Alnwick Town AFC Matchday Programme - £1
Ebac Northern League Division 2 Alnwick Town v Washington Saturday 23rd August 2014 15:00 KO
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The History of Alnwick Town Association Football Club 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. It is believed that the club played in red shirts with thin black hoops, black shorts and black socks. 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. The club have spent the past 3 seasons in the Northern League, in the process achieving grade G ground status, preserving the club’s position in the Northern League. This means that the club are able to compete in the F.A Vase and the Northumberland Senior Cup. With plans for a new sporting club in place for Alnwick’s junior and senior sides, the future is looking bright.
Alnwick Town Association Football Club - Honours List Aged Miners Homes Cup Winners: 1936/37 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 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 Club Officials President The Duke of Northumberland Vice President Norman Laidler Chairman Tom McKie Vice Chairman (Development), Club Secretary & Press Officer Cyril Cox Vice Chairman (Juniors) & Charter Standard Compliance David Middleton Treasurer Stuart Cairns Assistant Secretary Bryan Ellis Reserve Team Secretary Dan Skelton First Team Manager Derek Atwell Reserve Team Manager Andrew Atkinson First Team Coach Steve Mullen Kitman Michael Kirkup Sports Therapist David Ross Groundsmen Ian Hogg & Des Lamb Caretaker Jimmy Lillico Programme / Website / Social Media Editor Michael Cook Commercial Manager Alan Lingwood Gatemen David Knapp and David Turnbull
St James’ Park, Weavers Way, Alnwick Northumberland NE66 1BG Matchday Programme Index Page 1: Club Officials and Index Page 2: Welcome Notes Page 3: Chairman’s Notes Page 4 & 5: Sponsorship Opportunities Page 6 & 7: Alnwick Town Player Profiles Page 8 & 9: Alnwick Town Fixtures, Squads and Results Page 10 & 11: Matchday Squads Page 12: Alnwick Town Player Stats Page 13: Alnwick Town Reserves Info Page 14 & 15: Opposition Info Page 16: Northern League 1st Division Info Page 17: Northern League 2nd Divison Info Page 18: A Blast From The Past Page 19: Programme Shop / Club Events Page 20: Half Time Quiz
Programme Notes - The Editor Well the unbeaten start came to an end on Tuesday night at Darlington RA. It couldn’t last forever, we all knew that, but it would have been nice to come away from a long journey with something to show for it. 4 games in and 6th in the table, overall it’s been a promising start. We looked good against Willington, creating plenty of chances but just lacking that final ball to well and truly kill the game off. I didn’t make it to Esh Winning, but I’ve heard 2nd half was a much better performance than the 1st. If the opening 4 games are anything to go by, then their reprieve from relegation may only last for 1 season. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A quick note on this season’s sponsorship opportunities. The take up of pitch sponsors has been fantastic. We have already surpassed last season’s final total, and we are only 1 month into the season. We also have 9 players sponsored now, which again is more than last season’s final total already. The prices we charge are a lot cheaper than some clubs for sponsoring a player or section of the pitch. If we asked for too much, we wouldn’t get the interest of income coming in. In an ideal world we would charge £50 to sponsor a player and £10 a square of pitch, but we would get very little take up for this. Keeping prices low gets people involved in supporting the club, and I think it is definitely paying dividends this year. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------After today’s game, and Heaton Stannington away on the Bank Holiday, we have 3 home games in a row (30th August, 2nd September, 6th September). Our home crowds have been promising so far, but it would be great to see the club get 100 in for a game, and then try to achieve this as our average for the season. I don’t think it’s unrealistic to try and get just over 1% of the town’s population to come along to games. We just have to spread the word about the club. I’m trying my best through social media and the internet. Feel free to tell friends / work colleagues about games coming up and bring them along to a game. All support is appreciated! Follow Alnwick Town on Twitter, Facebook and our Website. @alnwicktownafc , www.facebook.com/alnwicktownafc and www.alnwicktownfc.co.uk
The Chairman - Tom McKie 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 WASHINGTON 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. You will soon be able to enjoy a hot drink and food in ‘The Tea Hut’. We hope to have this up and running mid August. 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, Mark Ryder Heating and Plumbing and Sportsworld Alnwick. 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. Also the ‘472’ who turn up home and away to support the club. Finally a big thank you to those who have donated towards our new kit this season following a bit of a disaster! The support from the local community means a lot to the club. Please feel free to come into the clubhouse to enjoy a beverage or two! I hope you enjoy the match and have a safe journey home.
Tom McKie
Sponsorship Opportunities Pitchside Advertising Boards - £150 Pitchside advertising boards are in sight for all attending games for our first team and reserve sides, costing £150 per season. Boards are 8 x 2 feet in size, giving plenty of space for your to advertise your company logo and contact details. For more information, please e-mail atafc1879@btconnect.com or contact our Commercial Manager, Alan Lingwood.
Player Sponsorship - £10 For just £10 you or your business can sponsor your favourite player for the 2014/15 season. Sponsors are shown in the Player Profiles section of the programmes, whilst also appearing on a poster in the clubhouse, and online via our Twitter and Facebook pages. For a full list of players available to sponsor, please e-mail atafc1879@btconnect.com
Sponsorship Opportunities Pitch Sponsorship - £2.50 per section For just £2.50 you can sponsor a section of the St James’ Park pitch for the 2014/15 season. Sponsors are shown in every home programme on this page, whilst also appearing on a poster in the clubhouse, and online via our Twitter and Facebook pages. For more information please e-mail atafc1879@btconnect.com David Ross
Jasper
Ian Hogg
Sue Hogg Alfie Cook
Strawberry Lounge Sovereign Taxis Alnwick 01665 602 200
Copperfields
Iain Badger
THE 472 - LOUD AND PROUD CDTenerife 472
Man Utd 472
Alnwick Mags 472
Walsall 472
Cyril & Cyndy Cox
Alnwick Amateur Boxing Club
Alan Burn
Davidson & Son Freddie Murray
Steve Hall Kayden Wheatley
North East Spurs
Ryley Hogg
Sovereign Taxis Alnwick 01665 602 200
The Lunchbox
Christopher Hall
Anthony Carss Alnwick Memories supporting Alnwick Town TeamDinga Darts and Charity Cycle Team are proud to support Alnwick Town Football Club
Alnwick Town Player Profiles - 2013/2014 Season Dan Mullen - Goalkeeper Aiming to retain his spot as the club number 1 following the retirement of Brian Brooks.
Available to Sponsor
Tom Macpherson - Defender Super Tom, last season’s Supporters’s Player of the Year winner. Club Captain.
Available to Sponsor
Danny Lowes - Defender Beard or no beard, hair or no hair? Who knows.
Kieran Hogg - Defender
Available to Sponsor
Sponsored by:
Big year for Nippa, who has taken the Captain’s armband on a matchday.
Ross Straughan - Defender Big season for Ross who looks set to make the step up from reserves to 1st team.
Sponsored by:
Gloire Mbiavanga - Defender
Sponsored by:
Young Player of the Year is back. Quick, attacking full back
Keith & Linda Douglas
Kevin Elliott - Midfielder Our midfield general is odds-on favourite to replace Muzza as ‘Bad Boy’
Sponsored by: Peter Roper
Alnwick Town Player Profiles - 2013/2014 Season Darren Riddell - Midfielder Former junior Darren is back for his 1st full season with the club.
Tony Brown - Midfielder Leading goalscorer for the last 2 years, we’re hoping for more of the same from Tony.
Stephen Hogg - Forward
Available to Sponsor
Sponsored by: Steve Hall
Sponsored by:
Hoggy just keeps on coming back for more. Lays a canny carpet as well.
The Tea Hut
Jon Colley - Forward
Sponsored by:
Jonny Colley, hat-trick hero in our Great Escape season. More of the same please.
Alnwick Memories
Keith Douglas - Forward First full season for our experienced centre forward. Took a while to get him home!
Adam Shanks - Forward Shanka is back for his 3rd spell with the club, and already has a hat-trick to his name.
Brad McClelland - Forward Brad is back for another spell with the club, returning after a lengthy injury.
Sponsored by: Alan Burn
Sponsored by: Tom McKie
Available to Sponsor
Alnwick Town Fixtures, Squads and Results 2014/15
Opponents
Score
CHESTER-LE-STREET TOWN
2-2
H
WILLINGTON
2-1
A
ESH WINNING
1-5
19/08
A
DARLINGTON RAILWAY ATHLETIC
1-0
23/08
H
WASHINGTON
25/08
A
HEATON STANNINGTON
30/08
H
BILLINGHAM TOWN
02/09
H
HEBBURN TOWN
06/09
H
SEAHAM RED STAR
09/09
A
THORNABY
13/09
A
NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS
16/09
H
TEAM NORTHUMBRIA
27/09
H
RYHOPE COLLIERY WELFARE
04/10
H
PICKERING TOWN (FAV 2QR)
11/10
A
BIRTLEY TOWN
18/10
H
RYTON & CRAWCROOK ALBION
25/10
A
STOKESLEY SPORTS CLUB
01/11
H
SOUTH SHIELDS
08/11
A
NORTHALLERTON TOWN
15/11
H
TOW LAW TOWN
22/11
A
BRANDON UNITED
29/11
H
ESH WINNING
06/12
A
WILLINGTON
13/12
H
DARLINGTON RAILWAY ATHLETIC
09/08
A
12/08 16/08
20/12
A
HEBBURN TOWN
27/12
H
HEATON STANNINGTON
03/01
A
BILLINGHAM TOWN
10/01
H
CHESTER-LE-STREET TOWN
17/01
A
WASHINGTON
24/01
H
THORNABY
31/01
A
TEAM NORTHUMBRIA
07/02
A
SEAHAM RED STAR
14/02
H
NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS
21/02
A
RYHOPE COLLIERY WELFARE
28/02
A
WHICKHAM
07/03
H
BIRTLEY TOWN
14/03
A
RYTON & CRAWCROOK ALBION
21/03
H
STOKESLEY SPORTS CLUB
28/03
A
SOUTH SHIELDS
04/04
H
NORTHALLERTON TOWN
11/04
A
TOW LAW TOWN
18/04
H
BRANDON UNITED
TBC
H
WHICKHAM
TBC
A
JARROW ROOFING BCA (LC1R)
Att
75
1
2
3
4
5
6
Mullen D
Mbiavanga G
Hogg K
Lowes D
Macpherson T
Elliott K
Mullen D
Mbiavanga G
Hogg K
Lowes D
Macpherson T
Douglas K
Straker S
Mbiavanga G
Hogg K
Lowes D
Macpherson T
Elliott K
Straker S
Mbiavanga G
Hogg K
Lowes D
Macpherson T (Y)
Elliott K (Y)
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
8
9
10
11
12
13 / 17
14
15
16
Douglas K
Brown T 1
Shanks A 1
McClelland B
Colley J
Hogg S (10) (Y)
-
STRAUGHAN R (11)
Atwell D
Robertson B Robertson B
Colley J
Brown T 1
Shanks A 1
McClelland B
Hogg S
Straughan R (4)
Straker S (1)
Murray B
Atwell D
Douglas K 1
Brown T
Shanks S 3
McClelland B 1
Hogg S
Straughan R (4)
Mullen D
Robertson B
Murray B (7)
Atwell D
Douglas K
Brown T
Shanks A
McClelland B
Hogg S
Straughan R
Mullen D
Riddell D (11)
Robertson B
Colley J (10)
We are hoping to have fixed the gremlins that were affecting our club website. www.alnwicktownfc.co.uk will once again be updated on a regular basis this season. Please keep an eye out on our Twitter and Facebook pages for more information. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Matchday programmes are available to view online for free at www.issuu.com Simply search for Alnwick Town and take a look at our programmes from the current and previous season.
Ebac Northern League Division 2 Alnwick Town v Washington Alnwick Town AFC Squad Tony Brown
Brad McClelland
Jon Colley
Daniel Mullen
Kenny Collins
Bryan Murray
Keith Douglas
Darren Riddell
Lee Dundas
Brett Robertson
Kevin Elliott
Dominic Schiavetta
Kieran Hogg
Adam Shanks
Stephen Hogg
Sean Straker
Danny Lowes
Ross Straughan
Jake Lowes Tom Macpherson Gloire Mbiavanga Colours
Black and White Stripes
Black Shorts
Black Socks
Manager
Coach
Sports Therapists
Derek Atwell
Steve Mullen
David Ross / Joanne Chisholm
Saturday 23rd August 2014 Referee: T Chambers Assistants: S Heslop P Johnson Washington FC Squad Josh Allan
Anthony Lund
Neal Atkinson
Adam McGuinness
James Cassidy
Richard Paxton
Michael Coghlan
Michael Roberts
Aaron Croft
David Southern
Nathan Cummings
Greg Swansbury
Mark Davison
Joseph Walton
James Fairley
Adam Ward
Andrew Galer
Paul Wardle
Robert Grainey
Christopher Winn
Martin Jackson Paul Kane Colours
Red Shirt
Red Shorts
Red Socks
Manager
Coach
Physio
Stephen Hutchinson
Neil Hixon / Dan Olsen
Gordon Wilson
Alnwick Town Player Stats Appearance Info Player
L
LS
ATWELL, DEREK
ULS
3
C
CS
UCS
Goal Info T
TS
0
0
4
0
2
1
LG
CG
Cards
TG 0
BROWN, TONY
4
COLLEY, JON
2
DOUGLAS, KEITH
4
4
0
ELLIOTT, KEVIN
3
3
0
0
HOGG, KIERAN
4
4
0
0
HOGG, STEPHEN
3
3
1
0
LOWES, DANNY
4
4
0
0
MACPHERSON, TOM
4
4
0
0
MBIAVANGA, GLOIRE
4
4
0
0
MCCLELLAND, BRAD
4
4
0
MULLEN, DANIEL
2
2
2
0
0
1
0
1
0
MURRAY, BRYAN
1
1
1
OWN GOALS 1
ROBERTSON, BRETT
4
SHANKS, ADAM
4
STRAKER, SEAN
2
STRAUGHAN, ROSS
2
1 3
1
2 0
1
1
1
0
RIDDELL, DARREN
Y
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
4
0
2
1
0
0
3
0
5
1
5
L = League Appearance, LS = League Substitute Appearance, ULS = Unused League Substitute, C = Cup Appearance, CS = Cup Substitute Appearance, UCS = Unused Cup Substitute, T = Total Appearances, TS = Total Substitute Appearances, LG = League Goals, CG = Cup Goals, TG = Total Goals, Y = Yellow Cards, R = Red Cards.
R
Alnwick Town Reserves TABLE AS OF 19/08/2014
P
W
D
L
GD PTS
1
NEWCASTLE BENFIELD RESERVES
3
3
0
0
+9
9
2
GRAINGER PARK BOYS CLUB
3
2
1
0
+11
7
3
HIGH HOWDON SOCIAL CLUB
3
2
1
0
+5
7
4
GATESHEAD LEAM LANE RANGERS
3
2
1
0
+5
7
5
SHILBOTTLE COLLIERY WELFARE
3
2
0
1
+13
6
6
FOREST HALL
3
2
0
1
+5
6
7
LINDISFARNE CUSON PLANET
3
1
2
0
+3
5
8
WHITBURN ATHLETIC
3
1
1
1
+2
4
9
SWALWELL
3
1
0
2
-2
3
10
WIDEOPEN AND DISTRICT
3
1
0
2
-19
3
11
SEATON BURN
3
0
2
1
-2
2
12
ALNWICK TOWN RESERVES
3
0
2
1
-5
2
13
WILLINGTON QUAY SAINTS
3
0
2
1
-5
2
14
LONGBENTON
3
0
1
2
-5
1
15
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC A
3
0
1
2
-7
1
16
CRAMLINGTON UNITED
3
0
0
3
-8
0
A
CRAMLINGTON UNITED (WON 6-5)
WED 20/08/2014, 18:15KO
A
GATESHEAD LEAM LANE RANGERS
SAT 23/08/2014. 14:30KO
H
SHILBOTTLE COLLIERY WELFARE
WED 27/08/2014, 18:15KO
A
SWALWELL
SAT 30/08/2014 14:30KO
A
WIDEOPEN AND DISTRICT (CUP)
SAT 06/09/2014 14:00KO
H
WHITBURN ATHLETIC
SAT 13/09/2014, 14:30KO
A
WHITBURN ATHLETIC (CUP)
SAT 20/09/2014, 14:00 KO
A
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC A
SAT 27/09/2014, 14:30KO
Tonight’s Opponents… Washington Neal Atkinson Goalkeeper: Signed in January 2013 from West Auckland. Neal makes the bread and butter aspect of his job look easy, in addition to brilliant shot-stopping. Starts off many attacks with his astute distribution. An outstanding goalkeeper. Aaron Croft Midfield: Joined the club from Jarrow Roofing in September 2013. A skilful player who can read the game well. Runs all day and provides a great link between the forwards and defence. Adam Ward Defender: Signed from Billingham Town in October 2013. Started at full- back but has been a revelation in central defence. Sweeps up at the back with his pace, and is a tenacious tackler. Adam McGuiness Defender: Joined the club in September 2013 from Sunderland RCA. Likes to attack and when he is full flow a joy to watch. A ‘sweet left foot’ who sets up many a chance, and likes a strong challenge. Paul Wardle Defender: Signed from Sunderland RCA in October 2013. Centre back as well as Assistant to Manager Steven Hutchinson. Strong in the air, and a major threat at the other end at set-pieces. An experienced player, who has a big influence on the team. Anthony Lund Defender: Signed from Consett in February 2014. A versatile, left-sided player who is equally comfortable in attack or defence. Supports well at both ends of the pitch. Michael Robert Defender: Joined the club from Chester le Street in February 2014. A pacey full back who loves to get forward and support the attack. A neat passer who has quickly become a regular in the starting line-up Richard Paxton Defender: In his second spell with the club rejoined in September 2013. A strong and skilful player who uses his experience to support and prompt in defence, always looking for a goal at set pieces. Greg Swansbury Defender: Signed from the successful Ryhope CW team in July 2014, Greg is a tall elegant player whom reads the game well from the back and will set up a lot of attacking options for the team. Joe Walton Forward: Signed from Spennymoor Town Joe is a fast wide player and does a lot of work up and down the wings. Josh Allan Midfield: Likes to hold the midfield and times his runs to pop up in the box Martin Jackson GoalKeeper: Second season at the club a good shot stopper. James Fairley Forward: Signed from West Auckland in October 2013. Can play on either wing, very quick, and ghosts passed defenders like they weren’t there. Always has an eye for goal, and is one of the top scorers this season. Michael Coughlan Midfield: Joined the club in September 2013 and is now club captain. A player who glides about the pitch, is very comfortable on the ball, and can make a wide range of passes. Also regularly gets on the score sheet. Chris Winn Forward: A strong running player who joined the club from Dunston UTS in November 2013. Chris is a power house and makes the road runner look slow. He is a prolific goal scorer and never stops working for the team. A vital part of the clubs attacking options. Mark Davison Forward: Signed for the club from Spennymoor Town in December 2013. A dynamic centre-forward, who is very strong in the air, and leads the line well. Scores goals, and sets up chances for others with his strong presence. Paul Kane Forward: Joined the club from South Shields in September 2013. Paul does not do tap-ins - he rockets in shots from anywhere and is very often on target. He is a powerful striker who uses his physical presence to create chances and score goals. David Southern Midfield: Signed from Sunderland RCA in September 2013. Davie has a wealth of Northern League experience, and still shows his class when on the ball. Rakes passes to either wing from midfield, and has not lost his appetite for goals. Nathan Cummings (Johnson) Defender/Midfield: Joined the club from Ryhope C.W. in September 2013. Comfortable either in defence or in midfield. A strong tackler who likes to leave his mark on the game, as well as offering advice to the Ref on his performance. Good to have ‘in the trenches’. Mark Catcheside Defender/Midfield : Signed from Seaham Red Star in October 2013. A utility player who has played well in several positions for the club throughout the season. Can be relied upon to give an effective performance whenever called upon. James Cassidy Forward: A good young player who joined the club at the start of the 2013-14 season. He has come on in leaps and bounds, and grown in confidence and stamina as the season has progressed. He will have learned much and has a promising future. Dani Lay Midfield: Took two years away from football to concentrate on boxing. Returned this season. Robert Grainey Defender: A big strong old fashioned defender does every thing quick and simple
Tonight’s Opponents… Washington Washington ‘F’ Pit in the ‘forties’ would have been, I should imagine, a daunting place to spend your working life. Especially with the shortages and rationing prevalent from the war, making life that little bit extra hard for the working classes. But, as in all situations of adversity, a deep-rooted, sense of pride and comradeship existed among the men at the Colliery and it was out of this comradeship that the first ‘F’ Pit football team was born in 1947, Football at this time was the main spotting indulgence of workingmen at weekends, and it was the 'togetherness', forged during the dark hours in the bowels of the pit that saw the team shed their original function of playing Saturday afternoon friendly games, to step into the ‘Big Time’ in 1947 by becoming members of the Gateshead and District League under the banner Of Washington Mechanics. Their first season in the league took them to the final of the Gateshead and District League Cup, and then they were elected to the Washington Amateur League in the 1949/50 season. The following years however saw a decline in interest and even blasphemous talk of calling it a day. Finally a colliery blacksmith, Billy Benson, took over as Secretary and soon things began to change. In the 1955/56 season the Mechanics won three cups, and the League title for the first time. In the 1956/57 season they went onto even greater success by winning the coveted Durham F.A Amateur Challenge Cup. They won the League again that season and also won the Chester-le-Street Aged Miners Cup. Five League titles on the trot, a Washington League record to this day, were to follow, as the unbelievable statistic of seven out of eight Championships were etched in the local record books. Notable personnel among a strong Committee at this time were N Duckcr, H. Richardson, F. Coyle and T. Forsythe, and as the interest of the Washington people increased they were joined by other stalwarts such as Jack McCourt, Oliver Proudock, and Jack Crook, who like Billy Benson himself, were to dedicate best part of their live to the cause. The club was also fortunate in having a young man by the name of Ronnie Ducker in their playing ranks during these illustrious times and, although he assures the writer he was 'dynamite’ on the wing, even his eight Championship medals. (he played for Washington Glebe in the 1960/61 season when they prevented ‘The Mechanic’ making it eight out of eight, could not surpass the excellent service he was to give the club over the next 40 years as club joiner/handyman, Club President and finally Company Director. The Mechanics stay in the Washington Amateur League lasted until 1964 from where they sought pastures new by joining the very prestigious Northern Alliance League. Although their one and only season in the Alliance League did not produce any actual ‘silverware,’ success of another nature was archived the following season, when Billy Benson was successful in applying for membership of the Wearside League under the new name of Washington Football Club, a massive step for a team from such humble beginnings .How far the club had progressed was reflected in the quality of the opposition. Although they finished runners-up in their first season, and a similar position in the mid-seventies when they also lost in the final of the League Cup to Steels F.C., the League Championship was to remain an elusive dream. In order to achieve Wearside League status the club had moved from it’s home in Spout Lane, which was really a village green in those days, to Usworth Park, a Colliery Welfare Ground of high standing, and it was there they played all their home fixtures, the highlight of which was the F.A Cup Third Round tie against League opponents Bradford Park Avenue, when nearly 3,000 people crammed the ground to see their team give a battling display in going down 3-1 to the professional outfit. During the early Wearside League years the Committee was further supplemented by the addition of enthusiasts such as Hedley Ellerington. Bill Blevins and Tom Boylan, people who were to prove crucial to the club’s survival in very difficult period in the club’s history. In l975, with Washington now a New Town, the Development Corporation decided it would be necessary to re-route a road through Usworth Park and consequently the club lost one of the best playing surfaces in the league, and found itself dispatched to Glebe Park to share facilities with various other clubs, a situation totally unacceptable for a club of Wearside League standing. Things continue to deteriorate, and in 1978 the club received a massive blow with the sudden death of Secretary Billy Benson. With a string of temporary’ secretaries failing to fulfill the rigorous demands of the post, the club were approaching turmoil, until ex-player, Dennis Cairns, stepped in to instill the equilibrium required by a club operating at this level. The Committee decided at this point it was essential the club should find a home of their own and the Development Corporation was approached, without much success at first. However the persistence and hard work of Cairns and Tom Boylan in hounding the authorities non stop finally paid off when in 1979 the present site, now named Albany Park, was leased on 88 year contract to the club. The task was now to bring the site up to Wearside League standard by completely enclosing the ground with wooden fencing and providing hand-railing around the perimeter of the pitch, both of these tasks a massive undertaking for the part-time volunteers. However, sheer hard work and dedication over the neat few months, saw the job completed and with the assistance of the neighboring Miners Welfare, who provided changing facilities and showers, the club began playing Wearside League games at Albany Park in season 1980/81.The next step was to attempt to have a licensed club house built on the ground and various a venues were explored without success. Nearing the and of 1981, the Committee were informed that Secretary Dennis Cairns would be leaving the club as he had bean successful in applying for migration to South Africa, and once again the club experienced difficulties in filling the secretary’s position from within their own ranks, and consequently, in 1982 the present secretary, George Abbott, was appointed and the Committee also received a boost with the addition of Bob Goodwin, Peter Stubbing and two ex-players, Dixie Armstrong and Barry Spendley. Unfortunately, the addition of these members was tempered by the sudden death of Oliver Proudlock and the sad loss of another great fiend of the club, George West, who was tragically killed at work. In l983 the club were fortunate to obtain a Mortgage from Greenalls, a brewery keen to make a breakthrough in the north-east, and following protracted negotiations with the Council, a £95,000 licensed clubhouse was built adjacent to the pitch at Albany Park, which opened it’s doors in December 1983.The club continued to play Wearside League Football up to 1987, and then their next ambitious move, saw them make a successful application, and Northern League football was introduced to Washington in the 1988/89 season. Unfortunately, one stalwart was not to see this historic step, as Jack McCourt passed away at Christmas time 1984. Without achieving success of any description, the club continued to enjoy the higher standard of football provided by the Northern League but in February 1991 disaster struck, when the clubhouse was completely gutted by fire. The remainder of the 1990/91 season was played out using the crippled changing facilities of the club house, but the following season saw the club ground-share with Ryhope CA. whilst awaiting the re-building of their club house During the renovations, the opportunity to extend the social side of the building was taking, a wise decision in retrospect, as the club is now a popular venue for all types of social events and functions, and another major decisions to buy Albany Park, was made and transacted at the same time. Although the club house was not fully completed, the team resumed playing their fixtures at Albany Park in the 1992/93 season, and again the occasion was tinged with regrets as long-standing treasurer Jack Crook passed away just prior to their return. In 1994 the Northern League joined the Non–League Pyramid system and this meant massive expenditure for clubs such as Washington who were compelled to provide floodlights of a good standard, stands with undercover seating and not least of all, hard standing round the pitch. Again it was all hand to the pumps for the Committee, and eventually, albeit at the expense of the playing side of the club, funds were some how raised to implement the stringent requirements of the League. In l998 Washington became associated with the local based company Ikeda Hoover who intimated their interest in becoming involved in sport in the Washington area. This union brought about a steady improvement in the club’s fortunes, with company employees adding strength to vital positions in the team, which resulted in our promotion to Division One of the Northern League for the first time in the club’s history. Unfortunately the 2001/02 season saw the parting of the ways for the club and Ikeda Hoover as the company charged hands, and although we were unluckily relegated in season 2003/04 we feel the experience gained playing against The best clubs in the Northern league should stand us in good stead in our quest to regain First Division status once again. In June 2004 the Social Club was purchased by local business man Russell Foster, who has refurbished the inside of the club, and is who’s sponsorship has secured the Football Team future. George Abbott secretary, from 1982 resigned and Barry Spendley took over the reigns. In 2006 Cameron's Brewery bought out Russell Foster and are now the club's main sponsors. Season 2006-2007 Washington finished third in the Second Division and were promoted into the First Division of the Arngrove Northern League. Washington were relegated back to the Second Division at the end of season 2007-2008 Washington had a poor season in 2009-2010 finishing in the bottom half of the Second Division.
Table as of: 21/08/2014
Ebac Northern League Division 1 Pos 1
Marske United
Team
P 3
W 3
D 0
L 0
F 13
A 3
GD 10
PTS 9
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Durham City Shildon North Shields West Allotment Celtic Bishop Auckland Morpeth Town Newcastle Benfield Whitley Bay Bedlington Terriers West Auckland Town Dunston UTS Newton Aycliffe Celtic Nation FC Consett Ashington Crook Town Jarrow Roofing BCA
3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 4 2 3 3 4 2 2 3 3
3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
0 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 2 3 0 1 2 2
7 9 6 6 3 5 7 4 3 5 4 3 4 6 3 2 2
2 3 1 2 1 4 2 3 5 2 7 6 9 6 4 5 5
5 6 5 4 2 1 5 1 -2 3 -3 -3 -5 0 -1 -3 -3
9 7 7 6 6 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1
19
Guisborough Town
2
0
1
1
0
3
-3
1
20 21 22
Billingham Synthonia Sunderland RCA Penrith
3 2 2
0 0 0
1 0 0
2 2 2
4 3 0
10 6 10
-6 -3 -10
1 0 0
Results
Fixtures
Wednesday 20th August 2014 Newton Aycliffe 1-2 Bedlington Terriers North Shields 2-0 Billingham Synthonia Shildon 1-1 Morpeth Town
Saturday 23rd August 2014 Bedlington Terriers v North Shields Billingham Synthonia v Penrith Bishop Auckland v Whitley Bay Celtic Nation v West Allotment Celtic Consett v Newton Aycliffe Crook Town v Ashington Jarrow Roofing BCA v Shildon Marske United v Morpeth Town Newcastle Benfield v Guisborough Town Sunderland RCA v Dunston UTS West Auckland Town v Durham City
Tuesday 19th August 2014 Celtic Nation 2-3 Marske United Dunston UTS 1-0 Jarrow Roofing BCA Durham City 2-1 Crook Town
Table as of: 21/08/2014
Ebac Northern League Division 2 Pos 1 2
Team Northumbria Birtley Town
Team
P 4 4
W 4 3
D 0 0
L 0 1
F 12 10
A 1 6
GD 11 4
PTS 12 9
3
Ryton & Crawcrook Albion
4
3
0
1
8
4
4
9
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Ryhope CW Northallerton Town Alnwick Town Norton & Stockton Ancients Thornaby Hebburn Town Chester-Le-Street Whickham South Shields Stokesley Sports Club Tow Law Town Willington Heaton Stannington Darlington RA Seaham Red Star Billingham Town
4 3 4 3 4 2 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3
2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
2 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 2
0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 1
9 13 9 6 9 7 7 6 7 8 7 3 4 4 2 3
4 2 5 3 7 1 7 3 5 8 9 5 8 10 8 5
5 11 4 3 2 6 0 3 2 0 -2 -2 -4 -6 -6 -2
8 7 7 7 7 6 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 2
20
Washington
3
0
2
1
7
10
-3
2
Brandon United Esh Winning
4 4
0 0
1 0
3 4
1 2
8 25
-7 -23
1 0
21 22
Results
Fixtures
Wednesday 20th August 2014 Brandon United 0-1 Ryton & Crawcrook Albion Esh Winning 1-4 Birtley Town Heaton Stannington 0-2 Chester-le-Street Northallerton Town 2-1 South Shields Willington 0-0 Whickham
Saturday 23rd August 2014 Alnwick Town v Washington Birtley Town v Team Northumbria Chester-le-Street v Whickham Northallerton Town v Willington
Tuesday 19th August 2014 Billingham Town 1-3 Team Northumbria Darlington RA 1-0 Alnwick Town Thornaby 4-1 Seaham Red Star Tow Law Town 3-2 Stokesley Sports Club Washington 2-5 Ryhope CW
Norton & Stockton Ancients v Heaton Stannington
Ryhope CW v Brandon United Ryton & Crawcrook Albion v Thornaby Seaham Red Star v Billingham Town South Shields v Darlington RA Stokesley Sports Club v Hebburn Town Monday 25th August 2014 Heaton Stannington v Alnwick Town
A Blast From The Past The Great Escape - Alnwick Town 5-2 Washington (Report courtesy of the Northumberland Gazette) Alnwick Town marked their 1,000th Northern League game in stunning style on Saturday, with a last-day-of-the-season 5-2 victory over Washington. And to add icing to the cake, the St James’ Park side could well be playing at this level next season, with their chances of avoiding relegation from Division Two looking more likely. While Town ended the season second-bottom, and in the dropzone, they could be granted a stay of execution after league high-flyers Ryhope CW were last week classed as a ‘relegated club’ by the Northern League for failing to meet ground grading criteria. If this decision is ratified by the FA leagues committee on May 17 then, subject to appeal, Ryhope will go back to the Wearside League and Alnwick will be safe. It would be the perfect end to a season which finished so well on Saturday. Watched on by a crowd of more than 150, Town served up a fine display of football worthy of the occasion. Jon Colley sunk a first-half hat-trick before second-half goals from Kieran Hogg and Tony Brown completed the rout. Not even a brace from Washington’s Dean Walker could halt the 1,000th game celebrations. To mark the moment, which came just over three decades after Town’s first Northern League match – a 1-1 draw with Billingham Social FC in late summer 1982 – Northern League chairman Mike Amos presented the club with a commemorative salver. Mr Amos said: “It was a lovely occasion. Alnwick is a smashing community club and it was a great pleasure to present them with a commemorative salver.” The club’s junior players escorted the senior team out in their club colours on the day. Town chairman Tom McKie said Saturday was a proud chapter in the club’s history. Team: Brooks, Makin, Catlow, Murray (C), MacPherson, Patterson, Colley (Kidd), Brown, Keenan (Lowes), Thompson (Jackson), Hogg. Subs: Murray, Tate. Match Sponsor: Kitson Windows. Ball Sponsor: CBS World.
Programme Shop / Club Events Alnwick Town Programme Shop We now have our very own programme shop in the clubhouse. We had a large collection of Newcastle United and Sunderland programme for sale, as well football league, non league and miscellaneous football items. All programmes are priced at just 50p each, real value for money. Donations are gratefully accepted. Please leave any donated programmes at the bar.
Alnwick Town Football Club are now holding a Bingo Night every Monday night in the clubhouse. Eyes Down at 7:30pm, we hope to see you there.
Season Tickets are still available for the 2014/15 season. Adults ÂŁ50, Concessions ÂŁ25. E-mail atafc1879@btconnect.com or ask at the Gate/Clubhouse for info
? HALF TIME QUIZ ?
Which team do the players have in common?
Next Home Fixture
Billingham Town Saturday 30th august 2014 - 3pm ko
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