Birtley Town Hawks welcomed Durham United to Birtley Town FC on 23 March 2025 for a highly anticipated league encounter. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and concluded with a scoreline of 2-1 in favour of the home side, showcasing a spirited performance from both teams.
Birtley Town Hawks lined up in a 3-2-3 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while also providing ample support for their attacking players. Fletcher Tranter took his position in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Harrison Younghusband on the right, Ben Routledge in the centre, and Walter Johnson on the left. The midfield was anchored by Jack McKay and Seb Davison, who were tasked with linking defence and attack, while the forward line featured Kayden Dailey on the right, Alfie Elmy as the central striker, and Isaac Morales on the left. The substitutes for the match included Harry Morrison, Harry Kean, and Leo Patterson.
The first half saw a flurry of activity, with Birtley Town Hawks making three substitutions in quick succession at the 22-minute mark. Jack McKay made way for Harry Morrison, while Alfie Elmy was replaced by Harry Kean, and Isaac Morales was substituted for Leo Patterson. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the squad, but it was Durham United who struck first, taking the lead in the 29th minute.
At half-time, Birtley Town Hawks found themselves trailing 1-0. However, the second half brought renewed hope for the home side as they started moving the ball quicker and linking up better. Just four minutes after the restart, Leo Patterson, who had only recently entered the fray, made his mark by scoring a stunning goal from inside the box in the 34th minute, assisted by Ben Routledge. The equaliser sent the home crowd into raptures and shifted the momentum in favour of Birtley.
The Hawks continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarded just two minutes later when Kayden Dailey found the back of the net, converting a short pass from Patterson inside the box in the 36th minute. With a 2-1 lead, Birtley Town Hawks were in control, and the atmosphere was electric as they sought to consolidate their advantage.
As the match progressed, Birtley made further substitutions to maintain their lead. Alfie Elmy returned to the pitch in the 50th minute, replacing Seb Davison, while Isaac Morales came back on in the 54th minute, taking over from Harry Kean. Harry Morrison also re-entered the game in the 56th minute, coming on for Jack McKay once again.
Despite Durham United's attempts to find an equaliser, Birtley Town Hawks held firm defensively, with the back three and goalkeeper Tranter ensuring that the visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances. The match concluded with Birtley securing a hard-fought victory, earning them three vital points in the league.
The standout performers for Birtley included Ben Routledge, who not only contributed defensively but also provided the assist for Patterson's goal. Leo Patterson's impact was undeniable, scoring the equaliser and assisting the second goal, while Harry Kean also made a game changinrgcontribution during his time on the pitch with his excellent link up play. This victory will undoubtedly boost Birtley Town Hawks' confidence as they look to build on this success in their upcoming fixtures.
