East Riding v Northumberland FA

Match report from Northumberland FA U18's visit to East Riding FA

Northumberland held East Riding to a 1-1 draw despite injury problems

 

Northumberland travelled to Hull amid an injury crisis with only 14 players named in the matchday squad.

Starting lineup: Josh Wilson, Joe Bell, Michael Woods, Scott Shepherd, Michael Woods, Adam Beattie, Phil Riley, Will Jenkins, Will Morris, Josh Skivington, Harry Newton, Antonio Agostinho

Subs: Jack Wilson, David Phillips, Kai Slinn

 

Within minutes of the game starting it became apparent that this would be a physical battle as the pitch made it difficult to play the quick passing game that Northumberland were set up for. A strong wind was also causing problems for both sides.

East Riding started the game on top, physically dominating the play and they opened the scoring with a controversial goal on 8 minutes – a right wing corner was delivered into the 6 yard box and as Josh Wilson collected the ball the East Riding striker appeared to push Michael Woods into Wilson before bundling the ball home. Woods needed treatment before the game was restarted. For the next 15 minutes East Riding continued to press and the Northumberland defence and keeper had to stand strong.

Gradually Northumberland started to win the physical battle and some great play by Phil Riley led to Will Morris smashing the ball home from 16 yards for the equaliser on 30 minutes.

2 minutes later a Riley volley was excellently saved at full stretch by the East Riding GK as Northumberland looked to make the most of their dominance.

Jack Wilson replaced Harry Newton on 35 minutes.

HT 1-1

The second half started much like the first with East Riding back on top, without any real clear-cut chances being created by either side.

65 minutes David Phillips replaced Michael Woods and Kai Slinn replaced Josh Skivington.

Northumberland started to take back control of the game and had a few half chances from goalmouth scrambles, however nothing would fall right and East Riding still carried a threat on the counter attack.

78 minutes, Josh Skivington replaced Phil Riley.

The Northumberland players continued to push hard for a winner and forced a succession of corners in the last few minutes of the game and with time heading into injury time a draw looked inevitable. However, after some great build up play Agostinho brilliantly turned his maker on the edge of the area before being cynically pulled back – free kick and a final chance to win the game.

Jenkins and Skivington stood over the ball – with Jenkins striking the free kick, the keeper could only watch but fortunately for him the ball struck the post and was cleared.

FT 1-1, a fair result over 90 minutes on a difficult surface and poor conditions for the players.