Shotton Colliery 0–1 FC Hartlepool
Mid-table Shotton give promotion elect FC Hartlepool a good test in sunny East Durham
FC Hartlepool took a further step towards the Ebac Northern League with a hard fought 1–0 win away at mid table Shotton Colliery. In a tight affair, it was a single second half header which settled the clash.
The spring sun was beating down on this corner of East Durham and around 150 fans gathered in the tidy surroundings of the Shotton Rec Ground. The home side, fresh off the back of a 5–2 win against Wolviston, started brightly and took advantage of a slow start from the visitors.
As the half wore on, Hartlepool grew into the match and started to play the sort of football which had them on the path to promotion. They looked at their most dangerous from set pieces, and a couple of chances from corners came and went shortly before the break.
The break came at a good time for Shotton, who were able to regroup and come out again at the start of the second half. However, another bright start to a half would see the visitors break the deadlock.
The set pieces were where FC Hartleppol looked at their most potent, and it would be a corner which created the winner. A dangerous inswinger from Josh Daley wasn;t dealt with by the Yakkas defence and Luke Naylor got the desivice touch to head home. The relief from the visiting players was clear, it was a goal which put them on course for the top of the league.
It felt as though Shotton were never too far away from getting back into this one, but as the second half ground on, the game turned into a midfield battle. Tough tackles and sparks of quick play from both sides made sure the competitive edge remained.
The visitors were fighting hard for what would be a crucial three points, but the hosts are a tough unit to break down these days. When these sides last met, FC Hartlepool ran out comfortable 7–0 winners- but this season has been one of progress for the Yakkas.
The tussles carried on as the match ebbed away towards what looked like a narrow victory for the visitors. That was until a set piece resulted in referee Dave Carr pointed to the spot= Shotton penalty.
The hosts were given a chance to rescue a point in what was long past the 90 minute mark. Unfortunately, the effort was firmly saved and after the melee was eventually settled down, FC Hartlepool were able to celebrate with their hero keeper. How important may that save be in the title race? Only time will tell.
The darkness was setting in when the full time whistle went, and FC Hartlepool could head back down the A19 with all three points. Shotton can take plenty from this one, and another solid season in Wearside League Division One is an important step on the growth of a club still only three years old.
Up next, Shotton head south for a trip to Darlington Railway knowing that a win would move them to the brink of the top 10. FC Hartlepool welcome Durham Corinthians to Graysfield.
