West returned to The Northern Metal Recycling Stadium, and welcomed newly-promoted Easington Colliery. The away team had the same start to the season as West Auckland, both teams recording two wins, one draw and three losses in the opening six league games.
It didn’t take long for West to create their first opportunity. Josh Scott flicked on Layton Watts’ corner, and Liam Potter headed into Easington goalkeeper, Aaron Steavans’ hands. West started strong, fast-paced and dominating. Scott was involved again only a couple of minutes later. He was played in behind, but the Easington keeper got a hand to it to send it behind for a corner. Scott’s effort was blocked from the set piece. The visitors had their first chance after 10 minutes, former West player James Fairly with an effort blocked inside the box. James Harrison was involved on 17 minutes, playing the ball over to Scott, whose effort was blocked, just yards from goal. The deadlock was broken on 25 minutes, a poor clearance from the Easington keeper landed with Luke Bailey, who picked out Josh Scott. Josh found Layton Watts who picked up the ball, drove towards goal, and hammered in a low effort to put West ahead. Watts’ first West Auckland Town goal. Easington had an instant reaction and scored an equalizer only 2 minutes later. The ball was hit long and a near pass found Kevin Pearny, who made no mistake. There was still time for West to get a second, and 6 minutes before half-time, the ball bounced around the Easington box after a corner from Adam Mitchell, and it fell to Charlie Wood, who gave the keeper no chance. West dominated early portions of the game before Easington worked their way back into the game. West had the most clear-cut chances with Layton linking up well with Scott in giving West some good opportunities. West led 2-1 at half-time.
There was a fast-paced start to the second half. Gary Brown broke through and was fouled, with the referee awarding a free-kick. Later, a break by Layton, followed by a fantastic cross into the box, was cleared by an Easington defender and out for a corner. James Harrison was also back in the action. Some excellent skill helped him to get free in the box, with his strike going narrowly over the bar. Liam Potter set Scott free who made a pass to Watts, who went down in the box but no penalty was given. Easington came back for the second time on the hour mark. A ball into the box from a corner was met by Ethan Ord, 2-2. This time it was West who reacted, scoring straight from the restart. A ball from Nathan Greenwood to Josh Scott, who was waiting in the box. A scramble between Scott and the Easington keeper eventually lead to a goal from Scott. There was some brilliant play from Charlie Wood, whilst Scott made a run towards the away keeper for a 50/50, both colliding, sending Scott to the floor. Liam Potter was again battling in the West box, seeing the ball cleared from danger. West held on until the 81st minute, Easington scoring what would be the goal to give both teams one point, Garon Garside with the goal.
After, Charlie Wood offered his thoughts on the draw with Easington.
“It was a good game, we were unfortunate not to win but feel like we are starting to get into it again. I felt like we created more chances going forward which, hopefully, we can keep building on. The goals are there, but we need to tighten up out of possession. Personally, I was really pleased to get on the scoresheet and, hopefully, I can contribute more to the team throughout the season.”
Full-Time: West Auckland Town 3-3 Easington Colliery
Competition: Northern League Division One
Attendance: 183
Match Report by Phil Dodds.
Photos taken by Phil Sage.
