allotment WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14

THOMASPOTTER

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The player-manager on

the club’s start to the season

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Club OfficialsPresidentChairmanVice-ChairmanSecretaryTreasurerCommercial

Committee

Press Officer

Backroom StaffManagerAssistant ManagerFirst Team CoachPhysio

Selected Club HonoursNorthern Alliance champions

Northern League D2 championsNFA Amateur Cup winnersNFA Benevolent Bowl winnersCraven Cup winnersErnest Armstrong Mem. Cup winners

Alex SmailesRoland MatherJimmy WilsonTed Ilderton

John AlexanderJonny Thompson

David DoddsAbove, plus

Al LiddleMichael Wilson

Les ScottKath Orr

Harry BellStephen AllottRichie Marks

Craig Dobson

Paul StonemanWilf KieltyPaul Hogg

Charlotte Ferguson

1987, 1991,1992, 1998,1999, 2000,2002, 2004

20051957, 1975

199320052013

contentsthe history

the squad

the backroom staff

on the road

the last meeting

the preview

the visitors

the A team

the interview

on this day

the onion bag

the player statistics

fixtures, results, table

rottweiler’s notes

the squads

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19

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welcome19

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Unit 3J, Admiral Business Park, Nelson Way, Cramlington, NE23 1WG

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eighty-five years in the makingStephen Allott takes you on a whistlestop tour of the club’s history, studded with hardship, success and numerous relocations...

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club4

...and the decade of declineThe 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.

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

from creation to contendersWest 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.

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

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

the history

eighty-five years in the makingwho 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.

the colossus of the allianceIn 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

Stephen Allott takes you on a whistlestop tour of the club’s history, studded with hardship, success and numerous relocations...

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 dayHaving 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.

5

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club6

the squad

CB Simon WilthewCB Glenn FordCB Stephen LittleCB Paul StonemanRB John Pendlebury

GK Chris BannonGK Ryan BealGK Bob Rodgerson

Chris BannonGK Age: 27

Formerly of Washington and Hebburn Town, popular and reliable

‘keeper Chris returns to Allotment for a second stint between the sticks, and will jostle with Ryan Beal for the number one

jersey.

Ryan BealGK Age: 25

An excellent shot stopper, Ryan featured

extensively in last season’s cup-winning

campaign, and will look to consolidate his place

with similarly strong performances this

season.

Stephen LittleCB Age: 26

The ex-Annfield Plain and Killingworth stopper

shone at the back for Allotment last season, putting in a series of superlative defensive showings, earning the

Player’s Player of the Year Award in the process.

Glenn FordCB Age: 28

Glenn rejoined the club during the 2012/13

season, making a handful of solid appearances. Having committed for

this coming season, fans can expect to see much more of Glenn and his

defensive abilities.

Simon WilthewCB Age: 25

Simon featured 15 times at the back for Allotment

last season. Strong at centre-half and adept at

left-back, the Monkseaton defender will be looking

to build on his impressive debut in the Northern

League.

John PendleburyRB Age: 27

A first-team regular since signing for Allotment from Ryton in 2010,

John’s relentless work ethic and tenacious

tackling bring stability to the back four. The

full-back often serves as captain in the absence of

Ian Dunn.

Chris DouglasRB Age: 26

The ultimate utility player, Chris can be employed anywhere down either

flank to devastating effect. The former North Shields man’s pace and

perception underpins his undoubted ability, be it as a full-back or a wide

midfielder.

Bob RodgersonGK Age: 31

A Percy Main Amateurs regular, Bob performed admirably when filling in during a goalkeeping crisis towards the back end of last season, and

has registered once again to be our third choice

‘keeper.

the squad 7

Marc DummettLB Age: 26

The former Ponteland United and Dunston full-back has proven to be an asset to the club in both defence and attack. His crossing ability in both regular play and from

set-pieces is second to none.

Roy GordonCM Age: 31

Roy rejoins Celtic for a second spell, having

last played for the club during the 2011/12

season. Able to play in a number of positions, the experienced utility man has also turned out for North Shields, Consett

and Annfield Plain.

David HendersonCM Age: 28

David Henderson rejoined the club last

season, and the former North Shields schemer provides another option going forward through the middle. Henders is arguably one of the

most skilful players in the squad.

Sean ReidCM Age: 21Rangy, pacy and

technically gifted, Sean can play as a roaming central midfielder, a dangerous centre-

forward, or even an adept centre-back. The former Ryton forward is one of Celtic’s most promising

attacking outlets.

Michael BellCM Age: 22

Brimming with potential, “Belly” won the

Under-19 National Schools Cup with

Northumberland and has also represented

Ryton. Bell is unbeatable in the air, and can also

operate on the wing and as a supporting striker.

Ian DunnCM Age: 31

Long-serving, tough tackling midfielder Dunn

has grafted tirelessly for three years at West Allotment, earning the

captain’s armband in the process. “Dunny” remains one of Celtic’s key men

deep in the heart of midfield.

Marc AllenCM Age: 26

Marc previously turned out for Whitley Bay Reserves, but has

become a mainstay in the Celtic squad. His astute passing, ball retention

skills and battling tenacity are evident whenever he is called upon in central

midfield.

RB Chris DouglasLB Marc DummettCB Michael LatimerCM Roy GordonCM Ian Dunn

CM Marc AllenCM David HendersonCM Michael BellCM Sean ReidRM Kallum McGlen

RM Tony LancasterLM Dean LeeST David DormandST Lawrence McKennaST Liam Hudson

ST Jed FindlayST Ryan Anderson

Michael LatimerCM Age: 26

Seasoned midfielder Michael returns to

Allotment, having spent time at Bedlington Terriers, Newcastle

Benfield and Washington. A tough tackler and a

highly versatile member of the squad, capable of playing at centre-half.

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club the squad8

the squad

Tony LancasterRM Age: 28

Signed from Wark in March 2011. Tony

struggled with injuries last term, but will hope to be back to his pacy, dangerous best this

season. Tony can also operate as a wholly

competent right-back.

Dean LeeLM Age: 30

A winger with the scoring nous of a striker,

the former North Shields man has all of the tools required to strike fear into the

hearts of defenders. One of Celtic’s most prolific threats going forward.

David DormandST Age: 25David’s prolific

record precedes him, and the former

Morpeth forward has already replicated his goalscoring form since joining Celtic, topping

the charts with 30 goals. A clinical poacher and a hard worker up front.

Liam HudsonST Age: 25

Another former Ryton forward, army soldier

Liam is capable of pressuring his opposite

numbers into submission with his strength and high

work rate. “Hud” can also be deployed on the

right wing.

Jed FindlayST Age: 24

Signed from Cramlington Town last February, Jed is a promising forward with plenty of attacking potential. Having made a handful of appearances last season, the striker will be hoping to get more game time this

campaign.

Lawrence McKennaST Age: 25

Lawrence is well-travelled, having topped the scoring charts for

Whickham, before going on to play for Bedlington Terriers and Newcastle Benfield. Is known to be a deadly finisher in the

division.

Ryan AndersonST Age: 18

A promising young striker, Ryan was

snapped up in trials for Allotment’s ‘A’ team, and has already impressed for

both the development side and the first team’s respective pre-seasons.

Kallum McGlenRM Age: 21

A former Montagu & North Fenham favourite,

Kallum features on the right hand side

of midfield, where his energy and technique often causes problems for opposing full-backs.

the backroom staff 9

the backroom staff

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Paul Stoneman

Paul StonemanPlayer/Manager

The stalwart centre-half has played for Blackpool, Colchester United and Halifax Town. Despite

turning 40 last year, ‘Stona’ was ever-present

last season, remaining unbeatable in the air and impervious in the tackle.

Wilf KieltyAssistant ManagerRight-hand man Wilf has been around the

local non-league scene for many years, both as a player and in a

management role, giving notable service to North

Shields as manager for several seasons.

Paul HoggFirst Team CoachThe UEFA-licensed

coach is held in very high regard at North Shields, having played, coached and managed there for over a decade. Paul has also managed Annfield

Plain, and is working with the Newcastle United

Foundation.

Charlotte FergusonPhysiotherapist

Charlotte is in her final year of her Physiotherapy studies at Northumbria

University, and is currently on her final

placement at the RVI. She is also a qualified sports

masseur.

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club10

on the road

Allotment kicked off their season with a comprehensive and fully deserved victory on the road to Alnwick Town.

The hosts should have taken the lead within seconds, but James Jackson skewed a simple one-on-one horribly wide - and Celtic never looked back. Sean Reid gave the away side the lead, controlling Stoneman’s header in the box before steering the ball home.

It was the player-manager himself who doubled the advantage after half-time, powering in a Chris Douglas corner with his head. The dominant visitors wrapped up the win courtesy of two substitutes; McKenna was gifted a debut goal by a shambolic communication between the back four and the ‘keeper, before Marc Allen capped off a comfortable win, stroking in a McGlen cross after failed attempts from Dormand and his strike partner. Alnwick offered little, and were utterly outclassed on the opening day of the season.

alnwick town4-0 winReid, Stoneman, McKenna, Allen

Celtic’s poor performance added to the disappointment of defeat at Heaton Stannington, as the hosts ran out 3-2 winners.

The prolific Jon Wright opened the scoring for The Stan, his powerful shot towards the top corner evading both the sliding Stoneman and the diving Bannon. Undeterred, Allotment hit back through a fantastic Ian Dunn volley, and went into half-time on level terms, looking stronger as the game progressed.

However, two further goals from Wright directly after the interval stunned Celtic. The first was a narrow effort that somehow crept through Bannon; the second a curling strike from twenty yards that nestled into the far corner.

Allotment belatedly piled on the pressure, clawing one back through Pendlebury’s deflected strike, but despite peppering the box with crosses, could not overturn the deficit.

heaton stan3-2 defeatDunn, Pendlebury

the last matches 11

Allotment start the Northern League Division Two season - and an FA Cup run - without their home comforts

Billingham Synthonia knocked West Allotment out of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win - but the scoreline did not reflect the balance of play.

The Synners had taken the lead through Matty Osmond, who latched onto a slide rule pass as Celtic switched off. Allotment played the better football, but failed to create enough chances, and remained one goal behind at the half-time whistle.

The second half continued much the same way, with Celtic only a real threat from set-pieces. Reid headed a gilt-edged chance wide, before Synth doubled their lead via a deft Nathan Porritt chip. The scenario soon repeated itself; Ford nodded wide from six yards out, but the more clinical hosts grabbed a third through sub Jim Wilson.

The fourth goal - another exquisite Porritt chip - flattered the Synners, who did not dominate the game in a manner befitting the score.

billingham synth4-0 defeat

Allotment bounced back to winning ways with a combative 2-0 win at Willington in a physical and often scrappy encounter.

The away side opened the scoring through Sean Reid, who smashed home Michael Bell’s lay-off from a corner. Willington’s Foster rattled the bar and had the follow-up bravely saved at point-blank range by Bannon, whilst at the other end, Dunn blazed over when well-placed to score.

Celtic had Bannon to thank again for keeping Clarey at bay, before Liam Hudson missed a sitter, pulling his shot wide when it seemed easier to score. Allotment looked comfortable at the back, led by the indomitable Ford, whilst Bell won almost every header on the right flank.

And the win was belatedly wrapped up twenty minutes from time when Reid won a battle for possession in the box with full-back Brown, before slipping his shot beneath the ‘keeper.

willington2-0 winReid (2)

heaton stan3-2 defeatDunn, Pendlebury

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club the last meeting12

17TH APRIL 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WHITLEY PARK

West Allotment Celtic extended

their winning streak to an impressive five games with a comfortable 3-1 victory against Stokesley Sports Club at a windy Whitley Park on Wednesday evening.

The result was all the more impressive, when taking into consideration the lack of a natural goalkeeper. With Aiden Ames and Ryan Beal both out, and deputies Bob Rodgerson and Lee Wall unavailable, full-back Marc Dummett had to don the goalie gloves and jersey.

Stephen Little’s early injury did not deter the hosts, who took the lead after 22 minutes. David Henderson released Michael

Bell down the right, and the latter’s sweeping cross was bundled in by the onrushing Hudson.

The referee waved what seemed to be a stonewall penalty after Hudson was shoved down in the box, and Celtic were made to rue the decision on the stroke of half-time. Makeshift ‘keeper Dummett made a fine stop to deny Kris Kamara, but could do nothing about the equaliser, as Daniel Jones headed Stokesley level.

After the break, Allotment reasserted their dominance, and Hudson’s awkward flick from a Sean Reid delivery somehow found its way into the bottom corner, beyond the reach of culpable Stokesley

the last meeting

stopper Graeme Willey.

Allotment pressed for a third, and Hudson was denied twice by last-ditch blocks, whilst Dormand saw one chance saved and missed another. Reid headed over from point-blank range following a set-piece, but another corner would yield the game’s final goal. Chris Douglas’ deep corner found Stoneman completely unmarked, and the centre-half ’s booming header back into the mixer was nodded in by captain Ian Dunn to seal all three points for the home side.

As the windy conditions worsened, neither side could play their best football, and the spoils deservedly went to the hosts, who recorded their fifth win on the bounce.

West Allotment Celtic 3 Stokesley Sports Club 1

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West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club14

the pre-match preview

With the early season stumble

placed firmly behind them, West Allotment will be looking onwards and upwards, no doubt boosted by their belated return to Whitley Park.

After the poor showing at Heaton and the disproportionate defeat at Billingham Synthonia this time last week, Celtic knew that they had to perform when they travelled to Willington in midweek - and they stepped up to the mark, running out 2-0 winners in County Durham.

North Yorkshire outfit Stokesley Sports

Club have endured a mixed start to their Northern League campaign.

They started the season in very positive fashion,overcoming Washington by three goals to one, courtesy of second-half goals from lively midfielder Connor Hood and the ever-troublesome Gary Redman.

Monty Alexander’s men were back in action just two days later, travelling to

Creative midfielder Sean Reid grabbed both of the goals at Hall Lane, but will miss this afternoon’s game, as will the versatile right-flanker Chris Douglas and centre-half Stephen Little, who is still recovering from a double hernia operation.

Right-wing club stalwart Tony Lancaster remains out for a number of weeks, undergoing surgery on a long-standing knee problem, whilst the game may come too soon for fellow midfielder David Henderson, whose recovery from a broken hand

a much-fancied Birtley Town side on Monday night. The visitors looked set to secure a valuable point, taking the lead through a fine Nathan Graham strike from range, but a screamer from Town’s Reece Noble in the dying embers of the game consigned Stokesley to their first defeat of the campaign.

With no FA Cup action on the cards, SSC played host to Whickham in the league, but did not put in the kind of performance that had worried their previous opponents five days earlier. Whickham coasted to a

3-0 victory against a much-changed Stokesley side, placing the hosts firmly in the bottom half of the table.

Events seemed to be taking a similar turn at Ryton on Wednesday, with the Tyneside team two goals to the good within the early stages of the game, but another Redman strike and a 25-yard corker from left-back Matthew Robinson hauled SSC level.

Stokesley can’t afford to go behind first today, as an increasingly ruthless Celtic are far less likely to allow the visitors back into the match.

is almost complete.

However, a number of players will be in the frame for a return, with Marc Allen expected to fill the void in the heart of midfield. John Pendlebury should be available to fill in for the missing Douglas, whilst Dean Lee could return on the left wing.

Whichever side Paul Stoneman chooses will be eager to make their mark on the best pitch in the Northern League - hoping to impress their home fans in the process.

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the preview 15

statattack

11

50The attendance for the last meeting at Whitley Park

The number of new signings made by SSC over the summer

The number of points separating the sides last season

33

2Number of goals Liam Hudson scored against SSC last year

David Dormand topped Allotment’s scoring charts last season with an impressive 30 goals, but has yet to register this season. Could today be the day that he breaks his 2013/14 duck?

Arguably Stokesley’s most dangerous player, Gary Redman has already bagged two goals in the opening four games, scoring the final goal in the 3-1 win against Washington, before sparking a 2-2 comeback at home to Ryton with a fine finish from a narrow angle.

previous meetings

P W D L F A 2 2 0 0 6 2 2 1 0 1 3 2 4 3 0 1 9 4

stokesley sports club

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club16

Since being established in 1920, Stokesley has had various teams

playing in local football leagues. These were the Stokesley & District League, Langbaurgh League and the South Bank & District League.

During that time, they played on a number of pitches around the town. The Bypass, Springfield and sharing with the original cricket team before being evicted in 1963 when the pitch was sacrificed to make way for the new town bypass. The club continued to move for another twenty-nine years, before eventually settling back at the Sports Club (the expanded Cricket Club).

Stokesley have won many cups over the years, with most success coming in the Jefferson Cup (fourteen wins), a local cup played at the start and end of the season depending on the weather in the winter period. In seasons 1977, 1978 and 1979, Stokesley won the Second division of the South Bank & District League. Next season, they were crowned champions on the First Division, and also won the Barnard Bowl.

The club has run two teams for many years

and, in the season of 1994, Stokesley’s first team entered the Teesside League. As the club grew and an increasing number of people showed interest in playing football, a Sunday team was formed. This team entered the Hambleton Combination, where they won promotion in three consecutive years from the Fourth to the First Division. They also won four cup competitions in that time.

In season 1999-2000, Stokesley added a third Saturday team by joining the Wearside League. This latest period has been Stokesley’s most successful, as they competed in no fewer than twelve cup finals, and ultimately won seven of them.

In 2004, Stokesley Sports Club and the North Riding Football Association won a lottery grant for £894,000 to build a new clubhouse, develop pitches and improve the main pitch to meet Northern League standards. The prize was winning promotion to Division Two in 2006 and achieving a five-year plan.

In their first season in the Northern League, they achieved a creditable eighth position and reached the semi-final in the Ernest Armstrong Trophy. The club made steady progress, becoming Division Two champions in season 2009/10, as well as reaching the final of the North Riding Senior Cup. During the 2010/11 campaign, their first in Division One, they changed their name to Stokesley FC, and finished in sixteenth position.

The club reverted back to their old name of Stokesley Sports Club, but suffered relegation back to Division Two in 2012, and will be hoping to re-establish themselves in the coming years.

the history

The visitors 17

Thomas LaverickGoalkeeper Laverick became Stokesley’s first-choice stopper in February, appearing 17 times for SSC last season, but faces stiff competition from former Billingham Town man Ryan Hodgson.

Daniel JonesUp-and-coming utility man Jones is entering his third season with the North Yorkshire club, and has started brightly - earning two man-of-the-match awards in his first three games.

Matthew RobinsonAt the tender age of 20, left-back Matthew has made the position his own since joining the club in 2011. The highly rated defender appeared twenty times last season for the club, and has started all four games so far this season.

Martin McManusThe former Hartlepool United junior was brought to the club by former Pools boss Chris Lax, and notching up 30 appearances at the back last year.

Kris KamaraFormerly of New Marske, the experienced player-coach is a hard player to pin down in midfield when fit and in his best form.

Connor HoodYoung prospect Hood has staked his claim for a place in the starting line-up with some assured performances in midfield, even grabbing a headed goal against Washington in the opener.

Andrew LambertOne of Stokesley’s wiser heads, former Durham City man Lambert brings a wealth of Northern League experience to the side, be it within the back four or a more advanced role in midfield.

Gary RedmanUndoubtedly Stokesley’s star player, wide man Gary joined the club from Thornaby in 2011, and has become an ever-present on the wing. Dangerous in possession and with an ever keener eye for goal, Redman will certainly be one to watch this afternoon.

Ashley LavanYoung prospect Lavan looked sharp and prolific whilst playing for East Durham College and Grangetown, and got off the mark with the opener in Stokesley’s 3-1 win against Washington.

Shaun MakinCentre-forward Makin has bags of Wearside League experience, and played under Monty Alexander at New Marske along with his brother Michael. Shaun will undoubtedly add strength to Stokesley’s forward line.

Alex Caisley22-year-old Caisley has turned out for Division One side West Auckland, and graduated from Northallerton’s academy side. The wide man will be looking to impress with the rival Yorkshire outfit.

the players

stokesley sports club

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club the A team18

the A team

In 2013, a crack footballing unit was formed to serve a village they didn’t live in. If you need to watch an exciting development side, and are in the West Allotment area, maybe you can support..

WHITLEY BAY BOYS CLUBIn partnership with West Allotment Celtic ‘A’ team

A mixed start for Allotment ‘A’JONNY MADDICK SCORING IN THE PRE-SEASON VICTORY AGAINST FOREST HALL

After a mixed pre-season programme,

West Allotment Celtic ‘A’ took their indifferent form into the Northern Alliance, enduring a tough time in their inaugural Division Two season.

Coming off the back of a 4-2 friendly win over Howden Social Club, Allotment travelled to Blyth Isabella. The ‘A’ team took the lead, with Dan

Haggerston scoring the side’s first ever goal, but experience ultimately prevailed, as Isabella ran out 3-1 winners.

Henry Brandon’s young charges kickstarted their season in earnest with a convincing 3-0 win at Churchill. Another goal from Haggerston set them on their way against Wideopen, before Ben Jackson and Dan Surley sealed the ‘A’ team’s first ever competitive victory.

Unfortunately, the ‘A’ team have faltered of late, succumbing to a 5-0 defeat at home to Gateshead Leam Rangers, before suffering an 8-1 drubbing at the hands of Longbenton, leaving them 13th in the table after four games.

Celtic ‘A’ will hope to fare much better when they take their threadbare squad to Grainger Park Boys Club this afternoon.

the interview

Paul Stonemana brief chat with...

the Washington duo

Chris is a very good signing. He’s a big presence, and it means we start the season with two excellent ‘keepers, and also have a reliable deputy in Rob Rodgerson, who has signed as cover for us.

I’ve been after Michael ever since he left nearly two years ago. I’m delighted he’s joined the squad. He knows what we as a management team are aiming for this season and he’s after the same thing

the new-look squad

I’m over the moon with our additions. I’ve told last year’s lads that I’m staying loyal to them, like they did to me last year, when a few had decent offers to move up a league. There will be no more additions, as I believe that last year’s squad was good enough.

the first defeat

It was awful. I’ve just had a right go at the lads. and I didn’t want to have to do that in the second game of the season, but a few things had to be said. They wanted it more than us, which I can’t accept.

wednesday’s win at Willington

I’m over the moon. I thought we’d have to mix it with them, which we did. When we had the chance to get it down and play, we did, at the right times. It’s a great away performance.”

on today’s game

I’m looking forward to the first home game. I think all of the lads are looking forward to getting on the pitch and expressing themselves. Hopefully, there might be a few people turning up to watch us.”

the current aims

We’re heading in the right direction now. We finished really strongly last season, we had a little blip at Heaton Stan - hopefully that’s all it was - and hopefully this result will kick us on now into Saturday, and we can get a good result. We have one aim: a top three spot and promotion.

Allotment’s player-manager is expecting big things from his side this year. The veteran centre-half

discusses his season’s ambitions, the new faces, and Celtic’s mixed start to their 2013/14 campaign.

19

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club on this day 21

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

George Forster claimed a hat-trick as Allotment won 3-2 away to St.Columbas. Celtic were on their way to a fourth successive Northern Amateur League title and were to remain unbeaten in their opening 24 league games – stretching through to 20 April 1960.

1959A 2-0 win away to St .Columbas was useful but it was a rather subdued scoreline given that Allotment had won their opening two

league matches to the tune of 11-0 and 8-0! Williams and Stoneman were on target for

the visitors against the Saints.

1974

1991Ponteland United inflicted the only defeat in Allotment’s opening

nine league matches (the rest were all won). Binney did the damage, converting a Duncan cross in the 27th minute for the only goal of the game. Celtic had a great chance to equalise in the 55th minute

when a free-kick was handled in the box and a penalty was awarded. Michael Storey stepped up but his weak effort was easily parried by Barry in the home goal; the ball bobbled back to Storey who

compounded his error by dithering too long over his follow-up shot and allowed Barry to smother his effort.

More knock-out duty, this time in the Northern Alliance League Cup as Allotment started their defence of the trophy with a trip to Spittal Rovers. A first-half header from Keith Ruddick put the home club ahead and it took until the 52nd minute for Celtic to restore parity – David Potts on hand to prod home when the home keeper fumbled a Scott Bell cross. Potts was also involved in the deciding goal as he was brought down in the box on the hour mark. John Kiddie converted the penalty and, in doing so, completed a century of goals for Allotment.

2002Celtic bounced back from an opening day

defeat away to Carlisle City by beating bogey side Seaton Terrace

by three goals to one at Bates Welfare in a Northern Alliance

fixture. The Allotment marksmen were

David Roberts (2) and Michael Chilton.

1993

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club the onion bag22

the onion bag Craig Dobson’s take on the last seven days in the Allotment garden

THE trip to Willington on a Wednesday night was

never going to be an easy one. Coming off the back of two defeats, Celtic had to make the 32-mile trip to play a team renowned for their physical style of play. Celtic had done their homework on the opposition, but few had brushed up on the directions. A train of cars entered the perplexing vortex of Hall Lane Estate, belatedly rolling up to the ground gates after exploring every possible cul-de-sac and dead end in the Willington postcode. Local children one, satellite navigation systems nil. A keen crowd turned up for the midweek match - 126 in all. It would have been 130, had the fabled Jacksonmobile not broke down five miles away in nearby Brandon, stranding the travelling quartet in a public house. They missed a battling and bruising, full-blooded, hammer-and-tongs spectacle. What the hosts lacked in quality they more than made up for in sheer willingness, but Celtic were up to the task. Stona had benched the more diminuitive members of the squad in favour of his brick outhouses (no

profanities from us, but more on that later). It paid dividends. Liam Hudson, fresh - for want of a better word - from a vacation to Ibiza, set about his usual harassment of the full-back. On the other flank, Michael Bell was airborne for most of the ninety minutes, winning almost every ball that came his way. His adversary, aging left-back Shaun Brown, tried everything to stop him, from arms up the back to feigning injury, but all to no avail. The strategy was there for all to see - deep Bannon kick out wide, Bell header inside, work ball forward - but try as they might, Willington could not keep down the irrespressible Bell-in-a-box. Reidy’s finish for the first goal was emphatic. His second was a little more controversial, with the crowd erroneously believing that he had stamped on beseiged full-back Brown. How they could possibly have witnessed such an act is anyone’s guess, but the referee wasn’t fooled, allowing the playmaker to kill off the game. Willington kept pumping balls in towards two of the most aerially prominent centre-halves in the league, and

unsurprisingly enjoyed little success in front of goal. On a night where Allotment had to fight for their win, John Alexander endured a different kind of black and blue. The first instance was rather pleasant, as the treasurer helped himself to two cups of berries from the bramble behind the clubhouse. The second was decidedly less so, becoming the target of some rather blue language from one of Willington’s renegade ex-players. The foul-mouthed tirade would have been enough to make Mr. Amos and his secret shoppers blush, had they been anywhere near the action. All in all, the experience was a cordial one, made all the more sweeter by the win. The lads’ bodies may have been battered, but their egos are no longer bruised.

goal of the weekReid’s thumping finish to open the scoring against Willington. Many would have skied it.

Men of the weekToo close to call between Bell and Ford, who were both superbin the air in midweek.

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the letter draw

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club the player statistics24

a

ttack

m

idfie

ld

def

ence

gk

name

Chris Bannon Ryan BealBob Rodgerson

John Pendlebury Marc Dummett Chris DouglasSimon Wilthew Paul StonemanStephen Little Michael LatimerGlenn FordRoy Gordon

Ian Dunn Michael Bell Marc AllenSean Reid Kallum McGlenDavid HendersonTony LancasterDean Lee

Liam Hudson David DormandJed FindlayRyan AndersonLawrence McKenna

apps

310

1 (1)44

0 (1)40

1 (1)4

0 (2)

44

0 (2)3

1 (1)0

0 (2)3

2400

1 (2)

yel

100

010000000

00000001

00000

red

000

000000000

00000000

00000

gls

000

100010000

10130000

00001

asts

000

001010000

01001000

00000

player statisticstop scorers

the playmakers

the mainstays

the bad boys

starting XIBannon

StonemanFordDouglas Dummett

Lee

Dormand

Hudson

Dunn Bell

Reid

Sean Reid - 3Lawrence McKenna - 1

Paul Stoneman - 1

Chris Douglas - 1Paul Stoneman - 1Kallum McGlen - 1

Ian Dunn - 4Marc Dummett - 4

Michael Bell - 4

Dean Lee - 1 0Chris Bannon - 1 0

Marc Dummett - 1 0

fixtures, results, table 25

AUGUST 10th

14th

17th

21st

24th

30th

SEPTEMBER 4th

7th

11th

14th

18th

21st

28th

OCTOBER 5th

8th

12th

19th

26th

30th

NOVEMBER1st

9th

16th

23rd

30th

DECEMBER6th

14th

21st

28th

JANUARY4th

10th

18th

31st

FEBRUARY8th

15th

22nd

MARCH1st

8th

15th

22nd

28th

APRIL5th

12th

18th

26th

TBD

NL D2NL D2FA CupNL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2FA VaseNL D2NL D2NL D2FA VaseNL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

Lg CupNL D2

AAAAHH

HHAHHAA

AAHAHH

AHAHH

HHAH

AHAA

HAH

HAHAH

AHAA

HA

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

Alnwick TownHeaton StanningtonBillingham SynthoniaWillingtonStokesley SCWhickham

Seaham Red StarStokesley SCNorton & StocktonEsh WinningTow Law TownTBDDarlington RA

WhitehavenChester-le-StreetBirtley TownRyton & CrawcrookNorth ShieldsNorthallerton Town

Brandon UnitedJarrow RoofingWashingtonChester-le-StreetThornaby

Heaton StanningtonWillingtonSeaham Red StarNorton & Stockton

Tow Law TownAlnwick TownStokesley SCWhickham

South ShieldsEsh WinningDarlington RA

WhitehavenBirtley TownRyton & CrawcrookNorthallerton TownBrandon United

Jarrow RoofingWashingtonNorth ShieldsThornaby

Ryton & CrawcrookSouth Shields

fixtures andresults

Heaton StanWhickhamBirtleyAlnwickNorth ShieldsWACSeahamJarrowEsh WinningNort & StockCh-le-StrNorthallertonStokesleyWillingtonBrandonTow LawWhitehavenThornabySouth ShieldsRytonWashingtonDarlo RA

12345678910111213141516171819202122

4444333344434443342342

3333222221111111100000

1110100002111110021110

0001011121212222221232

666-111542-4311-2-4-6-2

-10-3-1-3-6-3

1010109766665444443321110

team pl w d l gd pts

nl div 2 table

OFFICIAL NORTHERNLEAGUE SPONSORS

rottweiler’s notes

West Allotment Celtic v Stokesley Sports Club rottweiler’s notes26

Our magnificent run continues when we win the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup after defeating Northallerton Town 3 – 1. Well done to everyone. Mind you, when we received the cup, I was shocked at the state it was in. The cup hadn’t been cleaned by the previous holders or by the League. I can’t blame Tony (League Secretary) for that due to his ill health.

Arrive home after our (Joanne) weekend in London. We watched Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion Championship play off semi-final first leg, then the FA Cup Final, and finally QPR v Newcastle, with far too much drink in between the games. Bloodhound kindly picks Joanne and I up. He is so impatient he is unbelievable - when we spoke earlier today, Alex was telling me he had a problem with his printer which had jammed. So what does he do? He goes and buys a new printer. On his return home, he finds the printer problem has been resolved. Alex then returns the printer he has bought back to Currys. You talk about impatience.

We fly off to Tenerife for 10 nights. Two days in to the holiday and we have a major problem with the bathroom water. We go to reception to complain, they change our room, offer a partial refund and upgrade us to all-inclusive - not a bad piece of negotiation. Mind you, I did have to tell Barbara to shut up. We could have been thrown out the way she was going on.

Last night of the holiday, and we go to see the “Three Tenors”. As I am watching the show, Barbara says, “There’s your mate, Mike Amos”. Well I look around and I can’t see the bugger, Barbara says, “There he is on the stage”. Not a bad singer at all. So now we know why the bugger didn’t do his usual 50 minute speech at the Northern League AGM - he was saving his voice for his summer season in Tenerife. Mind you, his singing was much better and more interesting than his annual speech.

Rowland Maughan (NFA Chief Executive) announced today that he is resigning from his position. While it was a big shock it was not entirely unexpected. Rowland has been a magnificent servant to football and will be a hard act to follow whoever is appointed Chief Executive.

My thanks go to the bloodhound for attending today’s ground inspection by Northern League officials. Mind you, I do wonder about Alex at times. Tony (Golightly) had said it was really good of the club sending their top two dogs to meet them. Alex thought Tony was being complimentary when I knew he was taken the mick. I had to gently explain to the bloodhound what Tony meant by his remark Rottweiler and Bloodhound later in the day.

6th

May

13th

May

15th

Jun

24th

Jun

27th

Jun

23rd

Jul

Committee

meeting

8pmRingtheBloodhound!

RingtheBloodhound! FOREST HALL YPC

Proud to support West Allotment Celtic

Forest Hall Young People’s Club are based at East Palmersville Sports Pavilion, and have no fewer than 25 teams playing under

the Forest Hall banner, including youth, senior and women’s teams.

Ryan HODGSONThomas LAVERICKMatthew ROBINSONDaniel JONESPhillip KINGStuart BROWNEMartin McMANUSChristopher DOCHERTYLloyd EVANSTom WOODAdam JOHNSTONDavid HICKAlex CAISLEYConnor HOODNathan GRAHAMAndrew LAMBERTAaron FOLEYMatthew DUNFORDGary REDMANGreg UPTONDavid ANINAKWASteven THOMPSONAshley LAVANShaun MAKIN

Chris BANNONRyan BEAL

Bob RODGERSONJohn PENDLEBURY

Roy GORDONMarc DUMMETTMichael LATIMER

Stephen LITTLEPaul STONEMAN

Glenn FORDChris DOUGLAS

Ian DUNN (c)Marc ALLEN

David HENDERSONMichael BELL

Sean REIDKallum McGLEN

Tony LANCASTERDean LEE

Liam HUDSONDavid DORMAND

Jed FINDLAYRyan ANDERSON

Lawrence McKENNA

WestAllotment

Celtic

StokesleySportsClub

Referee: S KYLE Assistants: F ANDERSON S BERESFORD

Manager: Paul STONEMAN Manager: Monty ALEXANDER

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