SATURDAY AUGUST 30TH 2014

SEDGEFIELD NETPark 0 v 1 WHEATLEY HILL WMC FC

A game played in very windy conditions, Wheatley Hill scored after 26mins with a decent finish, and they had the better chances of the first half, h/t 0-1. Netpark were the better team in the 2nd half with their goalkeeper rarely tested. Blenkinsopp in the Wheatley Hill goal pulled of some great saves to keep a clean sheet, NETPark had a goal disallowed. Credit to Wheatley Hill who battled very hard and took the 3pts, f/t 0-1

SHILDON RESERVES 3 V 1 MURTON AFC

Shildon came out on top in a hard fought game at Scouts Field on very windy conditions. The home team started brightly and as usual were creating chances. They took the lead with a cool finish from Joe Kerry and when James Huntley doubled the lead it looked like it would be a relaxing afternoon for the supporters. Half time 2 0 to Shildon. Murton scored through Mathew mustard straight from the start and it was game on. Shildon managed to get back in the game and Michael Nichol sealed the win with a fantastic goal. Murton kept going to the end but it was a welcome 3 points for Shildon.

SHERBURN VILLAGE WMC FC 1 V 2 WALLSEND TOWN

The game started in very blustery conditions. Both teams started sharp. 10mins in a foul by Sherburn’s Martin Clough Saw Wall sends free kick sail just over the bar. The game was end to end with both teams having chances. On 20 mins a mistake by Wall sends Paul Thompson put Sherburn’s Joe Simpson through who drove his shot low into the Wallsend net. 1-0. Wallsend mounted preassure but Sherburn defended well. Right on half time Wallsends Deka Graham's strike was goal bound but saved by James Winter. H T 1-0. Second half started the same with both teams going for it. Sherburn’s Peter Ryder had a great effort superbly saved by the Wallsend keeper on 55. Straight after Wallsend had a great chance to level but James Winter pulled off a great save. Sherburn’s Omar Mustafa was put through one on one by Joe Simpson he went around the keeper too wide which gave the keeper time to get back and save his shot. Penalty to Wallsend was awarded on 70 mins which Deka Graham struck low to the keeper’s right but a great save by James Winter kept Sherburn in front. Wallsend then put their big no 5 Chris Garwood up front and high balls into the Sherburn’s box were starting to cause them problems. A great solo run by Wallsend's no 4 put a ball into the box and Deka slotted home to make it 1-1 on 84 mins . The game was still end to end both teams going for it. With 1 min to go a 35 yd strike by Wallsend’s Chris Graham sailed into the Sherburn net to end the match 2-1 to Wallsend. A hard fought game by two committed teams great to watch.

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 5 V 2 CHESTER-LE-STREET TOWN WHITEHILL

A new location for Ebchester as they welcomed Whitehall’s to The Highgate. Ebchester started off the better team and it wasn't long before they took the lead from a corner. A darting run to the front post by Hannant and a majestic back heel left Agnew with the simplest of tap ins. Whitehill’s came back at Ebchester and scored a good counter attacking goal. They overloaded the right hand side and a good ball in from the right hand side left their forward with the task of heading it home. It wasn't long before Ebchester were back in the lead, Hannant flicked the ball on and it hit the hand of the Whitehill’s defender. Agnew stepped up, glanced one way and slotted it home the other, cool as a cucumber. Whitehill then won their own penalty; a dubious foul in the box gave Whitehill’s a chance to equalise. 2-2 after an entertaining first half. Whitehill’s came out strongly in the second half and were looking the better team. Ebchester's defence standing strong. 15 mins into the half Ebchester then got a third through new signing Dan Cuine, a good left footed shot found the bottom corner. From this point on Ebchester went pushing for the fourth. Good play down the right hand side and Cuine was through one on one with the keeper, he slotted past the goalkeeper leaving him now chance. Ebchester again went on the attack not sitting back with the two goal lead. Agnew, desperate for his hat trick, found himself down the left hand side. A lovely nutmeg past the Whitehill’s defender and he were charging in on goal. From a tight angle and other options in the box he struck a fierce right footed shot which went straight into the top corner. A deserved hat trick. Whitehill kept going at it and had 1 or 2 chances in the last 5 minutes, Dan Parker, stepping into nets today, pulling off one spectacular save.  A good game which ended with Ebchester taking the points.

 HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES 2 V 1 BISHOP AUCKLAND FC RESERVES

 This was an even affair with both teams battling hard to establish themselves in their new league. With a cross wind spoiling much of the play the first half ended goalless. Bishop looked dangerous springing FC's offside trap but FC survived and at times looked dangerous down the left. Bishop had much of the play and the better chances but the first half ended 0-0. The tables were turned in the second half with FC looking the stronger and had the better chances but spoiling at least three 1 on 1's with the keeper. The deadlock was broken when Jake Larkin scored a screamer into the top corner. The game looked settled but bishop didn't give up and a quick break saw Liam Bain equalise while under pressure from a defender and the keeper. FC pushed on and nudged ahead with a crossed ball that was headed in by the returning Ross Kidson. FC defended well to see the game out and was fortunate to come out with 3pts. Credit to both teams.