CHESTER-LE-STREET 1 NORTHALLERTON TOWN 5
TOWN produced one of their best performances of the season to power to another thrilling away victory at Moor Park on Monday evening.
As we approach the business end of the season, Peter Mulcaster's side have hit top form at just the right time to move to within four points of the top 4 and possible promotion.
After falling behind to a shock goal from Chester's Michael Hepplewhite, Town hit back with efforts from Mickey Dunwell, Grant Hickman, Marcus Laing, Adam Emson and Andrew Porritt to seal a 4th win in 5 matches.
"It was a great team performance," said a beaming Mulcaster at the whistle. "There were superb contributions from Col Anderson, Porritt and Danny Shoulder, although every single one of them played their part. I could not be more delighted."
With eight players missing for various reasons, Town were once again down to the bare-bones, although they were at least able to name two substitutes on this occasion.
Mulcaster was back in the dug-out after missing the defeat at Ryhope CW on Saturday, and he was able to welcome back Hickman, James Bowman and Adam Emson, while Anderson had made his peace with the club after the weekend shenanigans to take his place on the right wing.
Town were on the front-foot from the start but just as at Birtley a week earlier, they were unable to turn their superiority into goals. Emson fired over the top in the second minute, while Dunwell shot just wide on the turn twelve minutes later.
But it was the hosts who were gifted a 26th minute lead. A rare mistake from James Briggs saw the ball fall to Hepplewhite 30 yards out and he hit a superb first-time chip over the stranded Town goalkeeper into the net, much to the disbelief of everyone inside the ground.
It was beginning to look like one of those days for Town as every chance they created came back off a Chester defender. Anderson was causing havoc down the right and was denied by home goalkeeper Matthew Crook after half an hour, while further efforts from Emson, Bowman and Gav Parkin were either blocked or deflected away.
But Town were deservedly level five minutes before the break. Anderson turned full-back David Short inside-out and his super cross was headed home at the near post by Dunwell.
Emson and Steve Butterworth then came close to giving Town the lead in the final seconds of the half but once again Mulcaster's side really turned on the style after the break.
Hickman put them in front eight minutes after the restart, rising above the Chester defence to power home a header from a Parkin corner, and it was 3-1 five minutes later with a well crafted goal. Butterworth spread the ball wide to Hickman out on the right and his drilled centre was headed home by Laing - his third goal of the season.
Anderson should then have got the goal he deserved when Emson's left-wing cross fell to him in front of goal, but he was unable to re-adjust his feet quickly enough and Chester scrambled the ball clear.
Butterworth was then inches away from turning home a flick from Dunwell, while Emson saw an effort cleared off the line by Matthew Morris.
The exertions of the previous few days looked to have taken its toll as Town appeared to tire towards the end, but they regrouped to wrap up an impressive night's work with two further goals in the final two minutes.
Inevitably it was Emson who grabbed the fourth - his 34th goal of the season - flicking home a cross by Pottitt with his shoulder, while the two combined again for Porritt to fire home his first goal for the club from Emson's left-wing cross in stoppage time.
Mulcaster hopes to have Ian Smurthwaite, Carl Chillingsworth and Steve Banks back in the squad for Wednesday's trip to bottom-side Horden where another win will bring promotion that little bit closer.
CHESTER-LE-STREET - Crook, Smith (S), Short, Davison, Morris, Hamblin, Reeves, Baxter, Hepplewhite, Lee, Richardson. Subs - Alderson, Smith (A), Saunders, Surrey, Grover.
TOWN - Briggs, Hickman, Bowman, Shoulder, Porritt, Parkin, Anderson, Laing, Dunwell, Emson, Butterworth. Subs - Winter, Alderson.
REFEREE - T. Fletcher.
ATTENDANCE: 55
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Saturday, 6 April 2013
(Ry)Hope springs eternal for battling Town
RYHOPE CW 3 NORTHALERTON TOWN 1
TOWN'S promotion hopes were dealt a blow with defeat at Ryhope CW on Saturday but the eleven players who represented the club should feel nothing but pride for the effort and total commitment they showed throughout the 90 minutes.
With 6 players and manager Peter Mulcaster all missing, Town were always going to up against it, but their task was made even harder when three others failed to show on the day, leaving just the bare-eleven.
When Jon Burton, who had scored two goals in the last three matches, was then injured inside fifteen minutes, that task became mission impossible. Burton battled on bravely until finally succumbing ten minutes from time and that set the tone for a display that more than made up for in spirit what it maybe lacked in quality.
"I thought it was a great battling performance and effort from the lads today under the circumstances," said stand-in manager Martin Mulcaster, who had come off his sick-bed to fill in for his father. "I echo the disappointments of the players for the three lads that didn't come today, two of which contacted us late and one who just didn't turn up at all.
"We must now however forget about today and look to get back to winning ways in what will be a difficult game against a good Chester-le-Street team on Monday night."
The pre-match talk was all about Ryhope's ground, which recently failed an FA inspection, but that paled into insignificance when Mulcaster was thrown a curve-ball at the 11th hour.
Already missing Grant Hickman, Steve Banks, James Bowman, Ian Smurthwaite, Adam Emson and Carl Chillingsworth, Mulcaster's plans were thrown into complete disarray when Col Anderson, Dan Clayton and David Cooke all cried off at the last minute.
Therefore the team picked itself. Gav Parkin was employed in a more advanced role alongside Michael Dunwell in attack with Steve Butterworth and Marcus Laing in midfield. Burton and Alex Caisley took up the wide positions with a back four of Andrew Porritt, Danny Shoulder, Craig Winter and Stu Dunn in front of goalkeeper James Briggs.
Town started well and gave as good as they got for fifteen minutes or so until Burton went down with a nasty looking injury. He was patched up by physio Paul Jackson but was unable to move freely and was pushed up front, with Parkin dropping back into midfield.
And the hosts went in front five minutes later. The Town defence could only half-clear a corner from the right by Lee McMahan and Chris Winn drilled the ball back past Briggs from 20 yards with the aid of a deflection to take him on to 40 goals for the season.
Mulcaster's side regrouped and were close to an equaliser soon after. A shot from Parkin was tipped over the crossbar by Ryhope goalkeeper Chris Rooks, although he appeared to injure himself in the process and failed to reappear for the second half.
By then the hosts had doubled their advantage. A clearance from Shoulder was charged down by Chris Trewick on the edge of the Town penalty area and the ball rolled into the empty net.
Town needed something quickly at the start of the second period but it was Ryhope who grabbed a third goal six minutes after the resumption. The front two of Butler and Winn have found the back of the net nearly 90 times between them this season and they combined again to show that whichever league Ryhope are in next season, these two will surely be playing at a higher level.
Butler, unable to add to his impressive tally on this occasion, slipped in Winn in the inside right channel and he fired the ball across Briggs with the air of a man who knew he was not going to miss.
But out of adversity, Town showed great pride to find a way back into the match. Just four minutes later Parkin flighted over one of his trade-mark free kicks, and after the slightest of touches from Dunwell, Winter arrived to show he can finish as well as any 40 goal striker.
Had Town managed to find another goal now it would have made for an interesting final twenty minutes, but the nearest they came was a far post header by Butterworth that landed just the wrong side of substitute goalkeeper James French's right-hand post.
Burton, who had battled on bravely since the early injury, eventually hobbled off ten minutes from time and only the brilliance of Briggs prevented Ryhope adding to their tally in the closing stages. Twice he denied Butler with saves of the highest quality before going full-length to tip an effort from Michael Charlton around the post.
At the final whistle, the travelling Town fans showed their appreciation for what had been a magnificent effort from the boys in yellow and green, giving them a fully deserved ovation as they trooped off - beaten but in no way disgraced.
The possible impact of the no-shows was made clear when news of defeats for Morpeth and North Shields came through, meaning a win here would have brought 4th place ever closer. And with Ryhope's ground not looking likely to reach the required standard by the end of the season, that could still be good enough for promotion.
With several players due to return for Monday night's trip to Chester-Le-Street and another away trip to Horden CW two days later, six points could yet push Town back into promotion contention. If they show the same commitment to the cause as they did here then you would certainly not back against them getting it.
RYHOPE CW - Rooks, Stead, Metcalfe, Hall, Dunn, Trewick, Charlton, Johnson, Butler, Winn, McMahan. Subs - Cook, Bambreugh, Jordan, Davies, Pounder, French.
TOWN - Briggs, Porritt, Burton, Shoulder, Winter, Laing, Caisley, Butterworth, Dunwell, Parkin, Dunn. Subs - None.
REFEREE - J. Harper.
ATTENDANCE: 56
TOWN'S promotion hopes were dealt a blow with defeat at Ryhope CW on Saturday but the eleven players who represented the club should feel nothing but pride for the effort and total commitment they showed throughout the 90 minutes.
With 6 players and manager Peter Mulcaster all missing, Town were always going to up against it, but their task was made even harder when three others failed to show on the day, leaving just the bare-eleven.
When Jon Burton, who had scored two goals in the last three matches, was then injured inside fifteen minutes, that task became mission impossible. Burton battled on bravely until finally succumbing ten minutes from time and that set the tone for a display that more than made up for in spirit what it maybe lacked in quality.
"I thought it was a great battling performance and effort from the lads today under the circumstances," said stand-in manager Martin Mulcaster, who had come off his sick-bed to fill in for his father. "I echo the disappointments of the players for the three lads that didn't come today, two of which contacted us late and one who just didn't turn up at all.
"We must now however forget about today and look to get back to winning ways in what will be a difficult game against a good Chester-le-Street team on Monday night."
The pre-match talk was all about Ryhope's ground, which recently failed an FA inspection, but that paled into insignificance when Mulcaster was thrown a curve-ball at the 11th hour.
Already missing Grant Hickman, Steve Banks, James Bowman, Ian Smurthwaite, Adam Emson and Carl Chillingsworth, Mulcaster's plans were thrown into complete disarray when Col Anderson, Dan Clayton and David Cooke all cried off at the last minute.
Therefore the team picked itself. Gav Parkin was employed in a more advanced role alongside Michael Dunwell in attack with Steve Butterworth and Marcus Laing in midfield. Burton and Alex Caisley took up the wide positions with a back four of Andrew Porritt, Danny Shoulder, Craig Winter and Stu Dunn in front of goalkeeper James Briggs.
Town started well and gave as good as they got for fifteen minutes or so until Burton went down with a nasty looking injury. He was patched up by physio Paul Jackson but was unable to move freely and was pushed up front, with Parkin dropping back into midfield.
And the hosts went in front five minutes later. The Town defence could only half-clear a corner from the right by Lee McMahan and Chris Winn drilled the ball back past Briggs from 20 yards with the aid of a deflection to take him on to 40 goals for the season.
Mulcaster's side regrouped and were close to an equaliser soon after. A shot from Parkin was tipped over the crossbar by Ryhope goalkeeper Chris Rooks, although he appeared to injure himself in the process and failed to reappear for the second half.
By then the hosts had doubled their advantage. A clearance from Shoulder was charged down by Chris Trewick on the edge of the Town penalty area and the ball rolled into the empty net.
Town needed something quickly at the start of the second period but it was Ryhope who grabbed a third goal six minutes after the resumption. The front two of Butler and Winn have found the back of the net nearly 90 times between them this season and they combined again to show that whichever league Ryhope are in next season, these two will surely be playing at a higher level.
Butler, unable to add to his impressive tally on this occasion, slipped in Winn in the inside right channel and he fired the ball across Briggs with the air of a man who knew he was not going to miss.
But out of adversity, Town showed great pride to find a way back into the match. Just four minutes later Parkin flighted over one of his trade-mark free kicks, and after the slightest of touches from Dunwell, Winter arrived to show he can finish as well as any 40 goal striker.
Had Town managed to find another goal now it would have made for an interesting final twenty minutes, but the nearest they came was a far post header by Butterworth that landed just the wrong side of substitute goalkeeper James French's right-hand post.
Burton, who had battled on bravely since the early injury, eventually hobbled off ten minutes from time and only the brilliance of Briggs prevented Ryhope adding to their tally in the closing stages. Twice he denied Butler with saves of the highest quality before going full-length to tip an effort from Michael Charlton around the post.
At the final whistle, the travelling Town fans showed their appreciation for what had been a magnificent effort from the boys in yellow and green, giving them a fully deserved ovation as they trooped off - beaten but in no way disgraced.
The possible impact of the no-shows was made clear when news of defeats for Morpeth and North Shields came through, meaning a win here would have brought 4th place ever closer. And with Ryhope's ground not looking likely to reach the required standard by the end of the season, that could still be good enough for promotion.
With several players due to return for Monday night's trip to Chester-Le-Street and another away trip to Horden CW two days later, six points could yet push Town back into promotion contention. If they show the same commitment to the cause as they did here then you would certainly not back against them getting it.
RYHOPE CW - Rooks, Stead, Metcalfe, Hall, Dunn, Trewick, Charlton, Johnson, Butler, Winn, McMahan. Subs - Cook, Bambreugh, Jordan, Davies, Pounder, French.
TOWN - Briggs, Porritt, Burton, Shoulder, Winter, Laing, Caisley, Butterworth, Dunwell, Parkin, Dunn. Subs - None.
REFEREE - J. Harper.
ATTENDANCE: 56
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Ryhope's loss could be Town's gain but should the rules be changed?
NEWS has come in that Ryhope CW has failed their recent ground inspection. Although it has not yet been decided if they will be given more time to reach the required standard, it is now looking increasingly likely that the team finishing 4th in Ebac Northern League Division Two this season will be promoted.
Of course the whole situation has made a mockery of the league. If their ground was not up to the required standard for the league then why were they admitted in the first place?
Everyone knew the criteria. Before Ryhope even applied for promotion from the Wearside League they should have been made to bring their ground up to standard. Or least had the infrastructure in place to get the work completed before the season started. If they were not able to do so then they should not have been elected into the league. Simple.
That is the way it is in other leagues. Spennymoor, for example, will not be granted promotion to the Evo-Stick League North if their ground does not reach the minimum requirement for that league. And that is how it should be.
Of course you cannot blame Ryhope for any of this. They have done nothing wrong. They have abided by the rules in place and on the pitch they have been a great addition to the league. The fault, for me, lies in the rules.
I have been told that Ryhope will be kicked out of Ebac Northern League completely if their ground is not up to standard in time which means this season will have been a farce. Will their results be expunged from the records? And if so what effect will that have on the league table?
I actually feel sorry for the players, management and supporters. Nine months of blood, sweat and tears for nothing. Heart-breaking. But it is heartbreak that could have been avoided.
The FA and Northern League need to, in my opinion, change the rules. They should not continue to give clubs a year to get their ground up to scratch. Things need to be in place before entry into the league is granted. But I doubt anything will change regardless of the outcome of the Ryhope case.
Of course Northallerton could come out of this quite well. 4th place is well within reach and after all the upheaval at the club in recent weeks, that would be a great way to finish the season.
This of course sets up nicely Town's trip to Ryhope on Saturday. It is a shame Peter Mulcaster's side will be missing 4-5 key players for such a big game but they should still have enough quality to make it another thrilling encounter.
The two games between the sides so far this season have both ended 2-2 at 90 minutes and I wouldn't be surprised if this one also finishes in a draw.
For all the off-field shenanigans, I have to say Ryhope has been one of the best sides I have seen this season. In Chris Winn they have a contender for player of the year while strike partner Jon Butler has scored 44 goals in all competitions. They have pace in wide areas and strength in midfield.
So on the pitch there is no doubt Ryhope deserve promotion, but unfortunately there is more to it than that. Certain standards off the pitch have to be met as well. Those are the harsh realities of football at this level.
But if their loss is to be Town's gain then they really need to keep their recent momentum going. With ten league games to play, Mulcaster's side need to take as many points as they can to be in with a chance of pipping Morpeth, North Shields, Seaham Red Star and Darlington RA for that covered 4th position, starting with the trip to Ryhope this weekend.
Of course the whole situation has made a mockery of the league. If their ground was not up to the required standard for the league then why were they admitted in the first place?
Everyone knew the criteria. Before Ryhope even applied for promotion from the Wearside League they should have been made to bring their ground up to standard. Or least had the infrastructure in place to get the work completed before the season started. If they were not able to do so then they should not have been elected into the league. Simple.
That is the way it is in other leagues. Spennymoor, for example, will not be granted promotion to the Evo-Stick League North if their ground does not reach the minimum requirement for that league. And that is how it should be.
Of course you cannot blame Ryhope for any of this. They have done nothing wrong. They have abided by the rules in place and on the pitch they have been a great addition to the league. The fault, for me, lies in the rules.
I have been told that Ryhope will be kicked out of Ebac Northern League completely if their ground is not up to standard in time which means this season will have been a farce. Will their results be expunged from the records? And if so what effect will that have on the league table?
I actually feel sorry for the players, management and supporters. Nine months of blood, sweat and tears for nothing. Heart-breaking. But it is heartbreak that could have been avoided.
The FA and Northern League need to, in my opinion, change the rules. They should not continue to give clubs a year to get their ground up to scratch. Things need to be in place before entry into the league is granted. But I doubt anything will change regardless of the outcome of the Ryhope case.
Of course Northallerton could come out of this quite well. 4th place is well within reach and after all the upheaval at the club in recent weeks, that would be a great way to finish the season.
This of course sets up nicely Town's trip to Ryhope on Saturday. It is a shame Peter Mulcaster's side will be missing 4-5 key players for such a big game but they should still have enough quality to make it another thrilling encounter.
The two games between the sides so far this season have both ended 2-2 at 90 minutes and I wouldn't be surprised if this one also finishes in a draw.
For all the off-field shenanigans, I have to say Ryhope has been one of the best sides I have seen this season. In Chris Winn they have a contender for player of the year while strike partner Jon Butler has scored 44 goals in all competitions. They have pace in wide areas and strength in midfield.
So on the pitch there is no doubt Ryhope deserve promotion, but unfortunately there is more to it than that. Certain standards off the pitch have to be met as well. Those are the harsh realities of football at this level.
But if their loss is to be Town's gain then they really need to keep their recent momentum going. With ten league games to play, Mulcaster's side need to take as many points as they can to be in with a chance of pipping Morpeth, North Shields, Seaham Red Star and Darlington RA for that covered 4th position, starting with the trip to Ryhope this weekend.
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Three in a row for Mully as Town revivial continues
BIRTLEY TOWN 0 NORTHALLERTON TOWN 2
GOALS from the returning Col Anderson and Jon Burton either side of the break were enough to give promotion-chasing Town another three points as the revival under new manager Peter Mulcaster continued at Birtley on Tuesday evening.
In a first half they had dominated completely, Town had to wait until just before the break to finally beat impressive home goalkeeper Andrew Hunter when Anderson headed home a perfectly-flighted free kick from Gav Parkin.
Burton, who had opened his account for the club a week earlier, then added a second with another header from another Parkin set-piece delivery seven minutes after the restart to seal a comfortable nights work for Mulcaster's side.
"Of course I am pleased with another win," said the Town boss after his 100% record since taking charge ten days ago was extended to three matches.
"It should have been four or five in the first half alone, but it is always good to get a win. The other pleasing thing for me was that we had 3 Northallerton lads out there tonight and have won the game."
With the matches coming thick and fast, Mulcaster made changes to his starting XI. Ian Smurthwaite replaced injured captain Danny Shoulder in the centre of defence, while Grant Hickman came in for Steve Banks at right back. Elsewhere, Marcus Laing returned in the heart of midfield while Michael Dunwell replaced the absent Carl Chillingsworth in attack.
On a difficult surface, Town started well and only Hunter stood between them and a comfortable half time advantage. Two point-blanks save from Adam Emson almost defied belief, while the Birtley 'keeper then produced more heroics to deny Dunwell.
Other chances came and went as Mulcaster's side played some lovely football. They attacked with pace and panache from wide areas in a first half performance as good as anything they have produced all season. Dunwell, Anderson and Parkin all curled efforts narrowly wide of the post while Emson was twice more denied by Hunter.
Town were nearly made to pay for their profligacy when the nippy Birtley forward Luke Wilson twice broke through but he unable to find a finish and it was the visitors who finally made the breakthrough they deserved seconds before the break. Parkin whipped in a delightful free kick from the right and Anderson arrived to nod past Hunter from 6 yards.
Town rarely reached the heights of the first half after the restart but they were still in total control and doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute. Parkin, who must have created well over half of Town's goals this season, was at it again with another inch-perfect set-piece delivery and Burton rose to nod home with great aplomb despite the best efforts of defender Peter Henderson on the line.
Birtley worked hard to find a way back into the match but Town rarely looked like conceding and the nearest the hosts came to a consolation was an effort from Callum Smith which was tipped over the top by the otherwise under-employed James Briggs.
Mulcaster made changes, bringing on both recent signings David Cooke and Andrew Porritt for their club debuts, but Town could have increased their margin of victory in the closing stages. Hickman, getting forward to great effect down the right, headed over the top, Anderson was denied a second by a goalline clearance from Daniel Hepplewhite while Dunwell's overhead acrobatics produced another save from Hunter.
So all-in-all a satisfactory nights work for Mulcaster's side who are now just seven points behind 4th placed Darlington RA with four games in hand.
Next up for Town is a trip to high-flying Ryhope CW on Saturday, the first in a gruelling schedule of ten games in a little over four weeks, seven of which are away from home. It is a run of fixtures that will define the season.
BIRTLEY TOWN - Hunter, Henderson, Wallace, Smith (C), Hepplewhite, Downey, Allsopp, Smith (D), Wilson, Turner, Henry. Subs - Oliver, Trotter, Clarke, Roseby.
TOWN - Briggs, Hickman, Bowman, Smurthwaite, Winter, Parkin, Anderson, Laing, Dunwell, Emson, Burton. Subs - Caisley, Butterworth, Banks, Cooke, Porritt.
REFEREE - R. Cushing
ATTENDANCE: 45
GOALS from the returning Col Anderson and Jon Burton either side of the break were enough to give promotion-chasing Town another three points as the revival under new manager Peter Mulcaster continued at Birtley on Tuesday evening.
In a first half they had dominated completely, Town had to wait until just before the break to finally beat impressive home goalkeeper Andrew Hunter when Anderson headed home a perfectly-flighted free kick from Gav Parkin.
Burton, who had opened his account for the club a week earlier, then added a second with another header from another Parkin set-piece delivery seven minutes after the restart to seal a comfortable nights work for Mulcaster's side.
"Of course I am pleased with another win," said the Town boss after his 100% record since taking charge ten days ago was extended to three matches.
"It should have been four or five in the first half alone, but it is always good to get a win. The other pleasing thing for me was that we had 3 Northallerton lads out there tonight and have won the game."
With the matches coming thick and fast, Mulcaster made changes to his starting XI. Ian Smurthwaite replaced injured captain Danny Shoulder in the centre of defence, while Grant Hickman came in for Steve Banks at right back. Elsewhere, Marcus Laing returned in the heart of midfield while Michael Dunwell replaced the absent Carl Chillingsworth in attack.
On a difficult surface, Town started well and only Hunter stood between them and a comfortable half time advantage. Two point-blanks save from Adam Emson almost defied belief, while the Birtley 'keeper then produced more heroics to deny Dunwell.
Other chances came and went as Mulcaster's side played some lovely football. They attacked with pace and panache from wide areas in a first half performance as good as anything they have produced all season. Dunwell, Anderson and Parkin all curled efforts narrowly wide of the post while Emson was twice more denied by Hunter.
Town were nearly made to pay for their profligacy when the nippy Birtley forward Luke Wilson twice broke through but he unable to find a finish and it was the visitors who finally made the breakthrough they deserved seconds before the break. Parkin whipped in a delightful free kick from the right and Anderson arrived to nod past Hunter from 6 yards.
Town rarely reached the heights of the first half after the restart but they were still in total control and doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute. Parkin, who must have created well over half of Town's goals this season, was at it again with another inch-perfect set-piece delivery and Burton rose to nod home with great aplomb despite the best efforts of defender Peter Henderson on the line.
Birtley worked hard to find a way back into the match but Town rarely looked like conceding and the nearest the hosts came to a consolation was an effort from Callum Smith which was tipped over the top by the otherwise under-employed James Briggs.
Mulcaster made changes, bringing on both recent signings David Cooke and Andrew Porritt for their club debuts, but Town could have increased their margin of victory in the closing stages. Hickman, getting forward to great effect down the right, headed over the top, Anderson was denied a second by a goalline clearance from Daniel Hepplewhite while Dunwell's overhead acrobatics produced another save from Hunter.
So all-in-all a satisfactory nights work for Mulcaster's side who are now just seven points behind 4th placed Darlington RA with four games in hand.
Next up for Town is a trip to high-flying Ryhope CW on Saturday, the first in a gruelling schedule of ten games in a little over four weeks, seven of which are away from home. It is a run of fixtures that will define the season.
BIRTLEY TOWN - Hunter, Henderson, Wallace, Smith (C), Hepplewhite, Downey, Allsopp, Smith (D), Wilson, Turner, Henry. Subs - Oliver, Trotter, Clarke, Roseby.
TOWN - Briggs, Hickman, Bowman, Smurthwaite, Winter, Parkin, Anderson, Laing, Dunwell, Emson, Burton. Subs - Caisley, Butterworth, Banks, Cooke, Porritt.
REFEREE - R. Cushing
ATTENDANCE: 45
Saturday, 30 March 2013
It's a Chilli Winter for Alnwick as Mully makes it two out of two
NORTHALLERTON TOWN 3 ALNWICK TOWN 1
Goals from Carl Chillingsworth, Craig Winter and Adam Emson were just enough to give Town the points against battling Alnwick at the RGPS on Easter Saturday, as new manager Peter Mulcaster marked his return to the RGPS with a victory.
But this was far from a classic Town performance. They laboured for long periods against their hard-working visitors and the only positive to come out of a disappointing 90 minutes was the three points that keeps their fading promotion hope alive.
"For 80% of the match we were poor," said a disappointed Mulcaster at the whistle. "We never got going until the final fifteen minutes but a win is a win and we'll take that."
So while the performance lacked (Easter) egg-citement on Mully's homecoming, the result certainly made up for that as Town moved to within seven points of 4th place, which will be enough for promotion should Ryhope's ground fail to meet the required standards.
Mulcaster's first home selection showed just one change from the extra time success at Chester-le-Street in midweek - Winter replacing Grant Hickman at the back. Meanwhile, new signing David Cooke was included in the squad for the first time and he took his place on the bench alongside Hickman, Marcus Laing, Ian Smurthwaite and Mickey Dunwell.
Town had actually started quite brightly with James Bowman's left-wing cross having to be tipped over the crossbar by Alnwick goalkeeper Brian Brookes inside five minutes, while Emson's shot from the resulting corner was deflected away to safety.
But Mulcaster's men did go in front midway through the first half. Alnwick substitute George Convery, who had only just replaced the injured Neil Catlow, under-hit a back-pass to Brookes and Chillingsworth nipped in lift the ball over the stranded goalkeeper from 18 yards - his 22nd goal of the season.
The lead, however, lasted barely three minutes. On a rare foray forward from the Northumbrians, Dale Kennedy was initially denied by a fine save from James Briggs but Tony Brown followed up drill the ball home from a tight angle via a slight deflection.
The remainder of the first half was fairly uneventful, although Chillingsworth came close to restoring Town's lead after Alex Caisley stood the ball up to the far post, but his header was too close to Brookes.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Steve Banks was forced to clear an effort from Brian Murray off his own goal-line after good work down the right from Brown.
But Town have had a habit of performing better in the second half this season and they did so again, although it took them a while to get any rhythm to their play. Chillingsworth headed narrowly over the top from a Bowman cross on the hour, while Emson failed to test Brookes after good work from Caisley down the right.
Mulcaster made changes in a bid to inject some fresh impetus - replacing Chillingsworth with Dunwell, Jonathan Burton with Hickman and Butterworth with Smurthwaite - and Town finally regained the lead twenty minutes from time.
Gav Parkin, whose set piece deliveries have created so many goals this season, whipped in a corner from the left and Winter rose above the Alnwick defence to power home a header from 8 yards.
The visitors, who arrived in Yorkshire having lost just two of their previous eight matches, kept battling away, although the nearest they came to a second equaliser was an under-hit back-pass from Danny Shoulder that was almost seized upon by Kennedy, but Winter came across to clear the danger.
And it was Town who sealed the points three minutes from time. Bowman beat two defenders on a thrilling run to the bye-line and his low, driven cross was bundled home at the near post by Emson from virtually right on the goalline.
"That was probably the only way I was going to score today," said Emson. "It wasn't the greatest goal but I managed to run across the defender to get the final touch."
Parkin, who was pleased not to be the smallest player on the pitch thanks to the inclusion of vertically-challenged Alnwick full-back Alex Makin, was a little more forthright. "We were poor, no question about it," he said. "We knew it would be tough and it was a battle out there but on days like this you are just happy to take the points and move on to the next one."
The next one for Town is a trip to Birtley Town on Tuesday evening followed by a crunch meeting at Ryhope CW next Saturday.
TOWN - Briggs, Banks, Bowman, Shoulder, Winter, Parkin, Caisley, Butterworth, Chillingsworth, Emson, Burton. Subs - Hickman, Dunwell, Smurthwaite, Cooke, Laing.
ALNWICK TOWN - Brookes, Makin, Catlow, Murray, Patterson, Lowes, Brown, Colley, Kennedy, Jackson, Hogg. Subs - Hall, Kidd, Hutchinson, Convery.
REFEREE - K. Howe
ATTENDANCE - 112
Goals from Carl Chillingsworth, Craig Winter and Adam Emson were just enough to give Town the points against battling Alnwick at the RGPS on Easter Saturday, as new manager Peter Mulcaster marked his return to the RGPS with a victory.
But this was far from a classic Town performance. They laboured for long periods against their hard-working visitors and the only positive to come out of a disappointing 90 minutes was the three points that keeps their fading promotion hope alive.
"For 80% of the match we were poor," said a disappointed Mulcaster at the whistle. "We never got going until the final fifteen minutes but a win is a win and we'll take that."
So while the performance lacked (Easter) egg-citement on Mully's homecoming, the result certainly made up for that as Town moved to within seven points of 4th place, which will be enough for promotion should Ryhope's ground fail to meet the required standards.
Mulcaster's first home selection showed just one change from the extra time success at Chester-le-Street in midweek - Winter replacing Grant Hickman at the back. Meanwhile, new signing David Cooke was included in the squad for the first time and he took his place on the bench alongside Hickman, Marcus Laing, Ian Smurthwaite and Mickey Dunwell.
Town had actually started quite brightly with James Bowman's left-wing cross having to be tipped over the crossbar by Alnwick goalkeeper Brian Brookes inside five minutes, while Emson's shot from the resulting corner was deflected away to safety.
But Mulcaster's men did go in front midway through the first half. Alnwick substitute George Convery, who had only just replaced the injured Neil Catlow, under-hit a back-pass to Brookes and Chillingsworth nipped in lift the ball over the stranded goalkeeper from 18 yards - his 22nd goal of the season.
The lead, however, lasted barely three minutes. On a rare foray forward from the Northumbrians, Dale Kennedy was initially denied by a fine save from James Briggs but Tony Brown followed up drill the ball home from a tight angle via a slight deflection.
The remainder of the first half was fairly uneventful, although Chillingsworth came close to restoring Town's lead after Alex Caisley stood the ball up to the far post, but his header was too close to Brookes.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Steve Banks was forced to clear an effort from Brian Murray off his own goal-line after good work down the right from Brown.
But Town have had a habit of performing better in the second half this season and they did so again, although it took them a while to get any rhythm to their play. Chillingsworth headed narrowly over the top from a Bowman cross on the hour, while Emson failed to test Brookes after good work from Caisley down the right.
Mulcaster made changes in a bid to inject some fresh impetus - replacing Chillingsworth with Dunwell, Jonathan Burton with Hickman and Butterworth with Smurthwaite - and Town finally regained the lead twenty minutes from time.
Gav Parkin, whose set piece deliveries have created so many goals this season, whipped in a corner from the left and Winter rose above the Alnwick defence to power home a header from 8 yards.
The visitors, who arrived in Yorkshire having lost just two of their previous eight matches, kept battling away, although the nearest they came to a second equaliser was an under-hit back-pass from Danny Shoulder that was almost seized upon by Kennedy, but Winter came across to clear the danger.
And it was Town who sealed the points three minutes from time. Bowman beat two defenders on a thrilling run to the bye-line and his low, driven cross was bundled home at the near post by Emson from virtually right on the goalline.
"That was probably the only way I was going to score today," said Emson. "It wasn't the greatest goal but I managed to run across the defender to get the final touch."
Parkin, who was pleased not to be the smallest player on the pitch thanks to the inclusion of vertically-challenged Alnwick full-back Alex Makin, was a little more forthright. "We were poor, no question about it," he said. "We knew it would be tough and it was a battle out there but on days like this you are just happy to take the points and move on to the next one."
The next one for Town is a trip to Birtley Town on Tuesday evening followed by a crunch meeting at Ryhope CW next Saturday.
TOWN - Briggs, Banks, Bowman, Shoulder, Winter, Parkin, Caisley, Butterworth, Chillingsworth, Emson, Burton. Subs - Hickman, Dunwell, Smurthwaite, Cooke, Laing.
ALNWICK TOWN - Brookes, Makin, Catlow, Murray, Patterson, Lowes, Brown, Colley, Kennedy, Jackson, Hogg. Subs - Hall, Kidd, Hutchinson, Convery.
REFEREE - K. Howe
ATTENDANCE - 112
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Emson strike sends Town into last four as Mulcaster marks return with comeback success
CHESTER-LE-STREET 2 NORTHALLERTON TOWN 3 (aet)
A GOAL in extra time from leading goal-scorer Adam Emson completed a terrific Town comeback at Moor Park on Tuesday evening as the new era for the club got off to the perfect start.
After all the upheaval over the weekend it was good to get back to the action on the pitch with Town bidding to become the first side to retain the Ernest Armstrong Trophy. But Peter Mulcaster's return as manager did not look to be going to plan as goals from Matthew Morris and Nick Gibson either side of the break put Chester-le-Street in control.
However, Town showed all their battling qualities and some really good football to turn the tie around thanks to two goals in three minutes from Jonathon Burton, his first for the club, and a spectacular strike from Carl Chillingsworth, before Emson's extra time winner.
Mulcaster's first team selection since returning to the club on Sunday saw just two changes from the weekend's disappointing defeat at Washington. Emson was back in place of Michael Dunwell in attack, while Alex Caisley replaced the absent Ian Smurthwaite in midfield. Meanwhile, Marcus Laing returned to take his place on the bench alongside Dunwell and Craig Winter.
Looking determined from the start, Town were almost given the boost of an early goal when Emson's snap-shot from the left was beaten away by Chester goalkeeper Matthew Crook inside the opening minute.
But as the snow began to fall, Town started to feel a little Chilli as the veteran striker missed a golden opportunity twenty minutes later.
Gav Parkin whipped in a dangerous corner from the left, and after Emson had flicked it on at the near post, Chillingsworth somehow placed his header over the top of an open goal from 6 yards. And the significance of that miss became clear moments later as the hosts went in front from the very next attack.
A free kick from out on the left by Anthony Burnell was not cleared by the Town defence and the ball fell to Morris 10 yards out. His shot may not have posed too many problems for goalkeeper James Briggs until it took a wicked deflection and looped up into the roof of the net.
But Town refused to panic and Grant Hickman twice headed narrowly over the top from Parkin set-piece deliveries as Mulcaster's men finished the first half on top.
The second period began as had the first, with Emson going close again, while Parkin then struck the post with a free kick. But it was the hosts who doubled their advantage nine minutes after the resumption.
Lewis Lynch did well down the right and his well-flighted cross was directed past Briggs by Gibson with a fine looping header from 10 yards.
With their grip on the trophy loosening, Town dug deep and pulled themselves level with two goals in quick succession. Burton grabbed the first on the hour, firing home from 12 yards after the Chester defence failed to clear another set-piece from Parkin - Town's first goal in over 330 minutes of football - before Chillingsworth equalised with a strike of the highest quality.
Receiving the ball 25 yards out with his back to goal, the 36 year-old controlled it instantly on his chest before spinning and hitting a first-time volley that flew in to the top left-hand corner of the net.
There only looked like being one winner now and Emson almost made it 3-2 seconds later after a lovely move down the left, but he shot straight at the Chester goalkeeper. Crook then denied the Town leading scorer again while Chillingsworth fired the loose ball narrowly over the top.
The final chance of the 90 minutes fell to Steve Butterworth two minutes from time, but he headed straight into the grateful arms of Crook following great work from Emson down the left.
However, Town completed the fight-back in the second minute of extra time. Parkin again created the opportunity with a dangerous free kick into the heart of the home penalty area and Emson was in the right place to fire home at the second attempt.
Mulcaster's side looked comfortable after that and should have sealed their place in the last four as substitute Dunwell twice fired over the top before Emson was again denied by Crook at the death.
"It was a great second half performance," said a delighted Mulcaster after his first game back in charge since 2003. "The first half was a little disjointed even if we did look the most likely team to score.
"The second half was totally different. We played some neat football in all areas of the pitch and were much the better team.
"The players showed great spirit to comeback and it was our talisman, Emson, who once again scored the decisive goal.
"Overall it was good night with some very good performances. I am now looking forward to returning 'home' on Saturday."
Town will now face Jarrow Roofing at the RGPS in next month's semi final, after they overcame Brandon United 6-4 also in extra time, but before that is a vital league meeting with Alnwick on Saturday. Kick off at the RGPS is 3pm with entrance £5 for adults and £2.50 concessions.
CHESTER-LE-STREET - Crook, Smith, Short, Morris, Summers, Graver, Burnell, Surrey, Hepplewhite, Gibson, Lynch. Subs - Smith, Alderson, Brown, Arnott.
TOWN - Briggs, Banks, Bowman, Shoulder, Hickman, Butterworth, Caisley, Parkin, Chillingsworth, Emson, Burton. Subs - Dunwell, Laing, Winter.
REFEREE: M. Bunting
ATTENDANCE: 57
A GOAL in extra time from leading goal-scorer Adam Emson completed a terrific Town comeback at Moor Park on Tuesday evening as the new era for the club got off to the perfect start.
After all the upheaval over the weekend it was good to get back to the action on the pitch with Town bidding to become the first side to retain the Ernest Armstrong Trophy. But Peter Mulcaster's return as manager did not look to be going to plan as goals from Matthew Morris and Nick Gibson either side of the break put Chester-le-Street in control.
However, Town showed all their battling qualities and some really good football to turn the tie around thanks to two goals in three minutes from Jonathon Burton, his first for the club, and a spectacular strike from Carl Chillingsworth, before Emson's extra time winner.
Mulcaster's first team selection since returning to the club on Sunday saw just two changes from the weekend's disappointing defeat at Washington. Emson was back in place of Michael Dunwell in attack, while Alex Caisley replaced the absent Ian Smurthwaite in midfield. Meanwhile, Marcus Laing returned to take his place on the bench alongside Dunwell and Craig Winter.
Looking determined from the start, Town were almost given the boost of an early goal when Emson's snap-shot from the left was beaten away by Chester goalkeeper Matthew Crook inside the opening minute.
But as the snow began to fall, Town started to feel a little Chilli as the veteran striker missed a golden opportunity twenty minutes later.
Gav Parkin whipped in a dangerous corner from the left, and after Emson had flicked it on at the near post, Chillingsworth somehow placed his header over the top of an open goal from 6 yards. And the significance of that miss became clear moments later as the hosts went in front from the very next attack.
A free kick from out on the left by Anthony Burnell was not cleared by the Town defence and the ball fell to Morris 10 yards out. His shot may not have posed too many problems for goalkeeper James Briggs until it took a wicked deflection and looped up into the roof of the net.
But Town refused to panic and Grant Hickman twice headed narrowly over the top from Parkin set-piece deliveries as Mulcaster's men finished the first half on top.
The second period began as had the first, with Emson going close again, while Parkin then struck the post with a free kick. But it was the hosts who doubled their advantage nine minutes after the resumption.
Lewis Lynch did well down the right and his well-flighted cross was directed past Briggs by Gibson with a fine looping header from 10 yards.
With their grip on the trophy loosening, Town dug deep and pulled themselves level with two goals in quick succession. Burton grabbed the first on the hour, firing home from 12 yards after the Chester defence failed to clear another set-piece from Parkin - Town's first goal in over 330 minutes of football - before Chillingsworth equalised with a strike of the highest quality.
Receiving the ball 25 yards out with his back to goal, the 36 year-old controlled it instantly on his chest before spinning and hitting a first-time volley that flew in to the top left-hand corner of the net.
There only looked like being one winner now and Emson almost made it 3-2 seconds later after a lovely move down the left, but he shot straight at the Chester goalkeeper. Crook then denied the Town leading scorer again while Chillingsworth fired the loose ball narrowly over the top.
The final chance of the 90 minutes fell to Steve Butterworth two minutes from time, but he headed straight into the grateful arms of Crook following great work from Emson down the left.
However, Town completed the fight-back in the second minute of extra time. Parkin again created the opportunity with a dangerous free kick into the heart of the home penalty area and Emson was in the right place to fire home at the second attempt.
Mulcaster's side looked comfortable after that and should have sealed their place in the last four as substitute Dunwell twice fired over the top before Emson was again denied by Crook at the death.
"It was a great second half performance," said a delighted Mulcaster after his first game back in charge since 2003. "The first half was a little disjointed even if we did look the most likely team to score.
"The second half was totally different. We played some neat football in all areas of the pitch and were much the better team.
"The players showed great spirit to comeback and it was our talisman, Emson, who once again scored the decisive goal.
"Overall it was good night with some very good performances. I am now looking forward to returning 'home' on Saturday."
Town will now face Jarrow Roofing at the RGPS in next month's semi final, after they overcame Brandon United 6-4 also in extra time, but before that is a vital league meeting with Alnwick on Saturday. Kick off at the RGPS is 3pm with entrance £5 for adults and £2.50 concessions.
CHESTER-LE-STREET - Crook, Smith, Short, Morris, Summers, Graver, Burnell, Surrey, Hepplewhite, Gibson, Lynch. Subs - Smith, Alderson, Brown, Arnott.
TOWN - Briggs, Banks, Bowman, Shoulder, Hickman, Butterworth, Caisley, Parkin, Chillingsworth, Emson, Burton. Subs - Dunwell, Laing, Winter.
REFEREE: M. Bunting
ATTENDANCE: 57
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Can Town lift the gloom and bring some much needed cup cheer
SOMEONE once said that
football is a funny old game but there has not been much laughter around the
RGPS in recent weeks.
Having lifted the trophy is such thrilling fashion last season, Town will be going all out for a repeat and with former boss Peter Mulcaster back at the helm, maybe the smiles will be back on Town faces come May.
After a rallying call from club captain Danny Shoulder this week, the team look more determined than ever to bring the trophy back to Northallerton, and there would be no more fitting tribute to Fanning and Collins if they were to do just that.
Of course promotion was the main objective at the start of the season, and while there is still a remote possibility this can still be achieved, the success of the club now rests on the trip north to Chester.
The tie in the last 16 was an absolute classic, but there is little doubt Town were slightly fortunate to beat Ryhope CW 5-3 after extra time at the RGPS. In one of the games of the season, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after only half an hour but were still the better side for long periods and even went 3-2 in front in the first extra period.
A dip in form has seen Northallerton Town slip away from the
promotion places and this has been coupled with a cut in a budget which saw the
resignation of manager Mark Fanning and assistant Martin Collins over the
weekend. Troubled times indeed.
But out of adversity often comes a sense of togetherness and
the squad will be looking to utilise that when they travel to Chester-le-Street
in tonight’s Ernest Armstrong Cup quarter final tie.Having lifted the trophy is such thrilling fashion last season, Town will be going all out for a repeat and with former boss Peter Mulcaster back at the helm, maybe the smiles will be back on Town faces come May.
After a rallying call from club captain Danny Shoulder this week, the team look more determined than ever to bring the trophy back to Northallerton, and there would be no more fitting tribute to Fanning and Collins if they were to do just that.
Of course promotion was the main objective at the start of the season, and while there is still a remote possibility this can still be achieved, the success of the club now rests on the trip north to Chester.
No club has ever retained the Ernest Armstrong Cup so as
well as lifting more silverware, Town would be also be creating their own
little piece of history.
The run to the quarter finals has been far from straight
forward. The weather meant the defence of the trophy did not get under way
until early February, where Alnwick were swept aside 3-0 on a bitterly cold
night at the RGPS in front of just 44 fans.The tie in the last 16 was an absolute classic, but there is little doubt Town were slightly fortunate to beat Ryhope CW 5-3 after extra time at the RGPS. In one of the games of the season, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after only half an hour but were still the better side for long periods and even went 3-2 in front in the first extra period.
Town then only scrapped through with the help of 2 own goals,
although with one of their main rivals out the way the draw has really opened
up.
Should Town overcome Chester tonight they will be at home to
the winners of the Jarrow Roofing vs. Brandon United tie next month. I’m sure
most at the RGPS will be hoping Brandon can cause a surprise, but the likelihood
is it will Roofing returning to Northallerton just a few weeks after they enjoyed a
resounding 4-0 success in the league.
But all that is for the future. For now the focus is on what
will be a very difficult match at Chester. With all the upheaval at the club this
week it will be a relief for the players to get out on the pitch and I fully expect
a positive response to Saturday’s disappointing defeat at Washington.
A near-full strength squad are making the trip, with the
exception of Col Anderson, who is attending a funeral, and Marcus Laing who is
in Las Vegas, so it will be interesting to see which XI Mulcaster goes with.
I am not expecting wholesale changes, although Adam Emson is
expected to start, while Steve Butterworth could be given a more central role
after failing to make an impact on the right on Saturday.
But whatever XI take the field tonight they will be cheered on by the amazing support of the travelling Town army and hopefully everyone connected with Northallerton will be smiling by 10pm.
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