allotment
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14
up for the cup Allotment’s last shot at cup silverware kicks off tonight
Club Sponsor
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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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up for this cup
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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 Northallerton Town
years in the making of the club’s history, studded with hardship, success and numerous relocations... who averaged almost one goal a game in his 400 appearances for the club. Williams was ably supported by a talented and hungry squad, and, with strength in depth, Allotment were always considered title contenders. However, the championship remained tantalisingly out of reach until yet another play-off tie in 1982. Allotment finally won the coveted title, defeating Annitsford Welfare by the odd goal in seven.
Alliance titles, never finishing lower than sixth. Terry Mitchell and Brian Latty built upon Ken Scott and Billy Hays’ consecutive Alliance league titles, leading Allotment into the Northern League.
the modern day
When Celtic retained the title with relative ease the following season, the decision was taken to move up a tier for the first time since 1938.
Having acted as tenants at Hillheads in Whitley Bay since 1995, the club set out to find a new home, and found it in Benton. In 2001, the club moved to Whitley Park, also known as the Blue Flames Sports Ground. The ground is well-known as one of the best kept pitches in the Northern League, and also serves as the headquarters of the Northumberland FA.
the colossus of the alliance In 1983, Allotment made its debut in both the Northern Alliance and the FA Vase. The first honour of the period arrived just one season later, as Allotment dispatched Ponteland United in the Alliance Challenge Cup Final. This success was followed up two seasons later by the first of Celtic’s eight Alliance titles. In 1987, West Allotment emerged victorious from two nail-biting play-off games against Gosforth St. Nicholas, ushering in a wave of success not enjoyed at the club since the fifties. Throughout this period, Celtic won seven further Northern
The club earned promotion from Division Two as champions, losing just twice throughout the entire 2004/05 season. After six seasons of holding their own against the Northern League’s top tier, Allotment slipped back down a league. The current crop have gone some way to restoring success at Allotment, winning the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup last May, and will be aiming for those promotion places this season. the history
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the squad
Chris Bannon GK Age: 26 Formerly of Washington and Hebburn Town, popular and reliable ‘keeper Chris returns to Allotment for a second stint between the sticks, and will jostle with Ryan Beal for the number one jersey.
Glenn Ford CB Age: 29 Glenn rejoined the club during the 2012/13 season, making a handful of solid appearances. Having committed for this coming season, fans can expect to see much more of Glenn and his defensive abilities.
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Ryan Beal GK Age: 25 An excellent shot stopper, Ryan featured extensively in last season’s cup-winning campaign, and will look to consolidate his place with similarly strong performances this season.
GK Chris Bannon GK Ryan Beal GK Bob Rodgerson GK Jack Thompson
CB Simon Wilthew CB Glenn Ford CB Stephen Little CB Paul Stoneman RB John Pendlebury
Bob Rodgerson Stephen Little GK Age: 31 CB Age: 26 A Percy Main Amateurs The ex-Annfield Plain regular, Bob performed and Killingworth stopper admirably when filling shone at the back for in during a goalkeeping Allotment last season, crisis towards the back putting in a series of end of last season, and superlative defensive has registered once again showings, earning the to be our third choice Player’s Player of the Year ‘keeper. Award in the process.
Simon Wilthew John Pendlebury Chris Douglas CB Age: 25 RB Age: 27 RB Age: 29 Simon featured 15 times A first-team regular since The ultimate utility player, at the back for Allotment signing for Allotment Chris can be employed last season. Strong at from Ryton in 2010, anywhere down either centre-half and adept at John’s relentless work flank to devastating left-back, the Monkseaton ethic and tenacious effect. The former North defender will be looking tackling bring stability Shields man’s pace and to build on his impressive to the back four. The perception underpins his debut in the Northern full-back often serves as undoubted ability, be it League. captain in the absence of as a full-back or a wide Ian Dunn. midfielder.
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
RB Chris Douglas LB Marc Dummett CM David Borley CM Michael Latimer CM Roy Gordon
Marc Dummett LB Age: 26 The former Ponteland United and Dunston fullback has proven to be an asset to the club in both defence and attack. His crossing ability in both regular play and from set-pieces is second to none.
Michael Bell CM Age: 22 Brimming with potential, “Belly” won the Under-19 National Schools Cup with Northumberland and has also represented Ryton. Bell is unbeatable in the air, and can also operate on the wing and as a supporting striker.
CM Ian Dunn CM Marc Allen CM David Henderson CM Michael Bell CM Sean Reid
Roy Gordon CM Age: 31 Roy rejoins Celtic for a second spell, having last played for the club during the 2011/12 season. Able to play in a number of positions, the experienced utility man has also turned out for North Shields, Consett and Annfield Plain.
CM Bernat Roca RM Kallum McGlen RM Tony Lancaster RM Bart Oliver-Berga LM Connor Graham
LM Dean Lee ST David Dormand ST Lawrence McKenna ST Liam Hudson ST Jed Findlay
Michael Latimer David Henderson CM Age: 26 CM Age: 31 Seasoned midfielder David Henderson Michael returns to rejoined the club last Allotment, having spent season, and the former time at Bedlington North Shields schemer Terriers, Newcastle provides another option Benfield and Washington. going forward through A tough tackler and a the middle. Henders highly versatile member is arguably one of the of the squad, capable of most skilful players in the playing at centre-half. squad.
Ian Dunn Marc Allen Sean Reid CM Age: 31 CM Age: 26 CM Age: 21 Long-serving, tough Marc previously turned Rangy, pacy and tackling midfielder Dunn out for Whitley Bay technically gifted, Sean has grafted tirelessly Reserves, but has can play as a roaming for three years at West become a mainstay in the central midfielder, a Allotment, earning the Celtic squad. His astute dangerous centrecaptain’s armband in the passing, ball retention forward, or even an adept process. “Dunny” remains skills and battling tenacity centre-back. The former one of Celtic’s key men are evident whenever he Ryton forward is one of deep in the heart of is called upon in central Celtic’s most promising midfield. midfield. attacking outlets.
the squad
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the squad
Kallum McGlen RM Age: 21 A former Montagu & North Fenham favourite, Kallum features on the right hand side of midfield, where his energy and technique often causes problems for opposing full-backs.
Liam Hudson ST Age: 25
Tony Lancaster RM Age: 28
Dean Lee LM Age: 30
David Dormand ST Age: 25
Signed from Wark in March 2011. Tony struggled with injuries last term, but will hope to be back to his pacy, dangerous best this season. Tony can also operate as a wholly competent right-back.
A winger with the scoring nous of a striker, the former North Shields man has all of the tools required to strike fear into the hearts of defenders. One of Celtic’s most prolific threats going forward.
David’s prolific record precedes him, and the former Morpeth forward has already replicated his goalscoring form since joining Celtic, topping the charts with 30 goals. A clinical poacher and a hard worker up front.
Lawrence McKenna ST Age: 25
Jed Findlay ST Age: 24
Ryan Anderson ST Age: 18
Another former Ryton Lawrence is wellforward, army soldier travelled, having topped Liam is capable of the scoring charts for pressuring his opposite Whickham, before going numbers into submission on to play for Bedlington with his strength and high Terriers and Newcastle work rate. “Hud” can Benfield. Is known to be also be deployed on the a deadly finisher in the right wing. division.
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Signed from Cramlington A promising young Town last February, Jed striker, Ryan was is a promising forward snapped up in trials for with plenty of attacking Allotment’s ‘A’ team, and potential. Having made a has already impressed for handful of appearances both the development last season, the striker side and the first team’s will be hoping to get respective pre-seasons. more game time this campaign.
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
the squad
the backroom staff
Paul Stoneman Player/Manager
Wilf Kielty Assistant Manager
Paul Hogg First Team Coach
Charlotte Ferguson Physiotherapist
The stalwart centre-half has played for Blackpool, Colchester United and Halifax Town. Despite turning 40 last year, ‘Stona’ was ever-present last season, remaining unbeatable in the air and impervious in the tackle.
Right-hand man Wilf has been around the local non-league scene for many years, both as a player and in a management role, giving notable service to North Shields as manager for several seasons.
The UEFA-licensed coach is held in very high regard at North Shields, having played, coached and managed there for over a decade. Paul has also managed Annfield Plain, and is working with the Newcastle United Foundation.
Charlotte is in her final year of her Physiotherapy studies at Northumbria University, and is currently on her final placement at the RVI. She is also a qualified sports masseur.
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Paul Stoneman the backroom staff
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the last match
23RD NOVEMBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WHITLEY PARK
West Allotment Celtic 2 Chester-le-Street Town 2
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EST Allotment Celtic were made to curse their luck in front of goal for the second time in a fortnight against Chesterle-Street, player-manager Paul Stoneman’s injurytime header salvaging a 2-2 draw at Whitley Park. The two teams traded opportunities early on, Damien Stevens firing over for the visitors, before Liam Hudson and David Dormand placed efforts off target, but the four of Celtic’s bestchances came within the same move, with Dormand, Sean Reid, Dormand again and David Henderson all denied by desperate goalkeeping and defending in a frenetic few seconds. The Cestrians almost took
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advantage of the let-off, Beal’s weak punch from a corner falling to Michael Hepplewhite, but his goalbound effort was cleared off the line by the returning Glenn Ford. A further effort from Stevens forced a routine save from Beal, but Celtic attacked at will thereafter. Dormand spurned another superb chance, once again slipping inside his defensive counterpart, only to blast the ball over the crossbar. Reid spurned two half-chances, whilst Dormand and Ian Dunn saw further attempts blocked and saved respectively. With two minutes left before the half-time whistle, Allotment belatedly made the breakthrough that their play deserved. Hudson beat full-
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
back Kevin Dixon to the byline, and his deep cross was headed in at the back post by Michael Bell, rising highest to give his side a slender lead at the break. Chester-le-Street threw on John Honour at half-time, and the forward should have levelled within minutes of his introduction, but his feeble attempt from within the box was comfortably blocked en route to goal. Nevertheless, they were level moments later, courtesy of a large slice of luck. Beal and Stoneman should have easily dealt with a fizzing Michael Graver cross, but untimely miscommunication between the pair resulted in the ball bundling in off the centre-half. Reid stuck the top of the crossbar with a header as Celtic mustered a strong
response, whilst Beal had to be alert to parry the ball from Hepplewhite’s feet at the other end, before Allotment’s Reid spurned an incredible chance, springing the offside trap, but skewing a simple one-on-one wide of the far post.
...in pictures with graeme jackson
Further misplaced attempts came from the boots of Bell and Dunn, and another Reid header that was tipped away expertly by Ryan Graham, but as Celtic pushed for the winner, Town almost pulled ahead. Stevens capitalised on a Stoneman error, but fluffed his lines in front of goal. The relief was short-lived, as Chester looked to have stolen all three points at the death, courtesy of another fortuitous moment. Hepplewhite’s deep cross from the left veered unexpectedly towards goal, catching out Beal and sailing into the far corner. With just added minutes left on the clock, Allotment looked to have let the game slip through their fingers – but there was time yet for one last twist. The hosts threw everything into the box, including their imposing veteran centre-half, who atoned for his earlier mistake with a powerful header that, was adjudged to have crossed the line. A draw was the very least that Allotment deserved on the day, but despite the late nature of the leveller, the Celtic camp will feel like it’s two points dropped rather than one point gained. the last match
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the last meeting
16TH NOVEMBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO NISSAN SPORTS COMPLEX
West Allotment Celtic 3 Northallerton Town 0
T
HREE second-half goals from Sean Reid, Liam Hudson and Lawrence McKenna set West Allotment Celtic on course for a 3-0 win at home to Northallerton Town, another side looking to contend for promotion this season. The victory was not as comprehensive as the scoreline may suggest, as Town spurned a host of chances of their own, but were made to rue their profligacy by a far more clinical Celtic side. The Yorkshiremen fashioned the first opportunity of the evening through debutant Freddie Huscroft, the towering forward turning inside John Pendlebury and firing just wide
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of ‘keeper Bob Rodgerson’s far post. Allotment responded with two half-chances of their own, with a Liam Hudson cross evading Sean Reid by mere inches, before David Dormand half-volleyed an awkward attempt wide of goal. The visitors should have taken the lead after twenty minutes of play – and were a lick of paint away from doing so. After Huscroft’s goalbound strike was blocked, the ball found its way to the dangerous Colin Anderson, who skipped around Rodgerson, only to fire against the woodwork following good pressure from full-back Chris Douglas. Wide man Christian Holliday was next to miss the target for Town, and Darren Kokes saw
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
an effort deflected away from harm, but it was Celtic who finished the half in stronger fashion, and were similarly guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance before the interval. Dormand burst clear of the back four, with only Alex Kell standing between him and the opening goal, but the ‘keeper did well to save and hold the forward’s attempt. The break did little to halt Celtic’s resurgence, and, after Dormand poked over within moments of the restart, the hosts were handed the chance to break the deadlock from twelve yards, with Howlett’s challenge on Liam Hudson deemed to be a foul. The midfield playmaker sent Kell the wrong way with his powerful penalty.
Allotment almost put daylight between themselves and their hardworking opponents, but Kallum McGlen’s low drive thundered off the post and back into the arms of the relieved Kell. Celtic almost regretted their misfortune minutes later, as Northallerton Town went desperately close to levelling the scores. Daniel McLachlan found space for himself deep in West Allotment’s penalty area, but the superb Rodgerson was equal to his effort, saving and holding an effort that should have been placed far beyond his reach. The third-choice deputy was there again to deny Peter Mulcaster’s men an equaliser in a back-and-forth encounter, tipping Holliday’s deft cross away from the waiting Anderson at the back post. And yet, just as Town were pushing hard for the leveller, Allotment doubled their advantage. Dormand’s volleyed pass floated over the backline and into Northallerton’s final third, but ‘keeper Kell hesitated in coming for the ball, and Hudson powered forward to beat him to it, deftly lobbing the ball over his head and into the bottom corner. Northallerton and their vociferously vocal fans felt that they should have had a
penalty of their own following a debatable Ian Dunn handball in the box, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. At the other end, fresh introduction Connor Graham almost made it three with his first meaningful touch of the game, but his finish from the hardworking Dormand’s tee-up was poked away by the leg of Kell. With fifteen minutes left on the clock, there was still time for Town to haul themselves back into it, but any chance of that soon dissipated after the most shocking miss of the evening, courtesy of centre-forward McLachlan. Another floated ball from Holliday found the 24-year-old in acres of space, but his header from eight yards sailed high and wide of the target.
Celtic ultimately deserved to take all three points from a hotly-contested match, having stepped up their game in the second half. Town played their part but found Stoneman and Little tough to beat at the back, and when they did, their own wastefulness – combined with the presence of the assured Rodgerson between the sticks – served to keep their forwards off the scoresheet. Liam Hudson won the penalty for the first and grabbed the second himself
The latest in a string of misses knocked the wind out of Northallerton’s sails, and Allotment – the stronger of the two sides in the second half – wrapped up the victory with a third and final goal in the dying moments. David Henderson weaved his magic from midfield, dancing around three desperate challenges in the box and laying it into the path of substitute McKenna, who made no mistake from close range. West Allotment
the last meeting
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the pre-match preview
form: LLDWD
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
W
EST Allotment Celtic’s promotion push has hit something of a stumbling block of late, having won just one of their last four league games, but will hope that the League Cup provides the side with a muchneeded boost. Celtic have thus far suffered their fair share of misfortune in other cup competitions, but have also failed to hit the target when it mattered most - a worrying trend that has crept into their league form, with wasteful finishing once again accountable for
NORTHALLERTON TOWN form: WLDWD
S
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INCE their defeat at Whitley Park four weeks ago, Northallerton Town have, much like West Allotment, endured a rather inconsistent period of form. Prior to the 3-0 defeat in late October, Town occupied fourth place in Division Two, but have slipped further down the table as their rivals played out their respective games in hand. The Yorkshiremen now lie in sixth place, but four of the five teams above them still have at least two games to extend their advantage.
the two points dropped at home to Chester-le-Street on Saturday. The situation has been exacerbated by the absence of Lawrence McKenna, who remains out with a knee injury. However, playermanager Paul Stoneman may have one his side’s top scorers from last season at his disposal tonight, as Dean Lee returns from a knee injury sustained six weeks ago. Likewise, fellow winger Tony Lancaster continued his recovery from a knee injury of his own, featuring in the ‘A’ team’s 6-1 victory Following on from the last meeting, Northallerton disposed of Teesside outfit Thornaby - but only just, seeing off a late comeback from the Blues to win 3-2.
over the weekend. In defence, Marc Dummett expects to be fit enough to feature tonight, but Stephen Little remains banned for two more games, with Glenn Ford expected to fill his boots in defence. Chris Bannon, Kallum McGlen and Marc Allen are all expected to miss out. If Allotment are to keep up with their high-flying rivals in the league, they will need to rediscover their form in front of goal - and where better to find it than amidst the magic of a cup run?
Peter Mulcaster’s men were not so fortunate against Wearside League side Redcar Athletic in the North Riding Senior Cup, never recovering from a poor first half in a 3-2 reverse.
Halfway through the month, Northallerton look to have got their second wind, putting six past South Shields in the EA Cup, with sub Daniel Baxter bagging a quickfire brace. Another strong showing secured a draw against tricky opponents in Seaham Red Star, top scorer Colin Anderson’s strike earning Town a hard-earned share of the spoils.
Town almost suffered a similar fate when they returned to league action, Darren Kokes’ last-gasp goal rescuing a home draw against Willington.
This cup fixture has forced Town to make another 120mile round trip in midweek and it could be another long night if they fail to progress to the next round.
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
29-year-old centre-half Glenn Ford made an unexpected return to the first team on Saturday afternoon. Despite suffering from a double hernia, the former Ponteland United star stepped up to the plate, filling in for the suspended Stephen Little. Alongside player-manager Paul Stoneman, ‘Fordy’ lasted eighty minutes, and will be expected to put in another shift for the side in the centre of defence this evening.
statattack 60
The attendance for the last meeting at Whitley Park
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No. of goals scored by Town thus far
league meetings
25-year-old poacher Colin Anderson technically leads the club’s scoring charts with ten league goals, ahead of another experienced NL player in Darren Kokes, who has nine strikes to his name. Together, the pair will be looking to fire Northallerton out of Division Two.
P 7 6 13
W 2 6 8
D 1 0 1
L 4 0 4
F 15 13 28
A 19 2 21
No. of points separating the two teams last season
0 12
No. of points Town have picked up on the road
the preview
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northallerton town the history
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N 1982, they were among the founding members of the Northern League Division Two, they gained promotion to Division One by finishing second in 1989–90. They had huge success in the early 90s reaching the last 16 of the FA Trophy, finally losing to Farnborough Town; they also reached the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup in 1992 and 1993, losing to Accrington Stanley and Witton Albion. Town also started to attract some undesirable support with crowd trouble at Accrington, Workington & Witton, however this was short lived, as was the club’s success, going bust in 1994. The ground was sold off to a businessman with no interest in football. Debts were cleared on liquidation; however the club then had to find rent on a monthly basis. The club changed their name to Northallerton F.C. 1994 in 1994, and were relegated back into Division Two in the 1994–95 season. They soon shot back up they secured the league championship during 1996–97 and were promoted back to Division One. They were relegated once more the following season though, and reverted their club name back to Northallerton Town in 1999. During the 2002–03 season, Town reached the 4th round of the FA Vase, before being knocked out 3–0 to Burgess Hill Town. For the 2005–06 season, they were runners-up in Northern League Division Two and were promoted. The club flirted with relegation for the whole of
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West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
the 2007–08 season, surviving after a departing Andy Toman led his men to an unlikely final day 2–1 away win at Morpeth Town. Alan Robinson was appointed manager however decided to emigrate just before the start of the season. Former Doncaster Rovers player Martyn Speight and vastly experienced Northern League goalkeeper Stuart Dawson were thrown in at the deep end as joint managers. Town hovered around the relegation zone for the second season in succession. Dawson resigned from the club on 5 January 2009, and it was left to sole manager Martyn Speight to improve performances and results. This was achieved to some degree, however the club still struggled, leading to the departure of Speight after a 5–1 home defeat to lowly Ashington. The club’s Division One tenure looked questionable, however the Committee moved quickly and appointed Mark Fanning as the new manager. His appointment was too late to save the club from relegation, finishing bottom of the league and a miserable run of results at the end of the season. Last season, he guided the club to their first silverware in 18 years when they came from behind to beat Second Division champions Team Northumbria 3-2 in the final of the Ernest Armstrong Cup. Fanning and his assistant Martin Collins resigned in March 2013 so Mulcaster returned to take over for a third time, initially until the end of the season. But following a good run of results which saw the club reach the final of the Ernest Armstrong Cup again, Mulcaster was offered the job on a permanent basis. Unfortunately Northallerton were beaten 3-1 in the final by West Allotment Celtic.
Nickname: Town Ground: Calvert Stadium Chairperson: Les Hood
Rivals: Stokesley, Darlington R.A. Largest home crowd 2013/14: 155 v Stokesley Distance travelled tonight (approx.): 60 miles
the players Dean Hudson
Having come through the Northallerton Academy ranks last season, 22-year-old Deano has taken over as number one this season.
Grant Hickman
Signed from Darlington FC, Grant made his debut in 2008/09, and is now in his fifth season at the club. He was the only ever-present in 2010/11 and was winner of Management Player of the Season that year.
Daniel Shoulder
The pen profiles of some of Northallerton Town’s key squad members
Sean Davies
The 28-year-old stopper signed from Crook Town this summer, having been part of the side that won promotion to Division One. Sean is a strong defender who has had Football League experience while with Scarborough.
Ian Smurthwaite
Tough tackling midfielder is now in his fourth season at the club. ‘Smurf’ had previously been at Darlington FC. The 22-year-old can also play at centre-half.
An experienced defender now in his fifth season with Town, Danny has previously turned out for the likes Shildon, West Auckland and Darlington RA. Twice awarded Player’s Player of the Year and Club ViceCaptain.
Gavin Parkin
Stephen Banks
Andrew Porritt
Defender Stephen signed last season, having played first division football with Tow Law Town Former clubs include Jarrow Roofing, Esh Winning and Chester-le-Street.
New club captain Gav, a cultured midfield player, has previously played with Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Consett. Won the Player of the Year award at the end of last season.
Versatile Pozza, who can play in defence or midfield, joined Town from Wearside League club Redcar Athletic towards the end of last season. Was voted Young Player of the Year by the fans.
Dale Elgie
Formerly of Darlington RA, where he led out the side as captain for two seasons, tough tackling midfielder Elgie has signed on for Northallerton this campaign.
Colin Anderson
In his third spell with the club following a successful season in the Teesside League with Richmond Town, where he finished as the league’s leading scorer.
Darren Kokes
Experienced striker Kokesy arrived at Town this summer from Esh Winning. The 29-yearold has previously turned out for South Shields, and will look to lead the line for Town this campaign.
Graham Caygill
After an impressive pre-season, 23-year-old centre-forward Graham has been promoted from Northallerton Town’s Academy side. He scored over 20 goals in the Teesside League last season, and will look to do the same for the first team.
the visitors
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up for this cup
fa cup
fa vase
4-0 defeat
4-1 defeat
first round qualifying
second round qualifying
Allotment were on the receiving end of a fourgoal defeat at Billingham Synthonia, having pushed the Division One outfit an awful lot more than the deceptive scoreline suggests.
A combination of highly questionable officiating and a lack of composure ended a potentially moneyspinning run for Allotment in the Vase, as Penrith enjoyed their home comforts.
A reshuffled Celtic side more than matched their opponents on the day, only to be caught on the break by Synthonia, Matty Osmond scoring at the second attempt after floating unmarked behind the defence.
Ian Dunn’s deflected header put the visitors ahead early on, only for a swift Penrith counter to be finished off by Cameron Wilson. Steven Rigg’s twenty-five yard strike turned it around before half-time, and the Cumbrians could have been two ahead after a dubious penalty award, only for Ryan Beal to keep out the spot kick.
The scoreline remained close until the last twenty minutes, and the visitors were made to regret Sean Reid’s narrow miss, as moments later, Nathan Porritt put daylight between the two sides. Glenn Ford headed agonisingly wide as Celtic pressed, but Jim Wilson took advantage of a defensive error to kill the game off, before the impressive Porritt chipped Beal, adding gloss to what was a very close encounter at the Glamal.
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West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
A second soft penalty was gifted to Penrith after the break. Beal repeated his previous heroics, but couldn’t prevent Celtic’s game from unravelling. Paul Stoneman was sent off after retaliating to Rigg’s assault, and the midfielder scored Penrith’s third from the resulting free-kick. A frustrated Michael Bell was dismissed soon after the restart for a late lunge, before Ricky Faustino added a fourth for the heavily favoured hosts.
After the cup success of last year ended an eight year silverware drought, Allotment have just one more chance to win a knockout competition - against the team they defeated to lift the EA Cup in May. Here’s how Celtic fared in the other competitions...
senior cup
ea cup
2-1 defeat
4-1 defeat
first round
Two Tony Brown penalties at either end of the game ultimately put West Allotment Celtic’s hopes of progression to the sword. His first came fifteen minutes into the game after ‘keeper Chris Bannon was adjudged to have brought down Dale Kennedy in the box. Having threatened throughout the half, some fine football from Allotment brought them level prior to the break, Dean Lee finishing off a flowing team move, albeit injuring his knee in the process.
first round
A second-string Allotment side proved to be no match for Willington in the opening round of the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup, as the holder’s defence of the trophy capitulated at the earliest stage.
Sean Reid and David Dormand both spurned free headers, whilst Ian Dunn and Chris Douglas went one better, striking the bar and post respectively,
The County Durham hosts were the more confident side throughout, and took a deserved lead through full-back Aidan Goodey, his freekick from thirty yards clipping the underside of the bar on its way into the top corner. Liam Whitworth doubled their advantage before halftime, before captain Tom Lazonby killed the game off early in the second half with a close-range finish.
Sensing the opportunity to seize a late win, Alnwick applied the pressure, and were rewarded when debutant Alex Nisbet hauled down an attacker in the box in the final minute. A red card and penalty award followed, with Brown once again beating Bannon from twelve yards.
Spanish winger Bart Oliver-Berga gave Allotment a sliver of hope, capitalising on a defensive error to smash home, but as the visitors pressed for a way back into the tie, Willington grabbed the fourth and final goal of the evening, David Pinkney consigning last year’s winners to defeat. up for this cup
19
west allotment celtic fc .com - All the latest news and events - Match previews and reports for every Allotment game - Picture galleries past and present - Back issues of Three Miles West, the official club magazine, and the club’s matchday programmes
the letter draw S
U
G
26th November 2013 6 winners of £134 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
L
AST-minute goals are something to be relished and dreaded in equal measure. They can electrify the terraces one final time, puff out chests and shatter hearts. Consolations are naturally exempt from the rule, but that should go without saying. West Allotment have scored more than their fair share of timely pointwinners. Who could forget Marc Dummett’s sumptuous free-kick that completed the turnaround against Stokesley? Or Sean Reid’s late winner in a see-saw Seaham encounter? Or his last-gasp leveller at Norton & Stockton? Or the strike that secured a win at wind-swept Brandon? (The 21-year-old is an early bloomer and a latecomer, it would seem.) That said, the tables have been turned on occasion. The draw at home to Esh Winning, ceded after eightyeight minutes of dominance (not to mention scored by our own centre-half), will live long in the memory as two points dropped. A late Tony Brown penalty spared us all from extra time against Alnwick Town, whilst Darren Reay’s finish - Jarrow Roofing’s fifth of the day - was
a killer blow in the promotion match-up. Celtic are arguably still recovering to this day. The final five at Whitley Park are often the most adrenalin-fuelled, sweat-inducing moments of the afternoon or eve, but they are not always the most enjoyable. That much was evident on Saturday afternoon when Chester-le-Street came to town. Less than five minutes remained on the clock, and the scores were astonishingly still level at 1-1, despite the hosts’ dominant showing. The seconds ebbed away, and with them, any hope of those two additional points. Then Michael Hepplewhite picked up the ball out wide on the left, found himself a little space, and lofted a hopeful ball into the box. It deviated from its intended trajectory, veering further left, over the head of Ryan Beal and into the far corner. He celebrated like he meant it, but much like the Cestrians’ first, it was entirely unintentional. That hollow feeling of disappointment flooded the home stand, washing away that impatient sense of anticipation. The players didn’t give up hope quite so readily, throwing bodies forward at will and forcing the latest of
corners. Chris Douglas’ delivery towards the penalty spot was met by the criminally unmarked Paul Stoneman, who guided his header approximately three and a half inches over the line. After some nerve-wracking deliberation between the referee and his assistant, the goal was given. It should have been a gleeful moment - and perhaps it would have been, had the end result been three valuable points. Instead, West Allotment’s player-manager had only managed to salvage one third of what his side were worth on the day. The climax of a thrilling ten minutes still felt decidedly anti-climatic. Of course, Stona wouldn’t have to pop up with 93rd-minute levellers if our attackers had delivered in the ninety-two which preceded it. Reid aside, the attackers have not been finding the back of the net of late. With some luck, and plenty of faith, the likes of Dormand and Hudson will be back on the scoresheet sooner rather than later. Just past the halfway point, we are only five points off the summit. Time is on our side - but we have to start putting teams away before that final whistle in May.
goal of the week
man of the week
Celtic took the lead via a fine header from Michael Bell, who rose high towards the back post and did well to keep his header down.
Glenn Ford was solid upon his return; impressive after a lack of match action, owing to a persistent - and painful - injury.
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
the onion bag
21
on this day... 1948 Ringtons Welfare were beaten 2-1 at the Farm Ground in a Northern Amateur League clash.
1954 Allotment were on their way to the final of the NFA Amateur Cup (where they lost to Wallsend Rising Sun) and brushed off St.Columbas on their own ground to the tune of 7-1. Peacock (2), Ken Barnes, Herriott, Allott and Mackay all found the net for Celtic and the tally was topped up by an OG.
1965 Corbridge Rangers visited the Farm Ground in West Allotment and won a Hospitals Cup clash by the odd goal in three; Lawrence scoring Celtic’s goal.
1971 A Ray Taylor goal was not enough to stave off defeat away to Blue Star in a Northern Amateur League match.
22
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
Stephen Allott looks at this day in the club’s extensive history
1976 An Eric Chalmers strike earned Allotment a point from a league clash away to Whickham Sports.
1982 Allotment travelled to meet the DHSS in a Northern Amateur League encounter and returned with full points after claiming a 2-1 win. The Celtic marksmen were Daz Ridley and Dave Allman.
1999 Goals from Dave Walton (2) and George Caithness were enough to see off Spittal Rovers in a Northern Alliance match played at Hillheads. The visitors did snatch a strike of their own in the 3-1 defeat.
2004 Michael Chilton maintained his latest purple patch by lashing four goals into the Crook Town net in a Division 2 fixture at Milfield; this took Chilts’ run to sixteen goals in eight matches and he went on to reach 66 for the whole season! Allotment won the Crook game 5-2.
on this day
23
top scorers
player statistics yel
Chris Bannon Ryan Beal Bob Rodgerson
9 11 5 (2)
2 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
John Pendlebury Marc Dummett Chris Douglas Simon Wilthew Paul Stoneman Stephen Little Michael Latimer Glenn Ford Alex Nisbet Roy Gordon
19 (2) 15 (1) 20 (2) 1 (1) 22 15 2 (3) 11 2 6 (7)
1 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0
0 2 5 0 3 1 1 0 0 1
1 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0
midfield
Ian Dunn Michael Bell Marc Allen Sean Reid Bernat Roca Bart Oliver-Berga Kallum McGlen David Henderson Tony Lancaster Dean Lee Connor Graham
24 (1) 13 (4) 6 (6) 22 (1) 1 (1) 1 (2) 8 (7) 17 (1) 0 (2) 12 1 (6)
3 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 5 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 0 0
6 4 1 16 0 1 1 0 0 3 0
Liam Hudson David Dormand Lawrence McKenna
17 (3) 18 (5) 8 (8)
1 0 0
0 0
3 2
6 4
gk
apps
attack
name
the playmakers
Liam Hudson - 10 Michael Bell - 5 Chris Douglas - 5
the mainstays
Ian Dunn - 24 Sean Reid - 22 Paul Stoneman - 22
defence
Sean Reid - 16 Ian Dunn - 6 David Dormand - 6
Tow 0Law10Town6
Beal
Pendlebury
Little
Stoneman
Dunn
24
gls
average starting XI
the bad boys
Paul Stoneman - 1 1 Michael Bell - 0 1 Alex Nisbet - 0 1
red asts
Hudson
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
Dummett
Henderson Reid
Douglas
Dormand the player statistics
fixtures and results nl div 2 table
1
team North Shields
pl 20
w 14
d 4
l 2
gd pts 56 46
2
Heaton Stan
21
14
3
4
18 45
3
Seaham
21
13
2
6
25 41
4
WAC
20
12
5
3
18 41
5
Nort & Stock
22
11
7
4
17 40
6
Jarrow
18
12
3
3
29 39
7
Northallerton 23
11
6
6
19 39
8
Darlo RA
22
11
4
7
11 37
9
Willington
20
9
5
6
4
32
10 Birtley
19
9
3
7
8
30
11 Tow Law
22
9
3
10
6
30
12 Ch-le-Street
21
8
6
7
-4
30
13 South Shields 19
6
8
5
-4
26
14 Whickham
20
7
4
9
2
25
15 Whitehaven
20
7
2
11 -16 23
16 Stokesley
23
6
4
13 -18 22
17 Washington
21
6
3
12 -25 21
18 Thornaby
21
5
4
12 -13 19
19 Alnwick
20
5
4
11 -18 19
20 Brandon
24
5
3
16 -25 18
21 Esh Winning
22
4
2
16 -53 14
22 Ryton
21
2
3
16 -37
OFFICIAL NORTHERN LEAGUE SPONSORS
9
AUGUST 10th Alnwick Town 14th Heaton Stannington 17th Billingham Synthonia 21st Willington 24th Stokesley SC 30th Whickham
NL D2 NL D2 FA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A A A A H H
W 4-0 L 3-2 L 4-0 W 2-0 W 3-2 W 3-1
SEPTEMBER Seaham Red Star 4th Stokesley SC 7th 11th Norton & Stockton 14th Esh Winning 18th Ryton & Crawcrook 21st Penrith 28th Darlington RA
NL D2 FA Vase NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup FA Vase NL D2
H H A H H A A
W 2-1 W 4-3 D 3-3 D 1-1 W 1-0 L 4-1 W 4-0
OCTOBER Whitehaven 5th Alnwick Town 9th 12th Birtley Town 16th Tow Law Town 19th Ryton & Crawcrook 26th North Shields 30th Northallerton Town
NL D2 NFA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H H H A H H
L 3-1 L 2-1 W 2-1 W 3-2 W 4-2 D 0-0 W 3-0
NOVEMBER Brandon United 1st Willington 5th Jarrow Roofing 8th 12th Chester-le-Street 16th Washington 23rd Chester-le-Street 27th Northallerton Town 30th Thornaby
NL D2 EA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup NL D2
A A H A A H H H
W 2-1 L 4-1 L 5-3 D 0-0 W 3-2 D 2-2
DECEMBER Heaton Stannington 6th 14th Willington 21st Seaham Red Star 28th Norton & Stockton
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
H H A H
JANUARY Tow Law Town 4th 10th Alnwick Town 18th Stokesley SC 31st Whickham
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A A
FEBRUARY South Shields 8th 15th Esh Winning 22nd Darlington RA
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
H A H
MARCH Whitehaven 1st Birtley Town 8th 15th Ryton & Crawcrook 22nd Northallerton Town 28th Brandon United
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
H A H A H
APRIL Jarrow Roofing 5th 12th Washington 18th North Shields 26th Thornaby
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A A
NL D2
A
TBD
South Shields
fixtures, results, table
25
ee itt m m ing Co eet m pm 8
rottweiler’s notes
Rin g Bloo the dho un
d!
13th Nov
Barbara goes to Newcastle and I am left to my own devices for most of the day. Send paperwork off for last night’s game and a flurry of emails between the bugger (Mike Amos) and myself over secret shoppers. Of the bottom 20 clubs 15 are from Division Two which I find amazing as I am regularly match assessor at Division One games.
14th Nov
Barbara has hospital appointment then we are shopping until lunchtime. In the afternoon chair NFA Referees Committee meeting and we agree some radical changes which in my honest opinion will better our (NFA) referees. Collect Morgan from school and she decides she wants to stay the night which we obviously agree to.
15th Nov
A quiet day, in the evening I attend Northumberland Referees Society annual dinner at Gosforth Park Marriot Hotel with Mike Riley (Premier League Referees Boss) guest speaker. Quite a while since I last saw Mike and we have a chat over dinner. It was a nice evening out.
16th Nov
What a day for WAC at Washington. The chairman wins the raffle, vice chairman wins domino card and the lads put on a great show to collect three points. Arrive home and complete all the paper work.
17th Nov 18th Nov
Apart from taking Barbara to work spend all day at home. On Monday’s emails seem to arrive from all directions, today though there appears to be more than ever.
19 Nov
Take Barbara to Kingston Park. In the afternoon meeting with Lucy may NFA RDO and come 1st March I have a feeling some persons within the refereeing fraternity will be upset. Well my response will be you have to move forward and accept the changes as they are for the better. Committee meeting in the evening and thankfully only five winners of the letter draw.
20th Nov
Spend most of the day in Newcastle, why on earth I said I would go with Barbara I don’t know.
21st Nov
Attend NFA Board and Council meetings then when they are finished Cup Committee meeting. A long evening.
th
26
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
rottweiler’s notes
FOREST HALL YPC
Proud to support West Allotment Celtic Forest Hall Young People’s Club are based at East Palmersville Sports Pavilion, and have no fewer than 25 teams playing under the Forest Hall banner, including youth, senior and women’s teams.
TOWN Manager Peter MULCASTER Assistant Steve COOKE Physio Martin MULCASTER
CELTIC Manager Paul STONEMAN Assistant Wilf KEILTY Coach Paul HOGG Physio Charlotte FERGUSON
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee K McKITTERICK Assistants F MALTON M MALTON
West Allotment Celtic Chris BANNON Ryan BEAL Bob RODGERSON John PENDLEBURY Marc DUMMETT Stephen LITTLE Paul STONEMAN Glenn FORD Simon WILTHEW Chris DOUGLAS Michael LATIMER Roy GORDON Alex NISBET Ian DUNN (c) Marc ALLEN David HENDERSON Michael BELL Sean REID Bernat ROCA Bart OLIVER-BERGA Kallum McGLEN Tony LANCASTER Dean LEE Connor GRAHAM Liam HUDSON David DORMAND Lawrence McKENNA Jed FNDLAY
Follow us @wacfc
Northallerton Town Dean HUDSON Stephen CRAGGS Mark HEMINGWAY Grant HICKMAN Daniel SHOULDER Paul JOHNSON Stephen BANKS Sean DAVIES Ian SMURTHWAITE Gavin PARKIN (c) Christian HOLLIDAY Dale ELGIE Nathan HEMINGBROUGH Andrew PORRITT David COOKE Mikey STEVENS Craig TOMAN Colin ANDERSON Graham CAYGILL Mike COLMAN Danny McLACHLAN Darren KOKES
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