allotment
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14
the sharp shooters the alternating options that nolan and dormand offer in attack
Club Sponsor
THOMAS POTTER
heaton stannington NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH
THOMAS POTTER Stockist and distributor of fastenings, nuts, bolts, screws, flanges, manufacturing hose fittings and special plate flanges.
Unit 3J, Admiral Business Park, Nelson Way, Cramlington, NE23 1WG
Tel: 01670 591 100
www.thomaspotter.com MAIN SPONSORS OF WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
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welcome 16
Club Officials
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President Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary Treasurer Commercial
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contents
Committee
the history
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the squad
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the backroom staff
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the last match
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the last meeting
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the preview
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the visitors
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the sharp shooters
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the letter draw
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the onion bag
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on this day
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the player statistics
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fixtures, results, table
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rottweiler’s notes
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Press Officer Photographer
Alex Smailes Roland Mather Jimmy Wilson Ted Ilderton John Alexander Jonny Thompson David Dodds Paul Mason Above, plus Al Liddle,Michael Wilson, Les Scott, Kath Orr, Harry Bell, Stephen Allott, Richie Marks Craig Dobson Graeme Jackson
Backroom Staff Manager Assistant Manager First Team Coach Physio
Paul Stoneman Wilf Kielty Paul Hogg Charlotte Ferguson
Selected Club Honours Northern Alliance champions
1987, 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 Northern League D2 champions 2005 NFA Amateur Cup winners 1957, 1975 NFA Benevolent Bowl winners 1993 Craven Cup winners 2005 Ernest Armstrong Mem. Cup winners 2013
eighty-five Stephen Allott takes you on a whistlestop tour
from creation to contenders
...and the decade of decline
West Allotment Celtic were formed in 1928, the culmination of a merger between West Allotment Primitive Methodists and West Allotment Juniors. After moving to the newly-created Tynemouth & District League in 1935, the club began to grow in stature. The club had to face Whitley Bay & Monkseaton Reserves in a play-off for the title, but unfortunately, the decider went the way of the seasiders. Remarkably, Allotment also finished in a play-off position in the following two seasons – and, in both cases, had to settle for a runner-up spot.
The sixties started promisingly enough, as Allotment looked to build on their previous successes. The club finished as runners-up in the Northern Amateur League in 1960, and were consecutive Minor Cup finalists in 1960 and 1961.
changing leagues, sheds and times In 1938, the club joined the Second Division of the Northern Amateur League. Now playing at the aptly-named Farm Ground, fans helped to dismantle a cowshed in Heaton and move it, piece by piece, to West Allotment, where it was reassembled at the ground. The shed was not for spectators – it served as the players’ changing facilities! The club earned instant promotion (after a play-off, such is club tradition), but World War II put a stop to any further progress.
a succession of successes... The club recommenced operations in 1946/47 and enjoyed an unprecedented run of success from the mid-fifties onwards. Allotment won the championship for four consecutive seasons between 1956 and 1960, along with the NFA Amateur Cup in 1957 and the NFA Minor Cup in 1958.
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However, whilst Celtic remained loyal to the Northern Amateur League, the bulk of the team moved on, and Allotment entered a period of decline as a result. The club stagnated badly during the sixties in an uncompetitive league, and closure become a distinctly worrying possibility. The threat of dissolution was eventually staved off by the introduction of new blood into the club towards the end of the decade, as Allotment finally began to build towards a more positive future on and off the pitch. Celtic also moved to Backworth Welfare in 1968, consigning the ponds and mud of the Farm Ground to memory.
champions at long last A rejuvenated West Allotment won the NFA Amateur Cup again in 1975, largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of Benny Williams,
West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington
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 Heaton Stannington
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 Heaton Stannington
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
1ST MARCH 2014 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WHITLEY PARK
West Allotment Celtic 2 Whitehaven 0
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OBERT Nolan scored his first goal in a green and white shirt as West Allotment Celtic fought their way to a 2-0 win over Whitehaven at Whitley Park. Previous encounters against the Cumbrian opponents had been close, and it looked like being a similar case on the day. Both sides struggled to supply that killer ball in the final third in a very tight affair. After twenty minutes of battling without creating a clear cut chance, the visitors should have taken the lead. A square ball found Matt Tymon in the six yard box, but Allen did enough to prevent the attacker from supplying the finish. Nevertheless, Tymon improvised well, flicking the ball into the path of the unmarked
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Darren Donald. Mere feet from goal, the opener seemed forthcoming – only for Beal to make a terrific stop low down with his legs. Ex-Hartlepool attacker Tymon looked a threat, but Celtic belatedly managed to fire some shots away towards the end of a relatively low-key half. Whitehaven ‘keeper Ian Studholme did well to palm away a looping attempt from the left flank, but he would have been powerless to prevent Celtic’s next chance. Recent signing Nolan bursted down the right and whipped the ball across goal. Sean Reid came steaming in to meet it, but, under pressure from Kevin Law, he could only divert the ball over the crossbar.
West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington
In truth, high-flying Allotment should have gone in behind at the break, and would have done so were it not for the reflexes of their goalkeeper. Haven pushed for the goal that their play had warranted, first through Tymon and again minutes later through Barry Armfield, but Beal was more than equal to both attempts, tipping over a venomous strike, before holding a close-range header from a set-piece. Celtic came out with added zeal in the second half, creating two early half-chances through Bell. At the other end, Haven reminded the back four of the threat their midfield posed, Donald skewing an effort wide of the far post, but little could separate the two teams.
The game ultimately swung in Allotment’s favour, courtesy of a contested refereeing decision. An inch-perfect pass by Nolan played in Reid behind the defence. Out came Studholme, but Allotment’s playmaker got a vital – albeit heavy – touch before the inevitable contact with the ‘keeper and covering defender, and a penalty was duly awarded. Whilst Celtic’s top scorer received treatment, Nolan stepped up to the plate, hammering the spot kick into the bottom-left corner of Studholme’s goal.
...in pictures with graeme jackson
The goal had the simultaneous effect of boosting the hosts and deflating the visitors, and as Whitehaven began their search for a leveller, Allotment looked more likely to double their advantage. Nolan’s confidence was sky high, but so was an ambitious solo effort from the ex-North Shields forward. It mattered little, as another former Robin would make the game safe with fifteen minutes remaining. Liam Hudson found himself in acres of space on the left flank, controlling a sumptuous cross-field ball and darting towards the box. Rather than shoot, the winger opted to cushion a deft pass between two defenders into the path of substitute Henderson, who made no mistake with a tidy finish. The hosts saw out time comfortably, collecting all three points against historically formidable opposition. the last match
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the last meeting
14TH AUGUST 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO GROUNSELL PARK
Heaton Stannington 3 West Allotment Celtic 2
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HAT-TRICK from Heaton Stannington’s Jonathan Wright – including a quickfire brace at the start of the second half – was enough to see off West Allotment Celtic, as the visitors went down 3-2 at Grounsell Park in front of a bumper crowd on Wednesday night. Allotment went into the game missing five key players, owing to work and holiday commitments, whilst midfielder Michael Latimer remained unavailable through suspension. The reshuffled Celtic side featured Kallum McGlen on the right wing and Lawrence McKenna up front, as playermanager Paul Stoneman was forced to adopt a less favourable 4-4-2 formation for
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the clash. Northern League newcomers Heaton were keen to make a good impression on their first home game of the campaign, and tested Allotment’s back four from the outset. Influential midfielder Bryan Dodsworth was there to apply the finish to a fine Stan counter-attack, but was denied by a sliding Marc Dummett as he looked to pull the trigger. At the other end, pressure from David Dormand forced goalkeeper Shaun Backhouse to yield possession in a dangerous area, with the ball spilling to Lawrence McKenna, but the forward skied his effort with the goal at his mercy. Celtic were made to regret that miss six minutes later, as Heaton
West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington
Stannington drew first blood. Jonathan Wright managed to evade Stoneman’s sliding block, and his rising effort from twenty yards had too much on it for the diving Chris Bannon, who could only parry the ball into the top corner. Despite struggling to find their rhythm in the opening thirty minutes, Celtic responded in emphatic fashion through their club captain. Ian Dunn pulled down a looping ball and thundered a volley high into the back of the net, giving Backhouse no chance between the sticks. The Stan still looked dangerous on the counter, and would have retaken the lead just before half-time, were it not for Chris Douglas’ timely interception
The match report from the second game of the current Northern League season between Celtic and the Stan. Who would have guessed that the reverse fixture would be billed as a promotion head-to-head? of a square ball into the six yard box, with the centreforward ready to pounce. The full-back blasted over an effort of his own moments later, whilst a McKenna strike was comfortably gathered by the waiting Backhouse. Celtic were looking stronger as the game progressed, and were marginally the better side at the half-time whistle, but were caught cold as the second half commenced. Wright once again caused all sorts of problems for the back four, sharply turning away from two markers in the penalty area and firing towards goal from a narrow angle. The ball squirmed through the defence and beneath the body of Bannon, restoring Heaton Stan’s lead within seconds of kick-off. Things soon went from bad to worse for Allotment, as the shellshocked visitors conceded a third goal just moments later. The clinical Wright completed his hat-trick, cutting inside and curling a twenty-five yard effort into the furthest reaches of the far corner. Stoneman shuffled the pack in an attempt to get his stunned side back into the match, with John Pendlebury coming on and Douglas moving onto the right flank. It
almost paid instant dividends, as the latter’s strike from a narrow angle took a significant deflection off a defender, but bounced wide of the far post. Having struggled to replicate their best football in the first twenty minutes of the half, West Allotment belatedly stepped it up a gear, but still struggled to create more than half-chances against a resolute and defensive Heaton Stannington side. McKenna thought he had legitimately reduced arrears with a low finish from inside the box, only for the referee to spot a minor infringement in the build-up play. Strike partner Dormand came similarly close; having pickpocketed Joseph Wear on the right wing, the usually clinical forward cut inside and struck a tame effort that clipped the outside of the post on its way behind. Custodian Bannon had to be alert to get down and parry a Paul Chapman effort, but otherwise it was one-way traffic as Allotment peppered the box in vain with deep crosses and whipped balls. Dormand got up well to meet one such cross, heading onto the roof of the net, whilst centre-half Glenn Ford,
operating as a third forward in the closing stages, directed an awkward header well wide of Backhouse’s goal. Time was fast running out for West Allotment, but a second unlikely scorer gave them a route back into the match. The ball broke from a corner to substitute Pendlebury, whose twenty-five yard piledriver took a deflection on its way into the back of the net. With less than five minutes remaining on the clock, the goal looked to be little more than a consolation, but the away side did fashion one last chance to salvage a point. A dangerous whipped cross into the six yard area was diverted towards goal by McKenna, but the ball bobbled agonisingly wide of goal. The spurned chance mattered little, as the linesman’s flag was raised for offside. That signalled the end of the evening’s encounter, with Heaton Stannington holding on for all three points. The result may have been a little harsh on Celtic, who will rue the early second half lull that cost them any chance of victory.
the last meeting
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the match preview
HEATON STANNINGTON form: DWWDW
form: WDWLW
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
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FTER the disappointment of the League Cup exit at the hands of Marske United, West Allotment Celtic bounced back with a gritty win at home to Whitehaven. The Cumbrian visitors always prove to be difficult opposition home or away. Taking their resilience into account, a 2-0 win at Whitley Park can be considered a good afternoon’s work, even if the performance was a little flat at times. Nevertheless, it kept Allotment in the box seat for
third place - a position that could well change depending on tonight’s result. At the beginning of the year, Paul Stoneman added firepower to the squad in the form of Rob Nolan. The forward scored on his first start from the club via the penalty spot, and will be vying with the in-form David Dormand for a starting berth, whilst Lawrence McKenna remains a viable attacking option. Stephen Little should be available once more, whilst winger Tony Lancaster
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URPRISE package Heaton Stannington have taken the league by storm since their ascension from the Northern Alliance, and a win today would serve to boost their promotion credentials.
Derek Thompson’s men have emerged victorious in seventeen of those matches, with wins against today’s hosts, Northallerton, Birtley and Jarrow Roofing perhaps ranking as the most impressive results, given their recently promoted status.
Much has been made of developments off the field, particularly regarding the problematic installation of floodlights at Grounsell Park, but the Stan have consistently delivered out in the middle of the park, racking up a sizable 56 points from 28 games.
Much has been made of Jonathan Wright’s prolific touch in front of goal something Allotment fans witnessed first hand in the reverse - but Heaton are far from a one man band. In the pulsating 4-3 victory over the Roofers, fellow forward Brian Dodsworth bagged a brace.
West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington
could also be in line to return to the squad. Captain Ian Dunn and Saturday scorer David Henderson may expect to be restored to their regular midfield positions. However, Dean Lee, Kallum McGlen and Glenn Ford are all set to miss out through injury. Tonight’s encounter against another top team could prove to be a turning point in the race for promotion. After Seaham’s last-gasp win over Tow Law, a home victory tonight would lift Allotment right back into the promotion places. The Stan have made harder work of their recent results, their last six wins coming via the narrowest of margins. Since losing to Seaham, they have embarked on a five match unbeaten run, though points were dropped in stoppage time in a draw against Tow Law. The absence of influential attacker Lee Johnson was keenly felt in a scrappy 1-0 win over Esh Winning. Much like Allotment, Heaton put their fans through the mill in terms of the desperately close scorelines - and that trend is unlikely to be bucked at Whitley Park this evening.
Previously The absence stricken of centre-half midfielder Dean Stephen Lee Little made athis the longweekend awaited prompted return a reshuffle from a at the persistent back against kneeWhitehaven, injury inwith midweek, fit-again striking John the Pendlebury crossbar filling in alongside and missing Paul aStoneman, further gilt-edged with fellow chance returnee byMarc mereDummett inches. on theNow left and fullyChris recovered Douglas shifted from the to the injury right.- Little’s initiallyavailability sustained may mean at that one of Northallerton those four starters last season may have - ‘Deano’ to will add settle extra for a firepower spot to the on squad. the bench.
statattack 142
The attendance for the last meeting at Grounsell Park
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No. of goals not scored by Jon Wright
previous meetings* P 12 12 24 Former Hibs youth prospect Jonathan Wright has been on fire for the Stan, scoring 56% of the side’s goals thus far in 2013/14. The only time Jon Jon hasn’t been on Heaton’s scoresheet was during his brief stint at West Auckland. Now back on Tyneside, the forward is on course fo a potentially record-breaking haul.
* Missing 9 results from the NAmL between 1945/46 and 1958/59
W 9 8 17
13 3
D 0 3 3
L 3 1 4
F 32 32 64
A 13 14 27
Successive wins over the Stan between 1991 and 2000 No. of beers Heaton have on tap at their place
the preview
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heaton stannington
the history
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ECORDS show that Heaton Stannington affiliated to the Northumberland FA as long ago as 1910. It is understood that the Club name came about as the result of the amalgamation of two Heaton football teams, one of which originated from the Stannington Grove, or Stannington Avenue area of Heaton. In 1934 the team moved to our present home, which had formerly been a quarry. The land had been conveyed to the ownership of club trustees and the North Heaton Development Company as part of the will of Lord Armstrong.In 1948 the ground was then sold by the North Heaton Development Company to Frank Maddison, Charles Henry Proud Reay, Sidney William Hunter and Glen Paterson, who became trustees of Heaton Stannington FC, for £2000. The trustees therefore obtained a mortgage from the Football Association for the sum of £1300. In 1955 following the death of Frank Maddison, The Football Association and John Snowdon were installed as Trustees. A few years later, in 1968, the Trustees formed Heaton Stannington Sports Club Limited and during the following Year 1969, the ground was conveyed to the new company. Although the football team was functioning at that
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time, they were obliged to rent the ground from the Limited Company for a sum of £400 per annum. Despite this, the team progressed on the pitch, but the situation worsened when the Company increased the annual rental to £1500 in 1982.; consequently, the additional financial burden forced the team to resign from the Wearside League. Following a lengthy and successful battle with development company Ladylaw Holdings over their attempts to build a supermarket on the ground, Heaton Stannington FC has been an amateur sports club facility with a constitution, which prohibits any individuals from benefiting from its sale. During its existence, The Stan have competed in various leagues, notably: the Northern League, the Northern Alliance and the North Eastern League. During the mid 1980s they did operate for a period of time in the Wearside League. The club has always supported football in the area by playing host to various League cup finals and representative matches. It has also assisted nearby Heaton Manor school to participate in a National competition by allowing the use of the ground. In the past the club have supported reserve teams, junior teams and more recently ladies football, as well as forming a senior side and an over forties team. Successes have been seen over the years, particularly in a variety of cup competitions. Heaton Stannington find themselves in the Ebac Northern League for the 2013/2014 season, having won promotion by retaining the Northern Alliance Premier Division title, that was also won in 2011/2012. Last season also saw The Stan capture both the NFA Senior Benevolent Bowl and the George Dobbins League Cup.
West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington
Nickname: The Stan Ground: Grounsell Park Chairman: Bill Pitt
Rivals: West Allotment, North Shields Largest home crowd 2013/14: 412 v Birtley Town Distance travelled today (approx.): 2 miles
the players Shaun Backhouse
A loyal servant to the club who has also turned out for Northern League rivals Washington, ‘Shanny’ was regarded as one of the best and bravest ‘keepers in the Northern Alliance.
Joseph Wear
A very experienced former Hartlepool and Blyth Spartans defender, who is also club captain. Strong on the ground, great in the tackle and shows tremendous composure on the ball.
The pen profiles of some of The Stan’s key squad members
Joseph Fulcher
Kevin Carr
Paul Chapman
Brian Dodsworth
An ex-Benfield and Hebburn Town midfielder, ‘Ducky’ is a very experienced player; strong on the ball and an excellent passer who keeps it nice and simple.
A former Northern League player with South Shields who can play right across the middle of the park, ‘Chappers’ is a great passer of a ball and very good in the air.
Paul Blakey
A great servant to the club, who has proved his worth as a utility player after coming back from a serious knee injury. Has never let the club down. Can operate in either defence or midfield.
A new signing for this season, with bags of Northern League experience; his former teams include North.Shields, Alnwick Town, Morpeth Town and Ryton & Crawcrook. A great passer of the ball who loves a tackle and can get goals; a great acquisition to the squad.
William James
Anthony Johnson
Russell Ward
The quiet man of the team, William is a very quick left back, now in his fifth season at the club. ‘Willsa’ is consistent, very comfortable on the ball and loves to get forward when possible.
In his second season with the club after signing from Chester-le-Street, ‘Jonnas’ can play on either flank, where his pace is an asset. He works hard for the team and weighs in with his share of goals.
Kev can play on either flank or down the middle. Quick, direct and one of the best strikers of a ball at the club. A great finisher who has scored some quality goals.
A fantastic signing for the club who can play in a number of positions; quick, skilful, hard-working and scores goals, with loads of Northern League experience. He was a very important member of Newcastle Benfield’s 2008-09 double winning side; also played for Bedlington Terriers and Ryton & Crawcrook.
Jonathan Wright
A former youth player with Scotland’s greatest club, Hibernian FC. Lighning quick, very strong and ruthlessly direct. He possesses a tremendous left foot and was last season’s Northern Alliance Premier Division top scorer. He has picked up where he left off from last season, scoring a total of 26 league goals either side of a brief stint at West Auckland Town. the visitors
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west allotment celtic’s
sharp shooters Rob Nolan marked his first West Allotmen t Celtic start with a goal - not a bad way to intro duce himself. We look at the new attacking optio ns now available to the Whitley Park bench.
S
INCE time immemorium - or, perhaps, the nineties there have been countless successful striking partnerships. SAS, both old and new; Cole and Yorke; Butler and Winn.
on the park. His link-up play with Liam Hudson on the wing is understated but overlooked, despite bearing plenty of fruit already. His often solo work in pressurising the back four has, time and again, prevented the opposition from sauntering towards the halfway line before picking out a pass. And, above You won’t see one at West all else, he is comfortably on Allotment, where the muchmaligned 4-4-2 has been torn course to bag 20 goals for the off the flipboard and consigned season. to the bin. Mike Bassett would Judging by his early showings, not approve. The alternative Nolan is a slightly different 4-4-1-1, with Sean Reid kind of forward, often found on roaming dangerously at will, has proven to be very effective the shoulder of the last man throughout this campaign and in order to best exploit any counter-attacking opportunities for much of the last. that may come his way. Decidedly more direct and Where, then, does it leave Celtic’s new strikeforce? David with pace to burn, he has the tools to beat a man and stretch Dormand has led the line for the most part this season, but, a back four on his own. His just as the 25-year-old started preferred partnership seemed to come down the middle to hit his peak, Rob Nolan of the park, the 24-year-old came through the Whitley looking to connect with the Park gates. So what does similarly explosive Reid. It was each have to offer? Dorma’s the former Robin who supplied qualities are well-known to Reidy with the pass of the most in the division; he’s not game to put Whitehaven in all the quickest nor the most techically gifted, but he is one sorts of trouble, before calmly of the more intelligent players converting the resulting penalty.
It may not have been from open play, but he’s already showing flashes of the form that saw him top Shields’ scoring charts last season. How can Paul Stoneman choose between these two varied but equally viable attacking outlets? Much will depend on the kind of game Celtic are expecting. The shape of the team adapts to its opposition; physically powerful against Willington, technically astute at home to Seaham or Roofing. Dormand will bring industry and teamwork to the team, getting on the ball frequently regardless of his opposite numbers. On the other hand, Nolan’s pace and eye for goal can send intermittent tremors through any back four, even when not in possession of the ball. It remains to be seen who will get the nod this evening. The only seemingly cast-iron guarantee is that, unless Bassett himself took the reins, only one can ever start. Even then, Ricky Tomlinson’s fictional boss would undoubtedly pick Rufus Smalls ahead of them both. the sharp shooteres
19
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 £5 inc. pie and peas
the letter draw L
M
V
4th March 2014 7 winners of £115 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 hand the complete the form below and hand it to a club official. -----------------------------------CUT HERE----CUT HERE----CUT HERE--------------------------------Name:
Contact number:
What 5 letters would you like? Choose each letter only once.
20
West Allotment Celtic v North Northern Shields League Division Two
29th March 2013
20
the onion bag Craig Dobson’s take on the last seven days in the Allotment garden
T
HIS season, the green and white hoops of West Allotment have triumphed over a rainbow of Division Two teams. We briefly halted the red machine of Seaham Red Star, put down Birtley Town’s greenhorns, inflicted the blues upon Willington and shaded it against Thornaby. Only two hues have prevented us from dominating the footballing spectrum; violet, its imperial splendour apparenty lost on the league, and yellow. We haven’t forgotten the 5-0 demolition of Norton & Stockton - how could we? but a quick consultation of the colour charts suggests that the Ancients play in a subtle shade of amber. Less sunshine, more sunset. The winless streak could be forgiven if the opposition resembled their Brazilian counterparts in more ways than one, but comparisons stopped at shirt colour. Esh Winning certainly didn’t require any samba skills at Whitley Park, a hapless header from our own centre-half gifting them a point. A long-distance trip to Whitehaven - the Rio de Janiero of Cumbria, don’t you know - ended in a deserved 3-1 win for the western hosts.
A little closer to home, Chesterle-Street ground out a goalless draw, and frustrated Allotment once more in our own back garden. Into 2014, the League Cup game at Marske was no trip to the seaside, their yellow having too much in the second half for our away day red.Yellow is, for want of a better term, our bogey colour. Thankfully, the largely incidental hoodoo was lifted at Blue Flames on Saturday afternoon. Whitehaven have historically proven to be stubborn and capable opposition both home and away, So it proved on the day, as Haven thrice came within seconds of opening the scoring, only for shotstopping extraordinaire Ryan Beal to deny them at every turn. In the second half, it was a different story. as Allotment came out with a little more colour in their cheeks. Rob Nolan’s first ever Celtic goal followed by the third of David Henderson’s entire Allotment career - finally ended our blues against the yellows. Tonight’s opponents have been off the Northern League spectrum, but are angling for back to back promotion, ending their twenty-seven year spell in the Alliance. Unlike
their home kit, the situation regarding the Stan’s ground requirements have hardly been black and white, but the club have made every effort to get the floodlights and extra seating in place. Fair play to them. It’s great to see another Tyneside team in the division, and is arguably more entertaining for both sets of fans than an away trip down to County Durham on a gray midweek evening. Both sides would have been watching closely at two of the other promotion frontrunners last night. The Roofers and the Star relied upon late goals to snatch a draw and a win respectively, both within minutes of dropping valuable points. As things get tighter at the top and teams start to tail off a little, games like this become vital. We both still have to meet Shields and Roofing once more in April, but a victory here could sustain or kickstart the promotion push for either side, depending on which way it goes. Allotment have, by their own admission, been winning ugly, but we have played our most attractive football against the best sides. We hope - and expect - to see Celtic’s true colours tonight.
goal of the week
man of the week
Henderson’s game clincher was the result of some decent, direct build-up play, with Hudson supplying the right pass at the right pace.
Nolan did well on his first start, but it has to go to Beal. The ‘keeper single-handedly kept Celtic in the game with three top-drawer saves.
West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington
the onion bag
21
March
5
on this day...
1960 Allotment were well advanced on their charge to a fourth consecutive Northern Amateur League title and Seghill CW were the latest team on the receiving end of a heavy defeat as Celtic won 5-2 at the Farm Ground. The home marksmen were Oliver (2), Richardson, McDonald and Allott. It was Celtic’s eighteenth successive league win.
1966 Another drawn match as a Carr goal earned Celtic a point from a 1-1deadlock against New Delaval Star at the Farm Ground in West Allotment.
1977 The goal-nets had an afternoon off as Celtic and RPA played out a 0-0 draw at Backworth Welfare in the Northern Amateur League.
1982 Vince Bollado recorded a hattrick as Allotment won 3-0 away to Lobley Hill in a Northern Amateur League encounter.
22
West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington
Stephen Allott looks at this day in the club’s extensive history
1983 Celtic were in the middle of a run of fourteen games without defeat in the Northern Amateur League and maintained that sequence at the expense of hosts Gosforth Bohemians. Strikes from Appleby, Allman and Day earned Allotment the points at Benson Park after a 3-1 win.
1988 Allotment met Prudhoe East End in the semi-final of the Northern Alliance League Cup; a match played at Heaton Stannington’s ground. The opening period fluctuated in a thrilling encounter but neither keeper was beaten. The stalemate was broken within five minutes of the restart when Askew latched on to a poor backpass by Fleming and easily beat Dave Marshall to put Prudhoe ahead. Allotment were on level terms by the 57th minute thanks to Ian Chater, who headed home a Robson cross from close-range. Both sides went close to snatching a winner but no further goals were scored and the two sides had to meet once again almost one month later. Allotment were successful in the rematch but it took a penalty shoot-out after the teams shared four goals in open play.
1994 Celtic moved up to second place in the Northern Alliance following a comprehensive 6-0 win over Wark at Backworth Welfare. Strikes from Michael Chilton, Graham McDonald, Les Yeomans and Danny Olsen had Allotment four goals clear by half-time and further efforts by McDonald and Chilton after the break took the home side up to the half-dozen mark.
on this day
23
top scorers
player statistics
the mainstays
Sean Reid - 34 Paul Stoneman - 32 Ian Dunn - 31 (3)
gk Liam Hudson - 13 Michael Bell - 8 Chris Douglas - 7
Chris Bannon Ryan Beal Bob Rodgerson
10 19 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
26 (2) 22 (1) 30 (2) 1 (1) 32 24 13 8 (8)
1 3 2 1 4 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 - 13 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
5 (1) 31 (3) 23 (5) 10 (7) 34 (1) 1 (2) 1 (3) 8 (7) 27 (2) 4 (6) 13 (7) 2 (7)
1 6 2 1 3 1 0 0 3 2 1 0
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 8 0 5 0 0 2 7 1 0 2
0 6 9 1 29 0 1 1 1 1 3 0
attack
name
Liam Hudson David Dormand Lawrence McKenna Rob Nolan
26 (4) 26 (7) 8 (11) 1 (1)
4 1 1 0
Tow 00Law135Town137 0 0
2 0
4 1
Beal
Pendlebury
Little
Stoneman
Dunn
24
gls
average starting XI
the bad boys
Paul Stoneman - 4 1 Ian Dunn - 6 0 Michael Bell - 2 1
red asts
Hudson
West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington
Douglas
Henderson Reid
Bell
Dormand the player statistics
fixtures and results nl div 2 table
1
team North Shields
pl 30
w 23
d 4
l 3
gd pts 85 73
2
Roofing
32
21
6
5
49 69
3
Seaham
34
22
4
8
43 67
4
WAC
30
19
8
3
33 65
5
Heaton Stan
28
17
5
6
18 56
6
Nort & Stock
35
16
8
11 10 56
7
Northallerton 31
15
7
9
8
Birtley
30
14
6
10 10 48
9
Ch-le-Street
30
12
9
9
1
45
10 Darlo RA
33
12
7
14
7
43
11 Washington
31
13
4
14 -16 43
12 Tow Law
32
12
4
16
-2
40
13 Thornaby
31
11
4
16
-2
37
14 Willington
32
10
7
15 -18 37
15 Whickham
28
10
5
13
7
35
16 South Shields 25
7
12
6
-5
33
17 Alnwick
31
8
6
17 -26 30
18 Stokesley
33
8
6
19 -26 30
19 Whitehaven
28
8
5
15 -26 29
20 Brandon
32
7
3
22 -43 24
21 Esh Winning
32
6
2
24 -71 20
22 Ryton
30
5
4
21 -46 19
18 52
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
W 2-1 L 2-0
MARCH Whitehaven 1st Heaton Stannington 5th th Birtley Town 8 11th Whickham th Ryton & Crawcrook 15 19th South Shields nd Northallerton Town 22 28th Brandon United
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
H H A A H H A H
W 2-0
APRIL Jarrow Roofing 5th 12th Washington th North Shields 18 26th Thornaby
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A A
fixtures, results, table
25
ee itt m m ing Co eet m pm 8
27th Feb 28th Feb
1st Mar
2nd Mar
3rd Mar
26
rottweiler’s notes
Rin g Bloo the dho un
d!
Nice quiet day, then in the evening attend Level Four Referees meeting at NFA. For some time now I have been wondering how the bloodhound has been accumulating so many free journeys on East Coast. Apparently, Alex is booking tickets for many via his East Coast account - a nice little sideline. Alex arrives with an early Easter egg for Morgan and tells us he is in the Royal Box for Wednesday’s international game. To make sure he arrives safely, the bloodhound is travelling in a limousine from his hotel to Wembley (honest) and not wearing the high heels last time he was to be a guest in the Royal Box. Regular readers will recall the last time he wore them he was with Barbara, broke his ankle on the journey to Wembley and Barbara dumped Alex in the first aid room while she went for a drink to recover from her ordeal. Three points today, but in truth it was a very poor performance - still, three points playing poorly will do me. Listened to Stona on Radio Newcastle and he was very honest about today’s performance. You talk about double standards. Willie Donachie hits a reserve team player in the dressing room at a recent reserve game. Newcastle immediately suspend Donachie and three days later he has gone. Pardew headbutts a player which the whole country has seen and Newcastle fine him. I have been watching Pardew’s behaviour in the technical area for quite a while now after the bloodhound told me about him. Any employee who headbutts another person is guilty of gross misconduct; as I said earlier, you talk about double standards. I thought Sunderland played very well today, though the match of the day was the feisty Madrid derby which I thoroughly enjoyed. Bloodhound is at the Old Bailey today; he claims he was just observing a couple of trials. If Newcastle United gives the £100,000 they claim to have fined Alan Pardew to charity then I will believe he has been fined. Does anyone believe anything that comes out of Newcastle nowadays? And yes, Mr Ashley, you can ban me from your ground for saying it the way I see it as you do to most journalists nowadays who don’t toe the party line. We (Clive & Lucy) have a tea time meeting with Northern League officials and during the meeting Tony Golightly’s phone rings. Well a few years ago mine went off during a Northern League Management Committee Meeting and that cost me £21 for a round of drinks. What made it even worse was the bloodhound had rang me and he said it was the wrong number. And yes, it was the bloodhound who rang Tony. It gets even better; twenty minutes later Mike Amos’ phone rings. Well that’s two pints for me!
West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington
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 STAN Manager Derek THOMPSON Assistant Geoff WALKER
CELTIC Manager Paul STONEMAN Assistant Wilf KEILTY Coach Paul HOGG Physio Charlotte FERGUSON
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee W FINNIE Assistants G ARMSTRONG D THOMPSON
West Allotment Celtic Ryan BEAL Chris BANNON Bob RODGERSON John PENDLEBURY Marc DUMMETT Stephen LITTLE Paul STONEMAN Glenn FORD Shaun BOYLE Chris DOUGLAS Roy GORDON Ian DUNN (c) Marc ALLEN David HENDERSON Michael BELL Sean REID David BORLEY Matthew SLATER Kallum McGLEN Tony LANCASTER Dean LEE Connor GRAHAM Liam HUDSON David DORMAND Lawrence McKENNA Rob NOLAN
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