allotment
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14
jack thompson Celtic’s development side bears first team fruit
Club Sponsor
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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
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the squad
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the backroom staff
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the last match
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recent meetings
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the match preview
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the visitors
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bearing fruit
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the letter draw
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the onion bag
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on this day
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the player statistics
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fixtures, results, table
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rottweiler’s notes
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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
Backroom Staff Manager Assistant Manager First Team Coach Physio
Paul Stoneman Wilf Kielty Paul Hogg Charlotte Ferguson
Selected Club Honours Northern Alliance champions
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
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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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,
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
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 Chester-le-Street Town
RB Chris Douglas LB Marc Dummett CM Alex Nisbet CM Michael Latimer CM Roy Gordon
Marc Dummett LB Age: 26 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.
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.
CM Ian Dunn CM Marc Allen CM David Henderson CM Michael Bell CM Sean Reid
Roy Gordon CM Age: 31 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.
CM Bernat Roca RM Kallum McGlen RM Tony Lancaster RM Bart Oliver-Berga LM Connor Graham
LM Dean Lee ST David Dormand ST Lawrence McKenna ST Liam Hudson ST Jed Findlay
Michael Latimer David Henderson CM Age: 26 CM Age: 31 Seasoned midfielder David Henderson Michael returns to rejoined the club last Allotment, having spent season, and the former time at Bedlington North Shields schemer Terriers, Newcastle provides another option Benfield and Washington. going forward through A tough tackler and a the middle. Henders highly versatile member is arguably one of the of the squad, capable of most skilful players in the playing at centre-half. 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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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.
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
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
16TH NOVEMBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO NISSAN SPORTS COMPLEX
Washington 2 West Allotment Celtic 3
A
SEAN Reid brace and a rare goal from Stephen Little proved enough to see West Allotment Celtic past a new-look Washington outfit, holding off a late charge from the hosts to win 3-2 on Saturday afternoon. The rejuvenated Mechanics have experienced an upturn in fortunes since Stephen Hutchinson took the reins in September, losing just one of their last eight games, but Allotment emerged with the edge in an often scrappy and disjointed encounter at the Nissan Sports Complex. Celtic were first to probe, a long throw from David Dormand making its way
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into the box, with ‘keeper Neal Atkinson getting there just ahead of Liam Hudson. The 25-year-old ‘keeper was soon called into action once more, parrying away a Sean Reid strike, before beating Dormand to the rebound. Another trademark throw from Dormand was flicked into the path of Ian Dunn by his player-manager Paul Stoneman, but the captain could only send a looping header over the crossbar.
test, had James Fairley’s dangerous cross not been cleared from danger by the faultless Little.
Conversely, returning Allotment custodian Ryan Beal had little to do in the opening minutes, or indeed the first half, with Ryan McGuinness’s wayward effort constituting the Wash’s only attempt on goal. They may have provided the visiting ‘keeper with a more meaningful
The goal brought Allotment out of their shell, and some fine football from David Henderson should have yielded a second goal within minutes. The fleet-footed midfielder embarked upon a thirty yard run, bamboozling at least three defenders en route to
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
With little quality on show from either side, a goal always looked likely to come from a set-piece, and so it proved after twenty-nine minutes. Reid did not have to rise to meet Chris Douglas’ fine corner, instead cushioning his header in at the back post to put the away side ahead.
Washington’s final third, before laying it into the path of the onside Dormand. However, the striker dallied on the ball, affording Alan Oliver the opportunity to recover and muscle possession away from him. Celtic did not dwell on the miss, extending their lead five minutes before half-time. The same two players were once more involved in the goal, Reid nodding home an inch-perfect Michael Bell cross, after neat interplay from the latter and full-back Douglas down the right flank. It could have been even better for Allotment heading into the break, but Atkinson backpedalled well to tip over Hudson’s audacious chip, whilst Dormand’s wellstruck effort moments later was too central to unduly trouble the ‘keeper. Nevertheless, Allotment took a commanding lead into the break, and, despite two changes from the home bench, continued where they left off. Marc Dummett’s pinpoint pass towards Dormand was expertly brought down by the forward, who lashed a halfvolley into the side netting. Stirred by some undoubtedly strong words in the dressing room, Washington belatedly created their first real chance of the afternoon, a goalmouth scramble drifting out towards Aaron Croft just inside the area, but the full-back, pushed
into midfield for the second half, drilled harmlessly wide. Just as the hosts looked to halve the deficit, Celtic got a third, with Reid and Douglas taking centre stage once again. The latter’s corner created havoc in the box, the ball never settling in the six yard area, before Reid got a decisive touch back towards Stephen Little, who finished – and celebrated – emphatically. Allotment may have been three goals to the good with little more than ten minutes left on the clock, but they allowed their hosts to creep back into the game late on. A clumsy tackle from Little on the edge of the area handed Michael Coughlan a shooting opportunity, and he took it with aplomb, curling a low freekick around the wall and into Beal’s far corner. Their tails up, Washington pressed for a second, looking to initiate what seemed to be the most unlikely of comebacks. Paul Kane saw an effort bobble wide of the near post, before centre-half Nathan Johnson forced a fine save from Beal, his rasping drive pushed away from danger by the Suffolk-born stopper. He was almost caught out by a speculative wayward cross from McGuinness that dipped towards the top corner, only to nestle onto the roof of the net, before the left-back skied a more meaningful effort moments later.
The game was well beyond its allotted stoppage time when Washington did find the target, Kane collecting a pass from the right and curling high into the net, but any jittery nerves amongst the away supporters were soon calmed by the final whistle moments later, signalling the end of a contest that Celtic should have won in more comfortable fashion. That said, the battling performance – and the three points that came with it – pushes West Allotment back up to fourth, leapfrogging Northallerton Town and maintaining contact with the top three.
Reid and Douglas were heavily involved in all three of Celtic’s goals
the last match
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recent meetings
9TH FEBRUARY 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WHITLEY PARK
West Allotment Celtic 3 Chester-le-Street 1
W
EST Allotment Celtic brushed aside fellow mid-table side Chester-le-Street Town on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of a David Dormand double and a second-half strike from Tony Lancaster. The Whitley Park hosts looked eager to build on their encouraging 3 - 0 victory away at Esh Winning in midweek, and started the game in positive fashion, Sean Reid seeing a goalbound header parried at point-blank range by Cestrians ‘keeper Matthew Crook. Another parry from the young shot stopper gifted Allotment the opening goal of the game. Crook failed to hold onto a low David Henderson
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strike, and instinctive poacher Dormand was there to tuck away the rebound. The away side redoubled their efforts, and had two chances in quick succession to level the score, Craig Mickle blazing over from a good position, and Adam Smith forcing a superb save from Aiden Ames in the Celtic goal. With half-time looming, Celtic delivered a morale-crushing blow to their County Durham opponents. A lofted Chris Douglas free-kick was nodded home by Dormand at the back post, doubling Allotment’s advantage just short of the referee’s whistle. On returning for the second half, Allotment continued in
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
the same ilk, and did not have to wait long for a third goal. Reid’s flick-on found Dormand, who, despite a hat-trick being a distinct possibility, instead laid the ball into the path of Lancaster, who duly gave the hosts an unassailable lead with his neat finish. Chester-le-Street grabbed a consolation through Michael Pattison, and would have clawed their way back into the tie were it not for two incredibly brave saves from Ames at close quarters. At the other end, Dean Lee and David Dormand both spurned chances to extend Allotment’s advantage. Tricky winger Lee saw a stonewall penalty appeal turned down at the death, but it mattered little, as Celtic comfortably saw out the game.
how West Allotment Celtic have fared in recent months against today’s County Durham-based opponents
12TH NOVEMBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO MOOR PARK
Chester-le-Street 0 West Allotment Celtic 0
D
ESPITE dominating proceedings over the course of ninety minutes, West Allotment Celtic failed to break the deadlock at Moor Park, playing out a goalless draw at Chester-le-Street Town on Tuesday night. Sean Reid almost broke the deadlock for Celtic with barely one minute on the clock, only to see his looping header over Chris Rookes get steered off the line by Michael Hepplewhite. The Cestrians responded largely through set-pieces, twice going close from corners, before veteran Craig Marron came closest for the hosts, collecting a neat pull-back towards the edge of the area
and firing just beyond the top corner.
dangerous inswinging corner his only action of the evening.
However, Allotment should have taken a slender lead into the break, but David Dormand skewed wide after dancing his way into the box, before Liam Hudson made similar inroads, only to stumble in front of the onrushing Rookes.
Allotment threw everything at Colin Wake’s men in the final ten minutes, desperately seeking what would have been a deserved winner. Dormand flicked a header wide of goal, whilst Reid and Hudson both fired respective efforts clear of the bar. The latter was denied a certain goal by a superb defensive recovery from Joe Hamblin, the full-back sliding in to prevent his counterpart from pulling the trigger.
After the restart, it was oneway traffic, but try as they might, Celtic could not find a way through. Reid was inches away from connecting with a dangerous square ball, and Dormand once again charged into a one-on-one situation with Rookes, only to knock the ball too close to the ‘keeper. At the other end, 17-year-old debutant Jack Thompson had little to do, a fine parry from a
One final chance, a Michael Bell volley from a corner, was unintentionally deflected wide by Dormand - typical of Celtic’s unfortunate evening in general - as the Cestrian defence held firm for a precious point. recent meetings
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the match preview
form: WLLDW
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
A
LLOTMENT put their three game winless streak behind them with a 3-2 win last weekend at Washington - and are angling for all three points against a side that frustrated them not two weeks ago. Today’s teams met at Moor Park two Tuesdays ago, where the Cestrians successfully held Allotment to a goalless stalemate. Still smarting from those two dropped points, Celtic will look to go one better on their own turf in the reverse fixture. Whilst today’s hosts were
CHESTER-LE-STREET TOWN form: WLDLW
C
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HESTER-LESTREET Town have a burgeoning reputation as Division Two ‘giantkillers’, and would do that status no harm with a victory at Whitley Park this afternoon. A 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Seaham Red Star aside, the Cestrians have swept aside no fewer than three serious promotion contenders. They became one of just four teams to defeat Heaton Stannington in the league, with an own goal from the Stan’s Richie Hoggins and a strike from forward Michael Hepplewhite securing a
made to rue their wasteful finishing in Durham, they did keep a clean sheet - but their chances of repeating the feat may be diminished by the absence of Stephen Little. The centre-half serves the first of a three-game suspension following his late dismissal against Jarrow Roofing, with either John Pendlebury or Sean Reid in the frame to deputise alongside player-manager Paul Stoneman. More positive is the progress made by Ryan Beal, who returned to first team action on Saturday,
but fellow ‘keeper Chris Bannon remains out, and is joined by Dean Lee, Marc Dummett, Marc Allen, Kallum McGlen and Lawrence McKenna. Long-term absentee Tony Lancaster is set to return, but will do so for the ‘A’ team this afternoon in a bid to regain match fitness. With their promotion rivals grinding out narrow victories in the past week, Celtic will look to keep the pressure on, and will hope that Liam Hudson and David Dormand rediscover their scoring form this afternoon.
2-1 victory over a side that but would go down to Colin currently sits in second place. Wake’s hard-working side, as Steven Telford’s late strike Perhaps even more earned the Cestrians all impressive was their three points. win down in North Yorkshire, putting a strong That said, Chester-leNorthallerton Town side Street have not fared as to the sword, with Adam consistently well when facing Smith’s decisive fourth the less reputable opposition, pick of the goals in a 4-2 losing six games in total to triumph. largely mid-table teams, but got back on track with a The performance that really good, if narrow, victory over raised some eyebrows came Whickham in midweek. three weeks ago, when Town welcomed hot favourites They may not have beaten North Shields to Moor Park. Celtic in the league before, The Robins had lost just but as their season thus far once up to that point, a 1-0 proves, anything can happen defeat to Seaham Red Star, in ninety minutes.
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
He scored the decisive third against Washington at the weekend, but defender Stephen Little will not make an impact at either end this afternoon, serving the first game of a three match ban following his late dismissal against Jarrow Roofing.
statattack The attendance for the last meeting at Whitley Park
65
No. of games the Cestrians have won against Allotment
0
league meetings P 7 8 15
Formerly of Jarrow Roofing, Michael Hepplewhite has, much like his younger brother Danny, impressed for the Cestrians in the early stages of the campaign, scoring five goals from a wide position, and laying on many others. The 23-yearold could cause problems on the wing this afternoon.
W 7 6 13
D 0 2 2
L 0 0 0
F 23 21 44
A 6 7 13
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No. of points separating the two teams last season
0
Chester-leStreet’s goal difference after 19 games
the preview
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chester-le-street town
the history T
HE club was founded in 1972 when a group of enthusiasts got together in a local public house and formed a football club which was called Chester-le-Street Garden Farm after the pub in which the idea germinated. The club entered the Newcastle City Amateur League that same year and played on a pitch in Low Fell, Gateshead, because no grounds were available in Chester-le-Street. However, after one season they were allotted a pitch at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street which was to be their home until 1977. In 1975 the Cestrians joined the Washington League, winning the Championship, the Durham Minor Cup and the Washington A.M. Cup. By then flourishing, Garden Farm moved to the Sacriston C.W. ground, were admitted to the Wearside League in 1977, and changed their name to Chester-leStreet Town F.C. the following year. Over the next few years they won the Championship and the Monkwearmouth Cup on two occasions. In 1980 the club moved to its present home at Chester Moor Park. The ground had only dressing rooms
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and a perimeter fence. So far over ÂŁ100,000 has been spent bringing the ground up to the Northern League standards, so that now there is a 200 seater stand, covered terracing for 500, uncovered terrace, hard standing all round and floodlights. There are facilities for spectator refreshments and a clubhouse. New dressing rooms and spectator toilets including disabled were built in the Summer of 2000. The club was admitted into the Northern League in 1983 and won the Championship of the Second Division at the first attempt and gained promotion to the First Division. After some successful seasons, the cestrians were relegated to the Second Division, but soon bounced back and are now going through a period of consolidation. Chester-le-Street Club is proud to call itself a family club, catering to the needs of the district by providing football for all ages. With this aim in mind the club is currently fielding an Under 18 Junior side. The club is also proud of the fact that every season has seen a steady flow of young stars moving on to professional clubs, whilst others have progressed through the ranks to claim places in the First Team.
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
Nickname: The Cestrians Ground: Moor Park Chairperson: Joe Burlison
Rivals: Washington, Birtley, Durham City Largest home crowd 2013/14: 102 v Heaton Stan Distance travelled today (approx.): 16 miles
the players Chris Rookes
Michael Graver
Michael Roberts
Joe Hamblin
James Allsopp
Kevin Duggan
Goalkeeper Rookesy is back at the club for a second spell. Top keeper who dominates his area and marshals his back four well.
Promising full-back Joe is still a junior, but has forced his way into the senior squad with some good performances.
Kevin Dixon
Another returning to the club, Dicka has most recently been at Birtley Town, and is renowned as a very solid defender.
Andrew Grant-Soulsby
“Kegs”, previously at Birtley Town and Jarrow Roofing, is a top defender who chips in with vital goals.
Danny Hepplewhite
Danny is a solid, no-nonsense centre-half. Signed from Birtley Town, and is the brother of centre-forward Michael.
Adam Smith
A young left-sided defender, Adam is happy going forward as well and has a great left foot.
Club captain Michael joined the club last season from Esh Winning, as has proven to be a combative central midfielder.
“Chinny” signed at the start of this season, having previously been at Birtley Town. A dangerous attacking midfielder.
Craig Marron
A former Ryhope C.W. man, “Maz” is back at CLS for a third or possibly fourth spell. The 32-year-old is a steady influence in midfield.
David Surrey
David is a top midfield player who looks equally at home at right back. The tireless 22-yearold never stops running.
Jake Stafford
A young midfielder signed from Prudhoe, Jack impressed in preseason and has made a midfield place his own.
Jack Honour
Jack is a hard-working midfielder in his second spell at the club.
Signed from Consett recently, midfielder Michael has impressed the fans with his performances to date.
Kev operates mainly on the left hand side of midfield, and has turned out for the likes of West Auckland, Darlington R.A. and Horden C.W.
Michael Hepplewhite
Always a threat, “Hepps” signed a couple of seasons ago and has been a top performer thus far this season. He is the older brother of centre-half Danny.
Tony Healer
Tony returned to the club this season to help us out and has made an excellent impression with wholehearted performances. Still has a good eye for goal.
Steven Telford
A very recent signing, Steven was one of Birtley’s promising players, and is always one to work hard for his team up front.
the visitors
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BEARING FRUIT 19-year-old Jack Thompson became the first player from the development side to turn out competitively for the first team... A large part of West Allotment Celtic’s remit is, and always has been, continued and sustainable growth.To that end, it made perfect sense to plant some seeds for the future, in the lower steps of the North East’s league system. We are far from the first club to do so. The likes of Newcastle Benfield, Billingham Synthonia, Northallerton Town, Alnwick Town and Bedlington Terriers already have established reserve outfits. Their purpose is arguably reflected in their respective names: that of the parent club, followed by the rather uninspiring title of ‘Reserves’. It hardly engenders a sense
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of confidence, and, more importantly, belonging. Much like Whitley Bay before them, Allotment prefer to think of their second string as a development side, a place where the new crop can sharpen their skills in preparation for a potential career in semi-professional football. Players come to learn, not just to play. Few have learned quite as much in the past year as Jack Thompson. This time last year, the 19-year-old was only just strapping on the goalkeeper gloves for the very first time in a full-sized arena for Allotment ‘A’ partners Whitley Bay Boys Club. “I’d only played since about this time last year. So
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
I’ve only been playing about a year of eleven-a-side football in nets, so coming from there to here, just in the reserve team, has been a massive step up,” explained Jack. “Just me having to improve my game more than anything, especially competing with the other ‘keepers that we had in the reserve team.” The young stopper has been one of the bright lights in an otherwise indifferent start to Allotment ‘A’’s inaugural season - and his performances ultimately earned him a starting berth against today’s opponents a fortnight ago. With Ryan Beal and Chris Bannon injured, and Bob Rodgerson on work duty, Paul Stoneman showed faith in both the player and the development side, making an
a team update in-house selection in favour of a temporary stopgap. Standing between the sticks at Moor Park, Thompson became the first ‘A’ player to start a competitive match for the first team. Protected by a strong and assured back four, Jack had little to do in a largely frustrating 0-0 draw, a fine parry from an inswinging corner his only save of note. Nevertheless, he did all that was asked of him within his area, his distribution steadily improving as the game wore on. By the end of the ninety minutes, the boy who had barely played a game in goal not twelve months ago had become a man, with a Northern League clean sheet to his name. A remarkable period of growth by any standard. The hot prospect enjoyed his first ever Northern League outing - even if he would have liked to have been more involved. “It was good. Glad I kept a clean sheet! I was hoping that they’d have a couple of shots so that I could show off my skills, but I didn’t get a chance to.” With regular ‘keeper Beal fit once more, Thompson has returned to ‘A’ team duties, and he believes that his regular teammates are finally heading in the right direction. “We’re getting better. We had a bit of a shaky start, but we’re improving,” he insists. Five months on, the development side is still in its infancy, its players young and naive. And yet, as we enter the harsh winter months, some promising shoots are already beginning to emerge. They may not ripen for some time, but, as Jack’s rapid ascension demonstrates, they will be picked if they are ready. With the right encouragement and attitude, more will blossom in the seasons to come.
West Allotment Celtic ‘A’ manager Henry Brandon has stepped down from his role at the development side, following feedback from his players and fellow coaches. He had guided Allotment ‘A’ to four wins in fourteen league games, and departs with the club currently occupying thirteenth position in Division Two of the Northern Alliance. His assistant, Reece Chapman (pictured), took charge ahead of today’s match at High Howdon Social Club, and has the full backing of the players and committee. The club would like to thank Henry for all his efforts in the side’s vital formative months, and hope that he may have a role to play at the club in the future.
bearing fruit
19
THREE MILES WEST • Paul Stoneman discusses his professional career - and the moment he almost left Allotment • Sean Reid on his future in the game • Celtic’s mouthwatering tie against Newcastle United Reserves
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20
West Allotment Celtic v North Northern Shields League Division Two
29th March 2013
20
the onion bag Craig Dobson’s take on the last seven days in the Allotment garden
I
N football, an awful lot can change in a matter of weeks. Since the last programme column was hurriedly drafted up at work, there’s been an eight goal thriller, a mass brawl after the final whistle, a slightly less frenetic goalless draw, a partial return to form and the tendering of a resignation; all in that order, but not necessarily linked. It’s certainly been an interesting fortnight. Plenty hasn’t been said about the blood and thunder of the Jarrow Roofing encounter. Confusion and aggression reigned on a dark day for both clubs, overshadowing what had been a thrilling game of football at Whitley Park - certainly one for the neutrals, perhaps less so for the suffering supporters, particularly those on the losing side after ninety minutes. Celtic’s fortunes didn’t improve four days later. Twelve attempts on goal yielded no score, as Allotment knocked on Chester-le-Street’s door, but couldn’t find a way through. Had it been a barn door, it wouldn’t have made much difference, such was Allotment’s luck in the eighteen yard box. Having missed a couple of chances
himself, David Dormand went one better in the dying minutes, inadvertently getting in the way of Michael Bell’s potential winner. It was just one of those nights. Fortune occasionally favoured the hosts, who, to their credit, showed unerring resolve to take a point from the game - and two points away from Allotment. The result left Celtic in an unprecedented predicament, having gone without a win for three games for the first time this season; a less than desirable record. Sean Reid and Chris Douglas went about setting things right the following Saturday, combining for the first goal at Washington. Reid was soon at the double, tucking away a cross from Michael Bell not Douglas, as was erroneously reported by some novice hack on the touchline (ahem). However, both were definitely involved in the third, smashed home by a very excited Stephen Little. The centre-half showed Dormand how it’s done with both the close-range finish and the delightfully exuberant celebration. Three goals to the good, Allotment eased up a little, allowing the Wash to close the gap, scoring the second of
two goals with the last kick of the game; a close scoreline, but in no way a close encounter. And so to the resignation that you’ve all been waiting with baited breath to hear about (unless you read the programme in traditional, chronological order). Fear not, Ted hasn’t stepped down as Chief Guard Dog, nor has Hoggy resolved to take his beloved cones elsewhere. It is further down the pyramid, in the depths of the Alliance, where Allotment have lost a member of the backroom staff. Henry has resigned as the ‘A’ team manager, five months into his tenure. From the outside looking in, it comes as a surprise, with his side’s results and performances steadily improving. Despite the slight upturn in fortunes, it seems that all was not well within the camp, and his assistant Reece Chapman will be charged with steering West Allotment’s young hopefuls towards mid-table. That’s your latest drama digest. Check back on Wednesday night, 7.30pm for another episode of the Northern League’s very own soap opera. We’re on right after Emmerdale.
goal of the week
man of the week
Reid’s second was the pick of this week’s strikes, as much for the build-up play and Bell’s delivery as the midfielder’s close-range finish.
Sean Reid bagged another two goals, capping another impressive performance from the attacking midfield role.
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
the onion bag
21
on this day... 1935 Celtic recorded a useful 3-0 victory away to Whitley Bay YMCA in the Tynemouth & District League. Crichton (2) and Peacock were the scorers in win which kept Allotment just three points behind league leaders Cullercoats.
1957 Allotment and Wallsend Rising Sun played out a thrilling N.F.A Amateur Cup tie at the Farm Ground. The Sun were top of the Northern Amateur League at this point, though Celtic were to depose them by the end of the season. Dixon opened the scoring very early in the match to give Celtic the lead. The one goal advantage was retained at the interval, albeit with a 2-1 scoreline; Miller grabbing Celtic’s second goal. A header from Jimmy MacDonald extended Allotment’s lead after the break. The Sun refused to surrender, piled on the pressure and it was only excellent goalkeeping from Tucker that frustrated the Wallsend side. Nevertheless, they did pull a goal back before a break from Allotment saw Miller notch his second and Celtic’s fourth goal. The Sun still managed to make the scoreline 4-3 before they finally ran out of time in their search for an equaliser.
1968 Celtic suffered one of their three beatings by Corbridge Rangers during the 1968/69 season. On this particular day they were hammered 2-6 at Backworth, Ray Taylor grabbing the consolation goals. This defeat was in the Northern Amateur League Subsidiary competition. In the normal league fixtures, Corbridge racked up 5-2 and 7-2 victories over a struggling Allotment team.
22
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
Stephen Allott looks at this day in the club’s extensive history
1985 John Kiddie was the hero of the day as his last minute goal earned Celtic a place in the third round of the F.A.Vase.Yorkshire Amateurs were the visitors to Backworth and they faced a confident Celtic team. Allotment took the lead in the 31st minute when Les Yeomans stole the ball from a dithering defender and his pass found Paul Lemon who made no mistake from inside the six yard box. Celtic lost some momentum after the interval and it was no real surprise when Thurlman equalised for the Yorkshiremen in the 62nd minute. The Amateurs then launched a series of attacks on the Celtic goal but the Allotment rearguard, led by Mick Richardson, was outstanding. In the final moments of the game, John Kiddie received a ball from Ian Curle, broke down the left and passed the ball to Peter Jackson. He screamed for a return pass, got it, and burst into the box where his shot smacked both posts before crossing the line. Kiddie was named man of the match by sponsors Joshua Tetley.
1991 Celtic travelled to play Brinkburn in the League Cup and returned home with a 5-3 victory to celebrate. Mick Chilton scored twice while Ian Chater, Danny Olsen and Michael Storey also got their names on the scoresheet. Unfortunately, Ponteland United ended this particular cup run in the following round.
2005 Progress was made in the League Cup at the expense of Hebburn Town. A brace of goals from Andrew Purvis was topped up by David Potts and Phil Coates as Allotment coasted to a 4-0 win at Whitley Park. on this day
23
top scorers
player statistics yel
Chris Bannon Ryan Beal Bob Rodgerson
9 10 5 (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 Michael Latimer Glenn Ford Alex Nisbet Roy Gordon
18 (2) 15 (1) 19 (2) 1 (1) 21 15 2 (3) 10 2 6 (6)
1 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0
0 2 4 0 3 1 1 0 0 1
1 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0
midfield
Ian Dunn Michael Bell Marc Allen Sean Reid Bernat Roca Bart Oliver-Berga Kallum McGlen David Henderson Tony Lancaster Dean Lee Connor Graham
23 (1) 12 (4) 6 (6) 21 (1) 1 (1) 1 (2) 8 (7) 16 (1) 0 (2) 12 1 (5)
3 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 5 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 0 0
6 3 1 16 0 1 1 0 0 3 0
Liam Hudson David Dormand Lawrence McKenna
16 (3) 17 (5) 8 (8)
1 0 0
0 0
3 2
6 4
gk
apps
attack
name
the playmakers
Liam Hudson - 9 Michael Bell - 5 Chris Douglas - 4
the mainstays
Ian Dunn - 23 Sean Reid - 21 Paul Stoneman - 21
defence
Sean Reid - 16 Ian Dunn - 6 David Dormand - 6
Tow 0Law 9Town6
Beal
Pendlebury
Little
Stoneman
Dunn
24
gls
average starting XI
the bad boys
Paul Stoneman - 1 1 Michael Bell - 0 1 Alex Nisbet - 0 1
red asts
Hudson
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street Town
Dummett
Henderson Reid
Douglas
Dormand the player statistics
fixtures and results nl div 2 table
1
team North Shields
pl 19
w 13
d 4
l 2
gd pts 50 43
2
Heaton Stan
20
13
3
4
17 42
3
Seaham
20
13
1
6
25 40
4
WAC
19
12
4
3
18 40
5
Northallerton 22
11
5
6
19 38
6
Nort & Stock
21
10
7
4
12 37
7
Jarrow
16
11
3
2
26 36
8
Darlo RA
21
10
4
7
8
34
9
Tow Law
21
9
3
9
7
30
10 Willington
19
8
5
6
3
29
11 Ch-le-Street
19
8
5
6
0
29
12 Birtley
18
8
3
7
7
27
13 South Shields 18
6
7
5
-4
25
14 Whickham
19
7
3
9
2
24
15 Stokesley
22
6
4
12 -15 22
16 Whitehaven
19
6
2
11 -18 20
17 Thornaby
20
5
4
11 -11 19
18 Alnwick
19
5
4
10 -16 19
19 Brandon
23
5
3
15 -24 18
20 Washington
20
5
3
12 -27 18
21 Esh Winning
21
4
2
15 -47 14
22 Ryton
20
2
3
15 -32
OFFICIAL NORTHERN LEAGUE SPONSORS
9
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
DECEMBER Heaton Stannington 6th 14th Willington 21st Seaham Red Star 28th Norton & Stockton
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
H H A H
JANUARY Tow Law Town 4th 10th Alnwick Town 18th Stokesley SC 31st Whickham
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A A
FEBRUARY South Shields 8th 15th Esh Winning 22nd Darlington RA
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
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
NL D2
A
TBD
South Shields
fixtures, results, table
25
ee itt m m ing Co eet m pm 8
rottweiler’s notes
Rin g Bloo the dho un
d!
6th Nov
Complete my reports from Monday night’s game and also send off paperwork for our game at Willington last night. In the evening watch Arsenal beat Bourassa Dortmund which had looked very unlikely after the first hours play. Nice to have a night at home.
7th Nov
Go shopping with Barbara and in the evening chair a disciplinary commission, one case was of a 15 year old boy who had to be stopped attacking a referee by two of his team mates. Will be a while before he plays football again.
8th Nov
I have been involved in various capacities within the Northern League for nearly 40 years now and never witnessed scenes that took place at the end of our game with Jarrow Roofing. Will be making no further comment, just not good for football.
9th Nov
Numerous phone calls this morning including press following last night’s game. In the afternoon match assessor Benfield v Guisborough and had to fend many questions again about incident at end of the game. Mind you, some did say how much they had enjoyed the game. Watch Royal British Legion Festival and it gets better every year, which takes me back to today’s game at Benfield. One minutes silence for Danny Gates and those who lost their lives fighting so we can have the life style that we have today and there is a person (about 30 years old) best described as a piece of s**t and dressed that way sat in a seat with both legs sprawled over another seat while everyone else stood.
10th Nov
Spend the day watching football on TV and who saw those results coming. Don’t even complete my reports from yesterday’s game. Too much wine during the afternoon.
11th Nov 12th Nov
26
At last reports completed and sent off. Have meeting with RDO & Chief Executive at NFA, a very positive meeting. In the evening Richie McLoughlin phones me and we have a long and frank exchange of views about Friday night’s events. There are events occurring within NFA which I am finding very disturbing. Next board meeting will be very interesting. Chest is no better so and Doctor tells me not to go out in the cold and gives me tablets to take. Miss tonight’s game and the bloodhound kindly stands in for me. Attend committee meeting which turns in to a nightmare with the letter draw producing 38 winners.
West Allotment Celtic v Chester-le-Street 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 Colin WAKE Assistants Barry FLEMING Paul BROWN Physio Daryl SMITH
CELTIC Manager Paul STONEMAN Assistant Wilf KEILTY Coach Paul HOGG Physio Charlotte FERGUSON
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee T CHAMBERS Assistants K FREETH I FREELAND
West Allotment Celtic Chris BANNON Ryan BEAL Bob RODGERSON John PENDLEBURY Marc DUMMETT Stephen LITTLE Paul STONEMAN Glenn FORD Simon WILTHEW Chris DOUGLAS Michael LATIMER Roy GORDON Alex NISBET Ian DUNN (c) Marc ALLEN David HENDERSON Michael BELL Sean REID Bernat ROCA Bart OLIVER-BERGA Kallum McGLEN Tony LANCASTER Dean LEE Connor GRAHAM Liam HUDSON David DORMAND Lawrence McKENNA Jed FNDLAY
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