Horden CW vs Birtley Town

Recap

Nick Marley’s first half goal was enough to secure a third successive win for Birtley Town as The Hoops climbed up to 12th in the table. 

The Hoops made just one change to the starting eleven that beat Marske United with Liam Thear returning to the side for the missing Ban Walker. It was Birtley who started the better of the two sides but the visitors struggled to create anything meaningful in the opening stages. The first effort from the hosts came from Jack Pounder’s but his shot was way off target. Liam Thear had the first chance for Birtley but his effort was easily saved by Robert Dean. On 18 minutes, Matty Ward stole possession before sliding through Scott Heslop. Once again, Robert Dean was on hand to deny the Hoops striker. Birtley remained the better side for the 1st period but it took until the 37th minute for the deadlock to be broken. Liam Thear won two challenges in midfield before sliding through Nick Marley. Marley cut across the last defender but unleashing a strong effort into the bottom corner, Dean this time left with no chance. 

In typical Birtley fashion, Horden was almost immediately level, Max Campbell denying efforts Henderson and Angus. The Hoops were able to withstand the immediate pressure from Horden and remain in the lead heading into the break. 

Half-Time | Horden CW 0-1 Birtley Town

The 2nd half started off slowly with neither side controlling the game. It took until 57 minutes for the first effort on goal. Heslop and Thear linked up and the ball fell to Sam Hedley but his effort was saved by Robert Dean. At the other end Dale Burrell cleared an effort off the line and Max Campell was producing a commanding display in goal. The Hoops thought they were 2-0 ahead when Scott Heslop’s glancing header went narrowly wide. Birtley looked destined to get that elusive 2nd goal but Nick Marley’s scrambled effort was blocked by striking partner Scott Heslop. 

The biggest chance for the hosts came on 72 minutes. Birtley’s highline was exploited by Ben Henderson, the Horden winger left through on goal. Max Campbell was able to make a fine save to keep The Marras at bay. Both teams made a host of substitutions as Birtley looked to keep a rare clean sheet. Lewis Exley produced a brilliant block to deny Horden from a great chance on 83 minutes. Horden pushed for an equaliser and battered the Birtley backline with a series of corners. The Hoops were able to withstand the pressure and hold out for the referees final whistle. 

Full-Time | Horden CW 0-1 Birtley Town

A huge win for Birtley as they recorded their first clean sheet since October. The win lifted Birtley up to 12th place and level on points with Penrith in 11th. Importantly for Birtley, the win pushed The Hoops firmly into mid-table and now sit five points below Easington in 7th place and five points above Blue Star in 14th. 

Attendance – 119

Player of the Match – TBC

H2H vs Horden CW
P10 W4 D3 L3 GF18 GA15

Top Goalscorers

Next up…

Birtley travel to local rivals Whickham AFC on boxing day for an 11am kick-off.