March 2025 Recap

Midway through March, the West Auckland Town management team announced they would be stepping down from their roles with immediate effect.  

Manager Gary Forrest had been with the club for close to eight years, and had been joined by coaches Stuart Niven and Lewis Dodds. In that time, they led teams to three trophies, two Durham Challenge Cup victories during the 2020–21 and 2023–24 seasons, and were League Cup winners in 2018–19. 

We thank Gary, Stuart and Lewis for their time at West, the success they’ve brought to the club over the past eight years, and wish them all the best for the future.

West Reserves Manager Gareth Young agreed to join the First Team for the short term, guiding the players until the end of the season. Gareth will be joined by Stevie Johnson and Mark Bell. 

Boro Rangers 3-3 West Auckland Town [League] – 01/03/2025

A very good display from West against a strong Boro Rangers side. James Harrison’s 86th minute goal was almost enough to earn three points, but an equaliser in the 92nd minute meant we left we what was a fair result in the end. Adam Cameron and the West defence were solid in helping us come away with a great point. 

MOTM: Jermaine Metz // Attendance: 102

West Auckland Town 1-4 Carlisle City [League] – 08/03/2025

After a dominant Carlisle performance on the match, the game was overshadowed by the news of the sudden death of Carlisle City stalwart Ged Archibald. The entire West Auckland Town community pass on their love and thoughts to all affected by this devastating news.

MOTM: Charlie Wood // Attendance: 124

Birtley Town 4-1 West Auckland Town [League] – 14/03/2025

Birtley won their fifth game in a row in all competitions, leaving West winless in five games. Jermaine Metz scored a consultation goal after being down 4-0. 

MOTM: Jermaine Metz // Attendance: 112

Shildon 2-1 West Auckland Town [Mitre Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup Quarter-Final] – 18/03/2025

West exited the League Cup after a late Shildon winner. West gave a very good account of themselves in Gareth Young’s first game in charge, and created chances throughout the game. James Harrison’s equaliser set up an exciting end to the game, but Adam Lennox’s 84th minute goal was enough to see Shildon progress. 

MOTM: Josh Robertson // Attendance: 172

West Auckland Town 3-4 Shildon [League] – 22/03/2025

Another positive performance and effort from West against a strong Shildon side. After going in at half-time with the score 1-1, West scored early in the second half to take the lead. Three Shildon goals in 10 minutes saw them take the lead, with West’s third goal making it an entertaining last 15 minutes.

MOTM: Leo Robinson // Attendance: 222

Penrith v West Auckland Town [League] – 29/03/2025

James Harrison’s 93rd minute goal ensured his hat-trick, his 23rd league goal of the season, and three valuable points for West. West go into the last two games of the season with lots of confidence. 

MOTM: James Harrison // Attendance: 185

MARCH PLAYER OF THE MONTH

With 49% of the votes, the Player of the Month for March 2025 is James Harrison.

West finish their league campaign with two home games against Tow Law and North Shields.

Phil Dodds

West Auckland Town Chairman