19th October 2009 Positive I’m sure all of you who were present at the Penrith game would have gone home happy with the result, the level of performance of the Tow Law players and the sheer entertainment value that was given by both teams. However, (once again) our inability to keep a clean sheet meant we had to score more than the three goals to secure the points. Particularly pleasing was the performance up front of Michael Fort whose tireless and selfless running was a major contributing factor to our win. I could not fault any of the players for their efforts, if only that penalty had gone in and if Forty’s over-the-line ‘goal’ was given it would have made it much more comfortable for me to watch. What I did find particularly encouraging was the home supporters getting behind the lads. At half time I told the players that there is no better set of supporters to play in front of and as long as you are seen to be giving 100% they will back you all the way. I trust they take heed from Saturday and continue to give the same level of commitment in all our future games. At the end of the day it was another 3 points to add to our tally and 3 points nearer the magic 40 for the season. Negative Prior to the game Chris Renshaw chose to depart from Tow Law to Newton Aycliffe despite our efforts to keep him at Ironworks Road. May I take this opportunity to thank him for his efforts over the past two seasons and wish him all the best in the future. Negative Another player, this time Alex Benjamin requested to go on the transfer list before our game at Spennymoor. Reluctantly I agreed to this request based on the philosophy that there is no value in keeping players who do not want to play for Tow Law, his name has subsequently been circulated to other Northern League clubs. Neutral Whilst the Spennymoor game on the 13th Oct ended in a 2 – 0 defeat there were some noteworthy performances from a number of players. After conceding a goal in the first 20 minutes the lads battled well and the result was always in the balance up until the 82nd minute when Spennymoor grabbed the second on a counter attack with the Lawyers pressing for the equaliser. However, we do have the distinction of taking 3 points out of the 6 against a side that will invariably be pushing for the League title this season. Overall we did compete and with a little more luck in front of goal after half time we could have possibly achieved a point. Alarmingly though we still remain in the bottom third of the table and we do need to pick up some more points over the next 4 to 5 games to keep a safe distance from the bottom three sides. We do not need to be dragged into a dogfight and require some return of points to avoid anxiety coming into our play due to the development we must win games arising against sides below us. If we constantly perform like we did against Spennymoor then I am confident we will pick up points and climb up the table. Positive Thursday 15th October saw the Club hold its inaugural Golf Day at Crook Golf Club. Speaking to those who attended it was an enjoyable affair, despite the damp conditions and if the event will be a forerunner for another day at the end of the season (hopefully when the sun is shining). For record – Nearest to the pin on the 18th with second shot was John Eccles. Overall winner was Carl Foster and runner up was Dale Swainston. Negative Another departure to the Whitby Town in the Unibond – this time Craig Gott. Subject to the seven days notice of approach, Craig met Harry Dunn on the Thursday night and decided to chance his arm at the higher level. Basically we are powerless to compete when finance becomes the major factor in a player’s decision making. Tow Law’s loss it Whitby’s gain and best of luck to Craig in his new environment. I am sure he can have no complaints over how he was treat in his short time at Tow Law and for the record he has asked if he can return if things do not work out. Hopefully over the next few months we can retain some stability in the dressing room by keeping the rest of squad together. As I write I do not know of any other player who is looking to move on as the present all appear happy. Renshaw and Benjamin simply did not want to continue playing for the Club whilst Gott (who is only 19) has decided to move up the pyramid. Playing at a higher level is something I cannot disagree with and it is a route that I would encourage any young player to undertake if ambitious enough to try. At least he has left the door open for a return and leaves the Club without any animosity and our best wishes. Positive The Eric Gates talk-in on Friday 16th October was a huge success – highly entertaining and I believe very profitable for the Club’s coffers. Every one appeared to leave happy and upbeat about the Football Club justifying all the hard work leading up to the event – it was good to see so many new faces in the Clubhouse and the return of some old ones. Many thanks to all who attended and especially extended congratulations to Mary, who’s sponsored silence raised over £350. Negative The euphoria however did not last. Another shocking performance littered with defensive errors at Dunston on the Saturday afternoon meant we received another 5-goal thrashing. The reality is that things need to change and change quickly on the playing field. The inconsistency is alarming, collectively Saturday was one big mess. The time for a change is imminent and vital in order to keep the Football Club competitive in Division 1. Yours in Sport Doc Forster 10th October 2009 Where to start? The FA Vase replay was a pulsating affair – no good for people of a nervous disposition or high blood pressure. With only 10 minutes remaining it had to be our former player Darren Hollingsworth who cancelled out Stephen Tobin’s 46th minute opener and force another round of extra time. Who would have predicted that with only 3 minutes of extra time remaining Alex Benjamin would equalise to force a penalty shoot-out. Let’s say I’m neither a lover of a penalty shoot-out nor have I been a lucky manager in these events – loosing a FA Cup 1st round replay to Yeovil 5 – 4 penalties springs to mind. However, in this instance Lady Luck was on our side and ‘Bish’ came good between the sticks helping us to a win 5 – 4 setting up a tie away to the League Champions, Newcastle Benfield. Who would have thought that after 240 minutes of football both sides would have been so tightly matched? It was pleasing at the end of the game for the players to agree to give their percentage of the prize money to the ‘Give Tilly a Hand Appeal’. This is something the lads were happy to undertake and we look for further opportunities to add to her appeal as the season progresses. I feel interaction and involvement with the Tow Law public is vital because it is essential that the Club becomes more of a focal point within the community once again rather than standing in isolation. Consequently I was pleased to be invited by Albert Graham and to attend the Open Day at Baring Court on Thursday 24th. May I take this opportunity to thank all who ran the tombola, cake stall and raffle to make the event a huge success. Thanks to the efforts of all concerned, the day raised over £700 and the funds that were generated will be a great help to the football club over the next few weeks. Saturday 26th was a total embarrassment at Newcastle Benfield – a six nil hammering and it could have been more. All of the six goals conceded resulting form our own mistakes. Only 2 to 3 payers putting maximum effort in, the rest alarmingly going through the motions and not seeming to have any pride in their performance. An experience that no supporter should have to endure. We were the best side for the first twenty minutes – thereafter once we gave away a soft first goal we just capitulated. Was this the same set of guys who put so much into the two games against Synthonia? After the game it did not take a rocket scientist to conclude that we would have to improve by our 200% to hope to get anything out of the forthcoming FA Vase game. A totally unacceptable and shambolic performance. Monday 28th a welcome and very much appreciated help arrived via a phone call from former ex Tow Law favourite Billy Johnson offering his assistance with the pre-match preparation and coaching of the players. I immediately offered Billy the position of coach, which he was more than happy to accept. At last someone who has undoubted affection and enthusiasm for Tow Law Town willing to come forward and help. I am sure you all will give Billy a warm welcome when he returns to Ironworks Road, hopefully one piece of the jigsaw has been put in place. Whilst it may take time for some of the Durham & Boro lads to become familiar with Billy’s rich Geordie accent, at least Derek Attwell (from Amble) was able to understand him and take things on board when we went to Ashington on Tuesday 29th. What a turnaround on the park. Was this the same side that was humiliated at Benfield? A comfortable 3 – 1 away victory with goals from Michael Oliver (his first for the club) and another brace from Tommo which took him to the position of top goal scorer for the present time being. Ashington’s goal was a late consolation from former Tow Law striker Lee Hamilton. Overall there was plenty to be happy about and Billy Johnson left a happy man with ‘loads of things to work on but plenty of potential and some good players’. From my perspective it was a solid 90 minutes of football, a much needed 3 points and above all a positive response from all connected with the Benfield fiasco. Wednesday 29th - reluctantly the Club put Chris Renshaw on the transfer list at his own request, the player citing that he wanted to try fresh pastures i.e. somewhere else in the Northern League. Saturday 3rd October, once again a trip to wind swept Benfield, this time on the FA Vase. Sadly a 1-0 defeat, but a much improved performance from the side. With a bit more luck in front of goal we could have perhaps earned a draw, certainly the performance of the players merited another crack at them. The harsh reality is that the Club is once again out of another national cup competition at an early stage. However in this instance we went out of the FA Vase with a fight rather than the whimper that resulted in the defeat to Horden in the FA Cup. Perhaps next season the Club will enjoy better fortune in the early draws hopefully getting home ties against lower ranked opposition rather than tough away ties such as we have had in this years FA Vase competition. Do not forget our GOLF DAY 15th OCTOBER and ERIC GATES TALK IN 16th OCTOBER. Yours in Sport Doc Forster 21st September 2009 Last time I wrote the column we were about to play Bedlington Terriers and despite playing well in patches our defensive frailties allowed the visitors to take all three points with a 4 – 2 scoreline. It was therefore pleasing to keep a clean sheet the following Tuesday night at Billingham Town in the League Cup. Although we left things late, we bossed the game for long periods. With the game heading for extra time Lee Inness was on hand to head in on a timely 85 minutes and put us through to the next round of the competition. We have been handed a mouth watering home tie with our neighbours Consett and whist it will not be easy it should make for an entertaining game and something for our fans to look forward to. Last Saturday’s tie at Billingham Synthonia would have been an excellent game to watch for the neutral - six goals, 10 bookings, a sending off, end to end football of which neither side deserved to loose and a pulsating period of extra time. Our ten men showed excellent commitment to earn tonight’s replay. Special mention must be given to Andrew Thompson who reluctantly took up the centre forward role due to a hamstring injury to Alex Benjamin yet scored a well-taken hat trick! I am under no illusions of what we have to do tonight but it will not be easy. However, if the players show the same commitment and spirit as they did on Saturday then we may have a chance of making progress. Synthonia are a good side so I anticipate another very tough game. On a further positive note, special thanks must be given to the residents of Bearing Court who have organised a fund raising event on Thursday 24th September with all proceeds going to the Football Club. I would like to thank Albert Graham and ask him to convey the Club’s thanks to all connected with the project – it is much appreciated. Our golf day scheduled for Thursday 1st October could still do with a few more participants. I know there are several keen golfers amongst our supporters and we are hoping that they will come along and join in with fellow golfing enthusiasts. To move the Club forward we all need to pull together and a successful golf day should contribute significantly to the Club’s finances. The Eric Gates night for Friday October 16th is all but sold out! There are currently only between 7 to 10 tickets still available so see Kevin McCormick a.s.a.p. if you want to go to this event. This venture looks to be heading for a success. Finally, Audrey Wilkinson’s food hamper draw will conclude on Monday 21st September. Again, thanks to Audrey and all who have bought tickets. We plan to run another similar raffle during October so please buy further tickets, money generated from raffles like these are a valuable and essential revenue stream and the life blood of the a club. Yours in Sport Doc Forster 12th September 2009 The last notes in this column were before the game with Ryton on Tuesday 25th August. Today’s game with Bedlington Terriers in now 18 days on and believe me they have been a torrid and very long 18 days. Michael regretfully resigned after the game with Ryton. Despite many efforts to get him to change his mind by both the Committee and myself he stuck by his original decision to vacate the manager’s seat. May I now take this opportunity to express my personal sadness with that decision and sincerely wish both him and his family the very best for the future. Michael’s last game in charge resulted in a well earned 2 – 1 success and a much needed 3 points. On Thursday 27th August I was contacted by our Chair, Sandra Gordon who after explaining the current situation at Tow Law asked me on behalf of the Committee if I would take the reigns in the short term to try to bring some stability back to the Club. Basically it was to give the Committee some breathing space to digest and evaluate the resignation before committing to a long-term managerial appointment. It was an extremely difficult day at Esh Winning on Saturday 29th August. First of all having to explain to the players of Michael’s decision to resign then picking a team of 16 from an available 21 players. Then motivating and getting them to play the game before finally making several players available for transfer after the game. Through all of this trauma the selected team enjoyed a comfortable 4 - 1 success with an Alex Benjamin hat trick being the notable achievement in this game. After the game in, all the surrounding turmoil, I had a brief chat to Esh Winning’s long serving secretary Alan Morton who I remember saying to me ‘Crisis Youngen? Where football is concerned there is always a crisis’. Never a more true sentence was said. All of a sudden certain ‘Tow Law’ players began putting ‘Tow Law’s washing’ into the public domain via mobile phones, text messages, internet etc. The next 24 hours were exhausting as player after player expressed uncertainty about playing for the Club. Several wanted to leave with immediate effect – only to find the grass was not always greener on the other side of some other clubs playing fields! Whether it was a good thing to have the Bank Holiday Monday fixture is open to conjecture but it did get the players back together again quickly – or rather those players who wanted to stay and fight for a place in the Tow Law team. After 20 minutes at Chester-Le-Street the game was ours for the taking, 2 – 0 up and seemingly under no pressure. Unbelievably after a wretched period of defending we went in 4 – 2 down. Inexplicably we lost the game 6 – 4, a great game for the neutral, a bad day for Tow Law and its supporters. After the game and for the next few days those dreaded text messages, phone calls – all started again, all seemingly incessant. The rumour mill began churning – players wanted to leave citing that they were ‘unhappy’. The word around the Northern League was Tow Law had gone ‘bust’ it was ‘knackered’. Even those players who wanted to stay became the subject of back door approaches and subsequently became unsettled. It was if ‘A’ bomb had been dropped and now the Club was suffering from the fallout. It was time to close ranks and dig in! A turning point came on the evening of Thursday 3rd September. A meeting was called in which senior players Mark Eccles and Gavin Mudd were invited to attend and hear the Club’s version of events and the current situation pertaining at Tow Law Town AFC. This was a most proactive meeting, the energy was positive and even Kevin McCormick’s glass became cautiously almost ‘half-full’ rather than ‘nearly empty’. From the meeting it was agreed to hold a number of fund raising events and Audrey is currently busy raffling a food hamper – please buy a ticket – funds are needed and every strip of tickets purchased will help. Mark Eccles is organising a golf day with the help of Kevin at Crook Golf Club. This will take place on Thursday Oct 1st – anyone is welcome to come along, as it is not an exclusive event strictly for the players. All who wish to play please see Mark, Kevin or myself or fill in the list in the Clubhouse. We have also booked a talk-in with former Sunderland and England striker Eric Gates. This will take place in Tow Law Clubhouse on Friday Oct 18th. Tickets are £10.00 each, if you want a ticket it will on a first come – first served basis as a maximum limit of 85 are available. Finally, do not panic when you see the unshaven Mr ‘Darlo’ Dave Henderson. He has agreed to go without razor until Christmas time for a sponsored hair and beard shave in an effort to raise Club funds. In short, the Club needs help – match ball sponsors are urgently required along with advertisement in the Club programme. If anyone can help or point us in the direction of a potential sponsor please come forward at the earliest opportunity. Last Saturday’s game at South Shields saw us unluckily (in my opinion) loose 2 – 1 to a late 87th minute strike. Our opponents were the better side in the first half but I felt our second half performance merited some reward. Particularly pleasing was the mutual disappointment expressed from the game by the players during the dressing room aftermath. Even though we lost, there seemed a clear determination to see things through and stick together. Wednesday night’s game at Norton was even more pleasing. A slimmer Simon Bishop (5 pound lost since the South Shields game) saved a penalty mid-way through the first half and thereafter we never looked back. A well-taken Benjamin strike just before half time gave us a deserved lead and the necessary momentum to push on and win the game. An early second half header from Stephen Tobin followed by a neat finish from Craig Gott halfway through the second half for our third secured a well deserved three points. Particularly pleasing was the atmosphere in the dressing room after the game it was buoyant and buzzing from a welcome change! Today we entertain Bedlington Terriers who are one of the more fancied teams in the League this year. Throughout the events of the last 18 days their manager Tony Lowery has kept in touch and offered encouragement when times got tough. Sometimes you can make friends in this game and Tony is one of them, which I have made courtesy to the Northern League. I sincerely wish Tony and the Terriers all the best for the season, but only after today’s game. We need something out of this encounter and hopefully we can now push on and improve from the Norton performance. Yours in Sport Doc Forster 25th August 2009 Let’s be positive – there has been too much doom and gloom around the place after our game with Horden. I have read Steve Moralee’s match report of Saturday’s home game and had time to digest its contents. Although we were beaten we did have significant amount of chances to win the game. We introduced the signings in Craig Bishop, Craig Gott and Alex Benjamin who all played well. New players will always take their time to settle into the team and into the pattern of play but they all made significant improvement to the side that was despatched out of the FA Cup. We also welcomed back Chris Renshaw who scored our only goal and gave his usual 100% throughout the game and made our midfield look much stronger. We controversially lost our most influential defender in Andy Bowes with a head wound after a contentious elbow to his head which did not help our defence as we had to re-shuffle at a critical stage of the game. We ultimately paid the price for the missed chances when their crucial third goal was scored minutes for the end of the game when we were searching for an equaliser.Let’s be positive – there has been too much doom and gloom around the place after our game with Horden. I have read Steve Moralee’s match report of Saturday’s home game and had time to digest its contents. Although we were beaten we did have significant amount of chances to win the game. We introduced the signings in Craig Bishop, Craig Gott and Alex Benjamin who all played well. New players will always take their time to settle into the team and into the pattern of play but they all made significant improvement to the side that was despatched out of the FA Cup. We also welcomed back Chris Renshaw who scored our only goal and gave his usual 100% throughout the game and made our midfield look much stronger. We controversially lost our most influential defender in Andy Bowes with a head wound after a contentious elbow to his head which did not help our defence as we had to re-shuffle at a critical stage of the game. We ultimately paid the price for the missed chances when their crucial third goal was scored minutes for the end of the game when we were searching for an equaliser. Now its time to consolidate and look to get back on track. There are a sufficient number of good players within the squad to bounce back over the next 2 to 3 games and help to raise the general well being within the Club. A new set of strips will soon be on show but significantly there is the lack of a major sponsor this season – so if anyone knows of a Company or individual that would be interested in having their name across the front of the shirt please do not hesitate to come forward. Further I am in the process of trying to organise a soccer talk-in at the Clubhouse late Sept / Oct in an effort to raise revenue. I have just been informed my first target Peter Beardsley cannot do Friday nights due to his coaching commitments. It is both club treasurer Kevin McCormick’s and also my belief that Fridays would be the best night for such an event and I now eagerly awaiting what other speakers are available over the next four to five weeks. I trust this will be a venture that will be well supported such that it can become another avenue to raise finance. Obviously as soon as a speaker is booked we will advise accordingly. We all need to be positive – the season is only three weeks old and already the doom-mongers are predicting the worst for the Club. There is enough depression drifting around the Country with the current economic recession, so let’s all start getting upbeat and look to move the Club forward. An ideal start would not be too loose tonight – here’s hoping for more luck thanks Saturday and a better all round performance from the team. Yours in Sport Doc Forster