Hartlepool United vs Mansfield Town – Central League (07/02/17, 2pm kick off)

Hartlepool United: 1 – Joe Fryer, 2 – Kenton Richardson, 3 – James Martin, 4 – Kieran Green, 5 – Craig Reid, 6 – Tolu Kayode, 7 – Connor Smith, 8 – Eddie Rogerson, 9 – Tyler Harvey, 10 – Jake Orrell, 11 – Nathan Thomas, 12 – Isaac Assenso, 13 – Ryan Catterick, 14 – Josh Hawkes, 15 – Devante Rooney, 16 – Harly Wise.

Mansfield Town: 1 – Xavier Sundby, 2 – Tom Slone, 3 – Louis Danquah, 4 – Cameron Healey, 5 – Mohamed Kamara, 6 – Keiran Harrison, 7 – Charlie Shaw, 8 – Lewis Collins (C), 9 – Nyle Blake, 10 – Jason Law, 11 – Adriel George, 12 – Sam Wilson, 14- Henri Wilder, 15 – Morgan Ratcliffe, 16 – Cain Smith, 17 – Sufarel Behaili.

 

The first of two games for me today took me to Billingham Town’s Bedford Terrace to watch Hartlepool United take on Mansfield Town in the Central League. A lot of eyes were focussed on Hartlepool’s Nathan Thomas as he looked to get some match fitness in the hope of returning to Hartlepool’s first team following three months out with a groin injury.

In the North East section of the Central League, Hartlepool sat second before kickoff, equal on points to Grimsby Town, who edge them on goal difference. Mansfield sat fifth out of six, three points ahead of Rotherham with a game in hand.

Mansfield kicked off the game in front of a fairly impressive crowd considering its 2pm on a Tuesday. Both team’s immediately showed their quality, knocking the ball around very confidently as they strived to create an opportunity. But we had to wait until the 7^th minute before the first chance came. Mansfield’s Jason Law winning and taking a corner, but this was cleared well by the Hartlepool defence.

Onto the 27^th minute, and a very smart through ball was played to Mansfield’s captain Lewis Collins, who had his feet clipped by Hartlepool’s Tolu Kayode. Although it looked like the foul was committed just inside the area, the referee awarded a freekick just outside. A close but equally difficult position for a freekick, it was Jason Law to take it, but he only managed to smash the ball into the Hartlepool wall.

As Hartlepool cleared following the Mansfield freekick, the ball fell to Nathan Thomas, who worked the ball into the area really well, before being fouled by two of the Mansfield defence. This time a penalty was awarded, and was taken by a trialist, Tyler Harvey, who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner very well. Totally out of the reach of Mansfield’s Xavier Sundby, the penalty made it 1-0 to the home side in the 29^th minute.( Hartlepool’s first goal – a penalty in the 29th minute from Tyler Harvey. )

Not much happened in the next 15 minutes as both teams continued to knock the ball round really well. Whilst it was great to watch, not very much was created from it as both defences stood tall. That was until the 44^th minute, as some great play from Mansfield’s Adriel George earned a brilliantly positioned freekick. Lewis Collins stepped up to take the freekick, and placed it brilliantly into the top right corner of Joe Fryer’s net. That goal made it 1-1 just as the halftime whistle sounded, and it was probably a justified scoreline given the quality both teams had on show.

Similarly to the whole of the first half, the second half was also extremely well contested, with both teams cancelling each other out in terms of quality. Mansfield’s draw back was their inability to create any clear cut chances, but that could also be down to physicality of the Hartlepool defence.

The main talking point was the last chance of the game. In the last five minutes, Hartlepool started to pick up the tempo a bit, forcing Mansfield back and creating a few more chances. As they continued to attack, they drew a foul from Mansfield’s Mohamed Kamara, who earned himself a yellow card for his troubles. Nathan Thomas’ replacement, number 14 Josh Hawkes, got in position to take the freekick. From a very similar position to the freekick scored by Mansfield to equalise, Hawkes definitely didn’t want to be outdone as he, too, found the top right corner, this time beating Mansfield’s substitute goalkeeper, Sam Wilson. So, in the 90^th minute, Hartlepool retook the lead.

A game where set pieces made the 2-1 scoreline, it was Hartlepool who managed to see the game out and get the three points; probably deserved following their increase of attacking play towards the end of the game. Somewhat unfortunate for Mansfield Town, who showed some real periods of quality play.

Good luck to both teams for the rest of the season, and indeed the rest of their careers. There were definitely some future stars on show here today!

Coxhoe Athletic vs Cleator Moor Celtic (Wearside League) – 21/01/2017

Coxhoe Athletic: 1 – David Atkinson, 2 – Aiden Hart, 3 – Dominic Joynes, 4 – Sam Nugent, 5 – Philip Best, 6 – David Gibson, 7 – Ross Morrow, 8 – Chris Baxter, 9 – Kyle Morris, 10 – Chris Foster, 11 – Mitchell McKenna-Little, 12 – Summerson, 13 – Harry Wray, 14 – Steven Fothergill, 15 – Rhys Greenwood, 16 – Michael Connelly.

Cleator Moor Celtic: 1 – Darren Johnston, 2 – Joe Atkinson, 14 – Rhys Little, 4 – Tom Mahone, 5 – Callum Jackman, 6 – Brad Tatton, 7 – Josh Charlton, 8 – Bradley Rooney, 9 – Jay Weatherill, 10 – Callum Birdsall, 11 – Jonny Donat, 12 – Adam Meagan.

Today, there was a huge range of possibilities in terms of games I could get to, but I thought I’d take a break from the Northern League to go in search of something a little lower. The Wearside League was my choice, and Coxhoe’s Beechfield Park was my destination for today.

In a rush for the 14:00 kick off, I was relieved that the kick off was set back 10 minutes for whatever reason, but it gave me enough time to buy the nicest hot chocolate I’ve had this season! And so, at 14:10, Cleator Moor kicked off the game, playing in their green and white strip, with Coxhoe Athletic in red and black.

It was Cleator Moor who started the game the stronger of the teams. Their number 10, Callum Birdsall, making the first chance of the game, but his shot was straight at the home team’s goalkeeper, David Atkinson, who managed to hold on. The away team continued to maintain their pressure as the game progressed, forcing a dangerous freekick in the 2^nd minute. Cleator Moor’s Bradley Rooney took the freekick, and it fell kindly for Brad Tatton, who fired high into the net, totally out of reach for the home keeper, to make it 1-0 to the away team.

As the day started, Coxhoe were 7^th in the league, and Cleator Moor were 15^th, but it looked like Coxhoe would struggle to get anything out of the game already as Cleator Moor continued to pile on the pressure. In the 4^th minute, Jay Weatherill made a darting run towards the edge of the area, and was felled by the Coxhoe defender. The ball was played into the area well, and pinballed around, before falling to Rhys Little who sliced well wide. Cleator’s Rhys Little and Bradley Rooney were giving Coxhoe a nightmare, as the game started flowing a bit more, with their pace and physical presence.

After 15 minutes, the game did start to even out a bit, with Coxhoe starting to pass the ball around smartly, and they did manage to make their first chance of the game. A great run by Coxhoe’s Mitchell Mckenna-Little was ended by a rash tackle, but did win a nicely positioned freekick. The resulting freekick was taken by Chris Foster, but was cleared confidently by the Cleator Moor defence. Apart from a few wayward chances by both teams, it was Coxhoe with the next real chance. Another perfectly positioned freekick was taken by Ross Morrow, who fired straight at the wall, who then managed to rush out and clear the ball.

Nothing else of note happened in the first half, so it was the away team who went in with a one goal advantage; an advantage that was thoroughly deserved having edged the first half in pretty much every area of the pitch.

The second half started very similarly to the first, with Cleator Moor forcing the first chance. A well taken corner was directed towards goal, but cleared off the line by the Coxhoe defence. Coxhoe had definitely set out with a more attacking game plan in the second half, ultimately leaving 1 person back and allowing the other 9 to attack. A risky tactic leaving them open to the counter attack, it was clear they weren’t happy with the first 45 minutes.

With all the attacking intent from Coxhoe, they only managed to make one genuine chance in the whole half. Another corner, a set piece that has been a continued threat from both teams fell to their man mountain, Philip Best. ‘Besty’ fired just over the bar, where it seemed easier to score. A goal that could’ve changed the course of the game, it didn’t seem like anything would fall kindly for the home team.

Despite some genuinely dangerous attacking from the home side, it was Cleator Moor who were cruelly gifted a second goal. In roughly the 68^th minute, the home side’s keeper David Atkinson played the ball out to his defensive counterpart Philip Best. Under pressure, Best passed the ball back to his keeper. Atkinson then cleared the ball, but managed to strike Best in the back. The ball then kindly fell to Callum Birdsall, who rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home to make it 2-0 to the away team.

And it was 3-0 merely a minute later. A weak freekick earnt by Coxhoe was blocked by Rhys Little, who collected the ball and passed it forward. Following some smart play, the ball, again, fell to the feet of Callum Birdsall, who fired into an empty net, after the keeper was lured towards the ball before it was passed across.

Similarly to the first half, the last 15 minutes didn’t prove to be that interested, with little to no chances being made by either team. Following 90 minutes of controlling the game, it was Cleator Moor who bagged the points by finding the net three times. Cleator Moor seemed to be stronger than Coxhoe in every aspect, despite being 8 places behind the home team at the beginning of play.

A great quality of Football on display again, it won’t take me that long to return to a Wearside League game; a refreshing change from my usual Northern League outing. Good luck to both teams for the remainder of the season!

Northallerton Town vs Blyth Town (Northern League Second Division) – 14/01/2017

Northallerton Town: 1 – Thomas Briggs, 2 – Richard Walker, 3 – Stephen Jackson, 4 – Stephen Cheeseman, 5 – Dan Jones, 6 – Jack Proctor, 7 – Marcellus Kerr, 8 – Stuart Owen (C), 9 – Nicky Martin, 10 – Josh Keogh, 11 – Shawn Hudson, 12 – Mark Sims, 14 – Liam Jarvie, 15 – Thomas Atkinson, 16 – Marcus Laing, 17 – Karl Hewitt.

Blyth Town: 1 – Matthew Crook, 2 – Matthew Tumility, 3 – John Gray, 4 – Lee Middleton, 5 – Anthony Moran, 6 – Ian Herron (C), 7 – Liam Gillesphey, 8 – Shawn McRoberts, 9 – Zak Atkinson, 10 – David Robinson, 11 – Daniel Sayer, 12 – Josh Miller, 15 – Andrew Connor, 16 – Jack Errington, 17 – John Iveson.

Today, I opted for a 30 or so mile drive down to Northallerton to watch their home league game against Blyth Town. 9^th in the league at home to 7^th, it was always likely to be a close game.

It was Northallerton who kicked the game off, although it was Blyth who managed the stronger start. Blyth’s number 3, John Gray, won the first corner of the game in the 4^th minute. From the resulting corner, the ball was shuffled over the line, although the linesmen deemed it offside and brought the play back for a free kick. This prompted chants of ‘you’re just a small town from Scotland’ by the home supporters.

Yet it was the small town from Scotland that continued the pressure. Their number 11 and 8, Daniel Sayer and Shawn McRoberts, combined well to force an amazing point blank save from the home goalkeeper, Thomas Briggs. The corner was smartly sent into the area and confidently met by Blyth’s number 7, Liam Gillesphey, who got up well to make it 1-0 to the away team, and justifiably after the previous pressure.

And Blyth managed to continue the pressure after the restart with some long range, audacious efforts, though they didn’t manage to test Briggs all that often. Onto the 22^nd minute, and Blyth had another corner. From the corner, the ball was shot over the line, and cleared by the Northallerton defence. A shot that definitely looked over, the referee waived play on, and the score remained 1-0 to the away team.

Northallerton only really looked dangerous on the counter attack so far. With Shaun Hudson and Marcellus Kerr continuously running at the Blyth Town defence, there were very little else in terms of attacking threat thus far.

It was the 37^th minute when the next real chance was created, seamlessly out of the nothing. The ball was knocked around the centre of the pitch very smartly by the Blyth team before it fell to their number 6 and captain, Ian Herron. Rather audaciously, Herron struck a long range shot, straight into the top right corner of Briggs’ goal, to make it 2-0 to Blyth. Again, justified after the previous pressure, Northallerton didn’t look like they’d turned up so far.

So the teams went in at 2-0. An exceptionally dominant performance by Blyth totally keeping the home side out of the game.

Following their confident first half performance, Blyth barely had 5 minutes in the changing room but, instead, decided to stay on pitch and start some warm-up drills to maintain their body heat, whilst Northallerton took as long as they could in the changing room.

In contrast to the first half, it was Northallerton who started the half stronger. The first chance of the half fell to their number 11, and main threat so far, Shawn Hudson, although this went just past the post, but a glimpse of goal that they lacked in the first half.

Whilst Northallerton had started to get their stride in the game, I couldn’t help but notice the alarming amount of free headers Blyth continued to win. The home side were dramatically lacking in physicality compared to their opponents, yet they still attempted long passing. When they started keeping the ball of the floor, and knocking it around freely, they looked the much better team.

Continuing the pressure, Northallerton got their first real sight of goal, and it came directly from the captain, Stuart Owen. Pushing the ball onto his left foot, Owen coolly sidefooted the ball into the top left corner from 20 yards out. With a lack of closing down from the Blyth defence, Owen placed the ball as far into the top left corner as reasonably possible, giving Blyth’s keeper, Matthew Crook, absolutely no chance. 1-2, and the momentum working favourably for Northallerton.

And just two minutes later, in the 64^th minute, it was Northallerton who’d manage to grab an equaliser. Passing the ball through the middle to their substitute number 12, Mark Sims, who managed to take a smart touch to get behind the Blyth defence. Utilising his pace, Sims managed to hold off the chasing defence, and take the ball around the outrushing Crook, to finish into the bottom of the goal, making it 2-2. Having looked out of the game by half time, this was a phenomenal turnaround from the home team, and one they’d be looking to capitalise on.

Having known the game was slowly going in their favour, Northallerton started to push more players up the field, after previously not being able to. This left a huge gap in the defence for Blyth to make the most of. Feeding the ball through to their number 7, and scorer of their first, Gillesphey, Blyth managed to cut open the defence. Leaving the defenders for dead, Gillesphey chipped the ball over the keeper, but the ball bounced off the crossbar and out. A definite eye opener for Northallerton, who had looked completely in control so far in the second half.

A pretty even game in terms of pressure in each half, but the game was decided in the 87^th minute, and it was Blyth who’d managed to seal the deal. Gillesphey, who always seemed to be at the centre of anything creative Blyth had to offer, played the ball behind to his attacking colleague, Zak Atkinson,  who smashed the ball first time towards Briggs’ goal. This unstoppable, close range shot found its way into the top left corner of the goal, and decided the fate of the game, making it 3-2 to the away team in the dying minutes.

I very rarely see a game with two halves so conflicting in terms of which team looked the stronger, but I can’t complain as it made for an exceptionally good watch! Good luck to both teams for the rest of your seasons!

 

Stockton Town vs Seaham Red Star (Durham Challenge Cup) – 04/01/2017

Stockton Town: 1 – Liam Jordan, 2 – Matthew Garbutt, 3 – James Ward, 4 – Joe Scaife Wheatley, 5 – Adam Nicholson, 6 – Tom Coulthard, 7 – Fred Woodhouse, 8 – Steven Roberts (C), 9 – Joe Carter, 10 – Kallum Hannah, 11 – Kevin Hayes, 12 – Alan Cassavella, 14 – Chris Dunwell, 15 – Joe Posthill, 16 – Sonny Coleman, 17 – Tony Johnson.

Seaham Red Star: 1 – Shaun Newbrook (C), 2 – Jack Walker, 3 – Thomas Price, 4 – Andrew Johnson, 5 – Kieran Gilbraith, 6 – Bradley Staunch, 7 – David Palmer, 8 – Nicholas Kane, 9 – Craig Lynch, 10 – Luke Proctor, 11 – Robbie Bird, 12 – Airon Duell, 14 – Lee Heatherington, 15 – David Scorer, 17 – Craig Price.

 

Tonight, I was at Stockton’s Bishopton Road West for their Durham Challenge Cup game against Seaham Red Star. Seaham being a league above Stockton gives the home team a great opportunity to find out what they could face next season if they keep their league form up. Stockton were in their usual yellow home kit, and Seaham were in their less familiar blue kit.

As Stockton kicked off the game, it was the home team who had the first opportunity of the game. Forcing a corner, the ball was floated in to Stockton’s number 5, and ever present figure in the home defence, Adam Nicholson, who headed over.

Seaham’s first chance came in the fifth minute, as their right back, Jack Walker, cut inside following some smart play and fired straight at Stockton’s Liam Jordan.

As Seaham continued their pressure, the ball fell to the number 8, Nicholas Kane, who fed the ball through smartly to his attacking colleague, Craig Lynch, who fired straight at Jordan. Unable to hold the initial shot, Lynch pounced on the rebound and prodded it low into the back of the net, to make it 1-0 to the away team.

Seaham looked like a well oiled machine as Stockton kicked off again, keeping the same solidity as they had at the start of the game. Standing strong at the back, Stockton were restricted to long range efforts. Stockton’s Fred Woodhouse managed to set up the number 11, Kevin Hayes, who managed to shoot high and wide, with the ball actually leaving the ground.

As the rain slowly started to come down, it was Stockton who continued to lose the ball cheaply, with Seaham continuing to capitalise on weak passes. The Stockton players were obviously frustrated, and maybe took it out on their teammates, with no positive encouragement to be heard at all, but a barrage of insults every time one lost the ball.

It was Stockton who managed to create the next real chance of the game, however. Hayes passing the ball over to Kallum Hannah, who cleverly managed to turn and shoot at goal, forcing Seaham’s Newbrook into a reflex save down to his bottom right. Nothing came from the resulting corner, but a glimpse of goal that Stockton desperately needed as the game was getting away from them.

As Seaham received the ball, after some smart play in the midfield, the ball was passed through to Luke Proctor, whose pot shot was blocked in the area. The ball kindly fell to Craig Lynch, who controlled the ball with his chest, before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner of Jordan’s goal to double the away team’s advantage, 2-0.

Stockton, again, looking for a way back into this game, and really rallied to start putting the pressure on Seaham. The one noticeable chance they had to get one on the board before half time fell to captain Steven Roberts, whose shot was saved for a corner. The resulting corner lead to Fred Woodhouse having a well struck shot, but wide of the goal.

So, Stockton went in at half time trailing Seaham 2-0, in a half only just edged by the away team. In the few games I’ve seen of Stockton before, they always come out after half time with a real desire to chase the ball down when they’ve not got it, and make chances, so anything could still happen at this point.

And it was Stockton who started the second half the stronger of the two teams. The first meaningful attack of the half was lead by Stockton’s Hayes, again, who smartly won a corner for the home team. The resulting corner was cleared confidently by Seaham, but Stockton did manage to win a free kick 25 yards out, after reclaiming the ball. Hayes took the free kick, but this was straight at Newbrook.

Stockton had definitely started the second half with much more desire than the first, but were still making avoidable mistakes. In roughly the 72^nd minute, the ball came to Seaham substitute, David Scorer, who managed to feed the ball through to Luke Proctor, who held the ball up well in the area. Proctor managed to drag the ball back to Robbie Bird, who finished well past Jordan to make it 3-0.

Just three minutes later, it was Seaham who capitalised again on some weak Stockton play. Seaham’s David Palmer managed to run the ball into the area with little challenge, and held the ball up on the by-line. Putting in a perfectly weighted ball, another substitute, Airon Duell managed to strike a volley into the ground, but with enough power that it bounced up and looped over the helpless Liam Jordan to make it 4-0 to Seaham.

And, in keeping with the way the game had gone so far, it was Seaham who had the last meaningful play of the evening. Number 10, Luke Proctor, my personal man of the match, very smartly carried the ball through two of Stockton’s midfield by dummying them, before feeding Robbie Bird, who struck a well hit shot towards goal. Bird’s shot managed to again loop over Liam Jordan, who had no chance in keeping out the left footed shot. 5-0 to the away team, and no way back for Stockton.

As the final whistle sounded, it was Seaham who progressed to the next round of the Durham Challenge Cup. A real eye opener for Stockton, who may be facing teams of this quality each week if they manage a promotion this season. Good luck to both teams for the remainder of the season!

Preview of Stockton Town vs Seaham Red Star (Durham Challenge Cup) – 04/01/2017

Welcome to game day, as Stockton Town take on Seaham Red Star in the Durham Challenge Cup. One of two DCC fixtures tonight as Billingham Synthonia also take on Hartlepool.

Stockton Town, currently sitting pretty at the top of the Northern League Division 2, welcome a Seaham Red Star side sat in eighth position in the Northern League Division 1, following a 2-1 away loss to Consett in their last game, eight days ago. Stockton faired differently in their last fixture, as they travelled up to Easington Colliery and left with all three points following a comfortable 5-1 win.

To get to this point in the competition, Stockton had to overcome a Darlington 1883 side boasting a mixture of first team players, reserves and some of their under 18s. A fairly dominant display saw Stockton Town win 3-0. Seaham’s route into the current round was also backed by a confident performance, a 5-2 home victory against Sunderland West End. Watched by 52 spectators, the home side swept aside a Sunderland West End side that play in the same league as their Reserves.

Kick off at Stockton’s Bishopton Road West is at 19:30, and I’ve never been disappointed when I’ve travelled over for a game, so it should be a really good match. Hope to see you all there!

(Full match write up will be up within a few hours of the final whistle).

Hartlepool United Reserves vs Ryhope CW (Durham Challenge Cup) – 03/01/2017

Tonight, I was at Billingham Town’s Bedford Terrace ground to watch this Durham Challenge Cup game between Hartlepool Reserves and Ryhope of the Northern League Division 1. Two teams that I’ve never seen play before, so I didn’t really know what to expect when I travelled down. That being said, I have seen Hartlepool’s Jack Blackford play this season during his 1 month loan spell at Northern Premier outfit Whitby Town.

As Hartlepool set the ball down to kick off the first half, it was apparent just how windy it was out there, and that may have scuppered any plans to play long ball tactics. It was Hartlepool who started out the stronger of the two teams. The ball fell to the feet of their number 8, Brad Walker, who made a strong darting run into the Ryhope area and forced a save from their Goalkeeper, Ball, who managed to clear the ball for a corner. From the resulting corner, a short ball was played out by Hartlepool’s number 11, Jack Blackford, but nothing was made of it.

It was clear that Hartlepool were determined to play some proper Football as they started to knock the ball around with a lot of confidence, although Ryhope kept the pressure up, forcing the young Pools side into a few silly mistakes. At one point, Hartlepool were struggling to get the ball out of their 18 yard box because of the pressure forced on them by the Ryhope attack.

As the game settled, both sides were playing some good looking Football, but failed to make any real chances. Solid defending from both sides forced a few wayward long shots, but nothing of real quality.

It wasn’t until the 13^th minute that a quality chance was made. Hartlepool’s number 7 made a great run from 40 yards out into the penalty area, and dragged a smart ball back in the direction of number 8, Brad Walker, who finished coolly into the bottom left corner, giving his side a 1-0 lead in what was, so far, a fairly even game.

That goal definitely settled Hartlepool, and almost ruffled Ryhope, who looked a bit frustrated as they re-kicked off the game. Similar to the first goal, it was same Hartlepool duo that combined again to make the next chance. Following their smart play, the Ryhope defence managed to clear the ball out for a throw. From the resulting throw, the ball was sent into the area, and pinged around, before hitting a Ryhope defender and somehow managing to creep over the line. An own goal, and a frustrating one at that, to make it 2-0 to Hartlepool.

Ryhope’s first chance came in the 25^th minute, as their number 7 struck a powerful shot from 20 yards out that went just over the crossbar without challenging the Hartlepool keeper, Dudzinski.

Whilst the game became bogged down in midfield, as both teams managed to cancel each other out, there was time for one more chance before half time. Hartlepool’s Jack Blackford received a fairly innocent ball just outside the area, and managed to work it into some space in the area, and struck the ball with his left foot, but his shot struck the crossbar and went out for a goalkick.

So, it was Hartlepool that went in at halftime the stronger of the two sides, having made the most of the few quality chances they’d managed to create.

Ryhope knew they’d really have to take the game to Hartlepool in the second half if they were to take anything away from this game. And, although they started the half in a similar fashion to the first, they did manage to get their first shot on target. Their number 11 managing to make space following a badly sliced shot, but he shot straight at Dudzinski.

Spurred on by the previous chance, Ryhope started to press up field, leaving unnecessary gaps at the back, and this was capitalised on by Hartlepool. Sensing his chance, the number 9, Jake Orrell, made a darting run between the two central defenders, and calmly received an inch perfect through ball. Using his pace, he managed to make enough space to smartly finish just over the onrushing Ryhope keeper to make it 3-0 to Hartlepool; a lead they didn’t look like surrendering.

Whilst some great Football was played in the remainder of the game, no real chances were made by either side. Whenever Ryhope managed to gather enough momentum to attack, Hartlepool were already back in position ready to defend, determined to keep a well earned clean sheet.

The game finished 3-0. With the chances Hartlepool created, it seemed a fair result simply because of the lack of chances created by Ryhope.

The silver lining for Ryhope is that they can now focus on the league coming into the second half of the season. As for Hartlepool, they can keep looking forward to the possibility of picking up some silverware this season. Good luck to both teams!

Newton Aycliffe vs Guisborough Town – 17/12/2016

Newton Aycliffe: 1 – Pentoney, 2 – Marley, 3 – Harrison, 4 – Brown, 5 – Hitton, 6 – James Oliver, 7 – Nicholson, 8 – Trotter, 9 – Boagey, 10 – Owens, 11 – Gray, 12 – Brassel, 14 – Jack Oliver, 15 Mellanby, 16 – Wood, 17 – Wilson.

Guisborough Town: 1 – Dawson, 2 – Bligh, 3 – McAvoy, 4 – Roddam, 5 – McPhillips, 6 – Bythway, 7 – Orritt, 8 – Wood, 9 – Onions, 10 – McNeill, 11 – Blake, 12 – Livingstone, 14 – Roberts, 15 – Scott, 16 – Lovatt, 17 – Goldsack.

Today’s game choice, as determined by a Twitter poll, was Newton Aycliffe at home to Guisborough. Encouraged to go to witness the ‘rebirth’ of Newton Aycliffe following recent events that lead to the dismissal of the previous manager and some of the playing staff, I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I turned up at Moore Lane.

On arrival to the ground, I was greeted with a mince pie, which I absolutely needed, and it went down a treat! I even managed to squeeze in a few chats with some of the club staff and supporters who were all looking forward to what we were hoping would be a cracking game.

Onto kick off, and Newton Aycliffe were in their dark blue home kit. Guisborough were in their purple kit. And it was Guisborough who started the livelier.

In just the second minute, Guisborough’s number 10, Mason McNeill, out battled Aycliffe’s Alan Harrison, getting himself 1 on 1 with the opposing keeper, Pentoney. After taking a few smart touches, McNeill coolly finished under the outrushing goalkeeper to put the away team 1-0 up very early on.

After the opening goal, Aycliffe started to get back into the game. Although Guisborough’s number 8, Gary Wood, continued to show great strength and power to push Guisborough into the attacking third, nothing materialised as Aycliffe managed to stand strong. At this point, the game became very even, with both teams counteracting any moves the other team attempted.

Aycliffe’s first chance fell to their number 7, Nicholson. Managing to use his strength to get round Guisborough’s number 3, Dylan McAvoy, Nicholson tamely shot at the Guisborough goalkeeper, James Dawson, who saved easily. The next chance of the game also fell to Aycliffe, but this time to their number 10 and new captain, Jamie Owens. A great solo run allowed him to get a shot away, although this was also straight at James Dawson, who held the shot at the second attempt.

Following a bit of attacking Aycliffe pressure, Guisborough’s number 5, Liam McPhillips, picked up the ball in his own half. McPhillips played a clever ball over the top to his attacking counterpart, McNeill, who managed to strike the crossbar with a side footed shot after a run past the Aycliffe defence.

In the 27^th minute, Ayecliffe’s Jamie Owens again caused Guisborough more problems. After making a darting run leaving the Guisborough midfield standing, Owens cut inside and whistled a shot, from just outside the area, just past the far post. Aycliffe showing a lot more attacking intent at this point and, if it continued, it was only a matter of time before they scored.

And so, in the 30^th minute, as Aycliffe sustained their attacking pressure, the ball, again, fell to Jamie Owens. As he had done previously, the Aycliffe captain very smartly cut inside, and beautifully shot with the outside of his boot into the bottom left corner of James Dawson’s goal. Just out of the reach of the goalkeeper, the ball nestled in the back of the net, equalising for the home team. The first goal of the Mellanby / Browne tenure, it definitely meant a lot to the players, staff and supporters alike.

Shortly afterwards, Aycliffe managed to make it 2-1. Aycliffe’s Marley received the ball just on the edge of the area, and brilliantly took a first time shot that looped over James Dawson and into the top right corner. A shot that looked unstoppable, it was jubilantly celebrated by all the Aycliffe players, who’d all managed to capitalise on some great, consistent attacking play.

After the Aycliffe turnaround, Guisborough had slowly started getting back into it, with some smart, passing play. That was until a miscommunication between the two Guisborough defenders, Liam McPhillips and Bythway. An innocent Aycliffe ball over the top was called for by both players, who both went for the ball, and clattered into each other in the process. A break in play followed as McPhillips received treatment for a cut and bleed received when he went for the ball.

Taking advantage of Guisborough’s number 5 not being on the pitch, Aycliffe’s Zak Boagey made a smart run into the area, and managed to get off a shot towards the Guisborough goal. Parried by James Dawson, the ball fell to the Aycliffe number 8, Trotter, who calmly side footed the saved shot into the goal, giving Aycliffe a 3-1 lead just before half time.

At this point, it was very hard to believe that Aycliffe had gone through such a dramatic change in the last week, having appointed a new management duo, and signing 11 new players. The team had taken a commanding lead, and one they didn’t look like they’d let slip in the second half, but did it by playing some very smart Football.

And it was Aycliffe who continued to attack as the second half got underway. It was the main man again, Jamie Owens, who forced the first save of the half. Another solo run, jinking past the defence, forced a simple enough save from James Dawson, who’d definitely been the busier of the two goalkeepers thus far.

Obviously being woken up by the amount of defending they’d done so far, Guisborough started to come to life with long periods of attacking play, but never managing to get any clear cut chances. Aycliffe continued to dig in, and cleared anything that came their way to maintain their two goal advantage.

That was until the 72^nd minute. A rather aimless overhead kick / pass was misjudged by the Aycliffe defence and fell kindly to Guisborough substitute, number 14 Steve Roberts, who finished smartly into the bottom right corner, out of the reach of the goalkeeper, Pentoney, making it 3-2 and sparking an exciting end to the game.

In the closing of the game, Guisborough definitely had more of the possession, but Aycliffe continued to have as many bodies back as possible, and created an unbreakable wall to maintain their one goal lead.

Frustrating for the Guisborough players as Aycliffe held the ball whenever they received it, a late tackle from Guisborough’s Dave Onions sparked a mass surrounding of the referee, as his line running colleagues also joined him on the pitch. I didn’t quite see anything after the tackle, but both Dave Onions and the Aycliffe left back were dismissed. In my opinion, it wasn’t a red card offence, but I can’t say what happened when the players surrounded the referee, so the red card offence may have been committed then.

All in all, a great game. Maybe not for the travelling Guisborough supporters, but for everyone connected to Newton Aycliffe FC and the neutrals that’d gone along to see a totally new Newton Aycliffe side.

As always, continued good luck to Guisborough Town, who I continue to keep an eye on and always enjoy watching. And good luck to this new Newton Aycliffe side, who’s ‘rebirth’ has started with a bang!

Stockton Town vs Team Northumbria – 14/12/2016

Stockton Town: 1 – Michael Arthur, 2 – Matthew Garbutt, 3 – Jimmy Ward, 4 – Alan Cossavella, 5 – Adam Nicholson (C), 6 – Tom Coulthard, 7 – Fred Woodhouse, 8 – Max Craggs, 9 – Joe Carter, 10 – Kallum Hannah, 11 – Kevin Hayes, 12 – Tony Johnson, 14 – Joe Scaife Wheatley, 15 – Sonni Coleman, 16 – Chris Dunwell, 17 – Steven Roberts.

Team Northumbria: 1 – Steven Mundy (C), 2 – Nick Green, 3 – Aiden Haywood, 4 – Harry Jewett, 5 – Liam McNamara, 6 – Robert Grainley, 7 – Kevin Carr, 8 – Robert Spence, 9 – Daniel Taggart, 10 – Joel Bradley, 11 – Nathan Evans, 12 – Ben Dieb-Fuller, 14 – Michael Saver, 15 – Alex Barnes, 16 – Scott Gunn, 17 – Gerrard Richardson.

 

After missing last night’s cup fixture between Thornaby and Billingham Synthonia due to work commitments, I chose Stockton’s home league fixture against Team Northumbia as my Football fix. 2^nd placed Stockton Town hosted a Team Northumbria side sitting pretty at the top of the Northern League Division 2 with two games in hand.

Team Northumbria’s starting line up boasted a mix of youthful energy and physical experience, as did Stockton’s, so we were definitely in for a great game!

On to kick off, and it was Team Northumbria who started the better of the two teams. Looking calmer on the ball, and knocking the ball around more confidently. The first shot of the game also came to Team Northumbria. Northumbria’s number 11, Nathan Evans, picked the ball up just outside the area and drove a shot towards Stockton’s keeper Michael Arthur, who parried the shot and collected the rebound comfortably.

As Stockton started to settle into the game a bit more, they also started creating some promising chances. Number 8, Max Craggs, fired a low shot at Northumbria’s keeper and Captain Steven Mundy, who parried his shot out for a corner. From the resulting corner, Stockton’s Captain Adam Nicholson headed just over and out for a goal kick.

In the early exchanges, it was Nathan Evans who continued to be the stand out player. In the sixth minute, Evans decided to go alone, taking on four Stockton players, before losing the ball in the area. His desire to run at Stockton Town’s defence was already causing problems, and his teammates were always in position to support him, giving Town a lot of worries early on.

On to the 20^th minute, and Stockton got their first real chance of the game. The Team Northumbria defence gave away a soft free kick just outside the area; a perfect position for Max Craggs. Craggs’ shot at goal went just wide. From some angles, it looked like it’d nestled the back of the net. And this was evident as Adam Nicholson prematurely celebrated, only to quickly work out that his teammate hadn’t scored.

And so, in the 28^th minute, during a period where both teams were continually attacking but struggling to find a quality shooting opportunity, Northumbria’s Nick Green squeezed a low cross into the area. Controversially, however, as from where we were standing, it looked like the ball had gone out for a throw in. From the cross, Northumbria’s number 9, Daniel Taggart, shot low and hard through the legs of the helpless Michael Arthur, giving the away team the advantage.

Nothing noticeable happened in the remainder of the half, as both teams started to play direct Football, with numerous aerial battles being fought, but not much quality football on show.

As the second half kicked off, it was Stockton Town who started the stronger. After receiving the ball out wide, Stockton’s number 11 Kevin Hayes smartly cut inside and played a very clever through ball to Matthew Garbutt. Garbutt managed to drill a low cross into the area, but was unable to reach any of his teammates. His cross was cleared in front of goal, but probably the best sight of goal Stockton had created thus far.

The game had become very end to end around the 60^th minute mark, with both teams looking like they could grab the next goal and, with the score at 1-0, any goal could manipulate the game in either team’s favour. Stockton continued to pile pressure on the Team Northumbria defence, who stood strong and stayed resilient for a long period of the game.

In the 82^nd minute, Stockton’s continuous pressure forced a tame back pass from Alex Barnes that was pounced on by Sonni Coleman, who managed to control the ball and finish under Northumbria’s Mundy, levelling the game late on. Maybe a bit unfair on Northumbria, who had played exceptionally well up to this point, but were punished for a momentary lapse in concentration.

Even this late on, it was the type of game that wouldn’t have been right if it ended in a draw. And, from Northumbria’s kick off, it was Stockton who were straight on the attack. A high ball into the area was met by Sonni Coleman, again, who very smartly shot over his head, and over Steven Mundy, giving Stockton a 2-1 lead in the 86^th minute, having been losing the game just 5 minutes previously.

The next 10 minutes were all about Stockton who were brilliantly controlling the play, leading the Team Northumbria players to become exceptionally frustrated, but this played into Stockton’s hands even more.

So the game finished 2-1, with Stockton just about edging a relatively tight game, but there were always going to be a few twists in a game between two teams filled with such quality. Good luck to both teams this season, not that you’ll need it if you both keep playing Football like some of the play on show tonight!