allotment
WEST WESTALLOTMENT ALLOTMENTCELTIC CELTICMATCHDAY MATCHDAYPROGRAMME PROGRAMME2013/14 2013/14
unbeaten in double digits a look at the positive run of results that stretches back as far as early November
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welcome 16
Club Officials
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President Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary Treasurer Commercial
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contents
Committee
the history
4
the squad
6
the backroom staff
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Press Officer Photographer
Alex Smailes Roland Mather Jimmy Wilson Ted Ilderton John Alexander Jonny Thompson David Dodds Paul Mason Above, plus Al Liddle,Michael Wilson, Les Scott, Kath Orr, Harry Bell, Stephen Allott, Richie Marks Craig Dobson Graeme Jackson
the last match
10
recent meetings
12
the match preview
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the visitors
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the unbeaten run
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on this day
20
the letter draw
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Selected Club Honours
the onion bag
23
the player statistics
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fixtures, results, table
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rottweiler’s notes
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the squads
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1987, 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 Northern League D2 champions 2005 NFA Amateur Cup winners 1957, 1975 NFA Benevolent Bowl winners 1993 Craven Cup winners 2005 Ernest Armstrong Mem. Cup winners 2013
Backroom Staff Manager Assistant Manager First Team Coach Physio
Paul Stoneman Wilf Kielty Paul Hogg Charlotte Ferguson
Northern Alliance champions
eighty-five Stephen Allott takes you on a whistlestop tour
from creation to contenders
...and the decade of decline
West Allotment Celtic were formed in 1928, the culmination of a merger between West Allotment Primitive Methodists and West Allotment Juniors. After moving to the newly-created Tynemouth & District League in 1935, the club began to grow in stature. The club had to face Whitley Bay & Monkseaton Reserves in a play-off for the title, but unfortunately, the decider went the way of the seasiders. Remarkably, Allotment also finished in a play-off position in the following two seasons – and, in both cases, had to settle for a runner-up spot.
The sixties started promisingly enough, as Allotment looked to build on their previous successes. The club finished as runners-up in the Northern Amateur League in 1960, and were consecutive Minor Cup finalists in 1960 and 1961.
changing leagues, sheds and times In 1938, the club joined the Second Division of the Northern Amateur League. Now playing at the aptly-named Farm Ground, fans helped to dismantle a cowshed in Heaton and move it, piece by piece, to West Allotment, where it was reassembled at the ground. The shed was not for spectators – it served as the players’ changing facilities! The club earned instant promotion (after a play-off, such is club tradition), but World War II put a stop to any further progress.
a succession of successes... The club recommenced operations in 1946/47 and enjoyed an unprecedented run of success from the mid-fifties onwards. Allotment won the championship for four consecutive seasons between 1956 and 1960, along with the NFA Amateur Cup in 1957 and the NFA Minor Cup in 1958.
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West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
However, whilst Celtic remained loyal to the Northern Amateur League, the bulk of the team moved on, and Allotment entered a period of decline as a result. The club stagnated badly during the sixties in an uncompetitive league, and closure become a distinctly worrying possibility. The threat of dissolution was eventually staved off by the introduction of new blood into the club towards the end of the decade, as Allotment finally began to build towards a more positive future on and off the pitch. Celtic also moved to Backworth Welfare in 1968, consigning the ponds and mud of the Farm Ground to memory.
champions at long last A rejuvenated West Allotment won the NFA Amateur Cup again in 1975, largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of Benny Williams,
years in the making of the club’s history, studded with hardship, success and numerous relocations... who averaged almost one goal a game in his 400 appearances for the club. Williams was ably supported by a talented and hungry squad, and, with strength in depth, Allotment were always considered title contenders. However, the championship remained tantalisingly out of reach until yet another play-off tie in 1982. Allotment finally won the coveted title, defeating Annitsford Welfare by the odd goal in seven.
Alliance titles, never finishing lower than sixth. Terry Mitchell and Brian Latty built upon Ken Scott and Billy Hays’ consecutive Alliance league titles, leading Allotment into the Northern League.
the modern day
When Celtic retained the title with relative ease the following season, the decision was taken to move up a tier for the first time since 1938.
Having acted as tenants at Hillheads in Whitley Bay since 1995, the club set out to find a new home, and found it in Benton. In 2001, the club moved to Whitley Park, also known as the Blue Flames Sports Ground. The ground is well-known as one of the best kept pitches in the Northern League, and also serves as the headquarters of the Northumberland FA.
the colossus of the alliance In 1983, Allotment made its debut in both the Northern Alliance and the FA Vase. The first honour of the period arrived just one season later, as Allotment dispatched Ponteland United in the Alliance Challenge Cup Final. This success was followed up two seasons later by the first of Celtic’s eight Alliance titles. In 1987, West Allotment emerged victorious from two nail-biting play-off games against Gosforth St. Nicholas, ushering in a wave of success not enjoyed at the club since the fifties. Throughout this period, Celtic won seven further Northern
The club earned promotion from Division Two as champions, losing just twice throughout the entire 2004/05 season. After six seasons of holding their own against the Northern League’s top tier, Allotment slipped back down a league. The current crop have gone some way to restoring success at Allotment, winning the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup last May, and will be aiming for those promotion places this season. the history
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the squad
Chris Bannon GK Age: 26 Formerly of Washington and Hebburn Town, popular and reliable ‘keeper Chris returns to Allotment for a second stint between the sticks, and will jostle with Ryan Beal for the number one jersey.
Glenn Ford CB Age: 29 Glenn rejoined the club during the 2012/13 season, making a handful of solid appearances. Having committed for this coming season, fans can expect to see much more of Glenn and his defensive abilities.
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Ryan Beal GK Age: 25 An excellent shot stopper, Ryan featured extensively in last season’s cup-winning campaign, and will look to consolidate his place with similarly strong performances this season.
GK Chris Bannon GK Ryan Beal GK Bob Rodgerson GK Jack Thompson
CB Simon Wilthew CB Glenn Ford CB Stephen Little CB Paul Stoneman RB John Pendlebury
Bob Rodgerson Stephen Little GK Age: 31 CB Age: 26 A Percy Main Amateurs The ex-Annfield Plain regular, Bob performed and Killingworth stopper admirably when filling shone at the back for in during a goalkeeping Allotment last season, crisis towards the back putting in a series of end of last season, and superlative defensive has registered once again showings, earning the to be our third choice Player’s Player of the Year ‘keeper. Award in the process.
Simon Wilthew John Pendlebury Chris Douglas CB Age: 25 RB Age: 27 RB Age: 29 Simon featured 15 times A first-team regular since The ultimate utility player, at the back for Allotment signing for Allotment Chris can be employed last season. Strong at from Ryton in 2010, anywhere down either centre-half and adept at John’s relentless work flank to devastating left-back, the Monkseaton ethic and tenacious effect. The former North defender will be looking tackling bring stability Shields man’s pace and to build on his impressive to the back four. The perception underpins his debut in the Northern full-back often serves as undoubted ability, be it League. captain in the absence of as a full-back or a wide Ian Dunn. midfielder.
West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
RB Chris Douglas LB Marc Dummett CM David Borley CM Roy Gordon CM Ian Dunn
CM Marc Allen CM David Henderson CM Michael Bell CM Sean Reid RM Kallum McGlen
Marc Dummett LB Age: 27 The former Ponteland United and Dunston fullback has proven to be an asset to the club in both defence and attack. His crossing ability in both regular play and from set-pieces is second to none.
Roy Gordon CM Age: 32 Roy rejoins Celtic for a second spell, having last played for the club during the 2011/12 season. Able to play in a number of positions, the experienced utility man has also turned out for North Shields, Consett and Annfield Plain.
Michael Bell CM Age: 22 Brimming with potential, “Belly” won the Under-19 National Schools Cup with Northumberland and has also represented Ryton. Bell is unbeatable in the air, and can also operate on the wing and as a supporting striker.
RM Tony Lancaster RM Matt Slater LM Dean Lee LM Connor Graham ST Lawrence McKenna
ST Liam Hudson ST David Dormand ST Jed Findlay ST Ryan Anderson
David Borley David Henderson CM Age: 30 CM Age: 31 Central midfielder David David Henderson turned out for Bury in rejoined the club last his youth, and the football season, and the former coach has gone on to North Shields schemer represent the likes of provides another option Bedlington Terriers, going forward through Hebburn Town and the middle. Henders Jarrow Roofing in the is arguably one of the Northern League. A most skilful players in the dynamic playmaker. squad.
Ian Dunn Marc Allen Sean Reid CM Age: 31 CM Age: 26 CM Age: 21 Long-serving, tough Marc previously turned Rangy, pacy and tackling midfielder Dunn out for Whitley Bay technically gifted, Sean has grafted tirelessly Reserves, but has can play as a roaming for three years at West become a mainstay in the central midfielder, a Allotment, earning the Celtic squad. His astute dangerous centrecaptain’s armband in the passing, ball retention forward, or even an adept process. “Dunny” remains skills and battling tenacity centre-back. The former one of Celtic’s key men are evident whenever he Ryton forward is one of deep in the heart of is called upon in central Celtic’s most promising midfield. midfield. attacking outlets.
the squad
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the squad
Kallum McGlen RM Age: 21 A former Montagu & North Fenham favourite, Kallum features on the right hand side of midfield, where his energy and technique often causes problems for opposing full-backs.
Liam Hudson ST Age: 25
Tony Lancaster RM Age: 28
Dean Lee LM Age: 30
David Dormand ST Age: 25
Signed from Wark in March 2011. Tony struggled with injuries last term, but will hope to be back to his pacy, dangerous best this season. Tony can also operate as a wholly competent right-back.
A winger with the scoring nous of a striker, the former North Shields man has all of the tools required to strike fear into the hearts of defenders. One of Celtic’s most prolific threats going forward.
David’s prolific record precedes him, and the former Morpeth forward has already replicated his goalscoring form since joining Celtic, topping the charts with 30 goals. A clinical poacher and a hard worker up front.
Lawrence McKenna ST Age: 25
Jed Findlay ST Age: 24
Ryan Anderson ST Age: 18
Another former Ryton Lawrence is wellforward, army soldier travelled, having topped Liam is capable of the scoring charts for pressuring his opposite Whickham, before going numbers into submission on to play for Bedlington with his strength and high Terriers and Newcastle work rate. “Hud” can Benfield. Is known to be also be deployed on the a deadly finisher in the right wing. division.
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West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
Signed from Cramlington A promising young Town last February, Jed striker, Ryan was is a promising forward snapped up in trials for with plenty of attacking Allotment’s ‘A’ team, and potential. Having made a has already impressed for handful of appearances both the development last season, the striker side and the first team’s will be hoping to get respective pre-seasons. more game time this campaign.
the squad
the backroom staff
Paul Stoneman Player/Manager
Wilf Kielty Assistant Manager
Paul Hogg First Team Coach
Charlotte Ferguson Physiotherapist
The stalwart centre-half has played for Blackpool, Colchester United and Halifax Town. Despite turning 40 last year, ‘Stona’ was ever-present last season, remaining unbeatable in the air and impervious in the tackle.
Right-hand man Wilf has been around the local non-league scene for many years, both as a player and in a management role, giving notable service to North Shields as manager for several seasons.
The UEFA-licensed coach is held in very high regard at North Shields, having played, coached and managed there for over a decade. Paul has also managed Annfield Plain, and is working with the Newcastle United Foundation.
Charlotte is in her final year of her Physiotherapy studies at Northumbria University, and is currently on her final placement at the RVI. She is also a qualified sports masseur.
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Paul Stoneman the backroom staff
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the last match
4TH JANUARY 2014 EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO IRONWORKS ROAD
Tow Law Town 3 West Allotment Celtic 4
A
LATE winner from Michael Bell ensured that West Allotment Celtic emerged as victors in a thrilling seven-goal contest at Tow Law Town on Saturday afternoon. Persistent rain in the run-up to the fixture had, much like last year, taken its toll on the playing surface at Ironworks Road, but both sides toiled admirably on a heavy pitch – and either team could have won the day, with the lead constantly changing hands in a topsy-turvy encounter. Allotment suffered the first blow before a ball had been kicked, losing Chris Douglas to a back injury in the warm-up and forcing player-manager Paul Stoneman to promote John
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Pendlebury from the bench. The visitors brushed off their early setback to race into the lead after just five minutes, a Marc Dummett corner ultimately powered home by the head of veteran centre-half Stoneman. In poor visibility and nearfreezing temperatures, Celtic soon doubled their advantage in County Durham. David Henderson charged down an attempted clearance, and namesake Dormand took full advantage, racing clear and finishing with aplomb past Stephen Robinson - his eighth of the campaign. Two goals to the good and looking comfortable, Allotment were soon thrown into disarray by their second
West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
injury of the day – to their replacement right-back.Vicecaptain Pendlebury pulled up, and his replacement by Dean Lee prompted a reshuffle at the back. Tow Law seized the opportunity to strike, hitting the back of the net three times within the space of fifteen minutes. Prolific young striker Daniel Wilson, in his second spell at the club following a short stint at Newton Aycliffe, reduced arrears, and full-back Lewis Harrison struck soon after to level the scores. The resurgent Lawyers completed their remarkable and somewhat unlikely turnaround before the half-time whistle, midfield dangerman Scott Thompson finishing beyond stand-in ‘keeper Bob Rodgerson to see
the hosts score the fifth goal of the opening period, taking the lead for the first time before the break.
...in pictures with graeme jackson
Celtic were dealt another blow five minutes after the restart, putting any chance of a positive result in serious jeopardy. Talismanic attacker Sean Reid, the club’s top scorer on 27 goals, could not shake off a bad knock sustained late in the first half, and had to be replaced by former Jarrow Roofing man David Borley. Nevertheless, Allotment kept the work rate high against their steadfast opponents, and, after both sides had spurned a host of chances, the Tynesiders hauled themselves level. The goal was far from pretty, following on from an almighty desperate scramble deep in the Lawyers’ box, where another centre-half fired his way onto the scoresheet. This time, it was Stephen Little who eventually managed to find the back of the net from close range, restoring parity with twenty minutes left on the clock. With the game finely poised, Celtic pushed forward down the flanks, and ultimately sealed a gutsy turnaround of their own in the closing stages. In Reid’s absence, it was another in-form midfielder who struck for Allotment, fInding enough space in a crowded area to slam home a low cross and breaking Tow Law hearts with the emphatic finish. the last match
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recent meetings
10TH AUGUST 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO ST. JAMES’ PARK
Alnwick Town 0 West Allotment Celtic 4
W
EST Allotment Celtic enjoyed the perfect start to their Northern League campaign, comfortably defeating Alnwick Town 4-0 at St. James’ Park. The hosts should have taken the lead within seconds, but James Jackson skewed a simple one-on-one horribly wide and Celtic never looked back, even if the breakthrough was somewhat belated. David Dormand and Dean Lee briefly threatened to open the scoring for Celtic, but it was midfield playmaker Sean Reid who would grab Allotment’s first goal of the season after 25 minutes. The 21-year-old controlled Paul Stoneman’s header back into the box,
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ignoring futile calls for offside, before steering the ball home. The scoreline remained close at the interval, but it was the player-manager himself who doubled the advantage after half-time, powering in a Chris Douglas corner with his head, despite the best efforts of Kevin Elliott to keep the veteran from scoring. The dominant visitors wrapped up the win courtesy of two substitutes. Debutant Lawrence McKenna did not have to wait long for his first goal in green and white hoops, gifted a simple tap-in after a shambolic communication error between the back four and the ‘keeper. Despite the game being as good as over as a contest,
West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
tempers were still frayed, and Town captain Bryan Murray was somewhat fortunate to remain on the pitch after a late studs-up challenge on Chris Douglas, whilst the bloodied nose of Alnwick’s centre-half, having been on the wrong end of Michael Bell’s aerial challenge, further irked the home fans. Another fresh introduction in the form of Marc Allen capped off a comfortable win, with last season’s breakthrough player stroking in a McGlen cross, after failed attempts from Dormand and his strike partner. The result was a fair reflection of Celtic’s dominance, providing the perfect starting point for the 2013/14 season.
Today’s two teams already met twice in the later months of 2013 - albeit with markedly different outcomes. Does fortune tend to favour the away side in these fixtures? We hope not!
9TH OCTOBER 2013 NORTHUMBERLAND FA SENIOR CUP WHITLEY PARK
West Allotment Celtic 1 Alnwick Town 2
T
WO Tony Brown penalties at either end of the game sent a weakened Allotment crashing out of the NFA Senior Cup, with Alnwick Town sealing progression at their expense. The visitors were gifted an early lead from the spot after ‘keeper Chris Bannon was adjudged to have brought down Dale Kennedy with an outstretched leg, and midfielder Brown despatched the penalty. Bannon’s opposite number Daniel Mullen kept Sean Reid at bay with a fine stop, but Allotment failed to convert their possession into palpable chances on a bitterly cold Wednesday evening. Indeed, Town almost doubled their
lead against the run of play, with Thomas Truscott heading just wide after a rapid counterattack. One minute later, Celtic grabbed the equaliser they deserved. A well-worked move through the middle culminated in a stabbed effort from Reid, which was deflected into the path of Dean Lee, who injured his knee whilst slamming the ball beyond Mullen. After half-time, Allotment continued to see more of the ball, Reid nodded a free header wide of the far post, before the skipper went one better, only to see his flick bounce over by way of the crossbar. Chris Douglas was the first to call Mullen into action in the
second half, and the full-back would have put Celtic ahead, had the ‘keeper not pushed his curled effort onto the post, beyond the stretching Reid. Further injuries to an already depleted Celtic side forced a tactical reshuffle across the pitch late on, and Alnwick soon took the initiative, pressing for a winner. Kieran Hogg scuffed an effort across Bannon’s goal, and the ‘keeper was relieved to see Bryan Murray’s vicious half-volley fly just wide. However, with just minutes left, otherwise impressive debutant Alex Nisbet pulled back an attacker in the box, earning a red card in the process. Brown converted his second spot-kick, sending Allotment out at the first hurdle. recent meetings
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the match preview
form: DWDWW
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
W
EST Allotment Celtic headed into 2014 on the back of a nine game unbeaten run, extending that to ten with a magnificent comeback at Tow Law last Saturday, and will look to consolidate second place with a home win against Alnwick Town tonight. Despite throwing away an early two goal advantage, Celtic dug deep on a heavy pitch, hitting back with two second-half goals to keep their impressive run intact.
Unfortunately, playermanager Paul Stoneman was left to count the cost of the victory, having lost three key players to injury in the opening forty-five minutes. Right-back Chris Douglas didn’t even make it onto the pitch for the first whistle, suffering a back strain in the warm-up, and was replaced on the teamsheet by John Pendlebury. The new fullback lasted thirty minutes before pulling up himself, and both will play no part in tonight’s match. Similarly, Allotment’s
ALNWICK TOWN form: LWWLL
A
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FTER two seasons spent in the lower reaches of the Northern League, Northumberland outfit Alnwick Town look well placed to improve on their previous placings - despite currently sitting 18th in Division Two. The northernmost club in the League finished secondbottom in the Division last year, with only Horden collecting fewer points, but were spared relegation back to the Northern Alliance by Ryhope’s enforced ejection from the division. Manager Paul Yeadon and
his band of loyal followers are fully aware that lightning is unlikely to strike twice, and have set about securing their Northern League status, accumulating 25 points in as many games - currently sitting eight points ahead of second-bottom side Esh Winning.
standout player this term, Sean Reid, tried to soldier on into the second half against the Lawyers, but was ultimately forced off through injury. However, the club’s top scorer has shaken off the knocks incurred at Ironworks Road, and is available to be considered for selection. That said, Chris Bannon, Glenn Ford, Lawrence McKenna and Kallum McGlen all remain unavailable, as Celtic attempt to emulate last year’s nearimmaculate second half of the season.
challengers Jarrow Roofing, and conceded four goals to a free-spending and rejuvenated Washington eleven. That said, Town also claimed a comprehensive victory over strugglers Ryton, before hammering Northallerton 4-1 on their own turf, in a game where defender Stephen Banks had Town’s form of late may to deputise for the hosts’ suggest something of a slump, injured goalkeeper. but the majority of their recent defeats have come With the ever-dangerous at the hands of incredibly Keith Douglas now tough opposition. In the amongst their ranks, and last six weeks, Alnwick have Tony Brown scoring goals lost to title challengers from midfield, Alnwick will be North Shields, a strong hoping to prevent slipping to Birtley side, promotion a third straight defeat.
West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
Ultimate utility man Chris Douglas has been one of Allotment’s unsung heroes this term, scoring three goals when played in more advanced positions, as well as laying on a further seven for his teammates. The 29-year-old picked up one of many knocks prior to the game at Tow Law, and is one of three serious doubts heading into tonight’s match.
statattack 111
The attendance for the last meeting at Whitley Park
48
No. of points separating the two teams last season
recent meetings P 6 4 10
Having struggled to dislodge the likes of Gareth Bainbridge and Dan Smart in the North Shields line-up, the clinical Keith Douglas made the move up into Northumberland. The forward is wellknown to those at Celtic, having scored his fair share of goals at the club, and has already added six strikes to the ten he scored for the Robins this season.
W 3 3 6
D 2 0 2
L 1 1 1
F 15 9 24
A 9 2 11
2
No. of penalties scored against Celtic by Tony Brown
1.6
Average goals scored by Alnwick on the road in the league
the preview
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alnwick town including eight further Alliance titles and five League Cups. After winning the Northumberland Amateur Cup in 1972, fans up north had to wait another nine years for their next silverware, as the side brought in the eighties with the Northern Alliance Subsidiary Cup.
the history A
LNWICK Town Football Club dates back over 130 years, with its predecessor, Alnwick United Services, formed in 1879 - at the time, the only association football side between Newcastle and Dunbar. At the turn of the century, Alnwick won the North Northumberland League, and moved to a new stadium, St. James’s Park, prompting a chance of name to Alnwick United Juniors. Four years later, the club won the North Northumberland Minor Cup as Alnwick St. James. Alnwick continued to ply their trade in North Northumberland for the next twenty years or so, before entering the East Northumberland League in 1923. Another twelve years passed before Alnwick made the decision to head further south, entering the Northern Alliance. It proved to be a wise move, as the club, renamed Alnwick Town, won the league just two years after their debut campaign. The sixties and early seventies are considered as the club’s heyday, as Alnwick amassed an impressive twenty trophies in twelve years,
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West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
Alnwick chose to make the step up once again in 1982, joining the newly-formed Northern League Second Division. Whilst there, Alnwick won the Northumberland Benevolent Bowl, and, in 1987/88, the floodlights at the ground were switched on for the first time. Fittingly, the tenants of the stadium’s namesake made the trip up north, as Newcastle United played a wellreceived exhibition match at the other St. James’. One year later, Alnwick Town finished as runners-up in Division Two, earning ascension to the next tier. After their relegation two years later, Alnwick were twice runners-up in the Craven Cup. However, the club were no longer challenging at the top of the table, and were ultimately consigned to relegation in 2006/07, having propped up the rest of the division, as well as failing to meet the ground criteria. The appointment of a shadow committee at the end of the 2007/08 campaign steadied the Alnwick ship, and, after being awarded Charter Standard Club status in 2009. Alnwick kicked on, finishing as runners-up in the Northern Alliance Premier League in 2010/11. Although they finished a respectable 16th in their first season back, Town finished a lowly 21st the next, spared the drop only by virtue of Ryhope’s failure to get their ground up to scratch. The Northumberland outfit will be hoping for a far less stressful campaign this time around.
Nickname: Town Ground: St. James’s Park Chairman: Tom McKie
Rivals: Largest home crowd 2013/14: 126 v Heaton Stan. Distance travelled tonight (approx.): 33 miles
the players Brian Brooks
Former Alnwick Junior with over 300 games for the club between the sticks, Brian is Town’s number one - however, some would say his talents are wasted in goal. He has also turned out for Shilbottle.
Danny Lowes
Danny has been a first team regular since the age of 18, excelling anywhere along the back line, but also possesses an eye for goal, and loves attacking down the flank.
Bryan Murray
Town’s club captain, Bryan is the heart and soul of Alnwick Town, with over 400 games for the club, leading by example. He can play anywhere along the back line, but excels at right-back.
Tom MacPherson
Tom is a classy centre-half who dominates in the air at both ends of the pitch. He’s made a promising start to his career with Alnwick Town, and has been handed the captain’s armband for this coming campaign.
Jake Lowes
Jake has also made the step up from the reserves this season, and will hopefully be the future of Alnwick’s left hand side for many years to come.
Tony Brown
Another former Shilbottle man, Tony is a classy creative midfielder known as Alnwick’s “Xavi”. He has an eye for goal and is also a threat in the air.
Kieran Hogg
‘Nippa’ has progressed well since moving up from the reserves. He can play anywhere across the midfield, and can whip in a deadly cross.
Chris Kidd
‘Balokiddy’ is another player from the reserves to make the step up this season. Seems to be made of glass, though - a slight problem for a footballer.
Dale Kennedy
Dale has an unbelievable workrate and is non-stop for ninety minutes. He can play anywhere on the pitch, but is a real threat up front and tends to score important goals.
James Jackson
Joined last season from Shilbottle, ‘Mins’ has a bright future ahead of him at the club. Deceptively quick for a tall lad, he will be hoping for more first team action this year in Dale Kennedy’s absence. Certainly one to watch.
Jon Colley
Another player to make the step up from the reserves, Jonny has contributed with goals and assists throughout the season. He has also turned out for local side Embleton.
Keith Douglas
Prolific Northern League striker Douglas has found the back of the net throughout his career, for both Celtic and rivals North Shields, and has already impressed in his loan spell from the Robins. His experience and guile up front adds another dimension to the Alnwick attack.
Michael Robinson
Michael has joined the club this year and got his first goal of the season in the 2-2 draw away to Thornaby. the visitors
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the unbeaten run
0-0
3-2
2-2
5-3
2-1
The eighth of November could so easily have been a turning point for West Allotment. Promotion rivals Jarrow Roofing inflicted the first league home defeat of the season upon their hosts in what could prove to be a crucial six-pointer. The Roofers had put five past Celtic at a similar juncture last season - a result that preceded a sharp upturn in form, followed by a disastrous mid-November tailspin. Fast forward one year, and Allotment’s reaction to the loss was more than a little staggered. A dominant performance at Chester-le-Street somehow failed to yield a winning goal, but Stoneman’s men were soon moving through the gears, seeing off Washington in deceptively comfortable fashion. The playermanager himself salvaged a draw when Chester-le-Street visited Whitley Park, cancelling out the Cestrians’ seemingly late winner with an even later equaliser. Sean
GAMES WON: 6
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West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
Reid took centre stage from his boss four days later, hitting the target four times in a 5-3 win against Northallerton. Thornaby proved to be a tougher test, but goals from Douglas and Bell proved enough to see off the Teessiders - and the former set Allotment on their way to a far more leisurely victory against Willington. A trip down the A19 to the ever-strengthening Seaham Red Star represented a real test of character, even moreso when Celtic found themselves two goals down against the run of play after twenty minutes. The visitors fought back through Lancaster and that man Reid, and could consider themselves unlucky not to have taken all three points from County Durham. Back on North Tyneside, Blue Flames was once again the setting for the Sean Reid show, another spectacular four-goal hosts stunning the Ancients in a convincing 5-0 drubbing. His sparkling form and eye-catching
GAMES DRAWN: 4
REMARKABLE COMEBACKS: 3
West Allotment Celtic’s remarkable comeback at Tow Law extended their impressive run to ten games. As the unbeaten sequence hits double digits, we look back at the performances that have put Allotment firmly in the frame for promotion.
goal return may lead some to label Allotment as a one-man team, but his cohorts proved their quality when their top scorer limped from the field at Tow Law. 3-2 down at the time of his departure, Celtic turned it around through Stephen Little and the in-form Michael Bell, his ninth goal of the campaign completing the second and most telling comeback of the afternoon.
3-0
2-2
It may be tempting to dwell on the handful of dropped points, particularly in the two ties against Chester-le-Street, but the consecutively positive results have instilled a palpable sense of belief on and off the pitch, borne out emphatically in Celtic’s most recent fixture. Last year, between January and the season’s end, Allotment lost just four times. A similar run would produce something a little more meaningful than an article in the matchday programme.
GOALS SCORED: 28
2-2
5-0
Michael Bell and Sean Reid have played starring roles in Allotment’s undefeated streak, scoring six and thirteen times respectively.
GOALS CONCEDED: 15
4-3
POINTS ACCRUED: 19
the feature
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on this day...
Stephen Allott looks at this day in the club’s extensive history
1986 Goals from Eddie Appleyard and Dave Jenkin edged Allotment to a 2-1 victory over Longbenton Labour Club in a Northern Amateur League game played at Backworth Welfare.
1948 Allotment claimed a very creditable one-all draw away to Seaton Delaval Amateurs in the NFA Amateur Cup. Celtic then won the replay at the Farm Ground in West Allotment seven days later.
1970 Newcastle Polytechnic visited Backworth Welfare and went home with all the points after a 3-2 win. Bell and Robson scored the goals in vain for Celtic.
1998
Celtic were heading the Northern Alliance table and strengthened an already strong squad by signing Jason Southwick from North Shields St.Columbas. Within two days of joining Allotment, the youngster was lining up against his old colleagues. Inevitably, he scored one of the goals in a 5-1 romp for Allotment. It took until the half hour mark for the deadlock to be broken but once Jimmy Moses headed the first goal, he was joined on the scoresheet at regular intervals, with Tony Woodhouse, George Caithness and Dave Walton all finding the net for Celtic. Allotment “old boy” Steve Atkinson grabbed a consolation for the Saints.
20
West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
on this day
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THREE MILES WEST • Glenn Ford and Michael Bell discuss their respective nonleague careers • The new upward direction of the Allotment ‘A’ team • Celtic’s pre-war success - and post-war struggles • Goal analysis, New Year resolutions and the impact of Sunday football on Saturday players
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the onion bag Craig Dobson’s take on the last seven days in the Allotment garden
A
T 9.43am, I groggily received the email that I had been dreading throughout the previous night. It contained no body text, as the title said it all. “Tow Law Have Confirmed Today’s Game Is On.” Ordinarily, it would have provided the necessary boost to haul myself out of bed - albeit two hours later, necessitating a mad rush to the Social Club for my lift. This time, it was different. The car would still be there, but I wouldn’t make it, no matter how early I got up. Just prior to 1pm, the call came from Roland, asking if I was close. “I don’t think I’ll be there. I’m in Birmingham.” I had less than font memories of Ironworks Road from the previous season - a pitch that looked ready to be seeded, but not to host a game of semi-professional football. The state of the playing surface could not be attributed to the club itself, no doubt as dedicated as any in the Northern League, but rather to the unguarded location of the town itself, ripe for a battering from all of the elements. With winter seeming set to worsen, the rain would surely wreak havoc in County
Durham. It would surely churn up the pitch, and the game would surely be called off. Suitably assured, I agreed to head down to the Midlands to assist the mother of my better half, unable to complete her household chores after a painful arm operation. Yet, much like last year, the game went ahead as scheduled. And so, whilst I changed light bulbs (for the first time in my life) and scoured countless dishes, the Allotment lads were taking to an unsurprisingly heavy pitch. With just three committee members present, tweets were decidedly out of the question. The sporadic texts from Roland were golden. The first came after twenty-five minutes. “Two up, Stoneman 5 mins after corner, Dormand 24 mins after Henda charge down put him through.” The next came minutes later, and was equally as devastating as the preceding text was delightful. “2 each.” Before long, I’d received notification that we were 3-2 down at half-time, with Penders off injured. What followed was a prolonged period of nerveshredding radio silence. The dishwashing became a notably
slow process, my demeanour noticably distant and agitated. I met the girlfriend’s extended family for the very first time, doling out inadvertently curt responses in between checking my phone for news. No news was certainly not good news. Was it four? Five? Perhaps even six? Myself, Sairah and one of her aunts went food shopping, the iPhone never leaving the clammy palm of my hand. NLZ provided little exposition, and the full-time whistle had long since come and gone. Only forty minutes later did the Twitter feed of one Michael Bell yield the desired answer. “Great 3 points and to come from behind and win. @wacfc #fightingspirit #promotion” A shriek of delight eminated from the frozen foods aisle, echoing around the Asda branch in King’s Heath. My New Year’s resolution of attending every Celtic game this season was out of the window after just four days, and I certainly didn’t leave the best of first impressions in Brum, but I didn’t care. I don’t intend to miss another - it’s far too stressful, even when 200 miles away.
goal of the week
man of the week
According to all in attendance, David Dormand’s strike for Celtic’s second was as well-taken as any this season.
It has to go to Michael Bell, not only for stepping up to the plate and scoring the winning goal, but also for keeping the Press Officer informed!
West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
the onion bag
23
top scorers
player statistics gk
name
Liam Hudson - 11 Michael Bell - 7 Chris Douglas - 7
attack
the mainstays
midfield
the playmakers
defence
Sean Reid - 27 Michael Bell - 9 David Dormand - 8
Sean Reid - 30 Ian Dunn - 29 Paul Stoneman - 28
apps
yel
Chris Bannon Ryan Beal Bob Rodgerson
9 16 7 (2)
2 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
John Pendlebury Marc Dummett Chris Douglas Simon Wilthew Paul Stoneman Stephen Little Glenn Ford Roy Gordon
25 (2) 20 (1) 26 (2) 1 (1) 28 20 13 7 (7)
1 3 2 1 3 3 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
0 4 7 0 3 1 0 1
1 1 3 0 3 3 0 0
David Borley Ian Dunn Michael Bell Marc Allen Sean Reid Bernat Roca Bart Oliver-Berga Kallum McGlen David Henderson Matt Slater Tony Lancaster Dean Lee Connor Graham
2 (1) 27 (2) 19 (4) 8 (7) 29 (1) 1 (2) 1 (3) 8 (7) 24 (1) 0 (1) 1 (5) 12 (6) 2 (7)
1 5 1 1 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 0
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 7 0 4 0 0 2 7 0 1 0 2
0 6 9 1 27 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 0
Liam Hudson David Dormand Lawrence McKenna
23 (3) 22 (7) 8 (8)
2 0 0
0 0
4 2
8 4
Tow 0Law11Town6
Beal
Pendlebury
Little
Stoneman
Dunn
24
gls
average starting XI
the bad boys
Paul Stoneman - 3 1 Stephen Little - 3 1 Ian Dunn - 5 0
red asts
Hudson
West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
Dummett
Henderson Reid
Douglas
Dormand the player statistics
fixtures and results nl div 2 table
1
team North Shields
pl 25
w 19
d 4
l 2
gd pts 76 61
2
WAC
26
16
7
3
28 55
3
Heaton Stan
25
16
3
6
17 51
4
Roofing
23
15
4
4
35 49
5
Seaham
26
15
3
8
23 48
6
Nort & Stock
28
13
7
8
9
7
Northallerton 26
13
6
7
19 45
8
Birtley
25
13
4
8
14 43
9
Darlo RA
26
12
5
9
14 41
10 Ch-le-Street
25
10
7
8
-2
37
11 Willington
24
10
5
9
-2
35
12 Tow Law
25
10
3
12
4
33
13 Washington
26
10
3
13 -15 33
14 South Shields 24
7
11
6
-5
32
15 Whickham
24
8
4
12
2
28
16 Whitehaven
24
8
3
13 -22 27
17 Stokesley
27
7
5
15 -19 26
18 Alnwick
25
7
4
14 -21 25
19 Thornaby
25
6
4
15 -12 22
20 Brandon
27
6
3
18 -32 21
21 Esh Winning
27
5
2
20 -65 17
22 Ryton
25
3
3
19 -46 12
46
OFFICIAL NORTHERN LEAGUE SPONSORS
AUGUST 10th Alnwick Town 14th Heaton Stannington 17th Billingham Synthonia 21st Willington 24th Stokesley SC 30th Whickham
NL D2 NL D2 FA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A A A A H H
W 4-0 L 3-2 L 4-0 W 2-0 W 3-2 W 3-1
SEPTEMBER Seaham Red Star 4th Stokesley SC 7th 11th Norton & Stockton 14th Esh Winning 18th Ryton & Crawcrook 21st Penrith 28th Darlington RA
NL D2 FA Vase NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup FA Vase NL D2
H H A H H A A
W 2-1 W 4-3 D 3-3 D 1-1 W 1-0 L 4-1 W 4-0
OCTOBER Whitehaven 5th Alnwick Town 9th 12th Birtley Town 16th Tow Law Town 19th Ryton & Crawcrook 26th North Shields 30th Northallerton Town
NL D2 NFA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H H H A H H
L 3-1 L 2-1 W 2-1 W 3-2 W 4-2 D 0-0 W 3-0
NOVEMBER Brandon United 1st Willington 5th Jarrow Roofing 8th 12th Chester-le-Street 16th Washington 23rd Chester-le-Street 27th Northallerton Town 30th Thornaby
NL D2 EA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup NL D2
A A H A A H H H
W 2-1 L 4-1 L 5-3 D 0-0 W 3-2 D 2-2 W 5-3 W 2-1
DECEMBER 10th South Shields 14th Willington 21st Seaham Red Star 28th Norton & Stockton
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A H
D 2-2 W 3-0 D 2-2 W 5-0
JANUARY Tow Law Town 4th 10th Alnwick Town 18th Stokesley SC 22nd Heaton Stannington 31st Whickham
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A H A
W 4-3
FEBRUARY Marske United 4th South Shields 8th 15th Esh Winning 22nd Darlington RA
Lg Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A H
MARCH Whitehaven 1st Birtley Town 8th 15th Ryton & Crawcrook 22nd Northallerton Town 28th Brandon United
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
H A H A H
APRIL Jarrow Roofing 5th 12th Washington 18th North Shields 26th Thornaby
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A A
TBD
South Shields
NL D2 A fixtures, results, table
25
ee itt m m ing Co eet m pm 8
1st Jan
rottweiler’s notes
Rin g Bloo the dho un
d!
We are too old for these late nights now as we are both feeling the after effects this morning. New year but same old hysterics from Premier League players; after only six minutes, a Swansea player pulls a hamstring, which the TV shows quite clearly. The player then falls down as if he has been shot, then clutches his face in agony as an afterthought. Incredible - helped off by two physios, then as soon as he is off the pitch, he walks down the tunnel unaided.
2nd Jan
Spend all day at home, and only interrupted when bloodhound arrives to wish us both a happy new year.
3rd Jan
It is certainly the holiday period, as there is nothing happening - apart from the bloodhound ringing. We take Joanne and Morgan to the new Toby Carvery at Northumberland Park and it was a very nice meal.
4 Jan
Match assessor Whitley Bay v Ashington so I miss our excellent win at Tow Law, only problem being a very finicky referee - eight cautions and hardly a bad tackle in the game, I am reliably informed. Joanne takes Morgan to her very first football match at Newcastle and it seems granddad is going to have words with his darling granddaughter as she ends up shouting abuse at the referee. Not on at all!
5th Jan
Complete assessments from yesterday’s game, then watch football all day. Speaking of watching football, what about Adebayor who left the field on a stretcher on Wednesday and played yesterday. Proves my point Premier League footballers are soft. Bloodhound arrives with a large bunch of flowers for Barbara. Are these a peace offering?
th
6th Jan
No shopping last week but Barbara makes up for it today. We visit Sainsbury’s, Asda, get eggs from Seaton Delaval, North Shields and finally the Silverlink, you talk about being sick. Incidentally, how the hell does the bloodhound know when we are out eating? He rang twice on Friday when we were at Toby Carvery and again today when we are out having a meal. Is he bloody psychic?
7th Jan
Today we are in Newcastle - this is Barbara shopping with a vengeance. In the evening, attend weekly committee meeting.
8th Jan
Newcastle again, then settle down to watch Man City v West Ham and switch off just after half time.
9th Jan
While taking Morgan to school we fall out big time. She can be quite cheeky at times and when I tell her not to run her hand over walls she tells me it is her hand. Just turned six, and this does not go down well with granddad. Morgan arrives home from school and we have a few more words. Eventually she apologises and we are best friends again.
26
West Allotment Celtic v Alnwick Town
rottweiler’s notes
FOREST HALL YPC
Proud to support West Allotment Celtic Forest Hall Young People’s Club are based at East Palmersville Sports Pavilion, and have no fewer than 25 teams playing under the Forest Hall banner, including youth, senior and women’s teams.
TOWN Manager Paul YEADON Physio David ROSS
CELTIC Manager Paul STONEMAN Assistant Wilf KEILTY Coach Paul HOGG Physio Charlotte FERGUSON
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee T CHAMBERS Assistants D THOMPSON G ARMSTRONG
West Allotment Celtic Chris BANNON Ryan BEAL Bob RODGERSON John PENDLEBURY Marc DUMMETT Stephen LITTLE Paul STONEMAN Glenn FORD Chris DOUGLAS Roy GORDON Ian DUNN (c) Marc ALLEN David HENDERSON Michael BELL Sean REID David BORLEY Bernat ROCA Bart OLIVER-BERGA Kallum McGLEN Tony LANCASTER Dean LEE Matt SLATER Connor GRAHAM Liam HUDSON David DORMAND Lawrence McKENNA Jed FINDLAY
Follow us @wacfc
Alnwick Town Brian BROOKS Marc MAVIN Dan MULLEN Danny LOWES David HILLS Tom MACPHERSON Jake LOWES Lee DUNDAS Alex MAKIN Bryan MURRAY (c) Tony BROWN Kevin ELLIOTT Christopher KIDD Kieran HOGG James JACKSON Ben KEENAN Thomas TRUSCOTT Jon COLLEY Dale KENNEDY Dan THOMPSON Peter MURRAY Danny DONOHOE Ross MORTON Mikey HALL Ross STRAUGHAN Keith DOUGLAS
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