Northallerton Town vs Birtley Town

Recap

Goals from Sam Hedley and Owen Lancaster secured a huge three points for Birtley are they recorded their first win since October with a 2-0 victory over Northallerton Town. 

Birtley made just one change to the side which lost against Boro Rangers last weekend. Sam Dinsley returned to the starting eleven with Jack Elliott dropping down to the bench. The Hoops lined up with two strikers with Nick Marley partnering Scott Heslop in attack.

It was Birtley who started the game in blistering fashion. Luke Carr floated in a diagonal cross that was helped back across goal by Nick Marley, Sam Hedley on hand to glance home and open the scoring after just two minutes. The Hoops kept pressing to extend their lead with Luke Carr finding pockets of space in midfield. Birtley did go two ahead when Owen Lancaster fired underneath Northallerton keeper Dobson on 14 minutes. 

Lewis Exley entered the referee’s notebook for a late challenge on Thomas Kavanagh before Dan Dryden picked up a yellow card for the hosts. Birtley had a brilliant chance to extend their lead when Luke Carr found Scott Heslop on 22 minutes, Heslop unable to fully control the ball before being smothered out by Dobson.

On 29 minutes, a jinking run from James Proctor was ended in bizarre fashion as he collided with Nick Marley in the Northallerton box. The Hoops were in full control of the game but Ally did strike the post in the dying moments of the first period through Lee Hume.

HALF TIME | Northallerton Town 0-2 Birtley Town 

The second half started in much of the same fashion with Birtley in the ascendency. Lewis Exley delivered a sublime cross but Scott Heslop’s header went narrowly wide. Heslop was stretching to get the ball on target and was unlucky to see his header flash just wide. Heslop was again involved as he met a cross from Jake Stafford but his header went sailing over the bar.

Moments later, Heslop was bundled over in the area, only for the referee to wave play on. The decision was much to the dismay of the Birtley bench who were adamant it was a penalty. Moments later, Heslop was again fouled in the box and this time the referee pointed to the spot. James Proctor stepped up but his effort was saved by Dobson.

At this point Ally turned to the bench and introduced a series of substitutes including target man Harry Croft. The introduction of Croft caused problems for Birtley. Alfie Gordon denied Matthew Tew and somehow the rebound was scrambled just wide for a corner. Croft was again involved as he broke free on 76 minutes but Gordon was able to clear. 

Birtley remained threatening on the counter attack and introduced Jack Elliot, Kelvin Thear and Matty Ward. It was Elliott who found the most joy as he broke free on the left-hand side. He pulled it back to Matty Ward but his effort was blocked on the line. Birtley saw out six minutes of injury time with Croft striking the post. The Hoops recorded their first win since October and moved ten points clear of the drop zone, much to the delight of the travelling Birtley support.

FULL TIME | Northallerton Town 0-2 Birtley Town

Credit: Northallerton Town FCAttendance – 162 including around 30 travelling Birtley supporters.

Player of the Match – Owen Lancaster

H2H record vs Northallerton Town (at Northallerton)
P9 W2 D1 L6 GF10 GA20 Pts 7/27

Next up…

The Hoops face up against fellow strugglers Whickham AFC on Tuesday with a 7.30pm kick-off at Glebe.