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WEEK REVIEW: Fine Margins define another week of BUCS football

Match Report: Nottingham 2 - 2 Durham


On the 25th of October, DUAFC’s 1s travelled down to Nottingham University for a late 7pm kick off under the lights. After both sides had experienced steady starts to the season it was an opportunity to kick on with a strong performance.

The starting XI saw George Arnold return from injury in goal as well as tactical changes of Oli Flint and Maxen Garagic starting.


After a delayed kick off, Nottingham as predicted used every opportunity to load the box and put Durham under immense pressure with set pieces and throw ins. With a target striker and quick wingers they looked to engage down the sides of the back three. Despite the pressure, with resilient defending and winning first contacts, Durham saw out the challenges in the box. This was not however without an excellent save from Arnold after a mistake playing out from the back gave Nottingham the opportunity to try and chip the keeper.

After some nice passages of play where Durham controlled possession, there was a deep free kick awarded to Durham. Gibbons floated a delivery to the back post which was knocked across by Ned Ventham to an onrushing Chris Wild, who’s initial attempt was blocked. This fell kindly for Jonah Blake who stretched to poke it into the net past the keeper for Durham to take the lead around the 40th minute mark.


The rest of the half was seen out effectively, with Durham spurning a chance to double the lead after some miscommunication from the referee on whether the ball, having bounced on the crossbar and seemingly the post behind it, stayed in play.


The second half saw Rory England replace the injured Ned Ventham as Durham looked to see out the game. However, reasonably early in the second half the consistent attempts at long throw-ins paid off for Nottingham after the ball was flicked on it was clipped behind the back line onto an onrushing Nottingham player who finished cleverly beyond the goalkeeper.


This set up a mammoth task of neutralising the threat of the now confident Nottingham side. With determined defending, on the counter Durham also created some excellent chances with deliveries across the face of goal, but without the crucial touch.


As the game hung in the balance, a surging run from Ellis Challinor led to a second yellow card for a Nottingham player after he was ruthlessly cut short in his tracks. This spurred Durham on, and with great energy pushed for a late winner. After being denied what was felt to be a clear penalty, tensions were high both coaches and players included.


With the seconds ticking away Rory England gave Durham what looked like it would be a crucial winner tucking the ball away into the far corner, and sparking pandemonium in the far corner. However, with quite literally the last kick of the game, Nottingham had time for one last attack, where a ball was slipped down the outside of the defensive block and finished neatly past the outcoming Arnold.


Upon kick-off the full time whistle blew, and Durham were left devastated at a very hard fought win being snatched away so cruelly. A point on the road is good for the campaign, but Durham will leave feeling like they earnt the full three.


Jonah Blake


Match Report: Edge Hill 2s vs Durham 3s


The Durham 3s returned to action following their important home win against Leeds Beckett with a Northern Conference Cup game against Edge Hill 2s. Despite the 3-hour journey, a rotated 3s started very quick with chances for McCartney and Wallop and 2 long range efforts from Hopkins and Woodcock. Some spells of possession followed with Edge Hill struggling to get a foothold in front of their home supporters who were highly vocal about their Durham counterparts.


The lack of killer edge in front of goal was punished when against the run of play Edge Hill took the lead when a precise through ball was finished well by their number 9. Despite the set back the 3s continued to press and equalised in added time of the first half when a Wallop free kick (controversial in that the Edge Hill defender appeared to be the last man), fell to the feet of McCartney who emphatically lifted it over the keeper.


Assistant coach Baker reiterated the importance of getting the ball down and the second half started like the first with McCartney and Woodcock having chances saved before Durham's number 7 McCartney came off with illness. His replacement Crew instantly showed why he is 1st team futsal captain with some lovely dribbles past the full back. Yet it was Edge Hill who took the lead again when Durham failed to pick up spare man following a cross from the winger. With time running out and Durham pressing, it was the substitute Crew who, following some excellent footwork, smashed home an equaliser into the corner with 5 mins left. Durham could have won it in normal time when centre back Pearson beat his man to head onto the bar.


Entering extra time with Durham on top, substitutes Wright, Mouj and Hughes provided Durham with an extra spark and the latter nearly grabbed a winner but couldn’t direct his shot on target following a mix up in the Edge Hill defence. With the game going to penalties it was Max Panzer the 3s goalkeeper who made the headlines, both scoring and saving the crucial penalty after every player had taken a penalty with Durham winning 9-8 on penalties.

The 3s attention now turns to a top of the table clash against Hull 1s before hosting Tier 2 highflyers Edge Hill 1s in the next round of the Northern Conference cup.


Caine McCartney




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