ASHINGTON: GOALS GALORE

16th February 1929

The Northumberland based club, Ashington FC, spent 8 seasons in the Football League in the 1920s, their last season being 1928/29. They finished bottom of the Third Division (North) that season conceding 115 goals with their worst defeat being 8-2 at home to eventual champions Bradford City. The club failed to get re-elected at the end of the season and their place was taken by York City, playing in the Midland League. 

Ashington suffered another major defeat at their Portland Park ground that season, 4-7 against Doncaster Rovers with Tom Keetley scoring 6 of the Doncaster goals. That was – and still is – the record goals scored by a Doncaster player in a League match, while the 186 League goals he scored in his Doncaster career (241 apps).

ONLY 729 witnessed this piece of history.

Tom (SEATED FOURTH FROM RIGHT) was one of six Keetley brothers who played in the Football League including four –himself,  Harry, Joe and Frank, who turned out for Doncaster Rovers. 

Tom was born on November 16, 1898. His family lived at 62 Graham Street, Litchurch. He had 11 siblings; ten brothers and a sister. “Tom worked at and played for Victoria Ironworks in Derby and was on Derby County’s books as an amateur in 1919, although he didn’t play for the first team. “He went on to enjoy a long professional career between 1919 and 1934 with Bradford Park Avenue, Doncaster Rovers, Notts County and Lincoln City. “Subsequently, he played for Gresley Rovers and Heanor Town in Derbyshire. He scored 284 Football League goals in 365 appearances, and remains one of the leading scorers in English football. “After his football career, Tom inevitably, became a publican. In 1939, he was licensee of the Red Lion, Derby Road, Shardlow.

 Ashington is also the home of the Charlton family! You know....what's in the water?