allotment
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14
kallum mcglen the winger’s spell in the first team - and his first goal to boot
Club Sponsor
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welcome 14
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
10
the preview
12
the visitors
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the cup final
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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 interview
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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
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 Alex Nisbet 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
26TH OCTOBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WHITLEY PARK
West Allotment Celtic 0 North Shields 0
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N front of a bumper groundhop crowd at Whitley Park, West Allotment Celtic successfully shut out local promotion rivals North Shields, with both sides playing out a 0-0 stalemate. The visitors who looked to have the edge in the final third, particularly in the opening stages, with efforts from Ben Richardson and John Parker flying wide and over respectively. Sean Reid’s tame attempt represented the hosts’ only response, but there remained little between the two, with Dunn and Henderson dropping deeper to counteract Shields’ dangerous attackers. That said, the Robins should have taken the lead on twenty-
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two minutes. An untimely slip from the otherwise superb Stoneman afforded Dean Holmes the chance to streak into the box unchallenged, but the winger was expertly denied by Ryan Beal. He had to be alert once more to get down at Bainbridge’s feet, whilst at the other end, three Shields defenders combined to scramble away Reid’s header from beneath their own bar. The visitors still posed the greater threat with the ball on the floor. Bainbridge was there again, bustling past Pendlebury and shooting into the side netting from a narrow angle, before Dan Smart’s appeals for a penalty following a trip fell on deaf ears, to the fury of the visiting contingent. The best chance of the half
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
came towards its end. A long ball forward was misjudged by Little, the ball dropping directly into the path of the prolific forward, but the marksman pulled his shot wide of the relieved Beal’s goal. The interval brought one change apiece, with the injured Beal coming off for Bob Rodgerson, Bainbridge made way for Dean Walker. The second half also brought about more purpose from the hosts, who could have seized the initiative when Michael Robinson missed a deep Chris Douglas cross, but the ball also managed to evade the unsuspecting David Dormand. At the other end, Smart should have put Shields ahead following a mix-up between Little and Rodgerson. The
forward nipped in to round the ‘keeper, but his tap-in from an acute angle bobbled off the turf and rolled into the side netting. Allotment almost benefited soon after, but Stoneman’s goalbound header was expertly parried away by Robinson, who was there again to keep out another powerful header. The centre-half, the subject of earlier penalty appeals, could have been awarded one himself, following a push in the back within the area. Again, the referee waved away the appeals.
...in pictures with graeme jackson
The game’s defining moment of controversy came in the eightieth minute. Shields struck the woodwork in the ensuing scramble, before the rebound was poked into the back of the net. However, the assistant had already raised his flag, as two Shields attackers were offside amidst the chaos. With time fast running out, both sides missed a chance apiece to win the game outright. First, sub Lawrence McKenna could not get a touch on Stoneman’s header across the box, before Shields’ Walker got forward once more, stroking a tame first-time effort straight into the grateful hands of Rodgerson. Both sides had every right to feel aggrieved to feel hard done when concerning the penalty appeals, but a draw ultimately reflected the closeness of both the game and the quality of the two sides. the last match
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the pre-match preview
form: LWWWD
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
D
ESPITE their latest selection crisis showing little sign of abating within the next week, West Allotment Celtic will be seeking their second positive result against fellow promotion contenders in as many games. An already depleted squad suffered a further setback midway through Saturday’s groundhop draw against North Shields, with Ryan Beal, having made three fine stops to keep the Robins at bay, succumbing to a hamstring injury.
NORTHALLERTON TOWN form: LWWWL
Y
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ORKSHIRE outfit Northallerton Town enjoyed (or endured) a season that ran in parallel lines to that of West Allotment last year. Town also finished their 2012/13 campaign strongly after a mixed start, wound up on 77 points - finishing ahead of Allotment by nine goals - and reached the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup final. The two teams seem to be twinned once more, with the clubs currently occupying second and fourth place respectively. Peter
With Chris Bannon also ruled out, Bob Rodgerson will make his second start of the season between the sticks. Elsewhere, Tony Lancaster continues his long-awaited recovery, but will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future. Marc Allen, Michael Bell and Glenn Ford also remains out, but left-sided pairing Marc Dummett and Dean Lee are added to the squad, along with young winger Connor Graham. In more positive news, Alex Nisbet is available for Mulcaster’s side currently have the upper hand, four points clear of Allotment but having played an extra five matches. The league table may be a little misleading at present, as Northallerton have, much like Allotment, dropped points of their own, with narrow defeats against Alnwick and Heaton Stan, and drawn games against South Shields and Stokesley, possibly denting their longterm aspirations. That said, Town have also battled to some impressive results - a 2-2 draw away at favourites North Shields and a 3-2 home win against a strong Birtley side undoubtedly
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
selection, having served his one-game suspension, whilst Spanish midfield duo Bernat Roca and Bartomeu Oliver-Berga could feature, with the latter making his debut from the bench at the weekend. Having started the game alongside the pair in the dugout, the likes of Roy Gordon and Lawrence McKenna could be in line for starts. After a positive draw and clean sheet against Shields, Allotment will be keen on adding to that point against another much-fancied outfit in Northallerton. boosting the morale at Calvert Stadium. Despite having to do without long-term casualty Adam Emson and veterans Carl Chillingsworth and Jamie Clarke to Richmond Town and Seaham Red Star respectively, ‘Allerton have still topped the league’s scoring charts, with Colin Anderson ably supported by experienced players and Academy products alike. Allotment should leapfrog Town when the fixtures even out - but the visitors could briefly keep them at bay with a positive result tonight.
24-year-old ‘keeper Ryan Beal had been enjoying an unopposed run in the first team following Chris Bannon’s injury, but the Suffolk stopper has been playing on a niggling hamstring injury since the Birtley Town game over a fortnight ago. He returned to face former club North Shields on Saturday, but lasted just forty-five minutes.
statattack 66
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 eight league goals, tied with Seahambound veteran Jamie Clarke. Alongside another experienced NL player in Darren Kokes, Anderson will be looking to fire Town out of Division Two.
P 6 6 12
W 1 6 7
D 1 0 1
L 4 0 4
F 12 13 25
A 19 2 21
No. of points separating the two teams last season
0 11
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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THE ERNEST ARMSTRONG MEMORIAL CUP FINAL BETWEEN NORTHALLERTON TOWN AND
name on the trophy (sort of)
THE REPORT FROM A THRILLING CUP FINAL CONTESTED BETWEEN TONIGHT’S TWO SIDES Following on from their thrilling 4 – 3 comeback victory over Darlington R.A. in the semi-final, Allotment served up another exhilarating encounter against their North Yorkshire counterparts at the Glamal Stadium in Billingham, overcoming Northallerton Town 3-1 in an actionpacked finale. The often tense and always entertaining tie bore witness to a stonewall penalty, a dubious dismissal and, finally, a stunning winner from Celtic’s David Dormand to bring the trophy back to North Tyneside.
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Allotment were without stalwart captain Ian Dunn for the occasion, and were soon to lose a second key member of the side, with dangerous winger Dean Lee expectedly failing a fitness test prior to kick-off. Stephen Little and Liam Hudson were both deemed fit enough to play, with the former taking his place in defence alongside player-manager Paul Stoneman, whilst the latter had to settle for a place on the bench. The Tynesiders looked the busier of the two sides in the opening exchanges, attacking with intent down both flanks and causing Town problems at the back. A combination of Marcus Laing’s boot and
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
‘keeper James Briggs’ hands kept out Reid from point blank range, and only centre-half Craig Winter’s outstretched leg denied Stephen Little the game’s opening goal. Midfield maestro Reid once again came close to breaking the deadlock after 17 minutes, directing his powerful header onto the top of the crossbar. Little bravely attempted to nod the rebound across the line from close range, taking a boot to the face in the process. After the frenetic early period, chances soon became limited, though Allotment continued to have the upper hand. Northallerton rarely troubled
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC, CONTESTED AT THE GLAMAL ENGINEERING STADIUM IN MAY
Ryan Beal’s goal, with their greatest threats coming in the air. Their first chance of the match fell to Nathan Porritt, who failed to head Stephen Anderson’s deftly chipped cross on target. The Yorkshire outfit were dealt a serious blow to their chances when top scorer Adam Emson limped off, to be replaced by the returning Michael Dunwell. With the half drawing to a close, Stoneman’s charges continued to search for the opener, and almost got it minutes before the interval. Dormand was always stretching to get on the end of Michael Bell’s tantalising whipped ball from the right, ultimately prodding wide and high at pace. Celtic came out with similar attacking intent in the second half, and deputising wide man Chris Douglas looked odds on to score, only for the onrushing Briggs to make the cup final
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a fantastic low stop at his feet. Only one team looked like scoring, and Allotment deservedly went ahead from the penalty spot after 50 minutes. Reid was barged over from behind, the victim of a clumsy challenge in the area, and he duly despatched the resulting penalty, powering the ball beyond Briggs.
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James Bowman, whose looping header soared over Beal and into the top corner.
Without Emson in attack, Northallerton looked short of options going forward, and replacement forward Dunwell fired well wide from a good position on the edge of the area. Down the other end, another teasing Bell cross flashed across the box, just evading Douglas when it mattered.
Roared on by their vocal home support, Northallerton finally came into the game, penning Allotment back into their own half for the first time in the afternoon. An acrobatic attempt from veteran forward Carl Chillingsworth was speculative but nonetheless worthwhile, as his overhead kick flew over the crossbar. Just as the Yorkshiremen were pushing for a second, Allotment retook the lead from a setpiece of their own. Dummett’s corner made its way to Dormand at the near post, who headed Celtic back in front from inside the six yard box.
The leaders looked comfortable, but one of Town’s towering defenders headed Northallerton level against the run of play. Little conceded a free kick thirty-five yards out, affording Gavin Parkin the opportunity to put the ball into the box. His lofted set-piece was met by full-back
The top-scoring striker could have doubled his tally minutes later, racing through on goal, only to be denied by another fine low stop from the excellent Briggs. Just as Allotment looked to have reasserted their dominance, another twist in the tale threatened to change the
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
complexion of the game in Northallerton’s favour. Little was dubiously adjudged to have fouled Chillingsworth on the edge of the area, despite seeming to make contact with the ball, and was handed his second yellow card of the afternoon with fifteen minutes left to play. Substitute Dunwell fired the resulting free-kick just over the crossbar – and it proved to be Northallerton’s final chance of the match. A fresh introduction from the opposite bench proved to be the clincher, as Kallum McGlen broke forward, before releasing Dormand in on goal with a deft through ball. The former Morpeth hitman kept his composure to slam the ball past Briggs, putting Celtic’s jangling nerves at ease.
for their side, particularly once they were reduced to ten men. Celtic will savour the cup victory, collecting their first silverware since winning the Northern League Division Two title in 2004, and will undoubtedly look to build on their success this season.
Allotment pulled out one of their most combative performances of the season when it mattered, with Bell and fellow midfielder David Henderson battling heroically
the cup final
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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 T
Q
U
29th October 2013 8 winners of £100 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.
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West Allotment Celtic v North Northern Shields League Division Two
29th March 2013
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the onion bag Craig Dobson’s take on the last seven days in the Allotment garden
T
HERE is nothing quite so stressful, laborious, tiring and madcap as a groundhop weekend - as most our committee and their better halves will undoubtedly testify. West Allotment’s promotion six-pointer against North Shields was the showcase, taking pride of place as the second venue in the hopper’s itinerary. All four games were staged across North Tyneside, but those taking place at Heaton, Team North and Benfield did not harbour the same local and fiercely competitive rivalry as the early afternoon kick-off. As the visitors descended upon Whitley Park in their droves, all involved at Celtic did their best to sell the club to the eager hoppers. Judging by the queue at the canteen hatch, the masses were just as hungry to sample the cuisine as they were to gobble up the array of merch on offer. The game itself was no less mouthwatering. The unitiated from far-flung corners of the country may not have fully comprehended the significance of the game, but the partisan fans certainly did. The two teams were separated by just one point prior to kick-off,
both setting their sights firmly on ascension to Division One. The dangerous Shields strikeforce that had scored so many on the road looked to threaten early on, to the delight of their vocal supporters. Holmes and Bainbridge both spurned chances, whilst fellow forward Dan Smart saw appeals waved away for a penalty and he may have had a case. Allotment could have had one of their own, missed by most in a set-piece melee, but captured by Graeme Jackson’s trusty camera. Reid was manhandled on the Robins’ line - it’s there in full colour, never mind black and white - but it went unsighted, and the half finished goalless. The visitors shaded the first half, but Celtic were the stronger of the two sides in the second. The clash in playing styles became more pointed; Shields continued to try and play football from the back, keeping the ball grounded for the most part, whilst Allotment went more direct - and it almost paid off, with a dropped Robinson catch and two powerful Stoneman headers all constituting good chances. Only a bobble in the regularly pristine Whitley Park pitch denied Smart a tap-in,
Stoneman had a penalty appeal of his own rejected, and Shields had a goal rightly disallowed for offside, having struck the post.Ultimately, the draw was fair, the result positive. Shields whined about the injustices of the referee, focusing on two “appalling decisions” - one of which was correct - and conveniently neglecting two judgment calls that went against their opponents. Of course, the two teams also played another 89 minutes of football, and shared a dozen chances between them - with Shields guiltier of profligacy than their hosts. But the officials are always a convenient target. No goals (and, midway through, no pies), but plenty of controversy and commitment was on show from both sides. Off the pitch, the club pulled out all the stops for the wandering aficionados. The atmosphere was incredible, as it is for every game against the Robins. Some expressed their disappointment at the 0-0, but it’s hard to imagine how any of the hoppers could feel such a way; true football fans should have appreciated what was on offer and what was at stake, on and off the pitch. Thankfully, the majority did.
goal of the week
man of the week
Stoneman’s first header would have qualified, had Robinson not tipped it superbly over. As such, it
Ian Dunn shades it just ahead of the centrehalves after another all-action performance in the middle served to nullify Shields’ attacks.
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
the onion bag
21
on this day... Stephen Allott looks at this day in the club’s extensive history
1993 A crucial game at Backworth Welfare as Celtic entertained Morpeth Town. The game started off in the worst possible fashion for the home side as John Moscrop headed Morpeth into the lead in just the second minute. To their credit, Celtic did not buckle and more than matched the league pacesetters as the match developed. No-one could argue that the home side did not fully deserve the equaliser scored by John Fitzpatrick before the half-time break. The ever-reliable Moscrop undid all Celtic’s hard work by tapping home an easy goal early in the second period. However, once again, Allotment strived to find a leveller and, in the 71st minute, the efforts came to fruition when Mark Morgan struck a magnificent volley past Hale in the Morpeth goal. Both sides worked hard to find the winner but, right on full-time, it was that man Moscrop who was in the right spot at the back post to convert a right-wing cross and complete his hat-trick. Morpeth went on to win the Alliance title and move up to the Northern League.
2002 Blyth Spartans travelled to meet Allotment in the NFA Senior Cup for the third successive season and the home side were just six minutes from claiming a hat-trick of victories over their senior rivals before a very late double of fluky goals turned the scoreline around. In a howling gale, Allotment took the lead midway through the first half when Michael Chilton fired home following a free-kick just outside the box. Scott Bell constantly embarrassed the visiting defence with his pace and trickery but squandered three golden opportunities to settle the tie before Spartans hit back. The reversal of fortunes began in the 84th minute when Emerson tried to whip in a cross but the ball caught the wind and floated over the head of Ian Archbold. If that goal was fortuitous, it was trumped in the dying moments when Emerson got in another cross that smacked off Peter Anderson and into the net for an own goal. There was still time for Dave Malone to be issued with a red card for a non-existent assault on a Blyth player and tempers remained fraught long after the full-time whistle sounded.
22
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
on this day
a brief chat with...
Kallum McGlen A
llotment hot prospect Kallum McGlen did everything but get on the scoresheet in his debut campaign.The winger broke his goalscoring duck with the winner against Birtley Town - and has promised bigger and better things from both himself and the club.
his first Celtic goal Aye, it took a while! It was good to score - I was over the moon, actually, especially for the committee’s sake, as they’ve been giving me grief all the time! But it was a good game, I enjoyed the game. At first, I actually thought it was going to hit the post, but luckily it just crept in the corner! There’s more to come, definitely more to come there.
I’m in! I’m over the moon, and I’ve just got to take my chance, really; when people do come back, stop them getting in the team. As I say, I’ve got to be consistent, and hopefully I can start to be a little more consistent.
the Shields draw
Obviously they’re a good team, everybody knows they’re a good team. They’re favourites to win the league. Maybe a draw was a fair result, but I still think his recent form we could’ve nicked it towards the end. It was definitely one of Aye, I’m happy, but I don’t the harder games we’ve played, think I’m fully fit yet, lack of matches, really. I’m just starting but I still think we could’ve come away with the three to get fully fit, and starting matches is helpful. I do a lot of points. running on a Sunday, but the standard’s not as good as this. on today’s game You get used to playing in a I think we’ll definitely beat slower league. Northallerton, I’m positive we’ll beat them. Big lads, strong lads, the selection crises but football-wise, I think we’ll That might be the only reason tear them apart!
on home form We’ve already got a good home record, but I still fancy it to get better and better. I think we’ll definitely improve on it.
the current aims Personally, I think we’ll get promoted. 100%. I fancy first place, but if not, I’m quite positive we’ll finish second, definitely third. I’m pleased with the team, and I think we’ve got enough to do it. the interview
23
top scorers
player statistics yel
Chris Bannon Ryan Beal Bob Rodgerson
9 9 1 (1)
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
14 (1) 12 (1) 15 (2) 1 (1) 15 9 2 (3) 10 2 4 (5)
1 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
0 1 3 0 3 1 1 0 0 1
1 1 1 0 1 1 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
17 (1) 9 (2) 5 (5) 16 (1) 0 0 (1) 6 (6) 11 (1) 0 (2) 12 1 (2)
3 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 3 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0
6 2 1 9 0 0 1 0 0 3 0
Liam Hudson David Dormand Lawrence McKenna
11 (3) 12 (4) 7 (7)
1 0 0
0 0
0 2
6 3
gk
apps
attack
name
the playmakers
Liam Hudson - 7 Michael Bell - 3 Chris Douglas - 3
the mainstays
Ian Dunn - 17 Sean Reid - 16 Paul Stoneman - 15
defence
Sean Reid - 9 Ian Dunn - 6 David Dormand - 6
Tow 0Law 7Town5
Beal
Pendlebury
Ford
Stoneman
Dunn
24
gls
average starting XI
the bad boys
Paul Stoneman - 0 1 Michael Bell - 0 1 Alex Nisbet - 0 1
red asts
Hudson
West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town
Douglas
Henderson Reid
Lee
Dormand the player statistics
fixtures and results nl div 2 table
1
team Heaton Stan
pl 17
w 12
d 1
l 4
gd pts 14 37
2
Northallerton 19
10
4
5
21 34
3
North Shields
14
9
4
1
39 31
4
WAC
14
9
3
2
15 30
5
Seaham
16
9
1
6
18 28
6
Darlo RA
17
8
4
5
10 28
7
Nort & Stock
18
7
7
4
6
8
Birtley
15
8
3
4
12 27
9
Tow Law
18
8
3
7
8
10 Jarrow
12
8
2
2
22 26
11 Whickham
17
7
3
7
4
24
12 Ch-le-Street
15
6
4
5
0
22
13 Willington
16
6
4
6
-4
22
14 Stokesley
28 27
19
6
4
9
-12 22
15 South Shields 14
5
5
4
-4
16 Brandon
19
5
2
12 -16 17
17 Whitehaven
15
5
2
8
-16 17
18 Thornaby
17
4
4
9
-9
19 Alnwick
15
4
2
9
-16 14
20 Washington
16
4
1
11 -28 13
21 Esh Winning
16
3
1
12 -38 10
22 Ryton
17
2
2
13 -26
20
16
OFFICIAL NORTHERN LEAGUE SPONSORS
8
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
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
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!
21st Oct
Take Morgan to school then off we go shopping. Fortunately, we only go to Sainsbury’s today. Spend rest of the day at home. In the evening, an appointment arrives which will really please Barbara. Match assessor Middlesbrough U21 v Liverpool U21 for 4th November.
22nd Oct
Nice quiet day, Barbara off to Newcastle by herself and I have nothing on. In the evening, attend weekly committee meeting.
23rd Oct
Early morning call informing me that Benfield v Penrith is off tonight (match assessor), which leaves me free to go to Willington. In the afternoon, attend NFA Development Committee meeting and I am extremely concerned with what is happening - a very distinct lack of information coming out of the Development Department. Well, we all now know what happened at Willington. Floodlight failure with game rearranged for Tuesday 5th November. There could be some fireworks. It was particularly disappointing for Tom and Bern (two Spanish lads) who were making their debuts tonight, stripped and raring to go. The team warms up twice before referee finally calls game off at 20.05.
24th Oct
Drop Barbara off at work then off, to fish quay for fish and chips and spend a little time watching boats arriving. In the evening, NFA Board & Council meetings, and there are without any doubt worrying times ahead.
25th Oct
Chair NFA Referees Committee meeting and it could be like starting World War Three with the many changes we are going to introduce for referees from 1st March 2014. Mind you, I believe all the changes are positive. In the evening, meet with the bugger (Mike Amos) and Harvey Harris for final briefing for tomorrow’s ground hop.
26th Oct
27 Oct
th
26
My thanks go to everyone, officials, wives, partners, Craig’s dad, players for making today a huge success. Saw very little of the game, though we will be able to relax and watch the game when we go to North Shields on Good Friday, which incidentally is part of the Easter Ground Hop weekend. Good point today, though I was a little disappointed we didn’t get all three. Can’t ever recall both teams’ goalkeepers having to be substituted through injury before. “El Clasico”, what a big let down, how on earth did Sky not show the first 15 mins of the game - and in all honesty wasn’t a good game. Thanks to bloodhound, Joanne has a ticket for the derby game, Barbara at work all day so granddad left to look after Morgan all day. Anyway, we spend the day at Whitehouse Farm and when we return home Morgan writes me a lovely letter thanking me for a wonderful day. Not yet six and she nearly has me in tears for such a lovely letter. One that I will treasure forever.
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 R CUSHING Assistants L BROWN C BEAL
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
WADE FINANCIAL
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