allotment
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14
david henderson the wily midfielder’s return to the fold
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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Press Officer Photographer
Alex Smailes Roland Mather Jimmy Wilson Ted Ilderton John Alexander Jonny Thompson David Dodds Paul Mason Above, plus Al Liddle,Michael Wilson, Les Scott, Kath Orr, Harry Bell, Stephen Allott, Richie Marks Craig Dobson Graeme Jackson
the last match
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the last meeting
12
the preview
14
the visitors
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the feature
18
on this day
20
the fa vase trip
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Selected Club Honours
the onion bag
23
the player statistics
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fixtures, results, table
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rottweiler’s notes
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the squads
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1987, 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 Northern League D2 champions 2005 NFA Amateur Cup winners 1957, 1975 NFA Benevolent Bowl winners 1993 Craven Cup winners 2005 Ernest Armstrong Mem. Cup winners 2013
Backroom Staff Manager Assistant Manager First Team Coach Physio
Paul Stoneman Wilf Kielty Paul Hogg Charlotte Ferguson
Northern Alliance champions
eighty-five Stephen Allott takes you on a whistlestop tour
from creation to contenders
...and the decade of decline
West Allotment Celtic were formed in 1928, the culmination of a merger between West Allotment Primitive Methodists and West Allotment Juniors. After moving to the newly-created Tynemouth & District League in 1935, the club began to grow in stature. The club had to face Whitley Bay & Monkseaton Reserves in a play-off for the title, but unfortunately, the decider went the way of the seasiders. Remarkably, Allotment also finished in a play-off position in the following two seasons – and, in both cases, had to settle for a runner-up spot.
The sixties started promisingly enough, as Allotment looked to build on their previous successes. The club finished as runners-up in the Northern Amateur League in 1960, and were consecutive Minor Cup finalists in 1960 and 1961.
changing leagues, sheds and times In 1938, the club joined the Second Division of the Northern Amateur League. Now playing at the aptly-named Farm Ground, fans helped to dismantle a cowshed in Heaton and move it, piece by piece, to West Allotment, where it was reassembled at the ground. The shed was not for spectators – it served as the players’ changing facilities! The club earned instant promotion (after a play-off, such is club tradition), but World War II put a stop to any further progress.
a succession of successes... The club recommenced operations in 1946/47 and enjoyed an unprecedented run of success from the mid-fifties onwards. Allotment won the championship for four consecutive seasons between 1956 and 1960, along with the NFA Amateur Cup in 1957 and the NFA Minor Cup in 1958.
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West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
However, whilst Celtic remained loyal to the Northern Amateur League, the bulk of the team moved on, and Allotment entered a period of decline as a result. The club stagnated badly during the sixties in an uncompetitive league, and closure become a distinctly worrying possibility. The threat of dissolution was eventually staved off by the introduction of new blood into the club towards the end of the decade, as Allotment finally began to build towards a more positive future on and off the pitch. Celtic also moved to Backworth Welfare in 1968, consigning the ponds and mud of the Farm Ground to memory.
champions at long last A rejuvenated West Allotment won the NFA Amateur Cup again in 1975, largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of Benny Williams,
years in the making of the club’s history, studded with hardship, success and numerous relocations... who averaged almost one goal a game in his 400 appearances for the club. Williams was ably supported by a talented and hungry squad, and, with strength in depth, Allotment were always considered title contenders. However, the championship remained tantalisingly out of reach until yet another play-off tie in 1982. Allotment finally won the coveted title, defeating Annitsford Welfare by the odd goal in seven.
Alliance titles, never finishing lower than sixth. Terry Mitchell and Brian Latty built upon Ken Scott and Billy Hays’ consecutive Alliance league titles, leading Allotment into the Northern League.
the modern day
When Celtic retained the title with relative ease the following season, the decision was taken to move up a tier for the first time since 1938.
Having acted as tenants at Hillheads in Whitley Bay since 1995, the club set out to find a new home, and found it in Benton. In 2001, the club moved to Whitley Park, also known as the Blue Flames Sports Ground. The ground is well-known as one of the best kept pitches in the Northern League, and also serves as the headquarters of the Northumberland FA.
the colossus of the alliance In 1983, Allotment made its debut in both the Northern Alliance and the FA Vase. The first honour of the period arrived just one season later, as Allotment dispatched Ponteland United in the Alliance Challenge Cup Final. This success was followed up two seasons later by the first of Celtic’s eight Alliance titles. In 1987, West Allotment emerged victorious from two nail-biting play-off games against Gosforth St. Nicholas, ushering in a wave of success not enjoyed at the club since the fifties. Throughout this period, Celtic won seven further Northern
The club earned promotion from Division Two as champions, losing just twice throughout the entire 2004/05 season. After six seasons of holding their own against the Northern League’s top tier, Allotment slipped back down a league. The current crop have gone some way to restoring success at Allotment, winning the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup last May, and will be aiming for those promotion places this season. the history
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the squad
Chris Bannon GK Age: 26 Formerly of Washington and Hebburn Town, popular and reliable ‘keeper Chris returns to Allotment for a second stint between the sticks, and will jostle with Ryan Beal for the number one jersey.
Glenn Ford CB Age: 29 Glenn rejoined the club during the 2012/13 season, making a handful of solid appearances. Having committed for this coming season, fans can expect to see much more of Glenn and his defensive abilities.
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Ryan Beal GK Age: 25 An excellent shot stopper, Ryan featured extensively in last season’s cup-winning campaign, and will look to consolidate his place with similarly strong performances this season.
GK Chris Bannon GK Ryan Beal GK Bob Rodgerson
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 Esh Winning
RB Chris Douglas LB Marc Dummett CM Michael Latimer CM Roy Gordon CM Ian Dunn
CM Marc Allen CM David Henderson CM Michael Bell CM Sean Reid RM Kallum McGlen
RM Tony Lancaster LM Dean Lee ST David Dormand ST Lawrence McKenna ST Liam Hudson
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 Latimer David Henderson CM Age: 26 CM Age: 28 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.
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.
ST Jed Findlay ST Ryan Anderson
Ian Dunn Marc Allen Sean Reid CM Age: 31 CM Age: 26 CM Age: 21 Long-serving, tough Marc previously turned Rangy, pacy and tackling midfielder Dunn out for Whitley Bay technically gifted, Sean has grafted tirelessly Reserves, but has can play as a roaming for three years at West become a mainstay in the central midfielder, a Allotment, earning the Celtic squad. His astute dangerous centrecaptain’s armband in the passing, ball retention forward, or even an adept process. “Dunny” remains skills and battling tenacity centre-back. The former one of Celtic’s key men are evident whenever he Ryton forward is one of deep in the heart of is called upon in central Celtic’s most promising midfield. midfield. attacking outlets.
the squad
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the squad
Kallum McGlen RM Age: 21 A former Montagu & North Fenham favourite, Kallum features on the right hand side of midfield, where his energy and technique often causes problems for opposing full-backs.
Liam Hudson ST Age: 25
Tony Lancaster RM Age: 28
Dean Lee LM Age: 30
David Dormand ST Age: 25
Signed from Wark in March 2011. Tony struggled with injuries last term, but will hope to be back to his pacy, dangerous best this season. Tony can also operate as a wholly competent right-back.
A winger with the scoring nous of a striker, the former North Shields man has all of the tools required to strike fear into the hearts of defenders. One of Celtic’s most prolific threats going forward.
David’s prolific record precedes him, and the former Morpeth forward has already replicated his goalscoring form since joining Celtic, topping the charts with 30 goals. A clinical poacher and a hard worker up front.
Lawrence McKenna ST Age: 25
Jed Findlay ST Age: 24
Ryan Anderson ST Age: 18
Another former Ryton Lawrence is wellforward, army soldier travelled, having topped Liam is capable of the scoring charts for pressuring his opposite Whickham, before going numbers into submission on to play for Bedlington with his strength and high Terriers and Newcastle work rate. “Hud” can Benfield. Is known to be also be deployed on the a deadly finisher in the right wing. division.
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West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
Signed from Cramlington A promising young Town last February, Jed striker, Ryan was is a promising forward snapped up in trials for with plenty of attacking Allotment’s ‘A’ team, and potential. Having made a has already impressed for handful of appearances both the development last season, the striker side and the first team’s will be hoping to get respective pre-seasons. more game time this campaign.
the squad
the backroom staff
Paul Stoneman Player/Manager
Wilf Kielty Assistant Manager
Paul Hogg First Team Coach
Charlotte Ferguson Physiotherapist
The stalwart centre-half has played for Blackpool, Colchester United and Halifax Town. Despite turning 40 last year, ‘Stona’ was ever-present last season, remaining unbeatable in the air and impervious in the tackle.
Right-hand man Wilf has been around the local non-league scene for many years, both as a player and in a management role, giving notable service to North Shields as manager for several seasons.
The UEFA-licensed coach is held in very high regard at North Shields, having played, coached and managed there for over a decade. Paul has also managed Annfield Plain, and is working with the Newcastle United Foundation.
Charlotte is in her final year of her Physiotherapy studies at Northumbria University, and is currently on her final placement at the RVI. She is also a qualified sports masseur.
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the last match
11TH SEPTEMBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO NORTON SPORTS COMPLEX
Norton & Stockton Ancients 3 West Allotment Celtic 3
A
NOTHER late goal from Sean Reid spared West Allotment Celtic’s blushes, earning his side a 3-3 draw at Norton & Stockton Ancients.
the ball beyond the ‘keeper.
The away side dominated the first half, and should have been well clear after thirty minutes. Last-ditch defending denied Dummett and Lee, whilst Dormand had a near post header frantically cleared off the line. Dormand was arguably denied a penalty, with a foul on the striker deemed to have occurred just outside the area.
A saved free-kick and a stop from Mitchell aside, Norton had rarely threatened, largely owing to Allotment’s near-total dominance - but the Ancients were soon ahead after the restart, courtesy of shambolic defending and a trademark second half slump. First, a missed Dummett clearance allowed Martin to fire in a half-volley on the turn, before Pendlebury’s elaborate attempt at a clearance allowed the hosts a run at goal, with Sonny Andrews finishing off the move.
A goal for the visitors looked inevitable, and it came just after the half hour mark. Relentless pressure from Hudson forced full-back Bell to fumble, and the attacker raced through to slide
Jameson shot just wide and forced another save from the solid Bannon as Norton looked to press home their advantage, but the introduction of Henderson from the
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West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
bench instigated an Allotment fightback. Bell did well to head Hudson’s powerful cross towards goal, and, though stopper Knight parried, Dormand tucked away the rebound. As Celtic pushed for the winner, they were caught cold on the break, and the backpedalling defenders could not prevent the ball from finding Andrews in the box, who rounded Bannon and tapped into an empty net. It was harsh on Celtic, who got the very least that they deserved in the dying minutes. Reid got on the end of Hudson’s vicious near post ball, sliding in ahead of the defender to salvage a somewhat disappointing draw. the last match
today’s ball sponsor Roland Mather thank you for your support
the letter draw M
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3rd September 2013 16 winners of £50 each
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the last meeting
27TH APRIL 2013 EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WHITLEY PARK
West Allotment Celtic 6 Esh Winning 0
W
EST Allotment Celtic returned to form in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, demolishing Division Two strugglers Esh Winning 6–0 at Whitley Park.
be something of a false dawn for the visitors. Dormand was twice denied early on by Stags goalie Mark Bell, who first got down well at the forward’s feet, before diving to his right to keep out a low shot.
Five of those goals came within the opening forty-five minutes, as David Dormand helped himself to a hat-trick – and added a fourth after the break to cap an utterly dominant Celtic performance.
Reid was next to try his luck, shooting wide from the edge of the area, but the all-action midfielder soon went one better. Celtic’s promising starlet jinked past the centre-half with consummate ease and finished with aplomb.
The visitors started brightly. Craig Coates latched onto a neat through ball and bore down on goal, only for returning ‘keeper Ryan Beal to palm his effort away from danger. The positive start proved to
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Having taken the lead, Celtic continued to attack at will. A Lancaster half-volley sailed over the bar, whilst Marc Allen curled tantalisingly wide of the far post with a fine effort. The second goal was forthcoming, and the initial goalscorer
West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
turned provider. Reid’s inviting low cross was nodded in at the near post by Dormand, comfortably doubling Allotment’s advantage. Esh had no answer to Allotment’s fluid, fast-paced brand of football, and found themselves three goals behind within four minutes. Lancaster’s delightful chipped pass inside the area deceived the backline, affording Allen plenty of time to take a touch and place it exquisitely into the bottom corner. Two quickfire goals from Dormand just before the half-time whistle turned what was a convincing scoreline into a rout. The striker wrestled possession from his opposing number on the edge of Esh’s
own area and buried the ball beyond Bell. He completed his hat-trick moments later. Stoneman headed a deep corner back across the box, where Dormand was waiting to score with the last kick of the half.
...in pictures
The shell-shocked visitors regained a degree of composure after the break, and came a little closer to grabbing an early consolation. A defensive lapse allowed Stuart Thompson to retrieve the ball behind the back four, but Beal was quickly out to parry away his goalbound effort. Their brief spell of possession over, Esh were soon on the back foot once more. Ian Dunn blasted over the crossbar following good work down the left from Douglas, as Celtic looked to add to their impressive first-half tally. They soon did that through that man Dormand, who beat the offside trap and slammed his fourth of the afternoon high into the back of the net. Frustration on the visitors’ part boiled over late on, ans Stephen Halliday aggressively tossed substitute Paul Hogg to the floor. The Stags captain was extremely fortunate to escape with just a caution. The decision did not take the shine off a comprehensive Allotment victory, in which Stoneman’s side played some magnificent attacking football. the last meeting
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the pre-match preview form: WWWWD
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
A
LLOTMENT’S consecutive winning streak may have ended in rather disappointing circumstances on Wednesday night - but the six match unbeaten run is still intact. The 3-3 draw in midweek will be seen by Paul Stoneman and his coaches as two points dropped rather than one point gained, as another second half slip-up allowed Norton & Stockton Ancients to claim a draw and, were it not for Sean Reid’s late leveller, they might have stolen the win.
ESH WINNING form: LLLLL
T
HE new look Esh Winning side may contain fresh blood, but the results are yet to take a turn for the better, following a disappointing 2012/13 campaign. George McCain has looked to youth to solve the lingering problems in County Durham - and, after some early drubbings, the fledgling prospects will be hoping to find their feet in the Nortern League. The Stags’ season started positively enough, as Lewis Heron, Ryan Norton and
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Nevertheless, there were plenty of positives to take from the match - in particular, another dominant first half performance, with the likes of Liam Hudson impressing for Celtic. The draw came off the back of a run of five straight victories, most notably against Whickham and Seaham Red Star, and Allotment will look to get back to winning ways today. Michael Latimer and David Henderson were both on the bench for Wednesday night’s trip to Stockton-on-Tees, and Kyle Fryatt all scored in a 3-1 win at home to Ryton & Crawcrook. The good form continued on the road; both Heron and Norton were on the scoresheet once more, joined by Graham Stephenson, as the youngsters toppled recently relegated outfit South Shields on their adopted turf. That is as good as it got for Esh, as heavy defeats away at Birtley Town and at home to Chester-leStreet soon brought the young charges back down to earth. A narrow home defeat against fellow Durham
West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
may feature this afternoon, whilst rested centre-half Glenn Ford could return to the fold. Fellow defender Stephen Little edges closer to match fitness with each passing day, but is not expected to start, but Ryan Beal may take his turn in goal, with Chris Bannon set to make way. The hosts ought to put the disappointment of midweek behind them when they come up against a young Esh side - and, with a number of seasoned squad members available, experience is expected to prevail. side Brandon United was bookended by two moralesapping thumpings against Northallerton Town, first losing 6-0 in Yorkshire, before slipping to a 5-1 defeat in the reverse fixture. The Stags fell to the same scoreline at home to Darlington R.A., but a much improved performance on the west coast almost put a halt to their poor run - only for a solitary Whitehaven goal to consign Esh to their eighth defeat on the bounce. They will need to maintain that improvement to stand any chance this afternoon.
Forward-cum-winger Liam Hudson has started the season in fine form. The strong attacker was utilised with increasing regularity on the right wing towards the end of last season, and the former Ryton man has begun to flourish in his relatively new role, contributing four key assists from the byline, as well as grabbing a goal for himself in the last match.
statattack 60
The attendance for the last meeting at Whitley Park
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Average age of the Stags’ starting eleven
previous meetings P 5 5 10
WD 2 1 4 0 6 1
L 2 1 3
F 15 11 26
A 7 2 9
47
The number of points separating the sides last season
6
Number of players that featured in Ryhope u18’s County Cup success the preview
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esh winning
the history F
ootball clubs in Esh Winning date back as far as 1889, including a team which won the Northern League in 1913. The latest incarnation of the club was formed in 1969 as the current version Esh Winning F.C., which gained acceptance into the Durham and District Sunday League Third Division. Promotion was achieved in 1971, the Guards Cup was won the following season and in 1973 Esh Winning carried off the Division Two Championship. In 1975 there were victories in the Stafferi Cup and in 1976 the Earls House Sunday Cup. 1979 and 1980 saw Esh carry off back to back Sunday League Championships before spending the 1981–82 season in the Northern Alliance where a respectable sixth place was achieved. Successful election into the newly-created Northern League Second Division followed where Esh remained until 2002 when the club was promoted to Division One. In the 2005–06 season the club got off to a slow start and were relegated back to the Second Division after four years in the Northern League top flight.
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West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
The 2007/2008 was a proud season in the history of Esh Winning Football Club. Despite finishing only 13th in the Second Division, the club won its first piece of silverware since rejoining the Northern League in 1982. Despite being underdogs on the day, Esh lifted the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup with an impressive 3–0 victory in the Final against Sunderland R.C.A. at Ryton’s Kingsley Park ground. In the run to the final Esh also defeated Crook Town, Brandon United and Norton & Stockton Ancients without conceding a single goal in any game. Hopes were high for the 2008–09 season, and they were not disappointed, as Esh Winning finished the 2008–09 season in third place and gained promotion to the Northern League Division One. After a few seasons in the division, Esh were relegated back to Division Two at the end of the 2010/11 season. In the last few years, Esh Winning have enjoyed a few good cup runs; the club were semi-finalists in 2011/12 Durham Challenge Cup - our best run in that competition - and were knocked out by eventual winners Spennymoor Town. In the 2012/13 season, Esh also reached the FA Vase Second Round proper but failed to overcome NCEL Premier Division side Parkgate at Rotherham.
Nickname: The Stags Ground: West Terrace Chairman: Charles Ryan
Rivals: Crook Town, Brandon United, Willington Town Largest home crowd 2013/14: 72 v Chester-le-Street Distance travelled today (approx.): 34 miles
New boss George McCain’s cupwinning Ryhope CW under-18 side
the young ones
I
T IS fair to say that Esh Winning are now a completely different side to that which succumbed to humbling 3-0 and 6-0 defeats to West Allotment Celtic last season. Gone are names like Dan Reeves, Jason Brazauskas and Dan Mitton, now plying their respective semi-professional trades at Seaham Red Star, Northallerton Town and Newton Aycliffe. The names of those leading the County Durham outfit have also changed. Brian Maitland and his assistant Ray Morton, having kept the club in Division Two by four points, have made way. The old heads have made way for another in George McCain - but he
brings with him plenty of fresh new blood. The schemer had presided over the successful Ryhope Colliery Welfare under-18s side, which picked up the Durham County FA Youth Cup last year. His reputation in youth football clearly precedes him, with one former Ryhope manager enthusiastic in his description of him: “George is a fantastic coach and having spoken to him regularly over the last few months I know how hungry he is for a shot at senior football. His teams are always well organised and he works hard on the training ground to ensure his team are all aware of the shape he expects them to have.” McCain has taken at least
six players from his previous side - defenders Dan Ryan, Lewis Heron and Louis Jopling, midfielders Aidan King and Graham Stephenson, and forwards Kyle Fryatt and Michael Young. A further three centre-half Mark Swindle, fellow defender Ben Riding and striker Anth Rogerson - have turned out for Ryhope’s seniors. On the opening day of the season, Esh Winning’s starting eleven averaged at just 18 years of age - and still managed to defeat a more experienced Ryton side by three goals to one. “It was a good open game, and we played some good football,” admitted McCain after the match. The future is certainly looking rosy for one of the oldest footballing villages in the Northern League. the visitors
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Handy WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC’S MIDFIELD PLAYMAKER DAVID HENDERSON RETURNS FROM FOR the first few weeks of the season, one of the most talked about players within West Allotment was also the least active. Paul Stoneman admitted that
he missed the midfielder’s creativity during the 3-2 defeat at Heaton Stannington at the start of the season. His sentiments were echoed by Sean Reid, who said: “You know your ball players in the
team, and you want them to be there,” referring to his compatriot. And yet, the most skilful of Allotment’s troupe was not named on the first six team sheets - not even as a substitute. The reason? David Henderson, renowned for his tricky movement and sharp turn of pace, was outdone in both departments - by his
Henderson challenges Stokesley’s Gary Redman for possession
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West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
Hungry Hendy A BROKEN HAND - AND IS DESPERATE TO FEATURE IN AS MANY GAMES AS POSSIBLE own dog. Bound by its leash, the calamity-causing canine yanked its unsuspecting owner, breaking his hand in the process. Man’s best friend; footballer’s worst enemy. One month on, and with the pod removed from his hand, Henderson was back in the mix against Seaham Red Star. He lasted an hour on his belated season’s debut insisting that he’s a “naturally fit lad” - and also started the next game against Stokesley. However, the maestro was rested for the midweek trip to Norton & Stockton something he begrudgingly acknowledged as a necessity. “I’m the player that wants to play every game. It doesn’t matter if it’s a rubbish team or a good team, I want to play. But you’ve got to keep everyone happy, because we’ve got a good squad now,” he explained. Allotment now have six topclass midfielders competing for just three starting berths, with each bringing his own unique qualities to the centre of the park. With former Washington general Michael Latimer joining the established pool
of players, Henderson knows he has to take every chance that comes his way. When asked if the competition for places pushed him to perform better, David replied: “It does, aye. Stona’s got a headache, picking the team.You’ve got to keep everybody happy. I’m disappointed to get dropped, but I’ve just got to get on with it!” The 28-year-old could only look on as Celtic surrendered their one-goal advantage to the Ancients in five disastrous second-half minutes - and, despite maintaining the upper hand for the majority of the encounter, the visitors had to settle for one point. We should’ve (won), first half, shouldn’t we?” the former Shields man insisted. “We were the better side, we could’ve gone on to win three or four nil. I don’t know what’s happened in the last two games - we haven’t come out in the second half, have we?” His questions were undoubtedly rhetorical, as there was only one answer to those who witnessed another second half capitulation. It’s something that the midfielder is at a loss to comprehensively
explain. “I don’t know. We get the mentality that we’re the best team in the first half, and then we think that we’re going to steamroll them, and that doesn’t happen.You can’t put your finger on it. We’ll see what happens in the next game!” Today’s visitors could be considered ideal rebound opponents, having lost eight games on the bounce - but while Henderson is hopeful of returning to winning ways, he implied that Esh should not be taken for granted. “We’ll probably get the mentality that we’re going to steamroll them, and they might give us a good game.” Celtic’s creative catalyst is expected to return to the starting eleven today, having turned the tide against the Ancients with a fine cameo from the bench. His previous performances against Seaham and Stokesley were described as “excellent” by his playermanager. After his brief lay-off, Henderson is hungrier than ever - and, with his wrist almost fully recovered from doggie damage, the midfielder’s talents are likely to come in very handy. the feature
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on this day...
Stephen Allott looks at this day in the club’s extensive history
1957
2002
North Shields Corinthians were the visitors to the Farm Ground for a NFA Minor Cup first round tie. Both sides threatened to take the lead before Allotment did so in the 25th minute, Napier’s long shot from the wing fooling the visitors’ keeper and sailing into the net. The prolific Jimmy McDonald soon doubled the advantage, being set clear and finishing in clinical style. The Corinthians defence wasn’t penetrated any further in the opening half but couldn’t resist a rampant home side after the interval. Allotment finally settled for “six of the best”, with further goals from McDonald, Miller, Bell and Dixon.
1963 Celtic finally claimed a league win at the sixth time of asking at home to Prudhoe ICI. The home scorers at the Farm Ground in West Allotment were Henderson (2), Armstrong and an own goal.
1991 Newbiggin CW visited Backworth Welfare in the Northern Alliance and rather wished they hadn’t bothered, returning home on the wrong end of an 8-0 walloping! Allotment scored four goals in each half, with Michael Chilton grabbing a hat-trick. Nicky Gray (2), John Fitzpatrick (2) and Ian Chater topped-up the bulging scoreline as Allotment coasted to their sixth win in seven league matches.
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West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
Allotment maintained their unbeaten start to the season with an away win at Spittal Rovers in the Northern Alliance Challenge Cup. There were no goals in the opening period but the home side obviously enjoyed their half time cuppa as they came out and opened up a two-goal lead through Paul Murray and Paul Laing. However, Allotment quickly reduced the deficit thanks to a “Paul” of their own – Gough. The home defence promptly got itself into an awful mess and David Potts pounced to level the scores. The comeback was completed in the final minute when new signing Michael Fenwick slammed the ball home from an acute angle.
1996 Amble Town was the destination for Allotment to face a team that had lost its previous four games. John Moscrop had given Town the lead from the penalty spot within five minutes. He headed a second goal on the half hour mark before Michael Storey gave Allotment some hope, netting just before the interval. However, Stu Marshall restored Amble’s two goal cushion and player-manager John Kiddie’s last minute strike could not prevent another disappointing league defeat.
on this day
the fa vase
Penrith v West Allotment Celtic Second Round Qualifying Saturday 21st September
This time next week, West Allotment Celtic will travel westwards in their quest for FA Vase glory, venturing into Cumbria to take on Division One’s Penrith A.F.C.. The Blues destroyed Yorkshire Amateurs 7-1 at the World Group Stadium, whilst Celtic overcame Stokesley 4-3 in their own home tie. The Cumbrian outfit are in a rich vein of form at present, unbeaten in their last four games - but Allotment have gone two games better, having won five of their last six matches. The club will be putting on a coach service* to the prestigious cup tie, affording YOU the chance to support the lads on their travels.
Departure time: 11.30am at West Allotment Social Club ÂŁ5 per person
*coach may differ aesthetically to the one displayed
the fa vase
21
west allotment celtic present
• 171 tries in 247 games for Bath • Member of the England squad between 1981 and 1986 • Renowned after dinner speaker
Side-splitting local impressionist and comedian
Hosted by Real Radio’s JUSTIN LOCKWOOD THURSDAY 3RD OCTOBER 7.30PM KINGSTON PARK NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE Three course meal Auction and games £45 per ticket To book your tickets, contact david@wadefinancial.co.uk
the onion bag Craig Dobson’s take on the last seven days in the Allotment garden
I
N my post-match chats with Paul Stoneman, I’d like to ask a broad variety of questions about the game and the club at large. Sometimes, a query will slip my mind in the heat of the moment. Other times, I find myself strolling down the well-trodden path of match analysis, individual player performance and the upcoming fixture. And, sometimes, one particular question receives a response on record, but remains unanswered out on the pitch. Such is the case with Allotment’s bewildering early second-half slumps. Three times this season, Celtic had taken a narrow but comfortable lead into half-time, only for a different side to return for the second period. The names were all the same, but something wasn’t right. Was it complacency? Or were they taken aback by their opponents’ renewed vigour? The boss implied that it was more the former than the latter when poring over the performance at Heaton Stan, and even moreso in both ties against Stokesley. The question was well worn - why do Celtic falter directly after the interval? The riddle evidently remained
unsolved on Wednesday night. Celtic utterly dominated the first forty-five against Norton & Stockton Ancients, carving out chance after chance, and taking a slender one goal lead into the break. Their play warranted a more significant margin, and they were made to pay for it once again. Within five minutes of the restart, a side that had been second-best for much of the game had turned it around - and could have been ahead by more than just one. Just like at Heaton, individual errors from otherwise reliable stalwarts had Allotment chasing after a game that they had previously been winning at a canter. The introduction of Henderson ultimately saved the day, as his tidy forward-thinking work in midfield allowed Celtic to kick on and get the equaliser - only for the Ancients to counter rapidly and regain the upper hand. Yet another late goal from Reidy - with Hudson again the provider - snatched a point back for Allotment, but the short-term ecstasy was soon superceded on reflection by an overwhelming sense of disappointment. That said, it’s not all bad. Celtic showed real heart to come back from not one but
goal of the week
man of the week
Another late one for Reid, who did well to steer Hudson’s pacy cross into the net to level.
Hudson set up two and scored the other in the midweek draw, capping a productive and workmanlike performance.
West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
two setbacks to take something away with them. Fair play to Norton, who played their football and knew when to attack, but Allotment shouldn’t have to claw their way back into games after failing to put their opponents away. It almost didn’t happen against Seaham; it almost didn’t happen at Stokesley; and they ultimately paid the price at Norton. It had been coming. There was no need to put the question to Stona a fourth time - he, along with the majority of the squad, looked to head home as soon as possible, leaving the performance behind them.The responses would have been no different to those given at Heaton, or at Whitley Park last week. There’s only so much the manager can do or say; the players have to steel themselves in those vital dressing room moments. Celtic aren’t playing to the same tune in different halves. The record isn’t broken - that’s six unbeaten now - but it’s starting to skip just a little. Nobody wants to see the same scenario repeating itself - or have to hear that same sorry question, stuck on an excruciating loop.
the onion bag
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top scorers
player statistics
Liam Hudson - 4 Michael Bell - 3 Chris Douglas - 2
gk
the playmakers
yel
Chris Bannon Ryan Beal Bob Rodgerson
5 4 0
1 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 Roy Gordon
5 (1) 9 7 (1) 0 (1) 9 0 2 (3) 8 0 (4)
1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 0
1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
Ian Dunn Michael Bell Marc Allen Sean Reid Kallum McGlen David Henderson Tony Lancaster Dean Lee
8 (1) 6 (1) 3 (2) 7 1 (2) 2 (1) 0 (2) 8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0
5 0 1 6 0 0 0 1
7 8 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
4 0 0
1 4 0
midfield
Sean Reid - 6 Ian Dunn - 5 David Dormand - 4
apps
defence
name
attack
the mainstays
Marc Dummett - 9 Paul Stoneman - 9 Glenn Ford - 8
Liam Hudson David Dormand Jed Findlay Ryan Anderson Lawrence McKenna
average starting XI Bannon
Douglas
Ford
Stoneman
Dunn
24
gls
Tow 00Law00Town01
0 0
0 1 (5)
the bad boys
Dean Lee - 1 0 Chris Bannon - 1 0 Marc Dummett - 1 0
red asts
Hudson
West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
Dummett
Bell Reid
Lee
Dormand the player statistics
fixtures and results nl div 2 table
1
team North Shields
pl 8
w 6
d 2
l 0
gd pts 28 20
2
Heaton Stan
10
6
1
3
6
3
Birtley
8
5
2
1
11 17
4
WAC
7
5
1
1
9
16
5
Whickham
9
5
1
3
7
16
6
Seaham
7
5
0
2
16 15
7
Northallerton
8
4
3
1
12 15
8
Stokesley
9
4
2
3
3
14
9
Alnwick
8
4
2
2
0
14
10 Darlo RA
8
4
1
3
5
13
11 Jarrow
6
4
0
2
5
12
12 Nort & Stock
10
2
6
2
1
12
13 Tow Law
8
4
0
4
0
12
14 Brandon
10
3
2
5
-6
11
15 Whitehaven
6
3
1
2
-8
10
16 South Shields
6
2
2
2
-3
8
17 Ch-le-Street
8
2
2
4
-5
8
18 Thornaby
8
1
3
4
-6
6
19 Willington
9
1
3
5
-8
6
20 Esh Winning
9
2
0
7
-20
6
21 Ryton
9
0
1
8
-14
1
22 Washington
9
0
1
8
-33
1
19
OFFICIAL NORTHERN LEAGUE SPONSORS
AUGUST 10th Alnwick Town 14th Heaton Stannington 17th Billingham Synthonia 21st Willington 24th Stokesley SC 30th Whickham
NL D2 NL D2 FA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A A A A H H
W 4-0 L 3-2 L 4-0 W 2-0 W 3-2 W 3-1
SEPTEMBER Seaham Red Star 4th Stokesley SC 7th 11th Norton & Stockton 14th Esh Winning 18th Ryton & Crawcrook 21st Penrith 24th South Shields 28th Darlington RA
NL D2 FA Vase NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup FA Vase League NL D2
H H A H H A A A
W 2-1 W 4-3 D 3-3
OCTOBER Whitehaven 5th Alnwick Town 9th 12th Birtley Town 19th Ryton & Crawcrook 26th North Shields 30th Northallerton Town
NL D2 NFA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H H A H H
NOVEMBER Brandon United 1st Jarrow Roofing 9th 16th Washington 23rd Chester-le-Street 30th Thornaby
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A H H
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
Lg Cup NL D2
H A
TBD Ryton & Crawcrook 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!
5h Sept
Quiet day today, after taking Morgan to school sit around the house for most of the day. News arrives in the evening that John Smith, who has been involved with Seaham Red Star for many years, has died. John was a real Northern League man. RIP John. Did anyone see the new programme Bouncers? Drinking in Osborne Road were some of the lads. Lets hope your wives/girlfriends knew where you were!
6th Sept
Appalling weather all day, absolutely soaked collecting Morgan from school, who stays overnight as once again d******d (Morgan’s father) claims he is away working and won’t be home until 8pm. This happens virtually every other week when he is supposed to have Morgan for the weekend. Well d******d has gone too far this time. He’s supposed to pick Morgan up at nine and claims he is too exhausted and will pick her up at 1pm. What he really means he is too drunk from last night. When I tell Morgan he is not coming until 1pm, her face tells you all. Morgan absolutely adores him; when she gets older, she will realise what he is like. There will be trouble at 1pm, as I know Barbara will blow up. I spend the morning telling her to say nothing in front of Morgan.
7th Sept
When he does surface, Morgan is playing in her bedroom and Barbara is out of the house as if she was in the Olympics 100 metres final.Yes, he does catch it and deservedly so. His response sums him up: “I am not interested in what you say.” And of course he had been drinking too much, as he smelled of drink - and this is at 1pm. Match assessor today at Morpeth v Team Northumbria, and I was impressed with Morpeth. Good win in the Vase today, and who would have thought Dunny would score a hat trick. When I arrive home find out d******d has sent a text wishing Barbara dead. He has politely been told never to come to our door again.
8th Sept
Barbara at work all so I have all the household chores to do; there always seems more to do when I do them. Complete my reports on yesterday’s game at Whitley Bay.
9th Sept
Newcastle with Barbara then home in time to collect Morgan from school. What a great tennis match Nadal v Djokovic was in US Open Final.
10th Sept
Morgan falls out with grandma and tells me she is not coming back on her way to school. She says I will have to go and visit her at her house, but grandma can’t come. Have my first meeting at NFA today for the first time in over a month. In the evening match assessor Whitley Bay v Morpeth.
11th Sept
Very quiet day, and yes, Morgan does arrive for breakfast, and everything is fine. We draw 3 – 3 at Norton and again we drop two points in a game which we should have won easily.Very frustrating.
26
West Allotment Celtic v Esh Winning
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.
West Allotment Celtic
Esh Winning
Manager: Paul STONEMAN 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 Kallum McGLEN Tony LANCASTER Dean LEE Liam HUDSON David DORMAND Lawrence McKENNA Ryan ANDERSON Jed FINDLAY Referee: A DODDS
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Manager: George McCAIN Ryan GRAHAM Mark SWINDLE Liam LAY Louis JOPLING Lewis HERON Dan RYAN Ben RIDING Jimmy BAMBOROUGH Scott MOULD Matthew HORNSBY Ryan NORTON Graham STEVENSON Matthew SMITH Phil McCONNELL Aidan KING Jordan HOWELL Antony PHILLIPSON Adam GUTHRIE George McCAIN Anth ROGERSON Lee GUTHRIE Kyle FRYATT Michael YOUNG
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