SHILDON v BISHOP ACKLAND

Northern League Division 1

A cold, bright Boxing Day morning tempts me out for a Northern League derby between neighbours Shildon and Bishop Auckland. It’s tempted out a few others too as there is an unfamiliar queue to get through the turnstiles, which means the game is a minute or two old by the time I get in.

Shildon are already pressing and have a free kick and a corner at the turnstile end before I even decide where to watch from. On a day like this the choice is to stand in the sun, relatively warm but blinded, or huddle in the shade, cold but able to see the action. I choose the latter and head for my normal pitch-side berth.

Shildon have the benefit of a strong breeze in this half and dominate the game for the first fifteen minutes, already hitting the bar before a Lewis Wing shot is deflected narrowly wide. From that corner the ball somehow finds a way through the crowded six yard box to find Danny Parker at the far post who stoops to head the ball into the net.

With Bishop Auckland finding the wind problematic to their preferred attacking style of hitting the big man Ian Ward up front, it is Shildon who continue to play the football and on thirty-five minutes Wing tees up another shot from the edge of the box. This too is deflected, but only slightly, and the touch serves merely to take the ball further away from the keeper and into the top corner of the goal.

It could be a two-goal wind in Shildon’s favour, but just before half time centre forward Amar Purewal receives the ball on half way with his back to goal. He holds it then swivels and plays it forward for Wing to run onto, in the clear and composed enough to slip the ball past the advancing keeper and into the net. The three goal lead is deserved but not necessarily conclusive in the conditions.

The second half is more even. With the wind at their backs Bishop Auckland can get the ball further up the pitch, and though there is little end product it means that Shildon now start their moves deeper in their own half, and threaten less.

In fact Bishop have a good spell with about a quarter of the game left. A run of three corners, in quick succession, give hope and eventually a loose ball in the Shildon box falls to the feet of goal poacher Andrew Johnson. He does what he does best and slots home to cut the deficit.

Minutes later another Bishop corner creates a scramble in the six yard box with the ball being hooked clear from somewhere on, or even beyond, the goal line. Strong Bishop claims for a goal are waived away by the ref; the only goal line technology available is the linesman’s eyesight, and he’s saying nothing.

Shildon take the scare on board and reassert control. With time almost up Wing beats an offside trap to run through again; maybe this time the potential hat trick is on his mind, as he is hesitant and the retreating defenders are able to crowd him out.

The missed opportunity matters not as time is soon up and another win for Shildon maintains their top four position as well as maintaining momentum ahead of their upcoming FA fourth round Vase tie.

GATESHEAD V KING’S LYNN TOWN

FA Trophy - First Round

A surprisingly traffic free drive up the A1(M) gets me to the International Stadium in Gateshead in about forty minutes, and the benefits of the twenty thousand plus capacity ground include a sizeable car park (albeit shared today with visitors to a toy fair held in one of the function areas). A £10 concession gets me through the turnstile, beyond which a second benefit is evident - the warm indoor area to the rear of the main stand where, along a corridor, refreshment counters and a room serving as a clubhouse, complete with bar, can be found; a programme is available at £1.50.

Warmed and refreshed, entering the main stand offers a wide choice of seats but the drawback of playing in an athletics stadium becomes apparent with the pitch, inside the running track, unfamiliarly distant to those used to non-league grounds. The home fans are well spread out around me; the few visiting supporters are over on the far side, looking even more lost in that cavernous stand. But there is no need to huddle together as the weather remains mild with the good-looking pitch clearly benefiting from the delayed onset of winter.

For Gateshead, as a National League side, this first round proper is the entry point for the Trophy; King’s Lynn are a couple of levels down, in the Southern Premier League. But the visitors are on a better run of form, particularly defensively (one goal conceded in the last six games), so may give the ‘Heed’ (five games without a win) a contest.

As the teams line up another plus for the ground is apparent – the floodlights brightly illuminate the whole of the pitch (a novelty) picking out the team colours, Gateshead in white and black, King’s Lynn in yellow and blue.

Following an early Gateshead shot on target by Mitch Brundle, nothing much happens for quarter of an hour. Gateshead’s passing game is out of sorts and the approach that promises most are long balls to debutant centre forward Jordan Burrow. He wins most of them but his flicked headers fall on fallow ground.

King’s Lynn look to progress down the flanks but the Gateshead defenders look well able to cope. The visitors’ biggest threat comes from a couple of free kicks hoisted into the box for which the two centre backs go upfield and compete; again the home defence and keeper deal cope well.

Ten minutes from half time a Gateshead corner is well flighted, but clears all jumpers and reaches Gus Mafuta well beyond the far post. He hits in a fierce cross shot that Burrow, in the six yard box, clips first time up into the roof of the net. The one nil score remains unchanged to half time.

Gateshead’s second half line up sees Nyal Bell on for Sam Jones, and his pace and athleticism is soon in evidence as he outpaces a defender down the inside right channel and despite the widening angle smacks a right footer that cannons of the crossbar. Up the other end King’s Lynn midfielder Shaun McWilliams tries a long range dipping volley that is on target but lacks the elevation to beat keeper Dan Hanford.

King’s Lynn are having some success down their right wing. One cross needs Hanford to dive to intercept, the another finds centre forward Toby Hilliard on the edge of the six yard box, but he fails to connect and the chance is gone.

It looks increasingly like one goal will not be enough and Gateshead strive for another. From a corner centre half Manny Smith, who has won every header in his own half, wins one in the opposition’s box; it’s not on target but team mate Burrow wins the second header, only to put it over the bar. Burrow is soon back in the action when he swivels in the box and gets off a shot that is deflected before coming back off the foot of the post. It his is last contribution and a successful debut ends with twenty minutes left as regular centre forward Danny Johnson comes on as substitute.

This spell of Gateshead pressure is fairly relentless but frustratingly unproductive. Wes Atkinson shoots wide then Johnson gets into his stride, twice firing shots straight at keeper Alexander Street.

Into the last ten minutes King’s Lynn, having kept it to one nil, start to give it a go, but only test Hanford with a long range shot from Lee Stevenson. Gateshead counter attack with Johnson down the right; he cuts inside but is brought down, From the free kick King’s Lynn clear ineffectively and the ball is returned into the mix. From the crowd of players Manny Smith emerges with the ball at his feet and has the coolness to place it wide of Street and into the net to double the lead.

King’s Lynn try a quick response; a hard hit cross comes chest high to Danny Emmington, but the ball simply rebounds off him and into the arms of Hanford. There remains time for Jamal Fyfield to execute a mazy run through the tiring King’s Lynn midfield but his shot is blocked at the last ditch by a combination of defender and keeper. The resulting corner takes up most of the added time left and Gateshead hold on to the two nil scoreline.

The home team dominated the second half but their grip on the tie was never secure until five minutes from the end when the second goal went in. The attendance is announced and the thirty-three from King’s Lynn will have plenty of time on the way home to reflect on putting in a creditable performance, out of the Trophy but not completely out of their depth.

The two hundred or so home fans will know their team will need to play better, against better teams, to go much further the competition.

NEWTON AYCLIFFE V MORPETH TOWN

FA Vase 3^rd Round 

A third visit this season to Moore Lane Park, but the first for a knock out match as Newton Aycliffe take on Morpeth Town in the third round of the Vase, a trophy held by the visitors after their success last season at Wembley.

It is a still day, relatively mild for the time of year, as it has been generally the case throughout autumn, leaving pitches still green and in good condition. The attendance is sparse as Christmas shopping exerts its pull but there is a good sprinkling of amber and black bobble hats that give away the visitor’s colours.

Aycliffe begin the game at a fast pace but Morpeth match it and it is they who fire the opening shots. Jordan Fry’s drive is well saved by keeper James Winter, Mark Donniger’s effort under pressure is wide then Keith Graydon’s free kick cannons off the defensive wall. A sweeping move from Graydon via Ben Sayer to Sean Taylor produces another shot on target that Winter saves then gathers up.

Aycliffe survive the onslaught and, mainly on the break, create a chance or two. Stuart Banks finds Dennis Knight in the box and his shot is saved by keeper Karl Dryden’s feet, the rebound bouncing to safety. Shortly afterwards an Aycliffe run from midfield is brought to a premature and illegal halt, for which the referee blows; to Aycliffe’s chagrin the ball has run free to John Campbell whose sidefoot into the net is now irrelevant. The free kick on the edge of the box is scant compensation, especially when it thumps harmlessly into the wall of defenders.

After the breathless first twenty minutes the pace inevitably drops to merely quick and the chances dry up a little. Half time is approaching when Campbell for once beats the Morpeth off side trap with a well-timed run down, collecting the ball in the inside right channel, and coolly slotting it past Dryden into the net. This one counts and the home team have the lead.

Morpeth are unused to trailing and respond with vigour, winning a corner and planting the kick right under the bar. Winter, not the tallest keeper, sensibly opts to punch, getting good distance, and with the danger cleared the referee blows for the interval.

The visitors resume in the second half as they finished the first, pressing hard and moving the ball quickly. Aycliffe’s midfield mainspring and captain Paul Garthwaite, chasing back hard makes what looks like a good tackle, but the referee sees it different and blows for a foul. Donniger hits the free kick hard and low; Winter stoops to gather but merely shovels the ball up onto the lap of the inrushing Morpeth centre half Matthew Grieve who runs it into the goal. All square with only a minute of the second half gone.

It’s a blow to the home team but they respond well and have probably their most concerted spell of pressure. A free kick leads to some ping pong in the box before the ball is deflected for a corner. That is cleared, but then an in-swinging cross is backheaded by Campbell and the ball loops toward the far angle. Dryden is alert however and paws the ball over for another corner.

Although pressed back Morpeth still threaten when in possession. Taylor breaks on the right and though he miskicks his cross it still finds a colleague, but Sayer fails to test the keeper, shooting wide. Minutes later it is Liam Henderson breaking through in the same position, but he does test the keeper, who fails the exam as the right foot screamer whizzes past him into the net. Two minutes later it is almost an action replay as Henderson is again in the clear (this time suspiciously in the clear – but there is no flag) and the result is the same with another right-footer planted past Winter into the net.

The wind goes out of Aycliffe’s sails for a while, discouraged by the two goal deficit and penned back by the rampant visitors. But with a quarter of an hour to go Winter, under pressure, catches a free kick and rushing to the edge of his box launches one of his hopeful punts upfield. For once the route one tactic is effective - the ball clears the centre half for Campbell to run onto and lob the oncoming Dryden for another cool finish. Hope dawns again for the home team, and a brief resurgence sees a shooting chance fall to Brian Close whose attempt flies high over the bar.

Morpeth keep a tight grip on the closing minutes, seeing out five minutes of added time without incident. Their grip on the FA Vase remains intact; Aycliffe have given them a game but in the end have fallen by the Wembley wayside.

HARROGATE TOWN V SALFORD CITY

FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round

The Trophy is the most constrained of the FA knock out tournaments, open to only levels one to four of the non-league pyramid, consisting twelve leagues and about 250 teams. So although we are still in the qualifying rounds, the winners today will progress into the last 64, just five steps from Wembley.

Harrogate Town v Salford City looks a tasty clash with both teams in the top half of the National League North; and the good weather for the time of year, sunny while the light lasts, has tempted me via a couple of trains and a twenty minute walk across The Stray to the Wetherby Road ground. It is not my first visit; that was a four years ago for an all ticket FA Cup second round tie with Hastings United.

No tickets needed today, despite Salford’s quasi-celebrity status, and a concessionary £8 gets me groundside, and £2.50 buys a pricey, if glossy, program. Inside the ground looks spruced up since last time, with concrete terracing and a variety of low level stands, enclosures, sponsors lounge, clubhouse, bars and a shop. The most significant change is the pitch; that FA Cup tie took place on a sticky, sandy mud pile but now there is a spanking 3G surface.

From the kick off Harrogate press and the energy of full back Lewis Turner wins the ball back high up the pitch. He finds Lloyd Kerry inside, and the man in the white mask (protecting a fractured cheekbone) skips through a couple of challenges and fires the ball past keeper Jay Linch into the net to give the home team a two minute lead.

Salford wake up and contribute to what is becoming a lively game. Long throws from Joshua Hine provide a threat, but the Harrogate centre halves Simon Ainge and Luke Shiels cope well. Their command of the air is also put to good use at Harrogate corners, Ainge powering a header over the bar on the quarter hour mark.

In doing so he clashes heads and needs some attention at the next break in play. As he endures the obligatory wait on the touchline, Salford restart and move the ball quickly to James Poole. In acres of space as Ainge’s absence has not been adequately covered, he is able to stride forward and unleash a 25 yard shot that beats Chris Elliot all ends up and levels the score.

The sides trade blows in fine attacking spells. Kerry again creates trouble in the box, his shot blocked by a last ditch challenge that may have included an arm; and his teammate Nicky Clee fires a shot wide. For Salford, centre half Steve Howson stoops to bullet a header form a corner just over the bar. Then Harrogate have a corner kick and Shiels wins a clean header from what looks like unstoppably close range, until Linch sticks out a paw to save; Ainge pounces on the rebound but his attempt is also foiled by the Salford stopper.

The breathless action continues with a Salford through ball; centre forward Hine has the beating of the defenders present but not the keeper who has seen the danger early and rushed ten yards outside his area. In my view he gets there first, clears the ball and then collides with Hines, leaving the striker in a heap, so for me if anything it is a Harrogate free kick; the referee begs to differ and gives it the other way, adding a yellow card for Elliot by way of insult. For the next through ball Elliot is again alert and this time collects without incident.

The end to end ebb and flow sees both number sevens prominent. A Warren Burrell volley is on target for Harrogate but is straight at the keeper; for Salford Craig King dispossesses a defender near the corner flag and moves infield but his rolled pass square to the unmarked Hines is under hit and never gets there, pounced on by Elliot. The last action of the half is a late corner for Harrogate and Shiels, up again, powers another header; and this time there is no heroics from Linch and the ball hits the back of the net to put the home team back ahead.

It has been a good half, possibly the best seen so far this season, with both teams committed to attack and playing good football, due in part I have to admit to the excellent surface which has the truest bounce and cleanest roll of any artificial surface I’ve seen.

Salford start the second half with intent. A long throw causes a scramble in the Harrogate box before the ball is hoofed clear. A long kick from the keeper gives Hines another run in on Elliot and though this time the striker gets to the ball first, he pokes it wide. Harrogate step up their game to match and Clee fires a shot that is deflected over the bar. From the corner Salford break in a sweeping move that deserves better than the resulting corner.

Nothing comes of that, but from another corner the tall Salford right back, Michael Nottingham, caps a fine game by stealing unnoticed in at the near post to nod in a defensively soft equaliser; two all with twenty-five minutes left.

The next ten minutes the game tenses and tightens up, and it is symptomatic when Salford captain Bradley Barnes clatters through the back of Clee. It is a yellow card, and it is his second of the game so he is off and Salford are down to ten men. Harrogate sense their chance and press forward, but the space they leave behind is exploited by another Salford through ball and race between Hines and Elliot. The keeper wins this one by a whisker and takes the ball cleanly off the striker’s toes.

Harrogate’s man advantage is not showing, and Salford are not just hanging on for a replay. Shooting chances are coming their way: Patrick Brough, up from left back, blasts one yards over and out of the ground; Matthew Warburton puts his on target but too much so - into Elliot’s waiting arms. The final attempt of the afternoon is a similar effort Harrogate’s Andi Thanoj, and the game ends with the ball in Linch’s hands.

A really good even game ends two apiece. Harrogate, unable to make the man advantage pay, may have missed their best chance of progressing; Salford will now fancy their chances in the replay to move a step nearer to Wembley.

NEWTON AYCLIFFE v NORTH SHIELDS

Northern League Division 1 

The first gap for a while in the hectic autumn schedule of FA Cup, Trophy & Vase ties gives an opportunity to take in a top Northern League game in which the clear leaders, North Shields, visit top half hopefuls, Newton Aycliffe. However the match has significance for upcoming Vase ties in the third round, the draw for which was a hammer blow to Northern League hopes of prolonging their run of finalists. In two weeks Newton Aycliffe play holders Morpeth, and North Shields will entertain League Champions Shildon; so this could be a pointer to form.

Moore Lane Park is a familiar setting, today bathed in a low slanting sun. It is cold but still, and the recent rain has relented leaving the pitch soft but not yet heavy. The normally modest home crowd is swelled by a decent showing from North Shields whose fans’ travels are more often than not rewarded with a win.

And the same confidence is displayed by the visiting players who are soon into their rhythm winning a couple of early corners. They are a big team and the twin defensive towers of Curtis Coppen and Kevin Hughes come forward to threaten. Newton Aycliffe defend the corners unconvincingly, with keeper James Winter (not the tallest) opting to punch but not getting much distance. Winter is agile however, as is shown when he saves, low to his right, a header from Shields centre forward Dan Wilson (another big’un).

The North Shields front line is dynamic and Dean Holmes carries the ball diagonally left to right before offloading, then overlapping to put in an inviting cross that is volleyed gleefully into the net from twelve yards by Ryan Carr. It is an early blow for Newton Aycliffe but they try to hit back straight away. Stuart Banks cuts in from the right and unleashes a left foot shot that keeper Kyle Hayes opts to punch out rather than risk a catch. Two corner kicks are won in a flurry that ends with Banks again shooting from distance, this time narrowly wide.

Shields absorb the pressure and counter attack dangerously. In one such, Carr survives a close offside call and races through on the right. His cross, behind the retreating Aycliffe defence is perfect for Holmes to sidefoot home. Two nil after not yet half an hour bodes ill for the home team, but they steady the ship and deny further chances for a while. But as half time approaches Wilson, deceptively quick for his size, makes room for himself in the box and pulls back a nice cross, creating a heading chance for Lee Mason, which he squanders by nodding the ball wide.

On forty-five minutes North Shields have another corner (the first since those opening minutes) and again Aycliffe struggle to clear, eventually gaining relief courtesy of the half time whistle.

The second half starts as the first did with a Shields corner punched (not very) clear by Winter. Aycliffe’s tactics, intended or imposed, seems to be to sit back deep and hit long balls up to Banks and John Campbell, either for them to turn and run onto or hold up until reinforcements arrive. Campbell does manufacture a shooting chance with which he stings the palms of Hayes.

It signals a bit of pressure from Newton Aycliffe, and when a pass inside the box is blocked by the arm of full back Marc Lancaster (at that point sat on the ground) the referee awards a penalty. Campbell steps up and smashes in the spot kick. Minutes later midfielder Alan Harrison progresses into the box with a mazy run; he is brought to a halt but left back Scott Howes takes over and rolls a shot that, with agonising slowness, comes back off the base of the post.

North Shields have been less convincing for these first twenty minutes of the half, possibly expecting to cruise home, but are now stung back into action. And they have space to work in as Aycliffe press for an equaliser. The speedy Holmes is the main threat, having a run on goal foiled by Winter then setting up substitute Peter Glen-Ravenhill who shoots wide. Holmes then has a couple of headed chances – one cleared off the line and another just wide.

As full time approaches most of the action is down the Aycliffe end, with the home team under pressure from a succession of free kicks, somehow surviving at least one almighty scramble. So as time ticks down the odds are less on an equaliser than a third Shields goal. After an excessive added five minutes time is called and North Shields continue to lead the way in the Northern league.

They will have to balance their league ambitions with their Vase run with that upcoming tough tie against Shildon; Newton Aycliffe, safely mid table, can concentrate fully on dethroning Morpeth and trying for Wembley.

PICKERING TOWN V SHILDON

FA Vase 2^nd Round - 12 November 2016

A drive through the cloud shrouded North York Moors is needed to get to this FA Vase second round tie but dropping back down to Pickering, Mill Lane is merely grey and misty. The town centre ground, part of a large sporting complex, is low level but has cover available behind both goals and to one side. The other side, out of bounds to fans, features a tallish wooden fence, beyond which may be a cricket field. The pitch itself has a significant diagonal slope; a corner kick from its high point would already be head high to those in the goalmouth.

The only touch of colour in the gloom is provided by the emerging teams, Pickering Town in blue and Shildon in red, who pause a minute to observe the remembrance silence. A good Northern League team will normally beat a good Northern Counties East team so Shildon may be favourites, but Pickering have home field advantage, and we did see them win at Consett a couple of rounds ago.

Both teams are quickly into stride. A Shildon header goes straight at the keeper, then a Pickering shot fizzes wide. Such exchanges continue for twenty minutes, with Shildon gradually gaining the upper hand. However their normal passing game is then bypassed when a goal kick from Nick Liversedge is headed on by Amar Purewal to centre forward Michael Rae, who shoots into the bottom corner of the net for the archetypical route one goal.

Pickering’s best response is some intricate play in the penalty box that is eventually crowded out. Shildon get better dividends from a long cross from the left when again Rae strikes with a header firmly planted into the goal. Two down is dangerous territory for Pickering but they win a soft free kick 25 yards out. The attempt is blocked by the wall, by someone’s hand claim the home team, but the referee thinks not and play continues.

Five minutes from half time Shildon skipper Daniel “Bobby” Moore, allowed out of the back four today, strides forward from midfield and cracks a shot low into the corner of the net. If two down was dangerous, three down could be terminal, and Pickering go all out to get one back. Centre forward Ryan Blott wriggles free from two defenders and curls a delightful shot that heads for the top corner until keeper Liversedge intervenes with his fingertips. The resultant corner is headed against the bar and then the bouncing ball is hooked just wide.

That is the last action of the half and the late flurry has been Pickering’s best spell, showing they still believe they are in the game. And we have seen Shildon relax from this position before (allowing Newton Aycliffe to score two); mind you we have also seen them run riot (putting seven past Bedlington).

Four minutes into the second half we get an indication of which way it will go. Shildon’s skilful Lewis Wing has tormented all game and he combines well with left back David Ferguson and Bobby Moore to enable the latter to shoot. Keeper Toby Wells saves that one but the rebound comes out to the still lurking Ferguson who hammers it home for Shildon’s fourth.

The edge goes out of Pickering’s play but they still threaten occasionally, forcing a fine save from Liversedge who tips over a header destined for the angle. But as they drop off the pace they give time and space to Shildon who know how to use it. A slide-rule through ball puts Purewal in the clear; his first touch tempts out keeper Wells, and his second slides the ball past him into the net.

There is still fifteen minutes left but the game is mainly going through the motions. Nevertheless Blott continues to plough his centre forward furrow and for the second time twists clear of two defenders to force another save from Liversedge.

There is just time for some more magic from Wing who tries an outrageous chip from forty yards that has Wells furiously backpedalling to his goal line, which he reaches just in time to tip the ball over the bar.

That keeps it at five nil, and the referee decides not to add any time to the ninety minutes, so we can all get off early into the misty night. Pickering have been plucky but outclassed and go out of the Vase; Shildon brought their A game today, which was good enough today and should be enough to take their run deep into the competition.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED v STAMFORD

FA Cup First Round - 6 November 2016

As is often the case, the first round of the FA Cup brings us to Victoria Park at Hartlepool. Grey skies and squally showers abound but the town centre ground is well provided with cover on all four sides. From the top of the Miramax Stand the masts of the HMS Trimcomalee, in dock at the Historic Quay, peep over the opposite stand roof to give an unusual but characteristic prospect.

Hartlepool United are not having a great season in League Two and are without a home win so far, which will give some hope to their Northern Premier League Division One South opponents Stamford. The visitors have brought a good following to see their first ever appearance in the first round, and Hartlepool in an attempt to get their disappointed fans to turn up have reduced prices, so £10 gets me an OAP seat and £2.50 a decent programme.

At kick off a stiff breeze favours the red shirts of Stamford so Hartlepool in blue and white stripes may have to work the ball forward. They do seem keen on working the ball and keeping possession, but going forward is more of a problem against a well packed defence. It takes fifteen minutes for them to register an attempt on goal when a shot from Michael Woods is blocked.  A few minutes later Woods finds Jordan Richards in the box, and his shot at least gets through to keeper Sam Donkin who saves well. The next shot on goal is from Nicky Deverdics but it is deflected and loops up onto the crossbar; the rebound comes to Padraig Amond who swings a boot, misses, swings again and connects, only to bring another save from Donkin.

The keeper is having a good game and is in action again to dive at Amond's feet to smother a half chance, then he saves a close range toe-poke from Josh Laurent and is also vigilantly on hand to pick up when Lewis Alessandra’s run through is spoilt by a heavy first touch.

Keeping the score blank has been Stamford’s priority for thirty five minutes, but suddenly they start to engage the Hartlepool defence. A break gives Kern Miller a shooting opportunity from the edge of the box that he drags wide. Then Jevani Brown nicely sets up an unidentified teammate whose shot is deflected for a corner, and though the ball is cleared, it is returned with interest via a Brown shot over the bar. From another corner Delroy Gordon wins a clean header that comes close enough to discomfort the home fans.

Those fans greet the half time whistle with boos and catcalls, the last few minutes of Stamford pressure fresher in their minds than the opening half hour of dominance.

An early second half corner for Stamford is caught by keeper Trevor Carson and speedily bowled out to the half way line, the counter attack resulting in a corner. This tests Donkin under his crossbar and, flailing a bit, he needs assistance to get the ball safely back out of play. He deals better with the repeat corner, holding on well under pressure.

With the breeze now behind them Hartlepool establish base camp well inside the Stamford half and the pressure leads to Stamford conceding a rash of free kicks. One from the left wing is well defended but the next is more central, and though thirty yards out is wind assisted and so spells danger. Richards beats the wall but his shot is too central and Donkin catches safely. Five minutes later another free kick is awarded almost from the same spot. This time Deverdics claims dibs on the ball and his shot is cleanly over the wall and into the unguarded side of the goal. The home fans greet the sixty-fifth minute goal with more relief than joy. The question now is do Stamford have a plan B.

Having put on two substitutes just before the goal, manager Graham Drury sends on his third. A brief flurry in attack brings a free kick on the edge of the box that Jake Duffy (who has caught the eye in Stamford’s midfield) gets on target to give Carson his first save of the day.

Otherwise Hartlepool cope well with the Stamford response. Finding a bit more space up front, Richards is able to volley the ball hard and low into the Stamford penalty area where defender Lee Beeson sticks out a leg and deflects the ball past his helpless keeper for an unfortunate own goal.

Two down with less than ten minutes to go the Stamford players wilt for the first time. Hartlepool now have time on the ball as well as space and set up a nice move, the ball going right and left before being returned to the centre where club captain (on as a late substitute) rounds the move and the game off with a firm header (half diving, half falling) into the net.

The two late goals have put a flattering sheen on the score, not in terms of possession and territory but in terms of penetration and goal threat. The home fans in the crowd of 2,461 will not care too much – they are through; and the 505 away fans (sportingly acknowledged by the PA and the locals) will not be too disappointed with a good day out and a game they remained in until the final ten minutes.

SPENNYMOOR TOWN V MATLOCK TOWN

FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round 

This week AGCR takes a second visit of the season to the Brewery Field this time for a foray into the FA Trophy. In a First Qualifying Round tie Spennymoor Town take on NPL Premier Division rivals Matlock Town. It is a lovely day in South Durham with blue skies, sunshine and a mild breeze ruffling the trees behind each goal, their autumn leaf fall aided and abetted by some wayward shooting during the warm up.

Spennymoor will hope to replicate their FA Cup form that has propelled them into the first round proper of the senior tournament – but will next week’s tie at MK Dons prove a distraction from the more realistic prospect of a good Trophy run. Both of today’s teams have winning records in the league so a tight game is expected.

Matlock start the better, pressing forward without any end product until, fifteen minutes in, Niall McManus swings a deep cross, right footed in from the left wing. It is too deep for his forwards to reach, and ditto for Spennymoor keeper Dan Lowson who clutches at thin air as the ball sails over his head and in to the net.

The lead is not undeserved and minutes later Matlock centre half Dwayne Wiley tries to double it with a header from a corner that this time Lowson is able to reach low down to his right.

By the half hour Matlock are fading and Spennymoor look more like a home team on a nine game unbeaten run. Shane Henry has a header cleared on the line before an angled cross eludes everyone in the box, and narrowly misses the far post. A Robert Ramshaw volley rattles the low stand roof behind the goal and twice shots from Mark Anderson are half-blocked by the impressive Matlock defenders before being pounced upon by the equally vigilant keeper, Phil Barnes.

Through all this Matlock remain dangerous on the break with Curtis Morrison and Marcus Dinanga forming a mobile and speedy duo up front.

Spennymoor start the second half as they ended the first, piling on the pressure. After five minutes an innocuous looking prod forward dribbles through the heart of the Matlock defence, a possibility seen only by Spennymoor’s Anderson who runs onto it and coolly slots the ball into the corner of the net.

The home team press for a winner and Anderson flicks a smart header goalward from a good centre from Kallum Griffiths, only to see Barnes tip it expertly over the bar. Barnes is called into action again when a thirty-five yard pile driver from Jamie Chandler dips viciously requiring the keeper to employ his knees to deflect the ball back out.

As Spennymoor go all out for a win they leave space behind that Matlock are well able to exploit. McManus is key to their breaks, shooting just over the bar and getting his head to a fierce cross, requiring Lowson to back-peddle and catch the loping ball right on his line.

Ten minutes to go heralds some frantic end to end play. In particular Nathan Fisher for Spennymoor (on since half time) and McManus for Matlock take turns to threaten; McManus’ two attempts flash across the goal, while Fisher’s two rise over the bar.

With just a few minutes left Morrison for Matlock is forced away from goal but manages to turn and make his way along the dead ball line. With no angle to work with and precious little support he fires the ball hard and low towards the near post. Lowson stoops to gather and somehow lets the ball through his grasp and between his legs with a final ricochet off his ankle sending the ball spinning agonisingly slowly over the line for an almost comic goal.

But it is no laughing matter for Spennymoor who have dominated for three quarters of the game. They throw everything forward but the nearest thing to a goal is back at their end when Lowson has to tip over a speculative long distance shot. Such is a goalkeeper’s lot that a couple of good saves mean nought when weighed against two errors that cost the game.

Matlock will return home buoyed by their good fortune; Spennymoor will have to now take the more difficult route to Wembley via Milton Keynes.

GUISBOROUGH TOWN V PADIHAM

FA Vase 1st Round  - 22 October 2016

The FA Vase is back in the frame this week with a Round 1 tie at the King George V Stadium in Guisborough. A visit to the KGV is always a pleasure, but today the trees surrounding the ground are in their autumn colours, the grass is green and lush after a sharp shower, and the sun is shining on the North York Moors beyond the swimming pool roof.

Guisborough’s place in the first round is due to exemption from qualifying based on last year’s performance. Based on this year’s performance it will be a surprise to reach Round 2. They lie second bottom of the Northern League Division 1 after the departure of their long term boss down the road to Whitby Town, who then recruited a handful of the better players. They are also in the midst of an injury crisis.

Padiham are exactly mid-table in the equivalent North West Counties League Premier Division where they have as many wins as losses and a goal difference of zero. In recent years the NL has had the better of encounters with the NWCL but Guisborough will do well to maintain that trend here today. The omens stack up as the Priorymen’s home strip is Sunderland stripes, whereas the visitors’ is almost a Chelsea blue.

Padiham win some early corners, one resulting from a good shot from Joe Whittington, well saved by home keeper James Dawson. Guisborough get a set piece chance of their own via a free kick; Leon Carling gets some body part on it that requires keeper Michael Donlan to react quickly and palm the ball away.

A pattern emerges whereby Padiham take control of midfield, knock the ball up to centre forward James Dean and look for lay offs. Dean is good in the target man role and shooting opportunities arise; Garry Hunter hits the best one forcing another fine save from Dawson. Dean himself gets a chance with a glancing header but that is more comfortably saved.

For Guisborough, their attempts to keep possession generally results in the ball going backwards before being hit long into the channels. This is occasionally effective. Thibault Charmey gets clear but his attempt to chip the keeper is too low; Adam Cocks seems to have outpaced his marker to reach the bye-line but cannot make progress along it; and Thomas Bligh shows skill to beat a player or two before screwing one shot across rather than at the goal, then another well over the bar.

At the half hour Guisborough centre forward Connor Smith gets an accidental smack in the chops as he challenges for a high ball. He has to retire and for a few minutes his team are down to ten men and are under pressure. Dean slices a shot high and wide, and then Whittington has a header from point blank range saved by the inspired Dawson. Even when his save rebounds back off Whittington he is able to keep the ball out.

Despite the belated appearance of the Guisborough substitute, Padiham continue to dominate the play to half time. However in the last minute another Guisborough break gives Charmey a run in on goal from the left; but the keeper knows his angles and blocks without fuss.

That it is goalless at half time is due mainly to Dawson in the Guisborough goal who has made three excellent saves. Padiham are firmly on top but with nothing to show for it.

And right from the start of the second period Dawson is back in action with saves from Pickup and Whittington. Minutes later Kieron Pickup hits another shot, and this one is unstoppable, finding the top corner of the net and giving the visitors a deserved lead.

Guisborough respond with spirit. Charmey, despite being a little isolated up front, manages a shot narrowly wide and a couple of headers further off target. Padiham still look the more likely scorers with Dean continuing to feature. He has looked a better player with his back to goal than facing it, one run ending with a tame toe poke straight at the keeper, but with about ten minutes left he does turn and get a firm low shot on target. Dawson makes his expected good save but the parry merely presents substitute Aaron Taylor with a tap in to double the lead.

Guisborough try to respond and a good run from Bligh ends in a Donlon save, and at this end the rebound falls less favourably and a blocked shot loops up into the keeper’s hands. With time just about up Padiham midfielder Mark Coyne muscles his way down the right wing and crosses well for Dean to stretch out a long leg and volley the ball home for goal he has deserved on work rate alone.

Into time added Guisborough make a final substitution, but even bringing on Messi would not help now, and it finishes 0-3.

Guisborough’s effort could not be faulted but Padiham seemed to have more solidity about them and once ahead were coasting. The Priorymen’s struggle of a season will continue without the distraction of a FA Vase run. Padiham on the other hand look like they have a few more rounds in them.

YORK CITY v CURZON ASHTON

FA Cup 4^th Qualifying Round - 15 October 2016

The fourth is the scantiest of the FA Cup qualifying rounds with just thirty-two ties across the country. Most of the region’s teams still in the tournament are playing away but a short rail trip is all that’s needed to see York City play Curzon Ashton.

Having lost their league status at the end of last season York need to qualify for the competition proper for the first time in four years. They are finding life in the Conference no easier than in League Two and are towards the bottom of the table. Hence the manager is serving notice while continuing in charge today. Opponents Curzon Ashton are a level down in the Conference North, but are not tearing up trees either. So the quality may not be high today but both teams will be keen to progress if only to get a few seconds on the next round’s TV highlight show.

The weather is pleasant with a weak sun peeking through the clouds over Bootham Crescent. Six pounds gains entry to the main stand, from where a good view - elevated but close the good-looking pitch - is available from the wooden tip-up seats. The Minstermen are in red and their visitors in eye-catching bright green or yellow; as their travelling support sing “we’re Curzon Ashton, and we glow in the dark.” Unfortunately in the dark is where I could be with identifying the players as the programmes are sold out and the PA announced line-up is less than crystal clear. In mitigation the York players carry their names on their shirts.

Curzon have the best of the initial exchanges until York wide man Rooney makes a break down the right and outpaces his marker. The Curzon keeper rushes off his line but his challenge misses the ball and trips Rooney instead. The resultant penalty is taken by centre forward Brodie and despatched without fuss.

The early lead fails to settle York or dispirit Curzon. The Ashton team continue their tidy play and the number 6 consistently finds space on the left. After 25 minutes he cuts in and places a shot low towards the corner of the goal. But it is not hit hard enough and the York keeper saves at full stretch. A couple of minutes later he again gets a chance to shoot and, aiming for more power, drags the ball onto a trajectory wide of the far post. However centre forward Cummings is following in and manages from a tight angle to squeeze the ball home between goalie and the post.

The 1-1 score better reflects the play, and close to half time Curzon get a chance to go ahead with a free kick five or ten yards outside the box. It is Gareth Bale territory but unfortunately he’s engaged elsewhere and the Curzon player entrusted with the kick puts it two yards over the bar.

York come out after the break with more intensity and for twenty minutes look the higher ranked team, particularly after making a double substitution that introduces Felix and Dixon into the game. Both have energy and Felix has serious speed; he leads a break down the right and his cross gives the Curzon defender a moment’s concern as his lunged interception narrowly misses his own goal. Dixon’s contribution is an ambitious 35 yard strike that goes the same distance wide.

As the half wears on York’s dominance fades and Curzon have a good spell. The half time substitute, wearing the number 17 shirt, is active on the left and, capitalising on a rare error from York centre half Higgins, drives on goal but finds his shot blocked. Cummings gets the next chance running onto a ball in the penalty area; his shot is blocked by a defenders outstretched leg, and then arm as the ball deflects up, but it is no penalty.

Into the last quarter hour there is a sense that Curzon will be happy to keep the draw they have and they drop a bit deep, conceding both possession and territory to York. The home team press on but fail to make anything of it; however the visitors exploit the space left behind when the enterprising number 17 again makes a break down the left. His pin point cross provides Cummings with a free header five yards from goal. Cummings’ header is firmly down to the foot of the post, but is anticipated and well saved by the keeper.

With full time rapidly approaching both teams sense a winner is still possible. The Curzon number seven weaves a diagonal run past a few defenders and into the York box. He pulls the trigger but the shot is well blocked by full back Oyerbanjo. The ball is cleared out to Felix who races up to the other end but finds no team mates have been able to keep up with him and, outnumbered, he is dispossessed. The ball see-saws back to the other end but ends in a wild shot over the bar.

Into the added three minutes the tension is affecting the tackling. The teams exchange ineffective free kicks from what should have been dangerous positions. At the last gasp a York free kick does create some excitement as the Curzon keeper’s punch clear is returned as a shot that appears to strike an arm as it is blocked. It’s a similar shout to Curzon’s earlier and gets the same negative response from the referee.

It is the last action, so a Monday night replay will be needed to see whose cup run will continue to the relative glamour of Round One.

SHILDON v NEWTON AYCLIFFE

Northern League Division 1 - 8 October 2016

After a hectic five weeks of FA Cup and Vase action the void this week is filled with a top of the table (4^th v 3^rd) derby clash between Shildon and Newton Aycliffe. Dean Street, with which I am more than familiar, has a traditional feel to it and is looking good in the sunshine which has tempted the whole of the home team into their short sleeved red shirts; the visitors blue are more a hotchpotch of long, short and short with almost matching protruding under-armour.

The game starts at a hundred miles an hour, neither team wanting to give their opponents time on the ball. Aycliffe’s Dennis Knight overdoes the pressing and is booked within five minutes. Not much later a Shildon corner creates danger and a goal line clearance drops to the feet of attacker Lewis Wing. He is in the box with his back to goal but has the skill to turn and chip a great ball back across to the opposite post where teammate Michael Rae sidefoots a shot into the net.

The lead settles Shildon and they have the balance of play for the next half hour without concrete reward; but they do lose Wing to an injury. His replacement, Paul Connor is right into the action. Running onto a bouncing through ball he lifts it over the advancing keeper to double the lead. Half time is approaching but Shildon get a corner and from it Billy Greulich-Smith rises high and heads in a third goal.

It could be game over but moving into added time Dennis Knight is brought down within range of the Shildon goal. He takes the free kick himself and finds a gap between the wall and the near post that the keeper can’t plug in time. It may just keep Aycliffe in the game and make for a more positive half time in the visitors’ dressing room.

In the first quarter hour after the resumption it is Shildon who look most likely to score. Headers from Daniel Moore and Paul Connor, and shots from Michael Rae and David Ferguson go wide or are saved by a busy Lewis Brass in the Aycliffe goal.

Newton Aycliffe break from time to time, and skipper Paul Garthwaite, who has been uncharacteristically quiet, finally finds some time and space in midfield. He looks up and curls a long diagonal cross perfect for Knight to dive full length at and head home his, and his team’s second goal.

Suddenly a home win looks less certain. Shildon have more chances with a Feguson header and a toe poke from centre half Dan Groves after a forceful run from the back, but neither is good enough to beat Brass. Aycliffe’s danger man Knight wins another well placed free kick, and though his shot deflects off the wall it still needs Nick Liversedge to tip the ball round the post. For Shildon, late substitute Amar Purewal almost seals the win but his header comes back off the post.

At the death a sliced Shildon clearance gives Knight a run on goal that is ended with a tactical foul that gives Newton Aycliffe what could be a final chance at an equaliser. Knight takes, but sees his shot blocked deep in the six yard box. As the ball rebounds out of the penalty area it is cleared before Knight can get to it; however he does get to the defender who cleared it, whom he royally clatters, receiving a straight red card.

Knight’s eventful afternoon – booked on five minutes, scoring two goals, sent off – is not over yet as there is a fracas in the tunnel as he exits the field. Disruption is still bubbling as the final whistle goes to end an eventful game that Shildon deserved to win but made hard work of.

FARSLEY CELTIC v BISHOP AUCKLAND

FA Cup 3^rd Qualifying Round - 1 October 2016

Forsaking the shorter but repeated trip back to Spennymoor, A Good Cup Run heads to West Yorkshire to see Farsley Celtic play Bishop Auckland. Bishop Auckland are one of the two Northern League teams remaining in the cup, and having despatched two Northern Premier Division 1 North sides in the previous two rounds they will not be fazed by facing another. But crucially they are not at home today, and Farley Celtic are much nearer the top of their league than Ossett Albion and Trafford.

Throstle Nest is situated in a residential area of Farsley. It has the ubiquitous grandstand straddling the half way line, and covered standing behind one goal. Elsewhere the ground is enclosed by a blue corrugated steel fence that along with the tall floodlight pylons give it the feel of a correctional facility. Although no prisoners are taken here with four wins from four at home so far this season.

The dominant blue paint reflects Farsley’s colours, so Bishop Auckland have to change from their two blues to a fluorescent yellow-green, which is bright enough to affect the ‘reactolite’ lenses in my glasses. There is no other reason for them to darken so, as the sun is obscured by cloud on this otherwise pleasant October day.

From the kick off Celtic press forward but Bishop absorb the attacks and soon have a good spell of their own. On fifteen minutes Auckland’s big man up front, Ian Ward, lays off the ball to Adam Nicholls whose rising thumps hard against the roof of the low stand. Ward’s forward partner, the quick Andrew Johnson, has the visitors’ next attempt, cutting in from the right and curling a shot on target, but it’s in the centre of the goal giving Celtic keeper Graeme McKibbin an easy save.

All Farsley’s huffing and puffing produces little threat until a long pass and a bad bounce presents Richard Marshall with the ball and space in the box, but a bad touch from him sees the ball run dead. McKibbin has more work to do in the Farsley goal first from a careless back pass and then from an Alex Francis daisy-cutter that goes hard and low but straight at him.

The next chance falls to Farsley when a long ball puts James Walshaw through, but his attempt to lift the ball over the advancing keeper fails. In fact the ball does not even go dead and this enables Bishop to move the ball quickly upfield to Johnson who lays it back to Priestley Griffith. His first touch lifts the ball off the ground and his second smashes a volley past the helpless McKibbin into the back of the net.

With ten minutes to half time Celtic endeavour to reply, bossing the possession and territory. They win a couple of free kick within range; one is blocked by the wall and the other is hammered straight at the keeper Edward Wilczynski, which he does well to hold on to with forwards advancing to challenge for any rebound. Wilczynski copes less well with a harmless looking cross but Celtic fail to profit from the fumble.

As half time is due Bishop finally relieve the pressure, and from the corner flag a cross is hoisted into the centre. Ward, six foot plus and well-built, is up against Farsley’s full back Ryan Serrant, a wiry five foot eight; the outcome is a flattened full back and a Ward header firmly planted into the corner of the net. But the referee sees the contest as unfair and blows for a foul.

The second half settles into a pattern of Farsley pressing for the equaliser and Bishop defending stoutly and relying on the speed of Johnson up front to counter. For Farsley, Walshaw tries to smuggle a corner in at the near post, then right back Aaron Hardy shoots hard and low, with both attempts foiled by Wilczynski. He can’t get near Lewis Nightingale’s fizzing 25 yard drive, but thankfully watches it graze the outside of a post.

Bishop counter on the break with Johnson outpacing the defence only to find McKibbin standing up well to block. But it is temporary respite and Hardy puts in another telling cross from the Farsley right that Walshaw can’t quite get high enough to do more than glance wide. More crosses follow from either flank but generally the Bishop defence head clear only to find the ball coming back soon. Still, with ten minutes left the visitors remain ahead.

The Farsley management send on substitutions, eventually it looks like four up front; Bishop respond by dropping midfielders deep. A headed chance comes to Walshaw close to goal, and it looks like a bad miss until the referee points for a corner, so someone, keeper or defender, got something in the way. From the corner a shot is fired over the bar.

With cleared balls just coming straight back, Bishop left back Michael Hoganson tries a new approach and carries the ball diagonally the length of the field, forcing McKibbin into another one-on-one encounter that he again repels.

The last five minutes, and the three added (the home crowd demand more), are spent in the Bishop half with free kicks and corners raining in. It’s crowded in the penalty area with McKibbin even popping up for corners. From one of these the ball comes to him but he wisely passes it on to Nightingale who unleashes Farsley's best shot of the game. It’s goal bound but Wilczynski flies to his left to get both hands to the ball and push it round the post. Nightingale has time for another shot but this time fires a volley wide.

And then it is over. Bishop Auckland have survived a torrid second half onslaught. Their win resulted from having a good share of the first half and scoring a high quality goal when the chance presented itself; defending valiantly as a team throughout the second half; and saving brilliantly the one decent strike on goal that Farsley Celtic could muster out of all their possession.

Thus does Bishop Auckland’s impressive FA Cup run continue into the final qualifying round.

CONSETT v PICKERING TOWN

FA Vase 2^nd Qualifying Round - 24 September 2016

Another FA Vase Saturday, and another drive up to the North Pennines on another fine day. Key differences from Tow Law a fortnight ago are the wind (too stiff to call a breeze), the pitch (3G), and the status of the teams who are a level up: Consett and Pickering Town are from step 5 leagues, respectively Northern League Division 1 and Northern Counties East Premier Division.

Belle View is a new ground with a small stand on each side, and a modern clubhouse that includes a veranda providing cover for those who prefer to stand, or sit at the tables in what forms an outdoor café-bar area. Most importantly today it provides shelter from the wind. Though the pitch is artificial the bounce of the ball (during the warm up seems at least) seems natural.

The first fifteen minutes sees play swing from end to end, both teams coping well with the crosswind. For Consett Lewis Teasdale has a couple of pots, easily fielded by the keeper; for Pickering Ryan Blott has a free kick that clips the bar. Then Pickering produce a fine sweeping move that carries the ball from left back to the right wing from where Ryan Cooper cuts in and drills a shot just wide of the far post.

On Pickering’s next foray forward Nick Thompson suckers Danny Craggs into an unwise challenge on the edge of the box and to the dismay of the home fans and players a penalty is awarded. Blott takes, but his attempted roll into the bottom corner of the net is underhit and Chris Elliot saves at full stretch.

Consett get the next chance, again it is Teasdale who finds some space ten yards from goal but his chest trap is poor and the resulting shot weak. In contrast Pickering’s next attempt is from fifty yards, as a volleyed clearance from the centre half has Elliot scampering to guard one of his goalposts as the ball bounces close.

On the half hour some trickery by Teasdale releases team mate Michael Sweet but his shot is tipped past the far post by Toby Wells. His opposite number Elliot is in action next when Blott, stood on the penalty spot, volleys a cleared corner straight at him. Tit for tat continues as Teasdale shoots narrowly wide for Consett.

Minutes off half time a Pickering through ball sees Blott battle with the centre half and prevail sufficiently to toe poke the ball past Elliot and into the net, getting some redemption for the penalty miss. The even half could have gone either way so there remains plenty to play for tin the second forty-five.

Consett start the second half on attack and Teasdale again is prominent stabbing a shot on target that beats the keeper but is cleared off the line by a defender.

Pickering’s first attack of the half comes to a halt when the linesman flags and the referee blows his whistle. Keeper Elliot comes out of his goal to return the ball for what he and his team think is a Consett free kick for the offside flag. Unfortunately the referee’s whistle was for a Consett foul and Pickering’s Blott, alive to the opportunity, places the ball and lofts it into the empty net. Consett consternation has no effect on the officials and the home team now face an uphill task from two down.

To their credit they buckle to, and a header from Teasdale and shot from Slocombe come close then a cracking effort from substitute Lavery is well saved by Wells. But the forward effort is leaving them short in numbers at the back, where they are also found flat-footed and out of position when a simple through ball gives Nathen Kamara the freedom to stroll through the middle and slot Pickering’s third goal.

It’s a lost cause but Consett don’t give up and from a corner the ball falls to Sweet whose volley finds its way through the crowded box and into the goal to claw one back. Encouraged the Consett forwards begin to hit the target, but as they improve their game so does Pickering keeper Toby Wells, who caps a fine performance with a flying save to tip a free kick past the angle of post and bar. Consett can’t muster another chance and Pickering hold on comfortably to go through.

Consett lacked a bit of intensity, possibly a hangover from their tough FA Cup replay midweek when they lost 1-0 to Curzon Ashton from a few leagues up, playing much of the game with ten men. With today’s outcome the Steelmen’s cup runs have both ended in the space of a few days. The Pikes meanwhile go into the draw for the first round proper.