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.