NORTHALLERTON TOWN 4 STOKESLEY SC 1
A MAGNIFICENT hat-trick from Adam Emson, his 28th, 29th and 30th goals of the season, ensured the Town revival continued with this comfortable victory over Stokesley SC on Saturday.
Town began the day on the back of a 3 match winning run and they dominated from start to finish without ever having to get out of second gear, although Emson's finishing was in a different class. His third goal in particular was a thing of real beauty, chipping the ball nonchalantly over Stokesley goalkeeper Thomas Laverick after leaving a trail of defenders in his wake.
Manager Mark Fanning made just one change to the side that had won 4-2 at Seaham last weekend - Steve Butterworth replacing the now departed Pete Bulmer on the right side of midfield.
The game had been in doubt right up until Saturday morning due to standing water on the pitch, but thanks to hard work of the ground staff it was deemed playable by referee Steven Watson, although it remained very heavy.
Town were on the front foot from the start and twice Butterworth came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening seven minutes. Firstly he fired over at the far post after a lovely cross-field ball from the impressive Ian Smurthwaite, before seeing a close range effort blocked by defender Phillip King.
But it should have been 1-0 in the 19th minute. Gav Parkin's corner from the left hit the top of the crossbar and fell invitingly to Emson at the far post, but with the goal gapping he somehow blasted over the top.
However, the leading scorer would more than make amends ten minutes later. A long ball from the back by Danny Shoulder found Emson on the halfway line and he easily beat his man before racing towards goal with the air of a man who was not going to miss. And as Laverick came out to narrow the angle, he coolly slotted the ball home from 18 yards.
The only danger going into half time was that Town had not managed to find a second goal. Grant Hickman saw an effort pushed onto the roof of the net by Laverick before Butterworth and Dunwell both came close.
Fanning had expressed on his troops during the interval just how vital it was to kill the game off and they came out for the second half looking determined to do just that. Emson was denied by Laverick at full stretch within four minutes of the restart, but it was 2-0 seven minutes later.
James Bowman, who was having another fine game down the left, burst into the penalty area, and when the ball broke to Mickey Dunwell, he showed great awareness to square for Emson to tap home.
Town could now relax and began to knock the ball round as well as was possible on the difficult surface. Dave Alderson nearly made it 3-0 after getting on the end of Emson's left-wing cross two minutes later, while Butterworth beat Laverick with a 20 yards chip only to see the ball land on top of the net.
But Emson completed his hat-trick twenty minutes from time to finally put the game to bed. Parkin's long ball sent him clear again and this time the former Stokesley man chipped the ball over the advancing Laverick from 12 yards - a great way to bring up 30 goals for the season.
The visitors did grab a consolation almost immediately with a fine strike from Greg Upton, much to the delight of his grandfather who was watching from the stands, but it was Town who had the final word soon after.
Parkin was again the creator with a lovely free kick to the far post where Bowman rose highest to nod his third goal in the last four matches.
"It was a very good three points," said Fanning at the whistle. "We controlled the game but I was a little concerned at half time that we had not got the second goal.
"It was comfortable in the end and with others around us dropping points it was a vital win."
Town now face Whickham twice in three days, first in the League Challenge Cup at the RGPS on Wednesday evening, before a trip north in the league next Saturday.
TOWN - Briggs, Alderson, Smurthwaite, Shoulder, Hickman, Parkin, Butterworth, Laing, Emson, Dunwell, Bowman. Subs - Dunn, Banks, Winter, Caisley, Anderson.
STOKESLEY SC - Laverick, Jones, Bivens, McManmus, King, Upton, Redman, Bradley, Hodgson, Bonner, Asanjo-Bravo. Subs - Porritt, Doherty, Kamara, Butterworth, Ballantyne.
REFEREE: S. Watson.
ATTENDANCE: 118
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Monday, 11 February 2013
Three wins in a week lift the gloom for Town
SEAHAM RED STAR 2 TOWN 4
TOWN ended a great week in fine style with this superb victory at third-placed Seaham Red Star on Saturday.
After a win over fellow-promotion rivals North Shields seven days earlier, Mark Fanning's side produced another performance of the highest quality to move within one point of the top three.
The Town manager again shuffled his pack, making seven changes to the side that had beaten Alnwick in the Ernest Armstrong Cup in midweek. The only players to retain their place in the starting XI were Ian Smurthwaite in defence along with Marcus Laing, Peter Bulmer and James Bowman in midfield.
But Seaham, who have been occupying the third promotion place since the turn of the year, started well and they were given the boost of an early goal. James Briggs did well to deny Sean Sweeney initially, but the Washington-born striker reacted quickly to force home the rebound with the match just nine minutes old.
And they very nearly doubled their lead two minutes later. A rare mistake at the back from Grant Hickman let in Peter Bryson but Briggs came to his rescue with a fine save.
That proved to be the turning point as Town scored twice in eight minutes to gain control. Adam Emson latched on to a weak back-pass from Carl Thorp in the 12th minute, and as he rounded Shaun Newbrook, the Seaham goalkeeper brought him down in the area. Danny Shoulder, who had scored from the spot against North Shields, made no mistake again to make it 1-1.
With Town now in the ascendancy, they grabbed the lead soon after. Mickey Dunwell did well to hold off two defenders before squaring the ball for Emson to finish from close range - his 27th goal of the season.
Fanning was forced to reshuffle when Bowman, who had scored in previous two matches, was forced off with a calf injury just prior to the half-hour mark so Steve Butterworth was brought in to the midfield.
But it was 3-1, two minutes before the break, and what a goal it was. The move actually started with a Seaham corner and when the ball was cleared to half way, Emson beat his man before running through to slot past Newbrook from 18 yards.
Emson was then inches away from grabbing a first half hat-trick when he beat Newbrook again but fired into the side-netting and that looked like being a crucial miss when the hosts pulled a goal back in controversial circumstances in first half stoppage time.
Alan Pegram appeared to be at least five yards offside when he ran through a static Town defence, but the linesmans flag stayed down and the former Hebburn Reyrolle midfielder rounded Briggs to slot home.
But Town did not let the apparent injustice affect them and they should have regained their two-goal cushion seven minutes after the resumption. Emson's cross from the left found Dunwell, and after his close range effort was somehow kept out by Newbrook, the former Billingham man fired over the top of a gaping goal.
It did not prove too costly however, as Emson was sent sprawling in the penalty area by Richard Stubbs five minutes later and Shoulder once again made no mistake from the spot.
Seaham were not out of it yet and Briggs needed to be at his best to deny substitute Channon North before Sweeney flashed a shot wide of the far post, but Town had chances to put the seal on the victory in the closing stages.
Newbrook denied Emson a hat-trick with a full-length save before making an even better stop to tip an effort from Butterworth over the top. Then, five minutes from time, Emson chipped the Seaham goalkeeper only to see the ball land agonisingly on top of the net.
"There was a real sense of injustice about the Seaham second goal on the stroke of half time," said Town assistant manager Martin Collins.
"The players attitude was great in the second half as they didn't allow this to affect them. The work rate all over the field was outstanding.
TOWN ended a great week in fine style with this superb victory at third-placed Seaham Red Star on Saturday.
After a win over fellow-promotion rivals North Shields seven days earlier, Mark Fanning's side produced another performance of the highest quality to move within one point of the top three.
The Town manager again shuffled his pack, making seven changes to the side that had beaten Alnwick in the Ernest Armstrong Cup in midweek. The only players to retain their place in the starting XI were Ian Smurthwaite in defence along with Marcus Laing, Peter Bulmer and James Bowman in midfield.
But Seaham, who have been occupying the third promotion place since the turn of the year, started well and they were given the boost of an early goal. James Briggs did well to deny Sean Sweeney initially, but the Washington-born striker reacted quickly to force home the rebound with the match just nine minutes old.
And they very nearly doubled their lead two minutes later. A rare mistake at the back from Grant Hickman let in Peter Bryson but Briggs came to his rescue with a fine save.
That proved to be the turning point as Town scored twice in eight minutes to gain control. Adam Emson latched on to a weak back-pass from Carl Thorp in the 12th minute, and as he rounded Shaun Newbrook, the Seaham goalkeeper brought him down in the area. Danny Shoulder, who had scored from the spot against North Shields, made no mistake again to make it 1-1.
With Town now in the ascendancy, they grabbed the lead soon after. Mickey Dunwell did well to hold off two defenders before squaring the ball for Emson to finish from close range - his 27th goal of the season.
Fanning was forced to reshuffle when Bowman, who had scored in previous two matches, was forced off with a calf injury just prior to the half-hour mark so Steve Butterworth was brought in to the midfield.
But it was 3-1, two minutes before the break, and what a goal it was. The move actually started with a Seaham corner and when the ball was cleared to half way, Emson beat his man before running through to slot past Newbrook from 18 yards.
Emson was then inches away from grabbing a first half hat-trick when he beat Newbrook again but fired into the side-netting and that looked like being a crucial miss when the hosts pulled a goal back in controversial circumstances in first half stoppage time.
Alan Pegram appeared to be at least five yards offside when he ran through a static Town defence, but the linesmans flag stayed down and the former Hebburn Reyrolle midfielder rounded Briggs to slot home.
But Town did not let the apparent injustice affect them and they should have regained their two-goal cushion seven minutes after the resumption. Emson's cross from the left found Dunwell, and after his close range effort was somehow kept out by Newbrook, the former Billingham man fired over the top of a gaping goal.
It did not prove too costly however, as Emson was sent sprawling in the penalty area by Richard Stubbs five minutes later and Shoulder once again made no mistake from the spot.
Seaham were not out of it yet and Briggs needed to be at his best to deny substitute Channon North before Sweeney flashed a shot wide of the far post, but Town had chances to put the seal on the victory in the closing stages.
Newbrook denied Emson a hat-trick with a full-length save before making an even better stop to tip an effort from Butterworth over the top. Then, five minutes from time, Emson chipped the Seaham goalkeeper only to see the ball land agonisingly on top of the net.
"There was a real sense of injustice about the Seaham second goal on the stroke of half time," said Town assistant manager Martin Collins.
"The players attitude was great in the second half as they didn't allow this to affect them. The work rate all over the field was outstanding.
"It was one of those days where you looked round the whole team and could say that everybody had a good game."
Town return to action with a League Challenge Cup tie at home to Whickham on Wednesday evening, a match in which Dunwell, Bulmer and Jon Burton are all cup-tied, before Stokesely SC are the visitors next Saturday.
TOWN - Briggs, Alderson, Smurthwaite, Hickman, Shoulder, Parkin, Laing, Bowman, Bulmer, Dunwell, Emson. Subs - Butterworth, Chillingsworth, Dunn, Winter, Anderson.
SEAHAM RED STAR - Newbrook, Stubbs, Stoyanov, Thorp, Scott, Goss, Pegram, Gordon, Catcheside, Bryson, Sweeney. Subs - North, Goodman, Kane.
REFEREE: D. Wylam
ATTENDANCE: 65
Thursday, 7 February 2013
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
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
Saturday, 2 February 2013
The boys Dun-Well as Shields are hit for five
NORTHALLERTON TOWN 5 NORTH SHIELDS 1
TOWN returned to winning ways with this magnificent five-goal salvo against in-form North Shields at the RGPS on Saturday.
The visitors arrived in North Yorkshire on the back of a 13 match unbeaten run, but it was blown away by a fired up Town as a brace from Adam Emson and further goals from James Bowman, Danny Shoulder and Steve Butterworth gave Mark Fanning's side a first win in eight.
"The break for bad weather has probably done us some good," said a delighted Fanning at the whistle. "We have spent time in the gym, played some five-a-side and even spent an hour in the boxing ring on Thursday.
"I felt we were not fit enough as a group but the lads have worked really hard and you could see the benefits today."
The Town starting XI showed four chances from the defeat at Esh Winning last time out, some enforced, others not. Carl Chillingsworth and Jon Burton were both unavailable so new signing Mickey Dunwell was brought in for his club debut up front while James Bowman was recalled to the left side of midfield.
Elsewhere Stu Dunn replaced Steve Banks at left back, while Alex Caisley was given a start in midfield in place of the transfer-listed Wayne Gredziak. Meanwhile, Steve Butterworth returned from injury to take his place on the bench alongside Ian Smurthwaite, Craig Winter Steve Craggs and Banks.
The extra fitness work looked to have paid off from the start as Town closed down their visitors quickly and worked hard to regain possession of the ball at every opportunity.
Dunwell nearly got off to a dream start in Town colours when he capitalised on a poor clearance from Sean McCafferty after just seven minutes, but the Shields goalkeeper made amends with a fine save down to his right.
The former Billingham striker then came even closer, eight minutes later. A lovely Town move saw Marcus Laing drill the ball across the six-yard box, but when Emson was denied by McCafferty, Dunwell was unable to force the ball home from close range.
But the goal the hosts had been threatening finally arrived mid-way through the first half. McCafferty mis-judged a corner from the right by Gav Parkin and Emson rose above a crowded six-yard box to nod into the empty net.
That lifted any tension and Town went on to produce the best football they have played all season in the remainder of the first half. They doubled their advantage just past the half-hour when Parkin played in Bowman down the left and he drilled a first-time shot beyond McCafferty from 12 yards.
It was a similar move which saw Town grab a third six minutes later. This time Parkin and Dunwell combined to give Bowman space through the centre and his perfectly weighted ball was dispatched by Emson for his 25th goal of the season.
Shields had rarely shown the form which had seem them fail to taste defeat since October, but they nearly gave themselves a lifeline when Paul Watson struck the underside of the crossbar with a 25-yard thunderbolt with the half time whistle just seconds away.
But Town continued their earlier dominance at the start of the second period. Twice Emson came close to completing his hat-trick within three minutes of the resumption - bringing a fine save from McCafferty in the 46th minute before firing narrowly over the top moments later.
Dave Alderson then had the opportunity to open his Town account when another set-piece delivery from Parkin found him at the far post, but with the angle tight, the former Norton defender blasted high, wide and anything but handsome.
However, Shields pulled a goal back on the hour with their first piece of real attacking quality. The impressive Dean Holmes beat the Town offside trap and rounded goalkeeper James Briggs before pulling the ball back for substitute Adam Rowntree to knock home via the left-hand upright.
It looked like being game on again when Caisley was dismissed twenty minutes from time for a desperate two-footed lunge on Dan Patterson, leaving Town down to ten-men, but Fanning's side dug deep and sealed the points seven minutes later.
Emson unselfishly squared the ball to Dunwell inside the area but as he rounded McCafferty, the Shields goalkeeper cynically brought him down and referee Jeff Marr had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The Town fans behind the goal were baying for him to produce a second red card too, but Shoulder extracted the ultimate revenge by sending McCafferty the wrong way from the spot.
All that was left now was for substitute Butterworth, who only just replaced Bowman, to celebrate his return from injury with a composed finish over McCafferty after a neat run into the area four minutes from time.
"Hopefully this result will get us up and running again," said Fanning. "We played some great stuff at times and the third goal, in particular, was a lovely move.
"I have no complaints about the red card. Ironically I was going to take Alex off a few minutes earlier as I felt he had given absolutely everything, and you could see that was the challenge of a tired player.
"But even with ten men we didn't panic and continued to play our football. Of course I am delighted but this is just the start. We need to produce performances like this consistently from now until the end of the season.
"I will make changes on Wednesday night to give some of these guys a rest and then we will go again."
With Gredziak now likely to leave the club, Fanning's forward options have been boosted by the return of Col Anderson, who has re-joined the club after a spell at Richmond, and he is expected to be in the squad for the Ernest Armstrong cup tie against Alnwick Town on Wednesday evening.
Programme from this match is here
TOWN - Briggs, Alderson, Dunn, Hickman, Shoulder, Caisley, Parkin, Laing, Bowman, Dunwell, Emson. Subs - Butterworth, Banks, Smurthwaite, Winter, Craggs.
NORTH SHIELDS - McCafferty, Elliott, Patterson, Richardson, Harmison, Atkinson, Wrightson, Watson, Nolan, Forster, Holmes. Subs - Hook, McKeown, Rowntree, Douglas, Robinson.
REFEREE: J. Marr
ATTENDANCE: 102
TOWN returned to winning ways with this magnificent five-goal salvo against in-form North Shields at the RGPS on Saturday.
The visitors arrived in North Yorkshire on the back of a 13 match unbeaten run, but it was blown away by a fired up Town as a brace from Adam Emson and further goals from James Bowman, Danny Shoulder and Steve Butterworth gave Mark Fanning's side a first win in eight.
"The break for bad weather has probably done us some good," said a delighted Fanning at the whistle. "We have spent time in the gym, played some five-a-side and even spent an hour in the boxing ring on Thursday.
"I felt we were not fit enough as a group but the lads have worked really hard and you could see the benefits today."
The Town starting XI showed four chances from the defeat at Esh Winning last time out, some enforced, others not. Carl Chillingsworth and Jon Burton were both unavailable so new signing Mickey Dunwell was brought in for his club debut up front while James Bowman was recalled to the left side of midfield.
Elsewhere Stu Dunn replaced Steve Banks at left back, while Alex Caisley was given a start in midfield in place of the transfer-listed Wayne Gredziak. Meanwhile, Steve Butterworth returned from injury to take his place on the bench alongside Ian Smurthwaite, Craig Winter Steve Craggs and Banks.
The extra fitness work looked to have paid off from the start as Town closed down their visitors quickly and worked hard to regain possession of the ball at every opportunity.
Dunwell nearly got off to a dream start in Town colours when he capitalised on a poor clearance from Sean McCafferty after just seven minutes, but the Shields goalkeeper made amends with a fine save down to his right.
The former Billingham striker then came even closer, eight minutes later. A lovely Town move saw Marcus Laing drill the ball across the six-yard box, but when Emson was denied by McCafferty, Dunwell was unable to force the ball home from close range.
But the goal the hosts had been threatening finally arrived mid-way through the first half. McCafferty mis-judged a corner from the right by Gav Parkin and Emson rose above a crowded six-yard box to nod into the empty net.
That lifted any tension and Town went on to produce the best football they have played all season in the remainder of the first half. They doubled their advantage just past the half-hour when Parkin played in Bowman down the left and he drilled a first-time shot beyond McCafferty from 12 yards.
It was a similar move which saw Town grab a third six minutes later. This time Parkin and Dunwell combined to give Bowman space through the centre and his perfectly weighted ball was dispatched by Emson for his 25th goal of the season.
Shields had rarely shown the form which had seem them fail to taste defeat since October, but they nearly gave themselves a lifeline when Paul Watson struck the underside of the crossbar with a 25-yard thunderbolt with the half time whistle just seconds away.
But Town continued their earlier dominance at the start of the second period. Twice Emson came close to completing his hat-trick within three minutes of the resumption - bringing a fine save from McCafferty in the 46th minute before firing narrowly over the top moments later.
Dave Alderson then had the opportunity to open his Town account when another set-piece delivery from Parkin found him at the far post, but with the angle tight, the former Norton defender blasted high, wide and anything but handsome.
However, Shields pulled a goal back on the hour with their first piece of real attacking quality. The impressive Dean Holmes beat the Town offside trap and rounded goalkeeper James Briggs before pulling the ball back for substitute Adam Rowntree to knock home via the left-hand upright.
It looked like being game on again when Caisley was dismissed twenty minutes from time for a desperate two-footed lunge on Dan Patterson, leaving Town down to ten-men, but Fanning's side dug deep and sealed the points seven minutes later.
Emson unselfishly squared the ball to Dunwell inside the area but as he rounded McCafferty, the Shields goalkeeper cynically brought him down and referee Jeff Marr had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The Town fans behind the goal were baying for him to produce a second red card too, but Shoulder extracted the ultimate revenge by sending McCafferty the wrong way from the spot.
All that was left now was for substitute Butterworth, who only just replaced Bowman, to celebrate his return from injury with a composed finish over McCafferty after a neat run into the area four minutes from time.
"Hopefully this result will get us up and running again," said Fanning. "We played some great stuff at times and the third goal, in particular, was a lovely move.
"I have no complaints about the red card. Ironically I was going to take Alex off a few minutes earlier as I felt he had given absolutely everything, and you could see that was the challenge of a tired player.
"But even with ten men we didn't panic and continued to play our football. Of course I am delighted but this is just the start. We need to produce performances like this consistently from now until the end of the season.
"I will make changes on Wednesday night to give some of these guys a rest and then we will go again."
With Gredziak now likely to leave the club, Fanning's forward options have been boosted by the return of Col Anderson, who has re-joined the club after a spell at Richmond, and he is expected to be in the squad for the Ernest Armstrong cup tie against Alnwick Town on Wednesday evening.
Programme from this match is here
TOWN - Briggs, Alderson, Dunn, Hickman, Shoulder, Caisley, Parkin, Laing, Bowman, Dunwell, Emson. Subs - Butterworth, Banks, Smurthwaite, Winter, Craggs.
NORTH SHIELDS - McCafferty, Elliott, Patterson, Richardson, Harmison, Atkinson, Wrightson, Watson, Nolan, Forster, Holmes. Subs - Hook, McKeown, Rowntree, Douglas, Robinson.
REFEREE: J. Marr
ATTENDANCE: 102
Saturday, 12 January 2013
Late rally not enough as Town slip up again
ESH WINNING 3 NORTHALLERTON TOWN 1
TOWN paid the price for a poor first half performance as they slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat at Esh Winning on Saturday.
A season that was promising so much in the autumn is now threatening to de-rail completely as the free-scoring forward line has suddenly seen the goals dry up making the defensive frailties all the more decisive.
But having found themselves 3-0 down early in the second half, Town at least showed the heart and spirit needed for the battles ahead with a strong rally that may well, on another day, have brought them a point.
However, manager Mark Fanning was not going to let that late flourish disguise another disappointing performance.
"We cannot expect to play for 30 minutes and win a game," he said. "We started reasonably brightly for 5 minutes or so but the next hour was just awful.
"If we had played all the game as we did the final half an hour we would have won, but teams like this will take advantage if you not at the races from the start and that is what happened."
Fanning made three changes to the side that had fought so bravely at York City in midweek. Out went James Bowman, Pete Bulmer and Ian Smurthwaite, with Adam Emson, Wayne Gredziak and Jon Burton all coming in.
After a bright start from Town, it was the hosts who soon began to get on top. They should have gone ahead after 15 minutes when the impressive Stuart Thompson brushed off three challenges and beat James Briggs from 18 yards, but Danny Shoulder got back just in time to make a dramatic goal-line clearance.
Darren Morton and Craig Coates then missed presentable opportunities for the hosts before Esh finally went in front ten minutes before the break. Kevin Hamilton whipped in a dangerous cross from the right and former Town striker Neil Campbell arrived to turn the ball home at the near post.
And even worse was to follow seven minutes later. Coates floated a harmless-looking ball into the Town penalty area and Darren Kokes somehow managed to squeeze it in at the near post.
It should have been 3-0 at the break too when Hamilton was given the freedom of the penalty area after he was not picked up at a corner, but Briggs denied him with a smart save down to his right.
The second half needed to be better but within five minutes of the restart Town found themselves 3-0 down. Kokes slipped in Coates down the right and after Briggs had saved his initial effort, the winger coolly slotted home the rebound to leave Town with a mountain to climb.
But they say you find out more about a team in adversity, and if that is true then perhaps the future is not as bad as it may appear.
With everything going against them, Town rolled up their sleeves and finally showed the fighting spirit so badly lacking up until then. With 35 minutes still to play they gave themselves a lifeline when Emson was released down the left by Gav Parkin and he raced past full back Adam Ward before crossing low for Carl Chillingsworth to turn home from close range.
It was all one-way traffic now as Town had the hosts pinned back for long spells. Chillingsworth should have made it 3-2 with twenty-five minutes remaining after another superb left-wing cross from Emson, but with the goal gaping he could only head over the top.
Emson did have the ball in the net soon after, after a lovely flick from Chillingsworth, but the linesman on the near side had already raised his flag for offside even though it looked a close call.
Burton then tested Esh 'keeper Thomas Courtney with a 25 yard free kick before the former Whitby stopper did well to deny both David Alderson and Emson in the closing stages.
Newly appointed player-coach Craig Winter said: "We need to get back to basics. This is the same team who were brushing everyone aside a few weeks ago and we need to get that back.
"We look a pale shadow of our best at the moment but we still have the quality. We just need to work harder as a team and the results will come."
Town now face Whickham in the Brooks Mileson League Cup at the RGPS on Wednesday evening before a league meeting with bottom side Alnwick Town next Saturday. Failure to pick up three points then is really not an option.
ESH WINNING - Courtney, Ward, Thompson, Morton, Garthwaite, Newby, Hamilton, Halliday, Campbell, Kokes, Coates. Subs - Davies, Brazauskis, Atkinson, Ferguson, Phillipson.
TOWN - Briggs, Alderson, Banks, Shoulder, Hickman, Parkin, Burton, Laing, Chillingsworth, Emson, Gredziak. Subs - Dunn, Smurthwaite, Bowman, Caisley.
REFEREE: G. McMullan.
ATTENDANCE: 42
TOWN paid the price for a poor first half performance as they slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat at Esh Winning on Saturday.
A season that was promising so much in the autumn is now threatening to de-rail completely as the free-scoring forward line has suddenly seen the goals dry up making the defensive frailties all the more decisive.
But having found themselves 3-0 down early in the second half, Town at least showed the heart and spirit needed for the battles ahead with a strong rally that may well, on another day, have brought them a point.
However, manager Mark Fanning was not going to let that late flourish disguise another disappointing performance.
"We cannot expect to play for 30 minutes and win a game," he said. "We started reasonably brightly for 5 minutes or so but the next hour was just awful.
"If we had played all the game as we did the final half an hour we would have won, but teams like this will take advantage if you not at the races from the start and that is what happened."
Fanning made three changes to the side that had fought so bravely at York City in midweek. Out went James Bowman, Pete Bulmer and Ian Smurthwaite, with Adam Emson, Wayne Gredziak and Jon Burton all coming in.
After a bright start from Town, it was the hosts who soon began to get on top. They should have gone ahead after 15 minutes when the impressive Stuart Thompson brushed off three challenges and beat James Briggs from 18 yards, but Danny Shoulder got back just in time to make a dramatic goal-line clearance.
Darren Morton and Craig Coates then missed presentable opportunities for the hosts before Esh finally went in front ten minutes before the break. Kevin Hamilton whipped in a dangerous cross from the right and former Town striker Neil Campbell arrived to turn the ball home at the near post.
And even worse was to follow seven minutes later. Coates floated a harmless-looking ball into the Town penalty area and Darren Kokes somehow managed to squeeze it in at the near post.
It should have been 3-0 at the break too when Hamilton was given the freedom of the penalty area after he was not picked up at a corner, but Briggs denied him with a smart save down to his right.
The second half needed to be better but within five minutes of the restart Town found themselves 3-0 down. Kokes slipped in Coates down the right and after Briggs had saved his initial effort, the winger coolly slotted home the rebound to leave Town with a mountain to climb.
But they say you find out more about a team in adversity, and if that is true then perhaps the future is not as bad as it may appear.
With everything going against them, Town rolled up their sleeves and finally showed the fighting spirit so badly lacking up until then. With 35 minutes still to play they gave themselves a lifeline when Emson was released down the left by Gav Parkin and he raced past full back Adam Ward before crossing low for Carl Chillingsworth to turn home from close range.
It was all one-way traffic now as Town had the hosts pinned back for long spells. Chillingsworth should have made it 3-2 with twenty-five minutes remaining after another superb left-wing cross from Emson, but with the goal gaping he could only head over the top.
Emson did have the ball in the net soon after, after a lovely flick from Chillingsworth, but the linesman on the near side had already raised his flag for offside even though it looked a close call.
Burton then tested Esh 'keeper Thomas Courtney with a 25 yard free kick before the former Whitby stopper did well to deny both David Alderson and Emson in the closing stages.
Newly appointed player-coach Craig Winter said: "We need to get back to basics. This is the same team who were brushing everyone aside a few weeks ago and we need to get that back.
"We look a pale shadow of our best at the moment but we still have the quality. We just need to work harder as a team and the results will come."
Town now face Whickham in the Brooks Mileson League Cup at the RGPS on Wednesday evening before a league meeting with bottom side Alnwick Town next Saturday. Failure to pick up three points then is really not an option.
ESH WINNING - Courtney, Ward, Thompson, Morton, Garthwaite, Newby, Hamilton, Halliday, Campbell, Kokes, Coates. Subs - Davies, Brazauskis, Atkinson, Ferguson, Phillipson.
TOWN - Briggs, Alderson, Banks, Shoulder, Hickman, Parkin, Burton, Laing, Chillingsworth, Emson, Gredziak. Subs - Dunn, Smurthwaite, Bowman, Caisley.
REFEREE: G. McMullan.
ATTENDANCE: 42
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Town out but certainly not down after York defeat
YORK CITY 3 NORTHALLERTON TOWN 0
TOWN crashed out of the North Riding Senior Cup at York on Tuesday evening but there was certainly no disgrace in the performance against a side who fielded 9 full time professionals.
This trip south was a welcome break from the rigours of the Ebac Northern League Division Two promotion race but it was a match manager Mark Fanning desperately wanted to win.
His starting XI showed two changes from the weekend's disappointing defeat at Brandon. Goalkeeper James Briggs returned from injury in place of Steve Craggs, while Marcus Laing came in for Jon Burton in midfield.
Meanwhile leading scorer Adam Emson, absent for the previous two matches, was back on the bench alongside Stu Dunn, Alex Caisley, Burton and goalkeeper Dean Hudson.
Despite being up against such an accomplished side, Town started well and for half an hour they gave as good as they got. Carl Chillingsworth might even had given them the boost of an early goal when he looked to have got on the end of a Gav Parkin corner, but defender Tom Allan just nicked the ball off his head at the crucial moment.
But it was the hosts who made the breakthrough after 34 minutes, although it was a goal gifted to them rather than one they created for themselves. Steve Banks' back-pass seemed to catch Briggs by surprise and he slipped under pressure from John McGready, leaving the former Darlington man with a simple tap in.
And it was 2-0 just before the break. Reece Kelly looked to be in an offside position when he ran onto Jamie Reed's through ball but the linesman kept his flag down and the speedy winger coolly slotted past Briggs from 18 yards.
With nothing to lose, Town came out for the second half looking to get more support to loan striker Chillingsworth and they should have found a way back into the tie five minutes after the restart. Hickman did well to head a Parkin free kick back across the goal but James Bowman put his header wide from 6 yards.
Undeterred, Town continued to take the game to their more illustrious opponents and Pete Bulmer saw an effort scrambled off the line by the impressive Allan following another set-piece delivery from Parkin.
Fanning introduced Emson for Bowman just past the hour-mark and the substitute almost made an immediate impression. Shrugging off the attention of York full back Ben Weir, Emson ran on before smashing the ball past experienced goalkeeper Paul Mussellwhite, but referee Iain Turner had already blown for a foul against the Town man.
And the brave stand was over five minutes later. Kelly, who had been lively down the left all evening, whipped in another dangerous cross and Laure Oyebanjo turned the ball into the path of McGready who stabbed home his second from close range.
Jon Challinor then brought the best out of Briggs after a thrilling solo run, before the same man then struck the inside of the post with a fierce drive from 20 yards, but 4-0 would have been harsh on a Town side who should take great pride from their performance.
"We were outstanding for the opening half an hour," said Fanning. "We knew that the longer we kept it at 0-0 the more frustrated they would get.
"It was disappointing to concede the opening goal in the manner in which we did, but I was delighted with how we responded.
"We worked hard and kept our shape against a very good side. The important thing now is to take this performance into Saturday."
Veteran striker Chillingsworth said: "It was a tough match, but you do not get the opportunity to play in a stadium like this very often so we were determined to enjoy it.
"Overall we gave a good account of ourselves but they were a very good side and deserved to win."
Town will come back down to Earth with a trip to the rather more modest setting of Esh Winning on Saturday before entertaining Whickham in the Brooks Mileson League Cup next Wednesday evening.
YORK CITY - Mussellwhite, Oyebanjo, Outerbridge, Bullock, Platt, Allan, McGready, Banks, Challinor, Reed, Kelly. Subs - Middleton(D), Archer, Weir, Moncur, Middleton(B).
TOWN - Briggs, Alderson, Banks, Shoulder, Hickman, Parkin, Smurthwaite, Laing, Bowman, Chillinsworth, Bulmer. Subs - Dunn, Hudson, Caisley, Burton, Emson.
REFEREE: I. Turner.
ATTENDANCE: 237
*pictures courtesy of Paul Gaythorpe at Pik4images. No unauthorised use allowed.
TOWN crashed out of the North Riding Senior Cup at York on Tuesday evening but there was certainly no disgrace in the performance against a side who fielded 9 full time professionals.
This trip south was a welcome break from the rigours of the Ebac Northern League Division Two promotion race but it was a match manager Mark Fanning desperately wanted to win.
His starting XI showed two changes from the weekend's disappointing defeat at Brandon. Goalkeeper James Briggs returned from injury in place of Steve Craggs, while Marcus Laing came in for Jon Burton in midfield.
Meanwhile leading scorer Adam Emson, absent for the previous two matches, was back on the bench alongside Stu Dunn, Alex Caisley, Burton and goalkeeper Dean Hudson.
Despite being up against such an accomplished side, Town started well and for half an hour they gave as good as they got. Carl Chillingsworth might even had given them the boost of an early goal when he looked to have got on the end of a Gav Parkin corner, but defender Tom Allan just nicked the ball off his head at the crucial moment.
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| Pete Bulmer (right), takes on the York defence. |
And it was 2-0 just before the break. Reece Kelly looked to be in an offside position when he ran onto Jamie Reed's through ball but the linesman kept his flag down and the speedy winger coolly slotted past Briggs from 18 yards.
With nothing to lose, Town came out for the second half looking to get more support to loan striker Chillingsworth and they should have found a way back into the tie five minutes after the restart. Hickman did well to head a Parkin free kick back across the goal but James Bowman put his header wide from 6 yards.
Undeterred, Town continued to take the game to their more illustrious opponents and Pete Bulmer saw an effort scrambled off the line by the impressive Allan following another set-piece delivery from Parkin.
 |
| Town manager Mark Fanning, right, looks on with pride as his side take on a strong York City side |
And the brave stand was over five minutes later. Kelly, who had been lively down the left all evening, whipped in another dangerous cross and Laure Oyebanjo turned the ball into the path of McGready who stabbed home his second from close range.
Jon Challinor then brought the best out of Briggs after a thrilling solo run, before the same man then struck the inside of the post with a fierce drive from 20 yards, but 4-0 would have been harsh on a Town side who should take great pride from their performance.
"We were outstanding for the opening half an hour," said Fanning. "We knew that the longer we kept it at 0-0 the more frustrated they would get.
"It was disappointing to concede the opening goal in the manner in which we did, but I was delighted with how we responded.
"We worked hard and kept our shape against a very good side. The important thing now is to take this performance into Saturday."
Veteran striker Chillingsworth said: "It was a tough match, but you do not get the opportunity to play in a stadium like this very often so we were determined to enjoy it.
 |
| Carl Chillingsworth, left, battles for possession at Bootham Crescent last night |
Town will come back down to Earth with a trip to the rather more modest setting of Esh Winning on Saturday before entertaining Whickham in the Brooks Mileson League Cup next Wednesday evening.
YORK CITY - Mussellwhite, Oyebanjo, Outerbridge, Bullock, Platt, Allan, McGready, Banks, Challinor, Reed, Kelly. Subs - Middleton(D), Archer, Weir, Moncur, Middleton(B).
TOWN - Briggs, Alderson, Banks, Shoulder, Hickman, Parkin, Smurthwaite, Laing, Bowman, Chillinsworth, Bulmer. Subs - Dunn, Hudson, Caisley, Burton, Emson.
REFEREE: I. Turner.
ATTENDANCE: 237
*pictures courtesy of Paul Gaythorpe at Pik4images. No unauthorised use allowed.
Monday, 7 January 2013
New Year but same old problems as Town slump again
BRANDON UNITED 2 TOWN 1
TOWN began 2013 as they ended 2012, with a disappointing away defeat, this time against a hard working Brandon United side on Saturday.
The starting XI showed two chances from the previous weekend's 2-0 defeat at Crook Town. Steve Banks replaced Stu Dunn at left back while James Bowman replaced the suspended Wayne Gredziak.
Meanwhile Alex Caisley was recalled to the squad and took his place on the bench alongside Dunn, Marcus Laing and Chris Dickinson.
Town dominated the early possession but the home sides work-rate meant that they were restricted to very few chances.
On 20 minutes Ian Smurthwaite's cross shot found Carl Chillingsworth 8 yards out, but the keeper produced a fine save to deny him.
The best chance of the first half came when Peter Bulmer's cross was not cleared and Jon Burton fired against the post from 12 yards.
But Town were rewarded just two minutes into the second period. There looked to be no danger when the ball reached Chillingsworth who was running away from goal, but he expertly hooked the ball over his shoulder and into the far corner of the net - his 16th goal of the season.
But the lead lasted barely ten minutes. A cross was not cleared by the usually reliable Danny Shoulder and Glen Hendrix seized on the loose ball to fired across goalkeeper Steve Craggs to make it 1-1.
Worse was to follow on 70 minutes. A Town corner was cleared to the half way line but Burton was caught in possession and Andrew Blackburn raced clear before firing an unstoppable shot past Craggs to give his side the lead.
Laing and Dickinson were introduced in the closing stages but the hosts defended well and despite the ball spending much of the last 20 minutes in the Brandon half, Town created few clear cut chances and it finished 2-1.
"It was a totally unacceptable performance and attitude," said manager Mark Fanning. "Too many players were either not prepared to treat this game with the desire and passion required or think they are better than they are. I have spent enough time defending them but that stops now.”
Town will look to respond with a midweek trip to York City in the North Riding Senior Cup before travelling to Esh Winning in the league next Saturday. After five matches without a win, anything other than three points is not an option.
TOWN - Craggs, Alderson, Banks, Hickman, Shoulder, Burton, Parkin, Smurthwaite, Chillingsworth, Bowman, Bulmer. Subs - Dunn, Caisley, Laing, Dickinson.
REFEREE: S. Morgan.
ATTENDANCE: 58
TOWN began 2013 as they ended 2012, with a disappointing away defeat, this time against a hard working Brandon United side on Saturday.
The starting XI showed two chances from the previous weekend's 2-0 defeat at Crook Town. Steve Banks replaced Stu Dunn at left back while James Bowman replaced the suspended Wayne Gredziak.
Meanwhile Alex Caisley was recalled to the squad and took his place on the bench alongside Dunn, Marcus Laing and Chris Dickinson.
Town dominated the early possession but the home sides work-rate meant that they were restricted to very few chances.
On 20 minutes Ian Smurthwaite's cross shot found Carl Chillingsworth 8 yards out, but the keeper produced a fine save to deny him.
The best chance of the first half came when Peter Bulmer's cross was not cleared and Jon Burton fired against the post from 12 yards.
But Town were rewarded just two minutes into the second period. There looked to be no danger when the ball reached Chillingsworth who was running away from goal, but he expertly hooked the ball over his shoulder and into the far corner of the net - his 16th goal of the season.
But the lead lasted barely ten minutes. A cross was not cleared by the usually reliable Danny Shoulder and Glen Hendrix seized on the loose ball to fired across goalkeeper Steve Craggs to make it 1-1.
Worse was to follow on 70 minutes. A Town corner was cleared to the half way line but Burton was caught in possession and Andrew Blackburn raced clear before firing an unstoppable shot past Craggs to give his side the lead.
Laing and Dickinson were introduced in the closing stages but the hosts defended well and despite the ball spending much of the last 20 minutes in the Brandon half, Town created few clear cut chances and it finished 2-1.
"It was a totally unacceptable performance and attitude," said manager Mark Fanning. "Too many players were either not prepared to treat this game with the desire and passion required or think they are better than they are. I have spent enough time defending them but that stops now.”
Town will look to respond with a midweek trip to York City in the North Riding Senior Cup before travelling to Esh Winning in the league next Saturday. After five matches without a win, anything other than three points is not an option.
TOWN - Craggs, Alderson, Banks, Hickman, Shoulder, Burton, Parkin, Smurthwaite, Chillingsworth, Bowman, Bulmer. Subs - Dunn, Caisley, Laing, Dickinson.
REFEREE: S. Morgan.
ATTENDANCE: 58
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