Y&E reclaimed top spot on Saturday (and helped the goal difference) with a very impressive 6-1 win over Durham United at home. A hat-trick from Tom Atkinson earned him man of the match and goals from Charlie Fixter and Joe Dalton helped the Y&E end the day happy, and Redcar dropping points didnt do anything to dampen the mood.
Match report from Sam Robson
Despite the scoreline, the first half was a bit scrappy as our first goal came from a corner. Cam Wild’s header was initially saved but the rebound fell to Charlie Fixter who was inside the six yard box and slotted home to give us the lead inside 10 minutes. The wind was playing its part and alongside some interesting officiating at times, we struggled to get a real foothold on the game. Durham’s goal came from a break and a cross into a sparsely populated box where CallumRoberts and Phil Kay, the Durham number 9, came together in a 50/50 with Callum punching the ball away. Despite this, the penalty was given to Durham, and after a lengthy delay Kay stepped up only to have his penalty saved. But a lack of awareness from us allowed Kay an easy rebound to bring Durham level on 40 minutes.
We didn’t let that set back get to us, however, as we were back in front within three minutes of the restart thanks to Charlie Fixter again following another corner. This was not the culmination of drama for the half though, as again a poor decision left Y&E fans, players and staff bewildered. Supposedly Cal had left the box with the ball in his hands, according to the ref’s assistant and a free kick was awarded on the edge of the box to Durham, with captain Phil Kay looking dangerous stood over it. Having gone into the book earlier due to the penalty incident, many were left wondering why Callum was not dismissed following the “handball”, moreover he was equally lucky to escape a booking for some further discussion with the officials. All was well at the break though as the free kick was tame and a third Y&E goal from striker Tom meant we had a two-goal cushion and 11 men at the break.
A slightly flattering scoreline at the break given the wind, some of the decision against us and a bit of sloppiness, but we were straight out the gates in the second half, Tom Atkinson’s second after netting at the end of the first half. This time a tremendous volley from long range which flew into the top corner putting the game all but out of reach for Durham. Now that Tom was on his hat-trick, everyone was trying to get him that all important third goal for the rest of the game, but as every chance came and went, it felt as if the match ball was going away ever so slightly. Many of said chances came from the pure energy of Dan Jones, who was introduced just after our fourth goal, and was a strong contender for man of the match himself without scoring any.
As the game entered its final minutes, a breakthrough came, but not for Tom this time. It was Joe Dalton, who had also been excellent all game, who found the net for the Y&E’s fifth goal five minutes from the whistle. And with almost the last move of the game, Dan Jones played the ball through to Tom Atkinson, putting him one-on-one with the Durham keeper and stroked the ball into the net for his hat-trick.
A great performance from each and every one of the lads, deserving of the top spot in the league. Next up is Boldon away from home on Tuesday night, hope to see you all there again getting behind the lads.
