BACK in 1959, 85-year-old Jimmy Duckworth had an ambition – to see Accrington Stanley, the team he had once played for, get into Division Two.

The pensioner was a well-known figure in his home town of Rishton, not least for the 34 goals he had scored for Stanley, as outside left in the 1896 season.

Jimmy joined Stanley, which had been known as the Old Reds in 1896, after being ‘spotted’ while playing for Great Harwood.

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That season he won a runner-up medal for the North East Lancashire Cup.

Despite his age, nearly six decades ago, he could recall all but one of his Accrington teammates during his one season with the club.

Jimmy Hardman and Whittaker were the full backs, with Booth, Steel and Chris Parkinson forming the half back line.

Duerden was right winger, with Wilf Oldham in the centre and Tommy Hodgkinson and Jimmy the goal-scoring, left wing partners.

But, try as he might, he could not remember who was inside right.

He remembered winning a cigar for every goal he scored that season.

On two occasions there was a bumper bundle of four waiting for him when he came off the field.

Jimmy did not stop in football long.

He had a fish and fruit business in Rishton which had to close when he played and that was not good for trade.

However, he later turned out for both Oswaldtwistle and Chorley, before re-signing for Accrington.