Call-ups make up for call-off misery
THREE players from the North East have received international call-ups by England C manager Paul Fairclough.
Gateshead goalkeeper James Montgomery and Spennymoor Town’s former Heed schemer Rob Ramshaw are in the 16-man squad.
Blyth Spartans’ prolific goalscorer Dan Maguire has also been called up for the game against Wales C at Barry Town.
Montgomery is one of two goalkeepers selected for the game on Tuesday, March 20, along with Boreham Wood’s Grant Smith.
Wearsider Montgomery lost his place at Gateshead to former Carlisle keeper Dan Hanford after Steve Watson took over as manager.
Montgomery, however, reclaimed the number one spot after Hanford was sent off against Maidstone at the end of January.
“We are fortunate in having two very good goalkeepers,” said Watson.
“Montgomery has done well since he’s come back in and deserves his call-up.”
Ramshaw started his career at Darlington and joined Spennymoor following his release from Gateshead in 2016.
He helped the Moors – who could face Gateshead in the semi-final of the FA Trophy – to promotion from the Northern Premier League last season.
It is the local product’s first call up to the England C squad.
“Ramshaw was one of three players who joined us from Gateshead,” said Spennymoor boss Jason Ainsley.
“He is a regular in our midfield and it’s great for the player and the club that he’s been selected for the national squad.”
Maguire, meanwhile, has played more than 250 games for Blyth, scoring more than a century of goals.
“Maguire is one of the best strikers in non-league football, and he’s capable of scoring goals for England C,” said Spartans boss Alun Armstrong, “Both Gateshead and h Spartans’ games have been postponed tomorrow. The Heed, at home to Leyton Orient in an FA Trophy quarter-final replay on Tuesday, were due to take on Tranmere Rovers on The Wirral. A frozen pitch, however, put paid to the game, despite the Prenton Park playing surface benefiting from pitch covers. Croft Park is covered in snow, causing the postponement of their National League North game against Southport. Both games will now be rescheduled for midweek. Blyth are next in action next weekend at title-chasing Salford City.
Dan Maguire is one of the best strikers in non-league football, and he’s capable of scoring goals for England C