The Highwaymen Official Match Programme of Morpeth Town AFC Season 2015/16 - Issue 7 - Price £1

North Shields FC EBAC Northern League Division One Saturday 26th September 2015 – 3.00pm

Welcome to Craik Park

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Programme Contents

Contents 2 30 Programme Sponsor Chairman’s Message 3 31 The Highwaymen Online Player & Staff Sponsors 4-5 32 Managers Message League Cup Report 6-7 33 League Sponsor Club History 8-9 34-35 Mid-Week Round-Up Morpeth Town Squad 10-15 36 Newcastle United Women Player Spotlight 16 37 FA Vase Draw Player Poster 17 38 Today’s Opposition View from the Terraces 18-19 39-41 Opposition Squad Fixtures & Results 20-21 42-43 Opposition History Player Stats 22 44 Upcoming Fixtures Private Bar and Function Room 23 45 Captains Message Social Media & Website 24 46 Photo Gallery Today’s Fixtures 25 47 Club Sponsor Northern League Stats 26-27 48 Squad List Northern League Standings 28-29

Next Fixture at Craik Park Morpeth Town A.F.C. V Jarrow Roofing B.C.A. Saturday 26th September 2015 – 3pm KO EBAC Northern League Division One

Message from the Chairman

First of all I would like to offer a warm welcome to our friends from. North Shields. Following the heroics of last season it has been a slow start so far.

I know, however, like ourselves, they have had their issues with injuries and some bad luck has contributed to their slow start. They will of course come strong again as Graham Fenton will accept nothing less. Today will be a very hard game for us and we will need to be at our best to get the points.

Looking back in time as a young lad I have so many happy memories of watching and playing against North Shields at Appelby Park. I can even remember scoring an equalising goal there too. Make it 1-1 in the Northumberland Senior Cup and losing in the replay to a Mick Dagless 20 yard sceamer.

Looking back to our match on Wednesday in the league cup against Bishop Auckland I was pleased with our performance and I was particularly impressed with the way our younger players did with Jordan Nellis and Dan Taggart both grabbing a goal. As did Stephen Anderson who is also looking sharp.

So here's to another 'flowing football display '.

See you in the bar afterwards. Ken Beattie

Player and Staff Sponsors

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Securetech Trevor Younger Systems Building 07869147592 Contractors

Universal Michelle Anderson Property Health & Wellness Improvements Products

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Elpha Lodge Ltd & Shambles Bar

Andrew Oliver & Paul Dobie Gareth Taws Decorators

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Strikers on target in League Cup Morpeth Town 3-1 Bishop Auckland Morpeth Town extended their winning streak to six games after beating Bishop Auckland in the Northern League Cup with the familiar scoreline of 3-1. It’s the third game in a row with that scoreline, Town’s attacking trio of Daniel Taggart, Jordan Nellis and Steven Anderson all on target for the Highwaymen as they advance to the second round where they will face Consett at home. The only blemish on the day was an own goal from left-back James Novak, but all in all Nick Gray will be content with the display produced by his side who made four changes from the derby victory over Ashington on Saturday. Luke Carr came in for the suspended Keith Graydon, while Nellis, Anderson and Taggart replaced Michael Chilton, Lee McAndrew and Jordan Fry to lead the line. In a cagey opening to the game chances were few and far between for both sides. The best of the early action saw Nellis break down the right wing before finding Ben Sayer at the edge of the area, his first time effort always curling wide of Mark Bell’s goal. It was hard going for the home side with the determined visitors pressing high and giving Town’s midfield little time on the ball and making it hard to break Bishops down. The best effort the Highwaymen could muster were from long range, Sean Taylor next to trouble the ‘keeper with a tame strike straight at Bell. As the half wore on Morpeth began to play some of the free-flowing football the fans have been accustomed to this season. Town opened up the visitors with a fine move, Anderson pacing down the left wing, crossing to Taggart via a Nellis dummy, who laid the ball off to Taylor who shaped a first time effort just wide of the left hand upright. Anderson was causing the visitors a handful down the left wing and created another opportunity in the 29th minute. The forward laid the ball into Nellis on the edge of the area, who turned his defender with ease before hitting a left footed effort just over bar from the angle. Despite Morpeth beginning to get on top of their opponents, Bishop Auckland did create the best chance in the opening 35 minutes. A mishit clearance was picked up by Ian Ward in the penalty area, he relayed the ball to John Jury who cross to the penalty spot where Kyle Davis he looped an effort over the bar. The opening goal came on 37 minutes, and much like the game is was extremely scrappy. A low Sayer corner pinballed through the penalty area, eventually falling at the feet of Taggart who turned on the spot before rolling the ball past the despairing dive of Bell into the bottom left hand corner.

Three minutes later the lead was almost doubled, Novak and Nellis combining down the left hand side of midfielder before passing to Taylor, he challenged his way past a defender before finding Nellis in the penalty area who whipped an effort across the six-yard box, agonizingly wide of the right upright. The final attempt on goal of the half came from an unlikely source. After another Sayer set-piece, the ball was half cleared by the Bishop Auckland backline to Anderson on the right. He picked out Chris Swailes on the edge of the area, his powerful effort stung the palms of Bell as he tipped the ball over. Much like the first period, the second half started slowly with both sides struggling to mount any pressure on the opposing goalmouth, it took ten minutes for the first half-chance to be created, Taylor winning the ball high up the pitch, crossing from the right, Nellis only able to scoop the ball over under a defenders challenge. Morpeth’s second was one of the real moves of quality during the entire match. Luke Carr spotted Shaun Henderson breaking down the right and found him in stride, the right-back taking a touch before crossing into the danger area where Nellis was on hand to backheel home, his first goal for the club. A couple of minutes later, the Two Blues had halved the deficit with an excellent move. After Adam Nicholls had his effort blocked by Henderson, he preserved down the left wing before crossing into the box, a sliding Novak diverting the ball into his own net to give the visitors hope. Rather than invite pressure, Morpeth went on the offensive to try and put the game beyond doubt, Sayer with a corner to the back post found Swailes who headed wide. A Bishop Auckland throw-in on 72 minutes led to Town’s third as Taggart robbed a defender of possession. He slid the ball into the path of Taylor who fizzed a right wing cross into the stride of Anderson who tapped home for his first goal of the season. The remaining 18 minutes provided little joy for the visitors as they pushed to get back in the game, a low Ward effort saved at the second attempt by Morpeth stopper Niall Harrison the only threat to his goal.

History

Morpeth Town Football Club was established in 1894, and through more Membership of the Northern League than a century of football have followed in 1994/95 and the following continued the tradition of carrying year saw the Second Division Amber and Black as their team colours. Championship being presented to Morpeth. The club finished 6th in the The club was formed after an First Division at the first time of asking, amalgamation between Morpeth as well as reaching the final of the United and Morpeth FC, playing at Northumberland Senior Cup. Stobhill Cricket Field. The club spent half a century in the In 1954 the club moved to Storey Park, Northern Football Alliance before and in the 1980's enjoyed a successful stepping up to the Northern League on time in the Northern Alliance, winning their one hundredth anniversary. In the title and finishing runners-up on 1998-99 they made it to the final two other occasions, as well as lifting qualifying round of the FA Cup, losing both the Challenge Cup and Benevolent 1-0 at home to Nigel Clough's Burton Bowl in 1986. Albion.

The club moved to a purpose built After sitting comfortably mid-table stadium in 1994, which coincided with between 1996/7 and 1999/2000, a League and Cup double, and with it, Morpeth narrowly avoided relegation promotion to the Northern League. on goal difference in the 2000/01 Craik Park was named after the father season, and finished once again one and son W and R Craik who had served spot above the relegation zone in as secretary between 1920 and 1985. 2001/02. The next few years saw Current President Ken Beattie was the Morpeth Town move back into the man behind the stadium and since middle of the table before a 6th place 1992 he has revived the club's fortunes. finish in 2005/06, Morpeth’s equal top 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

David Hiftle

‘Dicky’ as he his affectionally known has been an intergral part of Morpeth Town’s climb up the Northern League standings over the last few years, and is well respected at by everyone at the club.

A no nonsense defender who is equally adept at right-back, left-back and his favoured centre-half position, Hiftle has yet to miss a game this season, just one of two ever presents in 2015/16.

Dicky has plenty of Northern League experience, and faces one of his former clubs today in North Shields, he’ll be looking for a clean sheet as well as three points.

View from the Terraces

By Media Manager Stuart Dick

This afternoon we welcome the excellent North Shields to Craik Park for our Northern League excounter, and I, for one, am really excited about today’s game.

The excellent work the volunteers do behind the scenes at Shields is incredible, the club as a whole is one of the reasons over the past year that people have become interested in non league football again.

That, and the demise of the game at the top level in the North East, but huge credit must go to Russell Wynn, Mark Scott, Sam Cave and co who put in the hours off the field to add the clubs success. They were one of the first teams in the league to produce video highlights of their games, and the Supporters Club at Shields is mammoth, something we’d definitely like to replicate here.

It is also important to point out that highights of the Northumberland Senior Cup final would not have been possible without the help of Russ and his team

As unfortunately I was pre-occupied (providing the lovely folk of Northumberland radio commentary of the game.)

I was due to return the favour and help with their coverage of the FA Vase final, I had my bus ticket and everything, but what did I do the Friday before the game, I broke my thumb, so no Wembley trip for me.

There has been talk of us doing the game from multiple cameras today, and covering more angles to give both teams youtube channel viewers a different experience, so hopefully that will come off.

Don’t forget there will be a game at Craik Park tomorrow afternoon as well, Newcastle United Women’s Reserve side take on Blackburn Rovers in the league cup.

If you like goals, in two games so far at Morpeth they have netted 17, conceding none, so you’ll be in for a treat.

Enjoy today’s game, and come say hello if you’re near by, any feedback on the programme, website or video highlights is much appreciated.

Tune in on Friday’s 6-8pm for Koast Sport With Stuart Dick, Ian Skinner and Guests on Koast Radio.

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 3-1 Saturday 19th September Ashington (A) 3.00pm 3-1 Wed 23rd September Bishop Auckland (H) 7.30pm 3-1 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 Tuesday 27th October Whitley Bay (A) 7.30pm ENL D1 Saturday 31st October Penrith (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

November 2015 Saturday 7th November Newton Aycliffe (H) 3.00pm ENL D1 Wed 11th November Consett (H) 7.30pm League Cup R2 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 10 0 0 0 0 Niall Harrison 3 0 0 0 0 David Hiftle 13 0 1 0 0 Shaun Henderson 10 0 0 0 0 James Novak 12 2 4 0 0 Johnny Wilson 0 0 0 0 0 Christopher Jewels 1 0 0 0 0 Michael Hall 9 0 0 1 0 Keith Graydon 12 3 1 5 0 Ben Sayer 12 4 6 1 0 Jordan Fry 7 2 0 2 0 Luke Carr 11 2 4 0 0 Shaun Bell 1 0 0 0 0 Sean Taylor 13 7 6 2 0 Michael Chilton 12 6 1 0 0 Daniel Taggart 9 3 1 0 0 Stephen Forster 6 0 0 0 1 Stephen Anderson 12 1 3 0 0 Jordan Nellis 8 1 0 1 0 Chris Swailes 8 0 0 0 0 Lee McAndrew 12 0 1 0 0 Jack Betts 0 0 0 0 0 Brandon Williams 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.

Join our facebook page: Morpeth Town AFC Football News and Events on at Craik Park

Today’s North East Fixtures (3.00pm Unless Specified)

Premier League Newcastle United 5.30pm Chelsea Manchester United V Sunderland Vanarama National League Forest Green Rovers V Gateshead Evo-Stik Premier Division Blyth Spartans V Mickleover Sports Ramsbottom United V Darlington 1883 FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Spennymoor Town V Burscough Consett V Bradford Park Avenue Marine V Washington Newton Aycliffe V North Ferriby United Whitley Bay V Congleton Town EBAC Northern League Division One Tuesday Ashington V West Auckland Town Bedlington Terriers V Jarrow Roofing BCA Durham City V Seaham Red Star Guisborough Town V Penrith Morpeth Town V North Shields Newcastle Benfield V Marske United Shildon V Bishop Auckland Sunderland RCA V Norton & Stockton Ancients West Allotment Celtic V Dunston UTS EBAC Northern Legaue Division Two

Billingham Town V Willington Birtley Town V Billingham Synthonia Crook Town V Ryhope CW Darlington RA V Hebburn Town Easington Colliery V Brandon United Esh Winning V Ryton & Crawcrook Albion Northallerton Town V Heaton Stannington South Shields V Team Northumbria Thornaby V Chester-Le-Street Tow Law Town V Stokesley Whickham V Alnwick Town

Northern League Stats (Compiled by Ray Simpson) Northern League Statistics

Highest scorers: Division One 13 Paul Brayson (Newcastle Benfield), 11 Mark Doninger (Shildon), Callum Patton (Durham City), 10 Danny Earl (Guisborough), 8 John Campbell (Jarrow Roofing), Martyn Coleman (Penrith) 6 Mark Davison (Washington), Michael Mackay (Consett), Dale Pearson (West Allotment), Michael Sweet (Billingham Synthonia), Lewis Teasdale (Jarrow Roofing) 5 Craig Gott (Marske), Andrew Johnson (Ashington),

Division Two 13 Scott Heslop (Chester-le-Street). 10 Kai Hewitson (Tow Law), Harvey Saunders (Darlington RA), 9 Warren Byrne (South Shields), Jonathan Wright (Heaton Stannington) 8 Vince Gash (Brandon), Nathan O’Neill (Ryhope CW), 7 Scott Gunn (Ryton and Crawcrook), Andrew Ramsbottom (Northallerton), Conor Winter (Ryhope CW). 6 Adam Burnicle (Willington), Sam Moore (Ryton and Crawcrook), Luke Page (Easington),

Biggest wins: Home: Division One Shildon 8 Norton 0 (12th August) Division Two Birtley 9 Stokesley 0 (26th August)

Away Division One Bedlington 0 Dunston UTS 8 (8th August) Division Two Birtley 0 Team Northumbria 9 (22nd August)

Clean sheets: Division One 7 Shildon 6 Dunston UTS 3 Consett, Morpeth Newton Aycliffe, 2 Ashington, Penrith, Washington, Whitley Bay 1 Durham City, Marske United, North Shields, Norton, Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA, West Allotment, West Auckland

Division Two 6 Billingham Synthonia, 5 Team Northumbria 4 Chester-le-Street 3 Billingham Town, Darlington RA, Northallerton, , Thornaby, Whickham 2 Birtley, Easington, Hebburn, Ryton and Crawcrook, South Shields, 1 Alnwick, Crook, Ryhope CW, Tow Law

Failed to score: Division One. 5 Bedlington , 4 Bishop Auckland, West Auckland. 3 Dunston UTS, Durham City, Norton, West Allotment 2 Newton Aycliffe, Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA 1 Ashington, Consett, Guisborough, Marske United, Newcastle Benfield, Shildon, Whitley Bay.

Division Two. 4 Alnwick, Crook Town, Esh Winning, Stokesley. 3 Birtley, Easington, Ryton and Crawcrook, 2 Billingham Synthonia, Chester-le-Street, Darlington RA, Hebburn, Team Northumbria, Tow Law, Willington. 1 Billingham Town, Brandon, Heaton Stannington, Northallerton, Ryhope CW, Thornaby, Whickham.

League Tables EBAC Northern League Division One

P W D L GD PTS 1st Shildon 11 9 0 2 28 27 2nd Morpeth Town 9 7 2 0 12 23 3rd Washington 8 6 2 0 10 20 4th Guisborough Town 7 6 0 1 15 18 5th Dunston UTS 9 5 2 2 16 17 6th Marske United 8 5 1 2 8 16 7th Consett 9 4 3 2 6 15 8th Sunderland RCA 11 4 3 4 -5 15 9th Penrith 10 4 2 4 2 14 10th Durham City 11 4 1 6 -1 13 11th Newton Aycliffe 8 3 3 2 2 12 12th North Shields 10 3 2 5 2 11 13th Newcastle Benfield 9 3 2 4 -2 11 14th Whitley Bay 6 3 1 2 9 10 15th Ashington 9 2 4 3 0 10 16th Bishop Auckland 9 3 0 6 -14 9 17th Jarrow Roofing 8 2 2 4 -2 8 18th Norton & Stockton Ancients 10 2 2 6 -13 8 19th Seaham Red Star 9 1 4 4 -11 7 20th Bedlington Terriers 11 2 1 8 -22 7 21st West Allotment Celtic 11 2 1 8 -25 7 22nd West Auckland Town 9 1 2 6 -15 5

Form Guide P W D L GD PTS 1st Washington 6 5 1 0 8 16 2nd Morpeth Town 6 5 1 0 8 16 3rd Guisborough Town 6 5 0 1 14 15 4th Marske United 6 5 0 1 9 15 5th Shildon 6 4 0 2 10 12 6th Consett 6 3 2 1 5 11 7th Sunderland RCA 6 3 2 1 1 11 8th Whitley Bay 6 3 1 2 9 10 9th Dunston UTS 6 2 2 2 3 10 10th North Shields 6 2 1 3 2 7 11th Ashington 6 1 4 1 2 7 12th Jarrow Roofing RCA 6 2 1 3 0 7 13th Newcastle Benfield 6 2 1 3 -1 7 14th Penrith 6 2 1 3 -1 7 15th Norton & Stockton Ancients 6 2 1 3 -2 7 16th Durham City 6 2 0 4 -2 6 17th Newton Aycliffe 6 1 3 2 -3 6 18th Bishop Auckland 6 2 0 4 -10 6 19th West Auckland Town 6 1 2 3 -5 5 20th West Allotment Celtic 6 1 1 4 -13 4 21st Bedlington Terriers 6 1 0 5 -11 3 22nd Seaham Red Star 6 0 2 4 -12 2

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

The Highwaymen is availble on our website as a digital copy after every game, available on the new Morpeth Town website at MorpethTownFC.com

Managers Message: Nick Gray and Dave Malone

We knew it was going to be a tough game against Ashington, they came out of the traps early and we didn’t get going in the first 45 minutes. I was pleased to get in at half-time 1-0 down.

We told the lads at the break to raise the energy levels and get back to what we’ve been doing all season, and they did exactly that. Once we got the eauliser there was only one team going to go on and win, we were fitter, stronger in the second period to pick up the three points.

So things are going alright in the league, not getting carried away, but we are picking up points which is the main thing. I hope the fan are enjoying the football we are paying at the moment.

In the Cup we played Bishop Auckland on Wednesday, and it gave us a chance to look at some of the players who perhaps haven’t had as much game time as we would like. A 3-1 win and a home tie in the next round.

Today we face North Shields, it will be a big test for us at home against the FA Vase holders and a challenge I’m thoroughly looking forward to.

Yours in Sport Nicky Gray

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22nd/23rd September League Round-Up (By Ray Simpson) Tuesday Leaders Shildon beat Dunston UTS with a late penalty to go four points clear at the top of the Ebac Northern League First Division table.

Dunston’s Mattie Briggs had an early header cleared off the line then Steve Richardson and Alex Francis both went close as Dunston started the game on top. Shildon keeper Lewis Graham also pulled off a good save from Briggs.

Shildon got on top in the second half, and Dunston keeper Liam Connell pulled off good saves from Billy Greulich-Smith and Ben Wood.

However, the Railwaymen were reduced to ten-men when Wood was dismissed for swearing after a penalty appeal was turned down.

The disadvantage didn’t stop them scoring the winner 5 minutes from the end, when Mark Hudson beat Connell from the penalty spot, after Connell had reacted angrily to a challenge on him in the area.

In the newly-sponsored Cameron’s Brewery Brooks Mileson Northern League Cup, West Auckland Town beat Hebburn Town 2-1, all the goals coming in the first 20 minutes.

West took the lead early on through Dan Jones, but Hebburn equalised with an effort by Glen Hargrave. Chris Dickinson restored West’s lead on 20 minutes, and they held on to it until the end.

Darlington RA lost 2-1 at home to Jarrow Roofing. Adam Rundle gave Roofing the lead when he beat two men and fired home from 20 yards, then John Campbell burst clear from the halfway line and scored the second. Jordan Hanratty pulled a goal back for the RA in the second half

Chester-le-Street beat Northallerton Town 2-0. Chester took the lead through a Craig Marron penalty on 59 minutes, and ten minutes from time Scott Heslop made it 2-0.

In the all-Second Division tie, South Shields beat Team Northumbria thanks to a header by Lee Scroggins from a free-kick.

Washington lost for the first time this season when they were beaten 2- 0 at home by Penrith, Martyn Coleman scoring both goals.

Wednesday Bishop Auckland were beaten 3-1 at Morpeth in the Cameron’s Northern League Cup tonight. Bishops trailed to an effort by Dan Taggert at half time, and they went 2-0 down early in the second half when Jordan Nellis backheeled into the net.

Bishops were let back into the game when Morpeth defender James Novak put an Adam Nicholls cross into his own goal, but those hopes didn’t last long as Steven Anderson scored from a Sean Taylor cross.

Easington pulled off the shock of the night, the Second Division side winning 2-1 at first division Newcastle Benfield. David Paul scored for Easington after 33 and 42 minutes, with Tony Lancaster pulling a goal back late in the game.

Billingham Synthonia also caused a surprise, winning 3-1 at West Allotment. Synners took the lead with a 25 yard Mattie Osmond effort from a Joe Taylor assist, then Jamie Clarke scored from the penalty spot after Reece Kenney was fouled.

Ian Lee pulled a goal back for Allotment, but Synners made it 3-1 when Jamie Barton finished off a good move with a shot into the top corner. Kenney missed a penalty for Synners,

Bedlington easily beat Alnwick 6-0. Bedlington took a two goal half time lead through Keelan Nellis and Adam Harvey, then Nellis scored the third just after half time. Marc Walton then a second half hat trick to make it 6-0.

Seaham Red Star won 2-1 at Ryton, with goals by Lee Kerr and Daryll Donnelly, with Scott Gunn replying.

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

Current League Position – 12th Position Current Form – DLLLWW Last Meeting – North Shields 4-2 Morpeth Ton Last Meeting at Craik Park – Morpeth Town 1-1 North Shields

North Shields Squad

MANAGEMENT Graham Fenton (Manager): Ex-pro with Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa. Became manager in 2012 after initially joining the club 18 months earlier as assistant manager player. Bags of experience and a popular manager. Been there and done it, guided the club to its first trophy in 10 years.

Andrew Bowman (Asst. Manager): A prolific goal scorer Andy is concentrating on coaching these days. North Shields through-and-through he's been a loyal servent to the club for many years. Formally with Whitley Bay, Newcastle Benfield, West Allotment Celtic and Morpeth.

Brian Smith (Coach): Experienced central defender signed from Whitley Bay having played throughout North Tyneside. A rock at the back. Also played for Ashington & Blyth Spartans.

PLAYERS Gareth Bainbridge (Forward): Not just a great goalscorer, but a scorer of great goals. All round game is top class with an attitude and fitness levels to match. Ashington was his former club.

Chris Bannon (Goalkeeper): Experienced keeper signed from Ashington playing 4 times for them this season. Formally of West Allotment and Hebburn Town.

Ryan Carr (Forward): Nippy attacker who progressed through the ranks at AFC Farsley. Now playing in his native North East he's an excellent acquisition.

Curtis Coppen (Midfield): Highly rated strapping 6ft+ utility player and fans favorite. Formally on the books of Gateshead FC he was unlucky not to be taken on full time by the conference club.

David Coulson (Defender): Comes with a wealth of experience and lifting the Vase with Whitley Bay is amongst that. A solid defender who is a threat in both boxes.

Gary Day (Forward): Big centre-forward signed from Benfield hoping to have a free-scoring and injury free career with The Robins. Big prospect.

Jack Donnison (Defender): A young solid full back whose energy and love of a tackle has made him a favorite at Shields. Has become a consistent performer in defence but also moving forward.

Jake Fenton (Midfield): A tidy midfielder who looks after the ball well and has a good range of passing. Has previously played for the Rotherham United academy.

Adam Forster (Midfield): An awesome young talent. Played for Blyth Spartans in 2011/12. Great on the ball, without the ball and getting the ball back.

John Grey (Defender): In his second spell at the club having been at Benfield for a while. Pacey attacking left back who loves to get forward. Likes to stand out from the crowd with his fashion "tastes".

Dean Holmes (Forward): Top scorer in Northern Alliance in season 2010-11. Signed from Heaton Stannington, scored on his Shields debut. Signed for Blyth Spartans briefly but back to play for the Robins.

Kevin Hughes (Defender): Superb re-signing for the club, signed from West Allotment. No nonsense defender who steadies the ship.

Marc Lancaster (Defender): Ex-Morpeth left back added to strengthen the squad but now claiming the spot for himself.

James Luccock (Forward): Can play on either wing or at wing back. A real asset to our squad who made over 100 appearances before headig to Hebburn then Benfield. Back where he belongs now.

Denver Morris (Midfield): Signed from Newton Aycliffe, quick attacking midfielder with an eye for a good pass. Scorer of some cracking goals and a big favorite.

Gary Ormston (Midfield): A goalscoring midfielder who is comfortable across the centre of the park. His experience will bring on the younger players and his 100% attitude will be a huge plus this season.

John Parker (Defender): Solid defender who's played for West Auckland in big games. He's organised and his leadership will be key in the success of Shields this season.

Ben Richardson (Midfield): Attacking midfield competitor, a fans favourite with his ability to win the ball and move play forward. Signed from Washington.

David Pounder (Forward): Well known Northern League talent, he's plied his trade with many top goals and has always been consistent. An instant hit with his fans with 2 goals on his debut and his hard working displays.

Jordan Summerley (Defender): Man of the match on his debut and scored a great goal. Came through Monkseaton Academy, a real gem of an attacking defender.

Jack Walker (Defender): A young player who's already played at a good level of non league football. He can fill in right across the back and will play a huge part in how successful the team is this season.

Daniel Wilson (Forward): A forward who's equally as comfortable with his back to goal or at goal. A great lad who will score goals. Signed from Dunston UTS.

North Shields History

North Shields Athletic was originally formed in 1896, and played initially in the South Shields & District league. They progressed through the Northern Combination, Northern Alliance and North Eastern League and became a major force in North East Football, outside the Football League, moving to play at Hawkeys Lane around 1900.

At least two players, Alan Grenyer and Harry Chambers went on to play for the full England team after starting their careers with North Shields Athletic.

Preston Colliery F.C. emerged after the Great War becoming North Shields A.F.C. in 1928, and the club won many honours over the years. They enjoyed tremendous local support with a record 12,800 watching the local derby with South Shields in 1936. Shields won the North Eastern League title and numerous cups but their moment of crowning glory came in 1969.

After joining the Northern league they won the F.A. Amateur cup by beating Sutton United in front of 47,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium.

Shields were a goal down after only four minutes but won with second half strikes from Richie Hall and Brian Joicey both laid on by Orrick, a shipyard worker from Byker.

The Club, which also won the Northern League Championship and Challenge Cup that same year, were declared joint holders of the European Amateur Cup the following season when the two teams against Italian side Almas resulted in a level aggregate score.

In 1982 "The Robins" won 1-0 at Halifax Town in the F.A. Cup 1st Round, Bede McCaffrey scoring the all important goal that year. Walsall were the visitors to Appleby Park in the next round and left with a 3-0 victory.

Having moved into the national pyramid by joining the Northern Counties East League, North Shields earned promotion to the Nothern Premier League by winning the title, but financial problems resulted in the club losing the Appleby Park Ground and then reforming to play in the VAUX Wearside League.

Since then "The Robins" have enjoyed considerable success, winning the treble of League, Shipowners Cup and Northumberland Senior Bowl in 1998/99.

In 2000/01 they finished runners-up to Nissan but won the Monkwearmouth Cup and the Senior Bowl for the second time.

They won the Wearside league by eight points in 2002 and the Monkwearmouth Cup again in 2003.

"The Robins" finally gained promotion back into the Northern League in 2004 and were promoted to Division 1 in 2014 under the guidance of Graham Fenton. The club won the FA Vase Final in 2015 as the attacking and never-say-die team assembled beat Glossop North End at Wembley 2-1 after extra time after falling behind early in the second half.

Bainbridge's header evened things up and Adam Forster wrote himself into the clubs history with the winner. The team was once more the pride of the town and didn't the supporters love it.

Honours International European Amateur Cup (Joint Winners): 1968/69 National FA Amateur Cup (Winners): 1968/69; FA Vase (Winners): 2014/15 Northern League Division One (Winners): 1968/69; Northern League Division Two (Winners): 2013/14; Northern League Cup: 1968/69, 1971/72 Wearside League Division One (Winners): 1998/99, 2001/02, 2003/04; Monkwearmouth Charity Cup: 2001/02, 2003/04; Sunderland Shipowners Cup: 1998/99, 2003/04 Northern Counties East (Winners): 1991/92; Northern Counties East League Cup (Winners): 1991/92; Northern Counties East President's Cup (Winners): 1991/92 Northern Counties (Winner): 1960/61; Northern Counties League Cup (Winner): 1960/61 North Eastern (Winners): 1949/50; North Eastern Div 2 (Winners): 1928/29; North Eastern League Cup (Winners): 1944/45, 1956/57 Northern Alliance (Winners): 1906/07, 1907/08

Upcoming Fixtures FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round V Saturday 3rd October

EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Tuesday 6th October

EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Saturday 10th October

EBAC Northern League Division 1 V Wednesday 14th October

Captains Message:

We continued our good form in the league cup with the manager making a few changes for the game.

We started the game playing in a direct fashion, back to front, but eventually got the ball down playing some lovely football down the left side and created out first goal. Steven Anderson causing them a lot of problems.

As the game went on we got stronger, creating several chances converting another couple of goals with Anders been my pick of the bunch.

On to Saturday another massive test against North Shields who seem to have had an FA Vase hangover so far this season.

Hopefully we continue our unbeaten start and pick up another 3 points enjoy the game  .

Team Captain Keith Graydon

Photo Gallery Morpeth Town 3-1 Bishop Auckland

Today’s Squads

No. Goal Sub No. Goal Sub

Karl Dryden Gareth Bainbridge Niall Harrison Chris Bannon David Hiftle Ryan Carr Shaun Henderson Curtis Coppen James Novak David Coulson Johnny Wilson Gary Day Chris Jewels Jack Donnison Chris Swailes Jake Fenton Michael Hall Adam Forster Keith Graydon John Grey Ben Sayer Dean Holmes Luke Carr Kevin Hughes Shaun Bell Marc Lancaster Jordan Fry James Luccock Sean Taylor Denver Morris Michael Chilton Gary Ormston Daniel Taggart John Parker Stephen Forster Ben Richardson Steven Anderson David Pounder Jordan Nellis Jordan Summerly Lee McAndrew Jack Walker Jack Betts Daniel Wilson