25.03.2023 | Birtley Town vs Boro Rangers (Non League Day 2023)

Match Ball Sponsor

Match Sponsor

Casa Rosa are entering their third year of sponsoring our football club. They started out with a pitch-side advertising board and have increased their level of commitment over the years to include sponsoring our new stand and are now our home shirt sponsors too.

As a business, they were named “Best takeaway in the North East” in they look to retain their crown. They also do a great deal for the local community including free pizza kits during lockdown, food donations for those in need and pizza workshops for kids.

BTFC CONTACTS 2022-23

BTFC JUNIORS COACHES

Stephen Minto Head of Soccer Tots

M: 07769 349450

Dionne Leigh Slade

Weetabix Wildcats

M: 07780 135319

Paul Beat Under 7 Hoops

M: 07920 850162

John Parker Under 7 Greens

M: 07931 435064

Ian Wade Under 7 Whites

M: 07852 945217

Brandon Snaith

Under 8

M: 07743 086114

William Cowey Under 9 Greens

M: 07811 525063

Carl Morrison Under 9 Eagles

M: 07510 496895

Stephen Robson Under 9 Hoops

M: 07359 319722

Dionne Leigh Slade Under 10

M: 07780 135319

Stephen Minto

U10 Girls

07769 349450

Tony Rand

Under 11 Whites

M: 07900 694669

James Moffatt

Under 12

M: 07482 994662

Tony Marshall

Under 13

M: 07707 927444

Andrew Bull / David Richardson

Under 13 Whites

M: 07534 340115

Andy Seddon

Under 14

M: 07944 614957

Michael Walsh Under 14 GirlsBirtley Blades

M: 07423 405946

Keith Flood / Paul Hutchinson

Under 15 (Saturdays)

M: 07521 128979

Mel Butterfield

Under 15 Whites (Sunday)

M: 07535 129371

Paul Rolston

Under 15 Girls

M: 07717 685708

Andrew Beston

Under 16

M: 07957 523865

John Chipperfield

Under 17

M: 07962 301122

Samantha Dawson Welfare Officer

M: 07496 915316

JUNIORS COMMITTEE

Stephen Minto

Chairman & Treasurer

M: 07769 349450

Andrew Bull Junior Secretary

M: 07534 340115

BTFC SENIORS

Paul Foster / Paul Bryson

Men’s Team Managers

M: 07919 203196 /

M: 07950 788532

Mel Nugent

Ladies Team

M: 07709 313192

Dan Irving Development Team

M: 07743 426515

Lee Cuthbertson

Men’s Sunday Team

M: 07771 507981

SENIOR COMMITTEE

Paul Beat Chairman

M: 07920 850162

Anthony Petit Secretary

M: 97958 468937

Lee Cuthbertson Treasurer

M: 07771 507981

Chris Munro

Website & Social Media

M: 07584 050768

BTFC SQUAD 2022-23

CONOR GRANT – Sponsored by 21 Club, Birtley

Conor is a vastly experienced shot-stopper who can list his former clubs as Gretna, Dundee united and Ashington. We are delighted that he has signed for the club and we will be hoping his experience shines through.

ISAAC ROBINSON – Sponsorship Available

Isaac joined us from Carlisle United's Academy in pre-season after gaining valuable first team match experience whilst on loan at Workington AFC in step 4. The 19-year-old is an exciting prospect and we're delighted to have him at the club.

JORDAN HARKER – Sponsorship Available

Jordan made his Hoops debut early in the 2021/22 season and immediately looked right at home in the centre of defence. Dominant in the air and firm in the tackle, the former Spennymoor youngster will be looking to establish himself in the first XI as soon as possible.

SAM HEDLEY – Sponsored by John Aynsley Architectural Metalwork Ltd.

Heds is a managers dream, honest, reliable and a solid performer. He's got better more or less every game he's played for the club and is now one of two Vice Captains. An accomplished defender with a fantastic left foot, he gives us great balance.

JOSH HOLLAND – Sponsored by Steve Carroll

Mr Dependable, Josh is your solid 7/10 or 8/10 close on every week. He's perfect for the way we play, he's a great kid and we think Josh will be a great player for us this season.

RYAN KELTIE – Sponsorship Available

Ryan is a big commanding player who has been on the radar for a while. Great in both boxes and he will add a dimension which we haven’t had before.

BTFC SQUAD 2022-23

OWEN LANCASTER – Sponsored by Trident Energy Solutions

Owen has also had his fair share of injuries and work commitments over the last few years that have led to a stop start phase in playing. He's back now and committing full time, he's an all round defender who adds a lot to the group and I think we've a bit more to come from him this season.

JOHN MARTIN – Sponsorship Available

John, or Skiddy as he more affectionately known is another former Birtley player who has returned to the club after a period away. A Rolls Royce of a defender, he'll be looking to use his vast experience to give himself and the team an advantage this season.

Lewis Exley – Sponsored by Chris Ellaby

Lewis has joined us from Prudhoe midway through the 22/23 season. A versatile player who can play left back, wing back, midfield or centre back. Lewis actually scored the winning goal against us when we fell toa 2-1 defeat to Prudhoe. Going forward we will be hoping that he’s now a strong asset for us rather a thorn in our side!

JOSH STRASSHEIM – Sponsorship Available

Young player who attends Park View Academy. Has bags of potential. Versatile but predominantly a defender who attacks the ball well, very competitive with good distribution.

CALLUM TURNBULL – Sponsored by The Hanlon Pub

Callum is a Birtley lad who boasts an incredible record of 327 appearances for his former club where he also scored 55 goals, holding the position of club Captain since 2020

ALEX FRANCIS – Sponsored by Aspire Technology Solutions

Alex started his career as a youngster at Newcastle United's Academy and has played for some well established clubs in the past. He was part of the successful promotion side with Consett AFC last season and has worked closely with Paul Bryson before. As something of a dead-ball specialist.

GLEN HARGRAVE – Sponsored by Alex Jenkins

Glen, who can play wide right or up front is a recent signing from Jarrow FC where he played a prominent role in their squad in previous seasons and is someone who will bring experience to our squad. Having always caused us problems when playing against us, we are delighted to now have him in our squad.

JACK HARRISON – Sponsorship Available

Jack has joined the club on a temporary deal. He is a former Consett player, is tidy in possession and helps to keep the ball moving. A very skilful player with great receiving skills. Has ability to take players on and make things happen. We look forward to watching him develop this season.

JACK HONOUR – Sponsored by Brian & Jan Jameson

Our skipper for his second season, Jack has bags of Northern League experience and he is looking like he is back to his punching weight and fitness. A true midfielder who can be essential to our success this season.

THOMAS MCINTYRE – Sponsorship Available

Central midfielder signed from Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and attends Tyne Met Academy. He competes well, gets around the pitch and has good distribution and loads of potential.

RICCARDO TANOH – Sponsored by Alex Jenkins

Ricky re-joins us after a summer away working. Having been with the club a number of years, we are looking forward to seeing his dynamic speed down the right-hand side. Ricky has a knack for goals and is our very own version of Jack Grealish with an art for drawing free kicks and penalties.

KEVIN MIRZAKHANIAN – Sponsorship Available

A current student at Northumbria University trough their i2i International Business Student programme, Kevin caught the eye of manager Paul Bryson whilst playing for the Uni and recently signed for The Hoops once he returned from his summer break.

LEWIS ORRELL – Sponsorship Available

Lewis re-joins Birtley from Whitley Bay having previously played for us at the start of the 2021/22 season. Previously a junior at Hartlepool United, Lewi i an attacking midfielder who is well known for being able to pull the strings in the centre of the park and we’re delighted he has returned to the club.

MATTHEW WARD – Sponsored by The Home Designers

Matty Ward has joined us from Heaton Stan. The exciting forward player made the move to Stan from Chester-le-Street Town after scoring 24 goals in 36 games. Ward is still only 19 years old and adds another exciting young prospect to the clubs forward line alongside Aidan Rutledge and Callum Smith.

JOE BARWICK – Sponsored by Aspire Technology Solutions

Vice-Captain and a real leader in the squad, Joe is a true goalscorer and a great person to have at the club as well off the field. A player who genuinely wants to succeed and loves scoring goals, not to mention he works as hard, if not harder than any other player off the ball.

ANDREW CLARKSON – Sponsored by Penlec Electrical Services

Big Clarky is a local lad who was at Birtley around 6 years ago for a short spell. Returning with a hell of a lot more experience, he's capable of giving us another dimension to our play. Not forgetting that he can play as well and if our supply into him is right, he can score a hatful.

AIDAN RUTLEDGE – Sponsored by JG Fitness

Aidan is a striker who made a solitary appearance for Birtley Town in a league cup defeat to Whitley Bay during the 2019/20 season. Since then, the 21-year old has shown his prowess at Gateshead Leam Rangers in the Wearside League where he scored an impressive 49 goals in 60 appearances in his two seasons at the club.

CALLUM SMITH – Sponsored by Bob Hunter

Callum joins us after a successful promotion season with North Shields. Callum's dad, David is an ex-Birtley Town manager who led the club to its most successful period in the early 2000's. Callum came through the Newcastle United academy, spending time at Hull City and Dunston UTS before joining the Robins. A thrilling winger with an eye for a spectacular strike, he’s sure to play a big part in the coming season.

BIRTLEY TOWN 1 HORDEN 2

the post. In the 92nd minutes Marc Ellison unleashed a furious drive to break Birtley hearts. There were debates on whether it took a slight deflection off Ryan Keltie but there could be no doubts it was a fantastic effort from the Horden player of the match.

Managers Corner

Birtley made a couple of changes to the side that drew with Prudhoe a week ago with Ross Preston coming into the side for his second start of the season with defenders Callum Turnbull, Lewis Exley, Sam Hedley and Jack Honour all missing. Tom McIntyre also returned to the starting eleven in place of Joe Barwick.

It took Birtley just three minutes to open the scoring with Aidan Rutledge slotting home a superb Lewis Orrell cross. Unfortunately for Birtley the flag was raised for offside. On twenty minutes another excellent Orrell pass allowed Hargrave to bare down on goal however the Horden keeper was quick off his line to clear the danger, only to cannon the ball off Hargrave and luckily watch as it rebounded narrowly over the goal.

Horden struck first when Liam Wright was played through and was one on one with Birtley stopper Conor Grant. Birtley looked to have managed to rescue the situation when Preston slid in to stop the Horden man in his tracks however his tackle went beyond Grant and into the empty Birtley net.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to respond. Aidan Rutledge stepping up to slot home from the penalty sport after a trip inside the area. That led both teams into the break with the scores level. Birtley thought they had taken the lead early in the second half but neither Ross Preston or Ryan Keltie could meet a tantalising cross from Alex Francis.

By the midway point of the second half Horden were starting to get on top. The best chance of the half fell to David Doughty but his effort crashed off

Paul Bryson: “We said to the lads before the game that we needed to start well and we did that. We were on the front foot, I have watched the first goal again and I still think it’s a good goal. We kept going and we were pressing. They then changed their formation which is always a sign that things are going well. We were then disappointed to concede, a little against the run of play. We showed good character and equalised pretty much straight away. I thought for the first half we were the better side. We were creating chances and pushing forward. We were a little disappointed to come in at the break on level terms.”

The second half we started alright. Callum Smith put a superb ball in and it came off Glen that somehow went over the bar. To be fair to Horden they came on strong in the second half but I felt that we deserved something from the game. It was a worldy strike in the 92nd minute. We need to get on with it and dust ourselves down. We have a game Tuesday and if we keep working as hard as we did against Horden then our luck will change. We have to keep working and be in it together. It’s not for the want of trying, if we keep applying ourselves then it will change.”

Man of the Match – Josh Holland

Attendance – 157

Birtley suffered last minute heartbreak as a long-range Marc Ellison shot secured all three points for Horden.

Aidan Rutledge (34’)

WASHINGTON 0 BIRTLEY TOWN 2

Aidan Rutledge managed to find a yard of space in the box but his curling effort went narrowly beyond the far post. Shortly after, Smiggs clipped a free-kick forward and Glen Hargrave was wrestled to the ground which the referee awarded Birtley a penalty. Rutledge stepped up to fire home the opener and score his 49th goal of the season. Washington always posed a threat on the counter attack and it was important for Birtley to get a second goal.

The Hoops did eventually double their lead, this time Rutledge became the provider when he played a sublime through ball to Hargrave. Hargrave turned on the edge of the area before firing low into the bottom left hand corner. The goal settled any Birtley nerves and when Isam Mohamed was shown a red card for elbowing Callum Smith, it looked to be a comfortable closing period.

Birtley’s dynamic striking duo were at it again on Tuesday as goals from Aidan Rutledge and Glen Hargrave secured all three points for The Hoops.

Birtley were back to winning ways as they made the short journey along the A1231 to Washington. Joe Barwick, Lewis Exley and Tom McIntyre returned to the side which meant that Alex Francis dropped in to the defence. There was also a place on the bench for Josh Thynne, making his senior debut after progressing from our development side.

Birtley dominated the opening stages and should have been ahead when Josh Holland met a Lewis Exley cross but he couldn’t find a finish. Unfortunately for Holland his evening was cut short midway through the opening period when he pulled up with a hamstring injury that is likely to keep him side-lined for a number of weeks. Birtley should have been ahead again when Ryan Keltie flicked on a long Hargrave throw however, Joe Barwick could only prod the ball onto the crossbar.

On 37 minutes, Birtley had another clear opening when Rutledge played through strike partner Hargrave but his lofted half-volley went agonisingly over the bar. By the end of the half Birtley were pushing for an opener and were somehow denied when two goal line scrambles prevented the ball from finding it’s way into the Washy net. Birtley continued to look dangerous from set-pieces with Washington threatening from the odd occasion on the counter attack as the sides entered the break at 0-0.

In the second period, The Hoops remained in the ascendancy without creating any real cut opportunities. The visitors continued to win free-kicks, corners and throw-ins but without threatening the Washington goal. On the hour mark

Washington did force Grant into a smart stop in the latter stages but the score remained at 2-0. There was still time for Hargrave to provide some unexpected trickery before firing a volley towards goal from 20 yards, much to the delight of the travelling Birtley support. The win puts Birtley back into 4th position, leapfrogging Billingham Town in the process.

Managers Corner

Foss was pleased to get back to winning ways. “Well after last Saturdays disappointment of losing to a last minute goal it was about getting three points on the board which we did.”

“The lads dug in well on a pitch that wasn’t conducive to playing football however we rolled our sleeves up and got the job done. At this stage of the season it’s not about performances but about getting the right result. I thought everyone played their part including our bench, the changes we made were at the right time and kept the tempo high. That didn’t allow them much joy at all and ensured us a well earned clean sheet. I wanted to give a special mention to young Josh Thynne who has just turned 17 and was given his debut for the last 10 minutes. Josh is part of the development team but has been training with us for last couple of months. It was nice to see the great work that Dan Irving and his team have done with Josh this season. The work of the development side enabled us to put him on the bench and we had no qualms in placing him on for the last change last night to give him the experience of playing at a higher level and he’s certainly one for the future.”

“We have 8 massive games coming up between now and the end of the season and as a group we need to be on it from the first minute to the last We want to finish as high as possible.”

Man of the Match – Aidan Rutledge

Attendance – 104

Aidan Rutledge (63’) Glen Hargrave (73’)

BLYTH TOWN 3 BIRTLEY TOWN 3

Slater slotted home to make the scores level at the final whistle. The draw kept Birtley 4 points ahead of Blyth with a game in hand.

Managers Corner

Foss was delighted with a very important point. “Well 2-0 down and down to 10 men at half time I thought we were dead and buried however the character that the lads showed second half was unbelievable. We were actually better with ten men than what we were with eleven!

Birtley secured a vital point in their hunt for a play-off spot on Saturday afternoon when they recorded their seventh 3-3 draw of the season at Blyth Town.

Saturday’s game up the Northumberland coast was in doubt like most games this weekend, however an early pitch inspection had deemed the surface playable. Callum Turnbull returned to the starting 11 which allowed Alex Francis to return to his normal midfield role.

The first period was a difficult one for the visitors with everything going against Birtley. It took Blyth just 14 minutes to open the scoring when Matthew Nelson beat four Birtley defenders before slotting the ball beyond Conor Grant. Credit was given to the Blyth number 11 however it was a disappointing goal for The Hoops to concede. The home side doubled their lead when Brandon Slater calmly lobbed the ball over Grant on 36 minutes. Matters were only made worse moments later when Aidan Rutledge was sent off for two yellow cards within a minute.

Birtley made the perfect start to the second period when Callum Smith was challenged in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Alex Francis stepped up to give Birtley a glimmer of hope in the game. The game then entered a period with both sides cancelling each other out and chances very hard to come by. With twenty minutes remaining, Josh Strassheim linked up with Smiggs and his cross was only half cleared by the Blyth defence, falling to Joe Barwick on the edge of the area who delivered a sublime finish to pull Birtley level.

Blyth were having a similar half to Birtley’s first and both teams were down to 10 men when Evan Fogarty, who had been booked earlier in the game, was shown a straight red card for an off the ball challenge.

Birtley thought they had secured all three points when Andrew Clarkson and Matty Ward combined to set Glen Hargrave in on goal, Hargrave made no mistake to complete a brilliant turn around for the visitors. Blyth however dug in and won a penalty of their own in the last minute of the game and Brandon

To go 3-2 up with 3 minutes left and then to concede a penalty in the last minute was cruel and sometimes in football you don’t always get what you deserve. Make no bones about it we deserved nothing after 45 minutes but were disappointed to only come away with a point in the end.”

“That is now 7 times we have scored three goals in a match this season and only claimed a point. It shows we need to be defending better from front to the back but the first two goals we gave away on Saturday were criminal. It gives you a mountain to climb, however we managed to do it and claimed a great point in the end.

“We spoke about discipline before the game and making sure we didn’t get involved in anything after the last game against Blyth however the frustration in the first half showed with Aidan getting two bookings within a minute. I felt the the second one was due to the inconsistency of the officials who I thought were out of their depth for such a big game.”

“I know people will say no referees equals no games however the standard of officials in the second division this season has been poor. When decisions and easy decisions are going against you its easy to lose your head from time to time as Aidan did and this was the case on Saturday. The assessor was present on Saturday and at times I feel this is when common sense goes out of the window and the officials needs to do everything by the letter of the law. Sometimes the way the laws are doesn’t actually help the officials. It has happened too many times this season and it needs looking into to, it would give the officials a better chance.”

“The 10 men who went out in Green and White second half were a credit to the club, as were the squad in the way they pushed each other on. The play from Clarky and Wardy for the third goal which Glen put away just shows how together they all are. I never single players out however I thought Callum Smith was exceptional second half and dragged us back into the game, winning the penalty and then being involved in the equaliser. He ran himself into the ground along with every other player and the lads achieved a result that could be a massive point come the end of the season.”

Man of the Match – Callum Smith Attendance – 104

Alex Francis (53’) Joe Barwick (74’) Glen Hargrave (87’)

NEWWCASTLE UNIVERSITY 0

BIRTLEY TOWN 6

flag despite the Birtley man starting his run in his own half.

The tempo of the game then calmed as Birtley maintained control. Smith did have his second of the afternoon and 10th of the season when he dispossessed the full-back before turning back inside and slotting the ball into the corner.

Glen Hargrave thought he finally had his chance on 78 minutes but he couldn’t convert when 1 v 1 with the keeper. While Glen and Smiggs were still in shock, Joe Barwick managed to win back possession and found an unmarked Smiggs who slotted home to complete the hat-trick.

Birtley recorded their second 6-0 victory of the season with a emphatic win against Newcastle University.

The Hoops were in rampant form when they hit Newcastle University for six on Saturday. Birtley talisman Aidan Rutledge was out through suspension however that didn’t stop Birtley from a goal scoring frenzy that pushed them closer to the play-offs.

Matty Ward came into the side to replace Rutledge and Josh Strassheim replaced the injured Ryan Keltie. Owen Lancaster also returned to the side.

It was The Uni who actually started the better off the two sides. Tolu Osiyemi causing particular problems in the Birtley defence however the Hoops lost Owen Lancaster to an early injury, Sam Hedley coming on as his replacement.

Ward made his first telling contribution when he lofted the ball over the defence, Callum Smith latched on to neatly lob the ball over the keeper to open the scoring. Birtley doubled their lead with Alex Francis playing a sublime pass to Smiggs who then turned provider. He crossed in for Ward himself to get onto the scoresheet.

Francis then added a third before the break when he converted a spot kick after Glen Hargrave was brought down in the area. Birtley were in full control by the half-hour mark with Hargrave having a chance to extend their lead. Newcastle did create their opening and the crowd were in disbelief when Osiyemi managed to put the ball wide from 7 yards out.

Birtley started the second period in similar fashion. Callum Smith thought he had his second of the afternoon but the Assistant Referee raised their

Birtley completed the afternoon with Alex Francis scoring his second of the afternoon after The Uni had failed to clear a Josh Thynne corner.

Managers Corner

Paul Bryson knew how important three points were but was delighted with a dominant display. “I am delighted with the result. We had a few missing with Aidan suspended, Keltie away and Lewis Orrell also away. We welcomed Owen back but unfortunately lost him early on to injury. On a massive plus having Sam Hedley back is a welcome bonus, Heds could be massive for us in the coming weeks.

I am really pleased with the performance of Josh Strassheim. It was his first starting debut and he did very well, he has a bright future. I thought The Uni started really well, we had to stand up and be counted for. We didn’t really settle until Smiggs scored. It was a very good finish.

The second goal is a brilliant team goal. A superb through ball from Alex, excellent delivery from Smiggs and Wardy taps it home. Smiggs was involved in the cross for the penalty.

The 1st half was fairly even possession but we showed the real bits of quality. Smiggs deserved his hat-trick in the second period. It was really pleasing to get Josh Thynne some minutes too, he is a young lad and only 16. He did fantastic. Jason also made his second debut for the club so it was a really good three points leading into the top of the table clash against Boro Rangers. I was pleased to keep a clean sheet. Next week we will welcome back Aidan and Lewis Orrell in what is a huge game for both sides.”

Man of the Match – Josh Strassheim

Attendance – 42

Callum Smith (20’ 75‘ 77’) Matty Ward (26’) Alex Francis (31’ 90‘)

BORO RANGERS

HARRISON DAVIES

Very technical player with a cultured left foot that can play in a variety of different positions. Likes the ball at his feet and has an excellent range of passing.

LLOYD EVANS

Central defender that is quick, strong and an excellent organiser. Currently on his way back from ACL reconstruction and we look forward to welcoming him back into the squad sometime in the near future.

Club History

As a Club, Boro Rangers was founded in 2003 and currently has 80 affiliated teams for the 2022/2023 season. However, the Men’s First team was only formed in 2014 when it entered the Teesside League (now known as the North Riding Football League) Second Division.

Promotion to the First Division was achieved at the very first attempt, and then the team was crowned champions for seven successive seasons before finally being promoted to the Northern League in 2022. The team temporarily plays its home matches at New Ferens Park in Durham, whilst a permanent home is being built at Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough.

JACK GUY

Direct winger that likes to run in behind the defence or get at his full back. Chips in with goals and creates his fair share too.

JOEL GUY

Central midfield player that likes to organise from the middle and win back possession of the ball. Previous clubs include Shildon, Billingham Synthonia and Guisbrough.

DANIEL HAWKINS

Left back with a good all round game. Likes to get forward and join in the play when possible. A good talker and organiser. New addition to the squad for 2022/23 season.

CALLUM HICKMAN

Tireless winger that loves to run at defenders but also track back and help the team. Very tricky with an eye for goal and a superb delivery into the box.

DANIEL HORNER

Very agile goalkeeper that is excellent with his feet. Comfortable coming to collect the ball and a maker of brilliant saves.

Squad 2022/23

PAUL BLAKE

Central Midfield player that loves to get on the ball. Great technique and variety of passing that is excellent in tight spaces. Previous clubs include Guisbrough.

TOM BLIGH

Box to box midfielder with bundles of energy. A new signing for the 2022/23 season but has already made a big impression on the pitch. Previous clubs include Redcar Athletic

CHARLIE BRADY

Right winger that possesses bags of pace. Very direct and powerful.

PHIL HORSMAN

Centre half or left back. Strong commanding defender. Excellent in the air and strong in the tackle. Previous clubs include Billingham Synthonia, Thornaby and Sunderland RCA.

MICHAEL JAMES

A natural no nonsense defender that organises well from the back. A real leader of the team on and off the pitch. Previous clubs include Dunston, Guisbrough and Thornaby.

THOMAS KEENAN

A central midfielder that is a workhorse in the middle of the park. LIkes to win the ball back and also get forward to support the play.

ROBERT KEENAN

Central midfield player that can do a bit of everything. Keeps shape in the middle and moves the ball around. Likes to get forward and join in. Previous clubs include Thornaby and Team Northumbria.

STEVEN KEENAN

Very strong right full back that likes to drive forward with the ball. Captain of the team and leader. Previous clubs include Thornaby and Guisbrough.

NATHAN LIDDELL

Club captain. A leader on the pitch. Central midfield player that is excellent in the air. A great range of passing with an eye for a goal around the box.

MATTHEW LOVATT

A commanding centre half that is good in the air and organises well. Likes to play when he has the ball at his feet. Previous clubs include Guisbrough and Billingham Synthonia.

NICHOLAS ROBINSON

Left back that is technically excellent with the ball at his feet. Brilliant 1 v 1 defender and a great talker and organiser on the pitch. Leads by example. Previous clubs include Billingham Synthonia and Wolviston.

STUART ROSE

Centre forward that scores all types of goals. Works tirelessly and gives defenders no rest. Possesses pace, power, has great feet and is an excellent finisher. Previous clubs include Crook Town and West Auckland.

CHRISTIAN SELBY

Central midfield player that likes to get on the ball and move the team up the pitch. Chips in with his fair share of goals, normally from distance. Previous clubs include Billingham Town, Billingham Synthonia and Guisbrough.

BEN TURNER

A very clever player that can play in a variety of different positions. Scores and creates goals. A tireless worker off the ball. Previous clubs include Billingham Town and Redcar Athletic.

JOSEPH WOODS

Versatile defender that can play anywhere across the back line. Technically very good with both feet and has a great range of passing. Loves to defend and is great in the air. Chips in with big goals.

A BRIEF HISTORY

season saw the club win the Wearside League title. After finishing as runners-up in 2003–04 and 2004–05 and winning the League Cup for a third time in 2005–06, they were champions again in 2006–07, resulting in promotion to Division Two of the Northern League.

In 2009-10, Birtley finished bottom of Division Two, but were not relegated. However, in 2015-16 the club finished second-from-bottom of the division and were relegated to the Premier Division of the Northern Alliance. They were Premier Division runners-up and League Cup winners in 2017–18, and were promoted back to Division Two of the Northern League.

THE ARROWMARK HOME IMPROVEMENTS STADIUM

The original Birtley Football Club were founder members of the Northern League in 1889. However, they left after finishing second-from-bottom of the league in its inaugural season The club then joined the Northern Alliance, again leaving after a single season. They re-joined the alliance in 1895 and finished bottom of the league in 1897–98, before leaving again in 1900. The club returned for a third spell in the league in 1909, and were runners-up in 1913–14. After the World War I, they were champions in 1923–24.

In 1926 the Northern Alliance merged into the North Eastern League, with Birtley becoming members of Division Two. They remained in the North Eastern League until transferring to the Wearside League in 1935. Following World War II, the club was renamed Birtley Town, and went on to win the Wearside League in 1945–46. However, after finishing bottom of the league in 1949–50, 1950–51 and 1951–52, the club dropped out of the league.

A new Birtley Town was established in the early 1990s and joined Division Two of the Wearside League in 1992. They were Division Two champions in 1994–95, earning promotion to Division One. In 1997–98 the club won the League Cup, and in 2001–02 they won both the League Cup and the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup. The following

The Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium is our home. The club has been based at the ground since it reformed in 1993. The ground has seen an unrecognisable transformation in the last 5 years. The club has a fantastic team of volunteers who ensure that our ground is one of the best facilities in the Northern League. The wider site hosts a further two 11-a-side pitches, one 9-a-side pitch and two small sided pitches.

We have three stands across the stadium including the Andy Foster stand, named after our current manager Paul’s father which hosts 100 seats. This is joined by the Casa Rosa stand and the UK Lift and Esculator stand.

The ground has held numerous different occasions from Family Fundays to charity events. We are proud to have held cup finals for the Northern League, Durham FA and North East Colleges League.

For more information on the club, see our brand new website at:

www. birtley town fc . co