16.09.2020 | Birtley Town vs Tow Law Town | Ebac Northern League - Division Two

Tow Law Town | 16.9.20 | Kick-Off 7.45pm Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium

BTFC CONTACTS BTFC JUNIORS COACHES

U13 Whites Iain Talbot 07713 026360

SOCCER TOTS Mark Robson 07702 123150

U13 Girls Paul Rolston 07717 685708

U7 Whites Stephen Robson 07792 267900

U14 Andrew Beston 07957 523865

U7 Greens William Cowey 07811 525063

U15 John Chipperfield 07962 301122

U8 Dionne Slade 07780 135319

U17 Ben Garrity 07368 283823

U8 Girls Claire Rolston 07941 487 072

COMMITTEE

U9 Tony Rand 07900 694669 U10 James Moffatt 07482 994662 U11 Andrew Bull 07534 340115 U11 Whites Tony 07707 927444 U12 Ben Graham 07958 395386 U12 Girls Michelle Best 07535 442248 U13 Keith Flood 07925 259433

Chairman Stephen Minto 07769 349450 Junior Secretary Andrew Bull 07534 340115 Treasurer Stephen Minto 07769 349450 Welfare officer Sam Dawson 07496 915316

BTFC Seniors COACHES Men’s Team Paul Beat 07920 850162 Ladies Team Scott Curtis

07720 718169 Men’s Sunday Team Lee Cuthbertson 07771 507 981 COMMITTEE Chairman Richie Barrett 07710 681254 Secretary Colin Beat 07428 123582 Treasurer Bob Hunter 07746 537232 Team Manager Paul Beat 07920 850162 Website & Social Media Chris Munro 07584 050768

Squires Gate FC

Saturday 19th September 2020 | 3pm FA Vase (1st Round Qualifying) Following on from our exciting 4-3 win against Chester-le-Street Town on Friday night, we welcome North West Counties Premier Division side Squires Gate FC up to the North East for our First Qualifying Round tie of this years’ FA Vase this coming Saturday.

With their league campaign not starting until 3rd October, the only opportunity we’ve had to watch them so far in competitive games has come in the FA Cup, firstly during their 5-0 Extra Preliminary Round win against Maine Road and secondly against Ashton United at the weekend in their Preliminary Round tie which they lost 2-0.

Going off last years’ stats, the main threats appear to be striker Dean Ing, a striker who grabbed a hat-trick against Maine Road and midfielder James Boyd who scored 14 goals during the curtailed 2019/20 season, six of which were from the penalty spot.

BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 JOHN MORDEY | GOALKEEPER John is a top goalkeeper with bags of experience at this level, he’s been promoted from the division with Whickham only two season ago.

Not only does he have good ability, he’s also another great character with leadership qualities in the squad.

GRAEME PICKERING | GOALKEEPER Graeme rejoins the club having spent three months with us last season before injury saw him miss the remainder of the season. Will provide good competition for places.

OWEN LANCASTER | CENTRE BACK Right-sided defensive player signed from neighbours Chester-le-Street Town in November 2019. Can play at RB or RWB and he will be an asset to the club for the remainder of the season.

SIMON HAY | RIGHT BACK Simon joined the club at the beginning of the 2016/2017 when he left Newcastle University, and I am sure he will not mind us saying he was very raw at first but great going forward. Last season Simon had an indifferent season, he was our top goal scoring defender and played in some very good results, but holidays and injuries meant he missed more games than he would have liked. He is now a much more accomplished and rounded player who is improving all of the time.

MARTIN GUY | FULL BACK The longest serving player at the club, Martin is a player that no matter what role is asked of him, he will conduct himself in a way a manager/ coach really appreciates. Martin had a good season last term, playing in either full back position and has had a good preseason too.

JOSHUA HOLLAND | WING BACK

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Pacey right wing back signed from Heaton Stannington at the end of August 2019. Previously played for Ryton & Crawcrook Albion for three seasons and knows a lot of our squad already so will fit in just nicely.

BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 BEN GARRITY | WING BACK Ben rejoins the club less than six weeks after leaving for Billingham Synthonia and we’re glad to have him back.. He was voted number 7 across both divisions last season in the Northern League Young Player of the Season standings which was some going having only signed in November.

SAM HEDLEY | DEFENDER Signed from Whickham FC, Sam is another player who is predominantly a LB/ CB but can play anywhere across the back line and do an excellent job for the team. The defender was one of the longest-serving players at his previous club and made over 100 appearances

GLENN CAYGILL | DEFENDER

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Glenn joins us following an injury plagued season last time out for Newcastle Benfield. This is a great opportunity for Glenn to get back into consistently playing at this level and regaining his fitness and performance levels. From the clubs side it’s fantastic to be able to bring in a centre half like Glenn who will add both ability and experience. Glenn has been installed as vice Captain for the coming season alongside Joe Barwick.

HARRY SIMPSON | DEFENDER

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Harry is a very versatile young player who has been one of our best and most consistent performers throughout pre season. A player we’ve been aware of for a few years now, Harry is taking on his first test at Northern League level, previously with Hebburn Town in their reserve setup, however we don’t believe he will take much time to settle in. Harry is a tough tackling and consistent defender, and he’s got plenty about him when on the ball as well.

CHAD COLLINS | MIDFIELDER

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Last season we regularly missed a creative spark, a player who could turn the game on it’s head with a piece of brilliance, whilst also being able to show composure throughout the general play, especially in attacking areas. Chad can do this for us, he’s settled straight in, a lazy trainer, but he’s another good character to have on board. I know our Centre Forwards will be happy to see Chad supplying the ammunition to put the lack of goals last term behind them and us.

NICK HAY | MIDFIELD Although he is a relatively young player, Nick already has lots of experience at NL1 and NL2 level, joining the club from Team North and leads by example on the pitch and off. Seen as a senior member of our squad and very well respected by the group, he is a real asset; he is working on the discipline required for the role he plays and with that, improving all of the time.

BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 SCOTT MCARDLE | MIDFIELD Another local lad who joins us from Tow Law Town, Scott lives a stone’s throw from the ground and is a great example of a player who slipped away from the club, something we want to stop happening. We are over the moon to have him back at his home town club, he comes with plenty experience for a relatively young player and can play in multiple positions if required.

JACK HONOUR | MIDFIELD

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Following a good start to last season, Jack’s work commitments meant his involvement from December was sparing, however always influenced the squad positively when available. Jack’s in a similar position this season, but we know what we will get when it’s possible and if work circumstances change, he’ll add even more depth to a quality midfield area.

RICKY TANOH | MIDFIELD We have worked with Ricky the last year after his signing from Hebburn Town and he is coming on well week-by-week. On his day he’s unplayable, work commitments have meant an off and on last 12 months. Hopefully that will settle down soon and we can see how effective he can be.

DAN HILL | MIDFIELD

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Hilly re-joined us towards the end of last season following a 6 month break due to work commitments and persistent injuries. Thankfully (touch wood) those injuries seem to have cleared up and his fitness is returning. A very aggressive player with plenty of pace and power and a great delivery from wide areas as well, he can play in midfield or forward areas which is ideal to have that sort of player in the squad.

CRIS CAMPOS-LOUGHLIN | MIDFIELD Cristian has the potential to be our find of the season. A product of Foundation of Light Scholars, he’s really impressed in pre-season. A little patience will be required as we help him get used to the league and the others, but once he gets going fully, I’m expecting big things.

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BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 SAM DINSLEY | MIDFIELD Young midfielder signed in mid-September from Whitley Bay. Has impressed so far with some solid performances and has something special about him.

JOHN SHERLOCK | MIDFIELD John is a former Birtley player who first played for us in the 2006/07 season. Played against us for Bedlington Terriers last season where he scored an injury time equaliser. Comes back to the club with bags of experience, which can only benefit the club.

CAMERON HOOD | MIDFIELD Following his first season back in Saturday football last season, Cameron is a player who has come through from Birtley Town Juniors as a kid and knows the club and what we want, another real leader in the group who isn’t shy of demanding more from others. A good solid and dependable central midfielder

KALEB YOUNG | MIDFIELD

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Kaleb is another cracking young player, he’s got all of the ability he needs to play at this level and higher, he just needs the opportunity to grow and learn by playing games at this level. He’ll benefit from the additional experience we’ve manage to bring in over the summer along with the existing squad. A very creative midfielder with bags of technical ability, I’m really excited to see what he has to offer us consistently this season.

KELVIN THEAR | ATTACKING MIDFIELD

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Kel joined the club around the middle of last season and announced his arrival with a brilliantly taken hat trick on is debut, sadly though, a combination of injuries plus the premature finish to the season means we’ve not seen more than 3 competitive games yet. Like a new signing is the obvious cliché, and to be fair it’s true, Kel can both score and create goals with both feet and can play wide and centrally. Here’s hoping for a better season with injuries, not just for the club, but more importantly for a young player who deserves a bit of luck. If he gets that, the rest will take care of itself.

BTFC SQUAD 2020-21 DAN CANDLISH | WINGER Pacey winger signed from CLS Town, bags of ability and a real hard worker, really looking forward to working with him and trying to unlock that next level of potential that I believe he has in the locker.

STEVEN AISTON | FORWARD Quality acquisition this summer is Steven, leads the line brilliantly, our defensive work starts with him and he can also score goals and assist.

Another who knows how to win games at this level and has settled in really well.

JOE BARWICK | STRIKER Joe joined us as an unknown quantity last summer following a recommendation. Right from the first training session we knew that we had a bit of a gem. Not only in ability but how he conducts himself. He has tucked in with the group very quickly and when the games started, he showed us great movement, an eye for goal and a composure both in build-up and in front of goal. Top goalscorer with 24 in all competitions in his first season, we knew we’d have to fight off competition this summer. Thankfully he stayed with us as he will be a great asset again. Joe has been installed as joint Vice Captain for the upcoming season

LEWIS TEASDALE | STRIKER

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Lewy is a player who will be well known to a lot of our opposition this season, a class act who knows where the back of the net is. He’s scored goals at both this level and NL1, and is another with plenty of experience and an understanding of what it takes to win games at this level. This signing will add some much needed competition in the forward area and again we’re hopeful that this helps us to be a lot more successful in forward areas this season.

TONY SMITH | STRIKER ight winger, moved to centre forward who has now been moved to centre half, and he’s been brilliant. If we were in the professional game he’d be described as a “Top Pro”. At the ripe old age of 36, Smithy is still learning and listening and is a great example to the young lads in our squad.

Tel: 01642 230337 or 07515262270

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MATCH REPORT

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BIRTLEY TOWN 1-0 JARROW Birtley welcomed Jarrow FC to the Arrowmark Home improvements Stadium on Wednesday night for our first midweek game under the floodlights. After our opening day score draw with Washington and Jarrow’s goalless draw with West Allotment Celtic, both sides were looking for their first win of the season as a crowd of 161 watched on.

The better of the chances fell to the visitors in the first half and Glen Caygill was there to head an effort off the line after just five minutes following a free kick. The same man picked up the games’ first card of the game when he was shown yellow for a foul on the far side of the pitch. The Jarrow lads claims that he was the last man and wanted a red card shown were quickly hushed by the match official.

Five minutes later, a further chance

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for the visitors emerged but was dealt with before Birtley had their first real chance through Scott McArdle in the 35th minute.

HALF TIME | BIRTLEY TOWN 0-0 JARROW FC Ricky Tanoh was introduced for the second half, replacing Steven Aiston who appeared to have picked up a knock in the opening half. Two minutes in to the restart and there was another chance for the visitors when Jonathan Hirst dragged his shot wide of the post.

An injury to Dan Hill just before the hour mark as he pulled up following an attacking run saw him replaced

by Lewis Teasdale. Soon after, Jarrow made their first change as striker Adam Lennox was replaced by Glen Hargrave. However within a minute of that change, Birtley had taken the lead through Joe Barwick.

GRASS ROUTES A thumbs-up journey with North-east football folk mikeamosblog.wordpress.com

MATCH REPORT

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A loose touch from Jarrow’s Nicholas Little presented the ball to Kaleb Young and the new recruit threaded the ball through to Joe Barwick. Under pressure, the defender mis-timed his kick which put the Birtley forward through on goal with just the keeper to beat. With strike partner Teasdale waiting for the square ball across the box, Barwick decided to go it alone and tucked the ball into the bottom corner of the net to break the deadlock and score his first goal since April 2019 which coincidentally was also against Jarrow.

Further changes for both sides saw Max Kirkham replaced by Josh Houghton for the visitors and Kaleb Young replaced by Martin Guy for the home side. Good to see Guysey back on the pitch after he’d had an indifferent pre-season and hadn’t featured much through injury. Less than five minutes later, an excellent

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last-ditch tackle from Scott McArdle denied Josh Houghton as he beared down on goal with just the keeper to beat.

A big chance followed for Jarrow when an incorrect offside flag, in my opinion anyway, denied a goalscoring opportunity but there seemed to be very little complaint from the pitch or sidelines so maybe he was?! This was followed by Jarrow’s final change which saw Dean Martin come on for Ross Toward.

With three minutes of normal time remaining, John Mordey provided a great save from eight yards to deny Jarrow a certain equalising goal and that’s how the game finished after four minutes of added time.

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BTFC 4-3 CHESTER-LE-STREET TOWN Birtley Town hadn’t beaten their local rivals Chester-le-Street on home turf since April 2014, a run of five games and although the majority of them had seen plenty of goals, a very late decision by the local Council prevented any supporters from witnessing at first hand just what unfolded.

This was the Cestrians’ first game of the season and Birtley’s third in a week and before the game the two sides lined up around the centre circle for an impeccably observed minutes’ silence in memory of Don Fleming, the Father of current Chester-le-Street and former Birtley player and manager, Baz, who passed away recently.

From the first kick, Birtley were straight on the offensive and great closing down from Ben Garrity saw the ball played back to the visiting keeper. He took aim to clear the ball but cannoned it off Joe Barwick where it fell perfectly into the path of Lewis Teasdale who stabbed it into an empty net from the edge of the box to mark his full debut with a goal after just 14 seconds.

If you think that’s where the pressure stopped, you’d be completely wrong as the Cestrians found themselves 2-0 down inside 83 seconds as Kaleb Young placed an excellent strike from 25+ yards into the bottom corner, passed the outstretched glove of Max Coombes.

Birtley were on cloud nine.

That dream lasted all of six minutes as we allowed Chester-le-Street to halve the deficit in the eighth minute when two former Birtley players combined as Andrew Clarkson squared from the right to an unmarked Michael Hepplewhite

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for a simple enough finish. Just before the quarter of an hour mark, the visitors grabbed their equaliser from a short free kick. Taken short by Michael Hepplewhite, he found yet another former Birtley player in Kevin Dixon and the big centre halfs’ scuffed shot trickled into the bottom corner of the net via the post.

For those that haven’t been able to keep up, we’ve played fourteen minutes and the scoreline is 2-2!!

A further chance for Hepplewhite fell in the 17th minute from a deep free kick but he put it over the crossbar and three minutes later, Birtley were forced into their first change as Lewis Teasdale, who had received treatment on the sidelines moments earlier was taken off to be replaced by Chad Collins.

The game saw its fifth goal inside 24 minutes and this one was by far the goal of the game. Picking up a Kaleb Young flick while inside his own half, debutant Ryan Drane waltzed past FOUR Chester players before burying a driven strike into the bottom right-hand corner to restore his sides’ lead. For those watching via the Northern League live Facebook stream, after they very kindly offered to help at such short notice, they were certainly being treat with a cracking game of football.

HALF TIME In the opening ten minutes of the second half, Birtley made their second change of the night which saw Dan Pearson replace the injured Glen Caygill and minutes later, Ricky Tanoh saw his effort drift inches past the post.

Just passed the hour mark, Chester introduced their first change of the evening with Owen Henderson replacing

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Kieron Alderson. Two minutes later, the Cestrians were awarded a penalty and another chance to equalise when Ben Garrity’s clipped the boot of Niall Fingleton during his second clearance of the ball, his first being to head the ball off the line from the initial free kick.

Up stepped Michael Hepplewhite to level the scores but he blazed it high and wide over John Mordey’s bar. Chester were certainly punished by that miss minutes later as Ryan Drane picked up his second of the night and Birtley’s fourth with another 25-yard strike which crucially bounced just before reaching the keeper and although he got something to the ball, it was never going to be enough.

Chances came and went at both ends in the minutes that followed; Niall Fingleton with a free header for Chester from inside the six-yard box from a corner but he couldn’t direct it goalwards and at the other end, a chance for Chad Collins was kicked just over the bar.

Kelvin Thear was introduced in the 78th minute for Birtley as a replacement for Ricky Tanoh and less than a minute later, the ball was in the back of the Birtley net again however before the strike could take place, the referee had seen a push from Michael Hepplewhite on Dan Pearson which resulted in him colliding with Mordey to make it an open goal.

The Chester players were livid, the bench wasn’t happy either and to tell the truth, not many people watching thought he’d made the right decision, however, after looking back through the footage, I’m pleased to say he got it absolutely spot on! The one person who made no noise following the decision was the same player who committed the foul.

Into the last ten minutes of normal time,

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Chester made their final change as Jay Smyth enter the field of play (I think to replace Niall Fingleton although I could be wrong). He was involved in an 87th minute free kick. Taken by Hepplewhite, parried by Mordey into the path of Smyth whose first touch let him down massively and he put the ball out for a goal kick.

Smyth was to be involved again in the first of four added minutes. A Birtley attack which saw Kelvin Thear and Chester keeper Max Coombes contest a loose ball over the top from Scott McArdle, the keeper appeared to catch the Birtley player and, as last man, could easily have been shown a straight red although the ref decided there wasn’t enough in the challenge and play continued. The ball was played upfield, flicked on into the path of Smyth who rounded the Birtley keeper and placed the ball into the empty net to make it 4-3 with three minutes of added time left to play.

A nasty clash of heads between Joe Barwick and centre half Matthew Keogh saw the game halted so both players could receive treatment however, on the restart, a drop ball was somehow given the visitors’ way which didn’t go down very well. Although it was pumped forward, nothing came of it and a cracking game of football ended in Birtley’s favour.

TOW LAW TOWN FC 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 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” 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 the Lawyers played in the South Durham Alliance (1900 to 1905) and Crook and District League (1912 to 1914). 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 1994/95 season the club had not won the championship apart from two successive seasons 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.

Another outstanding memory was the tremendous F.A. Cup run of 1967/68.

Having reached the first round Tow Law beat Mansfield 5-1 and in the second round drew 1-1 with Shrewsbury at Ironworks Road. The Lawyers went into

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, 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.

Continuity at the club was provided by the longest serving trio of officials in the League, Chairman Harry Hodgson, Treasurer Harry Dixon and Club Secretary Bernard Fairbairn who followed his father and grandfather into the job.) They had over 100 years’ service between them.

Harry Hodgson stood down as Chairman at the end of the 95/96 season. At the end of 1997 Harry Dixon also stood down but stayed on as the Club President until his death in 2002. Harry Hodgson took over as President. Bernard Faribairn stepped down as Secretary in 2007 after being in the post since 1961 – over 40

years. “A prisoner would get less for murder During 2004, Harry Hodgson again showed his devotion to the Club, returning as Chairman for 1 last year.

Following the 2004/05 season he was replaced by Sandra Gordon, the first female Chair at the Club and only the third in the long history of the League.

Famous ex-players include Billy Hall who played for Blackpool and Manchester City, Chris Waddle who transferred to Newcastle in 1980 & Steve Howard of Leicester City.

SQUAD Lewis Graham (Goalkeeper): Lewis joined the club for 2019-20 season.

He has proved that he is one of the top goalkeepers in the League & can constantly be heard shouting advice and instructions to those in front of him.

(Sponsored by DAVID EDWARDS) Marshall Topham (Goalkeeper): Marshall is a youing goalkeeper who was with South Shields Academy. He possesses loads of ability. Previously with Darlington Town & Billingham Synthonia.

Ryan McKinnon (Defender).

The big centre-back signed on loan from Consett in January 2020. He spent eight years at Newcastle United Academy. He’s a Durham Challenge Cup winner in 2018, who has played 150+ games for Consett.

Lewis Milner (Defender): Lewis is another player joining The Lawyers from Willington. A strong central defender, we have tried on numerous occasions to land him & finally succeeded in 2019.

Scott Oldfield (Defender): Scott is a pacey left sided defender/ wing back. He returns to the Club for a 2nd spell, having spent 2018/19 with

Willington.

(Sponsored by SHAUN MEEK, DRIVING INSTRUCTOR) Mark Pattison (Defender): Mark is in his 2nd spell with the Club, having spent 2 seasons with Birtley Town.

He is an accomplished left back, adding Northern League experience to the squ ad.

MATTY ROBSON (Defender): Matty is a very experienced defender, having joined Hartlepool United at the age of 17. He has also played for Carlisle United & Gateshead, joining the Lawyers from Shildon, where he made 73 appearances & scored 10 goals.

Robbie Shields (Defender): Robbie signed for the 2019/20 season after a 2-year spell at Willington. He can play anywhere along the back.

His versatility is a great asset to the management team.

Jake Thompsion (Defender): Jake is a young centre half, signed in August 2020 from Newcastle Benfield.

Tom Aldsworth (Midfield): Tom joined on transfer from Bishop Auckland on the eve of 20-21 season.

Comfortable on the ball, he can play anywhere across the midfield.

Jeb Atkinson (Midfield): Jeb is a left sided midfield player, joined the Club at the start of 2019/20 season.

Previously with Jarrow FC. Adam Knowles (Midfield): Adam began his ENL career with Esh Winning & Chester-le-Street, before joining Tow Law, had a short spell at Consett, returning in October 2017.

He’s played over 100 games for the Club. Loves going forward. He oversees changing room music & players’ fines.

Joel Pearson (Midfield): Joel is a midfield player, who can also be an attacking wing back. He joins Tow Law after 7 years at Queen of the South.

Barrie Smith (Midfield): Barrie brings a great deal of experience with him from his time at South Shields, where he made 323 appearances & won six trophies during his time at the club. He is a great addition to the Lawyers’ squad. Barrie can play central or out wide & also full back.

(Sponsored by ALFIE EDWARDS) Jeff Smith (Midfield): Jeff is a very experiences midfield player, who played with Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League. He joined us from Whitley Bay. Previously with Willington.

David Webb (Midfield): David joined on the eve of the 20-21 season, on a dual registration with Spennymoor Town. A young player who will do well in Northern League football, he marked his debut with a goal at Newcastle University.

Jason White (Midfield): Jay is another recruit from Willington. An intelligent midfielder, capable of pushing forward & scoring goals.

Johnson Ballan (Forward): Johnson is a skilful young forward from Leeholme who made his Northern League debut for Newton Aycliffe late in the 2018/2019 season having played for Newton Aycliffe Under 23s. He moved to Tow Law for the 20-21 season.

Michael Brown (Forward): Michael signed from Consett; were he’s had 2 spells. He also had 2 seasons at Willington. His pace and work rate make him a real handful.

Mattie Moffat (Forward): Matty is an experienced centre forward,

who scores goals for fun. He’s played 1st Division football for West Auckland, Bishop Auckland & Consett. He was with Willington for most of the 2018/19 season before joining the Lawyers.

Aaron Willoughby (Forward): Aaron is a local lad, who played against us for Hartlepool United in the 19/20 Durham Challenge Cup. A forward with an eye for goal, he has lots of ability.

Michael Vasey (Manager): Michael has a wealth of ENL experience, having played for Tow Law, Crook, Newcastle Blue Star, Durham City & Blyth Speartans. He’s previously managed the Club & returned for the 2019/20 season.

Warren Pearson (Coach): Warren played for Tow Law in the 90’s & in the FA Vase Final at Wembley. Most recently the coaching staff at Queen of the South, his experience will be pivotal to the Lawyers success.

Mark Spedding (GK Coach): Mark was recently with Durham City.

Joins the Lawyers as GK Coach to assist with player development.

Ginalee Brownson (Physio): Ginalee joins Tow Law, having previously worked with Crook Town & Durham City. She runs her own Sports Therapy Business.

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FIXTURES & RESULTS Augusts 01

Birtley Town v Sunderland RCA

Pre-season

2-1

07

Birtley Town v Newcastle Blue Star

Pre-season

3-0

15

Birtley Town v AFC Killingworth

Pre-season

2-2

18

Dunston FC v Birtley Town

Pre-season

6-3

22

Birtley Town v Whitley Bay

Pre-season

1-3

24

Birtley Town v North Shields

Pre-season

1-3

29

Birtley Town v Forest Hall Seniors

Pre-season

4-1

September 05

Birtley Town v Washington

3.00pm

Division 2

1-1

09

Birtley Town v Jarrow

7:45 pm

Division 2

1-0

11

Birtley Town v Chester-le-Street

7:45 pm

Division 2

4-3

16

Birtley Town v Tow Law Town

7:45 pm

Division 2

19

Birtley Town v Squires Gate

3:00 pm

FA Vase FQR

23

Redcar Athletic v Birtley Town

7:45 pm

Division 2

26

Birtley Town v Brandon United

3:00 pm

Division 2

30

Birtley Town v Ryton & Crawcrook Albion

7:45 pm

Division 2

October 03

Carlisle City v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

07

Billingham Synthonia v Birtley Town

7:30 pm

Division 2

10

Birtley Town v Heaton Stannington

3:00 pm

Division 2

17

Esh Winning v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

24

Birtley Town v Sunderland West End

3:00 pm

Division 2

31

Willington v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

November 07

Easington Colliery v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

14

Birtley Town v Bedlington Terriers

3:00 pm

Division 2

21

Crook Town v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

28

Birtley Town v Newcastle University

3:00 pm

Division 2

December 05

West Allotment Celtic v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

12

Birtley Town v Durham City

3:00 pm

Division 2

19

Jarrow v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

FIXTURES & RESULTS 26

Birtley Town v Esh Winning

January

3:00 pm

Division 2

02

Sunderland West End v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

09

Tow Law Town v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

16

Birtley Town v Redcar Athletic

3:00 pm

Division 2

23

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

30

Birtley Town v Billingham Synthonia

3:00 pm

Division 2

February 06

Washington v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

12

Chester-le-Street v Birtley Town

7:30 pm

Division 2

20

Brandon United v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

27

Birtley Town v Carlisle City

3:00 pm

Division 2

March 06

Heaton Stannington v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

13

Birtley Town v Willington

3:00 pm

Division 2

20

Birtley Town v Easington Colliery

3:00 pm

Division 2

27

Bedlington Terriers v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

April 03

Birtley Town v Crook Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

10

Newcastle University v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

17

Birtley Town v West Allotment Celtic

3:00 pm

Division 2

24

Durham City v Birtley Town

3:00 pm

Division 2

U E

B O U T I Q U E

By Ashley Rand 39 Orchard Street, Birtley, Chester–Le–Street, Co Durham, DH3 1PE T: 0191 447 0930

oN l a s y d N e r T d he New refurbis ge N a r e d i w a g offeriN es of hair servic Come down to orchard street and meet Ashley.

I am a friendly professional hairdresser with over 16 years experience in the industry.

I will be happy to guide you on all hairdressing needs.

I will look forward to seeing you very soon.

Stockists of

£5 OFF £10 OFF

**

*

when you spend over £20.00

when you spend over £50.00 On any colour service.

*Terms and conditions apply. Voucher must be presented before treatment takes place. **£10 off spend is valid on colour services only.

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DIVISION 2 TABLE

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A BRIEF HISTORY B

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Birtley’s history in the Northern League can be traced back to the very first season. It all began on Saturday September 7th 1889. Birtley v Elswick Rangers.

Birtley: T. Burn, D. Crichton, Beckwith, R. Bell, Murray, J. Kennedy, A. Shaw, T. Knox, A. Standley, P. McAvoy, J. Bolam Referee – Mr J. R. Douglas (Gateshead) Birtley won this game 4-1 with T. Knox and P. Mc Avoy both scoring twice. J. Nugent or Junior as he was known got Elswick’s goal.

Controversially Rangers lodged a protest over the validity of the match and a subsequent Northern League Committee meeting agreed: “ That the match should be counted as drawn, with the scores still standing!”

Other games played were Newcastle East End v Darlington, the result being 2-1.

South bank v Auckland Town, the result being 3-0.

Birtley Town FC reformed in 1993, joining the Wearside League and, at that time, taking their place in the old second division. After just missing out on promotion in their first season for a place in the top flight Birtley’s second season was to prove more successful. The club won promotion as Champions.

On becoming established within Division One Birtley lifted their first major trophy in 1998 by overcoming the newly crowned Champions, Annfield Plain in the League Challenge Cup Final.

Four years later the club had a magnificent season in all cup competitions, lifting both the League Challenge Cup and the Monkwearmouth

Charity Cup at the expense of Stokesley Sports Club and Redcar, respectfully.

In the same season they narrowly lost out on a cup treble due to being on the wrong end of a penalty shoot-out result against Jarrow in the Sunderland Shipowners Charity Cup Final. This was followed by completing 6 consecutive years in reaching the final of the League Cup. In 2002 the club merged with Birtley ST. Joseph’S Juniors to expand the club and develop a clear progression route from under 7’s through to under 18’s, develop girls football and the inclusion of a reserve team. This has proven to be very successful and has enabled the club to be awarded the FA Charter Standard Community Club.

In the following season of 2003-04 Birtley ended 57 years without a League Championship when they were crowned Wearside League Champions Unfortunately the League Title was not accompanied by promotion as Birtley’s ground did not meet the standards required by the Northern League.

The recently constructed changing facilities, completed in October 2006, together with the addition of floodlighting has enabled Birtley to gain promotion, having completed last season as champions.

We are now looking forward to competing within the Northern League and establishing ourselves as a competitive team within this.