'May the ball roll kindly for you all'

By Andy Sykes

Ahead of today's big 2022/23 season kick-off, a few words from our Honorary General Secretary, John Brown.

“As we embark on the start of a new season, it appears prudent of the league to mark this much-anticipated date in the calendar with a few thankyous.

“It doesn’t seem too long since the end of the 2021/22 season when Thornton Cleveleys, Milnthorpe Corinthians, Rossendale, Euxton Villa Reserves and Coppull Reserves were crowned champions of their respective divisions.

“After two Covid-hit seasons it was a relief to us all that we managed to complete the season and we keep our fingers crossed there are no further disruptions ahead.

Hurst Green's impressive playing surface

Hurst Green's impressive playing surface

“At the AGM, we welcomed four new clubs, Astley & Buckshaw, Pause United, Holker Old Boys Reserves and AFC Blackpool Reserves and we wish them all well.

“Their desire to join our league shows the standing it holds in the region and we are proud to welcome them aboard, which also allows us to commit to our preferred 48-team format in the top three divisions.

“Many of the grounds in our league look in fine fettle and it’s huge credit to the groundspeople who put in so much effort to improve their facilities year on year. They have never looked better.

“Thank-you to the players, managers, club volunteers and match officials who make this league what it is – we hope you all have an enjoyable season.

Coppull v Whitehaven

Coppull v Whitehaven

“We would also like to welcome on board UCLan sports journalism student Ben Smith who will provide the weekly match round-ups following the sterling efforts of Theo Hewson-Betts last year.

“We would respectfully ask clubs to provide full match information including names of goalscorers for both sides and times of goals when submitting results to Dave Sponder – this will allow Ben to keep raising the profile of clubs and the league online and on social media, after such huge strides were made last year.

“And finally to our main sponsors Orsted who have come on board this season, thank-you for your support.

“Thank-you to everyone involved in the West Lancashire League and good luck – may the ball roll kindly for you all.”

Fulwood Amateur's celebrate their Lancashire FA Shield success

Fulwood Amateur's celebrate their Lancashire FA Shield success

Coppull Res v Thornton Res

Pause United will join the West Lancashire League

Joe Collier took charge of the Challenge Cup Final

Where next?

Burscough stun champions on goalfest opening weekend Burscough Richmond and Coppull United both put in five-star displays as the 2022/23 season kicked off with a bang, writes BEN SMITH with pictures from Turton v Milnthorpe Corinthians by MIKE BAYLY.
Allardyce: 'I want them to enjoy themselves and see where it takes us' Part 16 - Craig Allardyce helped Turton keep their heads above water last season, staying out of the bottom three thanks to a point on the last game of the season. A repeat is not on the agenda, but a smile on faces most certainly is.

West Lancashire Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe