Another win for Y&E on Tuesday night as they prevailed 1-0 winners over a Boldon side who were very difficult to break down. The win leaves Yarm on 83 points after 37 games, one point above Redcar Town in 2nd who have played 35.
Before the game started it felt like it could be a difficult night given Boldon’s physical presence and willingness to fight for a result. The first half was not filled with chances as both sides tried to figure each other out. Whenever Yarm tried to progress the ball forward, it seemed to be met by one of the Boldon defenders who were clearly not in a mood to take chances. A first slight opening came from the first Y&E corner of the game where Cam Wild’s free header went over. This was replied to by the home side as shortly after an opening for them came as Max Cowburn latched onto a sneaky through ball, but the opportunity was snuffed out by Callum in goal who was alert to the danger and rushed out quickly managing to put the pressure on for the ball to be poked wide.
The only goal of the game came just five minutes from the break as a Titch corner was placed right on top of the keeper who punched away, perfectly setting up Tom Atkinson for another stunner on the volley from the edge of the box giving Yarm a much-needed lead heading into half time. Y&E had grown into the difficult first half against a team whose league position does not do them justice whatsoever.
Both sides came out from the break looking to get a goal, which allowed the game to open up slightly, allowing for more chances for either team. A few early scares in the half from Boldon, as a close range free kick went just over and a subsequent quick ball across the box failed to meet a Boldon boot. The fight shown from the home team in this second half demonstrated their misleading league position perfectly as a clean move started by number three Luke Grant with a driving run through the middle, but he couldn’t get his shot on target and Y&E had the chance to reset. Tom Atkisnon had a chance to level with a shot saved and his rebound from a tight angle hit the post.
In to the final 25 minutes and there was a lot of defending from the Y&E as Boldon showed they were not going to give up on getting something from the game. Ethan Peden on the left wing for the home side seemed to be the source of the majority of Boldon’s attacking moves constantly being a nuisance for Jack Dalton. But as cross after cross found no Boldon players in the box, the clock kept ticking on to the end of the game and the flurry of attacks started to slow. The final chance for Boldon was arguably their best and made Y&E hearts beat even more than they had been doing all night. A free header from Luke Grant looked like it was in slow motion for the travelling Y&E supporters as it flew towards the goal, thankfully it was just wide and the Y&E could breathe a high sigh of relief as the final whistle went. Maybe Boldon will feel hard done by given their efforts but it was Y&E who left with the three points and continue their good form making it six league wins on the trot.
Next up is a trip to Darlington Town on Saturday at 3pm. We hope to see you there supporting the lads for the first of five crucial remaining games.
