allotment WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14

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a club united

The inaugural encounter

between the first team

and our new development

side

NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO 22ND FEBRUARY 2014

darlington r.a.

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contentsthe history

the squad

the backroom staff

the last match

the last meeting

the preview

the visitors

a club united

the letter draw

race night

from allotment to anfield

the player statistics

fixtures, results, table

rottweiler’s notes

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welcome12

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Unit 3J, Admiral Business Park, Nelson Way, Cramlington, NE23 1WG

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Club OfficialsPresidentChairmanVice-ChairmanSecretaryTreasurerCommercial

Committee

Press OfficerPhotographer

Backroom StaffManagerAssistant ManagerFirst Team CoachPhysio

Selected Club HonoursNorthern Alliance champions

Northern League D2 championsNFA Amateur Cup winnersNFA Benevolent Bowl winnersCraven Cup winnersErnest Armstrong Mem. Cup winners

Alex SmailesRoland MatherJimmy WilsonTed Ilderton

John AlexanderJonny Thompson

David DoddsPaul MasonAbove, plus

Al Liddle,Michael Wilson, Les Scott,

Kath Orr, Harry Bell, Stephen Allott,

Richie MarksCraig Dobson

Graeme Jackson

Paul StonemanWilf KieltyPaul Hogg

Charlotte Ferguson

1987, 1991,1992, 1998,1999, 2000,2002, 2004

20051957, 1975

199320052013

eighty-five years in the makingStephen Allott takes you on a whistlestop tour of the club’s history, studded with hardship, success and numerous relocations...

West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic4

...and the decade of declineThe 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.

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 lastA rejuvenated West Allotment won the NFA Amateur Cup again in 1975, largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of Benny Williams,

from creation to contendersWest 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, shedsand timesIn 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.

the history

eighty-five years in the makingwho 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.

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 allianceIn 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

Stephen Allott takes you on a whistlestop tour of the club’s history, studded with hardship, success and numerous relocations...

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 dayHaving 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 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.

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West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic6

the squad

Chris BannonGK 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.

Ryan BealGK 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.

Stephen LittleCB Age: 26

The ex-Annfield Plain and Killingworth stopper

shone at the back for Allotment last season, putting in a series of superlative defensive showings, earning the

Player’s Player of the Year Award in the process.

Glenn FordCB 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.

Simon WilthewCB Age: 25

Simon featured 15 times at the back for Allotment

last season. Strong at centre-half and adept at

left-back, the Monkseaton defender will be looking

to build on his impressive debut in the Northern

League.

John PendleburyRB Age: 27

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. The

full-back often serves as captain in the absence of

Ian Dunn.

Chris DouglasRB Age: 29

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, be it as a full-back or a wide

midfielder.

Bob RodgersonGK Age: 31

A Percy Main Amateurs regular, Bob performed admirably when filling in during a goalkeeping crisis towards the back end of last season, and

has registered once again to be our third choice

‘keeper.

CB Simon WilthewCB Glenn FordCB Stephen LittleCB Paul StonemanRB John Pendlebury

GK Chris BannonGK Ryan BealGK Bob RodgersonGK Jack Thompson

the squad 7

Marc DummettLB Age: 26

The former Ponteland United and Dunston full-back 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.

Roy GordonCM 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.

David HendersonCM Age: 31

David Henderson rejoined the club last

season, and the former North Shields schemer provides another option going forward through the middle. Henders is arguably one of the

most skilful players in the squad.

Sean ReidCM Age: 21Rangy, 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.

Michael BellCM 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.

Ian DunnCM Age: 31

Long-serving, tough tackling midfielder Dunn

has grafted tirelessly for three years at West Allotment, earning the

captain’s armband in the process. “Dunny” remains one of Celtic’s key men

deep in the heart of midfield.

Marc AllenCM Age: 26

Marc previously turned out for Whitley Bay Reserves, but has

become a mainstay in the Celtic squad. His astute passing, ball retention

skills and battling tenacity are evident whenever he is called upon in central

midfield.

RB Chris DouglasLB Marc DummettCM David BorleyCM Roy GordonCM Ian Dunn

CM Marc AllenCM David HendersonCM Michael BellCM Sean ReidRM Kallum McGlen

RM Tony LancasterRM Matt SlaterLM Dean LeeLM Connor GrahamST Lawrence McKenna

ST Liam HudsonST David DormandST Jed FindlayST Rob Nolan

David BorleyCM Age: 30

Central midfielder David turned out for Bury in

his youth, and the footballcoach has gone on to represent the likes of Bedlington Terriers, Hebburn Town and

Jarrow Roofing in the Northern League. A dynamic playmaker.

West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic the squad8

the squad

Tony LancasterRM Age: 28

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.

Dean LeeLM Age: 30

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 DormandST Age: 25David’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.

Liam HudsonST Age: 25

Another former Ryton forward, army soldier

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.

Jed FindlayST Age: 24

Signed from Cramlington Town last February, Jed is a promising forward with plenty of attacking potential. Having made a handful of appearances last season, the striker will be hoping to get more game time this

campaign.

Lawrence McKennaST Age: 25

Lawrence is well-travelled, having topped the scoring charts for

Whickham, before going on to play for Bedlington Terriers and Newcastle Benfield. Is known to be a deadly finisher in the

division.

Rob NolanST Age: 24

Rob scored 30 goals for North Shields before

earning his big move to Blyth Spartans, and after brief spells at Whitley

Bay and Bedlington, the clinical forward is looking to once again make his

mark upon Division Two.

Kallum McGlenRM 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.

the backroom staff 9

the backroom staff

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Paul Stoneman

Paul StonemanPlayer/Manager

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.

Wilf KieltyAssistant ManagerRight-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.

Paul HoggFirst Team CoachThe 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 FergusonPhysiotherapist

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.

West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic10

18TH JANUARY 2014 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO STOKESLEY SPORTS CLUB

GARY Redman’s late strike denied West

Allotment Celtic all three points on Saturday afternoon, with a blood and thunder match ending 2-2 at the Sports Club.

Despite ringing the changes, Allotment started positively on an unavoidably heavy pitch, owing to the previous night’s downpour, with Roy Gordon in particular looking dangerous. However, his promising start down the left suffered a setback after fourteen minutes. His poorly weighted backpass towards Ryan Beal allowed Greg Peel to surge forward and slot the ball beneath the stranded ‘keeper.

Having gifted the hosts the opening goal, Allotment began

to press with a little more urgency, a Sean Reid free-kick well saved by Lynes, and a Dean Lee effort that whistled over the bar.

When the equaliser did come, it was courtesy of another disastrous defensive error. A deep cross seemed to pose little threat to the Stokesley defence, sailing into the path of the waiting Lynas, but his centre-half took it upon himself to intercept the ball first, his poor touch with his chest allowing Dormand to steal possession and finish coolly from an acute angle.

Stokesley almost gifted Celtic a second, captain Stuart Browne within inches of poking into his own net. However, he could do little from the resulting corner,

the last match

as Allotment snatched the lead. Dormand met the set-piece, flicking the ball across the line and into the path of Stephen Little, who could not miss from the closest of ranges.

Having already bagged a goal and an assist, Dormand had two chances to extend his side’s advantage before half-time. The forward did well to win an aerial challenge with two opponents, racing through towards goals but flicking high and wide of the top corner. Minutes later, the former Morpeth man sprang the offside trap once more, hurtling down the right and squaring across goal for Dean Lee, who was denied a simple finish by the presence of retreating full-back Lloyd Evans.

Stokesley 2 West Allotment Celtic 2

11the last match

Monty Alexander’s men came back stronger in the second half, a looping cross from the right almost catching out Beal but drifting marginally wide, before Andrew Lambert’s goalbound effort was held by Beal.

Allotment rallied briefly, and threw on Rob Nolan for his debut. He almost made the desired impact within minutes of his introduction. Lancaster got round Matthew Robinson and squared the ball inside for the former Shields striker, who was inches away from marking his first Allotment appearance with a goal.

Stokesley full-back Robinson was a lick of paint away from hauling his side level, his fine free-kick from thirty yards flashing just beyond the angle of Beal’s goal, but it was arguably a less intentional delivery that grabbed Stokesley a share of the points late on. Redman sent over a looping cross from the right, and the backpedaling Beal could not retreat quick enough to prevent the ball from floating over his head and into the top corner.

Either side could have won it in the final five minutes, with Dormand seeing a header hacked away from the six yard box and Stokesley threatening with half a dozen set pieces of their own, but both sides ultimately had to settle for an error-strewn draw.

...in pictures

West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic 12

the last meeting

Darlington R.A. 0 West Allotment Celtic 428TH SEPTEMBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO BRINKBURN ROAD

WEST Allotment Celtic kept their

recent unbeaten league run on track with a fine 4-0 win at Darlington Railway Athletic on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors started in customary fashion, both Sean Reid and Liam Hudson coming close, but despite being in the ascendancy, Chris Bannon still had to be on his guard to tip a deflected effort around the post.

It was the only meaningful save that the ‘keeper had to make for the remainder of the half, as Celtic began to turn on the style, with the explosive Hudson at the heart of it all. He once again beat his man for pace down the right before

crossing towards the waiting Dean Lee, whose shot from six yards flew beyond three covering defenders and the crossbar.

The winger soon atoned for the miss by hitting the target the second time around, with his right-sided counterpart due much of the credit. Hudson powered his way down the flank and whipped another tantalising ball into the area, where the 30-year-old bundled home with his body.

The winger appeared to hurt himself in scoring the game’s opening goal, but Allotment almost suffered a more serious blow moments later, as Ian Dunn went down awkwardly in his own third, but the captain was deemed fit to

continue after receiving lengthy treatment.

Lee soon spurned another glorious chance, skewing another Hudson cross wide at the far post, before the latter took matters into his own hands. This time, it was Lawrence McKenna who did the hard work, hounding centre-half Nick Harrison out of possession and swinging the ball into the path of Hudson, who nipped ahead of his marker and tapped past Calvert to double Celtic’s advantage.

Two ahead at the half hour mark, Allotment proceeded to grab another five minutes later. Chris Douglas’ hanging corner was headed back across goal by the untouchable Reid, and centre-half Stephen Little was

the last meeting 13

there to nod it in on the line.

West Allotment comfortably took that three goal cushion into the break, and were wary of an unlikely Darlington comeback as they emerged for the second half. There were flashes of the free-flowing football that had served Allotment well in the opening forty-five minutes, but the visitors were still in control at Brinkburn Road.

A wayward Reid volley was one of Celtic’s few clear chances after the restart, as the Railwaymen tried to force their way back into the game. Stephen Butterworth should have clawed the hosts back into it, receiving the ball in space within the penalty area, but was expertly denied by the feet of Bannon, who did enough to put the ball over the crossbar.

It was the best opportunity they could muster as the back four stood strong, with speculative efforts from Louis Whensley and Steve Allison failing to unduly trouble Allotment’s ‘keeper. Instead, Celtic regained the initiative, in part thanks to the introduction of fresh blood in the form of substitutions. The most prominent introduction - that of David Dormand - proved to be the catalyst for a fourth goal. The striker capped off a fine move, powering McKenna’s pullback beyond Calvert’s reach into the top corner to wrap up a compelling victory.

...in pictureswith graeme jackson

West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic14

the match preview

TO say that January was a frustrating

month for West Allotment Celtic would be something of an understatement.

A strong end to 2013 propelled the club into the promotion mix, and Celtic continued in that vein of form, putting two further (high-scoring) wins and a draw on the board.

That last result - a slightly disappointing 2-2 draw away at Stokesley, when victory was within Allotment’s grasp, will have rankled the squad,

DARLINGTON Railway Athletic

may have slipped back towards mid-table in recent weeks, but Nick Harrison’s charges have been pushing teams all the way, and will look to take out some of their frustration on West Allotment Celtic this afternoon.

Ever since utterly demolishing Esh Winning, hitting double digits in a lop-sided 10-2 victory, the Railwaymen have found it tough going, losing by the narrowest of margins at Chester-le-Street, before

but before they had a chance to hit back, the weather took hold.

The lack of competitive playing time, though frustrating, may have afforded player-manager Paul Stoneman a few more options for today’s game against Darlington R.A. Back in mid-January, a whole host of players, including Chris Bannon, Marc Allen and Lawrence McKenna, were all consigned to the injury list, but most were said to be working their way back to fitness imminently.

managing to take a point from Gateshead-based outfit Birtley Town.

The R.A. belatedly enjoyed some outright success in their third consecutive away game, defeating Willington 3-1.The weather prevented Darlo from building on their performance, and when they did eventually return to Brinkburn Road to host Whickham two weeks later, they suffered a convincing 3-0 defeat.

Four days on, a trip to Jarrow Roofing was on the cards. Despite the hosts’ imperious home record this season, the

R.A. came close to an upset, defeated by a solitary goal in Boldon.

With the weather finally abating and the Brinkburn pitch drying out a little, a midweek visit from North Shields was given the thumbs-up. Once again, R.A. pushed another top team all the way, ultimately going down valiantly by the odd goal in five.

The club are unfortunate to have faced the top three teams in Division Two in quick succession, and will be itching to get something out of today’s game.

Three weeks on, Stoneman has found his options similarly limited. Recent signing Rob Nolan is out injured, along with the likes of Dean Lee and Marc Dummett, whilst Glenn Ford and Kallum McGlen both remain sidelined. David Borley is missing, whilst doubts remain over John Pendlebury.

Allotment were clear and deserved winners in the reverse fixture at Brinkburn Road, and, if they can produce a similar performance, could once again cut loose.

WES

T A

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the preview 15

statattack

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49The attendance for the last meeting at Brinkburn Rd

% of R.A.’s league goals last year scored by Allison

Celtic’s number of days unbeaten

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1 Point between the two teams last season

Previously stricken midfielderDean Lee made his long-awaited return from apersistent knee injuryin midweek, striking thecrossbar and missinga further gilt-edgedchance by mereinches. Now fullyrecovered from theinjury - initially sustained at Northallerton last season - ‘Deano’ willadd extra firepower tothe squad.

Originally brought back to West Allotment in order to challengeRyan Beal for the number onejersey, seasoned stopperChris Bannon has insteadendured a frustratingcampaign thus far, a footinjury restricting him to justnine appearances between the sticks.Always inching towards areturn, has the three weekinterlude been kind to theformer Washington andHebburn Town goalie?

Darlington R.A.’s danger man is undoubtedly Steve Allison. The former Northallerton and South Shields hitman has surpassed the 20-goal mark in Division Two in his last two campaigns, and already has 16 to his name so far this season. Rest assured, the 26-year-old has the ability and belief to take any of the half-chances that may come his way today.

Months since WAC’s last defeat againstthe RA

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18Points today’s visitors have picked up onthe road

darlington r.a.

West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic16

DARLINGTON Railway Athletic really is a club of three distinct eras.

The club was formed shortly after the First World War and started out in the Darlington & District League. Little is known of the club in the early seasons but in the 1919-20 season the club joined the Northern League. They found the going tough and after finishing second bottom in the 1924-25 season they returned to the Darlington & District League. The second era came in the sixties and seventies. With an upturn in form, the club went through possibly its most rewarding period accumulating a number of honours. In 1964 they won the Darlington & District League and the League and League Cup double in 1968. Two years later they were North Riding Cup winners and runners-up in 1973. Then came the club’s greatest success, their triumph in the 1975 Durham Amateur Cup. In 1981 they almost repeated the feat, narrowly going down in the final. Darlington R.A. then joined the Teesside League and in the late eighties were accepted into the Vaux Wearside League. In the 1990-91 season the club gained promotion from Division Two. The following season they narrowly escaped an immediate return to Division Two with a 4-1 win at Marske in the last game of the season. The club then hit financial trouble and in 1992 folded. The R A. Football Club ceased to exist until the beginning of the third era. Martyn Jackson, while playing for CAS in the Darlington & District League decided to reform Darlington R. A. F. C. for the 1993-94 season using the players of CAS. David Woodcock joined Martyn

as Manager for the season of 1998-99, and were rewarded for there hard work by winning the Darlington & District League. They were accepted into the Auckland District League for the season 1999-2000 and finished third in their first season, and won the R A Medals Trophy; not a bad feat for a team reformed only a few years before. The following season 2000-2001 saw probably the club’s greatest season, winning the Auckland and District League and picking up three other trophies. The club joined the Wearside League in 2001, finishing third and runners-up in the Durham Trophy, losing 1-0. At the start of 2004-05, the decision was taken that all efforts would be put into gaining promotion into the Northern League, both on and off the pitch. The Wearside League was won with four games to spare, and a magnificent season was rounded off by winning the Sunderland Shipowners Cup. Despite a bad start in the NL, Darlington rallied from November onwards, enough to secure a promotion place on the last day of a remarkable season. Despite some promise emerging from the youth setup, the Railwaymen dropped out of the First Division at the first time of asking, in 2006-07, and a marked downturn in form the following season led to long-time manager Dave Woodcock resigning. Darlington flirted with relegation in the next two campaigns, drifting perilously close to the bottom of the table, but the arrival of player-manager Nick Harrison and his coaching staff turned the struggling outfit into serious promotion contenders once again, with the club finishing in a highly respectable fifth place in two successive seasons.

the history

the visitors 17

Nickname: The RailwaymenGround: Brinkburn RoadChairman: Doug Hawman

Rivals: Northallerton Town, Norton & Stockton, ThornabyLargest home crowd 2013/14: 126 v Northallerton TownDistance travelled today (approx.): 45 miles

Matt CalvertPreviously with Morecambe and Burscough, the 20-year-old ‘keeper is in his second spell with the club. Technically gifted and an able shot stopper, Matty won the Young Player of the Year award in 2012/13.

Nick HarrisonA good talker and reader of the game, player-manager Nick has plenty of experience at centre-half with the likes of Harrogate Railway, Billingham Town and Tadcaster Albion.

Jimmy MuirJimmy is an attack-minded and versatile defender who can play across the back four and further forward. Player of the Year last season.

Andy RamsbottomAn experienced full-back who likes to get down the flank. Has turned out for Stokesley, Horden and Northallerton.

Tom PtakHaving recovered from a bad knee injury, centre-half Tom will once again bring strength to the heart of defence.

Sam GraingerThe former Northallerton stopper joined from the North Yorkshire side in the close season, and has made the centre-half position his own with some fine displays.

Louis WhensleyFormer Billy Town man Louis is a tenacious and tough-tackling holding midfielder whose work rate is second to none.

Alex CaisleyAlex is an elegant centre-mid with plenty of experience at 23, having been on the books at Northallerton and Stokesley.

David WebsterEx-Darlington man Webster is R.A.’s captain. Comfortable in possession, and a fine striker of a dead ball.

Jordan HanrattyYoung midfielder Jordan joined from Newton Aycliffe, making a big impression in his first season at the club with his technical ability and eye for goal.

Lee FarringtonPacy and quick-footed on the wing, Lee is equally comfortable crossing from the byline or dribbling inside. The 27-year-old can often prove a handful.

Martin ButterworthA seasoned NL player, Martin leads by example on the pitch, be it in the hard tackles or by getting onto the scoresheet.

Aaron RamsbottomQuick and nimble, Aaron has rejoined from Stokesley, and will be hoping to hit the net more regularly this term.

Wayne GredziakFew players are as experienced as much-travelled forward Wayne, the 34-year-old still posing problems for defences in Division Two.

Steve AllisonOne of Darlington R.A.’s key players, centre-forward Allison bagged thirty goals last season, finishing up as the club’s top scorer. With pace to burn and the stamina to go with it, Steve is up there with the best NL strikers on his day.

the players The pen profiles of some of The Railwaymen’s key squad members

today’s match sponsor

thank you for your support

a club united 19

a club united

How did the ‘A’ team fare when they came up against their top-flight counterparts?

THIS time last year, an intra-squad friendly at West Allotment would

usually be comprised of two - possibly three - teams of five, vying for bragging rights under the dim lights of the Soccerdome. If the club had wished to stage anything on a larger scale, Roland and Al might have been forced to dust off their dilapidated old boots. Twelve months on, and it’s a very different picture at Whitley Park. The first team squad remains modest in size, but is buttressed by the formation of a development side, ably presided over by Secretary Jonny Thompson and Head of Drinks Dispensation Becca Gillett (who, in truth, does much more than the unofficial title would suggest). The younger Celtic charges must have expected their Churchill Fields pitch to be obliterated by the torrential rain that January inevitably brought with it. But the same fate has befallen Whitley Park - hindered, no doubt, by the decision to allow the Toon’s under-21s to cut up the already waterlogged surface on Monday. Over three weeks passed without a competitive ball being kicked - five-a-side

tournaments at Foxhunters notwithstanding - but the washout has not been an unmitigated disaster. Instead, it presented the opportunity for the first team and their younger counterparts to meet head to head for the first time on Wednesday night. Ultimately, experience prevailed, Paul Stoneman’s seasoned side winning by three goals on the night. “It was a decent workout, and some of the young lads showed some promise,” admitted the veteran player-manager. Similarly, ‘A’ team boss Rhys Chapman took plenty of positives from the inaugural contest. “It was a good run out, and enabled our lads to see the standard of some of the first team. We gave a good account of ourselves, trying to play in our style, and should have netted having had a few good opportunities. It was an occasion which I feel will happen again, as it benefitted both of Allotment’s teams.” More than just an obligatory option at the start of a new Football Manager campaign, the intra-squad friendly affords players and managers from both setups an insight into one another’s progress, allowing the club to plot a course for an altogether more successful future.

West Allotment Celtic v North Shields20 Northern League Division Two 29th March 2013 20

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• Glenn Ford and Michael Bell discuss their respective non-league careers

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west allotment celticestablished 1928

race nightSaturday 15th March 2014

West Allotment Social Club7.30pm Admission £5 inc. pie and peas

As we chase for a promotion place,join us for another kind of race!

West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic 22

from allotmentto anfield

T HE call from the Reds, ironically, came

somewhat out of the blue. Alex Smailes - club president by day, fastidious professional scout by night - phoned me up on my dinner break at work.

“They’re going to send you an email soon.” Four months later, I was following in the footsteps of Albert Stubbins and Peter Beardsley; Wallsend lads like myself, whose talents lay with the ball at their feet rather than a pen in the hand. Work experience at a club like Liverpool is the stuff that dreams are made of, once a boy has given up on the more farfetched notion of actually playing for them.

I got in early on the Sunday, and, after perusing Anfield’s very own museum with Alex, the most benevolent of tour guides, checked into my city

centre hotel. With no games taking place in the red half of Merseyside, I committed what I believed to be a cardinal sin, dashing across to Goodison Park to catch most of the 3-1 win against Swansea. After Naismith fired Everton back ahead, the camera panned the celebrating crowd. Sitting in the exposed paddock, I threw myself low behind the gent in front, desperately trying not to sabotage the next four days with an impromptu appearance on Match of the Day.

Having survived with my fledgling reputation intact, I headed into the office. Contrary to popular belief, it was not a helter-skelter madcap world of fast-paced interviews, endlessly ringing phones and Stevie G soundbites. Instead, it largely consisted of half a dozen friendly writers and designers, all of whom were intrigued by

the world of West Allotment. Two of the contributors had similar vested interests in non-league football, having previously worked for Northwich Victoria and Marine.

The first days were spent fastidiously researching and writing in equal measure, condensing the careers of Sunderland’s entire squad into two sentences apiece, before scouring the internet in pursuit of Liverpool full-back Gerry Byrne’s secondary school (it was, in all honesty, a great deal more interesting than it sounds). The inevitable highlight came on the third day: a trip to Melwood, a setup that felt grandiose and homely all at once. Jon Flanagan was to be the interviewee, and, although I didn’t get the chance to sit in on the bashful right-back, he was surprisingly warm before and after: a very keen handshaker.

from allotment to anfield 23

Most surprising, perhaps, was that - world-class talent aside - these Premier League players were no different to our lads. “You’ve really got photos of me?!” Flanno excitedly asked the club photographer, seemingly unaware of his ever-growing profile. Simon Mignolet’s fascination rivalled that of Chris Douglas and Michael Bell, with the players never growing weary of seeing themselves in club colours.A sense of warmth pervaded the training ground and the offices - an endearing environment, and one not always associated with top clubs, successful or otherwise. It could well be as a result of their recent resurgence, but it feels like something that has been instilled over years rather than months.

I expected to be overawed by the club, given its reputation as one of Europe’s most important clubs. Instead, it felt an awful lot like Allotment, just on an ever so slightly larger scale. Ultimately, I wouldn’t have had the chance to bump into Kolo or interview Barry Venison if it wasn’t for our superbcommittee,who have brought me on immensely during the past two years. Our club may be dwarfed by the likes of Liverpool, but the experience on Merseyside has taught me that the two clubs are built on the same foundations: a history of loyalty, and pride in humility. The players should know that they too will never walk alone - even if they don’t have a chorus of Kop end proportions to remind them.

did you know?Rob Nolan and Tony

Lancaster are both big fans of the Reds.

Tow Law Town

a

ttack

mid

field

def

ence

gk

name

Chris Bannon Ryan BealBob Rodgerson

John Pendlebury Marc Dummett Chris DouglasSimon Wilthew Paul StonemanStephen Little Glenn FordRoy Gordon

David BorleyIan Dunn Michael Bell Marc AllenSean ReidBernat RocaBart Oliver-Berga Kallum McGlenDavid HendersonTony LancasterDean LeeConnor Graham

Liam Hudson David DormandLawrence McKennaRob Nolan

apps

917

7 (2)

25 (2)21 (1)27 (2)1 (1)292213

8 (8)

4 (1)29 (2)20 (5)9 (7)31 (1)1 (2)1 (3)8 (7)25 (1)2 (6)13 (7)2 (7)

24 (4)24 (7)8 (8)0 (1)

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13213300

151131003110

3000

red

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player statisticstop scorers

the playmakers

the mainstays

the bad boys

average starting XIBeal

StonemanLittlePendlebury Douglas

Dormand

Hudson

Dunn Henderson

Reid

Sean Reid - 29David Dormand - 11

Michael Bell - 9

Liam Hudson - 12David Henderson - 7

Chris Douglas - 7

Sean Reid - 31Ian Dunn - 29 (2)

Paul Stoneman - 29

Paul Stoneman - 3 1Ian Dunn - 5 0

Michael Bell - 1 1

Bell

gls

000

11303400

0691290110130

71140

West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic the player statistics24

AUGUST 10th

14th

17th

21st

24th

30th

SEPTEMBER 4th

7th

11th

14th

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21st

28th

OCTOBER 5th

9th

12th

16th

19th

26th

30th

NOVEMBER1st

5th

8th

12th

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27th

30th

DECEMBER10th

14th

21st

28th

JANUARY4th

10th

18th

FEBRUARY22nd

25th

MARCH1st

5th

8th

15th

19th

22nd

28th

APRIL5th

12th

18th

26th

TBD

NL D2NL D2FA CupNL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2FA VaseNL D2NL D2Lg CupFA VaseNL D2

NL D2NFA CupNL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2EA CupNL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2Lg CupNL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2Lg Cup

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2

AAAAHH

HHAHHAA

AHHHAHH

AAHAAHHH

AHAH

AHA

HA

HHAHHAH

AHAA

A

W 4-0L 3-2L 4-0W 2-0W 3-2W 3-1

W 2-1W 4-3D 3-3D 1-1W 1-0L 4-1W 4-0

L 3-1L 2-1W 2-1W 3-2W 4-2D 0-0W 3-0

W 2-1L 4-1L 5-3D 0-0W 3-2D 2-2W 5-3W 2-1

D 2-2W 3-0D 2-2W 5-0

W 4-3W 5-3D 2-2

Alnwick TownHeaton StanningtonBillingham SynthoniaWillingtonStokesley SCWhickham

Seaham Red StarStokesley SCNorton & StocktonEsh WinningRyton & CrawcrookPenrithDarlington RA

WhitehavenAlnwick TownBirtley TownTow Law TownRyton & CrawcrookNorth ShieldsNorthallerton Town

Brandon UnitedWillingtonJarrow RoofingChester-le-StreetWashingtonChester-le-StreetNorthallerton TownThornaby

South ShieldsWillingtonSeaham Red StarNorton & Stockton

Tow Law TownAlnwick TownStokesley SC

Darlington RAMarske United

WhitehavenHeaton StanningtonBirtley TownRyton & CrawcrookSouth ShieldsNorthallerton TownBrandon United

Jarrow RoofingWashingtonNorth ShieldsThornaby

Whickham

fixtures andresults

nl div 2 table

OFFICIAL NORTHERNLEAGUE SPONSORS

fixtures, results, table 25

North ShieldsRoofingWACSeahamNort & StockHeaton StanBirtleyNorthallertonDarlo RACh-le-StreetWashingtonTow LawWillingtonSouth ShieldsWhickhamThornabyStokesleyAlnwickWhitehavenBrandonEsh WinningRyton

12345678910111213141516171819202122

28282831332627272928292930242528313025293027

22181719151614131211121110799888664

4584845668336

1144654323

2538

10688

119

1415146

1215171713202220

874130381017151710-1

-18-2

-15-55-5

-24-26-22-40-67-45

70595958535247454241393636323131302928212015

team pl w d l gd pts

rottweiler’s notes

West Allotment Celtic v Darlington Railway Athletic rottweiler’s notes26

Pleasantly surprised that our drive over to Liverpool is virtually traffic free for a Friday. Couldn’t understand why.

Wow, no one saw that result coming at Liverpool today, and Michael (Oliver) referees the game very well. With Gary Beswick on the line, it meant that the Northern League had supplied two top officials for game of the day.

I could well get used to this having no reports (from assessing) to write, no records (WAC) to update and ensure all paperwork correct before sending off to the Northern League. While having a conversation with the bloodhound about yesterday’s game, he suggests Barbara sticks to knitting. Tell him he will be a very brave man to do that. Bloodhound sensibly decides not to mention that to Barbara.

Wow, what a surprise: Morgan has spent the weekend with d***head and she is as good as gold, no cheek, and she has done her school spellings with d****head. Will this happen again? We can only pray that it will.

Barbara and I go to Durham to visit Parker (new grandson) and inevitably we end up shopping. Morgan arrives home from school and proudly tells me she got 10 out of 10 for her spellings. In the evening, attend weekly committee meeting.

Attend Discipline Seminar at NFA with Mark Ives (Head of FA Discipline), who gave a presentation of new proposals for next year and some interesting statistics on discipline throughout the country. Found Arsenal v Manchester United very boring.

Hospital appointment, then spend rest of the day at home. Two of Joanne’s ex-Army pals arrive unexpectedly and stay nearly five hours. Don’t mind given them a cup of tea and sandwich, but that was taking the p***.

Well, Valentine’s Day and not one card - shows I am getting old. Collect Morgan from school, and by the time we arrive home we are soaked.

Committee

meeting

8pmRingtheBloodhound!

7th

Feb

8th

Feb

9th

Feb

10th

Feb

11th

Feb

12th

Feb

13th

Feb

14th

Feb

RingtheBloodhound! 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.

www.westallotmentcelticfc.com

Matt CALVERTPeter WAKEFIELDAlex GROCOTTJames HOWLETTNick HARRISONPaul JOHNSONTom PTAKSam GRAINGERSean SIMPSONStuart DUNNJordan HANRATTYNiall HANRATTYAlex CAISLEYAndrew RAMSBOTTOMMartin BUTTERWORTHPaul NEWDavid WEBSTERLouis WHENSLEYJames MUIRStephen ALLISONLee FARRINGTONAaron RAMSBOTTOMWayne GREDZIAKTony ABEL

Chris BANNONRyan BEAL

Bob RODGERSONJohn PENDLEBURY

Marc DUMMETTStephen LITTLE

Paul STONEMANGlenn FORD

Chris DOUGLASMichael LATIMER

Roy GORDONIan DUNN (c)

Marc ALLENDavid HENDERSON

Michael BELLSean REID

David BORLEYBernat ROCA

Bart OLIVER-BERGAMatthew SLATERKallum McGLEN

Tony LANCASTERDean LEE

Connor GRAHAMLiam HUDSON

David DORMANDLawrence McKENNA

Rob NOLAN

WestAllotment

Celtic

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