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Issue 06 Vs MARSKE UNITED SATURDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER | 15:00 EMIRATES FA CUP FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING

SSETT U NITED F OOTBALL C LUB

I NGFIELD, P ROSPECT R OAD, O SSETT, WF5 9HL

C LUB P RESIDENT : NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

C HAIRMAN : PHIL SMITH

V ICE - C HAIRMAN /S ECRETARY : NEIL SPOFFORTH

T REASURER : PAUL BILLING

B OARD M EMBERS : LEE BROADBENT, STUART GARSIDE, JOE HANKS, STEVE

HANKS, KATE HENNIGHAN, DAWN ROGERS, JAMES ROGERS

M ANAGER : GRANT BLACK

A SSISTANT M ANAGER : DAVID BROWN

C OACH : ZEPH THOMAS, RYAN PUGH,

S COUT : GARY DEVENPORT

M EDICAL T EAM : EMILY CRISPIN

M ENTAL H EALTH & W ELLBEING O FFICER : KATE HENNIGHAN

H EAD OF M EDIA : CRAIG BIDDLESTONE

M EDIA T EAM : MATT BLACKBURN, CHRIS CASSIDY, HARRISON CARPENTER,

OWEN GERRARD, JAMES GOTHARD, KEITH WOOD

P ROGRAMME D ESIGN : JOSEPH WILLIAMSON

C LUB H ONOURS

(O SSETT U NITED , O SSETT T OWN , O SSETT A LBION )

W EST R IDING C OUNTY S ENIOR C UP

WINNERS: 1949/50

W EST R IDING C OUNTY C UP

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

RUNNERS UP: 2000/01

N ORTHERN P REMIER L EAGUE F IRST D IVISION

RUNNERS UP: 2001/02

PLAY-OFF RUNNERS UP: 2016/17

N ORTHERN C OUNTIES E AST P REMIER D IVISION

WINNERS: 1998/99, 2003/04

RUNNERS UP: 1998/99, 2000/01

N ORTHERN C OUNTIES E AST F IRST D IVISION

WINNERS: 1986/87

N ORTHERN C OUNTIES E AST S ECOND D IVISION

WINNERS: 1988/89

OSSETT UNITED IS A TRADING NAME OF OSSETT UNITED LIMITED A PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES. IT IS A COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES. IT IS REGISTERED AT COMPANIES HOUSE COMPANY NUMBER 11162425. THERE ARE TWO PEOPLE WITH SIGNIFICANT CONTROL. J. ROGERS (30.4%) AND D. ROGERS (30.4%)

In footballing terms there is nothing better than a victory come the full-time whistle, and nothing worse than a defeat. So that it why it is important to keep a perspective and to not get too high with victories or low with defeat with this last week proof in the pudding.

We travelled to Ashington recently and put in a fantastic performance to win the three points then completed three games in six days over the bank holiday weekend with a close-run defeat against Stockton before what on paper is an embarrassing defeat at Pontefract Collieries.

Our hosts on Bank Holiday Monday, on the back of an away win at Cleethorpes Town, were able to build on that momentum

TO INGFIELD

PHIL SMITH , CHAIRMAN

to record back-to-back victories. Momentum and confidence is a huge part of a successful side and is not easy to maintain.

We are a work in progress so there will undoubtably be bumps in the road and it is vital we back the side as we aim to reach our full potential this season.

Today we welcome NPL Premier Division side Marske United to Ingfield for an FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie that gives us the opportunity for a confidence boosting performance, we have been missing players through injury recently and as I write these notes it is hoped two or perhaps three will be available for selection today, straightaway creating competition for places which is only ever a good thing.

I hope our visitors have had a comfortable journey to Ingfield this afternoon and enjoy the hospitality we offer.

Thank you for your support

Phil

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

I can’t offer any definitive explanations or proffer an opinion as to the reason why but we seem to have been inundated with celebrity referees during the course of the last couple of matches. We are, of course, used to regular visits from local match officials Andy and Bobby Madley but that is hardly surprising as both brothers were born and brought up in Ossett and both follow our fortunes with interest and often show up at games when they don’t have an appointment themselves.

Against Stockton Town at Ingfield last Saturday in attendance was Mike Riley the former FIFA and Premier League referee and, until recently, the manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board. He has recently relinquished that role to take up the position as the Irish FA’s Head of Refereeing To my knowledge the reason for the visit was not made known to the Club.

In the crowd at the Pontefract match on Bank Holiday Monday were Howard Webb and Jonathan Moss.

Webb was the first person to referee the finals of both the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup in the same year. In August 2022 it was announced that he would return to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited as chief refereeing officer. Accompanying Howard was Jonathan Moss who, at the end of the 2021-22 season, took up a new role of Select Group 1 Manager at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited. Jonathan had a distinguished career at the very top level himself but a little known fact local to here was that he turned out as a player for Ossett Albion for a while during the time that Dave Cope was the manager. The reason for his attendance at the Pontefract game was almost certainly to cast an eye over the referee that day who happened to be his son Joe.

Regulars at Ingfield will have noticed the new dressing room developments adjacent to the old dressing rooms on the near side of the ground. It is now looking more likely that the new facilities will not be fully operational until much later in the season than originally planned and possibly even not until the beginning of the 2024-25 season. We were keen to make sure that once we do ‘move in’ the building

NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH

is fully finished off in all respects. We were not keen to move in too soon and before everything was completed and fully operational. Since the shell of the building itself was erected supporters will not have noticed a great deal of movement of late but plenty has been going on in the interior. Within the last couple of weeks the internal ceilings to the various rooms have been fitted and most of the electrical and plumbing work has been installed or is near to completion

Over the course of the close season I mentioned all the work that had been carried out around the ground by an army of volunteers and again we are eternally grateful for their labours and generosity with their time. I would like to single out though Mick Javens, Rod Furniss and Nick Gough who have been down to the ground to undertake all the painting work in the new block.

It has been an absolutely enormous task and has taken many many hours. We could not have possibly done this work ‘in house’ without their commitment. All the helpers gave up their time for free but were rewarded (if that is the right phrase) with a couple of pints after a recent match. Unfortunately we picked the one occasion when Nick Gough wasn’t available but, as the saying goes, that’s the way the cookie crumbles!

In addition to the changing rooms themselves the building also encompasses a Treatment Room, a Secretary’s Office, a Manager’s Office and a general storeroom If any of our supporters would like to cast an eye over the new facility you are more than welcome to go down there and have a nosey around. Just mention it to either myself or John Hirst and we will happily give you a guided look round the premises.

THE DUGOUT

GRANT BLACK –MANAGER

I’ll start by addressing the most recent game, one bad result does not make us a bad team, the same as a good result, such as the fantastic performance at Ashington last week, does not make us world beaters

The first goal is vital when playing a second game in 48 hours, and so it proved on Bank Holiday Monday as ultimately, the third game in six days, including a six-hour midweek round trip, was a step too far. Along with the five or six players missing who would potentially have started or being close to starting the game we were not at our strongest

We were fortunate to be able to bring in Kelan Swales after Alex Peterson’s injury, but there is not a never-ending pot of players we can dip into when further injuries are picked up, as happened to Kelan on his debut.

That however is not an excuse, these are mitigating circumstances, but I accept, and the lads accept, we should not be losing in such a fashion, and starting today with an exciting FA Cup tie to a side in the division above we have the chance to start getting results going in our direction.

We trained on Thursday and the spirit and belief among the group is as strong as ever, I am hopeful there will be one or two of the injured lads available today which obviously strengthens the group that can be selected from.

So far in the FA Cup we have had two excellent victories against sides with contrasting styles of play, Marske United will be a step up in quality and strength to what we have faced so far but we must match their physicality, win that battle it will be game on – with a place in the next round of the competition on the line.

Stay positive, back the lads and we will get to where we all want to be.

Blackie

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

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OSSETT UNITED OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

HARRY COATES

We worked hard in training on Thursday and had a great session preparing us to do everything we can to cause a cup upset.

The Bank Holiday Monday game was one to forget. Two days earlier we put in a strong performance against Stockton Town, a team that made the play off final last season and I felt we were unlucky not to take something from the game. However Monday has no excuses, we were not good enough and can only apologise to anyone that came down to support us.

It’s the FA Cup today and we have something to prove, to ourselves, the Gaffer and most of all the supporters.

Hopefully we will have a couple of lads back from injury to boost the squad and we all wish Alex a speedy recovery. He is missed on the pitch but he is still coming down to support the lads. The same sentiments go to Kelan Swales who made an instant impact on debut at Ashington, he was forced off with a shoulder injury and we found out at training day that he has fractured his collar bone and will be unavailable for some weeks.

Stick with us. Harry

Ap S G Ap S G Ap S G Ap G 4 1 1 2 0 0 6 1 1 7 1 2 2 0 0 1 0 2 3 0 17 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 48 2 5 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 27 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 7 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 50 3 5 0 1 2 0 0 7 0 1 7 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 3 2 0 5 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 27 2 3 1 0 1 1 0 4 2 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 0 2 4 0 2 29 8 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 4 0 2 3 0 0 2 1 2 5 1 7 1 5 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 32 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 5 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 7 0 Player Desmond Amponsah Fabian Bailey Jimmy Burke Harry Coates Zak Dearnley Rafa Ferreira Joe Green Corey Gregory TJ Ibrahim Jayden John Janni Lipka Jacob McLoughlin Miller, Paddy Dan Montgomery Alex Peterson Rhys Plater Charlie Reaney Derry Robson Kelan Swales Josh Woodcock League Cup Season OUFC Career

GEOFF’S STATS PLAYER APPEARANCES

Player’s Number Sponsor

Number 1 Stanley Kelly

Number 2 The Scottish Supporters Club

BACKROOM STAFF

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24

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

R YAN’S PLAYING CAREER SAW HIM FEATURE FOR G OOLE, N EW M ILLS, M ATLOCK

T OWN AND A FAMOUS SPELL AT O SSETT A LBION FONDLY REMEMBERED BY O SSETT T OWN FANS AFTER ONE PARTICULAR O SSETT D ERBY ( ASK HIM , HE LOVES TALKING ABOUT IT…) P UGHY JOINED G RANT’S BACK- ROOM STAFF AT B ELPER T OWN AND HAS PROVEN POPULAR WITH GOALKEEPERS HE HAS WORKED WITH, PUSHING THEM TO BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE.

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’

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.

MEET THE TEAM

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.

MEET THE TEAM

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.

MEET THE TEAM

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.

MEET THE TEAM

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

THE OPPOSITION

Nathan Harker 24-year-old Nathan started his career at Newcastle United where he spent 6 seasons before being released in the summer of 2020. Since then Nathan has played for Scarborough Athletic and Bedlington Terriers and was most recently at Whickham FC in Northern League Division 1.

Nathan signed for Marske in March 2023 and made 9 appearances last season, playing a major role in keeping the Seasiders in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Jaan Yaqub 22 year old Jaan signed for Marske in October 2022 and played a key role in Marske reaching the 5th Round of the FA Trophy last season. Yaq counts Redcar Town and Billingham Synthonia among his former clubs.

Dan Myers Defender Dan, who has just turned 22, and counts Spennymoor, Darlington and Crook as his former clubs Dan last appeared for Newton Aycliffe, where he played a key role in helping them win Northern League Division 1 last season.

Kev Burgess Newly appointed as Marske United captain, Kev’s youth career was with Middlesbrough FC. Since 2007 he has played for and captained Darlington FC and Whitby Town and was most recently with Scarborough Athletic. The robust, no-nonsense defender brings a wealth of experience from a higher level. Kev has made 93 appearances for Marske notching an impressive 14 goals in the process, which included a sublime acrobatic volley away to Bamber Bridge last season.

Aaron Cunningham Aaron joined Marske from Whitby Town towards the end of last season, making 10 appearances and scoring once in the 2-2 draw at home to Liversedge Aaron is equally at home playing at either centre back or in the centre of midfield and counts Hartlepool United, Spennymoor Town and Blyth Spartans among his former clubs.

THE OPPOSITION

Nathan Dale Redcar based Nathan started his career at Middlesbrough FC. After a short spell at Gateshead FC, Nathan moved to Iceland where he played for Icelandic second division side Kordrengir alongside former Seasider Connor Simpson. Like Aaron Cunningham, Nathan is equally at home playing as either a centre back or central midfielder

Jason Kennedy Signed on a permanent deal from Conference North side Spennymoor Town in February 2022, following a successful loan period, vastly experienced Jason started his career at Middlesbrough, where he was part of the squad that won the 2003/4 FA Youth Cup. Jason then played for Darlington, where he scored a superb goal in a play-off semi-final, Rochdale, Bradford City, Carlisle United, Hartlepool United and Spennymoor Town. Jason has also had loan spells at Boston United and Bury and has made over 250 appearances in the Football League. Since joining Marske, Jason has been a near ever present in the centre of midfield making a total of 69 appearances, scoring 9 goals

Matty Cornish 25 year old midfielder Matty has just returned from playing in America, where he played for Lionsbridge FC. Matty started his career playing in the Northern League for the likes of Newcastle Benfield, Whitley Bay and Consett, while studying at Durham University. Matty then moved to America to study for his Masters degree and played for the Nova South Eastern Sharks in Florida, helping his team reach the National semi finals. Last season, Matty played for Blyth Spartans in the Conference North, making 15 appearances, scoring twice.

Jack Degruchy North Yorkshire born Jack joined Marske on a season long loan from League 2 Doncaster Rovers in July 2023. Jack, who can play in the centre of midfield or at right back, has already spent valuable time on loan at FC United of Manchester, where he made 14 appearances last season. Jack started his career at York City and made his Doncaster debut against Bradford City in July 2022.

THE OPPOSITION

Josh Robertson Josh signed for Marske on a season long loan from Conference North side Scunthorpe United in August 2023, having signed his first professional contract for the Iron earlier this summer Josh is a local lad and was part of the all-conquering Boro Rangers junior team which also featured Harrogate Town striker Emmanuel Ilesanmi.

Jake Hackett Jake joined Marske in the summer of 2023 after rejecting a new deal from Whitby Town. Jake started his career at Sunderland before moving to Whitby in 2019, initially on loan Jake spent time on loan at Hebburn Town last season, where he played 16 times, scoring 1 goal. Primarily a midfielder, Jake can also play at left back.

Lewis Leech 20 year old Lewis joined Marske in the summer of 2023 following his release by Gateshead FC. Lewis made his debut for Gateshead as a substitute vs Alfreton Town in February 2022 and captained Gateshead’s under 19 team to an Under 19 Alliance League and Cup double. Lewis is a central midfielder who spent time at Newcastle Benfield last season.

Nathan Thomas Nathan is Marske’s marquee signing for the 2023/24 season. A central midfielder with a great pedigree, counting Plymouth, Motherwell, Carlisle United, Hartlepool United (for whom he played 55 times, scoring 14 goals), Sheffield United, Shrewsbury Town and Notts County as his former clubs. Nathan signed for Sheffield United from Hartlepool signing a 3 year deal in May 2017.

Donald Chimalilo Signed last season, Donald is a tricky winger who loves to take on players with his tremendous skill and close control. Donald came through the York based i2i Academy and has played for Tadcaster Albion and, most recently, Guiseley Since joining Marske, DC, as he is known, has made 28 appearances for Marske, scoring 5 times, two of which were contenders in the Goal of the Season competition.

THE OPPOSITION

Eddie Thomas 20 year old striker Eddie joined Marske on his release by Gateshead at the end of the 2022/23 season Eddie spent valuable time on dual registration at both Crook Town and Newcastle Benfield and ended last season at Newton Aycliffe, where he scored crucial goals, including a hat-trick against West Allotment Celtic, which helped Aycliffe to win the Northern League Division 1 title.

Adam Boyes Adam is arguably the club’s biggest ever signing, having played most recently for National League North side Spennymoor Town. The former pro forward has only ever played in the top two divisions of non-league and has experience with York City, Kidderminster Harriers, Bradford Park Avenue and Barrow. Boyes becomes the first Marske United player ever to have played for the England C Team making appearances against Italy, Gibraltar and Malta u23s sides. “Bosh”, as he is known, had a stellar 2021/22 season for Marske, scoring 46 goals in 48 games. Boyes was also the Northern Premier League East Division Golden Boot winner and the East Division’s player of the season and also collected the Emirates FA Cup Golden Ball as the top scorer in the FA Cup with 11 goals. Last season, despite finishing just outside the relegation zone, Boyes scored 22 goals in 49 appearances, finishing the season as the 3rd top scorer in the division. In his Marske United career, Adam has scored a magnificent 80 goals in just 115 games.

Eddie Church Eddie signed for Marske last season from Bradford (Park Avenue) for an undisclosed fee. Eddie is a quick, direct striker who became a fans favourite last season for his all action displays. Eddie counts Matlock Town (loan), Brighouse Town and Tadcaster Albion among his former clubs.

THE OPPOSITION

The club was established in 1956 by members of Marske Cricket Club and initially played in the Cleveland League and then the South Bank League before moving up to the Teesside League in 1976. The Seasiders won both the Teesside League and the North Riding County Cup in 1980–81 and were league champions again in 1984–85, after which the club moved up to the Wearside League. The following season saw the club win the North Riding County Cup for a second time.

Marske were runners-up in the Wearside League in 1993–94 and 1994–95, a season that also saw them win the North Riding Senior Cup and the League Cup. They went on to win the Wearside League title in 1995–96, as well as retaining the League Cup. After finishing as runners-up again in 1996–97, the club were promoted to Division Two of the Northern League.

In their first season in Division Two they finished third and were promoted to Division One. The club were relegated back to Division Two at the end of the 2003–04 season but were promoted to Division One in 2010–11 after finishing third. They won the League Cup in 2013–14 beating Whitley Bay 2-1 after extra time in a game played at St James’ Park to celebrate 125 years of the Northern League and were Northern League champions the following season though promotion wasn’t taken as the club had not applied. Division One runners-up in 2015–16, in 2017–18 they reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase for the first time in their history, losing 3–2 on aggregate to Stockton Town. The 2017–18 season saw Marske win the Division One title again, earning promotion to Division One East of

THE OPPOSITION

the Northern Premier League and to Step 4 of the NonLeague System for the first time in their history. Their first season at a higher level saw the club consolidate, finishing in 10th place as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the Integro League Cup, where they lost on penalties to Buxton. They also reached the final of the North Riding Senior Cup, where they lost on penalties to fellow Northern Premier League team Scarborough Athletic, following a 22 draw after 90 minutes. When the 2019/20 was curtailed, Marske were sitting in 5th place, their highest ever placing within the Non-League System, and looked set for the play-offs. Season 2020/21 was yet another truncated season, but it wasn’t without success for the club on the Cup front. In August 2020, Marske won the North Riding Senior Cup for only the second time in their history, beating Thornaby 6-0 in the final. In the FA Cup, Marske reached the 4th Qualifying Round for the second time in their history, eventually losing to Brackley Town 5-1. In the process of reaching the final qualifying round, the Seasiders kept 5 clean sheets in a row. In the FA Trophy, Marske beat NPL Premier Division sides FC United of Manchester and Warrington Town, before losing to Spennymoor Town, a run that equalled their best ever performance in the competition. Season 2021/22 saw the club reach the Northern Premier League East Division play-offs where they met Shildon in the semi-final, winning 2-1 after extra time with Adam Boyes and Jason Kennedy grabbing the goals. The final saw another former Northern League team, Stockton Town, visit Mount Pleasant. In a tight game Marske won the game 2-1 thanks to wonder goals from Connor Smith and Craig Gott in front of a

THE OPPOSITION

crowd of 1,500 and were promoted to Step 3 of the Non League System for the first time in their history. In addition, Marske reached the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the second consecutive season, losing a replay narrowly 3-2 against Conference North side Gateshead. The highlight of previous rounds saw Marske beat Conference North side Chester 4-0 in a replay at the Deva Stadium. Marske’s run in the FA Cup saw striker Adam Boyes notch a total of 11 goals, thus winning the Emirates FA Cup Golden Ball to celebrate the competition’s 150th season. The 2022/23 season, Marske’s first at Step 3, was a struggle. After starting well and briefly topping the table, long term manager Carl Jarrett resigned and was replaced by Curtis Woodhouse. Unfortunately, results did not improve and player turnover was high and Woodhouse left, ironically following a win at Nantwich Town. Jarrett returned to the club and the last 12 games saw the club win 6 games, draw 3 and lose 3 as Marske escaped relegation with one game to spare. Prior to the start of the 2023/24 season, Graeme Lee, the former Hartlepool United manager was appointed as new manager with Ian Clark and Nick Ward joining him on the management team.

Ossett Utd 2-2 Marske (07/03/2020)

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VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX

CRAIG BIDDLESTONE

I’m back! Did you all miss me? After 2 weeks of glorious sunshine (and stupidly high humidity) I got back in to the UK on Monday afternoon, thankfully just before the air traffic control problems hit us, and before Hurricane Idiala hit central Florida, though judging by the result at Pontefract Collieries the hurricane appeared to have taken a major detour on route to spoiling many people’s holidays at the Orlando theme parks.

I’d like to give a massive thanks to Joe Hanks, and to Chris, Matt, Keith, Harrison, James - and even Chris Boyd, for stepping in and stepping up during my break, especially as I was only briefly able to check my UK phone due to using a burn phone and US number whilst in the Disney and Universal parks. I was able to keep up with

proceedings though, and although I didn’t have a chance to listen to any of Chris’s and Matt’s excellent commentary due to a 5 hour time difference, plus the fact that I would probably have been upside down on a roller coaster or visiting the Star Wars Galactic Outpost or Toy Story Land, I do believe both have received some excellent, positive feedback.

Both Harrison and James have fallen back in to their roles with ease, Harrison providing much needed Twitter/‘X’/“whatever Elon Musk wants to call it this week” coverage on match days and James with his excellent match reports, I was also delighted to see that Keith was back behind the lens for the Ponte game after missing a game due to Illness, the first he’s missed in over 4 seasons if memory serves me correctly? Also, and I’m not sure if some of you are aware, Joe Williamson has taken on the role of programme editor, and what a great job he’s doing. Spoff had been doing it over the last 4 seasons, and although we made the cost effective decision to move to digital (I’m 100% in favour of paper copies but I see the reasons

VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX

CRAIG BIDDLESTONE

why), the programme continues to grow in quality - though if any supporters would ever like to write something for the programme I’m sure Joe would be more than happy to include your piece, email media@ossettutd.com if you do have something to contribute.

I’d also like to personally thank James Rogers for all he has done for the club and the media team over the years, I know his decision to stand down as chairman is one that he wouldn’t have taken lightly, but I’m as equally as pleased as everyone else that he is staying on the board. Phil Smith has of course returned to the role of chairman, and I’m really pleased for Neil Spofforth too in taking on the role of vice-chairman, both he and Phil have overseen things at board level in the media department over recent seasons but with other responsibilities both in and out of the club a shuffle means Joe Hanks is now the board member we report too, and I’m delighted to work with Joe as he has many refreshing ideas whilst allowing us to get on with our respective jobs.

With me being back it also means that the half-time music selection is

back, and this week season ticket holder Rod Furness has chosen 1967 - so plenty of hits from that year for me to choose from.

It’s a welcome break from the league today so fingers crossed we get another Grant Black inspired FA Cup run.

Enjoy the game

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.

EARLY CHANGES

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 THE FORMATION

CLUB HISTORY

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.

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 15 th 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.

CLUB HISTORY

UP TO NOW ...

DATE OPPONENT COMP RES SCORERS MOM ATT 04/07/23 (A) HORBURY TOWN FRIENDLY 3 - 1 IBRAHIM, ONWUBIKO, TRIALIST D 450 07/07/23 (A) ARMTHORPE TOWN FRIENDLY 3 - 2 ONWUBIKO, KELLY, REANEY 11/07/23 (A) WORKSOP TOWN FRIENDLY 0 - 1 14/07/23 (A) TADCASTER ALBION FRIENDLY 1 - 0 JOHN 18/07/23 (A) HEMSWORTH M.W S.KELLY TROPHY 2 - 0 ROBSON, ONWUBIKO 22/07/23 (A) GOOLE FRIENDLY 1 - 4 WOODCOCK 25/07/23 (A) GARFORTH TOWN FRIENDLY 0 - 3 29/07/23 (H) WIDNES FC FRIENDLY 1 - 0 MILLER 212 05/08/23 (H) 1874 NORTHWICH FA CUP EP 2 - 0 PETERSON (2) PETERSON 392 12/08/23 (A) SHEFFIELD FC NPL EAST 1 - 3 GREENHOUSE OG COATES 321 15/08/23 (H) DUNSTON UTS NPL EAST 2 - 4 IBRAHIM, AMPONSAH WOODCOCK 271 19/08/23 (H) WYTHENSHAWE FA CUP P 2 - 0 BURKE, REANEY BURKE 327 22/08/23 (A) ASHINGTON NPL EAST 1 - 0 SWALES GREEN 553 26/08/23 (H) STOCKTON TOWN NPL EAST 0 - 1 COATES 323 28/08/23 (A) PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES NPL EAST 0 - 4 432 02/09/23 (H) MARSKE UNITED FA CUP 1Q 09/09/23 (A) NORTH FERRIBY FA TROPHY 16/09/23 (A) NEWTON AYCLIFFE NPL EAST 30/09/23 (H) GRIMSBY BOROUGH NPL EAST 07/10/23 (A) CONSETT NPL EAST 14/10/23 (H) CARLTON TOWN NPL EAST 21/10/23 (H) BRIGHOUSE TOWN NPL EAST 28/10/23 (A) STOCKSBRIDGE P.S NPL EAST 04/11/23 (A) NORTH FERRIBY NPL EAST 11/11/23 (H) HEBBURN TOWN NPL EAST 18/11/23 (A) CLEETHORPES TOWN NPL EAST 25/11/23 (H) BRIDLINGTON TOWN NPL EAST 02/12/23 (A) BELPER TOWN NPL EAST 09/12/23 (H) WINTERTON RANGERS NPL EAST 16/12/23 (A) DUNSTON UTS NPL EAST 23/12/23 (H) SHEFFIELD FC NPL EAST 26/12/23 (A) LIVERSEDGE NPL EAST 01/01/24 (H) PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES NPL EAST 06/01/24 (A) STOCKTON TOWN NPL EAST 13/01/24 (H) ASHINGTON NPL EAST 20/01/24 (H) STOCKSBRIDGE P.S NPL EAST 27/01/24 (A) BRIGHOUSE TOWN NPL EAST 2023/2024

DATE OPPONENT COMP RES SCORERS MOM ATT 03/02/24 (H) NEWTON AYCLIFFE NPL EAST 17/02/24 (A) GRIMSBY BOROUGH NPL EAST 24/02/23 (H) CONSETT NPL EAST 02/03/24 (A) CARLTON TOWN NPL EAST 16/03/24 (A) WINTERTON RANGERS NPL EAST 23/03/24 (H) BELPER TOWN NPL EAST 30/03/24 (A) GRANTHAM TOWN NPL EAST 01/04/24 (H) LIVERSEDGE NPL EAST 06/04/24 (A) HEBBURN TOWN NPL EAST 13/04/24 (H) NORTH FERRIBY NPL EAST 20/04/24 (A) BRIDLINGTON TOWN NPL EAST 27/04/24 (H) CLEETHORPES TOWN NPL EAST

2023/2024

Ever thought of volunteering to help your local football club?

There are many diferent volunteer roles in non-league football and Northern Premier League football clubs need your help with them.

The Trident Leagues and Pitching In have recently launched a new online Volunteer Hub where you can fnd opportunities and contact your local football club.

Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to fnd out more

Joe GREEN

Fabian BAILEY

Jimmy BURKE

Harry COATES

Jayden JOHN

Jacob McLOUGHLIN

Paddy MILLER

Essa NDOW

Josh WOODCOCK

Corey GREGORY

Darnell MINTUS

Rafa FERREIRA

Josh LINDLEY

Derry ROBSON

TJ IBRAHIM

Desmond AMPONSAH

Zak DEARNLEY

Sam KELLY

Alex PETERSON

Charlie REANEY

Kelan SWALES

SHIRTS: SKY BLUE

SHORTS: NAVY

SOCKS: SKY BLUE

GK: ALL PINK

Nathan HARKER

Jaan YAQUB

Dan MYERS

Kev BURGESS

Aaron CUNNINGHAM

Nathan DALE

Jason KENNEDY

Matty CORNISH

Jack DEGRUCHY

Josh ROBERTSON

Jake HACKETT

Lewis LEECH

Nathan THOMAS

Donald CHIMALILO

Eddie THOMAS

Adam BOYES

Eddie CHURCH

SHIRTS: YELLOW

SHORTS: ROYAL BLUE

SOCKS: YELLOW

GK: PURPLE

AR1 DEAN GRANT

REFEREE ADEWUNMI SONEYE AR2 DAVID HOLBROOK

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