Allotment
THE WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2012/13
ÂŁ1
Kallum McGlen The promising winger on his form and misfortune
North Shields Northern League Division Two
FRIDAy 29th March 2013
THOMAS POTTER Stockist and distributor of fastenings, nuts, bolts, screws, flanges, manufacturing hose fittings and special plate flanges.
Unit 3J, Admiral Business Park, Nelson Way, Cramlington, NE23 1WG
Tel: 01670 591 100
www.thomaspotter.com MAIN SPONSORS OF WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
Contents The History
4
85 years, four grounds, and plenty of highs and lows
The Players
6
Fixtures
10
League Table
11
The Last Match
13
Club Officials President Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary Treasurer Commercial Committee
The Match Preview 14 An in-depth look at today’s two teams
The Visitors
16
On This Day
18
A View From The Press Box
19
A Brief Chat With... 20 Kallum McGlen talks about his form and fitness
The Letter Draw
21
Press Officer
Alex Smailes Roland Mather Jimmy Wilson Ted Ilderton John Alexander Jonny Thompson David Dodds Above, plus Al Liddle Michael Wilson Les Scott Kath Orr Harry Bell Stephen Allott Richie Marks Craig Dobson
Backroom Staff Manager Paul Stoneman Assistant Manager Wilf Kielty First Team Coach Paul Hogg Physio Andrea Jameson
Selected Club Honours Northern Alliance champions
1987, 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004
Northern League 2005 Division Two champions NFA Amateur 1957, 1975 Cup winners NFA Benevolent 1993 Bowl winners Craven Cup 2005 winners
THE HISTORY
Eighty-Five
Stephen Allott takes you on a whistlestop tour o
From creation to contenders 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.
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.
...and the decade of decline Celtic remained loyal to the Northern Amateur League, but the bulk of the team moved on, and the club 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. Celtic also moved to Backworth Welfare in 1968, consigning the ponds and mud of the Farm Ground to memory.
4
West Allotment’s Eric Allott in action against Forest Hall in the Minor Cup quarter-final in 1960. Celtic went on to finish as runners-up.
Years in the Making
of the club’s history, studded with hardship, success and numerous relocations...
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, 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 West Allotment Celtic’s championship-winning were always considered title contenders. team of 1982 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. 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.
The colossus of the Northern 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 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 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 Football League, and also serves as the headquarters of the Northumberland FA. 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. After finishing a respectable 7th place last season, Celtic hope to be rubbing shoulders with the big boys sooner rather than later.
5
THE PLAYERS
The Squad GK Aiden Ames GK Ryan Beal CB Simon Wilthew CB Stephen Little CB Glenn Ford CB Paul Stoneman LB Marc Dummett RB John Pendlebury RB Chris Douglas CM Ian Dunn CM Marc Allen CM Sean Reid CM David Henderson CM Michael Bell CM Chris Raffo CM Chris Morrell CM Ibrahim Ibrahim LM Dean Lee LM Chris Hutchinson LM George Johnstone RM Kallum McGlen RM Tony Lancaster ST David Dormand ST Liam Hudson ST Jed Findlay
6
GK Aiden Ames
GK Ryan Beal
CB Simon Wilthew
In his second spell at Allotment, Aiden is moving towards his 200th appearance. The former Prudhoe goalie is renowned for his sharp reflexes and communication skills.
Formerly of North Shields and Alnwick Town, Ryan has already put in a number of impressive performances for Allotment, fiercely rivalling Ames for the number one jersey.
The Monkseaton Arms centre-half impressed during pre-season trials, and has already impressed onlookers with his composure and tackling abilities. Simon can also play at left-back.
186
22
0
0
1
0
13
0
0
0
CB Glenn Ford CB Stephen Little The 25-year-old previously played for Annfield Plain and Killingworth. Confident with the ball at his feet and in the tackle, Little is a firm fixture in Allotment’s starting eleven. 68
3
4
0
Glenn captained Ponteland to the Northern Alliance title, and has gone on to play for South Shields. Now in his second spell with Celtic, Glenn brings his valuable experience to the side. 31
1
0
0
LB
Marc Dummett
The former Ponteland United and Dunston full-back is 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. 48
RB
1
5
0
Chris Douglas
The ultimate utility player, Chris can be employed anywhere down either flank to devastating effect. The former North Shields man’s pace and perception underpins his undoubted ability. 49
3
0
0
RB
John Pendlebury
A first-team regular since signing for Allotment from Ryton in 2010, John’s relentless work ethic and tenacious tackling bring stability to the back four.
74
2
0
CM Sean Reid
Rangy, pacy and technically gifted, Sean can play as a roaming central midfielder, a dangerous centre-forward, or even an adept centre-back. The former Ryton forward is one of Celtic’s most promising attacking outlets.
0
52
25
7
0
CM Marc Allen
CM Ian Dunn
CM David Henderson
Marc previously played for Whitley Bay Reserves. His astute passing, ball retention skills and battling tenacity are evident whenever he is called upon in central midfield.
Long-serving, tough tackling midfielder Dunn has grafted for three years at Allotment, earning the captain’s armband in the process. “Dunny” remains one of Celtic’s key men in the heart of midfield.
Tricky midfielder Henderson rejoined the club last season, and the former North Shields schemer provides another option going forward through the middle.
26
1
0
0
140
11
5
1
54 1
1 1
7
THE PLAYERS
CM Michael Bell
RM Kallum McGlen
Brimming with potential, “Belly” won the Under-19 National Schools Cup with Northumberland and has also represented Ryton. Bell is strong in the air, and can also operate on the wing.
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.
62
5
4
0
LM Dean Lee A winger with the scoring nous of a forward, the former North Shields man has all of the tools required to strike fear into the hearts of defenders. One of Celtic’s deadliest threats going forward. 81
36
3
0
RM Tony Lancaster 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. 65
8
1
11 0
25
ST
ST David Dormand
David’s prolific record for Shankhouse precedes him, and the former Morpeth forward has already replicated his goalscoring form since joining Celtic. A clinical poacher and a hard worker up front. 28
21
0
0
0
2
0
Liam Hudson
Another former Ryton forward, Liam is capable of pressuring his opposite numbers into submission with his strength and high work rate. “Hud” can also be deployed on the right wing. 32
14
2
0
SPONSOR
THE FIXTURES
Upcoming Games Morpeth Town MONDAY 1st April CRAIK PARK
12.00pm
7th-placed Morpeth are on the promotion trail, and have lost only four times on their own turf this season.
Brandon United
THURSDAY 4th April 7.30pm THE WELFARE GROUND
Celtic already played this fixture earlier in the season, losing 2-0, but player ineligibility has afforded Stoneman’s men a second bite at the cherry.
Tow Law Town SATURDAY 4 April WHITLEY PARK TH
3.00pm
The Lawyers are far more impressive away from their own pitch, having won 9 of their 17 fixtures on the road during this campaign.
North Shields Monday 8th April 7.30pm Daren Persson Stadium
Allotment are due to face today’s visitors for the third time this season, finally playing at Shields after two rainy postponements.
10
AUGUST 11th Selby Town 18th Seaham Red Star 22nd Stokesley 25th Spennymoor Town SEPTEMBER 1st Thackley 5th Darlington RA 8th Ryton & Crawcrook 12th Crook Town 15th Ryhope C.W. 22nd Chester-le-Street 29th Whitehaven OCTOBER 3rd Whitehaven 6th Washington 10th Newcastle Benfield 13th Thornaby 20th Ryhope C.W. 24th Whickham NOVEMBER 3rd Jarrow Roofing 6th Alnwick Town 10th Morpeth Town 14th Billingham Town 17th Tow Law Town 21st North Shields 24th Northallerton Town DECEMBER 15th Darlington RA 19th Birtley Town JANUARY 4th Alnwick Town 12th Horden C.W. FEBRUARY 2nd Ryton & Crawcrook 6th Esh Winning 9th Chester-le-Street 16th Whitehaven 20th Team Northumbria MARCH 2nd Thornaby 6th Seaham Red Star 12th Whickham 16th Birtley Town 23rd Jarrow Roofing 25th Dunston UTS 27th Washington 29th North Shields APRIL 1st Morpeth Town 4th Brandon United 6th Tow Law Town 8th North Shields 10th Seaham Red Star 13th Northallerton Town 17th Stokesley 19th Brandon United 24th Crook Town Esh Winning 27th
FA Cup NL D2 NL D2 FA Cup
H A A A
W D W L
2-1 3-3 2-0 0-3
FA Vase NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
H A H H A A A
L D W L L D L
1-5 1-1 2-1 2-4 1-7 1-1 0-1
Lg Cup NL D2 NFA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
H H H A H H
W L W W D W
2-1 1-2 3-0 2-0 2-2 2-1
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup NL D2 NFA Cup NL D2
A A H H A H H
L W D W W L L
1-5 4-0 4-4 7-0 5-1 1-6 1-4
NL D2 NL D2
H H
L 0-4 W 4-1
NL D2 NL D2
H A
W 2-0 W 5-2
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup
A A H H H
D W W W W
0-0 3-0 3-1 1-0 3-2
NL D2 EA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup EA Cup NL D2
H H A A H H A H
W W W L L L W
5-2 4-2 4-1 0-2 3-5 0-2 3-1
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A A H A H A H H A H
THE LEAGUE TABLE
Northern League Division Two
Today’s match sponsor
Roland Mather Ball Sponsor
0191 257 5095 Tanners Bank, North Shields, NE30 1JH
11
SPONSOR
THE LAST MATCH
Washington 1 TURNER
ALLOTMENT 3 LANCASTER, FORD, LEE
27TH MARCH 2013 ERNEST ARMSTRONG MEMORIAL CUP THIRD ROUND NISSAN SPORTS AND LEISURE COMPLEX
W
est Allotment Celtic came from behind to defeat Washington 3 - 1 on their own turf, ensuring progression to the semi-final of the Ernest Memorial Armstrong Cup in the process. The home side started the brighter of the two sides, and Ryan Beal had to tip over a swirling corner, whilst Sean Reid headed off the line from another set-piece. After dealing with the early pressure, the visitors came into the game. Dormand had one effort blocked, and fired another over the bar from six yards out. However, Washington soon exploited some hesitancy on Allotment’s part in possession, and drew first blood through Michael Turner. Dean Walker dispossessed the away side on the halfway line, and Turner strode forty yards without a challenge, before lashing a shot into the roof of the net.
Despite the setback, Allotment persevered, and got their just desserts. Michael Bell’s tremendous cross found Tony Lancaster at the back post, and the winger diverted the ball over the line with his groin from close range. A fantastic double save from Beal and another last-gasp clearance from Reid ensured that the scores remained level at the interval.
visitors, who comfortably dealt with Washington’s late pressure. Drawn against Darlington RA in the last four, Celtic will be very confident of reaching their first cup final in eight years.
Man of the Match: Sean Reid
After the restart, Walker spurned a chance to put the hosts ahead, chipping just over the bar, and thereafter, Allotment dominated. Dormand hit the bar with an overhead kick, before Ford went one better, heading home at the back post from a Chris Douglas corner. Allotment made the game safe with a third goal, courtesy of substitute Lee. The winger turned sharply in the box and fired low into the bottom corner, bagging his 23rd goal of the season and, most importantly, sealing a semi-final spot for the
“Great effort from the lads tonight, well done.” Paul Stoneman
13
THE MATC
Today’s ma WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
Player to Watch SEAN REID
After spending last season leading the line for Allotment, Reid has adapted well to his deeper role in central midfield. The former Ryton man shone in Celtic’s win at Washington on Wednesday, and will be looking to put in a similar shift today.
14
23rd March 2013 25th March 2013 27th March 2013
H
aving got back to winning ways with a win over Washington, West Allotment will want to continue that good form when they take on North Shields this afternoon.
left-back Marc Dummett and top scoring winger Dean Lee. All three are expected to regain their starting places, but Glenn Ford’s eye-catching return may give the coaches another option in defence.
A fantastic 11-match unbeaten stint came to a disappointing end against Birtley Town, and consecutive defeats at home to Jarrow Roofing and Dunston followed, despite gutsy performances in both games. The hard work finally paid off in Wednesday’s welldeserved win, as Allotment look to put together another impressive run.
Winger Kallum McGlen missed the trip to Wearside, as did defender Simon Wilthew, and both could return in some capacity to the matchday squad.
The enforced need to play two fixtures in three days may take its toll on the squad, but player-manager Paul Stoneman took precautions before the trip to the Nissan Sports Complex, resting himself,
No fewer than four players - Lee, David Henderson, Chris Douglas and Ryan Beal - have previously turned out for Shields, and Paul Hogg and Wilf Kielty have previously managed the Robins, adding some personal incentive to a hotly anticipated local clash. Celtic will have to be sharp to a man if they are to avoid another 6-1 rout at the hands of the promotion hopefuls.
Jarrow Roofing (H) League L 5-3 Dunston UTS (H) League Cup L 2-0 Washington (A) E.A. Cup W 3-1 Form: W W L L L W
CH PREVIEW
atch preview NORTH SHIELDS
P
romotion-chasing North Shields could close the gap on thirdplaced Jarrow Roofing to just four points with a win at Whitley Park this afternoon. In recent years, the Robins’ faithful have looked on in frustration, as two consecutive promotion pushes faltered in the latter stages of the season. Graham Fenton oversaw the last four games of the 2011/12 campaign, when Shields finished fourteen points off the pace. However, today’s visitors are better equipped for promotion this season, and a win today would be a massive step in the right direction. North Shields went unbeaten between midOctober and February, but dropped valuable points in March, suffering a shock defeat at home to
16th March 2013 23rd March 2013 26th March 2013
Thornaby, and being held to a draw by relegationthreatened Alnwick Town. The Robins have improved since, losing only to Division One opposition and easily overcoming Birtley Town, and will still be considered favourites by many for today’s encounter. As Allotment found out in December, Shields have a terrifying array of attacking options available to them, with Rob Nolan rivalling club legend Keith Douglas in terms of goalscoring efficiency, and both Dean Holmes and Adam Forster have turned heads going forward. A little deeper, former Celtic favourite Ben Richardson will look to pull the strings in the heart of the midfield. Playing fast, attacking football, there are goals in this Shields team - and, hopefully, in today’s game.
Player to Watch DEAN HOLMES
Having top scored in the Northern Alliance for Heaton Stannington two seasons ago, Dean has continued in similar fashion at a higher level with Shields, bagging one goal for every two games played. Along with Nolan, Holmes could stretch Celtic’s back four this afternoon.
Horden C.W. (H) League Birtley Town (A) League Ashington (H) Senior Cup Form: L D L W W L
W 2-0 W 3-0 L 2-0
15
North Shields The History N
orth Shields Athletic was originally formed in 1896, and played initially in the South Shields & District league. They progressed through the Northern Combination, Northern Alliance and North Eastern League and became a major force in North East Football, outside the Football League, moving to play at Hawkey’s Lane around 1900. At least two players, Alan Grenyer and Harry Chambers, went on to play for the full England team after starting their careers with North Shields Athletic. Preston Colliery F.C. emerged after the Great War becoming North Shields A.F.C. in 1928, and the club won many honours over the years. They enjoyed tremendous local support with a record 12,800 watching the local derby with South Shields in 1936. Shields won the North Eastern League title and numerous cups but their moment of crowning glory came in 1969. After joining the Northern league they won the F.A. Amateur cup by beating Sutton United in front of 47,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium. Shields were a goal down after only four minutes but won with second half strikes from Richie Hall and Brian Joicey – both laid on by Orrick, a shipyard worker from Byker. The Club, which also won the Northern League Championship and Challenge Cup that same year, were declared joint holders of the European Amateur Cup the following season
16
when the two teams against Italian side Almas resulted in a level aggregate score. In 1982 “The Robins” won 1-0 at Halifax Town in the F.A. Cup 1st Round, Bede McCaffrey scoring the all important goal that year. Walsall were the visitors to Appleby Park in the next round and left with a 3-0 victory. Having moved into the national pyramid by joining the Northern Counties East League, North Shields earned promotion to the Nothern Premier League by winning the title, but financial problems resulted in the club losing the Appleby Park Ground and then reforming to play in the VAUX Wearside League. Since then “The Robins” have enjoyed considerable success, winning the treble of League, Shipowners Cup and Northumberland Senior Bowl in 1998/99. In 2000/01 they finished runners-up to Nissan but won the Monkwearmouth Cup and the Senior Bowl for the second time. They won the Wearside league by eight points in 2002 and the Monkwearmouth Cup again in 2003. The Robins finally gained promotion back into the Albany Northern League in 2004 - after a 15 year absence - following their third Wearside League title and a further Shipowners Cup triumph.
THE VISITORS
s Football Club The Players Michael Robinson
Paul Watson
Michael rejoins us for his second spell at the club, a top class keeper. Reliable shot stopper & personal trainer that has made well over 100 appearances for the club.
Described as a midfield workhorse,Paul has brought his industry to the likes of West Allotment and Dunston UTS in previous seasons, and has been known to threaten the scoresheet on occasion.
James Harmison
Kieran Wrightson
A vastly experienced centre half, who has turned out for Division One sides Bedlington Terriers and Ashington. James will add a huge impact both defensively and offensively.
Daniel Patterson Formerly of Allotment, seasoned defender Dan can play in a number of positions - left-back, centrehalf or wing-back. Played professionally for Queen of the South, and has also turned out for Ashington.
Joe Elliott Signed recently from Cullercoats, Joe is a versatile and useful member of the squad, able to play in midfield or at right back. Elliott is back in contention after six months at Division One outfit Hebburn.
A former member of the Newcastle United academy, Kieran has, before turning 21, represented a number of Northern League outfits, including West Allotment, Team Northumbria and Whickham.
Adam Forster Young talent Forster turned out for Northern Premier League side Blyth Spartans in 2011/12, and spent time on loan across the water at South Shields.
Ben Richardson Another former Allotment player, Ben is an a fans’ favourite due to his ability to win the ball and move play forward. The former Washington man has been ever-present in the first team this term.
Keith Douglas Self-confessed North Shields supporter and popular club man. The former Allotment forward has been prolific for the Robins, scoring 71 goals for the club - including 15 strikes this season.
Dean Holmes Dean was the top scorer in the Northern Alliance two seasons ago with Heaton Stannington. Now in his second season with Shields, the livewire striker has an average strike rate of one goal per two games.
Robert Nolan Shields’ main goalgetter Nolan started the season with Washington, but returned to Shields in September. Rob has found his feet quickly on North Tyneside, scoring 30 times in just 23 games, and will pose a threat to most defences.
17
ON THIS DAY
On This Day... STEPHEN ALLOTT looks at this day in West Allotment Celtic’s eighty-five year history Whitley Bay
News Guardian Saturday, March 29, 1986
Evening Chronicle
March 29 1947
Celtic beaten by Bohemians
WEST Allotment Celtic travelled to Gosforth to meet Bohemians in a Northern Amateur League match. Those present were to witness eleven goals as an incredible match ended up in a 5-6 defeat for Celtic. Allotment had already beaten the Bohs 5-1 in an earlier fixture.
THE NEWS POST SPORT March 29 1969
Delaval add to Allotment’s woes AT Christmas time, Celtic had harboured hopes of landing a first Northern Alliance title. However, results slipped badly after the festive season and the championship was to prove elusive. A 1-2 defeat at home to old rivals Seaton Delaval Amateurs was indicative of the type of result being experienced by the team. In fact, the defeat against the Amateurs was the third in a run of four consecutive defeats by exactly the same scoreline. Peter Jackson grabbed Celtic’s goal against Delaval but it was poor consolation as the side endured a run of nine league games without a victory.
News Guardian Saturday, March 29, 2003
halliday at the double for celtic A brace from Ian Halliday was enough to secure a rare victory in what was to be Celtic’s worst-ever season in the Northern Amateur League. Bohemians were the visitors to Backworth and they could only find the net once in response to Halliday’s two efforts.
Saturday, March 29, 1997 70p
A solitary Swan goal puts Allotment through to the semi-finals
Allotment overcome Colliers in the League Cup Allotment made the trip to Portland Park to tackle Ashington Colliers in the quarter-finals of the Longhorn Hardware Northern Alliance League Cup. The journey up the Spine Road was less than comfortable, with a fire causing a tail-back on the road that trapped several players in its several miles-long wake – causing the kick-off to be delayed by an hour. Things on the pitch were to prove little easier for Allotment, for although the Colliers were two divisions lower than their visitors, they were not overawed and gave Celtic a very hard work-out. The only goal of the match arrived just before the interval when Ian Swan forced the ball home. The effort proved worthwhile as Celtic went to reach the final,where they beat Benfield Saints by three goals to two.
18
Boro are deserved winners at Hillheads
Middlesbrough “A” and Allotment were lying third and fourth respectively in the Northern Alliance table as the clubs met up at Hillheads. The visitors were young and skilful and largely outplayed Celtic, who eventually went down to the odd goal in three. John O’Loughlin and Wayne Allon scored for Boro, with Dave Walton on target for Allotment.
OPINION
A View From Where the Press Box Would Be W
ashington F.C. is not an easy place for a team to go. Not because the Nissan Sports and Leisure Ground is a fortress; the Mechanics have lost as many as they have won there. It’s difficult for visitors because it’s relatively difficult to find. Housed within the Nissan plant complex, one has to be buzzed in by security and zigzag across at least three sprawling car parks just to get to the pitch. My taxi driver reached the plant gates, expressed his disbelief that football could be played within, and continued on down the A1290 for five minutes. Perhaps understandably, Washington have one of the lowest home attendance averages in the division, only bettered (for want of a better word) by Horden and Jarrow Roofing. The Mechanics’ regulars turned up on this cold Wednesday night, but the ground should have been densely populated for a cup quarter-final. Another fifty fans might have been trapsing up and down the A1290 looking for the glare
of football floodlights. Better signposting is definitely in order. Once there, the setup is impressive - a decent ground, formerly the home of Sunderland Nissan, and a remarkably suave function suite. On the other hand, the teamsheet was supposedly stuck rather unceremoniously onto a conservatory window. I say supposedly; there was no such teamsheet in sight. Not that it was necessary, as only one of the Mechanics’ players did enough to warrant a mention by name. Michael Turner ran forty yards, unchallenged throughout, before smashing into the roof of the net to put the hosts ahead. Allotment are accustomed to going behind first, and once again bounced back in timely - and somewhat unusual fashion. Michael Bell’s cross was met by Tony Lancaster at the back post - not by his head, or his foot, or even his knee, but by his reluctant groin. Jimmy noted that he “poked” it in, and Roland pointed out that he was “cock-a-hoop” with the goal. Allotment’s two second-half
goals were less amusing - a header from (second) debutant Glenn Ford and a strike from substitute Dean Lee - but were no less important. On the nght, Allotment were, ironically, the more driven of the two sides, with Reid behind the wheel throughout. The sparse home fans implored us to turn up the volume, but our players did the talking on the pitch. A semi-final with Darlington R.A. now beckons. It won’t be the last I see of Washington, as travel there for a league fixture in the coming weeks. When the time comes, I will entrust the club with my transport, rather than burdening Blue Line. Again.
19
THE PLAYER INTERVIEW
A Brief Chat With...
Kallum McGlen P
romising winger Kallum McGlen has endured a rollercoaster of a season, breaking into the first team with a string of fine performances, before injury consigned the Blakelaw midfielder to the sidelines.
The Blakelaw connection at the club Oh, it helps. I like it here, it’s decent here. All the lads are spot on. Stona’s a good manager, a good coach. It’s spot on.
His start to the season Frustrating, aye, very frustrating. I just wanted my
chance, a chance to get on and show what I could do.
His first-team breakthrough I knew I could do better, like, at the start. But I was happy. It helps to start getting into the team. I felt that I was playing really well, actually. I felt like I was getting better and better - and fitter and fitter. When the injury happened, I was devastated.
That ligament injury against Getting Alnwick Town back in the starting What it was...he’s coming in from the side, and I knocked eleven it past him, and then he just caught me on the inside of the ankle, and I got caught underneath, and it just twisted from the outside. I just felt it snap. It did snap, I felt it in my ankle. It was sore. Painful!
Competition for places on the right wing
20
It’s superb having competition. You don’t like to see yourself getting a game week in, week out without having a challenge for your place. So it’s better to have people in there, definitely.
That’s what’s good about it. You can’t just walk back into the team. It’ll definitely be a challenge. But the injury’s gone. I don’t feel over-fit! But I can get the fitness back. I will try and get back in, because I miss it.
His goalscoring misfortune I’ve tried enough, haven’t I! I’ve had chances, and I should’ve taken a few. But I will score before the end of the season. That’s a promise. I will score!
ABCDEFYOUR CHANCE TO WIN UPGHJKLM TO £850 EVERY WEEK NOPQRSTUVW XYZABCDEFGH IJKLMNOPQRST UVWXYZABCD EFGHIJKLMNOP QRSTUVWXYZ 21 21 ABCDEFGHIJKL THE LETTER DRAW
How Does It Work?
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 £850 jackpot – the jackpot is shared between everyone who has chosen the winning letters. The jackpot must be won every week. Previous Results
26th Feb 12th Mar 19th Mar
S C Q K R U F N V
3 winners of £283.50 each 8 winners of £106.25 each 5 winners of £170 each
Special Offer: Enter Today For The Next Five Draws & We’ll Give You Your Sixth Entry Free
PLAY TODAY BY COMPLETING THE FORM BELOW HAND THE FORM TO ANY CLUB OFFICIAL
-----------------------------------CUT HERE----CUT HERE----CUT HERE--------------------------------Name:
Contact number:
What 5 letters would you like? Choose each letter only once.
SPONSOR
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.
SPONSOR
Based in the Tyne And Wear area we are specialists in the following trade areas : -
Cladding, Fascias & Soffits Doors & windows Double glazing installation/repairs Leaded Lights/Stained Glass Single glaze windows
Established in 1984, we're confident on our work being of the highest quality. We ensure our prices are as competitive as possible, whilst maintaining top quality work materials.
DOUBLE GLAZING & PATIO DOORS - REPLACEMENT PVC-U WINDOWS ROOFLINE + CONSERVATORIES - FREE ESTIMATES Ramage House, Samson Close, George Stephenson Ind. Est., Killingworth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 6DX
West Allotment Celtic
North Shields
Manager: Paul STONEMAN
Manager: Graham FENTON
Aiden AMES Ryan BEAL John PENDLEBURY Marc DUMMETT Simon WILTHEW Stephen LITTLE Paul STONEMAN Glenn FORD Chris DOUGLAS Ian DUNN (c) Marc ALLEN David HENDERSON Michael BELL Chris MORRELL Chris RAFFO Kallum McGLEN Tony LANCASTER Dean LEE Chris HUTCHINSON George JOHNSTONE Sean REID Liam HUDSON David DORMAND Jed FINDLAY Referee: M ANDREWS
Today’s Match Sponsor
Assistants: S LAWSON
J WING
Could YOU be a matchday sponsor?
YNE TYRES Follow us @wacfc
Michael ROBINSON Sean McCAFFERTY Niall HARRISON Joe ELLIOTT John GREY John HOOK Philip ROBINSON Daniel PATTERSON James HARMISON Femi AKINBOLU Michael WATSON Kevin HUGHES Ben RICHARDSON Paul WATSON Jonathan HALL Adam FORSTER Kieran WRIGHTSON Michael McKEOWN Dean HOLMES Andrew HAY Keith DOUGLAS Robert NOLAN Adam ROWNTREE Stuart WRIGHT
Contact committee@westallotmentcelticfc.com for more details.
Find us on Facebook
www.westallotmentcelticfc.com www.threemileswest.com