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I read there was a bit of silliness from some of the kids there last night but overall I thought that was a great advert for North east non-league football. Very good crowd of 3300 (I think that was what I heard announced) and a really enthusiastic but good spirited atmosphere. Competitive game with both sets of players putting everything out there. 

 

I found myself far more invested than I expected to and was delighted to see Whitley get a trophy for their season's effort. 

 

 

Edited by ponsaelius

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Would you say there would be more supporting Stan or Bay there?

 

It is strange to think around 2012 Bay had not long completed their Vase treble and were always in around the top 3 of the Northern League, while Stan were still an Alliance side back then, whereas now Stan seem to have established themselves as a regional step 4 side.

 

Hopefully Whitley can get into the NPL East soon, although the Northern League does look very competitive next year with the 3 teams coming down, Shildon messing up the playoffs again, and Blue Star ending the season with 10 wins from 11.

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Hard to say for sure as while there was a sort of split in ends generally it was mixed.  Overall I'd say it was just about 50/50, which would reflect average attendances at both clubs.

 

Whitley were a title contender this season until young Layton Campbell went to Boro, from that point on they seemed to be more mid-table, which ultimately balanced out at play offs. I think they'll be struggling to repeat this season.

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Aye, and Newton Aycliffe, who lost a lot of players at the start of the season, and Blyth Town could more find their level again.

 

Wish whoever decides would confirm the leagues soon next year, there was talk of Kendal going back to the North West Counties league, which they are desperate for due to travel and expenses. Plus Prufoe don't seem to have a clue if they will get a relegation reprieve or back to the Alliance next season.

 

 

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Whitley will have a new manager for better or worse n all so that'll probably impact things and who they look to bring in and move on. 

 

Seems apt their keeper won them the game with that save, he's been their best player in every game I've been to watch them and seems to win MOM every other week regardless. 

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On 06/05/2026 at 14:15, Paully said:

Gary Martin leaving Hebburn 

It'll be interesting to see where he ends up, especially after being top scorer in the league, despite his advancing years. I'd imagine there should be plenty of interest from north east non league sides.

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48 minutes ago, Paullow said:

I see Alnwick Town Ladies not happy about their Senior Cup final being at Croft Park when the men's was at SJP. This on the back of Thornaby getting their women's North Riding equivalent final back at the Riverside.

 

https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/sport/alnwick-town-ladies-8513538

 

What are people's honest thought on this?

 

 

Surely Croft Park would be more suitable given that the attendance will be 3 figures. SJP will be terrible with a few hundred there. A few hundred at Croft Park would generate a bit of atmosphere.

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1 hour ago, Wallsendmag said:

 

Surely Croft Park would be more suitable given that the attendance will be 3 figures. SJP will be terrible with a few hundred there. A few hundred at Croft Park would generate a bit of atmosphere.

All that would end up happening, if anything was to change, would be the men's moving away from SJP, which would be a shame, but probably seen as a 'win' for equality.

 

https://www.northumberlandfa.com/cups-and-competitions/cups/2025-2026/womens-cup/results

 

Ponteland ended up getting to the semi final on the back of 3 earlier walkovers. Bye, Bye, Bye - you'd be forgiven for thinking it was more of an NSYNC song than a cup competition :lol:

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3 hours ago, Paullow said:

I see Alnwick Town Ladies not happy about their Senior Cup final being at Croft Park when the men's was at SJP. This on the back of Thornaby getting their women's North Riding equivalent final back at the Riverside.

 

https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/sport/alnwick-town-ladies-8513538

 

What are people's honest thought on this?

 

 

The players can have a whip round to fund the shortfall or maybe cancel some NFA youth programs so they can play there. 

 

Maybe if 1500 people turn up at Croft Park they can hold it at SJP next time.

 

Also the men’s final is not always at SJP.

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Off to watch South Shields today in their play off final.

 

Hopefully they go up. Got more chance of becoming a Football League side than the Heed in the future I reckon. 

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Aye, a shame for Shields. A really hard league to get out of. Finished 2nd, home advantage in both playoff matches, but gonna be another year in the league, bar a stunning comeback. 

 

I assume one of the Hebburn vs Shields matches will be on Boxing Day, so I'll look to go to the other one, regardless of who is at home. Should be some good occasions and big crowds.

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Shields were shite mind. Conceded two awful goals, never really felt like they would get back into it after missing a sitter not long after half time. 

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Hornchurch beat Torquay after extra time in the National South playoff final to play in the National League for the first time next season (old or new club).

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Random but, in the build up to West Ham v Arsenal they showed one of my favourite players from days of yore.

Trevor Brooking

Was minded to have a look at his wiki.

 

Wtf 😳🤔😂😂😂

 

Screenshot_20260510-181159.thumb.png.d46705119cb6487fcd70efd3a302215b.png

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On 09/05/2026 at 17:42, Paullow said:

Hornchurch beat Torquay after extra time in the National South playoff final to play in the National League for the first time next season (old or new club).


You seen the clip of their ground? Wentworth esque.

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2 minutes ago, Disco said:


You seen the clip of their ground? Wentworth esque.


Been there before in the play-offs when Bury Town played there. 
 

It was the night Cisse scored THAT brace against Chelsea. 

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31 minutes ago, Disco said:

Kidderminster manager going to Barrow. 

 

Bit of a strange move that. Both in the same League next season, Kidderminster on the up and Barrow coming down and Kidderminster certainly have a bigger fanbase.

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22 minutes ago, Wallsendmag said:

 

Bit of a strange move that. Both in the same League next season, Kidderminster on the up and Barrow coming down and Kidderminster certainly have a bigger fanbase.

 

Read he's been getting flak from the Kiddie fans all season so I imagine he's probably just sick of it and wants a change. 

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9 minutes ago, Disco said:

 

Read he's been getting flak from the Kiddie fans all season so I imagine he's probably just sick of it and wants a change. 

 

Must be a tough crowd if he's getting stick during a promotion season!

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