Durham Corinthians vs Durham United
Wearside Premier Division
Tuesday 18th February 2025
Consett Belle Vue Stadium
DH8 7BF
19:45
Written by Oscar Cooke
The lads made the relatively short trip to Consett for a top of the table derby clash against Durham Corinthians. The game was scheduled for a Tuesday night, the night before a huge BUCS 1stXI game, but this only added further motivation to come home with all 3 points.
We arrived and noticed the ground was quite dark, with the floodlights in one corner either broken, or just forgetting to be turned on, which made it potentially very difficult for a right back to see the ball.
Luckily, moments before kick-off, all the floodlights were turned on and, whilst the floodlights weren’t the greatest, all corners of the ground were sufficiently lit. We started the game very well, with continuous pressure on the opposition goal and little threat for Harry Archer to deal with.
With what seems to be a common theme this season, despite having multiple chances to go ahead, the game remained 0-0. That was until Oscar Schuller’s attempt at goal was spilled straight back to him and he could tap it into an empty goal to give us a 1-0 lead.
The goal eased the pressure and we continued to threaten the Corinthians goal. However, a Corinthians corner led to several missed headers and tackles and the ball was pinging around in the box for what seemed like an age. Eventually, the ball fell on the edge of the box and a low driven shot bounced off the outside of the post.
Despite dominating the game, the warning signs were still there, and this missed opportunity meant we knew a second goal would be crucial.
Indeed it was, and we managed to grab it just moments before half time. Tom Boothroyd did exceptionally well to drive down the left hand-side, spin away from his man in the corner, and deliver the ball into the box.
The ball eventually made its way out to the right-hand side, when a hopeful cross from myself found its way to the back post, back to Booth, where he dismissed the bouncing ball into the top right-hand corner, with a venomous left footed strike. Having already hit the bar from 20 yards earlier in the game, the goal was very well deserved and what a goal it was.
Half-Time: Durham Corinthians 0 - 2 Durham United
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We knew the half time break would lead to a potential change of formation with more attackers entering the pitch as it was now or never for the opposition. This was exactly the case, as they brought on forwards and the long balls began peppering the back line.
We knew that, at 2-0, the game was far from over, and it was crucial that we dealt with each long ball to ensure our two-goal advantage. It was a monstrous performance from everyone but, in particular, Alex Dinan in midfield, Mez at the back, and Booth in an unnatural left wing back position. Despite having chances to make it 3 or 4, we were happy to hold onto our 2-0 lead and safely drive the 3 points back to DH1.
The full-time whistle sounded, leading to cheers from our travelling supporters who had braved the freezing conditions and played a huge part into helping us over the line.
The win put us 11 points clear at the top of the table and meant we were another step closer to a potential promotion out of the Wearside League. Our good work was well rewarded as post-match tea consisted of sausage, chips and curry sauce which went down well with everyone before heading back home.
Full-Time: Durham Corinthians 0 - 2 Durham United
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Player of the Match: Alex Dinan
Line-Up: Harry Archer; Chris Wild; Freddie Merrett (c); Ellis Challinor; Oscar Cooke; Tom Boothroyd (Goal); Alex Dinan; Seb Hopkins; Rory Edwards; Phil Kay; Oscar Schuller (Goal, Yellow Card)
Substitutes: Paddy Dixon; Oli Williams; Charlie Bramwell; Fred Walton; Chris Seery
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