The Mid Lancashire Football League held its annual presentation evening on Wednesday at the Bamber Bridge & County Catholic Club, bringing together clubs, officials and players to celebrate the achievements of the 2025/26 season.

A number of trophies were presented on the night by Tony Alty (Referees Secretary) and Peter Jones (Fixtures Secretary), recognising outstanding performances across the divisions and cup competitions, as well as individual contributions to the league.

Trophy Winners Presented

In the Premier Division, Marsh United were crowned champions, with Sean Bateson collecting the trophy on behalf of the club. Marsh United also enjoyed cup success, lifting the Guildhall Cup, again with Sean Bateson receiving the award.

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves were confirmed as Division One champions, with Dave Stroud accepting the trophy, while New Longton Rovers Reserves were recognised as Division Two runners-up, collected by Anthony Hart.

The league also honoured individual excellence, with Ollie Kirk of Wigan Rovers named Secretary of the Year. The award was collected on his behalf by John Bibby.

Awards Not Presented on the Evening

A number of trophies were unable to be presented on the night and have been distributed separately. These included:

• Premier Division Runners-Up – Standish St Wilfrids
• Division Two Winners – Lostock St Gerards Blue
• Division One Runners-Up – Standish St Wilfrids Reserves

Refereeing Recognition

The league also paid tribute to its match officials for their dedication throughout the season:

• Referee of the Year – Tom Gudgeon
• Young Referee of the Year – Jackson Gunn

The Mid Lancashire Football League would like to congratulate all winners, runners-up and award recipients, and thank everyone involved across the league for their continued commitment and support throughout the season.

Supporting Trek26 for Alzheimer’s Society – 2026

Last year, we reached out to members of the Mid Lancs Football League to ask for support in raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. Thanks to the incredible generosity of friends, family, and supporters, £1,432 was raised, helping to fund vital services and research. Donna, our website administrator, also completed the 13‑mile Trek26 challenge in just over 10 hours—a tough but rewarding experience.

The motivation behind this challenge is deeply personal. Three years ago, Donna, our website administrator, sadly lost her mum to Alzheimer’s. Since then, Donna has shown unwavering commitment to raising awareness and funds for the cause through events such as Cupcake Day and Memory Walks.

This year, Donna is taking on the challenge once again, with two clear goals: to raise even more money and to improve on last year’s time.

Donna will be walking 13 miles along the Ullswater Way, tackling demanding terrain with a total elevation gain of 559 metres (1,833 feet).

Despite the challenge ahead, Donna is determined to succeed and to make a meaningful difference for those affected by Alzheimer’s.

We would be extremely grateful for any support you are able to offer. Every donation, no matter how small, truly makes a difference, helping to support families, fund research, and raise awareness of this devastating disease.

Thank you for your time, generosity, and continued support.

In accordance with the League Rules, clubs are reminded that the deadline for signing/transferring players is the 31st March.

Rule 18 (I) of the SCOR rules states:

“A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31 March except by special permission of the Management Committee”

If you have queries regarding the application of the rule, please let Alan Stuttard or a member of the management committee know.

Tarleton Corinthians are deeply saddened to share the news that club legend John “Parky” Parkinson passed away on Monday afternoon.

John’s association with the club spanned decades and left an indelible mark on everyone connected with Carr Lane. A devoted servant to Tarleton, he fulfilled many roles over the years, including former player, manager, Treasurer, and, most memorably, one of the finest volunteer groundsmen the club and league have known. His dedication, care, and pride in his work helped provide outstanding pitches and facilities, earning admiration from teammates, opponents, and officials alike.

The club’s secretary, Ryan, paid tribute:

“Sadly, our club legend John ‘Parky’ Parkinson passed away yesterday afternoon. He had a long relationship with both leagues as manager of our teams and also one of the best volunteer groundsmen in his time, helping to provide fantastic pitches and facilities down at Carr Lane. He will be sadly missed at the club. It would be nice for teams to pay their respects with a minute’s silence before their games this weekend, if they wish to do so.”

Alan Stuttard, League Secretary, also reflected on John’s lasting legacy within the Mid Lancashire Football League and its predecessor, the Preston and District Football League:

“For many of you who have been involved with the Mid Lancashire Football League and its predecessor, John and his wife Betty were the face of Tarleton who would often be the first people you met on arriving at the ground. John will be remembered most among the clubs as the groundsman who prepared some of the best pitches in the League week in week out. In addition, he was also a former player, manager and Treasurer at the club. His commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm was there for all to see and he will be sadly missed.”

In memory of John “Parky” Parkinson, the League has asked that all clubs observe a minute’s silence prior to their fixtures this coming weekend.

Tarleton Corinthians extend their heartfelt condolences to John’s family and friends, especially to Betty. His presence, warmth, and unwavering commitment to grassroots football will never be forgotten.

Sadly we have to report that Norman Cragg passed away on 8th November , aged 87.

Norman was a member of the League Management Committee for over 40 years from 1963/64, when we were the Preston and District Football League, and was an active member until 2018.

Norman’s first role was running the League’s 18 year olds and as part of that role he organised the first 18 year old’s team to Germany to take part in an International Youth Tournament. The following year he organised a return trip for a German youth side. These visits and return visits continued for many years, including visits by the League Officials and wives/partners.

In 1992 Norman became the League Fixtures Secretary which he ran until 2018. When he first took on this very demanding role, computers were only just starting to emerge and all appointments had to be made in writing and sent out to clubs by post. Fortunately, the upgrade in technology did allow Norman to obtain a computer and aided by Albert Newton on many occasions the fixtures were sent out via the internet.

Before he joined the Committee , Norman played for and helped to run St Oswald FC who won the Guildhall Cup in 1965. The following year Norman was Secretary of the Year. In recognition of his long service to Football, Norman was presented with the prestigious FA 50-year trophy .

Norman was also a Preston North End season ticket holder.

Norman’s funeral will be held at Preston Crematorium on Wednesday 26th November at 12.45 pm and afterwards at Preston North End. For those who knew Norman you are welcome to attend the funeral and share your memories at PNE afterwards.

Roy Rich – President / Albert Newton – Chairman
Mid Lancashire Football League 

The League Season has now been completed. Congratulations to all the Divisional Winners and the Cup Winners. The stand out club/team this year has been Standish St Wilfrids who have won both the Premier Division and the Guildhall Cup and their Reserves won the Lancastrian Brigade Cup.

If any teams require additional medals for players for winning the Divisions please let me know and I will order them for you.

FRANK CURRY MEMORIAL TROPHY

There is one Trophy still to be played for and that is the Frank Curry Memorial Trophy between New Longton Rovers and Southport and Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves. This will be played on Thursday 15 May at New Longton Sports Club , kick off 6.45pm.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the League will be held in June. The provisional date is Thursday 26 June and this will be confirmed in due course. If any clubs have any issues to raise either for the AGM itself or for a more general discussion after the meeting please let me know.

NEW CLUBS/CLUBS LEAVING

We have had a number of enquiries from new teams/clubs looking to join us for next season. Equally we also find that some teams/clubs decide to leave us. The registration/affiliation process for 2025/26 commences on the 1 June . If any teams/clubs are looking to leave us please let me know by the end of May. 

FINES

One of the features this season has been the number of fixtures which have not been fulfilled. There were quite a number in April/May and a full list of fines has been emailed out to clubs. Please ensure that these are paid promptly. 

If anybody has any questions please let myself or other members of the Management Committee know. Otherwise to all our clubs have a good break over the summer and we look forward to seeing you at the AGM and next season.

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.

There were jubilant scenes for Marsh United and Marsh United Reserves as both squads were presented with their respective league trophies, capping off a sensational season for the club.

League Secretary Alan Stuttard was on hand to present the Division Two Champions trophy to Marsh United captain Matty Rawes, while Theo Callender proudly received the Division Three Champions trophy on behalf of the Reserves side. The Marsh United Reserves also took a moment to pose with their silverware in a team photo full of pride and smiles.

It’s been a season to remember for both squads.

Marsh United – Invincible Champions and Cup Finalists

Marsh United stormed to the Division Two title in dominant fashion, finishing the league campaign unbeaten across all 14 matches. But the accolades don’t stop there—they’ve also blazed a trail in the Guildhall Cup, toppling teams from higher divisions on their path to the final.

Their cup run has included emphatic wins over:

• Westgate Hawks (Div 2) – 8-0
• Sir Tom Finney (Div 1) – 8-0
• Tarleton Corinthians (Premiership) – 7-3
• Eccleston and Heskin (Premiership) – 2-0

Marsh United now prepare for their toughest test yet as they take on a third Premiership side, Standish St Wilfrids, in the Guildhall Cup Final on 29th March at the County Ground, Leyland.

Marsh United Reserves – Champions and Lancastrian Brigade Finalists

Not to be outdone, Marsh United Reserves clinched the Division Three title with an impressive record—15 wins, 2 draws from 18 matches—and they’re still chasing more silverware.

In the Lancastrian Brigade Cup, the Reserves have already claimed the scalps of:

• Sir Tom Finney (Div 1) – 2-1
• Walmer Bridge Reserves (Div 3) – 2-2 (won 4-2 on penalties)
• Wyre Villa Reserves (Div 3 Runners-Up) – 2-0

They’ll face Standish St Wilfrids Reserves in the final, set for 29th April at Sir Tom Finney Stadium, Bamber Bridge.

With both teams lifting trophies and heading into cup finals, Marsh United are proving to be a dominant force across the divisions this season. More silverware could be just around the corner.

Two years ago, Donna, our website administrator, lost her mum to Alzheimer’s. Since then, she has been dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the cause through events like Cupcake Day and Memory Walks. This year, she’s taking on an even greater challenge: the Trek26, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society. Donna will be walking 13 miles across tough terrain with a total elevation gain of 559m (1,833ft) along the Ullswater Way path.

Though she’s never done anything like this before—aside from a spontaneous mountain climb during her holiday in Santorini last year—Donna is determined to make a difference.

She would be incredibly grateful for your support. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help her reach her goal and make a meaningful impact. Thank you for your generosity.