Fox Park
Brook Street
Stoneclough
Kearsley
M26 1GF
Ground Number: 1578
Sunday 30th August 2026
Stoneclough 3-2 Chipping
West Lancs D1
STONECLOUGH FC - A BRIEF HISTORY
The club was established in 1986 and spent its first fifteen years in the Bolton Combination, during which it lifted the Premier Division title twice. When the league folded in 2001, they made the step up to the West Lancashire League, joining Division 2. In 2005, they were promoted after finishing as runners-up to Haslingden St Mary's on goal difference, following a three-point deduction for player registration issues. Stoneclough then won the Division 1 title in 2008 to reach the Premier Division. They spent four seasons here, with two 12th-place finishes representing the best in the club's history. The club suffered two successive relegations in 2021 & 2013, dropping to Division 2. After two more disappointing seasons, they bounced back in 2016, finishing 3rd behind CMB and Milnthorpe Corinthians to earn promotion. Results over the two pandemic seasons saw the club relegated to Division 2 in 2021. They came back up last season after finishing as runners-up to Fulwood Amateurs Reserves.
MY BLOG
It had been a lovely afternoon at Holker Old Boys with such a wonderful club. Less so, elsewhere. Wycombe Wanderers have a terrible record at Edgeley Park, Stockport, just one win in 15 visits, and I remember attending an especially galling 6-0 defeat there in the pouring rain. Today was not much better as Wycombe were thumped 5-1 and the performance sounded every bit as bad as the result would suggest. The irony of the only win, a thumping 5-0 under club legend Matt Bloomfield, was not lost, as the same people who have cocked up the recruitment and wasted millions were also the ones who destroyed what we had by forcing the manager out. On a personal level, I was also worried about potential points on my driving licence which were probably picked up near Newby Bridge on the A590. It was easy to see how I missed the limit drop from 60 to 40 as it was very much an area with absolutely nothing at the side of the road to indicate a drop in the limit. I will take my punishment if it happens, but it put a damper on the weekend. Something that non-drivers who are lucky enough to get lifts don't have to put up with, of course, but I'd not be without my car out of choice. We stopped for petrol in Milnthorpe and got back to the hotel at 6.40.
Shaun had already opted for a night in, and Colin wanted a rest, and so we went back to the room for a while. I had a pint whilst I caught up with things. I felt a bit better as we headed out, walking the half hour to Blackrod station. Back at our hotel, yet another wedding party looked as if they were having a good time; good luck to them. Colin helped me for once, with his disabled railcard; the return fare was only £4 and got us into Bolton just before 8.30. We walked to the Spinning Mule Spoons where I had ten chicken wings, some half-price cider festival leftovers and a pint of Stowford Press. Bolton fans have always been first class when they've played Wycombe, nice and friendly and none of the superior attitude of the other big teams. There were a fair few hoppers in the pub, so I assume the hotel the coach party was at was nearby. It was the usual good-natured atmosphere, but knowing I had better drink back in the room, we left at 9.35, fed and watered. An hour later, after a train and a walk, we were back at the room. I had a couple more and got a good night's sleep.
Waking at 8, I had a shower and got ready before it was time to leave at 9.35. We met Shaun in reception and made our way to the game. Despite it only being a 13-minute journey, Colin managed to fall asleep on the way and then had to go back to the car when we got to the ground as he'd left his phone behind. Everything was well organised, with parking in the local business park a short walk away. It seemed very busy, even an hour before kickoff. £6 was the most expensive entry of the hop so far. Although, to be fair, it included a programme which I didn't pick up as I thought it was extra. My fault, but then all these hops are about helping out clubs that don't usually charge for entry.
Stoneclough were 4th in the table and had won four, drawn one and lost two so far. They had a perfect record at home, winning all four games. In their last game, they'd beaten Ulverston 4-2. Their home record would be severely tested by Chipping, who topped the league with six wins and a defeat. Last time out, they beat Holker Old Boys Reserves 4-1. It was a fairly even opening; Stoneclough forced the first save on 4 minutes with a decent shot. On 10 minutes, it was 1-0 to Chipping, a great free kick from 30 yards by Edmundson. Another good goal made it 1-1 on 14 minutes, a good low shot by Greenhalgh from outside the area which found the bottom corner. The attendance was announced as 324, the bright sunny weather suiting a decent game. On 36 minutes, Stoneclough led 2-1, taking advantage of hesitation in defence for Howlin to finish from the edge of the area, a very well taken goal. A good shot from out wide by Hewitt made it 2-2 on 72 minutes. Stoneclough led 3-2 on 79 minutes; a great corner was volleyed in from a tight angle with a great finish for Howlin's brace. By this point, Stoneclough were down to ten men with Bentley sent off for a second booking.
THE GROUND
FOX PARK is a great ground for the level, the best thing being the scenery with high trees on three sides. Half of the ground is closed off. There is a small wooden stand which is uncovered and a gazebo which provides cover. They had basic food and drink on sale as well as merch. The ground was used as a filming location for Netflix drama The English Game.
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