SDL Division 2 - September 2008-April 2009
18 May 2009

Holbank confirmed that Jonny Ball would continue as their skipper for a second season in the SDL. He would be assisted by Jonny Banks after he was named Vice-Captain for the new season. Holbank announced the new signings of - Danny Hayden, Matthew Hutchinson, Jack Medlicott, Gary Spencer Burton and Louis Nolan.
Holbank began the season with a 5-0 defeat at home to Dunes and then lost again to Dunes 8-0 in their joint-biggest defeat in their history.
Holbank battled on a found some ground through October and November. They also got through the First Round of the Memorial Cup. They then hit a bump in the road through late November and December which included a humiliating 5-0 defeat to local and fierce rivals Portland Reserves.
The club started the 2009 with a win but then lost 4 on the bounce and didn't win a game until February 15th. In that time they slumped to 3rd bottom and were knocked out of the Memorial Cup by Portland Street rivals and 3rd Division side Northway 4-2 at home. They went on to beat Muni Flex 3-1 in their best win of the season and won 2 of their last 6 games, with them drawing 1 and losing the other 3. Holbank ended the season with a 4-2 home defeat to arch rivals Portland Reserves, which meant Holbank would finish 8th and Portland Reserves 7th.

Holbank Final Position - 8th
PLD 22 - W 8 - D 1 - L 13 - F 42 - A 63 - Points 25

Top Goal Scorer - Mark Brownhill, 14

Team Awards:
Player's Player of the Year - Jonny Ball and Danny Hayden
Most Consistant Player Award - Aaron Mansfield
Most Man of the Matches Award - Chris Brownhill
Top Goalscorer Award - Mark Brownhill
Clubman of the Year - Richard McGrgeor

Promotion - January 2008 - April 2008
18 May 2009

When 2008 came around Holbank couldn't believe the position they were in. 4th in the league in their first season, going well in the cup and no yellow or red cards. They had just battered local rivals Portland Reserves 2-0 and had signed George McGregor as Head Coach and Goalkeeper.
The team continued its fantastic form through the last half of the season narrowly missing out on a place in the final of the Memorial Cup. The club also missed out on 3rd place in the league by a point but still managed promotion to Division 2. The club also made history for the SDL and achieved no yellow cards or red cards in the whole of the 2007/2008 season, something which got them Team of the Year for 2007/2008.

The AGM was held at the Guesthouse Pub, Southport on 29th May 2008. A good attendance with the majority of players joining in for our second AGM. The new rules where all accepted, some after discussion, which can now be found on the team documents section incorporating the new rules in the Constitution. It was also agreed that George McGregor would look at Club injury insurance. George has also managed to secure a donation of �250 from his company.

The minutes from the previous years AGM were accepted as correct. The statement of accounts was also accepted. A review of the season for last year also brought up some interesting reading. Details on the Team documents. Food was provided and the players took full advantage of the brimming plates, shifting everything in front of them.

The awards section was a great success with all players who have played to the end of the season receiving an inaugural award to celebrate our first season in the SDL.
The winners of the awards were -
Top Scorer Andy Meehan
Most consistent player(s) George McGregor & Elliot Smith
Clubman(s) of the year John Moffatt & Calum Pinder
Managers Player of the year: Matt Ball
Player�s player of the year: Jon Banks.

2008 got better and better for the club when they received FA Charter Standard and became the first club in the history of the SDL to do so. The plaque and certificate were awarded on 9th August 2008. We also received vouchers for �100 for Umbro kit.

The SDL Era - September 2007 - January 2008
18 May 2009

Holbank began the year with a number of fresh faces. The club was still involved in the Friendly League.
The start of 2007 produced 4 wins and 2 defeats, achieving the highest goals scored in a match without conceding in a 17-0 win. The last 3 matches gave us a further 2 wins and a defeat but secured second place in the league.
As the final position was to be decided on playoffs for the top 4 clubs the opportunity to take top spot was still available.

A semi final against the 3rd team saw Holbank run out 9-2 winners to set up a final against one of the better teams in the league, either Portland Albion or Red Rovers. Their semi-final finished with a win for Red Rovers 5-4.

The final was played in May and after an early threat from Red Rovers Holbank controlled the game, going in 6-2 at half time to finish winners after a late flourish at 8-5.

The spirit of the team members, even those who were injured, such as the Captain Johnny Ball who played for us 1 month after appendicitis, dislocated his shoulder the following week and insisted going on the pitch to say he played in the final. The commitment and loyalty of the 18 regular players was remarkable as they knew they could not all play each week but they still came along to the matches to support their team mates.

Shortly after the final against Red Rovers the club announced its intentions of joining the Southport and District League. The club confirmed Dave Pinder would continue as Manager at its first AGM in the 2007 Summer.
After a relaxed preseason the club began its campaign with a 1-1 draw with Harrington Reserves, where Aaron Mansfield score Holbank's first league goal.

The Dave Pinder Era - October 2006 - September 2007
18 May 2009

The club confirm Paul Pinder as the new Chairman and announce Dave Pinder as his successor.
In October 2006, Holbank joined a Friendly Football League which consisted of 7 teams from around the Southport area. We had previous experience in playing against one of the Clubs in the league before but the other 5 teams were of an unknown quantity. Our main purpose at this stage was to gain experience of playing in a competitive league and to enhance team building.

Our first game on a wet and windy October saw Holbank lose 3-2 after leading against a very good technical and skilful team. For our first match we played well and the team spirit was high even with this early defeat.