With the wet weather proving to be really disruptive to the Non League schedule, it seems an appropriate moment to look back at the second half of 2015.
July
- Two shock manager exits open the month. Brian Davey resigns at Knaresborough Town and is replaced by assistant Paul Stansfield. Steven Brennan is sacked by Rossington Main after a vote of no confidence. His player/assistant Lee Holmes is his successor.
- Jon Froggatt is Handsworth Parramore’s big summer signing.
- Eccleshill’s star striker Marcus Edwards signs for Albion Sports.
- Shane Kelsey is ruled out for the start of the season after breaking his foot in Hemsworth’s opening friendly.
- The Non League world is left reeling by the sad deaths of stalwarts Brian and Judith Bradley.
Handbags: Albion’s Connor Bower and Town’s Chris Ovington go at each other like rutting stags in the Ossett derby in August
Despite Matt Heath’s header, Tadcaster bow out of the FA Cup
Alex Rippon celebrates scoring Handsworth’s fifth goal in the 5-0 victory over Nostell
The scene at Garforth Town when their match with Pickering Town was abandoned in August
Former Barnsley and Hartlepool defender Neil Austin signed a short-term deal with Shaw Lane Aquaforce
August
- Rossington are one club benefiting from larger attendances as the Toolstation NCEL Division One season begins. Crowds reach highs of 210 as the campaign progresses.
- Shaw Lane Aquaforce make the headline grabbing signing of former Hartlepool defender Neil Austin.
- Frickley Athletic sell star striker Reece Thompson to York City for an undisclosed fee.
- Jason Dodsworth announces that he is stepping down as joint manager of Athersley Rec at the end of the season.
Duncan Bray decided to stand down as joint manager of Pontefract
Neil Aspin was sacked as the manager of FC Halifax Town
New Maltby joint managers Mark Askwith (left) and Spencer Fearn (right) guided their side to the first qualifying round of the FA Cup
September
- FC Halifax sack long-serving manager Neil Aspin after a disappointing start to the season. Former Oldham chief Darren Kelly is his replacement.
- Maltby Main and Armthorpe Welfare are the NCEL’s FA Cup heroes. Maltby bow out against Frickley, while Armthorpe reach the second qualifying round.
- Duncan Bray ends his tenure as joint boss of Pontefract Collieries because of work commitments.
Garforth Town striker Mark Simpson won Non League Yorkshire’s charity poker night. Picture: White Rose Photos
Shaw Lane striker Adam Priestley scored as Stafford were beaten for the first time in October
Hemsworth beat former finalists West Auckland in the FA Vase
October
- Ossett Town and John Reed part company by mutual consent. Within a few days Garforth boss Graham Nicholas is named as Ossett’s new manager.
- Nicholas takes charge of Garforth for the final time in the FA Vase victory over Hebburn.
- Hemsworth pull off one of their greatest wins ever after beating former finalists West Auckland in the Vase.
- Then-Garforth Town striker Mark Simpson wins Non League Yorkshire’s inaugural charity poker tournament at Grosvenor Casino Leeds Westgate.
- The West Riding County Cup clash between Liversedge and Pontefract is riddled with farce after the match officials fail to show.
Mick Norbury became the new assistant manager of Armthorpe Welfare, days after leaving Glasshoughton Welfare. Picture: Simon Hall
Lee Connor (right) became the assistant boss at Farsley
Stocksbridge Park Steels surprised many in the FA Trophy
Garforth Town manager Adrian Costello (centre) with chairman Brian Close (left) and director Craig Bannister (right). Picture: Chris Mather
AFC Emley striker Ash Flynn has scored over 50 goals since August
November
- November is all about managerial changes. Garforth, who are also stripped of most of their team, appoint York City academy coach Adrian Costello as their new manager.
- Remarkably, Garforth thrash Armthorpe 5-0 in the West Riding County Cup in his first game in charge – despite only having eleven players available.
- Eccleshill United decide to dispense with the services of manager Mark Greaves, despite a recent run of three consecutive victories.
- Nick Handley’s long association with Pontefract Collieries as a player and manager ends. Goalkeeper Craig Parry is appointed as the next permanent Collieries boss one month later.
- Darren Kelly is sacked by FC Halifax Town after only 11 games in charge.
- Mick Norbury quits his position as manager of Glasshoughton Welfare.
- Tadcaster Albion hit by the first of several floods at the i2i Sports Stadium.
- Stocksbridge Park Steels grab the headlines in the FA Trophy by beating Northwich Victoria, Ilkeston and then incredibly holders North Ferriby United.
- Ossett Albion sign former Everton and Oldham youngster George Green.
- Mark Jackson takes up an opportunity with Leeds United, ending his long spell with Farsley Celtic. Lee Connor replaces him as the assistant boss of Farsley.
- Selby Town break the win record by annihilating crisis club Lincoln Moorlands Railway 14-0. Only eight players could be bothered playing for Lincoln.
Glasshoughton Welfare joint managers Craig Wilkinson and Simon Houghton
The scene at Tadcaster Albion during December
Rob Bordman celebrates scoring the winner for Ossett Albion in the derby with Ossett Town to secure eight straight league victories Picture: Mark Gledhill
Billy Heath and Mark Carroll (second left) after signing new three year contracts with joint owners Eman (left) and Steve Forster (right).
December
- Simon Houghton and Craig Wilkinson are installed as joint managers of Glasshoughton Welfare.
- Gary Bradshaw is Hull United’s promised stellar signing.
- Bryan Hughes and Paul Foot leave Scarborough Athletic after a terrible run of form.
- Billy Heath signs a three-year contract with North Ferriby United.
- Ash Flynn’s incredible goal-scoring run continues and he moves closer to the record for most goals in an NCEL season.
- Ossett Albion storm into the Evo Stik Division One North play-offs zone and end the year with eight consecutive league victories.
- Hemsworth finish the year top of the NCEL Division One table and also celebrate losing only one league game all year.
- Jim Harvey wins the permanent post at FC Halifax Town after a good spate of form.
Well done James