By Steven Oldham Cover photo Derek Lloyd Droyslden vs AFC Blackpool
Jump to:
Five star Holker Old Boys back with a bang
Holker Old Boys picked up a stunning 5-0 victory over Nelson on the opening day of the North West Counties First Division North.
Luke Davey opened the scoring for the hosts midway through the first half – with Charlie McGladdery doubling the lead before the break. The same player secured an early brace from the restart – and further goals from Luke Mitchell and Jamie Hodgson completed the rout with ten minutes to spare.
With both sides making last season’s playoffs, you may’ve expected a close game – but it proved to be anything but. Holker’s win was the biggest across all three of the North West Counties divisions.
READ MORE: NWC: Nelson extend lead to 7 points with big win
The Cumbrian side did manage the league double over the eventual runners up last year – and start their attempt for another promotion tilt in the strongest way possible.
Only 88 were in attendance however – the lowest gate in the division.
🔵⚪️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/NofvLdiiTF
— Nelson FC (@Nelsonfc1) July 26, 2025
Bloods see off Mechanics
Droylsden are off and running with a 2-0 home win over AFC Blackpool at The Butcher’s Arms.
Two goals from Caelan Kilheeney just before the break settled it, with the second coming from the penalty spot.
The Bloods did the double over their Lancashire counterparts last season on their way to the playoff final. This game was played in front of 624 – the highest attendance across the NWC as a whole on the opening weekend.
Maine Road off to good start
The other Manchester side, Maine Road, also have an early three points under their belt after beating Garstang 1-0 at Brantingham Road.
Sam Wrigley’s tenth minute effort was enough to see off the Lancashire side, who were reprieved from relegation at the end of last season.
Joint managers Ryan Eiselt and Reece Lyndon will look to build further on a top half finish last year after transferring from the South division.
Defiant Yellows defeat Cutters
Ashton Athletic won by the same scoreline at Daisy Hill – despite playing the majority of the game with ten men.
An early red card for Calum Wilson left Athletic a man short, but they kept the game goalless until the break – and took the lead against the odds three minutes after the restart.
Manny Ujahchuku broke the deadlock at New Sirs, and his side battled on to an impressive clean sheet victory.
Last-gasp Maghull deny Squire Gate early win
Squires Gate looked set for a winning start to their life at Step 6 – but Nathan Peet’s added time equaliser rescued a 2-2 draw for Maghull.
The relegated side looked to be well on their way in the first half – with familiar faces Scott Harries and Dean Ing both on target before the half hour mark.
Wil Hoey pulled one back within the first five minutes of the second half, but the Blackpool side still looked to be set for all three points – until Peet’s intervention five minutes into stoppage time.
🎥 Manager Luke Evans reacts to today’s 2-2 draw with @maghullfc . 👇
— Squires Gate FC (@squiresgatefc) July 26, 2025
Next we welcome @thorntonfc for our first home fixture of the season!
🤍 #WeAreGate | #OneClub pic.twitter.com/foaVpLE8Uy
Ashton Town spot kick secures draw
The other relegated side, Colne, are also on the board after a 1-1 home draw with Ashton Town.
Paul Turner put the home side ahead after 55 minutes, but Ashton were level at the 69 minute mark – with Conor Ready’s penalty leveling the scores.
It’s the first time since the 2003-4 season that Colne have played Step 6 football.
Newcomers Fulwood Amateurs secure first point
One of the North West Counties’ newest members, Fulwood Amateurs, earned their first point at Step 6 after a goalless draw at Steeton.
The Preston-based side were denied their first goal twice – and potentially a win – first by home goalkeeper Brad Emmerson, who saved Spencer Lucas’ first half penalty, with an injury time goal ruled out for a foul on the ‘keeper.
Nevertheless it’s a positive start for Phil Blackwell’s side with a point and a clean sheet already in the bag.
Frustrated Darwen held to draw
Finally, Darwen and Thornton Cleveleys also shared a goalless draw at The Anchor – despite the home side having the ball in the back of the net twice.
On another day Connor Hughes could’ve had a brace, but both his goals were disallowed – the first for handball and the second for offside.
It’s the first draw between the two sides, with both teams picking up an away win last season – the visitor’s first year in the Counties.
Manager @LeightonMills6 reflects on a tough 0-0 draw on match day 1 against @thorntonfc.
— Darwen FC (@DarwenFC) July 26, 2025
Two disallowed goals for Connor Hughes meant the season opener ends with the teams taking a point each. pic.twitter.com/uJA1GCLY7m
Bacup Borough‘s season won’t get under way for another month due to ongoing ground improvement work – which means new members MSB Woolton must wait another week before making their Counties debut.
READ NEXT: Late 3-1 opening day defeat for Kendal Town
Leave a Reply