The Highwaymen Official Match Programme of Morpeth Town AFC Season 2015/16 - Issue 5 - Price £1
West Allotment Celtic EBAC Northern League Division One Saturday 12th September 2015 – 3.00pm KO
Welcome to Craik Park
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Programme Contents
Contents 2 26-27 Northern League Standings Chairman’s Message 3 28-29 Vase triumph for Town Player & Staff Sponsors 4-5 30 Managers Message Club History 6-7 31-33 Mid-Week Round-Up Morpeth Town Squad 8-13 34 Newcastle United Women Player Spotlight 14 35 FA Vase Draw Player Poster 15 36 Today’s Opposition View from the Terraces 16-17 37 Opposition Squad Fixtures & Results 18-19 38-39 Opposition History Player Stats 20 40 Upcoming Fixtures Private Bar and Function Room 21 41 Captains Message Social Media & Website 22 42 Photo Gallery Today’s Fixtures 23 43 Club Sponsor Northern League Stats 24-25 44 Squad List
Next Fixture at Craik Park Morpeth Town A.F.C. V Bishop Auckland Wednesday 23rd September – 7.30pm KO League Cup First Round
Message from the Chairman
Well here I am in Rio. Not on holiday I might add, only 3 quick business meetings and then after only arriving on Tuesday morning back to the UK on the 8pm flight to Amsterdam on Thursday night (tonight as I write).
Last night of course we played Bedlington Terriers and as the guys were forwarding me details of the score I decided I couldn't stand it any longer and put the phone off (I must be getting worse in my old age when away when matches are). As it turned out I need not have worried, however, as following a great strike by Sean Taylor in the first half, which in turn had been cancelled out by a Terriers header just before half time, it was left to Ben Sayer, who is having a terrific season to grab the winner with 8 minutes to go.
Apparently despite playing some great football in patches we had not been at our best, never the less, a win is a win which of course takes us back to second place in the table.
Today we meet our old friends from West Allotment who of course are old sparring partners when we were in the Northern Alliance. Those matches were always tight affairs and today will be no exception and with former close colleagues Jon McDonald and Andy Wright in charge I'm sure they will have a few aces up their sleeves in order to try and curb our attacking flair.
We also welcome back some of our old players all of which we are very close to. These lads which include Andrew Keenan, Jak Wells, Mark Grant, Cameron Patrick and Ian Lee are excellent players and we wish them all the very best. They know they are welcome at this club at any time.
Well here's hoping for a superb match.
See you in the bar afterwards
Kenny Beattie.
Player and Staff Sponsors
Available
Available Tom O’Connor
Securetech Trevor Younger Systems Building 07869147592 Contractors
Universal Michelle Anderson Property Health & Wellness Improvements Products
Pending
Available
‘Hewey’
Elpha Lodge Ltd Available & Shambles Bar
Andrew Oliver & Paul Dobie Gareth Taws Decorators
The Anders Family Available
History
Morpeth Town Football Club was Membership of the Northern League established in 1894, and through more followed in 1994/95 and the following than a century of football have year saw the Second Division continued the tradition of carrying Championship being presented to Amber and Black as their team colours. Morpeth. The club finished 6th in the First Division at the first time of asking, The club was formed after an as well as reaching the final of the amalgamation between Morpeth Northumberland Senior Cup. United and Morpeth FC, playing at Stobhill Cricket Field. The club spent half a century in the Northern Football Alliance before In 1954 the club moved to Storey Park, stepping up to the Northern League on and in the 1980's enjoyed a successful their one hundredth anniversary. In time in the Northern Alliance, winning 1998-99 they made it to the final the title and finishing runners-up on qualifying round of the FA Cup, losing two other occasions, as well as lifting 1-0 at home to Nigel Clough's Burton both the Challenge Cup and Benevolent Albion. Bowl in 1986. After sitting comfortably mid-table The club moved to a purpose built between 1996/7 and 1999/2000, stadium in 1994, which coincided with Morpeth narrowly avoided relegation a League and Cup double, and with it, on goal difference in the 2000/01 promotion to the Northern League. season, and finished once again one Craik Park was named after the father spot above the relegation zone in and son W and R Craik who had served 2001/02. The next few years saw as secretary between 1920 and 1985. Morpeth Town move back into the Current President Ken Beattie was the middle of the table before a 6th place man behind the stadium and since finish in 2005/06, Morpeth’s equal top 1992 he has revived the club's fortunes. performance in the Northern League.
In 2006/07 Morpeth won the Gray who moved to the club from Northumberland Senior Cup for the Seaton Delaval and brought a number first time since 1886 (as Morpeth of players. In his first season Morpeth Harriers) with a 3-2 victory over Blyth narrowly missed out on promotion Spartans. back to the top tier finishing fourth and a one point won fourteen consecutive Disaster struck in 2009/10 as Morpeth home games. Town were relegated to the second division and things got even worse a 2012/13 saw the side improve once season later as Morpeth Town finished more, finishing one place higher in bottom of the Northern League’s third position, beating out Jarrow second tier. Roofing on goal difference to earn promotion. The club was in dire straits with President Ken Beattie and Chairman After earning promotion Morpeth Jim Smith trying their best to keep the Town managed to avoid the drop quite club running by bringing the ground up comfortably finishing in 17th place. to Northern League standards whilst During the season they also went on a being forced to ground share with local historic FA Vase run to the Quarter- rivals Bedlington Terriers. The club was Final stage. within weeks of folding at one point. In 2014/15 saw further improvement, The Highwaymen began their revival in with the Highwaymen finishing 8th in 2011/12 under the stewardship of Nick the table and reaching the Northumberland Senior Cup Final.
Honours
League Northern League Division Two Champions: 1995/96 Northern Alliance Champions: 1983/84, 1993/94 Northern Alliance Runners-up: 1937/38, 1965/66, 1973/74, 1981/82, 1984/85
Cup Northern Alliance Challenge Cup Winners: 1938/39, 1985/86, 1993/94 Northern Alliance Challenge Cup Runners-Up: 1936/37, 1962/63, 1973/74, 1985/86 Northumberland Benevolent Bowl Winners: 1978/79, 1985/86 Northumberland Senior Cup Winners: 1886 (shared with Shankhouse), 2006/07 Northumberland Senior Cup Runners-up: 1996/97, 2014/15 Aged Miners Cup Winners: 1935/36, 1936/37, 1937/38, 1987/88
Morpeth Town Squad
Karl Dryden joined the club from local rivals Ashington at the start of the 2014/15 season. An excellent all- round goalkeeper who commands the area well.
Niall Harrison joined the club mid-way through last season having played for Blyth Spartans earlier in the season. Another excellent ‘keeper who can hoof a ball.
David Hiftle has plenty of experience at the Northern League level and has previously captained the Highwaymen. Comfortable playing both in centre defence and at full-back.
Shaun Henderson a long time servant at Morpeth, Shaun is an attacking full back who has previously played for Newcastle United and Ashington.
James Novak signed from Ashington mid-way through last season and shone at left-back for the Highwaymen. Has had previous spells at Bedlington Terriers and Whitley Bay.
Club Captain Christopher Jewels is a tall and powerful centre-half who previously played for Hebburn Town, West Allotment Celtic and Washington.
Michael Hall is a centre-half who can also play in centre midfield. Powerful but also skilful on the ball, he previously played for West Allotment Celtic and Seaton Delaval.
Chris Swailes signs for the club as he heads into his 45-year. His unrivalled experience will be a massive boost for the young squad.
Johnny Wilson is a summer signing who plays down the left. Good going forward as well as in defence, he adds depth and talent to a strong defensive unit. SPONSORED BY: Alnwick Financial Management Ltd
Team Captain Keith Graydon aka Rasher is an experienced midfielder signed mid-season last year from Spennymoor Town. Scored the winner for Spennymoor in the FA Vase Final. Former Sunderland and Gateshead.
Ben Sayer started his career with Newcastle United before he joined Team Northumbria. Ben is a creative central midfielder with a superb range of passing. Former Blyth Spartans and Spennymoor Town player.
Jordan Fry is a midfielder with a great engine, Jordan makes intelligent runs and is a threat in and around the penalty box. Signed from Seaton Delaval Amateurs.
Luke Carr signed toward the end of last season from Durham City. A skilful and pacey central midfielder Luke will look to have a big impact on the 2015/16 season.
Shaun Bell is another hard-working midfielder who will always put a shift in. Pops up with the occasional goal from the centre of the park.
Team Vice Captain Sean Taylor a pacey winger/striker who notched up 23 goals last season. A product of the Sunderland Academy and has had spells at Blackpool and Ashington.
Michael Chilton a fantastic striker for the club who scored 31 goals in the last campaign and is always there or thereabouts at the top of the Northern League goal scoring charts. Ex- Newcastle Benfield and Dunston UTS.
Daniel Taggart is a powerful centre forward who likes to get amongst opposing defences. Will only improve with another season of Northern League football under his belt.
Stephen Forster a flying winger who is equally adept at defending as well as going forward. Ex Carlisle United, Birmingham City, West Allotment Celtic, Hebburn Town & Jarrow Roofing.
Steven Anderson is a very strong young player who has the ability to score great goals. Can play up front or on the flank. Ex-Clubs include Whitley Bay, Walker Central, West Denton, and Newcastle East End.
Lee McAndrew is another signing with a wealth of experience in the Northern League making a 175 appearances for Dunston UTS. Has spent time at Spennymoor Town and West Allotment Celtic.
Jordan Nellis a summer signing from Bedlington Terriers, Jordan is a pacey and powerful forward who can anywhere across the front three.
Jack Betts joined the club this summer, a young striker with lots of power and potential, he will add to the clubs talented strikerforce.
Club Sponsor
Management
Nick Gray took Morpeth to a fourth place finish in his first season at Craik Park after the club narrowly avoided relegation the season before he joined and has led the club to an improved finish every year.
Dave Malone was brought in by Nick at the start of the 2014/15 season and has been a big hit on and off the field.
Steven Anderson Snr is an excellent club man who is more than happy to help in a variety of roles. His influence and enthusiasm in the dressing room is infectious.
Miles Callum is the clubs qualified physio who has previously worked at Seaton Delaval Amateurs
Chris Swailes, as well as playing, joins the club as First Team Coach
Player Spotlight
Sean Taylor
Sean Taylor is a forward who has been at the club for a number of years and is the current vice-captain of the Highwaymen. ‘Tayls’ work-rate, energy, and of course goals have helped the team in Amber & Black improve year on year.
He started his career in the Sunderland youth setup but never broke into the first team. He had a loan spell at Blackpool in the football league before joining the Northern League scene, initially with Ashington.
Once he joined the Highwaymen, he never looked back and notches 20+ goals season to go with his usual countless assists. Off the field he plays a huge role as well, he’s one of the clubs groundsmen.
View from the Terraces
By Media Manager Stuart Dick
Another home win in the bag, albeit a very difficult game against a tough and well organised Bedlington Terriers side.
That man Ben Sayer coming up with the goods again, scoring an 82nd minute winner to maintain our 100% record at home this season. There’s something about mid-week night games that we haven’t quite got to grips with yet, all four this season have been close games.
The good thing is we are winning and there is still so much more to come. It was good to see Chris Jewels, Niall Harrison and Shaun Bell make their first appearances of the season, and of course Jordan Nellis making his first start for the club against his old team.
The depth of the squad Nick Gray and Dave Malone have put together is paying dividends. A good squad is vital if you want to win at this level as players have weddings, christenings, jobs and injuries to deal with, especially mid-week it is difficult to get a full strength side out.
Today we face off against West Allotment Celtic, a team going through a transition period this season. The two games I saw us play against them last season were incredibly tight, both ending 3-2.
The first was a Northumberland Senior Cup game, after taking the lead twice through Michael Chilton in normal tie, Morpeth let a goal advantage slip forcing extra time. The unlikely hero was full-back Paul Buzzeo as Morpeth advanced.
The second game was another 3-2 thriller. Celtic took the lead before two Chilton goals but the Highwaymen ahead. West Allotment equalised before ‘Chilts’ completed his hat-trick to secure three points.
West Allotment are coming into the game on back of a 7-1 defeat at the hands of Guisborough Town and will be looking to bounce back at Craik Park tonight.
I hope you all enjoy the game.
Cheers Stuart Dick
2015/16 Fixtures July 2015 Friday 10th July Dalbeattie Star (A) 7.30pm 4-1 Saturday 11th July Stranraer (A) 2.30pm 3-5 Saturday 18th July Whitley Bay A (A) 3.00pm 3-1 Tuesday 21st July Walker Central (A) 7.30pm 2-0 Friday 24th July West Allotment Celtic (A) 3.00pm 4-1 Wednesday 29th July Jarrow (A) 3.00pm 2-0
August 2015 Saturday 1st August Ryton & Crawcrook Albion (A) 2.30pm 5-1 Saturday 8th August Bishop Auckland (H) 3.00pm 3-0 Tuesday 11th August Washington (A) 7.30pm 2-2 Saturday 15th August Garforth Town (A) 3.00pm 4-1 Wednesday 19th August Durham City (H) 7.30pm 2-1 Saturday 22nd August West Auckland Town (A) 3.00pm 2-0 Wednesday 26th August Newcastle Benfield (A) 7.30pm 2-2 Saturday 29th August Newton Aycliffe (A) 3.00pm 0-2 Monday 31st August Shildon (A) 7.30pm 1-0
September 2015 Saturday 5th September Padiham (H) 3.00pm 4-1 Wed 9th September Bedlington Terriers (H) 7.30pm 2-1 Saturday 12th September West Allotment Celtic (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Tuesday 15th September Whitley Bay (A) 7.30pm ENL D1 Saturday 19th September Ashington (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Wed 23rd September Bishop Auckland (H) 7.30pm League Cup R1 Saturday 26th September North Shields (H) 3.00pm ENL D1
October 2015 Saturday 3rd October Billingham Synthonia (A) 3.00pm FA Vase 2nd QR Tuesday 6th October Consett (A) 7.30pm ENL D1 Saturday 10th October Jarrow Roofing (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Wednesday 14th October Dunston UTS 7.30pm ENL D1 Saturday 17th October Marske United (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 24th October Seaham Red Star (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 31st October Penrith (A) 3.00pm ENL D1
November 2015 Saturday 7th November Newton Aycliffe (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 14th November Norton & Stockton Ancients (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 21st November Sunderland RCA (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 28th November Guisborough Town (A) 3.00pm ENL D1
December 2015 Saturday 5th December Washington (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 12th December Durham City (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 19th December Newcastle Benfield (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 26th December Shildon (H) 3.00pm ENL D1
January 2015 Saturday 2nd January West Allotment Celtic (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 9th January Bishop Auckland (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 16th January West Auckland Town (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 23rd January Dunston UTS (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 30th January Bedlington Terriers (A) 3.00pm ENL D1
February 2015 Saturday 6th February Whitley Bay (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 13th February Ashington (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 20th February North Shields (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 27th February Consett (H) 3.00pm ENL D1
March 2015 Saturday 5th March Jarrow Roofing (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 12th March Marske United (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 19th March Seaham Red Star (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 26th March Penrith (H) 3.00pm ENL D1
April 2015 Saturday 2nd April Newton Aycliffe (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 9th April Norton & Stockton Ancients (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 16th April Sunderland RCA (A) 3.00pm ENL D1 Saturday 23rd April Guisborough Town (H) 3.00pm ENL D1
2015/16 Player Stats
App Goals Assist Yel Red Karl Dryden 9 0 0 0 0 Niall Harrison 1 0 0 0 0 David Hiftle 10 0 0 0 0 Shaun Henderson 7 0 0 0 0 James Novak 9 1 3 0 0 Johnny Wilson 0 0 0 0 0 Christopher Jewels 1 0 0 0 0 Michael Hall 8 0 0 1 0 Keith Graydon 10 2 0 5 0 Ben Sayer 9 4 5 1 0 Jordan Fry 5 2 0 1 0 Luke Carr 9 2 4 0 0 Shaun Bell 1 0 0 0 0 Sean Taylor 10 3 5 2 0 Michael Chilton 10 6 0 0 0 Daniel Taggart 7 2 1 0 0 Stephen Forster 5 0 0 0 1 Stephen Anderson 9 0 3 0 0 Jordan Nellis 6 0 0 1 0 Chris Swailes 5 0 0 0 0 Lee McAndrew 9 0 0 0 0 Jack Betts 0 0 0 0 0
Private Function Room and Bar
Craik Park, the home of Morpeth Town AFC, has a host of facilities that can accommodate all your needs if you are looking to stage an event.
The Craik Park Suite and Private Function Room is available to hire, whether you are celebrating that special birthday, or your club or society wants to host a fundraising event, or even host a meeting we have got you covered.
If you wish to hold an event at Craik Park, contact John Richardson on (07738 447544) to discuss booking options and prices.
Highwaymen TV is the Youtube channel of Morpeth Town A.F.C.
Founded in December 2014, the channel produces highlights of Morpeth Town games and relays footage to Made in Tyne and Wear TV, Northern League Football Premiership Passion and other websites.
You can follow the Morpeth Town on twitter, follow both @MORPETHTOWNFC and @HighwaymenTV for all the latest news.
Don’t forget to stop by our website when it goes live in the next couple of weeks, MorpethTownFC.com is coming soon.
Today’s North East Fixtures (3.00pm Unless Specified) FA Premier League Sunderland (1.30 Sun) Tottenham West Ham United (8.00 Mon) Newcastle United FA Cup First Qualifying Round Replay Ashton United V Guisborough Town Brighouse Town V Newton Aycliffe Consett V Colne Jarrow Roofing V Congleton Town Kendal Town V Dunston UTS Matlock Town V Whitley Bay Washington V Runcorn Linnets Spennymoor Town V Blyth Spartans Darlington 1883 V Hyde United EBAC Northern League Division One Bedlington Terriers V Durham City Marske United V North Shields Morpeth Town V West Allotment Celtic Newcastle Benfield V Bishop Auckland Seaham Red Star V Ashington Shildon V West Auckland Town Sunderland RCA V Penrith EBAC Northern League Division Two Alnwick Town V Birtley Town Billingham Town V Whickham Crook Town V Northallerton Town Darlington RA V Willington Easington Colliery V Hebburn Town Esh Winning V Team Northumbria Heaton Stannington V Billingham Synthonia Ryton & Crawcrook Albion V Chester-Le-Street Town South Shields V Stokesley Thornaby V Brandon United Tow Law Town V Ryhope CW
Northern League Stats (Compiled by Ray Simpson) Northern League Statistics
Highest scorers: Division One 11 Mark Doninger (Shildon). 10 Paul Brayson (Newcastle Benfield), 8 John Campbell (Jarrow Roofing), Martyn Coleman (Penrith). Callum Patton (Durham City), Adam Shanks (Whitley Bay) 7 6 Lewis Teasdale (Jarrow Roofing) 5 Andrew Johnson (Ashington), Dale Pearson (West Allotment),
Division Two 10 Kai Hewitson (Tow Law) 9 Warren Byrne (South Shields), Scott Heslop (Chester-le-Street). 8 Jonathan Wright (Heaton Stannington) 7 Vince Gash (Brandon), 6 Sam Moore (Ryton and Crawcrook), Luke Page (Easington), Conor Winter (Ryhope CW). 5 Colin Anderson (Northallerton), Daniel Hill (Esh Winning), Daniel Maddison (Birtley), Nathan O’Neill (Ryhope CW), Andrew Ramsbottom (Northallerton), Kieran Weekes (Brandon),
Biggest wins: Home: Division One Shildon 8 Norton 0 (12th August) Division Two Birtley 9 Stokesley 0 (26th August), Northallerton 8 Stokesley 2 (15th August) Easington 7 Tow Law 0 (15th August)
Away Division One Bedlington 0 Dunston UTS 8 (8th August), West Auckland 2 Guisborough 7 (11th August) Division Two Birtley 0 Team Northumbria 9 (22nd August)
Clean sheets: Division One 6 Dunston UTS, 5 Shildon 3 Morpeth Newton Aycliffe, 2 Ashington, Consett, Penrith, Whitley Bay 1 Marske United, North Shields, Norton, Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA, Washington, West Allotment, West Auckland,
Division Two 3 Billingham Synthonia, Darlington RA, Team Northumbria, Thornaby, Whickham
2 Billingham Town, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, Easington, Hebburn, Northallerton, Ryton and Crawcrook, South Shields, 1 Alnwick, Crook, Ryhope CW, Tow Law
Failed to score: Division One. 4 Bedlington , Bishop Auckland, 3 Dunston UTS, Norton, West Auckland. 2 Durham City, Newton Aycliffe, Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA, West Allotment, 1 Ashington, Consett, Guisborough, Newcastle Benfield, Shildon, Whitley Bay. Division Two. 3 Alnwick, Birtley, Crook Town, Stokesley. 2 Billingham Synthonia, Chester-le-Street, Darlington RA, Easington, Esh Winning, Hebburn, Ryton and Crawcrook, Team Northumbria, Tow Law, Willington. 1 Billingham Town, Northallerton, Ryhope CW, Thornaby.
League Tables EBAC Northern League Division One
P W D L GD PTS 1st Shildon 8 6 0 2 20 18 2nd Morpeth Town 7 5 2 0 8 17 3rd Washington 6 5 1 0 8 16 4th Guisborough Town 6 5 0 1 13 15 5th Dunston UTS 7 4 2 1 15 14 6th Penrith 8 4 2 2 5 14 7th Marske United 6 4 1 1 10 13 8th North Shields 7 3 2 2 5 11 9th Newton Aycliffe 7 3 2 2 2 11 10th Durham City 8 3 1 4 0 10 11th Ashington 7 2 3 2 2 9 12th Consett 7 2 3 2 1 9 13th Jarrow Roofing 7 2 2 3 0 8 14th Newcastle Benfield 6 2 2 2 0 8 15th Sunderland RCA 8 2 2 4 -7 8 16th Whitley Bay 5 2 1 2 8 7 17th Bishop Auckland 7 2 0 5 -12 6 18th West Allotment Celtic 8 2 0 6 -21 6 19th Seaham Red Star 7 1 2 4 -11 5 20th Norton & Stockton Ancients 8 1 2 5 -14 5 21st Bedlington Terriers 8 1 1 6 -19 4 22nd West Auckland Town 6 0 1 5 -13 1
Form Guide P W D L GD PTS 1st Washington 6 5 1 0 8 16 2nd Guisborough Town 6 5 0 1 13 15 3rd Morpeth Town 6 4 2 0 5 14 4th Marske United 6 4 1 1 10 13 5th Shildon 6 4 0 2 7 12 6th Dunston UTS 6 3 2 1 7 11 7th North Shields 6 3 2 1 6 11 8th Penrith 6 3 1 2 3 10 9th Ashington 6 2 3 1 4 9 10th Newton Aycliffe 6 2 2 2 1 8 11th Newcastle Benfield 6 2 2 2 0 8 12th Sunderland RCA 6 2 2 2 -1 8 13th Whitley Bay 5 2 1 2 8 7 14th Jarrow Roofing RCA 6 2 1 3 0 7 15th Consett 6 1 3 2 -1 6 16th Durham City 6 2 0 4 -3 6 17th Bishop Auckland 6 2 0 4 -9 6 18th West Allotment Celtic 6 2 0 4 -14 6 19th Norton & Stockton Ancients 6 1 1 4 -6 4 20th Seaham Red Star 6 1 1 4 -11 4 21st Bedlington Terriers 6 1 0 5 -11 3 22nd West Auckland Town 6 0 1 5 -13 1
EBAC Northern League Division Two
P W D L GD PTS 1st Darlington RA 9 6 1 2 1 19 2nd Chester-Le-Street 9 5 3 1 11 18 3rd Team Northumbria 8 5 2 1 20 17 4th South Shields 8 5 1 2 10 16 5th Whickham 7 5 1 1 5 16 6th Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 9 4 2 3 8 14 7th Northallerton Town 9 4 2 3 6 14 8th Easington Colliery 8 4 1 3 8 13 9th Brandon United 8 4 1 3 1 13 10th Thornaby 6 3 3 0 4 12 11th Tow Law Town 10 3 3 4 -5 12 12th Hebburn Town 8 3 2 3 5 11 13th Heaton Stannington 7 3 2 2 3 11 14th Ryhope CW 6 3 1 2 1 10 15th Alnwick Town 8 3 1 4 0 10 16th Crook Town 7 3 0 4 2 9 17th Willington 9 2 2 5 -13 8 18th Billingham Synthonia 5 2 1 2 0 7 19th Billingham Town 8 2 1 5 -6 7 20th Birtley Town 8 1 1 6 -10 4 21st Esh Winning 8 1 1 6 -15 4 22nd Stokesley 9 0 0 9 -36 0
Form Guide P W D L GD PTS 1st Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 6 4 2 0 14 14 2nd South Shields 6 4 1 1 10 13 3rd Brandon United 6 4 1 1 5 13 4th Darlington RA 6 4 1 1 4 13 5th Whickham 6 4 1 1 3 13 6th Chester-Le-Street 6 3 3 0 6 12 7th Thornaby 6 3 3 0 4 12 8th Team Northumbria 6 3 2 1 15 11 9th Heaton Stannington 6 3 2 1 4 11 10th Easington Colliery 6 3 1 2 3 10 11th Ryhope CW 6 3 1 2 1 10 12th Tow Law Town 6 2 3 1 4 9 13th Northallerton Town 6 2 2 2 1 8 14th Hebburn Town 6 2 1 3 2 7 15th Billingham Synthonia 5 2 1 2 0 7 16th Alnwick Town 6 2 1 3 -1 7 17th Crook Town 6 2 0 4 1 6 18th Billingham Town 6 1 1 4 -6 4 19th Esh Winning 6 1 1 4 -7 4 20th Birtley Town 6 1 0 5 -9 3 21st Willington 6 0 2 4 -14 2 22nd Stokesley 6 0 0 6 -25 0
Sayer strikes late yet again Morpeth Town 2-1 Bedlington Terriers An 82nd minute Ben Sayer strike condemned a plucky Bedlington Terriers to defeat as the Highwaymen kept their 100% home record in a 2-1 win at Craik Park on Wednesday evening.
Sean Taylor had given Morpeth the lead after just 11 minutes, but the visitors replied five minutes before the interval through Captain Steven Little.
But for the second time in 9 days it was Sayer who stole the headline with a sublime finish to secure another three points for Town.
Morpeth gave a first start of the season to Jordan Nellis against his former club, as well as Chris Jewels and Niall Harrison. It was Nellis who had the first opportunity of the game after intercepting the pass of a Bedlington defender, seeing the ‘keeper off his line he went for the 40 yard chip, but mishit his effort wide.
The Highwaymen then took the lead in the 11th minute after a free-flowing move involving Keith Graydon, Nellis, Sayer, James Novak and Michael Chilton before Luke Carr picked up the ball on the left. He slid the ball between two defenders into the feet of Novak who took a touch before playing in Taylor with the outside of his boot, the forward making no mistake with an excellent finish.
To be fair to the visitors, they came into the game over the next five minutes culminating in an Adam Harvey strike that was well saved by Harrison, the rebound falling to Andy McBride who was closed down well by the Morpeth stopper.
Town continued to squander opportunities, a problem that has haunted the side all season, Luke Carr picked out Nellis on the left hand side, the strike unable to keep his left footed effort down.
The home side were given a scare on 25 minutes. After some patient build up play by the Terriers, John Pendlebury whipped a right wing cross into the penalty area, Liam Hudson at the back post able to square the ball to Harvey, whose goal bound effort was blocked in the six yard box by David Hiftle.
At the other end, a short corner caused the visitors problems, Novak breaking into the penalty area and hitting an effort at the near post, turned behind by Fabian Otte for another corner kick.
Taylor almost netted a carbon copy of his first goal on the half hour mark. Carr picked up the ball 25 yards out after Bedlington lost of possession in their own half. The midfileder slotted the ball
Into the path of Taylor who was once again one on one with Otte, this time the ‘keeper came up trumps.
Otte’s save went as far as Chilton to the right of the penalty area, he pulled the ball back to Carr he shot from 10 yards out, blocked on the line by a desperate Bedlington last ditch dive.
Graydon was next to take aim, the ball falling to him on the edge of the penalty after Sayer dispossessed a Terrier defender, his curled effort going just over the bar. His next effort from a 28 yard free-kick fell narrowly wide.
Bedlington equalised just four minutes before half-time. After Jewels cleared a Terriers corner, Marc Dummett played in Hudson down the left. His floated cross was powered home by Steven Little with a fantastic header.
Morpeth nearly regained the lead direct from the kick-off, a strong Sayer run saw him enter the penalty area from the left wing before trying to beat Otte at his near post, the ball ricocheting off the post and wide.
The opening stages of the second half were extremely cagey, neither side getting on top, Morpeth’s best chances falling to Taylor, whilst Terriers right-back Pendlebury went closest for the away side.
The introduction of Lee McAndrew and Steven Anderson added life to home sides cause, the latter picking up a Novak cross on the edge of the area but failed to hit the target. Novak was in the action again minutes later, his free-kick was only parried by Otte, Bedlington just about clearing their lines.
Michael Chilton though he’d give his side the lead on 78 minutes. McAndrew’s cross from the right reached Anderson at the back post, his effort bounced of the ‘keeper to Chilton 5 yards out, he headed into the ground and the ball bounced over the bar.
Morpeth’s pressure finally told eight minutes from time. Keelan Nellis cleared the ball for the visitors to Novak, who passed to Sayer on the left. The midfielder cut inside, beating three defenders before unleashing a low strike into the bottom left hand corner, an excellent finish from Ben.
The remaining minutes were played out comfortably by the home side, controlling the ball in the corners as the frustrated visitors tried to get hold of the ball.
Three points for the Highwaymen, which sees the side remain undefeated in the league after seven games, an excellent start to the season by Nick Gray’s men.
Managers Message: Nick Gray and Dave Malone
The game on Wednesday night showed there are no easy games in the EBAC Northern League, we knew it was going to be a tough game and it was
We had a lot of attempts on goal, the lads are still gelling together, and once they do we’ll be in good shape.
People need to remember how far we have come in such a short space of time, myself and Dave pick a side each week we think is capable of winning, and picking a side that will benefit us in the long run.
The game today will be just as difficult as the game against Bedlington. We’ll have to make sure we’ve got the right attitude and apply ourselves in the right way.
Davey and I had a lot of good times at West Allotment as players, and for me personally, I’ve had Jon McDonald as an assistant for four great years. I wish him all the best for the season…….after today.
I’m 100% sure West Allotment Celtic have the management team in place to steer them clear of relegation this season.
I hope you all enjoy today’s game. Yours in Sport Nicky Gray
8th/9th September League Round-Up (By Ray Simpson) Tuesday Marske United celebrated the return of manager Carl Jarrett by hammering Seaham Red Star 7-1 in the Ebac Northern League First Division on Tuesday night.
Jarrett resigned last Thursday, but rescinded his resignation on Sunday. Marske took an early lead with a 20-yarder by Craig Gott, but Seaham levelled through Sonny Andrews from the edge of the box.
Marske regained the lead when Danny Brunskill sidefooted home, then Gott made it 3-1 with a 20 yarder. Gott then completed his hat-trick before half-time when he fired into the top corner.
Reece Kelly then set up Glen Butterworth to score the fifth, and then Nathan Mulligan chipped in with the sixth from a Gott assist. Jamie Owens finished off the scoring.
Washington won the top of the table clash against Shildon by 4-2.
Washington took a first minute lead through Mark Davison, but Jonny Davis quickly fired Shildon level. Shildon slowly got on top, but Washington caught them just after half-time with a Michael Coghlan effort. Ross Preston was left unmarked to score from a corner to make it 3-1, but Bobby Moore pulled a goal back. However, poor marking allowed Jonny Butler to head a fourth for Washington.
Bishop Auckland got off to a bad start at Whitley Bay, and lost 7-0, finishing the game with nine men. Adam Shanks put Whitley into the lead from a corner, and then he converted a penalty for the second.
Bishops then had Olly Hotchkiss sent off, before Chris McDonald made it 3-0 with a powerful shot. Shanks completed his hat-trick at the start of the second half, then added his personal fourth. Alex Kempster and an own goal completed Bishops’ misery. Glen Lane was dismissed in the last minute.
Newton Aycliffe drew 0-0 with Consett at Moore Lane, while Dunston UTS won 3-0 at Durham City. Dunston took an early lead through Adam Wilkinson, and went further in front when Mattie Briggs scored from an Alex Francis pass. Liam Thear made it 3-0 with a 25-yard free-kick.
Former Darlington striker Liam Hatch was on target for Sunderland RCA in their 2-2 draw with Ashington. Jack Proctor scored their other goals, while James Harmison and Liam Atkin scored for Ashington.
In the Second Division, Darlington RA striker Harvey Saunders scored a hat-trick for the second successive game in their 4-1 win at Billingham Town.
The RA took an early lead through Saunders, but Billingham levelled through Jack Connor 10 minutes into the second half.
Harvey Saunders restored the RA’s lead midway through the second half, and Jim Wilson made it 3-1. Saunders then completed his hat trick.
Chester-le-Street drew 2-2 with Ryhope CW.
Craig Marron put Chester into the lead direct from a corner, and they went 2-0 up with an effort by Craig Mickle. But Ryhope hit back late on with goals by Richard Hodgson and Connor Winter.
Tow Law Town drew 2-2 with Heaton Stannington. The visitors led through Jonathan Wright, but Lawyers hit back with two goals from Kai Hewitson
Wednesday
West Auckland Town were within touching distance of their first win of the season in the Ebac Northern League First Division at Newcastle Benfield on Wednesday night, but they lost 4-2.
West went behind to a penalty by Paul Brayson, awarded for a foul by Ian Maddison, but West equalised just after the break when Ross Gardner headed in a free-kick from Joe Kendrick.
West then stunned Benfield by taking the lead with a shot from the edge of the box by Nicky Martin, but the home side levelled with another Brayson penalty. Brayson ran through and put Benfield 3-2 up, and he grabbed another in the last minute.
Guisborough Town striker Danny Earl scored five as they hammered West Allotment Celtic 7-1. Allotment took the lead through Sean McRoberts, but Guisborough levelled through Connor Smith on 29 minutes.
Earl put Guisborough into the lead 2 minutes later from a Smith pass, and he grabbed a third on half-time. However, he was denied his hat-trick when his penalty was saved by Allotment keeper Dan Mullen.
Earl then scored two within 3 minutes when he was left unmarked to score, then Allotment had Dan Sayers dismissed for two yellows. Smith scored his second on 77 minutes, then Earl slotted the seventh with 6 minutes left.
Norton & Stockton Ancients lost 5-3 at home to North Shields. Dave Coulson put Shields into the lead after just 2 minutes, with Dan Wilson soon heading a second.
But Thibault Charmey pulled one back from long range, then Matty Pennal equalised.
Shields regained the lead after 65 minutes through Wilson, but Jamie Poole levelled again for Norton from the penalty spot. However, Gary Ormston put Shields back in the lead again with an unmarked header, and James Luccock made sure near the end.
Morpeth Town went second in the table with a 2-1 home win over Bedlington Terriers. Sean Taylor put Morpeth into the lead, but Stephen Little equalised for Bedlington just before half-time. Ben Sayer scored the winner for Morpeth in the second half.
Penrith beat Jarrow Roofing 3-0. David Renyard put Penrith into the lead from a Nathan Waterson pass, then in the second half Waterson blasted the second from 25 yards. Within a minute, Martyn Coleman fired the third. John Campbell scored a consolation from the spot in the last minute.
In the Second Division, Crook Town had a good 5-1 home win over Birtley Town at the Millfield. Recent signing Dean Sinclair put Crook into the lead with a lob, then Sinclair rounded the keeper for the second.
Birtley pulled a goal back through Jak Mitchell, but Lewis Turnbull gave Crook a 3-1 lead soon after half-time. Calum Johnston made it 4-1, and Callum Lough got the fifth, to complete Crook’s best win for some time.
Brandon United beat Stokesley SC 4-1, with Vinny Gash scoring twice, while Esh Winning drew 1-1 with Northallerton Town. The visitors took the lead through Dale Elgie, but Paul Basey levelled for Esh. Willington lost 5-1 at Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, for whom Scott Gunn scored a hat-trick.
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Second Qualifying Round
Billingham Synthonia V Morpeth Town Saturday 3rd October
Easington Colliery V Ashington South Shields V Washington Tow Law Town V Stokesley Chester-Le-Street Town V Heaton Stannington Darlington RA V Hall Road Rangers Sunderland RCA V Bridlington Town Whickham V Garforth Town Bedlington Terriers V Durham City Jarrow Roofing Boldon CA V Seaham Red Star Hebburn Town V Yorkshire Amateur Bishop Auckland V Holker Old Boys Norton & Stockton Ancients V Newcastle Benfield AFC Darwen V West Auckland Town Whitley Bay V West Allotment Celtic Newton Aycliffe V Barnoldswick Town Nelson V Team Northumbria
Today’s Opposition
Honours Northern Amateur League Champions: 1956/57, 1957/58, 1958/59, 1959/60, 1981/82, 1982/83 Northern Alliance Champions: 1986/87, 1990/91, 1997/98, 1999/00, 2001/02, 2003/04 NFA Minor Cup Winners: 1957/58 NFA Amateur Cup Winners: 1956/57, 1974/75 Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Winners: 2012/13
West Allotment Celtic
Squad
Marc Allen Liam Anderson Kyle Dobson Chris Douglas Ian Dunn Joe Elliott Adam Emson Mark Fenwick Glenn Ford Mark Grant Jake Kallis Andrew Keenan Ian Lee Sean McRoberts Matthew Middleton Josh Miller Daniel Mullen Luke Parkinson Cameron Patrick Dale Pearson Ross Phillips Scott Pocklington Daniel Sayer Lee Scott Damien Stevens Dale Walker David Webster Jak Wells Andrew Wright
Opposition History
West Allotment Celtic were formed in onwards. Allotment won the 1928, the culmination of a merger championship for four consecutive between West Allotment Primitive seasons between 1956 and 1960, along Methodists and West Allotment Juniors. with the NFA Amateur Cup in 1957 and the After moving to the newly-created NFA Minor Cup in 1958. Tynemouth & District League in 1935, the club began to grow in stature. The club had The sixties started promisingly enough, as to face Whitley Bay & Monkseaton Allotment looked to build on their previous Reserves in a play-off for the title, but successes. The club finished as runners-up unfortunately, the decider went the way of in the Northern Amateur League in 1960, the seasiders. Remarkably, Allotment also and were consecutive Minor Cup finalists finished in a play-off position in the in 1960 and 1961. However, whilst Celtic following two seasons – and, in both cases, remained loyal to the Northern Amateur had to settle for a runner-up spot. League, the bulk of the team moved on, and Allotment entered a period of decline In 1938, the club joined the Second as a result. The club stagnated badly during Division of the Northern Amateur League. the sixties in an uncompetitive league, and Now playing at the aptly-named Farm closure become a distinctly worrying Ground, fans helped to dismantle a possibility. cowshed in Heaton and move it, piece by piece, to West Allotment, where it was The threat of dissolution was eventually reassembled at the ground. The shed was staved off by the introduction of new not for spectators – it served as the blood into the club towards the end of the players’ changing facilities! The club decade, as Allotment finally began to build earned instant promotion (after a play-off, towards a more positive future on and off such is club tradition), but World War II put the pitch. Celtic also moved to Backworth a stop to any further progress. Welfare in 1968, consigning the ponds and mud of the Farm Ground to memory. The club recommenced operations in 1946/47 and enjoyed an unprecedented A rejuvenated West Allotment won the run of success from the mid-fifties NFA Amateur Cup again in 1975, largely
thanks to the goal scoring exploits of at the club since the fifties. Throughout this Benny Williams, who averaged almost one period, Celtic won seven further Northern goal a game in his 400 appearances for the Alliance titles, never finishing lower than club. Williams was ably supported by a sixth. Terry Mitchell and Brian Latty built talented and hungry squad, and, with upon Ken Scott and Billy Hays’ consecutive strength in depth, Allotment were always Alliance league titles, leading Allotment considered title contenders. However, the into the Northern League. championship remained tantalisingly out of reach until yet another play-off tie in The modern day 1982. Allotment finally won the coveted Having acted as tenants at Hillheads in title, defeating Annitsford Welfare by the Whitley Bay since 1995, the club set out to odd goal in seven. find a new home, and found it in Benton. In 2001, the club moved to Whitley Park, also When Celtic retained the title with relative known as the Blue Flames Sports Ground. ease the following season, the decision The ground is well-known as one of the best was taken to move up a tier for the first kept pitches in the Northern League, and time since 1938. also serves as the headquarters of the Northumberland FA. In 1983, Allotment made its debut in both the Northern Alliance and the FA Vase. The The club earned promotion from Division first honour of the period arrived just one Two as champions, losing just twice season later, as Allotment dispatched throughout the entire 2004/05 season. Ponteland United in the Alliance Challenge After six seasons of holding their own Cup Final. This success was followed up against the Northern League’s top tier, two seasons later by the first of Celtic’s Allotment slipped back down a league. The eight Alliance titles. current crop have gone some way to restoring success at Allotment, winning the In 1987, West Allotment emerged Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup last May, victorious from two nail-biting play-off and will be aiming for those promotion games against Gosforth St. Nicholas, places this season. ushering in a wave of success not enjoyed
Upcoming Fixtures EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Tuesday 15th September
EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Saturday 19th September
League Cup First Round V Wednesday 23rd September
EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Sunday 26th September
Captains Message:
We got a good result on Wednesday night against a Bedlington Terriers side who battled hard to get something from the game.
We did not play too well, there is a lot more to come from us. Bedlington started the game, while we started the games a bit slowly.
As the game went on we got stronger, Sean Taylor netting to give us the lead, pegged back by a Terriers header before half time.
As the second half went on we got more and more frustrated as we couldn’t get the goal. The Milky Bar kid stepped up yet again and we picked up three points. It’s a good sign when we aren’t at our best but still winning games.
Team Captain Keith Graydon
Photo Gallery Morpeth Town 2-1 Bedlington Terriers
Today’s Squads
No. Goal Sub No. Goal Sub
Karl Dryden David Webster Niall Harrison Liam Anderson David Hiftle Kyle Dobson Shaun Henderson Chris Douglas James Novak Ian Dunn Johnny Wilson Marc Allen Chris Jewels Joe Elliott Chris Swailes Adam Emson Michael Hall Mark Fenwick Matthew Grieve Glenn Ford Keith Graydon Mark Grant Ben Sayer Jake Kallis Luke Carr Andrew Keenan Shaun Bell Ian Lee Jordan Fry Sean McRoberts Sean Taylor Matthew Middleton Michael Chilton Josh Miller Daniel Taggart Daniel Mullen Stephen Forster Luke Parkinson Steven Anderson Cameron Patrick Jordan Nellis Dale Pearson Lee McAndrew Ross Phillips Jack Betts Scott Pocklington Daniel Sayer Lee Scott Damien Stevens Dale Walker Jak Wells Andrew Wright