Roof falling in on Jarrow’s time in league
JARROW Roofing have resigned from the Ebac Northern League bringing an end to 35 years of football at the South Tyneside club.
Club owner Richie McLoughlin confirmed Saturday’s home defeat to Stockton Town was their final fixture before they fold.
McLoughlin released a statement thanking the club’s volunteers for their help and he went on to explain the personal reasons behind his decision.
He said: “After 35 years and building the club from scratch I would like to thank all of the hardworking volunteers for their effort, many of whom have been with us since the start in 1987.
“It is in my blood and I will always be around football.
“I have enjoyed our time and would not change anything but it is time to move on and enjoy the rest of my life with my equally dedicated wife Jan.”
A Northern League spookesman said: “It is sad to lose any club and it is even harder to lose one where someone like Richie McLoughlin has put in so much hard work to build the club up from scratch and keep it going in what have often been very difficult times for many clubs at this level.
“We would like to thank everyone involved and wish them all the best for the future.”
Roofing ended their time in Division One with a 3-1 home defeat against Stockton Town.
Liam Anderson had given Roofing the lead on 17 minutes but a Sonni Coleman brace and a goal from Chris Stockton helped the Anchors move into the top six of the table.
Meanwhile, a goalless draw against Newcastle Benfield was enough to secure the Northern League Division One title for Cleveland club Marske United.
Shildon secured a third-placed finish as goals from Carl Jones, Billy Greulich-Smith and Matty Robson helped them to a 3-2 win at home against Ryhope CW.
A Mark Fitzpatrick goal was all that was needed for Dunston UTS to secure a home victory against Guisborough Town.
The race to see who will join Division champions Blyth AFC in Division One goes into the final days of the season after success for Northallerton Town and Hebburn Town.
The Braves clinched the title with a 4-0 verdict at Tow Law Town thanks to two efforts from Michael Chilton and further strikes from Bobby Taylor and David Robinson.
A 4-0 win at Darlington RA moved Hebburn Town into secondplace ahead of their meeting with Chester-le-Street Town. NEWCASTLE woke up from their early summer slumber far too late to rescue dreams of a top-half glory finish to an eventful season.
A sweltering day saw United on the beach first half, sun cream daubed on reddened faces and deck chairs lined in a row.
Safety having been claimed early through sheer sweat and toil, this was Newcastle on their hollies.
By the time the referee signalled a welcome break in the shade of the dressing-room Watford were two goals up, had missed a penalty and recklessly thrown away other good opportunities.
A second-half fightback proved to be too great a mountain to climb and so it has been four steps forward and now three steps back.
Four successive victories followed by three successive defeats. - and what capital gains will be had against Spurs and Chelsea this week?
As a consequence of early mass sunbathing - goalkeeper Martin Dubravka apart - Watford have cuffed United twice this crazy season, running up five goals while United have notched but one.
Yes, the PL pygmies (in terms of club stature) produced the big winners on the day - because United let them early doors.
A club which punches above its weight downed a club which can often punch below theirs. I warned in my Friday column individuals had better remember they still had something to play for - but only Dubravka appeared to listen until it was too late.
From an explosive 12 points gained out of 12 we have endured a whimper.
If Newcastle deserved more on their second-half performance then they ought to realise football is a cruel game which exposes any weaknesses - like switching off because the main job is done.
Any thought they are suffering from physical and mental exhaustion having fought manfully against relegation was blown away by their second-half rally. No tiredness there.
As early as the second minute United were behind and you can point the finger at who you wish.
Florian Lejeune and Mo Diame barged into one another and Paul Dummett made a complete mess of an attempted clearance.
The outcome? Roberto Pereyra right-footed home.
It took a double save from the brave Dubravka four minutes later to stem the tide, Pereyra and Troy Deeney both being denied.
However, by the 28th minute Watford had upped their lead through an Andre Gray free header after Javier Manquillo suffered from a twisted sock trying to stop Pereyra who crossed.
Come the 39th minute and referee Roger East awarded a dubious penalty after taking the advice of his nearest assistant. A sliding Dummett was ruled to have grounded an already tumbling Gray but Deeney’s spot kick and follow up were saved by Dubravka.
United set up a much more decent second half by pulling a goal back as early as the 55th minute with great balls from Jonjo Shelvey and birthday boy Manquillo allowing top scorer Ayoze Perez to expertly flick home his eighth goal of the season.
Too late United stirred having felt the cold blast of defeat and, prompted by the magnificent Shelvey, pushed on perhaps remembering what they owe to themselves and a magnificent bunch of travelling supporters.
Substitute Adrian Mariappa almost scored an own goal from a Manquillo cross on 65 minutes and Mikel Merino failed to equalise two minutes from time when presented with a great chance.
This was supposedly the easiest match of United’s run-in with Watford not having won in their last seven attempts.
Now the Mags have to go to Wembley on Wednesday to face Spurs and take on Chelsea up here on Sunday trying avoid a horrific string of defeats which would tarnish memories over the summer break.
The cavalry are lined up behind them ready for the final charge.