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Birtley Town Athletic, Washington (2026)

19/01/2026

3 POINTS & UP TO 2ND! 📈🌧️⚽

Washington Spartans 1 - 4 Birtley Town

📍 Southern Area Playing Fields

It wasn’t pretty, and it certainly wasn’t our best performance of the season, but the lads dug deep today to grind out a good away win.

The pitch was foggy, heavy, wet, and difficult, making our usual passing game tough. It was a proper battle, but we managed the conditions to get the job done and take home a crucial 3 points.

First Half...
We couldn't keep hold of the ball early on but battled hard to eventually get a foothold in the game. Luke Mitchell was first on the scoresheet, followed by Akshaye Khanna, with both goals coming from two great crosses from Matthew Hill. That separated the teams at the break. 0-2

Second Half...
We started off a little bit better, with Akshaye scoring his brace within the first 10 minutes to make it 3-0.

What happened next you couldn't make up! 😅 A ball was played back to our keeper, who slipped on the poor surface as he went to collect it, knocking the ball towards the goal line(as far as it got). The ref standing at the centre circle nowhere near the goal blew his whistle and gave a goal! 😩😂 Impossible for him to see through the fog and distance, but the goal stood. 1-3
Spartans put us under pressure for the next 5 minutes until we were given a free kick 30 yards out. Aaron Turnbull went for the long ranger, catching the keeper off guard for his second best goal of the season! The lads finished the game off comfortably to secure the points.

It was good to get the win even when we weren't at our best, and we did exactly that today. Other league results went in our favour, putting us in second spot.💚🤍

⚽ Luke Mitchell 🅰️ Matthew Hill
⚽⚽ Akshaye Khanna 🅰️ Luke Mitchell

POM - Kyle Brown (brilliant display at right back)
MPOM - Akshaye Khanna

11/01/2026

⚽ Birtley vs The Marksman ⚽️

We weren't expecting the game to be on after looking out the window this morning. Everyone was tucked up in bed until we got the message it was going ahead... FML.

Mad dash. Only Four lads in the changers 10 mins before kickoff with the oppo already out warming up. We eventually had seven players arrive in total, so management sent the boys out while the both kitted up to play, Twins, Arny and Danny Devito sprung to mind.

Little Mick walked out the door while Ross had an emergency 💩 and noticed the game had already started on the far pitch. Gollum screaming from the distance "Hurry up you baldy C..." Obviously doesn't realize there was no need to panic because I'm absolutely class. Anyway... Ross, James P, and Juice-head made the squad today and reminded the rest of the lads they are nothing without them.

We got off to a flyer missing 20 chances in the first 10 mins (could have been the first 20 mins, as I wasn't sure what time they kicked off since the game started without us). 20 shots, zero goals 😵‍💫. We eventually opened the scoring and put another two in as while rest of the team tipped up. We cruised the first half bagging a few more goals, not naming the scorers or assists as I can't be arsed.

Second Half 🔄

Mick "quit" Birtley and signed on for The Marksman during the interval as they had a few injuries 🤔 true sportsmanship, and 5 subs made for Birtley meant the "late shows" eventually got a chance to play.

Another dominant display saw the boys bag a few more goals, while The Marksman picked up a few more strains and ran out of players, leading to the game ending 20 mins early.

Our biggest win so far, but credit to The Marksman who battled on. We know from when our team first formed the difficulties of facing heavy defeats, but time and a few signings helped us improve. Resilience and persistence is key. 👊

⚽️ Cain 4
⚽️ Clarke 4
⚽️ Luke 3
⚽️ Drew 2
⚽️ Andy, Jay, Ollie

⭐ POM: Drew
⭐ MPOM: Clarke

08/12/2025

Birtley Town Athletic 1–6 Washington Wanderers
Sunday League “Season of Giving”

If generosity were a football stat, Birtley Town Athletic would be top of the League by Christmas...

Unfortunately, it was Washington Wanderers who cashed in on our festive spirit as we handed them and early present, all three points.

Things started slow for us and it wasn’t long before the Christmas charity appeal began, neatly wrapped with a bow and placed under Washington’s tree.

Washington were two up inside the first ten minutes, the opener looking suspiciously offside though not in the eyes of the ref. Their second arrived gift wrapped from the spot, a penalty generously donated 👀 At 2–0 down things looked bleak, but the lads rallied and pulled one back to make it 2–1, a free kick floated in from the halfway line by Aaron Turnbull was met by Jay who headed across to Ash who calmly headed it into the net, suddenly Washington were the ones under pressure. Birtley creating multiple chances that we just couldn't finish. We went in at half time wondering how we hadn't leveled or even taken the lead 🥴

Then came the double header offer.. 15 minutes into the second half two mistimed defensive headers became the equivalent of sticking a bow on the ball and handing it back, Washy Wanderers weren’t shy about opening their presents, two more goals. The back line had turned into Santa’s grotto 😂

Just when we thought the comedy had peaked, then came the showpiece... An unmarked Washington player inside the 18 yard box met a cross(think it was our own clearance😵‍💫) he somehow miss‑headed it straight up into the sky. The whole pitch watched it hang there like the star of Bethlehem, before it drifted back down, in slow motion, straight over our stand in keeper and into the goal. No VAR check. No explanation. Just disbelief and a few chuckles 🙃😅

By the final whistle, Washington had stacked their stockings nicely with six goals and three points. On another day, the first goal is flagged, the penalty isn’t given, a couple of those first half chances go in, and the script reads very differently. As it is, Birtley head into the next game knowing one thing for sure, the season of giving for us is officially over. Spirits remain high, the banter’s good, and this squad will bounce back 👊

⚽Akshaye Khanna 🅰️ Jacob Walledge

POM 👮 Swinbank
Mpom Luke

"Cain was desperately missed for this game and if he hadn't of been on holiday we would have won" - Cain

05/12/2025

🐶 🎄 📦

01/12/2025

Birtley Town Athletic 5 Silksworth 2

An injury in the bar the night before meant we were without our front runner Ash as well as Steven who is resting an injury. Also and not surprising, 3 no shows meant we were slightly short in squad numbers... Luckily new signing Browny and a return for the rapid Matty who has been out injured for the past 6 weeks meant we had a couple to spare.

Birtley got off to an early lead with KP firing into the net to get the ball rolling, first 20 mins saw both team having opportunities but Birtley started to edge control, a second goal coming from Matty who took the ball a bit too far past the keeper but still manage to squeeze the ball in from a tight angle. 2-0 confidence grew with Andy striking just outside the 18 yard box assisted by Luke making it 3-0 and the 4th coming from Luke himself assisted by Brandon. Luke reckons it's our goal of the season but I was to busy on the other side of the pitch trying to turn my recharable hand warmers on. Was probably sh*te anyways.. Although I did see him celebrate by himself like Isak getting his first prem league goal. We go in leading 4-0 at half time.

Second half we started too casual and some players forgot how to keep composed and play simple getting us into trouble In our own box (no I wasn't playing this week) a scramble in the box saw KP get an assist for Silksworth as he hoofed the ball to clear it and Aaron decided to jump 6ft In the air to block the clearance and putting the ball past his own keeper (players can vote in the comments who's fault it was that we scored an own goal) this triggered a response from Silksworth who put us under pressure and they eventually put another one past the keeper a great solo run and finish tbf, 4-2. Silksworth continued the pressure until we got a corner which saw the ball bounce around the box and new lad Browny managed to get his head to the ball to make it 5-2 this took the edge of the confident Silksworth and we managed to regain some control of the game.

Stong performances from Drew, Jay, and Andy and Luke(pictured)

⚽ Kieran Park 🅰️ Cain Turnbull
⚽ Matthew Hill 🅰️ Jacob Walledge
⚽ Andy illingsworth 🅰️ Luke Mitchell
⚽ Luke Mitchell 🅰️ Brandon Walsh
⚽ Kyle Brown 🅰️ Andy illingsworth

Silksworth goal
⚽ Aaron Turnbull 🅰️ Kieran Park

POM Top graft from Luke Mitchell (again) with a cracking goal and assist

MPOM Andy illingsworth great work rate today (first assist of the season) 👀

Cain Turbull back to his usual self (he now can't turn up when he wants)

23/11/2025

A big win today for Birtley Town Athletic, beating league leaders The Fountain, who were previously unbeaten in the league.

Low on numbers due to injuries and other commitments along with two players, Cain and James P enjoying a nice lie in meant team management, Ross Straughan and Michael Walsh, had to start the game today. The lazy $ #!£$ did eventually turn up...

The Fountain took a two-goal lead early on, showing how clinical they can be in front of goal, but the boys soon settled. It wasn’t until the 30th minute, when Luke was brought down on the edge of the box, that Cain had an opportunity to show why he’s our last choice free kick taker. Luckily for us, it was the one shot from 20 that he manages to get on target, credit where it’s due, he fired it nicely into the bottom corner. That’s when the boys came alive and looked determined to turn the game around. Despite some great pressure and lots of opportunities, the ball just wouldn’t go in. Until Brandon Walsh played the ball into Cain’s feet, who turned their defence inside out firing his second goal of the game into the net. We go in level, 2-2 at half time.

The second half saw an end to end game, a goal could have came from either team. It was Birtley that had a 10 minute spell, forcing some great saves from The Fountain’s keeper. Again, it was a moment of magic from Cain, a ball from James p saw him go on a solo run, beating all 11 men(twice) before finally deciding to shoot(which he did in style) completing his hat-trick.🔥👌 It was The Fountain’s turn to put on the pressure, but the defence put up a solid performance holding back their attacks. Andrew Broadley pulled off some finger tip saves and Aaron Turnbull making a crucial goal line block kept us in the lead. We gained control again to see out the final minutes of the game.

Proud of the boys 💚 and their ability to turn games around and showing that when we take matches seriously, we can play well and win against the toughest teams in the league.

⚽⚽⚽ Cain
🅰️ Luke 🅰️ Brandon 🅰️ James Percy

POM Luke Mitchell
Managers POM Cain Turnbull
Unsung Hero: Akshaye Khanna

17/11/2025

Sundays cup game saw another entertaining game against Ryhope Village FC(great bunch of lads). Birtley Town Athletic took the win 6–5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw

Ryhope made it tough for us right from the off, taking the lead within the first five minutes. The lads responded well creating a few opportunities to score with the equaliser coming from Aaron Turnbull s corner which was met by Dan Swinbank's head to bring us level

We battled through the rest of the first half trying to take the lead, but Ryhope defended well, at the break it was all square at 1-1.

After half time, we stepped it up and managed to get ourselves in front midway through the second half. To their credit, Ryhope kept pushing and grabbed a late equaliser with just a couple of minutes left, so it was off to penalties.

What followed was five flawless spot kicks from the boys 💪 and in sudden death a great save from Andrew Broadley meant it was left to Jay to put us into the next round 🔥⚽

Huge effort from every player in a Birtley shirt today yous deservedly go into the next round! 💚🤍

Mom Aaron Turnbull
Mpom Luke Mitchell

⚽ Dan (PC) Swinbank 🅰️ Aaron Turnbull
⚽ Brandon (Ollie) Walsh 🅰️ Luke Mitchell

13/11/2025

Last Sunday, Birtley were away to Seaham Red Star in what turned out to be our second loss of the season. Despite the defeat, the team showcased one of their best all around performances to date, which is a promising step in the right direction.

Both teams were evenly matched, resulting in an end to end game where a fair outcome would have been a draw. The goalkeepers from both sides played crucial roles in keeping the scores down.

Our goal came from Cain’s first ever decent corner, which enabled KP to head an absolute bullet into the back of the net.

Player of the Match went to Ash, who demonstrated incredible work ethic and pressure against the oppos defence

Manager's Player of the Match Corey Butters
For an outstanding performance in Goal.

⚽ Kieran Park 🅰️ Cain Turnbull

This week we are also pleased to introduce two new players to the squad, Drew Harding and Brandon Walsh, who help strengthen our squad as we move forward.

09/11/2025

We share Remembrance Day with today's opposition Seaham red star Sunday fc , and acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country.

27/10/2025

Birtley Town Athletic 4 East Herrington 3

Sundays Match Report by Cain Turnbull

Birtley Town started bright knocking the ball around well, Birtley scoring 3 in the first half, a well worked free kick from Andy Illingworth a penalty from Luke and a 40 yard cross/shot from lieutenant Dan.

Into the Second half East Herrington dominated the next 45 minutes making Athletic look like they didn't know what football was. East Herrington scored a goal fairly close to the end of the game to level 3-3 if it wasn’t for Andy in Goal it could’ve been embarrassing loss. The only saving grace was in the final 2 minutes Luke Mitchell works his way through the oppos defence and calmly puts the ball on a plate for Jay (of course he was there, he sat in the opponents box for the last 45 minutes instead of tracking his man). The game ended and Birtley cheered like they just won the FA Cup. 😅

Thanks, Cain, for those lovely words. There were many more that had to be removed for profanity and just because he's a wrong'un (not really).

Not the lads' best performance, but their resilience to keep pushing and digging deep in difficult moments has managed to get them out of trouble. Birtley move up to 4th in the league 🙌

⚽ Andy Illingsworth , 🅰️ Jacob Walledge
⚽ Luke Mitchell
⚽ Dan Swinbank

POM Andrew Broadley 🙌
MPOM Dan Swinbank

23/10/2025

Last Sundays result

Birtley Athletic 3 - Wear United 3

Match Report By Cain Turnbull 😵‍💫👎

Poor start from Birtley seen them go 2-0 down within 5 minutes and that eventually made them pull their fingers out of their 🫏The Chuckle Brothers Cain and Andy finally woke up after sleep walking for the first 10 minutes. The first goal came from a Quick free kick from Athletics Captain Steven what was cooly headed home by Gollum, Wear United should’ve been down to 10 when will was dragged down by the fullback (dogso), the second goal came from some good play from Will on the right hand side that ended with a whipped ball into the box that hit our immobile striker Dan Jabba who put the ball away. Birtley started coasting again after Birtleys star player and captain threw both their dummy’s out and had a pop at each other.

Half Time 2-2
Not many words spoken at half time due to half the team taking draws of their vapes.

The 2nd half started and Birtley started poor again unable to string together 2 passes a bit like Isak 🐀 . Wear United Capitalised again to go 3-2 up . But Of Course Jay scored again cause after all he is immense even tho he talks like a Tory. Birtley had plenty of chances to win the game when Aaron “Hit” Turnbull’s shot was cleared on the line when he hit the only person within a 12 mile radius and Wills shot is still flying through the air. Birtley made a couple of tactical substitutions near the end when they brought on Dan Jabba and the 🐐 to try and win the game but it wasn’t enough. Special shoutout goes out to Jake Hannan who supplied the team today.

⚽ Andy illingworth 🅰️ Steven Armstrong
⚽ Dan Jb 🅰️ Will Fearon
⚽ Jacob Walledge 🅰️ Luke Mitchell

POM Dan Jablonski
MPOM Luke Mitchell

12/10/2025

Birtley Town 2-2 Prior FC

Birtley Town came from 2-0 down at half-time to sn**ch a point against Prior FC, thanks to a second half penalty from Luke and a dramatic last minute equaliser from Dan Jablonski.

We didn’t do ourselves any favours in the first half, looked sloppy in parts, far from our usual selves and the opportunities we did create were put high and wide.

Prior FC took advantage and they went 2-0 up in the first half, both goals coming from a lack of focus and communication.

The second half we came out with more urgency but it took a while before the breakthrough came. Jacob went on a run cutting into the 18 yard box where he was brought down and Luke calmly slotted home from the penalty spot, bringing us back into the game. Afterwards we put the pressure on, but it wasnt until the dying seconds that Luke whipped a cross to the far post and Dan Jablonski leapt high, heading back across the goal, into the bottom corner to level things up 2-2.

Not our best performance, and one that definitely feels like two points dropped but credit to our lads for the second half fightback.

⚽ Luke Mitchell 🅰️ Jacob Walledge
⚽ Dan Jb 🅰️Luke Mitchell

MOM Dan Jablonski
PMOM Luke Mitchell

Birtley Town Athletic

19/01/2026

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