Durham 2s V Billingham 1s

The 2s started the new season strongly with a hard earned win on Saturday at Maiden Castle against a committed Billingham side. With only a bare XI to choose from captain Anthony Hulse sent out his troops in a 3-5-2 formation which contained three debutants.
Whether it was the formation or simply a few younger legs in the team Durham started much the brighter, spreading the ball around with the game being played within the Billingham half for much of the opening ten minutes. The home side created a few half chances of note with Anthony Hulse and Tim Hargreaves going close from good moves and Jonny Hazell only finding the keepers pads when presented with a one on one chance. Thankfully for Durham their pressure was rewarded with the opening goal from a set piece on the half hour mark.
The pre game short corner practice had been somewhat hit and miss so it was a pleasant surprise that when it mattered Durham’s short corners worked well and they took the lead when Rich Evans leathered their fourth short into the bottom left corner following a smooth injection and stop.
Despite calls from coach Chris Donald for Durham to stay focused and see out the first half, the team (not for the first time it has to be said) ignored his instructions. With only minutes left of the half Billingham launched one of their few counter attacks which resulted in a short corner given away and predictably dispatched by the visitors.
It was far from a despondent half time team talk and Durham carried that positivity through into the second period which began a more balanced affair. As Billingham gained a foothold inside the Durham half this played to the home side’s advantage as they enjoyed more space behind the visitors within the middle of the park and successfully used the counter attack as the half wore on.
One fine Anthony Hulse hit inside the D and a push into an unguarded net put the home team 3-1 ahead as the captain eventually found his range/touch/ability before what will be remembered by many as the moment of the day.
Following the award of a penalty flick to Durham everyone expected captain Hulse would take responsibility to complete his hat trick. That was, until Alan Dawson strode purposefully up from defence, wearing a mischievous grin on his face - the look of a man who either knows where the bodies are buried or is on some serious ketamine. After what can only be described as a defenders flick the ball hit a combination of the goal frame and keeper as Maiden Castle held its breath before trickling over the line. Let’s be clear on this - he even had the nerve to celebrate. No doubt he will have to wind his neck in if he is to be picked next week.
Alan was still celebrating seconds later when reviving the spirit of Tony Tudor by passing directly to a Billingham player from a sixteen. 4-2 and game on until Anthony completed his hat trick by smashing home a loose ball inside the D.
A promising performance from Durham with all three debutants Jamie, Pete and Tim having strong games. Special mention too for keeper Matty Hibbert for covering in nets today - don’t worry we won’t let you play in the same side as Alan again!
MOTM – Pete playing at left back on his debut had a solid game and his passing provided a great outlet especially in the second half.
DOTD – Alan Dawson by unanimous vote. Well, there was one vote which went elsewhere, but the voter in question said he’d entirely forgotten about the second Billingham goal. Forgetting such a shocking event can only be explained by a lack of mental competence, so to avoid electoral malpractice he was rightly deemed not to be eligible to vote