The community orientated Maghull FC (1921) returned to the Northwest Counties first division, following an absence of 26 years in July, achieved by considerable hard work and success on and off the pitch, have surprised everyone since their return with entertaining wins against established opposition, resulting in a top five league position and some of the highest attendances in their league, drawing praise from opponents and the BBC.

The excitement was taken to a whole new level with a David and Goliath FA Cup vase draw against Bury FC, which is a well-known historic league team that is rising like a Phoenix following its near extinction after administration problems. The club was taken over by the supporters, retained their famous professional beautiful Gigg Lane stadium, loyal fan base (enabling them to have resources beyond compare) and have risen from Maghull’s current NWC first division to the NWC Premier division where they missed out on promotion in the knockout games last year, whilst this season they have been scoring goals for fun against every team.

Last Saturday (24.8.24), at short notice, I got to the game and found myself with the home fans (!) in one of the two stands that had been opened. Most games at this level have been averaging around 200, whilst Bury regularly have attendances of over 3000. This game attracted 1505 fans, with a constant atmospheric drumbeat and singing throughout the whole game alongside many very passionate fans and countless volunteers. I suspect for most of the Maghull team it may have been the biggest club that they have played against.

Nevertheless, Maghull were undaunted and for the majority of the game most observers would struggle to distinguish which team plays at the higher level. At half-time it was 0-0 and although the final result ended Maghull 1-3 Bury, Maghull were so unlucky with three potential goals hitting the inside of the woodwork, with hearts in mouths from shocked Bury supporters! Hopefully, it was a great experience for everyone in which Maghull were valiant and can hold their heads up proudly for their performance. In addition, Bury seemed like a great little club with the passion and resources to eventually establish themselves rightfully back in the professional league.

Maghull’s Next Entertaining Game:

Maghull’s (now 7^th of 18) next game is at home on Saturday (31.8.24) against Thornton Cleveleys FC (15^th of 18, one place above the relegation zone). Like Maghull, Thornton Cleveleys is new to the first division having won the West Lancashire league Premier division as champions, amassing a whopping 81 points from 32 games and scoring 105 goals!

More Information:

Maghull FC website with great information on fixtures history community news and much more: https://maghullfc.co.uk/

NW Counties Football League Website, providing up-to-date results and much more https://www.nwcfl.com/results.php

Well done to everyone and the best of luck going forward.

Friends of Maghull and District (FOMD)

Together Making Maghull a Better Place to Live