After a difficult December, West started 2025 in League Cup action, as we welcomed Division 2 side Redcar Town. This was after our scheduled home game against Shildon was postponed on January 4th due to a frozen pitch. 

Prior to the game, the club announced a number of transfers. Midfielder Lee Hume and defender Ben Dale left the club to join Northallerton Town for an undisclosed fee. We thank Lee and Ben for their time and effort whilst in the West, and wish them well for the future. Goalkeeper Nick Liversedge informed the club of his wish to retire. Again, we thank Nick for his time at West and wish him all the best. The management team worked hard to sign two new goalkeepers, with Adam Cameron joining from Thornaby, and Nick Cranston signing on a dual-registration from Whitby Town. Lucas Reed signed on a short term loan from Blyth Spartans, and attacking midfielder, Max Storey, joined on loan from Hartlepool United.

West Auckland Town 6-0 Redcar Town [Mitre Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup 2nd Round] – 14/01/2025

A comfortable victory and solid team performance put West in the next round of the League Cup. There were debuts for Adam Cameron and Lucas Reed, with a first goal for the club from Charlie Berry. West had six different goal scorers; Kyle Davis, Gary Brown, James Harrison and Leo Robinson all scoring in the first half, with Berry and Josh Robertson rounding off a good night for West.  

MOTM: Gary Brown // Attendance: 79

West Auckland Town 3-2 Northallerton Town [League] – 17/01/2025

An exciting football game. Northallerton took the lead after 14 minutes, but Kyle Davis equalized before the half hour mark. James Harrison made it 2-1 and Northallerton thought they had earned a point after Eddie Thomas’ 87th minute goal. Up stepped Anthony Bell, with a great strike two minutes later which helped West take the three points.

MOTM: James Harrison // Attendance: 179

West Auckland Town 2-2 Marske United [League] – 31/01/2025

After our away game against Newcastle Benfield was postponed, there was a two-week gap before we faced Marske United. It ended up being an entertaining game and nerve-racking. A great start saw West lead 2-0 after 15 minutes, with an own goal and a strike from James Harrison, but ended with West going in at half-time with a 2-1 lead and no goalkeeper. Nick Cranston was sent off on his debut and was replaced by defender Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth. A huge effort from everyone saw West earn a hard-fought point. Unfortunately, Joey Hope was forced off after a nasty injury. We wish Joey well and hope for some positive news and a quick recovery. 

MOTM: Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth // Attendance: 182

With 31% of the votes, the Player of the Month for January 2025 was Leo Robinson. 

Thank you to all those who took advantage of the season ticket holder free guests offer. We hope everyone enjoyed their time at West, and look forward to hopefully welcoming you back. 

We took some important steps forward with the new floodlighting. Everyone at the club would like to thank the Football Foundation, local councilors Rob Yorke and George Smith, and the generosity of West Auckland Town supporters who have helped raise the remaining funds. We will be working with Midstream, who are the supplier of the floodlights, and we expect the work to be completed in the next 6–8 weeks.

Phil Dodds

West Auckland Town Chairman