Author: Andrew Snaith

Sleights FC makes return to local football four years after disbanding

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

Sleights Football Club will return to competitive football with a local derby tonight after a four-year hiatus.

Fishburn Park Academy provide the opposition at the Sleights sportsfield with kick-off at 6.30pm.

Sleights has a mix of 16 and 17 year-olds who have come through the junior setup, alongside seasoned players such as former Doncaster Rovers midfielder, Gareth Clayton, and striker Matt Thomas, signed from Fishburn Park.

New signings for Fishburn include Kieran McLay, Riley Brown, Rhys Kipling and Cole Newsome, otherwise they have kept the backbone of last season’s side.

Sleights, managed by James Howard, unveiled its new kits for the coming season with The Brit Pack, an indie band from South Shields, sponsoring the black and white home kit and orange keeper strip, with Drapers Carpets of Whitby, sponsoring the green away and yellow goalie strip.

Ian Smith has been awarded the captain’s armband for Sleights’ 2026/27 season.

Ian Smith has been named captain of Sleights for the 2026/27 season. Picture: Submitted

Sleights FC were officially accepted back into the Beckett Football League four years after the senior side was disbanded.

Elsewhere in the Beckett League, Lealholm Reserves were one of three local sides promoted to Division One after finishing as Division Two champions. They have a string of newcomers including: Josh Donichey, Alfie Harrison, Stephen Hartas, Josh Hodgson, Coden Hansell and Elliott Naylor.

They play Danby this evening where Danby has kept most of last season’s squad, only so-far adding Harry Horton and Lucas Maloney.

Danby player-manager Mike Houlgate told The Anchor: “We are looking forward to the new season with the expansion of the league and looking to develop the club on and off the field.

“On the field we have a couple of exciting prospects. Kaleb Gravett and Lucas Maloney are both versitile forwards with pace and the ability to get behind defenders.

“In addition Rhys Mould is a quick young forward who has demonstrated his ability to score in important situations and, as he gains experience, we expect him to become an exciting forward threat.

“It would be great if Danby can once again get into a final and maintain a league one position but the main focus for all our players is enjoyment of grassroots football.

“This year there are some exciting derbies to look forward to. Playing Lealholm, Rosedale and Goldsborough, together with Fishermen’s, are exciting prospects for all our supporters to look forward to and usually produce quite a lot of visitors.”

He added that off the field, Danby is looking to make a grant application to develop the sports ground for community use and improve the quality of the pitch, as well as creating a welcoming ethos.

Mike said: “The club is fully supportive of our League referees, officials and organisers who do an amazing job in grassroots football. The club is anxious to build this into the ethos of younger players so we can strengthen and improve the quality of the game we all love.”

Another derby in Division One sees the other two promoted sides from the second tier meet at Mulgrave Sports Association.

Visitors Whitby Fishermens Development have added some new faces such as Noel Burton, Aaron Cairns, Toby Wilkinson, Kyle Hindle, Jay Price, Jordan Welford and Mason Stainthorpe.

Whitby Fishermen’s Society board member Finlay Keates told The Anchor: “Under Harry Smith, the Development side secured promotion to Beckett League 1 with a squad built largely around young players, supported by valuable experience.

“It highlights the strength of the club’s structure and its commitment to developing local talent. At the core of this team is a group of around 20 players who have come through together, finishing their junior football as a united group.

“Many have been part of Whitby Fishermen’s since before the age of six, creating strong bonds that now carry into the senior game.

“Goalkeeper Harry Clarke stands out as a key figure, stepping into senior football at just 16 and playing every game during the promotion season. His performances were vital, and he represents the progression and opportunity given to young players within the club. 

Co-manager Lewis Coultas, alongside Martyn Cairns, added: “The 2026/27 season marks an exciting new chapter for Whitby Fishermen’s Academy, with 90 per cent of the squad progressing from our Under-16s.

“We want the lads to embrace the challenge of senior football, playing with courage, grit, determination and a positive mindset, while most importantly enjoying the experience.

“We’re also delighted to have several older, experienced players remaining with the squad or stepping down from the first team, bringing valuable leadership to help guide the younger players”

Hosts Goldsborough have kept faith with last season’s promotion side, only adding Theo Flintoft and the experienced Dave Carmody at time of press.

Kick off there is also 6.30pm.

Tricky trip to Cleethorpes as Whitby Town look to bounce back from 5-0 shock

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

Whitby Town’s game against Cleethorpes tonight is set to be “one of the toughest games of the season” says the Blues boss.

It comes off the back of a 5-0 hammering at home by Warrington at the weekend.

The Lincolnshire side remain unbeaten and are top of the league, whilst Whitby have lost three out of the season’s first five games save for a win away at Leek on the opening day and a 2-0 win over Ilkeston at The Turnbull.

Lee Bullock said there needs to be a “massive response”.

He said: “We have got to be willing to give a massive response that shows a desire throughout the team to make it as difficult as possible for the opposition to score. The manner and rate we have quickly conceded goals lately is not acceptable.

“All teams will concede goals, however, the top teams will not let it affect them. At the moment after conceding, our decisions and application are not acceptable and contributing to our downfall. Hard work behind the scenes has been going on to address this.

“Last season we played Cleethorpes twice under immense pressure. This season we head there aiming to show the deserved league leaders that we can go toe to toe with them for 90 minutes.

“I have always said we would have good afternoons and tough afternoons. Saturday was very tough and rest assured they are not welcomed.”

He added that work with the current players continues, as does the search for new players to add strength and value to the squad.”

Meanwhile, Whitby Town will host Ashton United in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round.

The draw was made yesterday and ties will be played on Saturday September 5.

Whitby know a lot about Ashton, added Bullock, following a 2-0 defeat to them just last week.

Kick off at Cleethorpes tonight is 7.45pm.

A “tough to take” defeat as Whitby hit for four before half-time by Warrington

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

“It can’t and won’t be accepted” said Denny Ingram after Whitby Town’s game against Warrington yesterday was effectively finished at half time.

The visitors netted twice in two minutes early on. With just 11 minutes on the clock, Josh Vela had the ball in the Whitby net. Reece Daly’s shot cannoned back to Vela whose deflected effort flew past Jack Norton in the home goal.

Within seconds it was two, Daly’s corner found Lewis Earl who tried a snapshot from the edge of the penalty area and Scott Butler was on hand to sweep home with his left foot.

Vela then repaid Daly for the opener by sliding Daly through and he left his marker on the ground before curling low past Norton.

Whitby made a desperate double change in the aftermath as Marley Grant and Lucas Reed made way for Callum Hickman and Tommy Dowson after 21 minutes.

Mo Gashi’s free-kick was comfortably saved by Mateusz Hewelt with the visitors remaining on top.

Norton clawed away from Vela and the Blues keeper pushed away Vela’s goalbound effort, five minutes before half-time. The Cheshire side made sure of the win in first-half injury time as Daly’s corner found Earl whose powerful drive was spilled by Norton onto a defender in a crowded box for 4-0, leaving Whitby with a daunting second half challenge.

Ingram, deputising for Lee Bullock, introduced Jack Kilpatrick for Gashi on the hour mark as Whitby searched for something to salvage.

Jack Goodwin saw his shot blocked before Whitby’s day was summed up on 66 minutes. Zayn Sadiq was booked for a foul on Stu Rose and the normally-reliable Blues skipper clipped the crossbar with the resulting penalty.

Earl later saw a free-kick deflect into Norton’s hands before Whitby made further changes, with Adam Gell replacing Ben Turner and Callum Wilson coming on for Joey Phuthi during the closing stages.

Stuart Rose in the thick of it for Whitby Town at home on Saturday. Picture: Owen Cox

The match became increasingly scrappy as cautions were shown to Luke Burke of Warrington, and Sam Kay, James Dillon and Kilpatrick of Whitby, but Warrington still had time to add further gloss to the scoreline. Deep into stoppage time, Daly grabbed his second goal of the afternoon to complete the scoring and secure a comprehensive victory for the visitors.

Afterwards, Ingram said: “Not good enough by any stretch of the imagination today. It can’t and won’t be accepted. Everyone associated with the club from fans, volunteers and committee deserve so much more and it’s our job to make sure that happens.”

Whitby’s man of the match was Sam Kay who said the team needs to learn from a “tough to take” defeat while the fans need to “trust the process”.

He told The Anchor: “Most of the goals today were our own doing and, as a collective, we need to start games better. Even if a goal goes in we need to react and not let it affect us mentally.

“It’s been a tough start to the season in regards to who we’ve played, as well as the frequency of games. We’ve put a hell of a lot of effort into them as the fans can see.

“Fatigue could creep in, but that’s me making no excuses about today. We’re a new group and still early into the process. Results like today happen across the country up and down the leagues. We just need to make sure it doesn’t happen again. We can use it as something to learn from and it be that fire in our bellies to never have to feel like that again.

“I know the lads are gutted and I speak for them too. We know we weren’t good enough and will take everything that comes our way. We’re a squad we win and lose together. It’s a long old season and we need the fans more than ever. Trust the process, we’re only just getting started.”

Attendance at The Turnbull was 589 with Whitby’s next game being Cleethorpes away on Tuesday night.

New signing for Whitby Town goes straight into squad to face Warrington

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

Whitby Town face a tough task as they host unbeaten second-placed Warrington Town in the NPL Premier later this afternoon.

Whitby thumped the Cheshire side 4-0 in the corresponding fixture, at the Towbar Express Stadium, last season. However, the Wire have begun this season as one of three unbeaten sides from their opening four fixtures.

Three wins and a draw sees them sit second. Warrington won 2-1 at Ilkeston, on Tuesday, while Whitby were beaten 2-0 at Ashton United.

Denny Ingram, Whitby’s assistant boss, said players trained on Thursday night to get the Tuesday game “out of the system”.

He added: “We need another big reaction, which I’m sure the boys will produce. We should have everyone available and raring to go.”

Warrington drew 1-1 with leaders Cleethorpes, last week. Alex McNally’s second half strike had put them ahead only for the Lincolnshire visitors to level in injury time.

Cleethorpes are Whitby’s next opponents, away on Tuesday.

The Seasiders currently sit 14th with two wins and two draws from their first four games.

Stuart Rose, Whitby Town captain told The Anchor: “It’s going to be a trappy game, whichever way you look at it. They have come off a great win away from home and we are coming into it off a disappointing result at Ashton.

“They are unbeaten and joint top [on points] after four games but we seem to love the bounce back and, at The Turnbull, what better place to do it.

“We will have things in place for Saturday and know what’s needed to deliver, then it’s up to us on the pitch to stand up and be counted as a collective. If we do that, man for man, I’ve no doubt we can halt their progress.”

Whitby announced yesterday lunchtime they had signed centre-half, Michael Hodgson, on a short-term deal. He has just returned from a seven year spell in America, both playing and coaching.

He is originally from Scalby, but went to Illinois, and will go straight into the squad facing Warrington

Former Boro Rangers player, Cal Hickman, is available again for the clash, though left-wing-back Stan Hewitt is expected to miss out through injury.

Hickman admitted in midweek that he’d been “glued to Twitter” while away to keep up with the Blues’ progress.

Kick off on Saturday is 3pm. Admission is £13 for adults, £9 for concessions, and £5 for under-18s.

With the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup taking place over the weekend, the Blues will find out their First Qualifying Round opponents on Monday at the draw.

Confidence and consistency is key for Whitby Town as they head to Ashton

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

Whitby Town has a tough trip to the North West tonight as they face the team they sit alongside in the league table.

Hosts Ashton United, near Oldham, are sixth and Whitby seventh in the early NPL Premier Division table.

The Blues will be buoyed by Saturday’s 2-0 win over Ilkeston, while United lost on their travels at the same time.

A consistent run is key to pushing on says Whitby’s assistant boss, Denny Ingram.

“We need to back up a really positive performance”, he said. “Time to kick on and put back-to-back results together. If we perform like we did Saturday, then it gives us a great chance of coming away with the points.”

Skipper, Stuart Rose, netted his second goal in three games at the weekend and told The Anchor his confidence is high.

He said: “I’ve been around a while now and, as a striker, you just need to get off the mark early doors, especially when goals are what you are judged on. Confidence is high and I’m hungry for more.”

Of this midweek battle with Ashton at their Hurst Cross home, Rose added: “It’s two teams that have got six points out of a possible nine and will be going toe-to-toe Tuesday night.

“We know what we’re going to be up against and we know the test we have in store, we are going into it full of confidence after a great showing and clean sheet Saturday.”

Ashton, like Ilkeston, also known as The Robins due to their colours, suffered their first defeat of the season at the weekend.

A late goal was enough to clinch a 1-0 victory for hosts Bamber Bridge. Ashton had thumped Lancaster City 4-1 on the opening day. They edged to victory 1-0 at Stockton Town in-between.

Whitby and Ashton have met 32 times since the Blues were promoted to the NPL in 1997. Town have 14 wins to Ashton’s 12 with six draws.

However, The Seasiders have have won just one of the sides’ last six meetings, albeit a 4-1 success on their last visit to Hurst Cross, in October last year.

Midfielder Lucas Reed says there’s a good vibe about the club currently.

He said: “Yeah the boys were absolutely delighted with the three points [on Saturday] bouncing back from Tuesday night’s display. “The togetherness and spirit we showed, especially at half-time when we had to turn it up a gear to go and win the game, was just what we’re all about. In the second half we dominated from back to front.

“Ashton have got a strong side, and they’ve recruited really well over the summer, so we know it’ll be a tough one. We’re all looking forward to the challenge though, and battling it out with them on their own patch. Should be a proper test, but one we’re all looking forward to.”

The Blues are likely to be again without absent midfielder Cal Hickman and left wing/back Stan Hewitt remains an injury concern after hobbling off on Saturday after 20 minutes.

Ashton United general admission match ticket prices at Hurst Cross are typically £14 for adults, £9 for seniors (over 65) and students, and down to £5 for juniors aged 12–16.

Kick off is 7.45pm.

Back to winning ways for Whitby Town in Ilkeston home clash

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

Whitby Town’s new-look side ended Ilkeston’s 100 per cent run and made it two wins from three with a dominant home display, thanks to goals from Joey Phuthi and Stuart Rose yesterday.

Blues skipper Rose had the ball in the Robins’ net inside three minutes only for the referee to spot a foul from the former Boro Rangers man.

Soon after, Rose shot on the turn straight at Ilkeston keeper Theo Avery. James Dillon then glanced a header over the top.

Action from a game which saw Whitby create chances and bounce back from Tuesday’s defeat. Picture: Owen Cox

The Seasiders were forced into a 20th-minute change when left wing-back Stan Hewitt limped off to be replaced by Lucas Reed. Midfielder Mo Gashi lashed wide first-time from distance as the Blues remained on top. At the other end, Jevin Seaton rounded Jack Norton but fired into the side netting.

Six minutes into the second half, Rose struck straight at Avery. However, the visiting keeper couldn’t hold Phuthi’s effort, two minutes later. Gashi headed into the Zimbabwean’s path and he slammed home early, with Avery getting a touch but only able to watch the ball roll over the goal line.

Joey Phuti got Whitby Town off the mark with his goal on 52 minutes. Picture: Owen Cox

The pair then combined in reverse as Phuthi set up Gashi who headed over the right wing-back’s cross.

Norton saved well one-on-one from Seaton with his right foot to preserve the hosts’ advantage.

Seaton then headed wide before Whitby had a penalty after Sam Kay was tripped. Rose stepped up and sent Avery the wrong way to double the Blues’ lead.

Whitby captain Stuart Rose celebrates after despatching a 67th minute penalty against Ilkeston. Picture: Owen Cox

Rose cut in but clipped into Avery’s hands soon after.

Pharrell Johnson could only find the side netting for Ilkeston with Leon Gibson-Booth doing well to keep out Ash Hunter’s effort to keep it at 2-0.

Changes from the bench helped maintain the momentum, with Jack Kilpatrick introduced for Rose for the final ten minutes. The substitute almost made an immediate impact, finding himself with a golden opportunity inside the area two minutes from time, but he was unable to make clean contact with the ball.

The attendance at The Turnbull on Saturday was 478 for the game against Ilkeston. Picture: Owen Cox

Whitby held on for all three points and a clean-sheet.

Following the game, Stuart Rose told The Anchor it was a great bounce back from Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Guiseley.

He said: “Unbelievable response. I had no doubt we would respond in that manner. The boys knew what was needed, we just had to implement it.”

Rose said he was disappointed to see his early strike chalked off. but was delighted to score from the penalty spot later in the game:

He added: “I had to wait as I was judged to have fouled the lad in the build up after 10 minutes. I think 80 per cent of people and the assessor in the ground know he has got it wrong but we have to just push on.

“The main thing is the result, a brilliant clean sheet, and something for the fans to cheer about. My goal is a bonus and I’m hoping its the first of many at The Turnbull.”

Whitby will take on Ashton United in an away tie on Tuesday.

Attendance: 478.

Captain calls for fans backing ahead of Ilkeston game

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

Whitby Town will be looking to put the disappointment of Tuesday’s defeat behind them as they take on Derbyshire side, Ilkeston, at home tomorrow afternoon.

The Robins have a 100 per cent record so far. They beat Stockton 1-0 on the opening day thanks to a Lynden Joyce 96th minute winner. 

Saturday’s visitors then beat newly-promoted, Emley, 2-1 on their travels on Tuesday.

Anthony Dwyer put them in front inside six minutes. Ash Hunter added a second three minutes before half-time.

Midfielder Ben Turner told The Anchor he’s looking forward to putting things right in the clash after Town’s 2-1 defeat against Guiseley. He said: “We are gutted we couldn’t get the result on our first home game of the season. The lads are looking to bounce back in tomorrow’s game.

“It will be tough as they (Ilkeston) are coming in full of confidence after two wins. I know what this group is capable of and if we are on it, we can give the fans something to cheer about. A big three points.”

Right wing-back Joey Puethi is the first Zimbabwean to play for Whitby Town. He said The Seasiders were fully aware of the test that Ilkeston will be bringing.

He added: “It’s a big game for us against Ilkeston. They’ve made a flying start, winning their first two games of the season, so we know exactly the test that’s coming. 

“It’s a good chance for us to get back to winning ways in front of our own fans, and we’ve been working hard on the training ground to make sure we’re ready for it. The lads are hungry to put in a real performance.”

It’s the third of eight matches for the Blues in a very busy August.

They travel to Tameside outfit Ashton United, near Oldham, on Tuesday, before hosting Warrington Town on August 22. There’s two long trips to Cleethorpes on Tuesday August 25, and then Quorn, for the first ever time on Saturday August 29.

The Leicestershire side were transferred across from the Southern Premier League Central, with Rushall Olympic going in the opposite direction. It’s a first meeting between the sides in their histories.

The month ends with a Bank Holiday Monday home tie with Alfreton Town from Derbyshire, who were relegated from National North.

Stuart Rose says he’s comfortable with the step up from Boro Rangers. Picture: Adrian Cole

Newly named captain, Stuart Rose, admitted the step up in standard for himself and anyone else will come under scrutiny. Rose joined Whitby Town from Boro Rangers which folded its senior men’s side and withdrew from the Northern League earlier this summer.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed the level. Obviously it’s a step up and the standard is high, but I feel like I have adapted well and I’m comfortable. I’m here because I feel I deserve to be.

“There’s always going to be a question mark on anyone who steps higher, but it’s just about continuing to work hard, improving and showing that week in, week out on the pitch.”

He appealed to fans to keep backing Whitby Town with what may be a new side, but one that will give everything.

Rose added: “Seasiders, keep backing us, it’s a long season through ups and downs, but one thing is for sure, I can promise, as a group, we will give everything we have got to get the results this club deserves.

“Ilkeston will be a really good test. We know the levels they’ll bring, back to back wins is a great start for them, but it’s up to us collectively to bring that to an abrupt halt, and I believe fully that we can.

“The support on Tuesday was absolutely fantastic, 660-plus through the gates is phenomenal. I really hope we can get plenty of those fans back on Saturday, give them something to cheer about, and get six points on the board in our opening three games.”

Whitby Town gets off to a winning start against Leek on first day of new season

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

Whitby’s brand new side made a sensational start to the new NPL Premier season.

Only two league matches ago, at the same venue, Leek had beaten Lee Bullock’s men 3-2 leaving them on the verge of relegation and requiring a last gasp escape in a 0-0 draw with Cleethorpes.

Meeting again so soon, the Blues fell behind in a quiet first half, inside 12 minutes, however they showed signs of what to come late in the opening period. A misplaced back pass was almost seized upon by Cal Hickman. Whitby then dominated up until half-time and deservedly led moments after the break.

It was the side’s attacking trio from Boro Rangers who combined with Ben Turner feeding Hickman who crossed for skipper Stuart Rose to slam home at the back post.

Hickman then turned the match on its head midway through the second half, leaving his marker trailing and finishing well for 2-1 Whitby.

Just seconds later, Turner almost lobbed a third from his own half. Veteran keeper Jack Norton made two superb saves, including a crucial 95th minute stop. The equally-impressive centre-half Charlie Stirland then blocked brilliantly.

It was a crucial three points for the Blues on the road to kick off the new NPL Premier season.

Hickman told The Anchor: “Buzzing, first half, I think we started very slow it was like we didn’t know each other. First 30 minutes, we were very stand-off-ish.

“Last 15 minutes of the first half, I think we had a few good chances and we should’ve scored, me included, it was poor.

“Then, second half, we had four or five chances, just couldn’t put it in. Then we just battled, we won most second balls, they didn’t have a sniff, they were just kicking it long.

“Got a goal and an assist, second half, so it feels good. First game of the season – massive to get the three points.”

Newly named team captain, Stuart Rose added: “Amazing, good to win. The character and the resilience we showed when we were 1-0 down just shows the kind of group we are and what we’re like.

“Obviously to score my first goal for Whitby Town, I’m absolutely buzzing.

“But it’s all about the three points. To come away from home, on the first day of the season, to get a 2-1 is amazing. Credit goes to all the lads and to Denny (Ingram, assistant manager) and the gaffer (Lee Bullock) for what they’ve put on pre-season.”

“More than good enough to be here” – Bullock calls on fans to back new squad

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

Whitby Town begin their 30th season in the Northern Premier League with a trip to Leek Town on Saturday.

Manager Lee Bullock spoke to us after Thursday’s last training session before the big kick off and told The Anchor he has an idea of the team and what he wants for Saturday, with the run up to the game having been a “proper” week.

The last friendly was a week ago against NPL East Guisborough, and despite being held 0-0 by a side from a division below, Bullock was upbeat.

He said: “I was really happy with the first half. I thought they’d done everything we asked. We got at them. We got the ball wide. We got the ball in the box. We looked like we were a level above them. They thought they could come and play, and we didn’t allow that at all. We took the ball off them numerous times.

“We just didn’t have that final piece, sticking the ball in the back of the net. I don’t think it’s for the want of trying. It just didn’t happen on the day. If one of them had fallen nice early doors we probably would’ve gone in a couple up. The one disappointment in the first half was we switched off once and let them through one on one, and fortunately Jack [Norton] made a good save.”

Whitby Town manager, Lee Bullock. Picture: Adrian Cole.

For the second half he had asked his side to continue what they were doing, but hadn’t expected Guisborough to come back out like they did, with more personnel and life.

Bullock added: “It became a more even, competitive game. So it was decent in the end. I was happy with the clean sheet, and obviously it would’ve been nice to stick the ball in the net, especially just for the confidence of the team. But they got the win on penalties, and it was a decent afternoon.”

The former York City midfielder admitted he’s been trying throughout the summer to add to his forward options but has been left frustrated with his options, constrained by the budget and players taking other options. Backing Stewie Rose, Cal Hickman and Marley Grant, Bullock believes there are goals in the team.

He also appealed for fans to be patient, get behind the team – which is virtually brand new following 13 player departures after the end of last season – and warned “there is no magic wand”.

Bullock said: “The more people are asking ‘are you bringing strikers in, we’re not scoring, we’re this or that’, obviously lads read and hear it, so it’s not good for them. I’ve got ultimate faith in those lads.

“Will anyone come in last minute, probably the answer is no. Back what you’ve got. You’ve got lads there that want to play for the club and want to score goals for the club. They’re here for a reason, because they’re Whitby Town players.”

It’s a tough start for Whitby Town’s 2026/2027 campaign with an unprecedented eight matches in August, and Bullock is realistic about the pressure that brings.

He explained: “I just want them to go out and give their all and absolute best. Because at the minute it seems like everything’s flipped and everything’s negative all of a sudden, and people are thinking these lads aren’t good enough and it’s all doom and gloom. I need them to believe they’re more than good enough to be here.

“Of course we need and want a good start, but they need everyone to be behind them and help them, because last season’s gone. We survived by a point. Those players have left.

Jubilant scenes at the end of Whitby Town’s survival match against Cleethorpes Town last season. Picture: Ceri Oakes

“We’ve got a group of lads in now who want to play for this football club and we’ve got to get right behind them and granted it’s not going to be easy, there’s going to be good afternoons, there’s going to be tough, rough afternoons. We’ve got to stick together and I keep saying it, they’re here for the right reasons.”

Bullock is going with one of the five players signed from Boro Rangers in the summer, striker Stuart Rose, who netted 19 times in the Northern League last season as his captain.

It was an easy choice for Bullock who says the lads look up to Rose, who leads a dressing room by example.

“The way he puts himself about for his age, his work his commitment, the attitude he sets to the younger lads, it was an easy choice in the end”, he said.

The Blues boss ended with a defiant note ahead of the coming campaign, saying he pays no attention to bookies’ and pundits’ predictions pre-season. He rejects early relegation talk and added he looks forward to proving people wrong.

Bullock added: “The younger lads want to go on and progress and get better. The older lads are here because they want to play and they want to be here. So let’s give them a right good chance, give them the opportunity, and get right behind them.”

Squad

Almost the entire squad are newly signed for the coming campaign, with only defender Callum Wilson and midfielders Tommy Dowson, Adam Gell and Jack Kilpatrick remaining:

Goalkeepers:
Jack Norton (Bishop Auckland)
Oli Swan (Boro Rangers)

Defenders:
Joey Puethi (Cleethorpes Town)
Stan Hewitt (Bridlington Town)
James Dillon (Boro Rangers)
Charlie Stirland (Blyth Spartans)
Louis Gibson-Booth (Cleethorpes Town)
Callum Wilson (retained)

Midfielders:
Adam Gell (retained)
Tommy Dowson (retained)
Jack Kilpatrick (retained)
Muhamet Gashi (FC Hound Dog, Gibraltar)
Lucas Reed (Manchester 62, Gibraltar)
Sam Kay (Stocksbridge PS)
Ben Turner (Boro Rangers)
Calum Hickman (Boro Rangers)

Forwards:
Stuart Rose (c) (Boro Rangers)
Marley Grant (Sherwood Colliery)

Not out just yet: Why Sleights Cricket Club is enjoying new lease of life

Whitby Anchor by Andrew Snaith

Sleights Cricket Club is experiencing a new injection of life since a return to action in 2023.

They briefly left their Lowdale Lane home, for four years, but are now back in rude health with a walking cricket team for all ages and junior coaching for primary school youngsters through the ECB’s Dynamos and All Stars programmes.

The senior Esk Valley Evening League team are third in the division as of time of writing and a tournament took place on Sunday, at Sleights Sports Field involving a number of under nine teams playing softball.

The 2023 reboot involved a thorough top-down rebuild, instigated by Chairman and Safeguarding Officer, a modest Grahame Gregory: “I just help the groundsman and make a decent cup of tea.”

Around 12 players play a very relaxed walking cricket session every Tuesday lunchtime through the summer at the field, with some softball followed by tea and biscuits, with Paul Carr coaching.

“The project is to get older people to learn a sport in relaxed surroundings in the fresh air rather sitting at home. “We find the post match chat is very popular and the social side is very popular.” Grahame adds.

One of the many raffle prizes on Sunday was a signed Yorkshire shirt from England test opener Adam Lyth. The Whitby-based cricketer’s family are heavily involved with Sleights CC. Lyth’s wife Lily and father Alastair have coached young players at the ground. There’s training on Friday evenings 6-7.15pm open to all.

While the tone is inclusive and social, the club has had real success on the field and is steadily growing.

The young softballers were recently treading the same ground as Lyth and his county colleagues as they took the field at Scarborough’s famous old North Marine Road venue.

Highly-respected groundsman John Hutton is still going strong into his ninth decade and producing excellent tracks for all ages at Lowdale Lane.

Sleights Cricket Club hosts the ECB All Stars Cricket program for children aged five to eight at their ground off Lowdale Lane. Picture: Grahame Gregory

“It’s a cracking pitch and a great set up”- Jon Stokoe typifies the draw for players: “I played for Sleights juniors as a kid. Since then I’ve been at Ravenscar for about 30 years. However, Ron Lyth of Sleights got in touch back in early 2023 to say they were setting up an evening league side. So it was surreal playing down at the pitch again after about 35 years.”

It seems the appeal keeps dragging people back in too, Jon adds: “So I’ve enjoyed playing a bit as – aged over 50 now – I had been thinking of winding down a bit. But after a few wickets (and some awful batting) I’m not quite ready to pack up for good, especially after 6 for 4 at Fylingdales earlier this season where I got to play against my nephew.

“We’ve a good bunch at the club and it’s always nice to turn out alongside my brother Ben too (Ben tells me privately: “I tend to just follow him and play cricket wherever they let me”).

“Safe to say there is plenty of sledging between us despite being on the same team. So as long as my creaky old bones keep moving, and I’m selected by the skipper, I’ll enjoy turning out for a bit yet. Or until I win something on the 200 Club”, says the elder Stokoe in hope.

The 200 club helps keep everything afloat. Anyone wanting to get involved with Sleights CC or the draw itself, can contact the club through Grahame or the Facebook Group.

With the Football Club back at what will be named ‘Sleights Sports Field sponsored by Hollou Sports’, (after the footballers’ new kit provider), following a four-year absence of their own, from August 23, there’s a spirit of cooperation in the village too.

Fixtures fell a week before the football’s usual takeover date of September 1, but the cricketers have kindly agreed to vacate a week early. They’ll stay busy though with junior training at the village hall in winter.

With that in mind, young or old, whether it’s softball or football, tea and coffee or biscuits you’re after, you’ll find it all year round in a busy, bustling Sleights.

Whitby Anchor