24.02.2023 | Birtley Town Vs Prudhoe YC Seniors

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 4 BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA 3

substitute Matty Ward both striking the upright, and Alex Francis forcing a wonder save from Fairless.

Relief finally came two minutes into injury time as Matty Ward opened his Hoops account in style, collecting a lovely cross-field ball from Joe Barwick and finishing with aplomb. Synners had one final trick up their sleeve as Ryan Gooch grabbed his side’s third with a lovely finish, but any hopes of an equaliser were quickly dashed as the referee blew time straight from the restart.

Managers Corner

Birtley closed the gap on leaders Boro Rangers over the weekend, overcoming Billingham Synthonia by the odd goal in seven in a nervy contest at the Arrowmark.

Synners looked dangerous from the off – hitting the crossbar twice in the opening exchanges – before skipper Ash Lavan earned a deserved lead after just nine minutes, rifling past Isaac Robinson from the edge of the box. Robinson was in action again shortly afterwards, producing a fine finger-tip save to deny impressive debutant Shawn Spozio. Birtley finally got their break on 24 minutes after Callum Smith was felled by his marker on the edge of the area. After consulting with his assistant, the referee pointed to the spot and Aidan Rutledge duly dispatched the equaliser.

Smith could’ve added a second on the stroke of half-time, as a defensive error allowed him in behind the defence, but keeper Ben Fairless was equal to the challenge.

Birtley were bang at it after the break, and with fans still trooping out of the clubhouse Tom McIntyre extended his side’s lead with a sweet bottom-corner finish after great work from Rutledge. The visitors then went down to ten-men, with Lavan dismissed for dangerous play after catching Glen Hargrave with a high boot. Hargrave soldiered on, and got his revenge on 54 minutes with a glancing header to convert Smith’s free-kick.

It should’ve been over, but with twenty minutes to go, Synners gave themselves a lifeline – Spozio finding his fellow-debutant Steven Johnson who poked home to set up a grandstand finish. Birtley decided that attack was the best form of defence and continued to pour forward, with Rutledge and

Paul Bryson was delighted with three points: “Synners started the game really well, they were on the front foot. Their captain was causing us real problems playing in the pocket. They deservedly went 1-0 up. Fair play to our lads as we didn’t start the game very well but gradually grew into it. We equalised with an Aidan Rutledge penalty. We made a couple of tweaks at the interval and the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half we were excellent. Tom McIntyre scored an excellent goal with a really good finish. Glen then nodded home after a brilliant delivery from Smiggs. That particular spell of the game is what went on to win us the match. They then had a player sent-off, I actually thought it was a little bit harsh as I think he has his eye on the ball and didn’t really see Glen coming.”

“They then pulled a goal back to make it a little bit nervy but I was delighted that Matty Ward came on and it made it 4-2. They then scored with the last kick of the game. Attacking wise it was very good but defensively we need to tighten up. Its another three points and it gets us three points closer to where we want to be. We look forward to going to Redcar next week.”

Man of the Match – Owen Lancaster

Attendance – 132

Aidan Rutledge (25’) Tom McIntyre (43’) Glen Hargrave (57’) Matthew Ward (92’)

REDCAR TOWN 2 BIRTLEY TOWN 1

Aidan Rutledge (60’)

Birtley had the long journey back up the A19 with no reward for a spirited display as they fell to defeat at Redcar Town.

The Hoops were left disappointed from a game in which they felt they should of been worthy of at least a point. It was Redcar who had the first opportunity when Conor Grant saved well from a Kyran Clark effort. Mike Algie denied Birtley from taking the lead with two excellent saves. Algie first denied Hargrave from a right angle and then moments later produced a sublime save to prevent Rutledge from taking the lead. The Hoops fell behind on the stroke of half -time when Ryan Keltie sliced into his own net.

Birtley looked to get back on level terms earlier in the second period. On 55 minutes Algie again produced an outstanding stop to prevent Rutledge from equalising. Rutledge wasn’t to be denied on the hour mark when he nodded home a superb Lewis Exley cross. The Hoops were hopeful that the goal would spark Birtley into turning the game around. Those hopes were dashed when when Joe Bennett smashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner which put Redcar back in the lead with just over 10 minutes remaining. Birtley had a late chance to level with Josh Holland firing into the side netting after good work from debutant Lewis Orrell.

Managers Corner

Paul Bryson had mixed feelings on the performance and the result: “Disappointed with the result but the performance was good. On another day we could have easily have won the game, the least we deserved was probably a draw from the game. It was heart wrenching to lose the game. It was a typical Northern League Division Two game. Both sides

gave it their all. We have two good chances in the first half. The keeper made a good save from Glenn and then produced the save of the season from Aidan. Just before the break Ryan Keltie deflected the ball into his own goal. 1-0 down at half-time but we said to the lads we needed to keep going and try to convert a few chances. We played really well in the 2nd half. We were looking for the equaliser, we had a couple of good chances. Aidan had a great chance and the defender has put in a brilliant block and then he’s had another chance which Glenn has actually deflected onto the bar.

“We equalised through Aidan and I thought we would go on to win the game but we made a poor decision for their second goal. We made a poor decision on the half-way line. Instead of trying to turn them around we have played a square pass, they then catch us on the counter and win a corner. The resulting corner ends up to the lad on the edge of the box and he smashed it right into the top corner. It was really fine margins. Lewis Orrell did very well when he came on and played a good ball to Josh Holland who probably should of scored but unfortunately could only hit the side netting. “

“Its difficult as last week we didn’t play very well but got the result and I would rather have that at this stage in the season. We have to take the positives and the difference yesterday is their keeper making a top save and one of their players scoring a great goal. I have watched the highlights of the game and it really was fine margins. We need to keep working hard and look forward to Friday night. There is always a buzz at Birtley on a Friday night game and we need to get back to winning ways.”

Man of the Match – Josh Holland

Attendance – 55

PRUDHOE YC SENIORS

Club History

Prudhoe Youth Club Football Club was established in 1969 with one team and has since grown to a thriving community football club at the heartbeat of the Prudhoe community, fielding over 30 teams.

In 2015 the decision was taken to form a Saturday Senior Team for the first time in the club’s history to enable a pathway from junior football to adult football for its members.

Prudhoe Youth Club Seniors FC was born and a young team comprised mainly of teenagers was accepted into the Northern Football Alliance Division 2 for the 2015-16 season. The club chairman and secretary Duncan Graham formed the team and managed it in its first 3 seasons.

The maiden season saw a solid if unspectacular 9th position obtained with 8th position achieved in Season 16-17. A much improved 17-18 saw the season end as League Runners up and promotion to Division 1 and as Divisional Cup holders, defeating Blyth Spartans Reserves in the final. Graham stepped down as manager at the end of the 17-18 season and handed over the managerial reins to a talented young coach Lee Blackburn who had played for the club since he was 7 years old.

A good 18-19 season saw the team consolidate its division 1 place with a solid 7th place finish and finishing as runners up in the Divisional Cup. 19-20 was a COVID curtailed season with the team looking certain for promotion in 2nd place, but unfortunately the season was declared null and void.

Blackburn had stepped down from the manager’s job near the end of the season due to his other professional coaching commitments.

Former professional footballer Joe Kendrick

became manager for the 20-21 season and lead the team to the top of the table, when the COVID curse struck again with the team nailed on for promotion. Fortunately for Prudhoe however a vacancy in the Premier Division occurred due to the resignation of Shankhouse FC, allowing Prudhoe to be elevated to the Premier Division for season 21-22. An incredible first season in the Premier Division ended with the team finishing league runners up and unbelievably achieving promotion to the EBAC Northern Football League. A team formed 7 years ago had completed a meteoric rise through 3 tiers of the English football pyramid in four seasons with very limited financial resources but with an incredible team spirit and close unity and bond in a team, who’s core consisted of local players, many of whom had come through the YC youth team ranks.

Kendrick stepped down at the end of the 21-22 season and the mantle has now been assumed by new manager Kennie Mailia. As we very much look forward to our maiden season in the EBAC Northern Football League the journey continues….

Squad 2022/23

LUKE BANKS - 09/04/2000

Midfield, wide up Front or No. 10 Talented player. Been with the club since he was 7 years old.

FINLAY BATY- 24/02/2002

Left Back or Midfield. Transfer from Birtley. Previously with Blue Star

ADAM BELL - 15/10/1988

Box to Box Midfielder. Loves a 10K

LIAM BLAIR - 17/12/1994

Strong goalkeeper well built. Former YC junior. Previously with Haltwhistle and Chemfica.

CHRIS BRENNAN - 02/11/93

Skilful energetic central midfielder. Previously with Newcastle Chemfica

DANNY DRIVER - 15/03/1994

Centre Back. Mr Reliable. Team Captain. Commanding in the air and tackle. Been with the club since 7 years old. Has played all 7 seasons in the Senior team

CALLUM DUNCAN - 28/02/1998

Midfielder. Strong Player from Hexham. Previously with Newcastle Chemfica, Brandon, Hexham and Wallsend Boys Club.

CRAIG FAIRLEY - 18/12/1982

Striker. Second top scorer in 21-22. 39 years old but like a fine wine. Keeps on churning out performances, week in week out.

SIMON FARRIER - 11/12/2000

Lively Striker. Previously with Alnwick Town.

ARRON FLETCHER - 31/01/1997

Striker. Strong as an ox. Holds ball up superbly.

DARREN GRAHAM - 17/04/1995

Right Back. Likes to get up and down the pitch. Loves an assist. Been with club since 7 years old. Longest serving player in the YC, embarking on his 21st consecutive season with the club.

LUTFUR KARIM - 07/05/1999

Strong forward hold the ball up well. Previously with Newcastle Chemfica and Ponteland United Reserves

MATTHEW LAW - 01/09/2000

Wide Striker. Quick player, scores goals. Local lad. Has played for Ryton & Crawcrook Albion. Played as junior for the YC

MARK MCMEEKIN - 24/07/1991

Centre Back. Reliable and calm on the ball. A leader. Has previously played for Ryton & Crawcrook Albion

HARRY MITCHELL - 05/12/1995

Midfielder can also play right back. Loves a marathon. Has previously played for Ryton & Crawcrook Albion

WILL MORRIS - 01/10/2001

Wide Player energetic, quick, tricky winger. Previously with Brandon United and Chemfica

MATTHEW ROBINSON - 15/07/1993

Central midfielder or wide up front. Strikes the ball superbly. Loves a 25-yard free-kick. Suffered a bad cruciate injury in 21-22 but will be back.

BRADLEY ROGERS - 04/07/1999

Midfielder. A good young player who has been with the team for 6 years. Calm and composed on the ball.

TRAE ROWLANDSON - 27/04/1999

Wide forward. Skilful, pacy & tricky player. Previously with Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and Cramlington United.

JOSH SCOT - 31/12/94

Centre Midfielder. Powerful. Loves a tackle. Previously with Blue Star and Newcastle Benfield.

MATTY SLEE - 06/03/2001

Forward. Quick, direct, lively young player. Knows where the goal is.

THOMAS WHITE - 26/12/2002

Goalkeeper. Talented young keeper. Has come through the YC youth teams

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