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Issue 13

Vs BRIDLINGTON TOWN PITCHING-IN NPL EAST DIVISION SATURDAY 25TH NOVEMBER – 3PM

OSSETT 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 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%)

WELCOME TO INGFIELD PHIL SMITH, CHAIRMAN on and show this division how strong it really is. We are better than the results show this season, with continued hard work, effort, positivity and just a little bit of luck we will turn that corner and the buoyant atmosphere we can generate will return. Here we go again with the second game of the week here at Ingfield, and after the disappointment of the late Brighouse Town equaliser what better way to forget about it than today’s game with Bridlington Town who I would like to welcome to Ingfield today, hopefully you have had a pleasant journey over. The result on Tuesday was very frustrating, after an excellent opening half, Brighouse Town proved the point that there are no easy games in this division as they pegged us back so late in the day. I appreciate this is becoming a recurring theme this season, but the confidence and togetherness in the changing room remains high, and the belief the lads have has not being knocked. Winning is a habit and I do believe that with a couple of positive results the already high confidence will be cemented, and this side can go

Today we welcome Bridlington Town, who have put together some good results of late and sit in tenth place in the table, five points ahead of ourselves, although they have played two additional fixtures so a positive result today and in the coming weeks would see us looking to climb above them as we look to establish ourselves in the top half of the table. As always thank you for your support, let’s get behind the side and start a positive run on the approach to Christmas!

Phil.

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS NEVILLE WIGGLESWORTH here at Ingfield. On that occasion we registered a 2 - 1 victory courtesy of a brace of goals from James Walshaw in front of a crowd of 343. A repeat of that performance this afternoon would do our cause no harm at all. Twice in our last two games we have come agonisingly close to getting an unwanted monkey off our backs - that being a long overdue home victory. Against both Hebburn Town and Brighouse Town we were within minutes of achieving just that but equalising strikes by our opponents in the last minute of normal time were both demoralising outcomes. As a result the four points dropped have left us occupying 15th position in the Division One East table whereas we might now have been in a far more comfortable 11th spot. Today sees us playing our third consecutive home fixture against Bridlington Town who arrive here this afternoon lying 10th in the table with 20 points from their 16 games played to date. Their away form, unlike ourselves, is proving to be their Achilles heel so far which has seen them win only once along with a draw on their travels. Our last home win in the League was back on February 7th 2023 when our opponents were coincidentally Bridlington Town

Since Bridlington returned to the Northern Premier League ranks we have met four times previously in which we have registered a win apiece with two matches ending in stalemate. Any meeting with this afternoon’s visitors gives me the pleasurable experience of meeting up again with the Bridlington Town Chairman Peter Smirthwaite whom I have known for a very long time and going back to the days of Northern Counties East League football. Peter has put an awful lot of time, effort and no doubt money into the Seasiders all of which should be greatly respected.

We welcome Peter and his Committee people to Ingfield along with the club’s management team, players and not least the supporters of Bridlington and we hope they take away with them a favourable impression of Ossett United. On that front we were pleased last Tuesday evening when the match referee took the time and trouble to write to the Club to express his appreciation of our overall hospitality on the night adding in that respect that we are “one of the best Clubs around for that!”

On the subject of referees I received a copy of an old but unusual misconduct report form submitted by the referee of the Hendon Athletic v Belsize Park Rovers match played in the Finchley & Golders Green League. The referee cautioned Jack O’Callaghan, Sid Lewin and Nawab Malik of Belsize Park Rovers for the following offences. Jack O’Callaghan - “the player called me a speccy ginger **** when I did not award him a penalty”. Sid Lewin - “the player stole my glasses from my face and tossed them to his teammate”. Nawab Malik - “the player tossed the glasses over my head back to Sid Lewin and played ‘piggy in the middle’ for toughly 30 seconds while singing “ginger wants his glasses back”. The referee further commented that it was somewhat hard to restore discipline and respect after this incident.

Today’s match will be our last home game before the visit of Winterton Rangers on Saturday December 9th . On this occasion we will be holding our Annual pre-Christmas collection for the South Ossett Foodbank.

Could I put out a plea to our supporters if you are able to make a donation – however large or small. The Foodbank relies on donations such as our collection and in the past we, as a Club, have been extremely generous so please help us to carry on supporting this worthy cause. Enjoy the game and your visit to Ingfield.

THE DUGOUT GRANT BLACK - MANAGER us that we have what it takes to get results in this league.

Good Afternoon and welcome to Ingfield for today’s game against Bridlington Town. This league is ultra-competitive, more so now than at any point during my time in non-league football. Tuesday night and all of our fixtures have shown that this season, there really isn’t much to separate teams. While we were unfortunate not to come away with 3 points on Tuesday, our performance throughout, I feel was one we can take pride in. We dominated chances and possession playing some excellent football in the first half, as we caught them flat-footed after a change in tactics. After halftime the lads really dug in as Brighouse showed why there are no easy games in this division. To concede late on can be a blow, but the attitude and application we’ve seen from the lads still shows

On to today, our visitors have been in good form of late after starting the season slowly. Showing that things can change so quickly at this level. We all know how high our standards will have to be to get a positive result this afternoon. Your backing is always appreciated and does transmit to the lads on the pitch. So this afternoon, be vocal, be proud and get behind the boys. Cheers and enjoy the game.

Blackie.

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN HARRY COATES - CAPTAIN Bridlington Town, are in good form recently. But confidence remains high and we hope to put an end to that form today. See you all at the game and on the terraces. Get behind the lads and thanks again. Watching the lads on Tuesday night was a delight first half. We played some fantastic football, dominating the game, which was us 1-0 up at half time. Unfortunately we just couldn’t hold out for the 3 points and to concede a late goal in any game is always disappointing.

Harry

Today brings a new challenge for the team. I know, as a group, we are all desperate to give the fans that first home win. Our visitors,

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OSSETT UNITED OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

DOUBLE SIGNING FOR THE BLUES Milambo Commits

Killer Signing for Ossett Experienced central defender Shane Killock brother of former OUFC centre back Ross Killock, has put pen to paper at Ossett United having recently left Pitching In NPL West side Mossley where he made 29 appearances in all competitions. Grant Black “we found out this week that Harry Coates has an issue and will require an operation in the coming weeks that will rule him out for anything up to eight weeks. I am over the moon to bring Shane into the club, he will add experience to the dressing room and quality on the field. Shane made it clear her wanted to come to the club and turned down the opportunity to speak to other clubs.” Shane’s registration has been approved by the league and he is available for selection today.

Having made a string of impressive performances since joining the club recently, we are happy to announce Jeremie Milambo has committed his future to the club. Grant Black said “Jeremie has been fantastic since he came in and when he signed, I had told him if he impressed he would be rewarded, and he has done just that. This season it is important for his development that he gets games after a couple of stop-start years, and I have no doubt in seasons to come he will be catching the eye of some top sides.” Milambo agreed, adding “I have needed stability in my game for some time and this is what I have got at Ossett United and that has helped me a lot. I really appreciate the support I have received”.

VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX CRAIG BIDDLESTONE In recent games against Hebburn and Brighouse we showed that we are capable of playing football at home, to come from 3-0 down against Hebburn to go 4-3 up and to lead the game against Brighouse for 86 minutes shows that we have the players, the management, the ability, but what is missing?

As we approach the busy winter period of the season it’s fair to say it’s been a mixed bag on the pitch so far, but the signs, especially at home, are beginning to be promising. I’m very vocal at the best of times (some could say it’s my job!), and none of my views are aimed at Grant, his players, or his management team, but if I were a supporter only, and not a supporter AND club representative, I would say that results at Ingfield have been disappointing to say the least. Away from home 4 wins and 3 defeats is perfectly sound, I work simply on the basis of win your home games and draw your away games and everything else is a bonus. At home, it’s very difficult to say what the issue is - 3 draws and 5 losses, means there is an issue somewhere, but where?

I liken it to a striker going through a barren spell, you can have that 25 goal a season striker who all of a sudden can’t hit a barn door - 5 games without a goal goes to 10, then 15, then all of a sudden he’s sat on the bench as the manager looks for an option, or for ideas to try and a) get his back-up striker scoring, or b) to get the striker in question to find his mojo, his confidence. The striker is probably doing it in training without a problem, it as soon as he crosses that white line and the whistle goes, it’s just not happening, but, eventually it will come, that goal will be because of a wayward shot bouncing in off his backside, or being in the right place at the right time, or poking home after a teammate’s goal bound shot has somehow come off his toenail - just getting that one goal can help immeasurably with his confidence, and next thing you know he’s slammed a worldy in to

the top left corner from 25 yards or beat 3 men before sliding the ball past the keeper and he’s back. I genuinely think that similar will happen with Ossett United, a result WILL come at Ingfield, and it will be the catalyst for better things. I’m delighted to see Shane Killock join us this week, Shane of course is the brother of Ross Killock, Ross looked very steady in an Ossett United shirt before injury put an end to his playing days for us, and he would of course be the first to remind everyone that he (alongside James Walshaw) have a 100% winning record at the helm of Ossett United, albeit as caretakers, and Shane comes with an equal pedigree so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do for us on the pitch.

Today’s half time playlist is from the year 1988, chosen by Paul Billing, enjoy the tunes, and enjoy the game and get behind the lads.

Craig

Player’s Number

Sponsor

Number 1

Stanley Kelly

Number 2

The Scottish Supporters Club

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24 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’

MEET THE TEAM 2023/24 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

DARYL OMBANG – GOALKEEPER SIGNED ON LOAN FROM LEEDS UNITED IN OCTOBER. HAS MADE AN IMPRESSIVE START TO LIFE BETWEEN THE STICKS FOR THE SHEEPICORNS. IMPRESSING IN A RESOLUTE WIN AWAY AT STOCKSBRIDGE. SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

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

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 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

THE OPPOSITION Bridlington Town AFC – History After the First World War a group of school leavers, anxious to continue their enjoyment of football, decided to form their own club, which they named Bridlington Centrals. At first they competed in the Driffield & District Minor League and in due course they had to move up to the Driffield & District League. Eventually, they found themselves in the East Riding Amateur League where they enjoyed a fair amount of success which was climaxed by five consecutive championships in the fifties. In the same period Centrals also carried off the East Riding Senior Cup on two occasions and this success encouraged them to join the Yorkshire League in 1959 under the changed name of Bridlington Town. The club immediately finished runners-up in Division Two and qualified for promotion to the First Division. They also reached the first round proper of the F.A.Cup for the first time where they lost to the then mighty Bishop Auckland. Soon after another F.A.Cup tie attracted the record attendance for Queensgate when 2,102 spectators saw Town take on neighbours Scarborough. In 1967 Bridlington dominated the Yorkshire League but Town had to settle for second best to Bridlington Trinity although some consolation was gained by winning the East Riding Senior Cup again. Town had also won the League Cup in 1960, 1961 and 1966. In 1982 the Northern Counties (East) League emerged from the amalgamation of the Yorkshire and Midland Leagues. Town were placed in Division One (North) but were elevated to the Premier Division in 1986 following the resignation of a number of clubs to join the Northern Premier League. In 1988-89 the club achieved their best placing, finishing third and defeating champions Emley in the League Cup Final. Town also recorded their seventh victory in the East Riding Senior Cup beating Hull City 1 – 0. The following year Town were finalists at Wembley for the first time in the F.A. Vase, in front of a crowd of 7,932, the game finishing 0 - 0, the only ever Wembley final to be goalless, with Yeading winning the replay 1 - 0 at Elland Road 9 days later. During the intervening period between the final and the replay Town had to play Hull City in defence of the East Riding Senior Cup, the League Cup

THE OPPOSITION against Ossett Town and a league game. During this period Ken Richardson had joined the club as President and was instrumental in assisting the club with the necessary finance to develop the ground by building a new stand, clubhouse, turnstiles and floodlights. Town were now regarded as one of the strongest teams in non-league football and reached Wembley again in 1993, this time in front of a slightly bigger crowd of 9,061, and this time returned the victors one nil over Tiverton Town, thanks to a goal from Alan Radford. Town also won the Northern Premier (Unibond) League First division. Due to legal wrangles the team moved to play their home games at Doncaster Rovers ground and then folded, leaving Queensgate with no football during 1993 - 94. Following the disbanding of the Semi-Pro side after the 1993/94 season an ambitious local 'PUB' side, The Greyhound, were inspired to make an approach to the lease-holders with a view to making the Queensgate ground the base for The Greyhound team. A deal was struck with the proviso that the club change their name to Bridlington Town AFC. A new club crest was designed and a new motto 'Pergere et Eniti', broadly meaning 'Onwards and Upwards', was adopted. The new era began an 10 September 1994 when the new Bridlington Town AFC took to the field for their first league game against Viking Panthers in the Driffield and District League Premier Division in front of 200 spectators. Many local observers speculated as to how long the club would survive at Queensgate with the obvious financial burden but the team completed that season in their new home finishing fourth in the league and also reached the final of the East Riding Senior Country Cup. Steady Progression saw the club join the East Riding County League Division One, where the League and Cup Double was achieved. Over the next three seasons in the County Premier Division the club continued to improve and made application to the Northern Counties East League. It was on the third application that Bridlington Town was accepted, having finished runner up in the league but beat the league champions in the league cup final of 1998/99, under manager John Bowman. A fifth place finish in that first season back in the NCEL was creditable, but at Xmas in 2000 the club had slumped to mid-table. Bowman was replaced by Billy Heath and he took the club to a 4th place finish. Towns 3rd season back in the NCEL saw an 18 game unbeaten run lift Town to finish Division One Runners Up and gained promotion to the Premier Division. The 2002 - 2003 season started with a continuation of the good form and 14 straight wins in all competitions. Town also reached the 4th

THE OPPOSITION Qualifying round of the FA Cup, losing away at Conference side Southport, and the 1/4 final of the Vase, losing away at League rivals and eventual Vase winners Brigg Town. Another incredible run of league form saw Town lose only one of the last 26 games and the Club finished as Champions with a fantastic 20 point winning margin to gain promotion to the Unibond League for 2003 – 2004. Winter postponements and the cup success saw Town playing three games each week through March and April and the heavy toll caused Town to "sacrifice" the cup success for the league title. To ensure promotion, Gary Wilkinson of Wilkinson Caravans, the main sponsor, also secured the purchase of Bridlington Town AFC Ltd from the former owners thus ensuring the future of the club. The season in the Unibond Division One saw injuries and suspensions take their toll in the second half of the season but the club finished in 11th place to complete A third successive promotion, this time to the Unibond Premier Division, that was due to the reorganisation of the league and meant the new club had returned to the status held by the former club when they folded, and had achieved this in just ten seasons. Gary Wilkinson was unable to continue with the club any longer due to financial constraints, and Pete Smurthwaite, of PBS Construction, bought the club. and after the resignation of Billy Heath Pete also has a spell as Town Manager but brought in Paul Marshall unfortunately things did not work out for Marshall and he was replaced by the management team of Ash Berry and Paul Stoneman with the help of Coach Grant Crookes who after a year in charge were also replaced by the temporary charge of former Grimsby Town defender Mark Lever with the help of Peter Smurthwaite Town finished bottom of the UniBond league and were relegated back to the Northern Counties East League. 2008/09 season Chairman Peter Smurthwaite appoints Tim Hotte and Gary Allanson as joint Managers and the club finishes a respectable 4th position in the league and lost to UniBond Premier side North Ferriby in the East Riding senior cup final at the KC Stadium and within days the Management team had resigned from the club due to personnel reasons. but within days and to the delight of the Town supporters Gary Allanson had a change of heart and was back in the hot seat appointing club Captain Phil Harrison as his assistant and the pair proved to be an instant success as the club went on to win the league by 11 points and scoring 123 league goals along the way. 2010/11 Another good season and Town were in the race to retain their title but just fell short losing out to Farsley with Parkgate being runners up. Town fans were left shocked when Manager Gary Allanson had decided to leave

THE OPPOSITION the club at the end of the season and was involved in helping select his successor and that was to be Mitch Cook the former Scarborough Town and Pickering Town Manager who will take charge for the 2011/12 season, in Cook’s first season Town finished runners up to Retford missing out on the title by one point but were successful in the East riding cup beating Hall Road reserves 9-2 in the cup final at the KC Stadium in Hull. 2012/13 and Town had another good season under Mitch Cook finishing in third place with a massive 95 points and scoring 137 league goals along the way, this was to be Cook’s last season in charge as he announced he would have to stand down due to work commitments. 2013/14 Seasiders fans were delighted to see former Manager Gary Allanson return despite a big rebuilding programme due to players leaving it wasn't a great season with the club finishing 12th in the NCEL and losing 5-2 to North Ferriby in the senior cup final. 2014/15 Another season under Gary Allanson would see an improvement on the previous season with an 8th place finish in the league but some silverware in the East Riding Senior cup after a 4-2 win against Hull United where Craig Hogg scored a hat-trick. 2015/16 the ever improving Seasiders managed a 5th place finish in the NCEL and also got to the League cup semi-final losing 1-0 to eventual winners Cleethorpes Town but the club went on to retain the East Riding Senior cup after an impressive 1-0 win over North Ferriby United. 2016/17 The Seasiders didn't have the best of starts to the league campaign but did have their best run in the National cup competitions for a number of years reaching the FA Cup 2nd qualifier and taking Harrogate Town to a replay it was a goal from former Seasider Chib Chilaka scored a 89th minute that won the replay 3-2 for Harrogate. The club also went on to the first round of the FA Vase. It was after a 3-1 away win at Harrogate Railway that the club was shocked by news that Gary Allanson announced he would be leaving due to personal reasons, Chairman Peter Smurthwaite acted swiftly and appointed former professional footballer and British boxing champion Curtis Woodhouse along with former Hull City Legend Ian Ashbee as his assistant. The Seasiders went on an amazing 14 match winning run that saw the club close in on the title race but we just fell short in the end with a third place finish but the club had success in the East Riding Senior cup final beating Hull City 4-2 in the final the club also made it to the League cup final losing 4-1 to Penistone Church FC at Bramall Lane.

THE OPPOSITION 2017/18 it wasn't the best of seasons to what we would usually expect at Bridlington Town, we also suffered injuries to key players like Nicky McNamara on the opening day of the season that ruled him out for the season also Jamie Forrester and Brett Agnew. One of the highlights from the season was the success of local lad Jake Day who scored 48 goals and finished the top scorer in the NCEL Premier division. We finished a disappointing ninth in the league, we also lost in the league cup semi-final to AFC Mansfield and we reached the East Riding Senior cup final where we lost 2-1 to Hull City at the East Riding FA headquarters. 2018/19. On Sunday 9th September Curtis Woodhouse announced he would be stepping down as Manager with immediate effect and Brett Agnew and Anthony Bowsley would step in as caretaker managers. After just three games in a caretaker roll Brett and Anthony were given the roll as the full time Management team and it turned out to be a successful one finishing third in the NCEL and also winning the East Riding Senior Cup beating Hull City u23s in the final. 2019/2020 A season where three promotion places were available the gaffer Brett Agnew and assistant Anthony Bowsley put a good side together and were well in the race for promotion when the season was ended due to the covid-19 outbreak meaning no teams were promoted. 2020/21 Another disrupted season due to the Covid pandemic saw the season ended after just nine games the Seasiders finished with 7 wins and two defeats. Due to a new league formation in the Northern Premier League Bridlington were offered promotion to the new East division which was accepted by the club. 2021/22 A new season in a new league and hopefully no more disruptions, the gaffer Brett Agnew felt he had his strongest squad in his time at the club. With just a few months of the season to go Manager Brett Agnew announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. Bridlington was in a relegation battle that went down to the last match of the season. Lewis Dennison’s 90th minute penalty against Dunston FC was the crucial goal that gave town the tree points needed to stay in the NPLE division for another season. 2022/23 A new era for the club with former player and coach Mike Thompson was appointed the new manager of the club bringing with him experienced coach Adrian Costello as his assistant and Ron Milham as goalkeeper coach.

THE OPPOSITION James Hitchcock (Goalkeeper) James has made over 350 appearances for the Seasiders, James has great distribution and excellent shot stopping could be a real asset for the Seasiders, Previous clubs include Scarborough Athletic, Hall Road Rangers and Goole FC. Jack Bulless (Defender) Now in his fifth season with the club Jack is a strong defender with a great left foot was with Hull City Academy for 10 years. James Williamson (Defender) Club Captain James is a versatile defender who can play in the centre or as a right full back. He is an uncompromising defender who also has a scoring touch. A great addition to the squad. Benn Lewis (Full Back) right back with composure on the ball who reads the game well. A player with good vision and passing ability that is always looking to get forward. Former clubs include Hull City, Hall Road Rangers and North Ferriby United. Jack Walters (Full Back) Jack is a pacey left back that likes to get forward, previous clubs include Hull United, Sheffield FC, North Ferriby United, Gainsborough Trinity and Grantham Town. Matty Dixon (Def/Mid) Matty joins the club after a brief stint with Grantham Town, a wealth of experience for someone his age captained Hull City’s Under 18s. Ellis Barkworth (Defender) Right back, who can also play centre half or as a wing back, joined the Seasiders from Barton Town. A former Hull City Academy player, Ellis made one appearance for Hull in a League Cup defeat to Doncaster. He then went on to Tadcaster, making 50 appearances and scoring one goal. previous clubs include: Hull City, Tadcaster Albion, Scarborough Athletic and Barton Town. Andy Norfolk (Mid/For) A popular player with the seaside faithful Andy is an aggressive footballer who has been known to play a number of positions Andy chips in with a fair share of goals and is not short of saying what he thinks usually at the forefront of any stitch ups in the changing room Previous clubs Rotherham United

THE OPPOSITION Pete Davidson (Midfield) Newly appointed club captain Pete joined the club from Scarborough Athletic, Pete has also had spells at Farsley Celtic and Tadcaster. His nickname is the Yorkshire Pirlo which tells you all you need to know about his playing style. Pete is someone who can dictate the game at his own pace and will be a shrewd bit of business for the club this season. Lewis Dennison (Def/Mid/For) Denny is a great athlete with good delivery in wide areas can run all day long terrible banter previous clubs North Ferriby, Goole, Brigg, Scarborough and Gainsborough Trinity. Jack Bulless (Defender) Now in his fifth season with the club Jack is a strong defender with a great left foot was with Hull City Academy for 10 years. Ali Aydemir (Striker) Ali possesses blistering pace and loves to run at defenders, already popular with the Town faithful. Previous clubs include East Hull. Adam Stockhill (Left Back) A young fit and aggressive full back with a big future in the game part of the successful Bishop Burton side who last year were crowned national champions. Finlay Southcoat (Winger) An exciting dynamic wide player extremely direct with plenty of pace and energy another with a big future in the game and another who is part of the Bishop Burton set up.

Cam Cunningham (Winger) Great work ethic and a lovely left foot. Will be a fan’s favourite with his ability to take people on and eye for goal - Previous club North Shields, Goole FC and Grantham Town. Finlay Southcoat (Winger) An exciting dynamic wide player extremely direct with plenty of pace and energy another with a big future in the game and another who is part of the Bishop Burton set up. Glen Sani (Striker) Glen joined the club after a successful trial. A strong pacey attacker that loves to run at the defenders. Previous club Hull City.

THE UNTOLD GAME MARTYN GREEN When Inter threw the Derby d’Italia The biggest game in Italy is always a spectacle. Juventus’ matches against Internazionale are nicknamed the Derby d’Italia, and for good reason. The Bianconeri are out in front of all of their domestic opponents, consistently the team to beat on the peninsula and boasting an impressive record of trophies. Inter are their closest rivals, both in terms of titles won (although Milan have now joined them) and in terms of the ferocity of their duels, far surpassing the Turin derby for Italy’s most successful club. You might expect, then, that the record between the two is always close, even if one side gains the ascendency for a period. You might not expect, from a fiercely contested season, for the record result between the teams to be a 9-1 drubbing by Juventus of their Milanese rivals. But it’s not quite as it seems. Approaching seven years without a Scudetto, in the summer of 1960 Inter made perhaps the most important decision in their history, approaching Spanish giants Barcelona for permission to talk to their Argentinian manager. The arrival of Helenio Herrera at the San Siro immediately improved their fortunes, and over the course of the 1960s would lead to significant successes, including three league titles in four years and two successive European Cups. But when

he arrived in Italy, Juventus were the reigning champions, and were still the side to beat. Herrera’s rejuvenated Inter held the early ascendency in the season, beating Juventus 3-1 at home before Christmas, but struggled to maintain their form after the break, with a relentless Juventus piling pressure on their rivals, and Inter breaking under it. They lost five games going into the return fixture in April, and needed a win to maintain their title hopes. Herrera’s new catenaccio would have to be at its absolute best to cope with Juventus hero Omar Sivori, who seemed able to score from nothing. They started brightly, and were the stronger side against the hosts, whose fans grew more and more enraged at their side’s inability to impress themselves onto the game. At one point, Inter broke, catching Juventus

THE UNTOLD GAME MARTYN GREEN up the pitch, and hit the post with their chance. That was the moment the dam broke, and riotous Juventus fans spilled onto the pitch. Chased from the stadium, the Inter players took refuge in the changing rooms, until the referee decided to abandon the match due to crowd trouble. When Herrera and his players made their way back to Milan, news came through that they had been awarded the match 2-0, closing the gap to within a single game. Inter used the awarding of the result to spur them on for the rest of the season, which the Italian FA - the FIGC - fell into disarray. Going into the final games of the season, Juventus still led the league, but a loss at Fiorentina would give Inter a chance to secure their first title since the mid-1950s. The FIGC, however, had appointed Umberto Agnelli as its president, and had other ideas. Despite the conflict of interest - the Agnelli family have owned Juventus since 1923 - they announced that the abandoned game would be replayed, and Inter’s 2-0 victory would be withdrawn. Inter protested that the FIGC were simply handing the title to the team owned by their president, and lost their final game with the distraction. Juventus secured the point they needed anyway, but the decision left an ill-tempered dead-rubber between the sides still to be played.

In protest against the decision, Helenio Herrera and the Inter board decided to play the youth team in the 1961 Derby d’Italia. The youngsters simply couldn’t compete with the champions, and succumbed to a chastening defeat. Sivori helped himself to six goals in the game, taking him to within striking distance of the Capocannoniere, the award for the top goalscorer in the season. For Inter, the occasion was marked by a first goal for Sandro Mazzola, who would go on to become something of a legend himself. Inter suffered further ignominy the following season, watching their city rivals lift the title before Herrera’s new system finally started producing results. Juventus, on the other hand, struggled against relegation following the 1961 season. The decade would eventually belong to Inter, but the rancour remained. As for the corruption at the heart of Italian football, there is a belief that has borne out throughout the following decades: Juventus might not always instigate the scandal, but they are always involved somewhere. And, after the 1961 debacle, who can argue? Martyn Green publishes a weekly untold story from The Beautiful Game. Find more at theuntoldgame.co.uk

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CLUB HISTORY THE FORMATION 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 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 UP TO NOW... 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.

2023/2024 DATE

OPPONENT

COMP. RES. SCORERS

04/07/23 07/07/23 11/07/23 14/07/23 18/07/23 22/07/23 25/07/23 29/07/23

(A) HORBURY TOWN (A) ARMTHORPE TOWN (A) WORKSOP TOWN (A) TADCASTER ALBION (A) HEMSWORTH M.W (A) GOOLE (A) GARFORTH TOWN (H) WIDNES FC

FRIENDLY FRIENDLY FRIENDLY FRIENDLY

3-1 3-2 0-1 1-0 S.KELLY TROPHY 2-0 FRIENDLY 1-4 FRIENDLY 0-3 FRIENDLY 1-0

IBRAHIM, ONWUBIKO, TRIALIST D ONWUBIKO, KELLY, REANEY

05/08/23 12/08/23 15/08/23 19/08/23 22/08/23 26/08/23 28/08/23

(H) 1874 NORTHWICH (A) SHEFFIELD FC (H) DUNSTON FC (H) WYTHENSHAWE (A) ASHINGTON (H) STOCKTON TOWN (A) PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES

FA CUP NPL EAST NPL EAST FA CUP NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

2-0 1-3 2-4 2-0 1-0 0-1 0-4

PETERSON (2) OWN GOAL IBRAHIM, AMPONSAH BURKE, REANEY SWALES

02/09/23 (H) MARSKE UNITED 09/09/23 (A) NORTH FERRIBY 16/09/23 (A) NEWTON AYCLIFFE 30/09/23 (H) GRIMSBY BOROUGH

FA CUP FA TROPHY NPL EAST NPL EAST

0-3 1-2 3-1 0-2

03/10/23 (H) GRANTHAM TOWN 07/10/23 (A) CONSETT 10/10/23 (H) HORBURY TOWN 14/10/23 (H) CARLTON TOWN 28/10/23 (A) STOCKSBRIDGE P.S

NPL EAST NPL EAST COUNTY CUP NPL EAST NPL EAST

0-0 2-1 2-0 0-2 1-0

04/11/23 11/11/23 20/10/23 25/11/23 28/11/23

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST COUNTY CUP

1-3 4-4 1-1

(A) NORTH FERRIBY (H) HEBBURN TOWN (H) BRIGHOUSE TOWN (H) BRIDLINGTON TOWN (A) BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

02/12/23 (A) BELPER TOWN 09/12/23 (H) WINTERTON RANGERS 16/12/23 (A) DUNSTON FC 22/12/23 (H) SHEFFIELD FC 26/12/23 (A) LIVERSEDGE

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

01/01/24 (H) PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES 06/01/24 (A) STOCKTON TOWN 13/01/24 (H) ASHINGTON 20/01/24 (H) STOCKSBRIDGE P.S 27/01/24 (A) BRIGHOUSE TOWN

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

MOM

ATT 450

JOHN ROBSON, ONWUBIKO WOODCOCK MILLER

MILLER EDWARDS (2), AMPONSAH

212 PETERSON WOODCOCK BURKE GREEN COATES

392 321 271 327 553 323 432

MILLER GREEN PLATER MCLOUGHLIN

321 472 158 357

PLATER IBRAHIM, LIPKA REANEY, LIPKA

REANEY

PETERSON

ROBSON

168 377 744 346 202

PETERSON LIPKA, GREGORY (2), FERREIRA AMPONSAH

OMBANG OMBANG

521 283 255

2023/2024 DATE

OPPONENT

COMP. RES. SCORERS

03/02/24 (H) NEWTON AYCLIFFE 17/02/24 (A) GRIMSBY BOROUGH 24/02/23 (H) CONSETT

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

02/03/24 16/03/24 23/03/24 30/03/24

(A) CARLTON TOWN (A) WINTERTON RANGERS (H) BELPER TOWN (A) GRANTHAM TOWN

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

01/04/24 (H) LIVERSEDGE 06/04/24 (A) HEBBURN TOWN 13/04/24 (H) NORTH FERRIBY 20/04/24 (A) BRIDLINGTON TOWN 27/04/24 (H) CLEETHORPES TOWN

NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST NPL EAST

MOM

ATT

Man In The Middle Name: Sam Packer Refereeing Journey: I’m from Middlesbrough, Cleveland. I’ve been a match official since 2009. I have officiated in various competitions and leagues including; The Northern Premier League, North Premier League East, Northern League, Vanarama National League, Vanarama National league North. I have officiated in Denmark and the USA back in 2014. I have refereed in this season’s FA cup, I’ve previously officiated on a Women’s Fa cup quarter final as well as North riding Senior cup final 2022 as match referee.

TALE OF THE TAPE SEASON STATS

CLUB STATISTICIAN – GEOFFERY PYKE Leading Goalscorers

Man of the Match Awards Player

League

Cup

Total

Harry Coates

Rhys Plater

Joe Green

Darryl Ombang

Josh Woodcock

Jacob McLoughlin

Tom Claisse

Derry Robson

Alex Peterson

Jimmy Burke

Paddy Miller

Player

League

Cup

Total

Alex Peterson

Desmond Amponsah

Janni Lipka

Diego Edwards

TJ Ibrahim

Corey Gregory

Charlie Reaney

Kelan Swales

Rafa Ferreira

Jimmy Burke

Paddy Miller

Joe GREEN Darryl OMBANG Fabian BAILEY Jimmy BURKE Harry COATES Jacob McLOUGHLIN Shane KILLOCK Jeremie MILAMBO Corey GREGORY Rhys PLATER Rafa FERREIRA Derry ROBSON Janni LIPKA Tom CLAISSE TJ IBRAHIM Desmond AMPONSAH Kelan SWALES Sam KELLY Alex PETERSON

SHIRTS: SKY BLUE SHORTS: NAVY SOCKS: NAVY GK: ALL PINK

James HITCHCOCK Marc WAINE James WILLIAMSON Jack BULLESS Adam STOCKHILL Jack WALTERS Benn LEWIS Ellis BARKWORTH Matty DIXON Alex MARKHAM Finlay SOUTHCOAT Pete DAVIDSON Sam FLOWERDEW Ali AYDEMIR Cameron CUNNINGHAM Tom ALGAR Lewis DENNISON Max EZARD Andrew NORFOLK Glen SANI George HARRISON

SHIRTS: RED SHORTS: RED SOCKS: RED GK: ALL GREEN

MATCH OFFICIALS AR1 HAIM FITERMAN

REFEREE SAMUEL PACKER

AR2

JAMES GALLAGHER