Town back on the cup trail as Alnwick are sent packing

NORTHALLERTON TOWN 3 ALNWICK TOWN 0

TOWN'S defence of the Ernest Armsrong Trophy began with this comfortable victory over struggling Alnwick at the RGPS on Wednesday evening.

In a tie that had been postponed three times due to the bad weather, Town eased into the second round of the competition they won last season without ever having to find the form that had swept aside North Shields at the weekend.

As promisied, manager Mark Fanning made several changes to the side that had been so impressive three days earlier. Steve Craggs started in goal, while the back four showed three changes. Stu Dunn switched to right back, Jon Burton came in at left back, with Craig Winter and Ian Smurthwaite in the centre.

In midfield, Alex Caisley, Marcus Laing and James Bowman all retained their places, while Pete Bulmer replaced the rested Gav Parkin. The big news however, was in attack where Col Anderson returned after recently re-signing from Richmond to partner Carl Chillingsworth. That left Steve Butterworth, Mickey Dunwell and Grant Hickman on the bench.

On a heavy pitch, Town tried to get the ball down and play but it proved to be a tricky task and the game rarely sparked to life.

Of course in the cup the result is the only thing that matters and Fanning's side were given the boost of an early goal thanks to a fine header from Anderson - a great way to mark his return to the side. That settled any nerves and Bowman grabbed his second goal in three days, and third of season, just past the hour-hour mark.

With Alnwick struggling at the bottom of the league and missing several players, they rarely looked like finding a way back in to the tie and Caisley, Bulmer and Chillingsworth all had chances to increase the Town advantage.

There was one more goal to cheer the freezing crowd however, and it was a significant one. Having replaced Anderson fifteen minutes from time, Dunwell grabbed his first goal for the club eight minutes later to seal a second round meeting with Ryhope CW later this month.

Programme for this match is available here

TOWN - Craggs, Dunn, Burton, Winter, Burton, Bulmer, Laing, Caisley, Bowman, Anderson, Chillinsgworth. Subs - Butterworth, Dunwell, Hickman.

REFEREE: M.Carr

ATTENDANCE: 44