MATCH REPORT: Durham 5 – 6 Nottingham Trent
On the 1st of November, DUAFC 1s hosted Nottingham Trent to mark the midpoint of the BUCS league campaign. After late drama last week away at the University of Nottingham that saw Durham narrowly miss out on all three points, this game provided a great opportunity to put three points on the board. Two changes from last weeks starting XI saw Jack Camarda slot in at centre back and Fin Gwillim make a highly anticipated return from injury.
Both sides were quick out the blocks leading to an exciting start, setting the tone for the game to come. Similarly to last week, Nottingham Trent opted for a very direct style of play utilising the physicality of their number 9 who would then look to bring those around him into play. After turning over possession in the middle of the pitch, Trent’s striker was swiftly played through on goal and Durham found themselves 1-0 down 5 minutes in. Despite the early setback, Durham soon had an opportunity to get back into the game. Jack Gibbons’ header down the right wing found Fin Gwillim who breezed past the Trent defenders who could do no more than bring him down in the box. With the referee awarding a penalty, Jack Camarda stepped up to cooly slot it past the keeper levelling the score 17 minutes in.
After a period of sustained pressure, Trent were quick to reply to Durham’s equaliser. A long ball from the Trent keeper found itself at the feet of their striker following a flick on from the Durham defence. A half volley nestled in the bottom corner putting Durham behind again after 20 minutes. Despite battling on for another goal Durham went in at half time 2-1 down.
One change at half time saw George Arnold come off due to illness and Rueben Bull take his place in goal. Heading out for the second half Durham were still confident of taking points from the game. However, 5 minutes into the half they faced another setback when Trent converted a penalty following a foul in the box. Regardless of the score line Durham spirits were not phased. A flurry of goals from Fin Gwillim (x2) and Jack Gibbons saw Durham go from 3-1 down to 4-3 up in the space of 10 minutes. Well deserved following the work rate and determination in the second half.
Despite the Durham efforts, Trent were again quick to reply. A volley from just outside the box saw the score levelled at 4-4 with 14 minutes remaining. With time ticking away an unbelievable pass from Alex Costa found Ollie Flint whose ball into the box reached Maxen Garagic who headed it in to continue his recent scoring form and give Durham a 5-4 lead.
Heading into the final minutes of normal time the game seemed to be in Durham’s hands.
However, the drama was far from over. With 3 minutes to play Trent were awarded another penalty which they dispatched, pulling the score back to 5-5. With a minute to go it appeared the points would be shared between the two sides. Then in the final minute a Trent free kick finds their centre back at the far post who heads it into the Durham goal. An end-to-end game concludes in a 6-5 defeat for Durham. A frustrating one to take as points are dropped, but the lads can only stay focussed and motivated ready to put things right next week with three points.
Chris Wild
MATCH REPORT: Durham 3s 4 - 2 Hull 1s
Wednesday saw the 3s return to league action against a strong Hull 1st team who had won both league games so far. Following on from a massive cup win the week before the 3s starting very quick with Hopkins finding the top corner from 25 yards out to put Durham ahead with only 5 minutes played. The impetus and press from Durham persisted with some excellent passing plays leading to chances for McCartney who struck the post before he doubled the lead with a near post finish from the edge of the area after winning the ball off the defender on the halfway line.
Despite Durham's control, Hull grabbed a goal back following a set piece in which the attacker looped a header over keeper Glaister. Not phased by the goal against the run of play Durham again piled pressure onto Hull with the threatening Wallop and direct McCartney causing plenty of problems for the Hull defence. This pressure resulted in Durham regain the lead when a McCartney corner was headed across by Dinnan to Woodcock who volleyed home to score his first goal for the club. However this lead was cut short once again on the stroke of half time when a controversially given corner was flicked in to make it 3-2 Durham at half time.
Coach Baker reiterated the importance of holding on to the ball and having patience in possession which was executed in a professional manner in the second half with Durham holding Hull to very few chances with Glaister making 2 good saves. Although Durham looked comfortable they couldn’t find the finishing touch with Wallop, McCartney and Woodcock all having chances saved. Substitutes Hutchins, Wood (returning to captain the team) and Crew all provided fresh legs that kept Durham in control. This control and pressure finally resulted in Durham putting the game to bed when McCartney got on the end of a through ball before a deflected shot looped over the keeper for his second and Durhams fourth.
As the full-time whistle blew and Durham went top of the league there came a real belief that this could be a great season for the team. The 3s attention now turns to a cup game against Tier 2 highflyers Edge Hill 1s who make the 3-hour trip from West Lancashire to Maiden Castle.
Caine McCartney
Comentarios