ACE GARETH WILL REMAIN ROBINS’ NO.1
NORTH Shields have confirmed club legend Gareth Bainbridge will remain as their record post-war goalscorer – despite the Football Association’s decision to declare the 2019/20 Northern League season as null and void.
The striker had plundered his way to 163 goals in 241 games since moving to the Daren Persson Stadium from Ashington in 2013.
That form took him to the brink of history as he drew level with the Robins’ previous record post-war goalscorer Don Winskill when he grabbed a late consolation goal in a 3-1 defeat at Stockton Town in September.
Bainbridge had to wait to clinch the record as a number of injuries limited his involvement in the Robins’ bid to secure a top five place.
But that wait was ended in February when the striker converted a late penalty in a 1-1 home draw against Ryhope CW to surpass Winskill’s record.
The FA’s decision to void the Northern League season led to concerns that Bainbridge would be robbed of his record – but North Shields confirmed on Monday that they still officially recognise the striker’s remarkable achievement.
A statement read: “As many of you know, North Shields legend Gareth Bainbridge broke the club’s post-war goalscoring record this season with a late penalty against Ryhope CW.
“However, the FA’s decision to expunge all results this season, following the cancellation of all football below the National League due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, left many questions unanswered.
“One of those questions which many have been asking was whether Gareth’s record-breaking achievement would stand or not.
“Despite the 2019/20 season not officially counting towards anything anymore, much to the disappointment of many across the country, we see Gareth’s record as a club record rather than a League or FA one.
“The goals he scored this season were in competitive games and we feel that they should count towards his overall record for the club.
“Therefore, North Shields are happy to announce that we will be recognising Gareth’s incredible achievement of scoring 164 goals from 243 games.
“We look forward to seeing everyone at the Daren Persson Stadium once football resumes but, in the meantime, stay safe!”