Alnwick Town v Darlington Railways Athletic 16 11 2013 by Alnwick Town AFC

ALNWICK TOWN A.F.C

ST JAMES’ PARK

£1

Ebac Northern League Division 2 Alnwick Town v Darlington Railway Athletic Saturday 16th November 2013, 15:00 KO

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME SPONSOR 01670 523 344 ‘Nice Cars For Sale’ Rear Of Ashington Autodrome, Newbiggin Road, Ashington NE63 0TB

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A Brief History of Alnwick Town AFC Alnwick Town Association Football Club was formed in 1879, and was then known as Alnwick United Services. The club was the only Association Football side between Dunbar and Newcastle. In 1900 the club moved to our current home, St James’ Park. The club’s name was changed to Alnwick United Juniors. Between this time and the beginning of the First World War, the name changed between United and Town on several occasions, and also a brief spell as Alnwick St James’s. The club competed in the North Northumberland League until 1923, moving to the East Northumberland League until 1936. The club was then renamed Alnwick Town, and would compete in the Northern Alliance until 1982, apart from 1 season in the Durham Central League in 1964-65. The 60’s and early 70’s were Alnwick Town’s golden years, winning the Northern Alliance on 7 occasions and a league and cup double 5 times. In 1982-83, Alnwick Town were admitted into the newly formed Northern League Division 2. In the 1988/89 season the club finished runners-up and were promoted to the 1st Division, the highest league they have played in to date. The club also elected the league’s first female chairman, Judith Draycott. Relegation from the Northern League 1st Division followed in 1990/91. The club remained in the Northern League 2nd Division until 2006-07 when failing to meet ground criteria and lack of funds resulted in relegation to the Northern Alliance. A change in chairman, committee and management saved the club from extinction, and with the club spending 4 seasons in the Northern Alliance Premier Division, they were promoted back to the Northern League for the 2011-12 season. Whilst in the Alliance, the club won the Senior Benevolent Bowl and the Pinpoint Recruitment Cup. The club were also awarded F.A Charter Standard for the first time in their history. Back in the Northern League, the club finished in 16th place, and achieved Grade G ground status, preserving the club’s position in the Northern League, meaning the club would be competing in the F.A Vase and Senior Cup once again. With plans for the future on the horizon, the club can hopefully look forward to a return of the glory years once again.

ALNWICK TOWN ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB HONOURS LIST Durham Central League Cup Winners: 1964/65 North Northumberland League: 1898/99 North Northumberland Minor Cup: 1903/04 Northern Alliance Challenge Cup Winners: 1961–62, 1965–66, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1970–71 Northern Alliance Champions: 1937/38, 1962/63, 1963/64, 1965/66, 1967/68, 1968/69, 1969/70, 1970/71, 1971/72 Northern Alliance Runners-Up: 1959–60, 1961–62, 1966–67, 1972–73, 2010–11 Northern Alliance Subsidiary Cup Winners: 1980/81 Northern League Division 2 Runners-Up: 1988/89 NORTHUMBERLAND AGED MINERS HOMES CUP WINNERS: 1936/37 Northumberland Amateur Cup Winners: 1971-72 Northumberland Senior Benevolent Bowl WiNners: 1986/87, 2009/10 Northumberland Senior Cup Runners-Up: 1961/62 Pinpoint Recruitment Cup Winners: 2008/09 F.A Cup Best: 3rd Qualifying Round (1951-52, 1957-58) F.A Trophy Best: 3rd Qualifying Round (1990-91) F.A Vase Best: 2nd Round (1975-76)

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Alnwick Town Association Football Club St James’ Park, Weavers Way, Alnwick Northumberland NE66 1BG

Hugh Philipson 1926-2013 President - The Duke of Northumberland

Contents

Vice Presidents - Norman Laidler & Hugh Philipson

Page 1: Club Info Page 2: Chairman’s Welcome Page 3: Programme Editor Notes Page 4: Player Profiles Page 5: Player Profiles Page 6: Player Sponsorship Page 7: Pitch Sponsorship Page 8: Fixtures & Squad Lists Page 9: Fixtures & Squad Lists Page 10: Alnwick Town Squad List Page 11: Darlington RA Squad List Page 12: Darlington RA Info Page 13: Darlington RA Info Page 14: Alnwick Town Reserves Info Page 15: Season Stats Page 16: Hugh Philipson Tribute Page 17: Hugh Philipson Tribute Page 18: 1st Division Info Page 19: 2nd Division Info Page 20: Club Shop / Programme Shop

Chairman - Tom McKie Vice Chairman - Gordon Webster Vice Chairman (Development) - Cyril Cox Vice Chairman (Juniors) & Charter Standard Compliance - Darren Middleton Club Secretary / Press Officer - Cyril Cox Reserve Team Secretary - Dan Skelton First Team Manager - Derek Atwell Reserve Team Manager - Andrew Atkinson First Team Coach - Steve Mullen Reserve Team Coach - Martin Carss Sports Therapist: David Ross Groundsmen - Ian Hogg & Des Lamb

Caretaker - Jimmy Lillico Programme / Website Editor - Michael Cook Junior Secretary - Keith Nichols Junior Welfare Officer - Nicola Cooke

Welcome to St James’ Park The Home of Alnwick Town AFC Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to St James’ Park, the home of Alnwick Town AFC since 1900. A particularly warm welcome to today’s match officials, as well as the players, management and supporters of our opponents DARLINGTON RAILWAY ATHLETIC. Here at St James’ Park, we continue to improve our facilities every year, with both the ground and clubhouse being extensively upgraded since we returned to the Northern League, gaining a Grade G status in the process. None of what you see today would have been possible without the continued support from all of our sponsors, in particular Kitson Windows, MKM, Jet Wash OK, Genix Dental Care, Northumberland Floor Sanding and Mark Ryder Heating and Plumbing. I would also like to thank all of our volunteers who work continuously throughout the year in all sorts of weather conditions. Without their commitment and effort the club would simply not survive. Please feel free to come into the clubhouse to enjoy a beverage or two!

Finally, I hope you enjoy the match and have a safe journey home.

Tom McKie - The Chairman

Comments from.... The Editor We sadly start this programme with the news of the death of one of our Vice Presidents, Hugh Philipson. Hugh was a former player (please see page 17 of this programme for some old programme articles) from the 1940’s, and was also President of the football club, but stood down to The Duke of Northumberland due to other commitments. Hugh was a well known and respected man across all of North Northumberland over the years, serving as a Local Councillor and County Councillor. R.I.P Hughie (1926-2013) ------------------------------------------------------------------------Today’s match is the 2nd home tie of Derek Atwell’s time as manager. He picked up his first point away to Esh Winning last weekend, securing a 2-2 draw after being 2 goals down, and then having a man sent off. New signing Keith Douglas, who joins us from North Shields, got both goals to open his account for the club. Gutted is probably the best word I can think of for Tuesday night’s result against Jarrow Roofing BCA. 2-0 up, 3-2 down, last minute equaliser, last kick defeat. It’s rarely boring with games involving us! Please note our game on Tuesday night against Whitley Bay will be postponed if they draw today due to the replay being scheduled for Monday. Updates will be posted on the club’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Haway the Wick!

Alnwick Town Player Profiles - 2013/2014 Season BRIAN BROOKS GOALKEEPER 31 DAN MULLEN

The 472 Player of the Season for 2012/13, Brooka played a massive part in keeping the club in the Northern League. One of the club’s longest serving players and a genuine role model for the younger lads coming through. AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

GOALKEEPER

Dan has joined the club this summer and has made a promising start, keeping his first clean sheet in the victory against Northallerton Town.

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

ALEX MAKIN

‘OOMPA LOOMPA’ as the 472 song goes, Alex has become a permanent fixture in the defence at the club. Now that Marc Nixon has left, he has officially been crowned the club’s tallest player. SPONSORED BY: DAVID REYNOLDS

DEFENDER 26

DANNY LOWES DEFENDER

DAVID HILLS DEFENDER

TOM MACPHERSON DEFENDER 25

JAKE LOWES DEFENDER

KEIRAN HOGG MIDFIELDER

Danny will be hoping for an injury-free season, having had lengthy spells out following games against Esh Winning. He has a different haircut every week, at the moment though he’s looking a bit bald on top. AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR Hillsy has returned to the club following his big money move to Ryton & Crawcrook Albion last season. Still a favourite of the programme editor due to his Sunderland roots, Hillsy adds some much needed experience at the back. AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR Tom Mac has taken over as captain this season. Loves the banter at the club, especially the away days involving Christmas jumpers and bribing the judges in Brampton. SPONSORED BY: JOHN PROUDLOCK BUILDING CONTRACTOR 01669 621 141 Jake will be hoping for more first team action this year, and following the retirement of the club’s long serving left back this could be his year. Younger brother of Danny, with a lot more hair on top. AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR Hoggy has become a permanent fixture in the first team, switching to a more central role, but is still more than capable on the wing or at full back. A danger when he runs with the ball at defenders. SPONSORED BY: DAVID REYNOLDS

Alnwick Town Player Profiles - 2013/2014 Season You’ll often find Kiddy on the treatment table due to being made of glass. Cruciate ligament injuries and dislocated shoulders are just part of the game apparently. Follow him on twitter @chriskidd4 SPONSORED BY: TOM MCKIE Muzza. Club Captain. Legend. Hates a booking. Heart and soul of the club. Never stops running. Caused a 1 man pitch invasion last season with 2 late goals against Brandon United. It was worth it. SPONSORED BY: PETER ROPER The first player to score 20 goals in the Northern League for the club since James Swordy. Tony arguably kept the club up last season and scored some crackers in the process. A hat-trick against Birtley rounded off his season. SPONSORED BY: ALLAN TAIT Kev has returned to the club again following stints of kicking and punching lumps out of others in a cage. He’s a canny lad. Will never back out of a tackle, and sure to give Muzza a run for his money this year for the ‘Bad Boy’ award. AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

Tom is back in first team action following a successful cricket season (again) and also the birth of his first child. Lots of Northern League experience and a nuisance to defenders. AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

Described by his former club North Shields as a ‘legend’, Keith has a phenomenal scoring record in the Northern League, and he has finally come home! A big signing for the club, Keith bagged a brace on debut against Esh Winning. AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR Minnow’s 2nd season with the club and he’ll be hoping to get more action this year from the starting line-up. Scored a couple of vital goals last season, lets hope for a few more again this season. AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

Dale will be hoping for an injury free season after complications from the previous season’s injury. Will run himself into the ground and not shy to put a foot in. Big chance this year. AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

CHRIS KIDD MIDFIELDER 22

BRYAN MURRAY MIDFIELDER

TONY BROWN MIDFIELDER

KEVIN ELLIOTT MIDFIELDER

TOM VICKERS FORWARD

KEITH DOUGLAS FORWARD

JAMES JACKSON FORWARD 21

DALE KENNEDY FORWARD

Sponsor a player for just ÂŁ10! Your name/company name will appear in every home programme throughout the season. Sponsor as many players as you wish, but only 1 sponsor per player. For a full list of available players to sponsors please get in touch.

Tony Brown

Kieran Hogg

Sponsored By: Peter Roper

Iain Badger

David Ross

The 472 Supporters Club - Loud and Proud! Walsall 472

Steve Hall Cyril & Cyndy The Lunchbox

North East Spurs

Copperfields

Christopher Hall

TeamDinga Darts and Charity Cycle Team are proud to support Alnwick Town Football Club

For only £2.50 per section, you can help support Alnwick Town AFC financially for the 2013-2014 season by sponsoring a section of the St James’ Park pitch.

Each section is roughly the size of a dugout in the illustration above, and you can use it to advertise a business, charity, or if you like simply your own name. You may purchase as many sections as you wish. If we can fill each section of the pitch, we will raise £205.00. Although this may not seem like much in terms or running a football club, every little helps. The money raised would almost cover the photocopying costs for the inserts of the matchday programme for the entire season. Contact us atafc1879@btconnect.com or on Twitter @alnwicktownafc for details. Current Total Raised: £82.50, with 40.25% of sections taken.

Alnwick Town AFC 2013-2014 Season Fixtures and Match Stats OPPONENTS

2013 H/A

SCORE ATT

AUGUST 10

WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC

0-4

MULLEN D

MAKIN A

LOWES J

LOWES D

MACPHERSON T

HILLS D

RYTON & CRAWCROOK ALBION

1-2

MULLEN D

LOWES D

MACPHERSON T

HILLS D

MURRAY B

BROWN T

WASHINGTON

1-2

MULLEN D

LOWES D

MACPHERSON T 1

MURRAY B

ELLIOTT K (Y)

BROWN T 1

NORTHALLERTON TOWN

1-0

105

MULLEN D

MURRAY B

MACPHERSON T

LOWES D

ELLIOTT K

HOGG K

THORNABY

2-2

MULLEN D

MURRAY B

MACPHERSON T

HILLS D

ELLIOTT K

HOGG K (Y)

HEATON STANNINGTON

0-2

126

MULLEN D

LOWES D

MACPHERSON T

HILLS D

ELLIOTT K

KIDD C

WILLINGTON

1-1

MULLEN D

HILLS D (Y)

MACPHERSON T (Y)

MURRAY P

ELLIOTT K

MAKIN A

MACPHERSON T

LOWES D

SEPTEMBER 4

BRANDON UNITED

1-4

MULLEN D

HILLS D

ELLIOTT K

MAKIN A 1

ALBION SPORTS (FAV 1QR)

2-3

129

MULLEN D

LOWES D

MACPHERSON T ARMSTRONG L 1

ELLIOTT K

MAKIN A

NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS

4-1

MULLEN D

LOWES D

MACPHERSON T ARMSTRONG L

KIDD C

MAKIN A

SEAHAM RED STAR

2-6

MULLEN D

LOWES D (Y)

HILLS D

ARMSTRONG L (Y)

KIDD C

MAKIN A (Y)

TOW LAW TOWN

2-3

MULLEN D

MAKIN A

MURRAY B 1

MACPHERSON T

LOWES D

KIDD C

CHESTER-LE-STREET TOWN

MACPHERSON T (Y)

LOWES D

ELLIOTT K

MAKIN A

HILLS D

ELLIOTT K

OCTOBER 5

3-1

MULLEN D

MURRAY B (Y)

A WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC (NSC 1R)

1-2

111

MULLEN D

MAKIN A

STOKESLEY SPORTS CLUB

2-1

MULLEN D

MAKIN A

HILLS D

ELLIOTT K

MURRAY B

MACPHERSON T (Y)

NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS (EAMC)

0-1

MULLEN D

LOWES D

HILLS D

ELLIOTT K

MURRAY B (Y)

MACPHERSON T

TOW LAW TOWN

3-1

MULLEN D

MAKIN A

HILLS D

ELLIOTT K (Y)

MURRAY B (Y)

MACPHERSON T

WHICKHAM

3-0

MULLEN D

MURRAY B

MAKIN A

LOWES D

MACPHERSON T

HOGG K

MACPHERSON T MURRAY B (Y)

NOVEMBER 2

SOUTH SHIELDS

1-1

MULLEN D

MAKIN A

HOGG K

MURRAY B

MACPHERSON T

ELLIOTT K

ESH WINNING

2-2

MULLEN D

LOWES D

HOGG K

MURRAY B

MACPHERSON T

ELLIOTT K

JARROW ROOFING BCA

3-4

MULLEN D

MURRAY B

HOGG K (Y)

LOWES D

MACPHERSON T 2

ELLIOTT K

DARLINGTON RAILWAY ATHLETIC

WHITLEY BAY (NSC QF)

WHITEHAVEN AMATEURS

NORTH SHIELDS (LC 2R)

BIRTLEY TOWN

DECEMBER 7

RYTON & CRAWCROOK ALBION

NORTHALLERTON TOWN

BRANDON UNITED

JARROW ROOFING BCA

OPPONENTS

2014 H/A

JANUARY 4

WASHINGTON

WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC

THORNABY

HEATON STANNINGTON

FEBRUARY 1

WILLINGTON

SEAHAM RED STAR

NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS

MARCH 1

CHESTER-LE-STREET TOWN

STOKESLEY SPORTS CLUB

NORTH SHIELDS

WHICKHAM

SOUTH SHIELDS

APRIL 5

ESH WINNING

DARLINGTON RAILWAY ATHLETIC

WHITEHAVEN AMATEURS

BIRTLEY TOWN

NORTH SHIELDS

TB C

SCORE ATT

Key: (Y) = Yellow Card, (R) = Red Card, (#) = Substitute on for, # = Number of goals scored, FAV = F.A Vase, NSC = Northumberland Senior Cup, EAMC = Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup, LC = League Cup. 7

MURRAY B

ELLIOTT K

MAKIN A

HOGG K

MAKIN A

BROWN T 1

13 / 17

JACKSON J

HOGG K

ROBINSON M

JACKSON J 2

ROBINSON M

MAKIN A

BROWN T

KENNEDY D

LOWES J

ELLIOTT K (8)

BROOKS B

JOBSON A (8)

DUNDAS L (6)

MOORE R (3)

BROOKS B

MOORE R (11)

TRUSCOTT T

JACKSON J

LOWES J

JOBSON A

TROY D (9)

TRUSCOTT T (10)

MOORE R (11)

ROBINSON M

JACKSON J

LOWES J

TROY D

FULLER L

BROOKS B

MOORE R

TRUSCOTT T (9)

HILLS D (4)

TRUSCOTT T (9)

KENNEDY D

KIDD C (11) 1

MAKIN A

BROWN T

ROBINSON M 1

JACKSON J

LOWES J

JOBSON A

LOWES D (4)

BROWN T

MAKIN A

JACKSON J

HOGG S

HOGG K

JOBSON A

BROOKS B

BROWN T

HOGG K (Y)

JACKSON J

KENNEDY D

LOWES J

TRUSCOTT T

FULLER L

LOWES D (4)

KIDD C (5)

BROWN T

HOGG K

KENNEDY D (Y) 1

JACKSON J 1

LOWES J 1

KIDD C (11)

BROOKS B

MURRAY P (10)

ARMSTRONG L (2)

BROWN T

HOGG K

HOGG S

JACKSON J

LOWES J

ROBINSON M (5)

BROOKS B

BROWN T

HOGG K

HOGG S 1

JACKSON J

LOWES J

MURRAY P (6)

BROWN T

HOGG K

HOGG S 2

JACKSON J

LOWES J (Y)

TRUSCOTT T

BROOKS B

BROWN T 1

HOGG K

JACKSON J

HOGG S

MURRAY P

JOBSON A (11)

BROOKS B

BROWN T

HOGG K

JACKSON J 1

SULLIVAN S

LOWES J

JACKSON J

HOGG K

KENNEDY D

BROWN T 2

TRUSCOTT T

BROWN T 1

HOGG K

KENNEDY D (Y)

HOGG S

SULLIVAN S

MURRAY P (11)

HOGG K (Y)

BROWN T (Y)

KENNEDY D

TRUSCOTT T

LOWES J

TRUSCOTT T (10) STRAUGHAN R (6)

KENNEDY D (9) MURRAY P (4)

HILLS D

KIDD C (11)

TRUSCOTT T

MURRAY B (3)

MURRAY P HILLS D

MURRAY B (6)

ELLIOTT K

JOBSON A (11)

ELLIOTT K (6)

HILLS D

HILLS D (3)

JOBSON A

MURRAY P (11)

BROOKS B

SULLIVAN S (11)

KIDDELL A (7)

STRAUGHAN R

COLLINS K (2)

JOBSON A

STRAUGHAN R

BROOKS B

COLLINS K (11)

MAKIN A (10)

KIDDELL A

BROOKS B

JACKSON J (11) TRUSCOTT T

HILLS D (3)

LOWES D 1

HOGG K

COLLINS K

BROWN T

LOWES J

STRAUGHAN R (10)

JACKSON J

BROWN T

SULLIVAN S

COLLINS K

LOWES J

STRAUGHAN R (10)

TRUSCOTT T 1

BROWN T

JACKSON J

COLLINS K (Y)

HOGG S

LOWES J (7)

MAKIN A

BROWN T

VICKERS T

DOUGLAS K 2

HOGG S (Y/Y)

JACKSON J

BROOKS B

COLLINS K

HILLS D

LOWES J (7)

MAKIN A

BROWN T

KENNEDY D

DOUGLAS K 1

LOWES J

HILLS D

BROOKS B

VICKERS T (7)

JACKSON J (11)

COLLINS K

13 / 17

MURRAY P (7)

BROOKS B

Ebac Northern League Division 2

ALNWICK TOWN AFC ADAM JOBSON

ALEX MAKIN ANDREW KIDDELL BRIAN BROOKS BRYAN MURRAY Manager: Derek Atwell Coach: Steve Mullen Sports Therapist: David Ross

1st Choice Colours: Black and White Stripes Black Shorts Black Socks 2nd Choice Colours: Navy and Light Blue Quarters

Navy Blue Shorts Navy Blue Socks

CHRISTOPHER KIDD DALE KENNEDY DAN MULLEN

DANNY LOWES DAVID HILLS JAKE LOWES JAMES JACKSON KEITH DOUGLAS KENNY COLLINS KEVIN ELLIOTT

KIERAN HOGG LEE DUNDAS PETER MURRAY

Match Officials

ROSS STRAUGHAN

Referee: Williamson A Assistant: Owens I Assistant: Nedyalkov P

STEPHEN HOGG STUART SULLIVAN THOMAS TRUSCOTT TOM MACPHERSON TOM VICKERS TONY BROWN

Saturday 16th November 2013 15:00

DARLINGTON RA TONY ABEL

STEVE ALLISON MARTIN BUTTERWORTH STEPHEN BUTTERWORTH MATT CALVERT ADRIAN DOOLEY STUART DUNN LEE FARRINGTON

SAM GRAINGER WAYNE GREDZIAK ALEX GROCOTT JORDAN HANRATTY NIALL HANRATTY NICK HARRISON

Manager: Nick Harrison 1st Choice Colours: Red Shirts Red Shorts Red Socks

PAUL JOHNSON

JAMES MUIR PAUL NEW TOM PTAK AARON RAMSBOTTOM ANDY RAMSBOTTOM PETER WAKEFIELD RICHARD WALKER DAVID WEBSTER LOUIS WHENSLEY

Random Stat: Alnwick Town currently have the 7th highest average attendance in the 2nd Division this season (82.83).

Today’s Visitors - Darlington Railway Athletic

Darlington Railway Athletic Football Club History DARLINGTON R A F C are really a club of three distinct eras. The club was formed shortly after the First World War and started out in the Darlington & District League. Little is known of the club in the early seasons but in the 1919-20 season the club joined the Northern League. They found the going tough and after finishing second bottom in the 1924-25 season they returned to the Darlington & District League. The second era came in the 60’s and 70’s. With an upturn in form the club went through possibly its most rewarding period accumulating a number of honours. In 1964 they won the Darlington & District League and the League and League Cup double in 1968. Two years later they were North Riding Cup winners and runners-up in 1973. Then came the clubs greatest success, their triumph in the 1975 Durham Amateur Cup. In 1981 they almost repeated the feat, narrowly going down in the final. Darlington Railway Athletic then joined the Teesside League and in the late 80’s were accepted into the Vaux Wearside League. In the 1990-91 season the club gained promotion from Division Two. The following season they narrowly escaped an immediate return to Division Two with a 4-1 win at Marske in the last game of the season. The club then hit financial trouble and in 1992 folded. The R A Football Club ceased to exist until the beginning of the third era. Martyn Jackson, while playing for CAS in the Darlington & District League decided to reform Darlington R A F C for the 1993-94 season using the players of CAS. David Woodcock joined Martyn as Manager for the season of 1998-99, and were rewarded for there hard work by winning the Darlington & District League. They were accepted into the Auckland District League for the season 1999-2000 and finished third in their first season, and won the R A Medals Trophy, not a bad feat for a team reformed only a few years before. The following season 2000-2001 saw probably the clubs greatest season. With a lot of new players and financial support the club was able to win the Auckland and District League on the last game of the season and pick up three other trophies, the club also reached the Semi-Final of the Durham Trophy only to be beaten narrowly 2-1. The club joined the Wearside League in 2001 finishing third and runners-up in the Durham Trophy, losing 1-0. At the start of the 2004-05 the decision was taken that all efforts would be put into gaining promotion into the Northern League. Work started on the ground with a band of very willing volunteers and very helpful local businesses. The lights went up first shortly followed by the new stand and slowly the ground started to take shape. The ground was completed in time and the work on the pitch was completed with a few games to spare and the eagerly awaited return to the Northern League was set. The Wearside league was won with 4 games to spare and a magnificent season was rounded off by winning the Sunderland Shipowners Cup against Stokesley at Brinkburn Road. 2005 marks a huge milestone for the club from humble beginnings. The first season back started badly with two defeats but the team slowly picked up momentum, after a victory away to Pontefract in the F.A. Vase we were rewarded with a home tie against Dunston where we were beaten after a replay but had the honour of having the biggest attendance in the country at Brinkburn Road in the second round. After a great unbeaten run in the League going back to November found ourselves in a promotion place. More seats were put in the stand and another entrance to take the ground up to 1st Division standard and on the last day of the season a victory at Alnwick secured promotion. The first game of the season saw us beaten 2-0 by Whitley Bay who ended up champions, the following week our first venture into the F.A. Cup ended in disaster going down 5-0. In September we seemed to find our feet and three league wins on the belt plus a win in the F.A. Vase give everyone hope for the season. Our failure to convert chances and inability to keep clean sheets saw us in the bottom three all season, we used over fifty players during the season and only managed to field the same team twice all season. Injuries to key players didn’t help and some of the players who had enjoyed success in previous season’s weren’t prepared to roll up there sleeves and fight against relegation. The main bright spots of the season were the lads who emerged from the junior set up and made telling contributions towards the end of the season and off the pitch a new committee was formed and foundations laid to make sure that we could complete both on and off the pitch, and hopefully gain promotion at the first attempt. The 2007/08 season began well and included our first ever FA cup victory when beating Yorkshire amateur 6-0, but things went downhill rapidly and in October Dave Woodcock resigned as manager after 9 seasons with Martyn Jackson also standing down as his Assistant Manager and Secretary. Following a 15th position finish in 2010/11 the new management team pushed the team to finish 5th in 2011/12 with 73 points. Nick Harrison, Mark Scott and Jamie Smith continued the excellent work into the 2012/13 season, again finishing 5th with an additional 5 points taking the season’s tally to 78. Jamie Smith and Mark Scott both have new young families and have made way Nick Karvounis to come in as Nick’s assistant for the new campaign. With all players bar skipper Dale Elgie (who has gone to Northallerton) being retained, there are high hopes that the Club can take that extra step forward this term and gain promotion to the first tier.

Martin Butterworth (28) – Midfielder/Forward Previous clubs- Northallerton Town, Newton Aycliffe Very experienced midfielder who is a real leader on the pitch. Butts is excellent on the ball and strong in the tackle. Scores his fair share of goals. He is a great competitor and a tremendous lad to have at the club. Won umpteen penalties last season. Jordan Hanratty (20)– Midfielder Previous clubs- Newton Aycliffe u18

Joined the club on recommendation and enjoyed a particularly impressive season in the first team squad last term. Comfortable on the ball, Jordan chipped in with some very important goals for the RA last season. Clubman of the Year last season. Niall Hanratty (18) – Midfielder Previous Clubs – Newton Aycliffe U18 Recently made the step up from the juniors. Very promising young player. David Webster (25) – Midfielder Previous clubs- Darlington, Northallerton Town Club captain and ever-present last season. Webby is an excellent midfielder who can play in a number of positions. He has a good engine and is very comfortable in possession. Takes charge of dead ball situations and contributed 11 goals last term. .

Lee Farrington (27) – Left Winger Previous clubs- Thornaby, Guisborough, Esh Winning A quick and talented left-footed wide player who is comfortable on the ball, has good passing, crossing and dribbling skills with pace to burn. Jimmy Muir (28) – Defender Previous clubs- Richmond Mavericks Jimmy is a forward thinking defender who can make things happen when he is on the ball in the final third. Can slot in anywhere at the back. Jimmy is by far the most stylish player at the club. Loves his music and very tight jeans. Rockstar! Player of the Year 2012/13. Aaron Ramsbottom (22) – Centre Forward Previous clubs- Stokesley, Hordern CW, Northallerton Town Re-signed for the RA last season after moving briefly to Stokesley. Quick and technically good, he hit the net just 5 times last term – but he doesn’t score ordinary goals. Andy Ramsbottom (23) – Full Back Previous clubs- Stokesley, Hordern CW, Northallerton Town Exciting full back who loves nothing better than to bomb on down the right hand side. Fearsome shot but doesn’t get on the scoresheet very often Nick Harrison (31) – Defender - Player Manager Previous clubs- Harrogate Railway, Billingham Town, Tadcaster Albion. Experienced player and in third term as manager. Good talker who has lost a yard of pace and most of his hair. Reads the game very well. . Matty Calvert (20) - Goalkeeper Previous clubs- Morecambe, Burscough In his second spell with the Club after re-joining in November last year. He is a technically gifted goalkeeper with good shot stopping and distribution skills. Young player of the year in 2012/13 Louis Whensley (25) - Midfielder Previous club: Billingham Town Louis has an insatiable appetite for graft as he does much of the unglamorous and unsung work in the engine room of the team. Tough tackling, phenomenal work rate and an eye for goal now and again. Stephen Allison (26) – Striker Previous club: South Shields, Northallerton Town Top scorer last season (30 goals) despite a period away from the club at South Shields. Frightening pace and a never- say-die attitude characterise Steve’s all-action style. Not overly big, but loves scoring goals. Stephen Butterworth (24) – Midfielder Previous club: Northallerton Town Made the opposite journey to Dale Elgie from Northallerton during the close season to team up with brother Martin. A tenacious midfielder who is a very welcome addition to the team.

Tom Ptak (29) – Central Defender Tom missed the whole of the last campaign with a knee injury which has required surgery. He is back in training now and should return to first team action shortly. Tom is a top class defender who will bring very welcome additional strength to the heart of the de fence. Sam Grainger (23) – Defender Previous club: Northallerton Town A strong central defender who has joined from neighbours Northallerton in the close season. Now making the centre back position his own after sparkling early season performances Adrian Dooley (19) – Goalkeeper Adrian has graduated from Newton Aycliffe U18’s to provide strong and welcome cover for Matty Calvert in goal.

Paul New (17) – Midfielder Previous Club – Newton Aycliffe U18 Made the step up from junior football this season. Very promising. Wayne Gredziak (34) – Striker Previous Clubs – Many An experienced striker at this level who has recently joined the club.

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