Darlington R.A. (2) vs (3) Tow Law, Wedensday 31st October 2007

Darlington RA – Craggs, Alderson, Walton, Richardson, Ptak, Wheldon, Bell, Sheridan, Carter, Freary, Lyons.
Subs – Shoulder, Gilmore, Stewart, Watson.

Tow Law – Allen, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Tobin, Hutt, Renshaw, Walker, Wilkinson, Watling, Eccles.
Subs – McGuire, Maughan, Redfearn, Teasdale, Riches.

Tow Law visited Brinkburn Road for this League Cup fixture, with 6 straight wins behind them& got off to a great start.
After 3 minutes, Renshaw dispossessed ex-Lawyer, Lyons on the left wing, cutting in to the by-line. He advanced on goal & played in Watling on the edge of the 6 yard box. The young strikier smashed the ball past Craggs & into the roof of the net.
Darlington RA 0 – 1 Tow Law.
Tow Law were playing a passing game, causing difficulties for the home team & on 10 minutes, Walker released Watling to shoot on goal.
Craggs saved well in the RA goal.
A left wing cross from Hollingsworth, on 19 minutes was headed clear by the home defence. Mudd, 25 yards from goal, struck a thundering first time volley, dipping beyond Craggs & into the net.
Darlington RA 0 – 2 Tow Law.
On 28 minutes, Tobin released Renshaw, but his effort was well saved by Craggs. 3 minutes later, Tow Law’s penalty appeals were ignored after Watling appeared to be pulled down in the box. McGuire replaced Walker.
RA went straight back up the pitch, mounting their first serious challenge. Carter’s cross ran to Lyons, but his effort was blocked & rebounded to safety off the post.
On 36 minutes, the same 2 RA players combined to release Sheridan. Allen saved well to preserve the Visitor’s lead.
On 40 minutes, a Tobin mistake allowed Sheridan to set up Walton, but he shot well wide.
Half-time: Darlington RA 0 – 2 Tow Law.
Home Manager, Woodcock had announced his decision to stand downprior to the game & obviously had things to say to his players during the interval.
RA started the second half brightly & on 46 minutes, Lyons in-swinging corner had to be punched clear from under the bar by Allen.
On 52 minutes, Richardson played in Lyons, but he couldn’t hit the target with his shot.
On 56 minutes, Eccles was replaced by Teasdale. Shortly afterwards, Lyons shot was turned around the post by Allen.
On 58 minutes, Tow Law finally mounted an attack on the RA defence, but Wilkinson’s free-kick amounted to little as the ball was cleared.
On 63 minutes, a RA long throw into the 6 yard box, fell to Lyons & he made no mistake, scoring against his former Club.
Darlington RA 1 – 2 Tow Law.
On 72 minutes, Carter’s free-kick was well saved by Allen.
On 75 minutes, following a corner, Teasdale’s shot was well saved by Craggs.
On 82 minutes, RA got right back into the game. Lyons cross fell to Watson & he scored to equalise.
Darlington RA 2 – 2 Tow Law.
The lead however was short-lived. Tow Law mounted an attack on 84 minutes, McGuire played in Gowland & he side-footed home from close range.
Darlington RA 2 – 3 Tow Law.
A minute later, having won possession from the restart, the same 2 players combined, but Gowland’s shot was well saved by the home keeper.
Tow Law saw out the remainder of the game for a victory that should have been far more comfortable, given the performance in the first 30 minutes.
Full-time: Darlington RA 2 – 3 Tow Law.

Bishop Auckland (0) vs (3) Tow Law, Saturday 27th October 2007

Bishop Auckland: Porter, Bramley, Gamble, Evans, Crager, Newell, Clarkson, Dixon, Parkin, Maddison, Gilbert
Subs: Richardson, Rookes, Mendum, Crossman

Tow Law: Allen, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Tobin, Langthorne, McGuire, Hutt, Wilkinson, Innes, Eccles.
Subs: Watling, Maughan, Shields, Henderson, Vasey

Tow Law visited Dean Street for the Arngrove Northern League Division 1 fixture against Bishop Auckland and gave a debut to Andy Allen, playing in goal following his transfer from Esh Winning.
On 8 minutes, McGuire & exchanged passes with Gowland, who shot over the bar from 20 yards.
Bishop’s responded with a shot by Maddison, but it was well wide.
2 minutes later, Gowland hit a long, searching pass to release Wilkinson. He placed the ball from 18 yards over Porter, in the home goal, to give Tow Law the lead.
Bishop Auckland 0 – 1 Tow Law.
On 14 minutes, a flick from Wilkinson released Innes, but he put his shot well wide & a minute later, Hollingsworth played an excellent long ball to Eccles, who crossed dangerously across the face of the home goal. Wilkinson was unlucky not to get a touch.
On 20 minutes, following good build up play between McGuire, Eccles & Gowland, the Referee turned down the Lawters’ penalty appeals for a trip in the box.
On 24 minutes, Hutt conceded a free kick in a dangerous position. Allen was able to clear the resulting cross for a Bishop’s corner, which came to nothing.
3 minutes later, Parkin had a shot blocked, which rebounded to Gilbert. His shot was cleared by Langthorne, as Bishop Auckland looked to get back into the game.
On 30 minutes, Hollingsworth put a free kick right into the heart of the Bishop goalmouth. Porter was able to claim the ball among the resulting scramble.
5 minutes later, Gowland crossed from the right wing & Wilkinson got his second goal with a looping header over Porter & the defence. Bishop Auckland 0 – 2 Tow Law.
After 42 minutes, Clarkson delivered a dangerous cross into the Visitors’ area, Langthorne was able to clear & the Lawyers again went on the offensive. Gowland switched play from right to left, Eccles crossed & Innes headed just wide of Porter’s goal.
Half time: Bishop Auckland 0 – 2 Tow Law.
After 4 minutes of the second half, Watling replaced Innes.
On 52 minutes, Tow Law had a series of corners, Eccles going close to increasing the lead on 2 occassions.
On 58 minutes, McGuire was cautioned for a foul on Mendum, who had replaced Gilbert at half time.
On 61 minutes, the Lawyers defence escaped when a Bishop corner was allowed to travel across the face of the goal & out for a throw on the opposite touchline.
On 64 minutes, another dangerous corner for the home team, caused a scramble in the goalmouth. Goalkeeper, Allen pulled off 2 saves to keep the home team at bay.
On 71 minutes, with Bishop Auckland searching for a foothold in the game, Eccles broke down the wing & delivered a cross to the far post, where Wilkinson sidefooted home to complete his hat-trick.
Bishop Auckland 0 – 3 Tow Law.
Tow Law had further chances to increase their lead, Eccles shooting over the bar after receiving the ball from Hutt & McGuire hitting the post from Mudd’s cross.
On 76 minutes, Maughan replaced Hutt.
On 80 minutes, from Hollingsworth’s cross, McGuire attempted an outrageous overhead kick, but Porter was able to save.
On 86 minutes, Sheilds replaced Langthorne & Tow Law saw out the game for a comfortable win, keeping them in 4th place in Division 1.
Full Time: Bishop Auckland 0 – 3 Tow Law.

Tow Law (3) vs (2) Billingham Town, Saturday 23rd October 2007

Tow Law – Riches, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Hutt, Langthorne, McGuire, Walker, Wilkinson, Innes, Eccles. Subs – Watling, Maughan, Teasdale, Tobin, Redfearn.

Billingham Town – Collier, Foster, Scott, Casey, Harrison, Chapman, Hutchinson, Smith, Magowan, Bank, McKie. Subs – Wray, Meehan, Hughes, Hamilton, Tucker.

Tow Law were looking for revenge for their FA Cup defeat when they welcomed Billingham Town to Ironworks Road for the 2nd time this season.
Disaster struck however within 1 minute of the kick off, a defensive mistake allowing Chapman to take the ball around Riches & score into an empty net.
Tow Law 0 – 1 Billingham Town.
On 10 minutes, Tow Law had a goal disallowed for offside. Hollingsworth shot went straight into the net, but Wilkinson was judged to be active, just in front of Collier.
On 25 minutes, with Tow Law searching for an equaliser, Walker crossed from to right, Innes headed the ball down to Hollingsworth, but his shot went just past the post.
After 33 minutes, Tow Law finally got the breakthrough that their attractive play deserved. A cross from the right fell to Wilkinson, he cleverly made space to shoot with his left foot, low past Collier’s left hand into the corner of the net. Half time - Tow Law 1 – 1 Billingham Town.
The 2nd half kicked off & it was Tow Law’s turn to catch their opponents cold. Within a minute of the restart, Mudd & Hollingsworth exchanged passes on the left wing, exposing the visitors’ full back. Hollingsworth cut into the box, unleashing an unstoppable shot with his “wrong” foot, again low past Collier’s despairing drive & into the corner of the net.
Tow Law 2 – 1 Billingham Town.
On 48 minutes, Eccles flashed a right wing corner across the face of the Visitor’s goal. Innes & Wilkinson failed to make contact.
On 62 minutes, Gowland was cautioned for a foul on McKie.
On 68 minutes, Eccles crossed for Wilkinson. His shot looked comfortable for Collier to save, but the goalkeeper managed to juggle it between his hands & head before retrieving it.
On 69 minutes, Maughan replaced Walker.
2 minutes later, Smith had a sighter on Riches goal from 25 yards, the home goalkeeper reacting to turn the ball around the post.
On 80 minutes, with Wilkinson about to find space behind the Visitor’s defence, he was tripped by Casey, who received a yellow card.
Watling & Teasdale replaced Wilkinson & Innes.
On 80 minutes, Hutt almost paid the price for being too casual, allowing Magowan in behind the home defence. Fortunately, Riches was on hand to save the cross.
On 85 minutes, with the Lawyers defending deep in their own half, Smith again tried his luck from distance, crashing a 25 yard deflected shot into the top corner of Riches goal.
Tow Law 2 – 2 Billingham Town.
With the Visitors players believing they had salvaged a draw & their supporters encouraging them to push on for the win, Tow Law won a corner in the 87th minute. Eccles sent the ball over from the right wing & Hollingsworth was on hand to head home from close range.
Tow Law 3 – 2 Billingham Town.
There was still time, in the 89th minute for Billingham Town to mount 1 last effort to save the game, Hutchinson shooting just past the post from 25 yards, but Riches had it covered.
The Lawyers held onto the lead, taking them to 4th place in the Arngrove Northern League Division 1.
Full Time - Tow Law 3 – 2 Billingham Town.

Tow Law (5) vs (1) West Auckland, Saturday 20th October 2007

Tow Law – Riches, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Tobin, Langthorne, Renshaw, Walker, Wilkinson, Innes, Eccles. Subs – McGuire, Hutt, Watling, Maughan, Vasey.

West Auckland – Bell, Heckley, Bronley, Middleton, Walller, Nicholson, Richmond, Maddison, Jardine, Loudon, Owen. Subs – Ellison, Hutton, Bayles, Woods.

West Auckland visited Ironworks Road, including ex Tow Law player Scott Nicholson as their Team Captain.
West pushed forward from the start & Nicholson was fouled by Mudd on the edge of the Lawyers’ area in the first minute.
In the 2nd minute, Jardine was given a clear run on goal, but shot wide.
On 8 minutes, Innes left foot shot was saved by Bell in the Visitors’ goal.
A minute later, Langthorne delivered a deep free kick into the West Auckland area, Innes headed attempt on goal was blocked. The rebound fell to Hollingsworth, who placed his header into the net over the goalkeeper & defenders.
Tow Law 1 – 0 West Auckland.
On 15 minutes, Heckley was booked for a crude challenge on Eccles.
After 20 minutes, Eccles left wing corner caused confusion in the Visitors’ defence. Innes headed attempt on goal was cleared off the line.
8 minutes later, Wilkinson collected the ball on the right & cut inside, unleashing a left foot shot that nestled in the bottom corner. Tow Law 1 – 0 West Auckland.
Moments later, from the kick off, Jardine almost reduced the Lawyers’ lead, glancing a header just over Riches bar.
On 41 minutes, Eccles & innes exchanged passes on the left wing, creating space for Innes to shoot from just inside the area.
Unfortunately, with Bell beated, the ball rebounded off the bar & Mudd was unable to capitalise.
Half Time: Tow Law 2 – 0 West Auckland.
West Manager, David Bayles obviously had something to say to his team at half time, as they came out to get back into the game.
On 49 minutes, a right wing corner fell to Jardine, but he blazed his shot over the bar.
On 53 minutes, Eccles carelessly lost possession as he tried to run the ball clear. Fortunately, Riches saved the day, blocking the resulting 2 attempts on goal.
After 58 minutes, Wilkinson crossed from the left wing. Renshaw headed the ball down to Innes & his shot on the turn went just past the post.
On 66 minutes, Tow Law made the game safe. Walker passed behind the Visitors’ defence for Wilkinson to cross from the by-line . innes crashed a left foot shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Tow Law 3 – 0 West Auckland.
Tow Law went even further ahead on 72 minutes. Eccles put Wilkinson through, he rounded the goalkeeper & scored, despite a valliant attempt to clear by a defender.
Tow Law 4 – 0 West Auckland.
Peter Watling & Phil McGuire replaced Wilkinson & Walker.
Lee Innes should have scored again, heading over Hollingsworth’s cross in the 75th minute.
Gavin Mudd was replaced by Gavin Maughan.
In the 76th minute, Louden’s shot hit Riches post as West searched for a consolation goal.
In the 83rd minute, Langthorne struck a 25 yard free kick into the bottom corner to complete Tow Law’s scoring.
Tow Law 5 – 0 West Auckland.
2 minutes later, Renshaw conceded a free kick. As the Lawyers positioned the defensive wall, Richmond tooka quick kick, catching the home defence unawares to score a consolation goal.
A clean sheet would have made a perfect day, but Tow Law saw the game through to a well deserved victory, taking them to 7th place in the Arngrove Northern League Division 1.
Full Time: Tow Law 5 – 1 West Auckland.

Chester-Le-Street (1) vs (4) Tow Law, Tuesday 16th October 2007

Chester-le-Street – Whiteman, Donaldson, Davidson, Cook, Milburn, Armstrong, Sager, Cuthbertson, Emerson, Anderson, Draper. Subs – March, Gilhespy, Allen, Wake, Stoker.

Tow Law – Riches, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Tobin, Langthorne, Renshaw, Walker, Innes, Hutt, Eccles. Subs – McGuire, Watling, Craggs, Maughan, Teasdale.

Tow Law travelled to Chester Moor for the Durham County Cup, with new striker Kraig Wilkinson unavailable for selection.
As early as the 3rd minute, Tow Law raced into a lead, Lee Innes putting the ball into Steven Walker to crash a shot into the roof of the net.
Chester-le-Street 0 – 1 Tow Law.
4 minutes later, Renshaw picked up the ball wide on the left wing & sent a low inswinging cross into the box. Innes & Matty Gowland both failed to get a touch & the ball went inches wide of the far post.
After 9 minutes, the home team finally got an attempt on goal. Sager picked up the ball in midfield & advanced, sending a 25 yard curling effort just past Riches’ left hand post.
On 12 minutes, Hutt made a towering defensive headed clearance, catching the Chester-le-Street defence square. Renshaw was able to run clear & crash the ball past Whiteman to increase the visitors’ lead.
Chester-le-Street 0 – 2 Tow Law.
On 20 minutes, the home side were given a lifeline. Whiteman sent a long kick straight down the middle of the pitch, which Langthorne could only deflect for a corner. The Lawyers failed to deal with the corner, not for the first time this season, & Milburn was able to force the ball into the net from close range.
Chester-le-Street 1 – 2 Tow Law.
On 24 minutes, Renshaw was lucky to escape injury when fouled by Davidson, who was booked for the incident. Renshaw was also cautioned for his reaction.
On 35 minutes, Innes height caused confusion in the home defence & Gowland played in Eccles to score from 6 yards with a left foot shot. Chester-le-Street 1 – 3 Tow Law.
On 44 minutes, Mudd & Emerson challenged for the ball. As they got to their feet, Emerson slapped Mudd across the chest, apparently in a sporting gesture & was unlucky to be booked.
Half Time: Chester-le-Street 1 – 3 Tow Law.
Early in the second half, Innes played in Renshaw, who rounded the home keeper, but couldn’t keep the ball in play.
On 50 minutes, Cook found himself in space behind the visitors defence, but over hit his cross & the Lawyers cleared the danger.
On 65 minutes, Davidson & Gowland clashed in the home penalty area. Both players were spoken to & Gowland had a burst lip.
2 minutes later, the home management decided to replace Davidson. As he left the pitch, he spoke out of turn to the Referee, who had no hesitation in showing him a 2nd yellow card, dismissing him & not allowing the substitution.
On 72 minutes, Renshaw again found himself clear on goal. Again, he went for power to beat the home keeper, but only succeeded in emulating Johnny Wilkinson & clearing the crossbar.
On 80 minutes, Chester-le-Street almost scored, Milburn directing a header towards goal. Fortunately, the experienced Walker was on hand to clear the ball off the line.
On 86 minutes, Eccles took a left wing corner & Langthorne was on hand to powerfully head past Whiteman.
Tow Law progressed to the next round of the Durham County Cup, with an impressive display.
Full Time: Chester-le-Street 1 – 4 Tow Law.

Seaham Redstar (1) vs (2) Tow Law, Saturday 13th October 2007

Tow Law – Riches, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Tobin, Langthorne, Renshaw, McGuire, Innes, Wilkinson, Eccles. Subs – Watling, Craggs, Maughan, Hutt, Walker.

Tow Law travelled to newly promoted Seaham Red Star for this Arngrove Northern League Division 1 fixture.
Very early in the game, Renshaw lost possession, playing a weak pass just outside his own area. The resulting shot didn’t trouble Riches. On 5 minutes, Toft pressed forward for the home side. His shot was well saved by Riches.
On 8 minutes, Eccles corner was headed towards by Innes, but cleared off the line.
3 minutes later, the Lawyers defence failed to deal with a corner & Moan forced the ball into the net, giving the home side a lead.
Seaham 1 – 0 Tow Law.
On 25 minutes, Mudd sent Eccles clear of the home defence, who were rescued by an offside decision by the Assistant Referee.
After 26 minutes, Renshaw was cautioned for tripping an opponent.
Tow Law continued pushing forward, searching for an equaliser & on 33 minutes, Finch did well to save from McGuire, who turned in the box.
Moments later, the Lawyers got the equaliser they deserved. The ball was cleared by Seaham, to Langthorne. He controlled the ball 30 yards from goal & unleashed a rocket shot, which deflected past the stranded home goalkeeper into the corner of the net.
Half Time - Seaham 1 – 1 Tow Law.
Tow Law started the second half on the front foot.
On 52 minutes, Wilkinson shot from 25 yards, with Finch scrambling across his goal to make a low save. Was this just a sighter.
On 56 minutes, Innes received the ball on the right wing. The home keeper could only flap at the cross, but Renshaw was unable to make a clean connection & seaham cleared the ball.
Tow Law continued to pass the ball & create chances. Renshaw, Eccles & Wilkinson were combining particularly well.
On 65 minutes, these 3 again combined to create a shot from 25 yards. Wilkinson, making his return debut fired past Finch.
Seaham 1 – 2 Tow Law.
Seaham were now obliged to push forward, leaving defensive gaps for the Lawyers to expose.
On 75 minutes, Wilkinson sent Innes clear on goal, but his shot was pushed past the post by the goalkeeper.
The Lawyers comfortably saw out the game, inviting the home team to attack & striking on the break. Eccles & Innes both went close to making the game safe in the final stages & Tow Law returned home from the coast with 3 well deserved points.
Final score – Seaham 1 – 2 Tow Law.

Tow Law (3) vs (2) Dunston Federation, Tuesday 9th October 2007

Tow Law – Riches, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Langthorne, Tobin, Mudd, Renshaw, Walker, McGuire, Watling, Eccles. Subs – Hutt, Morton, Maughan, Craggs, Teasdale.

Dunston – Clark, Catternach, Dunn, Pickering, Taylor, Burns, Young, Laws, Preen, Devine, Pattinson. Subs – Ludlow, Allport, Swanston, McIntosh, Johnson.

Tow Law welcomed Dunston Federation to a foggy Ironworks Road for this Arngrove Northern League Division 1 encounter.
Dunston started brightly, with slick passing & running, but Tow Law eventually started to settle into the game.
On 15 minutes, McGuire had a run into the visitors penalty area & was unlucky to see his shot drift just past the right post.
On 16 minutes, the visitors broke up a Lawyers attack & the ball was played long, over & behind the home defence. Ex-Lawyer, Preen reacted quickly & bore down on Riches goal. Tobin challenged, but was unable to prevent Preen from opening the scoring.
Tow Law 0 – 1 Dunston.
2 minutes later, Watling had a chance to equalise, his shot was parried by Clark & Mcguire was unlucky not to reach the rebound.
On 23 minutes, Preen held the ball up on the halfway line & played a perfect pass to another ex-Lawyer, Pickering bursting in behind the home defence to run on goal & score past Riches.
Tow Law 0 – 2 Dunston.
On 40 minutes, Tow Law were given a foothold in the game, Langthorne smashing a close range shot past Clark following a corner.
Tow Law 1 – 2 Dunston.
On 43 minutes, Langthorne was unlucky to be cautioned following a tackle on Devine.
Half time: Tow Law 1 – 2 Dunston.
Tow Law came out in the second half, giving a match-winning performance. They continued to force the visitors’ defence deep towards their own keeper.
On 57 minutes, Langthorne sent an inch perfect pass to Eccles on the right wing. He was able to cut inside, past 2 defenders & was unlucky to see his right foot shot fractionally clear the crossbar.
On 75 minutes, Watling was replaced by Teasdale. 2 minutes later, Teasdale collected the ball on the by-line & crossed for Gowland to force home the equaliser.
Tow Law 2 – 2 Dunston.
The home team were now in the ascendancy, attacking at every opportunity.
On 85 minutes, Hutt replaced Walker.
On 90 minutes, the Lawyers finally got their reward. Eccles took an in-swinging free kick from the right, crossing to the back post, where Renshaw got sufficient contact with his head to glance the winning goal past Clark.
Tow Law 3 – 2 Dunston.
Tow Law held on through 4 minutes added time to achieve a worthy victory.
Final Score: Tow Law 3 – 2 Dunston.