Birtley Town Hawks faced New Durham AFC in a commanding league encounter at Bowburn Park on 16 March 2025, with the match kicking off at 9:30 am. The Hawks showcased their dominance, securing a resounding 4-0 victory, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace throughout the contest.
The Hawks lined up in a 3-2-3 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing ample support for their attacking players. Fletcher Tranter occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a trio of defenders: Harry Kean on the right, Harrison Younghusband in the centre, and Jacob Davison on the left. The midfield was anchored by Harry Morrison and Seb Davison, who were tasked with both defensive duties and linking play with the forwards. Up front, Jack McKay and Leo Patterson operated as left and right forwards, respectively, while Kayden Dailey led the line as the striker, expected to convert chances into goals.
Substitutes for the match included Alfie Elmy, Isaac Morales, Ben Routledge, and Walter Johnson, who would later play pivotal roles in the Hawks' attacking display.
The first half saw Birtley Town Hawks firmly in control, with a flurry of substitutions occurring around the 20-minute mark. Alfie Elmy replaced Jack McKay, while Isaac Morales came on for Leo Patterson, Ben Routledge took the place of Seb Davison, and Walter Johnson substituted for Harry Morrison. These changes injected fresh energy into the team as they sought to break the deadlock only to go in 0-0 at half time.
As the match progressed, the Hawks finally found their rhythm. Kayden Dailey opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, finding the net with a precise right-footed shot from inside the box, having created space for himself. This goal ignited the Hawks' confidence, and they continued to press for more.
Walter Johnson doubled the lead just four minutes later, converting a well-placed cross from Kayden Dailey with another right-footed finish inside the box. The Hawks were now firmly in control, and their attacking prowess was evident as they relentlessly pursued a third goal.
In the 39th minute, Alfie Elmy made an decisive impact, scoring from inside the box after receiving a through pass from Ben Routledge. His right-footed strike further solidified Birtley’s dominance, leaving New Durham AFC reeling.
The game continued with a series of substitutions, with Jack McKay returning to replace Kayden Dailey, Leo Patterson coming on for Jacob Davison, Seb Davison replacing Harrison Younghusband, and Harry Morrison stepping in for Harry Kean. These tactical adjustments aimed to maintain the Hawks' momentum and ensure fresh legs on the pitch.
The scoring continued shortly after the changes, as Harrison Younghusband added a fourth goal within a minute of coming on. The defender unleashed a stunning long-range effort that flew past the New Durham goalkeeper, marking a memorable strike that left the crowd in awe.
New Durham AFC struggled to find their footing throughout the match, unable to penetrate the solid Birtley defence or create significant chances. The Hawks maintained their composure and control, effectively managing the game and limiting their opponents' opportunities.
As the final whistle blew, Birtley Town Hawks celebrated a comprehensive 4-0 victory, a testament to their tactical execution and teamwork. The performance not only showcased their attacking capabilities but also highlighted the strength of their defence, with the whole team earning accolades for his solid performance.
