STOCKTON TOWN v CITY OF LIVERPOOL

FA Vase 3^rd Round 

Snow is still lying on most grounds in the North East but the 3G pitch at Bishopton Road West was made for days like these and this third round Vase tie was never in danger. This far into the competition is new territory for the hosts who have stabilised in the Northern League Division 1 after a shaky start following promotion and will look to make the customary progress for members of that league.

Everything is new territory for the visitors as this is only their second ever season, waltzing through step six last season to reach the North West Counties Premier Division. Judging from the size of the travelling support, the team clearly has filled a non-league void on Merseyside. The fans clad in purple (a mix of red and blue that is surely not coincidental) bring a good natured passion along with klaxon horns, a loudhailer, and even a rattle. One banner sums up their approach, claiming the club is “a failed AA meeting disguised as a football club”.

But it is Stockton who start best forcing two early corners, one resulting from a fierce drive from Kevin Hayes that is just tipped over by keeper Graeme McCall. Liverpool survive the onslaught and settle to achieve an even share of the game.

However on twenty minutes the tricky Hayes exchanges passes with centre forward Fred Woodhouse and when the latter sends in a low angled drive, keeper McCall lets the ball squirm under his body and into the net.

Liverpool respond well to going behind, playing neatly through midfield but failing to get the better of the Stockton defence, meaning home keeper Michael Arthur rarely needs to do more than catch the odd cross. It is his opposite number who is worked next, diving to a bottom corner to turn away a Max Craggs free kick. Up front for Liverpool Elliot Nevitt is busy and has a good effort charged down; the rebound goes to John McGrath who spurns the chance.

There has been a good ebb and flow to the first half with each teams having periods of ascendancy. Liverpool have edged possession and territory but Stockton have looked the more likely to score.

From the restart Liverpool up the intensity, and go slightly more direct. Chances come quickly: Nevitt wins a chase for a through ball but slices the shot; McGrath has a shot saved; centre half Daniel Dalton, up for a corner heads just wide; and another corner is headed wide by Nevitt. Stockton weather the storm and eventually the chances start to dry up. Woodhouse even makes the best of his limited opportunities up front to fire in a shot straight at McCall.

Substitutes come and go as Liverpool increase the numbers up front. A snap shot by John Connolly is deflected over and a chance in the box is scuffed wide by Jack Hazelhurst. By the end Dalton has moved up front and even keeper McCall comes up for a corner. Amid the stoic defending Chris Stockton breaks out for his namesake team and smacks a drive against the Liverpool post.

A late knock to the Stockton keeper’s head ensures the last few minutes extend to rack up the tension, but Stockton hold out and, thanks largely to their defenders’ quality and their opponents erratic finishing.

Even newer territory now awaits Stockton in the last thirty-two when the competition goes national. City of Liverpool return to Merseyside with respect and no doubt they will feature in later rounds in years to come.

GATESHEAD v CHELMSFORD CITY

FA Cup 1st Round

Round one in the FA Cup usually requires doing a bit of mileage, so not for the first time A Good Cup Run heads to the International Stadium for what has become an annual visit. Today Gateshead of the National League entertain Chelmsford City, one step down in the pyramid, but doing well in, the National League South.

It is bright and sunny, but cool, particularly in the home grandstand facing north. The visiting fans, a hundred or so, at least get the last of the late afternoon sun but balance that benefit of warmth against having to squint a bit at the action. There cannot be another non-league ground where fans are so segregated, separated not only by the width of the pitch but also sixteen lanes of running track, two jumping pits (long jump and pole vault), as well as about forty rows of unoccupied seats with both sets of fans preferring to watch from on high.

After an early half chance at each end the game settles to a cagey twenty minute period with Gateshead edging possession but with little outcome. Then they execute a short corner routine that gives midfielder Russell Penn a shooting chance; keeper Samuel Beasant (Dave’s son) parries and centre half Neill Byrne hooks the loose ball over the bar from close in.

There then follows a sustained spell of Chelmsford pressure that Gateshead survive well. Not only that but when they do emerge up field a quick free kick gives winger Wes York space to cross and find the head of Jordan Burrow; the striker plants a neat header in at the near post to give the home team a lead on the half hour.

Chelmsford continue to concede needless free kicks in their own half and from one of these Penn overlaps the defensive wall, receives the ball unchallenged and passes infield to Danny Johnson. He controls the ball, swivels and drives a fine shot in off the far post. Two up Gateshead look comfortable, and it’s nearly three when Paddy McLaughlin fires in a shot from range that needs a good save to push it round the post.

It is hard on half time before Chelmsford really threaten. Chris Dickson is put through on goal but chooses to shoot early and, as it turns out, well wide.

The visitors up their tempo in the second half and get the first strike on goal when centre half Michael Spillaine, up for a corner, screws a shot across the six yard box to which no colleague can apply the finishing touch. Chelmsford’s potential potency increases further when substitute Shaun Batt comes on to add his experience and height to the cause. He immediately connects with a header in the box and later strikes an angled drive but neither pay dividends.

Time is progressing and Gateshead seem content to fall back and defend, which they do confidently and effectively. One scare occurs when a free kick is curled dangerously into the box and keeper James Montgomery uncertainly shuffles it round the post for a corner. He makes up for that by calmly claiming the corner kick under pressure.

It is well into the final ten minutes before Gateshead show anything more in attack, but then it is a quality inter-passing move down the right that frees Johnson to run into the box and shoot. The net ripples, but only on the outside.

Chelmsford never give up and with two minutes to go full back Craig Barrett strikes a free kick that requires Montgomery to alertly palm past the post. The corner amounts to nothing, and neither does anything else as Gateshead see the game out.

So The Heed are into the next round and subject to the draw there may need to be a second visit to the International Stadium this year.

WHITBY TOWN v MARINE

FA Trophy 1^st Qualifying Round

Visits to Whitby’s Turnbull Ground need to be carefully timed. Too early in the season risks getting snarled up in tripper traffic; too late and the dark drive over the moor top road can often involve rain, fog or snow. The end of October is ideal, bright and breezy today and the only trippers in town (other than Marine) are the Goths for one of their regular weekends.

Marine are no strangers, playing in the same Northern Premier League Premier Division; and having lost 3-2 here a month ago another tight game is expected. For Northern League regulars there are familiar faces in the Whitby team as manager Chris Hardy is keeping faith with the core of  his ex-Guisborough team he brought with him a year ago; also here now is John Campbell who has scored for a few, and against most, clubs in the North East.

The wind is getting up as the teams line up, Whitby in blue and Marine in amber and black. And the conditions may have played a part in an early error by Whitby centre half Niall McGoldrick, whose headed attempt to deal with a simple long ball is neither a decisive clearance nor a glance back to the keeper. Marine centre forward Danny Mitchley latches onto the loose ball, easily rounds the exposed keeper and slots the ball home for a three minute lead.

Whitby are unsettled by the poor start and for a while Marine look like adding more. But eventually the home team settles as midfield general Steve Snaith takes control. There are signs of hope for the home fans as John Campbell battles through two tackles but then fails to test visiting keeper Martin Fearon ; then a corner from the right sees Fearon flap ineffectively but escape punishment.

As half time nears, Whitby right back Connor Smith, not for the first time, makes good progress down the right and this time his angled pull back from the bye line finds left back Danny McWilliams lurking on the edge of the box. His right foot sweeping shot is goal bound and a slight deflection ensures Fearon has no chance of preventing the net bulging.

Other than the two goals it’s been competitive rather than entertaining, though one throw-in caused some merriment. Awarded to Whitby, one player retrieved the ball over the touchline and lobbed it underarm to a team mate still on the pitch who, instead of catching it and taking a legitimate throw, cushioned it on the thigh, turned and sprayed a pass forward to the indignation of the Marine players and bench. Where the referee and assistants were looking is a mystery.

From the start of the second half it is clear the breeze has freshened into a bit of a gale, and it is into Whitby’s face. The home team struggle to get the ball forward and most play settles in their own half. A Marine free kick from the left curls into the box and home keeper Daniel Dixon comes to collect, but is beaten to the ball by one of the attacking Mariners. He does connect with one or another of them but penalty shouts are waved aside and the header goes wide for a double escape.

Ten minutes later the Marine put in another free kick, this one from the right, and this time Dixon’s collision with George Lomax is harder to excuse and the referee, after waiting in vain for any advantage to accrue, awards the spot kick. Mitchley steps up and converts with ease.

Whitby try to increase the tempo but fail to create any rhythm or penetration, and soon are pinned back again. From nothing Marine right back Peter Wylie makes a darting run through a static defence and hits a shot that beats Dixon and rolls into the goal off the far post.

Still fifteen minutes left, and now 3-1 down, Whitby substitute the two strikers who’ve had no joy with the Marine defence. One of the newcomers, James Risborough gets an early chance but side foots a shot straight at the keeper’s legs from six yards out.

After that, other than a Whitby header from a corner that is blocked on the line, the game drifts to its natural conclusion – Marine progressing and Whitby Town out of the Trophy for this year.

RYHOPE C W v HARROGATE R A

FA Vase 1^st Round - 21 October 2017

The early Vase rounds give an opportunity to visit pastures new, and see unfamiliar teams, such as today with a trip to the Sunderland suburbs to see an inter-league, step five clash with Ryhope Colliery Welfare of the Northern League playing Harrogate Railway Athletic of the Northern Counties East. Both teams carry an industrial heritage in their names, though in both cases the underlying business has disappeared from the locality.

The ground is adjacent to the cricket pitch in the Recreation Park; easy to find and easy to park on the man road just outside. The welcome on the gate is warm and a fiver gains entry (for an old ‘un) and a programme. The pitch is well grassed with an unusually generous amount of land surrounding it. Opportunities for cover are limited – some seats behind one goal and a bit of a lean-to near the team benches on the half way line. Refreshments are plentiful though and the smell of chips is hard to resist as a cup of tea is procured.

A sunny start to the day has become blustery and rain threatens as Ryhope, in their variation on Sunderland stripes and Harrogate in all blue, emerge from the dressing rooms. The kick-off is on time despite a reported problem with the RA team bus not turning up and the players having to drive north.

After twelve minutes in which CW dominate, home full back Davey Gordon overlaps on the left, gains the by-line and tries to cross; a defender’s attempt to block at close range is successful but only due to an outstretched arm. The penalty is given by the referee and is duly despatched by captain Kyle Davis.

From then on the RA goal is under continuous pressure, and survives intact more through luck than steady defending. As the half hour approaches Davis finds colleague James Ellis is space in a crowded box, and the winger fires a cross shot into the net. Three minutes later Ellis shoots again, this time from a more central position, with the same result. Five minutes later the influential Davis beats the offside flag (if not the trap) on the right wing and his centre is dinked past the RA keeper by centre forward Josh Holme-Jackson for the fourth goal of the half.

Harrogate have proved lightweight up front for most of the half but with the interval imminent the right back battles forward into the box and his cross eventually bounces out to Albert Ibrahimi whose volley finds the back of the net. Whether a consolation or the start of a fight back only the second half will tell.

Within four minutes of the restart we get a clue when Holme-Jackson takes advantage of a poor RA back line and the benefit of the doubt from the linesman to race through and slot in number five. Confirmation of CW’s unassailability this afternoon follows shortly when Davis provides another assist, this time giving Ellis a tap in at the far post to complete his personal hat trick.

At 6 -1 Ryhope make a triple substitution, which gives Harrogate some respite for about fifteen minutes; although in this period they stem the tide only due a couple of desperate goal line clearances.

Eventually though Ryhope strike again when a high cross comes into the RA box. The two defenders and goalkeeper dither while Holme-Jackson simply nods the ball over the line from a few yards out. That’s his hat trick, and he adds another when Davis pinpoints a cross onto his stooping head.

The crowd (if fifty or so souls count as such) are debating how many that is (it’s eight); but as soon as they get near agreement another is scored. This time it is left back Davey Gordon who fires in from an overlapping position the left wing; barely has that registered when his oppo at right back hits a cross that drifts over the by now shell-shocked keeper and in off the far post.

That is finally it for Ryhope CW; a 10 – 1 win. Somewhere amidst the avalanche of Ryhope second half goals Harrogate did nearly score in a goalmouth scramble in which the ball was cleared off the Ryhope line three times, the final time by one of their own players, which sort of summed up their day.

Bedraggled by the now steady rain, beaten out of sight, and without even a bus ride home, Harrogate RA are well and truly out of the Vase. Ryhope CW will look forward to the second round draw but will not get an easier tie than this turned out to be. 

GUISELEY v SHILDON

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round

The fourth qualifying round is a rarefied level for the likes of Northern League Shildon, a final hurdle before the first round proper, last reached by a team from that league in 2003 – by Shildon themselves. But opposition is stiff in the guise, so to speak, of Guiseley of the National League, four steps up.

The event warrants a rail trip via Leeds to the Yorkshire town and with the trains behaving well A Good Cup Run arrives in very good time, over an hour before kick-off. Time then to stroll up past Nethermoor Park to the White Cross Inn for an excellent hand-pulled glass of Hobgoblin, all the more welcome as the weather, though overcast, is unseasonably warm.

Refreshed, £10 gains entry to the ground and another £3 goes on the programme; pricey, but it is a glossy 56 page edition and showing it to an itinerant official entitles the holder to a free team sheet. With the sun now shining the pitch, well grassed and level, looks excellent; and the ground is tidy and well organised. In addition to a sizeable grandstand along most of one touchline there is covered standing opposite, and all around there are three or four steps of terracing enabling everyone to have a good view. Plenty of Shildon fans have made the trip and the attendance is later announced as nearly 800.

Apart from an early Shildon free kick that comes to nought, the action for the rest of the first half hour is firmly in the visitor’s half. At every opportunity Guiseley launch the ball high in a route one attack that gives the two big lads up front, Mike Fondop and Olukayode Odejaye every chance to use their height and strength against the Shildon centre halves. The tactic is supplemented by long throws from Darren Holden. How well the Shildon defensive pairing of veteran Kyle May and teenager Dominic Curl cope with the onslaught could decide the match.

That first half hour passes with a few alarms but without Shildon conceding; and getting some confidence from that, a rare attack provides Lewis Dodds with a chance from eight yards out. As he shoots keeper Jonathan Maxted is already at his feet to deflect the attempt wide for a corner.

The pattern of aerial bombardment continues to half time, still with no outcomes, relieved by the occasional Shildon break that produces nothing more than a scuffed shot wide from Adam Burnicle.

Guiseley start the second half in less frantic mode and when possession is turned over well forward on the right, the Shildon defence is caught out by a dribble and low cross that finds Fondop unmarked at the far post and free to tap home. Only minutes later another Shildon defender is pressured into giving up the ball deep and this time a square pass to Andrew Haworth enables him to run in and lift the ball calmly over the advancing Shildon keeper into the net.

The Shildon ship needs stabilising but Guiseley’s tails are up now. A through ball leads to a wrestling match between May and Fondop; May’s desperate efforts result in him hauling down Fondop at the cost of a penalty and (somewhat harshly, given the penalty award) a red card. John Rooney smashes in the spot kick and at three nil with only ten opponents on the pitch, Guiseley are home and dry.

For the remaining half hour of the game Shildon actually knock the ball about quite well, maybe because Guiseley are cruising, but once in their opponents’ half they never show any penetration. Guiseley play with the freedom the lead and man advantage allows and score at ten minute intervals. William Hatfield pokes one in during a goal mouth scramble; the same player takes advantage of a defensive slip in the box to slot in another; then just before the end Fondap gets the better of Curl on the edge of the box and hooks the best goal of the day into the top corner.

It has turned into the classic game of two halves and while Shildon can take honour from the first, prompting a precautionary announcement of the potential replay arrangements, Guiseley emphasised their status in the second and it is the National League team that will go into that coveted first round proper.

SHILDON V MARSKE UNITED

Northern League Division 1

Dean Street is not so familiar today as my usual haunt, the covered terrace opposite the main stand, has disappeared, demolished to make way for a new all-seater stand. Instead A Good Cup Run takes a seat in the main ‘Pagoda’ stand. Here seat choice is crucial if a view of both goals is wanted unimpeded by the substantial supporting pillars.

The teams are familiar enough, the home team pretty settled and the visitors packed with well-known Northern League stalwarts. These two teams have been top five finishers for the last few years and have both started this season well; Shildon are unbeaten and Marske have won eight out of ten.

The opening is cagey and competitive. It is nearly twenty minutes before any goal is threatened. Craig Gott smacks a twenty-five yard drive against the Shildon bar and keeper, Nick Liversedge, has to get back to his feet quickly to save the follow up attempt.

Shildon’s possession has little end product and Marske come close again when Liversedge is drawn out of position and has to rely on young centre half Dominic Curl heading the ball off the line.

Shildon start the second half better and a thrust down the left and along the goal line by Adam Burnicle creates a tap-in chance for Billy Greulich-Smith, which he gratefully converts. The home team can’t build on the lead and increasingly look to hold on to what they’ve got.

Marske create several openings but either fluff them under pressure or are foiled by last ditch tackles from Curl and second half substitute Kyle May. Just when it looks like Marske will never score, they do so from an unlikely angle; James Fairley takes a corner from the left that somehow evades the giant reach of Liversedge and goes straight into the net.

With time just about up it looks like honours even when Marske are awarded a free kick forty yards out. Quick thinking Fairley immediately puts the ball on the deck and lofts it over the unprepared Liversedge, who is left for the second time grasping at air as the ball sails over him and into the net.

There is barely time to kick off again before the referee ends the game. Shildon’s unbeaten start to the season is over and Marske have now won nine out of eleven, including this excellent scalp.

SHILDON V ALTRINCHAM

FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Dean Street is a regular haunt, but this is the first visit of the season for A Good Cup Run for game that will test Shildon’s unbeaten start to the season. That run includes three FA Cup wins to get to this second qualifying round and a tie against opponents from a couple of steps up the pyramid. Altrincham are in the Northern Premier League Premier Division in which they hope to halt the slide after two relegations in two years.

It is a cool day at Dean Street, but dry, and the lack of a turnstile queue at 2:55 indicates fewer spectators than expected for the potential giant-killing occasion (maybe the higher Cup prices – a fiver for me – put off a few regulars); as a bonus the final dog-eared programme is available to be snapped up for £2. Then it is straight into the game, Shildon in their red with white diagonal sash, Alty in a fetching away kit of all purple.

Shildon start at a high tempo and press high while Altrincham fail to settle, so for the first quarter hour it is even, if uneventful. But then Shildon’s intensity drops and Alty are able to exert their class, taking up residence in their opponents’ half. Shildon are defending resolutely, if deep, and are able to restrict Alty to some long range shots.

Mind you these are worrying for the home fans as twice keeper Nick Liversedge has to save well and once watch the ball skim across his goal past the far post, all three shots from the impressive John Johnston.

The home side find it difficult to get out of defence; the lone striker Billy Greulich-Smith is generally isolated and unable to do much unaided. The occasional free kick provides what opportunities there are, and from one Greulich-Smith does plant a header into keeper Anthony Thompson’s hands.

Altrincham’s free kicks at the other end are closer in and twice the Shildon wall has to stand firm as the ball is crashed into it at pace. The relentless pressure is only relieved rarely, though Greulich-Smith does get free once to force a save from Thompson. Alty continue to dominate but it remains goalless at half time, which will do Shildon nicely.

In the second half Shildon’s attempt to repeat their good start to the game lasts nowhere near as long. After just four minutes Johnston is back taking aim and another fierce shot rains in, beating Liversedge but rippling only the outside of the net. Minutes later Josh Hancock’s shot does require blocking and the keeper completes a double save by stopping the follow up shot as well.

It seems to be a matter of time before a goal goes in, but Shildon player-manager Bobby Moore brings on Adam Burnicle for Jack Taylor; the substitute goes up front with Greulich-Smith dropping back to wide midfield, allowing the skilful Anthony Peacock a more central role. The change works wonders and Shildon start to have a say in the game.

A corner is won, taken, and the ball ends up in the Altrincham net; however the referee rules dark arts were at work and disallows the goal. But it does serve to buoy up the home team and the last twenty minutes of the game are quite even as the visitors drop off their game, possibly unconsciously settling for a replay.

And that looks likely until with five minutes left Burnicle, not for the first time, bustles his way through a couple of defenders and into the box. He seems to beat the last defender and then shoot powerfully but wide – but instead of a goalkick the referee points to the penalty spot - it transpires handball was involved. For good measure he dismisses an Altrincham defender, whether for the offence itself or the protests that followed is unclear.

Greulich-Smith steps up to take the penalty; he hits it low but too close to Thompson who parries. There is a slow motion moment as the ball rises and all wait to see who will get to it first. It is Shildon’s late substitute Cameron Fenton, and he nods the ball over the prostrate and unfortunate Thompson into the vacant net.

Altrincham roar into action from the restart, but Shildon’s defence continues to prove impenetrable and when a late free kick is saved by Liversedge and headed clear by a defender it is all over.

Shildon have not only preserved their unbeaten start but have saved themselves a midweek trip to Cheshire and secured a place in the draw for the next round. If Altrincham play as well as this most weeks they will win, provided they are not up against teams that defend to the last man as well as Shildon.

SEAHAM RED STAR v ALBION SPORTS

FA Vase 1^st Qualifying Round 

This week’s trip to the seaside is to Seaham on the Durham coast to see Red Star take on Albion Sports in the FA Vase first qualifying round. One of the attractions of the Vase (and Cup) is the inter-league ties thrown up; here the Northern Division 1 against the Northern Counties East Premier Division (both step five of the pyramid).

It has been a couple of years since A Good Cup Run was last at Seaham Town Park but the ground remains neat and tidy with a pleasant open aspect and its quirky blue-roofed pavilion-like clubhouse and changing rooms. The flat green pitch has small covered stands on each touchline where spectators can both sit or stand; behind the couple of steps of concrete perimeter terracing there are grassy verges and in places a fine laurel hedge.

Today started showery but the weather looks set fair for the game as the teams line up, Seaham appropriately in mainly red and the visitors from Bradford in yellow and blue. Both are mid-table in their leagues, Seaham top half against Albion’s bottom half, but the visitors are still in the FA Cup unlike their hosts who went out at the first hurdle.

Red Star get on top in the first half and put the Albion goal under threat with a header from Liam McBryde straight into Jake Lofthouse’s waiting arms, and a long range shot from Aaron Croft that the keeper chooses to punch clear despite the ball being at ankle level. McBryde’s next header is better placed and beats Lofthouse, but not the foot of the post, which it hits and stays out.

Albion’s efforts to get the ball forward are ineffective as the front three seem lightweight and can’t hold on to the ball. No goals at half time but advantage Red Star.

That advantage seems to dissipate over the interval. Red Star lose their rhythm and Albion are showing better form. Right winger Lamin Janneh who was in the full back’s pocket in the first half is suddenly producing danger. He works in off the wing to produce a shot that’s on target but deflected wide for a corner; the corner kick itself lands on the bar. Janneh then produces a great cross from the right that Alex Cusack volleys over from six yards out.

Red Star still have a share of the game and a killing right wing cross needs only the chest of McBryde to force it into the goal off the underside of the bar. The loss of a goal stuns Albion and they nearly lose another when Andy Johnston fires in a long range shot that Lofthouse does well to save. He saves a similar effort from Robbie Bird then tips an angled drive from the same player onto the angle of post and bar.

But it stays 1 – 0 into the last five minutes and Albion press hard, coming close when a shot from Cusack is deflected narrowly wide. They are leaving themselves exposed at the back though, and a long Seaham clearance gives substitute Ash Davis the chance to outmuscle his lone marker, race through on goal and beat the keeper with a cool finish.

That’s in the final scheduled minute making the added time less tense than it would have been and the game ends at two nil.

                       

The final score would have been a fair reflection of the first half, and though Albion played better in the second half they still had to rely overmuch on their goalkeeper. They can get back to the FA Cup next week but as far as the Vase is concerned, it is Seaham Red Star who progress.

SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC V WORKINGTON

FA Cup 1^st Qualifying Round

Another previously unvisited ground hosts A Good Cup Run this week, the Flamingo Land Stadium, Scarborough where the ‘Sea Dogs’ will take on Workington. It’s all-NPL, Division 1 North v Premier Division, and hopefully home advantage will offset league status to give a good even game. This is the first season back in town for Boro after a decade in exile at Bridlington, so fan interest is high and there’s a crowd of about 800.

The new home has a 3G pitch, glowing green in the sunshine and new enough for puffs of black rubber granules to explode from every bounce of the ball. As for the ground, there is an elevated grandstand along one touchline, a covered terrace behind one goal, and low level standing elsewhere, at least for paying customers – others could join the donkeys on the field rising up the hillside opposite the main stand.

Both teams make a lively start. Workington have the ball in the net following a long throw, but it’s ruled offside and then Scarborough begin to pepper their opponent’s goal with shots from Billy Logan (just wide) and Luke Dean (well saved at the top corner) and a threatening run by Max Wright that ends with a hefty challenge in the box ruled just legal by the referee.

The attempts at the other end, a shot from Scott Allison and a header from Connor Tinnion, produce no more than regulation saves from Tom Taylor in goal. His opposite number Aaran Taylor remains the busiest keeper up to half time, pulling off another good save or two and ensuring it remains goalless at the break.

But not long beyond. Two minutes after the restart Scarborough’s Nathan Valentine gets himself behind the Workington back line and has the coolness to sidefoot past the keeper; Aaron Taylor still gets a hand on the ball but can’t prevent its progress into goal.

Scarborough don’t sit back, their natural game seems to be to win the ball and go forward quickly. A header by centre half Matty Turnbull, up for free kick, and a shot from Valentine are on target but easily saved; a cross shot from left back Dave Merris is more problematic but results in no more than a corner kick.

That is Scarborough’s high point as Workington increasingly come into the game late on. It is a close call when, from one of their corner kicks, a header hits the underside of the bar and bounces on, or near, or over the goal line. The assistant referee is confident that it’s no goal so play just goes on despite Workington appeals.

A rare break for Scarborough sees substitute Emile Sinclair get to a through ball ahead of the advancing keeper, but his lob finds only the base of the post and rebounds to safety. Otherwise it is relentless Workington pressure with keeper Taylor joining the attack for late corners and free kicks.

When a final free kick is headed wide the referee blows up to finish a good cup tie that was more entertaining than the scoreline may suggest. The one Scarborough goal settled it, seeing the Step four club through to the next round at the expense of their step 3 visitors. 

THORNABY V ALNWICK TOWN

It is a warm and sunny day for my first ever trip to Thornaby FC’s ground and following a helpful sign on Acklam Road brings me down an unpromising pot-holed track for about half a mile to the car park. Five pounds gets me a concessionary entry, a programme and a ticket for the half time raffle (always worth a punt when the attendance is expected to be small) provided by a couple of polite and very welcoming officials.

Inside, the initial impressions of Teesdale Park are favourable. Importantly the pitch looks well grassed and flat. Trees surround the ground belying its urban location; tucked between the golf course and the cemetery it seems positively rural. There is a seated stand in front of the changing rooms and an open air bank of seats behind one goal; cover for standing is a tin shed behind the other goal and, on the half way line, a recycled bus shelter that could hold about ten spectators or about fifteen close friends. Behind that is a grassy bank that runs the length of the touchline.

The game commences a touch early by my watch. Thornaby play in blue with white shoulders while Alnwick are in what looks like a change strip of orange. Most of the early action is in the Alnwick half with Thornaby trying to play a neat passing game. Even when they lose the ball their opponents quickly give it back so the pressure grows.

With sixteen minutes gone Thornaby’s Joe Hillerby shoots from twenty five yards, beating the diving keeper but not the foot of the post, however Lewis Murphy has followed up and with the keeper still on the deck is able to knock the rebound into the net. It is a deserved lead and more chances come, either wasted or foiled by the keeper, Ian Todd, who looks a capable shot stopper and confident puncher of crosses.

As half time approaches Alnwick will happily settle to go in just the one down, but right at the death they get a corner and the big centre half Tom McPherson thumps a header against the bar to give Thornaby a fright and emphasising their need for a second goal to cement their dominance.

Half time gives a chance for a further stroll round the ground, calling at the refreshment hut for a decent cup of tea.

In the second half Alnwick are making a better fist if it. Within five minutes they win a free kick way out on the left and when it is swung high beyond the far post Joshua Hay is unmarked and free to loops a header back over the keeper and into the far corner of the net.

All square on the scoresheet and the game more even on the field. If anything it is against the run of play when, midway through the half, Thornaby score next. Having won possession down the left wing the ball is worked inside to give Daniel Chapman the chance, which he takes calmly, to sidefoot home.

It’s a blow to Alnwick and their frustration is starting to show in relations with both the officials and each other; Thornaby respond to the raised temperature and the game gets quite competitive.

With ten minutes to go Alnwick, who have had the better of the second half, swing in a corner kick. It leads to a scramble in the six yard box, with the keeper at one point sat on the ball but unable to get his hands on it. The centre half’s attempts to help out with some intricate ball control while facing his own goal is rudely interrupted by Hay who has the simpler job of just forcing the ball the two yards over the line for the equaliser.

In the last five minutes it is anyone’s game. Two Alnwick penalty shouts (both weak) and several Thornaby corners fail to produce a winner, so it ends in what was an increasingly entertaining 2–2 draw.

GUISBOROUGH TOWN V SHILDON

FA Cup Preliminary Round

We start the FA Cup run a round late, and today's opponents have already registered wins in the extra preliminary round, Guisborough disposing of Stockton Town and Shildon getting through a tricky tie against Morpeth. Last season’s form places the visitors as favourites as they finished fourth in the Northern League Division 1 whereas the home team escaped relegation on a technicality.

The King George V ground is looking its usual splendid self in the sunshine, tree-lined and nestling under the Cleveland Hills. There has been a bit of churn in the Guisborough playing staff since my last visit but the Shildon side is full of familiar faces, with even the newly signed Anthony Peacock no stranger. What is unfamiliar is Shildon’s away kit of deep purple with lime green trim.

Guisborough’s kick off is novel as they simply boot the ball over the Shildon dead ball line, opting for territory rather than possession. Shildon accept the gift and work their way upfield patiently, but then the ball is cleared long and Guisborough centre forward Mason McNeil out-muscles defender Kyle May to get a run on goal that he completes by blazing a shot high and wide. The warning is unheeded by Shildon and minutes later another long ball, this one well directed inside full back Marc Ellison, opens up a similar path to goal for winger Steven Roberts. He takes a better route and smacks the ball high into the net giving keeper Nick Liversedge no chance.

The home team's early lead (three minutes only gone) doesn’t have time to affect the game as Shildon’s first corner kick, three minutes later is headed unchallenged into goal by Kyle May. What does affect the game midway through the half is a reckless challenge by Guisborough’s Dylan McAvoy that is given a straight red card.

Shildon’s passing game now becomes even easier to execute. Guisborough’s out ball is now one-dimensional to McNeil, as Roberts, much to Ellison’s relief, has to tuck back into midfield. Nevertheless Guisborough hold out to half time with no further damage.

The second half starts with even more fireworks than the first. After a couple of minutes Ellison pushes forward down Shildon’s left and crosses deep. Centre forward Micky Rae decides against a first time volley and instead brings the ball under control before shooting from close range. In truth he scuffs it a bit but hard enough for it to bobble in for a goal. The bad start to the half gets worse when minutes later a ball over the Guisborough defence is brought down by Rae. Instead of making for the goal he pauses to look up as the defenders regroup then, taking the time he is given he unleashes a fierce 25 yard drive that keeper Jordan Nixon gets a hand on but to no effect, the ball continuing its arc into the net.

The defence are shell shocked and a minute later have not recovered when Billy Greulich-Smith (on as a second half Shildon substitute) is given too much time on the right to cross precisely to Adam Burnicle on the penalty spot, from where the latter curls a shot high into the goal.

Three goals in five second half minutes have killed the game, remembering that Guisborough are also a man light. It is another ten minutes before Shildon score again; a through ball enables Peacock to run from deep through a vacant central corridor to skilfully chip the ball over the advancing Nixon and score the fifth goal.

From then on it is a training match. Shildon bring on a couple of youngsters off the bench and Guisborough, to their credit, make the odd excursion into the Shildon penalty area without really threatening. No further goals accrue and it is Shildon who progress to the first qualifying round.

BISHOP AUCKLAND V ASHINGTON

Northern League Division 1

An ill judged holiday booking led to this late start for the new season. And at Bishop Auckland I have already missed one manager’s term of office. Having shipped fifteen goals in the first three games (scoring eight) an interim management team is in place pending recruitment, and they will hope to at least stabilise the ship.

Heritage Park is looking good, the Darlington seating behind one goal remains in place despite their tenants moving out, but there is one change – the dug outs have switched touchlines to a more natural place in front of the grandstand, either side of the layers tunnel. And tonight’s dug out is graced by an England international, albeit at cricket, with big Steve Harmison still in charge at Ashington, and the team sheet includes his two brothers, equally big, Ben up front and James at the back.

The first half is competitive with both teams playing a controlled game without penetrating over much. Bishop’s only threat comes from full back Michael Hoganson’s wind assisted free kicks, three of them hit the target but keeper Connor Grant beats each of them out. For Ashington, Ben Harmison ploughs a lone and mainly fruitless farrow but an error by Luke Gilhespy gives him one chance which he fluffs embarrassingly.

The pattern of the first half continues after the break. Now Ashington has the breeze behind and it is Kyle Downey’s free kick from well out that needs saving. As time presses the game loosens up, and a Bishop Auckland free kick into the box ping-pongs around before being cleared off the line.

Then, in the ninetieth minute, the home side over-commit and are caught out by a break down the Ashington left. The three to one advantage is well worked and delivers the ball to Ben Harmison in front of an open goal, and this time there is no mistake and the tap in is enough to win the game.

NON-LEAGUE FINALS DAY - WEMBLEY

The day is fine and the scene set for the double-header of FA Vase and FA Trophy finals. Arriving at eleven thirty by way of the train from Aylesbury, having stayed overnight near Dunstable, there is time for a quick circuit of the stadium. It is impressively monolithic with its high arch, bases now scuffed by the feet of those who see them as a challenge.

Still before noon, the inside of the vast bowl is mainly empty with the red seats and green grass gleaming in the sunshine. There are separate areas allocated for fans of the four teams involved, as well as a neutral zone for those just out for a day’s football, good value at £25 for the day. There is a single programme (at £5) which is reversible, opening from either end to showcase each game.

Kick offs are scheduled for twelve fifteen and four fifteen. Game on.

CLEETHORPES TOWN V SOUTH SHIELDS

FA Vase Final 

The first of the finals is the Vase, with Cleethorpes Town, winners of the Northern Counties East League taking on Northern League champions South Shields. By kick off the South Shields section of the ground is rapidly filling and extends into the third tier with a few fans up in the gods; the Cleethorpes section is also well-populated but takes up less space and so far only a few fans of the Trophy finalists have taken the opportunity of seeing the extra game.

South Shields must be favourites. Apart from their Northern League pedigree (the league has provided seven of the last eight winners) they have already won two local cup finals and their league win included a run of thirty-two consecutive victories. But Cleethorpes are not just here to make up the numbers; they are a club on the up with a move to a new ground in the offing.

We get the national anthem with the teams lined up, South Shields in maroon and light blue, Cleethorpes in dark blue and black stripes. Then the game gets under way.

South Shields settle in quickly and prompted by star man Arca in midfield push their opponents back in their own half. A header wide and a good move between Cogden and Stephenson doesn’t bode well for Cleethorpes, but they weather the storm and after twenty minutes their front man Robertson finds enough space to get a shot on target that keeper Connell saves. Soon the ball is back in the South Shields box, finding centre forward Cooper, but he can’t sort his feet out in time to do any damage.

Going the other way, Cogden continues to be busy harassing the Cleethorpes defence as well as darting hither and thither looking for space. He frees up a teammate on the left whose shot is blocked by keeper Higton, conceding a corner. Two more corners follow rapidly and from the third the ball comes out to Phillips who hits a rising shot over the bar. Phillips is having more of an impact when he carries the ball with speed and step-overs, often before crossing dangerously.

With half time approaching Cogden again runs at speed into the box and this time is brought down for a penalty; Finnigan steps up and calmly rolls the ball into the goal leaving the wrong-footed keeper sat down. It’s timely for South Shields whose dominance had lacked reward till then; and a disappointment for Cleethorpes whose plucky defending nearly got them to half time on level terms.

It is nearly a double whammy as there is still time for Cogden again to weave into the box and shoot powerfully. Higton does brilliantly to get a hand on the shot and deflect it onto the post, then bar; the ball rebounds to Cogden but his header goes wide of the other post.

The second half starts as the first did with South Shields in charge. A Foley shot is tipped over the bar and one from Cogden is saved. Again Cleethorpes survive and up front Cooper and Robertson make the best of scraps of possession. They almost get through on goal but a last ditch South Shields challenge deflects the attempt for a corner. From a later corner Connell fumbles a catch but his defenders clear before damage is done. It looks like one goal may not be enough, though several Cleethorpes players are exhibiting signs of cramp and fatigue.

South Shields redouble their attacking efforts with shots on target from Foley and, on as substitutes, Richardson and Briggs. With ten minutes left they win a free kick just outside the box and with most expecting a shot, Briggs instead curls an in-swinging cross to the far post where centre half Morse rises to head firmly goal-wards. Although Higton gets something on the close-range effort he cannot prevent the ball entering the net.

Cleethorpes visibly sag as hope evaporates; in contrast Shields get a boost. With full time minutes away Richardson slides a through ball to Foley; he’s forty yards from goal but runs confidently up to the keeper before slotting the ball home for the third goal. Barely a minute later Foley again has the ball at his feet and this time cuts inside and unleashes an unstoppable drive into the corner of the net for a fourth.

The referee stops the contest after a couple of added minutes. The two late goals have put a gloss on South Shields’ win, which nevertheless was well earned. The four nil score line is harsh on Cleethorpes, though their keeper had been worked hard throughout.

After much milling about the teams wearily climb the steps up to the royal box to receive medals and in South Shields’ case the Vase itself, which they show at length to their joyous fans.

MACCLESFIELD TOWN V YORK CITY

FA Trophy Final 

After the Vase, and an hour and a half in the ‘fan zone’ where food, drink and Premiership football on big TVs help to pass the time, it is time for the Trophy. Most of the South Shields and Cleethorpes fans have departed, their absence more than compensated by the arrival of the followers of the better supported National League teams. Another national anthem is sung as Macclesfield Town in blue and York City in red line up; then they shake hands and get down to business.

Macclesfield show early composure and Holroyd puts a header wide before York respond with an attack down the left. A cross comes in and veteran centre forward Parkin’s deft glancing header is sufficient to beat the keeper and find the net for a seventh minute lead.

Macclesfield respond with vigour. A low corner is met by James but the shot is saved; another corner minutes later finds its way to Browne who drills a shot through the keeper’s legs to equalise the score, the lead having lasted just five minutes. The Silkmen don’t rest on their laurels but continue to press. Holroyd finds space in the box but hooks his shot too high.

York have less possession but their front men’s pace seems to pose problems for the Macclesfield defence. On twenty minutes a Newton diagonal cross from the left eludes all except Oliver, who has used his speed to reach the ball and at full stretch squeezes it over the line despite the keeper’s efforts.

Once more Macclesfield shrug off the setback and go about their patient game. On the half hour Whitaker has a shot tipped over the bar then five minutes later a mazy run from Browne across the six yard line opens up the goal for him, but he skews his shot high and wide. Well into the added two minutes Norburn advances with the ball a good thirty five yards out and hammers a screaming shot that enter the net above the keeper’s head before the custodian can even react.

We are back level at the end of a first half that has flown by.

The first chance of the second half comes when a Macclesfield clearance hits Oliver and bounces just wide of the goal. Macclesfield’s efforts are more intentional with the ever dangerous Browne and Whitaker both having shots, one saved and one just wide. York respond with a swivel and shot from Parkin.

With twenty minutes left Macclesfield’s James has a volley on target that beats the keeper but is headed off the line by a defender. The countdown to extra time has reached to ten minutes when, for York, Parkin battles through a couple of tackles. His shot is blocked by defenders but the ball balloons up and is on its way into goal when substitute Connolly makes sure it gets there by volleying home from inches.

York stay admirably composed and play on the front foot for the remaining minutes, even coming close to scoring when Parkin’s late deft lob lands on the roof of the net. Macclesfield fail to find a third equaliser and it is the York fans who celebrate the win when full time is blown; those of us wanting to get home before midnight celebrate that there is no need for extra time.

SPENNYMOOR TOWN V STOURBRIDGE

Northern Premier League Premier Division Play-off Final

The snow has cleared to give a cool, still day for the play-off decider for promotion to the National League North and appropriately enough it is the second and third teams who will contest it. At twenty to three there is a good crowd in already including a sizeable contingent up from the West Midlands. There are no programmes left and the pies could be in scarce supply by half time.

Both teams are in stripes today with Spennymoor in black and white, and Stourbridge in red and white; and black and white will play down the slope in the first half.

They look to take immediate advantage, pinning the visitors back and forcing a couple of early free kicks. Then a good Mason cross is hooked over the bar by centre forward Taylor. Taylor is soon back in action as he gathers the ball outside the box; the defence stand off him so he shoots low but narrowly wide. Two minutes later the same player is put through and this time his shot is on target, but Stourbridge keeper Gould dives low to tip it round the post.

The half threatens to become a duel between Taylor and Gould as next a header is tipped over the bar conceding the first of three successive corners. From one a Taylor header is planted firmly into Gould’s chest.

It is all Spennymoor at this stage and midfielder Henry wins a free kick twenty five yards out. Griffiths tries to reprise his semi-final goal but this time the wall does a good job. Relief is short lived as not long after, centre half Curtis threads a fine ball forward to feed Ramshaw’s diagonal run. Ramshaw controls it well, with a hint of an unintentional handball, and volleys superbly past the, this time, helpless Gould. Stourbridge fans and players protest loud and long but the referee is happy with the goal (Spennymoor fans and players are ecstatic) and it stands. There was some fortune in the control but a lot of skill in the finish, and the lead is well deserved on pressure alone.

Stourbridge try to respond but the only danger presented is from long throws by Tonks, and these are generally well defended by the likes of Curtis and Tait.

There is still time before the break for Taylor and Gould to resume hostilities. A shot (when team mates were better placed) is saved then the two clash in an aerial battle that leaves both on the ground but the keeper the worse for wear. He is awarded a free kick in sympathy.

The one nil score at half time undervalues Spennymoor’s dominance – downhill at least; will they be able to produce the same high energy game going up the slope?

Stourbridge’s second half tactics soon become apparent as they pepper the Spennymoor back four with long balls. From one, goalkeeper Lawson has to rush to block centre forward Benbow’s effort with his chest; from the rebound Benbow turns and with back to goal sends an overhead kick just wide. Minutes later Tonks fires a shot over, and Spennymoor’s lead suddenly looks fragile.

Spennymoor try to counter attack; Ramshaw gets behind the defence but his cross is blocked and Henry shoots wide from good position.

But the wind is in Stourbridge’s sails. The long balls are troublesome and often lead to corners or those problematic long throws – not always high, sometimes hurled low to the feet of the busy Benbow. A shot from Broadhurst goes wide and substitute Jones makes inroads on the left only for Lowson to grab the loose ball.

Slowly Spennymoor weather the Stourbridge storm and regain a measure of control. Once more a Taylor header is saved by keeper, and the keeper does even better minutes later saving another from point blank range when it looked impossible to prevent Taylor scoring.

Into the last five minutes and the home team (and crowd) get nervy as Stourbridge bring on a final substitute, who isn’t the kitchen sink but may well have been as they throw everything else at Spennymoor; particularly Tonks whose arms must be aching by now.

Free kicks are conceded and from one thirty yards out Benbow fires low round the wall; Lowson, belying his chunky stature, flies to his left to palm the ball round the post. Minutes later another shot seems goal bound but this time the keeper goes full length to his right to push it out for a corner. He then continues his Superman impression by getting a good fist to the ensuing corner.

At the end of five minutes added time it is he around whom the relieved team gather to celebrate the win that was hard fought and just about deserved. Also celebrating by invading the pitch are scores of, mainly young, fans and there is a few moments of ugly posturing before good nature is restored and the PA’s call to show appreciation to the visiting fans is heeded with applause and an exchange of handshakes.

So Spennymoor go up and the Brewery Field will host some big names next season; however today’s bumper crowd of 1,699 was accommodated easily enough and I for one will be happy to return to see some of them.

SPENNYMOOR TOWN V NANTWICH TOWN

Northern Premier League Premier Division Play-off Semi-final 

The April showers are being delivered from the Arctic tonight, so although the walk from the car to the ground was in sunshine, as kick-off approaches at Brewery Field the clouds are grey overhead and a mixture of rain, hail and snow is falling. The spectators are gathered either in the seated grandstand or (with me) in the commodious covered terrace that runs the whole width of the pitch behind one goal.

Not a night for a drive over the Pennines, but Nantwich Town, finishing fifth, get no option as Spennymoor reap the benefit of their runners up spot in this play-off semi-final. However the league encounters between the two clubs produced a 1-1 draw here and a 2-1 home win in Cheshire so it will be tight and extra time and penalties may be needed.

Nantwich, in emerald green, seem to win the toss as they start uphill, conceding kick-off to the magpie striped Spennymoor. Downhill is toward the covered terrace so we get a good view of the early action as Johnson and Taylor combine well in attack, both getting shots away. Keeper Gyollai fields one straight at him and also deals well with a cross. When Tait, marauding from the back, is up-ended thirty-five yards out, Gyollai can get nowhere near Griffiths’ free kick, but the ball ripples the outside rather than the inside of the net.

By now the sun is back out, low in the sky and potentially problematic for Spennymoor keeper Lowson; but Nantwich struggle to get within range. A free kick does cause a bit of a scramble in the home box before a clearance is effected; however the respite is temporary as a Nantwich corner comes out to captain Hall who leathers a rising pile driver just over the bar.

Moors respond with another good turn and shot from Taylor. The clouds are back and a heavy squall provides the answer to the perennial question of how many visiting fans can stand under the tree at the away end – answer: all of them. The rain continues into half time and even the substitutes’ head for the dressing room, sparing us their usual desultory kick-about.

Spennymoor had the balance of play in the goal-less half, but defences generally were on top with neither keeper unduly exerted. Nantwich will have the slope in the second period, but the wind (and rain) is blowing the opposite way.

Again Spennymoor start positively with Ramshaw and Armstrong getting beyond the back line, but Gyollai is a commanding presence in the goal area. He is called into action again tipping a fierce shot from Chandler over the bar.

Nantwich get an occasional break and in one Hancock shows good skill to evade his marker for once, but his cross is headed wide by Harrison.

Twenty minutes into the half Ramshaw sets off on another mazy run from deep and is fouled just as he releases a pass on the edge of the box. There is no advantage, so a free kick is awarded and Griffiths lines it up again. His shot is low and under the jumping defensive wall; Gyollai flings himself full length but the shot is beyond his reach and just inside the post for the breakthrough goal.

Nantwich respond by taking off centre forward Mukendi whose extreme height has proved no advantage over the equally tall, and considerably wider, Curtis who has not given him a sniff of a chance all night. The substitute Mwasile is of a different build, small and nippy. The visitors are forced to be a bit more forward thinking that in turn gives Spennymoor opportunities to counter.

With ten minutes to go the speedy Johnson takes such an opportunity to slice through the Nantwich back line into the heart of the penalty area from where he coolly slots past the exposed Gyollai. The second goal should be a killer and his celebratory run proves his reputation as the quickest in the club – his team mates struggling to corral him for a congratulatory group hug.

Tails up, Spennymoor continue to press and Taylor has the ball in the net but from an offside position. The last knockings take place amid a positive snowstorm giving a festive air that the home fans don’t really need as they celebrate a hard earned win that gives them the chance, back here on Saturday, to clinch promotion.