....Posts
obtained from the recently closed Runcorn ground Canal Street and the club invested in its own motorised grass cutter.
2001-2002 :- Dave Ellis and Vinny Parker in charge of firsts, Lee Brabin with Reseves. Jayne Rhodes from
Halton council introduces the club to Awards for All scheme (joint venture by The FA/Council). Halton Sports developement
grant issued for equipment. Further enquiries over grant for dressing rooms. 2002-2003 :- John Anderton and RitchieSmith take on the First team, Lee Brabin with Reseves. Dressing rooms
upgrade completed in October. Under 16's formed with Lol Gore in charge. 2003-2004 :- Runners up in the Widnes cup and a Jubilee Trophy appearance losing 2-0 to Moorfield, with a 10th spot
in the league for John Andertons firsts.Dave Giles and Jamie Unwin take the helm with the Reserves finished 8th in Res
Div one. Application for pitch one pole fence into Council 2004-2005 :- Glorious season ! Premier Division Champions, a late charge saw John Anderton's firsts pip
Penlake for the title. Stephen Lewis took the golden boot for most goals scored (15) in Premier League. Dave Giles and
Jamie Unwin with the Reserves in fifth place Res Div 1.The one pole fence was completed and Guardian cup semi final was played
at Playing field ground. Mr Brian McDermott officially opened the new facilities. 2005-2006 :- First team in 4th place Premier Div for John Anderton and Res in eigth in Div two for Dave
Giles. An historic charity match versus Hollyoaks, in aid of the Harry Whitley fund. Reserves changed from Blue
to Red kit, the portable dugout for the home side was completed. Area panel agrees to fund the fence around the dressing rooms,
work completed in January 2006. Runcorn Sunday League final played at the Playing field ground. New club badge designed by
pupils from Halebank junior school. 2006-2007 :- Jamie Unwin
is installed as Child Welfare Officer. The clubs "Buy a Flag" Hard standing project commenced in april 2007. First
Newsletter to community produced. Tarmac laid inside Dressing rooms compound. Signing on fees introduced £20 per
player. Wren/Biffa grant applied for to fund Hard standing around pitch. John Anderton continued as first team manager
took 3rd place in Premier div and Nicky McKay first term with Reserves saw them in 6th in Div 2.. 2007-2008 :- So nearly a great season for the firsts, runners up
in Premier League and the Jubilee cup final, so frustrating for manager John Anderton. Nicky McKay with the
Reserves The Hale Charity match for the Alan Corn Trophy took place on Carnival day in Hale village, great
success !
2008-2009 :- An unlucky 3rd place for John Anderton and his firsts in what was to be the final year in
the Warrington Premier league. The Res with Dave Giles finished in place in Div 2. The hard standing was laid
down both sides of the pitch, improving spectators facilities.
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