The Huntsman were back in Wear Valley Division 1 action on Sunday against Coundon Miner Arms aiming to follow up last week’s victory with another three points. Manager Neil Dodds was forced into two changes, as Ryan Mercer and Mike Sproates came into the starting XI which meant a tweak in formation. The away side certainly started the brighter with Luke Hilliard in the Huntsman goal forced into a couple of smart stops, but Coundon were soon rewarded as they broke quickly down the left hand side. The Coundon winger made no mistake with his one on one, calmly slotting home beyond Hilliard. The game settled into a more even affair with neither side looking like adding to the score sheet but on the stroke of half time Coundon got a slice of luck when Hilliard’s scuffed clearance landed at their striker’s feet, and he stroked home from close range. Half time 0-2. The Huntsman started the second half brightly, and a good piece of play found Glenn Hendrix unmarked in the box, and his composed finish went between the goalkeeper’s legs to reduce the deficit to one. The game again settled into an even game but as the half wore on Huntsman fitness level began to show as they began to dominate and they were rewarded with an equaliser 5 minutes from full time, as Paul Hepper’s floated cross found Ste Williams at the back post, and his towering header back across goal beat the Coundon keeper at the far post. Ultimately though, it was Coundon who stole all 3 points, as The Huntsman failed to clear a last minute corner, and a Miner’s player was able to stab home from the resulting scramble in the box to make it 3-2 without time for the Huntsman to restart the game. Paul Barnes was awarded man of the match for a dominant performance at centre half alongside his partner Steven Williams. Next up for The Huntsman is an away game to Bishop Auckland Sports Bar. 10:30am KO at King James Academy on Sunday 28th of August. By Craig Woodhead