This was a good day for football with
the sun shinning and a light breeze across a hard pitch.
This game proved to be a cracker with both
sides determined to win as there was a lot at stake. The winners of the
game would top the table.
Both teams attacked at every opportunity as
the game went from end to end. Saltburn had the better chances but the
opposition goalkeeper was in excellent form. Saltburn's back four were
outstanding and gave very little chance to the opposition. Eventually
the goal came and it was Saltburn who took the lead when an excellent
passage of play when after some interchanging of passes the ball found
its way to Liam Williams who calmly hit the ball over the advancing
keeper into the net. The half time score being 1-0 to Saltburn. The
second half was much the same as the first and again the opposition
keeper kept them in the game, though they were really never out of it
and as a result a minor mistake at the back allowed them to equalise
with about 10 mins left. Both teams strived for a winner but it was
Saltburn's joy when with about 3 mins left Josh Hudson was put through
and he slid it passed the advancing keeper. The final score being 2-1 to
Saltburn. Billingham Town were worthy opponents and will be hard to beat
in the return game but this win took Saltburn to the top of Division 3.
The back four of Caird, Whitfield, Graham
and Atkinson were again outstanding and there was some outstanding
contributions by Josh Axe in the last few minutes when he made several
good interceptions. Josh Hudson was always a threat up front and the two
wingers Axe and Hoggard were always effective. In all the whole team
were excellent and need to keep this standard up in all games. Man of
the match was Charlie Whitfield.
