THE INTERVIEWS 7

The Exiled Geordie Interviews..................Colin Iley

Colin Iley joined Billingham Synthonia from Guisborough Town back in 2005. Over the next six years he would go on to make some 285 appearances and scoring 85 goals for Synners. His time with the club saw him win two Durham County Challenge Cups (2009 and 2010), DCC Runners-Up in 2006, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the FA Vase in 2007. Top scorer for the club in three successive seasons (2006/07/08) as well as making the most appearances in 2008 and 2009.
He has since joined Manly United in the NSW Premier League in Australia - http://www.manlyunitedfc.com.eu/
Here, Colin agreed to answer a few questions, enjoy.......

EXILED GEORDIE - To begin with please tell the readers about your move to Australia's NSW Premier League and Manly United. How did this move come about? How are you finding the transition? And what are Manly United and the NSWPL like, even more so in comparison to that of English non-league football?

COLIN ILEY - I felt like a change, I wanted to travel and the chance to train with Manly United came up. The opportunity came through a lad I played with at England Universities, who was playing there at the time. In addition to that, the manager, Craig Midgley used to play for Hartlepool and there were also a few other links via ex-teammates, so that's how it initially came about. I went to Australia and trained there, was offered a contract and I discovered that I loved the country and the lifestyle straight away, so I thought I'd give it a go.
It took a little while for me to adapt as they play a different style of football out here; it's a lot more technical as opposed to the Northern League which is much more physical and high-tempo. Out here, there's a bigger emphasis on physical fitness and technique. The A-League is the top professional football league in Australia and the NSW Premier League is just one grade down from that, so it's a pretty high standard of football which is why you have to be super fit!

Since I've been here, I've come up against some very technically-gifted players but the league is pretty much split into communities, which requires you to constantly adapt your game plan and style of play. For example, two of the clubs in the league are backed and supported by Italians and Italian-Australians living in Sydney, so when you play them, you come up against more organised sides who keep the ball, though the following week you may be playing a Greek side who play a much more direct game.

The football played here is quick but it's just not as physical as the Northern League - which can be played at 100 miles an hour and be more high contact- whereas in the NSW Premier you expect to be pressed constantly when you're in possession.

I've also found that the passion for the game is a lot stronger back in England. Football (or soccer as its known here) is not the country's main sport, it's probably about the fourth choice, so the game's not considered as important over here as it is back in the UK.

EG - During your time at Billingham Synthonia you made some 285 appearances in six years, including most appearances in 2008 (49) and 2009 (51). What are your thoughts on playing so many matches? Any league games of particular standout memories?
CI - I love playing so much, in fact my hunger to play could have been to my detriment, but I was lucky to stay relatively injury-free for so long. If the chance was there, I would play. I love football so playing twice a week for nine months suited me; in fact I averaged about 50 games a season over my six seasons! I had to miss the last 15 games at Synners because I came out to Sydney. I really loved the club and I think it's by far the best club in the Northern League.

I don’t really have a stand out league game. I had so many I really enjoyed playing in which usually included, the team winning, and me scoring and having a good game. (My favourite combination.) I left the club on 85 goals and hope to one day come back and get to a 100 for the club.

EG - With Synners you were a runner-up (2006) and twice winner (2009 and 2010) of the Durham County Challenge Cup. What are your thoughts and the (non-obvious) highlights of these successes?
CI - In the 2006 season, I was dropped in the cup final, despite being top-scorer at the time, but I was only 21 and my first season at the club! So I was on the bench for the game against Whickham. We were drawing 1-1 and the game looked set to go into extra-time, so the gaffer told me to warm up as I would be coming on. But Whickham scored in the 92nd minute so I didn't get to come on. I was gutted.

Our 2009 opponents, Durham City had approached me to sign for them at the start of that season. I turned them down because I wanted to stay with Synners. They ran away with the league that year but came up against us in the final, which we won, thanks to a single goal from James Magowan. It was a great feeling to win it with Synners knowing that I'd stuck with my instincts at the beginning of the season and stayed with the club I loved.

In 2010 we managed to retain the title and it was a real boost to know that we'd made it through to the final unbeaten for two consecutive seasons. I played a part in both goals and was really pleased to have played an important part in the win.

                      

EG – You were a losing semi-finalist in the FA Vase in 2007. Please discuss this particular run which ended in a despairing penalty shoot-out defeat in the semis against AFC Totton. Could anything have been done differently?

CI - It is by far my favourite season I have ever played in, the cup run, the publicity and the team was brilliant. I scored in the first leg semi which took us through to the second leg with a 2-1 aggregate win. But the one standout memory I have from that season was the camaraderie within the team, we had a brilliant team spirit that season, the best I've ever known. We won 2-1 with my goal coming just four minutes from time. They came here for the second leg and won by the same score line. We missed a penalty in the closing minutes of extra time which forced the game into penalties. I didn't want to take one, a decision I now regret, but our keeper John Jackson stepped up to take one and scored, he's a bit of a legend to me.

I'd also like to mention that the club's preparations that season were the best any player could have hoped for, from our accommodation and transport right down to things like the pre-match meal together. The fans came out in force too and we could not have asked for more. We were really nervous ahead of the tie, given what was at stake, but there's not much you can do about nerves.

It was my favourite season and was lucky enough to be offered trials with Scunthorpe United; however I was not offered a contract and remained with Synners until my decision to move to Oz.

EG - Playing for the England Universities for four years, where and when was this? What are your memories of this time?

I was nominated by my university (Teesside) and played for them between that of 2002-2006. I had to go down to Bath for trials and was selected to play in the Home Nations Cup in 2002, which we won. I played in and won the same tournament again in 2004. After that I went to trials for Great Britain - to play in the World Student Games in Thailand, but I didn't get selected. However, as a result of those trials, I was chosen to play for Team Bath by Paul Tisdale. I went down there for 3 weeks but I had to return to the north east to finish my studies at Teesside as I couldn't transfer my course to Bath University. Tisdale is now Exeter City manager and it's great to see that five of six of the lads in the team I played in, have gone on to play professionally in the Football League and further afield - including Australia.

On a personal level, one of my best memories was being voted as University of Teesside's Sportsman of the Year for two years running. The bursaries that came with winning the accolade were obviously very welcome for a student!

EG - Having scored in your last match for Synners, a 4-2 defeat away to Bishop Auckland back in March 2011, how do you feel about your last match for a club you served so long, irrespective of the result?

CI - It was actually a very sad day for me. Bittersweet I suppose as I scored that day and was also given the captain's armband which was a really nice gesture from the manager. I stand by my opinion that Synners are the best club in the Northern League, they have the best chairman, Stuart Coleby who is a true gent, a great committee and a really modern management team. The facilities are great and they have the best pitch in the league. Everything is in place for the club to take the next step up and excel and they are my pick for the coming season. I think they'll shock a few sides this year. They are a fantastic club and I would like to thank them for 6 great years, it was a pleasure to play for them, although I have to admit that it's Madge, the kit lady, that I miss the most! 

(All contents are the property of myself, Peter Mann, writing as The Exiled Geordie. They will not be re-published without the expressed permission of the author himself)

(PHOTOGRAPHS ARE COURTESY OF GRAEME GOODMAN)

THE INTERVIEWS 6

The Exiled Geordie Interviews........
Jamie Chandler


Jamie Chandler is the 22 year old, Geordie born midfielder who began his career at Sunderland at the tender age of nine, before moving to nearby Darlington. He has represented his country as a junior and last season (2011) he put in a man of the match performance at the home of football as helped Darlington win the FA Trophy.
Here, the midfielder took some time out to answer a few quick questions about his career to date......

The Exiled Geordie - Jamie, you spent several years with Sunderland AFC's Academy and Reserves, being offered a professional contract in 2007. What are your thoughts on your time with the Black Cats and that contract offer?
Jamie Chandler - I loved my time at SAFC. I joined at 9 years old and left last summer which was hard to do after all those years but I loved my time there. I have a lot of great memories and friends from my years there and even as a Geordie, have a huge soft spot for the club. I was offered a pro deal from Roy Keane, one of the best midfielders to grace the game and which was an amazing feeling. It didn't quite work out at SAFC but the experience I got from the club will be valuable for the rest of my career.

EG -In 2009 you would be sent on loan to your now current club, Darlington, in 2009. Here you were to make your Football League debut in the defeat away to Aldershot. What do you remember of your league debut?
JC - I remember all of my debut Colin Todd was the gaffer along with Dean Windass, two great ex pros so I knew I'd be looked after well. We lost the game 3-1 but I remember coming on and doing really well and clattering the biggest player on the pitch after a minute of coming to receive a booking which Colin Todd praised me on after the game because no one else got stuck in or into their players.
EG - A few days later would see your first start for the Quakers when at home to Leeds United in the League Cup. Illustrious opponents for such an occasion, so again, what were your thoughts/feelings on this event?
JC - The day before the game Toddy told me I would be starting in the cup vs Leeds live on TV so I was obviously delighted! I had a bit of nerves and excitement but we played really well and should of got something from the game. I was so pleased to get a debut and perform well and it really gave me a confidence boost that I could perform against a good side like Leeds United.

EG - Officially moving to Darlington in 2010, how did it feel that, come the end of your debut 2010-11 season you would not only be the clubs' Young Player of the Year, but also a winner in the FA Trophy? How was the final and cup run for you personally?
JC - Yeah last year turned out to be fantastic for me personally and obviously the club! I was delighted to pick up the accolades of player of the year and the man of match award at Wembley, but really the whole experience of playing every week and in big games, semi finals and cup finals at Wembley was brilliant! Wembley was definitely the best day of my career and will always stick with me. I think I'm still buzzing now.

EG - Few people will know that you made 35 appearances between 2005 and 2008 for the England Under 16's, 17's, 18's and 19's. Do you have any specific match(es), moment(s) and opponent(s), both players and countries from this time?

JC - Yeah I actually clocked up 35 caps for England between those years being the most capped player in an age group which held Daniel Sturridge, Freddie Sears, Theo Walcott, the list goes on. So to be involved with these players and to represent my country was an amazing feeling! My debut against Portugal was on my 16th birthday and was very special, with my first goal vs Iceland as well. Fantastic times I'll never forget
EG - At only 22 years of age there is still time for a successful future. Therefore, what are your thoughts on the coming season both for yourself and for Darlington, and for your own long-term future?
JC - Personally to have a season like last and to pick up personal accolades would be great again. I want to be playing regular and to be able to play at the highest level possible. Doing that with Darlington would be great. For Darlington it's a huge year for us, we should be in the Football League and that's where we have to get to, so this year promotion is the top aim for us!

(The above piece is the work of myself, Peter Mann, writing as The Exiled Geordie. This shall not be copied or used in any other publication unless the expression permission is given myself)

BILLINGHAM TOWN v WASHINGTON

The Exiled Geordie Goes Travelling To...........
Billingham Town

Well with the Mrs on holiday in Austria, the time had arrived for myself to take in my last pre-season friendly so I decided on the closer option of Billingham Town's Bedford Terrace. This had been decided as, when choosing between Town and Synthonia I tweeted both clubs and Town replied. So I took the plunge - in every sense of the word.
The week building up to the match had been rather warm to say the least. However, come matchday, the weather had turned full circle and the north-east as a whole was in for an interesting afternoon. Most matches went ahead amid a cacophony of thunder claps, lightning strikes and torrential rain but some would succumb to the elements as well. Of these falling by the wayside were the Northern League's Cleator Cup final at Spennymoor between Spennymoor Town and Newcastle Benfield (cancelled prior to kick-off), as well as the matches between Whitley Bay and Sunderland XI (abandoned at half-time) and the Newcastle United - Fiorentina friendly (abandoned after an hour).
So that will give you an idea as to what the weather would be like up north. Experiencing it though was something altogether different. But Billingham Town and Washington somehow managed to play (or even wade) their way through it all. And a crowd of somewhere between 30-40 hardy souls was there to witness it.

With the referee kicking off early all thoughts of a decent attempt at a match report went out the window when their was no programme or team sheet available, and clock watching for times would become quite difficult. But, here goes.
Town kicked off and would be on the ascendancy throughout, even though the first real attempt would fall to the visitors but the corner was wasted. This would continue throughout the first half and the game as a whole for both sides as the weather had some effect on those playing.
Dominated by the home side, Billy wasted chance after chance as both free-kicks and corners went begging. The home number 7 wasting several chances when clear through, either by putting wide or aided by the visiting keeper. Their was also a complete miscue by the home sides number 9 when clear on goal and, although the weather was having a visible effect on proceedings, the ball was being played around rather well by Billingham on the main, and in some part by Washington as the visitors held on.

Washington were guilty of a few misses themselves late on in the first half as first an attack was cut out by the Billy defence before a good interchange of passes from Washington right sided players would see the played to their number 8 who just managed to lift an excellent chipped shot over the bar from the corner of the box. Washington's number 4 and 8 picked up niggling injuries during the half as well, but the sides would go in level at 0-0 at the break.

 

The visitors kicked of the second half but it would be the home side that had managed to carry their form from the first into the second half of the match. This was shown when, around five minutes into the second period, the referee felt the need to award the home side a penalty which was successfully taken by number 7 (Glenn Butterworth), who blasted the ball into the top corner well out of the keeper's reach.
A flurry of substitutes followed with Billy making four of their own, including the arrival of Nicky Martin (12), whom I knew from his time at Esh Winning a few seasons back. On most occasions a large amount of substitutions can alter a game in favour of one or the other, but this Billingham side are looking good and should, of the mood takes them, be considered title challengers. Washington couldn't really cope with the constant pressure and on another day the result would have been well into the distance. But, Washington still had chances and got their rewards not long after the hour mark when their own number 7 crafted an excellent goal with a left-foot drive from the edge of the box, giving the home keeper no chance. This gave them hope and the visiting 11 brought a fine save from the home keeper when in a one on situation as the game eased towards its conclusion.

The rain finally eased off as we closed into the final ten minutes and their would be some excitement in the Washington goalmouth as an scramble ensued between Billy's number 16 and 12, and the Washington keeper as the latter somehow managed to come out on top.
The Billy keeper pulled off a last gasp save as the visitors nearly snatched an unlikely victory at the death, but it wasn't to be and the full-time score would read -
BILLINGHAM TOWN 1 WASHINGTON 1

GATESHEAD v SUNDERLAND RESERVES

The Exiled Geordie goes travelling to................
Gateshead FC

Saturday 30th July 2011 saw myself, The Exiled Geordie, wanting to take in a match and with the better half away in Austria, it was time for public transport. Thinking back, I had already decided that the match of choice would be that of Gateshead v Sunderland at The International Stadium, although there was to be a late request to go elsewhere when I was in receipt of a message on facebook from Blyth Spartans suggesting I go and see a proper derby as they played host to Ashington (and won 4-0). However, Gateshead it was as I had already arranged to meet up with people.

 

As I mentioned, it would be public transport and that meant heading out earlier than normal and getting on the bus from Stockton to Gateshead. An hour and a half later on said bus, and a leisurely twenty minute walk from the town centre to the ground saw me arrive nice and early.
Already there was an elderly gentlemen whom I began conversing with about current affairs at the club, as well as the Heed's Football League sojourn in the thirties, forties and fifties, and what might have been.
Whilst waiting outside the ground then Sunderland stars Nyron Nosworthy and George McCartney arrived. I assume they live closer to the ground than the rest of the squad? It would be fifteen minutes or so before the rest would arrive in coach and sporting their club tracksuits. They were polite and spoke to several bystanders as well, I'll give them that!!

It would be the visitors that would kick off the first half kicking from left to right in front of the main Tyne & Wear Stand and a crowd of just over 450.  And, although it would be Sunderland that would have the first real effort on goal when Cook put over the bar on 3 minutes, it would be the home side of Gateshead that would dominate the majority of the game as a whole. And on ten minutes the Heed would strike their first attempt on goal when the impressive Yemi Odubade would send the first of many crosses into the box for Kris Gate to slot just wide of goal.
This set the scene for the opening, if not the first half as a whole, a Gateshead would have chance after chance as Jon Shaw, Nathan Fisher and a late James Curtis effort, all went begging. Sunderland, even if minimalistic, did have a few chances as they tried to add themselves to a game that was in danger of getting away from them. But it would be at the end of the first half when Reed was played in by the impressive Oumarc Tounkara but the resulting shot was well saved by Paul Farman in the Heed goal. Farman would spend the majority of the first half as a spectator as at the interval the score would read - Gateshead 0 Sunderland Reserves 0.

With the Heed kicking off the second half there was to have already been several changes by the home side as is the norm with pre-season friendlies. Manager Ian Bogie had brought on Chris Moore, Kyle Nix and Craig Baxter and all would play some part throughout.
Minutes into the second half and there would be a lengthy hold-up in the play as Shaw, the Heed's number 9, went down injured in the middle of the park and not long afterwards he was to be replace by Gary Mulligan. It would be Sunderland though that would nearly take the lead though as Paul Farman and his defence would add error to a routine goal-kick and have to scramble back to clear off his own line when the goalmouth was gaping for the on-rushing Sunderland attackers. But, as was the case throughout the match, a Sunderland effort would lead to numerous Gateshead ones, and this would be no different with the ball being quickly played to the other end and yet another Heed chance was wasted.

The latter stages of the second period would see Sunderland's Adam Mitchell start influencing the game. Gateshead were still having chances though and a free-kick from Chris Moore would be headed wide again by James Curtis, Baxter and another Heed substitute, Josh Gillies then provided some good link-up play before a corner from Gillies would be just missed by Heed captain Ben Clark.
As both sides began the substitution merry-go-round, Sunderland using three out of the four they brought with them in bringing on Liam Marrs, Brett Elliott and Alex Gorrin, the latter stages were to be against the grain of the earlier part of the game. Gateshead were still dominant but Sunderland were starting to see more of the ball and having a few more chances to boot.
It was to be the home side that would still finish the stronger however as Nix and Moore, amongst several others, had chances to snatch victory at the death. It wasn't to be though and both goalkeepers, considering the chances at goal, had little to do throughout.
A nice touch was to be when the Heed's Jon Shaw left the dugout for an early bath and treatment to rapturous applause from the home support, to which he acknowledged with a return applause.

Full-Time - Gateshead 0 Sunderland 0
Gateshead - Farman, Odihambo, Gate, Curtis, Clark (c), Turnbull, Shaw, Odubade, Cummins, Fisher, Carruthers. Subs: Deasy, Baxter, Mulligan, Gillies, Nix, Moore, Moyes.
Sunderland - Wilson, Bagnall, McCartney, Reed, Nosworthy, Liddle, Cook, Deacon, Tounkara, Armstrong, Mitchell. Subs: Marrs, King (unused), Elliott, Gorrin.

WHITLEY BAY V GATESHEAD

The Exiled Geordie Goes Travelling To........
Hillheads Park.

Not a one to pass up an opportunity, Wednesday 27th July saw an intriguing friendly at Hillheads Park, the home of four-time FA Vase winners Whitley Bay FC. Their opponents on this glorious evening were Blue Square Bet Premier Division outfit, and near-neighbours, Gateshead FC. Now, considering the Heed are four divisions higher than the Bay, it still pitted 'young' managers Ian Chandler and Ian Bogie against each other.

The Heed support was out in some force, and were vociferous throughout, with a crowd of well over 500 for this attractive friendly and both sides were near to full strength.
The Bay kicked off the first half but the Heed were soon on the attack as Fisher picked the ball up straight away on the Bay's left flank and, skipping round four challenges, he crossed for the diminutive Kris Gate lurking in the box to fire into the far corner with a barely a minute on the clock. Gateshead would dominate the opening five minutes or so, but with the talent in the Bay line-up they weren't to be held back for long as they linked up well, Robinson and Robson exchanging passes down the middle before Farman in the Heed goal smothered well.

 

Over the next ten minutes or so the game was evenly matched as both sides had efforts on goal, the Bay slowly edging into the game. Gary Ormston and Paul Chow both had half chances before, on 17 minutes, Chow was up against Heed centre-half James Curtis. Curtis had the ball and decided to showboat on the edge of the box showing some slight of foot and skipping round the Bay striker bringing a smile from Chow and laughs from the crowd.
Heed left-back, Chris Carruthers, took a corner after 20 minutes which was headed wide by Gary Mulligan as the visitors domination of the game was beginning to show. But the Bay again would edge themselves in when Pounder hit a cross-shot straight at Farman before the Bay snatched a deserved equaliser, even if it was out of the blue, after half an hour. Bay captain, Damon Robson, picked the ball up from distance and, seeing Farman off his line, clipped an exquisite lob over him to level the score.
Kyle Hayes in the Bay goal would then pull off a cracking save to rapturous applause from both sides of the crowd before pressure from the Heed took its toll in the last five minutes of the half.

 

Some good work down the flank saw an unmarked Fisher pick the ball up on the edge of the box, and without being challenged, lifted the ball quite nonchalantly into the goalmouth. Seemingly going over the bar it actually dipped underneath, and over Hayes in the Bay goal. Within minutes the Heed extended their lead when a far corner was knocked to the back post and there was James Curtis to head home the third goal.
Half-time - Whitley Bay 1 Gateshead 3

 

There were to be numerous changes during the second half, the Heed making six of their own at the break  when bringing on the like of Tim Deasy, Jon Shaw, Craig Baxter, and former Bay players Chris Moore and Josh Gillies. The Bay would also make a triple substitution of their own when ten minutes in as Chandler looked to shake things up a bit.
However, on the hour the game would be all but wrapped up when Yemi Odubade scored Gateshead's fourth of the evening and, a few minutes later, a save from Downey, whom had earlier replaced Hayes in the Bay goal, looped into the air and fell kindly for Gillies to head home.
The game was still an end to end affair with some strong performances from Clark, Curtis, Fisher and Gate for the Heed, and that of Robinson, Chow, Pounder and Ormston for the Bay. It would be the industrious Pounder who would grab Bay's second of the game with twenty minutes left when he struck a low shot under the despairing dive of Deasy. Further changes were made as Rowe and Lee would make late appearances for the Bay and there would also be run-outs for Ewan Moyes (the nephew of Everton manager David Moyes) and Rob Briggs for Gateshead.
However, the changes would mean the second half was slightly erratic, the Bay having more of it. And, irrespective of score and the fact that Gateshead play four divisions higher, the Bay held their own for most of it and shouldn't be disheartened from the final result.
Full-Time - Whitley Bay 2 Gateshead 5

Whitley Bay - Hayes, Anderson, McFarlane, Timmons, Gibson, Williams, Ormston, Robson (c), Chow, Pounder, Robinson. Subs - Downey, Pickering, McMullen, Deagle, Hughes, Rowe and Lee.

Gateshead - Farman, Odhiamro, Carruthers, Gate, Curtis, Clark (c), Fisher, Turnbull, Mulligan, Odubade, Cummins. Subs - Shaw, Deasy, Baxter, Moyes, Gillies, Nix, Moore, Briggs.

Other standout moments, from a personal point of view, were meeting up with Tony Carter and Ray Robson, along with Paul Dixon, in the Seahorse after the game for a good chat. As well as having some football chat with Heed fans during the game as well.
Plus, whilst en-route and coming through the Tyne Tunnel, my partner asking me 'Why is it so dark in here'. Well let's see, we were in the tunnel itself, and she had her sunglasses on...........

WHITBY TOWN v WHITLEY BAY

The Exiled Geordie Goes Travelling To..........
Whitby Town FC

Today was the day i made my first trip to The Turnbull Ground, the home of Evo-Stik Premier Division side, Whitby Town.
Now, those who know their non-league football in the northeast will know all about Whitby Town Football Club, FA Vase winners in 1997, the same season they walked away with the Northern League Championship amongst other accolades. A club with a long and rather illustrious history.

 

With a mild breeze the game started with gusto, and a tempo in which was carried on throughout the entire 90 minutes, both sides having as much of the ball and as many chances as the other. However, it seemed that Whitley Bay, two divisions below thier hosts, were to have the upper hand.
The first real effort fell to Whitby ten minutes into the game when a lobbed effort from distance dropped just over the bar.
The bay had plenty of half chances as well and with McEvoy, the Bay's left-back doing raids down the flank, tormented Andrew Leeson for most of the first half. He even had a decent chance on the Whitby goal on 18 minutes, Courtney getting down well at his near post to save.
With an even opening quarter, the game was starting to open slightly and there were several tussles on the flanks before Kris Hughes fired a wayward shot following a deep Williams clearance on 26 minutes. And the challenges were still flying in as the game became a rather full-blooded affair.

Whitby's Andy Campbell was then to be caught offside three times in a matter of minutes as the Seasiders tried to take a hold of the game. Then the Bay's strike force of Chow and Kerr linked up to good effect leading to the former blazing over when clear through on 38 minutes. Moments later and the ball was at the other end of the pitch, Bay goalkeeper, Hayes, miskicking and leaving himself stranded as Campbell fired back in from range, fortunately for the keeper and the Bay, the shot was slightly off target. Then, not long before the interval, fighting broke out on the far side of the pitch, the referee having stern words with the players to calm things down.
At the break the score would be Whitby Town 0 Whitley Bay 0.

The second half was all about substitutions as both Ian Chandler (with 8) and Tommy Cassidy (with 6) made changes thoughout. The tempo and full-bloodness continued though with challenges coming in all over. Kris Hughes, Lee Kerr and Paul Chow were all taken off for the Bay, Ian Lee having a good workout up front and Whitby's Campbell also being replaced.
With quarter of an hour remianing the Bay had a corner which was parried by Whitby's sub keeper, Calvert, but only to Deagle who shot wide from just inside the box.
Shortly afterwards there was a scond flar-up as Whitby's Martin, and the Bay's Deagle clashed which led to Chandler substituting the substitute, bringing Kerr back on to the field in place of Deagle.
White would pick up his second knock of the game soon afterwards on the other side of the field as the clock started ticking down.

 

However, with that slowly ticking down, the Bay attacked again, and to good effect, the ball being played through to Michael McMullen, on for Hughes at the interval, saw his hard work finally pay off. Getting onto the end of a loose ball he lashed the ball into the far corner to give the Bay a deserved lead. After that there wasn't much opportunity for the hosts to respond as Chandler's Bay, with his assistant Brian Rowe already on to tighten things up with Williams at the back, shut up shop. This was enough and Whitley Bay held on to seal a hard fought 1-0 victory on the road as they gear up for a new Northern League season.

 

The day for me personally was a good outing. Abused by the Bay's Phill Bell for dressing against the early cold chills, I had several good chats with a few of the Bay faithful, as well as Ian Chandler whom was his usual welcoming self. Plus there was the presence of Adam Taylor-Christensen, Andy Hudson and Andrew Snaith. Got things sorted with the Bay hierarchy regarding the book - Rising from the Ashes (so watch this space) as well as meeting Mark Taylor and Harry Dunn in the bar afterwards. As for the programme, seen better but did it's job. And the Turnbull Ground, a very nice ground with a great atmosphere.
All in all, a good day out for bith me and my partner, whom I hasten to add, was attending her first ever match and said to me midway through the second 'I want to go to a proper match now'.

Full Time - Whitby Town 0 Whitley Bay 1.
Whitby Town - Courtney (Calvert), Leeson (Ellison), White, Hussain, Burgess, Hodgson (McDermid), Martin, Blackford, McTiernan (Fletcher), Campbell (Faicheny), Robinson (c).
Whitley Bay - Hayes (Pickering), Anderson (c), McEnvoy (Pounder), Timmons (Gibson), Scroggins, Williams, Ormston (Rowe), Downey (Deagle), Kerr (Lee), Chow (MacFarlane), Hughes (McMullen).
(Deagle was also replace by Kerr late on)

NORTHERN LEAGUES UNITED DAY - 9th JULY 2011

THE EXILED GEORDIE GOES TRAVELLING TO..............
BIRTLEY TOWN FC


The reason for this visit was in support of the victims of the March 11th 2011 tsunami which destroyed the people of Japan, in particular those in the north-eastern part of the country where Onagawa was all but destroyed. As a whole they have currently lost some 1300 of a 10,000 population. This day was to aid with some much needed funds for their appeal, and aid the Northern League did.

The day for me began with getting up at 7am and talking to Micky Young, one of the days participants and father to the newly-born Alex Robert, online. For those who don't know, Micky is the Northern League and Esh Winning's military hero and participated in two of the day's three matches (starring in the charity game and being official in the Birtley Town 2 Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 1, pre-season friendly). But that charity match had numerous other stars, and on both sides.

I arrived at the ground with my youngest sister in tow at around quarter to eleven to find several people already in attendance. The start for me wasnt the Birtley Under 17's vs. Birtley Under 18's though so I couldn't tell you what happened there. Why? Because I already had a pre-arranged appointment on another matter, namely a brief interview with former Gateshead, Dunston Fed and Newcastle Blue Star midfielder, Davey Southern in relation to Steve Wraith's biography, Every Boys Dream.

After that I went meeting people from the past, present and future including el Queso Grande, BayFox and Byker Womble (usernames on nonleaguezone), as well as finally meeting the amicable Ian Cusack, Dave Anderson, and the organisers Andy and Michael Hudson, amongst numerous others to boot.

But, it was all about the day and with the Northern League supporters fielding an impressive array of talent which included Whitley Bay's Vase heroes Paul Robinson and Paul Chow, as well as Micky Young, Gareth Johnson (who showed some surprising skill and tenacity on the field), and Dave Anderson (impressive, workman-like performance), the signs were ominous for the writers. Cusack, and the Hudson brothers turned out for the writers alongside the likes of Paul Fraser, James Williams, and Nick Loughlin. But that wouldn't be anywhere near enough and wouldn't really be the case until the latter stages when Chow and Robinson donned opposition colours, but the game was all but lost at this stage.

The opening half an hour I would like to say was end to end but it wasn't. In fact it was dominated by the NL fans, and there was no suprise when the fans took the lead on 24 minutes, Robinson netting from a Chow cross. Bellis equalised for the writers just over a minute later but then it was right back up the other end and a corner from Robinson was buried by Chow. the Whitley Bay 1-2 showing some dividends. Robinson and Chow introduction was a usual masterstroke from Ian Chandler, in the fans dug-out and they linked up well with Anderson and Johnson (whom both put in a great afternoon's work, and it showed afterwards as well).

Both sides then had of plenty of the ball, but it would be another equaliser, this time by the writers Ryan Hubbard a few minutes before the break, but the fans side were a dogged and un-perturbed bunch and, as usual, the early link-up plays came into view as Chow scored his second of the game on the stroke of half-time for an interval score of 3-2.

                    The second half was only minutes old when Paul Fraser, from the Northern Echo, nipped in to grab a third equaliser for the writers. However, that spurred the fans on, and with Johnson, Young, Anderson and Michael Boyle pulling the strings, along with the Bay duo, then there was only really one outcome. Chow scored again with half an hour left, then Chris Conway also got in on the act with the NL fans fifth of the game. By this stage the NL fans team were on fire and, although the writers had a goal disallowed, they were fizzling out. The final goal of the game arrived in the last minute as Dave Anderson finally got the goal he really deserved and sealed a 6-3 victory for the Northern League Supporters team. It was also a victory for Ian Chandler over his former coach, Gavin Fell (managing the writers). Robinson and Chow even played the closing stages for the writers side.

Afterwards the fans captain and assistant manager, Adam Taylor-Christensen lifted aloft the ExectalkSports Onagawa Cup to the delight of the crowd, which incidentally, set a new ground recound for Birtley Town FC coming in just under 300. Man of the match awards went to NL Fans defender Danny Newell and the writers Paul Fraser.

After the Birtley vs. Ryton & Crawcrook friendly, won by Barry Fleming, Scott Oliver and Paul Brown's home side by a 2-1 scoreline, the raffle was conducted by Michael Hudson and Steve Bennett, ably assisted (quite well in fact) by the Byker Womble. Of the prizes won there were signed shirts from Whitley Bay, Spennymoor Town, Dunston UTS, Sunderland, Manchester United and FC United of Manchester, as well as a pair of tickets for the hospitality suite at Blackburn Rovers (won by the Ryton secretary Ken Rodgers).

It is a day that will live long in the memory (and those that played their legs) of many a hardened gentleman, myself for one.

And to Cobaltore Onagawa, thank you and good luck for the future.