Match Report

Y&E 1 – 1 AFC Newbiggin

Tuesday 29th July 2025 (att 146)

The first home game of the season ended up as 1-1 draw with the Y&E and AFC Newbiggin sharing the points. In an entertaining early season contest, Tom Atkinson grabbed a 25th minute opener but that was cancelled out by a Jay Barber strike juts before half time. The Y&E applied plenty of pressure but Newbiggin held out to take their first ever Northern League point. Massive thanks to Match Sponsors the Cleveland Bay and to the Y&E supporters club (Chester Branch) for match ball sponsorship

A decent crowd of 145 turned out at Bedford Terrace to see if the Y&E could build on their opening day win away at Chester le Street Town. Jacko made on change with experienced midfielder Foz Garton coming in for Joe Dalton who was unavailable. On the bench we had Harry Williams, Alex Dougall, Isaac Coppinger, Pete Bulmer and Adam Groom.

We started better and had an early half chance from Tom over the bar. On 5mins we won a free kick on the edge of the box, Ste Roberts low effort round the base of the wall was tipped round the post by the keeper. The visitors grew into the game and were beginning to dominate possession and control the middle of the park, they had an excellent chance on 21mins with a shot from distance beating Callum but bouncing off the top of the bar. The game was quite stop start, with the ref blowing for a lot of fouls, including HST going in the book for what looked like an expertly timed slide tackle. Jack Dalton joined him in the boom a few minutes later for voicing an opinion. We had another free kick on the edge of the box which Hillers hit in to the wall. On 25mins HST got the ball out wide an threaded a nice pass down the right hand side and Tom did what Tom does and scored.

I couldn’t see properly from the other end as the low sun impacted visibility and reflected off Cam’s brilliant white boots. Not sure if they are central defenders Union approved mind. Tom had a couple of other chances that were blocked, we were having our best spell of the game now but Biggin were holding firm and they looked pacey and dangerous on the break. A break down the right called Callum in to action with a cracking save at his near post to tip the ball over. A minute later on 36 mins he put in another worldie of a save again at his near post. Leo cleared well from a Newbiggin break and on 41mins he was in the book for a foul on the right edge of the box. We were a bit under pressure now. As the half drew to close we were caught out by a long ball down the right and their 10 Jay Barber got between the defence and Callum and he lofted the ball over Callum for a tidy finish. 1-1 and to be honest it had been coming. The ref blew for half time and it was time for the bottle draw. Congratulations to Y&E supporter Mike Smith who bagged the limited edition pomegranate gin.

Back underway and we were unchanged. It carried on being stop start, and Newbiggin had an early chance as goalmouth scramble was thankfully cleared by the Y&E defence. Dougs came on for Leo on 50mins. HST was getting some joy down the right and he linked up well with Marshy who got clear and put the ball across the six yard box but no one could connect. Harry Williams came on for Foz and we kept up our good start to the 2nd half, this time Sam Conway getting clear down the left and putting a dangerous cross over. Again nobody could connect, but a Ste managed to dink the ball back just beyond the far post. Newbiggin managed to break on 58mins and Dougs managed to block their shot. We also had a first a little later as the Biggin keeper held on the ball for six seconds and a corner was awarded. Will be interesting to see how well enforced this is for the rest of the season!

We had most of possession but still were unable to get the goal. We kept applying the pressure, but Newbiggin were defending well. In to the last 10minutes Harry Williams got free down the right, beating his man twice in the box he cut it back towards Tom but it was cleared. A few minutes later their keeper came out and the ball fell to Harry in the box but his shot was stopped by a defender on the line. By this time Groomy, Pete Bulmer and Issac Coppinger were all on the pitch, replacing Jack Dalton, Ste Roberts and Hillers. We kept pushing for ten equaliser but we didn’t get the goal and ten game finished 1-1.

Credit to AFC Newbiggin. They played really well, defended strongly, played some good football and were dangerous on the break. They didn’t look out of place at all as a Northern League Div 2 team and I’m sure they’ll cause problems for every team they face this season. We look forward to our trip up to the Northumberland Riviera in November for the return fixture.

We were much better second half, with more energy and control of the ball. First half we scored and had a good spell for the middle 15 minutes or so, but the visitors shaded it. We kept the pressure on but couldn’t get but the 2nd goal, plenty of crosses, passes that were just a half yard to far. After last seasons exploits there is always the hope / expectation that we will get a late winner – but it doesn’t always happen.

Man of the Match was Titch. He had a really good game. Some excellent passing, tackling and plenty of energy. Good to see him back performing for the first team.

Callum had another strong game. Defensively we were stretched a little bit on the first half, but competed throughout. Midfield got more of foothold as the game went on. Up front we looked dangerous with some good link up play. It was good to see Tom get his first of hopefully many, this season.

Four points from the first two league games, I think we would all have taken that. There is still plenty more to come from this team. It’s a solid start for us to build on over the next few weeks.

Next up a big test as we travel up the A19 to Jarrow. See you in the Red Hackle pre match.