Our Story
More than a football club — a part of Burscough since 1946. From a remarkable treble to Villa Park glory, this is the story of the Linnets.
The Linnets
Burscough FC, as we know it today, was founded in 1946 and began life in the Liverpool County Combination. In just their second season, the club achieved a remarkable treble — winning the Lancashire Junior Cup, George Mahon Cup and Liverpool Challenge Cup. Two years later, they reclaimed the Junior Cup and secured their first County Combination title.
In 1959, the Linnets reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 3–1 to Crewe Alexandra before a crowd of 4,200 at Victoria Park. Another successful period followed in 1966/67 under manager Bobby Langton, with a hat-trick of Junior Cup victories.
The club made three further FA Cup First Round appearances in the late 1970s and early 1980s, facing Blyth Spartans (1977), Sheffield United (1979) and Altrincham (1980).
In 1982, Burscough became founder members of the North West Counties Football League and its first-ever champions. After finishing runners-up in 1998, the Linnets earned promotion to the UniBond League, also winning the Floodlit Trophy and reaching the Liverpool Senior Cup final. The 2000/01 season brought a first-ever Liverpool Senior Cup triumph, and in 2003 the club enjoyed its greatest moment — winning the FA Trophy with a 2–1 victory over Tamworth at Villa Park.
Through The Lens
Our Timeline
Burscough FC is founded and begins life in the Liverpool County Combination.
In only their second season — the Lancashire Junior Cup, George Mahon Cup and Liverpool Challenge Cup.
A first-ever First Round Proper — 3–1 to Crewe Alexandra before 4,200 at Victoria Park.
Founder members of the North West Counties League — and its first-ever champions.
The club's greatest day — a 2–1 win over Tamworth at Villa Park.
Beating League One Gillingham 3–2 at home to reach the Second Round for the first time.
Northern Premier Division and Lancashire Co-Op Trophy — sealed at AFC Telford before nearly 6,000.
A new home opens — Josh Quarless scoring the first goal after just 32 seconds in a 3–1 win.
10 wins from the last 12 to finish 11th — plus the 1946 Lounge, Frank Parr Stand and more.
The Modern Era
More history followed in 2005/06 when Burscough reached the FA Cup Second Round for the first time, beating League One Gillingham 3–2 at home. The 2006/07 Diamond Jubilee season saw the club win both the UniBond Northern Premier Division and the Lancashire Co-Op Trophy, sealing the league title on the final day at AFC Telford in front of nearly 6,000 fans.
The 2019–20 season was cut short by Covid and declared “null and void”, with Burscough sitting 18th at the time. Off the pitch, planning permission for the new Community Ground and FIFA approval for adult football were secured. The following season was also disrupted, with only three league games played.
The 2021/22 season marked the opening of the Community Ground, where Josh Quarless scored the first competitive goal after just 32 seconds in a 3–1 win over Ashton Athletic.
After two difficult seasons, the 2024–25 campaign saw a major turnaround — the team winning 10 of their final 12 games to finish an impressive 11th. Off the pitch, the club has continued to grow with the 1946 Lounge hospitality suite, a 100-seat Frank Parr Stand, a raised wheelchair viewing area and an upgraded Tea Hut.
Burscough FC remains deeply involved in the community — supporting the Veterans Hub and Foodbank, hosting school competitions, and providing facilities for the emergency services and the military.
The junior section now includes over 20 boys' and girls' teams, collecting 26 trophies this season, while the women's team enjoyed a successful first year — earning promotion to the Liverpool Women's & Youth League Division 2 and progressing well in the cups.
