2024/25 League Retrospective

PREMIER DIVISION

AFC Preston won back-to-back Premier Division titles, ending the campaign five points ahead of Bamber Bridge Utd. Whinney Hill were third, the Accrington-based side having made it all the way to the LFA Trophy final at the County Ground in Leyland. After promotion last season, Leyland Seven Stars earned a place in the Challenge Cup final and consolidated their position in the top league.

Top Goalscorer: Malick Diakite Tanou (AFC Preston)

DIVISION ONE

A four-point cushion gave Wyresdale Rangers the Division One Championship ahead of second-place Fulwood & Broughton. F & B were once again no stranger to cup success, trading the Presidents Cup in 2023/24 for this season’s Challenge Cup. Rufford Park Rangers were third on the ladder for the second season on the bounce, while the likes of Astley & Buckshaw Utd and Lonsdale Casuals were consistent in mid-table.

Top Goalscorer: Joseph Strawn (Wyresdale Rangers)

DIVISION TWO

There was no closer battle in any of the eight Lancashire Sunday Football League competitions as all three of Burscough Villa, AFC Preston (Reds) and Park Utd each amassed 43 points. Burscough, who were Division Three Champions a year ago, were declared winners on head-to-heads. AFC Preston (Reds) earned success in the Presidents Cup at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium in Bamber Bridge.

Top Goalscorer: Rahil Patel (AFC Preston Reds)

DIVISION THREE

Penwortham St Teresa’s (Yellows) claimed Division Three honours, picking up 15 wins and 4 draws to amass 49 points. They only lost one league game all season, that coming away at Worden Rangers in February and it’s back-to-back title successes for the Yellows having lost just two league games out of a possible 42.

Top Goalscorer: Charlie Howarth (St Anthony’s)

DIVISION FOUR

A successful season for Penwortham St Teresa’s (Whites) saw them crowned Division Four Champions and they reached the Challenge Cup Semi-Finals, claiming the scalp of several clubs in higher divisions on their journey. Penwortham St Teresa’s (Blues) were second with debutants Atletico Clifton in third.

Top Goalscorer: Ewan Fanning (Penwortham St Teresa’s Blues)

YOUTH DIVISION PURPLE

Only three points separated winners Croston Sports Club from runners-up Cadley, the two sides lost just three games between them. The crucial game between the two sides in April saw Croston win 5-0 at Westhead Road and effectively earn them the title.

Top Goalscorer: Daniel Gee (Chipping)

YOUTH DIVISION ORANGE

No youth team had as impressive season as Ashton Town. Their record read 15 games played, 15 wins and a goal difference of 64. It’s to the credit of second-placed Lostock St Gerards (U18)’s that they pushed Ashton into late in the season before the title was decided. Ashton also made it to the Syndicate Trust Youth Cup final, suffering defeat to Fulwood Amateur (Blues). Southport Hesketh ended the season in seventh but won the Syndicate Trust Youth Trophy against Chorley Wanderers (U18).

Top Goalscorer: Tony Taylor (Ashton Town)

YOUTH DIVISION GREEN

Another tight battle at the top of Youth Division Green saw Lostock St Gerards (Whites) crowned title winners by just a single point from Brinscall Village U17 (Yellows). The two met at Wateringpool Lane late in April with the Lostock St Gerards side winning 5-0.

Top Goalscorer: Sam Bottoms (Brinscall Village U17 Yellows)