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LCT Dispatch issue 3 Summer 1990 The
North East played very well to establish a 2-0 lead at half time with Phil
Jackson scoring both goals. But in a great second half comeback Colin Barnes (2)
and Matt Westfall scored the goals to give the North West a narrow win.
Outstanding player for the North East was midfielder and captain Gerry Purcell
with Cecil Deschamps playing a superb game as sweeper for the North West. LCT Dispatch issue 2 Spring 1990 Q. What team plays its home games 300 miles from home? A. The North East TPO Football Club! As they are London based the NETPO play all their matches in the Newcastle or North of England area due to travelling commitments. Despite having only a relatively small staff complement NETPO still manage to put out a side for about ten friendly matches a season. Managed by Ron Dyer with Gerry Purcell as Captain and Dave Griffiths as Club Secretary, NETPO have built strong links with Newcastle United F.C. “They have been marvellous towards us and we have built up wonderful public relations with them”, said Dave” They have given us a guided tour of their hallowed turf at St. James’s park and let us use their training ground for some matches.” A game against some of Newcastle’s up and coming youngsters resulted in a 13-0 defeat for NETPO but Dave Griffiths admits that even so it was the best they had ever played. The friendly rivalry that exists on TPOs is mirrored in the fierce competition that occurs when NETPO meets North West TPO twice a season. The last match at North West’s ground in Carlisle resulted in a 1-1 draw. Dave also asked us to mention that the strong sports tradition of the North East TPO is enhanced by the thriving Sports and Social Club run by Jim Ismail, Ernie Howe, and Les Elliot. RMCT Dispatch issue No.7 May 1991 Promise for the future Biffo Griffiths reports….. Match report North East TPO 0 Newton Rigg 2 This was the first time that the NE lads wore the superb kit provided by RMCT and we tried hard to produce a performance to match its quality. We have been striving hard all season to produce a performance of the quality we exhibited on that day . Although we lost, the result hinged on a knife edge right up to the dying few seconds when the second Newton Rigg goal gave a flattering score line, although the visitors were worthy of their victory. Bobby Hall and Peter Bartolo played superbly throughout in the heart of our defence whilst Terry Baker and Phil Jackson worked tirelessly up front carving out some excellent chances. Return leg: Newton Rigg 8 NETPO 6 This was an absolute cracker of a match. We deserved to win. The only reason we didn’t was that the home keeper put on a performance of such class that he could easily have been a pro. NETPO welcomed two new players who both played splendidly. Clive Strong gave his all in our back four and Steve Little scored a second half hat trick that promises much for the future. Other goal scorers were Terry Baker, and Dave Cronin. Man of the match was Steve Lyons. NETPO club captain Gerry Purcell organized a 5-a-side competition which raised £67 for comic relief. All the supporters and players of the NETPO would like to register a vote of thanks to Marjorie and Charlie Allen who are in charge of the Civil Service Sports Club. They offer us splendid facilities great food and the best beer in the North which is really saying something. They are always great company and make us very welcome. RMCT Dispatch issue no.8 July 1991 North East Pentathlon won by the Old Uns The regular fixture of Old Uns versus Young Uns continues
to draw in the crowds on the NE TPO Bobby Hall reports…. The Pentathlon was fought out at the Civil Service Club in Newcastle on May 24th and kicked off (literally!) with a closely contested football match. This was won 2-1 by the Old Uns, thanks to goals from Bobby Hall and Phil (who’s side are you on?) Goodenough who score a spectacular own goal to seal the match. The Young Uns’ only goal was a net snapping shot from Terry (Bite yer legs) Baker. The second leg, a pool match, was won in the play offs by Dave Cronin, snatching victory from Chas McMahon. Old uns 1 – Young uns 1 The dominoes were won by the old uns in a massacre of a match reflected in the score of 3-0, however the young uns fought back in the crib winning 2-1. The final leg, the darts was a nail biting affair that was contested right down to the final throw, John Comries’ last dart sealing the fate of the Young uns. The post games celebrations lived up to their reputation of being on a par with a Roman Bacchanalia, but a great day was had by all showing once again the friendship of the NETPO. Newcastle Times July 18th
1991
Friendly Matches? One of the areas most unusual football teams is looking to arrange some friendly matches for the coming season. The team is the London Section of the North East Travelling Post Office, while members spend their time working on the mail trains that speed up and down between London and Newcastle. The club plays most of its matches on Wednesday afternoons at the Civil Service Sports Club at Darsley Park Longbenton, but does not mind playing elsewhere. Anyone interested should ring Dave Griffiths on 0279-505260 or write to him at the following address: 23 Wentworth Drive, Bishops Stortford, Herts CM23 2PB. RMCT Dispatch issue 10 December 1991 SOME YOU WIN. OTHERS………. Dave “Biffo” Griffiths our regular reporter of the
North East TPO Sports scene gives us an overview of recent triumphs and
disasters……. NETPO London Section have had a very memorable season to date. We have managed to obtain some new fixtures against some very good sides. As well as a win and a defeat against cab company NODA Cars of Newcastle, in October, we made the 140 mile round trip into Cumbria to play the Cumbria College of Agriculture at Penrith. This must rank as one of our best performances ever. One of our unsung heroes, Bobby Hall enabled us to break through a very tight and vigorous defence to open our scoring. After a great penalty box tussle, leading to the equaliser, North East’s Dave Cronin banged in the winning goal. October 16th saw us rather nearer home playing at the superb Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, the home of Northumberland College of Agriculture. We had to graft for a result playing against a very strong wind. Our hosts took an early lead, but Steve Little put us level with a bursting volley that caught the opponents’ keeper off his line. Midway through the second half Gerry Purcell, in truly inspirational form, burst through for our winner and gave us a run of three unbeaten games. On October 25th we were back at our home venue of the Civil Service Club playing a team from the Social Security who compete in a very high class Newcastle league. Sad to say we lost 3-5. Our scorers were Steve Little (2) and Phil Jackson. Special mention must be made of Steve Lyons and Chris Burge. Chris was magnificent in defence before unfortunately having to leave the field through injury. On behalf of everyone associated with North East TPO Football Section I would like to wish all our supporters a very happy Christmas and New Year. Yours in sport. Dave Griffiths Evening Chronicle February 16th
1993
Footballers of the North East Travelling Post Office served up a 4-1 delivery against Noda Taxis at Benwell Sports Club and all of the goals came in the last 30 minutes. Steve Little (2) Jeff Ryding, and Gus Bonsu got the TPO goals with Mark McLeod replying. TPO’s man of the match was Anthony Smithson, with Mark McLeod and Ronnie Allen looking good for the cab drivers. The London Magazine February 1993 “Team that always plays away” The NETPO Football club is well organised. It has to be, because it plays in three different counties- North Durham, Cumbria, and Northumbria! Now in its 4th season, NETPO competes against sides from the agricultural Colleges who provide good, hard, no nonsense competition of a surprisingly high standard. The team has a pool of approximately 18 players to pick from including names from other TPO trains. “At most of our matches, home and away we have a cooked meal arranged and try to ensure that the club’s matches have a social as well as a sporting side”, writes Dave Griffiths. “This season we are also playing against Hexham Post Office side along with a well established fixture against NODA cars, the taxi drivers’ association from Newcastle. “Our links with Newcastle goes back some time. We play our “home fixtures, if you can call them that, at Benwell Sports Club which is a stone’s throw away from the great St. James’s park ground of Newcastle United F.C.” “Our relationship with Newcastle United F.C. will hopefully continue. In the past we have been given three guided tours of the St James’s ground and use of their superb training ground. Nothing has been too much trouble for them to help their amateur colleagues and we offer our warmest thanks.” “We have an excellent management line up team in team manager Jack Lee and General Managers Gerry Purcell and Tom Peachley. These stalwarts make sure our club runs smoothly and efficiently. Hopefully we will bring you some match reports of our games throughout the year and give you an insight into our football club, one that plays all its matches away from home! The London Magazine April 1993 PROGRESS OF “PLAYAWAYS” Dave Griffiths gives us the run down on what’s been
happening since his last report on the NETPO Football Club – the team that
plays away. Our TPO started preparations for the second half of the season at the home ground, Benwell. We started the 11-a-side fixtures on the 10th of February with an away fixture at Ponteland v the Northumberland College of Agriculture. Not at our best, we lost 2-1 with Steve Little scoring our goal. For the next match we welcomed the Quality Assurance Manager for TPO’s Alan Baty back. Alan’s contribution included the vital equalising goal in the 1-1 draw with the local taxi outfit Noda Cars (Newcastle Owner Drivers Association). Steve Ball put over an excellent cross and Alan’s goal sent our players and supporters delirious with delight. Star of the show was our goalkeeper Dave Cronin. A reflection of his play was a creditable draw eagerly witnessed by 25 supporters and excellently refereed by Jim Ismail. An additional fixture was at Northumberland College of Agriculture. Sterling Performances by Phil Jackson and Brian Angus kept us in the hunt. Jackson scored a brilliant goal ten minutes before half time and further high quality goals by Steve Little and Bob Pinegar gave us an excellent 3-0 victory. Dave Cronin performed well in our goal and Gerry Purcell was magnificent in midfield. Our next three fixtures are; v Cumbria College of Agriculture – home (they will make the 140-mile round trip from Penrith as we did earlier in the season), v Midland TPO South – home, and also Hexham Post Office – home. The London Magazine July 1993 NORTH STARS : Season to remember for unstoppable North East TPO A club record of five games without a defeat North East Travelling Post Office Club has finished off the season with a club record of five games without a defeat, as a result of a 3-3 draw with the Cumbria College of Agriculture in Benwell, Newcastle, a round trip of 140 miles. This was a superb game writes Dave Griiffiths, excellently refereed by our popular whistler from Durham, Mick Henderson. We came back from 3-1 down to earn a very creditable draw, with goals from Gerry Purcell (2) and Steve Little. Next was another of our freaks of geography; the North East TPO , based in London, played our friends from the Midland TPO from Birmingham in a farewell event in Newcastle (before their transfer to Glasgow on May 17th.) Again, North East TPO came from behind after Midland had gone 2-0 ahead with goals by Carl Wheeldon and Steve Kime. Steve Lyons was North East’s hero with a couple of goals – the second, the equaliser, a bullet-like header. I would like to mention the contributions made by Colin Mellushi and Ken Halls, a couple of Stalwarts in this game. Then to the final match of the season against Hexham Post Office on March 31st, probably our best performance in all 11 games played. A Steve Little hat-trick, the first goal coming after 20 seconds gave us the lead. We never looked back and achieved a famous victory by three goals to two. Goalkeeper Phil Goodenough was superb as was Terry Baker. Below is our record this season. This article on page 27 includes a photograph of NETPO and Hexham Post Office. P W D L F A 11 3 3 5 28 34 Evening Chronicle October 27 1993
Posties Pipped at the Post A team made up of workers on the overnight mail trains from London to Newcastle have posted two wins in three matches. The North East Travelling Post Office side started by delivering the goods in a 3-1 victory over Durham College of Agriculture at Benwell sports club. Then, the posties were in top gear to see off Noda Taxis 4-1, again at Benwell, but Hexham Post Office ended the eight match unbeaten run with a 4-3 victory at Hexham, their winner coming in the last minute. The postmen raced into a two goal lead through Jeff Ryding and Steve Little before Hexham reduced the arrears from the penalty spot. The home side piled on the pressure after the break to score two more goals, but when Steve Little netted his second of the match it looked as if TPO would hold on for a draw until Hexham grabbed their winner at the death. The posties are always looking for friendlies in the Newcastle area, preferably on Wednesdays and Fridays. Evening Chronicle November 3rd
1993
Posties on parade (a team photograph accompanies this caption) The NE Travelling Post Office F.C. team made up of postmen who work on the Mail train running between Newcastle and London are pictured before their match against Hexham PO, back row left to right: Steve Little, Roy Murphy, Jeff Ryding, Anthony Smithson, Phil Goodenough (capt), Dave Cronin, Steve Lyons, Gus Bonsu, Kevin Stout and manager Jack Lee. Front row: Terry Baker, Ken Halls, Colin Mellish (Physio), Gerry Purcell, Andy Lumber and Jim Ismall. The Travelling mail men were back in the region today when they face a Northumberland College of Agriculture team at Benwell sports ground. The London Magazine December 1993 NORTH STAR’S GOAL PACKED START So close to glory North East TPO’s new look side looked like they had reaped the benefits of two full scale training sessions and a noteworthy contribution to the annual six-a-side competition played at Durham in June when, in a round robin competition, TPO’s “A” team contested the final and only lost on a penalty shootout with Durham College of Agriculture “A” after a 0-0 score line. The first 11-a-side matches of the season were played at our home ground, the Benwell Sports club. In the first match a brilliant all-round team performance gave us a 3-1 win over the Durham College of Agriculture with two goals from Jeff Ryding and a 25 yarder from Gerry Purcell. The momentum of the Durham game carried on to the match with the local taxi firm. After an own goal gave us the lead, two goals from Steve Little and one from Jeff Ryding put us 4-0 ahead before our visitors reduced the deficit to 4-1. Next game we were off to the beautiful market town of Hexham, nestling up in the Northumberland Hill Country. Twice in this game we held a two goal lead at 2-0 and 3-1, but a debated decision from the match official who awarded a penalty against us and injuries to Terry Baker and Andy Lumber proved too much and we went down 4-3 to a last minute goal despite heroics from goalkeeper Dave Cronin. Our next fixture is at home to the Northumberland College of Agriculture. Our club committee would like to pay a big vote of thanks to club men Anthony Smithson, Colin Melluish, Ken Halls and Steve Green for their contributions so far this season either as players or in many vital roles performed. The London Magazine issue No.8 Winter 1993 NETPO Look at the big league After a successful build up to the first part of the season, North East TPO dug deep into its resources for the visit of Northumberland College of Agriculture to Benwell in November. Despite having no less than 10 players unavailable, our lads turned in an excellent performance to defeat our very sporting opponents by two goals to nil. Danny Olding, making his first appearance in our colours was most impressive throughout. Later that month we were in action again at Benwell against Noda Taxis. It was another typical encounter and the 3-3 result was a worthy one. Again our resources were stretched due to injuries. Brian Angus and Jim Ismail were our star performers in defence and goals came from Jeff Ryding (2) and Gerry Purcell. Our old year was rounded off perfectly with a visit to Newcastle United Football Club at St James’s Park. Sixteen of us were treated to a marvellous show of hospitality. However big Newcastle have become on the field, they have not forgotten to take time for people like ourselves. We have to thank our good friend Peter Joyce for arranging this at the United end and to Eric our tour guide for his knowledge, wit, and humour.
Evening Chronicle February 2nd
1994
Hat-tricks by Gerry Purcell and Steve Little plus strikes by Dave Pallett and Dave Crown, saw North Eastern Travelling Post Office put the victory stamp on their match against Northumberland College of Agriculture at Kirkley Hall. The TPO side won 8-2 and though they were leading 3-0 at one stage they had to withstand a lot of pressure as the College hit back twice in the first half. The TPO’s next game is against Noda Cars at Benwell on February 9th (2.15) The London Magazine 1994 issue no.9 “Fantastic finale for NETPO – Victorious end to Star Studded Soccer Season. Wednesday April 6th brought an end to a very successful season for the London based North Eastern travelling Post Office Football Club. Thanks to Steve Lawrence and Phil Jackson in particular, we were very happy to visit many old friends and work colleagues who now staff the Birmingham- Glasgow Travelling Post Office, and whose distant point is Glasgow. With our own distant point being Newcastle, we arranged a meeting which was viable to both teams. Birmingham-Glasgow TPO travelled down on the morning of the match, some 90 miles in a mini bus and to accommodate our large travelling support we hired an executive coach for our journey of slightly less than 60 miles to our game in Sheep mount , Carlisle, Cumbria. North Eastern TPO won 6-1 with goals from Jeff Ryding (3) Gus Bonsu (an absolute cracker from nearly 40 yards), Steve Little, and Phil Goodenough.
Evening
Chronicle April 13th 1994 The North Eastern Travelling Post Office finished their season with a convincing 6-1 victory over their Birmingham-Glasgow colleagues. Skipper Phil Goodenough started the rout with a header on the half hour then Gus Bonsu got in on the act with a long range effort. But Jeff Ryding stole the headlines with a well deserved hat-trick as Steve Little made up the NETPO’s half dozen and Phil Jackson scored the lone consolation. The London Magazine 1ssue No.15
Christmas 1995 NETPO end on a high…… North East Travelling Post Office wound up their pre Christmas soccer programme by trouncing the Northumberland College of Agriculture 7-0 at their home ground at Kirkley Hall Ponteland. Gerry Purcell and Phil Grice both scored hat-tricks and Ricky McNamee marked his debut with the first goal of the match from 25 yards. NETPO has several fixtures arranged for 1996 including a tussle against Durham College of Agriculture. This is one of the regular benefit matches that NETPO play for worthy causes in the Newcastle Area. Approximately £3,000 has been raised during the last three seasons, with more to follow during 1996. The London Magazine issueNo.16 Summer
1996 New fixtures keep NETPO on their toes NETPO’s soccer squad began the year with a new fixture against a Newcastle based side, Alewrks. We started badly but fought back from a goal down to run out eventual winners at 6-2. On March 6th we travelled to Ponteland to play Northumberland College of Agriculture where thanks to the razor sharp finishing of Steve Little who scored four times in his first game of the season and goals from Jeff Ryding (from 40 yards out) and Steve Lyons, we had a very satisfactory result. Our next match saw our second defeat of the season. We played the Durham College of Agriculture and our visitors were well worth Their 4-1 victory. March 27th saw possibly the best match of this excellent season. The return fixture with Alewrks was a real cracker. Alewrks went 2-0 up after 20 minutes and led 3-1 at half time. We put in a great performance in the second period and goals by Steve Little(2) and Phil Grigg (2) gave us a thrilling 4-3 victory. Our season ends with a fixture against Durham Fire Brigade. Evening Chronicle March 20th
1997 This report includes a team photograph The Marie Curie Cancer Hospital in Newcastle is set to receive £155, thanks to a football match between the North east Travelling Post Office pictured, and Durham College of Agriculture. The match, played at Benwell Sports club was hard fought with the College winning 1-0 The London Magazine June 1997 issue no.18 page 7 Football Fundraising Helps Charities Goal Once again the North East Travelling Post Office Football team (NETPO) have been raising money for good causes by taking part in another benefit match. Their latest game raised £227 each for “The peoples kitchen” and “The big issue”. Both of these charities carry out important work for the homeless. By the time the London Magazine hits the doormat the team will have played another fundraising game in aid of “The Edith Cavell Hospital” and “The Marie Curie Hospice”. Dave Griffiths the team manager hopes the event will raise over £300. The team certainly deserve credit for all their fundraising activities. Turning out to play football for the benefit of others after a long and tiring nights work on the TPO takes a great deal of commitment and just goes to prove the point that TPO staff are a breed apart. This article is accompanied by a team photograph. Northern Echo April 17th
1997
The North East Travelling Post Office is a Football Club on the move, Formed in 1988, the team consists of postal workers from the overnight mail train from London to Newcastle. They recently completed their North East programme when they lost 1-0 to Durham College of Agriculture. Weakened by injuries, and the absence of a number of players, they went down to a scrambled effort in the first period. Star man for TPO was Brian Angus at the heart of defence, while forward Paul Pike worked and came within inches of grabbing a late equaliser. TPO Squad: Ryding, Goodenough, Halls, Olding, Angus, Lyons, Purcell, Patton, Arnold, Francis, Pike, Bell, Irvine. Affiliated to the Northumberland F.A., NETPO have played nine games in the North East this season, winning three, drawing one, and losing five, Jeff Ryding finished top scorer netting 11 goals, including three hat-tricks. The team plays two charity games each year, including recent games against Rod Stewart’s XI which included an appearance by the Scottish star. Northern Echo June 26th
1997
Most teams treat the Summer as time for rest, but not the TPO lads. On Sunday they took on Rod Stewart’s Vagabond Old Boys XI going down 5-4 after leading 3-2 at the break. TPO scorers were Gerry Purcell (2) Richard King and Graham Baker, while Bradley Walsh, presenter of TV’s Wheel of fortune was on target for the vagabonds. Secretary Dave Griffiths said “It was an excellent game and an excellent day. We should have won, but blew it after leading at half time.” Northern Echo October 9th
1997
TPO ON THE RIGHT TRACK The North East TPO hit the track to victory last week when they won 4-2 at Houghall College Durham. After a goalless first half, TPO took the lead through Richard King after good approach work from Mark Bell. Further strikes from Mick Francis and Steve Little (2) gave them a healthy advantage. On target for Houghall were Ben Jackson and Michael Parkinson. Steve Brewer and Paul Collins made excellent TPO debuts and the win was their first in eight attempts against the college, leaving manager Gerry Purcell a happy man. TPO: Goodenough, Collins, Brewer, Bell, King, Little, Arnold, Grice, Purcell, Pike, Subs: Howes, Thorn. This article includes an action shot of Paul Pike Northern Echo October 16th
1997
The TPO went goal-crazy, hitting 12 past a bemused Northumberland College of Agriculture defence. Phil Grice was on song, hitting five, Richard King gabbed a hat-trick, and other goals came from Steve Lyons, Steve Brewer (pen) Jeff Ryding and Gus Moore. TPO led 4-1 at the interval, and although the youthful college team gave 100% they were no match for their elders finishing 12-2 down.
Royal Mail Courier North East October
1997 North East playwright Tom Haddaway will raise the curtain on a charity football match later this month- when he teams up with his mates from the regional travelling post office. The TPO team is affiliated to the Northumberland F.A. and despite the problems of coordinating a squad that can often be scattered all over the country, always manage to get together to play a series of friendly and benefit games. During the Summer they lined up against Rod Stewart’s Showbiz XI at Epping. Mr Hadaway has followed the fortunes of the squad ever since manager Dave Griffiths went to see one of his productions during a stopover in Newcastle. And on October 29th the players’ playwright will step up to add the first touch of a match against the Northern Stage Company at Heaton Stannington F.C. Dave said “We had the pleasure of meeting Tom after we saw his production of “The Long Line” We’ve all been firm friends ever since and arranged for him to tour Newcastle Mail Centre and travel with us on the TPO”. Northern Echo October November 1997 Goalkeeper Phil Goodenough along with central defenders Gerry Purcell and Jeff Ryding played a big part in keeping the North East TPO in the game with Newcastle Metro at Heaton Stannington. Metro led at the break with a 42nd minute goal from Mark Crame. In the second period, TPO got back into the game finishing the match strongly. With 15 minutes left, Paul Pike fired home an equaliser and both Alan Baty and Phil Grice went close to a winner. Winter 1997 unspecified Newspaper
cutting TPO boss Gerry Purcell was a happy man after seeing his side romp to a 7-1 win over the Northern Stage Company. The game was their first benefit game of the season and £450 was raised for the North Tyneside Hospital Heart Unit Appeal. Steve Little returned from injury in style, bagging a hat-trick, with Laurence O’Halloran netting twice, includind the goal of the game when he chipped home from 25 yards. Steve Deverdics and an own goal completing the scoring. TPO: Googenough, Purcell, Ryding, Arnold, Pike, Moore, King, Bell, Little, Lyons, O’Halloran. Subs: Deverdics, Irvine, Grice. Nexus Times 1-7 December 1997 issue
70 page 4 “Absolutely delighted” was the joint view of secretary Dave Griffiths and team manager Gerry Purcell after the match with Tyne & Wear Metro at Heaton Stannington Football Club on Wednesday 22nd October. The final result 1-1 was perfect as both players put a lot into the game and did not deserve to come away with nothing to show for their efforts. Secretary Dave Griffiths commented “So many things can go wrong when sides meet for the first time, especially when its not a league format basis”. He went on to praise the Metro set up. The match which was played at Heaton Stannington, was the club’s first at their new ground. Team manager Gerry Purcell said “ Metro were first class opponents on the field and excellent social friends off”. The team is looking forward to the return match in March 1998. The joint TPO management team would like to express thanks to Dave McIntosh, Boyd Lucas and Gorgeous George Merrylees for their assistance in arranging the match. With special thanks to Bob Douglas (Metro Team Manager) for making things tick on the playing field.
Northern Echo (no dates) 1997/98 A cruel last minute goal by Durham Fire Brigade Red Watch put a damper on the TPO’s hopes for a draw. The Postmen were trailing 3-1 in the game at Heaton Stannington FC and clawed their way back to level the scoreline only for Kevin Graham to net in the closing stages. Also on target for the firemen were Gary Mitchell (2) and Dave Lumsden, with Steve Brewer, Steve Deverdics and player manager Gerry Purcell netting for the TPO . Star men for the TPO were Purcell and Deverdics. The Canny Bevvy issue 136 January
1998 “Football on the move” One of the best things that has happened to our North East Travelling Post Office Football Club in recent years has been the opportunity to use the facilities of Heaton Stannington F.C. in Newcastle. A couple of years ago when I first met Eric Larkham, I often heard of the virtues of Heaton Stannington club. Little did I know that as Secretary of our club (and lover of real ale) that we would be able to use the club’s facilities. Bob Groundsell and the lads do a superb job providing us with real ales after matches (no wonder the clubhouse is usually very well patronised after matches and sometimes full after our Wednesday afternoon matches). Our first match at Heaton Stannington last October against the lads from the Tyne & Wear Metro was a great success and with four real ales always available and guest beers the speciality, our players and supporters always look forward to the next visit. A warm welcome is extended to any of our readers of the Canny Bevvy to any of our mid week fixtures, and a drink afterwards………. Northern Echo February 26th 1998
TPO marksman Steve Deverdics was the hat-trick hero as NETPO went nap against their North West counterparts. In their best performance of the season, Richard King opened the scoring , but it took some stout work in midfield from Steve Lyons, (who also got on the score sheet), Laurence O’Halloran and three flying saves from keeper Phil Goodenough to keep out the NWTPO. NETPO’s next game is at Heaton Stannington F.C. on Wednesday March 11th (2.30) where they will take on Tyne & Wear Metro. Admission to the benefit game is by programme ((£1) and all proceeds go to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Tyneside Samaritans. The Canny Bevvy issue 138 March 1998 “Missed the Post”………..Eric writes…. A Fine, warm Wednesday afternoon in February and our very own North East Travelling Post Office Football Club took on their friends from the North West at Heaton Stannington. Our boys were soon in the lead and had racked up a three goal advantage by half time. Following Gerry’s team talk at half time, they popped in another two without reply running out 5-0 winners. A BBC camera team was present to record the match for a wider public, however, even with my limited grasp of optics, I could see that the camera seemed to be pointing in totally the wrong direction when the first goal was scored – but they must know what they’re doing. After the match the buffet. After the buffet “Look North”. The report started atmospherically enough with shots of booted feet clattering out of the changing rooms, but the degenerated as, with a display of sports reporting not seen since the heady days of “Shoot” on Tyne Tees, the camera was elsewhere when most of the goals were slotted home. Shots from the time that the Posties were interviewed by that nice Mike Neville were included so that we could all see again what the inside of a travelling post office looks like. Please keep your eyes open for details of future home games at Heaton Stannington F.C. and if you’ve got a team that can play any matches on a Wednesday afternoon, why not contact Gerry or Dave via the Bodega? Evening Chronicle March 11th
1998 TWO WINS POSTED The North East Travelling Post Office football team began
their 1998 season with a 0-6 win for Durham Fire Brigade Red and White watch at
Aykley Heads on January 28th . Player manager Gerry Purcell and Steve
Deverdics turned in excellent performances for the postal side, but the firemen
were worthy winners and scored three goals in each half. One week later the TPO
won 6-0 Against Northumberland College of Agriculture. The College pitch at
Ponteland Sports centre was waterlogged so the match was switched to Morpeth.
Despite the Scoreline, the TPO had to fight hard for this victory especially in
the first half when their keeper denied the students with some excellent saves. Goal scorers
were Steve Little (3), Paul Pike, Richard King, and Lawrence
O’Halloran. On February 18th the North East played possibly
their best football of the season to beat North Western TPO 5-0 at Heaton
Stannington. Both sides had travelled from their respective bases at Willesdon
in London to arrive in the North in the early hours of the match day morning.
North West TPO then travelled over from Carlisle on the morning of the match and
played well until Richard King gave North East a 20th minute lead.
Steve Deverdics found his goal scoring touch to record a hat-trick and the final
goal came from Steve Little. Northern Echo (no dates)
report of game played on 25th March 1998 Steve Deverdics went nap as NETPO put seven past Durham College of Agriculture. Despite being forced into a number of changes due to injury and illness, the postmen proved too strong for their opponents, winning 7-4. Veteran Tommy Bell returned at Fullback, while Roger Wood enjoyed a solid debut. Richard King hit a double to complete the TPO scoring. Both sides were in full praise for referee Mick Henderson. TPO: Goodenough Wood,
Brewer, Purcell, Bell, Griffiths, Nicholson, King, Deverdics, Pike, Arnold. Northern Echo September 17th
1998 History is in the making for the Travelling Post Office. After ten successful years, the NETPO is gearing up for its 100th fixture against Tyne & Wear metro at Heaton Stannington on Wednesday October 14th , and for a team made up of postal workers on the South East to chalk up such a milestone with the majority of games taking place in the North East is no mean feat. Nexus Times 2-8 November 1998 issue 115 page 2 Evening Chronicle
November 4th 1998 The North East Travelling Post Office football team has had a very busy month with four matches. NE TPO 5 Daft Moy Utd. 6 The TPO played their best football for a long time against very strong opposition. Richard King scored twice and further goals came from Steve Parsons, Mike Donaldson and Jeff Ryding. Goalkeeper Phil Goodenough was man of the match and saved a penalty. 18th November 1998 Programme notes from the floodlit game against Frankland Prison Officers Kick off 4.30pm at Reyrolles Park, Hebburn. Tyne & We Tonight, Frankland Prison Officers Football Club extend a
warm welcome to the players, officials, and supporters of the North East
Travelling Football Club to Reyrolles Park, Hebburn, for this mid season match. The game tonight actually makes up one of the seasonal
fixtures for our visitors as their campaign is one of friendly matches, most of
which see local charities benefit from their fund raising efforts. Hosts Frankland have in their history a tradition of
playing in a competitive and sporting manner and it is in the credit of the
match organisers that they bring together two teams who both have the game of
football at heart. The success enjoyed by Frankland has as much to do with their
sporting manner of play as skill and teamwork, to become League champions at
only the second attempt in the emergency services League. This game has been eagerly awaited by both clubs, especially the TPO as it is their first fixture under floodlights in their history. “Come rain or shine, the game will be played” is the motto for this one, even the groundsmen are warned not to cancel at their peril!!!! Whatever the result, everyone is invited back to the Cock Crow Inn here in Hebburn after the match for some hospitality, enjoy the game, and of course, may the best team win! NETPO FC – Tonight’s visitors at Hebburn Reyrolles There cannot be many club secretaries who live around 300 miles away from their County Football Association, however, the NETPO are no ordinary club!! Dave Griffiths is the man behind the TPO., Clubs around the country search in vain for a man of his talents! There is no stone unturned when it comes to match day arrangements for Dave. Tonight’s game has already received the most thorough of investigations, so much so that a fact finding trip to Reyrolles Park three weeks ago saw Dave inspecting our pitch and viewing our facilities. This on top of an overnight work rosta on the London to Newcastle Post Office Mail train!!!! No-one has got to know Dave better over the past two years than tonight’s referee Stan Gate. “Dave is a real one off” Stan told me”…his dedication to his club is second to none. In my time in football, which goes back over 25 years as a player and referee, I can honestly say that there is no better of enthusiastic club secretary than Dave”. Arrangements for all TPO games have to be made well in advance of the game, plenty of long distance phone calls and letter writing are involved, unlike our situation in the Northern League where one letter or telephone call is sufficient enough. The TPO play their home games at the impressive Heaton Stannington Sports Ground over in Heaton, Newcastle. There they enjoy the facilities of a once great Vaux Wearside League Club. This season has gone almost according to plan for the TPO although there have been some excellent performances by the team, some results have not shown a true reflection of the game. A recent 5-6 reverse at the hands of the Daft Moy Utd squad did not reflect two very important factors. a). DM Utd are made up of some of the North East Sunday League’s Premier players, and b). the high level of performance shown by the Postmen. Manager Gerry Purcell can be proud of his players on the day, in a game which did not go un-noticed by the N.F.A….. Tonight’s game is the last in the series of friendlies for the postmen before their Christmas break. It is to their credit that they are able to maintain such a busy fixture list!!! North East Travelling Post Office F.C. Team Pen-Pics Steve Little (forward) Has scored over 60 goals for the Postal side, including a
Hat-trick in his first game, some seven seasons ago. Recently a last minute goal
against the North West TPO secured a draw for his side. Phil Goodenough (Keeper) Club skipper has missed only a few of the 102 matches played so far! Playing the best football of his career at the moment, highlighted by a penalty save in the Daft Moy Utd game. Steve Deverdics (Forward) Plays locally for
Newcastle based Marlborough, and has an excellent goalscoring record for the
club. Recently been out with injury and only made his return in the last game at
Heaton Stannington. Jeff Ryding (Fullback) Jeff works on the Bristol – Newcastle TPO, and has been a great servant to the club. Has scored goals in the past and has settled well into his new role this season. Richard King
(Forward) Top scorer last
season with 15 goals! Has represented the Territorial Army side, and has played
senior football at Hitchin Town, Brache Sparta and Braton Rovers in the Southern
League. Steve Brewer (Full
back) Has played some
fine matches since he joined the TPO a couple of seasons ago. Scored some vital
goals for the club. Supports Millwall and runs a Sunday morning side in South
London. Derek Speirpoint
(Fullback) Has played in all
five games for the club this season, and has been a great asset to the club.
Follows his local side Kingsbury in the Rymans League at weekends. Gerry Purcell
(Player manager) Has been a real
stalwart of the club having been with them for the full ten years of their
history. Scored numerous goals in over 80 appearances. Steve Parsons
(Forward) Another player
from Bristol, scored in both of the first two matches this season and is a
valuable member of the club. Mike Donaldson
(Midfield) Played in all five
matches this tear and scored an excellent goal in the DM Utd game recently. Also
had an excellent game at Carlisle last month. Mark Bell
(Midfield) Has been with the
club for many years now, in which time he has been a great asset to the club.
Tyneside based, he scored the opening goal versus NW TPO. Roger Wood
(Fullback) The sort of player
that makes the manager’s job a lot easier to handle. Played in almost every
game this year, and set up the last gasp equaliser for Steve Little in a match
at Carlisle recently. Tyneside based, is a great asset on and off the field. Alan McKenna
(Midfield) Another Tyneside
based player in his second spell with the club. Can also operate from Fullback.
Has played really well this season with an outstanding game recently in the
benefit match versus Newcastle Building Society at Heaton Stannington. Dave Griffiths
(Secretary) A most enthusiastic secretary, who has recently joined the committee of Dr. Martens League club Baldock Town. Founded the club ten years ago, and has seen his dream of playing his first floodlit game come true here tonight. A vital cog in the machine and a true sportsman. Needs to switch the mobile phone on a little more!!!
September 1998 an unspecified newspaper article re unusual Northern teams ……..Then there’s the North East Travelling Post Office, whose 100th game is at Heaton Stannington on October 14th . Far Corner author Harry Pearson is among many who have had mailshots. Andy Gray at Sky has had two, S.A.E. an’ all, but failed to reply. Harry, who’ll have to buy his own stamp is contemplating if it’ll make a piece for his column in the Guardian.
Northern Echo November 19th 1998 1 Games 100 & 101 both ended in 3-1 defeats for the Postmen. First defeat came at the hands of the Newcastle Building Society, but there was some good news with £606 raised for local charities. TPO were 1-0 up at the interval through Steve Little, but a late slump proved costly. After the Building Society levelled they knocked in two more goals in the dying minutes to give the scoreline an unbalanced look. Despite conceding three goals, goalkeeper Phil Goodenough again excelled between the sticks. The £606 raised was divided between the RNLI and the City
Farm Byker. Then yesterday TPO tackled Frankland Prison at Hebburn and again late strikes proved costly. Goalless at the interval, the Prison Officers went in front through Ian Gibson only for Richard King to level after he was set up with a slide rule ball from Steve Goodwin. Gibson netted his second with nine minutes remaining to hand Frankland the advantage, but the TPO were then hit by a cruel sucker punch. After going agonisingly close, a quick fire breakaway saw Gibson complete his hat-trick. Star men were Kevin Marley and Jeff Robson with full marks to referee Stan Gate. NETPO 0 Tyne & Wear Metro 1 Steve Little and Phil Goodenough were top performers in the TPO’s 100th match. Despite creating many chances and hitting the underside of the bar, the TPO were unable to overcome a resolute Metro side who scored the winning goal on the hour. NWTPO 2 NETPO 2 This match was played at Carlisle in a very competitive but sporting spirit. Mike Donaldson played well in midfield but Gus Moore was top man. Mark Bell scored the first goal, and substitute Roger Wood laid on the equaliser for Steve Little in the last minute. NETPO 1 Newcastle Building Society 3 Another excellent match with the score 1-1 with ten minutes left. Steve Little was the scorer for the TPO who were glad to welcome back Steve Deverdics after a hamstring injury. Newcastle Building Society were worth their victory but the real winners were RNLI and Byker City Farm who shared £606 from the TPO’s first benefit match of the season. The House Magazine of the Newcastle Building Society Issue 19 March 1999 page 11 A CHARITY GAME OF TWO HALVES
Newcastle Building Society joined the North Eastern Travelling Post Office as their opposition for an annual charity football match. The match was played on Wednesday 28th October 1998 at Heaton Stannington Football Club in Newcastle. Both teams braved the howling winds and torrential rain to take part in the match. The final score was 3-1 to the Newcastle, with Neil Crutwell (2) and Danny Anderson getting on the score sheet. TPO’s only goal was scored by Steve Little. As the old cliché goes it was a game of two halves with NBS on the losing side at half time, but after a sterling effort by the whole team and two goals from Neil Crutwell, NBS made their comeback. A final free kick by Danny Anderson put the game out of the TPO’s reach. Through donations of £200 from the Society and the Royal Mail and combined with excellent programme sales, over £600 was raised on the day. The money was divided equally between TPO’s chosen charity, Byker City Farm, and the Society’s Charity Challenge in aid of the RNLI. Heaton Branch manager Pauline Owen came along to present the cheques on behalf of NBS and local actress Carol McGuigan received the cheque on behalf of the Byker City Farm. Representatives from the Northumberland F.A. also came along to support the event Northern Echo February 4th 1999 Richard King was the TPO’s goal hero in their 6-0 win over Northumberland College of Agriculture, but despite the scorelline, they were pushed by the students as three goals in the closing stages gave the scoreline an unfair reflection. Others on target were player manager Gerry Purcell (2) and Alan McKenna. Roger Wood and Steve Goodwin played their parts in a solid TPO performance.
Match Report of game played at Percy Main Amateurs Football Club on Wednesday 17th February 1999 against Durham Fire Brigade (Red watch) FT score 2-2 (HT
1-1) Referee Stan Gate of the Northumberland Football Association. This was one of our best performance in our ten year history. It was also the first time we have achieved a result against Durham Fire Brigade in our four meetings thus far. The game started off at a cracking pace and once we settled down, we put the Fire Brigade under pressure. It then came as no surprise when we took a twentieth minute lead through Jezz Johns. Richard King almost made it 2-0 shortly afterwards. The Durham Fire Brigade are an excellent side and equalised through a Chris Taylor strike which put the score at 1-1 going into the half time break. In the second half, the pattern of the first half continued with play rapidly swinging from end to end. The Fire Brigade went into a 2-1 lead after a superbly taken free kick by Jimmy Taylor an inspired substitution by the Brigade! Notable performances by Jeff Ryding and Steve Parsons started to turn the tide for us, and with time running out, Steve Little scored a real opportunist goal to give us a deserved draw at 2-2. NETPO’s top performer throughout the 90 minutes was Gus Moore. NETPO team: P Goodenough, D Speirpoint, S brewer (Capt), L O’Halloran, M Bell, A McKenna, J Johns, R King, S Goodwin, G Moore. Subs: J Ryding, S Parsons, & A Riley. Match Report compiled by Dave Griffiths. Newcastle Evening Chronicle February 24th 1999 (Grassroots) Richard King scored a hat-trick for the North East TPO (London Section) when they beat Northumberland College of Agriculture 6-0 at Heaton Stannington. The students gave The TPO side a good run out in their first match after a two month shutdown and three goals in the last 10 minutes did not reflect the contribution made by the Kirkley Hall side. Gerry Purcell (2) and Alan McKenna were the other scorers while skipper Steve Brewer and Roger Wood played well for the Travellers. In their next match, The TPO drew 2-2 with Durham Fire Brigade (Red Watch) at Percy Main. Jezz Johns fired the postal side in front before Chris Taylor brought the firemen level at the interval. Jeff Ryding and Gus Moore were superb in defence for the TPO but the firemen went in front from a Jim Taylor free kick. Steve Little deservedly equalised and set up a grandstand finish. Newcastle Evening Chronicle April 7th 1999 (Grassroots) The North East Travelling Post Office Football team began their busy programme of matches in March against the North West TPO at Heaton Stannington. The North East won 4-2 with goals from Steve Little (2) Jeff Ryding and Richard King. Their following match was a victim of the weather – only the second time in the 10 years the TPO have had a match cancelled. They had been due to play the Northern Stage Theatre Company in a match to raise funds for the Children’s Heart Unit appeal at the Freeman hospital, but £150 was donated through programme sales. The North East TPO then took on Daft Moy United at Heaton Stannington and it was a cracker. Goalkeeper Paul Pike was in brilliant form and kept the TPO in the game until the last five minutes when Daft Moy scored twice to gain a 4-2 victory. King and Tweedie were TPO marksmen. Newcastle Evening Chronicle May 19th 1999 (Grassroots) The North East Travelling Post Office hope to turn out a strong side for their fifth meeting with Rod Stewart’s Vagabond Old Boys XI at his Essex Mansion next week. The TPO have had to regroup after losing key players because of changes in work patterns and were no match for the Durham Fire Brigade (Red Watch) last month and lost 11-2. TPO goals were scored by Richard King and Steve Parsons. The following week the TPO lost 3-1 to Great North Eastern Railway with King the lone scorer. F.C. magazine June/July 1999 Page 37 LETTERS PLAY There can’t be many work teams that play their home games almost 300 miles from the depot where they are based, or who draw players from as far apart as Bristol, London and Tyneside, But North Eastern Travelling Post Office (London Section) F.C. are no ordinary team.. Its players are primarily workers on the overnight Travelling Post Office service, special railway carriages fitted out as mobile sorting offices which run on overnight trains. “We have a shift where we leave London on the train on Tuesday night, arriving in Newcastle in the early hours of Wednesday morning” explains club secretary Dave Griffiths. “The players who are based in the South have digs, so we catch some sleep before playing our matches on Wednesday afternoons. Consequently, the overwhelming majority of the side’s fixtures are mid week. But on occasion, an exception is made. I read a newspaper article about Rod Stewart which mentioned that he had his own Football Team” says Griffiths. “As a shot in the dark, I wrote to him asking if he would be interested in a match. I was thrilled when his brother gave me a call and offered us a game for the following Sunday. Although we don’t normally play at weekends because of the difficulty of getting players together from all over the country, in this case we thought we’d better make an exception”. Sure enough the game went ahead, and since then, the Post Office side have played Stewart’s team three more times. “We’ve yet to beat them” says Griffiths, “They’re a pretty good side. Rod always plays and they’ve also had ex pros like Peter Kitchen and Terry Gibson playing for them”. The Post Office side has also managed to get a game against a Newcastle United XI and was close to getting a friendly with Rangers. Not the Glasgow giants, however, but the “Wee Rangers” , Berwick Rangers. “Unfortunately because their players are part timers it proved impossible to fix a mid-week date when we could play” explains Griffiths. “All the same, their manager sent us a nice letter and some shirts and scarves so we still look for their results. F.C. magazine February/March 2000 Page 19 on the F.C. Noticeboard refers to our new website.
NORTH EAST TPO V DAFT MOY UTD WEDNESDAY 13th OCTOBER 1999
Referee Mr Ian Tait (Northumberland Football Association) Half time score North East Travelling Post Office 2 Daft Moy Utd 1 Result North East Travelling Post Office 4 Daft Moy utd 2 This was a superb performance from both sides in a match played in the right spirit of the game. The match referee, Ian Tait helped make this possible with his sensible interpretation of the rules throughout. North Eastern TPO played their best football for many seasons in this game, and recovered from going behind in the third minute to take a 2-1 interval lead, with two goals from top striker Steve Little. For this match the travellers welcomed Dave Smith and Chris Johnson to their side, both players coming from the West Country and who work on the TPO Network. Each of them made a major contribution to the side and after Steve Little completed a well deserved "hat trick" Smith fired in an unstoppable shot to finish the scoring at 4-2 Phil Goodenough, the Travelling Post Office goalkeeper pulled off at least four breath-taking saves as the Daft Moy Utd side put on terrific pressure on the Postal side's goal, and with 5 minutes remaining, the score was level pegging at 2-2 and in a grand finale Richard King's free kick found the head of Steve Little to edge in front at 3-2 and with the TPO supporters calling for the final whistle, Dave Smith sent them all home happy with the vital fourth goal.
NORTH EAST TPO V PLANNERTHINAKOS F.C. WEDNESDAY 10th NOVEMBER 1999
Half time score North East Traveling Post Office 2 Plannerthinakos 0 Full Time score North East Traveling Post Office 4 Plannerthinakos 0 This match was played at the University Sports Ground at Redhall Drive . The Travelling Postmen played really well in their last match before the mid-term winter break against a very sporting and hard working team from the Newcastle Universities Wednesday Intramural League Division 4 At the interval two excellent headed goals by Richard King gave the postmen the advantage with much of the firepower being supplied by Steve Dererdic's, who has returned to the side after a long injury lay off. Just before the interval Plannerthinakos had a great chance to reduce the arrears but a penalty awarded to them for a trip on an advantageous forward was blasted over the crossbar. During the second period the game continued in the same fashion as the first 45 minutes. Good pressure especially from King and Deverdic's putting pressure on the students' goal, but Neil Culkin, their keeper brought off many first class saves to keep the scoring at 2-0 until late in the second half, before strikes from new signing Paul Gates, and the club's top scorer Steve Little put the issue beyond doubt at 4-0 The North East TPO Football Club would like to acknowledge the kindness and consideration shown to them by everyone associated with the Newcastle Universities Football Organisation and hope that this match will be the forerunner of many more in the New Year Goalscorers for North East TPO King (2) Gates (1) Little (1)
NORTH EAST TPO V WEST JESMOND UNITED WEDNESDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2000
Ten goal thriller ends all square Half time score North East Travelling Post Office 2 West Jesmond 1 Full Time score North East Travelling Post Office 5 West Jesmond 5 This was the first match for both sides after the enforced mid-season break and it turned out to be a real cracker. This was the first time that the two sides have met - the Jesmond side being part of the University's intermural league but after this superb match it will become a regular fixture from now on. The match was allowed to flow thanks to the sensible control throughout by its referee Mr. Ian Tait. The TPO side took advantage of the strong wind in their favour to go into a 2-0 lead through Steve Little and Steve Deverdic's before the West Jesmond side pulled a goal back before the interval. The second half provided many thrills and spills before the final whistle left both sides with something to show for their efforts. The college side equalised, then raced into a 4-2 lead before the TPO started a fightback inspired by Jeff Ryding and man of the match Chris Johnson. Steve Little made it 4-3 and then the equaliser came from a glancing header from the TPO side's top performer Chris Johnson. Richard King added his name to the scoresheet to put the TPO 5-4 in front, and despite breathtaking saves from the West Jesmond keeper Gareth Williams, they were not able to add to that total, and shortly before the final whistle came the games final goal, and the West Jesmond equaliser Goalscorers for West Jesmond Atherton (2) Clifford (1) Marshall (2) This was an ideal fixture to restart the TPO's hectic New Year campaign.
NORTH EAST TPO V GREAT NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY F.C. WEDNESDAY 27th OCTOBER 1999
Half time score North East Travelling Post Office 2 GNER F.C. 3 Result North East Travelling Post Office 3 GNER F.C. 6 The Travellers fell behind to excellent strikes by the GNER marksmen early in the game and indeed after 25 minutes they were 3-0 down. However, a concerted effort reduced the deficit to 3-2 by the interval, ace scorer Steve Little bringing his tally to six goals from three games with his first and second goal of the match. The second half started the same way as the first finished with constant TPO pressure and Dave Tweedle brought the scores level at 3-3. The rest of the game was dominated by the railway side. Their keeper was superb, and their forward line most impressive. They ended the game worthy 6-3 winners.
NORTH EAST TPO V SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE WEDNESDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2000 EIGHT GOAL THRILLER ENDS ALL Half time score North East Travelling Post Office 3 South Tyneside College 0 Full Time score North East Travelling Post Office 4 South Tyneside College 4 At 4-3 down with a minute left to play, North East TPO snatched a draw from the clutches of defeat with a last gasp equaliser. Goalscorers S Little, McKenna, Deverdics’ King
NORTH EAST TRAVELLING POST OFFICE FOOTBALL CLUB - BENEFIT GAME 1ST MARCH 2000 The North East Travelling Post Office Football Club (London Section) are delighted to be taking part in another Benefit Football Match, along with the Bodega F.C. at our home ground at Heaton Stannington Football Club on Wednesday 1st March 2000 kick off 2.30pm The Bodega side is based at the Bodega Public House on Westgate Road in Newcastle and we would like to thank Colin and Mike for the help in making this game possible. The Travelling Post Office side and the Bodega F.C. have each chosen a worthy organisation that they wish to support as a result of monies raised through the playing of this match, and the awareness raised by these very worthwhile causes will hopefully be long lasting. The Organisations in question are the Stepney Bank Riding Stables, near to the Byker City Farm and the North of England Children's' cancer research. Monies will be raised by means of raffles etc, and will be presented to our joint beneficiaries at the Bodega Public House shortly after the game is played. Monies raised will be split on a 50/ 50 basis and donations to either organisation would be very much appreciated and no doubt acknowledged personally. The Stepney Bank Stables was established in 1991 as part of the Byker City Farm Development. Today the stables are an independent organisation that aims to provide accessible and affordable opportunities for Inner City residents to learn riding and stable management skills. Anyone wishing to have more information or perhaps to send a donation to this very worthwhile cause, please write to Susan Tron, Stables Manager, Stepney Bank Stables Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 2PN. The cost of running such an organisation is very high as there is no core funding, and to give an example of the running costs involved, bills have to be paid for animal welfare, building repairs, and fees of qualified trainers and vets are raised through the stables' wider membership of over 300 people. Nominal charges are paid for rides, however with 12 horses to look after that need re-shoeing every six weeks at a cost of £35 each, gives an idea of the cost involved to keep things going Our other worthy cause is the North of England Children's' Cancer Research Fund C/O Ward 16 at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4LP Telephone (0191) 232 5131 where they will be delighted to give further information and would be grateful to receive any donations, however small that you can possibly give. As a rule, match programmes are on sale at all Travelling Post Office Benefit Matches but this has not been possible for this game therefore a collection will take place at the match on March 1st
NORTH EAST TRAVELLING POST OFFICE FOOTBALL CLUB - BENEFIT GAME 1ST MARCH 2000 The North East Travelling Post Office Football Club (London Section) are delighted to be taking part in another Benefit Football Match, along with the Bodega F.C. at our home ground at Heaton Stannington Football Club on Wednesday 1st March 2000 kick off 2.30pm The Bodega side is based at the Bodega Public House on Westgate Road in Newcastle and we would like to thank Colin and Mike for the help in making this game possible. The Travelling Post Office side and the Bodega F.C. have each chosen a worthy organisation that they wish to support as a result of monies raised through the playing of this match, and the awareness raised by these very worthwhile causes will hopefully be long lasting. The Organisations in question are the Stepney Bank Riding Stables, near to the Byker City Farm and the North of England Children's' cancer research. Monies will be raised by means of raffles etc, and will be presented to our joint beneficiaries at the Bodega Public House shortly after the game is played. Monies raised will be split on a 50/ 50 basis and donations to either organisation would be very much appreciated and no doubt acknowledged personally. The Stepney Bank Stables was established in 1991 as part of the Byker City Farm Development. Today the stables are an independent organisation that aims to provide accessible and affordable opportunities for Inner City residents to learn riding and stable management skills. Anyone wishing to have more information or perhaps to send a donation to this very worthwhile cause, please write to Susan Tron, Stables Manager, Stepney Bank Stables Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 2PN. The cost of running such an organisation is very high as there is no core funding, and to give an example of the running costs involved, bills have to be paid for animal welfare, building repairs, and fees of qualified trainers and vets are raised through the stables' wider membership of over 300 people. Nominal charges are paid for rides, however with 12 horses to look after that need re-shoeing every six weeks at a cost of £35 each, gives an idea of the cost involved to keep things going. Our other worthy cause is the North of England Children's' Cancer Research Fund C/O Ward 16 at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4LP Telephone (0191) 232 5131 where they will be delighted to give further information and would be grateful to receive any donations, however small that you can possibly give. As a rule, match programmes are on sale at all Travelling Post Office Benefit Matches but this has not been possible for this game therefore a collection will take place at the match on March 1st
NORTH EAST T.P.O. V BODEGA F.C. WEDNESDAY 1st MARCH 2000 Half time score 3-3 Full time score 5-5 This was another brilliant match which was credit to both teams. The pitch at Heaton Stannington was in excellent condition and this helped the flowing end to end football that was played throughout. Since the start of the year the TPO have been involved in high scoring matches and this was another of them. As with the previous week’s game, the TPO went into a 3-0 lead with goals by Alan McKenna, Steve Little, and Steve Deverdic’s, but the youthful Bodega side battled back well to leave the scores level at 3-3 by the interval. The second half began at a furious pace with the TPO eventually leading again by 5-3 with a debut goal for Mike Nicholson and a second strike from Steve Deverdic’s, however the Bodega refused to lie down and deservedly brought the scores level at 5-5 with a couple of minutes to go. Steve Deverdic’s and Alan Swann played fine games for the TPO in attack and defence position s respectively. GOALSCORERS FOR T.P.O. McKenna, Little, Deverdic’s (2) Nicholson
NORTH EAST T.P.O. V NORTH WESTERN T.P.O.WEDNESDAY 5th APRIL 2000. MATCH PLAYED AT GUILFORD PARK, CARLISLE Half time score North East Travelling Post Office 3 North Western Travelling Post Office 2 Full time score North East Travelling Post Office 4 North Western Travelling Post Office 3 During their illustrious 12 year history, the Travelling Post Office side have played some top class matches, but this game, played over in Cumbria must rank with the very best of them This was one of the greatest days for our club, and a performance to be proud of by everyone who took part. North West TPO, the home side put out a very strong side. We had an early start, and only the bare 11 players, but our performance was superb. After going behind to an early North Western goal, the performance put in by our lads was nothing short of sensational. Despite having our plans disrupted by an injury to Richard King, which meant that he had to swap the goalkeeper’s jersey with Phil Goodenough. Steve Devercics’ worked his socks off up front for us and we were rewarded with goals from Craig Mc Vicar, Steve Parsons (2) and Steve Deverdics’. Just before the half time break, the home side reduced the deficit to 4-2 with a penalty award. In the second half, our side withstood terrific pressure and it was a real defensive masterpiece that saw us concede only one more goal to finally run out 4-3 winners, Steve Little, Dave Smith, Chris Johnson, and Mike Nicholson holding out against all the odds.
T.P.O. GOALSCORERS Deverdic’s, Parsons (2) McVicar
Team: P. Goodenough, C. McVicar, S. Parsons, S. Little, M. Nicholson, R. King, G. Ryding, S. Deverdic’s, D. Smith, A. McKenna, C. Johnson.
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For further information please contact Dave Griffiths 23 Wentworth Drive Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 2PB Phone 01279 505260 Mobile 0589849648 e.mail [email protected]
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