21.10.2020 | Birtley Town vs Brandon United | Durham Challenge Cup Preliminary Round

Brandon United | 21.10.20 | Kick-Off 7.30pm Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium

Durham Challenge Cup - Preliminary Round

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U13 Whites Iain Talbot 07713 026360

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COMMITTEE

U8 Girls Claire Rolston 07941 487 072

COMMITTEE

Chairman Richie Barrett 07710 681254

Chairman Stephen Minto 07769 349450

Secretary Colin Beat 07428 123582

Junior Secretary Andrew Bull 07534 340115

Treasurer Bob Hunter 07746 537232

Treasurer Stephen Minto 07769 349450

Team Manager Paul Beat 07920 850162

Welfare officer Sam Dawson

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COACHES

Sunderland West End

Saturday 24th October 2020 | 3.00pm Northern League Division Two This Saturday we entertain Sunderland West End for only the fifth time in our history. Mainly due to playing in different divisions, our first two encounters came in the Durham Challenge Cup in 2015 and 2017 which West End won on both occasions. After promotion to the Northern League, our first league meeting resulted in a 4-0 win for the visitors on a horribly windy day at Nissan Sports Complex where nothing seemed to go right for us. In the return fixture, goals from Jack Honour and Dan Candlish saw Birtley record their first win over the Wearsider’s.

West End find themselves in 14th place after nine games and have lost four of their last five games. Chris Tarn and Kieron Martin are joint top scorers on three apiece with Tarn scoring one of those from the penalty spot.

A Birtley win could see us climb as high as 6th whereas a defeat could see us fall as low as 13th place. For West End, three points could see them reach 11th place but defeat could see them fall into 17th place, both dependent on other results of course.

FORM GUIDE BIRTLEY TOWN - P10 W4 D3 L3 GF15 GA17 Pts 15

FORM: DDLWW

SUNDERLAND WEST END - P9 W3 D1 L5 GF12 GA20 Pts 10

FORM: WLLLL

BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 JOHN MORDEY | GOALKEEPER John is a top goalkeeper with bags of experience at this level, he’s been promoted from the division with Whickham only two season ago.

Not only does he have good ability, he’s also another great character with leadership qualities in the squad.

GRAEME PICKERING | GOALKEEPER Graeme rejoins the club having spent three months with us last season before injury saw him miss the remainder of the season. Will provide good competition for places.

OWEN LANCASTER | CENTRE BACK Right-sided defensive player signed from neighbours Chester-le-Street Town in November 2019. Can play at RB or RWB and he will be an asset to the club for the remainder of the season.

SIMON HAY | RIGHT BACK Simon joined the club at the beginning of the 2016/2017 when he left Newcastle University, and I am sure he will not mind us saying he was very raw at first but great going forward. Last season Simon had an indifferent season, he was our top goal scoring defender and played in some very good results, but holidays and injuries meant he missed more games than he would have liked. He is now a much more accomplished and rounded player who is improving all of the time.

MARTIN GUY | FULL BACK The longest serving player at the club, Martin is a player that no matter what role is asked of him, he will conduct himself in a way a manager/ coach really appreciates. Martin had a good season last term, playing in either full back position and has had a good preseason too.

JOSHUA HOLLAND | WING BACK

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Pacey right wing back signed from Heaton Stannington at the end of August 2019. Previously played for Ryton & Crawcrook Albion for three seasons and knows a lot of our squad already so will fit in just nicely.

BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 BEN GARRITY | WING BACK Ben rejoins the club less than six weeks after leaving for Billingham Synthonia and we’re glad to have him back.. He was voted number 7 across both divisions last season in the Northern League Young Player of the Season standings which was some going having only signed in November.

SAM HEDLEY | DEFENDER Signed from Whickham FC, Sam is another player who is predominantly a LB/ CB but can play anywhere across the back line and do an excellent job for the team. The defender was one of the longest-serving players at his previous club and made over 100 appearances

HARRY SIMPSON | DEFENDER

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Harry is a very versatile young player who has been one of our best and most consistent performers throughout pre season. A player we’ve been aware of for a few years now, Harry is taking on his first test at Northern League level, previously with Hebburn Town in their reserve setup, however we don’t believe he will take much time to settle in. Harry is a tough tackling and consistent defender, and he’s got plenty about him when on the ball as well.

CHAD COLLINS | MIDFIELDER

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Last season we regularly missed a creative spark, a player who could turn the game on it’s head with a piece of brilliance, whilst also being able to show composure throughout the general play, especially in attacking areas. Chad can do this for us, he’s settled straight in, a lazy trainer, but he’s another good character to have on board. I know our Centre Forwards will be happy to see Chad supplying the ammunition to put the lack of goals last term behind them and us.

NICK HAY | MIDFIELD Although he is a relatively young player, Nick already has lots of experience at NL1 and NL2 level, joining the club from Team North and leads by example on the pitch and off. Seen as a senior member of our squad and very well respected by the group, he is a real asset; he is working on the discipline required for the role he plays and with that, improving all of the time.

BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 SCOTT MCARDLE | MIDFIELD Another local lad who joins us from Tow Law Town, Scott lives a stone’s throw from the ground and is a great example of a player who slipped away from the club, something we want to stop happening. We are over the moon to have him back at his home town club, he comes with plenty experience for a relatively young player and can play in multiple positions if required.

JACK HONOUR | MIDFIELD

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Following a good start to last season, Jack’s work commitments meant his involvement from December was sparing, however always influenced the squad positively when available. Jack’s in a similar position this season, but we know what we will get when it’s possible and if work circumstances change, he’ll add even more depth to a quality midfield area.

RICKY TANOH | MIDFIELD We have worked with Ricky the last year after his signing from Hebburn Town and he is coming on well week-by-week. On his day he’s unplayable, work commitments have meant an off and on last 12 months. Hopefully that will settle down soon and we can see how effective he can be.

DAN HILL | MIDFIELD

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Hilly re-joined us towards the end of last season following a 6 month break due to work commitments and persistent injuries. Thankfully (touch wood) those injuries seem to have cleared up and his fitness is returning. A very aggressive player with plenty of pace and power and a great delivery from wide areas as well, he can play in midfield or forward areas which is ideal to have that sort of player in the squad.

CRIS CAMPOS-LOUGHLIN | MIDFIELD Cristian has the potential to be our find of the season. A product of Foundation of Light Scholars, he’s really impressed in pre-season. A little patience will be required as we help him get used to the league and the others, but once he gets going fully, I’m expecting big things.

BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 SAM DINSLEY | MIDFIELD Young midfielder signed in mid-September from Whitley Bay. Has impressed so far with some solid performances and has something special about him.

JOHN SHERLOCK | MIDFIELD John is a former Birtley player who first played for us in the 2006/07 season. Played against us for Bedlington Terriers last season where he scored an injury time equaliser. Comes back to the club with bags of experience, which can only benefit the club.

CAMERON HOOD | MIDFIELD Following his first season back in Saturday football last season, Cameron is a player who has come through from Birtley Town Juniors as a kid and knows the club and what we want, another real leader in the group who isn’t shy of demanding more from others. A good solid and dependable central midfielder

KALEB YOUNG | MIDFIELD

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Kaleb is another cracking young player, he’s got all of the ability he needs to play at this level and higher, he just needs the opportunity to grow and learn by playing games at this level. He’ll benefit from the additional experience we’ve manage to bring in over the summer along with the existing squad. A very creative midfielder with bags of technical ability, I’m really excited to see what he has to offer us consistently this season.

KELVIN THEAR | ATTACKING MIDFIELD

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Kel joined the club around the middle of last season and announced his arrival with a brilliantly taken hat trick on is debut, sadly though, a combination of injuries plus the premature finish to the season means we’ve not seen more than 3 competitive games yet. Like a new signing is the obvious cliché, and to be fair it’s true, Kel can both score and create goals with both feet and can play wide and centrally. Here’s hoping for a better season with injuries, not just for the club, but more importantly for a young player who deserves a bit of luck. If he gets that, the rest will take care of itself.

BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 DAN CANDLISH | WINGER Pacey winger signed from CLS Town, bags of ability and a real hard worker, really looking forward to working with him and trying to unlock that next level of potential that I believe he has in the locker.

STEVEN AISTON | FORWARD Quality acquisition this summer is Steven, leads the line brilliantly, our defensive work starts with him and he can also score goals and assist.

Another who knows how to win games at this level and has settled in really well.

JOE BARWICK | STRIKER Joe joined us as an unknown quantity last summer following a recommendation. Right from the first training session we knew that we had a bit of a gem. Not only in ability but how he conducts himself. He has tucked in with the group very quickly and when the games started, he showed us great movement, an eye for goal and a composure both in build-up and in front of goal. Top goalscorer with 24 in all competitions in his first season, we knew we’d have to fight off competition this summer. Thankfully he stayed with us as he will be a great asset again. Joe has been installed as joint Vice Captain for the upcoming season

LEWIS TEASDALE | STRIKER

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Lewy is a player who will be well known to a lot of our opposition this season, a class act who knows where the back of the net is. He’s scored goals at both this level and NL1, and is another with plenty of experience and an understanding of what it takes to win games at this level. This signing will add some much needed competition in the forward area and again we’re hopeful that this helps us to be a lot more successful in forward areas this season.

TONY SMITH | STRIKER ight winger, moved to centre forward who has now been moved to centre half, and he’s been brilliant. If we were in the professional game he’d be described as a “Top Pro”. At the ripe old age of 36, Smithy is still learning and listening and is a great example to the young lads in our squad.

Tel: 01642 230337 or 07515262270

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GRASS ROUTES A thumbs-up journey with North-east football folk mikeamosblog.wordpress.com

BRANDON UNITED season. In 1988 United once again reached the first round proper of the F.A. Cup playing Doncaster Rovers twice at Belle Vue before losing 1-2. In 1992/93 Brandon played Seaham Red Star in the League Cup final at Bedford Terrace home of Billingham Town, only to lose after a penalty shoot out.

Brandon United were originally formed as a Sunday morning side called Rostrons, the name of the waste paper company where most of the founders worked. They began by playing in the Durham & District Sunday League in 1968/69, Joining the Third Division and gradually played their way up to the First Division. They were basically local lads, however the inclusion of Northern League and Wearside League players turned the club into one of the most powerful Sunday football sides in the North East. From 1968/69 until 1976/77 they were First Division champions four times, Durham County FA. Sunday Cup winners three times, then the ultimate, F.A. Sunday Cup winners in 1975/76, defeating Evergreen 2-1.

At the start of the 1998/1999 season Brandon appointed Ken Lindoe as manager and the clubs fortunes began to change. He brought a number of players with him to Brandon and started the team rebuilding job. He quickly assembled a team that could compete in the league and also play good attacking football. In season 2000/2001 he led the team into Division One as champions. A season of consolidation then followed, but with further strengthening of the team came Brandon United’s finest moment; the League Championship was attained in 2002/2003 and the club were Champions of the Northern League.

The following seasons until the present day have been rather tumultuous for Brandon United both on and off the pitch. The couple of years following the League Championship saw management, players and committee all leave the club as finances stretched the club to breaking point. A few seasons of flirting with relegation finally happened and the club were relegated back to the 2nd division at the end of the 2005/06 season.

One of Brandon United’s highlights came in 1979/80 when entering the F.A. Cup for the first time, they reached the first round proper, on the way taking care of Northern League opponents Spennymoor United, Tow Law Town, South Bank and North Shields. In the first round proper, Brandon were beaten 3-0

by Football League opponents Bradford City, in a game played at Spennymoor.

A bit of stability was required and following a further season of consolidation Adam Furness joined the club as assistant to BJ Heijmanns and the club again started to rebuild. Although results on the field were poor this really was the start of the club getting back on its feet football wise. The club finished bottom of the league but, with no relegation taking effect, it survived to play again in the Northern League.

The club joined the Wearside League in 1981/82, winning the Sunderland Shipowners Cup. The following season they reached the quarter finals of the F.A. Vase and repeated the same the following season. Brandon United’s dream came true when they were admitted to the Northern League’s Second Division for the start of 1983/84 season and won the Second Division title the following

Younger players with a seasons experience behind them and the recruitment of some senior and more experienced players meant the club finished a very respectable 6th in 2008/09. Relative success caught the eye of other clubs however, and many players left the following season, most to 1st Division teams.

Since then, the Club has a number of seasons

where they have flirted with the very real danger of relegation from the Northern League, only to gain a reprieve each year Managers have come and gone and with them the players, every season starts as a rebuilding process. A best placed finish since 2009 of 14th occurred in 2009 under the care of Lee Jewitt and Chris Blakelock.

2017/18 saw a ‘re-branding’ of the club which had new strips, a new club badge and much needed renovation of the changing rooms.

But with the team in 10th position Lee Jewett left again. Whilst a successor was being found the club struggled and plummeted to the bottom of the table. Stephen Skinner was brought in at the helm and who brought with him a host of experience at a higher level and a host of new faces with similar experience and whose primary role was to get Brandon United away from the relegation zone and safe in our Northern League position. This was ultimately achieved on the very last day of the 2017/18 season with a home win whilst others in danger around us were losing. With a massive re-haul of the National Non-League pyramid we escaped relegation – again, by a single point.

The summer of 2019 also saw another overhaul, with long term members Bill Fisher and Barry Ross leaving the club. Amidst rumours of a complete closure, the remaining members appointed Rob Bowron as first team manager, in his first role as a NL Manager. This brought a complete overhaul in the committee too, with fresh faces being appointed throughout, giving a real new energy to the club - a modern feel to a history club with the simple task of bringing the community and spirit back to Brandon.

We are still in the process of rebuilding and the Club has a vision of giving youth a chance wherever possible. We also aim to reintegrate ourselves back into the community and to this end there are now nearly twelve ‘youth teams’ associated with the Club and we have just set up our first Brandon United U13 girl’s team.

With other developments in the background, the future we hope looks secure and bright for our great club!

Squad Carl Robinson

Goalkeeper

A hugely talented young keeper with great shopping and outstanding distribution.

Ben Joyeux

Fullbac

An energetic fullback who is a popular figure in the dressing room and on the field. A greater leader and vocal presence too, looking to get the best from all his teammates.

Peter Gillis

Left Back/Centre Midfield

The former Hartlepool United Academy graduate is another talented player who seems ready physically to step up to the Northern League. He has a great engine, as well as bringing calm and quality in possession.

Chris Storey

Defender

Chris is a real coup for the club, having previously worked with Rob at Junior level. He is much more experienced and physical now however and is a hugely influential character with great organisational skills.

Michael Haley

Defender

Michael is the epitome of a one club man having been at the club since the age of 14 he’s only 24 now! His knowledge and views of the game are of the highest quality, as well as possessing the arial ability and physicality to be a great defender at this level.

Mark Brown

Defender

A local talented centre defending who is equally as good with head and feet. As well as defending solidly, we will be able to spring an attack with his range of passing. A very calming influence.

Isam Mohamed

Defender

Having moved from Durham City this season, Isam has become a popular figure with his pace, work rate and vocal ability. A very useful and important Robson Brown

Defender/Central Midfield

A Brandon lad, Robson brings a presence both on and off the field. Physically excellent, Robson can play throughout the central areas and is a hugely popular figure in the dressing room playing for his hometown team!

James Connor

Forward

Strong, hard working, great in the air, great touch able to use his team mates around him all the qualities of a great centre forward.

Lewis Martin

Forward

A powerful centre forward who has scored goals at all his clubs. He returns to Brandon after a spell in 2014 and will be key in leading

the line and producing a goal return.

Jordan Lee

Liam Bain Winger

Having been at Brandon Under 23 for some years, Jordan made the switch to adult football a couple of seasons under Rob and he has now brought his skills to the first team. Technically very good when running at defenders, Jordan may have a very useful first Northern League campaign.

Craig Moody

Forward/Winger

Craig’s first season in adult Saturday football came at Coxhoe last season, where he was successful in scoring goals for the bottom side.

He has electric pace and a great first touch, and we are sure in time will score goals at this level too.

Craig Foster

Goalkeeper

Craig is a very talented goalkeeper who has a great deal to offer both now and in the future.

His handling and shot stopping are second to none, as is his effort and dedication. With Northern League experience, we believe he can go far!

Alex Dobinson

Midfielder

Moving into his second season with the club, Alex has now been moved to midfield where he will have more influence on the game.

Good in a tackle, fine in the air and a great distribution are all good attributes to this new role.

Kieran Alderson

Midfielder

Forward

Having worked with Rob for 5 seasons, Liam is well adapted to expectations. However he has had a torrid time with recurrent cruciate injuries over the last 2 years but is now back, fit and ready to tackle the Northern League Challenge. Strong on the ball and a powerful technique, he will trouble defences.

Jack Bromley

Midfield

A very tidy midfielder who poses a great range of passing as well as being a great character in the dressing room. He was an important member in the second half of last campaign, and will play a key role this one for sure.

Leigh Guthrie

Midfield

Another very tidy turn with a great array of experience to added to this. His right foot can be a wand and will give added quality to the team.

Harry Thompson

Defender

Another local young talented defender, both in and away from possession. Tall and great in the air, and has also shown the early signs of being a good leader too. His range of passing from central defence is a huge attribute.

Lewis Charlton

Winger

A hugely talented attacking players who is another product of the Foundation of Light.

Blistering pace and an incredible work rate, making a very positive impact in the back end of the 2018/19 season.

Having been at the club for a couple of years, Kieran is one of the longest serving members despite only being 20! A midfielder than keeps the play moving as well as having an excellent work rate which makes him an important part of the squad.

Matthew Johnson

Matthew Lovegreen

Michael brings a real football experience to the group, and will be key in supporting the development of the younger squad members.

His knowledge of the game is great asset still.

Forward

Matty has moved around a few clubs in his early years, each bringing a level of success.

As a forward, he looks to know where the net is and will be able to use his already found experience to make partnerships with the other forwards.

Brad Chisholm

Forward/Winger

A very exciting talent who joined towards the end of 2018/19 season. He possesses great pace and electric feet, with a great work ethic.

He’s always enthusiastic to learn, which adds to our certainty he will be a big hit in the coming season.

Midfielder

A powerful tackler and great work rate are attributes to Matty, as well as an occasional caution!

Michael Owens

Sean Tarling

Defender

Midfielder

Sean is an incredible Northern League professional, who many should look up to.

Hard tackling and a born leader, he brings an incredible experience to this otherwise young squad and will be hugely important on the field and in the dressing room.

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FIXTURES & RESULTS Augusts 01

Birtley Town v Sunderland RCA

Pre-season

07

Birtley Town v Newcastle Blue Star

Pre-season

3-0

15

Birtley Town v AFC Killingworth

Pre-season

2-2

18

Dunston FC v Birtley Town

Pre-season

6-3

22

Birtley Town v Whitley Bay

Pre-season

1-3

24

Birtley Town v North Shields

Pre-season

1-3

29

Birtley Town v Forest Hall Seniors

Pre-season

4-1

September

2-1

05

Birtley Town v Washington

3.00pm

Division 2

1-1

09

Birtley Town v Jarrow

7:45 pm

Division 2

1-0

11

Birtley Town v Chester-le-Street

7:45 pm

Division 2

4-3

16

Birtley Town v Tow Law Town

7:45 pm

Division 2

0-1

19

Birtley Town v Squires Gate

3:00 pm

FA Vase FQR 1-1 (4-1)

23

Redcar Athletic v Birtley Town

7:45 pm

Division 2

4-1

26

Brandon United v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

2-2

30

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion v Birtley Town

7:45 pm

Division 2

1-1

October 03

Carlisle City v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

3-0

07

Billingham Synthonia v Birtley Town

7:30 pm

Division 2

1-2

10

Jarrrow v Birtley Town

7:30 pm

FA Vase 2QR 3-2

17

Esh Winning v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

24

Birtley Town v Sunderland West End

3:00 pm

Division 2

31

Willington v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

November 4

Birtley Town v Heaton Stannington

7:45 pm

Division 2

07

Easington Colliery v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

14

Birtley Town v Bedlington Terriers

3:00 pm

Division 2

21

Crook Town v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

28

Birtley Town v Newcastle University

3:00 pm

Division 2

FIXTURES & RESULTS December 05

West Allotment Celtic v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

12

Birtley Town v Durham City

3:00 pm

Division 2

19

Jarrow v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

26

Birtley Town v Esh Winning

3:00 pm

Division 2

January 02

Sunderland West End v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

09

Tow Law Town v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

16

Birtley Town v Redcar Athletic

3:00 pm

Division 2

23

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

30

Birtley Town v Billingham Synthonia

3:00 pm

Division 2

February 06

Washington v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

12

Chester-le-Street v Birtley Town

7:30 pm

Division 2

20

Brandon United v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

27

Birtley Town v Carlisle City

3:00 pm

Division 2

March 06

Heaton Stannington v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

13

Birtley Town v Willington

3:00 pm

Division 2

20

Birtley Town v Easington Colliery

3:00 pm

Division 2

27

Bedlington Terriers v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

April 03

Birtley Town v Crook Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

10

Newcastle University v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

17

Birtley Town v West Allotment Celtic

3:00 pm

Division 2

24

Durham City v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

U E

B O U T I Q U E

By Ashley Rand 39 Orchard Street, Birtley, Chester–Le–Street, Co Durham, DH3 1PE T: 0191 447 0930

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Birtley’s history in the Northern League can be traced back to the very first season. It all began on Saturday September 7th 1889. Birtley v Elswick Rangers.

Birtley: T. Burn, D. Crichton, Beckwith, R. Bell, Murray, J. Kennedy, A. Shaw, T. Knox, A. Standley, P. McAvoy, J. Bolam Referee – Mr J. R. Douglas (Gateshead) Birtley won this game 4-1 with T. Knox and P. Mc Avoy both scoring twice. J. Nugent or Junior as he was known got Elswick’s goal.

Controversially Rangers lodged a protest over the validity of the match and a subsequent Northern League Committee meeting agreed: “ That the match should be counted as drawn, with the scores still standing!”

Other games played were Newcastle East End v Darlington, the result being 2-1.

South bank v Auckland Town, the result being 3-0.

Birtley Town FC reformed in 1993, joining the Wearside League and, at that time, taking their place in the old second division. After just missing out on promotion in their first season for a place in the top flight Birtley’s second season was to prove more successful. The club won promotion as Champions.

On becoming established within Division One Birtley lifted their first major trophy in 1998 by overcoming the newly crowned Champions, Annfield Plain in the League Challenge Cup Final.

Four years later the club had a magnificent season in all cup competitions, lifting both the League Challenge Cup and the Monkwearmouth

Charity Cup at the expense of Stokesley Sports Club and Redcar, respectfully.

In the same season they narrowly lost out on a cup treble due to being on the wrong end of a penalty shoot-out result against Jarrow in the Sunderland Shipowners Charity Cup Final. This was followed by completing 6 consecutive years in reaching the final of the League Cup. In 2002 the club merged with Birtley ST. Joseph’S Juniors to expand the club and develop a clear progression route from under 7’s through to under 18’s, develop girls football and the inclusion of a reserve team. This has proven to be very successful and has enabled the club to be awarded the FA Charter Standard Community Club.

In the following season of 2003-04 Birtley ended 57 years without a League Championship when they were crowned Wearside League Champions Unfortunately the League Title was not accompanied by promotion as Birtley’s ground did not meet the standards required by the Northern League.

The recently constructed changing facilities, completed in October 2006, together with the addition of floodlighting has enabled Birtley to gain promotion, having completed last season as champions.

We are now looking forward to competing within the Northern League and establishing ourselves as a competitive team within this.