Huntsman played only their second game of 2014 against Witton Park on 9th of March in the Darlington Charity Cup, and suffered an unfortunate 4-1 defeat.
The manager made one change from the side which lost its 100% league record two week earlier with Jamie Herd replacing the injured Anth Cox. The game got underway with Huntsman eager to impose themselves on the game but they quickly went a goal down when skipper Lee Redpath failed to clear and the ball broke to the Witton centre forward who slipped the ball into the back of the net from 12 yards.
The Huntsman were all over the shop but managed to get a grip and slowly began to get into the game, soaking up pressure and hitting on the break. Michael Sproates on the right wing was causing Witton lots of problems and he beat his man and squared a cross back which was blocked by an arm the referee waved play on to the dismay of the Huntsman players. They weren’t to be undone though and Sproates once again got in down the right after good play by Bates in the middle of the park, Sproates pulled it back to Dave Neale who was denied by a great save but Witton failed to clear and Shaun Sproates was on hand to poke home from close range to make it all level with 25 minutes on the clock.
Huntsman bossed the rest of the half, Michael Sproates fired just wide before Dave Neale drilled a shot off the base of the post. However a with only a minute till half time Huntsman good work was undone when they switched off from a corner and Witton took a quick one, working  a one two before firing a shot into the bottom corner. 2-1 at half time.
The onslaught from Witton was expected after the break but it never materialised and Huntsman kept themselves in the game, and slowly began to get back on top. Andrew Richardson replaced Herd from the bench and impressed with some great forward runs. Shaun Sproates again went close as did Michael Sproates however on 75 minutes Huntsman had the best chance to equalise as Shaun Sproates raced clear with only the goalkeeper to beat he decided to pass when it was easier to score, a chance which should have been taken to make for an interesting last 15 minutes.
Huntsman continued to push for an equaliser and a change in formation left them a little more open and Witton Park put the game out of sight with 5 minutes to go when a cross was glanced on at the near post a sucker punch. Heads dropped and Witton added a 4th to put a gloss on the scoreline which on reflection didn’t do the game justice.
Man of the Match went to Michael Sproates who terrorised the Witton backline all morning. Huntsman are back in league action this weekend against Three Crowns where they hope to get their first victory of 2014 and push on in their quest for the Division 2 title.