Whitby Town V Stafford Rangers Saturday 13th April 2019.

Whitby will be doing their annual Pay What You Like at the gate.

Approach to the ground

On entering Whitby from both the A169 & A171 roads, take the first fork and follow signs for West Cliff, Then turn Left at the Spar Shop/Garage,Go along Love Lane to the Junction of the A174, Turn right and the ground is 600 yards on the Left.

Safe travels to all heading to this match. 

On Sunday 17th March 2019 March Craig Fellows took part in the Stafford half marathon, he very kindly donated his sponsorship money to Stafford Rangers. We are extremely grateful for this; we would also like to thank all the people who sponsored Craig for their support.

Thanks also go to Shaun Reynolds for his fundraising efforts this week, raising money to make up for the loss of income due to the sad demise of North Ferriby United, our thanks also go to all the fans who have supported Shaun’s fundraising ideas. We hope to see you all on Saturday.

Due to the demise of North Ferriby we have a blank Saturday, and therefore hope that our relegation threatened rivals draw a blank too.

Keep a look out for Bamber Bridge v Scarborough, Nantwich v Mickleover and Witton v Workington. Do not forget Workington v Mickleover on Tuesday 2nd. So, our next game is Tuesday 9th April when we travel to top of the table Farsley who lead South Shields by a point. Remember South Shields come to us on 20th April, so we could have a say in the promotion battle if we can repeat our heroic win at the then top of the table Warrington last month.

However, next Saturday Farsley travel to Buxton who are eyeing up a playoff spot themselves, while South Shields entertain Hednesford. It means we may not be playing the top of the league, but in either event expect a tough game as Farsley have only lost twice at home in the league this season to, Hednesford and Witton. If Hednesford can do it then why can’t we, especially if we replicate our second half performance against Hyde.

Sadly, a long midweek journey to Yorkshire may not see the 12th man in a strong position. Last Saturday Farsley had a crowd of 358 for their home game with Stalybridge in the “Celtic derby”. It may be jealousy but if the we were top of the league for this fixture, I would expect the 348 to be our travelling support. If Farsley do gain promotion they may need bigger gates to ensure they do not repeat the scene of 10 years ago,

We have come across Farsley Celtic before, but that side came to an unfortunate end as they entered Administration in June 2009 whilst in the Blue Square North, failing fulfill its fixtures and eventually being expelled from that league early in 2010. Our record with that team was a 0-1 away defeat on opening day 2007 and a home defeat 0-2 in the March. Both sides were relegated from the Conference and met again on the opening day in 2008 but we recorded a 1-0 win but lost 4-0 away in December. 2009/10 saw us draw 2-2 at home but on-going financial difficulties saw the Administrators appointed with the club’s results expunged in March 2010 when the Administrator prohibited the club from fulfilling its fixtures, one of them being our away fixture.

One funny anecdote from the old Farsley was that for the segregated away end at half time two guys lifted out the turnstile and allowed fans out to purchase cans of beer out of a car boot.

Farsley AFC were formed in June 2010 from the embers of Farsley Celtic F.C and were placed in the NCEL Premier Division for their first season which turned out to be highly successful with a league and cup double recorded, it appears mainly due to many of the former players remaining loyal to the club. Promotion to the Northern Premier League Division 1 in 2011/12 saw them secured 4th spot but they failed in the play offs. Consolidation at step 4 then continued until season 2016/17 when they finished runners up to Lancaster and promotion secured. Last season Farsley finished 4th and did the double over us. This season they came to Marston Road in October for the league game and went home with a 3-1 win. They also beat us in the Integro Cup to secure a final spot.

For the hardy traveller the Throstle Nest ground has a post code of LS28 5BE. For those going by train you may forget it as you not get home till Wednesday.

Games played on 9th April this century

2005       Worcester City    H             0-0          Conference North

2007       Aldershot             A             2-4          Conference North

2011       Workington          A             0-2          Conference North

2012       Nantwich             H             1-1          Northern Premier League