09 December 2011 : Cullercoats 1 v 3 Alnwick Town Reserves
ALNWICK Town Reserves went to first-division Cullercoats in the third round of the Minor Cup with high hopes of causing an upset against higher opposition.
This game was going to be a game of two halves, with a very strong wind blowing down the pitch, and Alnwick, playing with the wind in the first half, had most of the early pressure without troubling the home keeper.
Cullercoats looked dangerous on the break, but Alnwick scored when a Jordan Trotter corner was bundled in by Colin Bickerton (0-1).
Cullercoats then came back at Alnwick with Henry Woodcock pulling off a couple of great saves to keep their noses in front.
Alnwick doubled their lead when Chris Moffat curled a shot into the top corner from 25 yards out (0-2).
The second half was going to be tougher, with the home team having the wind advantage. They soon used it to their advantage when they scored with a rocket of a free-kick giving Woodcock no chance (1-2).
Alnwick were not letting the wind affect their game and they were playing neat, attractive football on the deck and creating chances.
Brad Mclelland rattled the crossbar when put clear and Alan Stephenson scored what was a clear goal into the bottom corner, but the ball came out of the other side as the net wasn’t tied down.
But to the amazement of everyone on the pitch and those watching, the referee reversed his decision after giving the goal to disallow it.
With Cullercoats looking for an equaliser, they pushed men forward and enjoyed a sustained period of pressure.
But Alnwick defended magnificently as a team.
The home team pushed on and left gaps at the back which Mclelland took advantage of in the final few minutes when he broke clear. Although the keeper got a touch to his shot, it had enough power to roll into the net.
Next week Alnwick face North Bank Carlisle at home, meet at 12.45pm.
Alnwick: Woodcock, Trotter, Hubbard, Bickerton, A Mcfall, N Mcfall, Kidd, Price, Stephenson, Mclelland, Cakar, Yeadon, Hutchins.
Report from the Northumberland Gazette: http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/sport/local-sport/football/reserves_cup_upset_1_4048325