Birtley Town vs Whickham

Recap

Boxing Day football returned to DH3 as local rivals Whickham took all three points. 

A single goal from Shaun Ryder was enough to give Whickham a crucial three points at the foot of the table. 

An early set allowed Sam Johnson an early opportunity but Reece Harrison and Alfie Gordon were able to deny the Whickham striker.  On 11 minutes, Nick Marley picked up a loose ball and found Jack Elliott, his cross was deflected to James Proctor who’s volley was then deflected wide for a corner. Benji Shodeinde fired an effort just wide and moments later narrowly missed out after good work from Jack Elliott. At the the other end Scott Heslop cleared off the line to deny a certain Whickham opener. In all fairness, it was a cagey affair of two sides without form or confidence as the referee brought the first-half to a close. 

Half-Time | Birtley Town 0-0 Whickham AFC

Substitute Kieran Alpin had the first effort off the second period when is tame effort was easily saved by Alfie Gordon. It was The Lang Jacks who found the crucial opener. A simple long ball forward evaded the Birtley defence and Shaun Ryder easily ghosted through from midfield to lift the ball over Alfie Gordon and into the empty net. Ex-Hoops player Stephen Hall had a quick chance to double the visitors lead but he was denied well by Alfie Gordon. Birtley started to press for an equaliser on the hour mark. A Kaleb Young free-kick was sent to the near post and James Proctor’s glancing header skimmed the far post. Another good set-piece reached Scott Heslop fire over from close range. 

In the dying stages, Fin Neary was denied by a smart save from Gordon, Neary had evaded a couple of Birtley challenges in the lead up to his effort on goal. Birtley despite their efforts were unable to create anything meaningful and the lapse in concentration for the Ryder goal was enough to secure all three points for the visitors. 

Attendance – 237. The club paid tribute to former physio Michelle McCory who sadly passed away on Christmas eve after a long battle with cancer. Both sides marked the occasion by earing black armbands as the teams entered the field to The Local Hero. A minutes applause was followed by a period of reflection as a Birtley Town shirt with Michelle #1 was laid in the centre circle. A fitting tribute for a truly remarkable individual. A minutes reflection was also held at local rivals Chester-le-Street Town. Everyone at Birtley Town would like to thank Chester-le-Street and whickham for the support over recent days. Our thoughts are now with Michelle’s close family and friends especially her daughters Lily and Cody.  

Player of the Match – Sam Dinsley

H2H vs Whickham (at Birtley)
P9 W5 D1 L3 GF22 GA15

Highlights