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Oh, we don’t like to be beside the seaside!
Spennymoor Town FC squeezed the brakes on their play-off charge after defeat to South Shields in the seaside sunshine.
We had every reason to be optimistic, going into the game on the back of 7 straight wins and in front of what was to be an expected strong away support. 300 to 400 Fans rattled in on trains, busses and cars hoping to be served a classic encounter from 2 of the leagues in form teams.
Away fans were housed in a corner of the ground too small for the numbers limiting the view for many, the stadium was awkward looking, difficult to access, with catering equipped for only a small gathering rather than a thirsty army of supporters looking to make the most of the bank holiday.
The game was like the catering, luke warm and bereft of any real quality. Such a lack lustre performance from Spennymoor meant Shields needed to do very little to win comfortably thus increasing their own aspirations of a place in the play-offs.
It’s hard to criticise the team, given what we’ve seen in recent weeks, but we are fans, we pay our money, we are greedy. If you went to a restaurant, ordered steak but were served corned beef, you’d be less than pleased, no!
All is not lost however, a performance and a win on Monday against Farsley Celtic will rekindle the hope for end of season knockout football, but remember if that does happen we will come up against teams with similar qualities to Shields and a repeat of the levels shown today will definitely not be good enough. 👊🏻
The Graeme Lee Factor
The appointment of Graeme Lee is shaping up to be a shrewd piece of on field business at the Brewery Field. It was reported that Lee was a man in demand around the NLN towards the end of 2023 and no doubt the emotional connection (Graeme’s late father Tony had previously managed the Moors) played at least some part in him opting for Spennymoor ahead of the other potential suitors involved in the mid season managerial merry-go-round late last year.
As supporters or followers of football you can often sense if someone is a going to be good fit very early in to their tenure. That sense of optimism was never evident, to me at least, whilst Miller, the Salford Duo or Dickman were at the helm. Now this is not a criticism of the aforementioned or their ability, Bern and Jonno are now lifting up trees at Radcliffe, and Dickman & Miller both highly respected capable coaches quickly found themselves back in work at the same NLN level. However we only ever looked like a settled side when Jason Ainsley stepped back in to steer the ship.
Now under Graeme Lee, we are seeing shape, energy and most importantly results both welcome and deserved. Even after falling behind in games we see a response. Chances are being created, goals being scored, our goal difference is now neutral and achieved without talisman and captain Glen Taylor. Lufudo often erratic or unpredictable is now operating as a disciplined full back. Staunton has put in performances that sees him a Player of the Year candidate. A sustained run in the starting eleven has brought the best out of an often too shy Corey Mckeown. The arrival of Matty Dolan brings much needed midfield experience, he has hit the ground running, organising the younger players around him and dictating the play. The solid Pollock / Mbeka central defensive partnership instils confidence for others to take risks further up the field and the form table provides proof that Graeme Lee’s work in progress is taking shape quickly and effectively.
For much of the season fans had endured aimless performances with an expectation we’d lose creating in-house conflict between knowledgeable critics and staunch protectors of the football club. Now we enjoy a collective on field appreciation of Lee’s approach, with visits to the Brewery much less of a chore.
On behalf of Spennymoor Town FC Supporters Club and in acknowledgement of the work Graeme and his coaches have done so far, thank you for the football 👏👏
Form Table Last 10 Matches
Boston United 1 - 2 Spennymoor Town
Spennymoor Town goalkeeper Brad James performed heroics - including two second half penalty saves - as Boston United slipped to defeat on Saturday afternoon.
James denied Martin Woods and Deji Sotona from 12 yards, after the Moors had raced into a two-goal lead either side of half-time through Corey McKeown and ex-Pilgrim Ben Pollock.
Jai Rowe did reduce the arrears in stoppage time, but United were left to rue missed chances for the likes of Adam Marriott, Jimmy Knowles, Sam Smart and Brad Nicholson on an extraordinary afternoon at the Jakemans Community Stadium.
The Pilgrims' profligacy in front of goal was laid bare in the fourth minute when Marriott steered off target and wide following Rowe's inviting cross from the right.
Moors took a 12th minute lead when McKEOWN worked a yard of space to bend a fine, dipping finish beyond the despairing dive of Cameron Gregory from 25 yards.
Smart motored clear in response, but crashed an effort into the side-netting.
The Pilgrims started the second half brightly, with Knowles striking the post and then Woods seeing his follow-up brilliantly blocked by Pollock. Woods subsequently delivered a free-kick from the left flank and Nicholson fired a gilt-edged chance over the bar from six yards.
Spennymoor ultimately made the points safe nine minutes into the half when Danny Greenfield delivered a corner, which United failed to deal with, and POLLOCK slammed home the loose ball.
United were awarded their first spot-kick when John Lufudu bundled over Knowles at the back post and James brilliantly denied Woods, before thwarting Smart and Sotona on the follow-up.
Pollock was later penalised for handball, with Sotona stepping up from 12 yards - only to be denied by James. His follow-up hit the back of the net, but was harshly ruled out after referee Darius Bradley deemed the keeper had control of the loose ball.
James made an excellent save to deny Kelsey Mooney, before finally being beaten in the third minute of additional time when ROWE powerfully headed home following Ethan Sephton's cross from the left.
Boston (4-4-2): Cameron Gregory; Jai Rowe, Michael Bostwick, Brad Nicholson, Ethan Septhon; Sam Smart (Keziah Martin 73), Jordan Richards, Martin Woods, Deji Sotona (Michael Gyasi 78); Adam Marriott (Kelsey Mooney 59), Jimmy Knowles. Subs (not used): Keaton Ward, Dylan Hill.
Spennymoor (4-2-3-1): Brad James; John Lufudu, Lebrun Mbeka, Ben Pollock, Dan Myers; Matt Dolan (Sam Fielding 81), Isaac Fletcher (Finley Shrimpton 74); Danny Greenfield, Rob Ramshaw, Corey McKeown; Will Harris (David Moyo 78). Subs (not used): Donald Chimalilo, Michael Ledger.
Referee: Darius Bradley.
Attendance: 1,570 (42 visitors).
Good day all round on Saturday.
Members and Supporters enjoyed a match day with a difference on Saturday as we first hosted Blyth Spartans supporters at the WMC.
Blyth arrived in such high numbers that we relocated into the concert hall to enjoy complementary cheese burgers 🍔 and chips along with the usual £2:50 on Draft Beers. We planned a race day which was supported generously by both sets of supporters before heading on to the game which saw the Moors secure a comfortable and valuable 3 points.
We weren’t finished there as that same evening we welcomed Kelly McWaters to sing for us. Kelly is the Granddaughter and Niece of Supporters Club Members and lifetime fans Laurie and Shaun McWaters. The evening was very well attended and enjoyed by everyone. Both the race day and evening entertainment were compèred by Dave “DD”’Doherty.
On behalf of the Executive Committee we thank Colin Hall for his successful planning of the day, Kelly & Dave for their entertainment, the Blyth supporters along with our own supporters and loyal members. 👏👏👏
Supporters Club Legend laid to rest.
We waved our final farewell to Supporters Club Legend and Dear friend Freddy Hughes on Tuesday 16th January with our heartfelt condolences going to Freds Famliy.
On behalf of the Supporters Club we would like to thank all in attendance, alongside friends and family we offer special gratitude to Football Club President Trevor Beaumont, Former Manager Jason Ainsley plus players Rob Ramshaw & Mark Anderson who joined us for the service.
Supporters Club members lined the entrance in a guard of honour donning Black & White stripes whilst respectfully applauding as Fred’s coffin entered St Paul’s Church, Spennymoor.
Fred along with his late partner Connie Wailes were Spennymoor Town FC through and through and wanted nothing more than to see the football club and supporters club thrive.
We ask that everyone connected with Spennymoor Town Football Club find a way to unite to ensure their memory and significant contribution remain synonymous at the heartbeat of this Football Club
Standing Room Only in WMC for Wear - Tyne Derby.
Supporters Club Members and guests turned out in force for the Sunderland versus Newcastle derby on Saturday. We rolled down the giant screen and everyone there could take advantage of the £2:50 on draft beers and hot food laid on by The Supporters Club.
