2025–26 North West Counties Football League
The 2025–26 North West Counties Football League season is the 44th in the history of the North West Counties Football League, a football competition in England. Teams are divided into three divisions: Premier Division, at Step 5, and Divisions One North and South, at Step 6.
The allocations for Steps 5 and 6 this season were announced by The Football Association on 15 May 2025,[1] and were subject to appeals and FA ratification.
Premier Division
| Season | 2025–26 |
|---|---|
← 2024–25 2026–27 → | |
The Premier Division comprises 24 teams.
The following four clubs left the Premier Division before the season:
- Bury - promoted to the Northern Premier League
- Colne - relegated to Division One North
- Lower Breck - promoted to Northern Premier League
- Squires Gate - relegated to Division One North
The following four clubs joined the Premier Division before the season:
- Atherton Laburnum Rovers - promoted from Division One North
- City of Liverpool - relegated from Northern Premier League
- Euxton Villa - promoted from Division One North
- Wythenshawe - relegated from Northern Premier League
Premier Division table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion, qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Padiham | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | +8 | 12 | Promotion to the Northern Premier League Division One West |
| 2 | Burscough | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 11 | Qualification for the play-offs |
| 3 | Stockport Town | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 10 | |
| 4 | Ramsbottom United | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 10 | |
| 5 | Chadderton | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 5 | +10 | 9 | |
| 6 | Irlam | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 7 | +6 | 9 | |
| 7 | South Liverpool | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 9 | |
| 8 | FC St Helens | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 4 | +5 | 7 | |
| 9 | Cheadle Town | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 6 | +2 | 7 | |
| 10 | Wythenshawe | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 | |
| 11 | Charnock Richard | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 6 | +6 | 6 | |
| 12 | Atherton Laburnum Rovers | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 6 | |
| 13 | Pilkington | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 17 | −7 | 6 | |
| 14 | Barnoldswick Town | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 16 | −10 | 6 | |
| 15 | Glossop North End | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 5 | |
| 16 | Longridge Town | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 4 | |
| 17 | West Didsbury & Chorlton | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 10 | −3 | 4 | |
| 18 | Abbey Hey | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | −3 | 4 | |
| 19 | Litherland REMYCA | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 8 | −4 | 4 | |
| 20 | FC Isle of Man | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 10 | −6 | 4 | |
| 21 | Euxton Villa | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 10 | −3 | 3 | |
| 22 | Prestwich Heys | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 2 | |
| 23 | City of Liverpool | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 12 | −8 | 2 | Relegation to Division One North or Division One South |
| 24 | AFC Liverpool | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 11 | −7 | 1 |
Updated to match(es) played on 16 August 2025. Source: NWCFL Tables Non League Matters
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[2]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[2]
Results table
Stadia and locations
Greater Manchester
Locations of the 2025–26 North West Counties Football League Premier Division teams
Locations of 2025–26 North West Counties Premier Division teams (Greater Manchester)
Locations of 2025–26 North West Counties Premier Division team (Isle of Man)
| Team | Stadium |
|---|---|
| Abbey Hey | The Abbey Stadium, Gorton |
| AFC Liverpool | Rossett Park, Crosby (groundshare with Marine) |
| Atherton Laburnum Rovers | Crilly Park, Atherton |
| Barnoldswick Town | Greenberfield Lane |
| Burscough | Victoria Park |
| Chadderton | MCA Stadium |
| Charnock Richard | Mossie Park |
| Cheadle Town | Park Road Stadium |
| City of Liverpool | DCBL Stadium, Huyton |
| Euxton Villa | Jim Fowler Memorial Ground, Euxton |
| FC Isle of Man | The Bowl, Douglas |
| FC St Helens | Windleshaw Sports |
| Glossop North End | Surrey Street |
| Irlam | Silver Street |
| Litherland REMYCA | Litherland Sports Park |
| Longridge Town | Mike Riding Ground |
| Padiham | Arbories Memorial Sports Ground |
| Pilkington | Ruskin Drive Sportsground |
| Prestwich Heys | Adie Moran Park |
| Ramsbottom United | Harry Williams Riverside Stadium |
| South Liverpool | Jericho Lane |
| Stockport Town | Stockport Sports Village |
| West Didsbury & Chorlton | Brookburn Road, Chorlton |
| Wythenshawe | Hollyhedge Park, Wythenshawe |
Division One North
Division One North comprises 18 teams.
The following four clubs left Division One North before the season:
- Atherton Laburnum Rovers - Promoted to Premier Division
- Euxton Villa - Promoted to Premier Division
- Route One Rovers - Reprieved from relegation, then transferred to the Northern Counties East League
- Skelmersdale United - Relegated to Liverpool County Premier League
The following four clubs joined Division One North before the season:
- Colne - Relegated from Premier Division
- Fulwood Amateurs - promoted from West Lancashire League
- MSB Woolton - promoted from Liverpool County Premier League
- Squires Gate - relegated from Premier Division
Division One North table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion, qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maghull | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 7 | +6 | 10 | Promotion to the Premier Division |
| 2 | Steeton | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 10 | Qualification for the play-offs |
| 3 | Maine Road | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 3 | +9 | 9 | |
| 4 | Fulwood Amateurs | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 7 | +6 | 7 | |
| 5 | Darwen | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 7 | |
| 6 | Thornton Cleveleys | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 7 | |
| 7 | Holker Old Boys | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 5 | +6 | 6 | |
| 8 | Droylsden | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | +2 | 6 | |
| 9 | Ashton Town | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 4 | |
| 10 | Colne | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 8 | −2 | 4 | |
| 11 | Squires Gate | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | −3 | 4 | |
| 12 | Garstang | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 11 | −6 | 4 | |
| 13 | Ashton Athletic | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 | −4 | 3 | |
| 14 | Nelson | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 11 | −8 | 3 | |
| 15 | Daisy Hill | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 2 | |
| 16 | MSB Woolton | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9 | −6 | 1 | Possible relegation to a feeder league |
| 17 | Bacup Borough | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 18 | AFC Blackpool | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 0 |
Updated to match(es) played on 16 August 2025. Source: NWCFL Tables
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[2]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[2]
Results table
Stadia and locations
Greater Manchester
Locations of the 2025–26 North West Counties Football League Division One North teams
Locations of 2025–26 North West Counties Premier Division teams (Greater Manchester)
| Team | Stadium |
|---|---|
| AFC Blackpool | The Mechanics |
| Ashton Athletic | Brockstedes Park |
| Ashton Town | Edge Green Street |
| Bacup Borough | West View |
| Colne | Holt House |
| Daisy Hill | New Sirs, Westhoughton |
| Darwen | The Anchor Ground |
| Droylsden | Butcher's Arms Ground |
| Fulwood Amateurs | Lightfoot Green |
| Garstang | The Riverside |
| Holker Old Boys | Rakesmoor Lane, Barrow-in-Furness |
| Maghull | Old Hall Field |
| Maine Road | Brantingham Road, Chorlton |
| MSB Woolton | Jericho Lane |
| Nelson | Victoria Park |
| Squires Gate | Brian Addison Stadium |
| Steeton | Marley Stadium |
| Thornton Cleveleys | Gamble Road |
Division One South
Division One South comprises 19 teams.
The following two clubs left Division One South before the season:
- Abbey Hulton United - promoted to the Midland League
- Winsford United - promoted to the Midland League
The following three clubs joined Division One South before the season:
- Haughmond - promoted from Shropshire County League
- Telford Town - promoted from West Midlands League
- Wolverhampton Casuals - relegated from the Midland League Premier Division
Division One South table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Promotion, qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Telford Town | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 3 | +10 | 13 | Promotion to the Midland League |
| 2 | Runcorn Town | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 4 | +14 | 12 | Qualification for the play-offs |
| 3 | Stafford Town | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2 | +10 | 12 | |
| 4 | Stockport Georgians | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 9 | +4 | 10 | |
| 5 | New Mills | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 8 | +3 | 10 | |
| 6 | Barnton | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 10 | +1 | 10 | |
| 7 | Eccleshall | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 9 | |
| 8 | Ashville | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 7 | |
| 9 | Cheadle Heath Nomads | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 10 | −1 | 7 | |
| 10 | Sandbach United | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | −2 | 6 | |
| 11 | Shawbury United | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 10 | −4 | 6 | |
| 12 | Allscott Heath | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 8 | −1 | 5 | |
| 13 | Wolverhampton Casuals | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 11 | −1 | 4 | |
| 14 | Foley Meir | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 10 | −3 | 4 | |
| 15 | Alsager Town | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 | −3 | 4 | |
| 16 | Cammell Laird 1907 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | −5 | 4 | |
| 17 | Market Drayton Town | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 13 | −8 | 3 | Possible relegation to a feeder league |
| 18 | Wolverhampton Sporting | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 15 | −11 | 3 | |
| 19 | Haughmond | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 18 | −9 | 0 |
Updated to match(es) played on 16 August 2025. Source: NWCFL Tables
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[2]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[2]
Results table
Stadia and locations
Locations of the 2025–26 North West Counties Football League Division One South teams in the North West
Locations of the 2025–26 North West Counties Football League Division One South teams in the West Midlands
| Team | Stadium |
|---|---|
| Allscott Heath | Allscott Sports & Social Club |
| Alsager Town | Wood Park Stadium |
| Ashville | Villa Park, Wallasey |
| Barnton | Townfield |
| Cammell Laird 1907 | Kirklands, Birkenhead |
| Cheadle Heath Nomads | The Heath |
| Eccleshall | Pershall Park |
| Foley Meir | Whitcombe Road |
| Haughmond | Shrewsbury Sports Village |
| Market Drayton Town | Greenfields Sports Ground |
| New Mills | Church Lane |
| Runcorn Town | Pavilions Sports Complex |
| Sandbach United | Sandbach Community Football Centre |
| Shawbury United | New Meadow Community 3G |
| Stafford Town | Evans Park |
| Stockport Georgians | Cromley Road |
| Telford Town | DRM Aggregates Arena |
| Wolverhampton Casuals | Brinsford Lane |
| Wolverhampton Sporting | Pride Park |