League

Lovedean Stadium
Spectators: 5000 (Terracing: 4000, Seating: 1000, VIP seats: 0) The mood of the audience was pleasant when Sam Warner made the kick off which started today's match. After some fancy dribbling in the 11th minute, Lloyd Lennon managed to get in a good position for a shot. Lovedean's supporters rose to their feet, but Lloyd Lennon was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Sly Schofield breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. An unexpectedly hard shot by John-Paul Bloom in the 13th minute of play forced Lovedean's goalkeeper Vernon Hall to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. An unexpectedly hard shot by Denny Beswetherick in the 15th minute of play forced Lovedean's goalkeeper Vernon Hall to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 17th minute, Lovedean's Sam Warner dribbled the ball into the box and hit a shot with the outside of his foot, sending the keeper the wrong way. 1-1. After 21 played minutes Lovedean got a freekick which was hit by Ron Lilley. In the 23rd minute the ball was on its way in behind Lovedean's goalkeeper Vernon Hall, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. Vernon Hall showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from John-Paul Bloom, who was totally free with the ball in the 30th minute. In the 38th minute, Joel Holstead hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. After 39 played minutes, Lovedean's Bryan Bryden shot from a long distance, and at first it looked like the ball was going into the goal, but the goalkeeper Sly Schofield came through and got his fingers on the ball before it flew over the goal line. He then quickly gripped the ball tighter before the forwards in Lovedean reached it. An unexpectedly hard shot by Michael Merchant in the 41st minute of play forced Lovedean's goalkeeper Vernon Hall to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Lovedean's Vernon Hall played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Michael Merchant in the 44th minute of play. An unexpected shot in the 45th minute by Sam Warner got the crowd on their feet, but to their dismay it went out on the left side. The supporters of Northallerton booed when Lovedean was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 47 match minutes in a wonderful position. Bart Lawson didn't get a good kick on the ball. The fans had the chance to grab some refreshments as the whistle went for half-time. The score stood at 1-1 after a close first half.

The wind increased when John-Paul Bloom made the kick off in the second half. 53 minutes into the game, Michael Merchant recieved a splendid long ball, split the defenders, and gently placed the ball to the left of Vernon Hall. Michael Merchant showed that you don't have to tear a hole in the net to score, 1-2. After some fancy dribbling in the 56th minute, John-Paul Bloom managed to get in a good position for a shot. Northallerton's supporters rose to their feet, but John-Paul Bloom was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Vernon Hall breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. A long shot from Zaq Hellen in the 59th minute of play was well struck, but Vernon Hall made a really good save at the right post. After 59 played minutes Lovedean got a freekick which was hit by Bart Lawson. Vernon Hall showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from John-Paul Bloom in the 63rd minute of the match. Sam Warner sent away a hard shot on goal in the 70th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. In the 74th minute Michael Merchant shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Vernon Hall saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Lovedean's Vernon Hall proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 75th minute of the match, managed to save Lovedean from getting a goal against them. After 75 minutes, Wes Cheswick mouthed his way into the referee's book. The tension between the Lovedean and the Northallerton players grew even worse after the yellow card. Mike Wardill fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 80th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Vernon Hall having to interfere. The Northallerton players were relieved to hear the final whistle blow to end the match. The away crowd was happy to see their team win after a very tight game.