WASHINGTON AGED PEOPLES TROPHY FINAL APRIL 29TH 2015

WASHINGTON AGED PEOPLES TROPHY FINAL

COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC 1  V 3 HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES

The final of the Washington Aged Peoples Trophy was held at Brandon Welfare on Wednesday April 29^th 2015. League Champions Coundon & Leeholme Youth FC was up against the surprise package of the Durham Alliance League this season, Hartlepool FC Reserves.

Coundon had already bagged the League Championship, Clem Smith Bowl & the Auckland Charity Cup and were favourites to lift the Washington Aged Peoples Trophy as well.

Hartlepool FC Reserves reached the final of the Washington Aged Peoples Trophy having dispatched league leaders Horsley Hill in the semi final 3-0 but this was a different challenge altogether meeting league champions Coundon and Leeholme in the final.

However Hartlepool FC Res had a different view and this match was the upset of all upsets. Hartlepool FC fielded a below strength side with Kidson, Beddow, Sullivan and Donaghy all out and Anth Readman pulling out in the warm up. It looked like the writing was on the wall but the never say die attitude of the players shone through from the start.

The game started with Coundon having a lot of possession, as expected, and they were first on the attack. Defender Scott Close showed his determination when tracking back and putting in a fantastic tackle to deny Coundons pacy striker. Jake Larkin as always was making progress down the left wing but the pressure was on when young Sam Dobson ripped open old stitches with a big tackle in the box. Luke Sutheran replaced Dobson and had a great game on the right of the midfield. Against all odds Hartlepool FC Reserves took the lead when striker Lewi Murphy challenged for the Ball against a strong defender, despite losing a tooth the ball fell to Larkin who put FC ahead in the 20th minute. Striker Carl O'Sullivan was next to show with a 1 v 1 with the keeper but struggled to get the ball under control while at the other end defender Dan Cartwright headed clear a Coundon corner. O'Sullivan chased a Coundon defender down in the corner and robbed him of the ball, turned and showed pace into the box, cut the ball back for top scorer Murphy who made no mistake 2-0. The second goal rocked Coundon and gave FC the belief they had a chance. O'Sullivan and Murphy linked up again only to see Murphy hit the bar but within a minute the keeper made a poor kick for Murphy to collect the ball and put FC 3-0 up. Coundon pushed but MOM Jake Jenkins was outstanding in heart of the defence.

The second half was a different affair with wounded Coundon dangerous from the off. They were first to show but scuffed their shot wide. It was plain to see why they were league champs and FC had to be resolute in their defending. Coundon had a great chance only to see the shot tipped over my keeper Ryan Harrisskitt. Defender Jack Swales put in a last ditch tackle to deny Coundon and the FC defence held strong under great pressure. Dom Swinburne was outstanding on the left of the defence but with 7 minutes to go Coundon striker Johnson pulled one back but it wasn't enough to beat the league newcomers and the new Washington Aged People's Champions to bring the cup back to Hartlepool

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22ND 2015

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22^ND 2015

COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC 4 V 0 EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES

The first half was poor with Coundon having most of the possession but was unable to score having had several chances. The second half continued with Coundon having most possession. Coundon eventually scored with a goal from Ian Madison. Coundon were awarded a penalty and Ian Madison scored his second goal. Mark Wood scored a third in the next minute and Sean Johnson scored another goal giving Coundon a 4-0 victory.

SHERBURN VILLAGE WMC FC 1 V 0 BRANDON UNITED RESERVES

A goal from Scott Arnott on 38 minutes was the only highlight of a nondescript match. Sherburn were relieved to come away with the 3 points

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH 2015

BIRTLEY FC 2 V 4 SHILDON RESERVES

Birtley FC entertained Shildon Reserves at the Birtley Welfare on Saturday. Both teams started bright and creating chances at both ends but Birtley FC took the lead by good closing down play by Marc Wood on Shildon's goalkeeper with the ball dropping to Thomas Illingworth to strike at an empty goal. Shildon then made it 1-1 with a well worked goal by Craig Mountain on 21'. Birtley FC then went on to press Shildon and made it 2-1 with great build up play and a clinical finish from Adam Hart on 23'. Shildon then got back in to the game creating chances and eventually made it 2-2 with Craig Mountain again scoring on 36'. Half time score 2-2. The second half started bright with both teams creating chances with Shildon hitting the woodwork and Birtley FC then missed a great opportunity to make it 3-2. The game then went flat with a draw on the cards but on the 87' Shildon capitalised on a goal keeping error for Andrew Smith to score to make it 2-3. Craig Mountain then completed his superb hat trick on the 88' to kill Birtley FC off. Final score 2-4. MOTM for Birtley FC - Marc Wood and MOTM for Shildon Craig Mountain.

WHEATLEY HILL WMC FC 4 V 2 MURTON AFC

The match kicked off with the home side fielding only nine players yet they were still able to go in at half time two goals in front . At the interval two late players turned up which some how even the match up Murton got a goal back before the home side made it three one a great penalty save from the home side keeper kept the Hills two goal advantage.  Murton did score to make it three  two only  for the Hill to seal the win with a Philip Hickman wonder goal from twenty five yards.

BISHOP AUCKLAND RESERVES 5 V 1 WALLSEND TOWN

The reserves picked up an incredible 5-1 victory against title chasing Wallsend on a sunny afternoon at Heritage Park. Shaun Pickford opened the scoring after just 2 minutes after slipping the ball under the keeper when played through on goal. In truth, the game could have been over early doors with Lewis Dunn missing two glorious chances. As it was Wallsend scored a stunning squaliser with a strike from 25 yards that was unstoppable into the top right corner. The reserves bounced back in the second half with Lewis Dunn making up for his earlier misses, before doubling his tally 10 minutes later. Liam Blighe and Shaun Pickford scored two cheeky lobs to round up the scoring, and secure 3 deserved points!

WASHINGTON AGED PEOLPES TROPHY SEMI FINAL

HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES 3 V 0 HORSLEY HILL FC

Hartlepool FC Reserves reached their 2nd cup final of the season with an outstanding result against top of the table Horsley Hill. These teams have met twice this season with both games ending in a tie so a great game was on the cards. Hartlepool started the stronger of the two with some great midfield play and progress down the left wing through Jake Larkin. FC took the lead in the 12th minute after a great move when defender Anth Readman won the ball in defence and played in Ross Kidson who switched to Karl Hammond. Hammond put through a fantastic ball for Carl O'Sullivan to race on and slot past keeper Seb Turner. O'Sullivan could have made it 2-0 just before the break but keeper Turner pulled off a great save to deny. The start of the second half was a different matter. FC lost skipper Aaron Doyle at half time due to injury and were struggling to find their rhythm as Horsley Hill cranked up the pressure. Hill won a succession of corners to keep the pressure on and keeper Harrisskitt pulled of a brilliant save from a Levi Collins free kick. Scott Close made a last ditch tackle to deny another Horsley Hill attack but FC pulled ahead when Striker Karl Hammond scored against the run of play. FC put the game out of reach in the last minute when Carl O'Sullivan was felled in the box and he stepped up to make it 3-0 and take his team into the cup final.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 15TH 2015

BIRTLEY FC 1 V 7 WALLSEND TOWN

On a bright sunny Wednesday evening Birtley FC hosted Wallsend Town at the Birtley Welfare with Wallsend Town still in the hunt for the league title. It was Wallsend Town who started the brighter from the start playing some lovely passing and attacking football which lead to them taking the lead after 5' with a well worked goal. Two minutes later Wallsend Town were 0-2 up from a well worked corner on the 7' and then made it 0-3 on the 25'. Birtley FC then started to get in the game creating some chances and finished the half in control but failed to convert any chances on goal. Second half started the same as the first half with Wallsend in complete control and added a further two goals on the 51' and 55' to make it 0-5 to Wallsend Town. Birtley FC then started to get back in but Wallsend Town had hit the woodwork before adding another goal on the 85' to make it 0-6. Birtley FC then created another couple of chances before scoring on the 88' but Wallsend Town went straight down the other end and scored to make it 1-7 to Wallsend Town on the night.

CHESTER-LE-STREET WHITEHILL 5 V 1 HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES

Whitehill took the lead as early as the second minue when following a quick free kick Tommy Wray was on hand to slam the ball in for 1-0. Whitehill were reduced to 10 men on 9 mins when Jack Taylor in the Whitheill goal was sent off for handling th ball outside his box. It didn't stop the home side as they doubled their lead on 21 mins when the ball was crossed in for Craig Mickle to volley in to give the keeper no chance for 2-0. Five mins before the break Hartlepool reduced the arrears when Carl O'Sullivan scored with a great header for 2-1. There was still time for Whitehill to increase the lead when Craig Mickle made it 3-1. HT 3-1. The second half was a lot more even with Hartlepool pressing forward but it was Whitehill who made it 4-1 when Aaron Wright scored on 57 mins. On 83 mins Paul Botcherby sent a long ball into the box but the visiting keeper missed it and Tommy Wray ran passed him to put the ball into the net for 5-1 and a well deserved win for Whitehill.

BISHOP AUCKLAND RESERVES 0 V 3 HORSLEY HILL FC

The visitors ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Heritage Park, after taking the lead after just a minute. The home side tried to play football, but sadly missed good chances to draw level. 20 minutes later it was 2-0 with a well placed finished, and the scoring rounded up 2 minutes into the second half. Very few other chances fell for the visitors, but Craig Foster did make two smart saves in the bishop goal. 

MONDAY APRIL 13TH 2015

MURTON AFC 2 V 2 WALLSEND TOWN

In a competitive game the points were shared thanks to a last minute Murton equaliser from motm Brad Staunch. Wallsend took the lead early in the first half from close range, Murton were awarded a penalty 10 minutes later which Cowie slotted home. Walls end took the lead mid way through the second half and thought they had claimed the win in what was a competitive affair before Staunch slotted home after a great ball from Dale. Final score was Murton 2 Wallsend 2.

SATURDAY APRIL 11TH 2015

MURTON AFC 1 V 2 HORSLEY HILL FC

Horsley Hill edged Murton in a tight game with very few chances. Blustery conditions made playing any type of football difficult however the game itself was still competitive. 2 goals after half time for Horsley hill sealed the points with Murton pulling one back with 10 minutes remaining and rallied however were unable to get an equaliser. Horsley hill were impressive again and ran out 2-1 winners.

BIRTLEY FC 0 V 2 SHERBURN VILLAGE WMC FC

Windy at the welfare best describes the conditions on a Sunny afternoon were Birtley entertained Sherburn. The match started brightly with both sides trying to play football. Then while Birtley were enjoying most of the possession a howler of a mistake by their left back and centre half on 22 minutes gifted Sherburn there easiest goal of the season tapped in by there No 11. Second half started again brightly and Birtley with the wind behind them again had most of the possession with a couple of wayward attempts on goal and on 60 minutes another defensive carnage and up stepped Sherburn’s No 10 to place from 8 yards out . Birtley could not take advantage of several free kicks and the game ended Birtley 0 Sherburn 2

WASHINGTON AGED PEOPLES TROPHY SEMI FINAL

BISHOP AUCKLAND RESERVES 1 V 6 COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

A much anticipated semi final for the home team, looking to build on a positive first season. The game started strong with chances for Bishop but failied to hit the target to take the lead and put pressure on the away team. It was Coundon who took the lead after poor defending from a corner lead to the opener, soon after a soft free kick on the edge of the box was hammered into the top corner to make it 0-2.  Bishop then lost concentration and were punished by three quick goals making it 0-5 at half time. The second half was a tight affair with Bishop setting out to win the half. Good battles all over the pitch helped give Bishop a deserved goal coming from Lewis Dunn however not long later Coundon had the last word with the final goal ending the game 1-6. Congrats to Coundon and Bishop vow to be back stronger for the next meeting and next seasons cup ambitions. 

WEDNESDAY APRIL 8TH 2015

BIRTLEY FC 0 V 5 COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

On a bright sunny evening Birtley FC entertained Coundon and Leeholm youth FC. Coundon started the brighter and nearly scored after 5' from a free kick. Coundon and Birtley then went on to create chances but both sides failed to convert until on the 25' Coundon made it 0-1. Coundon then scored on the 27' from a corner to make 0-2. By now Coundon were in total control of the game and hit the woodwork three times before making it 0-3 on the 32' to make it 0.3 at H/T. Both sides started bright and created chances at both ends but it was Coundon that scored again to make 0-4 on the 64' and then again on the 70' to make it 0-5 with the match ending 0-5 and Coundon running out well deserved winners on the night but the Birtley FC players battled hard for 90'.

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH 2015

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 1 V 0 MURTON AFC

Ebchester welcomed Murton to Belle Vue fields with two teams both in form. It was an even start to the game with both teams trying to play a passing style of football. Both teams had early half chances but neither team could find the net. Ebchester scored the only goal of the game after 25 minutes, their forward running on to a short backpass and lobbing it over the Murton goalkeeper. Just before the half time whistle Ebchester should of made it two, Murton's goalkeeper pulled off a cracking save and with the goal open a mystery midfielder put it wide. Half time 1-0. The second half Murton were pushing for the equaliser, with the majority of the ball they were trying to find their way through but couldn't create the opening needed. Ebchester defence stayed strong and kept their efforts to nothing more than half chances. Ebchester were playing on the counter and through MOTM, Parkin looked like they still had a goal in them. With the game nearing an end, Murton were still pushing but a couple of good saves kept Ebchester’s lead. A close game between two evenly matched teams went the way of the home side.

BIRTLEY FC 4 V 2 SEDGEFIELD NETPark

On a bright and sunny day Birtley FC welcomed Sedgefield Netpark FC to the welfare. Both teams started brightly with Sedgefield having a good shout for a penalty after 5 mins but it was not given, but then Birtley FC then went on the counter attack and won a free kick which was just over the bar by Kevin Raine. Birtley FC then took a deserved lead on 15' with a well worked goal and a clinical finish by Adam Hart. Birtley FC was on top of the game and made it 2-0 with a lovely knock down to Kevin Raine who finished on the 17' to make it 2-0. Sedgefield Netpark FC went on to create chances as did Birtley FC but both failed to take them but on the 35' Thomas Illingworth scored a delightful overhead kick to make it 3-0 to Birtley FC and the first half ended 3-0 to Birtley FC. Sedgefield Netpark FC started the second half much better than Birtley FC and pulled one back on the 50' when Phillip Bland hit one to catch Dan Davies out on his near post to make it 3-1. Sedgefield Netpark FC then piled on the pressure and creating goal scoring chances but Birtley FC managed to

withstand it with some hard work by their defence and midfielders. Birtley FC then went on the attack again and missed a good chance to make it 4-1 but on the 70' Adam Hart made it 4-1 with a good finish. Sedgefield Netpark then pulled another one back on the 80' via Lewis White. Sedgefield Netpark FC then had chances to score and in the final minutes wasted a great opportunity to score. Final score was 4-2 to Birtley FC. Both sides played good attacking football on the day and Birtley FC's MOTM was Jonathan Swift and Sedgefield Netpark FC's MOTM was Brian Fairhurst. 

LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP SEMI FINAL

HORSLEY HILL FC 2 V 1 WHEATLEY HILL WMC FC

Horsley Hill entertained Wheatley Hill in the semi final of the Durham Alliance League cup. Horsley were lively from the start but found the Wheatley defence very difficult to break down. Horsley missed a hat full of gilt edge chances and frustration began to run through their team. However, on 25 mins, some good work by the Horsley’s Pattinson, saw striker Adam Sharp slot home from 10yrds. This spurred Wheatley into action and they created a few chances to draw level. Wheatley were stunned on 35mins when Adam Sharp added his second to make it 2-0 to Horsley, which they took into the break. The second half saw Wheatley pile on the pressure, looking to get back in the game. Their pressure finally paid off when they were awarded a penalty. However their joy was short lived when Horsley’s keeper Seb Turner saved smartly down at his right post. Wheatley still pressed throughout the second half when they were awarded another penalty which Lee Smith made no mistake from the spot. Horsley Hill held on nervously and their defence was at full stretch but held on to book their final spot. Phil Gray was Horsley’s MoM while Lee Smith took the honours for Wheatley.

MARK BLAKE MEMORIAL TROPHY SEMI FINAL

BRANDON UNITED RESERVES 1 V 4 HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES

The two sides met in the semi-final of the Mark Blake Trophy and it was Hartklepool who started the game with all guns blazing. They pegged Brandon back in their own half and forced Brandon's man of the Match, goalkeeper Kieran Russell into the first of several great saves, a one handed tip onto the bar. He could do nothing about Hartlepool's first goal though which arrived after 12 minutes and within another few minuted Hartlepool doubled their lead. Brandon were unfortunate to not to score on the break but Hartlepool added a third with an excellent pin point cross and header on 25 minutes. Brandon started to get more into the game now but a a fine double save by keeper Russell was denied when the linesman ruled the ball had crossed the line just before half time. Oh for goal line technology at Brandon!!  In the second half Hartlepool continued their dominance but Russell kept them out. On 65 mins Brandon's Ben Pearson, one of the four U18's that Brandon fielded, scored from a neat turn and low shot and this seemed to fire up Brandon who came much more into the game and the Hartlepool keeper started to have to work a little harder. However Brandon were unable to breach the Hartlepool goal line again. Final score was 4 - 1 to Hartlepool.

As an aside to the above, whilst the match was progressing, the young Brandon centre half was taken ill in the dressing room and an ambulance had to be called. I am pleased to report that he was taken to hospital for observation but was conscious and smiling when placed into the ambulance. Just goes to show that Football is NOT!!!!! more important than life or death.