First Round - 12 November 2011

HARTLEPOOL UNITED V STEVENAGE

The mild autumn weather is holding for the first round proper, and on a sunny day Victoria Park presents itself well as an unpretentious lower league ground. The grandstand seating on three sides is proportionate, though with plenty of blue & white seats still on show. The traditionalists can stand under cover at one end or in one touchline enclosure. My £10 gains entry to the popular end among the more vocal Hartlepool fans.

The lights are already on as the teams run through their pre-match drills, and another first for the season is (as befits the status of the home team) the presence of a professionally kitted-out mascot – H’Angus the Monkey - patrolling the perimeter and high-fiving the kids. The teams are announced in leisurely fashion and it is pleasing to note that the home team include both Hartley and Poole in their line up; more seriously it also includes Nobby Solano, who is having an Indian summer to his fine career.

Finally the teams come out to a dramatic rendition of Carl Orff’s “O Fortuna”, and the standard applause swells as they are followed onto the pitch by uniformed representatives of the various armed services complete with flags. It is the day after Remembrance Day and poppies are much in evidence, including on the cover of the programme which also sports John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Field”. In such a context the two minutes silence is emotional and total, enhanced rather than broken by the shrieking of the seagulls (ever present in Hartlepool) and the click of the turnstiles as bemused latecomers make their way into the hushed arena.

Hartlepool in their traditional blue & white stripes choose to first defend their “home” end, saving the benefit of attacking it for the more crucial second half. The same will apply to Stevenage, in a smart strip of white shirts and poppy-red shorts and socks, though there are only a few travelling fans behind their goal. The early play is reflective of recent form. Hartlepool have lost the last 4 at home and appear uncomfortable on the ball, keen to shift it on, if necessary by an aimless high ball. Stevenage, in contrast have won 4 of the last 5 and when they get the ball are content to keep possession and play on the ground.

This pays dividends inside 10 minutes when an angled pass exposes the Hartlepool keeper to an onrushing Craig Reid. The resultant coming together leaves the Stevenage man sprawling, the Hartlepool keeper pleading innocence, the home crowd shouting cheat, and the referee reaching in his pocket for a red card. Once the dust has settled and Hartlepool have sacrificed an outfielder to get on the substitute keeper, Scott Laird slots home the penalty without fuss.

At 1-0 Stevenage are even more composed and Hartlepool more flustered. While the home team get hot under the collar and collect a couple of bookings, Stevenage calmly use their one man advantage to play football. They get a lot of joy down the right flank and produce a sequence of shots from distance and dangerous crosses. The latter are however generally well dealt with by the centre halves. It is 40 minutes before Hartlepool are able to muster sustained pressure, culminating in a free kick that is headed over the bar.

So half time arrives with no further change to the score. Stevenage should be ahead by more, but the way Hartlepool’s ten men are playing one goal could be enough. Ever optimistic, the Hartlepool Mail photographer has trooped down to the home end but his chances of capturing a home goal do not look good.

Hartlepool have used the interval to good effect and start the second half much better organised. It takes only 8 minutes this half to get an attempt on goal when Hartley heads into the side netting, temporarily elating those home fans with less than 20-20 vision. More pressure ensues and most play is in the Stevenage half. A through ball gives Sweeney his chance to emulate Reid’s goal, but he hasn’t the pace and the goalie collects easily. Free kicks arise around the box but Solano, ineffective in a ten man team, has been substituted so these pose no direct threat.

Nevertheless, the ten men are now dominating and half chances appear. A header from Luscombe goes over; a scramble in the box ends with the ball in the arms of the keeper; and an angled effort from Sweeney is taken under the bar. With 15 minutes to go Hartlepool have to take risks and defender Humphreys is replaced by Boyd as they go three at the back.

It’s getting noisy behind the goal and Monkhouse raises hopes with a dipping shot that bounces off the top of the bar before being cleared. It is not all one-way traffic and when Stevenage do break out they are dangerous against Hartlepool’s depleted defence. As full time approaches the home fans behind the goal seem to console themselves by singing (for reasons unknown to the uninitiated) the whole of Rolf Harris’s “Two Little Boys”. The fourth official shows his appreciation by signalling 5 minutes added time and some of the home fans still believe an equaliser possible; but it proves unattainable and the game ends 0-1, with all turning on that early disputed penalty decision.

Hartlepool’s valiant second half performance deserved to level the tie and earn a replay where they could have played 11 against 11; however there will be no second chance and no sympathy from Stevenage who have successfully started their latest FA Cup run.

First Round - 12 November 2011 - Preview

Thirty-two non-league teams have now achieved their goal of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup, giving them the chance of having a pop at Football League opposition. Moreover they, and the 48 League 1 and 2 teams who joined them in this round are two wins away from a potential game of a lifetime against a big Premier League club.

That opportunity will not be available for Hebburn or Ashington who, after great cup runs, both finally lost out to higher league opposition. Darlington are also out with their run ended prematurely with an inglorious 3-0 defeat in the replay at Hinckley.

The two successfully qualifying North East clubs, Gateshead and Blyth Spartans, went into the draw and emerged together! They were joined in the hat by Hartlepool United whose home draw gives the following choice of regional Round 1 matches.

Blyth Spartans v Gateshead

Blyth did well to draw at Droylsden and win the replay to set up this appetising match with near neighbours Gateshead. Although they overcame Hebburn comfortably, this will be a tougher assignment for Gateshead, who may need a replay.

Hartlepool United v Stevenage

A home draw would normally be welcome for Hartlepool, but their home form has been poor lately. Stevenage remain relative newcomers to the Football League and, to me, it’s mildly surprising to see that they are also in League 1. So it should be a competitive game.

Fourth Qualifying Round 29 October 2011

DARLINGTON V HINCKLEY UNITED

This tricky draw for Darlington has been made more interesting with the departure of manager Mark Cooper, which necessitates Craig Liddle standing in for the third time in as many years. How will this impact on the players who have been below par all season? How will it affect the crowd – season ticket holders will have to pay for this one so what is their appetite for the FA Cup?

It’s cool but bright in the Arena as the teams warm up. The ground still boasts its 22,500 seats, now looking a bit faded, but by the weather not the fans’ backsides. Still as befits the final qualifying round it’s the biggest ground visited on the cup run yet, and at £10 the most expensive to get in.

Hinckley are attired in motorway maintenance orange, but it is Darlington, in white, who kick off and immediately, nervously, give the ball away. Hinckley accept it gratefully and pass it around calmly. This pattern continues for the early minutes until a long diagonal ball finds Darlo striker Bowman the edge of the box. He cleverly heads the ball over his marker and runs round him to collect and shoot low into the corner of the net. This should settle the nerves and certainly the home crowd sit back and relax. Unfortunately for them their team do the same and just five minutes later the defence are exposed and back off an onrushing Sam Belcher. He accepts the invitation to move forward and shoot by powering the ball past the Darlo keeper to equalise.

One all after ten minutes, so a goal feast could be on the cards. Twice more in the next ten minutes the Darlington midfield find themselves the wrong side of the ball as Hinckley counter attack with pace, but neither occasion leads to more than a corner kick. Gradually Darlo get a grip and become less susceptible to the break, but their attacking threat is limited to a long range Kris Taylor effort that sails over the bar. It is almost half time before Darlo produce a move of quality when Arnison and Chandler combine well down the right and produce an effort on goal that forces some agility and good handling from Haystead in the Hinckley goal. In the remaining minutes of the first half two more half chances come and go. A free kick sees Darlo win two successive headers in the Hinckley box, requiring the keeper to tip over, and then from the corner a skewed shot leads to a scramble before the danger can be cleared.

The half time verdict is that Darlo are ahead on points but they need to move the ball quicker and create real chances rather than just pressure. Can Hinckley keep up the work rate, and continue to close down the man with the ball, for the whole game?

The second half starts a bit like the first with Darlington getting the first attempt on goal when after 5 minutes Campbell & Hatch play a neat one-two that gives the Darlo wingman a shooting opportunity that is saved well by Haystead. Hinckley reply with a break down the right that produces a good cross and a header wide. Again the half settles into a pattern of unthreatening Darlington possession and occasional breaks upfield from Hinckley. The goal feast is no longer on the cards and the next goal should win it.

The afternoon brightness has dimmed with the game and the floodlights are on for the first time this season. Coincidentally the game brightens too as the tie enters the final quarter. A rare Hinckley attack through the middle produces a fine Russel save and from the rebound Darlo break and force another save from Haystead. The game is now loosening up as Hinckley sense they can win it, but this gives room for Chandler in the Darlington midfield to find space and create openings. With 15 minutes left Taylor strides forward out of the Darlo defence and beats a few men before releasing Campbell on the left wing. He drops his left shoulder then skips inside and fires a rising drive narrowly over the bar.

Darlington continue to increase the pressure, and get the ball in the net, only to discover the offside flag had been raised, way back in the build up, unseen by the referee. This is a shame because by now they deserve to be ahead, but there is little time left to make this a reality. Two minutes from time a legitimate chance arises when Arnison floats a diagonal pass over the defence to find Hatch in space. He does not quite control it, but improvises a dipping lob over the advancing keeper agonisingly wide of the far post. Even this is not the last chance. With only one man up front now the Hinckley clearances are coming straight back. Two minutes into added time the Darlo centre half Lee puts a clear header from a corner over the bar and as a last gasp a rasping Darlo shot thuds safely into the midriff of the Hinckley keeper.

It is mission accomplished for Hinckley, and their 83 very vocal supporters. The home crowd, about 600 below normal, are disappointed but probably more with the 1-1 result than the performance. Both teams will go into the first round draw, but only the winners of Tuesday night’s replay will get the chance to play whoever comes out of the hat.

Fourth Qualifying Round - 29 October 2011 - Preview

The forty survivors from the third qualifying round are joined by the 24 “big” boys from the Conference Premier to give us 32 cup ties in the fourth and final qualifying round. For us in the North East this means Darlington, Gateshead and York went into the hat for the first time along with the three local survivors. What came out of the hat were two games up here and three further afield.

Gateshead v Hebburn Town

Hebburn continued to defy the odds with their win at Radcliffe and they will be delighted with this short trip along the A184. Having over-achieved already they will have nothing to lose against a side five leagues above them.  Gateshead, despite having gone off their early season boil, should progress; but I have written off Hebburn twice already.

Darlington v Hinckley United

Darlington should be favourites in a home tie against Hinckley from the league below. However they are teetering currently from crisis to false dawn and back to crisis again, so the game could be close. This round last season saw Darlo in a similar position go to Mossley and, in winning 6-2, play themselves into some kind of form.

Droylsden v Blyth Spartans

A trip to the Butchers Arms in the FA Cup is never pleasant, as more than one football league club has found. Maybe it will be less fearsome for Blyth as they visit regularly in the

Blue Square North

.

Grimsby v Ashington

Ashington have beaten two teams from three leagues above them to get this far, and now have to go to one better at Conference Premier Grimsby. Not likely, but neither were the last two wins.

Wrexham v York

An all Conference Premier tie, as top of the table Wrexham take on third placed York. An attractive tie but a 300 mile round trip from here.

Third Qualifying Round 15 October 2011

WHITBY TOWN V BLYTH SPARTANS

Another round, another sunny day in Whitby, but the temperature is about 20 degrees lower, requiring a woolly jumper for the first time this season. Of course the numerous travelling Blyth fans, being Spartan, are unconcerned with the elements and are busy tying their banners to the stop netting behind one goal.

The teams come out and are soon in action, Whitby in the now familiar blue and Blyth in a modern version of their traditional green & white hoops. Two minutes into the game a Blyth shot skims the bar, and then chances are created at each end as a Whitby header is saved and Blyth attack beats the offside trap but ends in a shot blazed over the bar.

Blyth become the more comfortable in possession and after 12 minutes get a free kick in the centre circle. This is angled in dangerously between keeper and the defensive line allowing Michael Tate to run in and glance a header into the corner of the net. With the lead secured Spartans continue to dominate with neat football; Whitby are reduced to playing long balls into the wind which are rarely won by the forwards, who even then find themselves without support.

It is no surprise then when Blyth work the ball down the right, with the best move of the game so far, and cross the ball to Chris Emms all alone on the edge of the box. He has an age to line up the volley but fails to connect cleanly, allowing a goal line clearance, which comes straight back to him; this time there is no mistake and he steers a shot low into the corner for a deserved 2-0 lead.

With five minutes still to go to half time Blyth go for the jugular and Whitby have to defend desperately, throwing their bodies in the way of shots, and somehow manage to get to the break only the two goals adrift. In the second half they will have the wind behind them but will have to use the ball a lot better for it to make any difference.

Early in the second half Whitby are able to get some possession and apply pressure, but lack composure when the half chances crop up. They swap the centre forward as the big man Hassan is getting nowhere, and Faichney comes on to give a different, more mobile option. But as the half wears on the Whitby storm is blowing out without any impact on the Spartan goal, and Blyth appear to regain control, coming close with an angled shot over the bar.

Whitby are now pushing up the centre half Burgess, and with 10 minutes left it is him that heads on a hopeful long ball into the Blyth penalty area, where Faichney toe pokes it past the Blyth keeper for a goal back. Whitby attempt a grandstand finish and at the end of this half it is Blyth that have to defend with desperation. They too hold out to the final whistle and secure the 2-1 win that sees them into Monday’s draw for the final qualifying round.

The cup run will not be back to the Turnbull Ground this season, but it has left a very favourable impression over the last two rounds and hopefully will be revisited next season.

Third Qualifying Round - 15 October 2011 - Preview

The third qualifying round consists of only 40 cup ties; of the 646 (or so) clubs that have entered the fray so far there are 80 survivors. This may not sound like many left but there are still 116 teams to come in at later stages

The North East contingent (including Whitby) fared well in the last round with only Bedlington Terriers going out; and that at near neighbours Blyth Spartans. The intrepid four feature in the following matches:

Whitby Town v Blyth Spartans

A quick return trip to the Turnbull ground looks favourite to see what should be a good match up. Will the blues make home advantage count against the Conference North side?

Ashington v Guiseley

Ashington overcame a three league differential to beat Vauxhall Motors (via a replay) and now will have to do it again against another Conference North team.

Witton Albion v Spennymoor Town

Spennymoor also need to repeat the heroics of the last round. Having convincingly beat Northern Premier League Ashton United away; they face another trip to the North West. However their opponents this time are only one league, rather than two, above them.

Radcliffe Borough v Hebburn Town

Hebburn did well to get past Runcorn Linnets, and the third qualifying round represents record progress in the competition. An away tie against NPL North opposition is scant reward and may bring their good cup run to an end.

Second Qualifying Round 1 October 2011

WHITBY TOWN V NORTH FERRIBY UNITED

On a warm Indian summer day Whitby is the obvious choice for the second qualifying game (made by a wife and son who thereby get a lift to a favourite location for a day out). Arriving early doors there is time enough to enjoy a bag of chips on the cliff top before strolling to the Turnbull Ground.

It is £8 to get in and £2 for a programme that is thicker than a Whitby chip butty. Northern Premier League prices, but a smart NPL ground with a steeply raked, blue-seated main stand which offers welcome shade and, from the top row, glimpses of both the sea and the moors. With plenty of time to kick off the programme is read cover to cover and reveals, amongst other things, that the teams met famously in the 1997 FA Vase final, with Whitby victorious.

The teams eventually emerge sporting distinctive strips; Whitby in blue with a smart white, red & black trim; Ferriby in yellow with a thin green line around chest & shoulders. It is the “blues” of Whitby that have the best of the early action; Ferriby giving up possession too easily and their keeper has to make several interventions. The best of these is in response to a dipping volley from wide on the right which he tips over via the crossbar. This is followed up by a punched clearance from a goal mouth scramble and a safely handled 25 yard pile driver of a shot.

With half time approaching the action switches to the other end and from nowhere a well struck Ferriby shot canons of the left hand post and out to the right wing. Ferriby have sufficient forward to gather the rebound first, cross it, get a shot in, and when that is well save by the keeper, have Gary Bradshaw on hand to slot in that rebound. One nil to Ferriby and (according to the well thumbed programme) Bradshaw’s 201^st goal for the club.

Whitby try to respond in the 7 minutes left in the half, but too often now the Ferriby keeper is fielding rather than saving the ball, so it remains 1-0 to the away team when the whistle goes. The goal, though against the run of play, should be good for the game. Whitby have looked the better side and seemed comfortable coasting along at 0-0, but now they will need to step up the pace and intensity in the second half.

And they do. Six minutes in, the big centre forward Callum Hassan (programme note: on loan from Hartlepool) finally uses his considerable bulk to bully Ferriby off the ball and pass it out to the right winger who hangs up an inviting cross literally at the back post. Five players converge, including the back pedalling goalkeeper, but it is the man who started the move who uses his momentum and height to get his head to the ball and send it, and anyone in the way, into the net. One all and game on!

The home crowd sense things are now back in control as they continue to dominate territory and possession, but then an innocuous Ferriby run inside the 18 yard line is interrupted by a needless trip and the award of a penalty. Wayne Brooksby hits it high and straight and the keeper, who started to go to his right, sticks out a firm left hand to parry and keep the scores level.

As the half wears on the tension rises and although Whitby continue to press, Ferriby look potentially dangerous as they try to exploit the gaps left behind the attacking Whitby midfielders. However the two Whitby centre halves are effective in snuffing out any threats and getting the ball forward again. At the other end Ferriby’s defending is becoming increasingly desperate and three bookings are issued in ten minutes.

With just three minutes of the ninety left a bout of header tennis is ended by some composure from Whitby’s Lewis Hawkins, who takes control and gets off a firm shot. The keeper saves well but Jake Faichney, newly on as substitute, sweeps in the loose ball for what looks like a late winner. Cue celebrations and a chorus of “I feel blue” from the home PA.

Ferriby now push men up front but to no avail as the Whitby centre halves continue to show great energy and anticipation in dealing with this late surge. After a nervy added 3 minutes the game ends in a 2-1 home win; Whitby’s cup run will go on but North Ferriby United must return to the north bank of the Humber and await next year.

Second Qualifying Round - 1 October 2011 - Preview

The FA Cup draw becomes less parochial at this stage, and the so called “step 2” teams from the Conference North enter the fray. The four surviving Northern League teams feature in some interesting ties; and in addition Whitby have a home draw.

Blyth Spartans v Bedlington Terriers

Terriers don’t have far to go to near neighbours Blyth, but the Conference North team are three leagues above them in the non-league pyramid. Still, the derby factor makes this an attractive proposition; provided I can face another trip through the Tyne tunnel.

Hebburn Town v Runcorn Linnets

Hebburn have made quiet progress through 3 rounds and are rewarded with a winnable tie against the delightfully named team from the North West Counties league. At least it would be this side of the Tyne.

Ashington v Vauxhall Motors

Ashington also have made quiet progress through 3 rounds, but they have a tough tie against Vauxhall Motors from the Conference North. Home advantage may help offset the three league differential, but the visitors got as far as the first round proper last year before going out to Hartlepool.

Ashton United v Spennymoor Town

Spennymoor have a trip to Greater Manchester to face Northern Premier League Ashton United. I’ll await the replay.

Whitby Town v North Ferriby United

Within easy reach and a pleasant run on a nice day, Whitby’s tie against a fellow NPL team could be an option.

First Qualifying Round 17 September 2011

BEDLINGTON TERRIERS V NEWCASTLE BENFIELD

It’s a pleasant enough day to take to the Great North Road and visit a northern outpost before the snow arrives. Unfortunately most of County Durham seems to be heading that way and the Western bypass grinds to a halt well short of Rusty Rita. The alternative route is via the Tyne tunnel but that too requires a 30 minute crawl before emerging into the Northumberland countryside. Plenty of time to reflect that the uncertainties of the “away trip” – will we get there on time, will we get lost, will we get there at all – are all part of the full football supporter experience.

No, I did not get lost; but I did arrive shortly after kick off and too late to catch the opening goal. As I entered Dr Pit Welfare Park the home team are ahead 1-0. No time to take in the surroundings but I quickly establish that Terriers are in an all red strip and Benfield are in eye catching blue and white hooped shirts.

It looks like a good game with both teams pressing when not in possession, but Benfield are getting some chances. In a five minute spell around the half hour a loose ball is spooned over from 6 yards, a header narrowly clears the bar and a fierce shot threatens the angle. Benfield’s goal suffers no such trauma until just before half time when the Bedlington centre forward Ian Graham chases a ball over the top, outpaces the defenders, controls the bounce and calmly slots past the keeper.

The goal is greeted appropriately by a blast of “Who let the dogs out? Woof woof woof-woof”; and its echoes are still ringing as the first half comes to a close with Bedlington 2-0 to the good.

Time at last to take in the surroundings. The ground is pleasant, with trees on two sides, still in leaf so early in autumn, giving some protection to neighbouring houses. The ubiquitous small grandstand on half way is complemented by a little covered area at one end close to all amenities; inevitably it is labelled the Dog Pound. Pride of place however goes to the smart new electronic scoreboard at one corner, installed courtesy of their American billionaire sponsor Bob Rich. 

As the second half gets underway the early day showers have given way to blue sky and white clouds. What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than leaning on a pitch-side rail with the sun on your back watching a good game of football?

Bedlington soon establish control; their forwards are quick and mobile and most importantly the midfield and defence mark tight and give Benfield few passing options. As a result most action is in the Benfield half, but chances are few. Then with 15 minutes to go a hopeful dink into the area enables the speedy Dean Douglas to beat the converging centre half and goal keeper to the ball, leave them in a heap and side-foot a goal for 3-0. Cue the Bedlington woof woof.

Bedlington can now afford to reduce intensity and Benfield, having changed their strike force, carve out a chance. Smart work on the left leaves the Terriers’ keeper exposed and beaten, but a covering defender clears off the line. No such luck at the other end as with a minute to go Mark Convery (familiar from his Darlington days) crosses from the right for Steven Richardson to sweep in at the far post for 4-0, and more barking.

Bedlington are deserved winners; they lived up to their Terrier name by harrying their opponents and denying them space to play. That combined with an impressive ability to convert chances to goals means they move into the next round with some confidence.

First Qualifying Round - 17 September 2011 - Preview

The regionalised draw continues to eliminate Northern League clubs but also ensures their continuing representation into the first qualifying round. However few clubs remain from the south of the region. Billingham Synthonia went out by the odd goal in five at Penrith, but Shildon progressed having narrowly defeated Guisborough despite playing the last 15 minutes with ten men due to a jewellery related incident!

Spennymoor we saw go through, and both they and Shildon are rewarded with a home tie.

Spennymoor Town v Dunston UTS

Spennymoor are neither scoring nor conceding many goals currently. Dunston put four past Durham City in the last round. These two drew 0-0 at Dunston on Saturday so another tight game could be in prospect.

Shildon v Ashington

Both teams have made quiet progress with a couple of 1 goal victories, and they both sit mid table, so again it could be a close tie.

Bedlington Terriers v Newcastle Benfield or South Shields

A trip to Northumberland is strangely attractive. Bedlington are scoring for fun at home, beating Billingham Town 6-0 in the previous round, and having put 25 past Stokesley in two games. The opponents need to finish their tie having drawn 1-1 and then abandoned the first attempt at a replay when floodlights failed.

Preliminary Qualifying Round 3 September 2011

SPENNYMOOR TOWN V SUNDERLAND RCA

Arriving early at Brewery Field it is evident that black & white are the team colours. The ground looks in transition from old and tired to neat and tidy; a 300-seater main stand and fully covered terracing behind one goal face up to crumbling concrete steps and railing posts, but all smartly painted black and white. That covered terrace may come in handy as it is a grey September day with occasional spots of rain.

The squads are doing their warming up drills, as are the referee and assistants, a couple of whom look refreshingly young. The public address is in full steam under the control of a wanabee DJ who regularly interrupts tracks in an attempt to provide banter with the home supporters and players. Usefully, he asks the children to get off the pitch, but the assistant referees carry on with their warm up.

The pitch looks well grassed with a steeper than standard non-league slope. More persistent rain is now falling which should give a good slick surface for two in-form northern league teams. Spennymoor are champions for the last two seasons but RCA have started the better in 2011-12. The teams come out to a familiar Dire Straits theme, Spennymoor in black & white stripes, so it could easily be St James’ Park. Sunderland are in an away strip of day-glo yellow shirts and blue shorts. A minute’s silence, for a recently deceased Sunderland past president, is immaculately observed apart from the burger bar generator that chugs remorselessly throughout.

Spennymoor play down the slope in the first half. Both teams close down their opponents quickly and a competitive ten minutes ensue before a pattern of play develops. Sunderland have two big lads up front and are content to pump diagonal balls in to them. They are a handful for the Spennymoor centre halves, including Steve Foster, last seen marshalling Darlington’s defence in League 2. Spennymoor’s approach is more subtle, using another ex-Darlo player, Anthony Peacock, to probe to good effect the space behind a very high defensive line.

RCA’s approach draws the first save of the match and then a header narrowly clears the bar; but by the half hour Spennymoor are turning on some stylish football, threatening with a succession of crosses and corners. From one of these a clearance only finds the Spennymoor right back Harwood, who hits a 25 yard screamer into the corner of the net for well merited 1-0 lead.

Further chances accrue as the Sunderland left back is outpaced repeatedly but without damage to the score line. Bizarrely, in a rare foray up field, the same player surges past his tormentor and crosses dangerously. A Spennymoor defender stoops to chest clear but the referee judges it, somewhat harshly, as handball and a penalty. Five minute from half time it is a get out of jail card but the firmly hit kick is well saved by the keeper low to his right.

So half time arrives with Spennymoor deservedly ahead having played the better football; but Sunderland RCA are by no means out of it as their high balls into the goalmouth are a constant threat.

At the opening of the second half RCA press down hill and within 15 minutes have forced a good save and have hit the post with well struck shots. Spennymoor seem to find it harder to play their football uphill, and can no longer keep possession. This leads to a scrappier half with RCA having more of the ball. Their constant probing at the centre of the defence is telling, and they look likely to equalise; but when they do get past Foster and his fellow central defender, they find the keeper well positioned to block all efforts.

By the time the game enters the last ten minutes the RCA storm has been weathered and Spennymoor can again maintain possession and carve out a chance or two of their own without adding to the score. They do however comfortably play out time for a win less deserving than their half time lead, but still sufficient to seal a passage into the first qualifying round.

Preliminary Qualifying Round - 3 September 2011 - Preview

Casualties from the extra preliminary round means that we will not be renewing acquaintances with two old friends from last year’s run: West Auckland and Stockton & Norton Ancients. After replays my local options for the preliminary round include:

Guisborough v Shildon

Both recorded 2-1 wins in the previous round and another close game could be in prospect.

Penrith v Billingham Synthonia

A trip across the Pennines could be pleasant if the weather is fine. Synthonia were impressive at Newton Aycliffe whereas Penrith needed a replay to beat North Shields from Northern League Division 2.

Spennymoor v Sunderland RCA

These two teams have started well in the Northern League Division 1 and both disposed of Division 2 teams in the previous round. Spennymoor had a narrow 1-0 win over Esh Winning, whereas Sunderland hit seven past Birtley Town. Moor’s home advantage should make this a competitive fixture.

Extra Preliminary Qualifying Round 20 August 2011

NEWTON AYCLIFFE V BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA

It is mid August and shirt sleeves and sun glasses are much in evidence at Moore Lane Park. The grass is impossibly green and the lines are virginally white. The FA Cup starts here, literally for Newton Aycliffe who, following promotion to the northern league division 1, have entered the historic competition for the very first time. They are rewarded with not only an attractive home tie against Billingham Synthonia, but also, earlier in the week, a rare chance to display the trophy itself at an open day for the local fans.

Whether due to the publicity, the occasion or the good weather, the turnout is a good few hundred by the time the teams emerge; Synthonia in their striking green & white quarters and Aycliffe in a more sober royal blue with a white chest band. Both teams have started the season well with eight goals apiece in the two games played, so a 4-4 draw could be on the cards.

As the game gets underway Synthonia settle best, keeping possession and probing for openings; when Aycliffe get the ball they look to get it forward quickly. But three minutes in, Synthonia change pace and send a long ball over the left back’s head. The winger gets there first, eludes the covering centre half and angles the ball back for a colleague to sidefoot an opening goal that audibly deflates the expectant home crowd.

The pattern of play continues with Synthonia controlling most of the game; strong at the back, neat in midfield and threatening up front. Several near misses fly in from Synthonia but Aycliffe survive and after 26 minutes force the Synthonia keeper into action, tipping over a curling effort. Synthonia respond immediately, getting closer when a shot hits the post and bounces along the line before being cleared. Synthonia again try the long ball over the left back and again reap success as a good pull back is hammered into the net for 2-0  That looks like the half time score but with a minute left Aycliffe lose possession in their own half and the big Billingham number nine bears down on the keeper. His fierce shot is parried well, but the centre forward goes after the rebound and smacks it confidently into the net for 3-0.

During half time the substitutes get their turn on the pitch; only 4 from Newton Aycliffe, but 8 from Billingham, indicative of the difference in club resources? More entertainingly the local kids kick about in what was the Synthonia goalmouth, giving it a taste of what it’s been missing in the first forty-five.

Aycliffe start the second half in the knowledge that they need an early goal and manage a couple of shots in the first few minutes, but they still look lightweight up front and vulnerable at the back when Synthonia move up field. After 20 minutes one of these Synthonia forays puts pressure on the Aycliffe defence, forces an error and allows the left winger to pounce and score from a tight angle. At four nil down the home team are becoming a little desperate and press recklessly forward. Within five minutes, almost inevitably, they are exposed to a break and a long diagonal ball is met 30 yards out and delightfully lifted over the advancing stranded keeper to make it 5-0.

The game lulls as Synthonia ease back and Aycliffe recognise a lost cause, but then with ten minutes to go Aycliffe’s efforts finally bear fruit as a bulky midfielder ploughs a lone furrow through a couple of tackles and the keeper’s attempted block to walk the ball into the net providing consolation for those stalwarts remaining to the bitter end. All this does though is wake up Synthonia, now with a few hungry subs on the pitch. They go straight down the other end and find a man in so much space everyone waits for the offside decision. No flag, no whistle, no chance for the goalie; 6-1. Aycliffe are disheartened and disorientated and soon give the ball away again in front of goal; once more Synthonia are clinical in slotting home their seventh and final goal. But it’s not the end of the scoring as a late Aycliffe corner kick somehow finds its way into the Billingham goal. Dead on 45 minutes the referee stops the fight, with Synthonia ahead by 7-2.

Synthonia march off well satisfied; they look strong enough to go a few more rounds, so we may see them again. For Newton Aycliffe this first taste of the FA Cup has been memorable, but it will be at least 12 months before it is contested again at Moore Lane Park.

Extra Preliminary Round - local ties to consider Saturday 20 August

Newton Aycliffe v. Billingham Synthonia. Newton Aycliffe's first entry into the FA Cup against Synthonia, who featured in an early exit in last year's cup run.

Shildon v. Consett. Tasty local derby.

West Auckland v. Dunston UTS. 'West' also featured in last year's cup run with spirited victories over Billingham Synthonia and Bradford Park Avenue.