The Y&E started their defence of the Ernest Armstrong League Cup with a 2-1 victory over fellow division two side Seaham Red Star at Bedford Terrace.
With the home game against Grangetown postponed due to the weather, the pitch had benefited from a couple of days of dry weather and was deemed playable. It was a perfect winter’s night for football, clear skies, bit of zip on the pitch and no wind, if a little chilly!
There was a few changes to the starting Xl from our game last week against York City. Callum was in goals after his penalty heroics last week. There was a return for central defender Ethan Jones, who lined up alongside Leo and Alex Dougall in what seems like our 24th different central defensive combination this season. At wing back we had Foz Garton and Pete Bulmer. HST was in midfield alongside Joe Scaiffe Wheatley, with Marshy and Harry Williams playing just behind Tom Atkinson up front. On the bench we had JL10, Sam Conway, Cameron Wild, Joe Dalton and James Nicholson from the U21 squad.
The first half was pretty even, neither team managed to get a foothold on the game. Our defence was solid and dealt with pretty much everything that Seaham tried up front. Callum didn’t have much to do in goal. The ball spent a lot of time on the middle of the park, we had a few decent spells of possession, but the final ball wasn’t coming off, either just beyond Tom up front or not falling to him. We managed one decent break, with Marshy playing the ball to Tom through the middle of the park, another couple of passes between them and Toms shot was saved, with Marshy ruled offside for the rebound. 0-0 at half time.
Into the second half and the Y&E were unchanged. We started well and on 51mins we took the lead. No prizes for guessing who opened the scoring, Tom Atkinson. Some nice play down the right hand side, Tom and Marshy linking up and Tom finding space on the right, and running in to the box and scoring at the far post. 1-0 Y&E.
We nearly doubled our lead 5 mins later, with HST somehow managing to hit the post from 5 yards, after an excellent break down the left from Pete Bulmer. It was easier to score than miss that one! Jacko made a couple of subs, with Ethan and Leo replaced by Cam and James Nicholson. JL10 also came on for Scaiffe. We were largely in command but on 70mins the ref gave a penalty to Seaham after James Nicholson was ruled to have fouled a Seaham Player in the box. It looked very harsh decision, with James looking like he clearly won the ball. Could Callum continue his fine form against spot kicks? Of course he could. Diving low to his right he saved.
Two minutes later we doubled our lead. Marshy getting the ball in the middle of the pitch and running with ball straight up the middle of the pitch and in to the box before calmly slotting home. A superb goal, which had some in the crowd calling him the smoggy Maradonna. 2-0 up with less than 20mins to go. We’d been here before!
There was a couple more subs, with Joe Dalton and San Conway on for Tom & Marshy. Once again we were largely in control, and were creating a few half chances. There was an element of Deja vu with Maurice commenting that we needed a third! In to stoppage time and Seaham had a shot from distance over the bar. 90+7 and Seaham won a penalty. A break down their right and a cross over, with Foz adjudged to have fouled their player. The penalty was mis hit but managed to sneak past Callum. 2-1. A couple of stoppage time minutes left!
There was chance for Seaham to grab an equaliser. A free kick in to the box. Cleared, corner. Cleared. Corner. Then a mad goalmouth scramble, their keeper in our box, blocks, shots, tackles, goalkeeping commando rolls from Callum and it was finally lumped clear. Breath. The ref blew up for full time. A 2-1 and into the next round, Esh Winning away next round for the Y&E.
Seaham battled well, with only two subs (one outfield) they ran out of steam towards the end of the game. Thankfully for the Y&E there was no late comeback from them like the home league game.
Another win for the Y&E and through to the next round. Again a better second half display, Tom with another goal and the finish from Marshy is up there as one of the best of the season. Solid at the back, Dougs, Leo and Ethan played well, with Cam & James continuing when they came on, James looking confident and passing the ball out well. Our experienced wing back duo played well. HST and Scaiffe quality in midfield. Callum another penalty save. Legend. Man of the Match was Harry Williams. Another all action display from him, might not feature in the match reports, but his running, work rate and pressing was top drawer.
Next up is a trip to Northumberland to face Newbiggin on Saturday. Hopefully the weather is kind!