Tow Law Town AFC V Ryton & Crawcrook Albion | 20/2021 Season by Tow Law Town AFC

TOW LAW TOWN AFC “THE LAWYERS”

TOW LAW TOWN AFC V RYTON & CRAWCROOK ALBION Saturday 12th September 2020 • 3.00pm KO Ebac Northern League Division 2 Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

Crook Golf Club, Low Jobs Hill, Crook,

12 Noon – 4pm Function Room AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE Contact Anita Tel: (01388) 762429

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

The Lawyer’s Brief Today we welcome Ryton & Crawcrook Albion to Ironworks Road for the EBAC Northern League fixture. PLEASE COMPLY WITH THE COVID-19 GUIDELINES The season started well last Saturday with our visit to Newcastle University. Matty Robson struck with a worldy free kick from distance & David Webb added a 2nd goal, both late in the game to earn a 1-2 victory. The party fell flat however on Tuesday night, when a physical Sunderland West End struck 2 late goals, sending us to a 0-2 defeat. The lads will be looking to put that right today. The current Pandemic situation has caused many problems over the last month, not least with the Club finances. You will see that there are some new banners on the car park fence. The Club is very grateful to all our sponsors for their support pitchside, programme & many other ways. Like most Clubs, we need your support. If you know any potential sponsors or can help in any way, don’t hesitate to come forward. Another way to support is is via our new letterdraw. Simply download Clubsuppoter. app & join using the code Lawyers. For as little as £1/week you can help us & win cash prizes for yourself. Enjoy the game today & STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY

Tow Law Tow Town LawAFC Town “The AFC Lawyers”

Welcome to Tow Law Serrvice Station,. Welcome to Tow Law Serrvice Station,. We are located on Bridge Street, Tow Law, We are located on Bridge Street, Tow Law, County Durham, DL13 4LD. County Durham, DL13 4LD. We are a family run business with your needs at our We are a family run business with your needs at our heart. heart.

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Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

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Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

T.A.T. (Technical Area Talk) We go into today on the back of a poor midweek performance, we have to hold our hands up the performance and effort level wasn’t good enough for the quality of the squad we have. This may have something to do with the lack of pre-season games we had but we can’t hang on to excuses we have to get our act together quickly, one thing you can always do even when your not playing well is run and fight for the cause. We fully believe in the squads ability to perform, we need to stick together, work hard together and then we will get our rewards. We picked up a few injury’s on Tuesday too, loosing Matty Moffat at half time was a massive blow , Jeff Smith took a bad knock off a dangerous tackle, both will have fitness tests prior to Saturdays game. Michael Brown should return to the squad which will strengthen our attacking options. What was really pleasing was the home support they turned out in good numbers and were very vocal, thank you to all those that turned please continue your support as it is much appreciated.

Michael Vasey & Warren Pearson

Tow Law Tow Town LawAFC Town “The AFC Lawyers”

80 Hope Street, Crook, County Durham DL15 9HT

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Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

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Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

Ebac Northern League Division 2 Table (Current)

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

Lawyers Club History The “Lawyers” were founded in 1890 and became founder members of the Auckland and District League in 1892. The following year they won the Durham Amateur Cup. They first joined the Northern League in 1894, winning the Durham Challenge Cup two years later. After leaving the Northern League the Lawyers played in the South Durham Alliance (1900 to 1905) and Crook and District League (1912 to 1914). After the war the club played in the Auckland and District League until being readmitted to the Northern League in 1920 where it has played ever since. Until 1994/95 season the club had not won the championship apart from two successive seasons 1923/24 and 1924/25. In between the League Cup was won in 1973/74 when Ashington were beaten 2-1 in the final at Crook. The 1994/95 League Championship win is a certainly an outstanding memory for the club especially as it was won by 14 clear points. Another outstanding memory was the tremendous F.A. Cup run of 1967/68. Having reached the first round Tow Law beat Mansfield 5-1 and in the second round drew 1-1 with Shrewsbury at Ironworks Road. The Lawyers went into the hat for the Third Round and drew a home tie with Arsenal. Sadly, it was not to be after they went down 6-2 at Shrewsbury in the replay. Frank McGee reported after the replay “Arsenal were saved from a fate worse than death - a trip to Tow Law in January”.

the ground is down to the regular work which has been done since 1921 by many hardworking bands of voluntary labour. A major scare occurred early in the 2004/05 season, the playing surface was struck by subsidence, rendering it unplayable. The Club was forced to ground share at Esh Winning for the remainder of the season, whist repairs were carried out by the Coal Board. Continuity at the club was provided by the longest serving trio of officials in the League, Chairman Harry Hodgson, Treasurer Harry Dixon and Club Secretary Bernard Fairbairn who followed his father and grandfather into the job.) They had over 100 years’ service between them. Harry Hodgson stood down as Chairman at the end of the 95/96 season. At the end of 1997 Harry Dixon also stood down but stayed on as the Club President until his death in 2002. Harry Hodgson took over as President. Bernard Faribairn stepped down as Secretary in 2007 after being in the post since 1961 – over 40 years. “A prisoner would get less for murder.

Peter Quigley and Tony Heslop took the Club on its first visit to Wembley was made on 9th May 1998 after a tremendous F.A. Vase run. It was a splendid adventure which sadly ended with a 1-0 defeat by Tiverton.

During 2004, Harry Hodgson again showed his devotion to the Club, returning as Chairman for 1 last year. Following the 2004/05 season he was replaced by Sandra Gordon, the first female Chair at the Club and only the third in the long history of the League.

The Lawyers first ground was in Church Lane, but the present Ironworks Road ground was built by volunteers during the miners’ strike of 1892/93. Ironically it was rebuilt during another miners strike in 1921. Today the much-improved state of

Famous ex-players include Billy Hall who played for Blackpool and Manchester City, Chris Waddle who transferred to Newcastle in 1980 & Steve Howard of Leicester City.

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

Lawyers Pen Pics Michael Vasey (Manager): Michael has a wealth of ENL experience, having played for Tow Law, Crook, Newcastle Blue Star, Durham City & Blyth Spartans. He’s previously managed the Club & returned for the 2019/20 season. Warren Pearson (Coach): Warren played for Tow Law in the 90’s & in the FA Vase Final at Wembley. Most recently the coaching staff at Queen of the South, his experience will be pivotal to the Lawyers success. Mark Spedding (GK Coach): Mark was most recently with Durham City. Joins the Lawyers as Goalkeeper Coach to assist with player development. Ginalee Brownson (Physio): Ginalee joins Tow Law, having previously worked with Crook Town & Durham City. She runs her own Sports Therapy Business.

Ryan McKinnon (Defender): The big centre-back signed on loan from Consett in January 2020. He spent eight years at Newcastle United Academy. He’s a Durham Challenge Cup winner in 2018, who has played 150 plus games for Consett. Lewis Milner (Defender): Lewis is another player joining The Lawyers from Willington. A strong central defender, we have tried on numerous occasions to land him & finally succeeded in 2019. Scott Oldfield (Defender): Scott is a pacey left sided defender/wing back. He returns to the Club for a 2nd spell, having spent 2018/19 with Willington. (Sponsored by Shaun Meek, Driving Instructor) Mark Pattison (Defender): Mark is in his 2nd spell with the Club, having spent 2 seasons with Birtley Town. He is an accomplished left back, adding Northern League experience to the squad.

Lewis Graham (Goalkeeper): Lewis joined the club for 2019-20 season. He has proved that he is one of the top goalkeepers in the League & can constantly be heard shouting advice and instructions to those in front of him. (Sponsored by David Edwards)

Matty Robson (Defender): Matty is a very experienced defender, having joined Hartlepool United at the age of 17. He has also played for Carlisle United & Gateshead, joining the Lawyers from Shildon, where he made 73 appearances & scored 10 goals.

Marshall Topham (Goalkeeper): Marshall is a young goalkeeper who was with South Shields Academy. He possesses loads of ability. Previously with Darlington Town & Billingham Synthonia.

Robbie Shields (Defender): Robbie signed for the 2019/20 season after a 2 year spell at Willington. He can play anywhere along the back.

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

His versatility is a great asset to the management team. Jake Thompson (Defender): Jake is a young centre half, signed in August 2020 from Newcastle Benfield. Tom Aldsworth (Midfield): Tom joined on transfer from Bishop Auckland on the eve of 20-21 season. Comfortable on the ball, he can play anywhere across the midfield. Jeb Atkinson (Midfield): Jeb is a left sided midfield player, joined the Club at the start of 2019/20 season. Previously with Jarrow FC. Adam Knowles (Midfield): Adam began his ENL career with Esh Winning & Chester-le-Street, before joining Tow Law, had a short spell at Consett, returning in October 2017. He’s played over 100 games for the Club. Loves going forward. Joel Pearson (Midfield): Joel is a midfield player, who can also be an attacking wing back. He joins Tow Law after 7 years at Queen of the South. Barrie Smith (Midfield): Barrie brings a great deal of experience with him from his time at South Shields, where he made 323 appearances & won six trophies during his time at the club. He is a great addition to the Lawyers’ squad. Barrie can play central or out wide & also full back. (Sponsored by Alfie Edwards)

David Webb (Midfield): David joined on the eve of the 20-21 season, on a dual registration with Spennymoor Town. A young player who will do well in Northern League football, he marked his debut with a goal at Newcastle University. Jason White (Midfield): Jay is another recruit from Willington. An intelligent midfielder, capable of pushing forward & scoring goals. Johnson Ballan (Forward): Johnson is a skilful young forward from Leeholme who made his Northern League debut for New-ton Aycliffe late in the 2018/2019 season having played for Newton Aycliffe Under 23s. He moved to Tow Law for the 20-21 season. Michael Brown (Forward): Michael signed from Consett; were he’s had 2 spells. He also had 2 seasons at Willington. His pace and work rate make him a real handful. Matty Moffat (Forward): Matty is an experienced centre forward, who scores goals for fun. He’s played 1st Division football for West Auckland, Bishop Auckland & Consett. He was with Willington for most of the 2018/19 season before joining the Lawyers.

Jeff Smith (Midfield): Aaron Willoughby Team Captain. Jeff is a very experienced midfield player, (Forward): Aaron is a local lad, who played against us for who played with Bolton Hartlepool United in the 19/20 Durham Wanderers in the Premier Challenge Cup. A forward with an eye for League. He joined us from Whitley Bay. Previously with goal, he has lots of ability. (Sponsored by Prince Bishops Garage) Willington. Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

Tow Law Town 0-2 Sunderland West End Tuesday 8th September 2020

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

Ryton & Crawcrook FC History Shortly after the start of the 1970-71 football season John Oliver, the club’s first secretary, and Les Robson were approached to see if a club could be formed quickly to take over the fixtures of Prudhoe and West Wylam Co-op who had just resigned from the Northern Combination League. After securing a loan from Ryton Social Club of 12 pounds 10 shillings Oliver and Robson approached local councilor Leo Murray and got permission to play football at Stargate. Ryton FC played their first Northern Combination League game, a 3-3 draw, against works team Parsons Athletic on Saturday 17th October 1970. The mid-1980’s saw the club transfer to Clara Vale for home games and during this period Ryton won the Prudhoe Hospital Cup twice, the Northern Combination League Cup as well as the Durham County FA Trophy. Following the amalgamation, in 1988, of the Northern Alliance, the Northern Combination and the Northern Amateur League’s into three divisions, Ryton were allocated a position in the First Division of the newly structured Northern Football Alliance league. Ryton won the Division One title in 1997, thus securing promotion to the Premier Division where the club remained until gaining promotion to the Northern Football League at the end of the 2004–05 season. The 2005-06 season marked Ryton’s first campaign in the Northern Football League finishing a respectable 11th place in Division Two, followed by a 12th place finish in 2006-07 then a commendable 3rd place in 2007-08 which gained Ryton promotion to Division 1 for the 2008-09 season where the club finished a very creditable 10th place. That was where the upward progress ended as the following season Ryton finished 17th, then came the infamous 2010-11 season which saw the club finish rock bottom with just 8 points, receiving a whole host of league and cup drubbings on the way including the 10-0 and 7-0 losses to Shildon in the league and losing 8-0 at home to South Shields in the FA Vase. Coupled with the fact that Kingsley Park was based in Crawcrook, and wishing to involve the local community further, the club sought, and was subsequently granted permission by the Durham County FA, to change the name to Ryton & Crawcrook Albion Football Club at the commencement of the 2011-12 campaign in which RACA finished 18th in the first season back in the second division. 26

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

The 2012-13 season saw a slight improvement in fortunes with a 14th placed finish. Then a new, very young outfit in 2013-14 under the guidance of manager John Wilson and his team, also then new to the club, faced a tough campaign with survival the target which was famously secured on the last day of the season. With the squad older and wiser and stability achieved, there was an upward progression with a mid-table finish in 2014-15. The 2015-16 campaign started under the stewardship of Wilson’s former assistant Paul Dobie with Sunderland academy coach Jordan Moore as coach for RACA. However, despite a decent start Dobie resigned in October and was swiftly replaced by former Ryton player Craig Robson with Carl Piecha, another ex player as his assistant, with Moore remaining as coach. The campaign ultimately proved slightly disappointing with RACA losing every cup game and finishing only 16th in the table. The 2016-17 season proved to be even worse and Robson stood down, Moore moving up to manager before Peter Bryson took over in January 2017 with Moore reverting back to a coaching role. However, “Brysa” resigned just two months into the job and so Albion quickly acquired the services of Monkseaton boss Anthony Fawcett who steered the club away from relegation. Moore moved to Whickham so Fawcett and new assistant Simon Moody transformed the squad in 2017-18 with a host of players from Monkseaton FC and north Tyneside signing on. A steady season followed culminating in an appearance in the Ernest Armstrong Cup final, Fawcett’s men losing 2-0 to Chester-Le-Street Town in Consett. The 2018-19 season saw more improvement with the club just missing out on a top-half finish. A strong first half to 2019-20 saw RACA amongst the top four promotion-chasers and in the EA Cup semi-final but the campiagn was halted in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April the season was officially ended and all results “expunged” by the Football Association. When football does return for the 2020-21 season - in RACA’s half-centenary year - there will a new man in the managerial hotseat. Fawcett’s 3-year reign ended as he decided to take up the vacant post at Whitley Bay so Mark Bullock, already part of the coaching staff, stepped up to replace him to begin a new era.

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

Away Team Pen Pics Mark Bullock: Manager (former Hazelrigg Victory & Newcastle Blue Star manager). Connor Jennings: Assistant Manager. Kirsty Wright: Physio joining the club in late September 2019, a 2nd year BSC HONS Sports & Exercise Rehabilitation student. Chris Stygal: Goalkeeping Coach (formerly with Crawley Town)

Owen Brearton: Forward signed in September 2020 previously with Newcastle Blue Star making his debut as a sub against Bedlington Terriers. Lee Crammond: In his second spell at the club, a robust defender signed as cover while also plying his trade at Willington Quay Saints.

Liam Anderson: Winger who is effective on either flank. Signed in July 2016 and had previously played for Wallington. Made 37 starts in both 16/17 & 17/18 & 30 in 18/19.

Tyler Davis: Another signed from Monkseaton, this exciting midfielder has now racked up 100 appearances for the club & on his day can be a handful for opponents.

Louis Anderson

Gavin Dick: One of several players with connections with Newcastle Blue Star, this attacking midfielder made his debut in October 2018 & his terrier like performances have won admirers.

David Backhouse: Returns to Albion after a move to Whickham where he was plagued with inju-ries. A talented midfielder with a deft touch but still ring rusty after a while out recuperating. David Below: Full back in his 2nd spell at RACA, a strong tackler who makes the occasional dazzling run deep into opposition territory who passed the 250 appearance milestone in December. Dan Blewitt: Signed in August 2019, this promising centre midfield player played for the successful Lumley U17s team & Darlington U18s . Scored in the cup against Stockton to open his account. George Bonner: Promising young defender signed from Seaham Red Star in November 18. Previously with 30

Middlesbrough FC’s academy, injury restricted to one full appearance.

Adam Dobson: Another signing from Newcastle Blue Star in July 2019. This experienced defender plays in a central defensive role. Josh Graham: Goalkeeper signed from Newcastle Blue Star in July 2019. Younger brother of Ryan and was a more than able stand in covering Hansen’s injury making the no.1 spot his own. Ryan Graham: Right-back signed from Newcastle Blue Star in July 2019 who was out on loan much of last season though featured in midweek games. Hoping to be a regular in the new set up.

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

David Hansen: Experienced agile keeper signed from Blyth Town in 2018. Was out injured with a hand injury for much of early 2019-20 but bounced back to claim the No.1 spot Martyn Hepple: Popular veteran re-signing at the Albion purely for cover but still has the odd goal in him. Was top scorer for Ryton in 16-17 season. Ben Joyeux: January 2020 signing from Brandon United, this right sided defender excels going for-ward & is a fine crosser of the ball. Got his first goal for RACA at Brandon in February. Matthew Law: Winger signed August 2020 who has experience playing college ‘soccer’ in the USA & with Consett’s junior ranks. Owen Miller: Young keeper who has impressed the new management having played at junior level at RACA.

customer on the right wing who can deliver a mean cross. Mitchell Ramsay: Energetic centre forward who made a belated debut in the League Cup defeat of Stockton & became an instant hit. Been effective in pre-season scoring several goals. Joe Shepherd: Solid looking centre-back signed in the summer of 2019 having previously been with Blyth Spartans Reserves and Newcastle Benfield. Has football maturity beyond his years. Eoghain Sherrard: Former Team Northumbria defender who signed for Albion following a spell playing for Corinthians in his native Isle of Man. Won admirers in the few games played. Matty Slee: Local youngster signed in February 2019 who made just two sub appearances in 18/19 but hopes to see more action having gained experience being loaned out.

Jack Moody: Left back improving season on season who was signed from Monkseaton in 2017. Racked up over 100 starts already for RACA & was also previously with Whitley Bay A.

Michael Stephenson: Close season 2020 signing, a centre half formerly with Newcastle Chemfica in the Northern Alliance.

David Office: March 2020 signing, a centre forward with a phenomenal scoring rate albeit a modest level. It’s hoped his scoring ability will translate in the Northern League.

Callum Turnbull: Starting his 10th season at RACA. Best in defence but can play up front. A strong header of the ball & penalty taker & just passed the 250 games milestone.

Daniel Ord: Centre half signed in July 2019 who played for Gateshead FC reserves in 2018-19. Loaned to Seaton Delaval Amateurs in the Alliance last season but back at RACA to claim his place. Harry Outterside: Crawcrook lad who signed in July after playing for Gateshead Reserves in 2018-19. Effective tricky Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”

TOW LAW TOWN AFC V RYTON & CRAWCROOK ALBION Saturday 12th September 2020 • 3.00pm KO Ebac Northern League Division 2

Tow Law Town AFC Squad 2020/21

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion Squad 2020/21

Tom Aldsworth Jeb Atkinson Johnson Ballan Michael Brown Lewis Graham Adam Knowles Ryan McKinnon Lewis Milner Matthew Moffat Scott Oldfield Mark Pattison Joel Pearson Matty Robson Robert Shields Barrie Smith Jeffrey Smith Mark Spedding Jake Thompson Marshall Topham David Webb Aaron Willoughby Jason White Manager: Michael Vasey Coach: Warren Pearson GK Coach: Mark Spedding Physio: Ginalee Brownson

Liam Anderson Louis Anderson David Backhouse David Below Dan Blewitt George Bonner Owen Brearton Lee Crammond Tyler Davis Gavin Dick Adam Dobson Josh Graham Ryan Graham David Hansen Martyn Hepple Ben Joyeux Matthew Law Owen Miller Jack Moody David Office Daniel Ord Harry Outterside Mitchell Ramsay Joe Shepherd Eoghain Sherrard Matty Slee Michael Stephenson Callum Turnbull Manager: Mark Bullock Assistant Manager: Connor Jennings GK Coach: Chris Stygal Physio: Kirsty Wright Tow Law Town AFC “The Lawyers”