Appley Bridge capped off a sensational 2024/25 campaign by lifting the Division One trophy in front of jubilant players, staff, and supporters. The trophy was presented by Peter Jones, League Fixtures Secretary, to team captain Dan Atkins following the final match of the season.
Dominant from the start, Appley Bridge stormed to the top of the table with an outstanding record — 16 wins from 18 matches — showcasing consistency, quality, and grit throughout the league season.
But it wasn’t just in the league where Appley Bridge made headlines.
They also flew the flag for the Mid Lancashire Football League in the Lancashire FA Amateur Cup, becoming the only team from the league to reach the semi-finals — a tremendous achievement in a highly competitive field.
Their impressive cup journey included:
- Round 1: Home walkover against Milton FC
- Round 2: 4-2 away win vs. Preston Wanderers
- Round 3: 3-0 away win vs. Thornton Cleveleys
- Round 4: 5-2 win over Pennington Reserves
- Quarter-Finals: 4-3 victory over Blackpool Wren Rovers Reserves
Their run ended at the semi-final stage, but not without leaving their mark on the competition.
Appley Bridge also enjoyed a strong showing in the Guildhall Cup, battling through to the quarter-finals:
- Round 1: Away walkover vs. Bay Rangers FC
- Round 2: Penalty shootout win (4-2) after a 3-3 draw against Cherrybrook
- Round 3: 6-3 triumph over AFC Ainsdale
- Quarter-Finals: Narrow penalty shootout defeat (3-2) following a 1-1 draw with Shevington
With silverware secured and deep cup runs under their belt, the 2024/25 season will go down as one of the most memorable in Appley Bridge’s history. Congratulations to Dan Atkins and the entire squad on a truly exceptional campaign.