West Allotment Celtic (4) vs (0) Tow Law , Saturday 29th December

W.A.C.: Morton, Houlsby, Walmsley, Fenwick, Hughes, Locker, Richardson, York, Gibbs, Hay, Patterson.
Subs: Vickers, Douglas, Johnson, Brown, Middleton.

Tow Law: Allen, Redfearn, Hoillingsworth, Mudd, Hutt, Langthorne, M’Guire, March, Wilkinson, Innes, Eccles.
Subs: Maughan, Watling, Teasdale, Brazayskas, Shields.

Tow Law visited Tyneside for this Arngrove Northern League fixture against lowly West allotment Celtic, but the form book was to torn up & thrown away.
After 8 minutes, McGuire set up Hollingsworth to shoot over the bar from 25 yards.
2 minutes later, Eccles corner was headed toward goal by Innes. Morton in the home goal punched clear.
After 15 minutes, Eccles received the ball & beat 2 defenders, delivering a cross into the goal area, only for Allotment defenders to clear.
On 20 minutes, West Allotment mounted an attack through Patterson, who crossed to the far post. Hollingsworth cleared the ball.
McGuire was fouled on 24 minutes & March sent the free kick into the box, only for Hollingsworth to head wide.
5 minutes of madness came after 30 minutes.
Firstly a right wing cross to the far post was headed back across goal for Gibbs to open the scoring.
West Allotment 1 – 0 Tow Law.
A minute after the restart, Tow Law failed to deal with a deep left wing cross & Richardson fired home.
West Allotment 2 – 0 Tow Law.
On 32 minutes, Eccles failed to reduce the deficit, shooting over the bar.
2 minutes later, a West allotment corner was crossed to the far post. Allen prevented Hay’s headed goal attempt, but was unable to stop the same player forcing the ball home.
West Allotment 3 – 0 Tow Law.
Eccles & Innes combined on 44 minutes, but Innes header went wide.
Half time; West Allotment 3 – 0 Tow Law.
At half time, Maughan & Watling replaced Readfearn & Wilkinson.
On 46 minutes a mistake by Hutt presented Gibbs with a scoring opportunity, but Allen pushed the ball onto the crossbar.
Hay shot wide on 50 minutes, when well placed 8 yards from goal.
2 minutes later, any chance Tow Law had to get back into the game was blown away, Richardson crossed from the edge of the box & Fenwick scored easily.
West Allotment 4 – 0 Tow Law.
Hay & York had good chances within the next 2 minutes to further embarrass Tow Law, but couldn’t add to the score line. On 71 minutes, Mudd was replaced by Teasdale.
On 75 minutes, Douglas broke forward into the Tow Law area, shooting wide from 6 yards & 2 minutes later, Patterson ran half the length of the pitch only to shoot straight at Allen.
On 82 minutes, in a rare attack, the ball ran loose to Watling. He shot well wide of the target.
On 87 minutes, Eccles free kick was headed by Hollingsworth, Morton saving well to preserve a clean sheet.
Full time: West Allotment 4 – 0 Tow Law.
Hopefully, the Lawyers will put this game behind them & return to the form shown in the first half of the season.

Tow Law (1) vs (2) Consett, Wedensday 26th December 2007 (11am)

Tow Law – Allen, Hutt, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Langthorne, Renshaw, Teasdale, Walker, Wilkinson, Innes, Eccles.
Subs- Maughan, Redfearn, Watling, March, McGuire.

Consett – Platten, Coulthard, Clark, Brown, Piecha, Story, Ormston, Patterson, Moffat, Johnson, Pounder.
Subs – Curry, Turns, Dickman, Robson, Turner.
Tow Law welcomed Consett to Ironworks Road for this Boxing Day Derby fixture in the Arngrove Northern League
After 4 minutes, a Tow Law free kick was delivered into the box, but the Consett defence was able to clear, allowing Moffat to quickly break. His low cross into the home box was cleared by Langthorne.
On 8 minutes, Consett were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position, just outside the box. The ball was rolled to Johnson, but his shot was easily gathered by Allen.
On 11 minutes, an Eccles free kick was easily collected by Platten in the visitors goal. He quickly released the ball to Pounder, who played the ball past Mudd & into the path of Moffat. He advanced into the box & slotted the ball low past Allen’s left hand to open the scoring.
Tow Law 0 – 1 Consett.
2 minutes later, Innes had a chance to bring the home team level, shooting from close range straight at Platten.
On 15 minutes, after a foul on Hutt, Eccles had a free kick from 25 yards. Platten saved well, low down at his left hand post.
On 21 minutes, Eccles got the better of Coulthard & delivered a low cross across the face of the goal, for Walker to tap in past Platten.
Tow Law 1 – 1 Consett.
On 27 minutes, Moffat held the ball with his back to goal, before turning & shooting on target. Allen blocked the ball & Langthorne was able to complete the clearance.
On 30 minutes, Hutt delivered a long ball over the Consett defence for Wilkinson. As the defenders got back, he shot from 25 yards, bringing a good diving save from Platten. Langthorne headed the resulting corner wide of the target.
On 36 minutes, Brown was cautioned for his 3rd infringement of the rules. Wilkinson’s resulting free kick was well over the bar.
On 42 minutes, Wilkinson was cautioned for his 2nd foul.
Half time; Tow Law 1 – 1 Consett.
In the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half, Consett forced a number of corners, which came to nothing.
On 48 minutes, Wilkinson played Innes into a good position in front of goal, but he scuffed his shot & Platten made an easy save.
On 56 minutes, Teasdale advanced from the right & his shot was only just wide, into the side netting.
After 65 minutes, with Consett pushing forward, the ball broke to Johnson, 19 yards from goal. His first time hit just cleared the bar, with Allen stranded.
On 80 minutes, Eccles advanced down the left & delivered a low cross into the path of Wilkinson. Unfortunately, he couldn’t dig it out from under his feet & Consett were able to clear.
3 minutes later, Wilkinson & Eccles combined. Eccles crossed for Innes, who just couldn’t apply the final touch.
Within a minute, Consett broke quickly. Moffat & Johnson made runs behind the home defence. The ball found its way past Langthorne, to Johnson. He advanced into the box & rolled the ball low past Allen’s left hand into the corner of the net.
Tow Law 1 – 2 Consett.
Tow Law pushed forward in vain for an equaliser, their best chance coming from a goalmouth scramble in the last minute. Unfortunately, none of the home team got a clear shot & Consett cleared the ball to Moffat. He took the ball into the home box & went to ground.
Referee, Billy Khatib booked Moffat for diving, but there was no time left for Tow Law to get the ball forward.
Final score; Tow Law 1 – 2 Consett.
Despite the setback, Tow Law still find themselves in 6th place in the Arngrove Northern League Division 1.

Shildon (3) vs (0) Tow Law, Saturday 8th December 2007

Shildon – Spence, Howarth, Mendum, Clarke, Ptak, Mason, Moore, everitt, Masters, Gredziak, Niven.
Subs – Jury, Hutton, Emson, Raitt, Cowan.

Tow Law – Allen, Mudd, Hollingsworth, Marsh, Hutt, Langthorne, Renshaw, Walker, Watling, McGuire, Eccles.
Subs – Maughan, Teasdale, Shields, Wilkinson, Vasey.

Tow Law visited Dean Street for this Arngrove Northern League Division 1 fixture, played on a soaked surface.
Match Referee, Tony Harrington was still carrying out pitch inspections right up to kick off as heavy rain cast doubt on the game being played.
Both sets of players struggled to keep their feet & on 7 minutes, Anthony March’s scuffed shot fell to Peter Watling, but he shot tamely at Spence in the home goal.
A minute later, Niven crossed for Moore, who brought a good reaction save from Allen.
On 13 minutes, Watling cut inside & shot from 20 yards, bringing a good save from Spence, low down to his right.
After 16 minutes, Eccles free kick was headed by Langthorne, but drifted just past the post.
On 22 minutes, Tyson broke in behind the Lawyers’ defence & was about to shoot from 10 yards when Hollingsworth recovered with a superbly timed tackle to prevent a certain goal.
On 32 minutes, Watling crossed dangerously across the 6 yard box, but Eccles was unable to apply a touch.
Shildon thought they had the lead on 33 minutes, Niven challenged Mudd in the box. Both players fell to ground, but Niven was able to scoop the ball past Allen with his right foot. Everyone thought it was inside the post, but the ball nestled behind the net & the Referee awarded a free kick. Niven argued that the ball had gone through a hole in the net, but the Referee refused to change his decision.
On 36 minutes, Renshaw had a chance to put Tow Law into the lead, collecting Eccles cross & finding space in the penalty area. Unfortunately, Renshaw delayed his shot, allowing the home defence to get back & the opportunity was lost.
On 40 minutes, Everitt was cautioned for a blatant trip on Eccles, as 2 Shildon players doubled up to prevent progress towards the home goal.
Half time; Shildon 0 – 0 Tow Law.
Shildon started quickly in the second half, Everitt breaking clear to shoot & bring a good save from Allen.
On 53 minutes, Mendum crossed harmlessly into the box, but Allen mis-handled the greasy ball, which fell to Gredziak. His shot was cleared of the line by Langthorne who had covered for the goalkeeper’s mistake.
On 58 minutes, Shildon replaced Gredziak with Emson.
On the hour, Moore passed to Howarth & his cross into the area was put into the net by the sliding Everitt.
Shildon 1 – 0 Tow Law.
Tow Law replaced March with Teasdale.
On 67 minutes, Shildon increased their lead. A cross fell for Mason & his effort looped high into the air. Allen came out to punch, but looked to be blocked off & Emson was able to head into the goal.
Shildon 2 – 0 Tow Law.
Shildon made a further change on 71 minutes, Niven being replaced by Raitt.
On 73 minutes, Eccles crossed & Teasdale allowed the ball to run to Watling. With only the goalkeeper to beat from 8 yards, Watling side footed & Spence was able to save easily with his right foot.
On 79 minutes, Walker & Watling were replaced by Maughan & Shields.
On 86 minutes, Langthorne’s clearance was blocked by Emson. He played the ball to Masters, who back heeled a return pass & Emson blasted the ball past Allen & into the goal.
Shildon 3 – 0 Tow Law.
Emson had a chance to complete his hat-trick on 89 minutes, but Allen made a good save to prevent any further score.
Final score; Shildon 3 – 0 Tow Law.

Tow Law Town 2 – 0 Spennymoor Town., Saturday 1st December 2007

Tow Law – Allen, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Hutt, Langthorne, Stewart, Walker, Wilkinson, Innes, Eccles.
Subs – Watling, Maughan, Teasdale, Wright, Vasey.

Spennymoor – Dawson, Beasley, Bishop, Ward, Foster, Dixon, Ross, Storr, Richards, Johnson, Scaife.
Subs – Robinson, Roulston, Ainsley, Manson, Wilkinson.

After a long absence from the Arngrove Northern League, Division 1, Spennymoor included ex-Lawyers Carl Beasley & Stuart Dawson in their line up for this fixture at a wet Ironworks Road.
Tow Law opened brightly, forcing a corner in the first minute. Walker’s left wing delivery went straight through to Dawson, but Hollingsworth turned an ankle & required early treatment.
On 12 minutes a long ball was headed down by Storr into the path of Ross. He hit a first time shot from 25 yards which thundered against the post & bounced to safety.
On 16 minutes, Eccles fed the ball to Innes, but his shot was straight at Dawson, who saved comfortably.
3 minutes later, Richards fed the ball to Ross, but this time he pulled his shot wide.
On 23 minutes, a Spennymoor free kick was delivered into the box & headed goalwards by Storr, bringing an excellent reaction save from Allen in the home goal.
On 25 minutes, Stewart, making his debut for Tow Law, pulled up sharply with a knee injury. He was replaced by Teasdale.
A minute later, Walker collected the ball in midfield & played a reverse pass into the stride of Wilkinson, who calmly slotted the ball past Dawson with a left foot shot, giving The Lawyers a lead.
Tow Law 1 – 0 Spennymoor.
Spennymoor responded immediately & forced a free kick on the edge of the home area. Scaife shot on goal, bringing another impressive save from Allen.
On 33 minutes Eccles again combined with Innes, his shot was well blocked by Foster in the visitors’ defence.
On 39 minutes, with Gowland off the pitch after receiving treatment, Teasdale was booked for a reckless challenge on Richards. Scaife’s free kick found Ross, but Mudd did well to block the shot.
Gowland was only able to continue for a further 3 minutes, before he was replaced by Maughan.
In the final moments of the first half, Johnson’s shot from 20 yards brought yet another good save from Allen, whilst Johnson tried his luck from 30 yards, only to clear the crossbar.
Hal time: Tow Law 1 – 0 Spennymoor.
Spennymoor started the second half, determined to get back into the game.
On 48 minutes, Hollingsworth & Dixon clashed in the centre of the park. Match Referee, Jim Devine gave both a verbal warning, but within moments Dixon was booked for a rash challenge on Walker.
On 52 minutes, with Spennymoor pushing the home team back, Johnson’s header on goal was to bring another excellent save from Allen, who pushed the ball away for a corner.
Allen again denied Johnson on 54 minutes.
On 61 minutes, with Eccles threatening to break clear, Beasley flew in with a reckless challenge on his former teammate & was booked.
From Hollingsworth’s free kick, Innes headed down to Wilkinson, but he shot wide of the post.
Peter Watling replaced Wilkinson.
On 70 minutes, Eccles crossed from the left for Innes to head towards goal. Dawson did well to parry, but Innes followed up to force home the rebound.
Tow Law 2 – 0 Spennymoor.
With Spennymoor forced to push forward, Tow Law were able to play on the break.
On 75 minutes, Eccles corner was headed home by Innes, but was disallowed for a foul on Dawson.
Allen & the home defence were keeping Spennymoor at arm’s length, but on 84 minutes Allen made his only mistake of the game. Having collected the ball, he attempted to quickly dispatch it to Eccles, only for it to slip from his hands & at Johnson’s feet. Fortunately, with defenders rushing back, Johnson was unable to take advantage & shot wide.
On 88 minutes, Scaife shot through a crowd of players. Allen was able to re-adjust to a deflection & push the ball around the post.
Tow Law were certainly made to work hard for this victory, which keeps them in 3rd place in Division 1.
Final score: Tow Law 2 – 0 Spennymoor.