Click here for 2008/09 News Archive
JULY 2010
JUNE 2010
MAY 2010
Recruitment drive on as three Old Boys bow out
APRIL 2010
Wrong results means cup exit for both Northop Hall sides
MARCH 2010
Rock Ferry pile on the agony as losing streak goes on
FEBRUARY 2010
Ken back in Connahs Quay hotseat
JANUARY 2010
Home defeat as Old Boys pay the penalty again
It's a girl! Seren up for Wardy!
Stalemate at Chester Nomads
Hard earned draw at Rhewl extends unbeaten run
SEPTEMBER
Moore is too much for Stationmasters
Halkyn edge opening day nine-goal thriller
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MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR US TO HELP 'SAVE THE FAMILY'
There has been a hugely appreciative reaction to our fundraising for the 'Save The Family' charity, culminating in our cheque handover and tour of Plas Bellin. The Chronicle printed the photos and article in its 15 July edition, which we have reproduced on our gallery page - Click here to view. We will look to continue our fundraising for them over the coming season, maybe from another quiz night or social event. In the meantime, there is an opportunity to join in one of their campaigns - a 'Together For Tea' week in October (4th-11th). click here to download a poster with details on.Adobe Acrobat pdf format
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Along with local rivals Northop Hall Nomads, the Old Boys have handed over the £300 jointly raised in this season's Charity Cup to the 'Save The Family' charity based at nearby Plas Bellin Hall. Dave Henrys, Declan Hickey and Steve Bodey represented the club with Steve Jones from Nomads to give the cheque to CEO Tim McLachlan and Fundraising Officer Angella Rawsthorne, watched by children from Plas Bellin who will benefit from our efforts. (click the picture to enlarge)
The players were shown round the fabulous facilities at Plas Bellin that make it possible to keep families together and help them to get their lives back on track when they have run into difficulties. They rely heavily on fundraising for a large proportion of their activities and we hope this will be the first of many ways in which we can try and help out such a great cause. To learn more about the charity click here to see the SAVE THE FAMILY website
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NEW SIGNINGS IMMINENT AFTER PUBLICITY DRIVE
Publicity in the local papers The Leader, Chronicle and Standard has borne fruit with several new players so far lined up to join the Old Boys squad for the new season, including some who have played at a good level. The introduction of new faces will freshen things up nicely at just the right time. Having lost the services of Wilton Evans, Richard Moore and Matt McGuire, the latest loss is last season's top scorer Matt Lucas who as the youngest member of the squad is looking for more playing time with another team. We wish him well. The articles can be seen in the Gallery.
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A full set of fixtures for Northop Hall Old Boys FC has been arranged for the 2010/11 season. It kicks off for real with an away game at Eastham on September 4th, although there will be at least one pre-season game organised for the end of August to shake off the summer cobwebs. British Steel will be the first visitors to Northop Hall the following week, with games against Saltney and Warrington Croft completing a tough opening month. The Club have been entered again in the Shotton Steel Veterans Cup in March next year. Last year's entry was limited to one match, a knockout by eventual winners Eastham Veterans. The club always aims to try and vary opponents season to season and this time Bedford Argyle and Satney are new to the list, with two games against St.Mary's following the one game last season. click here to view the new fixture list.
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RECRUITMENT DRIVE ON AS THREE OLD BOYS BOW OUT
The Charity Cup 2nd leg was the last action for three Old Boys regulars as they move on for differing reasons. Wilton Evans - seen below receiving his merit medal from manager Dave Henrys - is hanging up his gloves after a long career, Richard Moore has a new job in the south-east and Matt McGuire will be making the switch to rivals Northop Hall Nomads (on a free transfer!). We would like to thank all three for their considerable efforts for the club and wish them well. We now have the job of bringing in some quality replacements in time for next season in goal and midfield, not to mention some more cover in defence where Kieran Whelan (also pictured below) has had to reduce his appearances since moving to Liverpool and up front where chances have gone begging all season. Anybody over-35 who is interested can contact us - click here for details.
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EIGHT AGAINST AS NOMADS CRUISE TO CUP SUCCESS
The Old Boys ended the season on the receiving end of an 8-2 thrashing by local rivals Northop Hall Nomads in the second leg of the Charity Cup to convincingly take the trophy on aggregate. Only able to muster a bare eleven on the day left some old legs to complete 90 minutes which ultimately proved a decisive factor, not in the result but certainly in the scoreline. The most important thing though was that we were able to raise a total of £300 for the "Save The Family" charity. Click here to view the match report.
EIGHT UP AS OLD BOYS PRODUCE END OF SEASON FLOURISH
Northop Hall avenged their defeat by Brickfields last November with a resounding 8-4 victory on a glorious Monday evening, with some quality finishing in keeping with the overall play from both sides. Click here to view the match report.
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AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON THE OLD BOYS BIG NIGHT
Another hugely successful Presentation Night was held at Northop Hall Cricket Club on May 14th with 50 guests enjoying a great evening's entertainment. The season's awards were presented by former old boy and now manager of Gap Connahs Quay, Ken Price, with Kieran Whelan announced as Player of the season and Darren Molyneux narrowly taking the vote as Players' Player. Other winners were Matt Lucas (Top Goalscorer), Dave Pritchard (Manager's Player of the Season), Declan Hickey (Club Man) and Dave Bradley (Wednesday Night Player of the season). Thanks to everyone who supported and contributed to such a great success. Click here to see more photographs from the night.
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YOUTH THE KEY AS UPTON PUNISH OLD BOYS POOR PERFORMANCE
Upton Magnets Veterans arrived with a handful of youngsters and predictably proved far too strong for the old legs of the Old Boys, although we contributed massively to the 6-0 defeat with one of our worst performances of the season with costly mistakes all over the pitch. Click here to view the match report.
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NOMADS SURVIVE LATE BARRAGE TO HOLD FIRST LEG ADVANTAGE
The "joint" derby cup-tie between Northop Hall Old Boys and Northop Hall Nomads finished with a narrow 2-1 victory for Nomads, despite the Old Boys laying siege to their goal in a late bid to secure a deserving draw. The game was a "dead rubber" in the Sealand Cup (Nomads now finish in third place in the group) but more importantly started raising funds as the first leg of our annual Charity Cup game. Click here to view the match report.
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WRONG RESULTS MEANS CUP EXIT FOR BOTH NORTHOP HALL SIDES
The slim chance of qualification for the knock-out stages of the Sealand Cup evaporated last weekend as both Liverpool Ramblers and Halkyn Vets scored victories that put them through. (Full details can be found on the Sandbach Utd Vets website). In the process, Northop Hall Nomads (defeated 3-1 by Halkyn) were also knocked out leaving this weekend's tie against the Old Boys as a 'dead rubber'. However, there will still be all to play for as the game will also double as the first leg of this season's charity shield between the local rivals (kick off 2:30 p.m. - Saturday, May 1st). No decision has been made yet on who will benefit from money raised this year (suggestions please). The date for the second leg will be announced shortly. Nomads will be looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat by Eastham Veterans in the final of the Shotton Steel Cup by two goals to one.
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NARROW DEFEAT TO ROCK FERRY AS IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES
The recent improvement in form should have seen the Old Boys salvage at least a draw from this one, but once again, despite a guest appearance from Anthony Woosey, missed chances cost the the game. Click here to view the match report.
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BALLPARK INCIDENT TAINTS WATERSIDE WIN
The Old Boys ended their recent poor run with a well-deserved 3-0 win over Waterside Old Boys to keep slim Sealand Cup hopes alive. The victory was marred by a scuffle towards the end of the match involving Darren Molyneux and one of the Waterside "young boys" which led to them stupidly walking off and refusing to continue. However, it has been confirmed that the result will stand. MATCH REPORT IS DUE FROM CARETAKER MANAGER DECLAN HICKEY. KEEP CHECKING BACK. Full cup details and updated group tables can be found on the Sandbach Utd Vets website
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MUCH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE BUT SHORT STAFFING LEADS TO ANOTHER LOSS
Despite having just eleven available players to select from, the Old Boys put up one of their best performances of late at Halkyn, particular in the first half, but ran out of steam in the second and suffered a sixth straight defeat in going down 3-0. Click here to view the match report.
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NO LUCK AGAIN FOR INJURY HIT OLD BOYS IN 5-1 CUP DEFEAT
The opening round-robin match in the Sealand Cup saw Liverpool Ramblers come away with a worthy but somewhat flattering 5-1 victory. Once again a raft of chances went begging but lady luck offered no help in a battling performance that saw more injuries disrupting efforts. Click here to view the match report.
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ROCK FERRY PILE ON THE AGONY AS LOSING STREAK GOES ON
Rock Ferry Veterans produced a rampant 6-1 victory at Northop Hall as injuries disrupted the home side, although again there were plenty of scoring opportunities squandered. Click here to view the match report.
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THREE IS NOT THE MAGIC NUMBER AS OLD BOYS TASTE CUP DEFEAT
Amazingly, for the fourth time in the last five games Northop Hall went down by three goals to one, this time in the Shotton Steel Veterans Cup quarter final against Eastham Veterans. Click here to view the match report.
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HEARTFELT GET WELL WISHES FOR MARTIN
Everyone connected with Northop Hall Old Boys FC will want to join us in wishing a speedy recovery to Martin Richardson, who was taken into hospital after last week's 6-a-side at Flint after experiencing chest discomfort. He is being kept in for observation but it looks like his 60 years might be finally catching up with him - although you wouldn't have known it from watching the goal he scored that night! We hope to see him up and about again soon anyway.
UPDATE:- Martin is now back home and taking things easy. We all wish him a continued speedy recovery.
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MISSED CHANCES COSTLY IN ST MARY'S DEFEAT
The Old Boys lost 3-1 at home to St Mary's Veterans from Liverpool, but are counting the cost of missing several gilt edged opportunities to turn it round. Click here to view the match report.
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CROFT JUST TOO STRONG AS OLD BOYS COME BACK DOWN TO EARTH
After last week's unbelievable 10 all draw it was back to earth with a bump for Northop Hall at Warrington Croft, going down by three goals to one despite a battling performance. Mike Maletta scored the consolation goal on his debut for the Old Boys. Click here to view the match report.
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KEN BACK IN CONNAHS QUAY HOTSEAT
Former Old Boy Ken Price has been re-appointed as manager of Gap Connahs Quay in the Welsh Premier League, changing places with former Wrexham midfielder Mark McGregor who reverts to assistant manager while he completes work on his UEFA 'A' coaching badge. Ken, who appeared for Northop Hall six times last season, scoring once, has already obtained his licence and will now oversee the Deeside club's efforts to make the super 12 in the reformatted league next season. Needless to say, his high profile commitments have made him unavailable for us so far this season, but we wish him well in his new role and what will be a tough task ahead. Click here to read the full story.
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GREATEST EVER COMEBACK IN 20 GOAL FIASCO
Another low turnout led to only 10 players making the trip to Waterside for a fixture switched away because of the state of the home pitch. The usual handful of youngsters combined with their older team-mates had them 7-2 up by half time, but in the greatest comeback in Northop Hall history, the Old Boys got the score to 10-6 in the second half before firing in 4 more goals in the last 10 minutes to remarkably level things up. Click here to view the match report.
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MUDDY HELL FOR OLD BOYS PASSING GAME
In very muddy conditions after yet more snow thawed, the Old Boys failed to adapt their game as well as Wirral Veterans and flopped to a 3-1 defeat. Click here to view the match report.
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SPOT-ON FOR RETURN TO WINNING WAYS
The Old Boys took advantage of returning players and a successful penalty kick to finally record a first victory
of 2010, hanging on to beat Rhewl Veterans by four goals to three. Click here to view the match report.
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UNLUCKY EIGHT FOR PLUCKY EIGHT
With an unprecedented level of unavailability and late drop outs, the Old Boys ended up mustering just eight players for the trip to Woolton. Despite
that, with a couple of players borrowed from the opposition, the team put up a performance that on another day would have reaped some reward for their efforts, the 8-0
scoreline not reflecting a day when all luck deserted us. Click here to view the match report.
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HOME DEFEAT AS OLD BOYS PAY THE PENALTY AGAIN
For the second time in successive weeks Northop Hall were rueing a missed penalty along with other chances that would have made up a 4-2 deficit against Sandbach Utd Veterans. Click here to view the match report.
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RUSTY RETURN SEES DEFEAT AT SHOTTON
Finally the weather relented to allow the Old Boys to take on Shotton Steel Vets, the first action since November 28th last year - and it showed! A 4-0 scoreline was probably undeserved as the last two goals were late on and Northop Hall missed a penalty at 2-0 that would have made it closer. However, everybody got good playing time and will be better for having seen action.
Click here to view the match report.
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IT'S A GIRL! SEREN UP FOR WARDY!
Congratulations from everyone at the Old Boys to Phil Ward and wife, Christine, on the birth of baby girl, Seren Eva. We're pleased to report that mother and daughter are doing well. We hope the same can be said for Wardy in the next match and that the sleepless nights aren't affecting too much!
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Defences were well on top at Chester but a late goal gave the Old Boys hope of victory, only for a late equaliser to claim a share of the spoils.
Click here to view the match report.
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CONTROVERSY AS UNBEATEN RUN IS ENDED BY BRICKFIELDS
A heavy downpour right on kick off created a mudbath, but it was the visitors' "referee" who made the biggest mess-up with a terrible second half decision that cost the Old Boys a deserved share of the spoils.
Click here to view the match report.
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FOUR GOAL SECOND HALF COMEBACK EARNS WIRRAL WIN
The Old Boys came from a goal down at half-time to bag four goals without reply in the second half and take their unbeaten run to nine games.
Click here to view the match report.
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LATE EASTHAM EQUALISER DENIES OLD BOYS VICTORY
Northop Hall were only a few minutes away from recording another home victory when Eastham, who had already missed a second half penalty, came up with an equalising goal to deny the win.
Click here to view the match report.
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HARD EARNED DRAW AT RHEWL EXTENDS UNBEATEN RUN
It's now seven games since Northop Hall Old Boys last tasted defeat following this latest hard fought draw at Rhewl. The home side missed a penalty but Steve Bodey almost won it late on only for his shot to come back off the post.
Click here to view the match report.
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OLD BOYS EDGE OUT SANDBACH 2nds IN ELEVEN GOAL THRILLER
Yet another high scoring game saw Northop Hall squander a 6-2 lead in a blustery second half and hang on to win by one goal after a second successive Matt Lucas hat trick.
Click here to view the match report.
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MATT FINISH THE DIFFERENCE IN HIGH SCORING UPTON VICTORY
Last year it was 10-4 to the Old Boys; this year's fixture was heading the same way as Northop Hall edged a 6-4 win at Upton, with Matt Lucas netting four times. It isn't the best of fixtures for defenders!
Click here to view the match report.
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Despite going behind early on the Old Boys fought back with an excellent performance to defeat Warrington Croft by five goals to two in a cracking game at Northop Hall.
Click here to view the match report.
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WINDSWEPT DRAW AT WATERSIDE KEEPS RUN GOING
Youth was key in the battle of the Old Boys as Northop Hall stretched their unbeaten run to three games at Waterside. Matching the mixture of young and old legs that this opposition always puts out, an even game played in the teeth a gale force wind finished four goals apiece.
Click here to view the match report.
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MOORE IS TOO MUCH FOR STATIONMASTERS
Richard Moore was the four-goal hero as the Old Boys beat Stationmasters (Buckley) by five goals to three.
Click here to view the match report.
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DERBY DAY WIN GETS THE SEASON GOING
Despite a late keeper change and a rather thin squad, the Old Boys recorded their first victory of the season with a rare clean sheet to beat Northop Hall Nomads by two goals. Click here to view the match report.
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FLY PAST FAILS TO INSPIRE AS OLD BOYS RUE MISSED CHANCES
Despite being treated to a fly-past by the Red Arrows en route to the Airbus Air Show, the Old Boys couldn't come up with the right formation to beat Woolton Veterans, although with better finishing the 4-2 defeat could easily have had a different result. Click here to view the match report.
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HALKYN EDGE OPENING DAY NINE-GOAL THRILLER
In an exciting opening fixture with near neighbours Halkyn Veterans, it was the visitors who took the honours with a late winner. Click here to view the match report.
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3-0 DEFEAT BUT A FAVOURABLE COMPARISON WITH MONEYSUPERMARKET
It was 8-3 last season, this time an excellent run out for the Old Boys ended in a creditable 3-0 defeat against the youngsters from the money comparison website based at Ewloe. Click here to view the match report.
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TOUGH AT THE TOP - KEN'S REIGN IS SHORT-LIVED
Ken Price's very short time as interim manager of Gap Connahs Quay (see below) has ended with the appointment of ex-Wrexham defender Mark McGregor at the Deeside Stadium. Ken will remain on the staff as first team coach though and maybe further opportunities at a higher level will follow. Watch this space !!
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WEB-SITE RELAUNCHED
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PRICE IS RIGHT FOR CONNAHS QUAY! KEN TO FILL THE GAP!
Congratulations and the best of luck to Old Boy midfielder Ken Price who has been handed the interim manager's job at Gap Connahs Quay for the start of the forthcoming Welsh Premier League campaign. Initially it's a caretaker role but if things go well it could become a permanent appointment. Mancunian and City fan Ken says he wishes he had the funds available that Mark Hughes has got! Hopefully we'll be able to get along to the Deeside Stadium to support him when we haven't got a game. Likewise, we hope Ken will continue to turn out for us on occasions when Connahs Quay have no fixture!
Click here to read the full story.
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LEG BREAK ANGUISH FOR MATT
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Click here for 2009/10 News Archive
Click here for 2010/11 News Archive
Click here for 2011/12 News Archive
Click here for 2012/13 News Archive
Click here for 2013/14 News Archive
Click here for 2014/15 News Archive
More opportunities for us to help 'Save The Family'
£300 for 'Save The Family'
New signings imminent after publicity drive
2010/11 fixtures announced
Eight against as Nomads cruise to cup success
Eight up as Old Boys produce end of season flourish
Award winners announced on the Old Boys big night
Youth the key as Upton punish Old Boys poor performance
Nomads survive late barrage to hold first leg advantage
Narrow defeat to Rock Ferry as improvement continues
Ballpark incident taints Waterside win
Much improved performance but short staffing leads to another loss
No luck again for injury hit Old Boys in 5-1 cup defeat
Three is not the magic number as Old Boys taste cup defeat
Heartfelt get well wishes for Martin
Missed chances costly in St Mary's defeat
Croft just too strong as Old Boys come back down to earth
Greatest ever comeback in 20-goal fiasco
Muddy hell for Old Boys passing game
Spot-on for return to winning ways
Unlucky eight for plucky eight
Rusty return sees defeat at Shotton
DECEMBER 2009
NOVEMBER
Controversy as unbeaten run ended by Brickfields
Four goal second half comeback earns Wirral win
Late Eastham equaliser denies Old Boys victory
OCTOBER
Old Boys edge out Sandbach 2nds in eleven goal thriller
Matt finish the difference in high scoring Upton victory
High five puts Croft away
Windswept draw at Waterside keeps run going
Derby day win gets the season going
Fly past fails to inspire as Old Boys rue missed chances
AUGUST
3-0 defeat but a favourable comparison with Moneysupermarket
Tough At The Top - Ken's reign is short-lived
Web-site Relaunched
Price is right for Connahs Quay! Ken to fill the Gap!
Leg break anguish for Matt
Retiring keeper Wilton Evans and Player of the Season Kieran Whelan with manager Dave Henrys ***** More photos from the presentation night and subsequent awarding of medals are now in the gallery. Click here to view them.
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Pete Fielder-Shaw - hat-trick hero ***** More photos from the presentation night and subsequent awarding of medals are now in the gallery. Click here to view them.
This is the relaunched website for Northop Hall Old Boys FC. All the old features are still here, many packed into last season's archives, but also a few new ones including player profiles. Use the buttons down the left to navigate around the site. Feedback always welcome.
It will be a few months before we see Matt Lucas back playing after the injury that kept him out of the end of season games was finally diagnosed as a broken leg. We all wish him a speedy recovery.