Allotment THE WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2012/13 £1

North Shields

The promising wingeron his form and misfortune

NORTHERN LEAGuE DIvISION TWO FRIDAY 29TH MARCH 2013

McGlenKallum

THOMASPOTTER

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MAIN SPONSORS OF WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC

Contents

Club OfficialsPresidentChairmanvice-ChairmanSecretaryTreasurerCommercial

Committee

Press Officer

Backroom StaffManagerAssistant ManagerFirst Team CoachPhysio

Selected Club HonoursNorthern Alliance champions

Northern League Division Two championsNFA AmateurCup winnersNFA BenevolentBowl winnersCraven Cupwinners

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

Andrea Jameson

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

2005

1957, 1975

1993

2005

The History85 years, four grounds, and plenty of highs and lows

The Players

Fixtures

League Table

The Last Match

The Match PreviewAn in-depth look at today’s two teams

The Visitors

On This Day

A View From The Press Box

A Brief Chat With...Kallum McGlen talks about his form and fitness

The Letter Draw

4

6

10

11

13

14

16

18

19

20

21

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

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West Allotment Celtic were formed in 1928, the culmination of a merger between West Allotment Primitive Methodists and West Allotment Juniors. After moving to the newly-created Tynemouth & District League in 1935, the club began to grow in stature. The club had to face Whitley Bay & Monkseaton Reserves in a play-off for the title, but unfortunately, the decider went the way of the seasiders. Remarkably, Allotment also finished in a play-off position in the following two seasons – and, in both cases, had to settle for a runner-up spot.

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

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

Eighty-Five Years in the MakingTHE HISTORY

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

From creation to contenders

Changing leagues, sheds and times

A succession of successes...

Celtic remained loyal to the Northern Amateur League, but the bulk of the team moved on, and the club 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

...and the decade of decline

the decade. Celtic also moved to Backworth Welfare in 1968, consigning the ponds and mud of the Farm Ground to memory.

West Allotment’s Eric Allott in action against Forest Hall in the Minor Cup quarter-final in 1960. Celtic went on to finish as runners-up.

4

Eighty-Five Years in the Making

A rejuvenated West Allotment won the NFA Amateur Cup again in 1975, largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of Benny Williams, who averaged almost one goal a game in his 400 appearances for the club. Williams was ably supported by a talented and hungry squad, and, with strength in depth, Allotment were always considered title contenders. However, the championship remained

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

tantalisingly out of reach until yet another play-off tie in 1982. Allotment finally won the coveted title, defeating Annitsford Welfare by the odd goal in seven. When Celtic retained the title with relative ease the following season, the decision was taken to move up a tier for the first time since 1938.

In 1983, Allotment made its debut in both the Northern Alliance and the FA Vase. The first honour of the period arrived just one season later, as Allotment dispatched Ponteland united in the Alliance Challenge Cup Final. This success was followed up two seasons later by the first of Celtic’s eight Alliance titles. In 1987, West Allotment emerged victorious from two nail-biting play-off games against Gosforth St. Nicholas, ushering in a wave of success not enjoyed at the club since the fifties. Throughout this period, Celtic won seven further Northern Alliance titles, never finishing lower than sixth. Terry Mitchell and Brian Latty built upon Ken Scott and Billy Hays’ consecutive Alliance league titles, leading Allotment into the Northern League.

Having acted as tenants at Hillheads in Whitley Bay since 1995, the club set out to find a new home, and found it in Benton. In 2001, the club moved to Whitley Park, also known as the Blue Flames Sports Ground. The ground is well-known as one of the best kept pitches in the Northern Football 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. After finishing a respectable 7th place lastseason, Celtic hope to be rubbing shoulders with the big boys sooner rather thanlater.

Champions at long last

The colossus of the Northern Alliance

The modern day

West Allotment Celtic’s championship-winning team of 1982

5

In his second spell at Allotment, Aiden is moving towards his 200th appearance. The former Prudhoe goalie is renowned for his sharp reflexes and communication skills.

TheSquad

AidenAmes

RyanBeal

186 0 0 22 1 0

Formerly of North Shields and Alnwick Town, Ryan has already put in a number of impressive performances for Allotment, fiercely rivalling Ames for the number one jersey.

Stephen LittleThe 25-year-old previously played for Annfield Plain and Killingworth. Confident with the ball at his feet and in the tackle, Little is a firm fixture in Allotment’s starting eleven.

68 3 4 0

Glenn captained Ponteland to the Northern Alliance title, and has gone on to play for South Shields. Now in his second spell with Celtic, Glenn brings his valuable experience to the side.

GlennFord

31 1 0 0

GK GK

CB

CB

THE PLAYERS

13 0

The Monkseaton Arms centre-half impressed during pre-season trials, and has already impressed onlookers with his composure and tackling abilities. Simon can also play at left-back.

SimonWilthew

0 0

CB

GK Aiden AmesGK Ryan Beal

CB Simon WilthewCB Stephen LittleCB Glenn FordCB Paul StonemanLB Marc DummettRB John PendleburyRB Chris Douglas

CM Ian DunnCM Marc AllenCM Sean ReidCM David HendersonCM Michael BellCM Chris RaffoCM Chris MorrellCM Ibrahim IbrahimLM Dean LeeLM Chris HutchinsonLM George JohnstoneRM Kallum McGlenRM Tony Lancaster

ST David DormandST Liam HudsonST Jed Findlay

6

JohnPendlebury

The former Ponteland united and Dunston full-back is 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.

MarcDummett

48 1 5 0

LB

ChrisDouglas

49 3 0 0

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.

RBMarc previously played for Whitley Bay Reserves. His astute passing, ball retention skills and battling tenacity are evident whenever he is called upon in central midfield.

74 2 0 0

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.

MarcAllen

26 1 0 0

CMTricky midfielder Henderson rejoined the club last season, and the former North Shields schemer provides another option going forward through the middle.

DavidHenderson

54 1

1 1

CMIanDunn

140 11 5

RB

1

Long-serving, tough tackling midfielder Dunn has grafted for three years at Allotment, earning the captain’s armband in the process. “Dunny” remains one of Celtic’s key men in the heart of midfield.

CM

Sean ReidRangy, 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.

52 25 7 0

CM

7

David DormandDavid’s prolific record for Shankhouse precedes him, and the former Morpeth forward has already replicated his goalscoring form since joining Celtic. A clinical poacher and a hard worker up front.

28 21 0 0

ST

TonyLancaster

1 0

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.

RM

THE PLAYERS

Dean LeeA winger with the scoring nous of a forward, the former North Shields man has all of the tools required to strike fear into the hearts of defenders. One of Celtic’s deadliest threats going forward.

81 36 3 0

LM

Brimming with potential, “Belly” won the under-19 National Schools Cup with Northumberland and has also represented Ryton. Bell is strong in the air, and can also operate on the wing.

MichaelBell

62 45 0

CM KallumMcGlen

25 0 2 0

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.

RM

LiamHudson

32 14 2 0

Another former Ryton forward, 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.

ST

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Selby TownSeaham Red StarStokesleySpennymoor Town

ThackleyDarlington RARyton & CrawcrookCrook TownRyhope C.W.Chester-le-StreetWhitehaven

WhitehavenWashingtonNewcastle BenfieldThornabyRyhope C.W.Whickham

Jarrow RoofingAlnwick TownMorpeth TownBillingham TownTow Law TownNorth ShieldsNorthallerton Town

Darlington RABirtley Town

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Ryton & CrawcrookEsh WinningChester-le-StreetWhitehavenTeam Northumbria

ThornabySeaham Red StarWhickhamBirtley TownJarrow RoofingDunston uTSWashingtonNorth Shields

Morpeth TownBrandon unitedTow Law TownNorth ShieldsSeaham Red StarNorthallerton TownStokesleyBrandon unitedCrook TownEsh Winning

THE FIXTURES

Morpeth Town

Brandon United

Tow Law Town

North Shields

THuRSDAY 4TH APRIL 7.30PM THE WELFARE GROuND

Celtic already played this fixture earlier in the season, losing 2-0, but player ineligibility has afforded Stoneman’s men a second bite at the cherry.

MONDAY 1ST APRIL 12.00PM CRAIK PARK

7th-placed Morpeth are on the promotion trail, and have lost only four times on their own turf this season.

SATuRDAY 4TH APRIL 3.00PM WHITLEY PARK

The Lawyers are far more impressive away from their own pitch, having won 9 of their 17 fixtures on the road during this campaign.

MONDAY 8TH APRIL 7.30PM DAREN PERSSON STADIuM

Allotment are due to face today’s visitors for the third time this season, finally playing at Shields after two rainy postponements.10

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Northern League Division Two

Today’s match sponsor

0191 257 5095 Tanners Bank, North Shields, NE30 1JH

Roland Mather

Ball Sponsor

THE LEAGUE TABLE

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SPONSOR

13

WASHINGTON 1TuRNER

ALLOTMENT 3LANCASTER, FORD, LEE

27TH MARCH 2013 ERNEST ARMSTRONG MEMORIAL CuP THIRD ROuND NISSAN SPORTS AND LEISURE COMPLEX

West Allotment Celtic came

from behind to defeat Washington 3 - 1 on their own turf, ensuring progression to the semi-final of the Ernest Memorial Armstrong Cup in the process.

The home side started the brighter of the two sides, and Ryan Beal had to tip over a swirling corner, whilst Sean Reid headed off the line from another set-piece. After dealing with the early pressure, the visitors came into the game. Dormand had one effort blocked, and fired another over the bar from six yards out.

However, Washington soon exploited some hesitancy on Allotment’s part in possession, and drew first blood through Michael Turner. Dean Walker dispossessed the away side on the halfway line, and Turner strode forty yards without a challenge, before lashing a shot into the roof of the net.

Despite the setback, Allotment persevered, and got their just desserts. Michael Bell’s tremendous cross found Tony Lancaster at the back post, and the winger diverted the ball over the line with his groin from close range. A fantastic double save from Beal and another last-gasp clearance from Reid ensured that the scores remained level at the interval.

After the restart, Walker spurned a chance to put the hosts ahead, chipping just over the bar, and thereafter, Allotment dominated. Dormand hit the bar with an overhead kick, before Ford went one better, heading home at the back post from a Chris Douglas corner.

Allotment made the game safe with a third goal, courtesy of substitute Lee. The winger turned sharply in the box and fired low into the bottom corner, bagging his 23rd goal of the season - and, most importantly, sealing a semi-final spot for the

visitors, who comfortably dealt with Washington’s late pressure.

Drawn against Darlington RA in the last four, Celtic will be very confident of reaching their first cup final in eight years.

Man of the Match: Sean Reid

THE LAST MATCH

“Great effort from the lads tonight, well done.”PAuL STONEMAN

WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC

Having got back to winning ways with

a win over Washington, West Allotment will want to continue that good form when they take on North Shields this afternoon.

A fantastic 11-match unbeaten stint came to a disappointing end against Birtley Town, and consecutive defeats at home to Jarrow Roofing and Dunston followed, despite gutsy performances in both games. The hard work finally paid off in Wednesday’s well-deserved win, as Allotment look to put together another impressive run.

The enforced need to play two fixtures in three days may take its toll on the squad, but player-manager Paul Stoneman took precautions before the trip to the Nissan Sports Complex, resting himself,

left-back Marc Dummett and top scoring winger Dean Lee. All three are expected to regain their starting places, but Glenn Ford’s eye-catching return may give the coaches another option in defence.

Winger Kallum McGlen missed the trip to Wearside, as did defender Simon Wilthew, and both could return in some capacity to the matchday squad.

No fewer than four players - Lee, David Henderson, Chris Douglas and Ryan Beal - have previously turned out for Shields, and Paul Hogg and Wilf Kielty have previously managed the Robins, adding some personal incentive to a hotly anticipated local clash. Celtic will have to be sharp to a man if they are to avoid another 6-1 rout at the hands of the promotion hopefuls.

After spending last season leading the line for Allotment, Reid has adapted well to his deeper role in central midfield. The former Ryton man shone in Celtic’s win at Washington on Wednesday, and will be looking to put in a similar shift today.

Today’s match preview

Player to WatchSEAN REID

23rd March 2013 Jarrow Roofing (H) League L 5-325th March 2013 Dunston uTS (H) League Cup L 2-027th March 2013 Washington (A) E.A. Cup W 3-1

Form: W W L L L W

THE MATCH PREVIEW

14

Promotion-chasing North Shields could

close the gap on third-placed Jarrow Roofing to just four points with a win at Whitley Park this afternoon.

In recent years, the Robins’ faithful have looked on in frustration, as two consecutive promotion pushes faltered in the latter stages of the season. Graham Fenton oversaw the last four games of the 2011/12 campaign, when Shields finished fourteen points off the pace. However, today’s visitors are better equipped for promotion this season, and a win today would be a massive step in the right direction.

North Shields went unbeaten between mid-October and February, but dropped valuable points in March, suffering a shock defeat at home to

Thornaby, and being held to a draw by relegation-threatened Alnwick Town. The Robins have improved since, losing only to Division One opposition and easily overcoming Birtley Town, and will still be considered favourites by many for today’s encounter.

As Allotment found out in December, Shields have a terrifying array of attacking options available to them, with Rob Nolan rivalling club legend Keith Douglas in terms of goalscoring efficiency, and both Dean Holmes and Adam Forster have turned heads going forward. A little deeper, former Celtic favourite Ben Richardson will look to pull the strings in the heart of the midfield.

Playing fast, attacking football, there are goals in this Shields team - and, hopefully, in today’s game.

NORTH SHIELDS

Today’s match preview

Player to WatchDEAN HOLMES

Having top scored in the Northern Alliance for Heaton Stannington two seasons ago, Dean has continued in similar fashion at a higher level with Shields, bagging one goal for every two games played. Along with Nolan, Holmes could stretch Celtic’s back four this afternoon.

16th March 2013 Horden C.W. (H) League W 2-023rd March 2013 Birtley Town (A) League W 3-026th March 2013 Ashington (H) Senior Cup L 2-0

Form: L D L W W L

THE MATCH PREVIEW

15

North Shields Athletic was originally formed in 1896, and played initially

in the South Shields & District league. They progressed through the Northern Combination, Northern Alliance and North Eastern League and became a major force in North East Football, outside the Football League, moving to play at Hawkey’s Lane around 1900.

At least two players, Alan Grenyer and Harry Chambers, went on to play for the full England team after starting their careers with North Shields Athletic.

Preston Colliery F.C. emerged after the Great War becoming North Shields A.F.C. in 1928, and the club won many honours over the years. They enjoyed tremendous local support with a record 12,800 watching the local derby with South Shields in 1936. Shields won the North Eastern League title and numerous cups but their moment of crowning glory came in 1969. After joining the Northern league they won the F.A. Amateur cup by beating Sutton united in front of 47,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium. Shields were a goal down after only four minutes but won with second half strikes from Richie Hall and Brian Joicey – both laid on by Orrick, a shipyard worker from Byker.

The Club, which also won the Northern League Championship and Challenge Cup that same year, were declared joint holders of the European Amateur Cup the following season

when the two teams against Italian side Almas resulted in a level aggregate score. In 1982 “The Robins” won 1-0 at Halifax Town in the F.A. Cup 1st Round, Bede McCaffrey scoring the all important goal that year. Walsall were the visitors to Appleby Park in the next round and left with a 3-0 victory.

Having moved into the national pyramid by joining the Northern Counties East League, North Shields earned promotion to the Nothern Premier League by winning the title, but financial problems resulted in the club losing the Appleby Park Ground and then reforming to play in the vAuX Wearside League.

Since then “The Robins” have enjoyed considerable success, winning the treble of League, Shipowners Cup and Northumberland Senior Bowl in 1998/99. In 2000/01 they finished runners-up to Nissan but won the Monkwearmouth Cup and the Senior Bowl for the second time. They won the Wearside league by eight points in 2002 and the Monkwearmouth Cup again in 2003.

The Robins finally gained promotion back into the Albany Northern League in 2004 - after a 15 year absence - following their third Wearside League title and a further Shipowners Cup triumph.

The History

North Shields Football Club

16

The PlayersMichael RobinsonMichael rejoins us for his second spell at the club, a top class keeper. Reliable shot stopper & personal trainer that has made well over 100 appearances for the club.

James HarmisonA vastly experienced centre half, who has turned out for Division One sides Bedlington Terriers and Ashington. James will add a huge impact both defensively and offensively.

Daniel PattersonFormerly of Allotment, seasoned defender Dan can play in a number of positions - left-back, centre-half or wing-back. Played professionally for Queen of the South, and has also turned out for Ashington.

Joe ElliottSigned recently from Cullercoats, Joe is a versatile and useful member of the squad, able to play in midfield or at right back. Elliott is back in contention after six months at Division One outfit Hebburn.

Paul WatsonDescribed as a midfield workhorse,Paul has brought his industry to the likes of West Allotment and Dunston uTS in previous seasons, and has been known to threaten the scoresheet on occasion.

Kieran WrightsonA former member of the Newcastle united academy, Kieran has, before turning 21, represented a number of Northern League outfits, including West Allotment, Team Northumbria and Whickham.

Adam ForsterYoung talent Forster turned out for Northern Premier League side Blyth Spartans in 2011/12, and spent time on loan across the water at South Shields.

Ben RichardsonAnother former Allotment player, Ben is an a fans’ favourite due to his ability to win the ball and move play forward. The former Washington man has been ever-present in the first team this term.

Dean HolmesDean was the top scorer in the Northern Alliance two seasons ago with Heaton Stannington. Now in his second season with Shields, the livewire striker has an average strike rate of one goal per two games.

Robert NolanShields’ main goalgetter Nolan started the season with Washington, but returned to Shields in September. Rob has found his feet quickly on North Tyneside, scoring 30 times in just 23 games, and will pose a threat to mostdefences.

Keith DouglasSelf-confessed North Shields supporter and popular club man. The former Allotment forward has been prolific for the Robins, scoring 71 goals for the club - including 15 strikes this season.

North Shields Football ClubTHE VISITORS

17

ON THIS DAY

WEST Allotment Celtic travelled to Gosforth to meet Bohemians in a Northern Amateur League match. Those present were to witness eleven goals as an incredible match ended up in a 5-6 defeat for Celtic. Allotment had already beaten the Bohs 5-1 in an earlier fixture.

CeltiC beaten by bohemians MArCh 29 1947

Evening Chronicle

THE NEWS POST SPORThalliday at the

double for CeltiCA brace from Ian halliday was enough to secure a rare victory in what was to be Celtic’s worst-ever season in the Northern Amateur League. Bohemians were the visitors to Backworth and they could only find the net once in response to halliday’s two efforts.

MArCh 29 1969

AT Christmas time, Celtic had harboured hopes of landing a first Northern Alliance title. however, results slipped badly after the festive season and the championship was to prove elusive. A 1-2 defeat at home to old rivals Seaton Delaval Amateurs was indicative of the type of result being experienced by the team. In fact, the defeat against the Amateurs was the third in a run of four consecutive defeats by exactly the same scoreline. Peter Jackson grabbed Celtic’s goal against Delaval but it was poor consolation as the side endured a run of nine league games without a victory.

Middlesbrough “A” and Allotment were lying third and fourth respectively in the Northern Alliance table as the clubs met up at hillheads. The visitors were young and skilful and largely outplayed Celtic, who eventually went down to the odd goal in three. John o’loughlin and Wayne Allon scored for boro, with dave Walton on target for Allotment.

Allotment made the trip to Portland Park to tackle Ashington Colliers in the quarter-finals of the Longhorn Hardware Northern Alliance league Cup. The journey up the spine road was less than comfortable, with a fire causing a tail-back on the road that trapped several players in its several miles-long wake – causing the kick-off to be delayed by an hour. Things on the pitch were to prove little easier for Allotment, for although the Colliers were two divisions lower than their visitors, they were not overawed and gave Celtic a very hard work-out. The only goal of the match arrived just before the interval when ian swan forced the ball home. The effort proved worthwhile as Celtic went to reach the final,where they beat Benfield Saints by three goals to two.

News GuardianSaturday, March 29, 2003 70p

A solitary Swan goal puts Allotment through to the semi-finals

Allotment overcome Colliers in the league Cup

Saturday, March 29, 1997

Boro are deserved winners at Hillheads

Delaval add to Allotment’s woes

News GuardianWhitley Bay

Saturday, March 29, 1986

STEPHEN ALLOTT looks at this day in West Allotment Celtic’s eighty-five year history

On This Day...

18

OPINION

A View From Where the Press Box Would Be

Washington F.C. is not an easy

place for a team to go. Not because the Nissan Sports and Leisure Ground is a fortress; the Mechanics have lost as many as they have won there. It’s difficult for visitors because it’s relatively difficult to find.

Housed within the Nissan plant complex, one has to be buzzed in by security and zigzag across at least three sprawling car parks just to get to the pitch. My taxi driver reached the plant gates, expressed his disbelief that football could be played within, and continued on down the A1290 for five minutes.

Perhaps understandably, Washington have one of the lowest home attendance averages in the division, only bettered (for want of a better word) by Horden and Jarrow Roofing. The Mechanics’ regulars turned up on this cold Wednesday night, but the ground should have been densely populated for a cup quarter-final. Another fifty fans might have been trapsing up and down the A1290 looking for the glare

of football floodlights. Better signposting is definitely in order.

Once there, the setup is impressive - a decent ground, formerly the home of Sunderland Nissan, and a remarkably suave function suite. On the other hand, the teamsheet was supposedly stuck rather unceremoniously onto a conservatory window. I say supposedly; there was no such teamsheet in sight.

Not that it was necessary, as only one of the Mechanics’ players did enough to warrant a mention by name. Michael Turner ran forty yards, unchallenged throughout, before smashing into the roof of the net to put the hosts ahead.

Allotment are accustomed to going behind first, and once again bounced back in timely - and somewhat unusual - fashion. Michael Bell’s cross was met by Tony Lancaster at the back post - not by his head, or his foot, or even his knee, but by his reluctant groin. Jimmy noted that he “poked” it in, and Roland pointed out that he was “cock-a-hoop” with the goal.

Allotment’s two second-half

goals were less amusing - a header from (second) debutant Glenn Ford and a strike from substitute Dean Lee - but were no less important. On the nght, Allotment were, ironically, the more driven of the two sides, with Reid behind the wheel throughout. The sparse home fans implored us to turn up the volume, but our players did the talking on the pitch.

A semi-final with Darlington R.A. now beckons. It won’t be the last I see of Washington, as travel there for a league fixture in the coming weeks. When the time comes, I will entrust the club with my transport, rather than burdening Blue Line. Again. 19

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Kallum McGlenA Brief Chat With...

Promising winger Kallum McGlen has

endured a rollercoaster of a season, breaking into the first team with a string of fine performances, before injury consigned the Blakelaw midfielder to the sidelines.

The Blakelaw connection at the club

Oh, it helps. I like it here, it’s decent here. All the lads are spot on. Stona’s a good manager, a good coach. It’s spot on.

His start to the season

Frustrating, aye, very frustrating. I just wanted my

chance, a chance to get on and show what I could do.

His first-team breakthrough

I knew I could do better, like, at the start. But I was happy. It helps to start getting into the team. I felt that I was playing really well, actually. I felt like I was getting better and better - and fitter and fitter. When the injury happened, I was devastated.

That ligament injury against Alnwick Town

What it was...he’s coming in from the side, and I knocked it past him, and then he just caught me on the inside of the ankle, and I got caught underneath, and it just twisted from the outside. I just felt it snap. It did snap, I felt it in my ankle. It was sore. Painful!

Competition for places on the right wing

It’s superb having competition. You don’t like to see yourself getting a game week in, week out without having a challenge for your place. So it’s better to have people in there, definitely.

Getting back in the starting eleven

That’s what’s good about it. You can’t just walk back into the team. It’ll definitely be a challenge. But the injury’s gone. I don’t feel over-fit! But I can get the fitness back. I will try and get back in, because I miss it.

His goalscoring misfortune

I’ve tried enough, haven’t I! I’ve had chances, and I should’ve taken a few. But I will score before the end of the season. That’s a promise. I will score!

THE PLAYER INTERVIEW

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21

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FOREST HALL YPC

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WestAllotment

Celtic

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