West Auckland Town AFC

News

Travel update - 3/7/09
Coach travel has been arranged with Co-operative Travel, leaving Thursday midday (30/6/09). It will include two nights in a 4 star Holiday Inn bed and breakfast, insurance and transfer to the match which is being held in picturesque village of Chiusa Pesio (about 40-50km outside Turin). This will also give fans time to spend as they wish in Turin (arriving at 1pm on Friday). The cost is £250 for the first coach. It will return on Sunday at 2pm arriving back at around 3pm on Monday afternoon. Bookings must be made by 11th July with Susan Nattress from Co-op contactable on 01388 450 821. A planned Friday night coach has now been cancelled.
NEW - Cup Draws
West Auckland have been handed good Cup draws for the forthcoming season. In the FA Cup they start in the Extra Preliminary Round at home to Second Division Brandon United on 15th August. The winners face a money spinning home tie against Unibond side FC Halifax Town with the winners of this tie away to Whickham or Chester-le-Street or Norton & Stockton Ancients or Pickering Town. In the FA Vase West have another home draw in the First Qualifying Round against Yorkshire Amateur, the winners away to Willington, the winners of that at home to Hall Road Rangers or Bishop or Billingham Town.
NEW - Round up
Due to the possible Vase match the Willington friendly has now been cancelled. James Austick and Alex Caisley have resigned for the forthcoming season along with Kenny Ball, Luke Ball (ex Sunderland and Bishop) and Adam Gell (last season's young player of the year at Thornaby). Ties have been ordered and will be available shortly for £20 - email info@westaucklandtownfc.co.uk with your details if interested.
The F.A. provide welcome donation
The Football Association have given West Auckland a boost ahead of their trip to Juventus by the way of a £10'000 donation. The donation will be used to help fund players travel to Italy for the match and was welcomed by club officials. Secretary Allen Bayles said "We are over the moon - this is a dream we had for a very long time becoming a reality." Click to read the press release.
Juventus game
There was an excellent article about the Juventus game in Saturday's Daily Mirror whilst an article appeared in the Northern Echo regarding sponsorship. We are looking for £10'000 to help with the costs of the game - please contact us if you are interested on 07930 127 143. A page on the BBC website is available here.
Friendlies
Confirmed friendlies are Sat 11 July - Crook (H) 3:00, Tue 14 July - Willington (A) 7:30, Fri 17 July - Darlington RA (A) 7:30, Wed 22 July - Coxhoe (A) 7:00, Sat 1 Aug - Juventus (A).
Travel details announced
Travel arrangements to Turin for the Juventus match have been announced at the Sponsors Night. Flights to Italy have proved to be an exorbinate cost therefore coach travel has been arranged with Co-operative Travel. There are two leaving dates with one leaving Thursday evening (11pm) and another possible departure on Friday evening. The first coach will include two nights in a hotel, insurance and transfer to the match which is being held in picturesque village of Chiusa Pesio (about 40-50km outside Turin). This will also give fans time to spend as they wish in Turin (arriving at 1pm on Friday). The cost is £250 for the first coach. The second coach will arrive at 1pm on Saturday at the hotel giving time to freshen up before the match. The cost of this will be £240. Both return on Sunday at 2pm arriving back at around 3pm on Monday afternoon. Bookings must be made by 27th June with Susan Nattress from Co-op contactable on 01388 450 821. The Club are also exploring possible rail travel and will let you know any further details as and when available.
Player update
The following players have officially re-signed for the club next season with more to follow: Steven Alderson, Neil Bell, Michael Heckley, Daniel Kent, Graham Kime, Will Swinburne, Gareth Young, Dean Grayson, Kevin Bromley, Chris Musgrave. Danny Richmond has left the Club to re-sign for Shildon, Garry Barnes (Spennymoor), Neil Lowdon (Washington), Neil Pattinson (Crook).
Sponsor's Night
Thank you to all of the sponsors who attended Saturday night's annual Sponsor Night. We hope you enjoyed the evening.
League AGM
Morpeth have been kept in Division One for the 2009/10 season. West Auckland had their place in Division One confirmed following Sunderland Nissan's demise and will start with two home games (8/8) West Allotment and (11/8) Penrith. Full fixture list. In the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup, West Auckland will begin with an away tie to either League newcomers Newton Aycliffe or North Shields in the Second Round.
Honour ready to prove a point
Brian Honour has said he cannot wait to get started after a busy week contacting new and existing players. Honour was controversially sacked at Bishop and the College coach at Peterlee has said "It hurt (being sacked) and I'm a proud man so I didn't like it, and I want to prove a point. I'm looking forward to the challenge, it's a good club and everyone I spoke to before accepting told me how well it is run. I'm was eager to get involved in Northern League again and Ian (McGuckin) my assistant manager also can't wait to get started with pre-season training beginning 27th June. I've spoken to several experienced Northern League players and some very promising youngsters and they have been positive. I'm going to build a team that's 100% committed and will give it's all." Meanwhile several friendlies are set to be announced in the near future whilst Garry Barnes (Spennymoor) and Neil Lowdon (Washington) have left the Club.
Masters Football
Good luck to Brian Honour and Ian McGuckin on Sunday who are playing Masters Football live on Sky Sports. Squad details available here.
Honour the new man in charge
Brian Honour has been appointed the new Manager of West Auckland. The 45 year old will be a popular appointment with the players and fans. His last club was our ground sharing tenants Bishop whilst he has also managed Durham City and Horden. In his playing days he became a Hartlepool legend which prompted a book - The Life of Brian, to be published in 2008.
Presentation Evening
Ian Maddison was the main winner at Friday's end of season awards night. Maddison deservedly picked up the players player and club player of the year. 18 year old midfielder Alex Caisley picked up the young player of the season award after coming through to be a regular in his first season of Northern League football. Garry Barnes meanwhile collected the top goal scorer award.
West will start next season...
...in Division One after the League confirmed Nissan's departure at the Annual Dinner on Friday Night. Therefore it is Seaham who are now waiting on the FA and their decision regarding Morpeth's ground.
New twist in West's survival battle
In a surprise twist today West Auckland have been given another avenue of hope to remain in Division One. Sunderland Nissan have resigned from the League and folded following the company pulling the plug on funding due to the current financial crisis. It has been reported that this will keep West in Division One however with Blue Star also on the brink of folding although they may drop back into the Northern League Division One. Therefore at this time West are still awaiting official confirmation of which Division they will be in next year.
Appeal (Updated)
West Auckland have appealed to the FA regarding the Morpeth ground grading issues. The meeting was due to be held on Thursday (14th) although no news has yet been heard regarding the outcome. UPDATE: The FA have requested further information regarding Morpeth's ground and, along with other appeals to be handled in other leagues, they will announce all of the results on 29th May. Therefore West will not know which League they will be playing in until a few weeks before pre-season.
Presentation Evening
The presentation evening will now be held on Friday 29th May in the Clubhouse.
Updates
The squad are having a training session on Tuesday with Tyne Tees television crews filming as part of a piece regarding the Juventus rematch. It starts at 6:30PM. One player not training will be Danny Richmond who broke his leg at Tow Law. He is now in a (bright pink!!!) pot which will be on for 8 weeks. ** Meanwhile the players presentation evening due for this Saturday has been cancelled. It will now be held at a later date.
The good...Juventus await
West Auckland have had it confirmed that they are to play the Italian giants Juventus in Turin on Saturday 1st August. The sensational news will come as a surprise to many in a David v Goliath clash that will generate much media and public interest. Indeed ITV have already filmed a piece shown on tonight's news. Northern Echo article
and the bad...Relegation confirmed
Coming within 24 hours of the exciting Juventus news came a blow when the club's relegation to Division Two was confirmed on Wednesday. Despite the FA expecting to meet with regards to Morpeth's failed ground inspection, they have made an early decision and agreed that as Morpeth have plans in place for ground improvements they will not be relegated. It will come of a surprise to many - including Morpeth, who had not been told if they did not do ground improvements they would be relegated. Other clubs in Division One had spent considerable amounts of money to bring their grounds up to standard.
Season ends with defeat...but some hope
West Auckland lost 2-0 to Tow Law in the final game of the season today. They do however finish third bottom - a position that will keep them in Division One should the FA relegate Morpeth due to their ground on May 14th.
Gowan to depart at the end of the season
Ray Gowan will step down from his position as Manager of West Auckland following Saturday's game against Tow Law. Ray was appointed at the end of 2008 and it had been hoped that he would help steady West's struggling form and pull them away from the relegation zone. We would like to thank Ray for his efforts and hope that he can sign off with three points on Saturday. General Manager Stuart Alderson is inviting applications (07818223798) for the role of Manager in the 2009/10 season.
West go goal crazy
After struggling in front of goal for much of 2009, West Auckland hit 4 against high flying Sunderland Nissan in a 4-2 win. Dale Jardine 2, Will Swinburne and Garry Barnes the scorers in West's final home game of the season. The result moves West third bottom.
Relegated
West Auckland have been relegated from the Northern League Division One after a disastrous second half saw them lose 3-1. The afternoon had started well - ahead after 39 seconds, but Billingham levelled after 2 minutes. Dale Jardine then missed some golden chances to put West ahead again in the first half. In the second half, the visitors condemned West to relegation with poor defending to blame for John Alexander scoring twice.
Squad News
Neil Lowdon starts a 3 match ban which will keep him out for the rest of the season following his red card at Seaham. Alex Caisley has damaged ligaments and is also ruled out for the remaining games. Gareth Young is unavailable for today’s match due to an operation therefore we welcome Nicky Farrell back into the squad and he will start today’s match. Chris Musgrave has recently had a successful trial at Scottish Premier League side Motherwell. The 17 year old forward has been invited back for a week long trial during pre-season.
Goalless draw keeps West in touch
West Auckland gained a point to move them off the bottom of the table...but they should have had all three. They missed some great chances including an excellent close range stop from Barry Poskett to deny Lukas Linhart. Dunston though came close to pinching the points with a couple of late chances.
Injury hit West beaten by Vase finalists
An injury hit West Auckland team lost 4-1 at Whitley Bay to keep them rooted to the bottom of the table. West started the game with several half fit players. Having lost Neil Lowdon to injury in the warm up, he then had to replace Ian Maddison who was struggling after a blow to the head in the first half. Danny Richmond scored on his full return, benefiting from the keeper's error.
Updates
Pens have now been added to the Club Shop and are available for £1.50. They are excellent writers with blue ink. Also available are last Saturday's match programme which was a special edition to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of the first World Cup games. Both items can be found at the Club Shop. The Morpeth report has now been added. Furthermore some Durham Challenge Cup final photos are also available here.
Close to relegation after poor show
West Auckland moved closer to relegation with a laboured performance against a resurgent Ashington who ran out comfortable 2-0 winners. West had little impact going forward even bringing on Dale Jardine and Danny Richmond, still half fit after returning following lengthy spells on the sidelines, to try and rescue the game and kick start the struggling side who have lost 5 in a row scoring just once.
Synners lift trophy
Congratulations to Billingham Synthonia who lifted the Durham Challenge Cup after a late winner against Durham City. James Magowan smashed an indirect free kick low into the bottom corner from 12 yards, in the 81st minute, for the only goal of the game. Played at West Auckland, a large crowd looked on in brilliant sunshine as Synners held on for the victory.
Spurned chances costly
A second half onslaught saw Jonathan Carmichael in sensational form to deny West anyway through and condemn the hosts to another defeat following two first half goals. Chester-le-Street took the lead from an early penalty and doubled it through Gredziak before the visitors were reduced to 10 men after 65 minutes.
Penalty denies West
West Auckland deserved at least a point but left with nothing after losing 1-0 to a Morpeth penalty. Keeper Gareth Young headed inches over in the dying seconds but the injury hit squad could not find an equaliser. West were down to 13 players but Grayson and Callaghan both had to be replaced as West finished with a number of half fit players on the field.
Game of two halves
West Auckland led 1-0 at half time but conceded 28 seconds into the second half at South Shields. The hosts then took command and recorded a comfortable 4-1 victory to all but see them to Division One safety and push West closer to Division Two. West were missing yet more players with injuries and Ian Maddison also came off injured during the game.
Star shine bright, West dimmed
An ineffective performance in a '6 pointer' clash against Seaham meant West Auckland were dragged even further into the relegation battle after a 1-0 loss. West were poor in a game that saw two men sent off - 1 either side although both were extremely harsh (Neil Lowdon for West). McGowan scored the winner heading in a corner that was delayed near the end of the first half following an injury to De Silva who had to be taken to hospital with a knee injury.
Tuesday update
West Auckland's game at Seaham tomorrow became all the more crucial after a bad night on Tuesday. South Shields picked up a point with a 1-1 draw at Chester-le-Street while Northallerton pulled off a surprise 2-1 win at Morpeth, days after losing their manager who resigned on Saturday. Meanwhile Billingham Synthonia and Town both passed ground inspections having been under threat of enforced relegation. Squad news West have added further cover to their squad by signing John Pilkington (Bishop Auckland) and fans favourite Jonathan Milroy. Before Saturday's game Steven Alderson, Jordon Archer, Tony Callaghan, Daniel Kent and Will Swinburne all signed.
Richmond ruled out
Long term injury victim Danny Richmond has been ruled out for the rest of the season. West were given the blow before the Bedlington game as it had hoped an injection would see the influential midfielder return to action. However Richmond will now need an operation on a hernia, keeping him on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign. He has not played since Ray Gowan took charge last appearing on 27th December against Shildon.
Barnes back with a bang
West Auckland grabbed a precious last minute equaliser to help in their fight against relegation. Garry Barnes returned to the squad after recently requesting a transfer, and he grabbed both goals. He put West ahead before Bedlington struck back and led with 11 minutes left. The visitors then struck the bar and within seconds a long clearance saw Ellison set Barnes through to level. Other results: Dunston 2-1 Billingham Town, Benfield 3-1 South Shields, Northallerton 1-5 Ashington, Nissan 3-1 Seaham, Tow Law 0-0 Bishop.
Vital win gained by battling squad
A depleted West side grabbed three vital points to lift them out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at Ryton. Kevin Bromley had to play a full 90 minutes despite carrying a leg injury which should have kept him out. However West only had a squad of 12 with Dane Whittleston the only sub after a number of players were unable to make the game for various reasons. Czech Lukas Linhart scored the first after 16 minutes and after Ryton had one off the line and hit the post, Ian Maddison sealed the game with a 91st minute penalty when Chris Musgrave was brought down.
Coxhoe/Garry Barnes
An experimental West Auckland side beat Coxhoe 2-0 on Tuesday night with Lukas Linhart scoring both goals. Garry Barnes has meanwhile been placed on the transfer list at his own request - all interested parties should contact Ray Gowan on 07973 132183.
Club Shop update
The Limited Edition mugs, to celebrate the centenary of winning the World Cup, have now arrived. They are available for a bargain price of £5. Meanwhile the price of hats have been cut to £4.90 to sell the final few in stock.
Slow start costly
West Auckland paid the price for a slow start after losing 2-0 to 2 early goals. After the game Sean Davies, Jack Outhwaite and James Austick were placed on the transfer list. Stuart Owen has also joined Newton Aycliffe. West have a friendly this Tuesday with Coxhoe.
Red Nose Day Fundraising
Photos of the fundraising night on Thursday can be found here.
Durham Challenge Cup Final
Last night it was confirmed that West Auckland's Darlington Road ground will host the final of the Durham Challenge Cup between Billingham Synthonia and Durham City.
Improved but with no points to show
An improved performance was tempered by the fact that West Auckland once again came away with nothing from a hard fought game. Mark Minto grabbed the winner midway through the second half. Report and Photos on Thursday night. Meanwhile West are seeking a new physio - please contact us if you are interested and can make all remaining matches and training sessions.
'Midas' gives his backing
Dean ‘Midas’ Maynard, sports and celebrity psychic, is well known around the world for his psychic/luck guru work. He is now backing West Auckland for the rest of the season. On Thursday 12th March at 7pm he will be at the ground for a fundraising penalty shoot out in aid of Red Nose Day.
Into the drop zone after embarrasment
A spiritless show in a 6 pointer against Northallerton saw West lose 1-0 and slip into the relegation zone on a weekend when all of the other teams around them won.
Five star Dunston show title credentials
After Graham Kime stunned hosts Dunston with a goal from the half way line, the hosts took control and wrapped up the 3 points to keep them in a title push. Dunston led 3-1 at the break with goals in the 32nd, 40th and 42nd minute followed by an early penalty. Preen sealed the game finishing off a good move.
West up in arms at officials
Two late goals robbed 10 man West Auckland of a precious point after battling with a threadbare squad for nearly 40 minutes. The main talking point though was a poor refereeing display which saw the referee and his assistant miss two of West's players elbowed in front of them but spotted Sean Davies' arm in the face of Benfield's winger and he was sent off. It looked as if West were set to claim a point before Chilton (87) and Graham (89) struck. Photos.
New key ring
We now have a new key ring in stock which can be seen here. it will be priced at £1.50.
Injury news/Benfield team news
West Auckland have 2 more added to the squad but have lost 2 since Nissan. Garry Barnes's ankle ligament injury could keep the top scorer out of action for a long period while Paul Barker is unavailable whilst playing for Cumberland Arms. Graham Kime is also a doubt with a foot injury. Also out are Clough (heel), Pattinson (muscle injury), Jardine, Flockett (knee ligament injury), Lowdon (hamstring), Houlahan (groin), Richmond (hernia/groin). However Sean Davies has recovered to start at Benfield while West have added ex Shildon midfielder Andrew Dixon to the squad list. He has recently been playing with Ferryhill WMC.
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1909 Shirts now available
If you wish to order one of the old 1909 shirts as seen on last nights excellent BBC Inside Out piece please email your order, including name, address, quantity and size to sales@westaucklandtownfc.co.uk. They are available for £35.
Weakened West frustrate Fairhurst
Further injuries meant Pattinson, Davies, Clough and Lowdon were all kept out against Nissan with new signing Paul Barker making his debut. However the 'weakened' West side battled and deservedly came away with a point, frustrating a Nissan side including former West Manager Brian Fairhurst. Alex Caisley got our goal after 37 minutes with a turn and shot, Andrew Thompson levelling shortly after the break. The game ended with Nissan claiming a shot had gone over the line in injury time but when it was ruled it had not Chapman was sent off for dissent.
TV dates for your information
Further to Saturday filming, Setanta will be showing their film on Monday and on Wednesday at 7:30PM, BBC 1, Inside Out will show their 8 to 10 minute piece. Photos of the Inside Out filming can be found here.
Camera's roll but West freeze
BBC and Setanta camera's were filming at the Ground on Saturday but West Auckland were comfortably beaten by Consett. Both sides had good chances - Bromley, Musgrave and Barnes all spurning golden chances for West but once Dickman fired Consett ahead the visitors then strolled to a 3-0 win. Inside Out filmed the players in the old kit recreating the 1909 World Cup win whilst Setanta filmed a short piece.
91st minute joy as West end winless run
A 12 game winless run of League games ended with a dramatic late winner at Darlington Road. Chris Musgrave, just on as a sub, was on hand to tap in the winner from Garry Barnes' parried shot. West thought that they had blown their chances before this however when Seaham pegged them back after Barnes had put them two ahead at one stage.
Eight against as form continues
Keeper Dane Whittleston was knocked out cold and Ian Maddison took over in goal as West had a day to forgot after being played off the park at Penrith. The score was 1-0 when Whittleston was accidentally caught by Michael Reed's knee. There was a lengthy stoppage as Whittleston was helped from the field after being out cold for 3 or 4 minutes, and he was taken to Penrith Hospital with a large and deep cut to his head. Maddison took over in goal and was helpless as shambolic defending meant Penrith hit 4 more in the space of 20 minutes before the break. Penrith added another 3 in the second half while Garry Barnes scored the goal of the game although it was scant consolation.
Three set to sign
West Auckland completed the capture of two Czechoslovakians today when Marek and Lukas Linhart signed the registration form. Young keeper Gareth Young has also signed from Coundon and Leeholme Juniors and could be pressed into a quick debut following Dane Whittleston's injury.
Seaham fixture re-arranged
One of the postponed fixtures - Seaham at home, has been rearranged for Tuesday 17th February, 7:30PM kick off.
2009 events
We have added a page to cover events for the Club's 100 year anniversary of winning the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy for the first time. It can be seen at this link. Updated 7 February.
West Auckland P-P Dunston
Today's game has been called off due to a frozen pitch. The pitch has been in good condition after rolling on Thursday however freezing temperatures overnight led to the postponement.
Replica Home Shirts now available
We now have a limited stock of replica home shirts to sell to fans at a bargain price of just £20! Simply call into the Clubhouse on match days or order online at our Club Shop.
Morpeth P-P West Auckland
Today's game has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
The One Show
West Auckland's World Cup story appeared on BBC's the One Show tonight. A short piece included a live link to the ground to speak to Stuart Alderson - unfortunately just after the match had been called off! However the national publicity has already been well received with several contacts to the website. Any queries, our email address is info@westaucklandtownfc.co.uk.
West Auckland P-P Ashington/New Signing
Tonight's game has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch (7pm). Meanwhile we have signed Neil Bell from Tow Law.
West Auckland P-P Sunderland Nissan
Today's game has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
Silverware hopes dashed as threadbare squad edged out
Any hopes of silverware this season were dashed when a threadbare West squad lost 2-1 at Consett. Jack Outhwaite had given West hope when pulling back one in reply to two first half goals. Several players were missing - either cup tied, injured or unavailable.
Ashington extend winless run
West Auckland finally played their first game this year but lack of match sharpness was evident with a 4-1 defeat at Ashington. The hosts had the better of the game and deserved the points after creating the majority of the chances. West's goal came from Garry Barnes' penalty. West meanwhile lost Stephen Flockett and Martin Houlahan to injuries whilst Danny Richmond awaits a scan for further news on his length of absence.
Consett P-P West Auckland
For the second week in a row the Consett West Auckland Cup tie has been postponed. The new date is now Wednesday 21 January, kick off 7:30PM.
Squad update (Updated 17/1/09)
West Auckland have completed two more signings on Friday night. Firstly they clinched the capture of Liam Clough from Seaham Red Star, a left sided defender who has previously been with Shildon. They have also signed Graham Kime from Thornley. Previously West completed the signing of Martin Houlahan from Durham City. Houlahan is highly rated and will look to regain full match fitness after a recent injury. He will however not be eligible for the Consett Cup tie. Heading out of the Club is Brian Fairhurst who has agreed to join Sunderland Nissan. We thank Brian for his efforts as Manager and also during his long stay with the Club. Meanwhile goalkeeper Nicky Farrell is available for transfer and we are inviting interested teams to contact the Club.
West Auckland P-P Seaham Red Star
Today's match has been called off due to a frozen pitch following a morning pitch inspection.
Consett P-P West Auckland
The freezing weather has claimed another match after the advanced postponement of the Consett West cup tie. The game was due to be played at Consett on Wednesday however with the pitch frozen and the poor weather forecast the game was called off on Tuesday night. The match will now be played next Wednesday.
Club Shop SALE extended
Due to Saturday's game being called off, we have decided to offer everyone another chance to buy items from the Club Shop at sale prices. The sale has been extended another week and will now finish on Saturday 10th January. Up to 40% has been taken off prices so come and bag yourself a New Year bargain!
Ladies match off - 4/1
Today's Ladies game has been called off due to a frozen pitch after an early inspection.
Tow Law v West Auckland - 3/1
Today's game has been called off due to a frozen pitch after an 11:15 inspection.
Management team announced
There will be a four strong management team to lead West Auckland to safety. Joint Assistant Managers will be Lee Ellison who rejoins after a spell with Bishop Auckland and Paul (Pele) Aldsworth from the Coundon Cons all conquering Sunday League team that won the National Sunday Cup at Anfield. Allan Clark has confirmed his intentions to stay as Coach whilst physio Richard Smith also returns for Saturday's game. Manager Ray Gowan said "This completes one of the strongest management teams in the Northern League for both player preparation and recruitment as we fight to get back into the right half of the league table.
Squad Changes
Goalkeeper Dane Whittleston (24) has joined from Tadcaster Albion in the North East Counties League. Dane's profile. Meanwhile the signing of Paul 'Tucker' Bailes (a forward) from Bishop was completed on Friday night as as replacement for Jonathon French who has joined Seaham.
Happy New Year
We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes for 2009!