allotment WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2013/14

THOMASPOTTER

the sharpshooters

the alternating options that nolan and

dormand offer in attack

NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH

heaton stannington

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contentsthe history

the squad

the backroom staff

the last match

the last meeting

the preview

the visitors

the sharp shooters

the letter draw

the onion bag

on this day

the player statistics

fixtures, results, table

rottweiler’s notes

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welcome12

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

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Club OfficialsPresidentChairmanVice-ChairmanSecretaryTreasurerCommercial

Committee

Press OfficerPhotographer

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 DoddsPaul MasonAbove, plus

Al Liddle,Michael Wilson, Les Scott,

Kath Orr, Harry Bell, Stephen Allott,

Richie MarksCraig Dobson

Graeme Jackson

Paul StonemanWilf KieltyPaul Hogg

Charlotte Ferguson

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

20051957, 1975

199320052013

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 Heaton Stannington 4

...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.

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West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington 6

the squad

Chris BannonGK Age: 26

Formerly of Washington and Hebburn Town, popular and reliable

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

jersey.

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: 29

Glenn rejoined the club during the 2012/13

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

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

defensive abilities.

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: 29

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.

CB Simon WilthewCB Glenn FordCB Stephen LittleCB Paul StonemanRB John Pendlebury

GK Chris BannonGK Ryan BealGK Bob RodgersonGK Jack Thompson

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: 31

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 DummettCM David BorleyCM Roy GordonCM Ian Dunn

CM Marc AllenCM David HendersonCM Michael BellCM Sean ReidRM Kallum McGlen

RM Tony LancasterRM Matt SlaterLM Dean LeeLM Connor GrahamST Lawrence McKenna

ST Liam HudsonST David DormandST Jed FindlayST Rob Nolan

David BorleyCM Age: 30

Central midfielder David turned out for Bury in

his youth, and the footballcoach has gone on to represent the likes of Bedlington Terriers, Hebburn Town and

Jarrow Roofing in the Northern League. A dynamic playmaker.

West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington 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.

Rob NolanST Age: 24

Rob scored 30 goals for North Shields before

earning his big move to Blyth Spartans, and after brief spells at Whitley

Bay and Bedlington, the clinical forward is looking to once again make his

mark upon Division Two.

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 Heaton Stannington 10

1ST MARCH 2014 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO WHITLEY PARK

ROBERT Nolan scored his first goal in a green

and white shirt as West Allotment Celtic fought their way to a 2-0 win over Whitehaven at Whitley Park.

Previous encounters against the Cumbrian opponents had been close, and it looked like being a similar case on the day. Both sides struggled to supply that killer ball in the final third in a very tight affair. After twenty minutes of battling without creating a clear cut chance, the visitors should have taken the lead. A square ball found Matt Tymon in the six yard box, but Allen did enough to prevent the attacker from supplying the finish. Nevertheless, Tymon improvised well, flicking the ball into the path of the unmarked

Darren Donald. Mere feet from goal, the opener seemed forthcoming – only for Beal to make a terrific stop low down with his legs.

Ex-Hartlepool attacker Tymon looked a threat, but Celtic belatedly managed to fire some shots away towards the end of a relatively low-key half. Whitehaven ‘keeper Ian Studholme did well to palm away a looping attempt from the left flank, but he would have been powerless to prevent Celtic’s next chance. Recent signing Nolan bursted down the right and whipped the ball across goal. Sean Reid came steaming in to meet it, but, under pressure from Kevin Law, he could only divert the ball over the crossbar.

the last match

In truth, high-flying Allotment should have gone in behind at the break, and would have done so were it not for the reflexes of their goalkeeper. Haven pushed for the goal that their play had warranted, first through Tymon and again minutes later through Barry Armfield, but Beal was more than equal to both attempts, tipping over a venomous strike, before holding a close-range header from a set-piece.

Celtic came out with added zeal in the second half, creating two early half-chances through Bell. At the other end, Haven reminded the back four of the threat their midfield posed, Donald skewing an effort wide of the far post, but little could separate the two teams.

West Allotment Celtic 2 Whitehaven 0

11the last match

The game ultimately swung in Allotment’s favour, courtesy of a contested refereeing decision. An inch-perfect pass by Nolan played in Reid behind the defence. Out came Studholme, but Allotment’s playmaker got a vital – albeit heavy – touch before the inevitable contact with the ‘keeper and covering defender, and a penalty was duly awarded. Whilst Celtic’s top scorer received treatment, Nolan stepped up to the plate, hammering the spot kick into the bottom-left corner of Studholme’s goal.

The goal had the simultaneous effect of boosting the hosts and deflating the visitors, and as Whitehaven began their search for a leveller, Allotment looked more likely to double their advantage. Nolan’s confidence was sky high, but so was an ambitious solo effort from the ex-North Shields forward. It mattered little, as another former Robin would make the game safe with fifteen minutes remaining. Liam Hudson found himself in acres of space on the left flank, controlling a sumptuous cross-field ball and darting towards the box. Rather than shoot, the winger opted to cushion a deft pass between two defenders into the path of substitute Henderson, who made no mistake with a tidy finish.

The hosts saw out time comfortably, collecting all three points against historically formidable opposition.

...in pictureswith graeme jackson

West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington 12

14TH AUGUST 2013 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO GROUNSELL PARK

A HAT-TRICK from Heaton Stannington’s

Jonathan Wright – including a quickfire brace at the start of the second half – was enough to see off West Allotment Celtic, as the visitors went down 3-2 at Grounsell Park in front of a bumper crowd on Wednesday night.

Allotment went into the game missing five key players, owing to work and holiday commitments, whilst midfielder Michael Latimer remained unavailable through suspension. The reshuffled Celtic side featured Kallum McGlen on the right wing and Lawrence McKenna up front, as player-manager Paul Stoneman was forced to adopt a less favourable 4-4-2 formation for

the clash.

Northern League newcomers Heaton were keen to make a good impression on their first home game of the campaign, and tested Allotment’s back four from the outset. Influential midfielder Bryan Dodsworth was there to apply the finish to a fine Stan counter-attack, but was denied by a sliding Marc Dummett as he looked to pull the trigger.

At the other end, pressure from David Dormand forced goalkeeper Shaun Backhouse to yield possession in a dangerous area, with the ball spilling to Lawrence McKenna, but the forward skied his effort with the goal at his mercy. Celtic were made to regret that miss six minutes later, as Heaton

the last meeting

Stannington drew first blood. Jonathan Wright managed to evade Stoneman’s sliding block, and his rising effort from twenty yards had too much on it for the diving Chris Bannon, who could only parry the ball into the top corner.

Despite struggling to find their rhythm in the opening thirty minutes, Celtic responded in emphatic fashion through their club captain. Ian Dunn pulled down a looping ball and thundered a volley high into the back of the net, giving Backhouse no chance between the sticks.

The Stan still looked dangerous on the counter, and would have retaken the lead just before half-time, were it not for Chris Douglas’ timely interception

Heaton Stannington 3 West Allotment Celtic 2

the last meeting 13

of a square ball into the six yard box, with the centre-forward ready to pounce. The full-back blasted over an effort of his own moments later, whilst a McKenna strike was comfortably gathered by the waiting Backhouse.

Celtic were looking stronger as the game progressed, and were marginally the better side at the half-time whistle, but were caught cold as the second half commenced. Wright once again caused all sorts of problems for the back four, sharply turning away from two markers in the penalty area and firing towards goal from a narrow angle. The ball squirmed through the defence and beneath the body of Bannon, restoring Heaton Stan’s lead within seconds of kick-off.

Things soon went from bad to worse for Allotment, as the shellshocked visitors conceded a third goal just moments later. The clinical Wright completed his hat-trick, cutting inside and curling a twenty-five yard effort into the furthest reaches of the far corner. Stoneman shuffled the pack in an attempt to get his stunned side back into the match, with John Pendlebury coming on and Douglas moving onto the right flank. It

almost paid instant dividends, as the latter’s strike from a narrow angle took a significant deflection off a defender, but bounced wide of the far post.

Having struggled to replicate their best football in the first twenty minutes of the half, West Allotment belatedly stepped it up a gear, but still struggled to create more than half-chances against a resolute and defensive Heaton Stannington side. McKenna thought he had legitimately reduced arrears with a low finish from inside the box, only for the referee to spot a minor infringement in the build-up play. Strike partner Dormand came similarly close; having pickpocketed Joseph Wear on the right wing, the usually clinical forward cut inside and struck a tame effort that clipped the outside of the post on its way behind.

Custodian Bannon had to be alert to get down and parry a Paul Chapman effort, but otherwise it was one-way traffic as Allotment peppered the box in vain with deep crosses and whipped balls. Dormand got up well to meet one such cross, heading onto the roof of the net, whilst centre-half Glenn Ford,

operating as a third forward in the closing stages, directed an awkward header well wide of Backhouse’s goal.

Time was fast running out for West Allotment, but a second unlikely scorer gave them a route back into the match. The ball broke from a corner to substitute Pendlebury, whose twenty-five yard piledriver took a deflection on its way into the back of the net.

With less than five minutes remaining on the clock, the goal looked to be little more than a consolation, but the away side did fashion one last chance to salvage a point. A dangerous whipped cross into the six yard area was diverted towards goal by McKenna, but the ball bobbled agonisingly wide of goal. The spurned chance mattered little, as the linesman’s flag was raised for offside.

That signalled the end of the evening’s encounter, with Heaton Stannington holding on for all three points. The result may have been a little harsh on Celtic, who will rue the early second half lull that cost them any chance of victory.

The match report from the second game of the current Northern League season between Celtic and the Stan. Who would have guessed that the reverse fixture would be billed as a promotion head-to-head?

West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington 14

the match preview

AFTER the disappointment

of the League Cup exit at the hands of Marske United, West Allotment Celtic bounced back with a gritty win at home to Whitehaven.

The Cumbrian visitors always prove to be difficult opposition home or away. Taking their resilience into account, a 2-0 win at Whitley Park can be considered a good afternoon’s work, even if the performance was a little flat at times. Nevertheless, it kept Allotment in the box seat for

SURPRISE package Heaton Stannington

have taken the league by storm since their ascension from the Northern Alliance, and a win today would serve to boost their promotion credentials.

Much has been made of developments off the field, particularly regarding the problematic installation of floodlights at Grounsell Park, but the Stan have consistently delivered out in the middle of the park, racking up a sizable 56 points from 28 games.

third place - a position that could well change depending on tonight’s result.

At the beginning of the year, Paul Stoneman added firepower to the squad in the form of Rob Nolan. The forward scored on his first start from the club via the penalty spot, and will be vying with the in-form David Dormand for a starting berth, whilst Lawrence McKenna remains a viable attacking option.

Stephen Little should be available once more, whilst winger Tony Lancaster

Derek Thompson’s men have emerged victorious in seventeen of those matches, with wins against today’s hosts, Northallerton, Birtley and Jarrow Roofing perhaps ranking as the most impressive results, given their recently promoted status.

Much has been made of Jonathan Wright’s prolific touch in front of goal - something Allotment fans witnessed first hand in the reverse - but Heaton are far from a one man band. In the pulsating 4-3 victory over the Roofers, fellow forward Brian Dodsworth bagged a brace.

The Stan have made harder work of their recent results, their last six wins coming via the narrowest of margins. Since losing to Seaham, they have embarked on a five match unbeaten run, though points were dropped in stoppage time in a draw against Tow Law.

The absence of influential attacker Lee Johnson was keenly felt in a scrappy 1-0 win over Esh Winning. Much like Allotment, Heaton put their fans through the mill in terms of the desperately close scorelines - and that trend is unlikely to be bucked at Whitley Park this evening.

could also be in line to return to the squad. Captain Ian Dunn and Saturday scorer David Henderson may expect to be restored to their regular midfield positions. However, Dean Lee, Kallum McGlen and Glenn Ford are all set to miss out through injury.

Tonight’s encounter against another top team could prove to be a turning point in the race for promotion. After Seaham’s last-gasp win over Tow Law, a home victory tonight would lift Allotment right back into the promotion places.

WES

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the preview 15

statattack

25

142

The attendance for the last meeting at Grounsell Park

No. of goals not scored by Jon Wright

Successive wins over the Stan between 1991 and 2000

13

3No. of beers Heaton have on tap at their place

Previously stricken midfielderDean Lee made his long-awaited return from apersistent knee injuryin midweek, striking thecrossbar and missinga further gilt-edgedchance by mereinches. Now fullyrecovered from theinjury - initially sustained at Northallerton last season - ‘Deano’ willadd extra firepower tothe squad.

previous meetings*

P W D L F A 12 9 0 3 32 13 12 8 3 1 32 14 24 17 3 4 64 27

The absence of centre-half Stephen Little at the weekendprompted a reshuffle at theback against Whitehaven,with fit-again John Pendleburyfilling in alongside PaulStoneman, with fellowreturnee Marc Dummetton the left and ChrisDouglas shifted to theright. Little’s availabilitymay mean that one ofthose four startersmay have tosettle for a spoton the bench.

Former Hibs youth prospect Jonathan Wright has been on fire for the Stan, scoring 56% of the side’s goals thus far in 2013/14. The only time Jon Jon hasn’t been on Heaton’s scoresheet was during his brief stint at West Auckland. Now back on Tyneside, the forward is on course fo a potentially record-breaking haul.

* Missing 9 results from the NAmL between 1945/46 and 1958/59

heaton stannington

West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington 16

RECORDS show that Heaton Stannington affiliated to the

Northumberland FA as long ago as 1910. It is understood that the Club name came about as the result of the amalgamation of two Heaton football teams, one of which originated from the Stannington Grove, or Stannington Avenue area of Heaton.

In 1934 the team moved to our present home, which had formerly been a quarry. The land had been conveyed to the ownership of club trustees and the North Heaton Development Company as part of the will of Lord Armstrong.In 1948 the ground was then sold by the North Heaton Development Company to Frank Maddison, Charles Henry Proud Reay, Sidney William Hunter and Glen Paterson, who became trustees of Heaton Stannington FC, for £2000. The trustees therefore obtained a mortgage from the Football Association for the sum of £1300. In 1955 following the death of Frank Maddison, The Football Association and John Snowdon were installed as Trustees.

A few years later, in 1968, the Trustees formed Heaton Stannington Sports Club Limited and during the following Year 1969, the ground was conveyed to the new company. Although the football team was functioning at that

time, they were obliged to rent the ground from the Limited Company for a sum of £400 per annum. Despite this, the team progressed on the pitch, but the situation worsened when the Company increased the annual rental to £1500 in 1982.; consequently, the additional financial burden forced the team to resign from the Wearside League.

Following a lengthy and successful battle with development company Ladylaw Holdings over their attempts to build a supermarket on the ground, Heaton Stannington FC has been an amateur sports club facility with a constitution, which prohibits any individuals from benefiting from its sale. During its existence, The Stan have competed in various leagues, notably: the Northern League, the Northern Alliance and the North Eastern League. During the mid 1980s they did operate for a period of time in the Wearside League. The club has always supported football in the area by playing host to various League cup finals and representative matches. It has also assisted nearby Heaton Manor school to participate in a National competition by allowing the use of the ground. In the past the club have supported reserve teams, junior teams and more recently ladies football, as well as forming a senior side and an over forties team.

Successes have been seen over the years, particularly in a variety of cup competitions. Heaton Stannington find themselves in the Ebac Northern League for the 2013/2014 season, having won promotion by retaining the Northern Alliance Premier Division title, that was also won in 2011/2012. Last season also saw The Stan capture both the NFA Senior Benevolent Bowl and the George Dobbins League Cup.

the history

the visitors 17

Nickname: The StanGround: Grounsell ParkChairman: Bill Pitt

Rivals: West Allotment, North ShieldsLargest home crowd 2013/14: 412 v Birtley TownDistance travelled today (approx.): 2 miles

Shaun BackhouseA loyal servant to the club who has also turned out for Northern League rivals Washington, ‘Shanny’ was regarded as one of the best and bravest ‘keepers in the Northern Alliance.

Joseph WearA very experienced former Hartlepool and Blyth Spartans defender, who is also club captain. Strong on the ground, great in the tackle and shows tremendous composure on the ball.

Russell WardA great servant to the club, who has proved his worth as a utility player after coming back from a serious knee injury. Has never let the club down. Can operate in either defence or midfield.

William JamesThe quiet man of the team, William is a very quick left back, now in his fifth season at the club. ‘Willsa’ is consistent, very comfortable on the ball and loves to get forward when possible.

Joseph FulcherAn ex-Benfield and Hebburn Town midfielder, ‘Ducky’ is a very experienced player; strong on the ball and an excellent passer who keeps it nice and simple.

Paul ChapmanA former Northern League player with South Shields who can play right across the middle of the park, ‘Chappers’ is a great passer of a ball and very good in the air.

Paul BlakeyA new signing for this season, with bags of Northern League experience; his former teams include North.Shields, Alnwick Town, Morpeth Town and Ryton & Crawcrook. A great passer of the ball who loves a tackle and can get goals; a great acquisition to the squad.

Anthony JohnsonIn his second season with the club after signing from Chester-le-Street, ‘Jonnas’ can play on either flank, where his pace is an asset. He works hard for the team and weighs in with his share of goals.

Kevin CarrKev can play on either flank or down the middle. Quick, direct and one of the best strikers of a ball at the club. A great finisher who has scored some quality goals.

Brian DodsworthA fantastic signing for the club who can play in a number of positions; quick, skilful, hard-working and scores goals, with loads of Northern League experience. He was a very important member of Newcastle Benfield’s 2008-09 double winning side; also played for Bedlington Terriers and Ryton & Crawcrook.

Jonathan WrightA former youth player with Scotland’s greatest club, Hibernian FC. Lighning quick, very strong and ruthlessly direct. He possesses a tremendous left foot and was last season’s Northern Alliance Premier Division top scorer. He has picked up where he left off from last season, scoring a total of 26 league goals either side of a brief stint at West Auckland Town.

the players The pen profiles of some of The Stan’s key squad members

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the sharp shooteres 19thank you for your support

sharp shooters

SINCE time immemorium - or,

perhaps, the nineties - there have been countless successful striking partnerships. SAS, both old and new; Cole and Yorke; Butler and Winn.

You won’t see one at West Allotment, where the much-maligned 4-4-2 has been torn off the flipboard and consigned to the bin. Mike Bassett would not approve. The alternative 4-4-1-1, with Sean Reid roaming dangerously at will, has proven to be very effective throughout this campaign and for much of the last.

Where, then, does it leave Celtic’s new strikeforce? David Dormand has led the line for the most part this season, but, just as the 25-year-old started to hit his peak, Rob Nolan came through the Whitley Park gates. So what does each have to offer? Dorma’s qualities are well-known to most in the division; he’s not the quickest nor the most techically gifted, but he is one of the more intelligent players

on the park. His link-up play with Liam Hudson on the wingis understated but overlooked, despite bearing plenty of fruit already. His often solo workin pressurising the back fourhas, time and again, prevented the opposition from sauntering towards the halfway line before picking out a pass. And, above all else, he is comfortably on course to bag 20 goals for the season.

Judging by his early showings, Nolan is a slightly different kind of forward, often found on the shoulder of the last man in order to best exploit any counter-attacking opportunities that may come his way. Decidedly more direct and with pace to burn, he has the tools to beat a man and stretch a back four on his own. His preferred partnership seemed to come down the middle of the park, the 24-year-old looking to connect with the similarly explosive Reid. It was the former Robin who supplied Reidy with the pass of the game to put Whitehaven in all sorts of trouble, before calmly converting the resulting penalty.

Rob Nolan marked his first West Allotment Celtic start with a goal - not a bad way to introduce himself. We look at the new attacking options now available to the Whitley Park bench.

west allotment celtic’s

It may not have been from open play, but he’s already showing flashes of the form that saw him top Shields’ scoring charts last season.

How can Paul Stoneman choose between these two varied but equally viable attacking outlets? Much will depend on the kind of game Celtic are expecting. The shape of the team adapts to its opposition; physically powerful against Willington, technically astute at home to Seaham or Roofing. Dormand will bring industry and teamwork to the team, getting on the ball frequently regardless of his opposite numbers. On the other hand, Nolan’s pace and eye for goal can send intermittent tremors through any back four, even when not in possession of the ball.

It remains to be seen who will get the nod this evening. The only seemingly cast-iron guarantee is that, unless Bassett himself took the reins, only one can ever start. Even then, Ricky Tomlinson’s fictional boss would undoubtedly pick Rufus Smalls ahead of them both.

west allotment celticestablished 1928

West Allotment Celtic v North Shields20 Northern League Division Two 29th March 2013 20

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Name: Contact number:

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

For only £1 per draw, you choose 5 letters. 3 different letters are drawn and if your letters match the ones drawn you receive a share of the £800 jackpot – the jackpot is shared between everyone who has chosen the winning letters. The jackpot must be won every week. To play, simply hand the complete the form below and hand it to a club official.

the letter draw4th March 20147 winners of £115 eachL M V

As we chase for a promotion place,join us for another

kind of race!

race nightSaturday 15th March 2014

West Allotment Social Club7.30pm Admission £5 inc. pie and peas

21 West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington the onion bag

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

THIS season, the green and white hoops of West

Allotment have triumphed over a rainbow of Division Two teams. We briefly halted the red machine of Seaham Red Star, put down Birtley Town’s greenhorns, inflicted the blues upon Willington and shaded it against Thornaby. Only two hues have prevented us from dominating the footballing spectrum; violet, its imperial splendour apparenty lost on the league, and yellow. We haven’t forgotten the 5-0 demolition of Norton & Stockton - how could we? - but a quick consultation of the colour charts suggests that the Ancients play in a subtle shade of amber. Less sunshine, more sunset. The winless streak could be forgiven if the opposition resembled their Brazilian counterparts in more ways than one, but comparisons stopped at shirt colour. Esh Winning certainly didn’t require any samba skills at Whitley Park, a hapless header from our own centre-half gifting them a point. A long-distance trip to Whitehaven - the Rio de Janiero of Cumbria, don’t you know - ended in a deserved 3-1 win for the western hosts.

A little closer to home, Chester-le-Street ground out a goalless draw, and frustrated Allotment once more in our own back garden. Into 2014, the League Cup game at Marske was no trip to the seaside, their yellow having too much in the second half for our away day red. Yellow is, for want of a better term, our bogey colour. Thankfully, the largely incidental hoodoo was lifted at Blue Flames on Saturday afternoon. Whitehaven have historically proven to be stubborn and capable opposition both home and away, So it proved on the day, as Haven thrice came within seconds of opening the scoring, only for shotstopping extraordinaire Ryan Beal to deny them at every turn. In the second half, it was a different story. as Allotment came out with a little more colour in their cheeks. Rob Nolan’s first ever Celtic goal - followed by the third of David Henderson’s entire Allotment career - finally ended our blues against the yellows. Tonight’s opponents have been off the Northern League spectrum, but are angling for back to back promotion, ending their twenty-seven year spell in the Alliance. Unlike

their home kit, the situation regarding the Stan’s ground requirements have hardly been black and white, but the club have made every effort to get the floodlights and extra seating in place. Fair play to them. It’s great to see another Tyneside team in the division, and is arguably more entertaining for both sets of fans than an away trip down to County Durham on a gray midweek evening. Both sides would have been watching closely at two of the other promotion frontrunners last night. The Roofers and the Star relied upon late goals to snatch a draw and a win respectively, both within minutes of dropping valuable points. As things get tighter at the top and teams start to tail off a little, games like this become vital. We both still have to meet Shields and Roofing once more in April, but a victory here could sustain or kickstart the promotion push for either side, depending on which way it goes. Allotment have, by their own admission, been winning ugly, but we have played our most attractive football against the best sides. We hope - and expect - to see Celtic’s true colours tonight.

goal of the weekHenderson’s game clincher was the result of some decent, direct build-up play, with Hudson supplying the right pass at the right pace.

man of the weekNolan did well on his first start, but it has to go to Beal. The ‘keeper single-handedly kept Celtic in the game with three top-drawer saves.

on this day...

Allotment were well advanced on their charge to a fourth consecutive Northern Amateur League title and Seghill CW were the latest team on the receiving end of a heavy defeat as Celtic won 5-2 at the Farm Ground. The home marksmen were Oliver (2), Richardson, McDonald and Allott. It was Celtic’s eighteenth successive league win.

1960

1966Another drawn match as a Carr goal earned Celtic a point from a 1-1deadlock against New Delaval Star at the Farm Ground in West Allotment.

Vince Bollado recorded a hat-trick as Allotment won 3-0 away

to Lobley Hill in a Northern Amateur League encounter.

1982

West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington 22

1977The goal-nets had an afternoon off as Celtic and RPA played out a 0-0 draw at Backworth Welfare in the Northern Amateur League.

March

5

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

Celtic were in the middle of a run of fourteen games without defeat in the Northern Amateur League and maintained that sequence at the expense of hosts Gosforth Bohemians. Strikes from Appleby, Allman and Day earned Allotment the points at Benson Park after a 3-1 win.

1983

on this day 23

Allotment met Prudhoe East End in the semi-final of the Northern Alliance League Cup; a match played at Heaton Stannington’s ground. The opening period fluctuated in a thrilling encounter but neither keeper was beaten. The stalemate was broken within five minutes of the restart when Askew latched on to a poor backpass by Fleming and easily beat Dave Marshall to put Prudhoe ahead. Allotment were on level terms by the 57th minute thanks to Ian Chater, who headed home a Robson cross from close-range. Both sides went close to snatching a winner but no further goals were scored and the two sides had to meet once again almost one month later. Allotment were successful in the rematch but it took a penalty shoot-out after the teams shared four goals in open play.

1988

Celtic moved up to second place in the Northern Alliance following a comprehensive 6-0 win over Wark at Backworth Welfare. Strikes from Michael Chilton, Graham McDonald, Les Yeomans and Danny Olsen had Allotment four goals clear by half-time and further efforts by McDonald and Chilton after the break took the home side up to the half-dozen mark.

1994

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def

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name

Chris Bannon Ryan BealBob Rodgerson

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

David BorleyIan Dunn Michael Bell Marc AllenSean ReidBernat RocaBart Oliver-Berga Kallum McGlenDavid HendersonTony LancasterDean LeeConnor Graham

Liam Hudson David DormandLawrence McKennaRob Nolan

apps

1019

7 (2)

26 (2)22 (1)30 (2)1 (1)322413

8 (8)

5 (1)31 (3)23 (5)10 (7)34 (1)1 (2)1 (3)8 (7)27 (2)4 (6)13 (7)2 (7)

26 (4)26 (7)8 (11)1 (1)

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player statisticstop scorers

the playmakers

the mainstays

the bad boys

average starting XIBeal

StonemanLittlePendlebury Douglas

Hudson

Dunn Henderson

Reid

Sean Reid - 29David Dormand - 13

Michael Bell - 9

Liam Hudson - 13Michael Bell - 8

Chris Douglas - 7

Sean Reid - 34Paul Stoneman - 32

Ian Dunn - 31 (3)

Paul Stoneman - 4 1Ian Dunn - 6 0

Michael Bell - 2 1

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West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington the player statistics24

AUGUST 10th

14th

17th

21st

24th

30th

SEPTEMBER 4th

7th

11th

14th

18th

21st

28th

OCTOBER 5th

9th

12th

16th

19th

26th

30th

NOVEMBER1st

5th

8th

12th

16th

23rd

27th

30th

DECEMBER10th

14th

21st

28th

JANUARY4th

10th

18th

FEBRUARY22nd

25th

MARCH1st

5th

8th

11th15th

19th

22nd

28th

APRIL5th

12th

18th

26th

NL D2NL D2FA CupNL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2FA VaseNL D2NL D2Lg CupFA VaseNL D2

NL D2NFA CupNL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2EA CupNL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2Lg CupNL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2Lg Cup

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

NL D2NL D2NL D2NL D2

AAAAHH

HHAHHAA

AHHHAHH

AAHAAHHH

AHAH

AHA

HA

HHAAHHAH

AHAA

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

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

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

W 2-1L 4-1L 5-3D 0-0W 3-2D 2-2W 5-3W 2-1

D 2-2W 3-0D 2-2W 5-0

W 4-3W 5-3D 2-2

W 2-1L 2-0

W 2-0

Alnwick TownHeaton StanningtonBillingham SynthoniaWillingtonStokesley SCWhickham

Seaham Red StarStokesley SCNorton & StocktonEsh WinningRyton & CrawcrookPenrithDarlington RA

WhitehavenAlnwick TownBirtley TownTow Law TownRyton & CrawcrookNorth ShieldsNorthallerton Town

Brandon UnitedWillingtonJarrow RoofingChester-le-StreetWashingtonChester-le-StreetNorthallerton TownThornaby

South ShieldsWillingtonSeaham Red StarNorton & Stockton

Tow Law TownAlnwick TownStokesley SC

Darlington RAMarske United

WhitehavenHeaton StanningtonBirtley TownWhickhamRyton & CrawcrookSouth ShieldsNorthallerton TownBrandon United

Jarrow RoofingWashingtonNorth ShieldsThornaby

fixtures andresults

nl div 2 table

OFFICIAL NORTHERNLEAGUE SPONSORS

North ShieldsRoofingSeahamWACHeaton StanNort & StockNorthallertonBirtleyCh-le-StreetDarlo RAWashingtonTow LawThornabyWillingtonWhickhamSouth ShieldsAlnwickStokesleyWhitehavenBrandonEsh WinningRyton

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30323430283531303033313231322825313328323230

2321221917161514121213121110107888765

464858769744475

12665324

35836

119

109

1414161615136

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854943331810181017

-16-2-2

-187-5

-26-26-26-43-71-46

73696765565652484543434037373533303029242019

team pl w d l gd pts

fixtures, results, table 25

rottweiler’s notes

West Allotment Celtic v Heaton Stannington rottweiler’s notes26

Nice quiet day, then in the evening attend Level Four Referees meeting at NFA.

For some time now I have been wondering how the bloodhound has been accumulating so many free journeys on East Coast. Apparently, Alex is booking tickets for many via his East Coast account - a nice little sideline. Alex arrives with an early Easter egg for Morgan and tells us he is in the Royal Box for Wednesday’s international game. To make sure he arrives safely, the bloodhound is travelling in a limousine from his hotel to Wembley (honest) and not wearing the high heels last time he was to be a guest in the Royal Box. Regular readers will recall the last time he wore them he was with Barbara, broke his ankle on the journey to Wembley and Barbara dumped Alex in the first aid room while she went for a drink to recover from her ordeal.

Three points today, but in truth it was a very poor performance - still, three points playing poorly will do me. Listened to Stona on Radio Newcastle and he was very honest about today’s performance.

You talk about double standards. Willie Donachie hits a reserve team player in the dressing room at a recent reserve game. Newcastle immediately suspend Donachie and three days later he has gone. Pardew headbutts a player which the whole country has seen and Newcastle fine him. I have been watching Pardew’s behaviour in the technical area for quite a while now after the bloodhound told me about him. Any employee who headbutts another person is guilty of gross misconduct; as I said earlier, you talk about double standards. I thought Sunderland played very well today, though the match of the day was the feisty Madrid derby which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Bloodhound is at the Old Bailey today; he claims he was just observing a couple of trials. If Newcastle United gives the £100,000 they claim to have fined Alan Pardew to charity then I will believe he has been fined. Does anyone believe anything that comes out of Newcastle nowadays? And yes, Mr Ashley, you can ban me from your ground for saying it the way I see it as you do to most journalists nowadays who don’t toe the party line. We (Clive & Lucy) have a tea time meeting with Northern League officials and during the meeting Tony Golightly’s phone rings. Well a few years ago mine went off during a Northern League Management Committee Meeting and that cost me £21 for a round of drinks. What made it even worse was the bloodhound had rang me and he said it was the wrong number. And yes, it was the bloodhound who rang Tony. It gets even better; twenty minutes later Mike Amos’ phone rings. Well that’s two pints for me!

Committee

meeting

8pmRingtheBloodhound!

27th

Feb

28th

Feb

1st

Mar

2nd

Mar

3rd

Mar

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.

www.westallotmentcelticfc.com

Shaun BACKHOUSELee CHAPMANMark DAVISONWilliam JAMESDan IREDALERyan MONAGHANJoseph WEAR (c)Ben TELFORDRussell WARDDean DEAGLERichie HOGGINSPaul CHAPMANGary DIXONAnthony JOHNSONAndrew WEEKSBen WOODDarren WALSHPaul BLAKEYKevin CARRGary McGARRIGALMichael WAGGETTGary YATESDarryl LEACHLee JOHNSONBrian DODSWORTHJonathan WRIGHT

Ryan BEALChris BANNON

Bob RODGERSONJohn PENDLEBURY

Marc DUMMETTStephen LITTLE

Paul STONEMANGlenn FORDShaun BOYLE

Chris DOUGLASRoy GORDONIan DUNN (c)

Marc ALLENDavid HENDERSON

Michael BELLSean REID

David BORLEYMatthew SLATERKallum McGLEN

Tony LANCASTERDean LEE

Connor GRAHAMLiam HUDSON

David DORMANDLawrence McKENNA

Rob NOLAN

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