By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Laura Fenton Bury vs Burscough
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Bury promoted as champions
It’s official – Bury are the 2024-25 North West Counties Premier Division champions – after beating Burscough 4-0 in front of a new record attendance for the competition of 8,719.
Dave McNabb’s side entered the final game knowing a point would be enough to seal promotion to Step 4 – but The Shakers weren’t taking that chance and wrapped up a 15th straight win, coupled with a ninth consecutive clean sheet.
Aiden Walker got the party started on 18 minutes, with Burscough already down to ten men following an early red card for Sam Sheen. Tyler James moved onto ten goals since his mid-season move from Padiham with a second hat-trick in three matches.
READ MORE: NWC: Title race heads to 46th and final game
A carnival atmosphere at Gigg Lane saw Bury seal promotion to the Northern Premier League after missing out in the play-off final last season. A first loss in five sees Burscough just miss out on a top ten finish.
Bury racked up 133 goals – an average of almost 3 a game – on their way to the title and lost just 3 of 46 matches.
Such is the quality in the top three, both Lower Breck and Ramsbottom United record points tallies higher than last season’s champions – but will have to navigate the playoffs to join promoted Bury at Step 4 next season.
Lower Breck continue winning run
The Liverpool side were 4-1 winners at Cheadle Town, with all five goals coming after the break. Kaleb Parkinson gave the home side the lead on 48 minutes.
That was the highlight for Jake Davies’ side, with the visitors level soon after through Elliott Hughes. Lewis Buckley put his side ahead on 64 minutes, before Hughes took his second of the day and 20th of the season in the final minute.
Breck weren’t done there, with Tom Douglas adding a fourth in added time.
Despite missing out on the title, momentum is with Gary Moore’s side heading into the playoffs, with 14 straight wins under their belt. Cheadle consolidate in their second season, finishing one place higher than last year in 14th.
Rams held ahead of playoffs
Ramsbottom shared the points with Barnoldswick Town in a 1-1 draw – a carbon copy of the reverse fixture back in October.
Oscar Radcliffe put the home side ahead in added time, but Brandon Barski pulled Barlick back into the game midway through the second half with his sixth of the season.
The third-placed Rams will have home advantage in the play-off semi final against Padiham. Barlick end the season without a win in their last nine attempts.
Padiham seal fourth place
Padiham were pegged back from 2-0 up by Stockport Town, but a 2-2 draw was enough to guarantee fourth place and a trip to Ramsbottom for the Lancashire side.
The Storks started brightly with two early goals – with Joel Brownhill and Jack Price on target within the first 16 minutes. Price moves up to a round 15 for the season, while Brownhill needs one more to reach 20.
Paul Turnbull’s side battled back, with Adam Owen scoring on 49 minutes before Sam Hare converted a penalty to level the game.
A top ten finish for Stockport represents a successful first season at this level for The Lions.
West win again on Manx soil
West Didsbury & Chorlton are motoring into form just at the right time ahead of the playoffs – and notched up a fourth straight win by beating out-of-sorts FC Isle of Man 2-0 at The Bowl.
Victor Abadaki opened the scoring for West at the 53 minute mark, and Jordan Lazenbury capped a successful season since moving from Cheadle Town with his 30th of the campaign.
West will play Lower Breck in the playoffs, with honours even this season between the sides with one win apiece. The Ravens end the season with four straight defeats, and no win in 11.
Colne relegation confirmed
Defiant Colne may have been relegated on the final day – but at least went down fighting after beating Abbey Hey 2-1 at Holt House.
Needing a near-miracle to survive, Colne nevertheless put their best foot forward with Sam Holt opening the scoring after 17 minutes, but Chris Rogers levelled the game just before the break before the visitors.
Jack Holt won it for the home side two minutes from time – but they’re relegated on goal difference and fall through the trapdoor for the second time in three seasons. Abbey Hey record a midtable finish on their return to Step 5 football.
Prestwich Heys survive on final day
Colne’s demise means Prestwich Heys survive by the skin of their teeth despite a 1-0 loss at Longridge Town.
Liam Atkinson’s 24th of the season ensured a first win in nine attempts for Lee Ashcroft’s men, who finish the season in 18th place.
Three wins in the final six games proved crucial for Prestwich – including a vital 3-1 result at Colne – and it’s a job well done for Ryan Hutchinson’s side, who were rock bottom at one stage.
A desvered reception 👏
— Longridge Town FC (@LongridgeTownFC) April 19, 2025
A massive thank you for your support today, and over the course of the season ❤️#UpTheRidge #RidgeArmy pic.twitter.com/CCXpUl3iye
Glossop knock four past Pilks
Glossop North End ended the season on a high with a 4-0 home win over Pilkington to wrap up the league double.
The Hillmen were on target twice in each half, with Keaton Mulvey opening and closing the scoring. Top scorer Lewis Reilly netted his 24th before the break, with Kyle Worsley on target on 69 minutes.
A better season for Glossop sees them finish 16th, whilst Pilkington edge up one place to 21st to record their best league finish once again.
AFC win Liverpool derby in closing moments
AFC Liverpool needed an added time winner to win a local derby against South Liverpool. Liam Paton put AFC ahead on 24 minutes, but Chris Bramell levelled the game on the stroke of half time.
It looked to be heading to a score draw, but Adam Moorcroft had other ideas and won it for AFC two minutes into added time. A strong run in for Phil Stafford’s side sees them win four of their last five to finish in ninth place, while South Liverpool finish 20th in their first season after promotion.
A couple of very special goals from today's final game of the season vs South Liverpool!🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/qhXuGLOSat
— AFC Liverpool🔴⚪️⚽️ (@AFCLiverpool) April 19, 2025
Stripes too good for Irlam
FC St Helens finish the season as the top promoted side, with a 3-0 win at Irlam wrapping up eighth place. A second half trio of goals from Will Bell, Chris Hill and Ryan Sinnott ensured a third win in five for St Helens.
Irlam finish one place higher, and up six places on last season. Coupled with a Manchester Premier Cup win, it’s been a successful season for the Salford side despite missing out on the playoffs.
End of season drinks!! pic.twitter.com/bGuhXRBRFK
— IRLAM FC (Manchester Premier Cup Winners 2025) (@IrlamFC) April 19, 2025
Chadderton tie up sixth with 4-2 win
Chadderton wrapped up sixth with a 4-2 win over Litherland REMYCA on Friday night. Nick Hepple, Tyler Berry and Rob Worrall were all on the scoreboard before Chris Happi-Frankam pulled one back for REMY on 63 minutes.
Ryan Morton added a fourth as his side improved from last season’s seventh place finish. Fittingly, top scorer James Hammill rounded out the scoring for the visitors with his 29th of the season.
Charnock Richard rescue late point
Bottom side Squires Gate bow out with a point in a 2-2 draw at Charnock Richard – but it could have been all three save for Nathan Nickeas’ late equaliser.
Marcus Haydock put Charnock ahead, but the Blackpool side turned the game around with goals either side of the break from James Hughes and Scott Harries.
The relegated side looked on track for victory until Nickeas’ goal a minute from time – preserving their five game unbeaten run with his 36th of the season.
NWC Premier Division Season in short:
- Bury promoted
- Play-offs: Lower Breck vs West Didsbury & Chorlton, Ramsbottom United vs Padiham
- Relegated: Colne, Squires Gate
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