As the players hang up their boots for the summer and the groundsmen around the area get to work on the pitches that have taken a hammering over the past ten months, we look back on one of the most exciting seasons for a long time.

Holker Old Boys

The Rakesmoor Lane outfit pulled off an amazing turnaround to survive relegation with a game to spare in the North West Counties First Division. Management duo Paul Southward and Kev Watkin steadied the ship, with JP Stanway having a strong end to the season in front of goal.

They will however be looking to tighten their defence after conceding over 100 goals in a 38-game campaign. Holker also saw one of their star players Nathan Reid turn out for Barrow AFC.

Vickerstown FC

The side’s sole West Lancashire Premier League representative had a solid season in a highly competitive league, finishing sixth. Vickerstown also lost players to higher division clubs with Sean Paterson turning out for Workington and both Danny Keenan and Kyle Delves appearing for Kendal.

They still produced some excellent results, with youngster Jackson Round getting amongst the goals.

Hawcoat Park

Hawcoat Park were in the hunt for promotion from Division One right up until the last five games of the season, eventually finishing third in the table. Elliott Moore led from the front with a great return of 27 league goals.

Hawcoat reached the semi finals of the Furness Senior Cup where they were beaten by eventual winners Ulverston. Trev Houston’s side also had a player represent Barrow AFC with Christian Sloan getting the nod.

Millom

Millom had a great first season in Division One, finishing 11 points off the promotion places in sixth. They didn’t score as many goals as the teams above them, but with the best defensive record in the league they have plenty to build on next time round.

With ex-Dalton United manager Andrew Marshall joining the coaching team, it will only bolster their ranks.

Crooklands Casuals

Crooklands finished ninth in Division One, with Dave Mansergh finishing top of their scoring charts but only the relegated sides conceded more than them.

The club has a conveyor belt of junior sides supplying the open age section and it won’t be long before the fruits of their labour will be seen donning a first team shirt.

Ulverston Rangers

The Glaxo-based outfit didn’t have a particularly successful league campaign, but they finished off their season lifting the Furness Senior Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win at Holker Street.

Jack Gardner was their main goal getter for the season and with the dangerous Chris Bolton and Andy Whiteford in the side, they always threatened goals.

Askam United

Unfortunately the side from Duddon Road were relegated from Division One. There wasn’t many highlights in a league campaign which only saw two wins at home and none on the road.

Manager Neil Park stepped aside after the last game to make way for fresh ideas at the club. Toby O’Reilly will be in the hot seat next season.

Walney Island

Steve McCullough and Craig Savage’s charges finished third in the league, were beaten finalists in the Furness Senior Cup and won the Challenge Cup.

Matt Lockley, Zach Walker and James Bailey shared over 75 goals between them in a potent attack.

Dalton United

Dalton finished a point behind Walney in fourth place and were defeated by Furness Cavaliers in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup. Club stalwart Gareth Jones ended up top scorer in the league with 25 to his name.

Manager Andrew Marshall resigned after the final league game and the club are looking to promote from within.

Furness Rovers

Rovers ended up fifth in Division Two, with Ryan Fagan their top scorer. Keeping the goals out proved to be an issue, but they still had a solid campaign and will be looking to make inroads to the promotion places next season.

Furness Cavaliers

Cavaliers finished a creditable ninth in a 12-team league after spending a few weeks in the re-election places. They were beaten finalists in the Challenge Cup but manager Mark McAloone stepped aside after their last league game.