Thriller for the Villa as Euxton make leap of faith

The Runshaw Lane club’s place in the North West Counties League Division One North was confirmed last week after a monumental effort to get over the line – on and off the pitch.

The club has transformed its already-impressive base ready for the leap up the football pyramid, following in the bootsteps of former West Lancashire League clubs Charnock Richard, Longridge, Garstang and Barnoldswick Town.

It means more night matches and more travelling – but they are ready and waiting, with a manager who has a vast experience of the league they will compete in next term.

Matt Atherton, 33, was an integral part of Runcorn Linnets’ rise through the North West Counties League - so he knows what lies ahead.

“It’s a massive step for the club but it’s a necessary one,” said Atherton, a secondary school deputy headteacher.

“We have 40 junior sides and we didn’t have a first team that represented the progression or pathway that it needed.

“Now we can see players from five to six years old right through to the first team within the football pyramid with promotion and relegation.

“Charnock Richard and Longridge are among those who have done it in recent years and they have prospered.

“There won’t be a playing budget but Nelson didn’t have one I believe and they finished in the play-offs. Charnock did the same in the early years, it’s all about being sustainable and progressing each year.”

Euxton’s Runshaw Lane ground was inspected on April 1 after an exhaustive period getting it up to scratch.

This included installing floodlights (secured from a college in Skelmersdale), widening the pitch by two yards and replacing barriers, widening hard standing areas, installing fencing and a paybox and adding a hospitality area, among other criteria.

Two of the most notable additions were a 56-seater stand – both converted containers - and a 100-capacity covered standing area.

All this was achieved through club funds, sponsorship and Football Foundation grants. An artificial pitch is in the pipeline further down the line.

Their efforts were rewarded by last week’s confirmed place in the North West Counties League – but they almost blew it off the pitch!

Euxton needed to finish in the top five to be considered – and left it late to secure third spot after a stuttering end to the season.

In the end, it was their highest finish in their West Lancashire League history.

“We’ve not done it in the most spectacular style but still, we’ve done it,” said Atherton.

“We had a great start but then we tailed off and yes, I had a few worrying weeks thinking we might not end up in the top five.

“There’s a bit of regret that we didn’t make our mark on the league that we would have hoped for.”

Mark McDonnell, former manager and now club President, admitted he had a few sleepless nights.

“We were proper nervous towards the end - let’s just say Athers and I were speaking on a regular basis!

“We had a great start but then the form went sketchy after Christmas and I think they felt the pressure and maybe became a bit of a target. But we got over the line, it was certainly a relief.”

Now the attention turns to preparing for their first season at Step 6.

So, what will success look like?

“It’s a case of staying in the league in the first case,” said Atherton, who spent six seasons at Linnets, who are now in the Northern Premier League.

“Others will think we can do much more than that.

“There’s lots of bigger clubs with bigger budgets. We probably need two or three players who have experience of playing in this league – there’s the physical nature of the league and the extra midweeks and travel.

“But we have a brilliant group of lads and it just needs a few additions.”

McDonnell added: “We are all excited and we know there will be lots of commitment required. But we have seen with other clubs what can be achieved. Charnock have led the way – they have great facilities.

“We may need one or two bodies on and off the field, match security and media coverage for example, but the club is ready for it. It feels like the right time.

“When I approached Matt to ask him to take over from me as manager he said ‘if you show ambition then I’ll do it’ and I would like to think that’s what we’ve done. We can’t wait to get going.”