Tow Law (2) vs (1) Chester-Le-Street, Saturday 29th March

Tow Law – Allen, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Hutt, Bell, March, McGuire, Mudd, Benjamin, Wilkinson, Eccles.
Subs – Dixon, Teasdale, Renshaw, Langthorne, Innes.

Chester-le-Street – Aitkin, Jones, Wake, Marron, Armstrong, Draper, Reay, Allan, Craggs, Bowes, MacIntosh.
Subs – Anderson, Gilhespy, McIntosh.

Chester-le-Street included 3 ex-Lawyers, Aitkin, Craggs & Armstrong in their line up for this Arngrove Northern League Division 1 fixture at a rain soaked Ironworks Road.
The opening exchanges were evenly matched, before Benjamin received the ball from McGuire on 9 minutes. A dangerous cross was whipped into the box, but Aitken did well to hold on.
After 18 minutes, Mudd crossed to the far post, where Benjamin was storming in, but he was unable to connect.
2 minutes later, Benjamin took a free kick & played the ball into the goal area, but the Chester defence held firm, scrambling the ball clear.
On 25 minutes, Hollingsworth collected the ball on the left wing & superbly beat 3 defenders to whip a cross to Benjamin. His shot was deflected into the path of McGuire, who fired home from close range.
Tow Law 1 – 0 Chester-le-Street.
By now, with both teams struggling to keep their balance of the soaked surface, Tow Law were well in the ascendency.
After 30 minutes, Gowland played Benjamin down the right wing. The centre-forward slid an inch perfect pass behind the Chester defence to pick out Eccles, who shot from inside the 6 yard box. Aitkin, in the visitors goal, threw himself across the goal line to make a miraculous save, keeping Chester in the game.
The Lawyers were certainly getting plenty of possession, attacking down both flanks. On 43 minutes, March delivered a right wing cross precisely to the far post for Benjamin to head home.
Half time: Tow Law 2 – 0 Chester-le-Street.
With Tow Law now kicking up the slope, they looked to make the game safe in the second half.
On 53 minutes, a corner was cleared to the edge of the visitors’ box. Eccles picked up the ball &, with his right foot, clipped in a chip, which was dropping just under the bar until Aitkin palmed it over the bar.
On 58 minutes, Chester-le-Street replaced Allan with Anderson. He took the game by the scuff & began spraying accurate balls around the Chester team. Marron delivered a free kick into the Tow Law area. The ball was allowed to loop into the air & Allen got enough contact to divert Bowes header wide.
On 70 minutes, Anderson spread the play wide to Bowes, but Allen did well to collect the cross into the home area.
On 75 minutes, Chester broke down a home attack to move quickly forward themselves. Draper carried the ball out of their half, played the ball to Anderson & his shot brought another good save from Allen.
Chester replaced Craggs with Gilhespy.
On 81 minutes, March & Gowland were replaced by Langthorne & Dixon for Tow Law.
On 83 minutes, Chester-le-Street took advantage of the home team’s failure to clear the ball. Allen made a great save to divert a shot past the post, but when the corner was delivered, the ball fell to Reay to fire home from 8 yards.
Tow Law 2 – 1 Chester-le-Street.
With Match Referee, Paul Brown adding on 3 minutes, Tow Law held on to secure the 3 points & move into 6th place in the First Division. Final score: Tow Law 2 – 1 Chester-le-Street.

Washington (1) vs (1) Tow Law, Saturday 26th March

Washington – Wilson (S), Brooking, Knowlson, Wilson (T), Mobberley, Marshall, Cassilas-Stephenson, Pollock, Watling, Ruddick, Pennington.
Subs – Sheardown, Thomson, Bourne, Sagers, Novak.

Tow Law – Norton, Dixon, Hollingsworth, Hutt, Bell, Mudd, Renshaw, McGuire, Benjamin, Wilkinson, Eccles.
Subs – Teasdale, Allen, March, Langthorne, Innes.

Tow Law visited relegation threatened Washington in this Arngrove Northern League Division 1 fixture.
Within the first 3 minutes, Tow Law were on the offensive, forcing 2 corners which sadly came to nothing.
On 5 minutes, Eccles crossed from the left to Renshaw, who got no power in his shot & S. Wilson was able to save easily in the home goal.
Another Lawyers’ corner on 8 minutes was delivered into the danger area by Benjamin, but the home defence scrambled the ball clear.
Washington mounted their first threat on the visitors’ goal on 15 minutes, Pollock’s free kick was well saved by Norton.
Motivated by this, Washington attacked again in the 20th minute, slack defensive play by the Lawyers allowed Pennington to shoot just wide of the goal.
On 25 minutes, Washington again pushed forward down the right wing, Pollock crossing from the by-line but Hutt was able to intercept and carry the ball clear.
On 30 minutes, there was panic in the home defence. Renshaw’s initial shot was deflected over the bar for a corner, which was taken by Eccles. The ball was delivered to the near post and cleared for a 2nd corner. Wilkinson delivered this into the centre of the 6 yard box, it was scrambled clear to Eccles and returned to Wilkinson, who shot towards the far corner, only just clearing the bar.
On 42 minutes Washington were awarded a corner, which was cleared. Marshall picked up the ball and played it into Watling. The ex-Lawyer collected, turned sharply and shot low past Norton to put the home side into the lead.
Half time: Washington (1) – (0) Tow Law.
Manager, Michael Vasey obviously had something to say at half time. The Lawyers came out for the 2nd half, intent on getting back into the game.
Again, they forced a succession of early corners, but couldn’t convert the chances.
Eventually, after 59 minutes, Hollingsworth delivered a long throw into the penalty area and McGuire was able to side foot the ball home at the far post.
Washington (1) – (1) Tow Law.
Visibly lifted by the goal, Tow Law were looking to extend their recent winning sequence and took the game to Washington.
On 63 minutes, Mudd collected the ball and advanced. His shot was just wide of the post.
On 70 minutes, Bell and Mudd were replaced by Teasdale and March.
On 82 minutes, Eccles crossed to Benjamin and he brought an excellent save from S. Wilson in the home goal.
On 86 minutes, Langthorne replaced Benjamin, but the Lawyers were unable to make the decisive breakthrough and Washington collected a point to take themselves out of the bottom 3.
Final score: Washington (1) – (1) Tow Law.

Morpeth (1) vs (2) Tow Law, Saturday 23rd March

Morpeth – Poskett, Phillipson, Warwick, Hall, Nickalls, Raicocinski, Wilary, Herron, Young, Halambiec, Mullen.
Subs – Haxon, Grant, Henderson, Taylor, Rue.

Tow Law – Norton, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Hutt, Bell, Mudd, Renshaw, Wilkinson, Benjamin, McGuire, Eccles.
Subs – Dixon, Allen, Teasdale, Innes, Langthorne.

Tow Law made the long journey north to snow covered Morpeth for this Arngrove Northern League Division 1 fixture. Match Referee, Mark Lawson made the decision to go ahead and the snow was cleared from the lines.
Both teams found it difficult to adapt to the conditions. On 11 minutes, home goalkeeper Poskett mis-handled a Wilkinson corner, but the ball was hacked clear by the defence.
On 21 minutes, Phillipson had a 25 yard sighter at goal, but pulled his shot well wide of the target.
4 minutes later, receiving a cross field pass, Phillipson shot from 18 yards, drilling the ball past Norton to give the home team an undeserved lead.
Morpeth 1 – 0 Tow Law.
Tow Law were playing the better football and dominating the game, without really putting pressure on Poskett in the home goal. To be fair, the Lawyers were kicking into the teeth of the wind and sporadic blizzards.
On 44 minutes, Mullen miss hit a left wing cross, almost catching Norton off his guard, the ball looping just over the bar.
Half time: Morpeth (1) – (0) Tow Law.
Straight from the kick off, on 46 minutes, Benjamin shot at goal, bring a good save from Poskett.
2 minutes later, Norton came to Tow Law’s rescue with a good save to match Young’s shot from outside the box.
Tow Law were looking to equalise as quickly as possible. On 55 minutes, Eccles cross was headed just wide by Benjamin.
On 64 minutes, Gowland was replaced by Teasdale.
Morpeth almost increased their lead on 71 minutes, a cross deflected off McGuire and looped towards the goal. Herron beat Norton to the ball, but couldn’t direct his header on target.
Morpeth made a double substitution, Rue and Grant replacing Wilary and Young.
On 82 minutes, Eccles near post corner was cleared by the home defence. Wilkinson picked up the ball and his shot was headed clear for another corner. Eccles 2nd corner was headed back to him and he delivered the ball right into the 6 yard box for McGuire to head home.
Morpeth 1 – 1 Tow Law.
Both teams went hunting for the winner, the game becoming a stretched end to end event.
On 89 minutes, the Lawyers were awarded a free kick, Wilkinson delivered the ball in to Teasdale, who turned smartly to shoot the winning goal past Poskett.
Final score: Morpeth (1) – (2) Tow Law.

Tow Law (2) vs (1) Bishop Auckland, Saturday 15th March

Tow Law – Norton, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Hutt, Bell, Mudd, Renshaw, March, Benjamin, McGuire, Eccles.
Subs – Wilkinson, Allen, Maughan, Teasdale, Shields.

Bishop Auckland – Keen, Foster, Gamble, Coghlan, Langley, Crager, Fairish, Ball, Parkin, Chillingsworth, Gilbert.
Subs – Di Lella, Purewal (Amar), Purewal (Arjun), Richardson.

Tow Law welcomed the players and officials of Bishop Auckland to Ironworks Road for this Arngrove Northern League fixture.
The first half kicked off with Bishops attacking the Clubhouse end of the ground.
On 3 minutes, The Lawyers were awarded a free kick, 25 yards from goal, but Benjamin shot past the post.
Bishop almost took the leads 2 minutes later. Chillingworth flicked on a corner to Crager and his header thumped against Norton’s crossbar.
Spurred on by this, the visitors pressed forward. On 10 minutes Gowland missed a tackle on Ball, who pulled his shot wide from the edge of the box.
On 13 minutes, Benjamin played Eccles in behind the Bishop’s defence. Eccles ran clear, shooting across Keen, but the goalkeeper saved and held the ball.
By now, Tow Law were dominating the game, without really testing Keen.
On 25 minutes, Benjamin showed good skill to create an opening, but couldn’t find the target with his shot.
Against the run of play, the visitors almost took the lead on 35 minutes. With Tow Law’s back 4 vainly appealing for offside, Parkin ran clear and rolled the ball past Norton. Fortunately, Hollingsworth recovered ground and cleared the ball off the line.
Half time; Tow Law (0) vs. (0) Bishop Auckland.
The second half saw Tow Law playing with the advantage of a slight breeze and the slope, but they still struggled to test Keen in the Bishop goal.
On 55 minutes, Gowland was replaced by Wilkinson.
On 60 minutes, Bell unleashed a 25 yard drive, but was just off target as the ball flew past the post.
On 67 minutes, Benjamin collected the ball 20 yards from goal and shot just past the post with Keen scrambling across his line.
On 71 minutes, Eccles collected a short corner from Benjamin, beat a defender and his shot just failed to creep inside the far post.
Disaster struck on 74 minutes, totally against the run of play. A long ball behind the Lawyers’ defence saw Amar Purewal, on for Fairish, chase down the ball. He lobbed the ball over the advancing Norton and into the net.
Tow Law (0) vs. (1) Bishop Auckland.
Tow Law responded by replacing March with Teasdale.
Almost immediately, the home team had a corner. Eccles delivered to the near post, where Benjamin headed over the bar.
Just as it was looking like a bad day for Tow Law, they found themselves back on terms. McGuire fed the ball to Benjamin on the edge of the box. Teasdale ran in behind the defence to turn and hit Benjamin’s pass into the net.
Tow Law (1) vs. (1) Bishop Auckland.
Tow Law took heart from this, as the confidence appeared to drain from the visitors.
Within 3 minutes, Eccles had thundered a shot against Keen’s left hand post and it was all Tow Law for the remainder of the game, looking to take the 3 points.
Just as it seemed probable that the game would end in a draw, the ball was fed to Wilkinson on the left wing. He advanced into the box and hit a low cross, that Keen could only parry. With feet and bodies flying in all directions, Benjamin managed to get the final touch to force the winning goal in the 94th minute.
Final score; Tow Law (2) vs. (1) Bishop Auckland.

West Auckland (2) vs (4) Tow Law, Saturday 8th March

West Auckland – Wilkinson, Fairhurst, Bromley, Middleton, Heckley, Maddison, Stewart, Richmond, Jardine, Freary, Loundon.
Subs – Creamer, Smith.

Tow Law – Norton, Dixon, Hollingsworth, Bell, Hutt, March, Mudd, Renshaw, Benjamin, McGuire, Eccles.
Subs – Wilkinson, Allen, Teasdale, Shields, Maughan.

Tow Law visited Darlington Road, looking to complete a League Double over local rivals, West Auckland.
With blustery conditions spoiling the game, The Lawyers kicked with the slope, but against the wind in the first half.
On 13 minutes, Eccles collected and carried the ball into the home penalty area before shooting at goal. Wilkinson parried the shot, but Benjamin was on hand to side foot the rebound into the goal.
West Auckland 0 – 1 Tow Law.
On 17 minutes, the homne team mounted their first serious attack. Lounden crossed dangerously across the face of goal and the ball was cleared by Kevin Dixon.
On 23 minutes, Eccles and Renshaw combined to work a short corner. Eccles played the ball into the goal, with Benjamin flicking the low ball goalwards. Wilkinson was able to save.
On 35 minutes, a mistake on the Tow Law left allowed the home team to push forward. Richmond fed the ball to Stewart. Norton saved the forst attempt, but Stewart was able to collect the rebound and pass the ball into the empty net.
West Auckland 1 – 1 Tow Law.
Within 3 minutes, West were ahead. Attacking down the centre, Jardine unleashed a shot past Norton from 18 yards.
West Auckland 2 – 1 Tow Law.
Approaching half time, on 43 minutes, Tow Law mounted an attack. Eccles, Heckley and Wilkinson all went for the ball. Eccles got the final touch, pushing it past Wilkinson. Just as he was about to score, Heckley pulled him back and was sent off for a “Professional Foul”. After a long consultation with his Assistant, Match Referee Billy Khatib awarded a free kick right on the edge of the box.
Benjamin blasted over the bar.
Half time; West Auckland 2 – 1 Tow Law.
On 47 minutes, Benjamin found himself well placed but could only direct his shot tamely into Wilkinson’s hands.
Kraig Wilkinson replaced Kevin Dixon on 49 minutes.
Within a minute, Tow Law were back on level terms. Benjamin was played in and calmly took the ball around Wilkinson to score.
West Auckland 2 – 2 Tow Law.
Kicking with the wind, Tow Law were in the ascendancy. On 54 minutes, Eccles collected a long ball, only to shoot just wide of the goal.
On 60 minutes, Eccles crossed to Wilkinson, but again the shot was just wide of the goal.
Creamer replaced Loudens for West Auckland.
On 70 minutes, Eccles played an excellent through ball to Benjamin, who raced clear of the home defence, shooting past Wilkinson in the West goal to complete his hat-trick.
West Auckland 2 – 3 Tow Law.
Eccles could have made the game safe on 73 minutes, heading over the bar after good work by McGuire and Benjamin.
Teasdale replaced Mudd for the Lawyers on 86 minutes. Almost immediately, Eccles put a dangerous free kick into the goal are and Benjamin headed home his 4th goal. Having completed a good afternoon’s work, Benjamin was replaced by Shields.
Full Time; West Auckland 2 – 4 Tow Law.

Ashington (1) vs (1) Tow Law, Tuesday 4th March

Ashington – Simpson, Morton, Millican, Young, Hutchinson (P), Tremble, Hutchinson (S), Cook, Atkinson, Dickinson, McAndrew.
Subs – Atkin, Jelley, Bibby, Smith, Bell.

Tow Law – Norton, Dixon, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Bell, Hutt, Renshaw, March, Benjamin, McGuire, Eccles.
Subs – Wilkinson, Allen, Teasdale, Maughan, Langthorne.

With Portland Park now being developed into an ASDA supermarket, Ashington are ground sharing with Bedlington Terriers, and Tow Law made the long midweek trek into Northumberland for this Arngrove Northern League Division 1 fixture.
Ashington, fighting for their lives in a relegation battle, started the game on the front foot, getting the ball out wide and attacking the Tow Law defence with pace and numbers.
On 4 minutes, Atkinson went close, his shot going just past the post.
Tow Law were struggling to get a foothold in the game and on 9 minutes Ashington were again unlucky,Cook’s volley going narrowly wide.
On 13 minutes, Tow Law finally got a shot at goal. Hollingsworth’s long throw was flicked on by Benjamin to Renshaw, who shot wide of the target.
On 15 minutes, Ashington broke clear down the left wing, McAndrew’s low cross flew across the face of Norton’s goal, with the forwards unable to get a vital touch.
4 minutes later, Renshaw was dispossessed in controversial fashion. With appeals for a foul being ignores by Match Referee, McDonagh, Ashington pressed forward. Millican sprayed the ball diagonally to Atkinson and his early shot from 20 yards beat Norton to nestle in the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Ashington 1 – 0 Tow Law Town.
On 23 minutes, with Tow Law trying to get back into the game, a free kick was awarded on the edge of the box. Eccles flighted the ball over the wall, but Simpson was able to move to his left and touch the ball over the bar.
Eccles played a long ball to Benjamin on 27 minutes, but as the forward closed in on goal to shoot, he was put under pressure by Young and skied his shot over the bar.
On 39 minutes, Eccles crossed a free kick to the back post, but Benjamin’s header was easily held by Simpson.
Half time; Ashington 1 – 0 Tow Law Town.
The 2nd half started in controversial fashion. Tow Law were straight on the attack. Off the ball, Benjamin and Morton exchanged words. Inexplicably, the Ashington defender barged Benjamin to the floor and Referee McDonagh immediately awarded a penalty. Despite the jeers of the home support, Benjamin calmly slotted the penalty home to bring Tow Law level after 46 minutes.
Ashington 1 – 1 Tow Law Town.
The Lawyers were back in the game and looking for victory, continuing to press forward with the advantage of the Welfare Park slope. On 56 minutes, Benjamin collected the ball on the edge of the box and spooted Simpson off his line. Unfortunately, to the amusement of the home support, Benjamins attempt on goal cleared the bar.
On 58 minutes, with cheers from the home support, Benjamin was booked for a foul on the halfway line.
Ashington were relying on quick breaks upfield and on 67 minutes, Atkinson went close with a shot past the post.
On 69 minutes, Eccles and Renshaw combined with a short corner, isolating a defender. Eccles resulting goal bound shot was deflected for a corner.
On 73 minutes, Dixon’s long ball was headed on by Benjamin to Eccles, who sahot over the bar from 20 yards.
On 76 minutes, March was booked for a clumsy challenge in front of the home dugout.
On 78 minutes, Mudd was replaced by Wilkinson.
The last real chance of the game fell to Ashington on 84 minutes, with a right wing cross flashing across the goal and out for a goal kick, evading the onrushing forwards.
On 88 minutes, Wilkinson was fouled in a heavy challenge and was unable to continue due to injury. He was replaced by Teasdale.
Full time; Ashington 1 – 1 Tow Law Town.

Tow Law (2) vs (0) Seaham Red Star, Saturday 1st March

Tow Law – Norton, Dixon, Hollingsworth, March, Bell, Hutt, Teasdale, Renshaw, Benjamin, McGuire, Eccles.
Subs – Wilkinson, Allen, Maughan, Turner, Shields.

Seaham – Finch, Butler, Rattle, Anderson, Moan, Bell, Halliday, Price, Appleby, Byrne, Watson.
Subs – Stout, Low, Arkley, Chapman, Burns.

Tow Law welcomed Seaham Red Star to Ironworks Road for this Arngrove Northern League Division 1 fixture.
Kicking with a strong wind at their back, the visitors hoped to press home a first half advantage, but it was Eccles, after 6 minutes who got the first serious attempt on goal for the hosts. His shot was blocked when he was closed down by Moan.
On 10 minutes, Teasdale, returning after suspension, played Benjamin in at the back post. Finch was quickly off his line to block the shot.
Red Star continued to press forward, particularly down the flanks, but were kept at aerms length by a well organised Tow Law back 4.
When they did get past the defence, Norton’s handling was excellent in difficult conditions.
On 26 minutes,Chris Bell got past Mcguire and crossed, only to see Watson head wide of the goal.
With time progressing in the first half, Seaham started to shoot from distance. A 31st minute free kick from 25 yards cleared the crossbar.
On 41 minutes, Rattle put in a 30 yard shot, but found Norton, in the Tow Law goal was equal to the challenge.
2 minutes later, a dangerous cross was delivered into the heart of the home goalmouth.Appleby looked certain to give the visitors a half time lead with a powerful header from 2 hards, but Norton spread himself well to save and the ball was scrambled to safety.
Half time; Tow Law 0 – 0 Seaham Red Star.
The second half was to see a total change in fortunes.
Red Star started brightly, mounting a number of attacks, which fizzled out in the strong wind.
On 56 minutes, Anderson sent over a cross, which had Norton scrambling backwards as the wind took control. The ball was dipping under the bar, at the back post, but amazingly Norton recovered to push it over the bar.
Tow Law broke forward from the resulting corner. Renshaw collected the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a swerving, dipping shot, assisted by the wind, into the top corner of the goal, with Finch unable to react.
Tow Law 1 – 0 Seaham Red Star.
On 74 minutes, Wilkinson replaced Teasdale for Tow Law. Arkley and Burns replaced Bell and Byrne for Red Star.
Within 4 minutes it was effectively game over. Eccles received the ball and cleverly flicked it over his shoulder for Hollingsworth. He advanced to the by-line and delivered an accurate low cross to the unmarked Benjamin, who side-footed past Finch to increase Tow Law’s lead.
Tow Law 2 – 0 Seaham Red Star.
On 86 minutes, Renshaw again tried his luck, shooting from 20 yards to bring a good save from Finch.
Seaham were unable to get back into the game. After a difficult first half, Tow Law went on to win comfortably.
Full time; Tow Law 2 – 0 Seaham Red Star.