WAC programme - Tow Law Town

allotment

WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14

thirteen lions England weren’t the only ones impressing during the international break

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welcome 16

Club Officials

14

President Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary Treasurer Commercial

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contents

Committee

the history

4

the squad

6

the backroom staff

9

the last match

10

the last meeting

12

the preview

14

the visitors

16

the feature

18

the letter draw

21

on this day

22

the player statistics

24]

fixtures, results, table

25

rottweiler’s notes

26

the squads

28

Press Officer Photographer

Alex Smailes Roland Mather Jimmy Wilson Ted Ilderton John Alexander Jonny Thompson David Dodds Paul Mason Above, plus Al Liddle,Michael Wilson, Les Scott, Kath Orr, Harry Bell, Stephen Allott, Richie Marks Craig Dobson Graeme Jackson

Backroom Staff Manager Assistant Manager First Team Coach Physio

Paul Stoneman Wilf Kielty Paul Hogg Charlotte Ferguson

Selected Club Honours Northern Alliance champions

1987, 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 Northern League D2 champions 2005 NFA Amateur Cup winners 1957, 1975 NFA Benevolent Bowl winners 1993 Craven Cup winners 2005 Ernest Armstrong Mem. Cup winners 2013

eighty-five Stephen Allott takes you on a whistlestop tour

from creation to contenders

...and the decade of decline

West Allotment Celtic were formed in 1928, the culmination of a merger between West Allotment Primitive Methodists and West Allotment Juniors.

After moving to the newly-created Tynemouth & District League in 1935, the club began to grow in stature. The club had to face Whitley Bay & Monkseaton Reserves in a play-off for the title, but unfortunately, the decider went the way of the seasiders. Remarkably, Allotment also finished in a play-off position in the following two seasons – and, in both cases, had to settle for a runner-up spot.

The sixties started promisingly enough, as Allotment looked to build on their previous successes. The club finished as runners-up in the Northern Amateur League in 1960, and were consecutive Minor Cup finalists in 1960 and 1961.

changing leagues, sheds and times In 1938, the club joined the Second Division of the Northern Amateur League. Now playing at the aptly-named Farm Ground, fans helped to dismantle a cowshed in Heaton and move it, piece by piece, to West Allotment, where it was reassembled at the ground. The shed was not for spectators – it served as the players’ changing facilities! The club earned instant promotion (after a play-off, such is club tradition), but World War II put a stop to any further progress.

a succession of successes...

The club recommenced operations in 1946/47 and enjoyed an unprecedented run of success from the mid-fifties onwards. Allotment won the championship for four consecutive seasons between 1956 and 1960, along with the NFA Amateur Cup in 1957 and the NFA Minor Cup in 1958.

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West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

However, whilst Celtic remained loyal to the Northern Amateur League, the bulk of the team moved on, and Allotment entered a period of decline as a result. The club stagnated badly during the sixties in an uncompetitive league, and closure become a distinctly worrying possibility.

The threat of dissolution was eventually staved off by the introduction of new blood into the club towards the end of the decade, as Allotment finally began to build towards a more positive future on and off the pitch. Celtic also moved to Backworth Welfare in 1968, consigning the ponds and mud of the Farm Ground to memory.

champions at long last A rejuvenated West Allotment won the NFA Amateur Cup again in 1975, largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of Benny Williams,

years in the making of the club’s history, studded with hardship, success and numerous relocations... who averaged almost one goal a game in his 400 appearances for the club. Williams was ably supported by a talented and hungry squad, and, with strength in depth, Allotment were always considered title contenders. However, the championship remained tantalisingly out of reach until yet another play-off tie in 1982. Allotment finally won the coveted title, defeating Annitsford Welfare by the odd goal in seven.

Alliance titles, never finishing lower than sixth. Terry Mitchell and Brian Latty built upon Ken Scott and Billy Hays’ consecutive Alliance league titles, leading Allotment into the Northern League.

the modern day

When Celtic retained the title with relative ease the following season, the decision was taken to move up a tier for the first time since 1938.

Having acted as tenants at Hillheads in Whitley Bay since 1995, the club set out to find a new home, and found it in Benton. In 2001, the club moved to Whitley Park, also known as the Blue Flames Sports Ground. The ground is well-known as one of the best kept pitches in the Northern League, and also serves as the headquarters of the Northumberland FA.

the colossus of the alliance In 1983, Allotment made its debut in both the Northern Alliance and the FA Vase. The first honour of the period arrived just one season later, as Allotment dispatched Ponteland United in the Alliance Challenge Cup Final. This success was followed up two seasons later by the first of Celtic’s eight Alliance titles.

In 1987, West Allotment emerged victorious from two nail-biting play-off games against Gosforth St. Nicholas, ushering in a wave of success not enjoyed at the club since the fifties. Throughout this period, Celtic won seven further Northern

The club earned promotion from Division Two as champions, losing just twice throughout the entire 2004/05 season. After six seasons of holding their own against the Northern League’s top tier, Allotment slipped back down a league. The current crop have gone some way to restoring success at Allotment, winning the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup last May, and will be aiming for those promotion places this season. the history

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the squad

Chris Bannon GK Age: 26 Formerly of Washington and Hebburn Town, popular and reliable ‘keeper Chris returns to Allotment for a second stint between the sticks, and will jostle with Ryan Beal for the number one jersey.

Glenn Ford CB Age: 29 Glenn rejoined the club during the 2012/13 season, making a handful of solid appearances.

Having committed for this coming season, fans can expect to see much more of Glenn and his defensive abilities.

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Ryan Beal GK Age: 25 An excellent shot stopper, Ryan featured extensively in last season’s cup-winning campaign, and will look to consolidate his place with similarly strong performances this season.

GK Chris Bannon GK Ryan Beal GK Bob Rodgerson

CB Simon Wilthew CB Glenn Ford CB Stephen Little CB Paul Stoneman RB John Pendlebury

Bob Rodgerson Stephen Little GK Age: 31 CB Age: 26 A Percy Main Amateurs The ex-Annfield Plain regular, Bob performed and Killingworth stopper admirably when filling shone at the back for in during a goalkeeping Allotment last season, crisis towards the back putting in a series of end of last season, and superlative defensive has registered once again showings, earning the to be our third choice Player’s Player of the Year ‘keeper.

Award in the process.

Chris Douglas John Pendlebury Simon Wilthew RB Age: 29 RB Age: 27 CB Age: 25 Simon featured 15 times A first-team regular since The ultimate utility player, Chris can be employed signing for Allotment at the back for Allotment anywhere down either from Ryton in 2010, last season. Strong at flank to devastating John’s relentless work centre-half and adept at effect. The former North ethic and tenacious left-back, the Monkseaton Shields man’s pace and tackling bring stability defender will be looking perception underpins his to the back four. The to build on his impressive undoubted ability, be it full-back often serves as debut in the Northern as a full-back or a wide captain in the absence of League. midfielder.

Ian Dunn.

West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

RB Chris Douglas LB Marc Dummett CM Alex Nisbet CM Michael Latimer CM Roy Gordon

CM Ian Dunn CM Marc Allen CM David Henderson CM Michael Bell CM Sean Reid

RM Kallum McGlen RM Tony Lancaster LM Dean Lee LM Connor Graham ST Lawrence McKenna

Marc Dummett LB Age: 26 The former Ponteland United and Dunston fullback has proven to be an asset to the club in both defence and attack. His crossing ability in both regular play and from set-pieces is second to none.

Roy Gordon CM Age: 31 Roy rejoins Celtic for a second spell, having last played for the club during the 2011/12 season. Able to play in a number of positions, the experienced utility man has also turned out for North Shields, Consett and Annfield Plain.

David Henderson Michael Latimer CM Age: 28 CM Age: 26 David Henderson Seasoned midfielder rejoined the club last Michael returns to season, and the former Allotment, having spent North Shields schemer time at Bedlington provides another option Terriers, Newcastle going forward through Benfield and Washington. the middle. Henders A tough tackler and a is arguably one of the highly versatile member of the squad, capable of most skilful players in the squad. playing at centre-half.

Michael Bell CM Age: 22 Brimming with potential, “Belly” won the Under-19 National Schools Cup with Northumberland and has also represented Ryton. Bell is unbeatable in the air, and can also operate on the wing and as a supporting striker.

ST David Dormand ST Liam Hudson ST Jed Findlay ST Ryan Anderson

Marc Allen Ian Dunn Sean Reid CM Age: 26 CM Age: 31 CM Age: 21 Marc previously turned Long-serving, tough Rangy, pacy and out for Whitley Bay tackling midfielder Dunn technically gifted, Sean Reserves, but has has grafted tirelessly can play as a roaming for three years at West become a mainstay in the central midfielder, a Celtic squad. His astute Allotment, earning the dangerous centrepassing, ball retention captain’s armband in the forward, or even an adept process. “Dunny” remains skills and battling tenacity centre-back. The former are evident whenever he Ryton forward is one of one of Celtic’s key men is called upon in central deep in the heart of Celtic’s most promising midfield. midfield. attacking outlets.

the squad

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the squad

Kallum McGlen RM Age: 21 A former Montagu & North Fenham favourite, Kallum features on the right hand side of midfield, where his energy and technique often causes problems for opposing full-backs.

Liam Hudson ST Age: 25

Tony Lancaster RM Age: 28

Dean Lee LM Age: 30

David Dormand ST Age: 25

Signed from Wark in March 2011. Tony struggled with injuries last term, but will hope to be back to his pacy, dangerous best this season. Tony can also operate as a wholly competent right-back.

A winger with the scoring nous of a striker, the former North Shields man has all of the tools required to strike fear into the hearts of defenders. One of Celtic’s most prolific threats going forward.

David’s prolific record precedes him, and the former Morpeth forward has already replicated his goalscoring form since joining Celtic, topping the charts with 30 goals.

A clinical poacher and a hard worker up front.

Lawrence McKenna ST Age: 25

Jed Findlay ST Age: 24

Ryan Anderson ST Age: 18

Another former Ryton Lawrence is wellforward, army soldier travelled, having topped Liam is capable of the scoring charts for pressuring his opposite Whickham, before going numbers into submission on to play for Bedlington with his strength and high Terriers and Newcastle work rate. “Hud” can Benfield. Is known to be also be deployed on the a deadly finisher in the right wing. division.

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West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

A promising young Signed from Cramlington striker, Ryan was Town last February, Jed snapped up in trials for is a promising forward with plenty of attacking Allotment’s ‘A’ team, and potential. Having made a has already impressed for both the development handful of appearances side and the first team’s last season, the striker respective pre-seasons. will be hoping to get more game time this campaign.

the squad

the backroom staff

Paul Stoneman Player/Manager

Wilf Kielty Assistant Manager

Paul Hogg First Team Coach

Charlotte Ferguson Physiotherapist

The stalwart centre-half has played for Blackpool, Colchester United and Halifax Town. Despite turning 40 last year, ‘Stona’ was ever-present last season, remaining unbeatable in the air and impervious in the tackle.

Right-hand man Wilf has been around the local non-league scene for many years, both as a player and in a management role, giving notable service to North Shields as manager for several seasons.

The UEFA-licensed coach is held in very high regard at North Shields, having played, coached and managed there for over a decade. Paul has also managed Annfield Plain, and is working with the Newcastle United Foundation.

Charlotte is in her final year of her Physiotherapy studies at Northumbria University, and is currently on her final placement at the RVI. She is also a qualified sports masseur.

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Paul Stoneman the backroom staff

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the last match

12TH OCTOBER 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WHITLEY PARK

West Allotment Celtic 2 Birtley Town 1

D

ESPITE naming a squad consisting of just thirteen players, a dogged West Allotment Celtic side saw off promotion candidates Birtley Town 2-1 at Whitley Park on Saturday afternoon.

A perfect storm of injuries, suspensions and work-related absences meant that ten players would miss Birtley’s visit, and that toll soon increased to eleven when goalkeeper Ryan Beal was injured in the warm-up.

Despite the latest setback, Allotment started brightly against the much-fancied Hoops, with Alex Nisbet heading into the side netting and a Lawrence McKenna strike whistling over the crossbar.

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The hosts almost broke the deadlock after just ten minutes, with Sean Reid heading an inchperfect Kallum McGlen cross wide at the back post, but the dangerous midfielder soon went one better - and it was all his own doing. The 21-year-old gave three defenders the slip during a surging run towards goal, before steadying himself and planting the ball into the far corner.

With player-manager Paul Stoneman looking on from the dugout, Celtic maintained the upper hand, and only a brave low stop from Jordan Harkess denied McKenna following a well-executed turn. At the other end, Bannon comfortably saved a Callum Hope shot, and Daniel Halliday skewed well wide, but the visitors were

West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

otherwise frustrated by their relentless hosts, who continued to create the lion’s share of the game’s chances.

Another superb cross from the tireless McGlen was not sufficiently dealt with by the back four, but a covering defender did just enough to deflect Chris Douglas’ followup behind. Birtley had to clear the ball off their own line from the resulting set-piece, before another ball back across the six yard box proved too awkward for McKenna to turn in.

The lead remained narrow heading into the break, but there was no let-up from Allotment when play resumed, with the injury-stricken side continuing to restrict Birtley’s young guns. Celtic had to wait

patiently for that second goal, and finally got it via an unlikely source. David Henderson’s neat square ball found McGlen on the edge of the area, and the impressive wide man danced around two markers to stroke the ball past Harkess. It was the 21-year-old’s first goal for Allotment, having struck every part of the woodwork last season, but Kallum delighted the fans and teammates alike with his vital finish.

...in pictures

Celtic continued to look dangerous in possession, as Douglas saw his effort fly past the angle of the crossbar, but an uncharacteristic error from Ian Dunn handed Birtley a lifeline. The captain’s untimely slip gifted possession to the away side, and Hope made no mistake, duly halving the deficit.

Fearing a somewhat undeserving comeback, West Allotment went back on the attack, and twice came desperately close to killing the game off. First, the tricky Henderson curled the ball past the far post, before Dunn struck the angle of the crossbar following a corner.

Birtley looked desperate to snatch a point, pumping the ball into the box at every given opportunity, but Allotment Stephen Little and Roy Gordon in particular - comfortably dealt with the late onslaught, guaranteeing three hard-earned and unexpected points for the gutsy hosts. the last match

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the last meeting

6TH APRIL 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WHITLEY PARK

West Allotment Celtic 1 Tow Law Town 3

T

HREE first-half goals

consigned West Allotment Celtic to their seventh home defeat of the season, as Tow Law Town grabbed all three points at Whitley Park.

Clearly raring to go, the Lawyers took the initiative from the outset, and the pressure soon told – though Tow Law’s opener was undoubtedly harsh on the hosts, as Dean Lee was unfairly adjudged to have handballed. Scott Brassell stepped up to convert the penalty on twelve minutes.

The unfortunate goal stunned Celtic, and the away side continued to press forward at will. Robert Hurton almost

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capitalised on an untimely Wall slip, lobbing the ball high over the ‘keeper, only for the covering Marc Dummett to nod it over from beneath his own crossbar. From the resulting corner, the debutant ‘keeper made amends in spectacular fashion, somehow keeping out Adam Robinson’s goalbound effort from five yards out.

There was little that the impressive Wall could do about Tow Law’s second.

Towering forward Dan Wilson expertly cut inside Dummett on the right hand side, curling a sumptuous effort into the furthest reaches of the far post. The hosts redoubled their efforts, but the end product was

West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

sorely lacking, as Lee fired over one of Allotment’s few clear half-chances.

Stoneman’s charges scrapped their way back into the game – and the manager played an important part in the buildup. Indomitable in the air, the former Halifax stalwart powered a header back into the six yard box, and captain Ian Dunn was there to prod it across the line after Reid’s effort was saved.

The visitors wasted little time in reasserting their dominance, taking advantage of some poor defensive work to put daylight between the two sides. The Lawyers broke at speed, switching play towards the unmarked Luke

Parkinson, and the former Allotment winger coolly slotted into the far corner.

Having failed to work Tow Law custodian Stephen Robinson in the first half, Allotment forced him into action within minutes of the restart, getting firm hands behind a powerful Sean Reid effort. The visitors looked happy to sit deeper and protect their lead, with a well saved Brassell effort from range constituting the Lawyers’ one notable chance of the second half.

...in pictures

Instead, it was Allotment who were pouring forward, but the home side lacked that necessary cutting edge in the final third. Lee header fell straight into the hands of Robinson, who should have been called into action moments earlier to deny Liam Hudson. However, the forward snatched at his effort from inside the area, curling the ball harmlessly wide. Two tenuous penalty shouts were waved away by the referee as Allotment began to run out of ideas.

Tow Law stood firm, blocking respective efforts from the latter and Reid, before hacking the ball off the line amidst a goalmouth scramble.

For all of Allotment’s secondhalf pressure, they could not come back a second time. the last meeting

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the pre-match preview

form: LWLLW

WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC

W

EST Allotment Celtic may have been beset by the most devastating combination of injuries, suspensions and workrelated absences - but, as Saturday proved, quality is more important than quantity.

Just thirteen players were available for selection when the division’s dark horses came to town, with ‘keeper Ryan Beal suffering a hamstring injury in the warm-up, but the surviving members of the squad belied their unenviable

TOW LAW TOWN form: WDWWD

L

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AST season marked Tow Law Town’s first in Division Two - but, after a largely uninspiring 2012/13 campaign, the Lawyers are finally hitting their stride - picking up good results against top ten opposition and the also-rans alike.

Led by player-manager Gary Anderson, Tow Law had started in inconsistent fashion, taking 23 points from 14 games, but still sit within touching distance of the top three. Disappointing defeats at home to Brandon United and on the road to Heaton Stannington in the

circumstances, defeating Birtley Town 2-1 at Whitley Park.

Deputising centre-half Alex Nisbet looks set to be ruled out, but Allotment do welcome back three important players into the fold. Player-manager Paul Stoneman and midfield man Michael Bell both return from their respective suspensions, whilst Liam Hudson will be vying for a starting spot. Rob Rodgerson comes in between the sticks, deputising for Chris Bannon and Ryan Beal. following fixture summed up the start of their campaign, but a 3-0 defeat at Seaham Red Star seemed to galvanise the County Durham side into action. A surprising 4-2 win away at hot promotion favourites Jarrow Roofing soon followed, before two convincing 3-0 victories against Washington and Chester-le-Street respectively.

Their Durham Challenge Cup exit and a narrow loss at Norton & Stockton took the sting out of Tow Law’s recovery, but today’s visitors have since gone five games unbeaten. Two comfortable

West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

Having been dropped in favour of Lawrence McKenna at the weekend, David Dormand may get the chance to add to his six goals, whilst midfielder Marc Allen and first-choice leftback Marc Dummett both face late fitness tests ahead of tonight’s game. Ryan Beal, Glenn Ford, Michael Latimer,Tony Lancaster and Dean Lee all remain sidelined.

Allotment should be boosted by the return of the key trio, and will hope to make it two wins in two against highly regarded opponents. wins against Stokesley and a 3-2 victory up at Alnwick were no less impressive than stubborn draws against top three candidates Birtley Town and North Shields.

Although the Lawyers lost top striker Daniel Wilson to DCC opponents Newton Aycliffe, they have found a suitable replacement in Dean Thexton, who currently leads the club’s scoring charts.

Buoyed by their recent results away at top six sides, Tow Law will be looking for at least another point at Whitley Park today.

Tireless central midfielder Michael Bell was dismissed for a high challenge on a frustrating day in Penrith twenty-five days ago, but is itching to return to first-team action, having served his three-match suspension.

Belly’s return couldn’t come at a better time, as Marc Allen’s ankle injury had reduced the pool of central midfielders to just three prior to the 22-yearold’s return.

statattack The attendance for the last meeting at Whitley Park

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No. of league goals scored

by Dean Thexton

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league meetings

Now in his fourth season at Tow Law after a spell at Consett, former Sunderland trainee Harrison is an almost ever-present in the Lawyers’ starting eleven.

A hard runner down the left, Lewis can also operate in a more advanced role - and earned two man-of-thematch accolades whilst playing on the wing.

P 7 7 14

W 5 3 8

D 0 2 2

L 2 2 4

F 17 13 30

A 11 8 19

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No. of points separating the two teams last season

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No. of points Tow Law have picked up on the road

the preview

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tow law town

the history T

HE “Lawyers” were founded in 1890 and became founder members of the Auckland and District League in 1892.

The following year they won the Durham Amateur Cup. They first joined the Northern League in 1894, winning the Durham Challenge Cup two years later. After leaving the Northern League, they played in the South Durham Alliance and Crook and District League respectively. After the war the club played in the Auckland and District League until being readmitted to the Northern League in 1920, where it has played ever since.

Until the 1994/95 season, the club had not won the championship, apart from two successive seasons in 1923/24 and 1924/25. In between, the League Cup was won in 1973/74 when Ashington were beaten 2-1 in the final at Crook.

The 1994/95 League Championship win is a certainly an outstanding memory for the club, especially as it was won by 14 clear points.

The Lawyers finished second in the league in the 1998/99 season. Another outstanding memory was the tremendous F.A. Cup run of 1967/68. Having reached the first round Tow

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West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

Law beat Mansfield 5-1 and in the second round drew 1-1 with Shrewsbury at Ironworks Road.

The Lawyers went into the hat for the Third Round and drew a home tie with Arsenal. Sadly it was not to be after they went down 6-2 at Shrewsbury in the replay. Frank McGee reported after the replay “Arsenal were saved from a fate worse than death - a trip to Tow Law in January”.

Peter Quigley and Tony Heslop took the Club on its first visit to Wembley, which was made on 9th May 1998 after a tremendous F.A.Vase run.

It was a splendid adventure, which sadly ended with a 1-0 defeat by Tiverton.

The Lawyers’ first ground was in Church Lane but the present Ironworks Road ground was built by volunteers during the miners’ strike of 1892/93. Ironically, it was rebuilt during another miners’ strike in 1921. Today the much improved state of the ground is down to the regular work which has been done since 1921 by many hardworking bands of voluntary labour.

A major scare occurred early in the 2004/05 season, when the playing surface was struck by subsidence, rendering it unplayable. The club was forced to ground share at Esh Winning for the remainder of the season, whist repairs were carried out by the Coal Board.

Tow Law nurtured a number of players who went on to become professionals, not least Newcastle United legend and England international Chris Waddle, who joined the Toon directly from the non-league club. Club legend and staunch supporter Billy Hall turned out for Blackpool and Manchester City in the 1920s, whilst in more recent times, former Lawyer Steve Howard has gone on to achieve cult status at both Luton Town and Leicester City.

Nickname: The Lawyers Ground: Ironworks Road Chairperson: Sandra Gordon

Rivals: Crook Town, Willington Largest home crowd 2013/14: 135 v Willington Distance travelled tonight (approx.): 26 miles

the players Stephen Robinson

A product of Middlesbrough’s academy, former Whickham and Ryton stopper Robinson is in his third spell at the club, and is considered to be a key player in the dressing room and on the pitch.

Lewis Harrison

Lewis spent several years at Sunderland before joining Consett, ultimately singing for in 2009/2010.Voted Bill Wiseman Memorial Sportsman of the Year for 2012/13, Lewis overlaps for fun and has a fantastic engine.

Michael Hall

Gary Anderson

The club’s player-manager spent his youth with York City before spells with Durham City, Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Sunderland RCA. Gary reads the game well and is a very composed centre-half.

Scott Brassell

Scott joined the Club in 2012/13 as a tough-tackling midfield player. His previous Clubs include Newton Aycliffe and Brandon. Brass by name, Brass by nature. He has also been appointed as Assistant Manager for this season.

Michael signed for Bishop Auckland and spent last season on loan with the Lawyers, and also had a short spell at Chester-le-Street. He is a very strong defender who never fails to give 100% in every game.

Alistair Wilson

Jonathon Kemp

Simon is a very experienced midfield general who loves to mix it up in the middle of the park. He’s equally as good at breaking up attacking moves and starting them off.

Big, strong, ball winning cetre half that loves to command from the back. Jonathon has previously played for Annfield Plain and Ryton.

The midfielder is a young man with a great deal of talent, who always gives 100% and is strong in the tackle. He never gives up, and has a bright future in the game.

Simon Ord

Lewis Wing

Wingy another young player with bags of skill. The midfielder has a great eye for a pass and is a cool and composed character on the ball.

Jason Brazauskas

Jason arrived at Tow Law in October with bags of Northern League experience, having turned out for Crook Town, Morpeth Town, Esh Winning, and, most recently, Northallerton Town. Jason is a natural left-sided player capable of scoring & assisting goals.

Robert Hurton

Signed for Tow Law in 2012/13 from Durham Alliance football.

Robbie is a busy centre-forward who doesn’t give opposing defenders time to relax.

Dean Thexton

Deano a big, strong, quick centre forward who does what you want in a forward; he wins the ball, lays it off, gets in and around the box and looks likely to score goals in the division with his experience of playing for Bishop Auckland, Jarrow Roofing and Esh Winning. the visitors

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ENGLAND’S WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PERFORMANCES AGAINST MONTENEGRO AND

thirteen lions On the brief occasions where the Premier League takes a back seat to international games, scores of alleged fans take to their favourite social networking sites to bemoan the temporary loss of top tier football.

their energy behind a keyboard, those fans could have ventured down to watch their local non-league side in action, with West Allotment just one of thousands of clubs still in action at the weekend. Ultimately, the international break (for want of a better word) did not have the desired knock-on effect at Whitley Park. Seventy people That general feeling was turned up to see a promising exacerbated in the past week, Birtley Town side take on with England’s final two World Allotment’s depleted charges Cup Qualifiers coming on a Friday night and a Tuesday night. roughly par for the course on a Saturday afternoon. Whether Football did not hold church they were nursing self-inflicted on the sacred Saturday. leaving its bemused followers at a loss. hangovers from the previous Some might have used the extra night, or preferred to live in less than blissful ignorance, those day to spend more time with absent football fans missed a the wife and kids or do some spectacle that was more than home repairs, but most spent worthy of their time. the day behind a computer screen, moaning on Twitter Prior to the Montenegro game, about their infinite boredom on what was regularly their and briefly after hosting Poland, Roy Hodgson briefly touched happiest day of the week. upon those England players Rather than expending who were currently injured but

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West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

would soon return to his plans.

Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Tom Cleverley and Theo Walcott were the notable absentees in the Three Lions camp ahead of their two crucial World Cup qualifying games. Roughly 280 miles north, Celtic playermanager Paul Stoneman was also missing a regular left-back, a useful central midfielder and a dangerous right-winger - along with another seven or eight players to boot. And, unlike Woy, Stona didn’t have a countrywide pool of talent from which to cherrypick his replacements.

As a result, only fourteen were named in the squad - and one of those, ‘keeper Ryan Beal, injured his hamstring in the warm-up.

Although there was no prestigious cup competition place at stake when Birtley travelled across the water, the game remained an important one. The visiting Hoops are

POLAND, HEAD TO HEAD WITH WEST ALLOTMENT’S SHOWING AGAINST BIRTLEY TOWN

BANNON GK CHRIS JOE HART After trying weeks in recent times for both goalkeepers, neither had too much to do in their respective games, with Bannon’s low save to deny Hope and a good Hart stop from Lewandowski against the Poles the only notes of incident.

Both benefited from the performances of their sturdy back fours, and neither could be held accountable for the solitary goals that they conceded.

Gateshead’s reserve side in all but name, housing some very talented young players.

The match would serve as a yardstick to see just where the two sides were in respect of one another, and would perhaps give an indication of which team were early favourites for promotion - not quite as cherished as the Jules Rimet trophy, but still a very

PENDLEBURY RB JOHN KYLE WALKER It is fair to say that bombardeering full-back Kyle Walker has more of a reputation for going forward than Celtic counterpart John Pendlebury - but they were both effective in different ways.

Whilst Walker time and again looked to get into a crossing position, Penders often opted to carry the ball inside, sucking in the defenders and opening up the wing for pacy wideman Kallum McGlen.

desirable target.

Many armchair observers the previous night had praised Hodgson’s decision to field a team that mixed youth with experience - the word bold cropped up in almost every other soundbite. Away from Wembley, Stoneman’s starting eleven contained the same blend, through necessity rather

than choice. In both cases, the selections worked. Kallum McGlen shone brightly on the wing, emulating the lively performance of one England winger in particular. In midfield, Ian Dunn served to break up fledgling attacks, whilst at the back, young(er) centre-halves Little and Nisbet dealt with everything that Birtley had to offer. the feature

19

REID KALLUM McGLEN CM SEAN WM STEPHEN GERRARD ANDROS TOWNSEND At different ends of the age spectrum, both Steven Gerrard and Sean Reid are vital cogs in the midfield for their respective sides.

21-year-old Reid brings real attacking impetus to Allotment, and his goal on the evening was nothing if not Gerrard-esque.

Reidy pounded past three despairing defenders before steadying himself and slotting home. Stevie G replicated the feat - albeit in a slightly more hurried manner against Poland last night.

Allotment went one better than the Three Lions in the first half, drawing first blood through Sean Reid, before McGlen stroked home a second. Though Kall had played thirty games prior to Birtley’s visit, his first goal for the club was held in as high a regard as Townsend’s debut strike, in no small part due to the winger’s profligate misfortune

20

Both of these wingers had the game of their lives over the weekend, impacting upon the game at every given opportunity with their tireless running and innate urge to get forward.

Both Kall and Andros scored fine goals to steady the ship for their sides, with each strike meaning the world to its scorer.

Townsend even took a leaf out of McGlen’s book against Poland, thumping an effort against the crossbar.

throughout last season.

Yet, much like England when comfortable, Allotment still made their fans sweat a little before the full-time whistle.

Birtley were gifted a way back into the match, and, with the score at 2-1, the visitors poured forward in a desperate attempt to snatch a point.

Celtic could not pull away and

West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

put another two past Town, but the back four - in particular Little and Roy Gordon - dealt with everything that was thrown at them.

Ultimately, both performances gave two rather differently sized fanbases cause for optimism, be they banging a drum around Wembley, or heckling the ref at Whitley Park.

west allotment celtic fc .com - All the latest news and events - Match previews and reports for every Allotment game - Picture galleries past and present - Back issues of Three Miles West, the official club magazine, and the club’s matchday programmes

the letter draw N

M

T

8th October 2013 12 winners of £66.70 each

For only £1 per draw, you choose 5 letters. 3 different letters are drawn and if your letters match the ones drawn you receive a share of the £800 jackpot – the jackpot is shared between everyone who has chosen the winning letters. The jackpot must be won every week.

To play, simply hand the complete the form below and hand it to a club official.

-----------------------------------CUT HERE----CUT HERE----CUT HERE--------------------------------Name:

Contact number:

What 5 letters would you like? Choose each letter only once.

Northern League Division Two

29th March 2013

21

on this day...

1937 Allotment travelled to meet East Cramlington Black Watch in the 3rd Round of the Minor Cup. The home side were members of the Northern Alliance whilst Celtic were still competing in the lower-level Tynemouth & District League. A contemporary report describes some “delightful football” between two unbeaten teams. Apparently, Black Watch won (3-1) because “they shot hard and often with the wind behind them, while the Celtic forwards tried to walk the ball in”.

1948 A more successful day of knock-out activity for Allotment, as a visit to meet Tyne Plywood in the NFA Amateur Cup went the way of the visitors by the odd goal in seven.

1954 Having beaten Nelson Villa 12-0 in the previous round, Allotment were shocked by NE Electric (Wallsend) in the 2nd Round of the NFA Minor Cup. A 2-1 defeat at the Farm Ground shortcircuited any hopes of a first Minor Cup success.

1965 Bell and Tait scored Celtic’s goals in a two-all draw with Wills Imperial in a Northern Amateur League game played at the Farm Ground in West Allotment. It was Celtic’s third successive draw as the team struggled to emerge from a miserable start to the season.

22

West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

Stephen Allott looks at this day in the club’s extensive history

1971 Celtic had opened their league campaign with five successive home matches and they had obviously gotten too used to home comforts as the first trip outside of Backworth ended up in a 4-1 defeat to Rose Villa. Ray Taylor notched the Allotment “consolation”.

1982 Goals from Paul Appleby and Terry Day earned Celtic a 2-0 win over St.Cuthberts in a Northern Amateur League Cup tie. Allotment went on to capture the trophy that season.

1993

Westerhope were the visitors to Backworth Welfare as Allotment attempted to build on a sequence of seven successive victories. Steve Forster banged in two early goals; however, Andy Martin reduced the deficit just before the interval. The scores were level when Robinson found the net soon after the restart. With just five minutes remaining, Billy Foreman set up Gary Johnson to score what looked certain to be a winner for Allotment.Yet there was to be one further twist in this topsy-turvy encounter and it was not to the liking of the home crowd because it resulted in that man Robinson blasting home an equaliser deep into injury-time.

1999

Allotment made a trip across the A69 to meet Northbank Carlisle in a Northern Alliance fixture.

And, despite being without regular keeper Paul Simpson and midfielder John Fitzpatrick, it didn’t take long for Celtic to take the lead – just three minutes had elapsed when Micky Bell rose highest to head home Christian Graham’s corner. George Caithness soon doubled the advantage by volleying home Dave Malone’s cross from the left-wing. Although Simon Ruddick did pull a goal back for the Cumbrians, they never really threatened to grab an equaliser and the three points gained kept the pressure on league leaders Percy Main Amateurs.

on this day

23

top scorers

player statistics

the playmakers

Liam Hudson - 5 Michael Bell - 3

Lawrence McKenna - 2

midfield

Sean Reid - 7 Ian Dunn - 6 David Dormand - 6

defence

gk

name

attack

the mainstays

Ian Dunn - 14 Chris Douglas - 13 Sean Reid - 13

Chris Bannon Ryan Beal Bob Rodgerson

9 7 0

2 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0

John Pendlebury Marc Dummett Chris Douglas Simon Wilthew Paul Stoneman Stephen Little Michael Latimer Glenn Ford Alex Nisbet Roy Gordon

11 (1) 11 13 (2) 1 (1) 12 6 2 (3) 10 2 3 (4)

1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

0 1 2 0 2 1 1 0 0 0

1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Ian Dunn Michael Bell Marc Allen Sean Reid Kallum McGlen David Henderson Tony Lancaster Dean Lee Connor Graham

14 (1) 8 (2) 5 (5) 13 (1) 4 (5) 9 (1) 0 (2) 12 0 (2)

2 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 3 0 1 2 1 0 0 0

6 0 1 7 1 0 0 3 0

Liam Hudson David Dormand Lawrence McKenna

9 (2) 10 (3)

1 0

0

5

2

Tow 00Law20Town36 0

6 (6)

average starting XI Bannon

Pendlebury

Ford

Stoneman

Dunn

24

gls

yel

the bad boys

Paul Stoneman - 0 1 Michael Bell - 0 1 Alex Nisbet - 0 1

red asts

apps

Hudson

West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

Douglas

Henderson Reid

Lee

Dormand the player statistics

fixtures and results nl div 2 table

1

team Heaton Stan

pl 15

w 10

d 1

l 4

gd pts 9 31

2

North Shields

13

9

3

1

39 30

3

Seaham

14

8

1

5

18 25

4

Northallerton 15

7

4

4

17 25

5

Birtley

12

7

3

2

12 24

6

Darlo RA

15

7

3

5

9

24

7

Nort & Stock

16

6

6

4

5

24

8

Jarrow

11

7

2

2

20 23

9

WAC

11

7

2

2

12 23

10 Tow Law

14

7

2

5

8

23

11 Whickham

15

6

2

7

1

20

12 Ch-le-Street

13

6

2

5

0

20

13 Willington

14

5

3

6

-5

18

14 Stokesley

17

5

3

9

-13 18

15 Whitehaven

12

5

2

5

-11 17

16 Brandon

16

5

2

9

-12 17

17 Thornaby

15

4

4

7

-4

16

18 South Shields 12

4

4

4

-5

16

19 Alnwick

13

4

2

7

-11 14

20 Esh Winning

14

3

1

10 -33 10

21 Washington

13

2

1

10 -31

7

22 Ryton

14

1

1

12 -25

4

OFFICIAL NORTHERN LEAGUE SPONSORS

AUGUST 10th Alnwick Town 14th Heaton Stannington 17th Billingham Synthonia 21st Willington 24th Stokesley SC 30th Whickham

NL D2 NL D2 FA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2

A A A A H H

W 4-0 L 3-2 L 4-0 W 2-0 W 3-2 W 3-1

SEPTEMBER Seaham Red Star 4th Stokesley SC 7th 11th Norton & Stockton 14th Esh Winning 18th Ryton & Crawcrook 21st Penrith 28th Darlington RA

NL D2 FA Vase NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup FA Vase NL D2

H H A H H A A

W 2-1 W 4-3 D 3-3 D 1-1 W 1-0 L 4-1 W 4-0

OCTOBER Whitehaven 5th Alnwick Town 9th 12th Birtley Town 16th Tow Law Town 19th Ryton & Crawcrook 23rd Willington 26th North Shields 30th Northallerton Town

NL D2 NFA Cup NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 EA Cup NL D2 NL D2

A H H H A A H H

L 3-1 L 2-1 W 2-1

NOVEMBER Brandon United 1st Jarrow Roofing 9th 16th Washington 19th South Shields 23rd Chester-le-Street 27th Northallerton Town 30th Thornaby

NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 Lg Cup NL D2

A H A A H H H

DECEMBER Heaton Stannington 6th 14th Willington 21st Seaham Red Star 28th Norton & Stockton

NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2

H H A H

JANUARY Tow Law Town 4th 10th Alnwick Town 18th Stokesley SC 31st Whickham

NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2

A H A A

FEBRUARY South Shields 8th 15th Esh Winning 22nd Darlington RA

NL D2 NL D2 NL D2

H A H

MARCH Whitehaven 1st Birtley Town 8th 15th Ryton & Crawcrook 22nd Northallerton Town 28th Brandon United

NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2

H A H A H

APRIL Jarrow Roofing 5th 12th Washington 18th North Shields 26th Thornaby

NL D2 NL D2 NL D2 NL D2

A H A A

TBD Chester-le-Street

NL D2

A

fixtures, results, table

25

ee itt m m ing Co eet m pm 8

5th Oct 6th Oct 7th Oct

rottweiler’s notes

Rin g Bloo the dho un

d!

Attend county youth game for 15 minutes, then match assessor at Blyth Spartans v Nantwich Town. Quite a good game, and the referee had to work hard to keep the game under control. Mind you, this was my worst ever experience as an assessor. Sat in the directors’ box as usual, and Blyth had their match sponsors in the box as well absolute nutters, full of drink, bawling and shouting all of the game. It was very difficult to concentrate; my head was spinning by the end of the game.

Complete my assessment reports, and also Northern League paperwork, then spend the rest of the day watching sport on TV. Barbara is much better, although we don’t go to Newcastle today, just to local shops.

8 Oct

We are in the process of obtaining international clearance for two players. Barbara looks at their passport photos and promptly declares that we are signing two terrorists. Well, let’s hope they are soon terrorising opposing teams. In the evening, match assessor at Whitley Bay v Sunderland RCA.

9 Oct

Disappointed to lose to Alnwick Town tonight in the Senior Cup 2 -1. Alnwick are awarded two penalties, and no way was the first award a penalty. No complaints with the second penalty, which ended up with Alex Nisbet being sent off. How many players have been sent off when making their debut for West Allotment?

th

th

10 Oct

th

Two meetings today, first one with NFA’s new RDO, and second meeting chairing a discipline meeting. Return home and amongst my emails is one telling me longtime supporter Bob Thomas had sadly passed away that afternoon. Even though Bob was wheelchair bound he had been attending our games. The only one he had missed was last night’s game with Alnwick.Very sad news. R.I.P. Bob.

11th Oct

Shopping in Newcastle with Barbara and Bob Thomas’ son Michael rings me. I tell Michael we will be holding one minute’s silence for Bob tomorrow, and in all honesty it was quite an emotional telephone call. No doubt the majority of our committee will be attending Bob’s funeral.

12th Oct

Impeccable minutes silence observed for Bob Thomas and former player Scott Bell who tragically died at the age of 35. Bob’s two sons and his wife attended today’s game.

We are devastated by injuries and suspensions for today’s game, and what a great performance from the lads today in our thoroughly deserved win over Birtley Town who had only lost once in the league this season.

13th Oct

26

Results certainly went our way yesterday, with only one team in top six winning. Shows you how difficult this league is this season. A nice quiet day. No Morgan no paperwork.

West Allotment Celtic v Tow Law Town

rottweiler’s notes

FOREST HALL YPC

Proud to support West Allotment Celtic Forest Hall Young People’s Club are based at East Palmersville Sports Pavilion, and have no fewer than 25 teams playing under the Forest Hall banner, including youth, senior and women’s teams.

TOW LAW Manager Gary ANDERSON Assistant Scott BRASSELL Physio John DIXON

CELTIC Manager Paul STONEMAN Assistant Wilf KEILTY Coach Paul HOGG Physio Charlotte FERGUSON

MATCH OFFICIALS Referee K BECKETT Assistants M McMAHON J BRAMPTON

West Allotment Celtic Chris BANNON Ryan BEAL Bob RODGERSON John PENDLEBURY Marc DUMMETT Stephen LITTLE Paul STONEMAN Glenn FORD Chris DOUGLAS Michael LATIMER Roy GORDON Alex NISBET Ian DUNN (c) Marc ALLEN David HENDERSON Michael BELL Sean REID Kallum McGLEN Tony LANCASTER Dean LEE Connor GRAHAM Liam HUDSON David DORMAND Lawrence McKENNA Ryan ANDERSON Jed FNDLAY

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Tow Law Town Stephen ROBINSON Joseph LONGSTAFF Adam ROBINSON Orin PARKINSON Gary ANDERSON Chris KILLEEN William KELLY Jonathon KEMP Lewis HARRISON Michael HALL Scott BRASSELL Adam McVICKERS Simon ORD Luke PARKINSON Scott THOMPSON Thomas WATKINSON Alistair WILSON Lewis WING Dean THEXTON David PARKER Anthony LEE Robert HURTON Jason BRAZAUSKAS

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