Nunthorpe Ath. 2 Stockton Town U16's 2
1/03/2008
Goal Scorers Nathan Clarke, Fred Woodhouse
Man Of The Match Nathan Clarke
Written By Wayne Dennis
The game was played with a very strong wind blowing the length of the pitch and this was going to play a big part in the game. Stockton kicked off kicking against the wind and the first 10 minutes were a fairly even affair. After some neat interplay on the edge of the Nunthorpe box James Nicholson found himself through where he lobbed the keeper to score only to find the goal controversially disallowed for offside. Nunthorpe came back at Stockton forcing a number of corners one of which Joe Andrew came and punched clear. Stockton then conceded possession on the edge of their own penalty box, Nunthorpe broke down the right and crossed for their forward to power in a header from 8 yards. The game continued end to end without either keeper being called into action. With half time approaching Nunthorpe grabbed a second when a simple through ball split the Stockton defence for their forward to run on and slip the ball into the net.
The second half started with Stockton in a determined mood and they quickly grabbed a goal back. Scott Hillerby picked the ball up in a wide left position, cutting inside he played the ball back out to Grant Lake wide left, his cross was met by Nathan Clarke diving full length to steer the ball into the Nunthorpe net. It was all Stockton now as they pressed for the equaliser with Fred Woodhouse bringing a brilliant one handed save from the Nunthorpe keeper. The equaliser came with 10 minutes remaining, after brilliant work by Nathan Clarke inside the Nunthorpe box the ball fell to Fred Woodhouse who calmly slotted home. Stockton continued to press and 2 minutes from time scored what should have been the winner, Fred Woodhouse played in Hal White, he cut back inside, played in Fred Woodhouse who bent the ball around the Nunthorpe keeper and into the corner of the net from 12 yards. To everyone’s complete astonishment the referee disallowed the goal for “Un-gentlemanly Conduct” after Fred Woodhouse had asked Hal for the ball back. (You would think referees would know the rules and not make it up as they went along).
Extra time started with Stockton again kicking against the wind and the first opportunity saw the Nunthorpe keeper go full length to tip a James Nicholson effort round the post. Then in the last minute Ross Langridge cleared off the line for Stockton. The tie finished with penalties Stockton losing 5 4, but being left with a bitter taste with some of the refereeing.
Some good performances from James Nicholson, Tom Portas, Scott Hillerby, Ross Langridge, Fred Woodhouse but Nathan Clarke edged the MOM Award with his hand in both Stockton’s goals.