Newcastle Uni M2s 0 - 3 Durham City M1s

Game week 5 saw the Durham City lads take the short trip up the A1 to face off against the Newcastle Uni 2s, another newly promoted side. A youthful side had some notable absentees this week. Skipper Matt K was away at a Dentist Conference, Rob had lots of practice to get in before his driving test on Monday, Ben, our penalty stroke clinician had to work and there was a late change as youth came in for experience with Alfie replacing Anth who according to Mase was suffering from “extreme match avoidance”. There was also a debut for Will A, who to make things more confusing plays in the same position as Will O. However, the slightly depleted 13-man squad were hoping to continue the undefeated start to the season under the leadership of stand-in captain Stevie.

Durham City pushed back to get the game started. The game had a slow start with Newcastle not pressing high and Durham happy to keep possession, but a turnover ball showed the counter attacking threat of the opposition. Durham looked to control the game playing the simple but effective hockey that had worked well this year. On the whole this allowed Durham to maintain possession high up the pitch but the energetic opposition, aided by their large subs bench, made it difficult putting pressure on the halfbacks and holding strong in one-on-one matchups. This defensive diligence changed when James P (The Dragon) rode a tackle near the top of the D, driving inside and manufacturing an agricultural effort on target through Newcastle sticks and past the keeper, trickling in for the opening goal.

The game was to open up after the goal as the ball went back and forth between the two sides. Newcastle was able to fully establish their attacking game, making penetrating runs after turnovers leading to some hectic scrambles in the D that threatened to restore the Durham advantage. However, Durham also looked likely to extend their lead, creating some good chances without finding a finishing touch. Unlike last week, the press was working well. The Durham midfield was winning the ball high up the pitch and pinning the home team into their half. This pressure led to a short corner late in the first half. After an initial save the ball fell to Alex who only managed to get the ball deflected into the air off a Newcastle stick, but like all of his goals this season Shez was ready to pounce. He struck the ball first time with a horizontal reverse strike that nestled into the back of the net putting Durham two clear right before half time.

Given the two-goal deficit, Newcastle pressed higher up the pitch in the second half. Despite this, Durham remained on top. Early in the second half both sides couldn’t develop any significant attacks, with each team having short stints on the ball. With the score still only 2-0, the home side produced their best chance of the game. The Newcastle player was able to beat two Durham defenders setting up a pullback to a free Newcastle forward at the far post who could only sling the ball well wide. A clear sign that there was a way back into the contest for the students and a worrying sign for Durham. Although in their search for a goal the tackling for Newcastle became more frayed with two of their players being green carded in quick succession. This helped Durham maintain control and establish a platform that led to another short corner midway through the half. Dobbo’s flick looked certain to nestle into the top corner, just like it had been planned at half time. The shocking metallic rattle of the goal frame denied Dobbo’s flick, but it fell to Stevie who pushed the ball back towards goal and it crept in for number three. An unconventional assist that was deserving of a goal, which sealed the result in Durham’s favour. There was to be just one further notable action of the game as a Newcastle counterattack led to the ball being equidistant between Alex and the opposition forward, an amusing will they-won’t they dance ensued, with neither player wanting to go for the ball. This left the Durham defender off-balance, and he seemed to fall onto his backside in slow motion with the ball teasing him. However, his embarrassment did not lead to anything for Newcastle, somehow, he manged to block the ball while on the floor. The last ten minutes lacked any real energy as Durham played the ball around comfortably to see out the game and register the first clean sheet of the season.

Durham remains top of the league after the opening five games, registering five victories. Next week Durham play Hull at home. After two draws against them last year, Durham will be hoping to register their first win versus this opposition and keep the winning run going.

MOM-Plyming. Great forward play and acting as a bulldozer for the first goal.

DOD- Alex. Attempting his best “Bambi on Ice” impression.