First of all, I hope everyone is enjoying the festive season and I wish you all a very Happy New Year! As we move into 2026 at Durham United, some reflection on our first ever Northern League campaign seems timely.

The unprecedented early start in July meant a prompt return to Durham for some students, with others juggling summer jobs whilst travelling up to Durham on the weekends in order to be available. I’d like to thank everyone who’s helped the club through this period: many players, former youth team players - Max & Joe Blackbourne, Fergus Hawes, George Daglish , Euan Beaumont - local and distant students, making themselves available for one-off games or short periods. A massive thanks also to Ollie Williams (Captain and Team Secretary), the University's Maiden Castle staff and the many volunteers helping on matchdays. Without your support, what was already a tough start would’ve been a real uphill struggle.

On the pitch, the team began the season in great goalscoring form. The first game of the season saw a narrow 4-3 defeat at Maiden Castle vs Boldon Colliery, with a Phil Kay hat-trick setting the tone for what’s been a fantastic season for him thus far. One week later, the first point of the campaign came with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Park View at Maiden Castle - Tomas Boothroyd getting off the mark with his first of the season. A week after that, our first win in the Northern League, with seven goals put past Billingham Symphonia. Since getting some key players back in mid September, league form has significantly improved with the team putting together some impressive displays.

Season Top Goal Scorers (up to & inc Boxing Day): Phil Kay 16 & Tomas Boothroyd 11

Other highlights thus far include fantastic league victories against Seaham Red Star and FC Hartlepool, with the team showing great togetherness and ruthlessness alongside real defensive steel up against some of the league’s best sides. A convincing County Cup victory at South Shields FC also showed the very best of Durham United offensively, scoring six goals in a fine display, whilst the next round at Gateshead International Stadium unfortunately saw the lads lose out in a five goal game from the penalty spot!

It’s been fantastic to see some of the club’s youth players representing the first team. Sam Allen, Charlie Lowerson, Finn Ferguson and Joe Collier all made their debuts: congratulations to all of you! At the opposite end of the age spectrum, another memorable moment has been Oliver Dixon playing alongside his father Ian (50) during the festive fixtures!

Through the remainder of the season, the focus will be on improving the defensive resilience and maturity of the squad, as well as abilities in physical duels as we start to encounter trickier weather conditions and pitch surfaces. It’s also been exciting to observe the growth within the squad. In particular, Seb Hopkins emerging as a fantastic option at striker, Patrick Dixon consistently excellent in goal, Charlie Bramwell and Ollie Bell developing in midfield, and in recent games Dan Rehimbeck looking a handful for defences - I hope to see many more success stories across our remaining games.

A final thank you before the year is out goes to our kit sponsors Saints Bar and Capital Restaurant; we are hugely appreciative of their support in kitting us out on matchday.

Heading into 2026, I hope to see as many of you as possible at our games and look forward to an exciting second half of the season; remember your membership card gains access to our games for free.

We open up 2026 with an away game at Darlington Town FC on Saturday 3rd, whilst our first home game at Maiden Castle will be on 24th Jan when we entertain 6th placed Jarrow FC

Happy New Year,
Cam, & all the First Team squad.

Picture Credits/Copyrights: KDK Sports Photography