Penrith AFC v Washington Match Day Programme Saturday 31st March 2018 Issue No 129

THE OFFICAL PENRITH AFC MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

The

Bonny Blues

Main Sponsor

Match Sponsor

Programme Sponsor

Ebac Northern League Division One

Penrith v Washington SATURDAY 31ST MARCH K/O 3PM Season 2017 - 2018

Cumbrian Local Publications No 129

Price £1.50

Welcome to Frenchfield

Page 3

A warm welcome to our visitors today, their players, staff, supporters representing Washington, our match officials, our regulars and new supporters. Wishing you all a Happy Easter and hopefully a good Easter break.

The Mechanics have had quite a number of changes since 24th February. There is a full update on these from page 6. Some of these changes include a whole new coaching team and the team we played on October 7th, which saw us take a 2 – 1 win at the Nissan Sports and Leisure Complex. It did give us a glimmer of hope, especially after we had lost 8 matches in a row. We know how crucial those points are as we aim for the double today.……………………..Continued on page 4 What have we got for you today?

Introduction and Welcome - Lee Quinn Direct line from the Dugout with Kyle May Billy's Blog by Billy Williams Whitley Bay Match report by Karl Collison Washington FC the history of the Mechanics All Change at the Mechanics – Latest News In the mix what’s happened this week in the NL1 Today’s Teams and Match Officials On the road to 125 years - with John Airey Life of Pie - Marske United 4 Morpeth Town 1 Academy Report by Matt Rogers Ladies and Girls Report Kath Savage Junior Boys Report Karl Collinson Selfie Supporter – Ian White Ebac Northern League One Table & Current Form Scores & Fixtures

Pages 3 & 4 Pages 4 & 5 Page 5 Pages 6 & 7 Pages 8 to 9 Pages 10 to 13 Page 14 Pages 16 & 17 Pages 18 & 19 Pages 20 & 21 Page 22 Page 23 Pages 24 & 25 Page 26 Pages 28 & 29 Page 30

Front Cover – Lee Quinn – Programme Editor and co-ordinator Design by Cumbrian Local Publications Ltd our Programme Sponsor Printed by Penrith Print our match Sponsor Photograph Lee Quinn © Brian Kirkbride

‘I hope they’re going to eat all these pies?’

On Tuesday, a narrow defeat by just one goal against New Aycliffe, highlights how close the teams are in the relegation mix. Newton Aycliffe, one of a few sides who are close to being dragged into the 'dog fight' which Kyle describes on page 4.

Guisborough Town are another and in looking at their match report headline, 'Missed chances costs Guisborough dear', the report continues with, 'A catalogue of missed chances costs Guisborough dear as lowly Washington clinch surprise victory at the KGV’.

Despite a final score line which suggests an emphatic victory for Washington over Guisborough at the KGV on Saturday, the result could have been so different had the Priorymen not suffered from their old failing of not capitalising on their chances.

Gary Foster, the Priorymen’s manager said, “We created enough chances to win not just one but three games! But having said that we were awful in both boxes at times and a crazy 10 minutes before half time when they scored all three of their goals really cost us."

As I write this opening for you today, we are printing on the Thursday of the week, so the tables and the results we have are from Thursday morning 29th March.

The bonus in printing early is we will have the programme out on sale in the town Thursday afternoon and with a bit of luck, will be printing some more on Saturday morning which may have an insert up to date table. With just three programmes remaining, this being 26, I am now working on the 2018/19 programme and sponsorships.

I have now started work on the 125 year anniversary, so I took a couple of hours out this week with John Airey, past player and Club President. I am aiming to get 125 interviews of past players, members, staff and families that will be sharing their knowledge and experience of 125 years of the Bonny Blues. More details are on pages 18 & 19.

Direct from the Dugout from Kyle May From my regular phone in from Kyle this is what he had to say on the Whitby and what comes next….

We had a few chances we didn't take in the first half. We held our shape and stuck to the system.

It was good to get the first goal in the second half. When Whitley Bay scored the equaliser 10 matches ago, we could have lost the match; from then our heads would have gone down and we would have struggled to win.

It shows the huge steps we have taken in the last 3 - 4 weeks. As a team, now we are looking out for each other. There were different periods in the game, but we held it together as we are mentally stronger and we have developed in how we conduct ourselves.

Many of the players are still here that do have those thoughts that stem from the first half of the season. Being able to put that behind and believe in themselves, is a credit to them and shows strength in self-belief.

We had a good run, then we had a few results that didn't go our way, but we set ourselves a target.

Heads up, eyes front and enjoy the game. Come on you Bonny Blues!

We all knew back in November it would be a dog fight, but the progression we have made has brought more teams into the fight and create better opportunities for us to complete our task.

Lee Quinn, Programme Editor leepenrithafc@gmail.com

We set ourselves a target to win 5 out of the remaining 10. We have two of those banked.

Next Home fixtures Saturday 7th April K/O 3.00pm Dunston UTS ENL 1

Continued over the page………

The games we have ahead of us are all going to be hard, but we'll stick to the plan and take each game as it comes with a fresh start and keep motivated for those three wins we need.

Washington are no pushover despite their position. It’s going to be a hard game. We have a few players not available today, but we do have plenty of players eager to make a mark in the side.

Billy’s Blog

Looking in from the outside, these teams around us are in shock, especially those that had written us off, which now find themselves in the fight to stay up. It's something they now have to deal with that wasn't in their plan!

Martyn Coleman’s 3 goals in the win against Whitley Bay were very welcome, both for him and the club in our effort to escape relegation and maintain the standard of football at Frenchfield Park.

Today’s game against Washington presents another challenge for Kyle May and his players. It was good to see Sam Bell getting back to fitness in a season where he has been plagued by injury.

Three generations of the Bell family have played for the club. Sam’s father and grandfather, Mike and Tim, were present at the Whitley Bay game. I can’t think of another family with that record but if anyone knows of others, please let me know. Tim misses very few games, often accompanied by another explayer from Brough in Rory Robinson, whose grandson Dan, represented the club. Always good to see them.

Time goes so quickly. Next season the club is 125 years old. We hope to commemorate this achievement in several ways. It will also be ten years since our relocation to Frenchfield. Can you believe it?

This season, although it’s been a difficult winter, you will notice a massive improvement in the pitch playing surface. The work done by a company called Duncan Ross has been commendable. Annual maintenance will start again in May. This is a big expense for the club, but it has been shown to be really beneficial with many more junior and community games taking place.

Here’s hoping for another positive result today.

C’mon you Blues!

Page 6

Penrith 3 Whitely Bay 1 Report by Karl Collinson The Bonny Blues avenged their FA Cup defeat to Whitley Bay earlier in the season by running out deserved 3.1 winners.

It was that man again, Martyn Coleman, who struct 3 times in the second half to push Penrith one place up the Northern League Division 1 table.

It was a tight afair in the first 45 as Bay keeper made a finger tip save from a Coleman shot from 18 yards and Kyle May saw a header float wide.

Stu Dixon in the Penrith goal, again, was composed and confident as he mopped up any threat the visitors posed.

Match Report

It was a defensive mistake by the visitors centre back what unlocked the deadlock.

The ball looked to be going out for a goal kick until Coleman sneaked round the back of the ushering defender, stole the ball and cut inside and thundered an unstoppable left foot shot into the far bottom corner.

The visitors seemed to have been woken up by the goal and started enjoying large periods of possession.

They were level when a ball was fizzed across goal and after a couple of deflections, Captain Rivenhall side footed the ball into the empty net.

It seemed to take the sting out of Penrith but the introduction of the energetic Connor Shields added pace and urgency to the Bonny Blues.

Photo Lee Quinn Š

Coleman Penalty, Going going….

Photo Lee Quinn ©

Soon after that man Coleman stole into the left hand side, turned past 2 defenders and unleashed a bullet into the roof of the net.

The game was there for the taking now and Coleman was sent clear on goal only to be taken down by the on rushing keeper, stonewall penalty.

There was no prizes for who was going to take it, Coleman smashed the ball into the roof of the net to secure his hat-trick. Two goalkeepers wouldn't have saved it!!

A priceless win with some excellent performances from Jordan Lawson, Tyler Bowman and a superb cameo from Connor Shields.

Gone…Back of the net!!!

Photo Lee Quinn ©

Page 8

Washington Football Club - A Brief History

Welcome to the visitors

During the early part of the 20th Century there were several attempts to establish Washington Football Club in the local community with mixed success.

Many good players were discovered though, some progressing to the professional ranks.

Our version of Washington Football Club was established in 1947 by the miners of Washington ‘F’ Pit. All that now remains of the Colliery is the Pit Wheelhouse (which is a museum), but the Foot-ball Club goes on, providing sporting opportunities for players of all ages.

It’s fair to say that the club has had contrasting fortunes over the years with many highs and lows. The following briefly out-lines key moments in the progress of the Club Climbing through the Leagues After some initial friendly games, the club joined the Gateshead and District League in 1947 under the banner of Washington Mechanics. After two seasons, they were elected to the Washington Amateur League. Throughout the 1950s the club enjoyed much success and continued to develop. Looking to progress, they moved on to the Northern Alliance League in 1964.

That move only lasted one season, as the club was successful in their application to the Wearside League, joining under the new name of Washington Football Club. A long association with the Wearside League lasted until 1988. In Season 1988/89 the club finally achieved a long-held ambition to join the Northern League.

Around the Grounds The early games were played on a pitch in Spout Lane, Washington, which was little more than a village green at the time. Upon entry to the Wearside League, the club moved to Usworth Park, a well-maintained Colliery Welfare ground with an excellent playing surface.

In 1975, the continued development of Washington New Town saw the Colliery Welfare ground make way for a new trunk road. The club was forced to move to Glebe Park, to share council facilities with several other teams. After much lobbying, the club finally leased a ground from the New Towns Commission in 1979, which was brought up to Wearside League standard for the start of the 1980/81 season. The new ground, Albany Park, was subsequently purchased by the club and developed with the addition of a licensed clubhouse and stands.

In February 1991, a fire gutted the clubhouse, and for two years the club played home games at Ryhope C.A. The club returned to Albany Park for the 1992/93 season and continued to improve the facilities with the addition of floodlights and seating areas. In 2003, the Limited Company, which owned Albany Park and ran the club, went into liquidation.

The ground was then purchased by local businessman Russell Foster, who later sold it on to Cameron’s Brewery. The club continued to play at Albany Park until the end of the 2009/2010 season, but deteriorating facilities and doubts about the long-term future of the ground, forced the club to look for a new home.

An approach was made to the nearby Nissan Sports & Leisure Complex - a wonderful set-up in the grounds of the Nissan Car Factory. The club was generously welcomed and has played home matches there since the start of the 2010/2011 season.

Nissan Sports & Leisure Complex In the first few seasons at NSLC, the club finished in mid-table of the Ebac Northern League Second Division but continued to develop links with the management of NSLC (Gary Collin) and Chairman of the Nissan Sports Football Section (Graeme English). In September 2013, they were instrumental in helping to recruit Steven Hutchinson as Manager of the team. Steve arrived when the club was languishing at the foot of the table with only one point from the opening 10 games.

A great run of results saw them finish in a respectable league position and reach the final of the Ernest Armstrong Cup (loosing narrowly 1-0 to Jarrow Roofing). Progress continued, and in the following season (2014- 2015) the club finished runners-up and were promoted to the First Division.

Season 2015/2016 brought consolidation in the First Division, and a great run in the FA Cup (only going out in a replay to Marine FC - a team two divisions higher in the FA Pyramid System). The departure of Steven Hutchinson, early into the 2016/17 season, caused much disruption in the club.

His assistant Neil Hixon did a sterling job to ‘steady the ship’ but work commitments mean Neil also had to stand down from his management duties.

Richie Latimer was then appointed as Team Manager. Richie had previously played for and managed the Club and brought in James Clark as Assistant Manager with Michael Laws as Player/Coach. Prior to joining the Club, James had been coach with Whitley Bay, whilst Michael was part of the Spennymoor Town side that won 3 league titles in 4 years. After only 6 weeks, work commitments once again saw the Manager depart, as Richie also had to step down. Fortunately, Clark and Laws took over the reins, and successfully steered the Club away from potential relegation.

Joining Forces - Washington FC and AFC The difficult 2016/17 season took its toll on the small number of volunteers who ran the Club, culminating in a decision to inform the Ebac Northern League, before the March deadline, that the Club would withdraw its membership for the 2017/18 season. The drastic action gave the club time to consider options. Subsequently, a concerted appeal was made in the local press/social media etc., to find help to take over/assist with the administration of the Club.

The call for help was answered by Washington AFC. They are a local Community Junior Club, where “Football is for All”. They are a well-run organisation with a wealth of admin-istrative experience (currently running 48 teams). They provide training for girls and boys in age groups ranging from Under 7s to Under 14s boys and hope to have one team in every age division up to Under 18s.

Local volunteers have also stepped up. A new Club Secretary, Stephen Haywood has been appointed and a Media Team has been formed. Previous Secretary & Chairman, Derek Armstrong, Club President, Tom Boylen and Fundraising Coordinator Graeme English continue to support the Club along with The Management Team at Nissan Sports and Leisure Complex.

Page 10

All Change at the Mechanics

Welcome to the visitors

Washington FC announce that after careful consideration they appointed a new set of coaches to carry them through to the end of the season. This was following the resignation of the previous coaches the day before their match against Ashington 24th February Following on from their partnership formed at the beginning of the season, with the well established Grassroots club Washington AFC, they decided to approach some of the more experienced coaches from the Club with a view to initially carry the squad forward to the end of the current season.

The new structure of coaching staff was announced Manager – Mark Gibbon, Coach – Scott Curtis, Player Coach – John Dixon, Coach – Gary Sykes (Mark Gibbon 2nd from the left) All have years of experience, as well as the necessary coaching badges to drive the club forward and play a type of Football that has been bred into the Junior section and will make a clear pathway and hopefully transition into the Mens First team for aspiring youngsters.

A few weeks it was time to find out more about the new structure and released on their website the first interview with the coaches which we have permission you use

A few weeks on it was time to find out more about the new structure and released on their website the first interview with the coaches which we have permission you use Are you looking forward to the final run in of games and what can we expect to see from the team in comparison to the previous regime?

Gary – I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge, especially being involved with your home town club.

Moving forward for the next nine games, we will see more of a positive mind-set in wanting to win games. This has been put into place with the players at training and match days and this was noticeable during the Ashington game after one training session.

There will be more professionalism from the coaching staff to the players and vice versa and a structure for the team with a game plan in place. The training sessions are based around how we play, placing the philosophy of Washington AFC in playing football.

Scott – Being a Washington lad and having made my debut for the team nearly 29 years ago I’m extremely proud, and privileged at becoming part of the management team, and I’m really looking forward to the remaining 9 games of the season.

I’m hoping the hard work that’s being put in on the training pitch can be replicated on a match day and the team will hopefully play with more structure.

John – Yes, this is a very exciting time for myself and my colleagues and all involved in Washington F.C. and AFC. I cannot comment on the past regime this team has had, but I can say we have a job to do going forward and this will be a long project we are all involved with and one we are working towards reaching our goals. We all know our roles and responsibilities both as staff and as players and we are all in this as a team.

What are your targets for the run in? Have you set any?

Gary – We have to set targets for the coaching staff and the players for the final run of games. There are some winnable games to be played, but they can all be won if the players perform for 90 minutes. Each game is a cup final for the players and need to perform at their best.

Scott – the management team have targeted at least four games that we’d expect to win, although we will go into every game being positive and hope the team plays to its maximum potential.

John – We will take each game as it comes and only look as far ahead as the next game. The only targets set will be for the upcoming game, after that our focus and targets move onto our next game. Keeping things simple and having a clear direction can only boost the team’s ability to develop.

What are your targets for the run in? Have you set any?

Gary – We have to set targets for the coaching staff and the players for the final run of games. There are some winnable games to be played, but they can all be won if the players perform for 90 minutes. Each game is a cup final for the players and need to perform at their best.

Scott – the management team have targeted at least four games that we’d expect to win, although we will go into every game being positive and hope the team plays to its maximum potential.

Continued over page

Page 12

All Change at the Mechanics (continued from page 11) John – We will take each game as it comes and only look as far ahead as the next game.

The only targets set will be for the upcoming game, after that our focus and targets move onto our next game. Keeping things simple and having a clear direction can only boost the team’s ability to develop.

What immediate changes have been made to the Squad since your appointments?

Meet the visitors

Gary – Changing the environment with the current players, adding more professionalism, structure to training and matches. There has been changes in coaching staff, with this players often follow their managers who brought them to the Club, which often happens in the Northern League.

The 6 x Under 18 players from Washington AFC have stepped up and are playing regular football and growing in confidence on a weekly basis, while we have managed to keep the experience players at the Club.

This is a huge transition for everyone and trying to implement this in 2 x 1 hour training sessions a week is challenging. The players have bought into what we what to achieve in training and this is half of the battle.

Scott – We have been concentrating on changing the style of play in our training sessions, and hopefully that showed in our narrow defeat to Ashington, I’d like to think we’ve brought more professionalism and structure to the squad in the short time we’ve been involved.

John – The team has changed a lot in regard to personnel, but our main aim is to change the team’s mentality, to have a clear sense of direction and what we are aiming to achieve.

We can only move forward and develop as players and a team if the players fully understand our long-term goals.

With one week left in this seasons transfer market can we expect any movement in or out of the club?

Gary – Players come and go and hopefully the current players will continue for the final run and see out the season. For anyone coming in, they would need to work with ourselves for the rest of the season and next season and not be a short-term solution.

Scott – There has been a lot going on behind the scenes with regard to new players, we have been actively trying to add to the squad, unfortunately we haven’t been able to sign all the players we would of liked, but we are hoping to bring one or two new faces in during the following week, without losing any of the current squad.

John – Yes things are getting really busy at this stage of the season and I can say we are always looking at ways to improve our squad and if that is a player or two then that’s always a possibility.

How do you feel the current squad have reacted to another change within the management and committee at the club?

Gary – I believe the players have welcomed ourselves to the Club as a management. We were already supporting the players from the side line at training and match days, talking to them after the game, so they are familiar with ourselves. The players want to play football and want to see all the games through.

Scott – I think the squad have been very positive since we have arrived at the club, they’ve trained extremely hard and hopefully they’ll be rewarded with improved performances and results between now and the end of the season.

John – It isn’t easy for any player when a new management team come in with a new philosophy and style of play, but I can honestly say the players have been fantastic and very welcoming.

How do you feel the current squad have reacted to another change within the management and committee at the club?

Gary – I believe the players have welcomed ourselves to the Club as a management. We were already supporting the players from the side line at training and match days, talking to them after the game, so they are familiar with ourselves. The players want to play football and want to see all the games through.

Scott – I think the squad have been very positive since we have arrived at the club, they’ve trained extremely hard and hopefully they’ll be rewarded with improved performances and results between now and the end of the season.

John – It isn’t easy for any player when a new management team come in with a new philosophy and style of play, but I can honestly say the players have been fantastic and very welcoming.

And finally…….you have all made the transition from our partner club Washington AFC where you have all racked up numerous years of coaching, and also come with some great qualifications – UEFA B Licence and Two Level 2 Coaches on the new pathway. This is fantastic to see and also shows the rest of the junior section what can be achieved with some dedication and hard work. Do you hope that this opportunity could be for the Long Term?

Gary – Twenty years of coaching and I still enjoy every challenge, managing and coaching players on a weekly basis. I am still learning and continue to do so, the coaching staff are able to bounce ideas off each while being open and honest with each other.

The current coaches at Washington AFC are fantastic and are changing their mentality of coaching being a hobby to actually wanting to develop themselves further through their FA qualifications. Who knows what could be in store for them in 10 years’ time, hopefully one day we will see another Washington AFC coach be involved with the Seniors Men’s at some point. Is this role long term?

Firstly, we need to concentrate on the remaining games and see if we can achieve our targets for the end of this season, that is the priority. With a positive environment with the coaching staff and players it will be interesting to see what we can achieve in the final run in. Ask me again at the end of the season.

Scott – I personally would love to be involved for the long term, if we can hit our targets and have a successful finish to the season who knows what might happen?

John – We have been brought in to do a job until the end of the season and after that then we will sit down and have that conversation with the committee. All I can say is we are fully focused on the job ahead and we will give this all of our attention and dedication going into the very last game of the season.

What’s happened in a week!

The Bishops are having a bad run in the league. They may have knocked us out of the League Cup, but since beating our opponents today on their trip away 4 – 1 on 17th February at Washington in the league, it’s the only win they’ve had in 9 matches. On Wednesday this week away at Newcastle Benfield, they lost 5 -1 and last Saturday they lost 3 – 1 at Consett.

Our hosts as you know beat Guisborough in the first match that the Priory men had played since 24th February. Meanwhile, Seaham Red Star lost away last Saturday to Sunderland RCA 3 – 0, but yesterday at home to Jarrow Roofing, they lead from the front throughout the match and came out on top with a 3 – 2 result.

Thursday night, Ryhope hammered Consett 6 – 1. They are at home again today and if they continue their form against Shildon, I can’t see them being caught in the scrap to stay up.

The Roofers or Bishops? Two matches ago there was one point between us and the Roofers. Yesterday would have hurt at Seaham Red Star. Tuesday night they also lost at home 3-1 to Ryhope CW; another could cost and those games they had to their advantage could be running out if they don’t get a result today at home to Stockton Town.

Last Saturday, I probably did hit it home on the doubters that see us with a mountain to climb; my point to many and it will be today as I do the rounds in the town before the match selling programmes, is we’re not the only ones climbing!

You’ll see the table on page 28 and the run of matches for those in this scrap which could be as high as 14th place in the table as we kick off today. One thing I admire in Kyle’s approach has been keeping the focus of the team, not on the table but on this win of 5 from the last 10 matches.

For the doubters and worriers, a key turning point was the Team Northumbria match, not just for us but for all those now in this scrap. Team Northumbria on that note since our win it was the first of four matches lost in a row for TN with seven matches remaining they have dropped to 13th in the table and can be caught.

The table positions as they were on 10th March and on 31st March Ryhope were 18th and they had played 27 and had 32 points. They’ve now played 30, they have 41 points and they are 15th with 12 matches to play. Three wins in a row, they are on their way.

Gainsborough were 15th and they had played 32 and they had 38 points. They’ve now played 33, they have 38 points and they are 17th with 9 matches to play.

Seaham Red Star were 14th and they had played 29 and they had 38 points.

They’ve now played 32, they have 41 points and they are 16th with 10 matches to play Newton Aycliffe were 16th and they had played 30, they had 34 points. They’ve now played 34, they have 41 points and they are 14th with 8 matches to play.

Bishop Auckland were 17th and they had played 32, they had 33 points. They’ve now played 34, they still have 33 points and they are below the Bonny Blues in 19th place with 8 matches to play.

Jarrow Roofing were 20th and they had played 30, they had 27 points. They’ve now played 33, they have 30 points and they are still 20th with 9 matches to play.

Penrith

Management

Manager - Kyle May Assistant Manager - Andy Coyles Physio - Yasmin Phair Mascot - Bradley Hodgson

Washington

Management

Manager - Mark Gibbon Coach - Scott Curtis Player Coach - John Dixon Coach - Gary Sykes

Back to Southend Road Page 182

125 years

Penrith Football Club 1894 - 2019 490 days to go. We are exactly 70 weeks away from kicking off our 125th anniversary season of Penrith football club. It’s something you don’t switch on; it’s something we need to plan ahead for.

I am co-ordinating at least 125 interviews that will be recorded and written up, clips of film and we need to build the biggest collection of club history we can for this ultimate year.

I estimate at least 300 images are needed of our past to make that year that bit special with a personal publication by the people and players of Penrith.

My special thanks to John Airey who has made a start with some images dating back to 1924 and next up, his life with the club since his first match, age 17 against Tow Law, which we reckon was in the 1952-1953 season. Have you got the team sheet? Penrith AFC is a club with a history. It’s about people and its community.

29/03/2018 Marske United 4 Morpeth Town 1 – Ebac Northern League Division One Marske could have been forgiven for feeling sorry for themselves. Knocked out of the Vase on Saturday, despite coming agonisingly close to Wembley. A shed-load of games to make up on their opponents, plenty of points behind them and not many weeks left to the end of the season to make up the lost ground.

The trouble is that no-one seems to have told them that they were meant to be down and out, or if they did, they didn’t take a blind bit of notice. This was a terrific performance from front to back by the Seasiders.

The first 10 minutes saw the two teams sparring and finding their way into the game, but the match sparked into life in the 13th minute. The ball came over from the Marske right, hit Morpeth right back Stephen Forster’s shin and trundled back towards the goal, past keeper Karl Dryden, only for it to hit the post. Danny Earl was quickest to react to the rebound and pushed it home from a couple of feet away.

The intensity then didn’t let up for the rest of the game.

Minutes later Morpeth No.9 Joe Walton beat the offside trap and tried to take the ball round Marske keeper Robert Dean who just managed to grab it from Walton’s feet. In the 26th minute Dean pulled off a great save to deny Walton a second time when the Morpeth striker broke clear of the Marske back line and hit a powerful shot that Dean somehow got a hand to.

The Marske defence had to concentrate and work hard for a five-minute spell around the half-hour mark to deal with sustained Morpeth pressure. They then hit the visitors with a classic quick break counter-attack. Mikey Roberts got the ball on the half-way line and set Curtis Round on his way with a quick pass left. The winger took the ball on a 45-yard run, kept his poise and nerve, rounded Dryden and slotted it in to make it 2-0.

Morpeth hit back with two chances of their own – Ben Sayer passing to Walton who back-heeled it to Liam Henderson whose shot was blocked by Leon Carling and then Walton getting under a Sean Taylor cross and putting a header over the bar. For the last five minutes of the half, it was Marske’s turn to apply the pressure and Morpeth defending.

The half was all about tenacious play by Marske and attacking attrition by Morpeth.

Spectators didn’t have long to wait for the game to spark back into life in the second half. Two minutes in and Marske won a penalty when Michael Turner brought down Reece Kelly who beat him with pace and was able to hold off the initial challenge, before the foul. Craig Gott hit the penalty left, Dryden went the other way and all of a sudden it was 3-0.

Three goals to the good, Marske now had the confidence to break in greater numbers and in the 60th minute Glen Butterworth saw a shot go just over the bar.

In the 66th minute Sayer belted a free kick from the edge of the Marske box and Dean pulled off another top save, despite seeing the ball late as it came through a gaggle of players crowding the box in front of him.

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In the 75th minute Morpeth finally converted one of their chances when Walton played a one-two with substitute Chris McDonald, with the No.16 finally beating Dean.

In a game full of pace, energy and quality, the fifth and final goal was one to savour.

There didn’t seem to be much on when Gott pushed the ball back to Gary Wood who hit a simply sublime shot with the outside of his boot that curled over Dryden in the Morpeth goal.

It didn’t have power, but this season I haven’t seen a ball hit so sweetly for a goal.

It was an exquisite finish.

In the closing minutes Walton, Henderson and Stephen Elliott kept on testing Dean and the Marske defence who kept them at bay to cap a memorable performance and win.

Marske’s social media team posted this after the game: 18 points behind, 10 games in hand, 16 games left in 36 days... #MissionImpossible A month ago not many people, including me, would have given them much chance of winning the title. This win throws it wide open, but it’s still a hell of a task ahead of them.

Opening Times: Monday - Friday 5:00 - 8:00pm Sat 12:00 - 2:30pm/ 5:00 - 8:30pm Sun 12:00 - 2:30pm/ 5:00 - 8:00pm

Morpeth will play as well as they did last night and beat most other teams. Their recent form has been relatively poor, compared to their normal high standards, but it promises to be an absolutely fascinating run-in to the end of the season.

Booking Recommended

PS – This blog is longer than usual. The game deserved it.

Please call: 01768 862369

AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence

Stoneybeck Inn, Bowscar, Penrith, CA11 8RP

www.stoneybeckinn.co.uk

Page 22

Sedbergh Wanderers Res v Penrith AFC Academy It’s another 3 points for the lads today and 4 wins on the bounce now.

Sedbergh were our hosts and they made it a tough game.

We started with the same team that we had last week which is a rarity these days with only Kieron Hodgson the only change in the starting 11.

Academy Report

It was a fairly even opening 10 minutes where both teams were tested but the Academy started to get their passing game going and after 16 minutes Shaun Askins went close with a well taken free kick.

The Academy stepped up a gear and were on top for long periods and it was a superb move down the right flank where Greg Hall beat the home sides full back and put a pin point ball across for the man in form Luke Hunter to score his 4th goal in 3 games. 0-1.

Sedbergh then got back into the game creating a number of chances which were superbly saved by an outstanding Lewis Waugh (Man of the Match) for the Academy and some great defending but the Lads went in at the break with a deserved 0-1 lead.

2nd half started very well for us after only 2 minutes Luke Hunter played the ball across the box and cometh the hour, cometh the man there was LIAM ADDIS who smashed the ball home for the Academy’s 2nd and quite remarkably Liam’s first goal in senior competitive football. (Take a bow son).

I have to be honest after going 2 goals up we were aweful for the rest of the game as we lost our shape at times and Sedbergh were the only team in it.

However, they were down to 9 men with 20 minutes to go after an awful challenge on young Chris Mills and their player saw a straight red with another following him to the changing rooms for something he said.

This quite probably gave us the game as we continued to struggle but we held on and ground out a 1-2 victory against a very physical side.

FT 1-2 and another 3 points with a very young team in a tough Division. This made it a full house for the clubs senior sides with our reserves & first team winning too.

MOM - Lewis Waugh (Waffle) Goals - Luke Hunter & LIAM ADDIS Matt Rogers Penrith AFC Academy Manager

M & J BRACKEN (Est 1946)

Penrith Ladies Fixtures to play BURY FC WOMEN v PENRITH AFC Wednesday 4 April 2018 at 18:30 At the JD Stadium, Gigg Lane Bury BL9 9HR PRESTON NORTH END LADIES v PENRITH AFC Sunday 8 April 2018 at 14:00 UCLAN Sports Arena, Tom Benson Way, Cottam Preston PR2 1SG CARLISLE UNITED v PENRITH AFC Thursday 26 April 2018 at 18:30 Creighton Rugby Club, Sycamore Lane, Parkland Carlisle CA1 3SR CAMMELL LAIRD 1907 v PENRITH AFC

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Sunday 29 April 2018 at 14:00 North West Construction Stadium, St Peters Road, Rock Ferry Birkenhead,CH42 1PY Penrith AFC Development PAFC Development 4-0 Fleetwood Town Dev Goals : Becca Alderson (2), Livvy Johnston (2) Solid all round display after several weeks without a game. 3 points and a clean sheet.

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Junior Report

Junior Boys Update By Karl Collinson Penrith AFC U11s 4 – Langwathby 1 We played Langwathby in the first leg semi final of the Joe Fisher cup. Fraser Mccaig put us 1-0 up early with Langwathby getting back to 1-1 before half time.

It was a very competitive game with both teams playing good football. Both keepers making important saves.

We took the lead with another goal from Fraser half way through the second half and with and late goals from Isaac Cutting and James Mullet Ă—2 put us in a strong position going into the second leg this Friday.

Penrith AFC Wolves 3 Keswick 2 The first half was a bitter pill to swallow as the blues went in 2-0 down at half time. Penrith played with confidence with some nice flowing football, but failed to convert.

Keswick on the other hand were clincal with their chances . The second half was a different story as central defender Jack Turley led the defence with a high line. This enabled Penrith to keep the offensive pressure on.

With captain Luke Kemp now well in control in the middle of the park it was only a matter of time before the Blues were to convert as the chances came thick and fast. Some great work from the wings from Kian Drummond and Jack Cannon who opened up repeat chances for top goal scorer Luke eanord.

Man of the match was a difficult one as Luke leanord got another hatrick one of many for the top goalscorer. But the performance of the day was the big centre back Jack Turley who was a rock in defence.

Penrith Panthers 0 Castletown Dragons 2 Penrith Panthers played Castletown Dragons for the 3rd time in 5 weeks in a U14 league match. Again the Panthers more than matched their older counterparts and were well in the game up to the last few minutes when the Dragons scored 2 quick goals.

Harvey Forster got the Panthers goal after a cool finish and picked up another man of the match award but there was excellent performances also from goalkeeper Harvey Reay and centre back Leo Wallace.

The Panthers have now played the older Castletown teams 7 times this season and have showed great character and attitude as they've competed with them for large portions of each game.

They can all be proud of their efforts and attitude as we look forward to the rest of the season.

SELFIE SUPPORTER

tremendous atmosphere and a bumper crowd.

Also, an away game at runaway league leaders Spennymoor Town at the end of the 2012-13 season. We were down to the bare bones.

Manager Matt Henney and his assistant were included in starting 11, and there were no substitutes. I had to go in dugout alone! We won 1-0 and so I have a 100 per cent record as manager!

Favourite players - past and present?

Past: Phil Thornton - a class act.

Present: Willy Paul - a true professional and example.

Name: Ian White Most memorable match and why?

There are two: The FA Cup second qualifying round replay at Frenchfield Park against Scarborough Athletic, which Penrith won 4-3 on penalties, in 2013-14. It was a

Do you support another club?

Sheffield Wednesday. Such is my loyalty, I am not allowed to eat bacon (red and white stripes!).

Who is your favourite England player, past and present?

Past: Ron Springett. Present: Harry Kane.

Thank you Ian and welcome to the Selfie Supporters club

Where We Stand

Page 28

Division One Saturday 31st March 2018 Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Team Morpeth Town Marske United Consett West Auckland Town North Shields Shildon Sunderland RCA Stockton Town Newcastle Benfield Ashington Dunston UTS Whitley Bay Team Northumbria Newton Aycliffe Ryhope CW Seaham Red Star Guisborough Town Penrith Bishop Auckland Jarrow Roofing BCA Washington Billingham Synthonia

P 36 26 36 33 34 33 33 34 28 34 29 33 35 34 30 32 33 35 34 33 35 32

W 14 11 11 8 8 8 8 12 7 8 5 3 9 7 5 7 7 5 7 4 2 1

D 2 1 3 5 3 7 3 1 1 2 0 5 1 2 0 2 4 1 1 2 4 3

L 1 2 5 3 6 3 5 8 5 6 8 7 9 7 9 8 7 11 8 9 11 13

F 45 36 43 48 45 36 27 50 29 32 19 26 29 24 23 32 28 29 30 23 19 11

A 18 17 29 26 34 27 18 38 24 24 27 31 28 27 32 36 32 40 37 37 37 52

W 12 10 9 10 11 9 9 5 9 5 10 11 5 3 8 5 4 6 3 5 2 0

Current Form

Team Newcastle Benfield Marske United West Auckland Town Ryhope CW Sunderland RCA Guisborough Town Shildon Stockton Town Dunston UTS Newton Aycliffe Ashington North Shields Morpeth Town Consett Penrith Seaham Red Star Jarrow Roofing BCA Bishop Auckland Team Northumbria Washington Billingham Synthonia Whitley Bay

P 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

W 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

D 3 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 2 9 2 0 1 9 2 3 4 0 2 1 2 3

L 4 1 7 4 5 5 6 7 4 4 4 7 10 6 6 7 7 12 13 12 14 12

F 51 31 37 42 41 31 37 23 42 33 37 39 21 20 32 19 32 20 25 35 17 6

A 26 6 41 27 25 18 30 28 22 30 22 30 30 23 32 25 41 36 51 49 53 39

GD 52 44 10 37 27 22 16 7 25 11 7 4 -8 -6 -9 -10 -13 -27 -33 -28 -54 -74

Pts 83 65 64 62 61 59 56 53 51 50 47 47 44 41 41 41 38 -3 34 33 30 18 9

L F A W D L F A GD Pts 0 8 2 4 0 0 15 4 17 18 0 5 1 3 1 0 7 1 10 16 0 15 4 2 0 1 8 5 14 15 1 9 6 2 1 0 8 3 8 13 1 7 3 2 0 1 9 6 7 12 1 2 4 2 2 0 9 5 2 11 0 6 3 1 0 2 4 3 4 10 2 13 10 0 0 0 0 0 3 10 2 3 5 2 1 0 7 4 1 10 0 3 1 1 1 2 7 8 1 10 1 7 7 1 1 1 7 8 -1 10 2 13 14 1 0 1 5 5 -1 7 1 3 3 1 1 2 6 8 -2 7 1 6 7 0 0 2 2 11 -10 7 1 6 3 0 0 3 3 8 -2 6 2 4 9 1 0 2 2 7 -10 6 1 4 4 0 0 3 9 12 -3 4 2 1 6 1 0 3 6 11 -10 3 2 1 7 1 0 3 4 8 -10 3 2 4 8 1 0 3 5 13 -12 3 3 3 16 0 0 2 0 3 -16 1 3 3 11 0 0 3 4 8 -12 0

The run and points available Newton Aycliffe (H) Newcastle Benfield (H) Seaham Red Star (A) Billingham Synthonia (H) Sunderland RCA (H) Jarrow Roofing BCA (A) Jarrow Roofing BCA (H) Whitley Bay (H) Consett Points available 24 - Current have 41 - Maximum achievable 65 Ryhope with in 15th with points 36, probably won’t need too many from there last 12 matches but they have got some matches that could have an impact in the scrap between 14th and the bottom. They do have to play (A) Washington (A) Billingham Synthonia (A) Guisborough Town and Bishop Auckland Points available 36 - Currently have 41 - Maximum achievable 77 Seaham Red Star (A) Newton Aycliffe (A) Marske United (A) Ashington (H) Guisborough (A) West Auckland (A) North Shields (H) West Auckland (A) Morpeth (H) Dunston UTS (H) Stockton Town.

Points available 30 - Currently have 41 - Maximum achievable 71 Guisborough (H) Marske United (A) Morpeth (A) Seaham Red Star (H) Shildon (H) Ryhope CW (A) Jarrow Roofing BCA (A) Sunderland RCA (A) Marske United (A) Dunston UTS. Points available 27 - Currently have 38 - Maximum achievable 65 The Bonny Blues (H) Washington (H) Dunston UTS (A) Newcastle Benfield (A) North Shields (H) Billingham Synthonia (A) Billingham Synthonia (H) Stockton Town Points available 21 - Currently have 34 - Maximum achievable 51 Bishop Auckland (A) Dunston UTS (A) Sunderland RCA (H) North Shields (H) Billingham Synthonia (H) Sunderland RCA (H) Whitley Bay (H) Marske United (A) Ryhope CW. Points available 24 - Currently have 33 - Maximum achievable 57 Jarrow Roofing (H) Stockton Town (H) West Auckland Town (A) Sunderland RCA (A) Newcastle Benfield (A) Newton Aycliffe (H) Newton Aycliffe (H) Guisborough Town (H) Team Northumbria (H) Newcastle Benfield Points available 27 - Currently have 30 - Maximum achievable 57 Washington (A) Penrith (A) Shildon (H) Ryhope CW (A) Consett (H) Marske United (H) Stockton (A) Town Dunston UTS Points available 21 - Currently have 18 - Maximum achievable 38 Billingham Synthonia (H) Ashington (H) Newton Aycliffe (A) Ryhope CW (A) Bishop Auckland (A) Whitley Bay (A) Penrith (A) North Shields (H) Penrith (A) Marske United (A) Team Northumbria Points available 30 - Currently have 18 - Maximum achievable 48 Todays Fixtures in eNL1 Ashington v Consett v Dunston UTS v Newcastle Benfield v Penrith v Ryhope CW v West Auckland v

Marske United Team Northumbria Bishop Auckland Newton Aycliffe Washington Shildon Sunderland RCA

Been & Gone - Still to come

Page 30

August Sat 5th Penrith v West Auckland 2–1 FAC ExPreRd Tue 8th Sunderland RCA v Penrith 2–1 League th Sat 12 West Auckland v Penrith 5–1 League Wed 16th Penrith v Jarrow Roofing 1–2 League Sat 19th Penrith v Whitley Bay 1-1 FAC PreRd Tue 22nd Whitley Bay v Penrith 3-1 FAC PreRd Sat 23rd Newton Aycliffe v Penrith 3–0 League Sat 30th Bishop Auckland v Penrith 3–2 League September Sat 2nd Penrith v Guisborough Town 4 – 1 League th Sat 6 Penrith v Seaham Red Star 0–3 League Sat 9th Esh Winning v Penrith 0–2 FAV 1st QR th Tue 12 Penrith v Newcastle Benfield 2 – 1 League Sat 16th Markse United v Penrith 2-0 League Tue 19th Whitley Bay v Penrith 2-0 League Sat 23rd Tow Law Town v Penrith 5–1 FAV 2nd QR th Sat 30 Penrith v Ryhope CW 3–5 League October Tue 3rd Ashington v Penrith 4-1 League Sat 7th Washington v Penrith 1–2 League Sat 14th Penrith v Morpeth Town 0–6 League Mon 16th Team Northumbria v Penrith 2–0 League Wed 18th Penrith v Crown Laithes 4–0 CS Cup 2nd Rd st Sat 21 Penrith v Newton Aycliffe 2–3 League Sat 28th Penrith v Consett 2–3 League November Wed 1st Penrith v Shildon 0-4 League Sat 4th Cockermouth v Penrith 0-3 CS Cup 3rd Rd th Tue 7 Ryhope CW v Penrith 0-1 League Sat 11th Consett v Penrith 3-0 League Wed 15th Jarrow v Penrith 1-4 L Cup 2nd Rd th Sat 18 Dunston v Penrith 0-2 League Sat 25th Penrith v North Shields 0-3 League December Sat 23rd Penrith v Ashington 1-1 League Tue 26th Penrith v Bishop Auckland 6-1 League Sat 30th Guisborough Town v Penrith 1-2 League January Sat 6th Seaham Red Star v Penrith 0-2 League Tue 9th Jarrow Roofing v Penrith 0-3 League Sat 13th Penrith v West Auckland 1-2 League th Wed 24 Penrith v Sunderland RCA 1-2 League Tue 30th Whitley Bay v Penrith 0 - 0 (3 -4 Pen) L Cup 3rd Rd February Sat 10th Morpeth Town v Penrith 1-0 League Sat 17th Stockton Town v Penrith 4-2 League Wed 21st Penrith v Windscale 7-0 CS Cup QF Sat 24th Shildon v Penrith 3-1 League March Thu 8th Penrith v Marske United 0-2 League Sat 10th Penrith v Team Northumbria 3 - 0 League Wed 14th Penrith v Netherhall 1-0 CS Cup SF Wed 21st Penrith v Bishop Auckland 1-2 L Cup QF Sat 24th Penrith v Whitley Bay 3-1 League H Sat 31st K/O 3.00pm Washington League April H Sat 7th K/O 3.00pm Dunston UTS League A Wed 11th K/O 7.45pm Newcastle Benfield League A Sat 14th K/O 3.00pm North Shields League H Sat 21st K/O 3.00pm Billingham Synthonia League A Wed 25th K/O 7.45pm Billingham Synthonia League H Sat 28th K/O 3.00pm Stockton Town League PROVISIONAL DATE CUMBERLAND SENIOR CUP FINAL TUESDAY 8TH MAY 2018