Newton Aycliffe 4 - 2 Guisborough Town
Had the full-time whistle blown after thirty minutes, Guisborough fans would have gone home happy. Two goals to the good and tormenting their disjointed opposition, visiting fans quite rightly thought that their team would go on to win the game. Newton Aycliffe came into this game on the back of a poor run of results and in their early play they looked sapped of confidence and vulnerable to diagonal balls over the top for Stewart and Roberts to run onto. The home side struggled to cope with Luke Bythway’s close control and Guisborough’s midfield looked compact and creative.
If only this pattern of play had been maintained. The notion of a game of two halves is perhaps football’s biggest cliché, but never has it rung more true than here. A big factor in Ayclliffe’s second half showing was Warren Byrne. As I read the (excellent) programme notes prior to the game, I was unsure as to which statistic to be most startled by - the fact that Byrne netted 45 times last season, or that he had failed to score at all since his return to Aycliffe in November. Had Warren Byrne really lost his touch? It seemed unlikely. Most goalscorers feed on confidence. Byrne’s confidence must have been limbo-dancer low, but flooded back in waves once he had reduced the arrears prior to half time as he finished with aplomb.
Quite what Aycliffe manager Alan Oliver said at half time is unlikely to be revealed. It is fairly easy to guess, though. Guisborough had been afforded too much time on the ball and too much space in midfield. Oliver’s solution was to pack the midfield and effectively narrow the game. Aycliffe emerged from their dressing room after what seemed like an eternity, but Oliver’s words clearly hit the mark. Aycliffe looked hungrier, more purposeful and the gaps which had opened up for Guisborough in the first half were emphatically closed off.
Perhaps it was a figment of my imagination, but after his first half strike Warren Byrne looked like a man relieved of a burden. He appeared a yard quicker and likely to add to his goal. When Dixon hauled down an Aycliffe forward for a penalty, Byrne still appeared a touch tentative as he stepped forward to take the spot kick. It was well saved low to his left by Dixon, but the ball came straight back to Byrne who tucked away his second attempt. Byrne’s smile was one of relief, but also one of suggestion that he knew that today was his day. Having broken his duck, he was going to make the most of it. The penalty was the turning point in the game. Had Byrne not finished the follow up, the outcome could well have been different.
By this point, Aycliffe’s self belief returned and they seized the initiative. Byrne duly completed his hat-trick as he slammed the ball home from the edge of the area and Mellanby then completed the scoring as he arrived off the bench and within minutes turned, swivelled and finished in customary fashion. You had to admire Aycliffe for their fightback and it was difficult to deny that they deserved their victory. Games between Guisborough and Aycliffe are always hard battles that are difficult to call and there was no end-of-season feel about this one.
Having been promoted last season from Division 2, both sides have achieved their main objectives of remaining in the First Division. Aycliffe are a well run club and it was a pleasure to see just how much off-field progress they have made in the last two years. They have two smart new stands that have added character to the ground and a superb tea hut, which offers a fantastic range of delicious hot foods but poses a serious risk to the metabolically challenged. In addition, their programme is more than just a labour of love and is supreme value at just a pound.
The American historian Paul Fussell once said that he found ‘nothing more depressing than optimism’. After twenty minutes I had every reason to feel optimistic. But over the course of the game this slowly receded, like Wayne Rooney’s hairline. But like Rooney’s hairline, my sense of optimism will return as I head to Marske tomorrow for our derby match. I don’t agree with Fussell; optimism is what keeps us football fans going. Without it, we’d all just pack in and support Man Utd.
We’ve had a very good season at Guisborough. The squad has evolved and strengthened as the year has progressed and Chris Hardy is doing a terrific job. A derby win at Marske would be the icing on the cake.
Oh, and you can add a cherry to that too.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Sunderland R. C. Ace
Guisborough Town 0 – 7 Sunderland RCA
They say that it’s not over until the fat lady sings. In which case, she was heard belting out a resounding tune after just fifteen minutes of today’s game when the visitors – fast up front and quick out of the blocks – had taken a two goal lead and the game by the scruff of the neck.
When you’re top of the league and feeling the warmth of competing sides’ breath on your neck, every game is a big one. What RCA don’t lack is intent; they are quick to move the ball, quick to break and soon feel the wrath of their management team when sloppy passes go astray or when chances go begging.
The fact that the visitors were four goals up by the interval had much to do with giant forward Andy Jennings. There is a natural presumption when a beanpole striker lines up in attack that every ball must be thumped in an airbourne fashion towards the giant target. Jennings is good in the air – of that there is little doubt. But this ignores the fact that for a big player he is remarkably adept at intricate touches and fleet-footed movements which cause just as many problems. This was not lost on RCA. Having gone two goals up, Jennings effectively sealed the game mid-way through the first half when he raced onto a long ball having lost his marker. Despite being well in advance of the Guisborough defence, there was still an awful lot for Jennings to do. His mind was made up; as the ball arrived in front of him he lashed an unstoppable left-footed drive into the roof of the net from twenty yards to send the visiting bench into raptures.
Seven days ago Guisborough had played a perfect hand against Spennymoor. A couple of early Spennymoor chances had been well defended and as time wore on, the hosts were forced into mistakes. Opportunities then opened up for Guisborough. The 1-1 draw last week, given the quality of the opposition, was a tremendous effort and one of the best team performances I have seen in years. So why was today so different? The composition of Guisborough‘s side was broadly the same and there was certainly no denying that the effort and intent was there. But the two early goals put Guisborough in a very tough predicament. No pattern had been established in play and already they were two goals down. A Guisborough goal was needed to wrestle back some initiative and momentum, but perhaps Chris Hardy’s men were guilty of pushing too hard, too soon. By half-time, a 4-0 scoreline no doubt prompted talk of damage limitation.
The second half was an oddity. Much of the play was conducted in the visitors’ half. In part, this was due to RCA being able to sit on their lead and try to preserve their clean sheet. It was also due to a far more incisive Guisborough display. Yet despite their superior second half possession, there was not the same cut and thrust of RCA’s front men. When the visitors surged into Guisborough’s half they looked as though they could create chances at will.
It is tough when your side loses by such a heavy margin. It is even tougher when it happens twice in ten days. But this year is a learning curve for Chris Hardy’s men. There have been several highs this season and preservation of first division status is and always was the first priority, to then build further in the second season.
Yet even in defeat, Northern League football can conjure some great moments. As the result became a certainty, I found my attention turning to the mercurial brilliance of RCA’s coach, George Herd. Now in his mid-seventies, Herd leapt around on the far touchline with the energy and effervescence of a nuclear fission. His distinctive, Lanarkshire tones could be heard above all other noise. Herd epitomises all that is good about football. Despite having been a Scottish international and playing more than two hundred games for Sunderland as a goal scoring midfielder, Herd’s enthusiasm remains undimmed. I was fascinated to establish his secret. As I strolled past him, I sensed a possible answer as by his feet was a can of energy drink. At one point in the second half, the play fell eerily silent. It became apparent that Herd had stopped barking orders. Instead, the energy drink was being poured down his
throat as he rapidly refuelled. As if instantly revived, Herd then fired further instructions at his side. You would think that at 7-0 even his thirst (for success, as well as for the caffeine laden drink) would be quelled. Alas, no. As a pass went astray Herd threw his energy drink to the floor in frustration and leapt in the air, as though a Hornet’s nest had worked its way up his trouser leg.
Herd’s mentality, as well as that of manager Hixon and his assistants, has clearly spread to the whole side. They were incredibly well drilled, but also constantly looking to improve further. They have now thumped 88 league goals this season, more than half of which have been away from home. They are top of the Northern League tree at the time of writing and should anyone else displace them they will deserve to win the league. Jennings’ strike partner Davison bagged a hat-trick to go with Jennings’ brace. They have now beaten Whitley Bay, Dunston and Guisborough in a week. If nothing else, at least we are keeping illustrious company.
By the end of the game, the Fat Lady’s throat must have been pretty sore. George Herd’s must have been sorer. They say that Red Bull gives you wings. I’ll say that RCA are flying.
They say that it’s not over until the fat lady sings. In which case, she was heard belting out a resounding tune after just fifteen minutes of today’s game when the visitors – fast up front and quick out of the blocks – had taken a two goal lead and the game by the scruff of the neck.
When you’re top of the league and feeling the warmth of competing sides’ breath on your neck, every game is a big one. What RCA don’t lack is intent; they are quick to move the ball, quick to break and soon feel the wrath of their management team when sloppy passes go astray or when chances go begging.
The fact that the visitors were four goals up by the interval had much to do with giant forward Andy Jennings. There is a natural presumption when a beanpole striker lines up in attack that every ball must be thumped in an airbourne fashion towards the giant target. Jennings is good in the air – of that there is little doubt. But this ignores the fact that for a big player he is remarkably adept at intricate touches and fleet-footed movements which cause just as many problems. This was not lost on RCA. Having gone two goals up, Jennings effectively sealed the game mid-way through the first half when he raced onto a long ball having lost his marker. Despite being well in advance of the Guisborough defence, there was still an awful lot for Jennings to do. His mind was made up; as the ball arrived in front of him he lashed an unstoppable left-footed drive into the roof of the net from twenty yards to send the visiting bench into raptures.
Seven days ago Guisborough had played a perfect hand against Spennymoor. A couple of early Spennymoor chances had been well defended and as time wore on, the hosts were forced into mistakes. Opportunities then opened up for Guisborough. The 1-1 draw last week, given the quality of the opposition, was a tremendous effort and one of the best team performances I have seen in years. So why was today so different? The composition of Guisborough‘s side was broadly the same and there was certainly no denying that the effort and intent was there. But the two early goals put Guisborough in a very tough predicament. No pattern had been established in play and already they were two goals down. A Guisborough goal was needed to wrestle back some initiative and momentum, but perhaps Chris Hardy’s men were guilty of pushing too hard, too soon. By half-time, a 4-0 scoreline no doubt prompted talk of damage limitation.
The second half was an oddity. Much of the play was conducted in the visitors’ half. In part, this was due to RCA being able to sit on their lead and try to preserve their clean sheet. It was also due to a far more incisive Guisborough display. Yet despite their superior second half possession, there was not the same cut and thrust of RCA’s front men. When the visitors surged into Guisborough’s half they looked as though they could create chances at will.
It is tough when your side loses by such a heavy margin. It is even tougher when it happens twice in ten days. But this year is a learning curve for Chris Hardy’s men. There have been several highs this season and preservation of first division status is and always was the first priority, to then build further in the second season.
Yet even in defeat, Northern League football can conjure some great moments. As the result became a certainty, I found my attention turning to the mercurial brilliance of RCA’s coach, George Herd. Now in his mid-seventies, Herd leapt around on the far touchline with the energy and effervescence of a nuclear fission. His distinctive, Lanarkshire tones could be heard above all other noise. Herd epitomises all that is good about football. Despite having been a Scottish international and playing more than two hundred games for Sunderland as a goal scoring midfielder, Herd’s enthusiasm remains undimmed. I was fascinated to establish his secret. As I strolled past him, I sensed a possible answer as by his feet was a can of energy drink. At one point in the second half, the play fell eerily silent. It became apparent that Herd had stopped barking orders. Instead, the energy drink was being poured down his
throat as he rapidly refuelled. As if instantly revived, Herd then fired further instructions at his side. You would think that at 7-0 even his thirst (for success, as well as for the caffeine laden drink) would be quelled. Alas, no. As a pass went astray Herd threw his energy drink to the floor in frustration and leapt in the air, as though a Hornet’s nest had worked its way up his trouser leg.
Herd’s mentality, as well as that of manager Hixon and his assistants, has clearly spread to the whole side. They were incredibly well drilled, but also constantly looking to improve further. They have now thumped 88 league goals this season, more than half of which have been away from home. They are top of the Northern League tree at the time of writing and should anyone else displace them they will deserve to win the league. Jennings’ strike partner Davison bagged a hat-trick to go with Jennings’ brace. They have now beaten Whitley Bay, Dunston and Guisborough in a week. If nothing else, at least we are keeping illustrious company.
By the end of the game, the Fat Lady’s throat must have been pretty sore. George Herd’s must have been sorer. They say that Red Bull gives you wings. I’ll say that RCA are flying.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Terrific Town share the spoils
Spennymoor Town 1 - 1 Guisborough Town
On paper, Spennymoor should beat most (if not all teams) at this level. Of course, football is played on grass, not paper. But the other place it is most definitely played is in the mind. Both teams came into this game on the back of two contrasting mid-week experiences. Buoyed by their deserved derby win against Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor will have fully expected to have beaten a Guisborough side that had the chastening experience of a 7-0 home drubbing against West Auckland. In many ways, the midweek results may have had a lot to do with today’s game ending in a draw. Guisborough needed to bounce back after Wednesday’s bump in the road. Such a comprehensive scoreline is eyecatching, but beneath the surface lay a series of sub-plots. Guisborough had matched West over the first forty minutes, before two dismissals saw a nine man Guisborough side succumb to the attacking flair of their high flying visitors. I was not at the Guisborough game on Wednesday. In fact, I was at Spennymoor watching them host their local rivals Bishop Auckland. An electric atmosphere was not matched by the first-half football, which felt disjointed and scrappy. The second half was a different proposition and Spennymoor fully merited their win as they carved out numerous openings in the second period.
Naturally, Spennymoor fans will have thought that whatever West can do, we can do better having digested the news of Guisborough’s thrashing. But this defeat had been an anomaly within recent months; prior to Wednesday’s game, Guisborough were second in the form table. The midweek scores only served to heighten Spennymoor’s expectations and lower those of any travelling Guisborough fans.
The first half began evenly, but it was Spennymoor who did the early pressing. Against Bishop Auckland, Moors’ midfielder Keith Graydon had stood out. In appearance he is a blend of Paul Scholes and Gary McAllister; in his movements and general play this forging of footballers is not a bad comparison either. The ball would arrive at Graydon’s feet and he would dink it over the full back for wingers to run on to, play it into forward Sonny Andrews’ feet or would merely drop the ball off into former Middlesbrough midfielder Anthony Peacock’s path for him to make darting runs. Whilst the play was attractive and easy on the eye, it lacked punch. Twice these neat interchanges nearly conjured a goal. Richardson raced clear and had his shot blocked, before Andrews shrugged off a defensive challenge only to see his goal-bound effort brilliantly tipped around the post. Aside from this, Spennymoor found the visitors difficult to break down. Another feature of their midweek play had been the marauding runs of full back Jamie Harwood. Blessed with a good engine and no little skill, Harwood overlapped on several occasions against Bishop Auckland and was a constant threat. Today, a feature of Guisborough’s play was their willingness to defend from the front. Blackford on the left and Roberts on the right offered superb protection to their fullbacks as they closed down, harried and restricted Harwood in particular to his own half.
To go in level at half-time would have been a terrific effort by Guisborough, so to lead at the interval was beyond all expectations. From their first attacking move of note, the ball broke to Jamie Poole thirty yards out. His first touch took the ball away from him, but as the home defence backed off, Poole thundered a left-footed thunderbolt against the underside of
the bar and into the net.
It was fully expected that Spennymoor would regroup and rethink at half-time. Yet the first ten minutes of the second half saw the visitors have their best spell. Had it not been for a brilliant one-handed save from home keeper Robert Dean, Guisborough’s lead would have been extended as Wood shot from distance.
As the hour mark passed, some initial disgruntlement from Spennymoor fans turned to genuine irritation. This was mirrored in the home players; passes went astray, moves broke down and players tried things that were never likely to come off. All footballer supporters are in part guilty of only seeing the game through the eyes of their own team, but it is particularly the case when they support a side so talented and used to winning. It is easy for us all to fall into the trap of recognising our own team’s faults and shortcomings. ‘Why are we not beating this
lot?’ becomes the mindset. ‘We must be playing poorly’ is inevitably the response. But teams can often only play as well as they are allowed to play. An international batsmen who is starved of hittable deliveries to score from often then resorts to rash, illogical shots that precipitate his downfall. When the dismissal occurs, it looks horrible and blame falls on the batsman. This ignores the hard work done in the balls and overs beforehand as the player is gradually ground down and coerced into making an error. So it was with Spennymoor’s players. They were pressed, harried and closed down and despite their total dominance in possession, they struggled to fashion many clear cut opportunities. Despite this, an equaliser still felt somewhat inevitable and when it arrived, the build up reminded me of everything that Spennymoor had done well in their midweek win. Harwood finally broke free of his marker down the right and he squared the ball for Richardson to tap into an empty net. It was made to look simple. It was simple. Football generally is and so often we're guilty of overcomplicating it.
There was every chance that the momentum of a goal might have sparked Spennymoor into life. But like a gas hob struggling to ignite, they flickered momentarily before the same pattern of play resumed. Weaker minds and teams with lesser spirit may have crumbled against such formidable opposition after the midweek debacle. Quite rightly, the visiting supporters celebrated the sound of the final whistle as though greeting a victory. Context is everything in sport. For Spennymoor, this was points lost in their quest for a hat-trick of League titles. For Guisborough, incredibly they have now taken more points from Spennymoor (four) than any
other side so far this season. Whilst the league formalities between the two sides are now at a close, Wednesday evening brings the two teams together again in the League cup at Guisborough’s King George V ground. For Jason Ainsley’s side, they will feel that it is an opportunity to reassert themselves and a case of third time lucky. As a Guisborough fan, I barely dare to hope that these things come in threes.
On a final note, it has to be said what a hospitable, friendly club Spennymoor are. They play football in the right way, there are no histrionics from their players or manager and they are extremely well run. Several home supporters were friendly and balanced at the end of the game as they chatted about the result. This approach was mirrored on the pitch as neither side picked up a single yellow card during the course of the game.
Like the result, I wouldn’t have predicted that at the start of the game either, had you asked me.
On paper, Spennymoor should beat most (if not all teams) at this level. Of course, football is played on grass, not paper. But the other place it is most definitely played is in the mind. Both teams came into this game on the back of two contrasting mid-week experiences. Buoyed by their deserved derby win against Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor will have fully expected to have beaten a Guisborough side that had the chastening experience of a 7-0 home drubbing against West Auckland. In many ways, the midweek results may have had a lot to do with today’s game ending in a draw. Guisborough needed to bounce back after Wednesday’s bump in the road. Such a comprehensive scoreline is eyecatching, but beneath the surface lay a series of sub-plots. Guisborough had matched West over the first forty minutes, before two dismissals saw a nine man Guisborough side succumb to the attacking flair of their high flying visitors. I was not at the Guisborough game on Wednesday. In fact, I was at Spennymoor watching them host their local rivals Bishop Auckland. An electric atmosphere was not matched by the first-half football, which felt disjointed and scrappy. The second half was a different proposition and Spennymoor fully merited their win as they carved out numerous openings in the second period.
Naturally, Spennymoor fans will have thought that whatever West can do, we can do better having digested the news of Guisborough’s thrashing. But this defeat had been an anomaly within recent months; prior to Wednesday’s game, Guisborough were second in the form table. The midweek scores only served to heighten Spennymoor’s expectations and lower those of any travelling Guisborough fans.
The first half began evenly, but it was Spennymoor who did the early pressing. Against Bishop Auckland, Moors’ midfielder Keith Graydon had stood out. In appearance he is a blend of Paul Scholes and Gary McAllister; in his movements and general play this forging of footballers is not a bad comparison either. The ball would arrive at Graydon’s feet and he would dink it over the full back for wingers to run on to, play it into forward Sonny Andrews’ feet or would merely drop the ball off into former Middlesbrough midfielder Anthony Peacock’s path for him to make darting runs. Whilst the play was attractive and easy on the eye, it lacked punch. Twice these neat interchanges nearly conjured a goal. Richardson raced clear and had his shot blocked, before Andrews shrugged off a defensive challenge only to see his goal-bound effort brilliantly tipped around the post. Aside from this, Spennymoor found the visitors difficult to break down. Another feature of their midweek play had been the marauding runs of full back Jamie Harwood. Blessed with a good engine and no little skill, Harwood overlapped on several occasions against Bishop Auckland and was a constant threat. Today, a feature of Guisborough’s play was their willingness to defend from the front. Blackford on the left and Roberts on the right offered superb protection to their fullbacks as they closed down, harried and restricted Harwood in particular to his own half.
To go in level at half-time would have been a terrific effort by Guisborough, so to lead at the interval was beyond all expectations. From their first attacking move of note, the ball broke to Jamie Poole thirty yards out. His first touch took the ball away from him, but as the home defence backed off, Poole thundered a left-footed thunderbolt against the underside of
the bar and into the net.
It was fully expected that Spennymoor would regroup and rethink at half-time. Yet the first ten minutes of the second half saw the visitors have their best spell. Had it not been for a brilliant one-handed save from home keeper Robert Dean, Guisborough’s lead would have been extended as Wood shot from distance.
As the hour mark passed, some initial disgruntlement from Spennymoor fans turned to genuine irritation. This was mirrored in the home players; passes went astray, moves broke down and players tried things that were never likely to come off. All footballer supporters are in part guilty of only seeing the game through the eyes of their own team, but it is particularly the case when they support a side so talented and used to winning. It is easy for us all to fall into the trap of recognising our own team’s faults and shortcomings. ‘Why are we not beating this
lot?’ becomes the mindset. ‘We must be playing poorly’ is inevitably the response. But teams can often only play as well as they are allowed to play. An international batsmen who is starved of hittable deliveries to score from often then resorts to rash, illogical shots that precipitate his downfall. When the dismissal occurs, it looks horrible and blame falls on the batsman. This ignores the hard work done in the balls and overs beforehand as the player is gradually ground down and coerced into making an error. So it was with Spennymoor’s players. They were pressed, harried and closed down and despite their total dominance in possession, they struggled to fashion many clear cut opportunities. Despite this, an equaliser still felt somewhat inevitable and when it arrived, the build up reminded me of everything that Spennymoor had done well in their midweek win. Harwood finally broke free of his marker down the right and he squared the ball for Richardson to tap into an empty net. It was made to look simple. It was simple. Football generally is and so often we're guilty of overcomplicating it.
There was every chance that the momentum of a goal might have sparked Spennymoor into life. But like a gas hob struggling to ignite, they flickered momentarily before the same pattern of play resumed. Weaker minds and teams with lesser spirit may have crumbled against such formidable opposition after the midweek debacle. Quite rightly, the visiting supporters celebrated the sound of the final whistle as though greeting a victory. Context is everything in sport. For Spennymoor, this was points lost in their quest for a hat-trick of League titles. For Guisborough, incredibly they have now taken more points from Spennymoor (four) than any
other side so far this season. Whilst the league formalities between the two sides are now at a close, Wednesday evening brings the two teams together again in the League cup at Guisborough’s King George V ground. For Jason Ainsley’s side, they will feel that it is an opportunity to reassert themselves and a case of third time lucky. As a Guisborough fan, I barely dare to hope that these things come in threes.
On a final note, it has to be said what a hospitable, friendly club Spennymoor are. They play football in the right way, there are no histrionics from their players or manager and they are extremely well run. Several home supporters were friendly and balanced at the end of the game as they chatted about the result. This approach was mirrored on the pitch as neither side picked up a single yellow card during the course of the game.
Like the result, I wouldn’t have predicted that at the start of the game either, had you asked me.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Three wins in three as Lawyers are sent down
Guisborough Town 3 – 1 Tow Law
A number of years back, Tow Law Town had the unusual but not totally unique experience of arriving at their ground to find that the pitch had sunk in the middle, rather like a Victoria sponge prematurely removed from the oven. Old mine workings were discovered beneath the pitch and a more than liberal supply of cement was needed to fill it in. Similar holes are appearing in Tow Law’s season and their remarkable record of never having been relegated from the First Division of the Northern League is looking far from impregnable. After a 3-1 defeat today, they are seriously at risk of being cast adrift from the rest of the pack in their second-bottom position. Unfortunately, not everything can be solved by concrete.
Tow Law began the game exactly as I had expected; they were hungry, keen and committed and arguably had the better of the play in the opening fifteen minutes. One moment characterised their performance today and possibly their season, though there will be better placed people than me to judge. The ‘one moment’ occurred as a chance was conjured from nothing by the visitors. They pressed and harried the home defence and their persistence paid off. Their centre forward unselfishly squared the ball on the edge of the box but the onrushing midfielder, who had made good ground, dithered over his shot and allowed the home defence to recover and block his effort.
Guisborough promptly went up to the other end of the field and within minutes were ahead as Austin Johnson, similarly placed to his Tow Law counterpart, lashed the ball in from close range as the ball bobbled around on the edge of the box. Tow law heads refused to drop and player manager Davidson, rallying his troops from left full back position, was central to much of their continued efforts. They were unlucky not
to equalise as a shot cannoned off a post and despite entering the dressing room a goal behind, they will have felt very much in the game.
When your side is pushing for a goal, there is the dangerous balance to strike of pushing enough to score, but not pushing so hard that your side concedes again. On the occasions when Tow Law looked at their most dangerous in the second period, they also appeared at their most vulnerable. The pace of Roberts and second-half substitute Blackford was a growing threat for Guisborough as they looked to break. Allied with this, Luke Bythway was difficult to track and impossible to pin down in his role running from deep. A second Guisborough goal arrived when good work from Poole and Bythway put Steel in the clear and he beat the keeper at the second attempt. At 2-0 the game should really have been sewn up. The fact that Tow Law pulled a goal back and gave themselves a chance is to their credit. A deflected corner from Turbull was well met by Thompson at the far post, to potentially set up a nervous finale. As it happened, Tow Law’s goal was a false dawn. Roberts, at his most slippery and evasive on the right hand side, finally carried out what he had threatened to do all afternoon when he lashed home from the right hand side of the box having been put in the clear. Up until this point, Tow Law had coped well with all that was thrown at them. This third goal was a killer blow and like a fighter that has soaked up several punches, this one took the wind out of them. Had Guisborough been more decisive in front of goal in three one-one-one situations, the margin of the scoreline could have been greater. In truth, this would have been tough on Tow Law who had contributed to a good game of football on a greasy surface after early morning rain.
Tow Law will not give in and it was easy to see why seven days ago they had almost matched Whitley Bay, narrowly losing 1-0. Their lead up play today was good, but they are desperately short of goals and a record of only 28 goals scored in 31 games puts enormous pressure on their defence to be watertight.
Football pundits often cite the forty-point barrier as being the figure required to ensure safety within a division. This differs from year to year, but as Guisborough pass this figure with twelve games left, they must now be looking to consolidate a mid-table position. The Priorymen sit second in the form table on the basis of the last six games having taken fifteen of a possible eighteen points.
West Auckland, having progressed to the next round of the FA vase having impressively beaten Bournemouth away this afternoon, arrive at the KGV on Wednesday. Let’s just hope that their celebrations tonight go on and on....and on. I’ve no problem with them suffering a hangover on Wednesday. Something tells me that they will be just as focused as ever when they arrive with a potential league title to also play for. They are a terrific team with a tremendous opportunity this season to capture two significant honours. Guisborough will enter the game
with confidence, hoping to upset the applecart. It is a tantalising prospect.
A number of years back, Tow Law Town had the unusual but not totally unique experience of arriving at their ground to find that the pitch had sunk in the middle, rather like a Victoria sponge prematurely removed from the oven. Old mine workings were discovered beneath the pitch and a more than liberal supply of cement was needed to fill it in. Similar holes are appearing in Tow Law’s season and their remarkable record of never having been relegated from the First Division of the Northern League is looking far from impregnable. After a 3-1 defeat today, they are seriously at risk of being cast adrift from the rest of the pack in their second-bottom position. Unfortunately, not everything can be solved by concrete.
Tow Law began the game exactly as I had expected; they were hungry, keen and committed and arguably had the better of the play in the opening fifteen minutes. One moment characterised their performance today and possibly their season, though there will be better placed people than me to judge. The ‘one moment’ occurred as a chance was conjured from nothing by the visitors. They pressed and harried the home defence and their persistence paid off. Their centre forward unselfishly squared the ball on the edge of the box but the onrushing midfielder, who had made good ground, dithered over his shot and allowed the home defence to recover and block his effort.
Guisborough promptly went up to the other end of the field and within minutes were ahead as Austin Johnson, similarly placed to his Tow Law counterpart, lashed the ball in from close range as the ball bobbled around on the edge of the box. Tow law heads refused to drop and player manager Davidson, rallying his troops from left full back position, was central to much of their continued efforts. They were unlucky not
to equalise as a shot cannoned off a post and despite entering the dressing room a goal behind, they will have felt very much in the game.
When your side is pushing for a goal, there is the dangerous balance to strike of pushing enough to score, but not pushing so hard that your side concedes again. On the occasions when Tow Law looked at their most dangerous in the second period, they also appeared at their most vulnerable. The pace of Roberts and second-half substitute Blackford was a growing threat for Guisborough as they looked to break. Allied with this, Luke Bythway was difficult to track and impossible to pin down in his role running from deep. A second Guisborough goal arrived when good work from Poole and Bythway put Steel in the clear and he beat the keeper at the second attempt. At 2-0 the game should really have been sewn up. The fact that Tow Law pulled a goal back and gave themselves a chance is to their credit. A deflected corner from Turbull was well met by Thompson at the far post, to potentially set up a nervous finale. As it happened, Tow Law’s goal was a false dawn. Roberts, at his most slippery and evasive on the right hand side, finally carried out what he had threatened to do all afternoon when he lashed home from the right hand side of the box having been put in the clear. Up until this point, Tow Law had coped well with all that was thrown at them. This third goal was a killer blow and like a fighter that has soaked up several punches, this one took the wind out of them. Had Guisborough been more decisive in front of goal in three one-one-one situations, the margin of the scoreline could have been greater. In truth, this would have been tough on Tow Law who had contributed to a good game of football on a greasy surface after early morning rain.
Tow Law will not give in and it was easy to see why seven days ago they had almost matched Whitley Bay, narrowly losing 1-0. Their lead up play today was good, but they are desperately short of goals and a record of only 28 goals scored in 31 games puts enormous pressure on their defence to be watertight.
Football pundits often cite the forty-point barrier as being the figure required to ensure safety within a division. This differs from year to year, but as Guisborough pass this figure with twelve games left, they must now be looking to consolidate a mid-table position. The Priorymen sit second in the form table on the basis of the last six games having taken fifteen of a possible eighteen points.
West Auckland, having progressed to the next round of the FA vase having impressively beaten Bournemouth away this afternoon, arrive at the KGV on Wednesday. Let’s just hope that their celebrations tonight go on and on....and on. I’ve no problem with them suffering a hangover on Wednesday. Something tells me that they will be just as focused as ever when they arrive with a potential league title to also play for. They are a terrific team with a tremendous opportunity this season to capture two significant honours. Guisborough will enter the game
with confidence, hoping to upset the applecart. It is a tantalising prospect.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Shildon de-railed as Town approach forty points
Guisborough 2 - 1 Shildon
The BBC's big Christmas hit two months ago was undoubtedly the adaptation of Dickens' Great Expectations. A star studded cast was led by Ray Winston, in the role of escaped convict Abel Magwich. In the early scenes Magwich is seen devouring a pork pie, whilst trying desperately to remove the clamps and chains from his feet using a Blacksmith's file. Whilst the pork pie - suitably large and fleshy - brought to mind the most common Northern league culinary delight, the desperate attempts to move an unwanted item also reminded me of our early season clash with Shildon in the FA Cup. In a bizarre incident, which caught the crowd's attention almost as much as the actual play itself, a Shildon substitute who had entered play was called over by the referee and told to remove an ear stud which was covered over by tape. Whilst the instruction from the referee was a simple one, the process of removal was far more problematic as short of using a chainsaw, every item imaginable was used in a desperate attempt to free the player from his appendage. After bling-gate came another incident filled encounter at Dean Street in November. In a bad tempered affair, Guisborough lost a man to a red card and the game to the odd goal in three as they failed to convert their chances. With two wins in two against their hosts,
Shildon will have no doubt arrived with great expectations.
Shildon’s first-half goal must have exceeded all their expectations. After an even start, they were
gifted the opener when Casey, facing his own goalkeeper, contrived to lob his own man to put Shildon in the lead. Shildon are a big, physical and well–organised side and Guisborough found it difficult to break them down. It appeared that the visitors would sit down for their half-time cuppa a goal ahead. Yet deep into stoppage time, a goal was conjured from nothing. Roberts, always on the shoulder of the defender and pressing and harrying with his pace and skill, robbed the Shildon defence of the ball. With the visiting keeper stranded, Roberts had little option but to his try his luck from distance, despite all of the angles being against him. His right foot strike arrowed into the far corner to lift Guisborough spirits and in all probability change Chris Hardy’s team talk.
The second-half was much more open. Shildon continued to look dangerous when breaking from deep and any side that has Brian Stewart making darting runs down the left will cause problems. Guisborough ‘keeper Norton was three times called into action to make good saves as the County Durham outfit pressed to restore their early advantage. But the chances were not restricted to one end of the field. On the hour, Austin Johnson won the ball on the centre circle before laying the ball wide. Johnson then made a typical run forward, bursting into the box and almost doing enough to prod the ball home. His effort was agonisingly close, not unlike Paul Gascoigne’s desperate attempts to reach the ball in extra time against Germany in Euro ’96 where he was an extra set of studs away from glory. The game became increasingly difficult to call; Shildon maintained their threat going forwards, but their central defence looked tired and leggy and the game became stretched. When the goal came, it was from a familiar source. From a driven cross from Lee Bythway, Roberts nodded the ball across the face of goal and Jamie Poole was first to react to force the ball home. Of Guisborough’s last five goals, Poole has scored four of them.
There was still time for Shildon to test Norton and Guisborough’s nerves, but the home side
collected all three points and avenged their early season losses against the same side. Football never fails to surprise; Shildon fans may have left the game feeling a touch aggrieved that they went home with nothing having carved out a number of chances. This is precisely the emotion of Guisborough fans as they left Dean Street earlier in the season having also carved out chances that were not taken.
The win takes Guisborough to thirty eight points and a step closer to retaining their First Division status. Saturday brings Tow Law to town. Our visitors will be desperate for three points in their bid for First Division survival. They have never been relegated from Northern League Division One before. Whilst that remain the case beyond this year, it is becoming an uphill struggle. Of course, anyone who has been to Tow Law will know that hills characterise the place. Saturday will be another tough game, but one that Guisborough will go into confidence after two wins on the bounce.
The BBC's big Christmas hit two months ago was undoubtedly the adaptation of Dickens' Great Expectations. A star studded cast was led by Ray Winston, in the role of escaped convict Abel Magwich. In the early scenes Magwich is seen devouring a pork pie, whilst trying desperately to remove the clamps and chains from his feet using a Blacksmith's file. Whilst the pork pie - suitably large and fleshy - brought to mind the most common Northern league culinary delight, the desperate attempts to move an unwanted item also reminded me of our early season clash with Shildon in the FA Cup. In a bizarre incident, which caught the crowd's attention almost as much as the actual play itself, a Shildon substitute who had entered play was called over by the referee and told to remove an ear stud which was covered over by tape. Whilst the instruction from the referee was a simple one, the process of removal was far more problematic as short of using a chainsaw, every item imaginable was used in a desperate attempt to free the player from his appendage. After bling-gate came another incident filled encounter at Dean Street in November. In a bad tempered affair, Guisborough lost a man to a red card and the game to the odd goal in three as they failed to convert their chances. With two wins in two against their hosts,
Shildon will have no doubt arrived with great expectations.
Shildon’s first-half goal must have exceeded all their expectations. After an even start, they were
gifted the opener when Casey, facing his own goalkeeper, contrived to lob his own man to put Shildon in the lead. Shildon are a big, physical and well–organised side and Guisborough found it difficult to break them down. It appeared that the visitors would sit down for their half-time cuppa a goal ahead. Yet deep into stoppage time, a goal was conjured from nothing. Roberts, always on the shoulder of the defender and pressing and harrying with his pace and skill, robbed the Shildon defence of the ball. With the visiting keeper stranded, Roberts had little option but to his try his luck from distance, despite all of the angles being against him. His right foot strike arrowed into the far corner to lift Guisborough spirits and in all probability change Chris Hardy’s team talk.
The second-half was much more open. Shildon continued to look dangerous when breaking from deep and any side that has Brian Stewart making darting runs down the left will cause problems. Guisborough ‘keeper Norton was three times called into action to make good saves as the County Durham outfit pressed to restore their early advantage. But the chances were not restricted to one end of the field. On the hour, Austin Johnson won the ball on the centre circle before laying the ball wide. Johnson then made a typical run forward, bursting into the box and almost doing enough to prod the ball home. His effort was agonisingly close, not unlike Paul Gascoigne’s desperate attempts to reach the ball in extra time against Germany in Euro ’96 where he was an extra set of studs away from glory. The game became increasingly difficult to call; Shildon maintained their threat going forwards, but their central defence looked tired and leggy and the game became stretched. When the goal came, it was from a familiar source. From a driven cross from Lee Bythway, Roberts nodded the ball across the face of goal and Jamie Poole was first to react to force the ball home. Of Guisborough’s last five goals, Poole has scored four of them.
There was still time for Shildon to test Norton and Guisborough’s nerves, but the home side
collected all three points and avenged their early season losses against the same side. Football never fails to surprise; Shildon fans may have left the game feeling a touch aggrieved that they went home with nothing having carved out a number of chances. This is precisely the emotion of Guisborough fans as they left Dean Street earlier in the season having also carved out chances that were not taken.
The win takes Guisborough to thirty eight points and a step closer to retaining their First Division status. Saturday brings Tow Law to town. Our visitors will be desperate for three points in their bid for First Division survival. They have never been relegated from Northern League Division One before. Whilst that remain the case beyond this year, it is becoming an uphill struggle. Of course, anyone who has been to Tow Law will know that hills characterise the place. Saturday will be another tough game, but one that Guisborough will go into confidence after two wins on the bounce.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Mackay's magic divides the sides
Consett 4 – 2 Guisborough Town
(Or a week where it was Michael Mackay 9 – 3 Guisborough Town and Jarrow Roofing)
It is oversimplistic to suggest that Consett are a one man team and whenever a player scores, someone has to supply the goods. But the simple difference between Guisborough and Consett today was a centre forward who is too good for this division. Incredibly, after a lean spell of just one goal in seven games, Michael Mackay has now scored nine goals in three days and
every one of his side’s goals in the last one hundred and eighty minutes.
Consett has a rich history, including a rich seam of coal that was tapped into and utilised for generations before de-industrialisation ravaged communities such as this. Regeneration has been (and still is) a government buzz-word, as though a few glossy projects can act as a sticking plaster over a gaping sore. Nevertheless, the most recent plans are for a new ground for Consett as part of a reputed £20 million complex for the community. Consett’s current home at Belle Vue is soaked in history and it is perhaps for the last time a Guisborough side will travel there.
I cannot pretend to be disappointed if this is our last journey as the ground holds few positive footballing memories for Guisborough fans, not least the humbling 12-1 club record defeat 6 seasons ago. There was never any risk of such a scoreline today, but Guisborough kicked against an incredibly strong wind in the first half where players looked as though they were wading through treacle as they battled against a gale and muddy pitch. On more than one occasion goal kicks which were heading for the half way line were sucked back by the wind and the ball was out of play frequently. Despite such a strong advantage, for much of the first half Consett struggled to capitalise.
As the wind rattled the floodlights and whistled around the main stand, the Consett home support struggled to suppress their mounting frustrations. As these frustrations threatened to boil over, right on cue arrived Michael Mackay. He opened the scoring from close range as Guisborough failed to clear their lines, before dinking the ball delightfully past Norton to double
Consett’s advantage. At 2-0, with the elements as they were this was far from game over. But despite having to defend manfully against the wind, Consett were quick to break and looked to have sealed the game when Mackay (who else?) eclipsed the brilliance of his second goal by repeating the feat at the other end of the pitch but this time having to contend with the wind in his face.
The game, however, was far from finished. Nathan Steel nodded home to reduce the deficit before repeating the trick only moments after the restart. With Consett hearts in mouths, Steel somehow connected with a swirling cross and appeared to have levelled the tie, only for a smart one handed stop from the young Consett stopper. Despite Mackay’s four goals, this incident was
perhaps the defining moment of the game. Had Guisborough levelled the game it is quite likely they would have gone on to win. Poole – against his old side –nodded over from close range and for a short time it was all Guisborough.
Mackay though was not finished. With the visitors pouring forward in search of a goal, he put the game to bed with his fourth goal and extended Guisborough’s winless sequence against Consett.
Despite the defeat, this was a good Guisborough performance. The conditions were treacherous and we were shorn of six regular players. Johnson, Luke and Lee Bythway, I’Anson, Wood and Boland were all missing and a young side battled hard and almost pulled off a miraculous turn around.
Consett has a rich tradition of producing footballers and referees – Frank Clark and Mark Clattenburg both being notable examples. Another less well known name is Michael Kay – a youngster plying his trade with Tranmere Rovers. As I left Belle Vue today, I was left with the overwhelming feeling that a man of almost the same name should perhaps still be playing League
football given his clinical performance over the ninety minutes here.
(Or a week where it was Michael Mackay 9 – 3 Guisborough Town and Jarrow Roofing)
It is oversimplistic to suggest that Consett are a one man team and whenever a player scores, someone has to supply the goods. But the simple difference between Guisborough and Consett today was a centre forward who is too good for this division. Incredibly, after a lean spell of just one goal in seven games, Michael Mackay has now scored nine goals in three days and
every one of his side’s goals in the last one hundred and eighty minutes.
Consett has a rich history, including a rich seam of coal that was tapped into and utilised for generations before de-industrialisation ravaged communities such as this. Regeneration has been (and still is) a government buzz-word, as though a few glossy projects can act as a sticking plaster over a gaping sore. Nevertheless, the most recent plans are for a new ground for Consett as part of a reputed £20 million complex for the community. Consett’s current home at Belle Vue is soaked in history and it is perhaps for the last time a Guisborough side will travel there.
I cannot pretend to be disappointed if this is our last journey as the ground holds few positive footballing memories for Guisborough fans, not least the humbling 12-1 club record defeat 6 seasons ago. There was never any risk of such a scoreline today, but Guisborough kicked against an incredibly strong wind in the first half where players looked as though they were wading through treacle as they battled against a gale and muddy pitch. On more than one occasion goal kicks which were heading for the half way line were sucked back by the wind and the ball was out of play frequently. Despite such a strong advantage, for much of the first half Consett struggled to capitalise.
As the wind rattled the floodlights and whistled around the main stand, the Consett home support struggled to suppress their mounting frustrations. As these frustrations threatened to boil over, right on cue arrived Michael Mackay. He opened the scoring from close range as Guisborough failed to clear their lines, before dinking the ball delightfully past Norton to double
Consett’s advantage. At 2-0, with the elements as they were this was far from game over. But despite having to defend manfully against the wind, Consett were quick to break and looked to have sealed the game when Mackay (who else?) eclipsed the brilliance of his second goal by repeating the feat at the other end of the pitch but this time having to contend with the wind in his face.
The game, however, was far from finished. Nathan Steel nodded home to reduce the deficit before repeating the trick only moments after the restart. With Consett hearts in mouths, Steel somehow connected with a swirling cross and appeared to have levelled the tie, only for a smart one handed stop from the young Consett stopper. Despite Mackay’s four goals, this incident was
perhaps the defining moment of the game. Had Guisborough levelled the game it is quite likely they would have gone on to win. Poole – against his old side –nodded over from close range and for a short time it was all Guisborough.
Mackay though was not finished. With the visitors pouring forward in search of a goal, he put the game to bed with his fourth goal and extended Guisborough’s winless sequence against Consett.
Despite the defeat, this was a good Guisborough performance. The conditions were treacherous and we were shorn of six regular players. Johnson, Luke and Lee Bythway, I’Anson, Wood and Boland were all missing and a young side battled hard and almost pulled off a miraculous turn around.
Consett has a rich tradition of producing footballers and referees – Frank Clark and Mark Clattenburg both being notable examples. Another less well known name is Michael Kay – a youngster plying his trade with Tranmere Rovers. As I left Belle Vue today, I was left with the overwhelming feeling that a man of almost the same name should perhaps still be playing League
football given his clinical performance over the ninety minutes here.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Town's second half spell sinks Mariners
South Shields 3 - 4 Guisborough Town
Football is a funny game. What often should happen doesn’t and just when a game seems to be heading towards a particular conclusion, up steps an individual to twist and contort proceedings and send the game on a different course. At half-time in today’s game, with the score 1-1, control of the game looked to be with Guisborough. Having played against a gale-force wind for the first forty-five minutes and taken a hold of possession, the visitors seemed destined to take advantage of the wind at their backs and go on to win comfortably. Of course, football – and life for that matter – rarely follows a predictable path and the home side may consider themselves a touch unfortunate not to share the points having carved out several second half chances that they failed to convert.
Both teams began the game with enforced changes. Shields were shorn of their two centre forwards through injury, whilst Luke Bythway and Austin Johnson – both instrumental in Guisborough’s bank Holiday win at Benfield –were suspended. In stepped Liam McPhillips and Willie Boland. The latter once again demonstrated his experience, awareness and class. Good players are very rarely rushed when in possession and more than once Boland invited challenges before casually slipping the ball sideways or into feet. There was an economy to his movements which would have pleased any deficit crunching finance minister as he allowed younger opposition players to do the extra running off the ball whilst he held his position and created the illusion of having the ball on a piece of string. Boland – quite appropriately given the opposition – was able to shield the ball with his body and find openings that less aware players frequently do not spot. It was Boland that spread the early seeds of the move that led to Guisborough’s opener. Boland sprayed the ball wide and as the ball was driven across the box Nathan Steel was first to react to prod in from close range.
Buffeted by the wind but buoyed by the goal, there then ensued a fifteen minute period of play where Guisborough played some of their best football of the season. Slick passing, tremendous running and movement off the ball and trickery from the midfield duo of Decosemo and Roberts could conceivably have resulted in a second goal, but for good defending from the hosts. As the half wore on the lead remained a slender one and Shields began to gain a foothold in the game. They duly equalised when a dipping corner driven in from the left was admired by the Guisborough defence as they stood, statuesque, as the ball was headed unchallenged into the net by Feasey. It could have been worse; with half-time approaching another excellent corner almost resulted in a replica outcome. This time a Shields’head also met the ball but the ball flew over the bar, over the fence and signalled the end of the half. Shields are a big, physical side and a feature of their play in the reverse fixture at the KGV was their set plays. Today was no different.
When the second half began, it was as though two different sides had entered the field of play, such was the transformation in South Shields. Perhaps warmed by a managerial rocket as much as their half-time cuppa, they looked quicker, sharper and far more incisive. Having demonstrated flashes of creativity in the first half, Shields’ winger Denver Morris came to life as his side kicked into the wind. At any level, pace worries defenders, especially when a player picks the ball up from deep positions and runs at defenders, who are forced to back-pedal. Having dominated the opening exchanges of the second period, it was no surprise when Shields went ahead as a slick move was finished from close range by Colvin as the ball was lashed past ‘keeper Norton from close range.
For a period of the game, it was not only backs to the wind for Guisborough, but also backs to the wall. Yet there was an underlying feeling that as good as the home defence were in the air, they looked less comfortable when forced to turn and face their own goal. It perhaps needed something spectacular from Guisborough to wrestle the initiative and momentum back their way. Jamie Poole duly delivered. As the ball was curved into the box from the right touchline by Roberts, Poole brought the ball down before swivelling and shooting in one movement. He lashed the ball into the top corner before any defender was able to react. Poole’s two touches – carried out on within a split-second of each other – were game changers. Just moments later Poole turned provider as his perfectly flighted cross was nodded home by Steel to turn the game on its head. Guisborough now had an extra spring in their steps – one that only a goal can create – and whilst the presence of the wind remained, it appeared to have been well and truly taken out of the Mariners’ sails. When Roberts – an ever-present thorn in the home side’s defence – raced clear, there was only one option, but still a lot to do. As the home keeper advanced to narrow the angle he arrowed a rasping drive into the bottom corner to seemingly put the game to bed. But following Guisborough is not for the faint-hearted or those of a nervous disposition. Shields almost immediately reduced the arrears through Fenwick, setting up a tense, nervy last ten minutes where Norton and his defence had to be at their best to preserve Guisborough’s narrow advantage.
It sounds impressive when you say that your side has been unbeaten all year, even if the year is less than a week old. Realistically, to hope for six points from two away fixtures in a week is perhaps more than Guisborough fans could have hoped for. A belated Christmas present, or perhaps part of a New Year’s resolve. Either way, it is six points. As we left Filtrona Park– linked to the nearby Filtrona factory which manufactures cigarette filters, Shields were left to reflect on a game that they could have secured, but that ultimately went up in smoke. Next week brings Shildon to the King George V, which promises to be a close encounter of the third kind after two tough contest between the two sides already this season.
Football is a funny game. What often should happen doesn’t and just when a game seems to be heading towards a particular conclusion, up steps an individual to twist and contort proceedings and send the game on a different course. At half-time in today’s game, with the score 1-1, control of the game looked to be with Guisborough. Having played against a gale-force wind for the first forty-five minutes and taken a hold of possession, the visitors seemed destined to take advantage of the wind at their backs and go on to win comfortably. Of course, football – and life for that matter – rarely follows a predictable path and the home side may consider themselves a touch unfortunate not to share the points having carved out several second half chances that they failed to convert.
Both teams began the game with enforced changes. Shields were shorn of their two centre forwards through injury, whilst Luke Bythway and Austin Johnson – both instrumental in Guisborough’s bank Holiday win at Benfield –were suspended. In stepped Liam McPhillips and Willie Boland. The latter once again demonstrated his experience, awareness and class. Good players are very rarely rushed when in possession and more than once Boland invited challenges before casually slipping the ball sideways or into feet. There was an economy to his movements which would have pleased any deficit crunching finance minister as he allowed younger opposition players to do the extra running off the ball whilst he held his position and created the illusion of having the ball on a piece of string. Boland – quite appropriately given the opposition – was able to shield the ball with his body and find openings that less aware players frequently do not spot. It was Boland that spread the early seeds of the move that led to Guisborough’s opener. Boland sprayed the ball wide and as the ball was driven across the box Nathan Steel was first to react to prod in from close range.
Buffeted by the wind but buoyed by the goal, there then ensued a fifteen minute period of play where Guisborough played some of their best football of the season. Slick passing, tremendous running and movement off the ball and trickery from the midfield duo of Decosemo and Roberts could conceivably have resulted in a second goal, but for good defending from the hosts. As the half wore on the lead remained a slender one and Shields began to gain a foothold in the game. They duly equalised when a dipping corner driven in from the left was admired by the Guisborough defence as they stood, statuesque, as the ball was headed unchallenged into the net by Feasey. It could have been worse; with half-time approaching another excellent corner almost resulted in a replica outcome. This time a Shields’head also met the ball but the ball flew over the bar, over the fence and signalled the end of the half. Shields are a big, physical side and a feature of their play in the reverse fixture at the KGV was their set plays. Today was no different.
When the second half began, it was as though two different sides had entered the field of play, such was the transformation in South Shields. Perhaps warmed by a managerial rocket as much as their half-time cuppa, they looked quicker, sharper and far more incisive. Having demonstrated flashes of creativity in the first half, Shields’ winger Denver Morris came to life as his side kicked into the wind. At any level, pace worries defenders, especially when a player picks the ball up from deep positions and runs at defenders, who are forced to back-pedal. Having dominated the opening exchanges of the second period, it was no surprise when Shields went ahead as a slick move was finished from close range by Colvin as the ball was lashed past ‘keeper Norton from close range.
For a period of the game, it was not only backs to the wind for Guisborough, but also backs to the wall. Yet there was an underlying feeling that as good as the home defence were in the air, they looked less comfortable when forced to turn and face their own goal. It perhaps needed something spectacular from Guisborough to wrestle the initiative and momentum back their way. Jamie Poole duly delivered. As the ball was curved into the box from the right touchline by Roberts, Poole brought the ball down before swivelling and shooting in one movement. He lashed the ball into the top corner before any defender was able to react. Poole’s two touches – carried out on within a split-second of each other – were game changers. Just moments later Poole turned provider as his perfectly flighted cross was nodded home by Steel to turn the game on its head. Guisborough now had an extra spring in their steps – one that only a goal can create – and whilst the presence of the wind remained, it appeared to have been well and truly taken out of the Mariners’ sails. When Roberts – an ever-present thorn in the home side’s defence – raced clear, there was only one option, but still a lot to do. As the home keeper advanced to narrow the angle he arrowed a rasping drive into the bottom corner to seemingly put the game to bed. But following Guisborough is not for the faint-hearted or those of a nervous disposition. Shields almost immediately reduced the arrears through Fenwick, setting up a tense, nervy last ten minutes where Norton and his defence had to be at their best to preserve Guisborough’s narrow advantage.
It sounds impressive when you say that your side has been unbeaten all year, even if the year is less than a week old. Realistically, to hope for six points from two away fixtures in a week is perhaps more than Guisborough fans could have hoped for. A belated Christmas present, or perhaps part of a New Year’s resolve. Either way, it is six points. As we left Filtrona Park– linked to the nearby Filtrona factory which manufactures cigarette filters, Shields were left to reflect on a game that they could have secured, but that ultimately went up in smoke. Next week brings Shildon to the King George V, which promises to be a close encounter of the third kind after two tough contest between the two sides already this season.
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