11.02.2023 | Birtley Town vs Billingham Synthonia

Match Ball Sponsor

Match Sponsor

Casa Rosa are entering their third year of sponsoring our football club. They started out with a pitch-side advertising board and have increased their level of commitment over the years to include sponsoring our new stand and are now our home shirt sponsors too.

As a business, they were named “Best takeaway in the North East” in they look to retain their crown. They also do a great deal for the local community including free pizza kits during lockdown, food donations for those in need and pizza workshops for kids.

BTFC CONTACTS 2022-23

BTFC JUNIORS COACHES

Stephen Minto Head of Soccer Tots

M: 07769 349450

Dionne Leigh Slade

Weetabix Wildcats

M: 07780 135319

Paul Beat Under 7 Hoops

M: 07920 850162

John Parker Under 7 Greens

M: 07931 435064

Ian Wade Under 7 Whites

M: 07852 945217

Brandon Snaith

Under 8

M: 07743 086114

William Cowey Under 9 Greens

M: 07811 525063

Carl Morrison Under 9 Eagles

M: 07510 496895

Stephen Robson Under 9 Hoops

M: 07359 319722

Dionne Leigh Slade Under 10

M: 07780 135319

Stephen Minto

U10 Girls

07769 349450

Tony Rand

Under 11 Whites

M: 07900 694669

James Moffatt

Under 12

M: 07482 994662

Tony Marshall

Under 13

M: 07707 927444

Andrew Bull / David Richardson

Under 13 Whites

M: 07534 340115

Andy Seddon

Under 14

M: 07944 614957

Michael Walsh Under 14 GirlsBirtley Blades

M: 07423 405946

Keith Flood / Paul Hutchinson

Under 15 (Saturdays)

M: 07521 128979

Mel Butterfield

Under 15 Whites (Sunday)

M: 07535 129371

Paul Rolston

Under 15 Girls

M: 07717 685708

Andrew Beston

Under 16

M: 07957 523865

John Chipperfield

Under 17

M: 07962 301122

Samantha Dawson Welfare Officer

M: 07496 915316

JUNIORS COMMITTEE

Stephen Minto

Chairman & Treasurer

M: 07769 349450

Andrew Bull Junior Secretary

M: 07534 340115

BTFC SENIORS

Paul Foster / Paul Bryson

Men’s Team Managers

M: 07919 203196 /

M: 07950 788532

Mel Nugent

Ladies Team

M: 07709 313192

Dan Irving Development Team

M: 07743 426515

Lee Cuthbertson

Men’s Sunday Team

M: 07771 507981

SENIOR COMMITTEE

Paul Beat Chairman

M: 07920 850162

Anthony Petit Secretary

M: 97958 468937

Lee Cuthbertson Treasurer

M: 07771 507981

Chris Munro

Website & Social Media

M: 07584 050768

BTFC SQUAD 2022-23

CONOR GRANT – Sponsored by 21 Club, Birtley

Conor is a vastly experienced shot-stopper who can list his former clubs as Gretna, Dundee united and Ashington. We are delighted that he has signed for the club and we will be hoping his experience shines through.

ISAAC ROBINSON – Sponsorship Available

Isaac joined us from Carlisle United's Academy in pre-season after gaining valuable first team match experience whilst on loan at Workington AFC in step 4. The 19-year-old is an exciting prospect and we're delighted to have him at the club.

JORDAN HARKER – Sponsorship Available

Jordan made his Hoops debut early in the 2021/22 season and immediately looked right at home in the centre of defence. Dominant in the air and firm in the tackle, the former Spennymoor youngster will be looking to establish himself in the first XI as soon as possible.

SAM HEDLEY – Sponsored by John Aynsley Architectural Metalwork Ltd.

Heds is a managers dream, honest, reliable and a solid performer. He's got better more or less every game he's played for the club and is now one of two Vice Captains. An accomplished defender with a fantastic left foot, he gives us great balance.

JOSH HOLLAND – Sponsored by Steve Carroll

Mr Dependable, Josh is your solid 7/10 or 8/10 close on every week. He's perfect for the way we play, he's a great kid and we think Josh will be a great player for us this season.

RYAN KELTIE – Sponsorship Available

Ryan is a big commanding player who has been on the radar for a while. Great in both boxes and he will add a dimension which we haven’t had before.

BTFC SQUAD 2022-23

OWEN LANCASTER – Sponsored by Trident Energy Solutions

Owen has also had his fair share of injuries and work commitments over the last few years that have led to a stop start phase in playing. He's back now and committing full time, he's an all round defender who adds a lot to the group and I think we've a bit more to come from him this season.

JOHN MARTIN – Sponsorship Available

John, or Skiddy as he more affectionately known is another former Birtley player who has returned to the club after a period away. A Rolls Royce of a defender, he'll be looking to use his vast experience to give himself and the team an advantage this season.

ROSS PRESTON – Sponsorship Available

A regular in the Northern league for well over 10 years. Having left Burnley FC at the age of 16, he was part of the West Auckland side that reached the FA Vase final at Wembley, working alongside our current boss Paul Foster. Ross was then a mainstay of the Sunderland RCA team.

JOSH STRASSHEIM – Sponsorship Available

Young player who attends Park View Academy. Has bags of potential. Versatile but predominantly a defender who attacks the ball well, very competitive with good distribution.

CALLUM TURNBULL – Sponsored by The Hanlon Pub

Callum is a Birtley lad who boasts an incredible record of 327 appearances for his former club where he also scored 55 goals, holding the position of club Captain since 2020

ALEX FRANCIS – Sponsored by Aspire Technology Solutions

Alex started his career as a youngster at Newcastle United's Academy and has played for some well established clubs in the past. He was part of the successful promotion side with Consett AFC last season and has worked closely with Paul Bryson before. As something of a dead-ball specialist.

GLEN HARGRAVE – Sponsored by Alex Jenkins

Glen, who can play wide right or up front is a recent signing from Jarrow FC where he played a prominent role in their squad in previous seasons and is someone who will bring experience to our squad. Having always caused us problems when playing against us, we are delighted to now have him in our squad.

JACK HARRISON – Sponsorship Available

Jack has joined the club on a temporary deal. He is a former Consett player, is tidy in possession and helps to keep the ball moving. A very skilful player with great receiving skills. Has ability to take players on and make things happen. We look forward to watching him develop this season.

JACK HONOUR – Sponsored by Brian & Jan Jameson

Our skipper for his second season, Jack has bags of Northern League experience and he is looking like he is back to his punching weight and fitness. A true midfielder who can be essential to our success this season.

THOMAS MCINTYRE – Sponsorship Available

Central midfielder signed from Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and attends Tyne Met Academy. He competes well, gets around the pitch and has good distribution and loads of potential.

HARRY PILKINGTON – Sponsorship Available

Part of the Sunderland AFC Academy as a youth, he attended three colleges in Michigan, Virginia and Oregon in the USA. Further spells at PDX FC in Portland, USA, Vancouver Victory in Canada, AS Muret in France, SSV Langenauback 1920 and TSV Bicken in Germany, Pontypridd Town in Wales and Croydon FC in London, England before heading back to the North East.

BTFC SQUAD 2022-23

MATTHEW WARD – Sponsored The Home Designers

Matty Ward has joined us from Heaton Stan. The exciting forward player made the move to Stan from Chester-le-Street Town after scoring 24 goals in 36 games. Ward is still only 19 years old and adds another exciting young prospect to the clubs forward line alongside Aidan Rutledge and Callum Smith.

JOE BARWICK – Sponsored by Aspire Technology Solutions

Vice-Captain and a real leader in the squad, Joe is a true goalscorer and a great person to have at the club as well off the field. A player who genuinely wants to succeed and loves scoring goals, not to mention he works as hard, if not harder than any other player off the ball.

ANDREW CLARKSON – Sponsored by Penlec Electrical Services

Big Clarky is a local lad who was at Birtley around 6 years ago for a short spell. Returning with a hell of a lot more experience, he's capable of giving us another dimension to our play. Not forgetting that he can play as well and if our supply into him is right, he can score a hatful.

AIDAN RUTLEDGE – Sponsored by JG Fitness

Aidan is a striker who made a solitary appearance for Birtley Town in a league cup defeat to Whitley Bay during the 2019/20 season. Since then, the 21-year old has shown his prowess at Gateshead Leam Rangers in the Wearside League where he scored an impressive 49 goals in 60 appearances in his two seasons at the club.

CALLUM SMITH – Sponsored by Bob Hunter

Callum joins us after a successful promotion season with North Shields. Callum's dad, David is an ex-Birtley Town manager who led the club to its most successful period in the early 2000's. Callum came through the Newcastle United academy, spending time at Hull City and Dunston UTS before joining the Robins. A thrilling winger with an eye for a spectacular strike, he’s sure to play a big part in the coming season.

BIRTLEY TOWN 0 BRANDON UNITED 2

happen, and things went from bad-to-worse on 78 minutes as Hewitson received the ball with his back to goal, turned his marker and smashed home Brandon’s second from the edge of the box. What had already been a scrappy encounter quickly descended into farce, as a rash of injuries, substitutions and niggly fouls saw the added time stretch to over 12 minutes, with the ref’s final whistle coming as something of a relief to everyone in attendance.

Managers Corner

It was a bad day at the office for Birtley on Saturday, as a well-drilled Brandon United side inflicted the Hoops’ first defeat since September.

The game started slowly, with the heavy pitch proving something of a leveller as the two sides huffed and puffed with very little to show for it. It took until the 22nd minute for the first real chance, which fell to the hosts, as Aaron Skelton tipped Glen Hargrave’s effort over following a great bit of work from Josh Holland.

Birtley came close again from the resulting corner, as a visiting defender rattled a header off his own crossbar and out of play. Brandon had a chance themselves shortly afterwards, as Kai Hewitson broke through the Birtley rear-guard only to see Conor Grant rush out and smother the danger. As half-time approached, Birtley had another couple of great chances, with Aidan Rutledge placing an effort uncharacteristically wide and Hargrave sending a glancing header just past the upright, but it remained goalless at the break.

Brandon made a statement of intent early the second half as Hewitson found himself unmarked, only to fire just wide. Birtley’s best chance of the half came just past the hour mark, as Hargrave nodded wide from a great Tom McIntyre cross. The Hoops were left to rue their profligacy on 65 minutes when Brandon’s young right-back Adam Metcalfe hit an absolute rocket from fully 30 yards that nestled in the bottom corner of Conor Grant’s net. The effort with the outside of his right foot was a goal worthy to break any tight deadlock.

Coaches Bryson & Foster immediately made a couple of attacking changes in a bid to get back on terms, but however hard they fought, it just wouldn’t

Paul Bryson was frustrated with a difficult day at The Arrowmark: “It was a really disappointing performance, I didn’t really see that coming after the run we have been on. We were undefeated in 11 games but that run has come to an end. We never really got going and all credit to Brandon. They looked hungry, full of energy and they deserved to win. There scored two superb goals, you probably won’t see two better strikes this season. I thought they were well organised, scored good goals and defended like their lives depended on it.”

“I think what sums the game up is that in recent games, we have had plenty nominations for a player of the match, yesterday we really struggled. The good thing about football is that you get a chance to pick yourself up, dust yourself down and look to re-group against Bedlington next week. The players owe themselves a real performance, I was disappointed for the lads more than anything. I need to look at myself and when we analyse the game afterwards to ask if we could use our players better, change the formation and impact ways to get back into the game. It’s not just the players, we need to look at ourselves as a management team. It was a bad result but we must not dwell too much on the performance and the result. We have put far too much into this season to let that happen, we need to regroup in training and look forward to Bedlington next week.”

Man of the Match – Alex Francis

Attendance – 223

BEDLINGTON TERRIERS 0 BIRTLEY TOWN 6

one-on-one only to hit a weak lob that was easily gathered by Cameron. But the prolific marksman redeemed himself almost immediately, playing a sublime through-ball which Smith chipped over Cameron for his brace. The remainder of the half continued in the same breathless vein with Barwick almost capping off a great move, and Alex Francis nodding narrowly wide. On the stroke of half-time Bedlington came close to pulling one back, but the Birtley defence did its job, before Smith added insult to injury by completing his hat-trick on the counter.

Birtley turned on the style on Saturday afternoon, hitting high-flying Bedlington Terriers for six at Dr Pit Park.

The Hoops got off to the perfect start with Callum Smith firing past Adam Cameron to give his side the lead after only four minutes. They quickly came close to doubling their lead through Joe Barwick, but the Birtley man saw his header deflected wide for a corner. It took until the 19th minute for the beleaguered Terriers to carve out a chance of their own, as Gilberto Chapim sent a powerful header just over Conor Grant’s crossbar.

Bedlington’s fightback was short-lived as a relentless Birtley quickly restored their dominance. A beautiful flowing move on 25 minutes culminated in an Aidan Rutledge effort being deflected wide. Matty Ward then hit the crossbar, before Rutledge saw what looked like a certain goal cleared off the line by Sam Dinsley. From the resulting corner, Rutledge collected Owen Lancaster’s flick-on, and fired through a sea of bodies to double his side’s lead.

The game had barely restarted before Rutledge had another golden opportunity, breaking through one-on-one only to hit a weak lob that was easily gathered by Cameron. But the prolific marksman redeemed himself almost immediately, playing a sublime through-ball which Smith chipped over Cameron for his brace. The remainder of the half continued in the same breathless vein with Barwick almost capping off a great move, and Alex Francis nodding narrowly wide. On the stroke of half-time Bedlington came close to pulling one back, but the Birtley defence did its job, before Smith added insult to injury by completing his hat-trick on the counter.

The game had barely restarted before Rutledge had another golden opportunity, breaking through

It was a dream response from Birtley who easily dispatched second place Bedlington with a sumptuous display of attacking football. The Hoops now sit in third place, just four points off leaders Boro Rangers, and will look to keep up the pursuit next Saturday as they welcome Billingham Synthonia to the Arrowmark.

Managers Corner

Manager Paul Bryson was thrilled with the reaction: “Absolutely fantastic performance and result. We asked for a big response from the lads after last week’s disappointing defeat. I went to watch Bedlington on Wednesday, I had a good idea of how they would play and what they would be like. I thought we got everything right yesterday. We had a few hiccups leading into the game, Callum Turnbull missed out due to a knee injury. Glen Hargrave dropped out on the morning of the game with illness. Fair play to the squad and the lads who came into the side. Unlike the week before, there was a number of contenders for player of the match (Callum Smith won the award), everyone played well and a great team performance both individually and collectively.”

“I am really pleased as the win was against a team that will finish in the top 5. Bedlington are a good 2nd division Northern League team, it shows you how well we have played. We need to keep taking each day as it comes and that is certainly what we will do now. We will train midweek and then look forward to next Saturday but without looking too far ahead. We have to adapt to the different challenges that each game brings and see where it takes us. It was without doubt our best performance of the season both in possession and without the ball.”

Man of the Match – Callum Smith

Attendance – 223

The club would like to thank Ian Brodie for the use of his images from Saturday’s game.

Callum Smith (4’ 36’ 45’ 49) Aidan Rutledge (33’) Tom McIntyre (80’)

BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA

Further FA Cup progression also ensued with a 1st round tie away at Lincoln City where Synners narrowly missed out with a 1-0 defeat at Sincil Bank.

Club History

Billingham Synthonia FC formed in 1923, first contesting the South Bank & District League, before joining the Teesside League. After the second world war, Synthonia re-joined the Teesside league for a last term before joining the Northern League in 1945-46.

Synthonia played their first Northern League match on the 25th August 1945 with a 5-4 win away at Shildon. After coming third in their inaugural Northern League season & 'Dusty' Rhodes scoring a club record eight goals in a match at South Bank on Christmas Day 1945, Synners went on to become runner-up on three occasions; 49-50, 50-51, 51-52. in 50-51 Billingham didn’t concede a home league goal all season, keeper Harry Armstrong preserving the record in a 3-0 win over Bishop Auckland in the last game of the season. the record stands to this day.

A first trophy as Northern Leaguers came in 51-52, winning the Northern League Challenge Cup. A first league title came in 56-57. Billingham also boasted FA Cup runs which saw them face football league sides in the 1st round proper on four occasions before the 60's; Crewe Alexandra in 48-49, Stockport County in 49-50, Scunthorpe in 51-52 and Carlisle United in 56-57, as well as Boston United 57-58.

After being runners-up in the Durham Challenge Cup in 81-82, the club enjoyed a purple patch with a host of league and cup success, despite being relegated to division 2 in 85-86. Promoted back to division 1 at the first attempt in 86-87, the 2nd division title was claimed losing just one league game. The following 87-88 season saw League Cup success over Shildon with a 2-1 win. FA Cup success also returned to the club as they reached the 1st round for a 6th time and a 'home' tie against Halifax Town at Hartlepool United's Victoria Ground. the Shaymen ran out 4-2 winners.

The 88-89 season saw the 1st division title claimed for a second time. A first Durham Challenge Cup success was also obtained with a 4-1 win over neighbours Billingham Town. A third Northern League title was secured in 89-90 and a third League Cup was also claimed in a 5-2 win over Whitby Town.

More success in the Durham Challenge Cup followed in 90-91 with a 1-0 win over Eppleton CW. Synthonia were runner-up in the league in 92-93. The following 93-94 season Synners reached the quarter-final of the FA Trophy, a run which included wins over conference sides Kettering Town & Macclesfield Town. Billingham exited after taking Woking to a replay. Another Northern League runner-up came in 94-95. The 95-96 season saw the fourth of Synthonia's Northern League titles. Two further runner-up spots in the league (96-97 & 97-98) came as the century came to a close.

The early part of the new millennium saw Billingham runners-up twice in the Durham Cup (02-03 & 05-06), runners-up in the League Cup (02-03) and a runners-up spot in the Northern League (04-05). The club's best FA Vase run came in the 2006-07 season, reaching the semi-finals only to lose out 5-4 on penalties against AFC Totton. the away leg saw Synners gain a 2-1 advantage; the return leg Totton won 2-1, before a crowd of over 2,300 at Central Avenue.

Synners won the Durham Cup in 08-09 with a 1-0 win over Northern Premier League side Durham City, the following 09-10 season retaining the trophy in a 2-0 win over Ryton. Synners record win of 11-0 was recorded on November 8th, 2014 in a Durham Cup 1st round game at Seaton Carew. Synthonia were also relegated in the 2014/15 season. Synthonia were promoted back to division one in 2016-17 and were also runner up in the Durham Cup for a 5th time, losing 2-0 to South Shields in the final at Hartlepool's Victoria Park.

Synthonia were on the verge of returning to Division 1 before the corona virus pandemic cut short both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. They still managed another Durham County Cup Final in 2021 though, losing 2-0 to West Auckland Town.

Squad 2022/23

BEN FAIRLESS (Goalkeeper)

Signed a month or so in to the new season, Ben was brought in as an understudy on a duel registration with Wolviston, but will now be looking to take control of the number 1 shirt.

JOE CARTER (Defender)

Has played for the likes of Thornaby, Billingham Town and Stockton Town where he started in the FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium in 2018.

CONNOR JOHNSON (Defender)

Re-signed for Synthonia for a second spell in January 2022 from Crook Town.

HARVEY RUDD (Defender)

Harvey is a young defender with bags of potential. He is also with the Darlington FC youth team.

JOSH HATTON (Defender)

Josh is another young defender with potential. He had a spell with Synners last season and impressed, as well as playing for the Hartlepool United Academy. After a short spell with Newcastle Benfield, Josh returned to Synners this season.

ALFIE SIMPSON (Defender)

Young centre back signed from Newcastle Independant, where he won promotion to the Northern Alliance Premier last season.

CALLUM BANKI (Midfield)

Callum joined Synthonia in July 2021. Has previous experience in the Northern League with Esh Winning, Thornaby and more recently Durham City.

LEO KIRKBRIDE (Midfield)

Defensive minded central midfielder signed from Crook Town.

LEETON SUTTON (Defender/Midfield)

Young defensive minded player signed from Billingham Town in the summer.

TERRY STEPHENSON (Defender/Midfield)

The left-footed former Middlesbrough youth player was signed in the summer from Crook Town.

CAMERON WILSON (Midfield)

Cam was signed in January from Pickering Town, after spells with Northallerton Town, Whitby Town and Stockton Town.

MATTY WILSON (Midfield)

Ex-Middlesbrough academy player who re-signed for Synthonia in January 2022 for a second spell from Redcar Athletic.

RYAN GOOCH (Midfield)

Tricky winger signed from Billingham Town in the summer. Ryan is a product of the Sunderland AFC Academy.

REECE MCMANN (Midfielder)

Reece is a young winger signed from Northallerton Town and is also in the Darlington FC youth set up.

DANNY LAMBERT (Midfield/Attacker)

Lambo has played in the Northern League for the likes of Northallerton Town and Billingham Town. Signed from Grangetown Boys Club in the summer where he scored over 20 goals in the North Riding League last season.

ASH LAVAN (Attacker)

Made his debut for Synthonia as a 16-year-old. Went on to play for the likes of Billingham Town, Guisborough Town and Redcar Athletic. Is also first team coach at the club.

LIAM TRAVERS (Attacker)

Former Hartlepool United striker back for a second spell at Synthonia. Trav has been away for some time playing in the USA.

DANNY EARL (Attacker)

Back for his third spell at the club and is also Assistant Manager. Has bags of experience at this level with Synthonia, Marske United, Guisborough Town and Billingham Town.

MATTY WILLSHAW (Attacker)

Billingham born lad signed from Wynyard Village in November. Looking to make the step up to Northern League football.

ELLIOT DUFF (Attacker)

Scottish lad signed in January from Redcar Athletic. The striker has a good goalscoring record in the lower leagues of Scotland.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

DAVE DICKSON

Dave is a former Gateshead Academy manager who won a national title whilst at the helm. Had a short spell at Gateshead first team manager. Dave was most recently with Percy Main.

DANNY EARL

ASH LAVAN

ROB WHITE (First Team Physio)

A BRIEF HISTORY

season saw the club win the Wearside League title. After finishing as runners-up in 2003–04 and 2004–05 and winning the League Cup for a third time in 2005–06, they were champions again in 2006–07, resulting in promotion to Division Two of the Northern League.

In 2009-10, Birtley finished bottom of Division Two, but were not relegated. However, in 2015-16 the club finished second-from-bottom of the division and were relegated to the Premier Division of the Northern Alliance. They were Premier Division runners-up and League Cup winners in 2017–18, and were promoted back to Division Two of the Northern League.

THE ARROWMARK HOME IMPROVEMENTS STADIUM

The original Birtley Football Club were founder members of the Northern League in 1889. However, they left after finishing second-from-bottom of the league in its inaugural season The club then joined the Northern Alliance, again leaving after a single season. They re-joined the alliance in 1895 and finished bottom of the league in 1897–98, before leaving again in 1900. The club returned for a third spell in the league in 1909, and were runners-up in 1913–14. After the World War I, they were champions in 1923–24.

In 1926 the Northern Alliance merged into the North Eastern League, with Birtley becoming members of Division Two. They remained in the North Eastern League until transferring to the Wearside League in 1935. Following World War II, the club was renamed Birtley Town, and went on to win the Wearside League in 1945–46. However, after finishing bottom of the league in 1949–50, 1950–51 and 1951–52, the club dropped out of the league.

A new Birtley Town was established in the early 1990s and joined Division Two of the Wearside League in 1992. They were Division Two champions in 1994–95, earning promotion to Division One. In 1997–98 the club won the League Cup, and in 2001–02 they won both the League Cup and the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup. The following

The Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium is our home. The club has been based at the ground since it reformed in 1993. The ground has seen an unrecognisable transformation in the last 5 years. The club has a fantastic team of volunteers who ensure that our ground is one of the best facilities in the Northern League. The wider site hosts a further two 11-a-side pitches, one 9-a-side pitch and two small sided pitches.

We have three stands across the stadium including the Andy Foster stand, named after our current manager Paul’s father which hosts 100 seats. This is joined by the Casa Rosa stand and the UK Lift and Esculator stand.

The ground has held numerous different occasions from Family Fundays to charity events. We are proud to have held cup finals for the Northern League, Durham FA and North East Colleges League.

For more information on the club, see our brand new website at:

www. birtley town fc . co