2016 NFA Senior Cup Final programme by Craig Dobson

TECHFLOW GROUP NFA SENIOR CUP FINAL

SPARTANS v SHIELDS

ST JAMESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PARK | WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2016

NORTHUMBERLAND FA

FORMER CEO PASSES AWAY

NORTHUMBERLAND FA

President Alan Wright

Honorary Life Members George Watson David Tiffin Norman Laidler

In 1992 he was elected as a member of The FA, and represented Northumberland until 2014. On behalf of myself and all involved with Northumberland FA, our condolences and thoughts are with Rowland’s wife Anne and her family at this very sad time.

Chief Executive John Ackerley

One minute’s silence will be held prior to tonight’s kick-off.

Finance Director Steve Drew

County Administrator Andrew Cook Cups & Referee Administrator Derek Breakwell

Photos Ally Middleton Russell Wynn Bill Broadley Andy Nunn

I have been refereeing for ten years. I got my promotion to Level 4 in 2012 and have been lucky to have been part of the National Referee Development Group for the last few years. I really enjoy refereeing and hope I can be successful and achieve promotion to Level 3 in the next couple of years.

Finally and most importantly we the County would like to thank Newcastle United, and particular Lee Charnley, Richie Hines and Eddie Rutherford, for their continued support and assistance on the staging of this competition at St James’ Park. I hope everybody concerned with the game enjoys their night and that football is the winner.

Governance Office 0191 270 07 00

Programme Craig Dobson

ASSISTANT | TOM CHAMBERS

We are also indebted to Mr Ken Beattie, of the Techflow Group, for his firms continued sponsorship of the Senior Cup something Ken has already extended for the forthcoming season 2016/17.

Northumberland FA Whitley Park Whitley Road Benton Newcastle Upon Tyne NE12 9FA

Email address info@ northumberlandfa.com

I am 26 & I started refereeing at the age of 14. I currently officiate as a contributory referee and act as a panel select assistant referee in the National League. Well done to all teams in the county who have reached cup finals as well as my colleagues who have also been appointed to cup finals.

I would like the opportunity to welcome the players, directors and officials of both Blyth Spartans and North Shields football clubs to St James’ Park for tonight’s Final of the Techflow NFA Senior Cup. I also extend that welcome to the match officials who, along with the previously mentioned, will no doubt enjoy the experience of turning out and performing at St James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United Football Club.

Office Manager Denise Maughan

Fax & Payment Line 0191 266 0471

REFEREE | DEAN HULME

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of our former Chief Executive, Rowland Maughan, who had been struggling with illness. Rowland was voted onto the NFA Council in 1986 and became Chief Executive in 1990, continuing in this role until 2014.

Vice Presidents Syd Johnson Ted Ilderton Rowland Maughan Alex Smailes

Development Office 0191 270 1166

TONIGHT’S OFFICIALS

Alex Smailes Chairman, Northumberland FA Cup Committee

CONTENTS 3

MATCH OFFICIALS Tonight’s referee and assistants

THE ROUTE How the teams reached the final

NS: THE PLAYERS Meet the Robins squad

BLYTH SPARTANS 9 The lowdown on the NPL outfit

TOMMY ORRICK Paying tribute to a local legend

COUNTY FOOTBALL A brief history of Northumberland

BS: THE PLAYERS Meet the Spartans squad

NORTH SHIELDS Profiling the FA Vase holders

THE TEAMS The squad lists and match officials

Tonight’s ball boys and girls have been organised by the Pin Point Recruitment League and come from Blyth Spartans Juniors and Ashington Town.

2 | 2016 NFA Senior Cup Final

4TH OFFICIAL | WILL FINNIE I am 21 years of age and a Level 3 referee, who is currently studying at Newcastle University. This is his third season in the North East, and second as a Contributory League referee. I’ve also refereed in my home town of Luton, including refereeing the Southern League Cup final second leg.

ASSISTANT | NEIL WRIGHT After qualifying in 2001 I refereed in local Sunday Leagues for several years, before beginning the promotion process in 2009. I have now been officiating at level four for four seasons, and currently referee in the Northern/Wearside Leagues and assist in Northern League Division One and the NPL.

UPCOMING CUP FINALS THURS 5/5/16 7.00PM

BLUE FIN INSURANCE NFA WOMEN’S CUP FINAL

WHITLEY BAY FC NEWCASTLE UNITED WOMEN RESERVES

SUN 8/5/16 10.30AM

JUSTSPORT NFA SUNDAY MINOR CUP FINAL

WALLSEND NEW RISING SUN NEWCASTLE WESTFIELD SOCIAL

TUES 10/5/16 6.30PM

GOALS NEWCASTLE NFA COLTS CUP (u14) FINAL

WALKER CENTRAL JUNIORS (WHITES) NEWCASTLE EAST END JUNIORS (WHITES)

THURS 12/5/16 6.00PM

NFA CUBS CUP (u12) FINAL

WALLSEND BOYS CLUB (YELLOWS) NEWCASTLE CITY JUNIORS (MILAN)

THURS 12/5/16 6.30PM

SHIREMOOR PRESS NFA BOYS (u13) FINAL

NEWCASTLE CITY JUNIORS NEWCASTLE CITY JUNIORS (ZENITH)

FRI 20/5/16 6.30PM

SCOTTS NFA RANGERS FINAL

NORTH SHIELDS JUNIORS MONKSEATON JUNIORS

MON 23/5/16 6.30PM

McDONALDS NFA BOYS (u13) FINAL

WALLSEND BOYS CLUB MONTAGU & NORTH FENHAM BOYS CLUB

Blyth Spartans v North Shields | 3

THE 2015/16 SEASON After four seasons out of the Conference North, Blyth Spartans came within touching distance of achieving automatic promotion.

BLYTH SPARTANS In the beginning, the club played only friendly matches before joining the East Northumberland League in 1901. The first recorded honour being a league success in 1901 followed by further victories in 1905–06 and 1906–07. The club then joined the Northern Alliance, remaining there for six seasons winning the league in 1908–09 and 1912–13. In 1913 the club moved upward joining the ranks of the semi professionals in the North Eastern League and remained there until it folded in 1958. The fierce competition meant that honours were few and far between, the league was however won in 1936–37 season and the league cup won in 1950 and again in 1955. After the demise of the North Eastern League the club tried their luck in the Midland League and Northern Counties League, both ending when the leagues folded. The early 1960s saw the revival of the North Eastern League; however, it was again beset by many problems and

4 | 2016 NFA Senior Cup Final

would eventually fold for good. The club was now at a loss for a suitable semi-professional league and in 1964 decided to turn amateur and join the ranks of the Northern League. During the 29 years the club were members their record was second to none, winning the Championship on ten occasions and finishing as runners-up five times. However, a new regime at the club were keen to progress up the league pyramid and a successful push ended with promotion to the Northern Premier League in the 1993–94 season. The club’s first season in the Northern Premier League was memorable, winning the First Division Championship and the Unifilla First Division League Cup. Since gaining promotion the club held its own in the Premier division, as well as lifting the President’s Cup defeating former Conference side Runcorn in the final. Harry Dunn’s appointment ushered in a period of success for the club, which clinched the Northern Premier League Premier Division - and, with it,

promotion - as well as the Northern Premier League Chairman’s Cup and the Peter Swailes Memorial Shield. In their first season in the Conference North, Blyth finished a respectable 7th, but had to fight hard to retain their league status for the next two consecutive seasons. Dunn departed ahead of the 2009-10 season, and though the Spartans were anchored comfortably in midtable in the following two years, they won just seven games in their 201112 campaign, and were duly relegated upon finishing second-bottom. Quality players were not immediately replaced at Croft Park, and the Spartans would return to the NPL with an underwhelming 16th place finish. The arrival of Tom Wade, initially as caretaker towards the back end of the 2012-13 season, would gradually restore Blyth Spartans to its former glory. The club have since become staples in the top half (8th in 2014 and 6th in 2015), lifted the Senior Cup in 2014-15, and were on the cusp of promotion to the Conference North once more.

The Northumberland outfit were prematurely ousted from the FA Cup by Spennymoor Town in September, but were back to their very best in the league, second only to Darlington 1883. Fifteen wins in 2016 lifted Tom Wade’s side as high as second in the NPL Premier Division table, but the Spartans were agonisingly defeated in the playoff semi-final, losing 4-3 at the death to Workington.

Founded 1899 Colours Green and white

GIANT-KILLERS

Nickname Spartans

Blyth Spartans have garnered national recognition as one of the FA Cup’s giantkilling sides over the decades. The Spartans shocked the nation with their run to the Fifth Round in 1977-78, defeating the likes of Chesterfield, Stoke City and Enfield.

Ground Croft Park

Since then, the green and white warriors have stunned Football League opposition such as Bury, Stockport County, Shrewsbury Town and Bournemouth.

Division Northern Premier League Premier Division

Chairman Tony Platten Manager Tom Wade

Selected honours Northern League champions x10

They earned plaudits and headlines again with another fairytale run in 2014-15, defeating Hartlepool United live on the BBC before going down 3-2 to Birmingham City at Croft Park.

STAR MAN ROBBIE DALE Robbie has written his name into Spartans folklore over the years, playing his 500th game for the club this month. The dangerous forward has notched over 167 goals since joining the club in 2005, and has been a mainstay at Croft Park ever since. The 31-year-old winger has proved just as influential in the Spartans’ promotion charge this year, scoring 23 times and finishing runner-up in the NPL Supporters’ Player of the Year Award.

NPL Prem Div champions 2005-06 FA Cup Fifth Round

McHUGH MORSE

BUDDLE

CARTWRIGHT

WATSON

WADE

MULLEN REID

RICHARDSON

DALE

MAGUIRE

SPARTANS POSSIBLE XI Blyth Spartans v North Shields | 5

GOALKEEPER ADAM McHUGH

GOALKEEPER FABIAN OTTE

Reliable ex-St. Mirren and Hartlepool United stopper who joined the club from Spennymoor Town in the summer.

The 25-year-old was on the books at Bayer Leverkusen earlier in his career, and has played for North Carolina University in the States.

DEFENCE ALEX NICHOLSON

DEFENCE JORDAN WATSON

Wales u19 full-back who loves Released from Sunderland last to get forward. Released from year, the left-back has been Preston North End last season, capped for Northern Ireland at having come through the ranks u19 level. Can also operate as a at Newcastle United. centre-half.

DEFENCE ANDREW CARTWRIGHT

DEFENCE DILLON MORSE

DEFENCE RYAN HUTCHINSON

Another former member of the Previously on the books at A promising centre-half, the SAFC academy, Andrew joined Carlisle Utd and Gateshead, versatile 22-year-old is enjoying in August, having turned out 21-year-old centre-back Dillon his second spell at Croft Park. regularly at right-back for the continues to impress with his Has previously been at Celtic Black Cats’ u21 side. attitude and ability. and St. Johnstone.

SPARTANS SQUAD LIST GOALKEEPERS Adam McHugh Fabian Otte DEFENDERS

DEFENCE DANNY PARKER

DEFENCE NATHAN BUDDLE

An England ‘C’ international, Back for a second stint after Danny made the step up from impressing in Spartans’ FA Cup Bishop Auckland with ease, run. Was snapped up by Carlisle becoming one of the club’s United before later moving to regular centre-halves. Gateshead.

MIDFIELD STEPHEN TURNBULL

MIDFIELD MATTHEW WADE

MIDFIELD DAMEN MULLEN

Previously with twin Phil at Gateshead, Stephen wrote his name into club folklore with a famous free kick in the FA Cup win over Hartlepool United.

Son of manager Tom, Matty occupies a holding midfield role for the side. Has previous experience with Washington and West Allotment.

One of the squad’s more versatile members, ex-Pools man Damen can play at fullback, on the flanks or in the heart of midfield.

Danny Parker Alex Nicholson Andrew Cartwright Jordan Watson Chris Bell Ryan Hutchinson Nathan Buddle Dillon Morse MIDFIELDERS

MIDFIELD MICHAEL RICHARDSON

MIDFIELD NEAL HOOKS

MIDFIELD PAUL ROBINSON

MIDFIELD/ATTACK ROBERT DALE

MIDFIELD/ATTACK ARRAN WEARMOUTH

Ex-Newcastle United midfielder Richardson is a forward-thinking player who is always looking to create attacks.

A classy operator, Neal was a key cog in the Spennymoor Town midfield before returning to Croft Park, where he was Player’s PotY in 2010/11.

A legend at Whitley Bay, Robinson collected two Vase winners’ medals and a glut of personal awards at Hillheads. As good as anyone when fit.

The club icon, Robbie has played over 500 games for Spartans, and the captain is currently third in the all-time top scorer’s list.

A rangy winger with pace to boot, ex-Boro and Bishop Auckland midfielder Arran has made a strong impression as part of the Spartans’ attack.

The 24-year-old was a key man in Spartans’ brilliant season last term, and has history with this particular competition, scoring a crucial goal in the 2-0 Northumberland FA Senior Cup final over Morpeth Town last May.

THE PLAYERS 6 | 2016 NFA Senior Cup Final

Neal Hooks Damen Mullen Matthew Wade Michael Richardson Paul Robinson Stephen Turnbull Arran Wearmouth Sean Reid Robbie Dale FORWARDS Ash Davis Dan Maguire Wilson Kneeshaw MANAGER

MIDFIELD/ATTACK SEAN REID Snapped up from West Allotment, former Barnsley trainee Reid can play anywhere down the spine of the team. A constant threat on the ball.

ATTACK ASH DAVIS

ATTACK WILSON KNEESHAW

ATTACK DANIEL MAGUIRE

Ash has rejoined for another Tricky, nippy and very Back after a brief period spell at Croft Park towards the dangerous, ex-Boro trainee at Halifax Town, Maguire’s end of last season. Previously Kneeshaw has impressed selfless running and knack for with Whitby Town and, more when leading the line. Has also producing goals has endeared recently, Whitley Bay. played for Darlington. him to the Croft Park faithful.

Tom Wade COACH Lee Picton

Blyth Spartans v North Shields | 7

TOMMY ORRICK

1941-2015 Spartans’ Alex Nicholson closes down NUFC U21 skipper Lubomir Satka.

Curtis Coppen puts Shields two up against Morpeth Town.

Photo: Bill Broadley

Photo: Ally Middleton

Q U A R T E R - F I N A L

ROUTE TO THE FINAL 8 | 2016 NFA Senior Cup Final

Q U A R T E R - F I N A L

This season, both Blyth Spartans and North Shields mourned the loss of one of their legends, Tommy Orrick, who passed away in October aged 74.

2-0

0-6

2-1

CROFT PARK | 7/11/15

GROUNSELL PARK | 16/3/16

DAREN PERSSON | 10/2/16

DAREN PERSSON | 23/3/16

Blyth Spartans comfortably overcame the challenge of Newcastle United’s U21 side, despatching the Magpies 2-0 at Croft Park.

Heaton Stannington did well to reach the last four of the Senior Cup, but were no match for Blyth Spartans, the gulf in levels apparent throughout the visitors’ 6-0 victory.

North Shields needed extra time to see off Ashington at the Daren Persson Stadium, Gareth Bainbridge’s late winner sending the Robins through to the semis.

Ben Richardson and Curtis Coppen were on target for Shields in the Senior Cup semi, progressing to the final at Morpeth Town’s expense.

Sean Reid opened the scoring from twenty yards on 22 minutes, and a Dillon Morse header made it two on the half hour mark. A spectacular Michael Richardson effort from halfway made it three and easy by half-time, and Alex Nicholson piled on the misery with a fourth after the restart.

Some breathtaking one-touch football between Ryan McGorrigan and Dean Holmes allowed the latter to move in on goal and dink over Conor Grant on 30 minutes, but the hosts’ dominance was not rewarded with a second goal, and Lee Scott made them pay in the 94th minute.

Michael Richardson, a former NUFC trainee, gained an element of revenge against his old side, dispossessing centre-half Callum Williams and coolly finishing beyond ‘keeper Paul Woolston. United fielded hot prospect Ivan Toney in attack but the forward was wasteful on the night, and the hosts deservedly made the game safe fifteen minutes from time. Richardson turned provider, his delivery from the right flank headed home by fan favourite Robbie Dale.

Late goals from Dan Maguire and a second for Nicholson ensured that Spartans progressed in emphatic fashion.

After twenty-eight minutes of extratime, penalties seemed inevitable, but Bainbridge tucked away Holmes’ pullback from eight yards to send the home support into raptures.

The FA Vase finalists were behind after a matter of minutes, Bainbridge capitalising on a Michael Hall error to square for Richardson, who hammered into the top corner from close range. The Robins were quick off the mark again in the second half, Coppen bundling home a Michael McKeown corner. Luke Carr halved arrears in the 68th minute to set up a nervy finale, but the Shields defence held firm to set up a St. James’ Park final against Blyth Spartans.

Tommy first played for North Shields as a 17 year old, becoming a regular by the age of 19, before going on to play for Bishop Auckland, Crook Town and Whitley Bay. He arrived at rock-bottom Blyth Spartans in 1965, his goals playing a pivotal role in the club’s upturn in fortunes. By the time he departed Croft Park, Tommy had scored 116 goals in three seasons, as well as equalling Johnny Langland’s record of 53 goals in a season. He returned to Shields ahead of the 1968/69 campaign, and his arrival would precede a glorious treble. Tommy stepped off the bench to keep the Robins in the Amateur Cup semi, then fulfilled the supersub role once again in the final, providing the two telling crosses in Shields’ comeback win over Sutton United. Tommy is survived by his wife Ann and his three children, as well as seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Blyth Spartans v North Shields | 9

THE 2015/16 SEASON

NORTH SHIELDS North Shields Athletic was originally formed in 1896, and played initially in the South Shields & District league. They progressed through the Northern Combination, Northern Alliance and North Eastern League and became a major force in North East Football, outside the Football League, moving to play at Hawkey’s Lane around 1900. Preston Colliery F.C. emerged after the Great War, becoming North Shields A.F.C. in 1928. They enjoyed tremendous local support with a record 12,800 watching the local derby with South Shields in 1936. Shields won the NE League title and numerous cups, but their moment of crowning glory came in 1969. After joining the Northern League, they won the FA Amateur Cup by beating Sutton United in front of 47,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium. The club, which also won the Northern League title and Challenge Cup that same year, were declared joint holders of the European

Amateur Cup the following season when two games against Italian side Almas resulted in a level aggregate score. In 1982, the Robins made it to the Second Round of the FA Cup, eventually beaten by Walsall at Appleby Park. Having moved into the national pyramid by joining the NCEL, North Shields earned promotion to the Northern Premier League by winning the title in 1992. However, financial problems were afoot, and Appleby Park had to be sold to appease the administrators. With no home to call their own, and mounting debts preventing a groundshare with Whitley Bay, North Shields went bankrupt. However, they almost instantly reformed as a new club, thanks to the efforts of local businessmen and band members. The club, headed by new chairman Richard Slade, sought and gained immediate admission to the Second Division of the VAUX Wearside League. They were promoted to the top flight as runners-up in their first

10 | 2016 NFA Senior Cup Final

season, reverting back to North Shields Athletic for four seasons. They enjoyed success in local cup competitions, the Shipowners Cup and NFA Senior Bowl added to that title in ‘98-99 treble-winning season. Once again known as North Shields from the 1999-2000 season onwards, the club began to kick on, league runners-up in 2000-01 and winners by eight points the following season. They also continued to collect silverware elsewhere, winning the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup in 2001 and again in 2003. After a fifteen year absence, the Robins gained promotion back into the Northern League in 2004 following their third Wearside League title and a further Shipowners Cup triumph. After ten years in Division Two, the club belatedly returned to the top tier. The Robins shattered records en route to the 2013/14 championship - but better was to come in national competition, winning the Vase 2-1 in extra-time against Glossop North End in front of a sizeable Wembley crowd.

Having taken the region and the country by storm in their first year back in the Northern League’s top flight, Shields have found it tougher in the immediate aftermath. Injuries and inconsistent results have prevented the Robins from scaling the lofty heights of the previous season, but a strong top-half finish remains a possibility, and Graham Fenton’s side could still lift silverware with victory tonight. At the time of writing, the Tynesiders were also in contention to challenge for the Brooks Mileson League Cup.

Founded 1896 Colours Red

VASE HEROES

Nickname Robins

North Shields had been to Wembley once before, the famous arches the setting of their finest victory in the 1969 Amateur Cup final. The Robins would sensationally repeat the feat forty-six years later to lift the Vase in the national stadium.

Ground Daren Persson Stadium

Shields swept aside all comers, five Northern League rivals and the likes of Phoenix Sports, Erith & Belvedere and Highworth Town defeated en route to the final.

Division Northern League Division One

Chairman Alan Matthews Manager Graham Fenton

Selected honours Amateur Cup winners 1969

Glossop NE took the lead in the Final, but Gareth Bainbridge equalised in the second half, before Adam Forster’s extra-time strike clinched svictory for the Robins.

STAR MAN GARETH BAINBRIDGE Robins marskman Gaz had already written his name into the Shields history books long before his Vase exploits. His leveller against Glossop North End was perhaps his most crucial in the red shirt, but the ex-Ashington forward has notched almost a goal a game since joining the Tyneside club - and last season’s NL Player of the Year is Shields’ current top scorer with fourteen goals to his name.

Northern League D2 winners 2013-14 FA Vase winners 2014-15

BANNON HUGHES

COPPEN

SUMMERLY

DONNISON

McKEOWN

ORMSTON

RICHARDSON RAVENHILL

HOLMES

BAINBRIDGE

ROBINS POSSIBLE XI Blyth Spartans v North Shields | 11

GOALKEEPER CHRIS BANNON

GOALKEEPER SEAN McCAFFERTY

An experienced, well-rounded ‘keeper signed from Ashington, Chris also played a part in the promotion campaigns of Hebburn Town and WAC.

In his second spell with the Robins, ‘Sheeps’ has tended net for Northern League outfits such as Bedlington Terriers and Whitley Bay.

DEFENCE JACK DONNISON

DEFENCE MARC LANCASTER

A young, committed full-back Back from a summer stint in who never stops working for America, Marc was the club’s his side down the right flank. first-choice left-back before Rarely beaten. Previously with suffering a dislocated shoulder. Blyth Town. Ex-Morpeth Town.

DEFENCE JORDAN SUMMERLY

DEFENCE BRAD BROOKING

DEFENCE JOHN PARKER

Full of promise, Jordan is one An experienced campaigner A rock in the Robins’ defence, of Graham Fenton’s young with the likes of Whitley Bay ex-West Auckland stopper charges at Monkseaton and Durham City, Brad provides Parks frequently brings Academy. Causes problems competition at full-back. A bravery, strength and with his pace and quick feet. steady performer. leadership to the back four.

ROBINS SQUAD LIST GOALKEEPERS Chris Bannon Sean McCafferty DEFENDERS

DEFENCE/MIDFIELD CURTIS COPPEN

MIDFIELD MICHAEL McKEOWN

MIDFIELD GARY ORMSTON

MIDFIELD BEN RICHARDSON

MIDFIELD ADAM FORSTER

Previously with Gateshead College, Curtis possesses enormous quality and potential. Adept at both centre-half and centre-mid.

A hard-working midfielder with a keen eye for inch-perfect long balls. A former Sunderland academy player, also ex-Seaham Red Star.

A Vase winner with Whitley Bay and also ex-Dunston, Gary is superb at the simple things, breaking up play and moving the ball forward.

Shields' set-piece specialist, Ben frequently chips in with goals and assists. Previously turned out for West Allotment and Washington.

Another young talent, exSpartan Adam is excellent on the ball. Wrote his name into Shields history with the Vase winner at Wembley.

DEFENCE KEVIN HUGHES

MIDFIELD/ATTACK RYAN CARR

Stalwart centre-half and club captain Kevin has proven to be a superb re-signing for Shields, who poached him back from West Allotment Celtic.

A nippy attacker who played at AFC Farsley, Ryan can play anywhere across attacking midfield. An impact player, be it as a starter or off the bench.

MIDFIELD/ATTACK PETER RAVENHILL

MIDFIELD/ATTACK DEAN HOLMES

MIDFIELD/ATTACK LEE MASON

Ex-Gateshead and Durham City One of the club’s brightest Another who played in the wideman Peter has done well talents, Dean rejoined the green and white stripes, Mason to recover from a year-long Robins after a short spell at was picked up from Whitby injury, and is back to his best in Croft Park. Always a dangerous Town in 2016. Great feet and a Shields colours. outlet. cultured right boot.

Kevin is a no-nonsense defender who steadies the ship, combining a great reading of the game with strong aerial and passing abilities.

Jack Donnison Brad Brooking Jordan Summerly Marc Lancaster John Parker Kevin Hughes Curtis Coppen MIDFIELDERS Michael McKeown Gary Ormston Ben Richardson Adam Forster Denver Morris Peter Ravenhill Ryan McGorrigan Lee Mason Ryan Carr Dean Holmes FORWARDS Gareth Bainbridge Daniel Wilson Jack Devlin MANAGER Graham Fenton

THE PLAYERS 12 | 2016 NFA Senior Cup Final

MIDFIELD/ATTACK RYAN McGORRIGAN

ATTACK JACK DEVLIN

Ryan is a product of the NUFC academy, and has played for Spartans, Gateshead and a host of NL clubs. A pacey threat on his day.

Young forward signed from Easington Colliery in March 2016, Jack was previously on the books at Queen of the South. An eager talent.

ATTACK DANIEL WILSON

ATTACK GARETH BAINBRIDGE

Strong and deceptively A legend in NE29, Gaz has an quick striker Dan joined from approx. goal-per-game ratio. Dunston. The ex-Tow Law The prolific, hardworking striker forward holds the ball well earned the NL Player of the Year and can beat a man. award in 2015.

ASST. MANAGER Andrew Bowman COACH Brian Smith

Blyth Spartans v North Shields | 13

Northumberland had lost the Amateur Cup and Midweek Cup during the seventies, but the Benevolent Bowl (1976) and the County Sunday Cup (1980) were both introduced, as were three new junior competitions. A progressive senior club from the West Division – Prudhoe East End – was accepted into the Northern League’s Second Division in 1988/89. And at this time there was also the introduction of small sided soccer – a ‘mini-soccer miracle’. Just as the nineties dawned the Northumberland FA Youth Team won the Northern Counties Youth Cup in 1991 and then again in 1992. Six years later in the 1997/98 season the County’s Youth Team did even better and added the FA County Youth Cup to their previous successes in the country-wide competition in 1965 and 1969.

FOOTBALL IN NORTHUMBERLAND

More recently, the success of Whitley Bay has been of particular noteworthiness, the club’s magnificent success in the FA Vase winning the competition in 2002 before an unprecedented hat-trick of successes between 2009 and 2011 only further demonstrated the continued success of football in Northumberland.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SPORT’S PROGRESS IN THE COUNTY According to tradition, football (in Northumberland at least) was possibly first played by Roman soldiers, close to the Roman Wall, but it wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that its popularity began to increase dramatically. The Northumberland FA was initially formed in 1883, and Newcastle East End won the first ever NFA Senior Cup two years later with a 1-0 win over Sleekburn Wanderers. Shankhouse would briefly dominate the competition towards the end of the 19th century, but by 1900, many other clubs were emerging; Ashington and Morpeth Harriers were on the rise, while Whitley Bay, North Shields and Blyth Spartans Athletic were all formed. As the county’s footballing stature grew, so too did its member clubs’ trophy hauls. Shankhouse became the first Northumberland club to win the Alliance title, following this up

14 | 2016 NFA Senior Cup Final

with consecutive Senior Cup wins, and the creation of many new clubs necessitated the formation of the North Northumberland League in 1896. The milestones kept on coming, as Newcastle United ‘A’ became the first club in the region to clinch the Northern League championship in 1902/03, repeating the feat the following two seasons. Blyth Spartans, meanwhile, were picking up title silverware in the Alliance, topping the table in both 1908/09 and 1912/13. The Great War temporarily brought football in the region to a halt, and when the Northern League resumed, not one Northumberland club belonged within its ranks. There was better news up at Ashington, who became members of the Football League for eight years between 1921 and 1929. The thirties belonged to Blyth

Spartans, who won the Senior Cup four times on the trot between 1934 and 1937. This was when the NorthEastern League was such as major force and the Spartans were league champions in 1936, overcoming the challenges of clubs such as Sunderland and Middlesbrough Reserves as well as Carlisle and Darlington Reserves. War once again put paid to league football for seven years. When it resumed, Newburn were the emerging force, and the increasing popularity of the sport led to the formation of the North East Sunday Football League and the Tyneside Amateur League. Whitley Bay Athletic won the Northern Alliance title in 1953 and again in 1954 while North Shields lifted the Senior Cup three times in this decade, though. But Northumberland teams were still conspicuous by their absence from

the Northern League until the Bay entered in 1958/59. Alnwick Town would go on to dominate the Alliance throughout the sixties and into the early seventies. Whitley Bay also broke the Durham strangehold in the Northern League, earning back to back titles in ‘64/’65 and ‘65/’66, while North Shields and Blyth Spartans were admitted to the league. The late sixties saw Shields enter their heyday, lifting the Amateur Cup and and the NL title, and Blyth Spartans picked up the slack in the seventies, winning a slew of championships and reaching the lofty heights of the Fifth Round in the FA Cup. Around this time, Blue Star were also scaling new heights, bringing the FA Vase back to the north before going on to lift the title and four Senior Cups throughout the eighties. Balmy times indeed for the county.

The arrival of the new Millennium coincided with Northumberland FA becoming a Limited Company and in 2002/03 the long awaited move to new premises at Whitley Park came with the inclusion of a County home ground. As if to celebrate this significant year, our County Youth team again won the Cup. A notable double was completed with the team defeating North Riding FA 2-0 in the Northern Counties Youth Cup Final. In the senior game, Northumberland clubs have remained prominent locally and nationally. North Shields defied the odds to become the latest county club to lift the FA Vase, and the trophy could well remain in the region if Morpeth Town can overcome Hereford at Wembley. With Blyth Spartans competing at the top of the NPL and nine teams competing across the Northern League’s two divisions, the future is looking bright for football in Northumberland.

Blyth Spartans v North Shields | 15

BLYTH SPARTANS Adam McHUGH Fabian OTTE Chris BELL Nathan BUDDLE Andrew CARTWRIGHT Ryan HUTCHINSON Dillon MORSE Alex NICHOLSON Danny PARKER Jordan WATSON Neal HOOKS Damen MULLEN Sean REID Michael RICHARDSON Paul ROBINSON Stephen TURNBULL Matthew WADE Robert DALE Ash DAVIS Wilson KNEESHAW Arran WEARMOUTH Daniel MAGUIRE

NORTH SHIELDS Chris BANNON Sean McCAFFERTY Jack DONNISON Brad BROOKING Marc LANCASTER Jordan SUMMERLY Kevin HUGHES John PARKER Curtis COPPEN Michael McKEOWN Gary ORMSTON Ben RICHARDSON Adam FORSTER Peter GLEN-RAVENHILL Ryan McGORRIGAN Dean HOLMES Ryan CARR Denver MORRIS Lee MASON Jack DEVLIN Daniel WILSON Gareth BAINBRIDGE

REFEREE | DEAN HULME ASSISTANTS | THOMAS CHAMBERS NEIL WRIGHT FOURTH OFFICIAL | WILL FINNIE

NORTHUMBERLAND FA