01.04.2023 | Birtley Town vs Sunderland West End

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 0 BORO RANGERS 1

a long range effort that dipped agonisingly under the bar after Conor Grant had got a hand to it. Birtley threw on the heavy artillery with Andrew Clarkson replacing Lewis Orrell, and the big man nearly got his side back in it, only to see his far post effort nodded over the bar by fellow substitute Robert Keenan.

As the game entered added time, Boro’s Ben Turner had a golden opportunity to put the game to bed, but Grant made an incredible save from point-blank range to keep his side in it. But it proved to be the last action of the game, leaving a jubilant Boro Rangers to retain the top-spot and a bitterly-aggrieved Birtley eyeing promotion via the play-offs.

Birtley’s title hopes took a heavy blow on Saturday as defeat to Boro Rangers left them trailing the Teessiders by ten points.

The game got off to a frantic start, as the two sides got stuck into each other from the first whistle. A series of increasingly ferocious tackles from both sides culminated in a touchline fracas after Rangers’ Harry Williams clattered into Aidan Rutledge from behind.

Williams was first into the referee’s notebook, and was soon joined by the Birtley’s Lewis Exley and Joe Barwick, each for a late tackle. Chances were few and far between, with the each side’s best opportunity falling to a full-back. First Phil Horsman nodded just wide for the visitors, before 17-year old Josh Strassheim came close for the Hoops, heading Callum Smith’s cross just over the bar.

As half-time approached, the game had its second major flashpoint, with Joe Barwick dismissed for a second yellow following another vigorous 50-50 challenge with Williams.

As in the recent Blyth Town game, the sending-off seemed to inspire Birtley, who dominated the opening exchanges of the second half. On 55 minutes later the Hoops had their breakthrough – or so they thought – as Aidan Rutledge was clattered by Rangers’ keeper Dan Horner. But rather than point to the spot, the official booked the Birtley man for simulation, much to the surprise of everyone else in the ground.

The Teessiders knew they’d had a let-off, and nearly took advantage with a 68th minute attack which Alex Francis just about managed to snuff out. Francis was soon on the receiving end of another late challenge, this time from Callum Hickman, who was lucky to receive only a booking.

On 73 minutes, Williams gave his side the lead with

Managers Corner

Paul Bryson was left proud of the performance but dismayed by the decisions from the officials: “We started the game really well. We had the best two chances of the first half with opportunities for Aidan and Josh. If I was to have any criticism of the lads it would be that we didn’t take our chances. Including Clarky’s chance at the end. They are good chances and against good sides you have to be more clinical. Aidan’s chance is a good one and he could have maybe squared it for an open goal.”

“Boro Rangers are a big physical side. We coped with that well. The sending off is the first big decision. It is a foul on Joe Barwick, the lad who has tackled Joe also has a yellow card. It should be the opposition who picks up their second yellow. That meant second half we were down to 10 men, I was proud of how the lads stuck to their task. Then there is a really disappointing decision with Aidan and the penalty claim. It’s beyond belief. Its a sending off and a penalty, then to book Aidan for diving is just deflating. The lads then kept on knocking at the door. We conceded but we kept on going. Clarky’s chance at the end would of been the reward that the lads deserved on the day. The two decision are really big moments and have defined the game.”

“We still have plenty to play for, five games to go. I was delighted that the supporters gave the lads a standing ovation. We lost the game but the supporters clapped their team off, it shows how well the lads have done. That moment didn’t go unnoticed and I want to thank our support for that. We move onto Wednesday, we are still hurting but we will look to bounce back.”

Man of the Match – Alex Francis Attendance – 264

WILLINGTON 0 BIRTLEY TOWN 9

the fun, seeing his close range shot deflected past Pattison by an unfortunate Willington defender. Keeper Isaac Robinson then entered the fray in place of Conor Grant, and the young stopper was quickly in the thick of the action, twice denying Willington has they looked to pull one back.

At the other end, his opposite number Pattison did well to deny Rutledge on 84 minutes, but the rebound fell kindly to the prolific No.9 who fired home his fifth of the evening. As the game entered the dying minutes, Rutledge saved the best ‘til last, as he danced nimbly through a sea of Willington defenders before finding the net to complete a double hat-trick and set the seal on a dominant performance.

A rampant Birtley hit nine goals past struggling Willington on Wednesday night, as they banished their bad memories from Saturday to move one step closer to the play-offs.

The Hoops started the game brightly, with the in-form Callum Smith forcing a superb save from Matthew Pattison after only three minutes. Lewis Orrell then came close on 12 minutes, whipping a sweet free-kick just wide of the upright. The inevitable breakthrough came on 17 minutes, as Pattison again denied Smith, before Aidan Rutledge tapped home the rebound to notch his fiftieth goal of the season in all competitions. The irrepressible marksman then doubled his tally on 25 minutes, racing onto a quickly-taken throw-in from Hargrave before rounding the keeper and slotting home.

The hard-working Willington defence was struggling to contain wave after wave of Birtley attacks, and it wasn’t long before the Hoops had their third, as Thomas McIntyre hit a powerful left foot effort from all of 25 yards. The game had barely re-started before Callum Smith worked himself some space in the box and found the net from close range to make it four.

And in the first minute of injury time Rutledge completed his perfect hat-trick with a sublime glancing header from another Birtley corner.

Birtley made the first of several changes at half-time, bringing on vice-captain Sam Hedley in place of Lewis Exley, as the former continues his return to match fitness. Three minutes into the second half, recent signing Liam Wotherspoon whipped in a wicked corner which Rutledge headed home to make it 6-0.

Birtley made another change – with Glen Hargrave making way for Joe Barwick – and in five-minutes the evergreen Birtley man had joined in

All credit to Willington who stuck to their task admirably from the first whistle to the last, but they simply could not contain the attacking threat of a Birtley side still hurting from Saturday’s defeat. The Hoops face another struggling side on Saturday, as Sunderland West End visit the Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium, and you wouldn’t bet against another high-scoring game.

Managers Corner

Paul Bryson was pleased with the performance and particularly for double hat-trick hero Aidan Rutledge: “I was really pleased with our lads, we had a disappointing result on Saturday. I was really pleased with the professional job last night, it was a difficult pitch but we applied ourselves really well. We kept our standards from the first whistle to the last. It was good to get the subs on and get some minutes into them, that will be important for them. Sometimes when you make so many changes it can make the game go a little flat but I thought this added to the intensity. I am pleased with how Spoony and Lewis Orrell have settled in, it is great to have Heds back after such a long time out with injury. Massive congratulations to Aidan too. He has now reached 55 goals, 53 in the league plus two in the FA Vase. That’s an outstanding return.”

“I have huge respect for the Willington players, they kept going and didn’t stop working. I thought their attitudes were fantastic. I feel for the club but the management and committee were all there. It will be those types of people that keep the club going. The players were a credit.”

“We now look forward to Sunderland West End on Saturday, it’s another huge game for us. I would love to see another big crowd at the game. I said in the team talk last night that the supporters clapped us off on Saturday. They knew we had given everything. It was a great touch from our supporters. It would be great if they are there again on Saturday.”

Man of the Match – Aidan Rutledge

Attendance – 81

Aidan Rutledge (17', 25', 45', 48', 83', 91') T.McIntyre (32’) C.Smith (36’) J.Barwick (54’)

SUNDERLAND WEST END

place on Wednesday 10th August, 2011 and West End came out on top 3-2. Goal scorer that day was Joe Walton with a hat trick. Joe now plays for Morpeth Town in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

After finishing fourth in that first season West End have gone on to finish eighth, ninth, eighth, third, tenth another third position and in 2018 –2019 runners up and so gain promotion to the Northern League Second Division.

The club has also had a number of Cup successes with wins in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup, the Shipowners Cup and the Durham Trophy

Club History

The current Sunderland West End is not the first team to bear the name. The first Sunderland West End played in the Wearside League and took part in the first League in season 1892-93. Sadly, they finished bottom winning one and drawing two out of eighteen.

They finished bottom again the following season and carried on until the 1930s with a best league finish of second.

Sunderland West End SC was a successful team from the 50s and 60s who played in the Wearside Combination League with great success.

The current Sunderland West End started out as Jolly Potter and the first game took place on Saturday 2nd September 2006 when they played Gala Casino and won by the impressive score line of 12-1. Team sheet for the day shows five players scoring two goals each and two not given to any player.

One of the substitutes that day was Gary Gettins, the current vice-chairperson, who is one of a number of people who have been involved with the club from the beginning.

Also playing that day was David Keithley who is still turning out for the West End.

After that first day victory the team managed to finish runners up and gain promotion to the Premier Division. They also finished as runners up in the Aged Miners Trophy losing to the Dagmar in the final

The following season saw a mid table finish and going out early in the cups.

Success was to follow the following season with a league and cup double. The Alan Hood Trophy came back to the Potters after a win over Hylton Colliery. The league was sealed with a 6-0 win against Easington Lane WMC. Sadly, the team is not recorded for that day.

The league title was secured again in season 2009—2010 beating Redhouse into second place by seven points. A play off was needed the following year and Sunderland West End Potters as they were now called duly obliged by beating Sunderland Hendon 3-2.

First ever game in the Wearside League took

2006

Club formed as Jolly Potter

2006

Join Wearside Combination League First Division

2006 - 2007

Runners up Division One

2007

Promoted to Premier Division

2006 - 2007

Runners up Wearmouth and Hylton Aged Peoples Trophy

2007 - 2008

Finished sixth in first season in Premier Division

2008 - 2009

Premier Division Champions and Winners Alan Hood Memorial Trophy

2009 -2010

Premier Division Champions

2010

Name Changed to Sunderland West End FC

2010 - 2011

Premier Division Champions and League Challenge Cup Winners

2011

Join Wearside League and enter the football pyramid

2011- 2012

Finish first season in Wearside League in 4th position.

2015 - 2016

Achieve club’s highest ever league position

finishing third.

2016-2017

Finalists in Monkwearmouth Charity Cup

2017-2018

Shipowners Cup Winners, equal highest ever league position and Finalists in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup

2018 –2019

Winners Durham Trophy and Finish Runners-up in Wearside League. Gained promotion to Northern League Division 2.

Squad 2022/23

NEAL BUSSEYGOALKEEPER.

Excellent shot stopper and a really big personality around the club, previously played for RCA

SHAUN SMITH,RIGHT BACK.

Only recently joined the club from Easington, dynamic player with a massive engine

SAM HUSSAINRIGHT BACK.

Young player that has come through the junior set up, very comfortable in possession

DANNY MARTINCENTRE BACK.

Gives real pace to the West End back line and excellent in the air

BRAD FORSTERCENTRE BACK.

Real old-fashioned centre half, strong in the tackle and almost unbeatable in the air

ROB HALLCENTRE/LEFT BACK.

Has a left foot like Harry Potters wand, absolutely deadly from set pieces

REECE THOMPSONLEFT BACK.

Absolutely loves flying forward from full back, very dangerous on the counter attack

LUKE RICHARDSONCENTRE BACK/MIDFIELD

Joined the club in pre-season and has become a real leader on the pitch

LUKE MCCABECENTRE BACK

Recently promoted from the youth set up, a real prospect for the future

AIDEN KINGMIDFIELD

A real calming influence on the team who's strong in the tackle

BRAD WILSONMIDFIELD

Cultured midfielder who's shown real maturity in pre-season, always comfortable in possession

LAYTON CHAPMANMIDFIELDER

Tough tackling midfielder who likes to get on the ball and dictate play

JAKE FENTONMIDFIELDER

Always looking to support the forwards and score goals, will be a vital member of the team for years to come

JAMES CASSIDYWINGER

West Ends answer to George Best, frighteningly quick and loves taking on a fullback

KIERON MARTINWINGER

Another West End flying machine, deadly on the counter attack

BRYAN NORTONWINGER

Loves to run in behind defenders and always scores goals

MATTY HALLIDAYWINGER

Excellent delivery from the left and a brilliant attitude to match

MARK ROBINSONFORWARD

Fittest at the club and a real danger up front, seems to get better every game

ANTHONY ROSSFORWARD

A real powerhouse upfront with an eye for goal

CAMERON OLDFORWARD

A real Jamie Vardy type forward with an eye for goal

CAL HOPEFORWARD

Hammer of a left foot who provides a real threat from set pieces

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