Tow Law (1) vs (2) Sunderland Nissan, Saturday 29th September 2007

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

Nissan – Newton, Scott, Wells, Stephenson, Ryan, Keegan, Cullen, Walklate, Taylor, Cogden, Pearson. Subs. – Tait, Ross, Hodgson, Stewart, Reay.

Tow Law welcomed last season’s 3rd placed team, Sunderland Nissan to Ironworks Road for the Arngrove Northern League fixture.
As early as the 3rd minute, Nissan were on the back foot, Ford & McGuire disposed Stephenson, but there run on goal was curtailed by the match referee, Elton Martin, who awarded Nissan a free kick.
After 5 minutes, Renshaw played the ball wide to Eccles, who was in lots of space on the left wing. As Newton advanced from his goal, Eccles played a delightful chip over him & into the goal.
Tow Law 1 – 0 Sunderland Nissan.
On 9 minutes, Scott was fortunate to avoid punishment from the referee after a scything tackle took both Eccles & the ball into the stand wall. After lengthy treatment, Eccles was able to continue.
On 15 minutes, Nissan were awarded a free kick & Culen’s 25 yard attempt flew past Morton’s right hand post.
On 22 minutes, Gogden achieved a similar result from 35 yards.
On 33 minutes, Eccles sent over a cross to the back post, McGuire stretching was unlucky not to convert the chance & the same 2 players combined 2 minutes later, McGuires shot was saved by Newton.
On 37 minutes, Gogden received the ball on the edge of the box. He turned but miss-hit the shot which rolled towards goal. Disastrously, Morton allowed the ball to slip through his hands & gift Nissan an equaliser.
Half-time -Tow Law 1 – 1 Sunderland Nissan.
For the second half, Tait replaced Nissan forward Taylor.
On 47 minutes, Wells set up Cullen, but his effort cleared the bar.
On 52 minutes, a Walker corner was cleared towards the halfway line. Mudd sent a 45 yard effort back towards goal, Newton was happy to divert the ball for another Tow Law corner.
2 minutes later, Tobin won a back post header from Walker’s cross & with Newton beaten, Nissan scrambled the ball off the line.
Tow Law continued to press forward in search of another goal & after 57 minutes, Hollingsworth, with memories of his goal at Bottesford, advanced to strike a 30 yard shot. Unfortunately, this 1 was just past the post.
On 65 minutes, Stewart replaced Cullen & on 80 minutes, the Lawyers introduced Watling & Craggs, who replaced Ford & Mudd.
On 83 minutes, Cogden advanced into the Tow Law half, only to be tripped by Walker. Considering some of the earlier tackles, the crowd seemed to think that Walker’s booking was somewhat harsh.
On 85 minutes, Morton, making up for his earlier mistake, made a great save from a goal bound Cogden effort. The young goalkeeper had now made 4 excellent stops.
On 87 minutes, Watling found himself clear in the Nissan box, but his cross to McGuire was deflected by Ryan into Newton’s hands.
On 91 minutes, Cogden received the ball on the Nissan left. As he turned he stumbled & appeared to control the ball with his right hand.
Referee Martin waved the game on & Cogden advanced to sent a low shot past Morton’s right hand.
The game only had time to restart before the referee blew his whistle.
Full time – Tow Law 1 – 2 Sunderland Nissan.

Bottesford (1) vs (2) Tow Law, Saturday 22nd September 2007

Bottesford – Slocombe, Cutler, Cattermole, Larocca, Kirby, Roach, Leech, Draydon, Jackman, Carter, Larvin. Subs – Nikoladis, Lill, Ainsley, Barass.

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

Tow Law travelled to Lincolnshire for the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Vase & started brightly against Northern Counties East opponents, Bottesford.
The Layers were passing the ball well in midfield, but almost paid the price when Mudd misplaced a pass. Carter & Larvin combined to attack & shoot across the face of Morton’s goal.
This didn’t knock Tow Law’s composure, but they were unable to break down the home defence.
After 30 minutes, Walker & Gowland exchanged passes, Gowlands goalbound shot was well blocked by Kirby.
3 minutes later, Morton, making his debut for Tow Law, was forced into a good save from Larvin’s low shot.
On 37 minutes, Gowland again pushed forward down the right wing, but shot narrowly wide.
A minute later, Gowland was rewarded for his industry. Again attacking down the right wing, he reached the by-line & fired in a low cross. This appeared to evade everyone, but Mudd slid in at the far post to force the ball into the net.
The remainder of the first half was played without further score.
Bottesford 0 -1 Tow Law.
Bottesford started the 2nd half in a determined fashion, getting the ball wide to Larvin at every opportunity.
After 50 minutes, Larvin found himself in space behind Renshaw & Gowland. His cross was turned home by Leech.
Bottesford 1 -1 Tow Law.
5 minutes later, McGuire was put through on goal by Watling, only to see his shot well saved by Slocombe.
Tow Law pushed forward at every opportunity, searching for a goal to win the tie. Bottesford were relying on breaks from Larvin to take pressure off their defence.
On 80 minutes, Ford replaced McGuire.
On 87 minutes, Hollingsworth shot from 30 yards. Everyone thought it was screaming into the top corner, only for it to fly inches over the bar.
90 minutes - Bottesford 1 -1 Tow Law.
With the scores level, 30 minutes extra-time was played. Craggs had replaced Walker & with 2 minutes gone, he cut inside from the right wing to send a shot just past Slocombe’s right hand post.
3 minutes later, the Lawyers were awarded a central free-kick, 25 yards from goal. Langthorne drilled the ball around the Bottesford wall. Slocombe held the ball in his midriff.
On 10 minutes, Tow Law interchanged passes across the width of the pitch, Renshaw finally playing the ball out to Hollingsworth. He advanced towards goal & let fly with his right foot to score past the diving Slocombe.
Bottesford 1 -2 Tow Law.
Bottesford were now forced to push forward & it was Tow Law’s turn to mount repeated breaks out of defence.
Ford was an ever willing runner into the channels, causing panic among the home defenders as they pushed a high line of defence.
Half-time - Bottesford 1 -2 Tow Law.
The 2nd period of extra-time saw a similar pattern, Bottesford pushing forward at every opportunity.
On 18 minutes, Tow Law had a chance to make the game safe. Mudd dispossessed the home team & fed Renshaw. He attacked the home 2 defenders, with Watling & Ford. The ball was played wide left & when the cross came over, Renshaw somehow failed to make a connection.
There were further chances to make the game safe, but when do the Lawyers ever allow their supporters to relax.
On28 minutes, Morton broke up another Bottesford attack & threw the ball to Gowland. His long ball over the top released Ford, who rounded Slocombe. Ford was about to roll the ball 25 yards into the empty net, when he was pulled to the ground by the home goalkeeper.
The referee had no alternative but to dismiss the impressive young keeper.
Against 10 men, Tow Law finally saw the game out to victory & a home tie against Pickering on Saturday 6th October.
Final Score - Bottesford 1 -2 Tow Law.

Tow Law (5) vs (3) Ashington, Saturday 15th September 2007

Tow Law – Robinson, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Langthorne, Tobin, Mudd, Renshaw, Walker, McGuire, Watling, Eccles. Subs – Ford, Craggs, Maughan, Hutt, Vasey.

Ashington – Simpson, Salters, Millican, Young, Bibby, Johnson, Atkinson, Henderson, Richardson, Dixon, Parkinson. Subs – Switherbank, McAndrew, Thompson, Brotherton, Jelley.

12 months ago, Ashington dispensed with the services of Ray Gowan & visited the Ironworks Road with McCabe & Skinner in place for their first game in charge. A struggling Ashington team won 3-0 to give the new managers their first taste of victory.
History looked to be repeating itself, when McCabe & Skinner resigned 24 hours before this fixture.
Ashington started brightly & Hollingsworth was almost made to pay after only 2 minutes, losing possession in his own half. 3 Ashington forwards looked to capitalise against only 2 defenders, but Robinson easily saved the resulting shot.
On 4 minutes, Watling found himself clear in front of the Ashington goal, having turned away from his marker. Unluckily, Watling couldn’t stretch to fully connect & his weak shot was gathered by Simpson.
On 8 minutes, Tow Law opened the scoring. Eccles fed to the ball to Hollingsworth. His cross to the far post looked to be overhit, until Renshaw stretched up his right leg to send the ball over Simpson, back across & into the goal.
Tow Law 1 – 0 Ashington.
On 22 minutes, McGuire raced through the Ashington defence towards Simpson. Millican chased back & attempted to retrieve the situation.
He only managed to trip McGuire & a penalty was awarded. As he was last man, Match Referee Mr Davison then applied the letter of the law & dismissed Millican for a “Professional Foul”.
Eccles scored the penalty.
Tow Law 2 – 0 Ashington.
On 28 minutes, Renshaw received his 5th booking of the season for kicking the ball away.
On 30 minutes, Walker fed the ball in to Watling & his shot only just cleared the bar & a minute later, Walker passed over the Ashington defence to McGuire, but his effort was well saved by Simpson.
On 41 minutes, with the goal at his mercy, Walker had a chance to increase the Lawyer’s lead. Somehow, he totally missed his kick & the Ashington defence cleared the ball.
Half Time, Tow Law 2 – 0 Ashington.
Tow Law almost paid for complacency after only 5 minutes of the second half. The ball was rolling slowly to Robinson & he attempted to play it back into his own area to pick it up. Dixon easily dispossessed him & played the ball towards Richardson. Robinson, attempting to prevent the cross, appeared to grab the Ashington forward. The ball was cleared by Tobin, with Ashington players, officials & supporters berating the Referee for failing to award a penalty.
Tow Law, in the meantime were attacking at the other end. Watling crossed for McGuire, but he couldn’t get the ball under control & Simpson was able to save.
On 54 minutes, Eccles took a right wing corner, which he struck low towards the front post. For some reason, the defender on the post left the ball & it crept into the net.
Tow Law 3 – 0 Ashington.
On 61 minutes, Eccles went on a run into the Ashington box, ignoring Watling to his right. He rounded Simpson, but was forced wide.
Eccles still managed a shot on target, but a defender cleared it off the line. The ball fell to Hollingsworth, 18 yards out & he drilled a first time shot past Simpson with his left foot.
Tow Law 4 – 0 Ashington.
On 70 minutes, Ashington pulled a goal back when they were allowed to progress along the right by-line. The ball was crossed to the far post & Dixon bundled the ball into the net.
Tow Law 4 – 1 Ashington.
5 minutes later, Ashington started to believe they could recover something from the game. A free kick on their right flank was put into the area & Richardson was able to glance a free header past Robinson.
Tow Law 4 – 2 Ashington.
On 80 minutes, Ford, who had replaced Walker, showed his willingness to chase everything & his shot was saved by Simpson.
Ford’s workrate was rewarded on 89 minutes. Craggs, who had replaced McGuire, had a shot parried by Simpson. Ford followed up quickly to tap in, hopefully making the game safe.
Tow Law 5 – 2 Ashington.
Right at the death, Ashington scored from a corner, which was allowed to drop at the feet of Atkinson. He sidefooted into the goal.
Thankfully, history did not repeat itself.
Final Score, Tow Law 5 – 3 Ashington.

Billingham Synthonia (0) vs (1)Tow Law, Wedensday 12th September 2007

Billingham Synthonia – Riches, Close, Wheatley, Hope, Collins, Guy, Perry, Radigan, Campbell, Iley, Yalcin. Subs – Flanagan, Hamilton, Wells, Honeyman, Fowler.

Tow Law Town – Robinson, Gowland, Hollingsworth, Mudd, Tobin, Langthorne, Renshaw, Walker, McGuire, Watling, Eccles. Subs – McKenna, Ford, Shields, Maughan, Vasey.

For the second consecutive midweek fixture, Tow Law again travelled down the A19 to Billingham, this time to Central Avenue.
After 4 minutes, Watling was fed into the inside right channel to shoot on goal, but his shot was pushed away by Gary Riches, brother of Mark, in the Synners goal. Eccles took the resulting corner & Tobin’s header at the far post drifted just over the bar.
On 6 minutes, Iley forced Robinson into making a save to keep the scores level & Guy couldn’t take advantage of a free header from Radigan’s corner.
After 15 minutes, a McGuire effort flew past Riches’ post.
On 30 minutes, Eccles combined with Watling, whose shot hit the side netting.
5 minutes later, McGuire picked up the ball near the halfway line & attacked the Billingham defence. He was being forced wide, but somehow managed to send a near perfect chip over the stranded Riches, only to see it hit the bar. The ball was scrambled to safety.
On 40 minutes, after conceding a free kick, Guy was booked for dissent.
Just before the break, Walker combined with Watling & Eccles, only to see a shot blocked on the edge of the 6 yard box. The goalmouth scramble that followed saw a goal bound effort from Watling scrambled off the line.
Halftime 0 – 0.
At the break, Wheatley was replaced by Honeyman.
Shortly after the restart, Synners lost possession on the halfway line. McGuire ran at the centre of their defence, with Watling taking up an excellent position to his right. Unfortunately, McGuire’s pass to release Watling was over hit & the ball ran safely through to Riches.
On 56 minutes, Honeyman made a run down the right flank & crossed to Iley, who should have done better. His free header looped past the far post.
On 59 minutes, another dangerous cross from the Billingham right flank was headed to safety by Gowland, with Iley charging in.
On 62 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken. Eccles received the ball on the Lawyers’ left wing & took on Honeyman. Having beaten the defender, everyone was expecting a cross but Eccles decided to go for goal, crashing a low shot past Riches left hand & into the net.
Synners 0 – 1 Lawyers.
3 Minutes later, Gowland was replaced by Eccles.
Synners’ manager, Bobby Scaife replaced Perry with Wells.
On 70 minutes, Billingham almost equalised. Catching the Lawyers on a break, Robinson was happy to see the final shot pass his right hand post.
On 73 minutes, Honeyman again put a dangerous cross into the area, only to see Campbell head past the post.
On 80 minutes, Watling was replaced by Ford.
Synthonia pushed for an equaliser, with Tow Law defending as if their lives depended on it.
Ford & McGuire were running everywhere, defending from the front & on 89 minutes Ford was booked for a late challenge on Close.
A minute later, Renshaw & Radigan tussled on the halfway line & Referee Hart showed both a yellow card.
After 4 minutes additional time, Mr Hart blew for full time, giving Tow Law a well deserved victory.
Billingham Synthonia 0 – 1 Tow Law Town.

Tow Law (0) vs (0) Jarrow Roofing, Saturday 8th September 2007

Tow Law – Riches, Maughan, Hollingsworth, Ankers, Tobin, Mudd, Craggs, Renshaw, Tate, Watling, Eccles. Subs – McKenna, Ford, Redfearn, Shields, Vasey.

Jarrow – Frater, W. Brown, Wilson, G. Brown, Pendergood, Smith, Jenkin, Hodgson, Nelson, Johnson, Payne.

Tow Law Town welcomed Richie McLoughlin & his Jarrow Roofing team to Ironworks Road for this Arngrove Division 1 fixture.
On 3 minutes, Riches was forced into the first of many saves he would make during the afternoon, stretching low down to his right to save 1 handed from a Nelson shot.
On 18 minutes, Tate & Craggs worked a short corner for Tow Law, but the Jarrow defence were able to clear with ease.
3 minutes later, Maughan carelessly lost possession on the edge of the Tow Law box, but Jarrow were unable to capitalise. Riches easily saved the resulting effort on goal.
On 31 minutes, Wilson was allowed space to run on goal, but again Riches proved his worth & saved On 34 minutes, Tow Law were awarded a freekick 25 yards from goal & central. Watling shot over the defensive wall, straight into the hands of Fratter in the Roofing goal.
4 minutes later, Riches again saved the Lawyers in a goalmouth scramble. Tobin was able to hook the ball out of play & to safety.
On 37 minutes, Craggs combined with Eccles who shot on goal, but Frater again saved.
Tow Law were almost caught on 40 minutes as Riches rushed to the edge of the box, collecting a long pass towards Nelson. Riches applied the brakes, but couldn’t hold his ground & the Assistant ruled that he had stepped out the area. The resulting freekick came to nothing as Hollingsworth blocked the attempted cross.
On 43 minutes, Craggs was yellow carded for a high tackle.
Half time 0-0.
The second half started with Tow Law kicking towards the Clubhouse.
On 48 minutes, Watling fed the ball to Craggs at the edge of the area, but the shot was blocked.
On 52 minutes, Hodgson was booked for deliberate handball on the halfway line.
McKenna replaced Watling on 55 minutes.
On 62 minutes, with Tow Law starting to push forward more, Eccles crossed into the box. Hollingsworth headed over from 4 yards & on 67 minutes Craggs headed another cross towards goal only to see it blocked by a defender.
On 74 minutes, Frater totally misjudged a Renshaw cross, but did enough to deflect it from Craggs, who was unable to control the ball to score.
On 78 minutes, Eccles went on a good run down the left, outpacing Smith, who was forced to pull him down. Smith was booked. Amazingly, Referee Seb Stockbridge took the ball 10m back to the halfway line to award Tow Law a freekick.
The game ended in a 0-0 draw.

Billingham Town (3) vs (2) Tow Law, Tuesday 4th September 2007

Billingham Town - Hamilton, Foster, Diamond, N. Harrison, Casey, Chapman, Huggins, Harbron, Magowan, N. Jameson, McKie. Subs., R. Harrison, Smith, Hutchinson, Scott, McQueeney.

Tow Law Town - Riches, Mitton, Ankers, Renshaw, Tobin, Redfearn, Maughan, Walker, Tate, Watling, Eccles. Subs., McKenna, Ford, Shields Mudd, Vasey.

Tow Law travelled to Bedford Terrace for this FA Cup Preliminary round replay, hampered by injuries, suspensions & non-availability of players. Travel plans were further hampered when the A689 road in Sedgefield was closed due to a road traffic incident, causing the late arrival of some of the Tow Law squad. Some supporters didn’t make it to the game.
A further delay was caused when the floodlights failed as the players were being led out by match referee, Matthew Diciccio. Eventually, the game started & Billingham Town pushed forward at every opportunity.
After 4 minutes, Chapman fired a 25 yard free kick towards goal, but Riches saved easily.
It wasn’t until the 8th minute that Tow Law were able to mount an attack of their own, Eccles putting in a left wing cross that was put over the bar for a corner.
On 12 minutes, Chapman was allowed space in the area, but could only direct his header wide.
2 minutes later, Chapman carried the ball forward into the box & the ball broke to Magowan, who hammered the ball past Riches into the net. 1-0.
Billingham continued to take the game to Tow Law & the defence was stretched on numerous occasions, but held firm.
On 22 minutes, Tate released Watling to shoot on goal, but Hamilton easily saved.
On 32 minutes, Ankers challenged for the ball down the left & was lucky to escape injury from a defender’s high boot in his face.
Referee Diciccio waved play on & Billingham broke forward. Redfearn challenged Huggins for the ball, only to see the Billingham Town captain fall to the ground. Redfearn was harshly booked for the incident.
On 38 minutes, Billingham Town increased their lead. McKie outpaced the Lawyers’ defence, rounded Riches & rolled the ball into the empty net. 2-0.
There was 1 further opportunity for Billingham Town, just before half time. N. Jameson tried to round Riches, but the goalkeeper was up to the challenge & saved at his feet.
Hal time: Billingham Town 2 – Tow Law Town.
The second hal kicked off & Tow Law quickly got back into the game. Eccles played the ball to Maughan, who shot from the edge of the box. Hamilton was unable to hold the shot & as it rolled towards the goal, Watling reacted quickly to force it home, within 40 seconds of the restart. 2-1.
Minutes later, Tate found himself free on the left & hit a first time shot that only just cleared the bar, with Hamilton rooted to the spot.
On 56 minutes, Renshaw was booked for a foul in midfield.
2 minutes later & Billingham increased their lead. The ball broke in the box to Casey & his rising shot crashed into the roof of the net. 3-1.
On 65 minutes, Manager Vasey took the bull by the horns, replacing Maughan & Mitton with McKenna & Ford. Tow Law had to push on to get back into the game.
On 72 minutes, Tate found himself unmarked in front of goal, but the ball wouldn’t fall quickly enough & the defenders were able to recover & prevent a shot on goal.
3 minutes later, Tow Law did get back into the game. Walker found the ball at his feet in a packed goalmouth, but with his back to goal. Somehow, he managed to turn & get a shot on goal past Hamilton’s outstretched left hand & into the net. 3-2.
The Lawyers continued pushing forward in search of the equaliser, with Billingham Town relying on fast breaks out of defence.
On 80 minutes, Huggins received the ball on the touchline in front of the Tow Law dugout. Walker came in to block Huggins’s clearance & the Billingham captain again went to ground. Referee Diciccio booked Walker. After treatment, Huggins quickly re-entered the contest.
On 88 minutes, Tow Law were awarded a free kick on the left wing & Eccles saw his effort to equalise flash past Hamilton’s left hand post.
In the 90th minutes, Redfearn was relaced by another youngster, Shields, the former sustaining a head injury above his left eye & his shirt becoming heavily bloodstained.
Moments later, McKie shot across the face of the Lawyers’ goal & the ball rolled out for a corner.
The was no further score in the 3 additional minutes played by Referee Diciccio & Billingham held out to win the opportunity of an away fixture at Hall Road Rangers n the next round.
Billingham Town 3 – 2 Tow Law Town.

Tow Law (0) v (0) Billingham Town, Saturday 1st September 2007

Tow Law – Robinson, Gowland, Mitton, Maughan, Tobin, Hutt, McGuire, Renshaw, Tate, Watling, Eccles. Subs. Shields, Ford, Mudd, Redfearn, Riches.

Billingham Town – Hamilton, Foster, Scarr, Harrison, Casey, Chapman, Diamond, Harbron, Flockett, N. Jameson, McKie. Subs. Magowan, M. Jameson, McQueeney, Hutchinson, Conely.

Tow Law welcomed Billingham Town to Ironworks Road for this FA Cup Preliminary Round fixture.
The game got off to a competitive start when, as early as the 3rd minute, Renshaw & Chapman were booked for squaring up to each other in the middle of the pitch.
A minute later, Robinson saved well from a Flockett shot to set the tempo for the first half.
On 7 minutes, Chapman shot from distance, just past the post & it wasn’t until the 12th minute that Tow Law managed to break towards Hamilton’s goal. Unfortunately, Tate was flagged offside.
On 23 minutes, after further Billingham pressure, Tow Law forced a corner, which Renshaw headed just wide.
On 26 minutes, Robinson again saved well from Diamond, breaking through from midfield.
After 30 minutes, Tow Law were hampered when Hutt cleared a ball to safety, only to pull up injured & take no further part in the game. He was replaced by Redfearn making his senior debut.
3 minutes later, Robinson was again forced into making a good save, low down to his left & on 37 minutes, Eccles was booked for a trip on Nathan Jameson.
Half-time arrived with the scores level, 0-0.
The second half started quietly, but on 50 minutes McKie had a shot dragged wide from 20 yards.
A minute later, Tate broke down the left wing & cut inside 2 defenders, hitting a shot that Hamilton could only parry & collect at the second attempt.
Billingham continued to press forward & were awarded a penalty on 75 minutes when Gowland tripped McKie. Chapman firmly struck the ball towards the corner, but Robinson performed heroics to dive full length & push the ball away.
On 77 minutes, Ford replaced Mitton.
On 85 minutes, Robinson again saved well at the foot of the post as both teams pushed for a last gasp winner.
Tate & Eccles fired dangerous crosses in towards Hamilton’s goal, but nobody was able to get on the end.
On 88 minutes, McGuire attempted to lob Hamilton & watched in despair as the ball drifted just past the post.
Final score 0-0 & a replay at Bedford Terrace on Tuesday night.