West Allotment Celtic vs Birtley Town

Recap

Birtley secured a vital three points in a huge relegation six-pointer at West Allotment Celtic. 

Two goals from recent signing Luke Carr secured a important win over fellow strugglers Well Allotment at East Palmersville. The Hoops welcomed Sam Dinsley back into the side as Sam Hedley was unavailable. It was Celtic who started the brighter of the two sides and earnt a couple of early set pieces. The first real chance though was a sign of things to come in the game. A long throw-in from Owen Lancaster found it’s way to Lewis Exley but he blazed his effort over the crossbar from close range. On 12 minutes the same pattern of played occurred again. A long throw from Lancaster was helped on by Scott Heslop, this time Luke Carr was on hand to smash home from close range to claim his first goal in Birtley colours. Celtic looked to respond with pressure of their own without creating any meaningful chances. 

Birtley doubled their lead on 28 minutes. Lancaster once again torpedoed a long throw into the box. Nick Marley was able to create havoc and Luke Carr fired his second of the game into the bottom corner with Birtley dominating the final stages of the first period. Sam Dinsley progressed on a jinking run from right-back and slid Scott Heslop through. Heslop turned back onto his left foot before his effort was well saved by Hogan. Luke Carr wriggled free in the dying stages in search of his hat-trick but once again Hogan was able to save his effort at the near post.

HALF TIME | West Allotment Celtic 0-2 Birtley Town 

Birtley made one change at the break as Kaleb Young replaced Kyle Wharton. Luke Carr tried an audacious chip from just outside the centre circle but his effort was easily saved by Michael Hogan. Celtic responded with pressure of their own as Luke Salmon drilled a low ball across the face of the Birtley goal, the ball evading everyone and resulted in a Birtley throw-in. Birtley were starting to create opportunities to extend their lead. Scott Heslop, James Proctor and Luke Carr all found themselves in promising positions but were unable to capitalise. 

On 67 minutes, An audacious effort from 40 yards from Jake Stafford landed on the roof of the net, much to the relief of the West Allotment goalkeeper. Moments later, Wardy picked out Hezzy who swivelled and laid off to Luke Carr. Carr was through on goal with only the keeper to beat, Luke Salmon worked well to close Carr down and was forced him to fire his effort wide. Celtic looked to rally a comeback and Michael Richardson struck the base of the post on 72 minutes. Richardson forced Gordon into a strong save on two minutes later with a free-kick from the edge of the area. Jake Stafford was then sin-binned on 77 minutes but Birtley were able to defend their two goal lead and secure a vital three points.

FULL TIME | West Allotment Celtic 0-2 Birtley Town

Defeats for Seaham Red Star and Whickham ensured Birtley jumped two places to 18th. A hugely important three points that meant Birtley finished the day seven points above the drop zone alongside a significantly stronger goal difference than the teams involved in the relegation battle.

Player of the Match – Owen Lancaster

Attendance – 101 including around 50 travelling Birtley supporters. 

H2H vs West Allotment Celtic (at West Allotment)
P6 W1 D1 L4 GF7 GA14

NEXT UP
Birtley host Bedlington Terriers in the 2nd Round of the Brooks Mileson League Cup on Tuesday evening. Kick-off is 7.30pm. 

HIGHLIGHTS