Following last week’s victory against title rivals Coundon, The Huntsman were back in action away to The Sports Club on Sunday, aiming to maintain their 100% league record.
Manager Neil Dodds was forced into three changes, with Anthony MacDonald forced to play in goal and Paul Barnes and Callum Farley both recalled to the starting eleven.
After a lacklustre start, it was the home side that seized the early advantage, as Anthony Campbell’s long range effort took a deflection leaving MacDonald helpless in the Huntsman goal to make it 1-0.
The Huntsman then pressed forward in search of an equaliser, and were rewarded after a good piece of play between Ste Williams and Mike Sproates, freed up space for Dave Neale to lob the keeper from the edge of the box to make it 1-1 at halftime.
Having started the second half much brighter, The Huntsman took the lead as a long range shot hit the post, and Andrew Richardson was on hand to stab home from the resulting goalmouth scramble.
The Sports Club got back into the game forcing The Huntsman to sit deep and defend, however substitute Ryan Mercer broke free into added time and calmly dispatched his one v one to put the game beyond all doubt. N.A Sports Club 1-3 Huntsman
Next up for the Huntsman is a home tie against West Auckland The Club in the 2nd Round of The Darlington Charity Cup this Sunday at Simpasture Park
By Craig Woodhead