Ossett United vs Grimsby Borough - NPL EAST - 30.09.23

SSETT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

INGFIELD, PROSPECT ROAD, OSSETT, WF5 9HL

CLUB PRESIDENT: NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

CHAIRMAN: PHIL SMITH

VICE-CHAIRMAN: NEIL SPOFFORTH

SECRETARY: NEIL SPOFFORTH

TREASURER: PAUL BILLING

BOARD MEMBERS: LEE BROADBENT, STUART GARSIDE, JOE HANKS, STEVE HANKS,

KATE HENNIGHAN, DAWN ROGERS, JAMES ROGERS

MANAGER: GRANT BLACK

ASSISTANT MANAGER: DAVID BROWN

COACH: MICK NORBURY, RYAN PUGH,

SCOUT: GARY DEVENPORT

MEDICAL TEAM: EMILY CRISPIN

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING OFFICER: KATE HENNIGHAN

MEDIA TEAM: CRAIG BIDDLESTONE, MATT BLACKBURN, CHRIS CASSIDY, HARRISON

CARPENTER, OWEN GERRARD, JAMES GOTHARD, KEITH WOOD

PROGRAMME DESIGN: JOSEPH WILLIAMSON

CLUB HONOURS

(OSSETT UNITED, OSSETT TOWN, OSSETT ALBION )

WEST RIDING COUNTY SENIOR CUP

WINNERS: 1949/50

WEST RIDING COUNTY CUP

WINNERS: 1958/59, 1964/65, 1965/66, 1967/68, 1981/82, 1998/99, 2018/19

RUNNERS UP: 2000/01

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION

RUNNERS UP: 2001/02

PLAY-OFF RUNNERS UP: 2016/17

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST PREMIER DIVISION

WINNERS: 1998/99, 2003/04

RUNNERS UP: 1998/99, 2000/01

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST FIRST DIVISION

WINNERS: 1986/87

NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST SECOND DIVISION

WINNERS: 1988/89

WELCOME TO INGFIELD

PHIL SMITH,CHAIRMAN

League Two side Notts County where he is highly rated, and we saw why last time out with two very well taken goals as well as an accomplished performance wearing the number 9 shirt vacated by Alex Peterson after he suffered a cracked rib and punctured lung against Wythenshawe in the FA Cup.

After four weeks away, I am delighted to welcome you all back to Ingfield this afternoon for what will be the first of five home games in the next 20 days!

Today we face Grimsby Borough before returning on Tuesday with the visit of Grantham Town. Seven days later we start our West Riding County Cup campaign with near neighbours Horbury Town making the eight minute journey. We return to Pitching In NPL action against Carlton Town on 14 October before Brighouse Town visit us on Friday 20 October.

This will give you a great opportunity to see the side in action, performances have been better than the results look. Confidence and belief remains high amongst the squad as we look to get the results here at home that we have seen away, most notably at Ashington and Newton Aycliffe.

Since we were last here Diego Edwards has joined on loan from

During the recent break Alex has begun light training and is very close to a return to action and as I write these notes we are in discussions with a potential new signing who will add to the forward options at Grant Black’s disposal.

Another addition in the past week is a return to the technical area for Mick Norbury. His experience and council is invaluable to Grant and strengthens what was already a high quality management team.

We’ve a busy few weeks ahead, and I hope you are looking forward to it as much as I am. With your backing and support this squad will go from strength to strength, I am confident about that.

Enjoy the game

THE P

This afternoon we extend a warm welcome to the Officials, management, players and not least the supporters of Grimsby Borough who are making their second only visit to Ingfield after their promotion from the Northern Counties East League having become Premier Division champions at the end of the 2021/2022 season.

In their short stay in this League they have already gained a reputation for being slow starters but last season, once they got into gear, they more than held their own. This was the case last term but in the end they finished in a commendable 12th position in the Division One East table with 48 points which was three places and 4 points better than ourselves. A somewhat stuttering start by both Ossett and Grimsby this time around make the outcome of this afternoon’s encounter all the more important as a win for either side could put some daylight between them and the bottom places in the table. Last season we earned the ‘bragging rights’ with our two victories (3 – 1 here at Ingfield and 1 – 0 away)which provided us with one of our few ‘doubles’ of the campaign.

Since former Northern League clubs fully joined the National League System they have almost invariably done well at Northern Premier League level and there are currently six sides in this season’s East Division. The strength of former Northern League clubs is widely recognised as being a fact. Prior to today we have played six league games and strangely no fewer than four of them have been against former Northern League teams (Dunston and Stockton Town at home and Ashington and Newton Aycliffe away) so it could be argued that our current return of two wins and two defeats from those fixtures is not bad going.

In a recent conversation with the latest addition to our ranks from the North East I was slightly surprised to be told that, in their opinion, the Northern League is no longer what it once used to be and that that competition has been watered down with the movement of clubs over the past few years to Step 4 level. I’ve always been of the opinion that the promotion of all Northern League clubs to Division One East makes our league all the more difficult in which to be successful. If the Northern League strength is suddenly being diminished maybe the competition across all three Step 4 divisions is now more equable than perhaps it used to be.

We were recently disappointed to learn that our tea room manageress Cath Bowker has taken the decision to stand down for personal

THE PRESIDENT ’ S ADDRESS

NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

reasons. Cath has occupied this position in the Club since the merger of Albion and Town back in 2018 and there is no doubt she has carried out her responsibilities and shouldered her work load admirably. There is so much more to the role than just serving the food for three hours or so at home games and her professionalism and dedication were very much admired and appreciated by everyone connected with Ossett United. On behalf of all at the Club I would like to thank Cath most sincerely for all she has done and she will be sadly missed

around the place. Cath carries out lots of voluntary work in and around Ossett and we all wish her well as she moves into ‘retirement’ from this part of her life at least.

Many of our supporters will remember Bill Daniel who until recent years was a regular at both Ossett Albion and Ossett Town home games. Sadly we learned that Bill passed away quite suddenly and our condolences go out to all his family and friends at this sad time.

THE DUGOUT

GRANT BLACK -MANAGER days.

Our season so far has produced mixed results: 4 wins and 4 defeats in all competitions. I know we are now ready to kick on, being 3 points off 8th with games in hand.

Welcome back! After what feels like an age we’re back home at Ingfield.

Our last performance, the win away at Newton Aycliffe, was excellent. The only frustration being no game last weekend to build momentum.

The lads have been working hard in training and are now raring to go, as we enter a run of 6 games in 20

Over the past week, we have made some excellent additions to the squad. They will give us vital strength in depth and I’m sure they’ll put smiles on fans faces.

We face a tough challenge today – taking on a Grimsby Borough side who won midweek.

Get behind the lads and enjoy today’s game.

Blackie.

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

HARRY COATES -CAPTAIN

around our transitions from attack to defence and worked even harder to keep our match fitness with the gap in fixtures.

We need to take last game’s performance into todays clash against Grimsby Borough and start bright.

It seems forever since the Newton Aycliffe fixture and even longer since we were last at home.

Today’s game couldn’t come quick enough after the solid 3-1 away win on the 16th September. The lads are high on confidence and couldn’t wait to get back out into the pitch.

We have worked hard in training

The 2 new additions are a warm welcome to strengthen our depth in squad and I’m excited to see them fit into our team as they both have a great reputation at this level and above.

Make sure you get behind the lads. Thanks again for your support.

Harry

Thank you to today’s match sponsors -

A warm welcome to today’s match mascots -

‘Old Codger’s Day Out’ & ‘Chris Wallis and Friends’

Juice Personnel are an independent recruitment agency based in Wakefield. We were founded in 2003 in Huddersfield with the knowledge that things could be done differently. This led us to adopt what we called our ‘refreshingly different’ approach. This radical new approach to recruitment was based around our core values of mutual understanding, honesty, integrity and quality.

From day one we had a policy to constantly review how we worked. Because of this dedication to self-improvement and our refreshing, personal approach to recruitment we saw a client and candidate loyalty that we’ve never experienced before and quickly outgrew our small office.

Skip forward a few years and we still hold fast to the same morals we started with: mutual understanding, honesty, integrity and quality Because of our unwavering dedication to client and candidate satisfaction Juice Personnel are now seen as one of the leading independent recruiters in Wakefield.

OSSETT UNITED OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

Player’s Number Sponsor

Number 1 Stanley Kelly

Number 2 The Scottish Supporters Club

BACKROOM STAFF

GRANT BLACK – MANAGER

2023/24 WILL BE GRANT’S FIRST FULL SEASON AS OSSETT UNITED MANAGER HAVING JOINED IN OCTOBER 2022 AND OVER SEEING A RE-BUILD OF THE FIRST TEAM SQUAD. GRANT HAS SEEN SUCCESS AT OSSETT TOWN IN HIS FIRST MANAGERIAL ROLE BEFORE ENHANCING HIS REPUTATION BELPER TOWN WHERE HELED THE SIDE TO PROMOTION TO STEP THREE AND AN FA CUP FIRST ROUND MEETING WITH NOTTS COUNTY.

DAVID BROWN – PLAYER/ASSISTANT MANAGER

BROWNIE HAS STEPPED UP FROM A COACHING ROLE TO BECOME ASSISTANT MANAGER THIS SEASON AS HIS OFF-FIELD REPUTATION CONTINUES TO GROW WITH A VARIETY OF INNOVATIVE TRAINING SESSIONS KEEP THE PLAYERS ON THEIR TOES. A REGULAR GOAL SCORER THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER, HE WILL LOOK TO ENHANCE THE SIDE ON THE FIELD WHEN CALLED UPON TOO.

RYAN PUGH – GOALKEEPING COACH

RYAN’S PLAYING CAREER SAW HIM FEATURE FOR GOOLE, NEW MILLS, MATLOCK

TOWN AND A FAMOUS SPELL AT OSSETT ALBION FONDLY REMEMBERED BY OSSETT

TOWN FANS AFTER ONE PARTICULAR OSSETT DERBY (ASK HIM, HE LOVES TALKING ABOUT IT…) PUGHY JOINED GRANT’S BACK-ROOM STAFF AT BELPER TOWN AND HAS PROVEN POPULAR WITH GOALKEEPERS HE HAS WORKED WITH, PUSHING THEM TO BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE

MICK NORBURY– COACH

Norbs is no stranger to Ossett having played for both Ossett Albion and Town, his playing career saw him make almost 100 league appearances for Cambridge United, Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers. After retiring from playing he has managed in the NCEL as well as working with Grant Black at Ossett Town and Belper Town before moving to Ossett United in October 2022. Norbs left at the end of the 22/23 season to take up a role at a Dearne & District in the Central Midlands League before returning to the Ingfield coaching staff in September 2023

EMILY CRISPIN – SPORTS THERAPIST

EMILY IS NOW IN HER FOURTH SEASON WITH THE CLUB AND WORKING UNDER A THIRD MANAGEMENT TEAM SHOWS HOW VALUED SHE IS IN THE DRESSING ROOM ENSURING THE SIDE ARE FULLY PREPARED FOR THE GAME AHEAD.

GARY DEVENPORT - SCOUT

DEV WILL SPEND HIS TIME ASSESSING UPCOMING OPPONENTS AND POTENTIAL NEW SIGNINGS THIS SEASON. A KEY ROLE TO THE MANAGEMENT TEAM AS THEY PREPARE THE SIDE AHEAD OF GAMES AS WELL AS ANALYSING VIDEOS OF GAMES. HE WILL BE KNOWN TO MANY SUPPORTERS AS A HOST OF THE FORMER LEEDS UNITED PODCAST ‘TALKING SHUTT’

PLAYERS

JOE GREEN - GOALKEEPER

FORMER GUISELEY, NEWPORT COUNTY AND HYDE UNITED GOALKEEPER, JOE IS STRONG IN STATURE, AN EXCELLENT SHOT STOPPER AND HIS DISTRIBUTION OF THE BALL WILL BE A HUGE ASSET THIS SEASON. JOE MADE HIS PROFESSIONAL DEBUT FOR NEWPORT COUNTY IN THE FA CUP 3RD ROUND AGAINST BLACKBURN ROVERS.

SPONSORED BY THE HANKS FAMILY

JACOB MCLOUGHLIN – DEFENDER

SIGNED IN THE SUMMER OF 2023 HAVING IMPRESSED IN THE FRIENDLIES.

STRONG AT THE BACK AND HAS THE ABILITY TO STEP INTO THE MIDFIELD WITH THE BALL TO START ATTACKS, HE WAS MOST RECENTLY AT YORK CITY.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

PADDY MILLER – DEFENDER

PADDY SURPRISED THE NON-LEAGUE WORLD AS HE CAME OUT OF RETIREMENT LAST SEASON TO RETURN TO THE FIELD RE-IGNITING A DEFENSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH HARRY COATES WHICH PROVED SUCCESSFUL AT BOTH HYDE UNITED AND TADCASTER ALBION. PADDY ADDS EXPERIENCE AND A SENSE OF CALM TO ANY SIDE HE IS PART OF.

SPONSORED BY JP NUGENT LTD PLUMBING AND HEATING

JAYDEN JOHN - DEFENDER

A NATURAL LEFT-BACK, JAYDEN IS COMFORTABLE ANYWHERE DOWN THE LEFT SIDE AND COUNTS GUISELEY AND DOVER ATHLETIC AMONGST HIS FORMER CLUBS. HIS IS QUICK, STRONG AND HAS ALL THE ATTRIBUTES YOU’D EXPECT FROM A MODERN FULL BACK

SPONSORED BY LJB JOINERY

HARRY COATES - DEFENDER

A KEY SIGNING LAST SEASON FROM ASHTON UNITED DESPITE BEING CHASED BY NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH AND NPL PREMIER DIVISION SIDES. APPOINTED CLUB CAPTAIN THIS SUMMER. HARRY IS A COMMANDING CENTRAL DEFENDER AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE BALL AT HIS FEET AND MORE THAN CAPABLE TO STEP INTO MIDFIELD

SPONSORED BY JAMES & DAWN ROGERS

JIMMY BURKE - DEFENDER

BURKEY MADE 46 APPEARANCES FOR THE CLUB BETWEEN 2018 – 2020 AND IS

A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE SQUAD. AS WELL AS A SUCCESSFUL FIRST SPELL AT THE CLUB HE PLAYED A KEY ROLE FOR HYDE UNITED AS THEY REACHED THE FIRST ROUND OF THE FA CUP. JIMMY STARTED HIS CAREER AT HUDDERSFIELD TOWN AND MADE HIS EFL DEBUT AFTER TRANSFERRING TO BURY.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

DERRY ROBSON – DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

TALENTED AND VERSATILE, DEZ IS AS COMFORTABLE IN MIDFIELD AS HE IN AT FULL-BACK. DERRY HAS EXPERIENCE OF PROMOTION FROM STEP FOUR AND WILL ADD DRIVE AND EXPERIENCE TO THE SIDE. DEZ JOINED THE CLUB IN 2022 FROM NPL EAST SIDE CLEETHORPES TOWN.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

JOSH WOODCOCK – DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

PRIMARILY A RIGHT BACK, JOSH IS COMFORTABLE ON EITHER SIDE OF THE PITCH AS WELL AS FURTHER FORWARD INTO MIDFIELD. THE 21-YEAR-OLD MADE OVER 50 APPEARANCES FORBELPER TOWN AND CAN COUNT

ROTHERHAM UNITED AND LINCOLN CITY AMONG HIS FORMER CLUBS.

SPONSORED BY PAUL COOPER

FABIAN BAILEY – DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER

SIGNED FROM PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES WHERE HE SPENT FOUR SEASONS. FAB IS ABLE TO TURN HIS HAND TO A NUMBER OF POSITIONS AS REQUIRED, HE STARTED HIS CAREER AT ROTHERHAM UNITED AND HAS ALSO HAD SPELLS AT FRICKLEY ATHLETIC AND OSSETT TOWN.

SPONSORED BY RICH CALLAGHAN

COREY GREGORY – MIDFIELDER

CULTURED MIDFIELDER, COREY RETURNS TO INGFIELD AFTER A SPELL AT BRIGHOUSE TOWN. NO STRANGER TO GRANT BLACK WHO HAS SIGNED HIM FOR A THIRD TIME HAVING WORKED WITH HIM AT OSSETT TOWN AND BELPER TOWN. COREY WILL BE A DRIVING FORCE IN THE HEART OF THE PITCH.

SPONSORED BY THE ADAMSON FAMILY

Tom Claisse - Midfield

Claisse brings a wealth of experience to Ingfield having played for Whitby Town, Farsley Celtic, Ossett Albion and Town, Bradford Park Avenue, Tadcaster Albion and most recently North Ferriby after starting his career at Bradford City. Claisse has also captained the RAF Football side and was given the honour of carrying the FA Cup to the Royal Box, handing it to Prince William, ahead of the 2018 final between Manchester United and Chelsea.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

JANNI LIPKA - MIDFIELDER

A KEY PLAYER IN THE SUCCESSFUL HYDE UNITED SIDE WHO PLAYED MK DON’S IN THE FA CUP, LIPKA HAS GREAT EXPERIENCE AND HAS PLAYED A CENTRAL ROLE FOR THE CLUB SINCE SIGNING LAST SEASON. HAVING HAD AN INJURY INTERRUPTED SEASON LAST YEAR, WITH A FULL PRE-SEASON BEHIND HIM JANNI IS EXPECTED TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH THIS SEASON

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

ZAK DEARNLEY - MIDFIELDER

SPENT THE 22/23 SEASON AT LIVERSEDGE AND STOCKSBRIDGE P.S HAVING STARTED HIS CAREER AT MANCHESTER UNITED WHERE HE WAS PART OF THE FIRST TEAM SQUAD SCORED 11 GOALS FOR OLDHAM ATHLETIC IN 44 LEAGUE TWO APPEARANCES. HAS ALSO SPENT TIME AT HALIFAX TOWN AND GUISELEY

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

RHYS PLATER- MIDFIELDER

YOUNG WINGER SIGNED FROM ARMTHORPE WELFARE WHERE HE HAS SCORED 12 GOALS IN 50 APPEARANCES AFTER HE IMPRESSED IN PRE-SEASON AGAINST US. RHYS HAS MADE AN IMPACT ON THE SQUAD WITH AN ASSIST ON HIS DEBUT. HE ADDS SPEED AND SKILL TO THE GROUP AND IS AN EXCELLENT OPTION FOR THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

KELAN SWALES - FORWARD

YOUNG SIGNED ON DUAL-REGISTRATION FORMS WITH NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH SIDE

ALFRETON TOWN. KELAN HAS SPENT SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL YEARS PLAYING IN AMERICA AND IS NOW LOOKING TO ESTABLISH HIMSELF BACK IN ENGLAND. KELAN SPENT TIME IN THE HALIFAX TOWN ACADEMY BEFORE HIS MOVE TO AMERICA.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

DESMOND AMPONSAH – FORWARD

QUICK AND TRICKY FROM EITHER FOOT, DESMOND IS SURE TO GET THE FANS EXCITED, A REAL DEFENDERS NIGHTMARE. DESMOND SPENT LAST SEASON WITH LIVERSEDGE AND TADCASTER ALBION GAINING NPL EXPERIENCE.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

TJ IBRAHIM – FORWARD

A DYNAMIC WINGER WITH AN EYE FOR GOAL, TJ WAS THE FIRST SUMMER SIGNING JOINING THE CLUB FROM BRIGHOUSE TOWN WHERE HE HAS SPENT THE PAST FIVE SEASONS. TJ HAS GIVEN FULL BACK’S SLEEPLESS NIGHTS OVER RECENT YEARS AND KNOW HOW THEY THINK AS HE IS MORE THAN CAPABLE OF FULFILLING THAT POSITION HIMSELF IF REQUIRED.

SPONSORED BY KEITH & KATH WOOD

SAM KELLY - FORWARD

ANOTHER SUMMER SIGNING AND ONE THAT WILL UNDOUBTABLY EXCITE THE INGFIELD FAITHFUL. TALL, STRONG AND QUICK, SAM WILL ADD A NEW OPTION UPFRONT FOR THE SIDE HAVING SPENT TIME IN AMERICA WHERE HE EARNED A PLACE IN THE TEAM OF THE YEAR THANKS TO HIS PROWESS IN FRONT OF GOAL SCORING 22 GOALS IN 31 APPEARANCES FOR FAULKNER UNIVERSITY EAGLES.

SPONSORED BY SPOFF & KATE

ALEX PETERSON - FORWARD

A KEY MEMBER OF THE SIDE, ALEX’S WORK RATE IS SECOND TO NONE AND HE IS A HANDFUL FOR ANY DEFENDER THAT HE COMES UP AGAINST. STRONG AND EXCELLENT IN THE AIR HE IS A FOCAL POINT OF THE OSSETT SIDE BRINGING PLAYERS AROUND HIM INTO THE GAME WHILST ALSO FINISHING ANY CHANCES CREATED. SPONSORED BY MOZ & MARZ

RAFA FERREIRA – FORWARD

A FLAIR PLAYER WHO IMPRESSED IN PRE-SEASON AND EARNT HIMSELF A DEAL AT THE CLUB, RAFA HAS SPENT TIME AT GUISELEY, PICKERING TOWN AND TADCASTER ALBION AHEAD OF JOINING OSSETT UNITED THIS SUMMER.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

Jake Cassidy - Forward

Cassidy made over 100 football league appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tranmere Rovers, Notts County, Southand United Oldham Athletic. After a spell in the National League with Guiseley and Hartlepool United, Stevenage Borough took him back into League Two, paying a five figure transfer fee for his services. Jake also has international honours to his name, representing Wales at u19 and u21 level.

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

SINCE THE LAST TIME

Vs Newton Aycliffe (A) 3-1

With thanks to Keith Wood

SINCE THE LAST TIME

Vs North Ferriby (A) 1-2

With thanks to Keith Wood

THE OPPOSITION

GRIMSBY BOROUGH F.C.

The story so far....

Grimsby Borough Football Club was formed when Louth United withdrew from all senior competitions on the 17 th July 2003.With no competition in which to compete and no base Nigel Fanthorpe set up a meeting of the following people Ken Holmes, Tony Hopper, Paul Storer, Martin Blades, Ken Vincent and Albany Jordan to form a working committee and create a new club called Grimsby Borough. The sole aim was to ensure the standard of football stayed in the area. Nigel Fanthorpe and Stephen Newby carried on their successful managerial partnership.

Completion of the club was recognised on the 2nd September 2003 when affiliation was granted by the Lincolnshire FA.

Every year since the formation of Grimsby Borough F.C. they have played at successively higher levels in the amateur game. In the first year Borough came second in the Lincolnshire Premier League and therefore applied to the Central Midlands League Premier Division and were unanimously accepted by the CML committee.

The following year Boro’, as the team is affectionately known, competed in the CML playing at the Grimsby Institute site. Once again, we came second in the league’s premier division but could not take up the well-deserved promotion until the ground was up-graded.

That overdue promotion came the very next season: Grimsby Borough was promoted to the Supreme Division of the Central Midlands League. Sadly, the CML team had to leave the Institute site due to ground regulations.

Local firm, Nicol, stepped in at the eleventh hour and their generous financial backing enabled us to negotiate a ground-share arrangement with Brigg Town F.C. which gave us access to the finest pitch and facilities in the area. That season ended on a high note when the club won the Centenary Junior Lincolnshire League Cup beating Skegness Town- a very proud moment for all concerned.

The club received yet another accolade when they were invited to join the North East Counties League, Division One for the 2009-2009 Season.

2008-2009 was, of course, a tough season, meeting veteran clubs such as the former nationwide team, Scarborough Athletic F.C. but the players upheld the standards we expected of them, both on and off the pitch and a tough season

THE OPPOSITION

ended with Grimsby Borough finishing a very creditable 13th position in the league.

The following season 2009-2010 ended successfully with another piece of silverware, winning the prestigious Ashby Benevolent Cup beating Appleby Frodingham in the final 4-3 after extra time.

The 2011-2012 season was the highlight for the Club, winning their first major trophy in the Northern Counties East League. They played Shirebrook Town in the Final of the Wilkinson Sword Trophy and came out 3-1 winners after extra time after being down to 10 men, a fantastic achievement for all involved at the club.

Further seasons passed by with no more silverware, Boroughs goal was to maintain the standard of Northern Counties East League football which they have done to this day.

At the end of the 2014-2015 season long term managers and club founder Nigel Fanthorpe and Stephen Newby stood down after 12 memorable seasons.

The club then appointed Gary Precious and Andrew Thornton for the 2015-2016 season as successors but results failed to live up to expectations so Paul Walden was brought in from Louth Town. Results improved as we moved away from the relegation zone, but towards the end of the season the results dipped and relegation became a reality again. Andrew Liddle and Daniel Barrett were brought in to steer the club away from relegation. Success was achieved with a 18th place finish.

2016-2017 season was successful in terms of progress as the side got through to the play off final only to be defeated by Penistone Church.

2017-2018 season was similar to the previous season were once again we got to the play off final but were defeated by Eccleshill United. We progressed to Lincolnshire Senior Trophy Final for the second time in our history but were beaten on penalties by Holbeach United. Progress for the club had been achieved once again.

2018-2019 season was very successful, progressed to the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy Final for the second year running but unfortunately got beat on penalties to Deeping Rangers, however we bounced back and won the Norther Counties East League Division One Championship, gaining promotion to the Premier Division.

2019-2020 season in the Premier Division for the first time, we started very well

THE OPPOSITION

and lead the league for numerous weeks, got to the 3rd Round of the FA Vase and eventually lost 4-2 at Coventry Utd having been 2-1 up with 15mins left. Form dropped off drastically after xmas and tumbled down the league to finish 9th as the league was cancelled due to the COVID – 19 Pandemic.

2020-2021 season due to start with an FA Cup match on the 1st September at Long Eaton Utd. League to start on the 19th September away at Bridlington Town. Season cancelled in December due to Covid 19 break out.

2021-2022 season started, unfortunately losses in the FA Cup to Winterton Rangers and to Redcar Town in the FA Vase made the focus of the league the priority. By Xmas Borough were 5 points clear at the top of the NCEL Premier. Borough were crowned NCEL Premier Division Champions finishing with a 9 point lead.

2022 – 2023 Borough entered new territory this season having gained promotion to the Northern Premier League. A poor start losing the first 8 games was turned around to go unbeaten in the next 12 games. Only 3 losses in 20 games pushed us to the edge of the play offs, but the final 8 games only yielded 4 points ending with a final league position of 12th , a very enjoyable first season.

THE OPPOSITION

LIAM HIGTON – Goalkeeper

Liam is an accomplished Goalkeeper at this level, he was a losing finalist for Cleethorpes Town in the FA Vase Final at Wembley. Great shot stopper and quality distribution.

SAM TOPLISS – Defender

Recent signing from Cleethorpes Town, solid defender that can play anywhere in the defence, preferred position full back with licence to get forward.

HENRY MOORE – Defender

Joined us this season from Grimsby Town Youth where he was a 2 nd year YT. First year at this level, good prospect for the future.

CALLUM LOVETT – Defender

New Skipper this season Strong Tall Centre Back wins most aerial duels and very comfortable on the ball another big threat from set pieces.

TOM HIPWELL – Defender

Another borough youth product who had a good first season in the NPL last term,strong powerful centre back that’s comfortable on the ball, Strong at set pieces with a goal in him as well.

LUIS ADLARD – Full Back

Joined us this season after his release from Grimsby Town, pacey full back always looking to get forward on the overlap.

JACK RICHARDSON - Midfield

Re-joined us this season from Brigg Town solid box to box midfielder with a good eye for a pass and loves a tackle, good addition to the squad.

LEWIS COLLINS – Midfield

Joined us last season from Gainsborough Trinity, energetic box to box midfielder that will give the team more energy and creativity in that midfield area.

ADAM DRURY – Midfield

Ex-Man City academy player, can play a variety of positions, gives us quality where ever he plays.

REECE YORK – Midfield

New addition this season, Reece has been involved with Grimsby Town, Fulham and latterly Sheffield United. Central midfield favoured position he brings to the team good energy and passing ability, works hard from box to box. Great addition to the engine room.

THE OPPOSITION

TOM SAWYER – Midfield

Solid midfielder that can also fill in at centre back, re-joined the club after spells at Skegness and Frickley.

OWEN DAVEY – Midfield

In his third season for the club, been named vice captain for this campaign, neat and tidy holding midfielder that never seems to give the ball away.

CAINE WINFARRAH – Midfield

Caine as just re-joined us from Cleethorpes Town to start his second spell at the club, full back or left sided midfielder he gives us experience down the left, good pace and quality left foot, a great addition to the squad.

JACK BARLOW – Midfield

Former Hull City professional that gives the team quality when on his game, good on the ball with an eye for a pass, set piece specialist.

CALLUM ROBINSON – Midfield

Joined us this season from Skegness, hasn’t managed to get a run in the team as yet, but adds plenty of experience to a young squad.

HARVEY TOMLINSON – Midfield

On loan from Grimsby Town, Harvey gives us that bit more quality in midfield, not the biggest of players but he gives us an attacking threat right or left side with an eye for a goal.

KYLE RADFORD – Winger / Striker

Joined the squad this season after some great displays in the reserves, another Borough youth product who offers pace and goal scoring to the team, a threat to any defence.

BAILEY ADAMSON – Forward

Bailey as just joined us on a work experience from Lincoln City, tall striker who is out to impress and hopefully get a few goals.

BACKROOM STAFF Manager – DANIEL BARRETT

Asst. Manager – SCOTT DRURY

Asst. Manager – JASON FLINT

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Crook, Catalonia and Colombia

Barcelona were in a period of transition, working out how to make their way in a changing football landscape. The Spanish giants had just won the Copa del Rey, and wanted to build that success into a new era of domination against rivals close to home, and those further across the country. Choosing to ignore the various Spanish options available to them, they turned to England, and picked a man from the north east. With his impressive tactical acumen and knack for man management, he would become a legend in the city. But that man from the north east was not Bobby Robson. He would become Barcelona’s longest serving manager, Jack Greenwell.

Born in Crook in 1884, Greenwell was a tricky wing-half who made his debut for his local team at the age of 17, and spent 12 years turning out for the side. Invited to play as a guest for West Auckland in 1909, he toured Europe and showcased his talents against teams from Germany and Switzerland. More importantly, he attracted the attention of Barcelona’s Swiss founder Joan Gamper. Gamper approached Greenwell in 1912 to ask him to take charge of the Catalans. Greenwell, seeking adventure, accepted the offer.

Initially a player-coach, Greenwell

managed a young Barcelona team that included Philippine sensation Paulino Alcantara, who would score 395 goals, only bettered by Lionel Messi. Greenwell led the club to silverware in his first season. Owing to political disagreements with the Catalan FA, competitive games were rare. Greenwell invited his former club to play three exhibition games in Spain, two of which Barcelona drew, and one they lost. His fitness started dwindling, and he took a less active role on the pitch, before in 1917 he finally retired. He was given the manager’s job full-time. The following season, Greenwell led Barcelona to the Campionat de Catalunya, losing just one game. After that, they dropped just a single point as they retained their title. A year later, they won the Copa del Rey.

The Copa del Rey win prompted the purchase of some land for a new ground, which was hastily put up, and

MARTYN GREEN

opened with a friendly against St. Mirren, but Greenwell’s time at the club was coming to a close. They lost the Campionat in the season that followed, but won the Copa del Rey again in 1922. For Greenwell, it was the right time to go out on a high. After a decade at the club, he resigned, and started a tour of Spain.

First was a stop just down the road, where he helped newly formed UE Sants to the Campionat, beating his former club, before heading to CD Castellon, where he finished second, twice, in the Campeonato Regional de Valencia. Espanyol, Gijon, another short stint at Barcelona, and Real Sociedad followed, before the Spanish Civil War broke out. Fearing for his family’s future, Greenwell fled the country. He struggled to find work in his home country, but accepted an offer to take charge of Universitario de Deportes, who he led to the Peruvian championship in his first season. With the South American Championship that summer, he was invited to take charge of the national team.

Peru were technically brilliant when Greenwell arrived, but lacked experience. Due to withdrawals they would have to beat Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and favourites Uruguay. Greenwell decided to make the most of his attacking talents, just as he had done at Barcelona, and set up a very attacking 2-3-5 formation. Peru breezed past debutants Ecuador in the first game, and saw off bitter rivals

Chile 3-1. A 3-0 victory over Paraguay set up a thrilling final encounter against Uruguay, who had also won all three games.

In front of 40,000, Peru took an early lead, and doubled it just before half time. Uruguay were one of the best teams in the world at the time, and wouldn’t go down without a fight. They pulled one back in the second half, but Peru held on for their first ever South American Championship.

His time in Peru would prove to be short, however. Irregular pay and difficult living conditions meant that when an offer came to aid Colombia in the Central American games, he took it. The games were delayed, however, and he took charge of Independiente Santa Fe. The short term appointment nearly yielded immediate success, as Independiente lost in the final of the Torneo di Cundinamarca, but Greenwell wouldn’t get the chance to go one better. He died of a heart attack that summer, driving to a training session.

He remains the only Englishman to have won the South American Championship.

Enjoy the game.

Martyn

Martyn Green writes for ‘The Untold Game’. You can find his excellent articles at www.theuntoldgame.co.uk

CLUB HISTORY

Ossett United was created on 1 June 2018 following the merger of Ossett Town AFC (est. 1936) and Ossett Albion AFC (est. 1944). Both Ossett Town and Ossett Albion had managed to gain Northern Premier League status and maintain that level of football for a remarkable period of time.

The two clubs merged under the leadership of a new board brought together from the two previous clubs. The Club made its new home Ingfield, the previous home of Ossett Town, and used Dimple Wells, the previous home of Ossett Albion, as its Ladies and Academy Team base.

Despite a successful first season on the pitch, off field things were not as successful with a number of board resignations and some challenging financial issues to deal with following the merger. By the end of the 2018/19 season, Phil Smith had taken on the mantle of club chairman with Stuart Garside, Steve Hanks, Paul Billing, Neil Spofforth and Joe Hanks joining the board.

There were more troubles for Ossett United in November 2019 as a significant and unprecedented court case, dating back to a tackle in 2015 when Ossett Town were playing Radcliffe Borough, was lost with United facing legal and damages costs amounting to £135,000. Fortunately, the club received a generous loan from two of its closest supporters to avoid the club going into liquidation (at worst) or selling the Ingfield ground (at best).

CLUB HISTORY

Despite a successful first season on the pitch, off field things were not as successful with a number of board resignations and some challenging financial issues to deal with following the merger. By the end of the 2018/19 season, Phil Smith had taken on the mantle of club chairman with Stuart Garside, Steve Hanks, Paul Billing, Neil Spofforth and Joe Hanks joining the board.

There were more troubles for Ossett United in November 2019 as a significant and unprecedented court case, dating back to a tackle in 2015 when Ossett Town were playing Radcliffe Borough, was lost with United facing legal and damages costs amounting to £135,000. Fortunately, the club received a generous loan from two of its closest supporters to avoid the club going into liquidation (at worst) or selling the Ingfield ground (at best).

James Rogers and Phil Smith swapped roles due to Smith’s work commitments with Rogers taking on the role as Chairman, a role he had previously held at Ossett Town. 2020 also saw the club declare Dimple Wells as surplus to requirements and made arrangements to surrender the lease making Ingfield the single home of the united club.

GROUND IMPROVEMENTS

With the off-field rollercoaster settling down the Board progressed numerous ground improvements at Ingfield with the replacement of the pitch side barrier and installation of LED floodlights being completed in 2021 before attention turned to improving the changing room facilities which took shape in the summer of 2023 thanks to further grants from the Football Foundation.

The extension includes an additional match official room, two offices and a medical room as well as a larger, modern changing room that will become fully operational by the summer of 2024.

The Boardroom has also been strengthened in the summer of 2023 with Dawn Rogers and Kate Hennighan taking their place alongside the eight members already in place.

CLUB HISTORY

On the pitch, the first year (2018/19) was a remarkable success with attendances significantly increased from what either club had experienced previously, coupled with success on the pitch reaching the play-off semi-final and winning the County Cup, under the guidance of manager Andy Welsh.

Following the departure of Andy Welsh a couple of months in to the 2019/20 season Wayne Benn, assisted by Chick Hayward, oversaw two covid hit seasons. Hopes were high after a positive pre-season in 2021/22 with Benn reshaping the squad. The season started well with Ossett United in the top half of the table but a run of only one win in three months saw a change in the dugout at Christmas with Jas Collvier and Mark Ward taking a joint managerial role.

The season ended well with the pair unbeaten at Ingfield with seven wins and two draws but away from home inconsistent performances and results saw a ninth placed finish in only the clubs second completed season.

Colliver and Ward strengthened the squad throughout pre-season, and despite on paper the squad looking as strong as it ever had, results did not match expectations. Mark Ward resigned in September with Colliver taking sole charge before leaving the club by mutual consent the following month.

Grant Black became the clubs fourth permanent manager in October 2022, winning his first game in charge, 2-0 at the eventual play-off champions Long Eaton United and only tasting defeat twice in his first 16 games.

Results tailed off as the season ended with the club finishing in 15th place but the management team had a clear plan in place for the type of player they wanted to bring in ahead of the 2023/24 season with their and the clubs ambition being a much higher finish than recently experienced.

The Man In The Middle

Name: Macauley Gibson

Refereeing Journey: I have been refereeing for 10 years this month, since I was 14 years old. I got into refereeing through a family friend who used to operate on the football league as an assistant referee.

The most memorable fixture I have been involved in was the Northern Premier League Premier Division Play Off Semi Final between Scarborough Athletic and Matlock Town in 2021 in front of nearly 3,000.

A high of my career was refereeing at the Paris World Games. The Paris World Games is an international junior tournament with teams from countries all over the world competing at all age groups. With the most memorable ground I have refereed at being the Stade Emile Anthoine. The pitch overlooks the Eiffel Tower and has stunning views! An amazing venue to be part of a football match.

Home

Tuesday 3rd October - 7:45pm

Pitching-In NPL East Division vs Grantham Town

Away

Saturday 7th October – 3pm

Pitching-In NPL East Division vs Consett AFC

Home

Tuesday 10th October – 7:45pm

West Riding County Cup – 1st Round vs Horbury Town

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Saturday 14th October – 3pm

Pitching-In NPL East Division vs Carlton Town Home

Friday 20th October – 7:45pm

Pitching-In NPL East Division vs Sheffield FC

Joe GREEN

Fabian BAILEY

Jimmy BURKE

Harry COATES

Jayden JOHN

Jacob McLOUGHLIN

Paddy MILLER

Josh WOODCOCK

Corey GREGORY

Zak DEARNLEY

Rhys PLATER

Rafa FERREIRA

Derry ROBSON

Tom CLAISSE

TJ IBRAHIM

Desmond AMPONSAH

Kelan SWALES

Sam KELLY

Alex PETERSON

Charlie REANEY

Jake CASSIDY

Liam HIGTON

Sam TOPLISS

Tom SAWYER

Luis ADLARD

Tom HIPWELL

Callum LOVETT

Henry MOORE

Adam DRURY

Caine WINFARRAH

Jack RICHARDSON

Owen DAVEY

Reece YORK

Kyle RADFORD

Bailey ADAMSON

Jack BARLOW

Callum ROBINSON

SHIRTS: SKY BLUE

SHORTS: NAVY

SOCKS: SKY BLUE

GK: ALL PINK

SHIRTS: RED

SHORTS: RED

SOCKS: RED

GK: ALL GREY