THE HORNETS | Hebburn Town v Frickley Athletic | Issue 15

THE HORNETS ISSUE 15

HEBBURN TOWN V FRICKLEY ATHLETIC PITCHING IN NPL EAST DIVISION SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2021 | 3PM THE GREEN ENERGY SPORTS GROUND

Hebburn Town Football Club The Green Energy Sports Ground, South Drive, NE31 1UN

HEBBURN TOWN V FRICKLEY ATHLETIC

Founded in 1912 www.hebburntown.co.uk @HebburnTown

CLUB DIRECTORY Chairman Vin Pearson Vice-Chairman Richard Bainbridge Director of Football Stephen Rutherford Secretary David Patterson Assistant Secretary David Thomas Treasurer Brenda Pearson Kit Manager Helen Stoker Committee Adam Falconer, Paul Hill, Steve Malley, Steve Newton, Paul Samuels, Bob Smith, Peter Stoker, Julie Stokoe, Ray Straughan, Ronnie Tatum Media Manager Josh Youll Programme Contributors Kieran Archer, David Coulthard, James Main Photographers Sean Harrison, Monika Krysinska, Richard Waugh PA Announcer John Taylor First-Team Manager Kevin Bolam Assistant Manager Michael Mulhern Goalkeeping Coach Jason Miller Physio Michael Patterson Club Captain Dan Groves

CONTENTS 5 VIN PEARSON 7 KEVIN BOLAM 9 DAN GROVES 11 OLLY MARTIN 15 NOTICEBOARD 16 MATCH REWIND 19 GEORGE ARMSTRONG 21 GRAEME ARMSTRONG 26 THE JOURNEY 29 TODAY'S VISITORS 34 PLAYER SPONSORS 39 PREVIOUS OPENING DAYS 41 FROM THE ARCHIVES 43 FOOTBALLING FIRSTS 45 U23S RECAP 47 FAN ZONE 50 QUIZ CORNER

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THE CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE VIN PEARSON

WELCOME TO TODAY'S MATCHDAY PROGRAMME AND THE START OF A NEW SEASON AT HEBBURN TOWN. I can't wait to kick things off this afternoon in what is a new dawn for our club.

Three months ago, I stood inside Wembley - a place I never thought I would visit in my lifetime, let alone the club.

It was the proudest and most emotional day I've had in football.

This club means a lot to me - I've had a few spells here in a number of roles, but nothing will beat that day.

We were gutted supporters couldn't be with us, but we hope they shared the same thrills,

enjoyment and celebrations in whichever way they spent the day.

After such a dreary year in the world, it felt fantastic to see some togetherness and camaraderie in the North East.

One thing I won't forget is the sending off and welcome home we received.

The streets surrounding The Green Energy Sports Ground were gleaming with black and yellow, and it's reasons like that why nonleague football is the best thing on earth.

We'd like to send our commiserations

to our friends at Consett, but we have no doubt they'll be up there this season.

Onto today, I'm really looking forward to it.

We've worked really hard to provide you with the best matchday experience, and the lads have looked excellent in preseason.

We've sold over 100 season tickets and, much like our sponsors, we can't thank those fans enough for their continuous backing.

Some holders from last year declined a refund, which is simply phenomenal.

5

THE GAFFER'S NOTES KEVIN BOLAM

GOOD AFTERNOON TO EVERYONE READING TODAY'S ISSUE OF THE HORNETS AHEAD OF A BIG HOME CLASH AGAINST FRICKLEY ATHLETIC. I'd like to extend my welcome to the opposition players, fans and officials who have made the journey up from West Yorkshire today.

It's been a long time coming, but we can't wait to get things started.

It's a new adventure for us, against a stern and established team at this level.

We'll be looking to play on the front foot since we're at home, and we'll hopefully have a big crowd behind us.

We've obviously lost a few lads over the summer, who'll be big misses.

We knew Graeme Armstrong would be retiring - but he's just the type of player that's irreplaceable.

We're over the moon that our captain, Louis Storey, has progressed to a higher level.

I fully believe he can play full-time in Gateshead's league, but we're of course gutted to say goodbye to him.

Angelos [Eleftheriadis] has deservedly been offered a full-time role with Newcastle United Academy.

All three were a big part of what we've

achieved with their influences on and off the pitch.

I'll miss them not only as players, but as friends.

We've brought in quite a few recruits, who I'm looking forward to seeing.

We've strengthened nearly every area of the pitch, and we look to be in good stead.

I'm always on the lookout to improve even further, but it's not an emergency.

Everyone has looked fantastic in pre-season, and me and Mick [Mulhern] have started to get a selection headache, which isn't a bad thing.

7

CAPTAIN'S COLUMN DAN GROVES

HI EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO THE DAY WE'VE ALL LOOKED FORWARD TO AGAINST FRICKLEY ATHLETIC. It's an absolute pleasure to be named as club captain this season.

Louis [Storey] leaving is a big miss, and someone had to step in, but I think we have a lot of leaders on the pitch.

I've been here for nearly four years now, so I can't wait to put on the armband.

It's a completely different level we're going into, but we've had some great achievements over the past few years.

It'll be a tough challenge, there are some good teams in this

league.

We haven't changed that much.

We've obviously lost Graeme [Armstrong] and Louis, but it'll be the same for the lads - to tune in and try to win.

Personally, I want to play as many games as I can.

I've been the most capped player for the last three seasons I think, so that's my aim again.

For the team, we want to win as much as we can and finish as high as we can, and we'll give it a good go.

Darren [Lough] is an absolute model

pro, we call him Sergeant Lough for a reason.

He doesn't say much, but you get the gist from what he's doing.

It feeds throughout, so it's great to have him alongside as vice-captain.

Today should be a good game - it'll be nice to play since we've had two stopstart seasons.

They've got some good foundation players, but we've got good players as well, so it'll be interesting to see where we end up.

It'll be good to test the waters, and being at home will give us an advantage.

9

A HEBBURN HERO OLLY MARTIN

HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO TODAY'S DIGITAL ISSUE OF THE HORNETS AHEAD OF OUR SEASON OPENER. Well, it's been quite a time since I last spoke to you in the programme.

The last few months have honestly been lifechanging.

The night before Wembley, I was the most nervous and excited I've ever been.

I couldn't get any sleep in whatsoever, I was just thinking relentlessly about the next day.

I knew my role: whether I was starting or a sub, I was going to play a big part for us.

I was told to get ready, and pretty much every mood

hit me.

It felt like a dream to be fair!

I can't remember much of it, the ball just came to me and the goal was gaping.

The celebrations were mental absolute carnage.

I'll never experience anything like that again.

When we came back, it was quite strange.

People would come up to me and know my name.

Me and most of my family are from Hebburn, so you couldn't have asked for anything better.

We've not had that long away, but I'm really optimistic

for the challenge ahead.

Pre-season has been fantastic for me individually, and as a team.

It's the fittest I've felt since I've been here, and I've managed to get few goals and assists as well.

We don't know too much about other teams, but that'll be the same for them regarding us.

Today, both teams will be going in blind, which should make it an even better game.

All you can ask for is a good start, it'll build the team spirit and give you confidence to kick on.

11

WELCOME BACK! We've missed you. Be the twelfth man this afternoon and let's celebrate our reunion in style.

13

NOTICEBOARD Angelos Eleftheriadis has left the club in order to take up a full-time role.

The 30-year-old exits Kevin Bolam's backroom staff with a Buildbase FA Vase and promotion under his belt.

We can confirm strength and conditioning coach, Angelos Eleftheriadis, has departed Hebburn Town.

He arrived at The Green Energy Sports Ground from Whitley Bay in January 2020, and was also registered as a player.

The Greek defender made his sole appearance for The Hornets against Gateshead Rutherford in the Durham Challenge Cup in December, winning 2-0.

Eleftheriadis will join Newcastle United's academy in a full-time capacity, furthering his career in strength and conditioning.

He leaves with the club's

upmost appreciation and we wish him all the best in future.

"We'll miss him," said manager, Kevin Bolam.

"He's a top class human being, as well as an exceptional strength and conditioning coach.

"We're over the moon for him, but we're also gutted to see him go.

"He's not just a fantastic colleague, but also someone I’m proud to call a friend.

"We wish the absolute best at Newcastle, and hopefully we'll stay in touch."

15

MATCH REWIND 24/7/21

WEST AUCKLAND TOWN 1

ROSS COOMBE

2

LIAM HEGARTY

3

ADAM MITCHELL

4

ANDRE BENNETT

5

JAMES HARWOOD (C)

6

KIERON PARNABY

7

KYLE FRYATT

8

ARRON THOMPSON

9

JORDAN BLINCO

10 LEON SCOTT 11 ANTH BELL

SUBSTITUTES

1

-

3

JR CLEATOR CUP FINAL STADIUM: THE WANTED METAL STADIUM

ATTENDANCE: 276 REFEREE: ALEX CLARK

HEBBURN TOWN 1

MARK FODEN

2

DAN GROVES

3

DARREN LOUGH (C)

4

MARK MCLEOD

5

TOM DEVITT

6

DANNY CARSON

7

ALI ALSHABEEB

8

DAMEN MULLEN

9

AMAR PUREWAL

10 OLLY MARTIN 11 KIEREN APLIN

SUBSTITUTES

12 DECKLAN GREENWOOD

12 ROBBIE SPENCE

14 DANIEL MITTON

14 ROBBIE GATESHILL

15 DAVID DOWSON 16 LEWIS DODDS 17 JAMIE CABAIN

CLICK HERE FOR HIGHLIGHTS

15 BRIAN JOHNSON 16 GABRIEL BADA 17

ANGELOS ELEFTHERIADIS

Silverware was on the line three weeks ago as Kevin Bolam's side paid a visit to West Auckland Town.

Jordan Blinco and Amar Purewal saw the opening chances of a tight affair, but neither could capitalise.

James Harwood blocked an Ali Alshabeeb effort, before Dan Groves blazed over from the edge of the area.

Ross Coombe denied Olly Martin at one end, before the hosts were awarded a penalty on the brink of half-time for handball.

Arron Thompson stepped up, sending Mark Foden the wrong way on 44 minutes.

After the break, Coombe denied a spectacular strike from Darren Lough, while Tom Devitt volleyed wide moments later.

A deserved equaliser was eventually claimed four minutes into the second 45, as Martin's header from Lough's cross was parried by Coombe, with Devitt smashing home the rebound.

Six minutes later, The Hornets were handed a freekick following a foul on Alshabeeb, which Martin superbly drilled into the bottom corner from 20yards.

Groves and Leon Scott fired over the bar, before Robbie Spence's 20-yarder was met

by Coombe.

The game was put to bed on 83 minutes, thanks to driven effort from Brian Johnson after several blocked attempts on the edge.

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GEORGE ARMSTRONG Hebburn Town would like to thank the family of George Armstrong for a generous donation.

A legend of the game, the club were honoured to receive a piece of Armstrong's footballing legacy last month.

Born in 1944, the winger from Hebburn initially turned out for Newcastle United as a youngster.

Having made his senior debut for Arsenal against Blackburn Rovers in 1962, Armstrong would prove himself as one of the most consistent players of his generation.

He won the Arsenal Player of the Year award in 1970, before playing an enormous role in The Gunners' League and FA Cup double the following campaign.

Having spent 15 full seasons in North London, Armstrong

made 621 first-team appearances - a record which has only been broken by David O'Leary and Tony Adams since.

After moves to Leicester City and Stockport County, he became player-manager at Mjølner in Norway.

He later coached at the likes of Fulham, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, as well as managing the Kuwait national team.

Armstrong's last act was to help upcoming talent at the Arsenal Academy.

We were privileged to be presented with a token from his FA Cup win in 1971.

19

#9 GRAEME ARMSTRONG

THANK YOU, ARMY Kieran Archer speaks to a non-league legend following his retirement at the end of last season.

The marksman who scored 65 goals in three seasons at the club says he ‘can’t thank Hebburn enough’ for the opportunity they gave him at the tail end of his career.

Graeme

Armstrong’s goals helped fire Hebburn into the Northern Premier League, but his name will be absent from the teamsheet as The Hornets begin life at the next level following the striker’s retirement.

On his decision to

retire, Armstrong said: "It is one of those things where I had known for a while it was coming, so it didn’t really come as a sudden shock.

"I was considering retiring after the 2019/20 season to

be honest. Having got to the semifinals of the Vase, and also having Wembley to look forward to, I decided to postpone it for another season.

"It was always in the back of my mind, but I suppose it was never really fully confirmed until we got promoted.

"The extra travel coming into consideration, it is something I have done before having played at these higher levels, but it probably solidified my time to retire.

"It would mean missing a lot more time with the family and being away longer at weekends and midweeks as well."

Having known he planned to retire at the end of the season, but with only the final few

rounds of the 2020/21 FA Vase left on the fixture list, Armstrong was left in a strange situation where the next game Hebburn lost would be his last.

The Hornets would go on to lose to Warrington Rylands in the quarter-final, the first game post Wembley.

And the striker admits that the fact it could've been his final game did weigh on his mind going into it, saying: "It was a constant thought process.

"Even stuff like getting ready, sorting my bag prior to the game, it was always like ‘this could be the last time. This could be the last time you kick off. This could be the last time you get ready. This could be the last time you pull your shirt on

"Everything you do plays on your mind.

Not that I expected it to be the last, I was genuinely very confident going into the game, but the reality all day was that it might.

"After the Wembley game, it was sudden death and it was literally going on a game by game basis - every time I did something. there was the consideration it could be my last."

On whether a Wembley ending would have been sweeter in hindsight, Armstrong added: "I suppose once you get beat and you know you’re not playing there, it is possible to look back and think ‘I wish I could have finished at Wembley.’

"Obviously that wasn’t the case, but

when you’re two games away from Wembley again, it was great to have the opportunity to go again.

"We came up against a good side in Warrington Rylands, but not a side that I felt that we shouldn’t have beat on the day.

"It didn’t turn out that way, but that is an opportunity you could never pass up - just two games away from going there again."

Within a long and successful career littered with goals, league titles, promotions, and silverware, pinpointing highlights can’t be an easy task.

But when asked, a few come to Armstrong’s mind: "Playing at Wembley and winning the FA Vase with Hebburn

kind of completed the collection in a way.

"A couple that stick in my mind are winning the Evo-Stik League with Darlington on the second last game of the season.

"I scored a hat-trick and we got promoted that night at Whitby. That was a highlight.

"I think one of the key ones was winning the National League North with Gateshead.

"Winning that league, with the standard of teams in there, is a massive achievement for any club.

"They were both back-to-back promotions as well with Darlington and Gateshead, the second years of winning both leagues two years in a row.

"So those are another two that stand out for me."

Tributes came flooding in after Armstrong’s retirement was confirmed in May. "I think I’ve read most of them to be honest," he exclaimed.

"That’s kind of what is left behind after you retire.

"It’s phenomenal really - reading the messages of support from everyone associated with different clubs.

"I think the important thing from the messages I’ve read are the ones that not only mention the impact you’ve had as a player, but the impact you’ve had as a person.

"You want to be remembered as someone who was good to be around and who put in

effort for everyone."

Having joined the club following a spell at South Shields at 35-yearsold, Armstrong was still ambitious that he could make an impact.

"I was always confident when looking at the ambitions of the club and the players there that we would achieve something during my time at the club.

I don’t think it crossed my mind that we’d win the Vase and

promotion in my second year, and in such difficult circumstances.

"From my point of view, you want to leave a club in a better situation than what you joined it, and I’m happy to say that I could do that.

"For a person at my age to get the chance to play for Hebburn, win the Vase at Wembley and another promotion, it was a phenomenal opportunity - I can’t thank Hebburn enough for it.

"I think a massive thank you is order for everyone at the club - the fans, players, owners, and everybody involved.

"The support and the community spirit at the club is brilliant and I wish them all the best.

"Hopefully they can kick on from here and go from strength to strength.

"Best of luck to Kevin [Bolam] and the lads this season, and I'm sure I'll be back supporting them!"

25

THE JOURNEY DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

AUGUST 2021 SAT AUG 14 WED AUG 18 SAT AUG 21 TUE AUG 24 SAT AUG 28

FRICKLEY ATHLETIC (H) STOCKTON TOWN (A) YORKSHIRE AMATEUR (A) PICKERING TOWN (H) OSSETT UNITED (A)

NPL ED NPL ED FAC PRE NPL ED NPL ED

SEPTEMBER 2021 TUE SEP 7 SAT SEP 11 TUE SEP 14 SAT SEP 18 SAT SEP 25

YORKSHIRE AMATEUR (H) WORKSOP TOWN (A) SHILDON (A) BRIGHOUSE TOWN (H) LIVERSEDGE (H)

NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED

OCTOBER 2021 SAT OCT 2 SAT OCT 9 SAT OCT 16 SAT OCT 23

SHEFFIELD (A) WARRINGTON RYLANDS (A) LINCOLN UNITED (H) BRIDLINGTON TOWN (A)

NPL ED FAT 2Q NPL ED NPL ED

NOVEMBER 2021 SAT NOV 6 SAT NOV 13 SAT NOV 20 SAT NOV 27

STOCKSBRIDGE PS (H) PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES (A) MARSKE UNITED (H) TADCASTER ALBION (A)

NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED

DECEMBER 2021 SAT DEC 4 SAT DEC 11 SAT DEC 18 MON DEC 27

CLEETHORPES TOWN (A) STOCKTON TOWN (H) FRICKLEY ATHLETIC (A) DUNSTON (H)

NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED

JANUARY 2022 SAT JAN 8 SAT JAN 15 TUE JAN 22 SAT JAN 29

SHEFFIELD (H) LIVERSEDGE (A) LINCOLN UNITED (A) BRIDLINGTON TOWN (H)

NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED

FEBRUARY 2022 SAT FEB 5 TUE FEB 8 SAT FEB 19 SAT FEB 26

STOCKSBRIDGE PS (A) PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES (H) SHILDON (H) BRIGHOUSE TOWN (A)

NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED

MARCH 2022 SAT MAR 12 SAT MAR 19 SAT MAR 26

WORKSOP TOWN (H) YORKSHIRE AMATEUR (A) TADCASTER ALBION (H)

NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED

APRIL 2022 SAT APR 2 SAT APR 9 SAT APR 16 MON APR 18 SAT APR 23

MARSKE UNITED (A) PICKERING TOWN (A) OSSETT UNITED (H) DUNSTON (A) CLEETHORPES TOWN (H)

NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED NPL ED

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TODAY'S VISITORS

FRICKLEY ATHLETIC

THE FORM TABLE W D L W W

2-1 CARLTON TOWN (A) 2-2 2-0 BARTON TOWN (A) 1-0 GRANTHAM TOWN (H) 2-1 HALLAM (H)

LINCOLN MOORLANDS RAILWAY (A)

AN INTRODUCTION

BY DAVID COULTHARD

Frickley, a former mining village in West Yorkshire, formed its club in 1908 as a recreational outlet.

Of course, the mine closed in the early 90s, but its place still stands near Westfield Lane, home of The Blues since birth.

Frickley’s golden age came in the 80s, a time when from 1983 onwards they reached the FA Cup proper four seasons on the trot.

The 1985/86 season brought their most famous victory when in the FA Cup second round, they defeated Hartlepool United for their only Football League scalp and landed a dream home tie with Rotherham United, losing 3-1 in front of a record 5,800 spectators.

Frickley are 13-time winners of The Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup and

30

also won the Midland League Cup in the

1975/76 campaign.

The Blues have experienced a mixed bag of results during pre-season.

They started with a pair of defeats on the road, 2-0 at Skegness Town followed by 5-1 at Grimsby Borough.

They bounced back with three wins in a row starting with a 2-0 away victory at Winterton Rangers, before beating Hallam and Grantham Town.

Next up was an unsuccessful trip to Barton Town, before Dave Frecklington's men were held by Lincoln Moorlands and overcame Carlton Town.

THE INSIDE INFO Frickley Athletic's programme editor, Ken Whitehead, gives a brief overview of today's visitors.

The season opener is finally upon us, and I can't wait to see the two sides face off this afternoon.

Our pre-season has been a bit erratic - we've won some and we've lost some.

Who knows what that could mean, though, as I've seen all combinations of pre-season form and starts to the season.

Our gaffer has brought in some really exciting players this year.

As one who hails from Peterborough, the signing of ex-Posh midfielder Lee Frecklington is amazing.

Seeing Martyn Woolford, who was at Frickley way back before a long EFL career, is equally positive.

However, it is great to see solid and dependable players like Brad Wells, Danny Burns

Ken Whitehead (left)

and Michael Hollingsworth return.

It shows the high regard they have for the club and the club has for them.

They'll be players to watch this afternoon, alongside new signing Kieran Wells, who was always in the thick of it and making things happen when he played against us.

A play-off place is the aim for the season, but it'll be tough due to the new and unknown quantities.

Take yourselves, FA Vase winners - so I'm expecting a competitive game today.

We'll need to work hard and link up well, and I'd take a point away, so I'm predicting a 2-2 draw.

31

KEY MEN

THE GAFFER

Dave Frecklington The Blues' boss has held his post at Westfield Lane since September 2019.

Frecklington, a former youth player at Lincoln City, made his mark for Grantham Town, Spalding and Lincoln United during his playing days, before entering the dugout with Stamford and Worksop Town.

He took the reigns at Shepshed Dynamo, with spells in the hot seat at former clubs Lincoln and Spalding United following.

The Frickley manager also spent under a season at Gainsborough Trinity and Matlock Town in tier eight.

SHOT-STOPPER

ROCK SOLID

The young goalkeeper recently returned to England after playing full-time in USA while studying.

The Frickley skipper lists Gateshead and Blyth Spartans amongst his previous clubs.

Askew joined Rotherham United's youth set-up at the age of eight, rising through the ranks before his release at 16.

After two years at Retford United and a stint with Hallam, Askew enjoyed four years in North Dakota, turning out for Little Rock Rangers in the fourth tier.

United, the 24-year-old

Jake Askew

He made seven appearances for Heanor Town on UK soil at the start of last season, prior to a move to Long Eaton United.

Danny Burns

A product of Cambridge moved to The Heed from Buxton in September 2016, but was loaned back to The Bucks for over 12 months.

After loan spells with Blyth and Frickley, where he lost in the play-off semi-final with the latter, the centre-back permanently penned a deal with Nuneaton Borough in July 2019.

Burns linked up with Stafford Rangers only a few months later, but made the switch back to Frickley in May this year.

MIDFIELD MAESTRO Lee Frecklington Having played 155 times in the Championship, the midfielder carries a host of experience.

The 35-year-old, who is the nephew of Dave Frecklington, came through Lincoln City's youth system and would make just under 150 senior outings.

After helping Peterborough United get to the second tier in 2011, he enjoyed six years with Rotherham United, winning backto-back promotions.

He returned to Lincoln in 2017, lifting the EFL Trophy and League Two title, before signing at Westfield Lane.

DANGER MAN

ONE TO WATCH

The prolific forward is expected to share striking duties with player-assistant and exWorksop Town striker, Leon Mettam.

Wells played in the National League North with Gainsborough Trinity under Dave Frecklington, scoring eight times while also reaching the Emirates FA Cup first round.

The ex-Spalding United and AFC Mansfield man bagged 30 goals for Stamford in 2016/17 as they reached the playoff final.

Wells has since bounced around the likes of Hednesford Town, Newark and Frickley.

The versatile midfielder, primarily used on the left, has 212 second flight appearances to his name.

After impressing for Glasshoughton Welfare, Woolford spent a year with Frickley before being snapped up by York City in 2006.

The ex-England C player, who is now 35, would enjoy two years at Bootham Crescent, prior to three-year stays at Scunthorpe United, Bristol City and Millwall.

Brad Wells

Martyn Woolford

Woolford most recently spent time with teams such as Sheffield United, Fleetwood Town, Grimsby Town and Boston United.

33

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PREVIOUS OPENING DAYS We take a look at our opening league games from seasons gone by.

The Hornets have enjoyed strong starts in the past few years, scoring 11 in the last four league openers.

In August 2017, Bedlington Terriers visited South Tyneside in the Northern League Division One. Channon North broke the deadlock seconds before the break, prior to Callum Smith's effort wrapping the game up.

The 2018/19 season began brilliantly on home turf against Penrith, with Luke Sullivan heading home James Fairley's corner in the first five minutes.

A defensive mistake on the 85 mark allowed Graeme Armstrong to start his tally, before a consolation from the spot for the visitors moments later.

A year later, Kevin Bolam's first game in the hot seat saw Ashington miss a penalty early on at The Green Energy

Sports Ground.

Dan Taggart would put The Colliers ahead, but Armstrong responded from the spot.

The ex-Gateshead frontman would notch another three, while his replacement in Sullivan also bagged in injury time to make it 5-1.

Having already won games in the Buildbase FA Vase and Emirates FA Cup, Bolam's side welcomed Shildon in September 2020.

Armstrong played a one-two with Tom Potter, firing a header into the back of the net just after the half-hour.

On 90 minutes, Cedwyn Scott squared to Olly Martin for an easy finish from closerange.

39

FROM THE ARCHIVES James Main revisits an enthralling 4-0 home win against City of Liverpool in the Buildbase FA Vase first round in October 2018, recollecting the views of goalscorer James Fairley at full-time.

Fairley insisted that the goal he netted to put his side 3-0 up in a memorable cup tie against The Purps was one of the 'most important' of his career.

The 2017/18 Northern League winner with Marske United intercepted the ball just inside City of Liverpool’s half after a poor clearance from Ben Ascroft and, with the help of the wind, beat the retreating 'keeper from around 50-yards.

The Hornets pulled off the shock of the round in the FA Vase, thrashing the Merseyside club 4-0 in front of a club record crowd of 1,302.

“I saw it heading over the 'keeper and into the back of the net, and by then I was away,” Fairley said.

"The next thing I know, I’m on my knees and everyone is jumping on me!

“It was a bit of a blur as adrenalin kicked in, and I didn’t know where I was going.

"To be honest, I could’ve ran to Washington by now, the buzz was that phenomenal.”

A Graeme Armstrong strike off the crossbar following two prior blocked shots put the hosts in front in the 21st minute, before Louis Storey buried the ball in the bottom corner three minutes later.

Fairley’s strike came just four minutes into the second half, while veteran striker Paul Chow got the fourth in added time to send the home support wild.

41

FOOTBALLING FIRSTS We ask new addition Mark McLeod to recollect a number of footballing memories.

First memory?

Playing in Sunderland on a Saturday as a kid for Whitburn & Cleadon.

First inspiration?

The 1994 World Cup - Brazil against Italy, with the likes of Baggio, Bebeto and Romário.

First pair of boots?

I can remember the first pair of Predators, with the chunks on them. It snowed as soon as I wore them!

First kit?

My dad's Scottish, so it was probably the tartan shirt from Euro 96.

First manager?

When I did my YTS at Darlington, Martin Gray was excellent as youth team manager.

First senior game?

I came on as a sub in League Two for Darlo against Carlisle when we were 5-0 down. I just ran about and tried to kick a few people - I was around 19.

First cup?

I can't remember lifting that many to be honest! We obviously won the Cleator Cup a few weeks ago.

First goal?

I don't really score many, so it was probably a while back.

First celebration?

I would take a stab at looking quite sheepish and wondering how it happened.

43

U23S RECAP Boss Gary Henry believes this season could be a perfect opportunity for his young side.

The Hornets were unable to retain the Durham FA Minor Cup on June 11 at Seaham Redstar.

A chilly evening against Shotton Colliery began in a fast-paced fashion in front of 260 people, with Henry's outfit breaking the deadlock on 30 minutes as Daniel Maddison tapped home Robbie Gateshill's rebound.

Four minutes after the break, a deep cross found Jamie Bennett, who calmly poked past Kieran Hunter to level proceedings.

Three minutes into injury time, The Yakkas struck gold as Nathan Grainger kept his cool in front of goal.

The Hornets' second-string are determined to bounce back this campaign, as they're set to travel to Cramlington United at 2pm on August 14,

before hosting Felling Magpies the following Wednesday.

"We've looked back at the Shotton game - we were lacking numbers but it was still disappointing.

"We've brought in some high quality players, primarily in midfield, and our pre-season has been really promising, "We're wanting to kick on again this season Cramlington beat us in the league semi-final last year so it's the perfect time to showcase our ability.

"We weren't good enough against them last time, so we want revenge.

"You look at a few lads who have put the effort in and are now training with the seniors there isn't a reason why that can't continue."

45

FAN ZONE Hebburn Town supporter, Paul Chapman, discusses his affinity with the club and gives his views on today's game.

Myself and my daughter, Erin, first started coming to watch Hebburn a couple of years ago.

We took in a friendly against Sunderland U23s in a monsoon, and were blown away by the level of football and friendliness around the place.

Us two were hooked, and we now bring eldest daughter Niamh, dad Ted, niece Lily, and even wife Gillian has been to a few games.

We also chose to sponsor Darren Lough!

It was gutting that fans couldn't be at Wembley, but that is still one of my favourite memories.

Being part of our record crowd against Plymouth Parkway and watching the

Paul (left) and Erin Chapman (right)

record victory against Birtley Town was also fantastic.

I've been to all the friendlies and we've acquitted ourselves very well - only Gateshead have been quicker than us.

We've faced higher opposition and been the better side for periods, so it's looking really positive.

It's sad to see a few of the lads leave from last year, but the new additions look great Tom [Devitt] is very composed Ali [Alshabeeb] is worth the admission fee alone!

It'll be a tough game against Frickley Athletic today who are used to higher leagues, but I'm predicting a 2-1 win, and Erin reckons 3-2!

47

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QUIZ CORNER SPOT THE BALL

GUESS WHO

C

A B

HORNETS QUIZ 1. Which team did Ali Alshabeeb play for last season?

2. What minute was Olly Martin's Wembley winner?

3. In what year did Kevin Bolam take over?

4. Who scored our most goals in pre-season?

5. Which team did Tom Potter score against in pre-season?

Quiz: 1. Consett, 2. 83', 3. 2019, 4. Carl Taylor, 5. Whitby Town Guess Who: Amar Purewal Spot The Ball: A

ANSWERS

50

PITCHING IN NPL EAST DIVISION TABLE #

TEAM

PL W

D

L

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

Bridlington Town Brighouse Town Cleethorpes Town Dunston Frickley Athletic Hebburn Town Lincoln United Liversedge Marske United Ossett United Pickering Town Pontefract Collieries Sheffield Shildon Stocksbridge Park Steels Stockton Town Tadcaster Albion Worksop Town Yorkshire Amateur

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

GD PTS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

UPCOMING HOME FIXTURES

PICKERING TOWN NPL EAST DIVISION TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 7:45PM KICK-OFF

YORKSHIRE AMATEUR NPL EAST DIVISION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 7:45PM KICK-OFF

BRIGHOUSE TOWN NPL EAST DIVISION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 3PM KICK-OFF

v

MANAGER KEVIN BOLAM MARK FODEN KIERAN HUNTER DAN GROVES DARREN LOUGH DANNY CARSON TOM DEVITT JACK DONAGHY KIEREN APLIN DYLAN ARCHER MARK MCLEOD MICHAEL MCKEOWN ROBBIE SPENCE DAMEN MULLEN CARL TAYLOR TOM POTTER MICHAEL RICHARDSON ALI ALSHABEEB CONNOR BELL OLLY MARTIN NELSON OGBEWE AMAR PUREWAL ROBBIE GATESHILL

MANAGER DAVE FRECKLINGTON JAKE ASKEW BEN BOTTOMLEY GAVIN SAXBY CHARLIE BARKS BRAD BEATSON DANNY BURNS JOSH BURNS JOE WEST KEGAN EVERINGTON LEE FRECKLINGTON REISS HARRISON MICHAEL HOLLINGSWORTH JOE STACEY NATHAN WHITEHEAD TYLER WILLIAMS MARTYN WOOLFORD LEON METTAM BRAD WELLS KIERAN WELLS

OFFICIALS REFEREE: CHRISTOPHER ARMSTRONG ASSISTANTS: GUY CAMPBELL & MARK BELL