allotment
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14
michael bell the promising midfielder on his recent form
Club Sponsor
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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
4
the squad
6
the backroom staff
9
the last match
10
recent meetings
12
the preview
14
the visitors
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the interview
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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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West Allotment Celtic v Willington
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,
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 Willington
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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West Allotment Celtic v Willington
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.
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
10TH DECEMBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO EDEN LANE
South Shields 2 West Allotment Celtic 2
D
ESPITE a dominant first-half showing, West Allotment Celtic were made to pay the penalty for their early wastefulness, drawing 2-2 with ten-man South Shields on Tuesday night. Allotment should have been sight after an eventful opening half, which saw Shields reduced to ten men, a penalty save and two successive glaring misses, but the returning Paul Stoneman led his side off just one goal to the good. As has happened all too often, Celtic were pinned back after the break by a vastly improved South Shields outfit, whose never-say-die attitude earned them a share of the spoils. The visitors got off to the
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perfect start, scoring within two minutes at Eden Lane. South Shields failed to clear a high cross into the box, and the ball drifted towards Chris Douglas within the area. The wide man leaned back to hook a volley around his marker and into the far corner with aplomb, justifying his selection on the left flank with his third goal of the season. Defenders Dan Hall and Ben Riding fired wide for South Shields, either side of a wayward Liam Hudson halfvolley, before a more dangerous outlet forced West Allotment ‘keeper Ryan Beal into action. The Mariners worked the ball square towards the advancing Adam Burnicle, whose strike across goal was pushed away from danger by the 24-year-old
West Allotment Celtic v Willington
stopper. His counterpart went one better, as Celtic were denied a second by recent acquisition Andrew Hunter. The former Harton & Westoe ‘keeper first got up well to parry Stephen Little’s header away from the top corner, and had to demonstrate similar agility to tip another headed effort from Paul Stoneman over the crossbar. Hunter would go on to prevent Allotment a third time, though Liam Hudson should have done better with his gilt-edged chances. Sent clear of the defence by a perfectly weighted David Dormand through ball, Hudson raced through on goal, but his tame effort was too close to the ‘keeper, who held
The match report from last Tuesday’s trip to Eden Lane, where West Allotment Celtic once again failed to put the game to bed - allowing the ten men of South Shields to hit back and claim a point. onto a similarly weak follow-up from the burly attacker. Despite holding a slender lead, Allotment were in near total control, and their cause should have been assisted by two refereeing decisions in quick succession. Midfielder Barrie Smith was shown a second yellow card for directing verbal abuse towards the referee, and the official spotted a push in Sean Reid’s back when play resumed, handing the playmaker the chance to double Celtic’s advantage. His penalty was well-struck, but Hunter guessed right, flinging himself to his left to keep out the spot-kick, and Liam Hudson dragged the rebound agonisingly wide.
around the post. Centre-half Riding nodded marginally wide at the back post, and a reflex save from Beal kept out another pointblank header, as the Mariners began to bombard Celtic’s goal. They got the goal their fightback deserved, though it was not without controversy. To the surprise of Allotment’s back four, the referee waved for play to continue when Dormand suffered a head injury. On the back foot, Little clearly clipped the dangerous Kane in the box, and Stephen Ramsey duly despatched the resulting penalty.
The assistant referee’s injury and subsequent replacement caused a brief delay in restarting the game, and South Shields looked a completely different side thereafter, belying their depleted state with relentless pressure.
Just as the hosts threatened to complete a remarkable turnaround, Allotment struck back, and were back in front within six minutes. Dormand’s square cross was flicked on by substitute Tony Lancaster into the path of Reid on the right, the 21-year-old thumping a half-volley past Hunter at the near post.
Peter Kane’s pace started to cause problems for the away side, the winger darting past two challenges and firing towards goal, only for Beal’s fingertips to divert the ball
With only ten minutes remaining, Celtic looked to have snatched all three points, but the dogged Mariners were not to be denied. Ramsey bagged his second of the
evening, his decisive touch on a Henderson strike wrongfooting Beal and levelling the scores. Despite their sub-par second half performance, there was still one more opportunity for Allotment to steal the win. Reid and Hunter raced to get to a dangerous through ball, the former getting there first and striking against the latter. The ball spun into the path of Lancaster, who chose to cross rather than shoot from an awkward angle, but Riding got back towards the line to head away from danger. His clearance ultimately mattered little, as the assistant on the far side had bemusingly raised his flag against the delivery’s desired target, despite Hudson being played on by the covering centre-half. The result may have been a fair reflection on the game, with both sides controlling one half apiece, but West Allotment will still be the more aggrieved of the two, having spurned many of the game’s best chances in the opening forty-five minutes. Nevertheless, the draw extends Celtic’s unbeaten run to six games, and the point sees the side leapfrog Heaton Stannington into second place.
the last match
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recent meetings
21ST AUGUST 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO HALL LANE
Willington 0 West Allotment Celtic 2
W
EST Allotment Celtic put the disappointment of the past week behind them, muscling their way to a 2-0 victory at Willington on Wednesday night, courtesy of a Sean Reid brace. Celtic took the lead after 18 minutes via a set-piece, as Willington failed to clear their lines, allowing Michael Bell to nudge the ball to Reid, who crashed his low effort beyond ‘keeper Scott Williams. Both sides had half-chances to change the course of the game in the first half, though the score ultimately remained the same heading into half-time. Ian Dunn lashed a volley over the bar, whilst Chris Bannon had to throw himself behind
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a goalbound effort from Mark Foster. Willington spurned a gilt-edged chance to level matters in a physical pitched battle, only to be denied once more by Celtic’s stopper. A deep cross towards the back post found Jamie Clarey in space, but Bannon raced across goal to hold the forward’s tame stab towards goal. The visitors ratcheted up the ante, Dormand unfortunate to see his cross-shot poked away from danger, and another pullback from the striker deserved better from Liam Hudson, who shot wide when it seemed easier to score. The Blues continued to loft the ball into Celtic’s area, but could
West Allotment Celtic v Willington
not break down the back four, before the Tynesiders grabbed the decisive second goal. Reid battled for possession on the floor with full-back Brown deep in Willington’s box, emerging with the ball and sliding home, though the home fans believed that their man was fouled in the process. Allotment would soon be asking questions of the referee themselves, as Michael Bell was caught by his marker in the area, but the officials were unmoved by his appeals for a penalty. Further efforts from Nicholson and Sakr failed to find the net for the hosts, but Celtic comfortably held on to their two-goal advantage, winning a bruising encounter against their recently promoted opponents.
Today’s two teams may not have met too often in recent years, but they have already come across one another twice in the space of four months since Willington’s ascension into the Northern League.
5TH NOVEMBER 2013 ERNEST ARMSTRONG MEMORIAL CUP HALL LANE
Willington 4 West Allotment Celtic 1
T
HE Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup will not be returning to Whitley Park this year, as a largely second string Allotment side were comprehensively defeated by Willington in the First Round. The tie marked Allotment’s second trip down to Hall Lane in as many weeks, with the previous fixture postponed due to floodlight failure, but the hosts outshone a disjointed and much-changed Celtic team on the night. After thirty minutes of pressure and a pair of missed half-chances, Willington’s dominance belatedly paid off, courtesy of Aiden Goodey. The full-back’s free-kick from out wide travelled a full thirty
yards, curling into the top corner via the underside of the bar. David Dormand almost prodded Allotment level, but the home side soon put daylight between themselves and their high-flying opponents from another set-piece. This time, a Willington corner was cleared only as far as Liam Whitworth, who turned in the box and rifled an unstoppable drive past Rodgerson. After the break, Willington as good as killed the game off with a third goal. Jason White burst down the right flank and delivered it on a plate for marauding captain Tom Lazonby, up from centre-half, to prod home. Dormand spurned another chance to get on the
scoresheet, poking a superb Ian Dunn pass wide of goal, but it was the otherwise quiet Bartomeu Oliver-Berga who gave Celtic the faintest hope, slamming into the top corner from close range after a poor defensive header dropped into his path. Any chance of an unlikely fightback seemed to dissipate after Dormand’s rising effort clipped the top of the crossbar, and the home side went on to grab a fourth moments later - a carbon copy of the third, with the finish applied by David Pinkney. Celtic and their rested firstteam stars can now focus the majority of their attention on the league, with a promotion push already on the cards. recent meetings
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the match preview
form: WDWWD
WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC
A
LTHOUGH West Allotment Celtic’s unbeaten run stretched to an impressive six games on Tuesday night, few in the camp counted themselves pleased with the result - a 2-2 draw away at South Shields.
expected to have the choice of Sean Reid, David Henderson and the recovering Michael Bell for the two prized midfield berths in front of Ian Dunn, although recent signing David Borley is unavailable for the game.
The game against the stalemate specialists should have been over by half-time, but another second-half slump may see playermanager Paul Stoneman ring the changes for this afternoon’s tie.
Connor Graham is hoping to shake off a virus in time for the game, whilst Dean Lee is up against last week’s goalscorer Chris Douglas for a starting spot on the left wing. Another winger working his way back is Tony Lancaster, having featured for the ‘A’ team in
The Celtic schemer is
WILLINGTON form: WDWWL
C
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OUNTY Durham outfit Willington A.F.C. have enjoyed something of a renaissance in the past three seasons, and their current form in the Northern League would suggest that the club will continue to progress for the foreseeable future. Successive improvements in the Wearside League have resulted in a rapid rise for Willington, overseen by local manager Rob Lee, back into step six, where they hardly look out of place. The same might not have
been said earlier in the season, as the club registered just one win in their opening ten Northern League games. The wind belatedly changed for Willington on the road, where the side finally picked up a morale-boosting win against Stokesley, with Adam Sakr helping himself to a brace. The striker scored a further three in the next away game, this time against Whickham, as the Durham side came back from a goal behind to win 5-2 on the day. Further victories against South Shields and Esh Winning propelled Willington
West Allotment Celtic v Willington
recent weeks. Further back, Stephen Little returned to first-team action against South Shields, meaning that Glenn Ford may once again be rested. The game comes too soon for the likes of Chris Bannon, Kallum McGlen and Marc Allen, whilst Lawrence McKenna remains out. Allotment should have a strong pool of players from which to choose, as they look to make it seven games unbeaten in all competitions. up the table, and wins against Whitehaven, Birtley, Ryton and Brandon - as well as draws against Darlington R.A. and Northallerton saw the club embark upon an astounding ten match unbeaten run. They travelled to another in-form side in Jarrow Roofing, surprisingly taking all three points away from Boldon C.A. with a dogged performance. They suffered their first defeat in eleven matches last week - a 4-0 home drubbing against Washington - but the side will hope to get back on track when they visit Whitley Park this afternoon.
statattack David Dormand has started the last three games on the bench, but came on early in the first half against South Shields, owing to Michael Bell sustaining an ankle injury. Should the latter fail to recover in time for today’s game, Dormand may be given the nod in attack, with Sean Reid dropping back into midfield to fill the void left by ‘Belly’.
The attendance for the last league meeting at Hall Lane
126
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No. of goals scored by Adam Pinkney
previous meetings* P 1 5 6
Promising forward Adam Sakr once turned out for Newcastle United’s youth team, and displayed his quality in the Wearside last year, top scoring for Willington en route to a second-placed finish.
W 1 4 5
D 0 0 0
L 0 1 1
F 8 18 26
A 0 5 5
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Successive Celtic wins before November’s cup tie
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Points picked up by Willington on the road
the preview
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willington decline.
the history W
ILLINGTON A.F.C. was established in 1906 and joined the Northern Football League in 1911. They finished as runners-up in their second season, and won the league in 1913–14.[2] In 1925–26 they won the league again, and in 1927–28 they reached the semi-final of the FA Amateur Cup, losing 2–1 to Cockfield in a replay. They won a third Northern League title in 1929–30, and in 1938–39 they reached the final of the Amateur Cup, losing 3–0 to Bishop Auckland at Roker Park, Sunderland. They resigned from the Northern League on 20 March 1940, but rejoined at the end of World War II. In 1945–46 they reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time, but lost to Bishop Auckland. In 1949–50 they reached the first round again, losing to Horden Colliery Welfare in a replay. They also reached the final of the Amateur Cup for a second time, this time defeating Bishop Auckland 4–0 at Wembley Stadium before a crowd of 88,000. The following season they entered the FA Cup in the first round, but lost 3–0 to Rochdale. During this period the club finished in the top nine in every season until 1960, but thereafter saw a gradual
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West Allotment Celtic v Willington
Although they reached the first round of the FA Cup again in 1973–74, losing 6–1 to Blackburn Rovers in a replay. In 1982 the league added a second division, and after finishing bottom of Division One in 1982–83, Willington were relegated to Division Two. The club struggled in the second tier, finishing bottom of the league in 1983–84 and 1991–92, and only finishing in the top ten five times in twenty-two seasons. After finishing bottom again in 2005–06 they were relegated to the Wearside League. They continued to struggle, finishing second from bottom in their first two seasons in the league, and then bottom in 2008–09 and 2009–10. However, the year of 2010 would bring about a change in Willington’s fortunes, with the club finishing well clear of their previous positions, ultimately winding up in 14th place. The Blues went on to enjoy one of their most successful seasons in recent years in 2011/12, their 65 points proving enough to cement 5th place in the Wearside League. Things would get even better at Hall Lane, as the club’s imperious rise continued, and Willington bettered their previous performances for a third year running. The County Durham outfit breached the 100-point mark last season, finishing second in the Wearside League - and earning promotion to the Northern League in the process. The club has had a number of famous managers, including Malcolm Allison and Alan Durban in 1984 and Eddie Kyle, Alan Murray and Stan Cummins.
Nickname: Ground: Hall Lane Chairman: Bob Nichols
Rivals: Crook Town Largest home crowd 2013/14: 126 v West Allotment Distance travelled today (approx.): 31 miles
the players David Moffat
Widely renowned as a fine shot stopper, former West Auckland ‘keeper Moffat has clearly established himself as number one at Hall Lane - and as one of the better custodians in Division Two. David has been credited for a number of Willington’s positive results in the current campaign, and was voted Player’s Player of the Year.
Corey Nicholson
Touted as one of the most impressive young full-backs to emerge in County Durham, Nicholson often operates as a wing-back, knowing when to get forward, and has already scored five times. As much a threat in attack as he is assured in defence.
Aiden Goodey
The 18-year-old has fast established himself as Willington’s left-back, already playing twenty-four times for Rob Lee’s side. He’s also not shy of a shot, as proven by his opening goal in the last game against Allotment - a free kick from a full thirty yards.
The pen profiles of some of Willington’s key squad members
Graham Lazonby
Centre-half Graham is Willington’s club captain, having been at Hall Lane throughout their rise up the Wearside League and into the Northern League. Graham has also proven to be a versatile player, capable of playing as a full-back of a sweeper in addition to his regular orthodox role in the heart of defence.
Michael Weston
Centre-half Mikey is vying for position with the likes of former Crook Town defender Stephen Howe, but has already started seventeen games for the club. 2013/14 marks the fifth season at Willington for Weston, a strong defender who loves a header.
Adam Pinkney
Another who has scored against Celtic this season, Pinkney is currently Willington’s top scorer, having bagged twelve strikes for the club. The dangerous midfielder is also considered to be a dead ball specialist, having scored many free kicks in his time.
Jason White
The midfielder’s goals last season went a long way to securing promotion for Willington, and the wide man has continued in similar fashion, adding five to his tally at this juncture. White also has bags of experience, having turned out for the likes of Northallerton, Bishop Auckland and Horden.
Chris Hardy
Strong centre-forward Chris Hardy has worked his way through the ranks at Willington, having started out with the under-18s, and scored his fair share of goals in the club’s promotion season. Hardy already has six to his name this year.
Adam Sakr
A former Newcastle United trainee, Sakr fired Willington into the Northern League last season, finishing as the club’s top scorer in 2012/13. A creative player and a clinical finisher, Adam can play as a winger or a forward, and has hit the back of the net eight times thus far.
the visitors
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a brief chat with...
Michael Bell
D
ESPITE only turning 22 this year, midfielder Michael Bell has spent over three years on West Allotment’s books, and has already racked up over 100 appearances for the green and whites.The promising prospect considers his own form and the last performance at South Shields.
on expecting to reach his assessment of the draw at South 100 games for Celtic Shields at this early juncture Not really, no. Obviously I’ve played two or three seasons now, and I’ve played a lot of games, but I’ve enjoyed them so far. I’m just trying to catch up with how many Stona has played!
on what has prompted his recent goalscoring form I’m not sure, really. I think it’s playing in a bit more of an advanced role in midfield. After scoring one or two, my confidence started to grow a lot, and all of a sudden when you start getting more chances in future games, you feel more confident in putting the ball in the back of the net. It’s something I wanted to add to my game.
It was a difficult place to come, it was cold and windy, but we started off quite well. We got an early goal, which is always a boost, but it turned into a bit of a battle after that. They’ve come back well, to be fair to them. They’ve tried very hard. I was quite impressed with them, to be honest. They were one of the better teams we’ve played, but again, disappointed that we’ve missed a penalty. We’ve thrown away two points, I suppose. I just hope we don’t look back at that at the end of the season and think what could have been.
on coming off injured on Tuesday evening I’m very disappointed. It was just one of those things. I’ve
took a genuine shot and clashed my leg, but I knew coming off that I couldn’t carry on, so I wasn’t going to put myself in a position where I was going to let the team down.
on his fitness ahead of this afternoon Hopefully. It’s not as bad as I thought it was when I first came off, so hot bath when I get in, get some ice on it, and I should be raring to go on Saturday. the interview
19
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the letter draw S
V
Z
10th December 2013 4 winners of £200 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:
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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
“I
JUST hope that it’s not going to be one of those games where we dominate it and then throw it away,” mused Michael Bell on the sideline after Sean Reid’s penalty was saved. “I know what you mean,” I replied. “I don’t want to have to write a report with a title like ‘Ten-man South Shields hit back against Celtic’”. Up until that point, it had hardly looked likely. Shields were one man down, the offender having spat out one cuss word too many, and Allotment had created all but one of the game’s chances. Two one-on-ones and a spotkick were denied by the last line of defence - Mariners’ inform ‘keeper Andy Hunter. No matter; Celtic took a one-goal and one-man advantage into half-time.What could go wrong? Recent history would have suggested everything; the visitors are notoriously slow second-half starters. The winds of change didn’t rattle through Eden Lane during the extended interval; the gale remained constant in strength and direction, but as the two teams swapped ends, so too did the balance of the game turn on its head. Now kicking into
the wind, Allotment struggled to get past the halfway line, the elements acting as an eleventh man for the hosts. The other ten, subdued so successfully in the opening forty-five, played with the wind in their sails thereafter. In truth, we were a little fortunate to escape with a draw; the win would have been an act of twilight robbery. Having been battered in the second half by the elements and their opponents, Allotment’s players trudged back to the dressing room to face a whirlwind of a different kind. It was not unjustified. For all the huffing and puffing of the first half, the forwards had failed to blow Shields’ halfway house down; another fable to add to the dressing room reading list. That said, the draw takes us to six games without defeat, which, on reflection, doesn’t read quite so badly. Away from the frustration of first-team action, there are plenty of positives to take from the progress of the development side. With a rare Saturday off, the majority of the committee ventured down to Churchill to see the ‘A’ team take on Alnwick Town Reserves in the Minor Cup. The line-up
had changed significantly since I last saw the prospects two months ago - the coach had been promoted to the managerial hotseat, and the existing squad was complemented by a number of new signings, many of which harked from the furthest reaches of the globe. Our hot prospects emerged victorious against another of the Northern League’s second string sides, winning 5-2 on the day, but it wasn’t just the result that prompted cause for optimism. The lads look happy out in the middle of the park, and are an awful lot hungrier for it. After a dismal start to their inaugural campaign, they are growing in confidence with every passing game, summed up aptly by Michael Monnanou’s cheeky dummy and finish for the fifth goal. Reece Chapman’s approach is working wonders down in Monkseaton, and a couple of his charges, most notably Matt Slater, look like real finds. Don’t be surprised to see some of these fresher faces lining up alongside the established stalwarts at Whitley Park in the near future. The present is bright - we are second in the league, after all and the future is brighter still.
goal of the week
man of the week
Impossible to separate two fine strikes from Douglas and Reid, both of whom showed a mastery of technique to hit the target.
On a quiet day for most players, Dormand gets the slightest of nods, having set up the second and playing the unexpected pass of the eve.
West Allotment Celtic v Willington
the onion bag
21
on this day... 1957 Hirst East End visited the Farm Ground in West Allotment in the Fourth Round of the NFA Amateur Cup. The visitors never stood a chance as Celtic went nap thanks to a hat-trick from Jimmy McDonald and a brace from John Bell. Celtic’s team was reinforced by the return of George Forster after his spell with Blyth Spartans. Allotment went on to reach the semi-final of the competition before falling to the Naval Yard.
1963 A run of four successive league defeats continued as Percy Main despatched Allotment 4-2 on their own pitch. Scragg and Armstrong notched the Celtic goals.
1968 A goal from Hedley earned Allotment a replay in the Northern Amateur League Cup away to Heaton Stannington Reserves. However, one week later, Heaton won the replay by three goals to one, after extra-time.
1974 Allotment were on their travels once more, this time in the Third Round of the NFA Amateur Cup. John Boste provided the opposition in what turned out to be a gruelling encounter. Celtic were a bit below par and struggled to find any rhythm until late into the match, despite Benny Williams opening the scoring after fifteen minutes. Gallagher equalised for Boste before the break. Derek Stoneman lashed home a free-kick late in the game to restore Celtic’s lead and the victory was rubber-stamped when Noble scored a third for the visitors. It was an important win, as Celtic went on to win the competition in its final year of operation.
22
West Allotment Celtic v Willington
Stephen Allott looks at this day in the club’s extensive history
1985 Celtic faced an away tie at Coundon TT in the 3rd round of the FA Vase. They made an awful start when three defenders went for the same high ball in the second minute. Somehow, all three contrived to miss the ball, leaving Pickford with the easy task of driving the home side into the lead. Celtic recovered well from this wretched start and levelled the scores on the half hour mark.Vince Bollardo and Paul Appleby combined well to set up a chance for John Kiddie and the little midfielder struck the ball unerringly into the net. No further goals arrived in the opening period but, as the conditions worsened after the interval, Allotment were hit by the sudden collapse of Alan Harrison. He was taken ill very suddenly and had to be replaced by Daz Ridley. Despite the upset, a replay looked the most likely outcome until a late break from Coundon resulted in Pickford settling the match with a fine curling shot beyond Paul Hunter.
1996 Lemington Social Club were on their way to winning the Alliance title and completed a league “double” over Allotment by winning 2-0 at McKendrick Villas. Goals from Tony Higgs and Paul Morton did the damage in a result that effectively dismissed Celtic from the title race.
2002 Spittal Rovers were the visitors to Whitley Park for a Northern Alliance clash and they went back to the borders on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline. The Allotment goals were shared between David Potts, David Malone, Michael Chilton and Tony Woodhouse.
on this day
23
top scorers
player statistics gk
name
Liam Hudson - 10 Michael Bell - 6 Chris Douglas - 5
attack
the mainstays
midfield
the playmakers
defence
Sean Reid - 21 Ian Dunn - 6 David Dormand - 6
Ian Dunn - 26 Sean Reid - 25 Paul Stoneman - 24
apps
yel
Chris Bannon Ryan Beal Bob Rodgerson
9 14 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 Roy Gordon
22 (2) 18 (1) 23 (2) 1 (1) 24 16 2 (3) 13 7 (7)
1 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
0 3 5 0 3 1 1 0 1
1 1 3 0 2 2 0 0 0
David Borley Ian Dunn Michael Bell Marc Allen Sean Reid Bernat Roca Bart Oliver-Berga Kallum McGlen David Henderson Tony Lancaster Dean Lee Connor Graham
1 26 (1) 16 (4) 6 (6) 25 (1) 1 (2) 1 (3) 8 (7) 20 (1) 0 (3) 12 (1) 2 (7)
0 5 0 1 3 1 0 0 2 0 1 0
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 6 0 4 0 0 2 4 0 0 2
0 6 6 1 21 0 1 1 0 0 3 0
Liam Hudson David Dormand Lawrence McKenna
19 (3) 18 (7) 8 (8)
2 0 0
0 0
3 2
6 4
Tow 0Law10Town6
Beal Little
Pendlebury
Stoneman
Dunn
24
gls
average starting XI
the bad boys
Paul Stoneman - 2 1 Ian Dunn - 4 0 Alex Nisbet - 0 1
red asts
Hudson
West Allotment Celtic v Willington
Dummett
Henderson Reid
Douglas
Dormand
the player statistics
fixtures and results nl div 2 table
1
team North Shields
pl 22
w 16
d 4
l 2
gd pts 64 52
2
WAC
22
13
6
3
19 45
3
Heaton Stan
22
14
3
5
16 45
4
Seaham
23
14
2
7
26 44
5
Nort & Stock
24
12
7
5
17 43
6
Northallerton 24
12
6
6
20 42
7
Jarrow Roof
20
12
4
4
27 40
8
Birtley
22
11
4
7
12 37
9
Darlo RA
23
11
4
8
7
37
10 Willington
22
10
5
7
2
35
11 Tow Law
24
10
3
11
5
33
12 South Shields 22
7
10
5
-3
31
13 Ch-le-Street
23
8
7
8
-5
31
14 Whickham
21
8
4
9
6
28
15 Washington
24
8
3
13 -20 27
16 Whitehaven
22
7
3
12 -20 24
17 Stokesley
25
6
5
14 -19 23
18 Alnwick
22
6
4
12 -18 22
19 Brandon
26
6
3
17 -26 21
20 Thornaby
22
5
4
13 -14 19
21 Esh Winning
24
4
2
18 -58 14
22 Ryton
23
3
3
17 -38 12
OFFICIAL NORTHERN LEAGUE SPONSORS
AUGUST 10th Alnwick Town 14th Heaton Stannington 17th Billingham Synthonia 21st Willington 24th Stokesley SC 30th Whickham
NL D2 NL D2 FA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A A A A H H
W 4-0 L 3-2 L 4-0 W 2-0 W 3-2 W 3-1
SEPTEMBER Seaham Red Star 4th Stokesley SC 7th 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 W 5-3 W 2-1
DECEMBER 10th South Shields 14th Willington 21st Seaham Red Star 28th Norton & Stockton
NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2
A H A H
D 2-2
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!
6th Dec
Today’s game postponed six minutes before kick off. Why can’t referees make decisions before then beats me.
7th Dec
Wow what a day today, Barbara and I are picked up at our front door, driven directly to Anfield, wined, dined then driven home from the ground and we don’t spend a penny and this is for the bugger(Mike Amos), nowt to do with the bloodhound.
8th Dec
Morgan six today, very excited, has a lovely party and no sign of d**khead (her father). No birthday card or present from him. No wonder my blood pressure is high.
9th Dec
Morgan arrives 7.45am and one of the first words she says to me was my dad rang last night and he is keeping my birthday present until the weekend. It seems my text to d**khead worked a little, though I had said to him at 4pm that he should be seeing Morgan. What a tosser he is - and that is me being polite! In the evening, attend Assessor Training event run by Lucy May for new and current NFA Assessors. A very successful evening.
10th Dec
We are now second in the league after tonight’s draw with South Shields and I am really disappointed. The number of points we are dropping is a major concern when clearly we are the best footballing side in Division Two. To only draw 2 -2 tonight was a big disappointment. Dunny collects another booking which gives him Christmas off while the rest of the team has to be careful how much they eat and drink over the Christmas period.
11 Dec
Joanne and I attend Morgan’s Christmas play, and what a great effort all the children made to make the play very successful. Morgan and grandma have fallen out again. Morgan does not know that grandma is taking her to school tomorrow. Now that will be interesting. Not sure who is the child at times with those two! Well, tomorrow is D-Day at the hospital and I can only hope and pray it is good news.
th
12th Dec
26
Bloodhound kindly runs me to the hospital and back on two occasions, morning and afternoon today. Mind you, I nearly didn’t make the second appointment. As I was getting my bag off the back seat of his car he shot away, if I hadn’t jumped out of the way the bugger would have run over my feet. Next time you see the bloodhound pulling away, watch how fast he goes; he puts his foot flat to the floorboards as he is so impatient. Good news today, so I can now resume my growling at everyone. In the evening, attend meeting with our (NFA) level four referees. To the uninitiated, they are the referees who referee our games. I am sure some of you would have liked to have attended.
West Allotment Celtic v Willington
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.
BLUES Manager Rob LEE Assistant Stephen HOWE Coaches Paul GOLDSBOROUGH Nigel LEE Jimmy LEE
CELTIC Manager Paul STONEMAN Assistant Wilf KEILTY Coach Paul HOGG Physio Charlotte FERGUSON
MATCH OFFICIALS Referee M CARR Assistants A KITCHEN S HESLOP
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 Ian DUNN (c) Marc ALLEN David HENDERSON Michael BELL Sean REID David BORLEY Bernat ROCA Bart OLIVER-BERGA Kallum McGLEN Tony LANCASTER Dean LEE Connor GRAHAM Liam HUDSON David DORMAND Lawrence McKENNA Jed FNDLAY
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Willington David MOFFATT Ryan MUNDELL Scott WILLIAMS Cory NICHOLSON Michael WESTON Shaun BROWN Thomas ILEY Graham LAZONBY (c) Stephen HOWE Adam PINKNEY Adam COMBY Joe FAIRISH Danny LEE James SEYMOUR Jason WHITE Liam WHITWORTH Adam SAKR Mark FOSTER Chris HARDY Reece MARSHALL Jamie CLAREY Daniel KENT
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