Recap
The Hoops come through the fog to advance in the cup!
Birtley Town advanced to the last-16 of the Durham Challenge Cup on a foggy night at Ironworks Road. Birtley made four change to the side which drew at West Auckland. Matty Boyd, Nick Marley, Callum Turnbull and Jack Elliott all returned to the starting eleven. In an evening which was difficult for players, officials and supporters, chances were few and far between in the early stages. Alfie Gordon made a good save early on despite poor visibility and some strong defending from Tow Law denied Nick Marley and Benji Shodeinde.
The best chance of the half fell to Benji Shodeinde after good work from Callum Turnbull. He found jack Elliott who beat his man before slipping Neji through on goal. The in-form Birtley striker denied by the Tow Law Keeper. A defensive error led to the first goal when James O’Brien capitalised and opened the scoring on 43 minutes. Birtley were level within two minutes though when Owen Lancaster delivered a brilliant set piece into the box which was met by a brilliant Callum Turnbull header.
HALF TIME | Tow Law Town 1 – 1 Birtley Town
The reporting of the 2nd half became near enough impossible as the fog thickened. Despite numerous attempts to find a decent angle The Hoops media team it was proving near enough impossible. Alfie Gordon denied Tow Law early on before Owen Lancaster struck the crossbar with a near post header. Tow Law took full advantage and went 2-1 ahead through Dan Smith. Seconds later and a Nick Marley flick should of been dispatched by Benji Shodeinde. Tow Law extended their lead on 68 minutes with James O’Brien getting his 2nd of the game.
The third goal seemed to lift both Birtley and the fog. Visibility improved in the final twenty minutes and with it came two quick Birtley goals. Benji Shodeinde latched on to Owen Lancaster’s through ball and lifted the ball over the advancing keeper. Benji scored the important equaliser in the 78th minute as Birtley pushed for a winner. Tow Law’s keeper made two fine stops to prevent Nick Marley and Sam Hedley as the game advanced to penalties.
FULL TIME | Tow Law Town 3 – 3 Birtley Town
The Hoops stepped up first and took the lead through James Proctor. Tow Law levelled before Nick Marley’s effort was saved. Tow law looked to be heading through after dispatching their first three penalties to leave the shoot-out 3-2 to the hosts, Matthew Ward scoring for Birtley. Jack Salkeld blazed over the bar after Callum Smith levelled with a superb spot kick. Benji Shodeinde put The Hoops 4-3 up and a brilliant Alfie Gordon save sent Birtley through to the next round.
FULL TIME | Tow Law Town 3 – 3 Birtley Town (Birtley win 4-3 on penalties)
Manager’s Corner
To follow…
Next up…
Birtley host West Allotment Celtic on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.
Highlights
Unfortunately highlights will not be available due to the conditions.
