Scarborough Athletic: My visits from 2017-18

Click here for a full club write up and earlier visits following the club formed in 2007 to replace Scarborough FC.

Scarborough Athletic 1 Atherton Collieries 0 (Saturday 2^nd December 2017) Northern Premier League Division One North (att: 903)

My first competitive game at the Flamingo Land Stadium came about as I visited my brother Nick and family for a long weekend. We had contemplated going to Sheffield Wednesday v Hull City but nephew Stan was more than happy with Boro; his Grandad’s team!

We travelled through and visited my Auntie Rita for lunch and to catch up and exchange gifts. I headed to The Valley pre match where I caught up with Karl Theobald and say hello to plenty of other Boro mates.

It was still slightly surreal walking up to the ground through areas of my junior adventures. We took up a position opposite the Main Stand by the halfway line. Again, it was good to stand with familiar faces in our hometown at a game.

Boro played pretty well in the first half and went ahead halfway through, when the excellent Max Wright tormented his full back before plonking a perfect cross on the head of Michael Coulson who made no mistake.

I headed round to the stand, where I caught up with my pals on the board of directors. Again it all seemed a bit surreal, but I’d never felt more comfortable. I knew they were doing a good job and the money was being looked after.

The second half saw the visitors get right back into the game, as they were cheered on by an impressive and vocal following. Boro boss Steve Kittrick rang the changes, with Jimmy Beadle easing the pressure as he won areal challenges.

Colls were very decent outfit, and piled on the attacks, with the Seadogs not been at their best. In the end a determined defence and fine display from keeper Tommy Taylor secured all three points. The match was also lit up by an erratic refereeing performance.

At full time I headed back to The Valley and caught up with Andy Crossland before I headed to Falsgrave to meet Karl. We had beers in the new pub; The Firk Inn Pub, which I found average before heading to The Ship and then The Stumble Inn.

Scarborough and general drinking behaviour had changed since my days as a resident. The pubs weren’t particularly busy and youngsters didn’t bother going out until late. The area around the station was once amass with groups on pub crawls. It was dead at 8.15.

I’d had a nice drink and needed food. The only fish and chip shop I could find was at the bottom of Prospect Road. I forget its name, but it was always Greg’s Plaice when I lived near there. The grub was average.

It had been a really good day for all that. I was over moaning Boro supporters. The team had won, I saw some lovely people and the ale was on form. I’d definitely be back.

Scarborough Athletic 2 Skelmersdale United 1 (Saturday 17th February 2018) Northern Premier League Division One North (att: 1,151)

A near enough perfect weekend with good train journey up and a Boro win. This was to be a special day as I had treated my nephew Stan. He was to be the team mascot for the match. I got to Scarborough and met Karl who I was staying over with as we had a couple of beers along with former Boro skipper Dave Kemp before I headed to the ground.

All at the club were excellent behind the scenes including Max Wright who made Stan’s day. He loved it. I was a very proud uncle to see him follow three previous generations of the family supporting the club as he walked out with the teams.

United went ahead on four minutes with a Scott Bakkor penalty, before Joshua Wardle put through his own net on seventeen minutes to level things up. Nathan Valentine got what proved to be the winner just before the interval.

Karl and I enjoyed a top night out including ales in the superb North Riding. I returned to York on Sunday morning to meet with the family for a lovely pub Sunday lunch in the Derwent Arms before I undertook a mini pub crawl of fine establishments on route back to the station for my train.

Scarborough Athletic 4 Brighouse Town 0 (Saturday 14^th April 2018) Northern Premier League Division One North (att: 1,361)

I was back from my annual cricketing holiday in Thailand and keen to catch up with family and friends before starting on my night shifts back at work. I’d deliberately planned in a Boro home game. The team were conveniently heading towards promotion, which helped the mood among fans.

My train was delayed and curtailed before I eventually reached Scarborough an hour later than planned. After dropping my bag off at Karl’s flat it was time for pre match beers in The Valley; where it was great to catch up and have a chat.

Nick and Stan were waiting for me in their usual spots at the ground, as Boro put in a rather insipid first half display, despite leading through a fine Michael Coulson effort. Some of the defending was shocking; with only a brilliant Bailey Gooda block keeping the lead in check.

Just before the break I sought out my pals at the top of the Main Stand. They’d gone through plenty as directors and had taken plenty of unjust criticism. I certainly didn’t envy them. Nobody deserved success more than this fine bunch of dedicated people.

The second half proved to be a different story as the Seadogs put on a scintillating attacking display to blow away a spirited Brighouse team with a Coulson penalty and then a towering James Walshaw header and fine shot from Jordan Slew sealed the points.

Hyde United were held to a goalless draw by Skelmersdale United to take Boro into second place and to enhance the good mood further. Carl Ellis and I headed to The Stumble Inn where Karl Theobald joined us, before we enjoyed beers over football in Scholars Bar.

We said goodbye to Carl as we headed to the North Riding to see more old pals before returning to Falsgrave and enjoy a quality band in The Ship. It had been a long but brilliant day out in great company. I certainly felt it as I boarded the train towards Leeds the following morning!

Scarborough Athletic 2 Glossop North End 1 (Tuesday 24^th April 2018) Northern Premier League Division One North (att: 961)

It was celebration time in Scarborough as the Seadogs were assured of promotion, even though the league couldn’t officially endorse it. The team were now in pole position to grab the runners-up spot behind South Shields.

I managed a brief nap after night shift before taking the train north and retired to my lovely room at the North Riding Hotel for a further siesta. It was good to bump into old mate Dave Trenham for a chat and lift down to the Valley Bar.

Karl Theobald came in and we had a couple of pints with directors Fred Firman and Andy Crossland with Mick Cammish joining us for a beer and the walk up to the ground in wet conditions.

The Glossop team were held up in traffic, which meant a delayed kick off. This gave Nick and Stan the chance to go for a drink with us in the clubhouse. It was fantastic to catch up with so many happy old mates. I was so chuffed for all the work and hard times they’d endured had ended up with a celebration.

The match was decent enough fare with North End proving decent opposition. Boro winger Max Wright was getting some stick from various defenders as James Walshaw was denied the opening goal as his shot hit the angle of post and bar.

Boro went 1-0 up when a beautifully weighted pass along the deck was collected by Michael Coulson who advanced on goal before finishing brilliantly with a deft chip over keeper Russell Saunders.

The hosts were correctly reduced to ten men as Nathan Valentine was given a straight red card by referee Jamie Rhodes for a shocking lunging challenge on xxx Spooner on the stroke of half time.

The rain was falling heavier as we were kept up to date with Liverpool’s hammering of Roma in the Champions League. Boro played some confident smart football to keep hold of their lead. Glossop showed plenty of intent but were being kept at arms length.

Ben Richardson came close for The Hillmen while Bailey Gooda nearly doubled the lead with a header. Walshaw had an effort saved by Saunders before Courtney Meppen-Walker brought out the best of Boro custodian Tommy Taylor.

It was 2-0 with ten minutes remaining as Wright battled his way down the right and fed Walshaw who steadied himself before finishing well. The fine football even had the supporters in the Main Stand on their feet and cheering!

There was still time for Meppen-Walker to head against the post and then fire in a shot that took a wicked deflection off Jamie Price to leave Taylor flat footed to reduce the arrears. Boro saw out the remaining couple of minutes to complete the win.

Brian Stevenson kindly gave Ben Vickers and I a ride back to the North Riding where we enjoyed a very convivial couple of hours with Stuart and then Karen Neilson enjoying some magnificent Cascade Ale from the North Riding Brewery.

It’s been a marvellous whistle stop trip up north, and I knew all about it the following day as I headed back to the capital for a quick turnaround before heading to the vital Isthmian League clash between Leatherhead and Hendon.

Scarborough Athletic 1 Stafford Rangers 1 (Saturday 12^th October 2019) Northern Premier League Premier Division (att: 1,027)

It was time for a long overdue trip to see Boro; so, having negotiated a couple of nights off work I headed to York just gone 8am where I met up with Nick and then Stan after he finished his football training.

It was a bonnie if chilly day as we pulled up to grab lunch at Seamer Fisheries. The lass behind the counter told us the medium haddock weren’t up to size, so she gave us two small ones each. Fantastic value and absolute top quality to boot.

Nick dropped me at Falsgrave; where I managed to go to the wrong house trying to find Karl’s flat. My mate and his girlfriend Donna were kindly putting me up for the night. We headed down to The Valley Bar for a couple of pints and to catch up with other Seadogs.

My brother and nephew came in for a drink before he drove us up to the ground; securing his favourite getaway on the lane down to the old Gas yard. Admission was £12; which included a seat in the new stand.

I was really impressed with the new structure; with its mixture of standing and seats. The club had done well and lots of credit was also owing to the fans who’s dug deep to help with the financing.

There was time for me to head to the bar and have a chat with more smiling old faces. It was genuinely good to be back. I headed back down before kick-off as the club held a presentation as the plaque remembering former Scarborough FC player Tony Aveyard was unveiled.

The young forward died following a head injury sustained in a game against Boston United in 1977, just a few days after Boro lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley. Tony’s widow as well as several teammates were present; which was good to see.

Nick had secured us good seats. I was slightly shocked that not all were taken as they offered an excellent view. Some were grumbling that they hadn’t been given ticket numbers next to each other; even though there was plenty of space for everyone.

I’d forgotten about the grumbling. It was prevalent as the game got underway. The bloke behind me got on my tits within five minutes. Nothing on the field was good enough. Just what do these “supporters” expect from part-time players at this level?

Before play Boro were towards the wrong end of the table, after injuries had played a part as well as not finishing teams off when ahead. Stafford arrived on the coast bottom of the league and looking to secure their first victory of the campaign.

For what it’s worth, I thought Boro were fantastic in the opening exchanges. Young right back Kian Spence was full of skill and energy, linking up well with Michael Coulson. Rangers keeper Lewis King set the benchmark for the rest of the afternoon with a smart stop to keep out James Walshaw.

Chris Dawson was a class act in midfield. His fine pass put in Spence whose low cross was slid in by Coulson. Dawson then saw a shot go just over after a jinking run before Washaw looked to have been brought down by King as he looked to round the custodian.

Andy Howarth came close for Stafford before the interval, but it was to be all Scarborough when play reconvened. Isaac Assenso, Walshaw and Ryan Watson were all denied by good stops by King; who also had a set to with Walshaw.

Boro had another couple of penalty shouts that could easily have been awarded on another day. The ball just wouldn’t go in despite the possession and created half chances. In typical fashion, they were made to pay.

A through ball released Brad Grayson who smashed the ball expertly low and hard past Tommy Taylor and into the far corner. The Seadogs continued to press; with fans becoming more frustrated with some over-elaborate approach play.

Coulson and Spence were kept out by the incredible King before Stafford nearly snatched all three points when a header from Sam Coulson came back off the inside of the post. The game ended in a seventh consecutive home draw for Boro.

Some fans told me they thought it had been rubbish. I really enjoyed the match; frustrating though it was as a home fan. It had been a good standard; certainly higher than the other three comparable leagues in the pyramid.

We headed back to Karl’s to watch the Rugby Super League final before a really enjoyable evening around the pubs of Falsgrave. Chairman Trevor Bull and Fred Firman caught up with us for the final hour as I told them I thought things were in good shape on the pitch; and definitely not to worry.

The following day I met up with Nick, Stan and Rachel and went for a lovely family Sunday lunch at the Derwent Arms. It was a perfect end to a smashing short visit. I even bought some good value home made scones on York station for night shift. What more could you want!

Scarborough Athletic u19s 4 Brooklyn JFC 1 (Sunday 30^th May 2021) North Riding County Cup Final (Att: c200)

An unexpected bonus of a match while I was in my hometown for a couple of nights celebrating the birthday of my pal Karl. The weather was lovely as I headed out for a walk after a fine evening in Scholars watching the Champions League final.

It was lovely to see the Bank Holiday attract lots of visitors to the town as the sun burnt off the earlier sea fret. There was time to catch up with Sean and Tracey for tea and toast as we caught up and discussed our hopeful plans to escape to warmer climes.

During my walk I’d been alerted to the match on Twitter, with one or two Seadogs asking if I’d be going. To be honest, I’d not really considered it, but the idea of some footy before another sustained session in the pub seemed a very sensible idea.

Karl, with his Mum and Donna collected me at the cricket ground, which looked stunning, prior to us enjoying an outstanding carvery at the Scalby Manor, somewhere I always try to call in at if I have time. A walk to the stadium from Falsgrave was just the ticket afterwards.

I paid my £1 admission and got chatting to friends. I missed the first 35 minutes with the visitors 1-0 up and seemingly good value for it. Brooklyn were more or less a feeder club from Malton to Pickering Town, with both clubs receiving cash from the same patron.

Whatever was said to the Seapups at the break worked as they put on an excellent second half display. The impressive Lewis Gibson levelled things up around ten minutes after the interval before Connor Avison put the hosts ahead.

The goal made me feel old as I chatted to the scorers’ Dad Gavin who I used to help sneak into pubs and clubs when he wasn’t old enough to be in them! Gibson added his second with Liam Love rounding off a fine move to make it 4-1.

Wandering round the ground I got to chat with lots of good people. It was great to be back. Chairman Trevor Bull was enjoying proceedings in the new stand where it was nice to touch base and get an update on new Boro manager Jono Greening.

Former director, Nick Finch had travelled through on the train from York. If anyone deserves accolades at the club, it’s him for his non-stop work. He was still raising money behind the scenes. I persuaded him to go for a beer after the game.

A long afternoon and evening ensued in the New Tavern, Firk Inn and Ship. Nick escaped after a few. Some of us were not so lucky, judging by our seediness on Monday morning. I said my goodbyes and went for the train back south. The day marred with sadness with news of the passing of Scarborough legend Colin Appleton.

Scarborough Athletic 0 Witton Albion 2 (Saturday 4^th September 2021) FA Cup First Qualifying Round (att: 773) 

Up on the train and staying at my aunties for the night, before decamping to my pal’s place. Pre-match pop in the Valley Bar before taking up the offer of a seat in the main stand for the first time. Quite possibly my last too. Some locals do nothing but moan at their own team or the match officials.

 

A poor game which Albion thoroughly deserved to win, despite both goals being down to absolute howlers from a debutant loanee keeper Nathan Harker. I'm not sure Boro would have scored if we were still there. One of those days, which unfortunately hurts financially in the big Cup.

Nice to catch up with lots of mates, though the abuse throughout from some home "fans" towards the players was sickening once in the terrace across the pitch. I felt genuinely sickened. Some clearly did not have a clue how far the club had come. I was particularly saddened by some regulars turning on those trying to run the club.

Onto friends for superb fish and chips and a catch up, a brief pint walking to my digs for the night before another nice chat and an early sleep. My sporting visit improved massively on Sunday and Monday as Yorkshire dismantled Somerset at North Marine Road.

This was enhanced by chatting to friends who supported other clubs. It certainly cheered up my good friend, the Boro vice-chair, and put things into perspective when listening to the mess York City found themselves in.

Scarborough 2 Lancaster City 0 (Saturday 6^th November 2021) Northern Premier League Premier Division (att: 834)

Another trip up to the coast to stay over and catch up with as many mates and family as possible, while seeing a win that I believe set the road ahead which would eventually end in promotion through the play-offs at the end of the season.

There were still some doubters, and the board had made some tough decisions handing out banning orders to one or two. However, it galvanized a togetherness among the loyal following that was badly missing on my previous visit.

Boss, Jono Greening was still trying to assemble his squad in his first season in management. Some seemed to forget this rather quickly. The media frenzies covering big clubs with a demand for results and sackings had a lot to answer for. 

One signing was a big lad up front called Jake Day. I termed him to Billy Whitehurst without the nastiness. He was a proper handful who the crowd warmed to with his non-stop effort and enthusiasm, even if he lacked some niceties and pretty touches.

Kieran Weledji set up the opener, putting through Nathan Cartman who lobbed keeper Aidan Dowling from twenty-five yards. Day put the defence under great pressure while Cartman never stopped running.

 

Just before the hour mark, City were reduced to ten men when Nathan Reid badly challenged Will Thornton from behind and was given a red card. Outstanding defender Bailey Gooda doubled the lead on seventy-three minutes with a back post header as the fans increased the volume and really got behind the team.

Weledji was dismissed for a second bookable offence near fulltime, while Day smashed a shot just wide. It had been a really good performance and led to a happy Saturday evening which continued long into the following day.

Scarborough 3 Nantwich Town 0 (Saturday 20^th November 2021) Northern Premier League Premier Division (att: 887) 

My birthday, a home win, and a fantastic performance. I certainly went to my bed in the North Riding Hotel extremely happy that night, having travelled up on the morning of the game and getting underway with a couple of pints in that excellent establishment who kindly gave me a free room as a birthday gift and going away present.

It was a decent match in the opening stages, with both teams going for it and promising goals, with Ryan Witley having a fine game in goal for the Seadogs. Five minutes before the break Nathan Cartman retaliated petulantly to a challenge and was sent off, which fired up his teammates.

Day chased after one ball, with Town defenders getting out of the way, such was his presence as it created an opportunity for Luca Colville that was fired just wide. Once again, the fans got behind the team for what was an outstanding second half performance.

Jo McWalie had a goal chalked off for offside for the visitors before Day put Boro ahead with a low shot off the far post after being fed by James Cadman. Whitley had to be in great form at the other end, denying Nantwich efforts on several occasions.

The lead was doubled twelve minutes from time after the excellent Kieran Glynn had been fouled. Ryan Watson drilled home the resulting free kick. Connor Heath was fouled in the box, but Town’s Sean Cooke was denied by Whitley from the penalty spot.

Colville rounded things off when he rounded keeper Andy Wycherley after being put in by Ash Jackson, while Whitley made another top stop to preserve a clean sheet. It was great leaving the stadium with positivity abounding among the happy and hard to please locals. 

The evening was also very enjoyable, as several friends made sure that they popped by for beers, before I headed to York for Sunday lunch with the family and even enjoyed sampling some ale in a couple of cracking establishments before the train to London.