The Highwaymen Official Match Programme of Morpeth Town AFC

Season 2015/16 - Issue 5 - Price £1

West Allotment Celtic

EBAC Northern League Division One

Saturday 12th September 2015 – 3.00pm KO

Welcome to Craik Park

V

Programme Contents

Contents 2 26-27 Northern League Standings Chairman’s Message 3 28-29 Vase triumph for Town Player & Staff Sponsors 4-5 30 Managers Message Club History 6-7 31-33 Mid-Week Round-Up Morpeth Town Squad 8-13 34 Newcastle United Women Player Spotlight 14 35 FA Vase Draw Player Poster 15 36 Today’s Opposition View from the Terraces 16-17 37 Opposition Squad Fixtures & Results 18-19 38-39 Opposition History Player Stats 20 40 Upcoming Fixtures Private Bar and Function Room 21 41 Captains Message Social Media & Website 22 42 Photo Gallery Today’s Fixtures 23 43 Club Sponsor Northern League Stats 24-25 44 Squad List

Next Fixture at Craik Park

Morpeth Town A.F.C. V

Bishop Auckland Wednesday 23rd September – 7.30pm KO

League Cup First Round

Message from the Chairman

Well here I am in Rio. Not on holiday I might add, only 3 quick business meetings and then after only arriving on Tuesday morning back to the UK on the 8pm flight to Amsterdam on Thursday night (tonight as I write). Last night of course we played Bedlington Terriers and as the guys were forwarding me details of the score I decided I couldn't stand it any longer and put the phone off (I must be getting worse in my old age when away when matches are). As it turned out I need not have worried, however, as following a great strike by Sean Taylor in the first half, which in turn had been cancelled out by a Terriers header just before half time, it was left to Ben Sayer, who is having a terrific season to grab the winner with 8 minutes to go. Apparently despite playing some great football in patches we had not been at our best, never the less, a win is a win which of course takes us back to second place in the table. Today we meet our old friends from West Allotment who of course are old sparring partners when we were in the Northern Alliance. Those matches were always tight affairs and today will be no exception and with former close colleagues Jon McDonald and Andy Wright in charge I'm sure they will have a few aces up their sleeves in order to try and curb our attacking flair. We also welcome back some of our old players all of which we are very close to. These lads which include Andrew Keenan, Jak Wells, Mark Grant, Cameron Patrick and Ian Lee are excellent players and we wish them all the very best. They know they are welcome at this club at any time. Well here's hoping for a superb match. See you in the bar afterwards Kenny Beattie.

Player and Staff Sponsors

Available

Available

Tom O’Connor

Securetech Systems

07869147592

Trevor Younger Building

Contractors

Universal Property

Improvements

Michelle Anderson Health & Wellness

Products

Pending

Available

‘Hewey’

Elpha Lodge Ltd & Shambles Bar

Available

Andrew Oliver & Gareth Taws

Paul Dobie Decorators

The Anders Family

Available

History

Morpeth Town Football Club was established in 1894, and through more than a century of football have continued the tradition of carrying Amber and Black as their team colours. The club was formed after an amalgamation between Morpeth United and Morpeth FC, playing at Stobhill Cricket Field. In 1954 the club moved to Storey Park, and in the 1980's enjoyed a successful time in the Northern Alliance, winning the title and finishing runners-up on two other occasions, as well as lifting both the Challenge Cup and Benevolent Bowl in 1986. The club moved to a purpose built stadium in 1994, which coincided with a League and Cup double, and with it, promotion to the Northern League. Craik Park was named after the father and son W and R Craik who had served as secretary between 1920 and 1985. Current President Ken Beattie was the man behind the stadium and since 1992 he has revived the club's fortunes.

Membership of the Northern League followed in 1994/95 and the following year saw the Second Division Championship being presented to Morpeth. The club finished 6th in the First Division at the first time of asking, as well as reaching the final of the Northumberland Senior Cup. The club spent half a century in the Northern Football Alliance before stepping up to the Northern League on their one hundredth anniversary. In 1998-99 they made it to the final qualifying round of the FA Cup, losing 1-0 at home to Nigel Clough's Burton Albion. After sitting comfortably mid-table between 1996/7 and 1999/2000, Morpeth narrowly avoided relegation on goal difference in the 2000/01 season, and finished once again one spot above the relegation zone in 2001/02. The next few years saw Morpeth Town move back into the middle of the table before a 6th place finish in 2005/06, Morpeth’s equal top performance in the Northern League.

In 2006/07 Morpeth won the Northumberland Senior Cup for the first time since 1886 (as Morpeth Harriers) with a 3-2 victory over Blyth Spartans. Disaster struck in 2009/10 as Morpeth Town were relegated to the second division and things got even worse a season later as Morpeth Town finished bottom of the Northern League’s second tier.

The club was in dire straits with President Ken Beattie and Chairman Jim Smith trying their best to keep the club running by bringing the ground up to Northern League standards whilst being forced to ground share with local rivals Bedlington Terriers. The club was within weeks of folding at one point. The Highwaymen began their revival in 2011/12 under the stewardship of Nick

Gray who moved to the club from Seaton Delaval and brought a number of players. In his first season Morpeth narrowly missed out on promotion back to the top tier finishing fourth and a one point won fourteen consecutive home games. 2012/13 saw the side improve once more, finishing one place higher in third position, beating out Jarrow Roofing on goal difference to earn promotion. After earning promotion Morpeth Town managed to avoid the drop quite comfortably finishing in 17th place. During the season they also went on a historic FA Vase run to the Quarter-Final stage. In 2014/15 saw further improvement, with the Highwaymen finishing 8th in the table and reaching the Northumberland Senior Cup Final.

Honours

League Northern League Division Two Champions: 1995/96

Northern Alliance Champions: 1983/84, 1993/94 Northern Alliance Runners-up: 1937/38, 1965/66, 1973/74, 1981/82, 1984/85

Cup

Northern Alliance Challenge Cup Winners: 1938/39, 1985/86, 1993/94 Northern Alliance Challenge Cup Runners-Up: 1936/37, 1962/63, 1973/74, 1985/86

Northumberland Benevolent Bowl Winners: 1978/79, 1985/86 Northumberland Senior Cup Winners: 1886 (shared with Shankhouse), 2006/07

Northumberland Senior Cup Runners-up: 1996/97, 2014/15 Aged Miners Cup Winners: 1935/36, 1936/37, 1937/38, 1987/88

Morpeth Town Squad

Karl Dryden joined the club from local rivals Ashington

at the start of the 2014/15 season. An excellent all-round goalkeeper who commands the area well.

Niall Harrison joined the club mid-way through last season

having played for Blyth Spartans earlier in the season. Another excellent ‘keeper who can hoof a ball.

David Hiftle has plenty of experience at the Northern League level and has previously captained the

Highwaymen. Comfortable playing both in centre defence and at full-back.

Shaun Henderson a long time servant at Morpeth, Shaun is an attacking full back who has previously played for

Newcastle United and Ashington.

James Novak signed from Ashington mid-way through last season and shone at left-back for the Highwaymen.

Has had previous spells at Bedlington Terriers and Whitley Bay.

Club Captain Christopher Jewels is a tall and powerful centre-half who previously played for Hebburn Town, West

Allotment Celtic and Washington.

Michael Hall is a centre-half who can also play in centre midfield. Powerful but also skilful on the ball, he

previously played for West Allotment Celtic and Seaton Delaval.

Chris Swailes signs for the club as he heads into his 45-year. His unrivalled experience will be a massive boost for the

young squad.

Johnny Wilson is a summer signing who plays down the left. Good going forward as well as in defence, he adds

depth and talent to a strong defensive unit. SPONSORED BY: Alnwick Financial Management Ltd

Team Captain Keith Graydon aka Rasher is an experienced midfielder signed mid-season last year from Spennymoor Town.

Scored the winner for Spennymoor in the FA Vase Final. Former Sunderland and Gateshead.

Ben Sayer started his career with Newcastle United before he joined Team Northumbria. Ben is a creative

central midfielder with a superb range of passing. Former Blyth Spartans and Spennymoor Town player.

Jordan Fry is a midfielder with a great engine, Jordan makes intelligent runs and is a threat in and around the penalty box.

Signed from Seaton Delaval Amateurs.

Luke Carr signed toward the end of last season from Durham City. A skilful and pacey central midfielder Luke

will look to have a big impact on the 2015/16 season.

Shaun Bell is another hard-working midfielder who will always put a shift in. Pops up with the occasional goal from

the centre of the park.

Team Vice Captain Sean Taylor a pacey winger/striker who notched up 23 goals last season. A product of the

Sunderland Academy and has had spells at Blackpool and Ashington.

Michael Chilton a fantastic striker for the club who scored 31 goals in the last campaign and is always there or thereabouts

at the top of the Northern League goal scoring charts. Ex-Newcastle Benfield and Dunston UTS.

Daniel Taggart is a powerful centre forward who likes to get amongst opposing defences. Will only improve with another season of Northern League football under his

belt.

Stephen Forster a flying winger who is equally adept at defending as well as going forward. Ex Carlisle United,

Birmingham City, West Allotment Celtic, Hebburn Town & Jarrow Roofing.

Steven Anderson is a very strong young player who has the ability to score great goals. Can play up front or on

the flank. Ex-Clubs include Whitley Bay, Walker Central, West Denton, and Newcastle East End.

Lee McAndrew is another signing with a wealth of experience in the Northern League making a 175 appearances for Dunston UTS. Has spent time at Spennymoor Town and West Allotment Celtic.

Jordan Nellis a summer signing from Bedlington Terriers, Jordan is a pacey and powerful forward who can

anywhere across the front three.

Jack Betts joined the club this summer, a young striker with lots of power and potential, he will add to the clubs talented

strikerforce.

Club Sponsor

Management Nick Gray took Morpeth to a fourth place finish in his first season at Craik Park after the club narrowly avoided relegation the season before he joined and has led the club to an improved finish every year.

Dave Malone was brought in by Nick at the start of the 2014/15 season and has been a big hit on and off the field.

Steven Anderson Snr is an excellent club man who is more than happy to help in a variety of roles. His influence and enthusiasm in the dressing room is infectious.

Miles Callum is the clubs qualified physio who has previously worked at Seaton Delaval Amateurs

Chris Swailes, as well as playing, joins the club as First Team Coach

Player Spotlight

Sean Taylor

Sean Taylor is a forward who has been at the club for a number of years and is the current vice-captain of the Highwaymen. ‘Tayls’ work-rate, energy, and of course goals have helped the team in Amber & Black improve year on year. He started his career in the Sunderland youth setup but never broke into the first team. He had a loan spell at Blackpool in the football league before joining the Northern League scene, initially with Ashington. Once he joined the Highwaymen, he never looked back and notches 20+ goals season to go with his usual countless assists. Off the field he plays a huge role as well, he’s one of the clubs groundsmen.

View from the Terraces

By Media Manager Stuart Dick Another home win in the bag, albeit a very difficult game against a tough and well organised Bedlington Terriers side. That man Ben Sayer coming up with the goods again, scoring an 82nd minute winner to maintain our 100% record at home this season. There’s something about mid-week night games that we haven’t quite got to grips with yet, all four this season have been close games. The good thing is we are winning and there is still so much more to come. It was good to see Chris Jewels, Niall Harrison and Shaun Bell make their first appearances of the season, and of course Jordan Nellis making his first start for the club against his old team. The depth of the squad Nick Gray and Dave Malone have put together is paying dividends. A good squad is vital if you want to win at this level as players have weddings, christenings, jobs and injuries to deal with, especially mid-week it is difficult to get a full strength side out.

Today we face off against West Allotment Celtic, a team going through a transition period this season. The two games I saw us play against them last season were incredibly tight, both ending 3-2. The first was a Northumberland Senior Cup game, after taking the lead twice through Michael Chilton in normal tie, Morpeth let a goal advantage slip forcing extra time. The unlikely hero was full-back Paul Buzzeo as Morpeth advanced. The second game was another 3-2 thriller. Celtic took the lead before two Chilton goals but the Highwaymen ahead. West Allotment equalised before ‘Chilts’ completed his hat-trick to secure three points. West Allotment are coming into the game on back of a 7-1 defeat at the hands of Guisborough Town and will be looking to bounce back at Craik Park tonight. I hope you all enjoy the game. Cheers Stuart Dick

2015/16 Fixtures

July 2015

Friday 10th July Dalbeattie Star (A) 7.30pm 4-1

Saturday 11th July Stranraer (A) 2.30pm 3-5

Saturday 18th July Whitley Bay A (A) 3.00pm 3-1

Tuesday 21st July Walker Central (A) 7.30pm 2-0

Friday 24th July West Allotment Celtic (A) 3.00pm 4-1

Wednesday 29th July Jarrow (A) 3.00pm 2-0

August 2015

Saturday 1st August Ryton & Crawcrook Albion (A) 2.30pm 5-1

Saturday 8th August Bishop Auckland (H) 3.00pm 3-0

Tuesday 11th August Washington (A) 7.30pm 2-2

Saturday 15th August Garforth Town (A) 3.00pm 4-1

Wednesday 19th August Durham City (H) 7.30pm 2-1

Saturday 22nd August West Auckland Town (A) 3.00pm 2-0

Wednesday 26th August Newcastle Benfield (A) 7.30pm 2-2

Saturday 29th August Newton Aycliffe (A) 3.00pm 0-2

Monday 31st August Shildon (A) 7.30pm 1-0

September 2015

Saturday 5th September

Padiham (H)

3.00pm

4-1

Wed 9th September Bedlington Terriers (H) 7.30pm 2-1

Saturday 12th September West Allotment Celtic (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Tuesday 15th September Whitley Bay (A) 7.30pm ENL D1

Saturday 19th September Ashington (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Wed 23rd September Bishop Auckland (H) 7.30pm League Cup R1

Saturday 26th September North Shields (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

October 2015

Saturday 3rd October Billingham Synthonia (A) 3.00pm FA Vase 2nd QR

Tuesday 6th October Consett (A) 7.30pm ENL D1

Saturday 10th October

Wednesday 14th October

Jarrow Roofing (H)

Dunston UTS

3.00pm

7.30pm

ENL D1

ENL D1

Saturday 17th October Marske United (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 24th October Seaham Red Star (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 31st October Penrith (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

November 2015

Saturday 7th November Newton Aycliffe (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 14th November Norton & Stockton Ancients (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 21st November Sunderland RCA (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 28th November Guisborough Town (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

December 2015

Saturday 5th December Washington (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 12th December Durham City (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 19th December Newcastle Benfield (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 26th December Shildon (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

January 2015

Saturday 2nd January West Allotment Celtic (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 9th January Bishop Auckland (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 16th January West Auckland Town (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 23rd January Dunston UTS (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 30th January Bedlington Terriers (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

February 2015

Saturday 6th February Whitley Bay (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 13th February Ashington (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 20th February North Shields (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 27th February Consett (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

March 2015

Saturday 5th March Jarrow Roofing (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 12th March Marske United (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 19th March Seaham Red Star (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 26th March Penrith (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

April 2015

Saturday 2nd April Newton Aycliffe (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 9th April Norton & Stockton Ancients (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 16th April Sunderland RCA (A) 3.00pm ENL D1

Saturday 23rd April Guisborough Town (H) 3.00pm ENL D1

2015/16 Player Stats

App Goals Assist Yel Red Karl Dryden 9 0 0 0 0

Niall Harrison 1 0 0 0 0

David Hiftle 10 0 0 0 0

Shaun Henderson 7 0 0 0 0

James Novak 9 1 3 0 0

Johnny Wilson 0 0 0 0 0

Christopher Jewels 1 0 0 0 0

Michael Hall 8 0 0 1 0

Keith Graydon 10 2 0 5 0

Ben Sayer 9 4 5 1 0

Jordan Fry 5 2 0 1 0

Luke Carr 9 2 4 0 0

Shaun Bell 1 0 0 0 0

Sean Taylor 10 3 5 2 0

Michael Chilton 10 6 0 0 0

Daniel Taggart 7 2 1 0 0

Stephen Forster 5 0 0 0 1

Stephen Anderson 9 0 3 0 0

Jordan Nellis 6 0 0 1 0

Chris Swailes 5 0 0 0 0

Lee McAndrew

Jack Betts

9

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Private Function Room and Bar

Craik Park, the home of Morpeth Town AFC, has a host of facilities that can accommodate all your needs if you are looking to stage an event. The Craik Park Suite and Private Function Room is available to hire, whether you are celebrating that special birthday, or your club or society wants to host a fundraising event, or even host a meeting we have got you covered. If you wish to hold an event at Craik Park, contact John Richardson on (07738 447544) to discuss booking options and prices.

Highwaymen TV is the Youtube channel of Morpeth Town A.F.C.

Founded in December 2014, the channel

produces highlights of Morpeth Town games and relays footage to Made in Tyne and Wear TV,

Northern League Football Premiership Passion and other websites.

You can follow the Morpeth Town on twitter, follow both @MORPETHTOWNFC and

@HighwaymenTV for all the latest news.

Don’t forget to stop by our website when it goes

live in the next couple of weeks, MorpethTownFC.com is coming soon.

Today’s North East Fixtures

(3.00pm Unless Specified) FA Premier League

Sunderland (1.30 Sun) Tottenham West Ham United (8.00 Mon) Newcastle United

FA Cup First Qualifying Round Replay Ashton United V Guisborough Town

Brighouse Town V Newton Aycliffe Consett V Colne

Jarrow Roofing V Congleton Town Kendal Town V Dunston UTS

Matlock Town V Whitley Bay Washington V Runcorn Linnets

Spennymoor Town V Blyth Spartans Darlington 1883 V Hyde United

EBAC Northern League Division One Bedlington Terriers V Durham City

Marske United V North Shields Morpeth Town V West Allotment Celtic

Newcastle Benfield V Bishop Auckland Seaham Red Star V Ashington

Shildon V West Auckland Town Sunderland RCA V Penrith

EBAC Northern League Division Two Alnwick Town V Birtley Town

Billingham Town V Whickham Crook Town V Northallerton Town

Darlington RA V Willington Easington Colliery V Hebburn Town

Esh Winning V Team Northumbria Heaton Stannington V Billingham Synthonia

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion V Chester-Le-Street Town South Shields V Stokesley

Thornaby V Brandon United Tow Law Town V Ryhope CW

Northern League Stats (Compiled by Ray Simpson) Northern League Statistics

Highest scorers:

Division One 11 Mark Doninger (Shildon).

10 Paul Brayson (Newcastle Benfield), 8 John Campbell (Jarrow Roofing), Martyn Coleman (Penrith). Callum Patton

(Durham City), Adam Shanks (Whitley Bay) 7

6 Lewis Teasdale (Jarrow Roofing) 5 Andrew Johnson (Ashington), Dale Pearson (West Allotment),

Division Two

10 Kai Hewitson (Tow Law) 9 Warren Byrne (South Shields), Scott Heslop (Chester-le-Street).

8 Jonathan Wright (Heaton Stannington) 7 Vince Gash (Brandon),

6 Sam Moore (Ryton and Crawcrook), Luke Page (Easington), Conor Winter (Ryhope CW).

5 Colin Anderson (Northallerton), Daniel Hill (Esh Winning), Daniel Maddison (Birtley), Nathan O’Neill (Ryhope CW), Andrew Ramsbottom

(Northallerton), Kieran Weekes (Brandon),

Biggest wins: Home:

Division One Shildon 8 Norton 0 (12th August)

Division Two Birtley 9 Stokesley 0 (26th August), Northallerton 8 Stokesley 2 (15th August)

Easington 7 Tow Law 0 (15th August)

Away Division One

Bedlington 0 Dunston UTS 8 (8th August), West Auckland 2 Guisborough 7 (11th August)

Division Two Birtley 0 Team Northumbria 9 (22nd August)

Clean sheets: Division One

6 Dunston UTS, 5 Shildon

3 Morpeth Newton Aycliffe, 2 Ashington, Consett, Penrith, Whitley Bay

1 Marske United, North Shields, Norton, Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA, Washington, West Allotment, West Auckland,

Division Two

3 Billingham Synthonia, Darlington RA, Team Northumbria, Thornaby, Whickham

2 Billingham Town, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, Easington, Hebburn, Northallerton, Ryton and Crawcrook, South Shields,

1 Alnwick, Crook, Ryhope CW, Tow Law

Failed to score: Division One.

4 Bedlington , Bishop Auckland, 3 Dunston UTS, Norton, West Auckland.

2 Durham City, Newton Aycliffe, Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA, West Allotment,

1 Ashington, Consett, Guisborough, Newcastle Benfield, Shildon, Whitley Bay. Division Two.

3 Alnwick, Birtley, Crook Town, Stokesley. 2 Billingham Synthonia, Chester-le-Street, Darlington RA, Easington, Esh Winning,

Hebburn, Ryton and Crawcrook, Team Northumbria, Tow Law, Willington. 1 Billingham Town, Northallerton, Ryhope CW, Thornaby.

League Tables EBAC Northern League Division One

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th

10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd

Shildon Morpeth Town

Washington Guisborough Town

Dunston UTS Penrith

Marske United North Shields

Newton Aycliffe Durham City

Ashington Consett

Jarrow Roofing Newcastle Benfield

Sunderland RCA Whitley Bay

Bishop Auckland West Allotment Celtic

Seaham Red Star Norton & Stockton Ancients

Bedlington Terriers West Auckland Town

P 8 7 6 6 7 8 6 7 7 8 7 7 7 6 8 5 7 8 7 8 8 6

W 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0

D 0 2 1 0 2 2 1 2 2 1 3 3 2 2 2 1 0 0 2 2 1 1

L 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 2 2 4 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 6 4 5 6 5

GD 20 8 8

13 15 5

10 5 2 0 2 1 0 0 -7 8

-12 -21 -11 -14 -19 -13

PTS 18 17 16 15 14 14 13 11 11 10 9 9 8 8 8 7 6 6 5 5 4 1

Form Guide

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th

10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd

Washington

Guisborough Town Morpeth Town Marske United

Shildon Dunston UTS North Shields

Penrith Ashington

Newton Aycliffe Newcastle Benfield

Sunderland RCA Whitley Bay

Jarrow Roofing RCA Consett

Durham City Bishop Auckland

West Allotment Celtic Norton & Stockton Ancients

Seaham Red Star Bedlington Terriers

West Auckland Town

P 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

W 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 0

D 1 0 2 1 0 2 2 1 3 2 2 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 1

L 0 1 0 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 4 4 4 4 4 5 5

GD 8

13 5

10 7 7 6 3 4 1 0 -1 8 0 -1 -3 -9

-14 -6

-11 -11 -13

PTS 16 15 14 13 12 11 11 10 9 8 8 8 7 7 6 6 6 6 4 4 3 1

EBAC Northern League Division Two

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th

10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd

Darlington RA Chester-Le-Street

Team Northumbria South Shields

Whickham Ryton & Crawcrook Albion

Northallerton Town Easington Colliery Brandon United

Thornaby Tow Law Town Hebburn Town

Heaton Stannington Ryhope CW

Alnwick Town Crook Town Willington

Billingham Synthonia Billingham Town

Birtley Town Esh Winning

Stokesley

P 9 9 8 8 7 9 9 8 8 6

10 8 7 6 8 7 9 5 8 8 8 9

W 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 0

D 1 3 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 0

L 2 1 1 2 1 3 3 3 3 0 4 3 2 2 4 4 5 2 5 6 6 9

GD 1

11 20 10 5 8 6 8 1 4 -5 5 3 1 0 2

-13 0 -6

-10 -15 -36

PTS 19 18 17 16 16 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 8 7 7 4 4 0

Form Guide

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th

10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion South Shields

Brandon United Darlington RA

Whickham Chester-Le-Street

Thornaby Team Northumbria Heaton Stannington Easington Colliery

Ryhope CW Tow Law Town

Northallerton Town Hebburn Town

Billingham Synthonia Alnwick Town Crook Town

Billingham Town Esh Winning Birtley Town

Willington Stokesley

P 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

W 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0

D 2 1 1 1 1 3 3 2 2 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 0

L 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 2 2 1 2 3 2 3 4 4 4 5 4 6

GD 14 10 5 4 3 6 4

15 4 3 1 4 1 2 0 -1 1 -6 -7 -9

-14 -25

PTS 14 13 13 13 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 8 7 7 7 6 4 4 3 2 0

Sayer strikes late yet again Morpeth Town 2-1 Bedlington Terriers

An 82nd minute Ben Sayer strike condemned a

plucky Bedlington Terriers to defeat as the

Highwaymen kept their 100% home record in

a 2-1 win at Craik Park on Wednesday evening.

Sean Taylor had given Morpeth the lead after

just 11 minutes, but the visitors replied five

minutes before the interval through Captain

Steven Little.

But for the second time in 9 days it was Sayer

who stole the headline with a sublime finish to

secure another three points for Town.

Morpeth gave a first start of the season to Jordan Nellis against his former club, as well as Chris

Jewels and Niall Harrison. It was Nellis who had the first opportunity of the game after intercepting

the pass of a Bedlington defender, seeing the ‘keeper off his line he went for the 40 yard chip, but

mishit his effort wide.

The Highwaymen then took the lead in the 11th minute after a free-flowing move

involving Keith Graydon, Nellis, Sayer, James Novak and Michael Chilton before

Luke Carr picked up the ball on the left. He slid the ball between two defenders

into the feet of Novak who took a touch before playing in Taylor with the

outside of his boot, the forward making no mistake with an excellent finish.

To be fair to the visitors, they came into the game over the next five minutes

culminating in an Adam Harvey strike that was well saved by Harrison, the

rebound falling to Andy McBride who was closed down well by the Morpeth

stopper.

Town continued to squander opportunities, a problem that has haunted the side all season, Luke

Carr picked out Nellis on the left hand side, the strike unable to keep his left footed effort down.

The home side were given a scare on 25 minutes. After some patient build up play by the Terriers,

John Pendlebury whipped a right wing cross into the penalty area, Liam Hudson at the back post

able to square the ball to Harvey, whose goal bound effort was blocked in the six yard box by David

Hiftle.

At the other end, a short corner caused the visitors problems, Novak breaking into the penalty area

and hitting an effort at the near post, turned behind by Fabian Otte for another corner kick.

Taylor almost netted a carbon copy of his first goal on the half hour mark. Carr picked up the ball

25 yards out after Bedlington lost of possession in their own half. The midfileder slotted the ball

Into the path of Taylor who was once again one on one with Otte, this time the ‘keeper came up

trumps.

Otte’s save went as far as Chilton to the right of the penalty area, he pulled the ball back to Carr he

shot from 10 yards out, blocked on the line by a desperate Bedlington last ditch dive.

Graydon was next to take aim, the ball falling to him on the edge of the penalty after Sayer

dispossessed a Terrier defender, his curled effort going just over the bar. His next effort from a 28

yard free-kick fell narrowly wide.

Bedlington equalised just four minutes before half-time. After Jewels cleared a Terriers corner,

Marc Dummett played in Hudson down the left. His floated cross was powered home by Steven

Little with a fantastic header.

Morpeth nearly regained the lead direct from the kick-off, a strong Sayer run saw him enter the

penalty area from the left wing before trying to beat Otte at his near post, the ball ricocheting off

the post and wide.

The opening stages of the second half were extremely cagey, neither side getting on top, Morpeth’s

best chances falling to Taylor, whilst Terriers right-back Pendlebury went closest for the away side.

The introduction of Lee McAndrew and Steven Anderson added life to home sides cause, the latter

picking up a Novak cross on the edge of the area but failed to hit the target. Novak was in the action

again minutes later, his free-kick was only parried by Otte, Bedlington just about clearing their lines.

Michael Chilton though he’d give his side the lead on 78 minutes. McAndrew’s cross from the right

reached Anderson at the back post, his effort bounced of the ‘keeper to Chilton 5 yards out, he

headed into the ground and the ball bounced over the bar.

Morpeth’s pressure finally told eight minutes from time. Keelan Nellis cleared the

ball for the visitors to Novak, who passed to Sayer on the left. The midfielder cut

inside, beating three defenders before unleashing a low strike into the bottom left

hand corner, an excellent finish from Ben.

The remaining minutes were played out comfortably by the home side,

controlling the ball in the corners as the frustrated visitors tried to get hold

of the ball.

Three points for the Highwaymen, which sees the side remain undefeated in

the league after seven games, an excellent start to the season by Nick Gray’s

men.

Managers Message:

Nick Gray and Dave

Malone

The game on Wednesday night showed there are no easy games in the EBAC

Northern League, we knew it was going to be a tough game and it was

We had a lot of attempts on goal, the lads are still gelling together, and once they

do we’ll be in good shape.

People need to remember how far we have come in such a short space of time,

myself and Dave pick a side each week we think is capable of winning, and picking a

side that will benefit us in the long run.

The game today will be just as difficult as the game against Bedlington. We’ll have

to make sure we’ve got the right attitude and apply ourselves in the right way.

Davey and I had a lot of good times at West Allotment as players, and for me

personally, I’ve had Jon McDonald as an assistant for four great years. I wish him all

the best for the season…….after today.

I’m 100% sure West Allotment Celtic have the management team in place to steer

them clear of relegation this season.

I hope you all enjoy today’s game.

Yours in Sport

Nicky Gray

8th/9th September League Round-Up (By Ray Simpson)

Tuesday

Marske United celebrated the return of manager Carl Jarrett by hammering

Seaham Red Star 7-1 in the Ebac Northern League First Division on

Tuesday night.

Jarrett resigned last Thursday, but rescinded his resignation on Sunday.

Marske took an early lead with a 20-yarder by Craig Gott, but Seaham

levelled through Sonny Andrews from the edge of the box.

Marske regained the lead when Danny Brunskill sidefooted home, then Gott made it 3-1 with

a 20 yarder. Gott then completed his hat-trick before half-time when he fired into the top

corner.

Reece Kelly then set up Glen Butterworth to score the fifth, and then Nathan Mulligan chipped

in with the sixth from a Gott assist. Jamie Owens finished off the scoring.

Washington won the top of the table clash against Shildon by 4-2.

Washington took a first minute lead through Mark Davison, but Jonny

Davis quickly fired Shildon level. Shildon slowly got on top, but Washington

caught them just after half-time with a Michael Coghlan effort. Ross Preston

was left unmarked to score from a corner to make it 3-1, but Bobby Moore pulled a goal back.

However, poor marking allowed Jonny Butler to head a fourth for Washington.

Bishop Auckland got off to a bad start at Whitley Bay, and lost 7-0,

finishing the game with nine men. Adam Shanks put Whitley into the

lead from a corner, and then he converted a penalty for the second.

Bishops then had Olly Hotchkiss sent off, before Chris McDonald

made it 3-0 with a powerful shot. Shanks completed his hat-trick at

the start of the second half, then added his personal fourth. Alex

Kempster and an own goal completed Bishops’ misery. Glen Lane

was dismissed in the last minute.

Newton Aycliffe drew 0-0 with Consett at Moore Lane, while Dunston UTS won 3-0 at Durham

City. Dunston took an early lead through Adam Wilkinson, and went further in front when Mattie

Briggs scored from an Alex Francis pass. Liam Thear made it 3-0 with a 25-yard free-kick.

Former Darlington striker Liam Hatch was on target for Sunderland RCA in their 2-2 draw with

Ashington. Jack Proctor scored their other goals, while James Harmison and Liam Atkin scored

for Ashington.

In the Second Division, Darlington RA striker Harvey Saunders scored a

hat-trick for the second successive game in their 4-1 win at Billingham

Town.

The RA took an early lead through Saunders, but Billingham levelled

through Jack Connor 10 minutes into the second half.

Harvey Saunders restored the RA’s lead midway through the second half, and Jim Wilson made

it 3-1. Saunders then completed his hat trick.

Chester-le-Street drew 2-2 with Ryhope CW.

Craig Marron put Chester into the lead direct from a corner, and they went 2-0 up with an effort

by Craig Mickle. But Ryhope hit back late on with goals by Richard Hodgson and Connor Winter.

Tow Law Town drew 2-2 with Heaton Stannington. The visitors led through Jonathan Wright,

but Lawyers hit back with two goals from Kai Hewitson

Wednesday

West Auckland Town were within touching distance of their first win of the season in the Ebac

Northern League First Division at Newcastle Benfield on Wednesday night, but they lost 4-2.

West went behind to a penalty by Paul Brayson, awarded for a foul by Ian Maddison, but West

equalised just after the break when Ross Gardner headed in a free-kick

from Joe Kendrick.

West then stunned Benfield by taking the lead with a shot from the

edge of the box by Nicky Martin, but the home side levelled with

another Brayson penalty. Brayson ran through and put Benfield 3-2 up,

and he grabbed another in the last minute.

Guisborough Town striker Danny Earl scored five as they hammered West Allotment Celtic 7-1.

Allotment took the lead through Sean McRoberts, but Guisborough levelled through Connor

Smith on 29 minutes.

Earl put Guisborough into the lead 2 minutes later from a Smith pass, and

he grabbed a third on half-time. However, he was denied his hat-trick

when his penalty was saved by Allotment keeper Dan Mullen.

Earl then scored two within 3 minutes when he was left unmarked to

score, then Allotment had Dan Sayers dismissed for two yellows. Smith

scored his second on 77 minutes, then Earl slotted the seventh with 6 minutes

left.

Norton & Stockton Ancients lost 5-3 at home to North Shields. Dave Coulson put Shields into

the lead after just 2 minutes, with Dan Wilson soon heading a second.

But Thibault Charmey pulled one back from long range, then Matty Pennal equalised.

Shields regained the lead after 65 minutes through Wilson, but Jamie Poole levelled again for

Norton from the penalty spot. However, Gary Ormston put Shields back in the lead again with

an unmarked header, and James Luccock made sure near the end.

Morpeth Town went second in the table with a 2-1 home win over

Bedlington Terriers. Sean Taylor put Morpeth into the lead, but

Stephen Little equalised for Bedlington just before half-time. Ben

Sayer scored the winner for Morpeth in the second half.

Penrith beat Jarrow Roofing 3-0. David Renyard put Penrith into the lead

from a Nathan Waterson pass, then in the second half Waterson blasted the

second from 25 yards. Within a minute, Martyn Coleman fired the third. John

Campbell scored a consolation from the spot in the last minute.

In the Second Division, Crook Town had a good 5-1 home win over Birtley Town at the Millfield.

Recent signing Dean Sinclair put Crook into the lead with a lob, then Sinclair rounded the keeper

for the second.

Birtley pulled a goal back through Jak Mitchell, but Lewis Turnbull gave Crook a 3-1 lead soon

after half-time. Calum Johnston made it 4-1, and Callum Lough got the fifth, to complete Crook’s

best win for some time.

Brandon United beat Stokesley SC 4-1, with Vinny Gash scoring twice, while Esh Winning drew

1-1 with Northallerton Town. The visitors took the lead through Dale Elgie, but Paul Basey

levelled for Esh. Willington lost 5-1 at Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, for whom Scott Gunn scored

a hat-trick.

Would you like to purchase a sponsors page in the programme?

Would you like to sponsors one of the Morpeth

Town players?

If Yes, get in touch with John Richardson on 07738 447544 to discuss options.

Second Qualifying Round

Billingham Synthonia V

Morpeth Town Saturday 3rd October

Easington Colliery

South Shields

Tow Law Town

Chester-Le-Street Town

Darlington RA

Sunderland RCA

Whickham

Bedlington Terriers

Jarrow Roofing Boldon CA

Hebburn Town

Bishop Auckland

Norton & Stockton Ancients

AFC Darwen

Whitley Bay

Newton Aycliffe

Nelson

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

Ashington

Washington

Stokesley

Heaton Stannington

Hall Road Rangers

Bridlington Town

Garforth Town

Durham City

Seaham Red Star

Yorkshire Amateur

Holker Old Boys

Newcastle Benfield

West Auckland Town

West Allotment Celtic

Barnoldswick Town

Team Northumbria

Today’s Opposition

Honours Northern Amateur League

Champions: 1956/57, 1957/58, 1958/59, 1959/60, 1981/82, 1982/83 Northern Alliance

Champions: 1986/87, 1990/91, 1997/98, 1999/00, 2001/02, 2003/04 NFA Minor Cup

Winners: 1957/58 NFA Amateur Cup

Winners: 1956/57, 1974/75 Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup

Winners: 2012/13

West Allotment

Celtic Squad

Marc Allen Liam Anderson

Kyle Dobson Chris Douglas

Ian Dunn Joe Elliott

Adam Emson Mark Fenwick

Glenn Ford Mark Grant Jake Kallis

Andrew Keenan Ian Lee

Sean McRoberts Matthew Middleton

Josh Miller Daniel Mullen

Luke Parkinson Cameron Patrick

Dale Pearson Ross Phillips

Scott Pocklington Daniel Sayer

Lee Scott Damien Stevens

Dale Walker David Webster

Jak Wells Andrew Wright

Opposition

History

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

A rejuvenated West Allotment won the NFA Amateur Cup again in 1975, largely

thanks to the goal scoring exploits of Benny Williams, 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. 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. 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 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 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 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.

Upcoming Fixtures

EBAC Northern League Division 1

V Tuesday 15th September

EBAC Northern League Division 1

V Saturday 19th

September

League Cup First Round

V Wednesday 23rd

September

EBAC Northern League Division 1

V Sunday 26th September

Captains Message:

We got a good result on Wednesday night against a Bedlington

Terriers side who battled hard to get something from the game.

We did not play too well, there is a lot more to come from us.

Bedlington started the game, while we started the games a bit

slowly.

As the game went on we got stronger, Sean Taylor netting to give

us the lead, pegged back by a Terriers header before half time.

As the second half went on we got more and more frustrated as

we couldn’t get the goal. The Milky Bar kid stepped up yet again

and we picked up three points. It’s a good sign when we aren’t at

our best but still winning games.

Team Captain

Keith Graydon

Photo Gallery Morpeth Town 2-1 Bedlington Terriers

Today’s Squads

No.

Goal Sub No.

Goal Sub

Karl Dryden David Webster

Niall Harrison Liam Anderson

David Hiftle Kyle Dobson

Shaun Henderson Chris Douglas

James Novak Ian Dunn

Johnny Wilson Marc Allen

Chris Jewels Joe Elliott

Chris Swailes Adam Emson

Michael Hall Mark Fenwick

Matthew Grieve Glenn Ford

Keith Graydon Mark Grant

Ben Sayer Jake Kallis

Luke Carr Andrew Keenan

Shaun Bell Ian Lee

Jordan Fry Sean McRoberts

Sean Taylor Matthew Middleton

Michael Chilton Josh Miller

Daniel Taggart Daniel Mullen

Stephen Forster Luke Parkinson

Steven Anderson Cameron Patrick

Jordan Nellis Dale Pearson

Lee McAndrew Ross Phillips

Jack Betts Scott Pocklington

Daniel Sayer

Lee Scott

Damien Stevens

Dale Walker

Jak Wells

Andrew Wright