FC St Helens’ and Pilkington’s 2023-24 season couldn’t be going much better.
With FC St Helens seemingly cruising by 10 points at the top of the NWCFL First Division North, and Pilks on the cusp of a play-off place in their maiden season in the Premier Division – St Helens’ two leading football clubs are enjoying some exciting times.
Having attained 38 points from a possible 45, just shy of the halfway point in the season, FC St Helens will look to display some resilience – following an unexpected 4-1 hammering against Darwen, in the First Round of the Edward Case Cup, on Wednesday night – when they host South Liverpool, this Saturday.
With seven wins from eight this season, Mike Smith has made Windleshaw a fortress – with the expectation being for them to overcome a South Liverpool side that have been inconsistent on their travels.
The FC will be further incentivised by the arrival of Mark Hayes, as Director of Football.
Hayes, who was previously chairman for Ashton Town, before becoming chairman of Pilkington for last season’s title-winning campaign said: “I am made up to be part of the future of FC.”
Having overseen a first promotion to the NWCFL Premier Division at Pilks, he has intentions of replicating that success for a club in just its 10th season since formation – on his newest venture.
“The potential at the club is ridiculous, I can’t wait to add my input and continue its build,” he added.
FC APPOINT FORMER ASHTON TOWN & PILKINGTON FC CHAIRMAN MARK HAYES AS SPORTING DIRECTOR ⚽️
Mark, who won the North West Counties North with Pilkington FC last season, steps in immediately to help oversee the club, & add value both on & off the field.#UpTheStripes #Building pic.twitter.com/a3KfLlHNjw
— FC St. Helens (@fcsthelens) October 12, 2023
Hayes’ former club have made an admirably impressive start upon their arrival to the NWCFL Premier Division.
Currently in a sequence of just one loss in their previous 12 matches and on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, Stephen Palfrey’s Green Army will feel that they can maintain that form, with the club adapting well to life in their new division.
Pilks have all of the essential characteristics to progress into a genuine position of promotion contention as they have displayed time and again, when battling to salvage a point or secure a win.
With the club just a point shy of a play-off place and with 29 fixtures still to be played, the Arcoframe Stadium side will be brimming with confidence that they can continue their form against Ramsbottom United this Saturday.
