West faced Easington Colliery on Friday evening, after a two-week break due to last weekend’s postponements. Easington have been on a good run recently, beating Redcar Athletic, followed by draws against Newcastle Blue Star and Blyth Town. West’s last six games saw a form line of WWLWWL.
New signings Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth and Kyle Davis were both included in the starting eleven. Defender Eckley-Aldsworth joined from neighbours Bishop Auckland, whilst striker Davis joins from Guisborough Town. There were also places in the squad for West Reserves players McKenzie Kirtley and Benjamin Keating, and Zac Niven who all started the game as substitutes.
It was a windy night in Easington, with the weather proving an obstacle for both teams. In what was an even game in the opening 10 minutes, West’s first real chance came when the referee awarded a free-kick on the edge of the home teams 18 yard box quarter of an hour in. Kyle Davis stepped up, and his shot was comfortably saved by Colliers’ keeper Keaton Marrs. West pressed again. James Harrison made good progress down the wing, and sent a ball into the box finding Archie Dodds. Dodds passed it to Lee Hume, but the ball was cleared. 30 minutes in, Easington’s James Fairley had a deflected effort that looped behind for a corner. The weather continued to make it tough for both teams. As the game approached half-time, West won a challenge on the edge of Easington’s area, the ball finding the feet of Joey Hope who found the back of the net with a nice finish. The Colliers had a chance of their own just before the half-time whistle, a cross found Luke Pearn who squared back to James Fairley. Fairley looked to chip Liversedge in the West goal, but it sailed over.
As the second half started, rain was added to the weather conditions. Both teams were fighting for possession in the first 15 minutes, with no clear chances. Anthony Bell replaced the injured Charlie Wood after an hour played. The home team had a good chance when Fairley created room to shoot, but his shot was well saved by Nick Liversedge. As West looked to increase the lead, there were two close chances. First, Joey Hope had a shot on target which was saved by the keeper, then Lee Hume with a low hard shot which went out for a goal kick. Another chance fell for Davis, after a dangerous ball into the box by Adam Mitchell, the shot going wide of the goal. With 89 minutes on the clock, Easington were caught on the break. Collier keeper Keaton saved Kyle Davis’ initial effort, but the ball bounced back off the striker and went in. A debut goal for the striker. Zac Niven replaced Lee Hume to make his West debut, and that was followed by an effort by Anthony Bell which came to nothing. The referee blew his whistle and West left with three points and a clean sheet.
After the game, we spoke to Coach Lewis Dodds, who gave his thoughts on last night’s performance.
“Last night was a great team performance. We have worked hard since our last game on the shape and patterns of play. The lads carried out what we had been working on and tried to engage with what we wanted to do going forward.
The conditions were tough for both teams, but I thought both sides put on a good game to watch. The team last night was one of the youngest 16s we have put together, which bodes well for the future of this club.
Onto a tough game under the lights next Tuesday v Blyth, hoping for a good crowd.”
Full-Time: Easington Colliery 0-2 West Auckland Town
Competition: Northern League Division One
Attendance: 120
Match Report by Phil Dodds
