Yarm and Eaglescliffe complete the unthinkable to come back from 2-1 down in the 90th minute courtesy of two stoppage time goals. A game of two halves with a crazy ending sees Y&E come out with all three points. Jo Mccue with the match report.
A slow start to the game from Y&E saw them put under heavy pressure by Birtley. A great diagonal pass from Birtley sees them create a great chance as the ball is headed down and fired away by James Proctor to put the hosts 1-0 in 5 minutes. Things would seem to worsen for Y&E as Birtley piled more pressure on them hitting the post after a lovely piece of passing. The Y&E would start to see some of the ball and create a few half chances with a few good balls played into the box but no one in yellow was there to put it away. As the Y&E started to find their footing Birtley would make it 2-0 from a corner but the linesman disallowed it with what looked a questionable decision, but one we were happy to take!
A let off for the Y&E which looked to give them a boost. Ste Roberts (sponsored by Angela Cronin) scored the equaliser on 37 minutes after a lovely pass in behind the defence from Joe Dalton. . As they seemed to get more into the game Birtley would answer back and finally get their second from a lovely corner just before half time, with Dale Burrell nodding home in space at the back post.
A huge half would be needed for the Y&E as they looked to get back into the game. There was a good few chances from Y&E at the start of second half and they looked the better team in search of an equaliser. Substitute Sam Conway would almost give them that with a lovely header from a Harry Titchner cross, but the keeper saved well. The Y&E piled more pressure on with Tom Atkinson almost finding the back of the net, but Birtleys keeper made an amazing save to keep them in the lead.
There was a few chances for Birtley as the Y&E pressed forward, but in the main the Y&E were able to limit any clear cut opportunities. Then in the 92nd minute a long free kick from Titch up in to the box, and teh ball was headed by a Birtley defender to the edge of the box where substitute Kristos “Bubba” Cofinas (sponsored by Cutting Edge Ground Maintenance) would get his hero moment and fire home to level the game at 2-2. Elation for the away side as they looked to steal a point at the death. Bubba becoming the youngest ever goalscorer for the Y&E.
The game was not over and as Bubba was fouled just inside our half, another HST free kick in to the box where the ball broke to Tom Atkinson (sponsored by Lisa Kyle and Cutting Edge Ground Maintenance), who managed to turn and find space in the box before rifling a shot in to the far corner. Cue jubilation on and off the pitch.
Credit to Birtley, a fantastic place to watch football, a good atmosphere and some really good people. They should have been out of sight first half, and will rue the disallowed goal. Good luck to them for the rest of the season.
As for the Y&E – another game where we stage a comeback. Its seems ages since we’ve comfortably won a game!
There is just something so special about this football club that sees them countless time defy all odds to win in the dying moments.
Man of the Match was Joe Dalton who was presented with a £20 voucher from our Man of the Match Sponsors this season – The Keys post game. Joe is sponsored by Renner Kompressor
Thanks to our away game sponsors Dragontail Consulting
Thanks to our away kit sponsors
Cutting Edge Ground Maintenance
EMP Solutions heating and plumbing services
After a wonderful comeback, all focus is on Tuesday night as we face Penrith at home, with the hopes of extending the unbeaten run in Division one. We will see you there for a 1945 kick off
One Response
Thanks to James & Benjamin who provided transport (Cramlington to Birtley return) this was my first Y&E game. An enjoyable afternoon with the 2 – 3 win. You couldn’t ask for a better end to the game with two goals in added time. A great effort from the team (players and supporters).
Hopefully I will be able to get to more matches when you are up in our neck of the woods.
Could I add that I won the Birtley 50/50 draw.