Playing against top of league was always going to be a hard task but with missing eight players which included Australia bound Sam Renwick, injured players Gavin Richardson, Liam Summers and John Chapman, Ben Sanderson working, Stephen Burrows and new signing Luke Wilson at the Newcastle match and Arron Wilkinson unavailable it was made even harder.
Only eleven players were present at the match so it was a case of slotting them into a position. Once the game started Burnside nearly took the lead when a cross was delivered and Stoker thought his header from eight yards out was going in but for an unbelievable save from Potts at full length. Burnside did manage to take the lead after only ten minutes when they were awarded a free kick near the edge of the box out wide. The free kick was delivered in and somehow everyone missed it, Potts managed to make a save but it fell to Stoker six yards out and he crashed the ball into the back of the net. They soon made it two when a long ball was sent into the box, Sacriston let the ball bounce and the Midfielder fired it into the top corner. Then it was three when Tom winter was adjudged to have handled the ball when the opposition player fired it at him from two yards away. From twenty yards out Craig ‘Sid’ Ellison sent in an unstoppable shot into the top corner, definitely one of the goals of the season.
At half time the players still thought they could pinch a goal back with kicking down hill and having the wind. That enthusiasm was short lived though when two minutes in they scored through Stoker for his second of the game from eight yards out. It was soon to be five when a needless foul was given away20 yardsfrom goal. Ellison took the free kick when he bent it around the wall and Potts dived expecting to take the ball cleanly, unfortunately it hit the biggest bobble and went into the top corner. Everyone just looked and could not believe it especially Ellison who just walked back to the half way line.
Sacriston then took control of the game and scored when Mordue headed against the post from six yards out only for Tom Winter to follow in and knock it in. One minute later though Ellison completed his hat trick when he was left unmark from sixteen yards out and curled his shot into the back of the net.
After that Mordue saw a one on one saved by the keeper when realistically he should of done better, then David Winter had a chance from the penalty spot which he fired straight at the keeper.
No more goals were conceded and the team could take heart for how they battled. Potts made some excellent saves and was awarded man of the match, Tom Winter at right back seems to be getting stronger and stronger and looks a good player with plenty of graft who never gives up.
Burnside two forwards who both play forDurhamCityon a Saturday both showed there class when they precision finishing and clever play.
Hopefully next weeks match at Ferryhill Saints sees a full squad and a victory to avoid relegation.
