Huntsman FC returned to action after two weeks off and travelled to Darlington to face the Green Dragon on the 10th November, looking to maintain their 100% start in the league. Several faces were missing so Ashton Gale got a debut in goal with a start for Andrew Richardson up front and Ross Dixon in the squad for the first time.
The Huntsman were the stronger team, maintaining possession and defending any threat the opposition provided with comfort. The first clear cut chance fell to Callum Farley, the ball fizzed across the face of goal, with Farley just unable to stretch far enough to divert the ball goalwards.
It became a matter of when, not if, the first goal would come as full back Shaun Mackintosh and winger Mike Sproates combined several times to get to the byline, the strikers unable to convert as the ball was driven across goal.
The breakthrough came after 25 minutes when a ball was played into the inside right channel, Sproates breaking the offside trap and going 1 on 1 with the keeper, before having the composure to square the ball to his unmarked brother Shaun to finish off a typical FIFA style goal.
The home team wouldn’t go down easily however, and a combination of their spirit, a quagmire of a pitch and complacency from the Huntsman, meant that no more clear chances came until the closing minutes of the first half, when Farley’s shot just pulled wide of the right hand post. 0-1 the half time score.
After some strong words at half time, the Huntsman picked up the tempo in the second half, and found a second goal after 55 minutes. Excellent work from Anthony Cox left his full back for dead and he calmly picked out Andy Richardson, who slotted home from 12 yards.
After working hard all game the home side began to tire, and the Huntsman started to find chances easier to come by, Farley’s tireless running causing problems, even if he did have a day to forget in front of goal. The 3rd and 4th goals came in quick succession, substitute Ross Dixon finding full back ‘B’ryan Durr for his first goal for the club, he travelled 60 yards before dancing round the keeper and passing it into an empty net. A mistake from the opposition then allowed Shaun Sproates to race clear allowing him to use his blistering pace and fire his second and the Huntsman’s 4th of the game.
Several more opportunities were spurned as the game wound down, but a 4-0 victory was a good result, even if it could have been more. Man of the match went to Shaun Sproates for his brace of goals.
The Huntsman are at home on the 17th to Three Crowns of Darlington looking to continue there good league form. Kick off is 10.30 at Simpasture Park we look forward to seeing you there.