Boldon Villa celebrate winning the new Sam Bartram Cup following victory
over Wearside League neighbours Cleadon at New Road Boldon recently.
ALL GOOD NEIGHBOURS AT BOLDON
In an action packed evening at Boldon on 28 February to celebrate the achievements of former Boldon Villa player and Charlton Athletic stalwart Sam Bartram, who kept goal for the London club between 1934 and 1956, making 623 League and Cup appearances, Boldon swept to a four-goal lead before allowing local Wearside League rivals South Shields Cleadon to hit back to level before full-time. The newly introduced Bartram Cup was decided by a penalty shoot-out in which Cleadon failed to score, presenting Villa with a conclusive spot-kick victory.
Earlier a team comprising local youth workers and parents - in specially supplied Charlton kit - narrowly overcame Boldon youngsters 6-5 to win a smaller version of the cup. The occasion, which is hoped will become an annual attraction, was made possible due to the support of South Tyneside Council, Boldon Newtown Management Initiative, the Drug Action Team, Boldon Young People Project and the Home Group. In another neighbourly gesture Jarrow Roofing Boldon Community Association FC loaned their ground and floodlights to Boldon Villa for the special evening. Both versions of the Sam Bartram Cup are on display at the Boldon Newtown Village Hall, across the street from Bartram's boyhood home in North Road.
Local community, youth workers and parents who were victorious against a team of Boldon youngsters share the Sam Bartram Cup with Sam's daughter Moira who made the trip from Canada to Tyneside to join in the presentations.
