Tow Law Town vs Birtley Town

Recap

Birtley made it back to back wins on Saturday with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Tow Law Town.  

The Hoops made the journey through Quebec and onto Tow Law on Saturday as they ran out emphatic winners. New signing Scott Heslop took no time getting used to his new surroundings as he scored twice and secured the player of the match award.  

It took Heslop just 23 minutes to open his Birtley account. He latched onto a lofted pass from Sam Hedley to coolly bend the ball around the Tow Law keeper. In fairness Tow Law had started the game well but the opener seemed to settle the visitors and from that point onwards they took control of the game.  The Hoops looked dangerous on the counter attack with three attacking strikers and Callum Smith playing in the number 10 position. It was Smith who found Stephen Hall and he carried the ball before slotting in Scott Heslop. Hezzy made no mistake for his second goal as he calmly nutmegged the keeper. Owen Lancaster and Liam Wotherspoon both had to show good pieces of defending to keep Tow Law at bay as they searched for a route back into the game. Callum Turnbull produced a commanding display in the opening period and The Hoops were 3-0 ahead when the impressive Smith played a delightful through ball for Glen Hargrave. Hargrave rounded the Lawyers keeper to make it 3-0 going into the break

Half-Time | Tow Law 0 – 3 Birtley Town

Birtley continued in the same fashion during the second period with Scott Heslop bending a effort just wide in the opening stages. Heslop had a further chance to secure a debut hat-trick when he pulled an effort just wide after good work from Hargrave. Both teams made a number of changes during the midway point of the second half. It took until 74 minutes for a 4th goal for Birtley but it was worth the wait. 

Ben Pentland won possesion of the ball just inside his own half and Liam Wotherspoon picked up the loose ball. He carried it one yard into the Tow Law half before unleashing a sublime finish from the halfway line. From the moment the ball left Spoony’s right boot, there was only out outcome as the Birtley number 4 cemented a contender for goal of the season. 

Matthew Ward secured an excellent win and three points when his long distance effort cannoned back off the upright. The rebound came back off the keeper and trickled into the net. There was still time for Alfie Gordon to keep his clean sheet safe when smothered the onrushing Tow Law forward. 

Full-Time | Tow Law 0 – 5 Birtley Town

Attendance – 92 including around 45 Birtley fans

Player of the Match – Scott Heslop. 

Manager’s Corner

Paul Bryson: “We were delighted that we signed Scott Heslop going into game. Brining in a player of his calibre, he’s a great player and lad. It’s exactly what we needed at the club. We have a great changing room so it was important to bring in a really good personality. He made his debut with two excellent finishes. It was great to see Glen on the scoresheet too. Spoony scored an absolute worldy and delighted to see a good goal from Wardy. We were really pleased with an excellent display in difficult conditions. I thought we play really well. An excellent result and performance. Hezzy is a really good signing, he leads the line ever so well. We are delighted to have him and look forward to working with him in the weeks to come.”

H2H vs Tow Law Town (at Tow Law)
P8 W4 D1 L3 GF11 GA12

Next up…

Birtley host Tow Law on Tuesday evening in the Durham Challenge Cup

Highlights