Credit must be given to both sides for providing such an entertaining game, which was played in freezing cold conditions throughout and on a pitch that was in terrible need of a good roll to even out the bumps. This really affected play at times and made playing good football on the floor very difficult.
Both teams had chances during the first half but were very tentative around the penalty area. Craig Coates found himself in a good shooting position on 6 minutes but the Hilda Park keeper did well to come out and make the safe. Craig Coates again found himself in a decent shooting position on 21 minutes after expertly controlling a brilliant long diagonal pass from Gavin McCormack from the left hand side but his effort went wide. Coates was getting into great positions with intelligent runs in behind the Hilda Park defence.
Hilda Park had their moments including a couple of decent shooting opportunities in and around the penalty area but never really forced Potts in the Sacriston goal into any difficult saves.
Then just before half time Sacriston went ahead when Andrew Collinson got up well to powerfully place his header into the roof of the net from Greg Coates’ excellent far post corner. It was just reward for Collinson who had been excellent throughout the match showing a renewed energy whilst also doing the defensive part of his game well.
Then a minute later Andrew Solan did well down the right hand side jinking in and out before crossing to the far post where Collinson was stood unmarked but he couldn’t redirect his header underneath the cross bar to keep it on target. This was arguably the easier of the chances.
The 2nd half started with the next goal in the game looking like it was going to be crucial with both sides having chances to score. Yip went close with a curling left foot shot for Hilda Park on 50 minutes.
Jacob Horner replaced Andrew Solan down the right hand side on 51 minutes and played well again constantly getting past his man and putting telling crosses and passes into the Hilda Park penalty box.
Andrew Collinson then went close again from another header when an excellent in-swinging free kick by Greg Coates found him in the box but his header was well cleared by the Hilda Park defender off his own goal line.
It was Sacriston who got the next crucial goal on 61 minutes after some excellent interchange of passing between Greg Coates and Collinson allowed Coates the space to attempt a cross from the left hand side with his left foot which rather fortuitously sailed over the keepers head into the far corner of the net.
This gave Sacriston the 2 goal cushion that was badly needed because at this point the match was in the balance. I brought on Matty Rudge on 66 minutes to replace Gavin McCormack to play in central midfield where his combative skills proved to be useful as the game was starting to become quite physical and he did well to retain possession for us. Collinson moved out wide on the left.
Hilda park found a way back into the game on 67 minutes when a free kick was quickly taken from inside their own half and one pass later the entire defence had been split wide open after reacting to slowly to the situation which allowed the Hilda Park forward who then did brilliantly to take the ball into his stride before finishing clinically into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Anthony Ward replaced the excellent Greg Coates on 70 minutes up front.
Then on 77 minutes Craig Coates decided to take this game by the scruff of the neck and win it for Sacriston. Firstly Rob Draper did brilliantly to win a tackle on the edge of the Hilda Park penalty area which resulted in the ball coming towards Coates who then opened up his body to shot right footed powerfully into the left corner of the net.
Then 6 minutes later Craig Coates made the game safe after a great run and pass down the right by Horner allowed him 1 touch of the ball before he audaciously chipped the Hilda Park goalkeeper leaving him motionless on the angle from the right of the box into the left hand side of the net.
Craig Coates then went on to complete his hatrick 5 minutes from time from the penalty spot following another powerful run from Horner into the box which allowed Ward to receive the ball who was then poised to shoot before being brought down. Collinson the designated penalty taker on the day allowed Coates the opportunity to complete his hatrick from the spot which he did despite the Hilda Park keeper getting a good hand to the ball but the power of the strike still allowed the ball to cross the line. This made it 5-1.
Hilda Park did get a consolation goal on 88 minutes when a bobbled cross from the right wing was not dealt with by the Sacriston defence who failed to clear the ball and the Hilda Park player stuck away the chance from around 9 yards out. The final whistle was blown shortly afterwards for a final score of 5-2 to Sacriston which did slightly flatter us on the day but there was no doubt on chances created alone we deserved to win even if the margin of victory was a little flattering.
The difference between the sides was in the finishing and just when the game got tight Craig Coates stepped up with 2 great finishes to make the game safe and ensure the points. Craig’s attitude throughout was superb and it was great to see the positive influence he had on our younger players which I am hoping we can tap into later in the season. It was only his 2nd game of the season and unfortunately for Hilda Park both games have been against them and he has scored 5 goals in those games.
Our defence did ok although there were some slightly nervy moments at times which was to be expected due to the change in personnel. Rob Draper who was pushed into midfield played magnificent again doing all the dirty work for the team making tackles, blocks and pressing high up the pitch often winning the ball when he had no right to to get the team on the front foot again.
Overall a good victory which sets us up nicely now for our Heart Foundation cup semi-final on Sunday March 8th at home against Shotton Comrades. I urge the Sacriston public to get down and support the team that day in our quest to get to the final.
