Under 11s Athletic

Despite the lack of games recently, Athletic knew what they had to do in this relegation battle. The lads had looked good in training and were up for the game. Athletic won the toss, and kicked off against the wind. Within the 1st minute, this looked like the wrong decision, after the Blyth forward line evaded numerous tackles, they poked the ball in the corner of the net, despite Jamie`s best efforts. One nil down after only a minute was`nt the start they were looking for! Athletic however did pick themselves up from the setback and started to play some good football. Lucas on the left flank was creating havoc and the speed of Joe Taylor up front was making the Blyth defence panic everytime. Athletic scored the 2 goals to put them in front through this combination of Lucas and Joe, with Joe grabbing the 2 goals top put Athletic in front. Just before half-time Atletic switched off, and without a challenge in midfield, the Blyth attack moved forward quicky and drew things level with a toe poked shot into the corner, that Jamie could do nothing about! Jamie had earlier kept Shields in the game with some great goalkeeping, being quick off his line, and making a fine double stop. Despite conceding the goal just before half-time, Shield had the advantage of the wind 2nd half and looked to make it count. Despite knowing what they had to do, the lads switched off, and let Blyth into the game. A lack of organisation, effort and tackling at crucial times let Blyth gain the advantage, with goals only a couple of minutes apart. This knocked the stuffing out of Shields attack, and were dis-jointed for a bit, until they started getting the ball down and trying to pass to feet. Shields pushed and pushed until the end of the game, but in all honesty did`nt look like breaching the Blyth defence. A very disapointing result, and at times a disapointing performance, especially in the 2nd half. Ay other time Joe Taylor would have won M.O.M for his 2 goals and excellent performance, but given Jamie Hedley`s superb performance throughout the whole game, the opposition manager awarded it to Jamie.

It was Athletics first game, since the Christmas break, and early in the game you could see a bit of rustiness amongst the lads. Cullercoats went on the attack early on as Athletic sat back a bit too much. However the best of the first half chances fell to Shields. Following an attack from Cullercoats, Jamie in goal gathered the ball and launched a huge kick up the field. The bounce deceived the defender, and great strength from Callum held off the other centre back. As he went through one on one, a great shot produced and equally good save. Minutes later Matty wriggled through a couple of challenges and hit a great shot from just inside the box, narrowly missing the keepers upright. The 2nd half was much the same, Cullercoats having a lot of pressure, but without really threatening the goal and Shields playing the better football and hitting Cullercoats on the counter attack. This is how Shields scored their goal with about 15 minutes left. Good play down the left flank from Lucas played in Robert and he made no mistake with the outside of his left foot. As the clock was ticking down, Cullercoats piled on the pressure. The inevitable happened with only a minute remaining. Shields failed to clear the ball properly after four or five attempts, and they made no mistake from 4 yards out with the keeper exposed. The lads were clearly disappointed to have conceded a late leveller but extra-time loomed for the second succesive cup tie. This time though, penalties wernt going to be needed. As the manager and coach started to think about the penalty takers, sloppy defending from Shields allowed Cullercoats the chance to wrap up the tie. The ball was floated over and when it was`nt headed clear like it should have been, the chance arose. To be fair the shot was`nt the greatest of strikes, but Jamie in goal was struggling with the low winter sun, and he was only able to get a hand to it as it went over the line.

Squad: Jamie Hedley; James Geddes; Andrew Gibson; Connor Abraham; Kieron Smith; Kyle Simpson; Adam Armstrong (captain); Lucas Sutherland; Matty Marshall; Euan Potts; Callum MacDonald; Robert Mason; Nathan Johnston, Joe Taylor; Joe Hardy

Athletic were going to kick of today’s game, kicking with the wind if they won the toss, unfortunately they didn’t, but this eventually worked in their favour. Blues had a lot of possession early on but rarely troubled Jamie in goal, Athletic meanwhile were playing some good football, getting the ball on the ground and passing and moving to good effect, Matty had a chance but the keeper was equal to it. A penalty was given to Athletic, as the defender handled the ball when under pressure, Callum tucked it away with great confidence. The defence were playing well, and limiting Blues to shots from outside of the box. A clearance from a corner wasn’t closed down quick enough and Cramlington hit a great shot that Jamie was unable to get to. Moments later an identical shot was superbly tipped round the post by Jamie as Blues tried to use the strong wind to their advantage. Athletic still pushed forward though, a shot/clearance from Andrew produced a good save from the Cramlington keeper that kept the scores level at the break. Changes were made and Athletic were under instructions to use the wind to their advantage and shoot on sight. A few minutes in and Athletic had their noses in front again, a well worked goal involving Matty, Callum and coolly finished off by Adam. Blues were still dangerous, and had pace on the break, good defending from the fullbacks Smithy and Joe Hardy on occasions and the ever reliable Connor and Andrew kept everything at arm’s length. Pottsy was causing problems with his electric pace and had the defence panicking, this led to the third goal. Pottsy`s pace down the left opened up the defence, as the ball fell to Matty, he played the ball across the face of goal for Robert to cleverly back heel it into the net. At this stage of the game, the lads all wanted to push up and try their luck, but it was important to keep their shape and positions. James Geddes, was tackling with his normal tenacity, and some great tackles helped keep Cramlington penned back in their own half. Joe Taylor ran half the length of the pitch, when played through by Kyle, as he was about to pull the trigger, the ball ran a bit too far and the keeper managed to gather it. Callum and Adam both had chances to increase the lead but were unable to find the finish required. Captain for the day, Kyle was played in after some persistent play down the right, and Kyle got the goal that his man of the match performance deserved. Athletic still pushed for another goal, but were more than happy to see out the game as it stood.

Manager: Trevor Johnston
Coaches: Colin Smith and Maksims Zaborovs

Athletic went into the game in high spirits after last weeks defeat of Forest Hall. They were quicky on the back foot against a strong Gosforth team that had made new signings since a fortnight ago. Athletic quickly gained an injury list that Manchester City would have been struggling to cope with. Adam couldnt play because of illness, Pottsy followed 5 minutes into the game, before James and then Kyle suffered facial injuries, with Kyle having a nose bleed that led to him having to come off. Matty Marshall followed soon after and along with Smithy`s hand injury and Andrew suffering a twisted knee later on, Athletic struggled to get into the game. Despite being a few goals down, the lads battled on bravely, despite the wind reaching category 9 (Hurricane). Joe Taylor hit the crossbar with a great shot, and with Lucas following up a goal looked certain, but Gosforth managed to clear. The 2nd half was much of the same, just with the wind getting stronger and not as many injuries and more goals let in. A game to forget for the lads and all involved, and they will have to pick themselves up for next weeks game.

20th November 2011 - League
Forest Hall 0 North Shields Athletic 3

Squad: Jamie Hedley; James Geddes; Andrew Gibson; Connor Abraham; Kieron Smith; Kyle Simpson; Kieron Marshall; Adam Armstrong (captain); Lucas Sutherland; Matty Marshall; Euan Potts; Callum MacDonald; Robert Mason; Nathan Johnston, Joe Taylor

Manager: Trevor Johnston
Coaches: Colin Smith and Maksims Zaborovs

Having played so well last week, Athletic were looking to build on the performance with a result to go with it. They kicked off and went on the front foot straight away, Pottsy down the right as normal and Lucas down the left providing the width. However, a well drilled and physical Forest Hall side had other ideas, they kept Athletic pegged back in their own box for a good ten minutes, good defending and organising, from Smithy, Andrew and Connor prevented the opposition from any clear cut chances, any half chances went wide ,or Jamie in goal was more than capable of dealing with. M.O.M James Geddes made a great crunching tackle to keep the score level, but was injured in the process. As the game settled down, Athletic got into their stride, great play in the middle from Kyle, enabled Adam to venture forward, as he did firstly Lucas played him through only for his shot to go wide. Moments later Matty Marshall, played a first time ball through to Adam, the keeper saved well as defenders closed in. Half time was approaching when Athletic made the breakthrough. Great play from Joe Taylor down the right flank, seen him beat 2 or 3 players, as he got to the by-line, he looked up and played a great ball across the goal to the waiting Matty Marshall. Matty nearly missed with a first time shot, but as it bobbled about he squeezed it in from a tight angle, with the keeper closing in. A couple of changes were made at half-time and the lads kept the hard work up, they chased the loose balls, kept their shape and didnt let Forest Hall time on the ball. When Shields had the ball, they used it sensibly and passed and moved with Joe Taylor and Kieron Marshall linking up well, and Robert providing the strength to the midfield. Lucas played Callum through, the defender did well to put him off, but his shot went agonisingly wide. As Forest Hall pushed for the equaliser, Shields held firm at the back, Andrew and Connor did brilliantly to contain the two big bustling forwards, but were constantly backed up by their fullbacks and the hardworking midfield to prevent any chances. To ease the pressure and tension in the game, Athletic needed another goal. Lucas, who was having a great game, duly delivered. The ball came to him on the edge of the box, he hit struck it well, not a load of power, but precision, the keeper was unable to stop it, as it hit the back of the net. Five minutes later, Pottsy made it three to wrap the points up for Athletic. As the ball bobbled about the box, Pottsy`s shot was well saved by the keeper, whom could only palm it straight back to him, this time he made no mistake. Forest hall pushed for a consolation but Andrew stood firm, despite suffering a hand injury in the last minutes of the game. Well done every single player!

Goal Scorers: Matty Marshall
Lucas Sutherland
Euan Potts

M.O.M James Geddes

13th November 2011 -
Gosforth Park Nomads 5 North Shields Athletic 0

Squad: Jamie Hedley; James Geddes; Andrew Gibson; Connor Abraham; Kieron Smith; Kyle Simpson; Kieron Marshall; Adam Armstrong (captain); Lucas Sutherland; Matty Marshall; Euan Potts; Callum MacDonald; Robert Mason; Nathan Johnston, Joe Taylor

Manager: Trevor Johnston
Coaches: Colin Smith and Maksims Zaborovs

Athletic kicked off the game, with a slightly different formation today, playing just the one up front and having the extra man in midfield. It started off well, with Athletic having possibly the better of the early exchanges, before Gosforth got into the game. Pottsy had made his trademark mazy runs, and Kieron Marshall and Callum had linked up well to cause problems for the defence on a couple of occasions. The normal back four were holding out well before a fluky goal gave Nomads the advantage. They doubled there lead not long after, with a controversial goal. The striker ran through and collided with the on-rushing Jamie in goal, as Jamie lay on the floor with a bleeding nose, the referee played on, the ball was cleared only as far as the edge of the box. The ball was pumped high back towards the goal, Jamie with blood streaming from his nose, got back up but only get a hand to the ball as it went into the net. The re-start was held up as Jamie recieved treatment(pity the ref hadnt stopped play earlier). This dented the confidence of Shields for a bit, but changes were made, and the lads quickly got back into the swing of things. Two more goals were conceded before halftime, to give Gosforth a very flattering and undeserved 4-0 halftme lead. The lads played in the second half, the way they did in the first half, chasing all the loose balls, trying to get the ball down and play when given the chance, and battling hard, Jamie in goal, despite the nose dealt with everything that was thrown at him and his handling was superb. The defence were well drilled and coping well, but Gosforth had pace down their right flank and that was causing problems, eventually Gosforth grabbed another goal, despite the excellent way North Shields had stood upto them in todays game. Well done lads for a great performance against a team that could quite possibly win the league.

M.O.M Jamie Hedley (bloodied, battered and bruised)

Manager: Trevor Johnston
Coaches: Colin Smith and Maksims Zaborovs

The lads kicked off today`s game in good spirits despite last weeks defeat. This was down to having nearly a full squad available and new signing Joe watching from the sidelines, and a good training session on the Thursday evening. Athletic kicked off and were under instructions to start the game at a high tempo and not to let the Newbiggen Hall side any time to settle on the ball. This worked well early on, with Pottsy nearly getting through on a few occasions and the midfield of Kyle and Adam being strong in the centre and pushing the opposition back. Callum put a shot wide when he was through, but Athletic didn't have long to wait for the opener. Pottsy done well to get through a couple of hard challenges, and when the chance arose to shoot, he made no mistake with an angled shot that the keeper could only get a hand to. A brilliant goal from our winger.

Half time come with instructions of "do the same again". However , Newbiggen had a different idea, as there midfield started getting the upper hand, a snap shot from the edge of the box left Jamie exposed and he could only get a hand too it. 2-1 to Shields and it was game on. This lasted for 10 minutes untill Callum scored his second of the game after a lovely chipped through ball from Lucas, to give Athletic a bit of breathing space. Kieron Marshall added a fourth - a well taken goal from a tight angle. Callum finished it off with the 5th and his 3rd again finishing from a tight angle after a great through ball from Matty- to complete his hat-trick. A great team performance from everybody.

Jamie in goal, done what he needed too, despite carrying an injury and feeling under the weather. Smithy at rightback, learning and getting better every week and a great assist for the 2nd goal. Connor at his best sweeping up at the back to snuff out chance after chance. Andrew, cool as a cucumber, and hard in the challenge. Robert, strong in defence and played well in midfield considering he has usually played in defence. K.Marshall, always dangerous and popped up with another important goal. Kyle played superb in the defensive role of the midfield, his best performance yet. Adam, another strong performance, breaking up play and feeding balls through to the forwards. James Geddes, ever reliable in his defensive duties and as strong as ever in the tackle. Pottsy, great goal and tackling back to help the defence. Lucas caused problems wherever he went on the pitch, with his intelligent runs and use of the ball. Callum, a hat-trick, say no more! Matty Marshall, no goal today but hit the post with a raking shot, and set up Callum with a great through ball for his hat-trick. Well done Athletic!

Goal scorers-
Callum McDonald-3
Euan Potts
Keiron Marshall

M.O.M- Lucas Sutherland

30th October 2011
North Shields Athletic 3 Whitley Bay Barca 4

Squad: Jamie Hedley; James Geddes; Andrew Gibson; Connor Abraham; Kieron Smith; Kyle Simpson; Kieron Marshall; Adam Armstrong (captain); Lucas Sutherland; Matty Marshall; Euan Potts; Callum MacDonald; Robert Mason; Nathan Johnston

Athletic kicked off todays game with Gibson in goal due to the late withdrawal of the injured Hedley. This was a blow to Athletics backline who have stood firm the last few games. However straight from kick off, Pottsy had Whitley on the backfoot with a mazy run. Whitley were straight back into the game with good pressure from the midfield but without threatening the Athletic goal. A looping clearance from the halfway line had Andrew scrambling back to palm the ball away after a wicked bounce of the ball. Whitley were soon a goal to the good after Athletic failed to clear the ball on numerous occasions, and as the ball bobbled about the striker pounced to tap the ball home despite it appearing to be kicked out of the keeper`s hands. It stayed goalless till halftime with neither team producing any real goal-scoring chances, but Athletic, with a bit more composure in the final third could have made Whitley pay. Athletic kicked off the 2nd half with a bit more purpose. Despite this Whitley hit them on the counter attack after a corner to Shields. Armstrong quickly pulled one back to give Shields belief that they could win the game. A couple of good finishes from Whitley seemed to put the game beyond the home team at 4-1 down. Matty Marshall pulled a goal back with a great lobbed finish. Chances also fell to Kieron Marshall, Lucas and Pottsy, but shots were either straight at the keeper or off target. Adam used his strength to knock a defender off the ball to pull it back to 4-3 with a smart finish, to set up Athletic for a final push, but the referee blew straight after Whitley kicked off, to call time on an entertaining game. However Athletic need to start training harder and putting into practice what they actually do and learn in training to start getting more results in their favour.

Goals- Matty Marshall
Adam Armstrong 2

Squad: Jamie Hedley; James Geddes; Andrew Gibson; Connor Abraham; Kieron Smith; Kyle Simpson; Kieron Marshall; Adam Armstrong (captain); Lucas Sutherland; Matty Marshall; Euan Potts; Callum MacDonald; Robert Mason; Nathan Johnston

Manager: Trevor Johnston
Coaches: Colin Smith and Maksims Zaborovs

Fate had thrown two of the North Shields teams together in the 1st round of the cup, not only a place in the next round at stake but a lot of rivalries between players, that used to play together and parents that used to be supporting the same team. Athletic started off with the same team that finished against Blyth Spartans the previous week, with the only change, Robert in and Connor dropping to the bench after his late arrival. The defence didn't have a lot to do early on as Athletic were on the ascendancy. Chances fell to Lucas and Callum, but both chances went straight at the keeper. K. Marshall also had one but with no power in the shot, it trickled through to the keeper. The Magpies were quick on the counter attack and had Andrew and Smithy to thank for getting them out of trouble on one occasion and Robert clearing up on another. Adam and Kyle were doing their stuff in the middle with great through balls to Callum and Lucas and it was causing major trouble for the Magpie defence. Matty Marshall was introduced for Kieron Marshall and after great work from Pottsy, he was played in with only the keeper to beat. However instead of taking it 1st time, he turned back in and the chance was gone. A couple of good stops from Magpies keeper Shaun, kept the score level at half time. Connor was brought on for Robert as the only change at the interval. Straight from kick off, Athletic lost the ball, a couple of soft tackles, and the ball fell to the flying winger, a good cross, a nice touch and Athletic were a goal for the worse!

This was the wake up call they needed. They went straight on the attack and started to enjoy the better of the possession, creating half chances despite some debatable offside decisions, and a succession of corners. James Geddes now had the measure of the winger, and didn't give him much of a chance with his tough tackling, one in particular, sending shivers down the spine! A moment of magic from Pottsy brought the score level. A goal of supreme quality, that Peter Beardsley would have been proud of, he skipped past 3 players before rifling an unstoppable shot past the opposition keeper. Much celebration from the players and supporters, calmed down and the game re-started. The magpies weren't finished, they had a spell of possession that had the defenders frantically clearing it, and only a couple of smart saves from Jamie kept it level. However Athletic weren't finished either, after good work from Adam, and Pottsy down the right, the chance fell to Matty Marshall, he planted a great shot into the far corner that would have had Tim Krul struggling to reach. Again wild celebrations from all, including Max and Nathan. It was nail biting stuff or twitchy bum time(as Alan Shearer once said) for the remainder of the game. A little bit of niggle crept into the game late on, but the referee kept on top of it, and with Athletic back on top he blew his whistle for full time. A cracking cup-tie, that both teams should be proud of being involved in and credit to the Magpies that pushed Athletic all the way.

Goal Scorers- Euan Potts
Matty Marshall

M.O.M- Callum McDonald

Athletic started the game on the attack with Euan being clean through but being pulled up for offside. A series of corners followed for Athletic beautifully put in by Callum but no one could apply the finishing touch. Spartans finally started to come into the game and scored from a free kick from the edge of the box. This shook Athletic and they came under the cosh for the next 10 minutes. Great tackling from James, Smithy, Connor and Andrew kept Spartans at bay and limited them to a few long range which Jamie handled with his usual efficiency. Adam and Kyle then got a grip in midfield and Adam shot from the edge of the box hit the bar and the ball bounced down over the line and back out. The equaliser. No - the ref waved play on. Where is a Russian linesman when you need one? Then Matty was through but held back as he was about to pull the trigger. Penalty? Free kick? No - play on Just before half time Spartans won a couple of corners - from the first Jamie made a blinding save and from the second Connor cleared off the line. But there was still time for Spartans to score when poor marking at the back post let them score the simplest of goals. 0-2 at half time yet Athletic had most of the play and the best chances.

Athletic came strong in the second half. Kieron Marshall was on the left wing and making good runs down the pitch. Lucas pushed up front and chances started to come. Matty and Callum were through but up went the offside flag again. After a series of corners one finally fell to Kieron Marshall and he applied a lovely finish. Athletic had the bit between teeth and started to create chance after chance. Adam was at the centre of this - well supported by Kyle and Euan in midfield . Callum was through but the keeper came out to save. Lucas was through and scored but the flag was up again. Finally the equaliser came. A lovely through ball by Adam found Lucas who chipped the keeper in style. Whilst it was all Athletic the defence were having to deal with breakaways but the tackling was strong and everything was cleared. Both Lucas and Kieron M had chances to win the game but it ended 2-2.

SQUAD - Jamie Hedley, James Geddes, Robert Mason, Kieron Marshall, Conor Abraham, Adam Armstrong(captain)
Nathan Johnston, Lucas Sutherland, Matty Marshall, Callum McDonald, Kieron Smith, Euan Potts, Kyle Simpson, Andrew Gibson

Coaches- Colin Smith & Max Zaborovs

It was only a matter of weeks since Shields played Ashington at home early September, and the return game late in September. Shields kicked off after Adam won the toss. The lads got the ball down and played some nice football early on and didnt let a physical Ashington side dominate the game, like they had weeks earlier. The midfield chased every ball with Smithy and Simpson battling well and the pace of Pottsy down the right linking up well with Callum and Matty up front. The full backs Andrew and Geddes were pushing the opposition widemen back, meaning everything was coming down the middle. Robert and Connor were commanding in the centre, but could do nothing with Ashingtons goal. A shot from the angle of the box left Jamie struggling to deal with it, all he could do was palm the ball away, as he did it fell straight to Ashingtons forward, who scored the easiest of goals. Ashington had chances (mostly offside) but were left to shots from distance. Adam and Matty both had chances to equalise, but shot tamely at the keeper.
The second half started with some tactical switches and Athletic got a foothold in the game, some good work down the left from Lucas resulted in an Athletic corner. From the corner Ashington cleared, ran straight up the other end and scored, caught by the counter attack again! Athletic got a goal back from Pottsy, good strong running from Lucas and a good finish from Euan brought Shields back into the game. Ashington scored again soon after, but the lads showed great spirit, and kept creating chances, despite the linesman keeping his flag up all game to wave offside and give freekicks to the home team. Pottsy scraped the outside of the post, Smithy had a shot well saved and Callum and Matty both had half chances but to no avail. Shields started to tire in the last quarter of the game and this showed by shipping in three goals that normally would have been defended with ease. Another game, another defeat and another good performance if not result.

Athletic: Jamie Hedley; James Geddes; Andrew Gibson; Adam Armstrong; Robert Mason; Lucas Sutherland; Euan Potts; Kyle Simpson; Connor Abraham; Callum McDonald; Matty Marshall; Kieron Smith.

Did I run over a black cat on the way to this match? has my lucky leprechaun been kidnapped? Because this was a match that Athletic dominated – creating at least 30 chances to Blyth’s five – and playing some lovely passing football into the bargain.

Constantly attacking in the first half chances fell to Callum, Adam, Euan and Kyle but a combination of good goal keeping and inaccurate shooting kept the score at nil. Then Matty finally whacked one into the net. On a rare breakaway Milan got a penalty after the Athletic got itself in a bit of a tangle.

One all at half time but the second half saw Athletic have three one on ones with the keeper which were not converted. Adam was passing well in midfield and Kyle and Smithy were doing the hard yards tackling and chasing.

Matty hit the post before a repeat of the first half saw an otherwise sound defence of Connor, James, Robert and Andrew concede another goal. Jamie made two great saves but soon Athletic got the initiative back. Lucas and Euan were running amok on the wings and managing to avoid the inevitable scything tackles. More chances came and went before Athletic got a penalty. Matty stepped up but the keeper saved. Athletic threw everything forward for the equaliser before Milan broke away to score with the last kick of the game.

I can’t criticise all those players who missed all the chances as they worked so hard to get in the positions and the overall team play was very good. The goals will come and it is all coming together. Now can someone lend me £1000 to pay the ransom for my leprechaun.

11/9/2011 - North Shields Athletic-0 Ashington CFC-6

SQUAD - Jamie Hedley, James Geddes, Robert Mason, Kieron Marshall, Conor Abraham, Adam Armstrong(captain)
Nathan Johnston, Lucas Sutherland, Matty Marshall, Callum McDonald, Kieron Smith, Euan Potts, Kyle Simpson, Andrew Gibson

Manager -Trevor Johnston
Coaches- Colin Smith & Max Zaborovs

The old cliche of " a game of two halves" certainly springs to mind for this game. The 1st half kicked off with Shields kicking with the advantage of a strong wind behind them, in the hope of scoring a few goals. However it didn`t turn out like that. Athletic were slow out of the blocks, and Ashington took advantage of this, with only five shots on goal in the 1st half they managed to score five goals! Athletic were defending too deep, slow to close people down, not strong enough in the tackle and werent holding their shape very well. Things were changed about at half time and they went into the 2nd half kicking against the wind. The lads were great in the 2nd half, despite being under a a lot of pressure, they never gave up. Tough tackling, goal line clearances and holding there shape, gave them the spring board to launch some attacks late into the 2nd half. A consolation goal wasnt to be as players were incorrectly flagged offside by the linesman, as Shields were through. A much improved 2nd half performance, but the lads need to keep play like that from start to finish.

Coaches- Colin Smith & Max Zaborovs

Athletic went into the game in good spirits, but down to the bare eleven players, this was due to injuries and International call-ups(school trip to Robin Wood). They started off the slightly better team in the first five minutes, with neither team creating any clear cut chances, but both keepers making vital stops. Great work from Callum up front on his own, created a couple of half-chances, and with the industry of Pottsy, Smithy, and Matty, the midfield were just shading it. A first time cross from Prudhoe, left the striker with an un challenged header, and he made no mistakes from 4 yards out with a good header. A corner to Athletic as they piled on the pressure, lead to Prudhoe`s goal! Lucas and then Smithy had shots blocked and Prudhoe sprinted up the field and scored to make it 2-0. Thats how it stayed until half time, thanks to Mason and Marshall who were defending well, with back up from full backs Gibson and Geddes. The 2nd half started similar to the first half, some nice play from Athletic but no penetration in the last third. Prudhoe started to boss the game, and this resulted in more goals for Prudhoe as Athletic tired and left open spaces for Pruhoe to run into. An injury to Geddes, didnt help the cause when he had to come off with a thigh injury, and along with Jamie who was struggling with the same type of injury. This is when the tide turned (slightly), the lads started to battle even harder and played some lovely football that resulted in a welcome consolation goal. Pottsy was still full of running, after escaping two men, he played a great through ball for Callum, whom slid the ball into the corner of the net with the keeper stranded. A good performance from the lads, an un-deserved scoreline but another lesson in 11-aside football.

Goal Scorer: Callum MacDonald

4/9/2011 Northburn Wanderers -7 North Shields Athletic-0

SQUAD - Jamie Hedley, James Geddes, Robert Mason, Kieron Marshall, Conor Abraham, Adam Armstrong(captain)
Nathan Johnston, Lucas Sutherland, Matty Marshall, Callum McDonald, KieronSmith, EuanPotts, KyleSimpson, Andrew Gibson

Manager -Trevor Johnston

Coaches- Colin Smith & Max Zaborovs

The opening game of the season couldnt have been any harder for Athletic, they were pitted against Northburn whom finished the previous season in the first division after winning the Second the year before.. Athletic hadnt had as much preparation as they would have liked, and were rocked in pre-season when Nathan Johnston suffered a cruciate ligament injury that is going to keep him out for 2 months at least. Despite this, Athletic kicked off in good spirits, and had the best of the early exchanges.
Great play from Lucas and Kyle in the middle created a half chance for Callum Mc, but good defending from Northburn snuffed out the chance. The North Shields defence were holding firm, James Geddes`s tenacity and tackling was outstanding, Kieron Marshall was marshalling the defence well and Robert was strong in the tackle, with Smithy doing well to contain Northburn`s flying left winger. Andrew and Connor were introduced into the game to help contain the attacks of Northburn. Jamie Hedley had produced some great stops, but could do nothing to stop the long range efforts from Wanderers. Adam was holding the midfield together well, and this was giving Pottsy the chance to go on mazy runs up the wing, combining well with Matty. The 2nd half was much the same, some great defending from the team, but Northburn werent giving much away at the back and Athletic found it hard to keep the ball and to attack their goal. As the team tired in the 2nd half, Wanderer`s took full advantage and notched another few goals. Despite the scoreline, Athletic competed the whole game, which was pleasing to see and every single player gave a good account of themselves.

M.O.M- Jamie Hedley