Huntsman FC travelled to Darlington on Sunday to face 4th place Yates FC. Huntsman, missing a few regulars knew they were in for a tough game. The manager was forced into 4 changes from the starting 11 which played against Haughton Grey Horse the week before: Carl Bates, Steven Williams, Dave Neale and Shaun Mackintosh were all unavailable through work and injury that meant there was a start for Anthony Brockley following his goal from the bench against Grey Horse while Jamie Herd, Anth Cox and Michael Sproates all returned to action.
The first half was a dull affair without much goal mouth action, and the quality of football on display was poor from both sides. Full back Michael Sproates had a couple of efforts which were easily saved by the keeper while the Huntsman goal was never under any threat. Shaun Sproates had a blatant penalty turned down mid way through, but the half drew to a close 0-0.
The game was being played at walking pace and the Huntsman boys were told a few home truths at half time. Calum Farley was introduced in place of Anthony Brockley and immediately the game changed.
Huntsman closed down the Yates defence from the off and forced an error, after good work by Jamie Herd and Anth Cox the ball found its way to Farley in the box who slammed home to give Huntsman the lead 30 seconds after half time.
The difference in attitude was remarkable and the Yates keeper suddenly became busy, Ollie Gell, Shaun Sproates, Jamie Herd and Ryan Durr all went close to doubling the lead.
At the other end the back line never looked like being troubled with both centre halves dealing with everything Callum Musgrave in particular putting in a man of the match performance.
Cox and Sproates were linking up well down the right and they supplied substitute Andrew Richardson, who saw his effort cleared off the line but some quick thinking from a corner allowed Shaun Sproates acres in the area to head into the bottom corner to give the Huntsman a 2-0 lead. This killed the game off but chances continued to come for the Huntsman although none were converted.
Keith Dodds, fresh from his goal of the season two weeks previous, had the best chance 2 minutes from time when he was 1 yard from goal without a keeper in sight he managed to flash the ball across goal when it was easier to score. The game finished 2-0 meaning Huntsman are now top of the league with 21 points with 7 wins from 7 games.
Next up is the Division 2 League Cup Quarter final against Newton Aycliffe Sports Club at Simpasture on October 20th, 10.30 kick off, we look forward to seeing you there.