Scarborough Athletic FC

After the new update messed my journeyman save up, I decided to start a new game in the lower leagues of England, outside the normal selectable leagues. I wanted a club either with a historic past, or at least linked with one. When I was a young bairn growing up, kicking a ball around the back streets pretending I was David White, Scarborough were a Football League Club, thanks in part to the efforts of a certain Neil Warnock. They also went on a cup run of sorts, dumping out Chelsea in the league cup before being thumped by Oldham Athletic 7-0, Frankie Bunn doing the damage with 6 goals. Oldham, under Joe Royle, also thumped West Ham 6-0 in the semi-final first leg, eventually succumbing to a solitary goal from Nigel Jemson in the final.

Anyway, enough of the past. Scarborough FC were officially wound up on 20th June 2007, with debts around £2.5 million (that won't even by you the left leg of a decent championship striker nowadays). 5 days later, Scarborough Athletic FC applied to membership of the North Counties East League, starting their revival at rival town Bridlington due to no suitable stadium availability in the area. Since then, Scarborough have finally moved back home to the Flamingo Land Stadium, which is eerily close to where the Theatre Of Chips (McCain Stadium), the old Scarborough stadium, once stood (housing and a budget supermarket now stand where former greats like Kevin Blackwell, Tommy Mooney, Darren Foreman and Jason "Jasper" White plied their trade). They have also managed to earn several promotions up to the Northern Premier League Premier Division, where this story begins (finishing 8th last year).

Upon meeting the chairman Trevor Bull, I could tell my work was already cut-out. Limited money for transfers (£2k) and minimal available for wages. The squad looked ok on paper, but the fact the requirement was to avoid relegation, something the media (and players after my first meeting) thought was a real possibility, didn't fill me with confidence. Not sure what Trevor Bull does, a Google search leads me to some nice holiday cottages near Scarborough, and if they are his I think I need to revisit my deal to include accommodation in the near future. Let's get some grace in the bank first though, after all I've already hit him up with a request to continue my coaching badges and find a senior affiliate for the team (to which he both agreed).

Despite the negativity, on first glance there looks to be some ability and a fair bit of potential in the current crop. Kieran Glynn looks a gifted right-winger, although he is only on loan from Salford City (and we are paying his wages, who agreed to that). Of the players we own, Walshaw and Coulson are best rated, although both now the wrong side of 30. Coulson is also club captain, and I don't envisage that changing as I want to keep the squad on side. We also have Connor Thompson on loan from Gateshead, who can also play down the right or up front. Again, we are paying his wages though (he's our highest earner at the moment, although I have put in a few contract offers for some released players, so that may change). Hopefully if we do find an affiliate club soon, I can fill the squad with loan players we don't pay for, to release some of the pressure on the club finances.



Regarding incomings, I've brought in a couple of staff so far and am looking for a few more as the current team is bare bones to say the least. Reserve keeper Tom Morgan is my goalkeeping coach, while assistant manager Dave Merris is also a player. Pre-season sees us travelling to face Bottesford, then Cambridge Under-23's at home, before another road trip to face Harrogate Railway. Back at home we then welcome Oldham Under-23's (hopefully not another 7-0 incoming), before travelling to Billingham Town then finally a showdown with local rivals Bridlington Town. The season proper kicks off with a home game against Lancaster, in which I'm hoping we may have a few more new faces in by then.

Pre-season started well enough with a comfortable 3-0 win away at Bottesford Town (who are based near Scunthorpe so around 2 hours away). Loanee Connor Thomson opened the scoring after only 2 minutes with a smart finish, before club-captain Michael Coulson doubled the lead easily converting a penalty on 16 minutes, after being clumsily pushed over in the box. Despite continuing to dominate, it wasn't until the 88th minute that Ryan Watson made sure of the win with the 3rd. Skipper Coulson picked up man of the match, while he and Kieran Glynn also both picked up knocks, thankfully nothing more than niggles though. Rather more impressively, 107 fans made the journey down to North Lincolnshire. Hopefully the support will be a strong-point this season, the club finances definitely need it.

We were also able to welcome our first new face after the game, 20-year-old centre-back Denzel Williams, who was available on a free transfer. He looks a great prospect, who started his career at Blackpool before being on the books of Wigan last season. Meanwhile, on the way out to make way for the new arrival is 26-year-old centre back Josh Barrett, who will join FC United for £2,000 (in the words of a famous supermarket, every little helps). Josh joined the club from Tadcaster, where he had spent several seasons, but with the planned arrivals and tight finances, I felt allowing him to go was the right decision to make.


More excitingly though, we have also managed to capture promising full back Jake Kenyon. The 20-year-old began with Manchester United, before moving to Bolton last season. Although he will become our highest earner, he wanted to be assured guaranteed playing time too, with no natural left-back in the squad at present, this was a no brainer and the lad looks to have a great pedigree. Looks like he cracked out his best summer gear when he learned he was moving to the seaside town.


The first chance for the home fans to see the new faces also started well, with Scarborough taking a 2-0 lead against Cambridge U-23’s into the break. Kenyon and Williams both made their debuts, and the deadlock was broken on 14 minutes through Wayne Brooksby at the near post. Coulson continued his pre-season form grabbing another goal 7 minutes before the interval, although Cambridge were able to pull one back on the hour mark. Still, another victory and promising signs for the season ahead.

There was disappointment off the pitch when the club failed to complete the signing of former Leeds United youngster Romário Vieira. Despite pulling out all the stops, and offering an attractive signing on bonus (suspect I may have been summoned to a board meeting had it gone through but a calculated risk), the defensive midfielder signed for Dagenham & Redbridge in the Vanarama National League. The disappointment was compounded when despite an extensive search, the club say they were unable to find a suitable senior affiliate for the club. On the transfer front there was another departure as centre-back Harry Coates left for Morpeth in a deal with £2,300. Another on the fringes of the first team, the deal was too good to refuse, although with no affiliate and several departures, the squad is now starting to look a little threadbare.

Back on the pitch it was normal service resumed, as both Coulson and Scarborough Athletic continued their early pre-season form. It was Coulson who opened the deadlock in the latest encounter, away at Harrogate Railway, before Connor Thomson added the second, his second of pre-season. Loanee Kieran Glynn made it 3-0 before the break. After the break it was the turn of Chris Dawson, with a sublime 30-yard strike to ensure the result was beyond doubt. Harrogate did pull one back on the hour, but then conceded a penalty, which was dispatched by Chris Howarth, before finding themselves then going down to 10 men as Gavin Dodds was sent off. With wholesale changes on the bench, Scarborough failed to add to their superiority in numbers, but were pleased with yet another win, Glynn picking up man of the match.

This was followed up with a comfortable 2-0 win at the Flamingo Land stadium against the Oldham U-23’s a few days later. Loanee Glynn gave the home side the lead in the first half, while after the break Connor Thomson continued his impressive form flicking home from a set-piece. 21-year-old Glynn also picked up his second man of the match in succession for his performance. It was confirmed prior to the game that versatile winger Wayne Brooksby had left the club, the 29-year-old joining Lancaster City, in another move to reduce the wage bill while the club remained hopeful of bringing in a few new faces both on and off the pitch.

One of the new faces in was that of Paul Donnelly, the former Port Vale and Newcastle Town player hanging up his boots to join the club in a coaching role. On the playing side, four new faces were brought in prior to the trip to Billingham Town as we looked to boost the depth of the squad. First through the door was 24-year-old Wes Atkinson, who can play down the right or centre-back. Wes began his career with West Bromwich Albion before moving to Notts County then dropping into non-league football, most recently with Boston United. He was joined by former Marine midfielder Seb Bradshaw. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder joined the club on non-contract terms. Former Birmingham City youngster Jordan Clarke also agreed to join to provide competition on the left, while Max Murphy, most recently of Stoke City, was added to the defensive ranks. Both these players also joined on a non-contract basis, which while great for the club from a financial point of view, can also be seen as a risk should they receive a more attractive offer elsewhere.



All four were brought straight into the squad for the trip to Northern League Division One side Billingham, a 90-minute trip north of Scarborough near Stockton on Tees, where it was another win for Scarborough. Seb Bradshaw was handed his debut, with the other 3 taking their place on the bench, but it was the familiar face of Coulson, scoring a fantastic solo goal, who ensured the 1-0 victory. There were 3 more new faces to welcome before the final pre-season game, a short trip to local rivals Bridlington Town, where Scarborough Athletic originally played their home games before a new stadium was built. Left-back Josh Williams, most recently a trainee at Aston Villa, signed on non-contract terms. The 19-year-old Welshman was joined by fellow fullback James Yates, also on non-contract terms. The 21-year-old had been with Everton & Hull before Witton Albion. The final arrival was the loan capture of Jack Holmes, to provide cover in midfield. The Chesterfield youngster joined on a season long loan, with his parent club picking up all his wages for the duration.

The game itself was a comfortable affair at the Queensgate Stadium, as the former tenants ran out 3-0 winners against hosts Bridlington in their final pre-season appearance. Connor Thomson, who has been in fine form pre-season, opened the scoring on 8 minutes, before grabbing a 2nd in the 84th minute. Substitute James Walshaw, who had recently gone public about his lack of playing time, came on as sub to wrap up the win with a smart finish in stoppage time. The result sees the Seadogs finish their pre-season campaign with a 100% record, Thomson grabbing 5 goals and Coulson 4, form both will be hoping to take into the season proper when they face Lancaster City at home midweek.

There was a great turnout at the Flamingo Land Stadium as Scarborough Athletic got their league campaign underway in a midweek clash against Lancaster City. There was a revamp to the starting line up with Kieran Glynn absent through injury, Chris Howarth coming in. Meanwhile the visitors named former Seadog Wayne Brooksby in their starting 11. Athletic took the lead when Connor Thomson continued his fine form, latching on to an Isaac Assenso free-kick to steer the ball home. Lancaster hit back when Pilkington turned home from close range, Brooksby with the assist. The home side then appeared to have grabbed all 3 points when Assenso rose to head home in the 89th minute, only to be ruled offside. The drama was not over, however, and in the 93rd minute skipper Michael Coulson kept his cool to convert from the spot and ensure a winning start for Scarborough.

This was followed by a 2-0 win away at Radcliffe, Chris Dawson opening the scoring with a sweet free kick in the first half, before Connor Thomson ensured victory with an absolute worldie of a strike, a right foot volley from outside the area into the top corner. A definite early contender for goal of the season. The match also saw Kieran Glynn return to action, coming on as substitute for the last 25 minutes.


Next up, with the games coming thick and fast, another midweek encounter saw the team host Ashton United. Another good turnout saw the home side sneak a 1-0 win. Former Middlesbrough man Kian Spence gave Scarborough the lead at the end of the first half but was then stupidly sent off just minutes into the 2nd for a two footed lunge. Ashton thought they had pulled level through Ryan Crowther at the death, only to be cruelly denied by an offside flag. It was a hard-fought win for Scarborough with Ashton having the better chances and will certainly bolster the squad’s belief in their ability to grind out results in this division.

That weekend Scarborough tasted their first defeat of the season as they fell 2-0 at home to Warrington Town. Wholesale changes and tired legs meant the team failed to find their usual rhythm, but should still have gone into the break in front but for a magnificent save by Tony McMillan from Connor Thomson. After the break, a quick double from Tony Gray and David Raven ensured the visitors left with the points, and former Runcorn & Southport keeper McMillian produced two more sensational stops to win his personal duel with Thomson.

The first local derby of the season saw Scarborough travel to Whitby Town midweek. The Seadogs were handed a blow in the build up to the game as it was announced Kian Spence would be suspended for a further 2 games, which led to a unexpected reshuffle in midfield. The visitors were able to put any frustration behind them, however, when they took the lead through the recalled Wes Atkinson in just the 3rd minute. That lead was doubled in the 24th minute as Michael Coulson fired home a free kick, ensuring the advantage at the break. After the break Whitby naturally tried to push to get back into the game but were unable to break down a resolute Scarborough defence, superbly marshalled by Isaac Assenso and Denzil Williams, ensuring a 2-0 victory and local bragging rights for Scarborough.

That weekend saw Scarborough drop points for only the second time as they travelled to Gainsborough Trinity to play out a bore draw. Both sides had chances to win the game, but neither were able to break the deadlock, former Scarborough player James Williamson picking up man of the match at the heart of the Gainsborough defence. The result saw Scarborough drop to 5th place in the Northern Premier Division. The following day, Scarborough were handed a tricky away tie against Truro City in the FA Cup 1st qualifying round. The Cornish side currently hold top spot in the Premier Division South, one tier above Scarborough.

Back on the pitch Scarborough moved up to 2nd place with an impressive 2-0 victory against Stalybridge Celtic at the Flamingo Land Stadium. Kian Spence returned to the starting line-up after his 3 game suspension and played a big part in the home side dominating the midfield battle in the early exchanges. The deadlock was broken on 23 minutes, when centre back Isaac Assenso latched on to a floating free kick to head home from close range. After the break, Scarborough thought they’d doubled the lead after Denzel Williams slotted home from another set piece, only to be denied by the flag. Assenso then almost added to his tally, rattling the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner. It was left to club captain Michael Coulson to ensure all 3 points, however, when he capitalised on a defensive mix up to coolly slot home from the edge of the area.



The final game in August saw another weekend road trip, this time to face Stafford Rangers at Marston Road. The hosts found themselves at the bottom of the league with just 1 point coming into this one, and were forced to defend resolutely for large chunks of the opening half hour as Scarborough looked to force home their superiority. The visitors finally pressed home the advantage on the 30-minute mark, Connor Thomson rising first to head home a Coulson cross. 4 minutes into the 2nd half it was the same pairing again, as Thomson doubled his tally for the game. Just after the hour, Michael Coulson claimed a well-deserved goal of his home, rising above Bignot to head home. Jake Charles grabbed a consolation goal for the home side near the end, but it proved to be a comfortable victory, going with the form book, to end the month.

August Results
Lancaster City (H) 2-1 Thomson, Coulson (p)
Radcliffe (A) 2-0 Dawson, Thomson
Ashton United (H) 1-0 Spence
Warrington Town (H) 0-2 -
Whitby Town (A) 2-0 Atkinson, Coulson
Gainsborough T. (A) 0-0 -
Stalybridge Celtic (H) 2-0 Assenso, Coulson
Stafford Rangers (A) 3-1 Thomson 2, Coulson

Manager’s Review
Delighted with the first month of the season, although the home defeat against Warrington was disappointing. The games come thick and fast in this division, playing every couple of days at present, so the demands on the squad have been tough, but they have risen to the challenge so far. There have been several outstanding performers this month, but my player of the month is Michael Coulson. The club captain has proved invaluable on the pitch, as well as being a massive help off it ensuring the team pick up and embrace the changes in management and playing style.

September began with an away trip to Mickleover Sports, and the game began well for the visitors when Kieran Glynn grabbed his first goal of the season in the 15th minute. Glynn then turned provider as he slipped in Thomson on the 29th, but the joy was short lived as the goal was ruled out for offside. After the break chances were rather limited, Assenso going close after getting his head on a Glynn free kick, but in the end, it was the on-loan Salford wingers’ goal that ensured all 3 points.

The weekend saw a long old trip of over 400 miles to Truro for the FA Cup first qualification round. Scarborough were boosted in the lead up to the game with the news that Isaac Assenso had agreed a new deal, moving from his existing non-contract deal. It was a tight affair on the pitch, with neither team able to break the deadlock before the break. The game followed a similar pattern in the second until Kieran Glynn latched on to the end of a Coulson cross to claim his second goal in as many games. Coulson then thought he’d doubled the lead, but the goal was ruled out of offside, although replays show this may have been the wrong decision. Scarborough were then thankful for Thomas Taylor, who produced a fine point blank save from Ben Thomson to ensure his side escaped with a 1-0 win and were in the hat for the next round.

Midweek saw the first home game of the month with the visit of Bamber Bridge, who sit 11th in the league. Glynn was again lively in the open exchanges, continuing his fine form of the last few games, although Scarborough suffered a setback when Josh Kenyon suffered an injury after 14 minutes. Despite the setback, the hosts took the lead 7 minutes later when Kian Spence headed home a Dawson corner. The lead was doubled just after the half-hour mark when Connor Thomson thundered home from distance after finding himself in space. The delight was soured 3 minutes later, however, when Denzil Williams saw red after a bad two footed challenge on Sheldon Green. The numerical advantage was short-lived for Bamber when just minutes into the second half defender Danny Wisdom was also dismissed for hacking down Max Murphy. Scarborough had the better of the chances thereon in but there were no further goals, and Scarborough will be more than happy with another 3 points.

With both Kenyon and Williams missing for the trip to Basford United (Kenyon through injury and Williams through suspension), Josh Williams and Jack Johnson were bought into the starting XI for Scarborough, and Johnson was to blame as Liam Hearn was able to break through and give the hosts the lead after just 8 minutes. Thomson had a great chance to pull Scarborough level at the start of the 2nd half, only to be denied by Basford keeper Preston. The home side could do nothing minutes later, however, when Assenso crossed and Connor Thomson headed home from close range. Preston was then on hand again to deny Thomson as the visitors looked to take control of the game. With the game nearing the end, a horrific back pass from Watson then saw Thomson find himself clean through with just 9 minutes left, and there was nothing Preston could do this time as the on-loan Gateshead striker coolly slotted home to give Scarborough all 3 points to cap a brilliant fightback.

Lowly Grantham Town were the next visitors to the Flamingo Land Stadium, the Lincolnshire side finding themselves down in 18th place at kick-off, Scarborough entering the game top of the pile. Despite the difference in league positions, Grantham gave a good account of themselves first half, although they were thankful to Wornsop for denying Coulson when he was clean through. It wasn’t until the hour mark when the league leaders finally broke the deadlock, Coulson feeding James Walshaw who made no mistake in firing home for his first goal of the season, which proved to be the only goal of the game although Dawson should have doubled the lead when he was clean through at the death.

Away from the pitch, Denzil Williams was handed a further two game ban for his two-footed lunge against Bamber Bridge, meaning he will miss the FA Cup tie against Wisbech Town, and Scarborough will be without their first-choice centre half for a little longer. Meanwhile, in the first round of the Alan Turvey cup, Scarborough were handed a tough home tie against South Shields, who at the time of press sit one place and 5 points behind the Seadogs in the BetVictor Northern Premier Division.

It was another long road trip in the FA Cup, with Scarborough this time travelling over 100 miles to face Wisbech at Fenland Park. With Denzil Williams already missing due to his extended suspension, Scarborough suffered a further setback on 10 minutes when they lost winger Kieran Glynn through injury. Despite this, they went closest to scoring 5 minutes later when Connor Thomson saw his header rebound off the bar. They were then to suffer further when Coulson was then also withdrawn on the half-hour mark with a potential foot injury, James Walshaw coming on in his place. Scarborough finally made the breakthrough in the 65th minute, Jack Johnson, in for the suspended Williams, combining with fellow centre back Isaac Assenso, who headed home his superb free-kick delivery. Wisbech found themselves down to 10 men on 82 minutes, when Liam Marshall was sent off for a 2nd yellow. The hosts then thought they had snatched a replay with the last kick of the game, only for Robert Gibson to be ruled offside. The result sees Scarborough find themselves through to the 3rd qualification round, where they will face Brackley Town.



Back in the league, and Scarborough were able to register another slender win as they travelled to face Atherton Colleries. With Williams still missing, Johnson and Assenso again paired up at the back, while with Glynn and Coulson missing there were also changes further forward. It proved to be a fairly even game, the only goal coming just 6 minutes in when Glenn Matthews could only divert Walshaw’s header into his own net.

The final game of the month saw Scarborough head up the coast to face league rivals South Shields in what was a proverbial 6 pointer. South Shields dominated the early exchanges, although they were unable to turn that dominance into goals before the break. There was no surprise, however, when a minute after the restart Josh Gillies fired the home side in front. The lead was doubled just after the hour when Jason Gilchrist found himself free in the box to head home. Michael Coulson gave the visitors hope when he fired home from the spot with 10 minutes remaining, after Verstraaten was judged to have fouled. Coulson was then the architect with just minutes remaining when he floated in a superb free-kick, and Isaac Assenso out jumped his marker to grab a dramatic equaliser. The result sees Scarborough remain top and stretch their unbeaten run to 12 games.

September Results
Mickleover Sports (A) 1-0 Glynn
Truro City (A) 1-0 Glynn
Bamber Bridge (H) 2-0 Spence, Thomson
Basford (A) 2-1 Thomson 2
Grantham Town (H) 1-0 Walshaw
Wisbech Town (A) 1-0 Assenso
Atherton Collieries (A) 1-0 Matthews o.g.
South Shields (A) 2-2 Coulson (p), Assenso

Manager’s Review
September was another fantastic month results wise on the pitch. The demands on the squad were again intense with the sheer volume of games, and the suspension of Denzil Williams and spate of injuries meant more was required of them than ever, so delighted to come through the month unbeaten, through in the cup and sitting top of the league. As with last month, there have been a few key performers, but the standout for me this month has to be Isaac Assenso. He’s signed a new contract, marshalled the back line superbly with several different partners and popped up with a couple of crucial goals.

October began at home with the midweek visit of Hyde United, who sat 4th in the table at kick-off. Coulson had 2 great chances to put the hosts in front in the first half, but both times he went too early and was rightly flagged offside. Hyde then hit the crossbar with their first real chance of note, as the game continued to flow end to end. After the break, Hyde had the perfect chance to take the lead when they were awarded a spot kick after Denzil Williams was adjudged to have pushed Young. The striker stepped up to take the kick, but Thomas Taylor produced a great save to keep it all square. Scarborough full-back Max Murphy then saw red for a tough challenge on Harry Benns, and with Scarborough forced to tighten up after the dismissal, neither side had any real further chance of note to break the deadlock, ending all square, a result Scarborough will be happier with after the on field events.

Another FA Cup tie, another gruelling journey as Scarborough faced a round trip of 400 miles for the 3rd qualification round tie against Brackley Town, who are based in Northamptonshire and currently play in the National League North, a tier above the visitors. Scarborough defied league standings after 17 minutes when Michael Coulson got on the end of a Jake Kenyon cross to give them the lead. Scarborough continued to pile on the pressure, Walshaw forcing a good save and Dawson also going close, so it was no surprise when the advantage was doubled just after the half-hour mark, Yates whipping in a fine cross and James Walshaw getting above Lowe to head home beyond Worby. Just after the break, Taylor was forced into a fine save to stop Brackley getting straight back into it, but on the hour mark they did find a way back, Matt Lowe with a fine strike from distance to beat Taylor. The hosts were unable to find the equaliser, however, and Scarborough will be delighted to be in the hat for the next round. The result was also a boost for their promotion hopes, as next season they hope to be playing in the National League North, and this result shows they would be more than capable of holding their own. Following the draw, Scarborough were handed yet another tricky away tie, this time against Woking.

Back in the league, Scarborough travelled to second place FC United, and thought they’d taken an early lead in the 3rd minute, only for Coulson to be denied by the flag. 8 minutes later the breakthrough did come, however, when James Walshaw scored a memorable goal from some distance. The lead was doubled when Chris Dawson got on the end of a Max Murphy cross after 37 minutes to head beyond Belford. After the break Taylor had to be alert to stem the flow of FC United attacks, but he stood firm securing a massive 3 points for his team.

https://youtu.be/cvRCDHjwrXo

The weekend saw the visit of Witton Albion, who found themselves in 19th prior to the game. Despite sitting just outside the relegation zone, Witton found themselves in front at the break, Danny McKenna scoring from the spot after Kenyon was judged to have fouled Goulding. Scarborough came out fired up for the second half, but took until the hour mark to draw level, Dawson whipping in the corner and James Walshaw climbing highest to head home. It looked like Witton would be taking a point home until the 85th minute, when another superb corner delivery from Dawson this time found the head of substitute Chris Howarth, who made no mistake to give the hosts another win to keep the impressive sequence going.

A largely changed Scarborough side faced South Shields in the first round of the Alan Turvey cup, and it was one of those changes, Ryan Blott coming on as substitute who broke the deadlock in this encounter, getting on the end of a cross from Glynn, who was making his first appearance since injury. After the break, the returning Kieran Glynn marked his return with a goal of his own, heading home a Walshaw cross at the far post. The result, and progress in the competition, were put beyond doubt in stoppage time when Glynn once again turned provider to feed Blott, who bagged his second of the game with a smart finish in only his second appearance of the season, both from the bench. Scarborough will now face a trip to Staines in the second round.

In the FA Cup, Scarborough faced a 500-mile round journey to face Woking in the final qualifying round, with a potential bumper first round proper tie on offer for the winner. Woking sit in the Vanarama National League, two tiers above Scarborough, and that gulf showed in the opening exchanges when Jamar Loza thought he’d put the home side in front, although he was adjudged to be offside. As Scarborough grew into the game, they eventually created opportunities of their own, finding themselves surprisingly in front from a fantastic 25-yard free kick from Chris Dawson, his 3rd goal of the season. The lead was doubled just a minute into the 2nd half, Michael Coulson doing well to find space in the area after receiving the ball from Connor Thomson, before producing a finish of equal quality to beat Craig Ross. Despite going close, Woking were unable to find an answer to the score line, Scarborough winning 2-0. The draw was done the following day, and Scarborough were handed a massive tie away at former Premier League side Sunderland AFC.



October finished with two home games for the Seadogs. First up saw the visit of Matlock Town, and despite Scarborough dominating and having 11 shots in the first half, both sides went into the break all square. It was a similar story in the second, with both sides defending resolutely but offering little in way of attacking threat, and so it was no surprise on the balance of play when the game ended 0-0. The final game of the month saw the visit of Buxton to the Flamingo Land stadium, and it was another familiar tale with chances at a premium again for both sides, and the home fans being served up with a second successive bore draw in 5 days to end the month.



Manager’s Review
Disappointed to end the month the same as we started it, with a goal-less draw, but we’ve had some great results in the cup competitions and remain top of the league and unbeaten, so there are still plenty of positives to be taken. Player of the month for October is Chris Dawson, who has been putting in some solid performances in the middle of the park, produced great assists from set plays, and weighed in with a couple of goals.

November began with a trip up the coast to face Morpeth Town, and it proved to be another disappointing afternoon for Scarborough as they once again failed to score, for the 3rd consecutive game. Morpeth striker Jack Foalle gave his side the lead with a smart finish inside the box after 25 minutes, and Scarborough were unable to find an answer, Connor Thomson being particularly disappointing in front of goal. The result also saw former Seadog Harry Coates get one over on his former team, the defeat handing the visitors their first lost in 16 league games.

Scarborough were hoping for a reaction 3 days later, as they travelled to Cheshire to face Nantwich Town, and they certainly started the brightest at the Weaver Stadium, so it was no surprise when Kieran Glynn fired them in front after 16 minutes, latching on to a superb through ball from Coulson. The lead didn’t last long, however, when Steve Jones found himself unmarked in the centre to equalise for the hosts on 22 minutes. 4 minutes later, Scarborough restored their lead when another great Dawson delivery was met by the head of Denzil Williams, who made no mistake at the back post heading home. Scarborough added a third in the 74th minute, substitutes Atkinson and Walshaw combining moments after coming on, a speculative deep cross headed in superbly by former Farsley Celtic striker James Walshaw at the back post. It was enough to confirm the 3 points, and a return to winning ways, Glynn picking up another man of the match award to add to his growing collection.

With Scarborough back to winning ways, the league was put on hold for a few games as Scarborough faced tough trips to face in the FA Cup, then down to Staines in the Alan Turvey cup. The game against Sunderland, currently top of the Sky Bet League One, was always going to be tough, so there was no surprise when Sunderland went in front, although the visitors will be disappointed with the manner of the goal. Jack Holmes pushed Kyle Lafferty in the box, the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot, and Chris Maguire made no mistake after 20 minutes. 8 minutes later Maguire then turned provider, floating in a cross which was easily met by Kyle Lafferty to double the advantage. After the break, Sunderland looked in cruise control when Maguire was again the provider, this time Joel Lynch finding himself unmarked in the box to turn home. It was turning into a rout as Sunderland grabbed another when Scowen headed down to Maguire, who turned the ball home on the half volley to claim his second of the game. Scowen then fed in Conor McLaughlin, who cut inside from the wing to fire home the hosts 5th goal and ensure there would be no cup upset.

Hoping to pick themselves up from the FA Cup disappointment, Scarborough faced another 500-mile round cup trip, this time in the 2nd round of the Alan Turvey Cup, as they took on Staines Town. The visitors started on the front foot and took the lead after 17 minutes when Max Murphy whipped in the ball and Michael Coulson latched on to hook home. The lead was doubled on the half hour when Coulson picked up a loose ball and drilled one to the far post where Kieran Glynn volleyed home. Staines managed to pull one back just before half-time, Ruudi Clarke was allowed to run with the ball, and he produced an unstoppable shot beyond Taylor. The result was put beyond doubt on 72 minutes, Coulson and Glynn again combining, a cross from the skipper being met by the on-loan Glynn, who got up first to head beyond Gerrar.

League action returned with the visit of Radcliffe to the Flamingo Land stadium, and Scarborough were clearly motivated to find their early season form, dominating from kick off. They eventually found themselves in front at the end of a lovely passing move, culminating in a long ball from Holmes which found Connor Thomson free in the area to half volley beyond the keeper, ending his incredible 21-hour goal drought. The second half was much the same, Radcliffe only managing one shot in the entire game, which failed to trouble Taylor, although Scarborough couldn’t turn their clear dominance into more goals.



A few days later Scarborough travelled to Lancaster City hoping to pick up another 3 points but were left largely frustrated as they could only come away with a draw. Lancaster took the lead after 11 minutes, when Matty Williams got on the end of a Charlie Bailey free kick to head beyond the outstretched arm of Taylor. The goal shocked Scarborough into action, and Thomson and Coulson were both guilty of wasting good chances in the first half. The point was eventually rescued when two substitutes combined, not for the first time this season, winger Howarth breaking down the right before floating the ball in for James Walshaw, whose powerful header beat Ashton in the Lancaster goal. Scarborough will again be disappointed that their dominance isn’t currently directly translating to goals.

Scarborough picked up their 3rd league win of the month when they travelled to Ashton United, thanks to a double from Chris Dawson. Scarborough were again in control, and when Thomson stole the ball in midfield, he was able to drive forward into the area, where he calmly picked out Chris Dawson to slot home from an easy angle. Scarborough took until injury time to grab their second, which was essentially a repeat of the first, a long ball finding Thomson and the striker again remaining composed, squaring the ball for Dawson to grab his second of the game.

The final game of the month, the 3rd away game on the spin, saw Scarborough end November on a high with another 2-0 victory away at Warrington Town. Jamie Yates came in for the suspended Max Murphy at right-back, but it was a largely familiar team who made the trip to Cheshire. The Seadogs found themselves in front after 17 minutes, Connor Thomson forgetting his recent drought to get on the scoresheet again. Dawson floated the ball to the edge of the box, where Glynn was able to beat his man and head the ball down to Thomson, and the on-loan striker made no mistake thundering home from the edge of the box. Confirmation came when Scarborough were handed a penalty in the 78th minute, Warrington left back Shaun Beeley handling the ball in the area. Chris Dawson stepped up and comfortably fired home from the spot, grabbing his 3rd goal in the last 2 games.



Manager’s Review
November was a very tricky month, with only one game at home and 7 on the road. Was very disappointed to lose to Morpeth, and also the manner of the defeat and score line at the Stadium of Light when we crashed out of the FA Cup against Sunderland. That said, we have also picked up some positive results, winning the last 2 and progressing in the Alan Turvey Cup after the trip to Staines. Player of the Month for me is Chris Dawson, who continues to provide assists a plenty with his set pieces, but weighed in with 3 goals of his own at the end of the month.

There was an early Christmas present for the Scarborough fans when the club announced the arrival of former Premier League winger Lee Croft. The 34-year-old, who can play on both the left and right wing, started his career at Manchester City, where he made 28 Premier League appearances, before moving to Championship side Norwich City. The Englishman then went on to play for Derby County, Huddersfield, St. Johnstone and Oldham among others, before more recently playing for Southport. Croft was keen to join the club and will bring with him a wealth of experience as the Seadogs look to secure promotion to the National League North in the coming months.



On the pitch, Scarborough began the month with an impressive 1-0 win against local rivals Whitby Town. Croft was brought in for his debut, while Wes Atkinson and Josh Williams also came into the starting XI, in place of the suspended Isaac Assenso and Jake Kenyon respectively. Scarborough dominated throughout, Croft being the main protagonist on his debut, but could only manage a single goal. Dawson was brought down in the 25th minute, and up stepped new man Lee Croft, who produced a sublime 20-yard free kick beyond the reach of Shane Bland to immediately introduce himself to the home support. Thomson and Glynn also went close as Scarborough looked to build on the advantage, while Whitby thought they’d nicked a point at the death when Livesey Mason slotted home, but the goal was rightly disallowed for offside. The new arrival was also picked up the man of the match award for his impressive debut display.

The focus then shifted to the cup as Scarborough hosted Bamber Bridge in the Second Round of the Alan Turvey cup, sneaking a 1-0 win at the death to progress to the Third Round. Michael Coulson was brought in up front, while Isaac Assenso and Jake Kenyon were both back after suspension. Young 17-year-old midfielder Nashton Neblett was again given a spot on the bench in the cup. Scarborough should have taken a lead into the break, Dawson finding Kenyon out wide then breaking into the box to get on the end of the full-back’s cross, only to see his shot come back off the inside of the post. The second half was much the same, one of frustration for both sides in the attacking third as nether could carve out any real chances. Bamber Bridge were dealt a blow when Chris Churchman was sent off in the 88th minute for a second booking, pulling down Kenyon on the edge of the area. Scarborough were then able to capitalise on their numerical advantage with pretty much the last kick of the game. Coulson pumped a long free kick into the box, and substitute James Walshaw got above everyone to head beyond Trenerry and put the hosts in the hat for the next round. Scarborough were handed a home tie against Mickleover Sports in the Quarter Final, with the tie to be played mid-January directly before the home league game against the Derbyshire side.



The cup success continued as Scarborough then registered a 3-1 win in the Buildbase FA Trophy. Scarborough rang in the changes for the First-Round tie against Marine, Glynn, Walshaw, Atkinson, Yates and Josh Williams all being drafted into the starting XI. The visitors found themselves in front against the Division One North West team after just 20 minutes, Chris Dawson adding to his collection of set pieces with a wonderful curling free kick from 25 yards out. Marine almost pulled one back just before the break, but Josh Williams produced a fine goal line clearance to deny Ellis Hudson. Scarborough doubled their lead in the 58th minute, a Dawson free-kick again central to the goal. The midfielder swung in from the left, and a Thomson flick on was met by Isaac Assenso, who found himself completely unmarked at the far post to head home of the crossbar with the keeper stranded. Connor Thomson ensured the result 2 minutes before the end of normal time. Walshaw played a long ball forward, and Thomson was able to ride the challenge from Joyce, break into the box, and fire beyond Atherton to claim his 10th goal of the season. Marine did pull one back in stoppage time, Leask crossing from the right and Charlie Ball heading home beyond Taylor, but it’s Scarborough who were rewarded with a Second-Round tie against Billericay Town or Worthing.

Back in the league, Scarborough made it 7 games unbeaten as they comfortably dispatched Gainsborough Trinity 2-0 at home. The hosts made four changes as they welcomed the 4th placed side to the Flamingo Land Stadium, with Max Murphy, Jake Kenyon, Jack Holmes and Lee Croft all coming back into the side after being rested in the cup. It took just 3 minutes for Scarborough to take the lead, Croft knocking the ball back to Kenyon, who produced a superb in-swinging cross which was equally well met by the head of Kieran Glynn, who made no mistake from the edge of the six-yard box. Gainsborough were unable to register a single shot in the first half, as Scarborough continued to push on. The second 45 began in a similar vein, when just 4 minutes into the 2nd half Scarborough doubled their advantage. Dawson fired a long free kick into the box, and Connor Thomson was left completely unmarked to slot home from close range. Gainsborough’s problems were then compounded when Kingsley James was sent off for a two-footed tackle on Dawson. With the numerical advantage, Scarborough were then more than happy to see out the game and maintain their 100% record for the month in their final game before Christmas.

Scarborough finished the month, and year, with another win as they claimed another clean sheet in their 1-0 victory away to Stalybridge Celtic. Scarborough made just one change for the trip to Tameside, Coulson coming in for Connor Thomson. Stalybridge found themselves with an uphill battle after being reduced to 10 men just 13 minutes in. Adam O’Reilly was dismissed after receiving a straight red for a two-footed lunge on Chris Dawson. It is the second successive game the opposition have seen red, midfielder Dawson the target both times. The hosts then had even more reason to be angry with the referee after Scarborough were awarded a spot kick, Kenyon adjudged to have been tripped in the area by Smalley. Club captain Michael Coulson confidently slotted home in the bottom right to hand the visitors a 1-0 lead. After the break, Scarborough had several more key chances but were unable to find a way through, as Stalybridge played for damage limitation. The win sees Scarborough register their 5th win and clean sheet in succession, form that is bound to boost their chances of automatic promotion going into 2020.



Manager’s Review
Delighted with the return to form after a few blips last month. The frequency of games has started to ease up, which has been a massive help in terms of selection stability, and that has show with clean sheets in all 3 league games this month, as well as progressing to the next round in both cup competitions. Great to bring in someone of Lee Croft’s experience too, and hopefully that has given both the squad and the fans a boost as we head into the New Year. I could quite easily give Dawson the Player of the Month again, but I’m going for Connor Thomson, who has not only returned amongst the goals, but his all-round play has been great this month.

Scarborough began the new year with a narrow 1-0 victory away at Grantham Town, where they were forced to wait until stoppage time for the breakthrough. Jordan Deacey was brought in for the suspended Kian Spence (yellow cards), with Connor Thomson replacing Coulson up front. The first half proved frustrating for both sides, neither able to eke out any real chance of note. The second 45 followed the same pattern, with neither team forging a clear sight of goal. Scarborough threw on Walshaw and Coulson in an attempt to break the deadlock, but it was a combination of wide men that stole the 3 points at the death. Full-back Kenyon swung in the ball, with winger Kieran Glynn driving in at the far post to head home beyond Hallett in a game where a draw would probably have been a far result.

The first home game of the new decade saw Scarborough clock up another 1-0 victory as they faced Stafford Rangers, although this was more a reflection of the goalkeeping heroics of Lewis King than it was of the home side failing to create. Wes Atkinson came into defensive midfield, with Holmes pushing forward and Deacey returning to the reserves. Club captain Michael Coulson also returned up front. The incoming Atkinson almost broke the deadlock before the break, only to be denied with a fine save by King from a point-blank header. After the break, King again denied the hosts, blocking a Coulson header from an in-swinging Dawson corner, but Lee Croft found himself unmarked to tap into the empty net with the keeper then stranded. Another Dawson corner then saw King produce another good stop, this time tipping over a Denzil Williams header. Scarborough were then forced to see out the game with 10 men as substitute Chris Howarth was injured minutes after coming on, with all 3 changes already made, and so they reverted to keeping the ball and seeing out the victory, another key 3 points towards the title challenge against a side who currently find themselves 2nd bottom in the league. After the game it was confirmed Howarth would be out for around a month with torn wrist ligaments.

With the focus shifting to the cup, Scarborough were handed their first defeat of 2020, when they crashed out of the Buildbase FA Trophy Second Round at the hands of Billericay Town, 1-0 the final score. It was another arduous 500 mile round trip for Scarborough in the cup, to face the side currently a tier above them in the National South, Billericay needing a replay to dispatch Woking 1-0 in the last round. Kian Spence returned to midfield for the Seadogs, while Connor Thomson came back in up top. Scarborough gave a great account of themselves and created more in the opening exchanges, but it was the home side who found themselves in front when Andrew Osei-Bonsu found himself unmarked at the edge of the box to fire home beyond Taylor. In the second half, Billericay then had a goal disallowed, Loft offside as he flicked the ball beyond the on-rushing Scarborough keeper. At the death, Scarborough then had a great chance to take the game to a replay, when Jack Holmes got on the end of a Lee Croft set-piece, but the on-loan midfielder could only head over. All in all, it was a case of a bad day in front of goal for the visitors that proved to be the difference, although again they can take heart from looking comfortable in large parts against a team from the next level up.

It was a better story in the Alan Turvey Cup as Scarborough brushed aside Mickleover Sports 4-0 at home to progress to the semi-finals of the competition. The hosts opted to stick with the same side who lost to Billericay last time out, and were rewarded after just 20 minutes when a poor clearance fell to Glynn, who squared for Connor Thomson to prod home. Four minutes later the lead was doubled, when another poor clearance was capitalised upon, this time Lee Croft swinging one in and Kieran Glynn turning from goal provider to goal scorer as he beat the keeper at the near post. It was 3-0 before the break when Dawson lofted in a free kick, and as the keeper misjudged the cross Isaac Assenso found himself free at the far post to slot home. The final goal came just after the hour mark, when some neat footwork from Glynn saw him beat two men before squaring to give Connor Thomson an easy tap in from 5 yards out for his second of the game. As reward for the victory, Scarborough were handed a home-tie against Hyde United in the semi-finals of the competition.



There was an air of familiarity at the Flamingo Land Stadium, as Scarborough took on Mickleover Sports for the second time in four days, this time the two meeting in the league after Scarborough’s thumping victory last time out. This time, it was a much tighter affair, as Scarborough registered a 1-0 win to pull 10 points clear of FC United of Manchester at the top. There were 2 changes from last time out, with Walshaw and Coulson coming into the starting XI. The hosts enjoyed the greater of the first half, but both sides could only manage 1 shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. Chances were of a premium in the second half too, and it wasn’t until Scarborough made some changes that the breakthrough eventually came. Lee Croft, on as substitute, fed Kenyon down the wing, and the left backs cross was met superbly by fellow substitute Connor Thomson in the middle, who made no mistake with his head. Glynn also went close at the death, but Scarborough were unable to add to their advantage.

Off the pitch, Scarborough confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Rhys Taylor. The 29-year-old Welshman had been on trial with the club for the previous month and had done enough to earn himself a deal until the end of the season to provide back-up to first choice Thomas Taylor. Rhys began his career with Chelsea, although he never made an appearance, first earning his wings with Crewe before going on to play for Rotherham, Macclesfield and Fylde among other teams. He also made 5 under-21 appearances for Wales in his younger days, and should prove a good edition to the squad for the final run-in.

Scarborough ended the month with another impressive victory, 2-0 away at Bamber Bridge. Rhys Taylor was handed his debut between the sticks, while Croft and Thomson also came back in. Dawson was the main protagonist in the first half, going close several times although the visitors were unable to take the lead. In fact it took until the end for Scarborough to finally take a deserved lead, Dawson again the danger man and his long free-kick was diverted home from the outstretched leg of Kieran Glynn. Deep into stoppage time the result was assured when Glynn swung in a cross from the right, and Lee Croft produced a volley at the far post that gave Trenerry no chance in goal. The result means Scarborough have now kept an impressive 9 consecutive clean sheets in the league, with new arrival Taylor also claiming a clean sheet on his debut.



Manager’s Review
Disappointed to go out of the FA Trophy, but the league form has once again been imperious this month, with the only goal conceded coming in that defeat to Billericay. Player of the month this month, and the first of 2020, is on-loan winger Kieran Glynn. The Salford man claimed 3 goals and 3 assists during an impressive month.

February began with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Atherton Colliery at the Flamingo Land Stadium. Scarborough were unchanged for the clash against the team sitting 12th in the league but were unable to create any chances of note in the first half, Dawson going close from a free-kick the best they managed. After the break, Atherton keeper Paddy Wharton produced a fantastic save to deny Connor Thomson from point blank range as the hosts looked to turn the screw. They were then dealt a blow, however, when Lee Croft was given his marching orders for a second booking. As they were then forced to hold on, Assenso produced a fantastic clearance off the line to deny Daldy after Taylor had been beaten, meaning both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.

It was the same frustration a week later when they were held to another 0-0 draw at home, this time against Basford United. Michael Coulson came in for the suspended Lee Croft, and he had several chances to put the hosts in front in the opening exchanges but was unable to take advantage. After the break, the only real chance of note came from a Dawson free-kick, but again they failed to trouble the keeper in the blustery conditions. Scarborough were left frustrated at their failure to score for the second successive game, one in which a win would have seen them at least secure a promotion play-off spot at the end of the season. They currently sit 9 points ahead of FC United, who have a game in hand.

Scarborough returned to winning ways with a thumping 6-0 victory against struggling Matlock Town. Thomas Taylor returned in goal, while Croft was also back from suspension, and Coulson was preferred to Connor Thomson up top. The Derbyshire side found themselves bottom of the form charts coming into this one, and that fragility showed after just 9 minutes when a Dawson free-kick found Isaac Assenso unmarked at the back post to head home. 10 minutes later there was an almost exact carbon copy, when Dawson produced a similar ball, this time being met by fellow centre half Denzil Williams, who also made no mistake. Rather shockingly, the pair were able to repeat this combination 6 minutes later, when Dawson completed a hat-trick of assists, while Williams headed home again to claim his second of the game. The former Blackpool centre-half then completed his first ever hat-trick, when Coulson was fouled in the area and Williams stepped up to fire home from the spot. After the break, with the visitors comfortably 5-0 in front, they rang in the changes and eased up with victory secured, but there was still time for Chris Dawson to grab a deserved goal himself, Spence laying him off and his long range effort easily beating Mackay, who should have done better in goal. The impressive victory ensured that the Seadogs will have a play-off place at the very least come the end of the season.



Scarborough took a giant step towards promotion when they brushed aside 3rd placed South Shields at the Flamingo Land Stadium. Coming into the game on the back of a 6-0 win, the home fans were hopefully for a better fairing after two 0-0 draws at home, and they weren’t disappointed when Michael Coulson broke the deadlock just 10 minutes in. Croft and Kenyon combined on the wing, the later swinging in a cross which was expertly met by Coulson to head home. 4 minutes later, the hosts found themselves 2 in front. Holmes fed the ball to Kieran Glynn, and the winger cut in from the right to fire home at the near post. Glynn then claimed his second of the game, after Coulson saw his headed effort denied from a Dawson free kick, and there was the winger to react first and poke home. All three points were secured with 10 minutes remaining in the second half, in a game the visiting goalkeeper will want to forget he could do nothing when Isaac Assenso rose to head home a Dawson free-kick, the ball skidding through his legs before nestling in the net.

Scarborough ended the month with one hand on promotion and the Northern Premier Division title, as they brushed away closest challengers FC United of Manchester 2-0 at home, their fourth home game of the month. Unsurprisingly they went with the same starting XI, coming into this game on the back of two impressive wins, and things started superbly when they were awarded a penalty after just 3 minutes. Visiting keeper Dawid Szczepaniak crashed into Michael Coulson in the area, and when Stephen Smith pointed to the spot, Coulson himself stepped up and fired straight down the middle to give the hosts the lead. That lead was doubled on the stroke of half-time, when a Chris Dawson free-kick found Coulson in the area who made no mistake to claim his second of the game. After the break, FC United reacted strongly and had several chances to pull themselves back into the game, but thanks to a defence superbly marshalled by Assenso and Denzil Williams, they were unable to find a breakthrough, meaning the gap between the top two is now 11 points, with just 5 games left to play.



Manager’s review
It was a frustrating start to the month with 2 goalless draws at home, especially given the form we came into the month with. However, this was ended superbly with one of the best performances of the season against Matlock Town, before two massive 6 pointers were won back at home to give us one foot in National North. With another impressive month defensively, not conceding a single goal, player of the month is shared this month between Isaac Assenso and Denzil Williams, who as well as both being superb at the back also weighed in with some goals, Williams helping himself to a hat-trick in that thrashing of Matlock, while Assenso scored in two successive games during February.

March began in frustration for Scarborough as they could only draw 0-0 away at Hyde United, allowing FC United to move back within 9 points at the top of the table after a 1-0 win against Bamber Bridge. Hyde undoubtedly had more chances during the game, the best chance of note for the visitors coming when substitutes Chris Howarth and Connor Thomson combined, but the latter could only fire his effort straight at the keeper. Scarborough were then thankful to Thomas Taylor at the death, as he was able to deny Hyde a last gasp winner as he tipped over an effort from Dan Turner to ensure the solitary point.

Scarborough were able to immediately claim revenge on Hyde United as they brushed them aside 3-0 in the Alan Turvey Cup semi-final. Hyde had frustrated the hosts just days before in the league, but this time a clinical Scarborough were able to see off the challenge, as they secured a trip to Wembley. Thomson came in up front, while Jamie Yates was brought at right-back and Rhys Taylor was handed another start in goal. Things began brightly for the home side when they grabbed the lead 6 minutes in. Chris Dawson floated in a free kick, and Jack Holmes met the ball at the back post, heading back across the keeper to claim his first goal of the season. Scarborough failed to add to the lead in the first half, but 5 minutes into the second the lead was doubled when a speculative cross from Jake Kenyon was side-footed home by Connor Thomson at the back post. The result was secured 13 minutes later, when a neat chip into the area by Coulson was met with a thunderous volley from Thomson, giving the keeper no chance. Scarborough will now face Bracknell Town in the final, after they edged out Aveley on penalties after a 1-1 draw.



Scarborough were dealt a massive blow in the title run in as they dropped 3 valuable points away to Witton Albion in a tough encounter at Wincham Park. Witton needed points themselves as they looked to escape the relegation zone, and they were handed a fine chance to take the lead after just 3 minutes when Jake Kenyon pulled back Liam Goulding in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Danny McKenna made no mistake blasting home to give his side the lead. Scarborough would have been hoping for a turnaround when they pulled level 9 minutes later. Lee Croft saw his cross cut out, but Jake Kenyon, looking to make amends for his error earlier, was then able to pick out Kieran Glynn at the back post, and the winger made no mistake on the half-volley to make it all square. Witton, however, went into the break back in front after Ryan Crooks gave them the lead minutes before half-time. Tyrone Duffus swung in the corner, and Crooks found himself completely unmarked at the far post to head beyond Taylor. Scarborough pushed forward in vein in the second half but were unable to draw level against a resolute Witton defence. With FC United winning 2-1 against Atherton Collieries, the gap is now down to 6 points with 3 games remaining.

Scarborough maintained the 6 point gap and pretty much assured themselves the title with a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Nantwich Town. With just 2 games left, it would need a massive swing in goal difference now to see Scarborough denied top spot in the run-in. The hosts looked to settle the early nerves and thought they had taken the lead in the 31st minute, only to see Isaac Assenso denied for being offside. 7 minutes later they were denied by the flag again, Glynn this time drifting just off before heading home. The home fans had to wait until just after the hour for the lead to eventually come, and the nerves to be slightly settled. Holmes fed Croft down the left, and the veteran winger cut inside two men before squaring to Chris Dawson, who rifled home beyond Perrin from just inside the box. The result was then assured in the 81st minute when Jack Holmes got up first to head home a Dawson free-kick at the far post, just his second goal of the season but both coming at vital times. There was one blow when Kian Spence came off injured and is now set to miss the run in and cup final. Just one point in the last 2 games, however, is now all that is needed to ensure the title for the Seadogs.

Scarborough ensured promotion and the league title as they swept away Buxton 3-0 in the penultimate game of the season. Scarborough made a few changes, with Wes Atkinson coming in for the injured Spence, and he was to grab the opening goal of the game in the 26th minute. Lee Croft swung in a deep corner, and there was Atkinson to head home the opener. The lead was doubled 5 minutes before the break from another Croft Corner. This time it was Connor Thomson, outjumping Mendez-Jones, who sent the travelling fans wild with his well-placed header. Victory was secured 4 minutes before time, when Kenyon fired a ball deep and club captain Michael Coulson raced in to head home one of the most vital goals of his career, securing the title with a game to spare. Scarborough were handed the trophy after the game, and although one league game remains, focus will now shift to the Alan Turvey Cup final at Wembley in a few weeks time, with the aim of securing a historic double.





Manager’s Review
Absolutely delighted to seal the league title, despite the disappointment of defeat against Witton Albion during the month. Especially happy with the 3-0 win away at Buxton to secure the trophy. Player of the month goes to Jake Kenyon, who has been Mr. Consistent down the left in March.

Scarborough ended the league season with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Morpeth Town. Although they sealed the title last week, the home fans would certainly have wanted to see a better fairing from the team at the Flamingo Land Stadium. Morpeth took under a minute to find themselves in the lead, with Stephen Forster finding Michael Elstone completely unmarked in the middle to head home. The lead got even better in the 17th minute, when Forster again turned provider, this time from the corner, and his cross was met superbly by centre-half Chris Reid to head home. After the break Scarborough made all 3 changes in an attempt to get back into the game, but lacking the same intensity as previous weeks they were unable to find an opening. They were then forced to play out the game with 10 men as Max Murphy came off injured in the 83rd minute. With FC United also losing, the Seadogs still ended the season 9 points clear at the top, but they will definitely be hoping for a reaction in their final game of the season, as they head to Wembley to face Bracknell Town.



Scarborough completed a memorable double after a 1-0 win at Wembley saw them lift the Alan Turvey cup at the expense of Bracknell Town. Coming into this game as League Champions, Scarborough were hopefully of completing the double in front of just over 6,000 fans and found themselves taking the lead on the half-hour. A Dawson cross was handled in the area, and when the referee pointed to the spot, Lee Croft kept his composure to send the keeper the wrong way. Scarborough threatened to double their advantage, with Coulson and Glynn going close. Bracknell then had it all to do after being reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute, Marvin Hamilton seeing red for a second booking. It proved to be the final action of note in the game, as Scarborough played out the win to lift the Cup.





Manager’s review
Extremely disappointing end to the league campaign with the 2-0 defeat against Morpeth Town, a game which meant little for either side. However, thankfully the players picked themselves back up to secure the Alan Turvey cup at Wembley, although the victory proved to be a slender one. With only two games, and no real individual performances of note, there is no player of the month for this month.

Signing of the season
Jake Kenyon
Joining the club on a free-transfer last summer, Kenyon made the left-back spot his own with some solid defensive work, while also contributing a great deal going forwards. Over the course of the season, he made 51 appearances as a starter, 3rd most at the club, and was integral in both the League and Alan Turvey cup successes. Kenyon contributed with 8 assists during the season, while also winning a very impressive 90% of tackles. At just 21, fans will be hoping he is a regular for years to come

Player of the season
Chris Dawson
What can be said about the impressive midfielder this season that hasn’t already been covered game by game. Dawson was central to the midfield the entire season, starting 54 games, the most of any player during the season. His vision and set-piece prowess contributed to 15 assists, while he also weighed in with 9 goals, achieving the highest average rating of any player who appeared in 5 games or more.

Pre-Season (July 2020)

Veteran winger Chris Howarth hung up his boots at the end of the season, the 37 year old starting just 1 game for his final club, although he did make 20 further appearances from the bench, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist during his time with the club. With the sensational form of Glynn and Croft, Howarth found chances hard to come by although he did pick up a winner’s medal for the Northern Premier Division for his contributions. The former Bradford Park Avenue man will now look to progress his career as a scout, with rumours he may be offered a short term deal with Scarborough as they look to grow the staff after promotion.



Also on the way out was Peter Davidson. The 30-year-old midfielder failed to make a single appearance for the first team during the season, and was available to talk to other clubs from early October, but with little interest he was forced to appear mainly with the under-23’s for the majority of the season. With his contract expired, he finally agreed to join Shildon in the Isthmian South Central. Jack Holmes, Kieran Glynn and Connor Thomson also returned to their parent clubs after successful loan spells in North Yorkshire. Holmes made 53 appearances during his time on loan from Chesterfield, scoring 2 goals while making the defensive midfield role his own. Winger Glynn scored 13 times during his spell at the club from Salford City, while Thomson finished top scorer with 17 goals during his season with the club, but he now returns to Gateshead.

The club were able to welcome four new faces into the squad to offset the departures before the start of the preseason, with 2 wingers, a striker and a full back being added to the first team squad. First in was former Manchester United winger Connor Stanley. The former Birmingham youngster spent the last few seasons with United, but with his contract expiring Scarborough took the opportunity to swoop. The 18-year-old can play down either wing and is likely to be used as an alternative to veteran winger Lee Croft in the coming season. Two new arrivals also joined from Leicester City, as Dennis Gyamfi and Dempsey Arlott-John both agreed to join at the expiration of their current deals. Gyamfi, a Ghanaian right back, will provide direct competition to Max Murphy at right-back, while it is likely that direct winger Arlott-John will fill the void left by the departure of Kieran Glynn out wide. The final new face was Connor Hall, who was signed on a free from Bolton Wanderers. Hall played most recently for Chorley in the National league, scoring 8 goals in 27 games, and joins to replace namesake Connor Thomson after his successful loan spell leading the line for the club.



There were debuts for all the new arrivals as Scarborough began pre-season with an impressive 1-0 win against Scottish Championship side Falkirk. Also handed a start was young midfielder Nashton Neblett in midfield. Scarborough thought they had the lead early on, only to see Hall denied on his debut. Not to be outfoxed, just before the hour the new striker did get his debut goal, when Connor Hall got on the end of a cross from fellow new arrival Connor Stanley to head home. Scarborough changed all 11 players on the hour, but with fitness the key there were no more real chances for either side in front of the 1,651 crowd.

There was another new face as Scarborough as the club welcomed another former Manchester United academy player, Ethan Galbraith. The midfielder was available on a free transfer after spending the last 3 seasons at United, and Scarborough moved quickly to offer the Northern Ireland under-21 player a contract amid interest from other clubs. It is thought the presence of Kenyon and Stanley, who both played with Galbraith during his time with United, helped convince the 19-year-old to join the National League North side. Also, on the move was full back Josh Williams, who agreed to join Welsh Premier League side Bala Town on loan for the season.



Back on the pitch, Scarborough fired their way to a stunning 2-1 win against Scottish Premier League side Rangers in their latest friendly. Rangers found themselves down to 10 men after just 6 minutes, as Jordan Jones was handed a straight red for a two-footed lunge. Scarborough capitalised on the numerical advantage, taking the lead just after the half-hour mark. After a half clearance, Dennis Gyamfi pumped the ball back into the area, where Connor Hall was able to bring the ball down and fire beyond Andy Firth to claim his second goal in as many games. The lead was doubled 3 minutes into the second half, when Dempsey Arlott-John picked up the ball inside his own half and was able to run through the entire Rangers back line before slotting home. Rangers pulled one back in the 53rd minute when Ryan Kent cut in from the left and fired home at the near post, but they were unable to find a second goal to prevent defeat.

Another new face was welcomed when Zak Brunt agreed to join on a free transfer. Brunt had only been available for a few weeks after his contract with Sheffield United expired, and the midfielder opted to join Scarborough despite offers from Plymouth, Northampton, Port Vale and Grimsby among others. The 18-year-old, who began his career with Derby, will add some much-needed depth in midfield for the squad. As part of the deal, Scarborough agreed a relegation release clause, although they will be hoping the new arrivals, along with Brunt, will ensure survival in their first season in the National League North. The club were also delighted to confirm that winger Kieran Glynn will be joining on loan for another season. The Salford City man was a massive part of the team that landed the double last season, and fans will be delighted to welcome him back to the club for a second stint.



Scarborough continued their fine pre-season with a 5-0 demolition away at Frickley Athletic. Scarborough took the lead after they were awarded a penalty within the first minute. The visitors played some fine football in the build-up, and when Stanley was found in the box up stepped Connor Hall to fire home for the 3rd game running. The lead was doubled on 15 minutes when Dawson floated in a corner, Assenso flicked on, and there was Kian Spence to fire home on the volley. Connor Stanley then claimed his first of the season, finding himself unmarked on the end of a Hall cross to edge the ball home. Scarborough then changed all 11 players, but the scoring continued as a Coulson corner was headed home by returning star Kieran Glynn. Roles were then reversed when Glynn beat his man and produced a perfect cross for Michael Coulson to head home.

Scarborough claimed a 2nd victory on the road as they beat Pontefract Collieries 3-1 in their latest friendly. It took until just before half-time for Scarborough to claim the advantage, despite dominating the first half, when Denzil Williams got on the end of a Zak Brunt free-kick to head home. After the break, a double from Arlott-John ensured the win. First, Kenyon drilled a cross from the left, and in raced Dempsey Arlott-John to head home. 7 minutes later, Connor Hall slipped through the winger, and Arlott-John produced a fine chip to beat the keeper. Matthew Simpson pulled a goal back for the hosts at the death, squeezing a corner over the line, but it was scant consolation for the Division One North West side.

Scarborough then faced a trip to Wrexham to face Queens Park and found themselves falling behind after just 4 minutes when Neville Sargent poked home from close range. Connor Hall restored parity on 12 minutes, when he latched on to a long pass from Max Murphy to confidently fire beyond the keeper. Despite dominating the remainder of the first half, it remained all square at half-time. Scarborough took just 2 minutes to claim the lead after the break, Connor Stanley getting on the end of a Denzil Williams long ball to drill home from distance. Stanley then turned provider, knocking the ball down to Kenyon, whose cross was met at the back stick by Max Murphy, who headed home from close range. Scarborough added a fourth at the end, Nashton Neblett claiming his first professional goal as he headed home a Jack Johnson free kick.

August 2020

August began with a comfortable 5-0 win in the final pre-season warm-up, an away trip to Grimsby Borough. Scarborough were in front just inside 10 minutes, after a neat exchange between Hall and Dempsey Arlott-John found the winger in space to fire home from an acute angle. The lead was doubled 6 minutes later, as Galbraith found Kenyon down the right, and his cross found Connor Hall, whose header thundered in off the underside of the bar. Just after the half-hour mark, the visitors then found themselves 3 up and in cruise control. Spence found Arlott-John in space, and his direct cross picked out the head of fellow winger Connor Stanley, who made no mistake from 8 yards out. The game was over as a contest 5 minutes before the break when Scarborough added a fourth. A long searching ball from Kian Spence was fired home superbly by Connor Hall with his left foot, the new arrivals’ second goal of the game. The result was confirmed on 64 minutes when Coulson swung in a corner and fellow substitute Wes Atkinson met the ball on the volley to fire home. It was an impressive end to the pre-season campaign, which has seen the Seadogs win every game, while they will be hoping new striker Connor Hall, who has 6 goals in 6 games pre-season, can continue that form into the season proper.

Scarborough began life in the Vanarama National League North with a very impressive 3-1 win over Boston United at the Flamingo Land Stadium. There were debuts for all 6 new arrivals, while the returning Kieran Glynn had to settle for a spot on the bench. The hosts took the lead 26 minutes in, when a poor clearance from Boston keeper Chris Arthur fell at the feet of Connor Hall, who drove through the Boston defence before easily beating the keeper to open his account for the season. 4 minutes after the restart, Hall had his and Scarborough’s second, after a fantastic long-range strike. Kenyon picked up the ball in midfield and beat two men, before slotting in Hall, who drove home from 25 yards giving Arthur no chance. The former Bolton man completed his hat-trick just a minute later, after an awful defensive mix-up for the visitors. Dennis Gyamfi tried to drive through the Boston defence, but when he was denied Andi Thanoj played a dreadful back pass towards the keeper, finding Hall completely unmarked and free to complete a hat-trick on his debut for the club. Boston did pull one back at the end, Simeon Oure heading home from a free-kick, but Scarborough will be delighted with both the victory and the manner of the performance in their opening game of the season.

The first away game of the season saw Scarborough again in fine form, as they brushed aside Kettering Town 4-1 with another impressive performance. Connor Hall continued his superb goalscoring start to life with the Seadogs, playing a neat one two with Zak Brunt before slotting home on 33 minutes. The lead was doubled 3 minutes into the 2nd half, when a Connor Stanley corner was neatly headed home at the back post by fellow winger Dempsey Arlott-John. Kettering pulled one back with an early goal of the season contender, when Daniel Nti cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Just 3 minutes later, however, Scarborough restored their two-goal advantage. A long Taylor punt found Hall, and he and Coulson combined to pick out Zak Brunt, who drilled home from just inside the box for his first goal of the season. The rout was complete in stoppage time, when Coulson claimed his 2nd assist from the bench, this time his free-kick picking out Isaac Assenso, who out jumped everyone at the far post to head home.

Scarborough made it a hat-trick of wins as they welcomed Telford United to the Flamingo Land Stadium, Max Murphy came in for his first start of the season in place of Gyamfi. There were few chances of note in the opening 30 minutes, but Scarborough then got the breakthrough just after the half-hour mark. Arlott-John found Murphy on the overlap, and his cross was met in the middle by an unmarked Zak Brunt, who fired home from just inside the penalty area to score for the second game in succession. The lead was almost doubled inside the first minute of the 2nd half, when Telford failed to clear a free kick properly and Hall got his shot away, only to be denied by the post. Scarborough did get their 2nd in the 78th minute, Murphy again causing problems down the right. The visitors failed to clear his cross, allowing Jake Kenyon to drive into the area and fire low and hard beyond Bramley to open his account and secure a 2-0 win, and their first clean sheet of the season after the impressive defensive exploits of last year.

The 100% start continued as Scarborough chalked up a 3-0 win away at Altrincham. All the damage was done in the first half of the game, although the hosts were unlucky not to be in front after 11 minutes, Peers seeing his header from a corner come back off the bar. It was another corner, this time for Scarborough, which saw the first goal. Brunt swung in a telling cross, and Connor Stanley got up to head home, although Altrincham keeper Tony Thompson should have done better to keep it out, after getting his hand to the ball. If the keeper was to blame for the first, there was nothing he could do about the second, as Kian Spence fired home an unstoppable shot. Brunt spun in the area, and when his shot was blocked it fell to Spence at the edge of the box, who gave the keeper no chance with his powerful finish. A minute later, the win was assured after some great vision from Kenyon picked out Dempsey Arlott-John, who beat his man to head home just inside the 6 yard box. It was the second clean sheet and 4th successive win in what has been an impressive start from Scarborough in the National League North.

Two new faces arrived at Scarborough Athletic during the week, when the club confirmed the extended signing of two trialists, both initially on non-contract terms. First through the door was Polish goalkeeper Marcel Wusiewicz. The 20-year-old had most recently been with Burnley, although he also had a spell with Salford City. He initially joined the club on trial, but after impressing with the reserves was offered the opportunity to become part of the squad.



Another through the door was Mohammed Sangaré, a midfielder who joins after leaving Newcastle United. Sangaré is a full Liberian international, although he moved to the UK at 14 years old, with 2 caps currently to his name. Like Wusiewicz, he also joins on a non-contract basis, although he will be hoping to force his way into the first team and beyond to continue his international career.



Back on the pitch, Scarborough picked up another win as they dispatched Bradford Park Avenue 3-1 at home. The lead came just 5 minutes in, after a mesmerising run down the left by Jake Kenyon was followed by an equally good cross, superbly met and dispatched by Dempsey Arlott-John at the back post. Bradford hit back from the spot after 25 minutes. Galbraith pushed Clare in the area, and Liam Hughes stepped up to fire home with ease. The lead was restored for the hosts 6 minutes before the break, after a poor goal kick from the visitors. Walters kick fell straight at the feet of Arlott-John, and he with the defence pushing out he was able to slip Connor Hall clean through, and the top scorer made no mistake with the finish. The win was finally secured 3 minutes from time, when Arlott-John claimed his second of the game. Substitute Coulson swung in a telling free-kick, and with Bradford unable to clear, the ball fell straight to the winger to tap home with the keeper stranded.

GAME CRASHED (HDD ISSUE) – RESTORED FROM BACK-UP – HAD TO REPLAY & RE-REPORT FINAL GAME TO CONTINUE STORY FORWARD WITHOUT CONTINUITY ISSUES

Scarborough were then due to face Nuneaton Borough, but the clash was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Liberty Way, with the game re-arranged to take place Tuesday 8th September 2020. This meant a trip to Gloucester to close out the month, and a 3-0 victory ensure Scarborough finished the month on a high. Sangaré and Wusiewicz were both handed debuts. Connor Hall opened the scoring in the 26th minute, Arlott-John breaking down the right and chipping into the box for the top scorer to head home from close range. Hall then doubled his, and the visitors tally in the 38th minute when he dispossessed Joao, breaking down the right before finishing low and hard across the keeper. The result was put beyond doubt when the visitors grabbed a 3rd in the 88th minute. A poor clearance found Kenyon, who in turn picked out Coulson on the edge of the box. He spotted the run of Zak Brunt, who fired home from 20 yards out to secure the win, although the keeper should have done better to keep it out.


Manager’s Review
What a way to start the season, the new arrivals have slotted in perfectly and added a new dimension to the team this season. What we have lost in defence we seemed to have gained going forward, creating and scoring more goals and generally being a bigger threat in the opposition area. No surprises to say Connor Hall is player of the month, his arrival has been a massive boost to the club, and he has hit the ground running in the league with 7 goals (9 total for the month)

September 2020

Scarborough could only manage a 0-0 draw as they started September with a home clash against Curzon Ashton. The game came just 2 days after the 3-0 victory away at Gloucester, and the fatigue was evident in the early exchanges. Scarborough had the best chances in a tight first half, Arlott-John twice going close, while Connor Stanley broke on the counter-attack, only to see his low effort palmed away by Cameron Mason in the Curzon goal. After the break, the hosts again looked most threatening, but were unable to break the deadlock, although they did limit the visitors to just 2 shots in the full 90 minutes, both off target. The result saw Scarborough lose top spot in the league, Darlington going top although they have played a game more.

Scarborough returned to winning ways at the weekend with a 2-0 win against local rivals York City at the Flamingo Land Stadium. Scarborough began brightly and took the lead after 22 minutes from a set-piece, Connor Stanley swung in a corner and there was Dempsey Arlott-John at the near post to head home beyond Whitley. Victory was secured just after the hour when Connor Hall kept up his fine form. A poor kick from Whitley was picked up in space by Arlott-John, and the goal scorer turned provider as he fed in Hall, who made no mistake lifting the ball beyond the keeper, giving Scarborough local bragging in the area.

Back on the road, Scarborough picked up another 3 points in a thrilling 5-2 victory against Nuneaton Borough. Scarborough were gifted the lead in the 10th minute, Hall breaking into the box and being hauled down by Matty Williams. Connor Hall himself stepped up to fire home from the spot, despite the keeper going the right way. The lead was to last just 2 minutes, however, as Nuneaton struck back. A half clearance from a corner was picked up by Chima, who laid the ball back to Nicky Wroe to produce a superb finish from distance. 3 minutes later, Scarborough restored the lead in a sensational opening 15 minutes. Dennis Gyamfi broke down the right to cross, and a failed clearance dropped straight to Hall, who smashed home in the penalty area. Scarborough scored a 3rd just before the half hour. Zak Brunt swung in a free kick and Isaac Assenso found himself unmarked at the back post to head home. The visitors weren’t done, grabbing a fourth before the break as Hall completed his hat-trick. Gyamfi won the ball in midfield, and Hall picked up the loose ball, being allowed to run all the way into the box before producing a powerful finish that gave the keeper no chance. Nuneaton struck back on the hour, Miller picking out Malachi Hudson and Wusiewicz could only parry the shot into his own goal. The 3 goal advantage was restored in the last minute of normal time. Connor Stanley was allowed way too much space down the left as Nuneaton tried to claw a way back into the game, and his well timed cross gave Hall the easiest of finishes for his 4th of the game, a record for both Scarborough and the National League North in recent times.



A trip to the North East saw Scarborough draw their second game of the season at Gateshead. Lee Croft came in for his first start of the season with Connor Stanley picking up a knock in the previous game, while Thomas Taylor returned between the sticks. It was also a chance to renew the friendship with Connor Thomson, the striker who finished as top scorer for Scarborough last season while on loan, who started this game for the hosts. Gateshead took the lead in the 15th minute from a spot-kick. From an in-swinging O’Donnell corner, Sangaré was judged to have pushed Forbes in the area, and as the ref pointed to the spot, Paul Blackett made no mistake, sending Taylor the wrong way for his 6th goal of the season. The home side doubled the lead just a minute into the 2nd half, O’Donnell again with a key assist which found Michael Collins unmarked to head home. 5 minutes later Scarborough pulled one back, Lee Croft with a deep free-kick picking out Connor Hall at the back post to head home. Scarborough pulled back level in the 66th minute, Gateshead inexplicably failing to chase down a long punt from Isaac Assenso, and Hall was quickest to react for an easy tap in for his second of the game, with a draw probably a fair reflection based on the balance of play.

Scarborough rang in the changes for the FA Cup 2nd qualification round, where they played host to Faversham Town, and it affected them as they could only draw 0-0. Despite dominating the chances, the home side where unable to find a breakthrough with a team including Murphy, Neblett, Spence and Kieran Glynn among others. They must now face a trip to Kent on Tuesday for the replay, a match they would have hoped to avoid before their top of the table clash against Darlington at the weekend.

Scarborough brought back several key players for the replay against Faversham Town, but it proved to be a familiar tale again in the first half as Scarborough dominated the chances but were again unable to find a way beyond the well organised and resolute Faversham defence. After the break, Scarborough again failed to score, meaning after 180 minutes and no goals, penalties would decide who would go through to face Hyde in the next round. The visitors had better luck from the spot, scoring all four penalties, Kian Spence with the winner as Wusiewicz saved two against the hosts to finally ensure progress in a tough fixture.

It was impossible to split the top two as Scarborough were held to a 1-1 draw as they travelled up to County Durham to face Darlington. Both sides had several chances to take the lead in the first half, both keepers doing well to keep the game level at the break, Arlott-John also coming off injured. Hall then went close with a header in the second half as Scarborough looked to establish themselves in the game. They thought they had won it when they nicked a goal in the 89th minute. Jake Kenyon found Spence in the area from the throw-in, and his square ball found Zak Brunt who raced into the area to smash home. The celebrations were short lived, however, as Darlington hit back just 2 minutes later in stoppage time. Stephen Thompson broke down the left and his cross was met superbly by Adam Campbell, who sprung the offside trap, to head home from 6 yards out giving Wusiewicz no chance.



Scarborough finished the month with another 1-1 draw as they travelled to the North East again, this time to take on South Shields. The hosts took the lead in the 1st minute at Mariners Park, after Galbraith shoved Aidmar Neves in the area. The 30-year-old defender stepped up to take the penalty himself, making no mistake from the spot. Scarborough pushed in search of an immediate reply, Glynn heading just wide from a Kenyon cross. They eventually got back into the game just before the break. Gyamfi broke into the box and picked out Sangaré, the Liberian international beating the keeper with his header, but seeing it come back off the post. Glynn reacted quickest, and when Gray could only parry his shot, the ball fell to Connor Hall who made no mistake from close range. Scarborough had several chances to win the game in the 2nd half, first when Sangaré found himself clean through from a Hall flick on, but fired his shot wide, and then when Gray produced a fantastic save to deny Kieran Glynn who was unmarked in the area. The result means Scarborough have now effectively drawn the last 5 games, excluding penalties, their last win coming early in the month with that impressive 5-2 demolition of Nuneaton Borough.



Manager’s Review
It’s been a tough month in terms of results, drawing four league games and needing a replay and penalties in the cup, but that said we have faced several of the teams expected to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season so it’s important to try and not get too disheartened by that. There were also the positives of the 5-2 win against Nuneaton and a massive 2-0 win in the local derby against York City to boost the supporters. It come as no surprise that I’m breaking my own usual tradition to award Connor Hall player of the month for the second month in succession. Another 8 league goals for the striker who is proving to be an unbelievable signing.

October 2020

Scarborough began October with their first win in 6 games as they brushed aside Hyde United in the FA Cup 3rd qualification round. The 2 sides met 3 times last season, with both games finishing 0-0 in the league, but Scarborough hammering Hyde 3-0 in the Alan Turvey cup semi-final on their way to winning the trophy. It was a tighter affair this time, with the visitors progressing courtesy of a slender 2-1 victory. Scarborough opened the scoring on 22 minutes. A long-range Zak Brunt free-kick into the area allowed Kieran Glynn to loop a header over onrushing keeper Oliver Martin top open his account since returning to the club. 10 minutes later it was 2-0 with an almost carbon copy in many ways, as another long-distance Brunt free-kick caused panic in the Hyde area, this time Ethan Galbraith the beneficiary to poke home his first goal of the season. Hyde pulled one back with 10 minutes to go as a Jordan cross found Harry Benns unmarked in the area, and he was free to volley home. The hosts then thought they’d drawn level when Dan Turner broke into the box to score, but the goal was disallowed, meaning it is Scarborough who progress to the Fourth Qualification round to face Altrincham or Ebbsfleet.

Scarborough were in impressive form as they swept aside managerless Brackley Town 3-0 at home. The hosts took the lead just inside half an hour, when a Brunt cross was only half-punched clear, and Sangaré floated the ball back in for Kian Spence to volley home. It should have been two when they were awarded a penalty after Bamford pushed Williams in the area, but Connor Hall was left frustrated as his spot-kick came back off the post. The second goal eventually came courtesy of Denzel Williams. Dawson swung in a free kick, and the keeper completely misjudged the cross leaving the centre-half free to head into an empty net. The result was put beyond doubt at the death when Sangaré fed through Connor Hall. The striker still had it all to do, but added to his impressive tally and secured all three points by cutting inside before firing home inside the near post.

Scarborough followed up the Brackley result with another home win, this time 2-0 against Guiseley, in a tale of 2 Connors. The hosts opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Assenso fed the ball out to fellow centre half Denzel Williams, and his cross into the box was missed by everyone except for Connor Stanley, who found himself completely unmarked at the back post to fire home. 5 minutes before the break the points were secured. Jake Kenyon broke down the left and found Stanley again unmarked in the area. This time the winger picked out Connor Hall, who broke through the middle, who made no mistake with his finish.

Scarborough welcomed another new face as they completed the signing of former Crystal Palace star Neil Danns. The 37-year-old midfielder, who began his senior career with Blackburn, agreed to join the club on a short-term contract for the rest of the current season. The Guyanese international made over 100 appearances during his time with Crystal Palace, while also playing for Leicester and Bolton among others. With 21 international caps and 9 goals to his name, the defensive midfielder, most recently with Tranmere Rovers, will provide competition and back up for emerging star Ethan Galbraith, who was recently unavailable due to his own international commitments for the Northern Ireland u-21’s.



Scarborough faced a gruelling 500-mile round trip to face Ebbsfleet United in the FA Cup but made the journey worthwhile with a 3-2 victory. National League South side Ebbsfleet needed a replay to progress in the 3rd qualification round, beating Altrincham 1-0 at the second time of asking, to set up the tie against their National League North counterparts. The visitors took the lead 10 minutes before the break at Stonebridge Road, an Isaac Assenso header looping over the stranded keeper from a Kenyon free kick. Four minutes into the second half the lead was doubled, a stray pass from Lucas Defise being pounced upon by Connor Hall, who broke into the box and rounded the keeper to score. Scarborough then thought they were home and dry when they added a third after 72 minutes. Assenso fed the ball out to wide man Connor Stanley, who cut inside beating his man before driving a shot low and hard beyond Holmes. Ebbsfleet pulled one back in the 84th minute, a direct cross from Cameron Cresswell being met by Rio Glean, who was able to side foot home on the volley. Scarborough were then given a late scare when Jack King made it 3-2 with the goal of the game, a thumping long range drive after being laid off by Goddard, but the visitors were able to hold on to ensure the win and progress to the First Round proper, where they will now face Solihull Moors, who needed a replay to beat Ilkeston Town, at home.

Back to the league and it was another narrow victory, this time 2-1, as Scarborough travelled to Hertfordshire to face Hemel Hempstead. Scarborough took the lead in this one 29 minutes in. Galbraith fed the ball out wide to Jake Kenyon, and his superb delivery picked out Connor Stanley at the far post to head home. Just before the break, and having not learned their lesson, Kenyon was again able to pick out Stanley. This time the keeper could only parry his initial effort, and he was on hand to bundle home the rebound for his second of the game. Hemel Hempstead grabbed a consolation goal at the death when they were awarded a late penalty, which Henry Wise duly stepped up to convert, but Scarborough have now won on their last 5 outings.

The penultimate game of the month saw Scarborough easily brush aside Leamington 3-0 at home. Leamington had an early chance to take the lead, Wusiewicz producing a good save, but then it was all Scarborough. The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute when a smart reverse pass from Connor Stanley found Connor Hall, who turned the ball past the keeper with his left foot. Just 3 minutes later the lead was doubled. A deep cross from Jake Kenyon was headed back into the danger area by Glynn, and Hall was there again to swivel and finish. 4 minutes after the restart, Connor Stanley thought he had made it three as he poked home, only to be denied by the flag. Just a minute later, it was three, however, when Hall laid the ball off to Kieran Glynn who broke into the box to finish low and hard across the keeper. Hall thought he had then completed his hat-trick at the death, only for the assistant referee to again rule the goal out and deny him a third, although it still proved to be a more than comfortable victory for the hosts.

The month ended with a disappointing 0-0 draw away to Farsley Celtic. Scarborough had the better of the chances, Hall twice going close, but they were unable to find a way past Wynne in the Farsley goal, despite having 4 attempts on target. The result sees them end the month 3 points ahead of rivals York at the moment, with equal games played, while Darlington now sit in third.



Manager’s Review
We were on for a 100% month until the disappointing draw against Farsley last time out. That said, it was still a strong month in terms of our push for promotion and making it through to the FA Cup 1st round proper for the second season running. Player of the month this month goes to winger Connor Stanley, who has been in excellent form since he joined. He scored 4 goals this month, as well as numerous assists, and is definitely one of the stand out players in the division at the moment.

November 2020

Scarborough started November with a solid 2-0 win at home to FC United of Manchester in the National League North. The hosts suffered a blow after just 12 minutes when Dennis Gyamfi was forced off with a calf injury, Max Murphy taking his place. They were then forced into yet another change just after the half hour mark, when Jake Kenyon appeared to twist his knee, meaning Kian Spence was forced to play in the unfamiliar role of left-back. They were boosted just a minute later, however, when they took a deserved lead. A poor goal kick from the visitors fell straight to the feet of Glynn, and his quick thinking forward pass found Connor Hall, who timed his run to perfection to slot beyond the on-rushing keeper. The win was secured in the 71st minute, when Connor Stanley swung in a quick pass and Kieran Glynn was quickest to react to prod the ball home. FC United almost pulled one back near the end, but Meppen-Walter’s long-range drive was excellently tipped onto the post by Wusiewicz to ensure another clean sheet and 3 more points. After the match it was confirmed that Dennis Gyamfi had torn his calf muscle and could be out for up to 3 months. Fortunately, Kenyon’s injury was less severe, and he is just suspected to be side-lined for a week.

Scarborough hosted Solihull Moors in the FA Cup 1st round but could only manage a 0-0 draw in the tight affair against the National League side. Solihull made it through to the 1st Round proper after seeing off Ilkeston Town after a replay, while the hosts edged past Ebbsfleet 3-2. Scarborough had to ring in the changes due to injury, with Max Murphy coming in at right back for Gyamfi, and Jamie Yates slotting in at left-back with Kenyon still side lined. It was a fairly even game throughout, with Scarborough just edging it on chances and shots on target, but neither side could break the deadlock and they must now meet again in 3 days’ time.

The FA Cup replay proved to be another extremely tight affair, with Solihull Moors just edging the game 1-0 in the end. Scarborough made a few changes for the game, Jordan Clarke coming in from the reserves at left back, while Neil Danns came into midfield with Ethan Galbraith unavailable due to International commitments with the Northern Ireland Under-21’s. They were boosted, however, with the return of Dempsey Arlott-John to the bench for the first time since suffering a broken toe against Darlington earlier in the season. Neither side could make the breakthrough in a very even first half. The hosts found themselves in front 3 minutes into the second, however, when a poor clearance allowed Patrick Booth to steal in and score. Scarborough pushed for an equaliser but were unable to break down the National League side’s defence. Solihull were rewarded with a home tie against Bolton Wanderers in the 2nd round, while the focus for Scarborough must now shift back to promotion to the National League.



Scarborough returned to winning ways as they chalked up a 3-1 win away at Southport in the league. There were more changes to the line-up after the cup defeat, with Galbraith back from international duty, and Kenyon and Arlott-John both back into the starting XI after injury. Danns kept his place with Zak Brunt suspended, while Wes Atkinson came in at the back for Isaac Assenso, who was also suspended. Scarborough took just 7 minutes to take the lead, with Mohammed Sangaré scoring his first ever goal for the club, playing a neat one-two with Neil Danns before producing a fantastic long range finish into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Charlie Albinson in the Southport goal. Southport almost replied immediately, Woods firing just wide from a direct free kick. After 16 minutes, the visitors were 2 up, with Danns again playing a part. He picked out Murphy, who slipped through Dempsey Arlott-John, and the returning winger smashed home of the inside of the post. Southport pulled one back in the 25th minute, when Kavanagh swung in a free kick from the right and Connor Woods beat everyone in the middle to head home. In a nervy second half, Scarborough secured the win in the last minute of normal time as Mohammed Sangaré grabbed his second of the game. The former Newcastle midfielder fed the ball wide to Kieran Glynn, who beat his man before producing a perfect cross for Sangaré to race on to the end of to head home.



Scarborough hit 3 for the second game in succession as they cruised to a 3-0 victory at home against Spennymoor Town. Denzel Williams gave the hosts the lead just 4 minutes in, as he got on the end of a Zak Brunt free-kick to head beyond Matt Gould at the far post. Quarter of an hour in the lead was doubled. Brunt fed the ball wide to Arlott-John, who burst down the right, producing a pinpoint cross which was glanced home by Connor Hall in the middle. The match was over as a contest when it was 3 just after the half-hour mark. Brunt again proved to be the architect, this time producing a superb corner which was met by the powerful head of Mohammed Sangaré at the near post. Spennymoor offered little in reply and the only sour note for Scarborough was when midfielder Ethan Galbraith was shown a straight red after a lunge on Tyler Forbes and is now set to miss the final game of the month.

Scarborough finished the month with a trip to Norfolk, where they came away with 3 points after a 2-0 victory against King’s Lynn. Both sides had chances in the first half, as Wusiewicz produced a point blank save to deny Marriott, while at the other end Street produced a fantastic save to deny Connor Stanley when he was clean through. In the second half, Hall finally beat the keeper but was denied by the crossbar as the visitors continued to press. The deadlock was finally broken with just 11 minutes remaining. Kian Spence picked up the ball in the middle, and he found Zak Brunt who produced a fantastic strike from 25 yards out, giving Street no chance. The result was secured in the final minute when Neil Danns swung a free kick into the box and centre half Isaac Assenso broke free at the far post to side foot home.



Manager’s Review
A strong showing in the league, winning all four games and only conceding once. Disappointed not to progress in the FA Cup though. Although Solihull are a league above us, I felt we did enough to win the game in the first leg, and the financial gains for a 2nd round tie at home to Bolton would have been massive, not to mention a great chance to see the in form Connor Hall square off against his former side. Player of the month this month is midfielder Mohammed Sangaré, who has forced his way into the first team and subsequently become a massive presence in the middle of the park.

December 2020

Scarborough began December with a trip to face Boston United, and were left disappointed after being held to a 0-0 draw at The Community Stadium. The visitors had the better of the chances but were unable to find the back of the net, managing just four shots on target throughout the 90 minutes. The best chance of the game fell to striker Connor Hall, who broke through down the right to find himself clean through, but the former Bolton man disappointingly dragged his shot wide. The result sees Scarborough remain top of the National League North, currently 4 points ahead of both South Shields and York City in the race for promotion.

The FA Trophy 1st round saw Scarborough produce a dominating display to beat Hereford 2-0. The Seadogs travelled to the Welsh border to face a side who, like themselves are a rebirth of a former league side, currently finding themselves a tier below in the Premier Division South. Scarborough absolutely dominated the play, with Hereford unable to register a single shot in the opening half, but there was no way past Brandon Hall. Unsurprisingly, the visitors did eventually break the deadlock in the 53rd minute. A throw-in on the left from Jake Kenyon was flicked on in the area by Sangaré, and Neil Danns reacted quickest to poke the ball home and claim his first ever goal for the club. The favour was returned 5 minutes later, when Danns this time turned provide, his free-kick from the left perfectly picking out Mohammed Sangaré to head home. Scarborough were unable to add to the score line, although they did manage a total of 23 shots in the game, with 12 on target, a statistic which underlined the dominance they displayed in the game. They will face either Stourbridge or Hayes & Yeading in the next round, with the two sides not meeting until midweek due to other cup commitments.



Scarborough registered another 2-0 win as they hosted Kettering Town in the final game before Christmas. Kettering came into this game rock bottom of the league with just 2 wins all season, although they thought they could be on the way to a potential upset when Harvey Smith headed home early on, only to be denied by the offside flag. Hall then found himself clean through for the home side but was unable to beat Cafer. Denzel Williams then also had a goal chalked off as he got on the end of a Zak Brunt free kick as the first half somehow ended all square. 2 minutes into the second half normal service was resumed as Scarborough took the lead. Kenyon picked out Stanley on the wing, the wide man cutting back and producing a pinpoint cross which was superbly met by Dempsey Arlott-John, who lost his marker to head home. Luke Charman, making his debut as a sub, then thought he’d opened his account for his new team, getting on the end of a Max Murphy cross, but for the 3rd time in the match the referee’s assistants ruled offside. A second goal did eventually come 5 minutes from time, Brunt giving the ball to Ethan Galbraith and the youth international went on a driving run before unleashing an unstoppable shot from around 25 yards out giving Cafer absolutely no chance. The result sees Kettering remain bottom and Scarborough hold on to a four-point cushion from second placed South Shields.

The Boxing day clash saw Scarborough drop 2 points as they could only manage a 1-1 draw away to AFC Telford. The visitors had the perfect start when they found themselves in front after just 2 minutes. A Kenyon crossed was only cleared as far as Murphy, and he swung the ball back into the box where it was met by Connor Stanley with a neat headed finish. Telford pulled level in the 33rd minute when they were awarded a penalty. Andy Bond was brought down by Murphy in the box, and the midfielder stepped up to convert the spot-kick himself. Scarborough twice thought they had nicked it at the death, only to be denied. An overlap between Stanley and Kenyon saw the full-back cross into the box, but Kieran Glynn was adjudged to have gone just too early before heading home. 3 minutes later, it was the same pairing again, Kenyon this time pumping the ball into the box from deep, Glynn again providing the finish but this time he was played offside superbly by the Telford back line. The one positive was that South Shields lost their game away at Southport, Darlington moving back into 2nd place with a 2-0 win away at Farsley.

Scarborough finished the year with a 1-0 win away to Bradford Park Avenue. Scarborough dominated the game through, with 20 shots on target in total during the game, but it took until the 83rd minute to eventually take the lead. Kieran Glynn fed the ball out to substitute Michael Coulson on the left, who produced a great right foot finish to beat McCulloch, and secure all 3 points for the visitors. The result means Scarborough finish the year 5 points clear at the top of the National League North, with South Shields and York both on level points, and Darlington just one point behind in fourth place.



Manager’s Review
Another couple of draws this month, but with other sides dropping points it hasn’t affected our league standing too much. Happy to reach the 2nd round of the FA Trophy too with a comfortable 2-0 win against Hereford. Player of the month is Ethan Galbraith, who has been consistent throughout the month, also weighing in with a goal against Kettering.

Enjoying this adventure. Remember the days when my mate used to play for the original Scarborough team.

Thanks for the kind feedback.

My best friend growing up was from Scarborough, so when we used to play early management games where you had to start in the bottom division, he'd always be them, so always had a keen interest too in a fashion. Especially remember the famous cup run! Who was your mate, any good?

January 2021

Scarborough began the new year on fire with a thumping 4-0 victory as they welcomed Altrincham. The hosts took the lead in the 9th minute, Max Murphy breaking down the right to cross, and Connor Hall losing his marker to produce a glancing header beyond Gibson. Just 2 minutes later it was 2-0. A deep Zak Brunt free kick was met by the head of Isaac Assenso, and when the keeper could only parry the effort, the centre half was quickest to react to smash the ball home. The third goal came in the 34th minute at the end of an impressive move from the home side. Galbraith fed the ball out to Murphy, who in turn slipped the ball to Arlott-John, and his pinpoint cross picked out Connor Stanley at the far post on the volley. The result was tied up in the 88th minute by substitute Kieran Glynn. Jake Kenyon swung in the ball from the left, substitute striker Luke Charman got up first to flick on, and his touch was met by Glynn with a great volley inside the area.

Scarborough secured another comfortable win midweek as they brushed aside visitors Nuneaton Borough 3-0 at the Flamingo Land Stadium. The lead was handed to Scarborough after just 4 minutes, courtesy of some poor goalkeeping. Zak Brunt picked out Isaac Assenso in the box, and although Larkin got a hand to the header, he was unable to keep it out, Assenso scoring for the second game in succession. Connor Stanley added a second after 22 minutes, losing his man in the middle to power a header home after Arlott-John had done well down the right to fire in a cross. The hosts were forced into a change after 28 minutes when Jake Kenyon came off injured, the reshuffle seeing Williams go to left-back and Kian Spence being handed the role of emergency centre-half. Fellow full back Max Murphy also picked up a knock late on, but with all 3 changes made he was forced to see the game out. There was still time for another goal, in the 86th minute, after some fine play from Stanley. The winger broke free from the halfway line, stopping at the edge of the area to produce a measured cross to pick out Luke Charman in the middle, who made no mistake to grab his first goal for the club.



Scarborough maintained their fine form as they brushed aside Stourbridge 2-0 in the 2nd round of the FA Trophy. It was the third home game in succession for Scarborough, as they faced the side from the Premier Division Central, a tier below the hosts. With Kenyon and Murphy both out after picking up knocks in the last game, and Gyamfi still not back to fitness, Scarborough brought in Jamie Yates in at left back and Jack Johnson in at right back. Scarborough started brightly and were unlucky not to be in front after 8 minutes. Brunt slipped through Connor Hall, and the striker could only watch on as his effort thundered back off the crossbar before being cleared to safety. The breakthrough came 20 minutes in, after good build up play from Sangaré who found Connor Stanley. The wide man broke into the box, cut back and picked out Zak Brunt at the edge of the area, who produced an unstoppable finish into the top corner. The home side thought they’d scored a second on the hour, when Johnson picked out Assenso with a free kick, but the centre half had just strayed offside before heading home. The result was tied up in the 87th minute, as this time the set-piece goal was given. Substitute Coulson swung the ball into the box, where Mohammed Sangaré broke free at the far post to head home. The win sees Scarborough handed another home tie, against either Workington or Matlock Town in the next round.

Scarborough continued their 100% record for the month as they edged past Curzon Ashton 2-1 on the road. The visitors made 2 changes, Jordan Clarke coming in at left back and new arrival Chris Renshaw making his debut between the sticks. The 23-year-old keeper was in fine form for Stourbridge, and the former Everton keeper was snapped up on a free as he was non-contact. It was a dream start for Scarborough as they took the lead just a minute into the clash. Brunt lifted the ball into the area, and Stanley produced a fine bit of control before chipping the ball across to Dempsey Arlott-John, who directed his header beyond Mason. Curzon almost hit back immediately through Sinclair, his effort rebounding off the inside of the post. Sinclair was again denied in the last minute of the first half, this time the crossbar coming to the rescue of Scarborough. There was little surprise when Curzon did find themselves level with 9 minutes left, and even less surprise at the scorer. Isaac Sinclair, not to be denied again, gave Renshaw no chance with his header, getting on the end of a cross from Abbey. Scarborough regained the lead 6 minutes later, a Brunt corner headed back across the box by substitute Charman, and Connor Stanley reacting quickest to prod home to grab 3 points for the visitors.

Scarborough maintained their winning start to 2021 with a slender 1-0 victory against Gloucester City. Max Murphy returned for Scarborough after his recent lay off through injury, while Wusiewicz was preferred ahead of Renshaw in goal. Despite the narrow score line, it was an absolutely dominating performance from Scarborough on an afternoon when they could, and probably should have had a hat full, but for the heroics of Niall Maher in the Gloucester goal. The only goal of the game did come after 27 minutes. A Sangaré corner was headed into the mixer by Isaac Assenso, and when Moult’s poor clearance fell back to the centre half, he took a touch to steady himself before firing beyond Maher. Despite chalking up 17 shots on target during the game, there were to be no further goals. It was still a welcome performance, and win, however, for the manager on his birthday.

Scarborough finished the month with another tight 1-0 victory at the Flamingo Land Stadium, Gateshead this time the visitors. Jake Kenyon returned after his short injury lay off, with Yates dropping back to the bench. In a game in which chances were fairly even, the only goal came in the 35th minute. Connor Stanley found the returning Kenyon on the overlap, and his deep cross was met by Dempsey Arlott-John at the far post, the winger sending the ball back across goal beyond Szczepaniak.



Manager’s Review
A perfect start to the year and a great month for the lads, winning every game to extend our lead at the top of the table, and progressing in the FA Trophy. There seems to be an almost telepathic understanding between some of the players now the new arrivals have all settled, and despite several injury setbacks, the fringe players have also come in and performed to a high standard throughout. Player of the month is Marcel Wusiewicz, who has responded superbly to the arrival of Chris Renshaw, not conceding a goal all month. Also delighted to pick up an honour myself, but think the players deserve all the credit for this one

February 2021

Scarborough began the month with another tough game, narrowly winning 1-0 against bitter rivals York City. It was the 3rd 1-0 victory in succession for the newly crowned manager of the month Sie Barlow, who renewed his war of words with fellow manager Neil Aspin before this clash. On the pitch, the result was settled just after the hour mark with Connor Stanley grabbing the only goal of the game. Galbraith was fouled in the middle of the park, and Sangaré drifted the resulting free kick towards Stanley, who got up above Spratt to head home and ensure his side claimed local bragging rights in this local derby.



The cup returned to the Flamingo Land Stadium with a 1-0 win over Workington in the FA Trophy 3rd round. Scarborough finally welcomed back Dennis Gyamfi for this one after a long-term absence, and despite dominating a game yet again it was a familiar tale as they could only manage a solitary goal. The breakthrough came in the 50th minute, with Connor Stanley scoring for the second consecutive game. The winger overhit his initial cross, with fellow winger Arlott-John rescuing the ball on the other side before picking out Connor Hall in the area. The striker saw his header superbly saved by Bayleigh Passant, but Stanley was on hand to react and fire home with the keeper still stranded. The win sees Scarborough into the 4th round, and they were first out of the hat in the draw, where they will now host National League South side Eastleigh in the next round at the end of the month.

Scarborough finally lost their unbeaten run as they fell 1-0 at home to South Shields in the league. The North east side, also challenging for promotion, pressured the hosts from the start, eventually taking the lead 10 minutes in. Aaron Simpson swung in a cross from the left, and centre-half Harry Foulstone lost his marker at the near post to flick beyond Wusiewicz. The trick was almost repeated 5 minutes later, Simpson this time picking out Callum Ross, but he could only head over from a good position. Scarborough’s best chance to pull level came in the second half, when Stanley turned his man inside out before picking out Connor Hall, but the striker could only direct his shot straight at Louis Gray. At the other end, Scarborough had the athleticism of Marcel Wusiewicz to thank for keeping the score down, most noticeably producing a fantastic save from close range of Garner, Simpson again the architect. The defeat, the first of the season in the league, sees South Shields 9 points behind in 3rd place, just 1 behind Darlington who currently occupy 2nd spot.

Scarborough returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion as they crushed 2nd placed Darlington 3-0 at home. The hosts dominated the first half but were unable to take advantage of their chances. However, just 3 minutes into the 2nd half they took the deserved lead. Kian Spence won the ball in the middle of the park, feeding Arlott-John out wide. The winger produced a fantastic cross, met by a towering jump from Connor Hall. The keeper managed to get a hand to it but could only push it on to the bar and in. The lead was extended in the 63rd minute, Gyamfi playing a neat one-two with Spence before whipping in a cross. Sangaré picked up the clearance and played a fantastic reverse pass to Jake Kenyon in space, and the full-back made no mistake with a left-footed volley into the bottom corner. The result was sealed 8 minutes before time when two of the substitutes combined for the third. Chris Dawson picked up a loose clearance and laid off to Kieran Glynn who produced a fabulous strike from outside the box, giving Matthew Campbell in the Darlington goal no chance. The victory means Scarborough sit 6 points clear at the top, with South Shields winning away to Curzon Ashton to take advantage of the defeat for their north east rivals to leapfrog back into second spot.

Scarborough were made to work for a 1-0 victory on the road against Brackley Town. The league leaders headed to Northamptonshire full of confidence as they faced the team bottom of the league, Brackley winning only 5 times all season, but it was anything but comfortable as the visitors were forced to grind out a result after missing several good chances. In the early exchanges, Charman had a good chance to give his side the lead, but his header crashed back off the bar before Digbeu cleared, after a good free-kick from Neil Danns. It was then the turn of the host’s keeper to deny Charman, as he produced a stunning one handed save to deny the former Newcastle man at close range, after Arlott-John had found his team-mate in space. It was the same combination that eventually secured all 3 points six minutes from time. Arlott-John found himself completely in space on the left, carrying the ball all the way to the edge of the area before his chipped cross was powered home superbly by Luke Charman beyond the out-stretched hand of the keeper. South Shields remain in second after a comfortable 2-0 win, while York City and Darlington have also now secured at least a play-off spot as the National League North enters the final run-in.



The month ended with Scarborough reaching the FA Trophy 5th round as they comfortably saw off the challenge of Eastleigh, 2-0. The hosts fielded a near full strength side, so it was no surprise they made their superiority count against the team currently 2nd in the National League South, also hoping for promotion to the National League themselves. Scarborough grabbed both goals in the first half, the first coming in the 41st minute. Ethan Galbraith found Stanley in space on the left, the winger drilling the ball across the box, and when everyone failed to clear, there was Dempsey Arlott-John racing in on the other side to volley home with his left. The result was confirmed with a second 1 minute into stoppage time at the end of the half. Zak Brunt picked out the run of Connor Hall with a superbly timed pass, and the striker slipped the ball under Joe Riley for his 25th goal of the season. Scarborough have been handed a long trip to Kent to face Folkestone Invicta in the next round.


Manager’s Review
Gutted to finally suffer defeat, but South Shields are a strong team who have been there or thereabouts all season, so there’s no shame in that. That result aside, it was a clean sweep, winning every other game and not conceding a single goal in those wins. Wusiewicz has continued the fantastic form that saw him as player of the month last month, and now has 20 clean sheets in the league to his name, a new record. However, player of the month for me this month is Ethan Galbraith, who has been putting in consistent performances in the holding roll throughout February, and is definitely looking like becoming a mainstay of our team for the next few seasons if he wants to stay.

March 2021

Scarborough extended their lead at the top of the table to 9 points with a narrow 1-0 victory away to Guiseley, as South Shields slipped to defeat against local rivals Gateshead. It seemed to be a largely frustrating afternoon for Scarborough as they dominated throughout but struggled to turn the convert. Connor Hall had a great chance to score early on but dragged his shot wide, while near the end of the first half Arlott-John saw his close-range header palmed away by Harry Allen in the Guiseley goal. After throwing on Charman, the striker almost scored after Kenyon broke down the left and picked him out, but his header came back off the inside of the post and was eventually cleared to safety. Scarborough finally got the goal they deserved 10 minutes from time. Substitute Luke Charman floated in a free-kick, and Ethan Galbraith lost his marker to loop a header beyond Allen, who had drifted off his line.

Scarborough recorded a 1-0 victory for the 7th time in the last 10 games as they edged past Folkestone Invicta in the FA Trophy. The Seadogs faced a near 600-mile round trip to Kent for the clash against the side currently sitting 3rd in the Isthmian Premier Division and were once again made to work for their result. The only goal of the game came just 9 minutes in, as a Connor Stanley corner was met by a thunderous header by Connor Hall in the middle, giving Williams no chance. The visitors almost grabbed a second in the 2nd half, this time a Brunt corner finding Hall, but his effort came back off the inside of the post. The reward was another massive trip to face Torquay away in the quarter finals in 2 weeks’ time.



Scarborough were limited to yet another 1-0 victory as they hosted Hemel Hempstead in the league. Danns came into the side with Zak Brunt injured, but it was another goal shy performance from the league leaders who once again failed to underline their dominance. The goal came courtesy of a penalty in the 33rd minute, when Arlott-John was pushed over in the area by Tyrone Sterling as he looked to get his head onto a Kenyon cross. Connor Hall stepped up and drilled it straight down the middle while Egan dived to his left. The result means Scarborough have won all 3 games this month 1-0, and now find themselves 10 points clear of York at the top of the table with just 6 games left to play for most.

League leaders Scarborough were forced to battle to claim a point in a hard fought 2-2 draw against away to Leamington. The hosts needed points themselves as they battle to avoid relegation, and they started the stronger of the two, being handed a gift in the 22nd minute. Isaac Assenso bundled over Joe Clarke in the box, and up stepped Joe Parker to give his side the lead from the spot. Scarborough almost drew level 3 minutes later, a Galbraith free-kick being met by Assenso, trying to make amends for his earlier error, but his header crashed back off the bar. Late on in the half Arlott-John broke free and sent in Hall, but he pulled his shot just wide. The visitors looked fired up straight after half time, a curling effort from Connor Stanley just missing the target. The equaliser eventually came in the 53rd minute. Galbraith found Gyamfi out wide on the left, and his cross was met at the far post by Arlott-John, who volleyed towards goal. Keeper Hallett could only half-clear the shot, and Connor Hall was on hand to tap home. The reaction from Leamington was immediate, as they regained the lead just a minute later. Storer found Joe Clarke on the edge of the box, and the midfielder had time to take a touch before drilling his shot into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Wusiewicz. Scarborough were again pushing to draw level and secured a share of the points in the 77th minute. Substitute Luke Charman did well to rob possession from a set-piece for the hosts, and drove all the way from his own half to the edge of the box before picking out Connor Hall superbly, the striker making no mistake with his header to claim his, and his sides, second of the game. The result sees Leamington level on points with Kettering in 20th place, while York could only draw against basement boys Brackley, meaning Scarborough still have a 10-point advantage at the top, South Shields now back in 2nd place after victory at home to another relegation threatened side, Nuneaton Borough.



Scarborough proved they are ready to compete in the National League after an impressive display as they drew 2-2 against Torquay United, who currently sit 8th in the National League. Scarborough faced a round trip of nearly 700 miles for this encounter, with 210 fans also making the trip to cheer on the lower league side. And they had reason to cheer after 25 minutes when the visitors took the lead at Plainmoor. Sangaré won back possession at the edge of the box, laying off for team-mate Neil Danns who produced a superb cross into the area, and there was Dempsey Arlott-John to finish with aplomb. The leads was doubled 2 minutes into the second half when Scarborough were awarded a penalty. Dann whipped the ball into the area, and Arlott-John was bundled over as he tried to connect, giving the referee no option but to point to the spot. Top scorer Connor Hall stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way. The visitors were then reduced to 10 men, however, when centre-half Denzel Williams received 2 yellow cards in 12 minutes, receiving his marching orders in the 66th minute. The dismissal meant Kian Spence was once again called into duty as an emergency centre-half, Connor Stanley making way. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Scarborough held firm until the 83rd minute, when Torquay pulled one back. Whitfield whipped in a free-kick, and Sion Spence met the cross to head beyond Wusiewicz. It was then heartbreak as the hosts pulled level in the 93rd minute. Whitfield was again involved, picking out Kalala, and his shot came off Kian Spence giving Wusiewicz no chance. The two must now meet again in 3 days time.

Scarborough crashed out of the FA Trophy on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Torquay United in the replay, after the 2-2 draw on Saturday. With Denzel Williams suspended after his dismissal in that one, Wes Atkinson came in at centre-half alongside Assenso. Torquay took the lead after 8 minutes when Ben Whitfield, who was so dangerous in the first game, was brought down by Zak Brunt in the box. Whitfield himself stepped up to convert the spot kick, sending it straight down the middle, for his 10th of the season. Scarborough were unlucky not to be level after 17 minutes, when a direct free-kick from Hall smashed off the crossbar before being cleared. They did pull level in the 35th minute, and it was that man Connor Hall. Stanley squared the ball to Brunt, with Torquay failing to clear, and his lay off was smashed low and hard beyond Luyambula to bring the tie all square. Neither side was able to press home an advantage, the hosts having the better of the chances, and so it went to penalties. Both sides converted the first 3, but when Torquay converted their fourth, Kenyon saw his saved to hand the advantage to the visitors, and Sion Spence, who scored in the first tie, scored his kick to send Torquay through, where they will now face Barnet in the semi-finals.





Manager’s Review
Disappointed to have lost out in the FA Trophy, especially after being 2-0 up in the tie before being reduced to 10 men. Also think we were the better side in the replay, but it just wasn’t to be, although penalties is an awful way to go out. I’m more gutted for our fans, who would have loved the trip to Wembley. Hopefully we can cheer them up by securing promotion in the next few weeks, and the one positive against Torquay was we didn’t look overawed by a team who are going well in the National League. Player of the month is Connor Hall, who is back among the goals scoring in every game but one during the month, including a brace against Leamington.

April 2021



Scarborough took a step closer to the title after winning 5-3 in an absolute thriller against FC United. Scarborough struck first in the 16th minute of the game as Dennis Gyamfi scored his first ever goal for the club. The full back laid the ball out to Stanley, who chipped it back into the middle, where Gyamfi cushioned the header on for Arlott-John. When his shot was blocked, the ball fell back to Gyamfi who smashed his shot in off the post. 6 minutes later the lead was doubled when Sangaré fed the ball out to Kenyon, and his deep cross was volleyed back across the keeper by Dempsey Arlott-John. The visitors looked home and dry on 36 minutes when they grabbed their 3rd of the game. Galbraith fed the ball down the line to Connor Stanley, who cut inside the area, and when Pruti attempted to clear the ball fell straight to Zak Brunt who volleyed beyond Kelly in the FC United net. The hosts pulled one back 3 minutes later when Donahue found Regan in space, and his first time shot gave Wusiewicz no chance. The nerves were showing for Scarborough as FC United grabbed a 2nd on 71 minutes, a Potts corner found Pruti unmarked and his powerful header gave his side hope of snatching a point. The hope was soon snuffed out when parity was restored with a 4th goal for the visitors. Kelly’s goal kick fell straight to Arlott-John, who in turn picked out fellow winger Stanley. Stanley looked up and squared the ball for Ethan Galbraith to fire home an unstoppable shot from 25 yards out. The 3-goal advantage was then restored with just a minute of normal time left, Galbraith again involved, picking out Jake Kenyon out wide. The full back broke into the area then put it on a plate for Dempsey Arlott-John to head home his second goal of the game. There was still time for the home side to grab a third in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, when a half-clearance from Arlott-John was picked up by Brendan Dunne, and he found Harold Essien in space to take a touch and fire into the bottom corner.



Scarborough sealed the title in front of their own fans with an emphatic 4-1 win against Southport. With Kenyon suspended, Gyamfi switched sides with Max Murphy coming in at right back, with the rest of the team remaining unchanged. Southport looked to spoil the party as they took the lead just 2 minutes into the game. A Georgiou free kick from just inside the Scarborough half was pumped into the box, and David Morgan beat everyone to loop his header beyond Wusiewicz. Hall came close to pulling Scarborough level on 15 minutes, but his shot rebounded off the post safely into the hands of the keeper. The equaliser came just a minute before the break. Zak Brunt carried the ball from his own half, breaking free of the Southport defence before squaring to give Connor Hall the simplest of tap-ins. Scarborough clearly came out fired up to put the game to bed in the 2nd half, taking the lead just 3 minutes in. Sangaré swung a free kick into the box and Ethan Galbraith was able to get above his man to head home. Luke Charman gave the hosts some breathing space in the 70th minute after he crashed a header in off the bar from a deep Connor Hall free-kick. The home fans were sent into celebration 9 minutes later when the result was confirmed with a well worked fourth goal. Sangaré drove forward from midfield before slipping in Hall, who saw his reverse shot parried clear by Albinson. Hall reacted quickest to pick up the loose ball, and when Albinson came out to close him down, he laid it back for Max Murphy to smash into the empty net for his first ever goal, what a time to get it. Despite South Shields and York both winning, with a 7 point cushion the title was confirmed, sparking post-match celebrations.



Newly crowned Champions Scarborough were in action again just 3 days later as they played out a relatively dull 0-0 draw at home to Farsley Celtic. Farsley themselves are on the brink of the play-offs, leading their manager Adam Lakeland to try mind games with the Scarborough boss, although Barlow was quick to play it down. Although Scarborough are pushing for a record points haul, it was a tired performance with several key players looking exhausted throughout, although Hector-Ingram looked lively when he came on. The draw means Scarborough are now on 99 points, joint level with their points return in 2012/12, with just 2 games remaining.

Scarborough smashed through the 100 point barrier with a 3-0 win against King’s Lynn at the Flamingo Land Stadium. The visitors, currently down in 16th, simply could not cope with the Scarborough attack who could and should have won by more. Despite the dominance, they were unable to take the lead before the break, despite wave after wave of attack. Just four minutes into the second half they were then dealt a blow when winger Dempsey Arlott-John came off with what looked like a rib injury. The deserved lead finally came on the 53rd minute, after some good build up play. Assenso laid the ball out to Gyamfi, who sent substitute Hector-Ingram down the wing. His first time cross found Connor Hall at the near post to smash home for his 33rd goal of the season. It took until the 86th minute for a second, although there was no surprise when it came. Stanley laid the ball to Hall, who came deep before giving it back to the winger. He then fed the ball out wide to Gyamfi on the overlap, now playing on the left after the introduction of Max Murphy on the right, and his cross was superbly headed home by Connor Hall, claiming his second of the game. The hosts grabbed a 3rd at the death to give the game a slightly more accurate score line. From a throw-in, Sangaré played a superb cross field ball to Hector-Ingram, who played a one-two with Max Murphy before taking a touch to find himself a yard. He then produced a fantastic cross to pick out Connor Stanley at the far post, who headed back across goal beyond Alex Street. After the match it was confirmed Arlott-John’s season is over, the winger expected to be out for 6-7 weeks with broken ribs.

The season ended with a crushing 4-0 defeat away to Spennymoor Town. To be fair Scarborough rang in the changes for this one, with some players making what will potentially be their last ever appearances for the club, but it was still a bitter defeat against a team who were looking to secure 5th place and take some good form into the play-offs. In came Renshaw in goal, Max Murphy and Jamie Yates at full-back, Danns in holding midfield, Spence and Dawson in the middle of the park, Coulson on the left, Croft on the right and Hector-Ingram leading the line, while Jordan Clark was handed a spot on the bench. Spennymoor went in front 7 minutes in, McKenna sending the ball wide to Magnay, and his cross was met on the volley by Glen Taylor, with Renshaw getting a hand to it but unable to keep it out. Scarborough kept it tight for the rest of the first half, but then fell apart in the second. Taylor grabbed his, and his team’s second goal of the game in the 58th minute. Danns lost the ball in midfield and Waldock slipped in Taylor who hit his shot first time beyond the keeper. In the 69th minute it was 3-0 when Chicksen swung in a cross from the left and Tyler Forbes headed home. Glen Taylor completed the scoring, and claimed his hat-trick after he was fouled in the box by Jamie Yates, stepping up to put his penalty in the bottom corner. The result was just the second defeat of the season for the visitors, who finished on 102 points for the year, 7 points clear of their closes challengers York City and South Shields, who must both now try their luck in the play-offs.

Well in mate, well in!

Pre-Season (July 2021)

During the Summer Blackpool, who finished 10th in League One, made an approach to speak to the Scarborough manager, but he refused the opportunity, confirming his stay with the seaside club. Among those that did departure though, veteran winger Lee Croft announced his retirement after struggling to feature in the title winning campaign last season. The former Manchester City winger, who was integral in getting Scarborough over the line the previous season, featured just twice in the league, with one assist, in his final season at the club, and at 36 felt the time was right to hang up his boots. Also out went Kieran Glynn, the winger who had now spent the last 2 seasons on loan at the club. Glynn, who returned last season on loan from Salford City after being a key player in promotion the previous season, made a total of 31 appearances, grabbing 5 goals in total, although with the form of Connor Stanley and Dempsey Arlott-John he found chances hard to come by and was limited mainly to coming off the bench. Neil Danns also left after his contract expired. The experienced midfielder added steel to the team, starting 8 games and a further 11 substitute appearances, while he was with the club.



There were 4 new confirmed arrivals, with the club bringing in trio CJ Egan-Riley, James Trafford and Kwaku Oduroh from Manchester City, while Dion Sanderson came in from Wolves. 18-year-old Egan-Riley can play either right-back or centre-back, although he is expected to start on the right, and has played at Under-17 level for England, as has team-mate James Trafford, the 18-year-old goalkeeper. Ghanaian centre-half Oduroh, who was also at City, is joined at the heart of defence by Dion Sanderson. 21-year-old Sanderson started at Wolves, although he also spent time on loan at Cardiff the season before last, failing to make an appearance. All 4 are expected to form part of the first team as they look to secure a return to league football this season.



Connor Hall began pre-season in spectacular fashion as he helped himself to 6 goals as Scarborough smashed Deeping Rangers 8-0 in their first pre-season run out. There were debuts for James Trafford, CJ Egan-Riley, Dion Sanderson and Kwaku Oduroh in the match against the United Counties Premier League side. The writing was on the wall just 9 minutes in when Hall laid off to Brunt, who in turn fed Arlott-John and his deep cross found Connor Stanley at the far post to slot home. 4 minutes later, Connor Hall grabbed his first as Kenyon used Stanley on the overlap, and his cross was headed home with ease. His 2nd came just 3 minutes later, when he broke the offside trap to get on the end of a deep Dion Sanderson free-kick to finish on the half-volley. 2 minutes later it was 4-0 as Deeping completely collapsed. Another deep free-kick, this time from Sangaré, found Kwaku Oduroh to head home on his debut. Hall completed his hat-trick just 26 minutes in, when he lost everyone to get on the end of a Sangaré corner. 2 minutes before the break, he had his 4th, when Zac Brunt swung the ball in, and the Deeping defenders completed failed to clear, leaving Hall with another easy finish. 3 minutes after the restart, he had his 5th from another set piece. Hector-Ingram swung in the corner and an unmarked Hall volleyed home. The rout was complete in the 71st minute, when Hector-Ingram overhit his free-kick, but Denzel Williams recovered well to whip the ball back in, and there was Connor Hall to head home and complete a spectacular double-hattrick.

There was another comfortable run out for Scarborough as they thumped Frickley Athletic 6-0, 1 better than when the pair met in pre-season last year. Prior to the game, the club confirmed that former loanee Kieran Glynn had joined the club on a non-contract basis, having been released by Salford City. Former Everton full-back Joe Anderson and Norwich midfielder Tom Scully also joined on non-contract terms. Scarborough took the lead 13 minutes in, after some great possession football, with the ball eventually dropping to Connor Stanley. His floated cross was cushioned back into the area by Arlott-John, and there was Connor Hall to continue his fine form. 2 minutes later the lead was doubled as Sangaré laid off for Zac Brunt, and the midfielder lashed the ball home. Straight from kick-off, Scarborough added a third. Connor Stanley carried the ball from the halfway line, beating two men, making it all the way to the edge of the area before finding the top corner with a fierce drive. Sangaré got in on the act with a deserved goal on 25 minutes, playing some great football with Hall and Brunt before unleashing a long-range effort of his own to beat Cann. After the break, and with many of the personnel being changed, Sangaré again played provider with young midfielder Nashton Neblett this time drilling home. Connor Stanley added the 6th in the 73rd minute when MOTM Sangaré slipped him through for a far corner finish.

It was a far tighter affair when Scarborough faced Bury Town, the visitors just chalking up 2 goals, both coming in the second half when the second string took to the field. Prior to the match, Scarborough confirmed the capture of Leeds youngster Henri Kumwenda on a season long loan. The 18 year can play either on the wing or up front and made 1 substitute appearance for his parent club last season, while scoring 10 in 19 for the reserves. The first goal came on 76 minutes. Hector-Ingram swung in a corner, Spence flicked on and the returning Kieran Glynn bundled the ball over the line. 2 minutes later the lead was doubled, Wes Atkinson winning the ball back and squaring to new arrival Henri Kumwenda, and his speculative long-range effort went in off the post leaving the keeper in no mans land.

Scarborough chalked up another 2-0 victory in their first home game of pre-season as they welcomed Birmingham Under-23’s. The opening goal came with 10 minutes remaining in the 1st half. Dion Sanderson fed the ball out wide to Arlott-John, who in turn used Egan-Riley on the overlap. Arlott-John got the ball back and his deep cross beat everyone in the middle, Connor Stanley latching on at the far post to finish from an acute angle. The 2nd goal game in the 84th minute, from a Hector-Ingram corner. Spence headed down in the box, and as the defence failed to clear Henri Kumwenda reacted quickest to fire home and score for the second game in succession.

Scarborough cruised to a 4-0 victory in their final pre-season warm-up against Long Eaton United, with all the goals coming in the first half. The first came on 10 minutes, courtesy of Connor Hall. The striker laid the ball off to Arlott-John, then made the run to pick up the return pass and finish beyond Josh Barnes. The 2nd goal was without doubt the best of the game, and probably pre-season, as Connor Stanley picked up the ball just outside his own area and ran the entire length of the pitch before providing the finish. Connor Hall grabbed his second of the game on 44 minutes with a thumping header from a Sangaré corner. Zac Brunt completed the scoring in first half stoppage time, as Connor Stanley picked up a half-clearance, and laid it back for the midfielder to smash home from distance.

August 2021

Scarborough tasted defeat on their return to the National League, as they fell 2-1 away at Leyton Orient in their opener. The newly promoted side handed debuts to new arrivals James Trafford, CJ Egan-Riley, Dion Sanderson, Tom Scully and Henri Kumwenda. Leyton Orient pressed home their advantage on 17 minutes, a Noon free-kick being headed home by James Brophy, Trafford getting a hand to it but unable to keep it out. Scarborough pulled level just before half time, when Galbraith fed the ball out to Kenyon, and his touch back to Henri Kumwenda was finished first time by the loanee. Leyton Orient ensured the 3 points in the 76th minute, a Dunbar-Bonnie free kick finding Brophy in the area. Egan-Riley made a last-ditch tackle but the ball fell to Ruel Sotiriou who made no mistake with a simple finish.

Scarborough fans were rewarded with a 2-0 win in the first home league game of the new season, with Barrow the visitors. Scarborough took the lead 6 minutes before the break when a Zac Brunt free-kick was met at the back post a towering header from Dion Sanderson, claiming his first goal for his new club. With 5 minutes left on the clock the hosts secured the win after a scramble in the box. Egan-Riley was played down the line, and his cross was met by Hector-Ingram. The ball bobbled in the area with Barrow unable to clear, and Henri Kumwenda reacted quickest to score for the second game running.



Scarborough were held to a draw in their 3rd game of the season, as they ground out a 1-1 draw away to Kidderminster Harriers. Although the visitors had the better of the play, they were made to pay for poor finishing, allowing Kidderminster to deliver them a late blow. Scarborough thought they were going to take all 3 points when they edged in front after 70 minutes. An Egan-Riley cross was only have cleared, and Zac Brunt, breaking into the box, was able to get on the end of the clearance and produce a superb volleyed finish into the roof of the net. Kidderminster hit back late though when Butterfield squared for Zidane Iqbal, and the midfielder produced a fantastic strike into the top corner from range.

Scarborough could only manage another 1-1 draw as they hosted Woking in the penultimate game of the month. Woking were handed a penalty on the half-hour when Ethan Galbraith pushed Agyeman in the area. Ogo Obi stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way from the resulting penalty. The home side pulled level 69 minutes in, when a ball into the area from Galbraith was cleared, and Arlott-John flicked on for Connor Hall to finish first time. Woking were then reduced to just 9 men at the death, Chez Issac sent off for a second yellow card, then Nile John receiving a direct red minutes later after a shocking tackle on Galbraith, but both came too late to allow Scarborough to take any real advantage of the numerical advantage on the pitch.

The month ended with the 3rd 1-1 draw in succession as Scarborough hosted Barnet. Again, the home side had more chances throughout but were again let down by poor finishing and defensive errors in the end. The lead came just 9 minutes in, a Zac Brunt free-kick being headed towards goal by Ethan Galbraith before being deflected into his own goal by Hernandez. Barnet were allowed back into the game in the 75th minute, a long free kick from Sousa being headed down by Dan Sweeney, and his header squirming under James Trafford in the Scarborough goal. The result sees Scarborough sitting 11th at the end of the month.

The month ended with further disappointed as the club sold winger Connor Stanley to Charlton Athletic. The winger, who joined the club at the beginning of last season, was keen to talk to the London club, and after several negotiations, the club felt backed into a corner, eventually agreeing a fee of £65k for Stanley, which could eventually even rise to over £100k. The 19-year-old was an integral part of the title winning side last season, making 39 starts` and scoring 10 goals, while also claiming 10 assists. He has also been ever present this season to date. The club must now look to bring in a new face to cover the departure, although several of the current squad can also take up the role.





Manager’s Review
A tough start to life in the National league, with just one win in the opening month. The biggest issue seems to be the number of professional clubs we have come up against, who benefit from superior fitness in the closing stages of games. Massively disappointed to lose Connor Stanley too, although I totally understand the financial benefit to the club, and the motivation for the player. Hopefully we can bring somebody in on a short-term deal to cover the gap left in the squad. Player of the month is Ethan Galbraith, who looks entirely comfortable in this league so far.

September 2021

Scarborough began the month with only their second win of the season as they crushed Dagenham & Redbridge 5-1 away from home. There was a space on the bench for new arrival Chuk Barnabas, who joined on loan for the season from Hull City to fill the void left by the departure of Stanley. The club also confirmed the arrival of Charlie Savage on non-contract terms, though there was no place in the squad for him. Scarborough took the lead after 13 minutes, when a fantastic interchange between the midfield trio saw Scully then slip through Connor Hall to fire into the bottom corner. 3 minutes later Tom Scully had a goal of his own, Brunt swinging in a free-kick and Arlott-John knocking the ball back across the area for the easiest of finishes for Scully. Dagenham & Redbridge were then reduced to 10 men as Akeem Hinds was dismissed, and in the 35th minute Scarborough punished the 10 men further with the 3rd of the game. Tom Scully was once again the provider for Connor Hall, only this time the keeper should have done better to keep the shot out. 3 minutes into the 2nd half it was 4-0, when a deep cross from Arlott-John found Henri Kumwenda at the back post, and he out-jumped his man to score. Just after the hour it was 5-0 when Scully completed a hat-trick of assists, with a superb chipped pass putting it on a plate for Dempsey Arlott-John to smash into the bottom corner. Dagenham & Redbridge did grab a consolation when a Deering cross was met by Nick Okoro, Trafford getting a hand to it but seeing the ball go in off the underside of the bar. Despite conceding, it was a dominant performance and a welcome victory for Scarborough as they stutter at the start of the season.



It was another frustrating midweek performance from Scarborough as despite dominating much of the play they drew a blank at home in a 0-0 draw against Chorley. Connor Hall lead the line against his former club and had the best of the chances in the first half, pulling one effort wide and being denied by a last-ditch clearance with the other. After the break Scarborough made the changes, throwing on Hector-Ingram and Barnabas, but they were still unable to find a way through, the best chance coming when Kenyon broke down the left and cut back, but Barnabas saw his shot blocked. Scarborough find themselves in 13th place at present.

Scarborough again wasted the chance to pick up a win as they squandered several key chances in the 1-1 draw against Aldershot Town. The game started well for the hosts when Kenyon broke into the box and was clearly fouled by Blackwood, the referee pointing to the spot and Connor Hall sending the keeper the wrong way. 10 minutes later it was all square when a poor clearance fell to Blackwood, and his poked through ball found Marco Rus in the box with time to finish. Scarborough should then have been in front when Arlott-John found Kumwenda in space down the left, but his shot rebounded off the inside of the post and rolled on the line, allowing the keeper to recover. In the second half, Kumwenda had several chances to score after being played clean through, but failed to beat Mitch Walker both times, much to the clear annoyance of his manager on the touchline. Scarborough currently sit 14th in the league.

Scarborough picked up a valuable 3 points as they won 1-0 in the re-arranged fixture away to Sutton United. The two sides were supposed to meet at the beginning of the month, but Scarborough requested to move the fixture due to youth international commitments, and came into this one making just one change, Chuk Barnabas being preferred to Kumwenda after his poor display last time out. The only goal of the game came just 13 minutes in. An Egan-Riley throw was flicked on to Hall by Dempsey Arlott-John, and when the striker laid it back, he smashed low and hard across the keeper into the bottom corner. The win lifts Scarborough up to 10th place.

Scarborough produced a great fightback as they came back from a goal down to take another 3 points with a 2-1 win away at Ebbsfleet United. Scarborough came into this one looking for revenge, after suffering defeat last time the pair met in the FA Cup 4th qualification round last season but got off to a terrible start when Ebbsfleet took the lead, John Goddard curling in a free kick. The visitors rang in the changes and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 70th minute. Sangaré swung in a dangerous free-kick, and Connor Hall met the cross at the far post to head home. With 6 minutes to go, they took the lead after some neat play between Kenyon, Sangaré and Kumwenda down the left. The ball was knocked back to Kumwenda and he produced a superb cross allowing Connor Hall to convert at the near post. The double from Hall ensure the victory, and Scarborough see themselves move up to 6th place now in the table with 10 games played.



Manager’s Review
We are starting to find a bit more form now. It was a great start to the month, albeit against 10 men, but another 2 victories in the month, along with the 2 draws, sees us move into the play-off positions as the month draws to a close. Player of the month is Connor Hall, who has found some form in front of goal with 5 goals during September.

October 2021

Scarborough started October with an impressive 2-0 win over newly relegated Exeter City. The home side started well, looking the better of the two sides, and made that advantage count in the 27th minute. The ball was fed out to Arlott-John, and his cross was headed by Hall back to Scully. The midfielder then produced a superb reverse pass ball on to Henri Kumwenda, who side footed home. Victory was confirmed 2 minutes into stoppage time from a Hector-Ingram corner. The winger swung one in, and Chuk Barnabas beat 3 defenders to head home, his first goal for the club since joining on loan from Hull City.

Scarborough maintained their unbeaten run as they drew 1-1 away at Chester City. It was a fairly even game, Scarborough just edging the shots but Chester having more clear-cut chances, one of which they converted after 23 minutes. Murray jinked past his man before slipping in Lancaster, who provided the first-time finish beyond Trafford. Scarborough drew level in the 64th minute. Galbraith’s long ball forward was won in the air by Hall, and his flick on was picked up by Henri Kumwenda who made space before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

The squad was bolstered further with the arrival of yet another former Manchester City youngster in Joel Latibeaudiere. The defender had been on trial at the club after being released by City in the summer and impressed enough to be offered a deal until the end of the season. The 21-year-old spent a season on loan with FC Twente a few years ago, making 18 appearances, although he has more recently been limited to appearing for the Manchester City reserve team. He will of course find settling at the club easy with the number of former team-mates already on the books. The England Youth Internationals arrival will probably spell the end for Isaac Assenso, who had been a mainstay at the back for the last few seasons but now finds himself down the pecking order.



Scarborough rescued a point at the end in a disappointing 1-1 draw away against bottom side Torquay United. Scarborough were without Dennis Gyamfi, Ethan Galbraith and Charlie Savage for the match due to international call-ups, while Latibeaudiere was handed a place on the bench. Despite having more of the play, they were unable to find a way through. They were dealt a further blow when Kwaku Oduroh came off injured just before the break, meaning Joel Latibeaudiere was sent on for his debut earlier than expected. The home side took the lead early in the second half, Sharrock-Peplow with a cross and Kalvin Kalala getting there before the keeper to head home. The visitors continued to spurn chances as they looked for a way back in, and they eventually found one in the 92nd minute. A long clearance up field was rescued by Connor Hall, and he laid the ball on to Tom Scully, who produced an unstoppable curling effort from 25 yards to give Scarborough a deserved point.



Scarborough gained revenge for the defeat against Leyton Orient in the opening game of the season as they cruised past the O’s 5-0 in the FA Cup 4th qualification round. The team were keen to make amends for the 2-1 defeat and that showed with the team selection, Barlow opting for a full-strength side for the clash, while Leyton Orient made several changes from their last league game. Scarborough almost had the lead before the break when Henri Kumwenda left 3 men in his wake but dragged his eventual shot just wide. The opening goal came just after the half hour. A corner from Arlott-John was only half cleared, and Kumwenda picked up the ball to pick out Tom Scully, who produced a fine finish into the bottom left hand corner. 6 minutes later the lead was doubled, Arlott-John again involved. Galbraith fed the winger who whipped it in, and when Leyton Orient defender Marfo failed to control the loose cross, Connor Hall stole in to grab a goal. 11 minutes later he grabbed his second, Brunt driving through midfield before slipping in Hall for a calm side footed finish for his 8th goal of the season. The home side had fell apart by this point, and it showed when Scarborough were gifted another 2 goals. First, Egan-Riley picked out substitute Hector-Ingram, and his flick on was met by Zac Brunt to fire home. The rout was complete when Leyton Orient again failed to deal with a cross, Kumwenda seeing his first attempt half-blocked before picking out Jahmal Hector-Ingram with his second cross for the substitute winger to head home his first ever goal for the club. The First Round draw handed Scarborough a trip to Wales to face another fellow National League side in Wrexham.

Back in the league Scarborough returned to winning ways as they brushed aside fellow promotion challengers Notts County 2-0 at home. On balance, the game was level in chances, but Scarborough were clinical in taken theirs to jump up to 2nd place in the league. The first goal came on 31 minutes from an unlikely source. Zac Brunt pumped a free kick into the area and centre half Dion Sanderson lost his marker Ashley Smith-Brown to head home. In the 78th minute the wingers combined to grab the 2nd. Substitute Charlie Savage laid the ball out wide to Arlott-John, who took a touch before beating his man to produce a pinpoint cross, and there was fellow wide man Henri Kumwenda to head beyond Joe McDonnell.

Scarborough were handed another massive boost when manager Sie Barlow turned down interest from another league one club, this time Coventry City, to remain with the Seadogs, having already turned down Blackpool in the summer. On the pitch they remained 2nd, 2 points behind league leaders Hartlepool United, having played a game more, after a convincing 3-0 win away against Dover Athletic. The visitors dominated the first half, although it took until the 39th minute to break the deadlock. Ethan Galbraith laid in Kenyon on the overlap, and the full-back’s cross was knocked down by Hall for Henri Kumwenda to finish on the half-volley. In first half stoppage time, Connor Hall got a goal of his own, after being tripped in the area chasing down an Arlott-John corner. He made no mistake, sending Ted Smith the wrong way. The final goal came in the 69th minute, with a similar feel to the first. Galbraith was again alert to the run of Kenyon out wide, and this time his cross was met in the middle by Tom Scully, who raced into the area to head home.

Scarborough dropped down to 3rd after they were held again, this time at home to Stockport County. Despite enjoying a far greater share of position, they were limited to just 9 shots in the game (5 on target) while neither team managed to create a clear-cut chance. Kenyon won manage of the match in this dour affair, with 80% cross completion, while Hector-Ingram struggled after coming off the bench. The result means Scarborough were leapfrogged by Bromley, who won 1-0 against Woking. One positive was that the Seadogs are now only 1 point behind league leaders Hartlepool, who suffered a shock 4-3 defeat away to Aldershot.

The month ended with another draw as Scarborough failed to take advantage as they faced 2nd placed Bromley at home. The visitors took the lead just 9 minutes in, when from a corner Adam Curry nodded down, and Oliver Shenton was there to blast home from the edge of the 6-yard box, giving Trafford no chance. Scarborough turned the screw but were forced to wait until the 62nd minute for a vital equaliser to secure a point. Ethan Galbraith laid the ball out to Henri Kumwenda, who showed great control and technique to cut inside and finish superbly inside the near post. The result means Scarborough remain a point behind the London Club, who are level on points with Hartlepool who also drew. Scarborough are now level on points with both Aldershot & Ebbsfleet.



Manager’s Review
Good to see the team unbeaten go unbeaten throughout the month, and especially delighted with the performance against Leyton Orient, great revenge for the league defeat at the start of the season. Player of the month is Tom Scully, who has been fantastic for 2 months now, forcing regular Mohammed Sangaré out of the side at present.

November 2021

Scarborough began November with their 3rd successive draw in an extremely poor performance away to AFC Fylde. The visitors managed just 2 shots in the entire game, with only one of those on target. The home side thought they’d nicked all 3 points in stoppage time, only to be ruled out by the assistant referee. Scarborough remain 3rd, although Aldershot have now leapt above them, with Bromley & Ebbsfleet yet to play.

Away from the league, Scarborough continued to perform as they made their way into the hat for the 2nd round proper of the FA Cup for the first time under the tenure of Barlow. Despite a tricky away tie against Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground, Scarborough looked comfortable throughout, controlling possession and dominating the chances, so it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 23rd minute, albeit they were handed the advantage through a poor decision from Nick Arnold. Zac Brunt, looking lively in midfield, whipped in a superb ball looking for Henri Kumwenda, and Arnold, unable to prevent the winger getting in front of him, bundled him over in the box. It was a clear penalty, and Connor Hall took full advantage sending the keeper the wrong way for his 3rd goal this season in the competition. He almost had his 4th in the second half, but he had strayed just offside before applying the finish from another Brunt through ball. The draw sees them host Bolton, ironically the team they missed out on facing last season when they crashed out in the 1st Round against Solihull Moors. The tie will see Connor Hall face his former team.

Scarborough lost ground in the title race as they fell to defeat 1-0 away at league leaders Hartlepool United when they returned to action. Scarborough had been on a break of 2 weeks since their FA cup victory due to having no fewer than 5 players away on International duty when they should have been facing Wrexham in the league just a week after the two squared off in the cup. Galbraith, Egan-Riley, Savage, Barnabas and Kumwenda were all called up for their respective nations, with Henri Kumwenda representing the full Malawi national team, and scoring as they beat Burundi 3-0. Hosts Hartlepool got the advantage just 10 minutes in, with Luke Molyneux scoring direct from a free-kick just outside the area. Scarborough thought they’d equalised when Kumwenda broke free hitting the post before Hall turned home, but striker Hall was adjudged offside as the initial shot came in. The woodwork denied Scarborough again in the 2nd half as a Brunt long shot rebounded back off the upright before being cleared to safety. The result sees Scarborough drop back out of the play-off positions, although they have a game in hand on most, while Hartlepool are now 12 points ahead of them and 3 points clear of Aldershot at the top of the table.

Scarborough bounced back to winning ways with a resounding 4-1 victory against South Shields. The pair have both won back to back promotions to the National League, with South Shields getting the better of results last season with a win and a draw, but there was to be no repeat here as Scarborough tore them apart. The hosts grabbed the advantage 13 minutes in after a superb run from Chuk Barnabas. The striker picked up the ball from Kumwenda before beating two men then playing a perfectly weighted through ball for Tom Scully to run on to and score. Henri Kumwenda then got a goal of his own after Zac Brunt broke free down the right, and his cross was flicked on by Scully for the winger to smash home. South Shields halved the lead 52 minutes in when former Scarborough strike Luke Charman, who made 19 appearances for the Seadogs last season, headed home an Aaron Simpson cross. Simpson himself was then at fault when Scarborough restored the 2 goal advantage, unable to do anything as Dempsey Arlott-John collected a sublime Galbraith pass and skipped past him before unleashing a shot, which Gray should have done better to keep out. Gray was in the action again for the 4th goal, where he again felt he may have done better to prevent an own goal. Egan-Riley played the ball forward and Hall got up to flick on for Scully to produce a thunderous drive from inside the area. Gray got his hand to the effort to push onto the bar but could only watch on in horror as James Jones bundled the ball over his own line when trying to clear. Scarborough rise back up to 6th with the victory.

It was a historic afternoon for Scarborough as a full house enjoyed a sensational 4-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers in the 2nd round of the FA Cup. The hosts opted for a full-strength side as they looked to progress to the 3rd round and a potential big money tie, while the visitors fielded a mainly changed side from their usual starting XI. Scarborough were in front after 22 minutes, with Ethan Galbraith scoring an absolute screamer to score his first goal of the season. Oduroh played the ball out from the back to Arlott-John, and his first time cross was cleared by Ercolani but fell straight to Galbraith, who unleashed an unstoppable first time shot. There was more joy on the hour when the lead was doubled as Bolton pushed for an equaliser. A long clearance was chased down by Arlott-John, whose chipped pass picked up Kumwenda on the other wing. His attempted cross was blocked, but Jake Kenyon stole onto the loose ball to fire low and hard beyond Sanchez. The game was over as a contest as it was 3-0 after 65 minutes when midfielder Tom Scully got up to head home a Zac Brunt free-kick. The home fans were sent delirious when Scarborough made it 4-0 with 6 minutes left as Bolton left gaps at the back in search of a way back into the game. Tom Scully laid the ball out to Kenyon, before picking up the return pass and whipping a ball across to Dempsey Arlott-John, who beat the offside trap for an easy finish. After a sensational afternoon, the only disappointment was the 3rd round draw, which sees them miss all the big guns as they travel away to face League Two Carlisle United, although based on this performance they could easily progress further.



Scarborough remained in 6th place despite another convincing win to finish the month, 2-0 against Harrogate Town. It was a steely performance from the hosts, who dominated possession and shots while limiting the visitors to no real attempts on goal. Despite the clear control of the game, they didn’t take the lead until 74 minutes in, when the substitutes combined to break the deadlock. Galbraith sent Hector-Ingram down the line, and he made it to the bye line before standing the ball up perfectly for Connor Hall to head home. The task for Harrogate was then made harder when Tom Matthews received his marching orders for clattering into the goal scorer minutes later. The result was secured with 3 minutes of regular time left, Connor Hall picking up a throw from Egan-Riley, then squaring to Zac Brunt to fire into the bottom corner beyond Belshaw from around 20 yards out. Scarborough are now 2 points behind Exeter City, who sit in 5th place, although they have 2 games in hand now on several teams ahead of them in the play-off positions.



Manager’s Review
Nothing but positives from this month. Despite the loss to league leaders Hartlepool, I can’t fault the application of the lads this month, culminating in a fantastic performance against South Shield and then a sensational result against Bolton in the cup to take us through to the FA Cup 3rd round, the stuff of dreams. Player of the month for November is Dempsey Arlott-John, who has been producing consistently on the right wing for a while now.

December 2021

Scarborough began December with a massive 3 points as they came from behind to beat Notts County 2-1 at Meadow Lane. The Magpies were on level points with Scarborough coming into the game, and still have a game in hand on the visitors as the pair battled to cement a place in the play-off berths coming up to the mid-point of the season. Notts County began brightly and took the lead just after the half hour mark, despite some desperate goalkeeping from James Trafford. The initial shot from Dan Johnson was well saved by Trafford, and when the hosts recovered the ball, Islam Feruz fired in a shot from range, which Trafford did well to keep out again, but there was Enzio Boldewijn to bundle over the rebound with the goal at his mercy. Scarborough eventually found their way back into the game thanks to a double substitution, sending on Barnabas and Hector-Ingram. Galbraith laid the ball out to Hector-Ingram, who turned McCrory inside out before standing up a perfect cross for Chuk Barnabas to head home. 2 minutes later, Scarborough and Barnabas had their second, when Kumwenda charged down a clearance and the ball broke to the on-loan striker, who turned and hit his shot first time beyond Cornell to secure 3 points for the visitors, who move up to 5th place on goal difference.

Scarborough continued their push for promotion with an emphatic 3-0 win away at Wrexham in midweek. The game was re-arranged after Scarborough had 5 players on international duty when the match should have originally taken place, and Wrexham must have wished that were still the case after they were torn apart by a great attacking display. The hosts were hoping for revenge after crashing out of the cup at the hands of Scarborough, but that task was made more difficult after just 25 minutes when they fell a goal behind. Zac Brunt laid the ball back to Egan-Riley down the right, and he switched the ball over to Jake Kenyon on the left, who took a touch and finished superbly in the bottom right hand corner. The lead was doubled just after the half hour mark after another sweeping attacking move. Galbraith laid the ball out to Arlott-John, who controlled well and whipped in a cross, which was only half cleared. Oduroh picked up the loose ball, and in turn fed Scully, who hit a deep cross. Kumwenda got up well to flick on and there was Dempsey Arlott-John on the half-volley, giving Boruc no chance. The final goal came 67 minutes in and again the threat came from the wings. Kumwenda drove down the left before cutting back the Kenyon, and when his cross was only half cleared by Austin, Zak Brunt took a touch before unleashing an optimistic effort from 25 yards out that went in off the post with Boruc again stranded. Scarborough are now back up to 4th place, just a point behind Chesterfield who they face next in the league.

Scarborough were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw away to Runcorn in the FA Trophy as they fielded an entirely changed 1st XI in the cup. As expected, Scarborough dominated the match but were unable to make their chances count, the best coming when Kian Spence slipped through substitute Henri Kumwenda, who provided a superb finish from an acute angle, only to be ruled just offside by the assistant referee. Scarborough through on a few of the big guns to try and avoid a replay, but Runcorn held firm despite being reduced to 10 men in the 78th minute (picking up a total of 5 bookings too). The pair must now face off again in midweek, meaning the Chesterfield game will now be rearranged for later in the month.

Scarborough smashed Runcorn 5-0 in the FA Trophy 1st round replay as they picked a full-strength side after a disappointing draw in the previous tie. Any hopes Runcorn had of holding the National League were gone by half time as they found themselves 3-0 down. The opening goal was all about the attacking determination of Henri Kumwenda, who began and finished the move. He broke down the wing then cut the ball back to Sanderson, who in turn found Scully, who played a perfectly weighted pass through the middle for Kumwenda to get on the end of and finish. The second came courtesy of a free-kick with Kumwenda again involved. A deep free-kick from Kenyon was flicked on by Kumwenda to Barnabas, who took a touch and slipped through Dempsey Arlott-John for an easy finish in the box. Chuk Barnabas then got a goal of his own with the outstanding Kumwenda again being pivotal. Tom Scully did well to win the ball back at the edge of the Runcorn box, an he fed the ball out to Kumwenda who produced an inch perfect cross for Barnabas to head home. Runcorn were dealt a final blow when they were reduced to 10 men just before the break, McCarthy receiving a second yellow card for a trip on Barnabas. 9 minutes into the 2nd half, Henri Kumwenda got his second of the game as he rose well to head home an Arlott-John corner, his header going in off the bar. He completed his hat-trick just after the half hour mark, with a fantastic solo goal, picking up the ball in midfield before beating 3 men and unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner. He then almost had a fourth, eventually chalked out as he had strayed just offside before poking home a header from Hall. Scarborough saw out the game with 10 men themselves as Tom Scully picked up a knock, with no substitutes left, although thankfully he is only likely to miss one game. Scarborough will now face Heybridge Swifts away in the 2nd round.



Scarborough continued their fine form as they swept aside 5th place Exeter City 4-0, a win that sees them now move in to 3rd. There was only one change for the trip to Devon, Mohammed Sangaré coming in for the injured Tom Scully, and he took his opportunity with aplomb, running the game from midfield. The visitors took the lead 21 minutes in, when a free-kick from Sangaré picked out Ethan Galbraith, completely unmarked at the back post, to head home. Scarborough doubled their advantage in the 74th minute, with Sangaré again involved. Kenyon laid the ball off to Sangaré, whose long ball over the top reached substitute Connor Hall, who beat his man to side foot home in the area. Fellow substitute Jahmal Hector-Ingram then got a goal of his own, receiving the ball from Hall before skipped a sliding tackle just inside the area to finish from an acute angle. The rout was completed in stoppage time, when Hector-Ingram and Sangaré combined, before Jake Kenyon then slipped a superb through ball, splitting the defence to allow Connor Hall to race clear for his 2nd of the game.

Scarborough moved up into 2nd after securing a 1-0 victory at home against Chesterfield in their game in hand. Chesterfield were above Scarborough when the pair were originally supposed to meet, but that tie was postponed when Scarborough needed a replay against Runcorn. However, Scarborough leapfrogged Chesterfield at the weekend following their 4-0 win, while Chesterfield were held to a 0-0 draw against Chester and were looking to build on that here. Tom Scully returned to midfield after his injury lay off, and he played a part in the only goal of the game. After some great interchange between the midfield trio, Scully played the ball through to substitute Jahmal Hector-Ingram, who cut inside the full back and drilled the ball into the top corner from just inside the area, scoring from the bench for the second game in succession. Scarborough are now 2 points behind Aldershot at the top of the table, level on points with Hartlepool but ahead on goal difference.

Scarborough heaped more misery on Dover Athletic with a 1-0 win in the Boxing Day clash. Dover found themselves firmly in the relegation zone in 22nd place prior to the game, with just 5 wins all season. Hosts Scarborough dominated the game throughout, but only managed a solitary goal, taking the lead just before the half-hour mark. Sanderson cut out a long ball forward, finding Tom Scully in midfield, and the quick-thinking midfielder spotted the run of Chuk Barnabas, playing a superb through ball to allow the striker to race on and finish for his 5th goal of the season. Scarborough remain 2nd with Aldershot winning, although Hartlepool dropped points with a 2-0 defeat away to AFC Fylde.

A largely second-string Scarborough were held to a 1-1 draw against Barrow as they faced their second game in just 3 days. Barlow was forced to ring in the changes, with Latibeaudiere, Anderson, Sangaré, Hector-Ingram and Hall all coming into the starting XI. Those playing their second game clearly looked jaded, as Scarborough failed to find any rhythm in the early exchanges. Hosts Barrow eventually drew first blood in the 20th minute, thanks to a wonder strike from Kai Brown. A ball into the box was flicked on by Quigley, and Brown produced an aerobatic volley to fire home, giving Trafford no chance. Scarborough grew into the game as the half progressed, spurning several chances, and eventually hauled themselves level 9 minutes into the second half. Arlott-Dempsey swung in a corner and when Joel Dixon came out and missed the cross, Connor Hall was on hand to tap in for the easiest of goals. It could prove to be a vital point for Barrow in their quest for survival, and in the end also proved valuable for Scarborough as leaders Aldershot fell 3-0 away at Bromley, while Hartlepool could only manage a draw away to Woking, meaning Scarborough remain 2nd in the table just 1 point off the top at the end of the year. Scarborough fans were the provided an added gift for Christmas as it was announced manager Barlow was signing a new contract with the club, taking him through to 2023.





Manager’s Review
Shown some great form in the league throughout December, meaning we are now in a great position to make a serious push of the automatic promotion spot in the New Year. Disappointed several of the fringe players couldn’t take their chance against Runcorn, but that said when they’ve come into the first team setup they’ve performed admirably. Player of the month is Jake Kenyon, who is now in his 3rd season at the club and was an absolute rock at the back during December, while also getting on the score sheet and contributing to several more goals. On a personal level, happy with another Manager of the Month award, but again for me the praise belongs with the players for their superb efforts throughout the month.