Euxton Villa - The Jim Fowler Memorial Fields

Euxton Villa FC

Jim Fowler Memorial Fields

Runshaw Hall Lane

Euxton

Chorley

Lancashire

PR7 6HQ

Ground Number: 1389
Friday 28th February 2025

Euxton Villa 4-0 Skelmersdale United
NWCFL D1 North

EUXTON VILLA FC - A BRIEF HISTORY

The club was established in 1907 as Euxton, adding the Villa suffix in 1963. They were long-time members of the West Lancashire League, presumably in the lower divisions. They joined Division 2 in 2002, winning promotion as runners-up to Lytham St Anne's in their first season. A second promotion from Division 1 the following season, this time behind Hesketh Bank saw them in the Premier Division by 2004. Finishes were mixed, their highest was 3rd on three occasions. After the last of these in 2022, they were admitted to the North West Counties Division 1 South. They finished 5th in their debut season, losing in the playoff semis to Chadderton on penalties. Last season they finished 4th, again losing in the playoff semis, going down 4-3 to Ashton Town.

This season, Euxton Villa enjoyed their best-ever FA Vase run. They beat Squires Gate and Bacup Borough before losing to Ramsbottom United in the 1st Round. Their record attendance came on last season's North West Counties Hop when 618 turned up for their game against Darwen. The village of Euxton is situated near Chorley in Lancashire and has a population of around 14,000. There was a large Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF Chorley) built here in the buildup to the Second World War. At its peak, the factory employed over 40,000 people, and had its own railway station. It was probably the biggest munitions-filling factory in the world, and it is said that the bouncing bombs used in the Dambusters raid were made there. The former ROF Chorley sports ground was used by English football team Bolton Wanderers as its training headquarters, later sold to Wigan Athletic and latterly Preston North End.

MY VISIT

There was plenty of disappointment when the North West Counties Hop clubs were announced this year. Out of the seven selected clubs, I had visited five with just Abbey Hey and Stockport Georgians needed. Initially, I thought about skipping the weekend completely or spending Friday night in Ireland. With the latter, however, the same weather threats that had derailed many other UK trips still applied. Therefore, it was a real bonus when Euxton Villa moved their game to Friday night as I had missed out on it last year's hop. It was also a 3G pitch which meant it could go ahead in most conditions. A combination of the rail sale and Colin sharing our hotel room helped make the trip good value. An advance single from London - Preston was secured for £21.50 with my half of the Travelodge costing around the same. It would also give me a chance to tick off the Wetherspoons that I needed in Preston - something I'd missed out on due to a late supporters coach from Wycombe a few weeks prior. 

It had been a decent Saturday for once, but the usual late night. The trickiest shift of the week - Sunday was a busy one, although at least it meant that it passed quickly. I was slightly tired due to a lack of sleep in the afternoon but still walked up my local side Holmer Green. Their women's team easily beat Aylesbury United 6-0 in a one-sided contest. Monday was much of a muchness but I was glad that the series 'Dave Gorman's Modern Life Is Goodish' was back after an absence of seven years. I watched the live episode on Monday evening and due to my body clock being set for work went to sleep and woke up early. I watched the remainder of the episodes on catchup the following morning and after having my car collected, walked to Wycombe and back. Over nine miles in all, the bag I got at Whitchurch Alport on Saturday proved super useful. February had been a rotten month with a couple of rare good days. My car bills were the worst for a long time - front and rear brake pads and discs and a new tyre cost me £831 and with all the other bills this month, the servicing costs have totalled £1320 or 11p a mile. I also booked a wheel alignment check to ensure that my investment in three new tyres is not wasted but that can be added to next year's costs. Fuel costs me about 15p a mile, so in total 26p a mile to my footballing costs as I don't include insurance or depreciation costs. The option to use public transport this weekend was most welcome, especially with some great deals sourced in the rail sale.

We got on our train well in advance. The helpful staff pointed us to coach C where it was unreserved seating. It was nice and empty and a pleasant place to spend a few hours. A decent ham hock and smoked cheddar sarnie was purchased for £4 to stave off my hunger. We were in Preston just before two. We aimed for the Grey Friar Wetherspoons, luckily it was the one we both needed. Number 392 for me and a mixed bag. Great deals and selection - all-day brunch with Black Dragon £6.98. Food took five minutes, drink 14 minutes. Overall happy though. It was then to the Travelodge via Lidl where I picked up some supplies. We then went back to the room for a while. I had intended to get the 16.43 to Leyland but Colin dithered and then forgot his phone. I stayed in the room for a bit and went out intending to get the 17:14. However, that never turned up and I got another off-schedule alternative. I was already thinking a taxi back might be the best option although I still wasn't in a rush. I was at the Leyland Lion Wetherspoons by 6 and got myself a pint of Stowford Press for £1.99. I was going to go to the Market Ale House but when I checked, it had nothing special on the Cider front. So I decided to stay for a second and a pint of Old Rosie. Having been stuffed all evening, I waa starting to get a hunger on but had to carry on with me due to arrive 20 minutes before kickoff. The last bit was down unlit roads but £6 to get in was very fair. The food and drink selection was nothing special though and I had snacks on me.

 

Euxton Villa were 5th in the table, they had won three and lost three of their last six. In their last game, they beat Route One Rovers 4-1. Skelmersdale United were bottom of the table, conceding over 100 goals and had lost five of their last six. Remarkably they beat Garstang 2-1 last time out, one of only two wins this season. They'd fallen a long way since I'd seen them at their old ground in 2017, at which time, they were in the NPL Premier and were a fantastic club to visit. Now they are facing relegation to step 7 which is sad to see.  It was a fairly equal opening with chances for both sides. Joseph Barker did not pull the trigger when given a chance for Skem and it would prove costly. Euxton Villa had a bit more about them up front and from a free kick from the right it was 1-0 a header from Ethan Darr. Skem were then reduced to ten men on 32 with Luca Boon getting a red. Harsh maybe but the visitors' inability to defend crosses saw Euxton make it 2-0 on 37, another header from Darr. A good ball forward and a nice finish but it was ruled out for handball, a rare decision going the way of the visitors. A half-time break and it was 3-0 on 52 minutes, a smart low finish from Alex Colquohn. Jordan Bentham made it 4-0 at the back post on 78 minutes and it was turning into a rather one-sided contest. That was how it stayed in front of an attendance of 320.

 

THE GROUND

THE JIM FOWLER MEMORIAL GROUND is a fairly basic but smart ground. The seated stand behind the goal holds around 100 and there is a similar-sized standing area. The rest of the ground is open hard standing. There is a club room offering a decent range of drinks and basic food. There was also a small van selling draught beer. Car parking is available in the ground or on the street outside. The bus stops and Leyland town centre are around 25 minutes walk away.