Eagley - Eagley Sports Complex

Eagley FC

Eagley Sports Complex

Dunscar Bridge

Blackburn Road (A666)

Bolton

Greater Manchester

BL7 9PF

Official Website

Twitter

Ground Number: 1579

Sunday 30th August 2026

Eagley 2-2 Hurst Green

West Lancs Premier

EAGLEY FC - A BRIEF HISTORY

Although another Eagley club existed from 1875 until 1887, this club was established in 1952 and was originally known as Eagley Mills. They stuck with local leagues at first, playing in the Manchester League and Bolton Combination. Eagley joined the West Lancs in 1988, starting in Division 2 and winning the title in 1991. A 3rd place finish in 1994 was a good achievement, especially after a three-point deduction. The division was renamed the Premier in 1998, and in 2004 they were runners-up to Kirkham & Wesham (now AFC Fylde). Eagley finished bottom of the league in 2017 and were relegated to Division 1. They'd have to wait until 2024 to win promotion back as champions. Last season they won the Premier Division but did not have the facilities to accept promotion.

The previous version of the club played in the FA Cup in the late 1800s but failed to win a game. Local cup wins include four Bolton Hospital Cups and the Lancashire Amateur Shield in 1960. From December 2013 to 2014, the club was managed by former Wales and Wigan Athletic striker Simon Haworth. The village of Eagley is near Bolton in Greater Manchester.  Historically part of Lancashire, it lies on the southern slopes of the West Pennine Moors. Eagley Brook passes through the village and runs by Eagley Mills, which are now converted flats which overlook the river. The population, including the nearby Sharples area, is around 8,400.

MY VISIT

Thanks to Colin, this had been a good value weekend, potential ramifications of a speeding fine permitting. I had split the costs as follows. Friday was the petrol and servicing costs of getting to the hotel - that was £21. Saturday was the costs of the petrol and servicing to get to the Friday and Saturday games - as we had Boston fan Shaun with us, that worked out at £13 each between two games. Today's costs were what I paid for the hotel room - a shade over £180 - £90 each or £30 a game. Finally, tomorrow's games would be Sunday's and Monday's car costs - still to be determined. Either way, it worked out very reasonable per game due to the volume of games, which is the whole purpose of the organised hop.

From the game at Stoneclough, it was a fairly slow drive to Eagley due to going through a busy area. We were there at 1.15; the parking was well organised but quite tight compared to the previous game. After brilliant sunshine, it was gloomy and drizzly on the journey and at the ground. £5 secured me entry into the game; a chilli beef brisket barm was £5, chocolate cake £3, and a pint of Aspalls was £4.

Eagley were 4th in the table, having won four, drawn two and lost one. Last time out, they beat Astley and Buckshaw 2-0. Hurst Green were 7th and had won three, drawn two and lost two. In their last game, they'd won 6-0 at CMB. It was an all-female refereeing team for this game, which was rather unique. Hurst Green had the better of the first half and the home keeper was rather erratic. However, it was Eagley that took the lead on 42 minutes with an excellent shot that flew into the net. Half-time came, and Hurst Green continued to push after the break, hitting the bar and forcing a good save out of the keeper. Despite this, Eagley rode their luck and doubled their lead on 65 minutes, a good passing move and a shot that went in off the right-hand post. Hurst Green got the goals they deserved near the end, both of them coming in injury time. I was up the other end waiting to go to the next game, so I didn't have the best view, but I know that one was scored by their impressive #9.

 

THE GROUND

EAGLEY SPORTS COMPLEX is a decent venue for step 7. The pitch is fully railed with dugouts but there is no cover pitch side. There is some in the bar, which is just set back from the pitch behind one goal. This is a decent place, well-priced pints served in a nice atmosphere. Food is also good, an interesting range of options for the groundhop. A few merchandise options were also available. There is a reasonably sized car park at the ground with plenty more nearby.

Stoneclough - Fox Park

Stoneclough FC

Fox Park

Brook Street

Stoneclough

Kearsley

M26 1GF

West Lancs Page

Facebook

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.

The village of Stoneclough is located near Bolton. It lies along the River Irwell, southeast of Bolton and near Kearsley and Ringley. Stoneclough means stony ravine from the Old English words stan meaning stony and cloh meaning a ravine. Historically part of Lancashire, it grew around local industrial and mining roots. Historically part of Lancashire, there are several listed buildings and recognised ancient monuments in the villages, including Ringley Old Bridge, the village stocks, Kearsley Mill, St Saviour's Church and clock tower and the large stone railway bridge on the Manchester to Bolton railway line. The disused Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal also passes through this area. The area is served by Kearsley railway station (formerly named Stoneclough railway station), which is on the Manchester to Preston Line (via Bolton) railway line.

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. 

Holker Old Boys - Rakesmoor Lane

Holker Old Boys FC

Rakesmoor Lane

Hawcoat

Barrow-in-Furness

Cumbria

LA14 4QB

01229 828176

Official Website

NWCFL Page

Twitter

Ground Number: 1577

Saturday 29th August 2026

Holker Old Boys 4-2 Daisy Hill
NWCFL D1 North

HOLKER OLD BOYS - A BRIEF HISTORY

The club was established in 1936 as Holker Central Old Boys and was initially an under-16 team for former pupils of the Holker Central Secondary School. They joined the adult North Western League in 1939, before joining the West Lancashire League Division 1 (the modern-day Premier Division) in 1967. Mid-table finishes were the order of the day at first, but in 1973, they finished bottom and were relegated to Division 2. A 4th place finish in 1976 was good enough for promotion back to Division 1. Relegation came again in 1979, but promotion followed in 1981 with a runners-up spot behind Haslingden. In 1986, Holker achieved their best finish so far when they finished as runners-up to B.A.C Preston. They went one better in 1987, whereas they were once again runners-up to B.A.C in 1988. In their last season in the West Lancs, they finished 4th in 1991. That year, they joined the North West Counties League, struggling in the second tier for a couple of seasons before winning promotion with a 3rd place finish in 1994. Five years were spent in the top tier, with a best finish of 11th in 1996. Relegation came in 1999, and they have been in the second tier ever since. It has been known under various guises - Division 2, Division 1 & Division 1 North. Holker have come close to promotion on three occasions. In 2015, they finished 5th and lost in the playoff semis to Hanley Town. In 2022, they were runners-up to Bury, beat Nelson in the semi-final, but lost to Golcar United in the playoff final. Finally, in 2025, they finished 4th but lost to Droylsden in the playoff semi-finals.

Holker Old Boys' best FA Cup run came in 2004 when they beat Hall Road Rangers and Silsden before losing to Harrogate Town in the 2nd Qualifying Round. They have not played in that competition since 2015, but have remained regular participants in the FA Vase. The 2023/24 season saw their best run when they beat Padiham, Whickham, FC Isle of Man and Squires Gate before losing to Bury in the 4th Round. In terms of local cups, they have won two Lancashire Amateur Shields. The club played on local fields until 1971, when they moved to their current home with floodlights installed in 1993. In 2003, a home match against F.C. United of Manchester was moved to Craven Park, the home ground of Barrow Raiders rugby league club, due to the anticipated size of the crowd; the attendance of 2,303 was a club record. The biggest attendance at Rakesmoor was 1,240 for a local cup game with neighbours Barrow in 1995.

MY VISIT

When the West Lancashire Hop was announced, I fully intended to do the whole hop. Yes, the three on Saturday were all Division 2 grounds, but they seemed like decent clubs, with grounds as good as most in the Premier Division. But then PuffPuff started his usual 'you should do Holker Old Boys', and for once, it was actually a decent suggestion. I'm not a fan of changing plans usually, but this one made sense. Holker Old Boys were out on a limb, and there wasn't too much it could be paired up with on a hop - only grounds in the Northern League that either I or the hop had done, not that it stopped Newton Aycliffe hosting games in 2014 and again next year. Hop organiser Chris and his helpers at GHUK had done their best to avoid hoppers drifting off to other games by scheduling so that drifters would have to miss two games, but I'd expect that many faraway hoppers would take the opportunity to visit a distant ground at a higher level. There was no guarantee that I'd be able to make any future hops, so I thought I'd take the plunge. I'd actually been to Holker before a game at Barrow in 2013. I was not as organised with my hopping back then and certainly would have planned a more organised trip were I doing it now with the games fitting into a smaller area - I think a week of games came in at over 1,300 miles!.

From Caton, it was just over an hour for me to drive Colin, Shaun & me to Holker Old Boys. It was a lovely scenic route, but I think I might have been caught speeding on the A590, a change to 40mph from 60mph on the average speed camera road; I only noticed when I saw the 40 painted on the road. I might even miss out on a speed awareness course, which is a pisser, as I've been a good boy since New Year's Eve 2022 when I got done on the way back from Airbus UK on a similar type of camera. We were there just after 2; the setting was very rural, entry was £5 as was a pint of Somersby Apple cider with a club glass included. I sat in the bar and attempted to get my earlier blog up. The free wifi was super useful with the mobile signal being patchy. Colin had already upset Richard this weekend with his behaviour towards drivers, and he started moaning that 'I never help him out' despite me giving him getting on for 300 lifts and doing a fair few revisits. Apparently, I only go to games that I want to do. A cheeseburger wrap for £6.50 put me in a good mood; this really was excellent, tasty and well worth the money, right before kickoff. 

Holker Old Boys were in 5th place and had won four, drawn one and lost two of their games so far. In their last game, they drew 1-1 at Halewood Apollo. Daisy Hill were in 10th and had won two, drawn two and lost one. Last time out, they lost 2-1 to Woolton. It was an even game that kicked off a minute early. Holker took the lead on 20 minutes, a swift break and a close-range finish from Brandon Collins. Daisy Hill equalised on 26 minutes, a smart move and a low shot from the edge of the area by William Shawcross. The officials made a couple of controversial calls around the half-hour mark, first disallowing a close-range Holker goal for offside and then sending off one of their players for touching heads in a non-aggressive manner following a heavy but legit tackle. The Daisy Hill player was also given his marching orders for his part in the incident. Holker made it 2-1 on 40 minutes, Jamie Hodgson with a very well taken goal with tidy control and a low finish from twenty yards out. On 50 minutes, it was 3-1, a nice lob from outside of the area, Hodgson getting his brace. Holker were reduced to nine men thanks to a ridiculous dive by Nathan Reid, who did Tom Daley proud with no one near him and earned himself a second yellow. He walked off without protest, and even the Holker manager's protests were only brief. Daisy Hill had a good spell, but lacked the finishing touch. Holker Old Boys put the game beyond doubt on 89 minutes, a very quick break and a patient move at the end of it as they held up the ball and waited for the opportune moment for Tom Dawson to take his chance from around ten yards following a passing move. In injury time, Daisy Hill made it 4-2 with a tidy finish from Gerald Junior McCullen, but it made little difference to the outcome. The game ended with both managers being sent off post-match due to their unhappiness with the decisions made. 

THE GROUND

RAKESMOOR LANE is an excellent ground with plenty of character. The scenery is fantastic and the ground slightly ramshackle but well kept. The main seated stand is in one corner behind the goal and holds about 150. There is a small area of cover on one side, but otherwise, it's open to the elements. There was no merchandise there that I saw. The bar is pleasant and offers a reasonable range of drinks; the highlight is the excellent food bar with a great cheeseburger wrap. Car parking is plentiful, and despite the isolated location, there are buses available.