First the cup, now we’re going up. Yarm and Eaglescliffe secured their place in NFL Division One on Saturday with an incredibly hard fought win over Jarrow in the play-off final. 120 minutes elapsed without a goal but thanks to heroics in goal from – guess who – Callum Roberts sent Y&E up, winning 5-4 on penalties.
Match Report from Sam Robson
After the elation that was Wednesday’s cup win at the Riverside, we were looking for a second final win in the space of 3 days. A very strong Jarrow team was stood in our way, backed all the way by their travelling support who turned up in good voice and good numbers.
The first half begun in a full on manner which would continue into the rest of the game. Both sides having their fair share of chances in the opening 20 minutes, a Jarrow forward somehow managing to put the ball over from inside the 6 yard box. The best of which for the home team fell to Marshy who did excellently well to poke the ball past a first Jarrow defender then outpace the second, squaring the ball to Tom Atkinson who couldn’t reach the cross in time and the chance ended up being cleared away by Jarrow. More chances came for either team before half time but none were on target and the scores remained level at 0-0 heading into half time.
The second half was less eventful in an attacking sense but a bit of confusion amongst fans as a yellow card for Jarrow’s #2, who some thought had been booked in the first half, caused its fair share of drama and handed the game a healthy edge for the remaining 20 minutes. Harry Willaims had a few breaks, but he couldn’t get a clear opening and a Jarrow shot from distance rattled off the bar. The final whistle blew with both teams still yet to score and the game getting nervy as both teams were clearly desperate to go up considering the seasons they both had.
So extra time it was and nerves were high all round. A quick break and tactical revisions from both managers and then we were back underway for the final 30. As it often is in extra time, it was clear both teams wanted to not lose more than they wanted to take a risk and win it, which shouldn’t be sniffed at given the journeys they had both taken this season. Regardless it was evident from early on this game would likely go to penalties, for the second time in 3 days for Y&E.
The order of penalty takers was the same for Yarm as it was at the Riverside. Captain Cam Wild stepped up first and, as at the Riverside, sends the keeper the wrong way and lets out a huge celebratory yell to the Yarm faithful. Jarrow also scored their first penalty, matched by Harry Williams who scored Yarm’s second. But Jarrow’s number four rattled the right hand post giving the cue for Yarm fans to erupt in celebration. The celebrations were short lived however as Ste Roberts saw his penalty saved and Jarrow went on to score leaving the scores at 2-2 after 3 penalties each. All remaining penalties for each team were converted and we went to sudden death. So up stepped 18-year-old Isaac Coppinger, walking with ultimate cojones towards the box to take, what seemed to him, nothing more than a simple training shot. He slammed the ball home and Yarm were one penalty away from NFL Division One. Callum stayed calm in goal and managed to pull off a save to his right, a save which sent Yarm up.
The lads all sprinted towards Callum and then towards the fans to celebrate the culmination of all of their efforts, hard work and brilliant performances.
There was some outstanding performances across the pitch, the central defensive three of Cam, Ethan Jones and Jack Proctor were superb. Everyone had a really good game, and continued to work throughout the 120mins.
A season well deserving of promotion and that goal was achieved. Yarm and Eaglescliffe will be playing alongside fellow promoted side Redcar Town in NFL Division One. It will be a tough season next year playing against stronger opponents but the lads will give it their all again. Helped on by your support we can go on to have another strong season.
Credit to Jarrow, who made it a really tough game, they are a really good team, backed by excellent vocal support. We wish them best of luck next season.