FA Cup Second Qualifying Round - 22 September 2012

WEST AUCKLAND V HARROGATE TOWN

Once again the sun is shining on the cup run (remember these days when January & February comes around) but as we are at West Auckland the temperature is warm rather than hot. The elevated Darlington Road ground is covered on one side only but provides welcome padding on the seats in the stand.

West, in amber and black, are at home to Harrogate Town, whose Blue Square shoulder patches on their blue kit marks them out as from the higher league. Northern League West Auckland will need to produce their early season form that saw them win 5 of the first 6 games if they are to progress.

The home team, presumably having lost the toss, kick off down the distinct slope and immediately fashion danger. Star centre forward and captain Mattie Moffat beats his marker on the left a couple of times but his cross is cleared. Five minutes later he repeats the trick and this time he finds fellow striker Gardner who shoots over.

It is a very crisp competitive start. Neither team can get control of midfield. Harrogate bypass it with a long goalkeeper clearance that the West defence unwisely allow to bounce beyond them. Harrogate centre forward Chib Chilaka shows his pace in getting to the ball first, but pokes it wide of the both the keeper and the goal.

West persevere with their passing game and get some joy carving out a shooting opportunity for Banks. Harrogate look most dangerous when they play the ball behind the West back four for the quick Chilaka and Osborne to chase down.

Midway through the half the three league gap is not evident but then a poor back pass leaves West’s keeper Bell at the mercy of Chilaka. Drawn out of position he does well to stand up and buy time while his defenders race to cover the goal line. Just when it looks like they may have snuffed the danger, Chilaka coolly lifts a shot through the crowded area into the net for the lead.

The goal settles Harrogate and unsettles West in equal measure and the balance of the game tilts to the away team for about ten minutes. West regroup though and Gardner manages a short range stab at goal that is saved by MacGillivray. The keeper then does even better, diving to his right to tip a well-placed shot from Banks round the post.

There is still time before the interval for Harrogate’s Luke Dean to threaten to increase the lead. First from inside the box he crashes a shot off the bar and then works a position for a left foot shot that brings a good diving save from Bell.

The half time verdict is a good game between two well matched sides. West Auckland have played the more creative football, carving out 2 or 3 good openings and only denied a goal by some very good goalkeeping. They have also made mistakes in dangerous areas, presenting chances, one of which led to the goal. But in the second half West will face an uphill task both metaphorically and geographically.

Into the second half Chilaka continues to find space and hangs up a cross on the far post where the header is well blocked by a combination of defender and keeper. West also threaten and MacGillivray makes a series of saves that gets grudging appreciation from the home fans. In between, Osborne shoots over for Harrogate. The frantic action must herald a goal soon, but at which end?

With 15 minutes to go Chilaka overhits a pass to the right wing but instead of going dead the ball hits the corner flag. Osborne, more alert to the situation than the defence, collects and returns it to Chilaka in the box. He makes himself a bit of space and shoots clinically into the far corner of the goal to double the lead.

West are down but not despondent and continue to press for a goal of their own. John Campbell plays a 1-2 in the Harrogate box and when his cross cum shot strikes a Harrogate arm the cries of handball are rewarded with the award of a penalty kick. Campbell takes it and scores to bring it back to 1-2 with 10 minutes left.

Harrogate think they still have done enough. West’s crosses and corners are over hit, their shots from distance are wayward, blocked or well saved by the keeper who has had great game.

Three added minutes are to be played and Harrogate have the ball down near the corner flag. The coach’s cries of “hold it” thankfully fall on deaf ears and an aimless cross is fielded by the keeper and shipped upfield. Moffat gains control on the right wing and when his chipped centre comes back to him he rifles in a shot for the latest of equalisers.

On the final whistle the West Auckland players sink to the floor, their efforts in the final quarter were heroic and a replay is fair reward. The Harrogate players look plain puzzled at how they let this one slip; but they got ahead only by punishing errors with good finishing, and stayed there as long as they did only due to some fine goalkeeping.

The replay on Tuesday will decide whose cup run will make it into October.

FA Vase Second Qualifying Round 15 September 2012

CHESTER LE STREET TOWN V NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS

 

Another sunny Saturday for a cup tie and this week it is the FA Vase at Moor Park, Chester Le Street. The out of town ground behind the Chester Moor pub is pleasantly ramshackle with most of the 100 or so spectators in and around the stand behind the team dug outs. From the seats there is a good view of the pitch and also, on the hills opposite, the distinctive Greek temple-like Penshaw Monument.

Both teams were spared the first qualifying round, and both are already out of the FA Cup; so for one team the cup run ends here, for the other a trip to Washington or Jarrow Roofing awaits in the next round. Although Norton are in division 1 of the Northern League, division 2 Chester have home advantage so a competitive game is likely.

Chester, in blue and white hoops, apply the early pressure but Norton, in amber and black, hold them and get back into the game winning the first corner after 10 minutes. Chester keeper Crook punches clear but Norton threaten again with a shot from Woodhouse, a number 10 with a trick or two, and hair to match; and then from a free kick from left back Wells.

Chester respond with a good left wing cross to the far post where Jukes heads just wide; and then a when free kick on the right is whipped in left footed by McDonald, centre back Donaldson glances a header into the net to give the home team a 1-0 lead.

The game now becomes end to end, but not in a good way – first time clearances upfield and too much header tennis in the middle. The football competes for attention with the extreme scootering undertaken by the kids on the terracing behind one goal. However as half time approaches a flurry of action regains focus on the match.

Chester lose possession on half way and the ball finds Norton centre forward Hume clear for once of his marker (the impressive Robson). His angled shot is powerfully hit but wide of the far post. Norton too have chances; from a cleared corner Clarke sets up Woodhouse on the edge of the box but his precisely placed effort is read by Crook and tipped over the bar.

The half time verdict is that Chester Le Street have had the better of a scrappy but competitive half, showing more control and more accurate passing. Their simple approach of long ball into three nippy forwards, Forsyth, McDonald and Lynch, to hold and work openings for each other or supporting colleagues, at least gives them some structure. Norton & Stockton have been less coherent: Clarke stands out in midfield for his industry and presence and Woodhouse shows skill when he can get into the game. They have looked dangerous only from corners and free kicks.

At the start of the second half both keepers are called into early action but cope easily. Then about 10 minutes in, the officials make a controversial call. The ball is knocked over the Norton defence where Forsyth is clearly in an offside position. He knows it so ignores the pass, and while the Norton defence stand and wait for the whistle, teammate McDonald races through onto the ball, draws the keeper and passes square for Forsyth, who has now joined in the attack to slot home. Now the assistant referee has his flag up – whether relating to the original offside or a new one is between him and his conscience, but either way the home fans are not happy.

Worse is to come as Norton immediately go on the attack where Woodhouse works his way down the right and crosses for Hume to force in a shot under severe challenge to make it 1-1. He is left in a crumpled but happy heap, able to limp back into action after treatment.

With all to play for the tempo picks up and tackles get a bit more intense; one goes too far and leads to a booking for Chester’s Buzzeo. Norton’s Clarke escapes with a good telling off for his dissent. A fierce shot from Scope is Chester’s best effort at a response but increasingly Norton are on the attack. Shots from range, crosses and, most dangerously, corners hung under the bar, give Crook plenty of punching practice.

Midway through the half, Clarke and Buzzeo challenge for a high ball in midfield. The referee blows but as Clarke begins to complain about the decision it is Buzzeo who is in trouble. The referee indicates an elbow, shows him a second yellow card and just like that Chester are down to ten men with 20 minutes left.

Buzzeo’s departure is exacerbated when his midfield partner Jukes has to be substituted. This gives Clarke more room to boss the midfield and Norton pour forward for the winner. They get joy on both flanks but cannot produce the killer ball or telling shot on target. So at ninety minutes it is still 1-1 and, being the Vase, it is straight to extra time.

It takes only 6 minutes to break the deadlock. Norton’s full backs combine, with Wells crossing deep from the left for an unmarked Lilley to power in a header coming in from the right. That should be that for Chester, but the referee, nothing if not consistent, again sees an elbow fly in a challenge for a high ball. This time it is Norton substitute Storr who is guilty, and his short cameo ends with a red card.

So at ten a side Chester could be back in with a shout; but with a few walking wounded they rarely threaten. Credit to Norton who continue to look for a third rather than play for time. After a couple more yellow cards the final whistle signals the end of a hard fought game.

Norton upped their game in the second half and looked the more likely winners once Chester lost Buzzeo and Jukes and left Norton’s Clarke unfettered in midfield. Norton go on to play another division 2 team away and will have hopes of progressing further.

FA Cup First Qualifying Round - 8 September 2012

DURHAM CITY V SHILDON

It is warm and sunny again – September is so the new summer!  The sky is blue, the clouds are fluffy & white, and the pitch is green.  Of course, this being New Ferens Park, home of Durham City FC, its plastic and will be green all season except when it snows. The ground is open on three sides with a large 300 seater stand on the other, providing an excellent elevated view as well as some covered (today shaded) standing room.

Shildon followed up the previous round’s 6-0 replay win with an 11-0 thumping of South Shields, but Durham City have home advantage and will hope that their opponents have used up their goal allocation for the month. With Durham in bright blue and yellow, Shildon this week are in all red with the now familiar white V.

After a cagey start there is a flurry of action on 10 minutes. Shildon’s Hughes finds space on the right and produces a dangerous cross; Durham’s Thompson responds with some trickery at the other end but his attempted back heeled pass is blocked; and Shildon’s usually reliable centre half Flynn unwisely dribbles out of defence, loses the ball but his team suffers no worse than a scuffed shot wide.

Shildon begin to look the more composed and after 15 minutes Lee Chapman picks up the ball on the right; using an overlapping run as a decoy he shifts the ball once, twice, left across the box before unleashing an unstoppable left foot drive high into the net.

One nil behind, Durham respond with vigour, but when the Shildon back line is turned any cross is capably dealt with. The Durham defence is less sure and are left all at sea by a short corner routine that creates space for a shot over the bar. They are beaten again when right back Hunter slots a gem of a pass through the defensive line for centre forward Greulich-Smith to run onto and place the ball calmly past keeper Winter to make it 2-0.

Again Durham make a positive response; Thompson comes close with a looping volley and centre forward Fenwick has a shot deflected for a corner. But the half ends with further attempts by Shildon; Briggs tries to catch Winter out with a quickly taken free kick, then from the opposite corner of the box Chapman curls his free kick attempt over the bar.

The 2-0 half time lead is just desserts for Shildon. Solid at the back, fluid up front and skilful in midfield, but they are not coasting as they have had to work hard to win their individual battles.

Durham are out early for the second half and attack from kick off, getting 5 minutes pressure before Shildon get going again. Twice Shildon have dangerous overlapping runs but crosses from Greulich-Smith and Hunter produce only blocked shots. Durham’s reply is an ambitious 35 yard free kick that is fielded by goalkeeper Finch.

By the hour mark Durham have made changes and now have full back Stoker up front with substitute Pounder. The latter immediately lives up to his name and pounds in a shot out of nothing from the edge of the box to make it 1-2. This is a boost for Durham who are now showing more urgency and belief.

Shildon, no longer looking in control, replace Clarkson who was prominent in the first half with McCabe; and when on 73 minutes full back Christensen breaks down the left and crosses, it is the sub who rises at the far post to head in firmly to restore the two goal lead.

Shildon now regain composure; Durham’s efforts since half time have taken their toll and they are visibly wilting in the heat. Shildon‘s other substitute Garvie however is fresh and is making good runs down either channel. One sees him through one on one with Winter, the Durham keeper, who stands firm and makes a great one handed save.

Durham’s hopes are fading, and when Pounder has to leave the field injured they have to see out the last few minutes with only 10 men. Shildon threaten to capitalise and right back Hunter shows great pace to storm down the right and put over a deep cross that Garvie does well to reach, but he is unable to control the volley. No matter as the game is safe and Shildon are able to see it out, worthy winners despite their wobble after half time.

The visit to New Ferens Park has been very pleasant with no issues with the plastic pitch that provides a natural bounce and true surface. Durham City now must look to the FA Vase for glory while Shildon, their early season momentum maintained, look good for couple of Cup rounds yet.

FA Vase First Qualifying Round 1 September 2012

BILLINGHAM TOWN V PICKERING TOWN

 

Both teams are out of the FA Cup early so the Vase is their remaining opportunity for a good cup run. A further incentive for victory is a home draw in the next two rounds (already made). But neither team has lit up their respective leagues so confidence cannot be high in either camp.

Bedford Terrace, tucked away between residential streets and the railway, is surprisingly spacious. The pitch is flat and green (courtesy of a fleeting relationship with Hartlepool FC that ended acrimoniously with the removal of the goalposts and the issue of a winding up order) and spectator facilities are good with two stands (one seated) and areas of two or three step terracing.

It is the first day of autumn, but it still feels like summer with the weather bright and breezy. Pickering, in all yellow, have the benefit of the breeze in the first half, which their goalkeeper uses to good effect hurling out throws of Olympic proportions. Billingham, in all blue, frequently have to turn, pursue and deal with long balls into the channels. Three Pickering corners come in quick succession, but a clear height advantage is not exploited as they are taken short or driven in low.

Billingham play a shorter game; in midfield Cronesberry and Butterworth are good on the ball and Craig Norman is finding space on the left wing. On 18 minutes Norman whips in a good cross to create consternation in the Pickering box, the ball pops invitingly to Matthew Garbutt who lashes in a good volley to make it 1-0 to Billingham.

Pickering respond with a shot on target, easily fielded by Arthur in goal; at the other end a Billingham effort is more troublesome and keeper Reid has to dive to push it round the post. The game is open, Billingham look in control despite playing into the wind and play the ball about nicely, but rarely threaten the goal.

Pickering are playing very narrow up front, and are running into two very determined centre backs. Centre forward Baxter holds up the ball well but has to play it backwards most of the time. Play makers Dalton and Craig are less flashy than the Billingham pair but are quietly effective, and just before the half hour it is Dalton who draws a foul just outside the Billingham penalty area. The free kick is a poor effort into the keeper’s hands. Five minutes later it is Craig who is brought down on the same spot, and this time Chris Gowan’s effort is much better, skimming the Billingham bar. When a third foul is committed two minutes later in the same place it is Liam Shepherd’s turn to have a crack, and this one is hit low and true into the corner of the net for an equaliser that did not seem likely from open play.

With the wind to follow in the second half Billingham would probably settle for playing out the remaining 10 minutes to half time at 1-1. However with a couple of minutes to go their offside trap fails, for once, and in attempting to recover the situation a penalty is conceded. Liam Salt confidently hammers the ball home to put Pickering 2-1 ahead.

Billingham start the second half well; Cronesberry’s fancy footwork draws a foul wide on the right and his left foot free kick curls viciously in the wind but beyond the far post. The same player, from the same wing, with the same foot, using the same wind almost converts direct from a corner, but it is headed off the back post by a Pickering defender. When it is Billingham’s turn to get a free kick outside the box centre forward Dunwell, who has been well looked after all game, hits a pile-driver past the wall only to see keeper Reid fingertip it onto the post and behind for a corner. Reid, again at full stretch, saves from Butterworth a few minutes later.

Pickering are doing little creatively, but have no need to as long as Billingham can’t break through. Billingham refresh the forward line, bringing on a couple of attacking substitutes, but the best this brings is an effort disallowed for offside.

As Billingham become increasingly desperate they become more vulnerable to Pickering breaks, and with seven minutes left the powerful Joe Connor strides forward and puts his considerable bulk into a 25 yard drive. Despite it being into the wind it is travelling at speed and keeper Arthur can only parry, allowing substitute Tom Fenwick to gleefully knock in the rebound for 3-1. This is hard on Billingham, but it could be even worse as Liam Shepherd, who started the Pickering comeback has a chance at the death to score another, but after manoeuvring the ball onto his left foot, he hits it high and wide.

So Pickering Town go on; they did not have to do too much to get through, just accept the opportunities presented by the injudicious tackling of the Billingham defence. Billingham Town’s run is over, unable to shut up shop at one nil and unable to convert pressure into goals once they went behind.