allotment
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14
a club united The inaugural encounter between the first team and our new development side
Club Sponsor
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www.thomaspotter.com MAIN SPONSORS OF WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
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welcome 19
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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the last meeting
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the preview
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the visitors
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a club united
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the letter draw
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race night
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from allotment to anfield
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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 Darlington Railway Athletic
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 Darlington Railway Athletic
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: 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.
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.
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 Rob Nolan
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
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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Rob Nolan ST Age: 24 Signed from Cramlington Rob scored 30 goals for North Shields before Town last February, Jed earning his big move to is a promising forward with plenty of attacking Blyth Spartans, and after brief spells at Whitley potential. Having made a Bay and Bedlington, the handful of appearances last season, the striker clinical forward is looking to once again make his will be hoping to get mark upon Division Two. more game time this campaign.
West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic
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
18TH JANUARY 2014 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO STOKESLEY SPORTS CLUB
Stokesley 2 West Allotment Celtic 2
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ARY Redman’s late strike denied West Allotment Celtic all three points on Saturday afternoon, with a blood and thunder match ending 2-2 at the Sports Club. Despite ringing the changes, Allotment started positively on an unavoidably heavy pitch, owing to the previous night’s downpour, with Roy Gordon in particular looking dangerous. However, his promising start down the left suffered a setback after fourteen minutes. His poorly weighted backpass towards Ryan Beal allowed Greg Peel to surge forward and slot the ball beneath the stranded ‘keeper. Having gifted the hosts the opening goal, Allotment began
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to press with a little more urgency, a Sean Reid free-kick well saved by Lynes, and a Dean Lee effort that whistled over the bar. When the equaliser did come, it was courtesy of another disastrous defensive error. A deep cross seemed to pose little threat to the Stokesley defence, sailing into the path of the waiting Lynas, but his centre-half took it upon himself to intercept the ball first, his poor touch with his chest allowing Dormand to steal possession and finish coolly from an acute angle. Stokesley almost gifted Celtic a second, captain Stuart Browne within inches of poking into his own net. However, he could do little from the resulting corner,
West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic
as Allotment snatched the lead. Dormand met the set-piece, flicking the ball across the line and into the path of Stephen Little, who could not miss from the closest of ranges. Having already bagged a goal and an assist, Dormand had two chances to extend his side’s advantage before halftime. The forward did well to win an aerial challenge with two opponents, racing through towards goals but flicking high and wide of the top corner. Minutes later, the former Morpeth man sprang the offside trap once more, hurtling down the right and squaring across goal for Dean Lee, who was denied a simple finish by the presence of retreating fullback Lloyd Evans.
Monty Alexander’s men came back stronger in the second half, a looping cross from the right almost catching out Beal but drifting marginally wide, before Andrew Lambert’s goalbound effort was held by Beal.
...in pictures
Allotment rallied briefly, and threw on Rob Nolan for his debut. He almost made the desired impact within minutes of his introduction. Lancaster got round Matthew Robinson and squared the ball inside for the former Shields striker, who was inches away from marking his first Allotment appearance with a goal. Stokesley full-back Robinson was a lick of paint away from hauling his side level, his fine free-kick from thirty yards flashing just beyond the angle of Beal’s goal, but it was arguably a less intentional delivery that grabbed Stokesley a share of the points late on. Redman sent over a looping cross from the right, and the backpedaling Beal could not retreat quick enough to prevent the ball from floating over his head and into the top corner. Either side could have won it in the final five minutes, with Dormand seeing a header hacked away from the six yard box and Stokesley threatening with half a dozen set pieces of their own, but both sides ultimately had to settle for an error-strewn draw. the last match
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the last meeting
28TH SEPTEMBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO BRINKBURN ROAD
Darlington R.A. 0 West Allotment Celtic 4
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EST Allotment Celtic kept their recent unbeaten league run on track with a fine 4-0 win at Darlington Railway Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
crossing towards the waiting Dean Lee, whose shot from six yards flew beyond three covering defenders and the crossbar.
The visitors started in customary fashion, both Sean Reid and Liam Hudson coming close, but despite being in the ascendancy, Chris Bannon still had to be on his guard to tip a deflected effort around the post.
The winger soon atoned for the miss by hitting the target the second time around, with his right-sided counterpart due much of the credit. Hudson powered his way down the flank and whipped another tantalising ball into the area, where the 30-year-old bundled home with his body.
It was the only meaningful save that the ‘keeper had to make for the remainder of the half, as Celtic began to turn on the style, with the explosive Hudson at the heart of it all. He once again beat his man for pace down the right before
The winger appeared to hurt himself in scoring the game’s opening goal, but Allotment almost suffered a more serious blow moments later, as Ian Dunn went down awkwardly in his own third, but the captain was deemed fit to
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West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic
continue after receiving lengthy treatment. Lee soon spurned another glorious chance, skewing another Hudson cross wide at the far post, before the latter took matters into his own hands. This time, it was Lawrence McKenna who did the hard work, hounding centre-half Nick Harrison out of possession and swinging the ball into the path of Hudson, who nipped ahead of his marker and tapped past Calvert to double Celtic’s advantage. Two ahead at the half hour mark, Allotment proceeded to grab another five minutes later. Chris Douglas’ hanging corner was headed back across goal by the untouchable Reid, and centre-half Stephen Little was
there to nod it in on the line. West Allotment comfortably took that three goal cushion into the break, and were wary of an unlikely Darlington comeback as they emerged for the second half. There were flashes of the free-flowing football that had served Allotment well in the opening forty-five minutes, but the visitors were still in control at Brinkburn Road.
...in pictures with graeme jackson
A wayward Reid volley was one of Celtic’s few clear chances after the restart, as the Railwaymen tried to force their way back into the game. Stephen Butterworth should have clawed the hosts back into it, receiving the ball in space within the penalty area, but was expertly denied by the feet of Bannon, who did enough to put the ball over the crossbar. It was the best opportunity they could muster as the back four stood strong, with speculative efforts from Louis Whensley and Steve Allison failing to unduly trouble Allotment’s ‘keeper. Instead, Celtic regained the initiative, in part thanks to the introduction of fresh blood in the form of substitutions. The most prominent introduction - that of David Dormand - proved to be the catalyst for a fourth goal. The striker capped off a fine move, powering McKenna’s pullback beyond Calvert’s reach into the top corner to wrap up a compelling victory. the last meeting
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the match preview
DARLINGTON RAILWAY ATHLETIC form: DWLLL
form: DWWWD
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
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O say that January was a frustrating month for West Allotment Celtic would be something of an understatement. A strong end to 2013 propelled the club into the promotion mix, and Celtic continued in that vein of form, putting two further (high-scoring) wins and a draw on the board. That last result - a slightly disappointing 2-2 draw away at Stokesley, when victory was within Allotment’s grasp, will have rankled the squad,
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ARLINGTON Railway Athletic may have slipped back towards mid-table in recent weeks, but Nick Harrison’s charges have been pushing teams all the way, and will look to take out some of their frustration on West Allotment Celtic this afternoon. Ever since utterly demolishing Esh Winning, hitting double digits in a lop-sided 10-2 victory, the Railwaymen have found it tough going, losing by the narrowest of margins at Chester-le-Street, before
but before they had a chance to hit back, the weather took hold. The lack of competitive playing time, though frustrating, may have afforded player-manager Paul Stoneman a few more options for today’s game against Darlington R.A. Back in mid-January, a whole host of players, including Chris Bannon, Marc Allen and Lawrence McKenna, were all consigned to the injury list, but most were said to be working their way back to fitness imminently.
Three weeks on, Stoneman has found his options similarly limited. Recent signing Rob Nolan is out injured, along with the likes of Dean Lee and Marc Dummett, whilst Glenn Ford and Kallum McGlen both remain sidelined. David Borley is missing, whilst doubts remain over John Pendlebury. Allotment were clear and deserved winners in the reverse fixture at Brinkburn Road, and, if they can produce a similar performance, could once again cut loose.
managing to take a point from Gateshead-based outfit Birtley Town.
R.A. came close to an upset, defeated by a solitary goal in Boldon.
The R.A. belatedly enjoyed some outright success in their third consecutive away game, defeating Willington 3-1.The weather prevented Darlo from building on their performance, and when they did eventually return to Brinkburn Road to host Whickham two weeks later, they suffered a convincing 3-0 defeat.
With the weather finally abating and the Brinkburn pitch drying out a little, a midweek visit from North Shields was given the thumbs-up. Once again, R.A. pushed another top team all the way, ultimately going down valiantly by the odd goal in five.
Four days on, a trip to Jarrow Roofing was on the cards. Despite the hosts’ imperious home record this season, the
West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic
The club are unfortunate to have faced the top three teams in Division Two in quick succession, and will be itching to get something out of today’s game.
Previously Originallystricken broughtmidfielder back to West Dean Allotment Lee made in order histo longchallenge awaited Ryan Beal return for the from number a one persistent jersey, seasoned knee injury stopper inChris midweek, Bannon striking has instead the crossbar enduredand a frustrating missing acampaign further gilt-edged thus far, a foot chance injury restricting by mere him to just inches. nine appearances Now fully recovered between the fromsticks. the injury Always - initially inching towards a sustained return, has atthe three week Northallerton interlude been lastkind to the season former-Washington ‘Deano’ willand add Hebburn extra Town firepower goalie? to the squad.
Darlington R.A.’s danger man is undoubtedly Steve Allison. The former Northallerton and South Shields hitman has surpassed the 20-goal mark in Division Two in his last two campaigns, and already has 16 to his name so far this season. Rest assured, the 26-year-old has the ability and belief to take any of the half-chances that may come his way today.
statattack 49
The attendance for the last meeting at Brinkburn Rd
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% of R.A.’s league goals last year scored by Allison
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Months since WAC’s last defeat against the RA
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Point between the two teams last season
99
Celtic’s number of days unbeaten
18
Points today’s visitors have picked up on the road
the preview
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darlington r.a. the history
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ARLINGTON Railway Athletic really is a club of three distinct eras. The club was formed shortly after the First World War and started out in the Darlington & District League. Little is known of the club in the early seasons but in the 1919-20 season the club joined the Northern League. They found the going tough and after finishing second bottom in the 1924-25 season they returned to the Darlington & District League. The second era came in the sixties and seventies. With an upturn in form, the club went through possibly its most rewarding period accumulating a number of honours. In 1964 they won the Darlington & District League and the League and League Cup double in 1968. Two years later they were North Riding Cup winners and runners-up in 1973. Then came the club’s greatest success, their triumph in the 1975 Durham Amateur Cup. In 1981 they almost repeated the feat, narrowly going down in the final. Darlington R.A. then joined the Teesside League and in the late eighties were accepted into the Vaux Wearside League. In the 1990-91 season the club gained promotion from Division Two. The following season they narrowly escaped an immediate return to Division Two with a 4-1 win at Marske in the last game of the season. The club then hit financial trouble and in 1992 folded. The R A. Football Club ceased to exist until the beginning of the third era. Martyn Jackson, while playing for CAS in the Darlington & District League decided to reform Darlington R. A. F. C. for the 1993-94 season using the players of CAS. David Woodcock joined Martyn
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as Manager for the season of 1998-99, and were rewarded for there hard work by winning the Darlington & District League. They were accepted into the Auckland District League for the season 1999-2000 and finished third in their first season, and won the R A Medals Trophy; not a bad feat for a team reformed only a few years before. The following season 2000-2001 saw probably the club’s greatest season, winning the Auckland and District League and picking up three other trophies. The club joined the Wearside League in 2001, finishing third and runners-up in the Durham Trophy, losing 1-0. At the start of 2004-05, the decision was taken that all efforts would be put into gaining promotion into the Northern League, both on and off the pitch. The Wearside League
was won with four games to spare, and a magnificent season was rounded off by winning the Sunderland Shipowners Cup. Despite a bad start in the NL, Darlington rallied from November onwards, enough to secure a promotion place on the last day of a remarkable season. Despite some promise emerging from the youth setup, the Railwaymen dropped out of the First Division at the first time of asking, in 2006-07, and a marked downturn in form the following season led to long-time manager Dave Woodcock resigning. Darlington flirted with relegation in the next two campaigns, drifting perilously close to the bottom of the table, but the arrival of player-manager Nick Harrison and his coaching staff turned the struggling outfit into serious promotion contenders once again, with the club finishing in a highly respectable fifth place in two successive seasons.
West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic
Nickname: The Railwaymen Ground: Brinkburn Road Chairman: Doug Hawman
Rivals: Northallerton Town, Norton & Stockton, Thornaby Largest home crowd 2013/14: 126 v Northallerton Town Distance travelled today (approx.): 45 miles
the players Matt Calvert
Previously with Morecambe and Burscough, the 20-yearold ‘keeper is in his second spell with the club. Technically gifted and an able shot stopper, Matty won the Young Player of the Year award in 2012/13.
Nick Harrison
A good talker and reader of the game, player-manager Nick has plenty of experience at centre-half with the likes of Harrogate Railway, Billingham Town and Tadcaster Albion.
Jimmy Muir
Jimmy is an attack-minded and versatile defender who can play across the back four and further forward. Player of the Year last season.
Andy Ramsbottom
An experienced full-back who likes to get down the flank. Has turned out for Stokesley, Horden and Northallerton.
Tom Ptak
Having recovered from a bad knee injury, centre-half Tom will once again bring strength to the heart of defence.
The pen profiles of some of The Railwaymen’s key squad members
Sam Grainger
The former Northallerton stopper joined from the North Yorkshire side in the close season, and has made the centre-half position his own with some fine displays.
Louis Whensley
Former Billy Town man Louis is a tenacious and toughtackling holding midfielder whose work rate is second to none.
Alex Caisley
Alex is an elegant centre-mid with plenty of experience at 23, having been on the books at Northallerton and Stokesley.
David Webster
Ex-Darlington man Webster is R.A.’s captain. Comfortable in possession, and a fine striker of a dead ball.
Jordan Hanratty
Young midfielder Jordan joined from Newton Aycliffe, making a big impression in his first season at the club with his technical ability and eye for goal.
Lee Farrington
Pacy and quick-footed on the wing, Lee is equally comfortable crossing from the byline or dribbling inside. The 27-year-old can often prove a handful.
Martin Butterworth
A seasoned NL player, Martin leads by example on the pitch, be it in the hard tackles or by getting onto the scoresheet.
Aaron Ramsbottom
Quick and nimble, Aaron has rejoined from Stokesley, and will be hoping to hit the net more regularly this term.
Wayne Gredziak
Few players are as experienced as much-travelled forward Wayne, the 34-year-old still posing problems for defences in Division Two.
Steve Allison
One of Darlington R.A.’s key players, centre-forward Allison bagged thirty goals last season, finishing up as the club’s top scorer. With pace to burn and the stamina to go with it, Steve is up there with the best NL strikers on his day. the visitors
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today’s match sponsor
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a club united How did the ‘A’ team fare when they came up against their top-flight counterparts?
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HIS time last year, an intra-squad friendly at West Allotment would usually be comprised of two - possibly three - teams of five, vying for bragging rights under the dim lights of the Soccerdome. If the club had wished to stage anything on a larger scale, Roland and Al might have been forced to dust off their dilapidated old boots. Twelve months on, and it’s a very different picture at Whitley Park. The first team squad remains modest in size, but is buttressed by the formation of a development side, ably presided over by Secretary Jonny Thompson and Head of Drinks Dispensation Becca Gillett (who, in truth, does much more than the unofficial title would suggest). The younger Celtic charges must have expected their Churchill Fields pitch to be obliterated by the torrential rain that January inevitably brought with it. But the same fate has befallen Whitley Park - hindered, no doubt, by the decision to allow the Toon’s under-21s to cut up the already waterlogged surface on Monday. Over three weeks passed without a competitive ball being kicked - five-a-side
tournaments at Foxhunters notwithstanding but the washout has not been an unmitigated disaster. Instead, it presented the opportunity for the first team and their younger counterparts to meet head to head for the first time on Wednesday night. Ultimately, experience prevailed, Paul Stoneman’s seasoned side winning by three goals on the night. “It was a decent workout, and some of the young lads showed some promise,” admitted the veteran player-manager. Similarly, ‘A’ team boss Rhys Chapman took plenty of positives from the inaugural contest. “It was a good run out, and enabled our lads to see the standard of some of the first team. We gave a good account of ourselves, trying to play in our style, and should have netted having had a few good opportunities. It was an occasion which I feel will happen again, as it benefitted both of Allotment’s teams.” More than just an obligatory option at the start of a new Football Manager campaign, the intra-squad friendly affords players and managers from both setups an insight into one another’s progress, allowing the club to plot a course for an altogether more successful future. a club united
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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
All-new format!
All this and more for just £2!
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the letter draw P
B
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18th February 2014 4 winners of £200 each
For only £1 per draw, you choose 5 letters. 3 different letters are drawn and if your letters match the ones drawn you receive a share of the £800 jackpot – the jackpot is shared between everyone who has chosen the winning letters. The jackpot must be won every week. To play, simply complete the form below and hand it to a club official. -----------------------------------CUT HERE----CUT HERE----CUT HERE--------------------------------Name:
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West Allotment Celtic v North Northern Shields League Division Two
29th March 2013
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west allotment celtic established 1928
As we chase for a promotion place, join us for another kind of race!
race night
Saturday 15th March 2014 West Allotment Social Club 7.30pm Admission ÂŁ5 inc. pie and peas
from allotment to anfield
T
HE call from the Reds, ironically, came somewhat out of the blue. Alex Smailes - club president by day, fastidious professional scout by night - phoned me up on my dinner break at work. “They’re going to send you an email soon.” Four months later, I was following in the footsteps of Albert Stubbins and Peter Beardsley; Wallsend lads like myself, whose talents lay with the ball at their feet rather than a pen in the hand. Work experience at a club like Liverpool is the stuff that dreams are made of, once a boy has given up on the more farfetched notion of actually playing for them. I got in early on the Sunday, and, after perusing Anfield’s very own museum with Alex, the most benevolent of tour guides, checked into my city
22
centre hotel. With no games taking place in the red half of Merseyside, I committed what I believed to be a cardinal sin, dashing across to Goodison Park to catch most of the 3-1 win against Swansea. After Naismith fired Everton back ahead, the camera panned the celebrating crowd. Sitting in the exposed paddock, I threw myself low behind the gent in front, desperately trying not to sabotage the next four days with an impromptu appearance on Match of the Day. Having survived with my fledgling reputation intact, I headed into the office. Contrary to popular belief, it was not a helter-skelter madcap world of fastpaced interviews, endlessly ringing phones and Stevie G soundbites. Instead, it largely consisted of half a dozen friendly writers and designers, all of whom were intrigued by
West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic
the world of West Allotment. Two of the contributors had similar vested interests in non-league football, having previously worked for Northwich Victoria and Marine. The first days were spent fastidiously researching and writing in equal measure, condensing the careers of Sunderland’s entire squad into two sentences apiece, before scouring the internet in pursuit of Liverpool full-back Gerry Byrne’s secondary school (it was, in all honesty, a great deal more interesting than it sounds). The inevitable highlight came on the third day: a trip to Melwood, a setup that felt grandiose and homely all at once. Jon Flanagan was to be the interviewee, and, although I didn’t get the chance to sit in on the bashful right-back, he was surprisingly warm before and after: a very keen handshaker.
did you know? Rob Nolan and Tony Lancaster are both big fans of the Reds.
Most surprising, perhaps, was that - worldclass talent aside - these Premier League players were no different to our lads. “You’ve really got photos of me?!” Flanno excitedly asked the club photographer, seemingly unaware of his ever-growing profile. Simon Mignolet’s fascination rivalled that of Chris Douglas and Michael Bell, with the players never growing weary of seeing themselves in club colours. A sense of warmth pervaded the training ground and the offices - an endearing environment, and one not always associated with top clubs, successful or otherwise. It could well be as a result of their recent resurgence, but it feels like something that has been instilled over years rather than months. I expected to be overawed by the club, given its reputation as one of Europe’s most important clubs. Instead, it felt an awful lot like Allotment, just on an ever so slightly larger scale. Ultimately, I wouldn’t have had the chance to bump into Kolo or interview Barry Venison if it wasn’t for our superb committee,who have brought me on immensely during the past two years. Our club may be dwarfed by the likes of Liverpool, but the experience on Merseyside has taught me that the two clubs are built on the same foundations: a history of loyalty, and pride in humility. The players should know that they too will never walk alone - even if they don’t have a chorus of Kop end proportions to remind them. from allotment to anfield
23
top scorers
player statistics
the mainstays
Sean Reid - 31 Ian Dunn - 29 (2) Paul Stoneman - 29
gk Liam Hudson - 12 David Henderson - 7 Chris Douglas - 7
Chris Bannon Ryan Beal Bob Rodgerson
9 17 7 (2)
2 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
defence
the playmakers
yel
John Pendlebury Marc Dummett Chris Douglas Simon Wilthew Paul Stoneman Stephen Little Glenn Ford Roy Gordon
25 (2) 21 (1) 27 (2) 1 (1) 29 22 13 8 (8)
1 3 2 1 3 3 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
0 6 7 0 3 1 0 1
1 1 3 0 3 4 0 0
midfield
Sean Reid - 29 David Dormand - 11 Michael Bell - 9
apps
David Borley Ian Dunn Michael Bell Marc Allen Sean Reid Bernat Roca Bart Oliver-Berga Kallum McGlen David Henderson Tony Lancaster Dean Lee Connor Graham
4 (1) 29 (2) 20 (5) 9 (7) 31 (1) 1 (2) 1 (3) 8 (7) 25 (1) 2 (6) 13 (7) 2 (7)
1 5 1 1 3 1 0 0 3 1 1 0
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 7 0 4 0 0 2 7 1 0 2
0 6 9 1 29 0 1 1 0 1 3 0
attack
name
Liam Hudson David Dormand Lawrence McKenna Rob Nolan
24 (4) 24 (7) 8 (8) 0 (1)
3 0 0 0
Tow 00Law125Town117 0 0
2 0
4 0
Beal
Pendlebury
Little
Stoneman
Dunn
24
gls
average starting XI
the bad boys
Paul Stoneman - 3 1 Ian Dunn - 5 0 Michael Bell - 1 1
red asts
Hudson
West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic
Douglas
Henderson Reid
Bell
Dormand the player statistics
fixtures and results nl div 2 table
1
team North Shields
pl 28
w 22
d 4
l 2
gd pts 87 70
2
Roofing
28
18
5
5
41 59
3
WAC
28
17
8
3
30 59
4
Seaham
31
19
4
8
38 58
5
Nort & Stock
33
15
8
10 10 53
6
Heaton Stan
26
16
4
6
17 52
7
Birtley
27
14
5
8
15 47
8
Northallerton 27
13
6
8
17 45
9
Darlo RA
29
12
6
11 10 42
10 Ch-le-Street
28
11
8
9
11 Washington
29
12
3
14 -18 39
12 Tow Law
29
11
3
15
13 Willington
30
10
6
14 -15 36
14 South Shields 24
7
11
6
-5
32
15 Whickham
25
9
4
12
5
31
16 Thornaby
28
9
4
15
-5
31
17 Stokesley
31
8
6
17 -24 30
18 Alnwick
30
8
5
17 -26 29
19 Whitehaven
25
8
4
13 -22 28
20 Brandon
29
6
3
20 -40 21
21 Esh Winning
30
6
2
22 -67 20
22 Ryton
27
4
3
20 -45 15
-1 -2
41 36
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 th Norton & Stockton 11 th Esh Winning 14 th Ryton & Crawcrook 18 st Penrith 21 th Darlington RA 28
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 th Birtley Town 12 th Tow Law Town 16 th Ryton & Crawcrook 19 th North Shields 26 th Northallerton Town 30
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 th Jarrow Roofing 8 th Chester-le-Street 12 th Washington 16 rd Chester-le-Street 23 th Northallerton Town 27 th Thornaby 30
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 th Stokesley SC 18
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A
W 4-3 W 5-3 D 2-2
FEBRUARY 22nd Darlington RA 25th Marske United
NL D2 Lg Cup
H A
MARCH Whitehaven 1st Heaton Stannington 5th th Birtley Town 8 th Ryton & Crawcrook 15 th South Shields 19 nd Northallerton Town 22 th Brandon United 28
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
H H A H H A H
APRIL Jarrow Roofing 5th 12th Washington th North Shields 18 26th Thornaby
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A A
NL D2
A
TBD
Whickham
fixtures, results, table
25
ee itt m m ing Co eet m pm 8
rottweiler’s notes
Rin g Bloo the dho un
d!
7th Feb
Pleasantly surprised that our drive over to Liverpool is virtually traffic free for a Friday. Couldn’t understand why.
8th Feb
Wow, no one saw that result coming at Liverpool today, and Michael (Oliver) referees the game very well. With Gary Beswick on the line, it meant that the Northern League had supplied two top officials for game of the day.
9 Feb
I could well get used to this having no reports (from assessing) to write, no records (WAC) to update and ensure all paperwork correct before sending off to the Northern League. While having a conversation with the bloodhound about yesterday’s game, he suggests Barbara sticks to knitting. Tell him he will be a very brave man to do that. Bloodhound sensibly decides not to mention that to Barbara.
10th Feb
Wow, what a surprise: Morgan has spent the weekend with d***head and she is as good as gold, no cheek, and she has done her school spellings with d****head. Will this happen again? We can only pray that it will.
11th Feb
Barbara and I go to Durham to visit Parker (new grandson) and inevitably we end up shopping. Morgan arrives home from school and proudly tells me she got 10 out of 10 for her spellings. In the evening, attend weekly committee meeting.
12th Feb
Attend Discipline Seminar at NFA with Mark Ives (Head of FA Discipline), who gave a presentation of new proposals for next year and some interesting statistics on discipline throughout the country. Found Arsenal v Manchester United very boring.
13th Feb
Hospital appointment, then spend rest of the day at home. Two of Joanne’s ex-Army pals arrive unexpectedly and stay nearly five hours. Don’t mind given them a cup of tea and sandwich, but that was taking the p***.
14th Feb
Well,Valentine’s Day and not one card - shows I am getting old. Collect Morgan from school, and by the time we arrive home we are soaked.
th
26
West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic
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.
THE RAILWAYMEN Manager NickHARRISON Assistant Ray MORTON
CELTIC Manager Paul STONEMAN Assistant Wilf KEILTY Coach Paul HOGG Physio Charlotte FERGUSON
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee G McMULLEN Assistants J LEE D JACKSON
West Allotment Celtic Chris BANNON Ryan BEAL Bob RODGERSON John PENDLEBURY Marc DUMMETT Stephen LITTLE Paul STONEMAN Glenn FORD Chris DOUGLAS Michael LATIMER Roy GORDON Ian DUNN (c) Marc ALLEN David HENDERSON Michael BELL Sean REID David BORLEY Bernat ROCA Bart OLIVER-BERGA Matthew SLATER Kallum McGLEN Tony LANCASTER Dean LEE Connor GRAHAM Liam HUDSON David DORMAND Lawrence McKENNA Rob NOLAN
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Darlington Railway Athletic Matt CALVERT Peter WAKEFIELD Alex GROCOTT James HOWLETT Nick HARRISON Paul JOHNSON Tom PTAK Sam GRAINGER Sean SIMPSON Stuart DUNN Jordan HANRATTY Niall HANRATTY Alex CAISLEY Andrew RAMSBOTTOM Martin BUTTERWORTH Paul NEW David WEBSTER Louis WHENSLEY James MUIR Stephen ALLISON Lee FARRINGTON Aaron RAMSBOTTOM Wayne GREDZIAK Tony ABEL
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