Football
Ebac Northern League Div 1
West Auckland Town 2
Guisborough Town 0
WEST boss Gary Forrest enjoyed the fruits of a successful pre-season – both on and off the pitch – when he saw his side secure three points in this opening day fixture.
During the off season, a new board was appointed, headed by Mark Forrest – Gary’s brother – as chairman.
On the field, a squad of mainly young players, complemented by some experienced hands, took shape and West, not known for starting well in recent seasons, put together an accomplished performance.
“Pre-season has been good, both on and off the field. This has brought new energy into the club and sometimes you need that,” said Gary Forrest, ahead of kick-off.
“We have brought a lot of young lads in who we think have the ability to play at a higher level. I am hoping for really good things.”
He is also hopeful of a more encouraging start to the campaign.
“All my teams have started badly,” he joked. “Fingers crossed for a better start this time – but it’s a long season isn’t it?”
During the first half on Saturday, Guisborough dominated possession for long periods without really threatening, whereas West did show more promise on the break, with Corey Nicholson his usual busy self out wide on the right.
However, it was the visitors who were denied the lead by an excellent stop from West keeper Nick Liversedge when Cole Kiernan found himself unmarked at the back post.
West took the lead three minutes into the second half when Lee Hume rattled in a spectacular shot from 40 yards that gave Robert Dean in the Guisborough goal no chance.
Josh Scott doubled the lead with a clever chip over the advancing Dean on 69 minutes and the points were secured.
West were on their travels on Tuesday evening for a league game at Newcastle Benfield before welcoming Northallerton to the Wanted Stadium on Saturdary in the first of the FA Cup premininary rounds.
Elsewhere, the dale’s teams are completing their pre-season programmes ahead of the new season.
With teams from the area playing Saturday and Sunday there is no shortage of opportunities for local players to get their boots on in the coming months.
Barnard Castle FC head into the new season in good fettle.
Fresh off the back of promotion from Wearside League division three last year, they have their sights set on back-to-back advancements up the league system.
They set themselves a tough pre-season schedule including matches against Darlington Town and Richmond Town who both compete at a higher level.
Despite losing 4-1 to Darlington and 3-2 to Richmond there was much to be pleased with ahead of the first league match on August 12.
Club chairman John Close said: “These have been tough teams we have come up against in pre-season and I’m really impressed with how we have acquitted ourselves. We’re hoping for another successful season ahead.”
In the Darlington Sunday Morning Invitation league division one, Staindrop will be hoping to contend for honours after their strong run in last season’s county cup.
They have enjoyed a good pre-season and interest seems to be high in the village side.
Club spokesman and player Adam Goodfellow said, “We came fourth last year which we were happy with but we expect to kick on to the next level this season.
“We get a good number of lads every week and it’s great for the manager to have selection issues.”
Jonathan Saunders remains at the helm, and he will continue to push the high standards he has created since arriving.
As father of league two player Harvey Saunders, he knows first-hand what is required to succeed at the top level and will be instilling that into his side.
Middleton Wanderers start the division one Sunday campaign with new manager Scott Denton taking over from club stalwart Dave Short.
Retaining Northern League player David Mitchell as captain has been vital for the club and under his and Scott’s guidance, they’ll look to continue the progress of previous years.
Representing Teesdale in the second division are Gainford Cross Keys and Toft Hill Three Tuns.
On a Saturday afternoon, Evenwood Town are now one of just seven teams to register for the Crook and District League.
Town will kick off the season on August 26 with a home game against Ferryhill Town.
