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.

THE INTERVIEWS 5

THE EXILED GEORDIE INTERVIEWS......................
RONNIE CROSBY
the ryhope chairman discusses the wearside quadruple

The following piece is an interview with the chairman of the Wearside League quadruple winners Ryhope Colliery Welfare. The created history by becoming only the third team in the history of the Wearside League (and the first from Wearside) to win the quadruple of Wearside League Championship, Wearside League Cup, Sunderland Shipowners Charity Cup and Monkwearmouth Charity Cup. This has only been achieved twice before in the history of the league - Newcastle Blue Star in 1983, and Marske United in 1996 the other two sides.
A history of Ryhope CW was provided as follows -

Ryhope Colliery Welfare were founded by the coalminers of Ryhope in 1892 making them after Sunderland AFC the oldest football club in Sunderland. This coincided with the formation of the Wearside League making them founder members.

Their first major honour didn’t come until 1928 when they won their first league title.

However it was in the 1960’s when the club really made it’s mark a formidable team was assembled and as a result they captured the Wearside League Title four times, in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1966. The Monkwearmouth Charity Cup was won in 1966 and 1967. The Ship-owners Cup and the League Cup were both captured in 1964.

However probably the crowning achievement of this era was the club reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup in November 1967. After coming through four preliminary rounds including beating the then mighty Bishop Auckland 4-1 in a replay at Ryhope, the club was drawn against then 4^th division Football League side Workington at Ryhope. On a snow and frost bound pitch before a record 4,000 spectators Ryhope went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat.

A decade later in season 1977-78 under the astute leadership of manager Dick Purdy the club finished 3^rd in the league won the League Cup and remarkably captured the prestigious Durham Challenge Cup for the only time in their history.

In recent seasons under the tutelage of Chris Linstedt, a solid foundation was built and 5^th and 6^th place finishes attained in the League.

The club appointed Martin Swales as manager for season 2009/10 and immediately the move paid dividends with the club finishing runners up to Scarborough Town their highest position for 44 years and also winning the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup once again for the first time in 44 years.

However last season proved to be the most successful in the clubs history with the team making a clean sweep of all the Wearside League honours. The League, Sunderland Ship-owners Cup, the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup and the League Cup, an astonishing achievement.

The club now has aspirations to move up the pyramid and gain admission to the Northern League and with the help of Sunderland Council and other funders it is hoped that the Recreation Park ground can be brought up to standard.

The responses here were actually described by Mr Crosby on completion as being his version of 'War and Peace'.

THE EXILED GEORDIE - The obvious starting place is that of the quadruple. This has only been achieved twice previously in the history of the Wearside League, by Blue Star in 1983 and Marske United in 1996. Effectively yourselves at Ryhope are the first wearside-based team to achieve this. Describe this accomplishment and what it means on both a personal and club level?
RONNIE CROSBY - Winning the Quadruple is a fantastic achievement,unbelievable.I was always confident we'd challenge for honours this season,particularly the League but I never in my wildest dreams thought we would win all four.From a personal level it just gives you so much satisfaction seeing the club having the success and the profile you think it deserves on the local scene.

Equally as satisfying however is the achievment of Martin Swales Gary Errington and Sean butler and a fantastic group of players in making it possible.Nothing can take this away from all these lads it's there now in black and white on their CV's.

They've now made their own bit of history because for too long the club had to look back on the fantastic achievments of the sixties side and one excellent season in the seventies as the only measure of the clubs success.

EG - Is there a specific match, or moment that defined the clubs season and how it would ultimately finish?
RC - By general consensus the game away to Windscale which is one of the few I missed is the game which is recognised as kick starting our season. Ritchie Jordan scored a stunning goal early on which was ultimately voted our goal of the season and we went on to comfortably win 3-0 against strong opposition.

I would possibly argue that our game at home the previous Wednesday against a very strong Teeside side turned the corner for us.We had lost consecutive Wednesday night home games in the preceeding weeks both 1-0 against Jarrow and Hartlepool despite dominating both games we just couldn't score,particularly in the Jarrow game we just huffed and puffed without testing the keeper.The Teesside game however was totally different it was a fantastic advert for the league played at a blistering pace between two good sides and although we drew 1-1 I just think it got us going again.It was the best game I saw all season by a mile.

EG - Overall there were 25 clean sheets, close to 150 goals, from 52 matches in all competitions. Would you say that the club has found the perfect combination, was it just good luck, or both, and why?
RC - There was no luck about it,what happened was that important players who hadn't been firing on all cylinders became fit and started performing up to their usual standards.

At the back our two centre halves Greg Swansbury and Phil Hall both had fitness issues in the first half of the season,missed some games and when playing they just wern't quite 100%. Equally at the other end our leading scorer John Butler was struggling he too wasn't quite 100% fit at this time.

However as we got into the second half of the season they all simply started to look sharper which resulted in a rock solid back four clean sheets and goals at the other end. It's pretty simple really.All of the other players were fantastic but if you're struggling in those areas then the whole team struggles.

EG - Please describe each of the cup final victories - Kirbymoorside, Easington and Willington.
RC - The Kirkbymoorside Final was a great day down there.They had the whole village out and we took a couple of coaches down! As for the game well I just think we dominated it all the way through.They defended manfully and in the end had a couple of chances to pinch it including missing a penalty,but I don't think anyone could deny we deserved to win it,even though it took young Jonathan Davis to score in the last minute of extra time!

The Easington Final at our place in front of a great turnout was a different kettle of fish it could have went either way.I don't think we played particularly well but give Easington some credit for that and there were times when I thought it was going to be their day even though we were never behind in the game.

Once more we came good in extra time with a winner from all people Davie Anderson who much to my bemusement had been tossed up front,what do I know!

The Willington game was similar in many ways to the Kirkbymoorside game namely we had all of the play for 120 minutes and couldn't score.Willington to their credit in front of a great crowd gave it their all and could have won it late on but much to our relief their centre forward headed wide with an almost open goal.

We really showed our bottle in the penalty shoot out namely Jonathan Davis,James Dunne,John Butler and that man Davie Anderson again saw us through to complete a remarkable Quadruple.

EG - The only cup defeat inflicted on the club as away to Gateshead in the Durham Challenge Cup. They play some six divisions higher than yourselves and, although Ryhope lost 3-2, the Heed were ran close. Although Ryhope just fell short, what were the deciding factors from the game and any specific memories?
RC - This game to me showed our qualities against a side who would go on to win the Trophy.This was the second year running we've been knocked out by the holders after losing 3-1 away to Billingham Synthonia last season after matching them all the way.

What I remember of the Gateshead game basically is us showing a great deal of confidence to go to the International Stadium without any fear and take the game to them. There were times when we were under pressure against a good side but we coped well and what was really pleasing was our fitness levels where we lost nothing by comparison.

What was frustrating was at the point we equalised to make it 2-2 we were well on top and I could only see one winner then they broke and they scored from our point of view a very bad goal.After the game although we'd played really well I remember Martin laying in to the players for switching off and letting it slip,which was a good thing really.Why be happy to lose even against opposition of that level,when you know you've probably gifted them the winner?

EG - What are the clubs plans for and how do you for-see the upcoming 2011-12 season going?
RC - The clubs plans for the coming season and beyond are simple really,to gain admission to the Northern League. Everybody's sights we'll have to raise our game even more.

Second myself and the committee have to continue our efforts to get the ground upgraded to Northern League standards.The process is ongoing and with the help of Sunderland Council and other funders we're confident it can be achieved.

(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)