MATCH REPORTS - Wearside League 2009-10

28 April 2010 - New Marske 2 Scarborough Town 2
 
Both sides came into this came on long unbeaten runs in the league, but Town were without five regulars through illness or injury and gave Wayne Aziz a debut in defence.
 
The game began with a goal after two minutes when Mark Barber threaded a pass through the Marske defence and Josh Greening sprinted clear to touch the ball past Justin Hutchinson in the  home goal.  Greening soon went clear on the left and combined with Georgie Rose to set up a chance for Matty Brown which went over the bar.  However on 14 minutes the Town defence hesitated as Marske worked the ball into the middle and Richard Playforth hit the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards to level the scores at 1-1.  Marske's Andy Dawson also tried his luck from a similar distance but volleyed over.
 
On 26 minutes Sam Garvey showed neat footwork in the Town area and was brought down by Liam Gildea for a penalty.  Garvey took the spot kick himself and blasted the ball into the centre of the net to put the home side ahead.  As Town went back on the attack, Brown seemed to be fouled but no penalty was awarded.  When Aziz limped off with an injury, Jamie Patterson dropped back to partner Gildea at the back.  Nathan Cook tried two long-range efforts, one of which was hit with tremendous power but went straight at Hutchinson, then the keeper saved at the near post from Liam Salt.
 
The second half began with a Salt shot going just wide and at the other end Dawson went away but could only lift the ball into Rob Clark's hands. From a quick throw in, Greening pushed the ball into the danger zone where Salt was denied by the keeper's feet.  Hutchinson was injured in making this save and was stretchered off with an ankle injury.
 
Brown made a good interception but shot just wide, then Joe Danby burst into the box and was taken down to earn Town a penalty which Nathan Cook converted to make the score 2-2.  Gildea went up for a corner and seemed to be pushed over after he chested the ball down, but the referee saw no offence.  Greening then combined with Cook before sending a shot just wide.
 
On 77 minutes Marske's vastly-experienced substitute Andy Futcher, only on the field for 23 minutes, was red carded after a foul-mouthed outburst at the referee.  Town increased the pressure, aided by substitutes Robbie Hawkes and Cameron Dobson.  Firstly Dobson cut inside and beat two men before unleashing a drive which was well saved by new keeper Martyn Say, then Barber sent Hawkes away but he was crowded out before he could take a shot.  Dobson went away but perhaps took his shot too early, Brown had a low 20-yarder held by the keeper, and Greening went to the byeline and pulled the ball across goal with nobody able to get the vital touch.
 
From a Barber throw in, Cook turned and shot straight at the keeper, then Town created chances from a corner but the ball was scrambled clear.  Joel Ramm went through but was denied by a courageous block by Say which proved to be Town's last chance to snatch a win.
 
Town: Clark, Rose (Hawkes 57), Patterson, Aziz (Danby 39), Gildea, N Cook, Brown, Barber, Salt (Dobson 70), Greening, Ramm
 

26 Apr 2010 - Wearside League - Boldon CA 0 Scarborough Town 4
 
Town gained three vital points with a convincing win at Boldon.  Town hit the first goal within a minute of the start and the result was never really in doubt.
 
Mark Barber's first action was to steer a through ball to Josh Greening who cut in from the right and shot at goal.  Keeper Chris Anderson blocked the first attempt but was powerless to react as Greening slammed in the rebound to put Town 1-0 up after only 52 seconds.  Things got even better for Town in the 10th minute when Matty Brown sent Greening away on the left who centred for Joel Ramm to slam the ball into the net from 8 yards to make the score 2-0.  Following a short corner on the left, Georgie Rose stormed towards goal and brought a great save from Anderson.
 
Boldon finally got their game together and Town were forced to defend, Neil Waterfield and Carl Cook making good blocks at the heart of the Town back line.  However Town could have gone further ahead when Nathan Cook set up Brown to go around the last defender but shoot wide with just Anderson to beat.
 
Boldon's chances of gaining a foothold in the game disappeared on 32 minutes when skipper Mark Williams was red-carded for aiming a punch at Georgie Rose after the two had tussled for the ball on the half-way line.  Ramm then went clear of his marker and aimed a pass for Mark Barber in front of goal who had the ball taken off his toes by a desperate interception from a defender.  Just before half time Barber took possession in midfield and saw the keeper off his line, clipping the ball 40 yards goalwards but seeing his effort bounce away off the corner of the goal frame.  However Barber was instrumental in Town's third goal, sending Brown away to round the keeper and make the score 3-0 after 45 minutes.
 
Boldon nearly notched a goal after 50 minutes, after a break on the left where Waterfield lost out in a 50-50 challenge, but keeper Rob Clark pulled off a great save and was grateful to see a follow-up bounce away off the crossbar.  Town then brought on all three substitutes, and the newly-introduced Robbie Hawkes went sprinting away and pulled the ball back in front of goal where defender Darren Wann could do nothing but turn the ball into his own net.  Hawkes made another break and centred for Cameron Dobson to hit the ball over the bar, and, from a long corner from Greening, Nathan Cook got up well but his powerful header crashed against the crossbar.  Hawkes tried a diving header to a Ramm cross, and Nathan Cook was narrowly wide with an attempt to chip the keeper from just inside the Boldon half.
 
Town continued to attack, Dobson getting to the byeline and combining with Greening to provide a chance for Brown who put the ball just wide with the defence in a state of confusion.  Dobson went through on goal but shot into the side netting, then Greening made a determined effort to connect with a cross but collided with the goalpost as the ball went wide.
 
In the last minute Robbie Hawkes burst clear and was pulled back by Boldon central defender Nick Quinn who - having already received a yellow card and a "final warning" from the referee - was shown a straight red card.
 
Town:  Clark, Rose (Gildea 54), Danby (Dobson 54), Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Patterson, Barber (Hawkes 54), Brown, Greening, Ramm.

24 April 2010 - Scarborough Town 2 Easington Colliery 0
 
Two late goals from substitute Robbie Hawkes earned Scarborough the points against a very talented Easington Colliery side.  Town are now just two points behind league leaders Ryhope with two games in hand and have a goal difference of +100.
 
Town began hesitantly with Andrew Appleby taking advantage of a defensive slip to head for goal but Town managed to get back and clear the danger.  Town's first attack saw Josh Greening cut in from the right and hit a powerful shot which keeper James Winter fingertipped over the bar.  Dean Craig made headway through midfield and saw a chance open up for him, but the shot went just wide of the target.  Town were then indebted to a Nathan Cook interception as Easington's Chris Tarn threatened to break clear. 
 
Joel Ramm tried an overhead kick from short range which was grabbed by Winter at the near post, and Ramm was inches away from getting on the end of a good lofted ball from Jamie Patterson.  Easington then had a spell of pressure and earned two corners but the final effort passed above the goal.  Midfielder Andrew Richardson tried his luck from long range without success before Mark Barber's long throw was guided on by Greening for Billy Logan to hit over the bar.
 
Skipper Georgie Rose was working hard up and down the right wing and went forward to put in a dangerous cross which was headed behind by a defender.  Town came close after 32 minutes when a Nathan Cook scorcher was parried by Winter who then threw himself bravely at the feet of Ramm to block for a corner.  Winter came to the rescue again straight afterwards as Ramm headed goalwards onto a Logan pass only to be foiled by the keeper.  At the other end Appleby received the ball with his back to goal, turned and shot narrowly wide to bring to an end a goalless but thoroughly entertaining first half.
 
On the restart Nathan Cook took a long-range shot which was too high, then Mark Barber strode forward to hit a thunderous drive which rattled the Easington crossbar. From Barber's next long throw, centre half Craig Snowdon hooked the ball away in the nick of time from Ramm, then Patterson's pass split the defence but Cook's effort was deflected wide.  In an Easington break, Appleby's superb approach work ended with a shot from Chris Tarn which went across the front of the Town goal, and Haydon Pace swivelled to get in a shot which brought a good save from Rob Clark in the Town goal.
 
Barber hit another screamer which was marginally too high as Town made their three substitutions in quick succession.  The pace of Robbie Hawkes soon earned a corner which was scrambled clear, but Easington put together one of the best moves of the match only for Pace to mis-cue the final shot.  Hawkes made a determined run through the middle but shot wide, but Town had to defend in numbers as Easington took their turn to attack.  A Town corner was worked neatly across to Hawkes whose swerving effort zipped narrowly wide, then a good run from Craig set up a chance for Rose whose effort was blocked.  Nathan Cook took possession in midfield to set up a direct run by Brown but the final shot from Logan was deflected behind for a corner.
 
As the game entered its final ten minutes, Town earned a free kick 25 yards out which was hit powerfully by Barber but too close to the goalkeeper.  Easington were still trying to win the game and set up a period of pressure on the Town goal, but on 86 minutes the deadlock was broken as Hawkes saw a shooting chance and blasted the ball into the top corner to send the crowd wild.  Two minutes later Rose took the ball into the Easington box, a shot from Logan was blocked, but the ball fell to Hawkes who hit another unstoppable shot into the net to win the game.  The same player nearly notched a remarkable hat-trick but slammed the ball just over the bar after a Wayne Brooksby pass.  Easington ended with another spell of pressure, Town desperately blocking the ball for a corner and Clark making a superb flying save to deny the visitors a consolation.
 
Town: Clark, Rose, Craig, Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Patterson (Brooksby 56), Barber, Logan, Greening (Brown 65), Ramm (Hawkes 62)
 
Attendance: 167
 
Referee: Barry Proctor (Gateshead)

21 April 2010 - Wearside League - Houghton Town 0 Scarborough Town 2
 
Town kept up the pressure on leaders Ryhope with a well-deserved victory at Houghton-le-Spring.  With Joel Ramm and Wayne Brooksby absent through injury and player-coach Mark Barber "rotated" onto the bench, Liam Salt came in to make his Town debut up front.
 
Salt immediately made an impact, breaking away down the right and sending a high ball to the far post which Josh Greening brought down but shot into the side-netting.  After 8 minutes Billy Logan charged down a clearance and went through on goal, but his powerful shot was straight at goalkeeper Steve Patton who clung on to the ball superbly.  Then Matty Brown dribbled between defenders and a Logan dummy gave Greening a shooting chance which again went wide.  The chances continued, with a dipping shot from Brown just clearing the bar before Greening went around a defender and centred for Salt to hit the ball over the bar from 6 yards out.
 
In a breakaway on 28 minutes, Houghton's lone attacker Brad Freeman broke clear when the ball took a bad bounce but Town keeper Rob Clark came to the rescue with a good save.  Back at the other end, Greening and Nathan Cook shot wide, then Greening went to the byeline and crossed but Brown was unable to force the ball home.
 
The second half began with Billy Logan running on to a long pass and pushing the ball past the keeper but wide of the far post from a narrow angle.  Town soon made their three substitutions which were to prove decisive. A curling free kick from Nathan Cook was gratefully grasped by the Houghton keeper, then a long throw from Barber was volleyed goalwards by Robbie Hawkes for Patton to produce a great save. 
 
On 66 minutes Nathan Cook won the ball in midfield and surged through two tackles to set up Hawkes who blasted the ball in off the underside of the bar to put Town ahead.  After a superb passing move, Barber got the ball back from Greening and hit a powerful 20-yarder which rocketed against the crossbar.  Town continued to create chances, and a long-range Danby effort was held safely by the keeper.  On 80 minutes Danby took control on the chest and cut inside to hit a tremendous low shot into the bottom corner to wrap up the points for Town.
 
Town: Clark, Rose (Barber 55), Craig, Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Logan (Hawkes 59), Patterson, Salt, Greening, Brown (Danby 55)
 
Referee: Paul Baird (Newcastle)

19 April 2010 - Ashbrooke Belford House 1 Scarborough Town 1
 
Town had to show great determination to gain a point at Ashbrooke Belford House on a very dry and bumpy pitch which made close control very difficult.
 
Ashbrooke were determined to deny Town any time on the ball, throwing themselves manfully into every challenge and adopting a secure defensive line-up with the option of releasing a front runner whenever possible.
 
Town created the first chance, a long throw from Mark Barber being semi-cleared but headed back into the danger area by Dean Craig where Josh Greening brought the ball down well but shot wide.  Then, after a corner, Craig set up a long-range shot from Barber which brought a great save from home keeper Greg Dixon.  Ashbrooke needed everyone back in defence as Town set up a scramble in the penalty box which was finally relieved by a long clearance.
 
After a defensive misunderstanding by Ashbrooke, Dixon came to their rescue by blocking point-blank from Luke Jenkinson.  Ashbrooke's Martin Deacon gathered the ball in midfield and sped towards the Town goal on a powerful run which ended with his shot going wide, but Town were soon back on the attack with Georgie Rose just unable to connect after Dixon had fumbled  a cross from Greening.  Jenkinson brought a great save from Dixon with a well-hit 25-yarder, then a centre from Craig was flicked on by Greening but Joel Ramm headed just over the bar.
 
An accurate through ball from Nathan Cook gave a shooting chance to Greening at the near post, but Dixon was positioned well and made the save.  Against the run of play, Ashbrooke went ahead on 38 minutes, an excellent low shot from Adam McGuiness giving Clark no chance.  Nathan Cook shot over the bar as Town tried to make an instant reply, but in another Ashbrooke attack the ball rebounded off Clark and there were appeals for a penalty as the ball was put out for a corner.  Town ended the first period on the attack, with Cook heading over the bar following a corner.
 
With the second half only minutes old, Town looked certain to score when a cohesive move down the left allowed the ball to be pulled back to Ramm six yards out, but Dixon came to Ashbrooke's rescue once again.  The next chance came from a Cook cross when Greening turned well but shot too high.  On 57 minutes Town created an opening when a Barber through ball picked out Joe Danby with only the keeper to beat, but the youngster chose to pass instead of shooting and the ball rolled across the Ashbrooke goalmouth and harmlessly out of play.
 
Dixon touched a curling Greening free kick over the bar, but Ashbrooke were still looking lively on the break and Martin Deacon brought a great save from Clark.  However Town piled on the pressure which finally told after 85 minutes, a ball knocked back into the box and Ramm anticipating superbly to head the ball over the keeper for the equaliser.  Substitute Cameron Dobson went close to snatching a winner, but in the end Town had to be content with a point.  After the final whistle had sounded, Nathan Cook was red-carded for a comment made to the referee.
 
Town: Clark, Rose, Craig, Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Danby (Logan 76), Barber, L Jenkinson (Dobson 55), Greening(Brown 70), Ramm.
 

17 Apr 2010 - Wearside League - Coxhoe Athletic 2 Scarborough Town 6
 
Manager Mitch Cook used the game against lowly Coxhoe to rest several of his regular team, Carl Cook, Josh Greening, Georgie Rose and Wayne Brooksby taking an unaccustomed seat on the bench.  Mark Barber dropped deeper than usual, with Billy Logan in defensive midfield.
 
Town began well, with snapshots from Joel Ramm and Dean Craig passing narrowly either side of the goal.  It took only ten minutes for the visitors to go ahead, a corner from the right was worked into the middle via Nathan Cook to Ramm, who turned and netted from 15 yards.  Within two minutes the lead was extended after another corner, this time Ramm took possession in the box but could not work a shooting chance therefore passed to Jamie Patterson who hit the ball neatly in to the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
 
Neil Waterfield was upfield for another corner but was unable to get a shot on goal, then a Cook free kick rocketed just wide.  Ramm chipped a shot narrowly over the bar, then Cook ran on to a centre and volleyed the ball just wide.  The hard-working Ramm timed his run superbly to get his head on a centre, but Coxhoe keeper Tom Orton fingertipped the ball onto the post and behind for yet another corner.  In the closing moments of the first half Orton produced two great saves, blocking Matty Brown who had run onto Logan's pass, and using his feet to save a shot from Luke Jenkinson after a defence-splitting ball from Patterson.
 
The second half began with Joe Danby cutting in from the right but unable to hit the target, before Coxhoe had their first serious attempt on goal when Peter Bulmer shot over.  Town went three up on 49 minutes after an excellent passing move was crowned by Brown's reverse pass to Jenkinson who netted from eight yards.  Jenkinson soon worked himself another chance but was foiled by Orton's flying save.  Town seemed to switch off for a moment, with some sloppy defending allowing striker Paul Orton to pull a goal back for Coxhoe on 53 minutes. However the visitors were soon piling forward again, and Jenkinson's accurate through ball found Cook who seemed to be fouled but kept his feet, only to be taken down by the goalkeeper to earn Town a penalty.  Jenkinson stepped forward to extend the lead to 4-1.
 
Brown showed great enterprise and close control with a dribble which took him through the heart of the Coxhoe defence, but the final shot was not powerful enough to beat Orton.  Town used their three substitutions to give Coxhoe further problems, and when Jenkinson burst clear on the right he centred accurately for Greening to volley the ball into the net for number five.  Greening soon chased a pass through the Coxhoe defence and lifted the ball neatly over the full back before colliding with his opponent who was livid to see the referee pointing again to the penalty spot.  Jenkinson netted the kick to notch his hat-trick and put Town 6-1 in front.
 
Coxhoe were still playing with determination.  A corner led to a scramble which Town cleared with difficulty, and the next corner from the left was headed home powerfully by central defender Stephen Oakley to take the score to 6-2.  Town countered with another Jenkinson probe down the right, his cross being met by Brooksby but the shot was cleared off the line.  Another great move saw Patterson play the ball down the left wing to Greening who picked out Rose 15 yards in front of goal who was denied by a superb save from Orton.  In the dying minutes, Town's defence dithered uncharacteristically once again and allowed a Coxhoe breakaway from which Dan Hatten hit the post.
 
Town:  Clark, Patterson, Danby (Rose 62), Waterfield, Logan, N Cook (Greening 57), Craig, Barber, L Jenkinson, Brown, Ramm (Brooksby 57)
 
 
 
 

14 Apr 2010 - Wearside League - Hartlepool FC 1 Scarborough Town 4

Town kept up the pressure on league leaders Ryhope with a well-deserved win at Hartlepool.  Cameron Dobson made his Town debut, with Mark Barber coming back after injury and versatile skipper Georgie Rose dropping to left-back.

Town started on the front foot, with Nathan Cook just failing to get on the end of a pass from Josh Greening.  Then Wayne Brooksby raced onto a Matty Brown pass to compete with Pools goalkeeper Mark Bell, the ball breaking loose to Cook who put the ball wide of the target.  More good work from Brown set up a scramble in the home goalmouth before Barber hit a shot over the bar.  After an excellent passing move, Joe Danby set up a chance for Rose whose powerful shot went straight at the goalkeeper's midriff.

The visitors finally achieved the well-deserved breakthrough on 24 minutes, Greening sprinting clear of the defence and rolling the ball calmly past the keeper to put Town 1-0 ahead.  A good run across the midfield by Nathan Cook was halted by a crude challenge from Andy Hetherington, who escaped a yellow card after  he appeared to be injured in the incident.  On 29 minutes the scores were levelled when a corner from the left was hit low and hard by Shaun Ross and met at the near post with a bullet of a header from Chris Archer.

Bell dived bravely at Brooksby's feet after a neat pass from Dobson, who then tried his luck from 25 yards when perhaps a pass offered a better option.  A pot-shot from Greening did not trouble Bell too much, and Danby chested the ball down but clipped his shot just too high.  Two long throws from Barber caused problems for Hartlepool, the first one being headed over by Danby and the second one getting a flick on only to be halted by the upstretched arm of a defender.  The referee awarded the obvious penalty but spent some time in conversation with his assistant before showing a yellow card to the unfortunate Dan Reeves who did not appear to have been involved in the incident.  Greening took the spot-kick but Bell dived to his right to make a good save at the foot of the post to keep the scores level after 45 minutes.

The second half began with Town hassling and harrying their opponents, and Brooksby dispossessed Craig Lobb to take the ball wide of the keeper and play the ball across the goal from a narrow angle with nobody there to convert the chance.  Then Matty Brown nicked the ball away from a defender and sprinted clear, finishing neatly to put Town 2-1 up.  Rose came through three fifty-fifty challenges to cross the ball, only to be clattered behind the referee's back as Greening put the chance over the bar.  Greening then broke away to roll the ball past the keeper but agonisingly wide of the post, and Dobson was next in line to steal the ball from a tardy defender and create a chance for Danby which once again went too high to trouble the keeper.

On 62 minutes a mazy dribble from Brooksby drew some desperate challenges from defenders, but he stayed on his feet to go past the keeper and aim for goal where a covering defender managed to block the ball, but Brooksby gathered the rebound and was then tripped by Bell for Town's second penalty of the game.  Brooksby took the spot kick and gave the keeper no chance as Town went 3-1 in front.  Town were now ripping gaps in the home defence, and Joel Ramm went away on the right and centred for Dobson whose first-time shot was saved.  Then Dobson returned the compliment by aiming to set up a chance for Ramm who was just thwarted by the keeper.

In a very rare Hartlepool attack, the home side earned a corner following which Reeves hit a shot over the bar, but normal service was soon resumed and Luke Jenkinson found Dobson who put Nathan Cook clear to clip the ball neatly past the keeper to round off the 4-1 scoreline.
 
Town: Clark, Rose, Danby (L Jenkinson 74), Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Brown (Patterson 60), Barber, Brooksby (Ramm 63),Greening, Dobson
 
 

12 Apr 2010 - Wearside League - Teesside Athletic 1 Scarborough Town 1
 
Second-placed Town travelled to third-placed Athletic and gained a draw which maintains the twelve-point gap between the teams.  On a bumpy pitch making close control very difficult, Town's point was well-deserved against a team who have now conceded just seven home goals all season.
 
Town got off to a shaky start, conceding a goal after only two minutes.  A Teesside attack seemed to have been repulsed with a clearance out of the penalty area, but it fell into the path of Greg Booth who hammered an unstoppable shot high into the net for the opening goal.
 
Town levelled things after 13 minutes, with Josh Greening and Wayne Brooksby constructing a neat move on the right wing which gave Dean Craig the chance to cut in, steady himself, and find the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards out.
 
A curling Greening free kick just eluded the head of Neil Waterfield, but Teesside had more of the chances in the first half.  The league's top goalscorer James Kesterton tried an overhead kick, Joel Ramm made a superb block when Dan Drazdauskas seemed to be in the clear, and a long-range Kesterton effort had Town keeper Rob Clark scrambling along his line to tip the ball past the post.
 
The second period began with a Brooksby effort from 25 yards going wide, then a Town corner was only half cleared and Jamie Patterson shot wide after the ball took a bad bounce. Ramm's 20-yard free kick also went wide without troubling home keeper James Fleming, but a Rose pass allowed Brooksby a shot which the keeper saved splendidly at full stretch.  Substitute Matty Brown played a one-two with Brooksby but his shot was deflected past the post, then Craig made a great run but Fleming beat Nathan Cook to the final ball.
 
Fleming safely gathered a Greening free kick before Town put together a great passing move which ended with Joe Danby just missing the target.  Teesside were still dangerous with their long-ball breakaways, and a header from substitute Billy Millington clipped the Town crossbar as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
 
Town: Clark, Rose (L Jenkinson 79), Craig, Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Patterson (Brown 55), Logan (Danby 66), Brooksby, Greening, Ramm

10 Apr 2010 - Wearside League Cup semi final - New Marske 2 Scarborough Town 1

It was fourth time unlucky for Town as they departed from the Wearside League Cup to a side they had already beaten on three previous occasions this season in three different competitions.  New Marske were well prepared for their task and highly motivated, whereas Town looked a little sluggish from the effects of playing their fourth game in a week.

On a bumpy pitch, Town found it difficult to take control of the ball in their normal manner, and a mix-up after only five minutes allowed Marske's Kris Kamara a half-chance which he dispatched with glee to put the home team in front.  Town went straight onto the attack, Wayne Brooksby laying the ball into the path of Josh Greening, but Marske keeper Justin Hutchinson came out to make a block.  Brooksby then shot just wide after Mark Barber's long pass, and a cleverly-taken short corner set up a shot for Nathan Cook which hit the post, Greening's follow-up being grabbed by Hutchinson.

A long throw from Barber was headed on by Neil Waterfield, but Greening shot straight at the keeper.  Marske looked dangerous on the counter attack, with Richard Playforth shooting just wide, but Town had a free kick from which Dean Craig penetrated the home penalty area and set up a scramble in front of goal which was eventually cleared.  A bout of sustained Town pressure was rounded off by Nathan Cook's 30-yarder which went narrowly wide, but a great run from Kamara then set up Playforth whose strong left-footed effort went just outside the Town post.  Greening then put Brooksby clear on goal, but Hutchinson made a great block to deny him.  With two minutes of the first half remaining New Marske attacked down the right, and a deflected cross was nodded in by an unmarked Playforth to put the home team 2-0 up at the break.

Town began the second period in a more determined mood, with Dean Craig always willing to push forward down the left flank.  Greening and Brooksby enjoyed some good possession and put the ball across but it evaded everyone in front of the Marske goal.  Joel Ramm then had a glimpse of goal but was denied by a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Mark Lilley.  A Town free kick opened up a chance for Nathan Cook but his shot was deflected for a corner, then substitute Joe Danby went through on goal only to be denied by the splendid Hutchinson once again.  Town were now on top, but nearly went further behind when Shaun Howes went storming away on the right and cut in to hit a powerful left-footed shot which was well saved by Rob Clark.

Dean Craig burst into the home area and was clattered by central defender Martyn Say, but Craig stayed on his feet and pushed the ball across goal where it was cleared after a short scramble.  Sam Crooks then broke away down the home team's left wing after beating two men and forced Clark into a good save at the near post.  Town built up the pressure again and piled men forward into the Marske area, where a loose ball fell for Billy Logan to drive powerfully into the net to cut the deficit to 2-1.  Hutchinson came out to dive at Danby's feet, and Craig was denied by another desperate last-ditch tackle, but time ran out for Town and it was Marske who celebrated at the final whistle as they progressed to the League Cup Final and a date with Easington Colliery at the end of the season.
 
Town: Clark, Rose, Craig, Waterfield (Patterson 60), C Cook, N Cook, Logan, Barber (Brown 55), Brooksby, Greening (Danby 55), Ramm

referee: Gordon Dryden (Brough)
 

7 Apr 2010 - Wearside League - Town 3 New Marske 1
 
Town won their third game within five days to close within six points of league leaders Ryhope with three games in hand.  Coach Mitch Cook rotated his squad again, leaving out Mark Barber and Joel Ramm, with Billy Logan playing in central midfield and Matty Brown free to push forward from midfield into attack.
 
Town began on the front foot, earning a couple of early corners, but New Marske's long clearances were proving difficult for Town's defenders to judge in the swirling wind.  Keeping the ball on the ground, Town put together a good passing movement, Josh Greening sending Brown away to centre for Nathan Cook to plant the ball into the net but the linesman flagged for offside.
 
Gary Wood shot just wide for New Marske before Greening burst through on the left and hit a low shot which was well held by visiting keeper Justin Hutchinson.  New Marske then forced a corner which fell to Sean Mackin but his close-range shot was pushed over by Town keeper Rob Clark.  A superb reverse pass from Wayne Brooksby then sent Brown away on the left, but Hutchinson was in the right position to make a save.
 
The contrasting styles of the two teams made it an interesting game to watch, with both teams supplying strength and endeavour but Marske adopting a much more direct approach.  Town took the lead on 31 minutes.  Greening almost broached the visiting defence but was superbly tackled, however the loose ball fell to Brooksby who rolled it into the net from 20 yards to open the scoring.  Dean Craig then found Brown who picked out Cook to send an effort narrowly wide.  Then Greening had a chance and clipped the ball over the keeper but just past the post as the first half came to an end.
 
Billy Logan played an accurate long ball which was chased by Greening and pulled back for Brooksby to shoot wide, then Nathan Cook intercepted a pass and took a long-range shot which was safely held by Hutchinson.  Brown worked a chance but was again foiled by the keeper, who then had to race from goal and narrowly beat Cook to Brown's through pass.  Good work from Dean Craig allowed Greening to try a curling effort which was cleared off the line by a Marske defender, then one of Town's short corner routines created a chance for Brown which again brought a good save from Hutchinson.
 
Hutchinson had to dive at full stretch to keep our another Brown effort, but with ten minutes remaining New Marske snatched an equaliser, skipper Phillip Peggs getting his head to an inswinging corner to level the scores.  However within a minute the visitors were down to ten men, the over-motivated Dan Wilkinson seeing his second yellow of the game.  A Mark Barber effort from long range led to a scramble which ended with a corner, then another Barber strike brought a great save from Hutchinson.  Town had forced four corners in quick succession when the ball dropped to Georgie Rose to slam the ball into the net to put Town back in front.  With two minutes remaining, another corner was pulled back towards Barber on the edge of the box who obliged with an unstoppable shot to clinch the game 3-1 for Town.
 
Town: Clark, Rose, Craig (D Jenkinson 62), Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook (Ramm 55), Patterson, Logan, Brooksby (Barber 60), Greening, Brown
 
Referee: David Toor (Shotley Bridge)
 
Attendance: 163

5 Apr 2010 - Scarborough Town 7 Teesside Athletic 1
 
Scarborough Town took a gigantic step towards securing a top-two promotion place with an impressive 7-1 victory over third-placed Teesside Athletic.  In a decisive four-minute period straight after half time, Town scored twice to open up a 4-1 lead and the three points were never in danger from then on.
 
Town had clicked into gear right from the first whistle and opened the scoring after only two minutes.  Wayne Brooksby went away on the left and hit an accurate cross to Georgie Rose whose first-time shot came back off the crossbar.  In the goalmouth confusion, Rose took charge by gaining control and firing the ball into the top corner to make it 1-0. Teesside earned a corner, with Andrew Bell hitting a first-time effort over the bar.  Back at the other end, Brooksby robbed the full back and brought the ball in along the goal line, pushing the ball to the near post where Joel Ramm's delicate  touch sent the ball past the keeper but agonisingly wide of the post.  Teesside's Dave Millington headed a cross straight towards Town keeper Rob Clark, then Brooksby seemed to have a clear sight of goal but was foiled by a well-timed interception from a defender.
 
In a very open game, Joe Danby and Josh Greening both attempted curling shots which went narrowly wide, then a long throw-in from Mark Barber was headed on by Neil Waterfield but the ball dropped onto the roof of the net.  Dean Craig played an intelligent ball to Nathan Cook who was denied by a great tackle, but a free kick after 34 minutes gave Town the chance to increase their lead.  The ball was curled in left-footed from the right wing by Josh Greening, and with Joel Ramm competing for a header the ball evaded players of both sides and ended in the net to put Town 2-0 up.
 
Teesside were rattled and resorted to some rough tackling, particularly on Wayne Brooksby, but when in possession they gave glimpses of a very good team.  They battled back onto the attack, and Town's Waterfield was booked for blocking his opponent.  Jamie Clarke blasted a shot which was safely held by Town keeper Rob Clark, but a direct free kick from 20 yards gave the same player an opportunity to smash the ball past the wall and into the net to bring the score back to 2-1.
 
Straight from the start of the second half, Joe Danby cut in from the right and took the ball towards the keeper before slipping the ball just inside the near post to put Town 3-1 ahead.  Only three minutes later Nathan Cook was the victim of a poor challenge, but got up to take a short free-kick to Brooksby who placed the ball confidently past the keeper for Town's fourth.
 
Teesside worked occasional half-chances, with Sam Young blasting over and the Wearside League's top goalscorer James Kesterton getting into a good position but heading the ball very wide, however Town were looking the more dangerous side and substitute Billy Logan took a shot from a narrow angle which was grasped by keeper James Fleming at the second attempt.  Teesside's experienced Number Ten Jamie Clarke was booked for a foul on Town's keeper Rob Clark, and on 71 minutes indulged in a spot of shirt-pulling which left the referee with no option but to show another yellow and send Clarke from the field.
 
Town exploited the extra space, with Dean Craig venturing upfield and feeding the ball to Georgie Rose whose effort was well saved by Fleming, but Town then put together a probing move of fifteen or more passes which ended with Craig coming inside along the edge of the penalty box and hitting a fine right-foot shot to increase the score to 5-1. On 84 minutes Matty Brown ran clear of a Teesside defence with their hands in the air appealing for offside and finished neatly for the sixth, and two minutes later Brown was involved in the finale by swapping passes and giving Nathan Cook the opening to make it 7-1.
 
With league leaders Ryhope in Cup action - beating Cleator Moor Celtic 1-0 in the Final of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup - Town have now closed the deficit to Ryhope to nine points with four games in hand.
 
Town: Clark, Rose, Craig, Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Danby (Logan 58), Barber (Patterson 61), Brooksby, Greening, Ramm (Brown 70)

3 Apr 2010 - Wearside League - Scarborough Town 9 Houghton Town 1
 
Scarborough Town gave a stunning display of total football as they left Houghton Town battered and bewildered.  The mid-table visitors had been in fine form of late, having lost only once in the last eight games and keeping four clean sheets in the process, but they could find no answer to the close control and pinpoint passing of Town's young team.
 
Manager Mitch Cook sprang some surprises before kick off, rotating his squad to give a rest to goalkeeper Rob Clark, midfielder Jamie Patterson, skipper Georgie Rose and ever-present defender Neil Waterfield.  Dean Craig moved to an unfamiliar centre-back role to partner Carl Cook, with Joel Ramm dropping back to left-back and Joe Danby at right-back for his third start of the season.  Luke Jenkinson returned from Pickering but in a deeper role, leaving Josh Greening up front supported by ever-willing midfielders Wayne Brooksby, Matty Brown and Nathan Cook.
 
It took only three minutes before Houghton got a taste of what was to come.  Greening went away on the left and pulled back for the speedily-arriving Ramm to hit the net and put the home team into the lead.  On five minutes it was 2-0, Brown breaking away on the left and assessing the situation before picking out Brooksby who kept his composure and tucked the ball into the corner of the net.  Two minutes later Nathan Cook hit a 25-yard screamer which smacked the crossbar with the Houghton defence only able to watch in trepidation.
 
An intricate Town move brought applause from the crowd before Greening's drive was safely held by Houghton's shell-shocked keeper Sean Robinson.  Town were dominating possession and hitting a variety of short and long passes, with Mark Barber pulling the strings in midfield.  On 21 minutes centre-half Chris Crumbie made a very late challenge on Brown to give Town a free kick.  With Town's dummy runs causing the defensive wall to lose concentration, the ball was touched to Barber whose 25-yard drive was too hot for the diving Robinson to keep out.
 
Jenkinson was the next home player to break clear of the Houghton back line, but indecision whether to shoot or roll the ball into the middle allowed Robinson to make a decisive intervention.  Nathan Cook hit two long-range efforts which were off target, but Town went further ahead on 31 minutes when a superb passing move allowed Joe Danby to aim for the top corner from 22 yards.  Houghton at last showed their skills and contrived a breakaway for Billy Harrison, but his centre was intercepted by the home defenders.
 
Josh Greening got his name on the scoresheet after 34 minutes when he broke clear.  Robinson saved the initial effort, but the ball looped into the air and Greening positioned himself carefully before nodding the ball into the empty net from a narrow angle to make the score 5-0.  The Town striker had another chance but took the ball too wide, allowing Robinson to get the better of him.  Some neat midfield passing from Houghton gave Kevin Gordon chance to play the killer ball, but Town's defenders were on their toes and snuffed out the chance.
 
Town's sixth goal came after 39 minutes, some quick passing ending with Joe Danby cutting into the penalty area and feeding the ball to Greening who showed admirable composure to side-foot the ball into the bottom corner.  Greening repeated the feat only three minutes later, capping a flowing move from the back via Brooksby to move the score up to 7-0.  On the stroke of half-time Houghton contrived to try their first shot at the Town goal, Harrison's shot going way over the bar.
 
At the interval Town allowed themselves the luxury of resting three more players, Carl Cook, Nathan Cook and Mark Barber being replaced by Georgie Rose and Billy Logan in midfield and Jamie Patterson at the back.  Houghton also made three substitutions in a bid to change the complexion of the match.  Danby ventured forward and exchanged passes with Greening before clipping the ball just wide, then Rose and Brooksby combined from a short corner to set up a chance for Logan who cleared the bar from 25 yards.  Greening had a good chance on his left foot but lost his composure for the only time in the game and blasted the ball over the goal.
 
Town keeper Ricky Ossai was rarely called into action, his most decisive act being to collect a long Houghton throw into the box. Jenkinson took a shot which hit the foot of the post, then Ramm went clear and picked out Rose whose header was safely held by the keeper.  It took twenty minutes of the second half before Town added to the score, a quickly-taken free kick allowing Danby to swap passes with Rose and score confidently.  There was a major shock on 69 minutes when Houghton prodded the ball across from the right and top scorer Brad Freeman hit the chance sweetly into the bottom corner to make the score 8-1.  Town were soon back on the attack, with Brown making the wrong decision and opting for a shot when his team mates were clear on either side.  Richard Hall had a chance for Houghton but shot tamely at Ossai before Logan and Brooksby combined for Greening to resume his ice-cold finishing display to hit Town's ninth. 
 
With tackles beginning to fly in from frustrated defenders, Town had a free kick 20 yards out with Brooksby drawing a superb save from Robinson.  Greening took the ball past the goalkeeper but the angle was too narrow to try a shot, so he placed the ball into the crowded six-yard box where Jenkinson's snapshot cleared the bar.  Town finished the game on the attack, Brooksby bamboozling the defence and Rose taking possession but unable to see a clear sight of goal, passing back to Logan whose effort was just too high.
 
Town: Ossai, Brown, Craig, L Jenkinson, C Cook (Patterson 45), N Cook (Logan 45), Danby, Barber (Rose 45), Brooksby, Greening, Ramm
 
Attendance: 155
 
Referee: Anthony Duffy (Acklam)

27th March 2010 - Sunderland Shipowners Cup semi-final
 
New Marske 1 Scarborough Town 6
 
On a sunny but breezy day overlooking the North Sea at New Marske, Town stormed through to the Final of the Sunderland Shipowners Cup with a 6-1 win despite a very closely-fought first half.
 
Both sides began tentatively, measuring the effect of the breeze on their passing attempts.  Town were first to build up some concerted pressure.  A free kick for a foul on Brooksby came to nothing, and a sharp passing move ended with a left-footed shot from Nathan Cook which did not unduly trouble Justin Hutchinson in the home goal.  Josh Greening earned the first corner of the game, and Town worked the ball to Cook 25 yards out whose effort was blocked.  Marske striker Richard Playforth tried a shot which was blocked, and was then out-jumped by Town keeper Rob Clark as the ball ballooned up into the air.  The speedy Marske frontman then took the ball past Neil Waterfield but shot wide from a narrow angle.
 
Midway through the first half, Town began to take charge of the game.  Dean Craig tried a long-range shot, then played an incisive pass to Joel Ramm who was denied by the keeper at the near post.  Midfield maestro Mark Barber hit a 30-yarder which took a deflection before thudding against the goalpost, but on 40 minutes Town got the breakthrough with a slick passing move topped by Barber's thunderous 35-yarder which clipped the underside of the crossbar on its unstoppable path into the back of the net.  A mazy dribble from Brooksby gave Barber another chance but this time his shot from outside the area just cleared the bar.  After Town's sixth corner of the first half, Joel Ramm's shot was scooped off the line by Hutchinson and the visitors had to be content with a slender 1-0 lead at half time.
 
The second period began with Clark having to fingertip a low cross over the bar, but Town seemed more at ease playing into the breeze and extended their lead on 48 minutes when Greening went clear on the left and crossed for industrious skipper Georgie Rose to make it 2-0.  The best move of the game followed shortly after, Nathan Cook finding Joel Ramm on the left and then running on to the end of a superb cross to head the ball narrowly over.  Cook then took the ball to the byline and crossed for Greening to shoot just too high.
 
New Marske were finding it difficult to relieve the pressure, and Town defenders Waterfield and Carl Cook were confidently taking possession of any long clearances. On 60 minutes Joel Ramm worked his way into the box and was shaping to shoot when he was brought down, Josh Greening stepping up to convert the penalty to improve the scoreline to 3-0.  At last Marske showed some life, Clark pushing the ball to safety after neat footwork from Sean Mackin, then Playforth hitting a screamer from 25 yards into the top corner to open the home team's account. 
 
Nathan Cook was pushing forward at every opportunity and went through on the left flank but his cross evaded his three Town colleagues in front of goal.  With Town's three substitutes adding new verve to the team, Robbie Hawkes darted through the Marske back line and squared for Cook to hit the net at the second attempt after his first try was blocked on the goal line.  Town were now ripping the Marske defence to shreds, and the lively Matty Brown provided the cross for Brooksby to make the score 5-1.  With three minutes left on the watch, Hawkes showed great ball control to cut along the goal line from the right and was brought down for another penalty.  This time it was Matt Perry who stepped up and netted confidently for his first goal of the season.
 
Town now progress to the Final, against defending Cup-holders Teesside Athletic.  The game will be played at Teesside's home ground at Green Lane in Redcar on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May. The Shipowners Cup is one of the oldest trophies in existence, having first been presented in 1898 and won on previous occasions by teams such as Sunderland Reserves, South Shields, Horden Colliery, Middlesbrough Reserves, Consett and North Shields.
 
Town: Clark, Rose, Craig, Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Perry, Barber (Logan 61), Brooksby, Greening (Brown 80), Ramm (Hawkes 71).
 
Referee: Alan Powles (Stockton on Tees)

20 March 2010 - Wearside League - Scarborough Town 8 Wolviston 0
 
Town produced some exquisite football in difficult pitch conditions as they posted their best result of a very successful season, with Josh Greening hitting four goals.  Neil Waterfield was unavailable and missed his first game of the season, with Town moving Matt Perry into the centre of defence and Joe Danby coming in at right back to make only his second start of the season.
 
The game started at a high tempo, and when Wolviston skipper Lee Butterworth was dispossessed in midfield Town produced a lightning-quick move involving Wayne Brooksby and Georgie Rose to provide Greening with his first goal.  Two minutes later a flowing move down the right wing led to a shot which was parried by visiting keeper Jamie Lawrence, but as Brooksby nipped in to claim the ball he was taken down by Lawrence and a penalty was awarded.  Greening stepped up calmly to make the score 2-0.  With nine minutes on the clock, Joel Ramm sprinted clear on the left and hit a pinpoint cross for Greening to claim a sensational hat-trick.
 
Stung into action, the visitors - with only two away defeats all season - started to come into the game, and Liam Jackson was only inches away from scoring as he slid in to try to connect with a low cross.  Then Richard Mills found himself clear of the Town defence and side-footed the ball towards the top corner  but missed his intended target.  Back at the other end, a desperate block from Mark Farrell nearly resulted in an own goal, and Joe Danby's effort fizzed into the side netting after a Greening free kick.  A long-range effort from Mark Barber was blocked as Wolviston gained some credit for preventing Town from increasing their lead.
 
After the half-time interval Mills brought a superb flying save from Town's Rob Clark, and an effort from Gavin Jackson also had the Town keeper scrambling.  Lawrence then made another good save when Greening skilfully flicked the ball up and volleyed it towards the near post. Dean Craig was enjoying getting forward down the left and hit a scorcher from 25 yards which took a deflection and cleared the bar.  A neatly-constructed six-man move brought Town a goal in the 59th minute, Ramm hitting the target to put Town 4-0 up.  A cross from Robbie Hawkes saw Billy Logan bring a wonderful save from Lawrence who then denied Hawkes as the Town striker headed for goal. 
 
Town's fifth was from a delightful curling cross from Craig which was deftly glanced past the keeper by Greening to claim his fourth of the match.  The overworked Wolviston keeper was soon in the thick of the action again, making a great block from Hawkes but the Town player latched on to the loose ball and pushed it across for Matty Brown to make the score 6-0.  Billy Logan chipped the ball just over the bar and a skidding effort from Hawkes was saved by Lawrence at full stretch, with Danby also being denied by the keeper.
 
On 84 minutes Hawkes stormed clear of the last defender and took the ball round the keeper before netting Town's seventh, whilst at the other end Billy Logan made a timely tackle to end a Wolviston counter-attack.  Hawkes was frustrated by the keeper yet again but Town rounded off the scoring after 89 minutes when Brown played the ball into the path of Danby who took the ball in his stride  and hit it low into the far corner to end the scoring at 8-0.
 
Town: Clark, Rose (Logan 61), Craig, Danby, C Cook, Patterson, Perry, Barner, Brooksby (Hawkes 59), Greening, Ramm (Brown 61).
 
Referee: Michael Gillespie (Middlesbrough)

17 Mar 2010 - Wearside League - Guisborough Town HC 0 Scarborough Town 5
 
Town kept up their chase for the Wearside League title with a convincing 5-0 win at Guisborough Town.  Ricky Ossai made his first league start of the season in goal, and Robbie Hawkes was back in the team after recovering from an injury sustained in mid-November.  Joel Ramm was pushed upfield to partner Hawkes in attack.
 
The home side had the first chance, with vastly-experienced skipper Nathan Haslam hitting a tremendous free-kick from 45 yards which clipped the Town crossbar, but Town went ahead after 13 minutes, Wayne Brooksby touching a free kick to Mark Barber who hit the net with a low piledriver.  Ossai made a good save at the near post before another Barber effort brought a great save from Guisborough keeper Alex Brown.  Town piled on the pressure and earned a long succession of corners, while Guisborough became frustrated and had three players booked within 30 minutes.  Wayne Brooksby hit an effort just over the bar, but things got worse for the home team when defender Steven Reid committed a bad tackle and had to leave the field having earned a second yellow card.
 
Just after half time a two-footed challenge from Danny Cornell forced referee Robbie Dunn to display the red card yet again, leaving the home side with nine players on the field.  It was no surprise when Town left-back Dean Craig ventured upfield and cut inside before hitting a great right-footer to make the score 2-0.  Georgie Rose saw a shot saved by the keeper's feet, and Josh Greening beat the keeper but his shot was deflected away by a defender on the goal line.  Brooksby hit another effort just too high, Ramm was denied by a superb last-ditch tackle, and Greening was inches away from connecting with a low cross from the right.
 
On 80 minutes Brooksby was pulled down in the box and Carl Cook stepped up to take the penalty but dragged his shot just wide of the post.  Within a minute Logan netted from the edge of the area but was surprised to see the effort ruled out by a linesman's flag, but Town kept creating chances and Joe Danby swivelled and shot sweetly to net Town's third goal.  On 89 minutes Brooksby went clear on the left and crossed for Danby to touch the ball into the net, and on 90 minutes Dean Craig sprinted clear and unselfishly pushed the ball across for Josh Greening to tap in from close range to complete the scoring at 5-0.
 
Town: Ossai, Rose, Craig, Waterfield, C Cook, Patterson (Danby 62), Perry, Barber (Logan 45), Brooksby, Hawkes (Greening 52), Ramm.

13 March 2010 - Shipowners Charity Cup - Jarrow 0 Scarborough Town 3
 
Town hit three second-half goals to brush aside the challenge of a spirited Jarrow team and progress to the Semi Final of the Shipowners Charity Cup.
 
Midfielders Jamie Patterson (illness) and Nathan Cook (suspension) were unavailable, so the versatile Joel Ramm moved into a more central role as he took to the field for his 50th appearance in a Town shirt.  Dean Craig came back into the side at left-back after injury, starting his first game since the end of October, and youngster Matty Brown made his fifth start of the season in an advanced midfield position.
 
In Town's first attack, Craig's pass sent Wayne Brooksby away down the left, but his cross was well gathered by Jarrow goalkeeper Mark English.  Jarrow's first effort came when Peter Kane turned well but his shot from 25 yards went straight at Town's Rob Clark.  Josh Greening made good progress down the right wing and centred for Brown whose touch goalwards was accurate but competently saved by the keeper.
 
After a fairly even first phase of the game, Town were beginning to assert themselves.  Greening had two unsuccessful efforts from long range, and a long throw-in from Mark Barber was headed just wide by Matt Perry.  Town pushed six men into the opposition penalty area in a melee which ended with Greening's shot just clearing the crossbar.  Brown made a skilful run into the box and could have gone down under a late challenge, but kept his feet to square the ball towards Brooksby whose close-range effort was blocked.  Brooksby turned brilliantly to cut in from the left, only to be halted by an equally impressive tackle from Peter Henderson.   With Town's fluid system allowing players to get forward, a Neil Waterfield header was saved from close range and a back-heel from Perry was gratefully gathered by English.  Barber's crisp 25-yarder zipped into the side netting, but the same player was then the victim of a horrendous late challenge as Jarrow's frustration began to grow.
 
Jarrow began the second half with a flurry, Town skipper Georgie Rose making a timely interception to avert the danger.  However Town opened the scoring on 50 minutes, Brooksby being the victim of a foul as he cut into the box but the ball ran across to Ramm who thumped the ball into the net to celebrate that 50th appearance with his 25th goal for Town! An incisive ball from Brown saw Brooksby volley just wide of the target, then substitute Billy Logan charged down a clearance and ran through, but English was alert enough to win the race for the loose ball.  Brooksby's trickery earned himself a chance which was splendidly saved by the goalkeeper at the near post after another possible penalty shout, then the same player hit a great crossfield pass to Greening who cut in from the left and was felled in the area for a penalty which not even the most lenient referee could fail to award.  As Greening got to his feet he was petulantly pushed by Liam Poppleton, who was booked and therefore earned a red card after having already received a yellow in the first half.  Greening rubbed salt into the wounds by converting the spot-kick to put Town 2-0 ahead.
 
A quality touch from Greening set Brown on his way to goal, unselfishly passing to Logan who was horrified to see the ball take a bobble and sail over the bar instead of into the net.  Town keeper Rob Clark remained on his toes despite a long period of inactivity and reacted well when Chris Lunn guided the ball goalwards from a low cross.
 
Town were soon pressing again with another penalty shout unrewarded, but the ball fell to Logan whose shot rocketed back off the post and English came to the rescue again by blocking the follow-up with an outstretched leg.
 
Jarrow were down to nine men for the last five minutes, Chris Moore stupidly kicking the ball away despite already being on a yellow, and Town had a number of chances to add to their lead.  English got his foot to a Greening effort, Ramm had a shot blocked from six yards, Rose went close with a flying header and substitute Joe Danby was denied by a great tackle.  However Town topped off the scoring when Danby popped up on the right and crossed for Logan to bundle the ball into the net for his first goal for the senior side and earn Town a 3-0 win which sees them safely through to the semi final and an away game at New Marske in two weeks' time.
 
Town: Clark, Rose, Craig, Waterfield, C Cook, Brown, Perry (Logan 62), Barber, Brooksby (Danby 75), Greening, Ramm.

6 March 2010 - Wearside League - Scarborough Town 5 Cleator Moor Celtic 1

Town continued their promotion push with a convincing win against third-placed Cleator Moor Celtic.

Wayne Brooksby returned to the Town side after his visit to Australia, and Jamie Patterson was back in the starting midfield formation after a few games on the bench.  Town were also pleased to welcome back Dean Craig who took a place on the bench after a long injury lay-off.

Town started brightly and clicked straight into their high-tempo passing game.  After a corner, Josh Greening pivoted neatly but his drive went over the crossbar.  The Cumbrians' keeper Craig Devine then made a superb flying save, only to see the loose ball collected by Greening, touched to Billy Logan and steered on to Brooksby who crashed the ball into the net to put Town one ahead after nine minutes.

Greening, playing as a central striker with Logan outside him and Brooksby bursting through from midfield, had another chance when he brought a long ball under control but shot tamely past the post.  The same player then connected sweetly to bring another good save from Devine.

The versatile Joel Ramm, filling in at left back on this occasion, made two strong forays down the wing to unsettle the Celtic defence, then Greening worked himself yet another shooting chance but was denied once more by the acrobatics of Devine who parried the ball and was grateful not to see any Town forwards following up.

Mark Barber was in commanding form in midfield, spraying passes out to both flanks or incisively through the middle as Town stayed on top.  When Cleator Moor managed to keep possession for a period, they finally had the opportunity to display the talents which had seen them climb the league table with five away wins in a row.  On 23 minutes Leigh Dunn put in a low cross from the right which was neatly headed in by Robert Fowler for the equaliser.

However Town took only one minute to regain the lead, Greening breaking away down the left and pulling the ball back for Brooksby to calmly make it 2-1 to Town.  Back came Cleator Moor, earning a corner which was cleared at the near post and Rob Clark then clutching an effort from Darren Johnston from a narrow angle.  The entertainment continued with a Greening shot deflected away from danger and a long-range Nathan Cook effort flying over the bar.  Logan showed a neat turn in the area but his goalbound effort was blocked, however Town's pressure was rewarded after 42 minutes when Georgie Rose's strength and persistence won the ball at the Celtic end before passing to Brooksby who converted from a narrow angle to complete a first-half hat trick.  In the final seconds before the break, a trademark 40-yarder from Nathan Cook thudded into the goalkeeper's midriff.

Town began the second period determined to add to their score and piled men into the Celtic penalty area, gaining their reward when the ball broke loose to Rose who blasted the ball inside the far post from just inside the 18-yard line.  Logan then broke away on the left and closed in on the keeper, but side-footed the ball wide of the far post.  Substitute Matty Brown shone brightly after being introduced to the Town midfield, and made a great run down the right before hitting a low cross which was almost turned into his own net by a flustered Celtic defender.  From the corner, the ball was rolled back to Nathan Cook who drove narrowly over the bar from 25 yards.

Ramm was next in line to have a shot blocked by a desperate defender, and a superb ball from Carl Cook sent Brooksby away but the youngster was crowded out at the last moment.  A skilful six-man move from Town ended with Nathan Cook rocketing a shot towards the top corner, only to see Devine soar to the rescue once again.

The scoring was completed on 81 minutes when Ramm made an interception in midfield to feed Brown whose delightful footwork created a chance for fellow-substitute Joe Danby to score from ten yards to make it 5-1 in Town's favour.

Town: Clark, Rose, Ramm, C Cook, Waterfield (Danby 69), N Cook, Patterson, Barber (Craig 60), Brooksby, Greening, Logan (Brown 60).

Attendance: 115

Referee: Jeffrey Chapman (Trimdon)
 
 

20th February 2010 - Wearside League - Scarborough Town 2 Windscale 0
 
With a group of volunteers having cleared the overnight snow, the pitch was muddy in places but overall in good condition.  Mark Barber and Georgie Rose lined up for their 50th competitive games in the team as Town entertained an in-form Windscale outfit.
 
Youngster Billy Logan began the game in a midfield role, allowing Joel Ramm to move up front alongside Josh Greening, but Logan and Ramm soon proved able to interchange positions at will.

After a tentative beginning, visiting keeper James Dolan was forced into a full length save from Nathan Cook after Logan had held the ball up well.  Then Windscale stormed forward and player-manager Matthew Henney's powerful shot just cleared the Town crossbar.
 
Full-back Danny Jenkinson showed a willingness to push forward down the left-hand side and earned a corner with his persistence, however he also earned an admonishment from the referee after a rash challenge.  On the other wing, Matt Perry was continuing in his unaccustomed wide role and provided several useful crosses.
 
On 20 minutes Dolan picked up a deflected ball which the referee deemed to be a back pass, giving Town a free kick from 15 yards which Barber blasted against the defensive wall.  Greening got up well to meet a cross from the right but his header cleared the bar, but then the Town defence was caught in possession and Windscale set up a scramble which Town were grateful to hack to safety eventually.  Windscale's long balls to the livewire Dean Rogers were causing problems for Town, with Neil Waterfield and Carl Cook needing to be at the top of their game to repel their opponent's forays.
 
A Greening corner was pulled back to Nathan Cook 25 yards out, but the defenders reacted well to block the ball.  The visitors then worked a great chance when Henney and Rogers combined to set up Andrew Hurley, but his shot drew a great save from Rob Clark in the Town goal.  Town took the lead on 40 minutes when Ramm timed his run well to pick up a pass and beat Dolan from 12 yards out.  Town ended the first half on top, with Greening's shot blocked by a determined defender.
 
Windscale began the second half in fine style, getting the ball quickly into the Town box and Rogers asking in vain for a penalty as he went to ground.  Then Barber needed to be alert as Windscale took a quick free kick which put the Town defence under pressure.  Town were soon back down the other end, and a Nathan Cook free kick found Perry who fed Ramm to turn niftily and shoot marginally too high with the visiting keeper well beaten.
 
Back came Windscale, with Clark tipping a cross over the bar and then pulling off a great save as the visitors strove for an equaliser.  Things soon looked even more ominous for Town, when Nathan Cook launched himself into a challenge which saw referee Graeme Hopper produce a red card.  Town were certainly under pressure, and a mazy run from Sean Pollan looked dangerous until Carl Cook nipped in to the rescue.  Town could not settle back into their normal pass-and-move game, but a determined run from Perry earned some respite with a run which was cleared for a corner on the right.
 
With the next goal likely to prove decisive, it was Town who struck when Josh Greening sprinted away from his marker and rounded the keeper to put Town 2-0 ahead in great style.  Windscale countered with a sweeping move sending Henney away on the right and crossing for Peter O'Donnell to volley just wide of the post.  Waterfield's height was proving useful in the Town defence as he headed clear on several occasions as the visitors piled forward, and the home team needed to defend in numbers to keep their goal intact.  Windscale's frustration boiled over in the final minute when full back Ryan Fitzwilliams was red-carded after an assault on Town substitute Joe Danby.
 
Town: Clark, Rose (Patterson 65), D Jenkinson (Brown 68), Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Perry, Barber, Greening, Logan (Danby 80), Ramm.
 
referee:  Graeme Hopper (Gateshead)
 

6 February 2010 - Wearside League Cup Quarter Final - Scarborough Town 8 Boldon CA 1.
 
Town's inventive attacking style took them past a very competent Bolden side to reach the Semi Final of the Wearside League Cup with Josh Greening notching a hat-trick and a revitalised Luke Jenkinson adding two more.
 
Ricky Ossai replaced the injured Rob Clark in goal, and Jenkinson was back in the line-up at centre forward hoping to end his lean spell in front of goal which stretched back to a previous round of the League Cup at Willington in November.
 
With only four minutes on the clock, Jenkinson chased a through ball and lifted it over the keeper, only to be brought crashing to the ground by Bolden's Number One Kris Anderson on the edge of the penalty area.  Referee John Harrison was remarkable lenient by allowing goalkeeper Anderson to remain on the field at the expense of a yellow card, with Town's only recompense being a free kick.  A well-rehearsed move saw Mark Barber hit a low twenty-yarder which Anderson parried, only for justice to be done when Jenkinson reacted swiftly and tapped the ball into the net from close range to put the home side 1-0 ahead.
 
Town were restricted to a couple of long-range efforts which did not trouble the Boldon defence until after 19 minutes Nathan Cook's pass split the defence to send Joel Ramm racing down the left and squaring the ball for Josh Greening to beat the keeper from eight yards out.
 
Boldon were playing some neat football in midfield without much of a cutting edge, but striker Kris Robertson controlled a long ball superbly and hit a sweet shot which brought a great save from Ossai.  On 29 minutes Boldon were back in the game courtesy of Eric Thompson who hit a blistering left-footed shot into the top corner from 25 yards out to make the score 2-1. 
 
Matt Perry ventured forwards on several occasions, finding space on the right wing to send in a cross which Anderson could only tip away, Georgie Rose's first-time effort being blocked and the follow-up from Mark Barber deflected away for a corner.  Back came Boldon to exert some pressure on the Town goal, but Ossai gathered the ball and his accurate long throw sent Greening probing deep into opposition territory.  There was little to choose between the sides at this stage and Boldon set up a scramble in the Town goalmouth where the home team needed some determined blocks to preserve their lead.
 
The whole complexion of the game changed in the final three minutes of the first half.  Perry surged upfield again and tried a shot which bounced off Jason Jones' knee for a corner.  The ball was worked into the penalty area but Town's final effort was half-cleared, then another blocked shot sent the ball looping into the air and coming down to the left foot of Town centre-back Neil Waterfield who found the corner of the net from 15 yards out to put the home team 3-1 ahead.  Within a minute, a foul on Nathan Cook saw the free kick placed through the defence by Greening for Ramm to burst clear and finish with confidence for Town's fourth, and straight away the ball was back in the Boldon penalty area for Greening to exhibit some superb close control despite being tightly marked and calmly beating the keeper again from close range to send Town in for the interval with a flattering 5-1 lead.
 
Boldon pushed forwards on the re-start, forcing a melée in the Town goalmouth, but Town countered at lightning speed, Ramm bursting clear of the back four but losing out to keeper Anderson and Rose's follow-up screamed wide of the goalpost.  Town made three substitutions after 52 minutes, and new arrival Billy Logan was straight into action, setting up a hectic scramble in the Boldon goalmouth which brought two great saves from Anderson and two last-ditch blocks from desperate defenders.  Logan then hit an effort just too high, whilst at the other end Ossai tipped a cross-shot from Thompson over the bar.  The fitness and determination of Town full-back Danny Jenkinson began to create more opportunities, and a one-two with Ramm sent Jenkinson away only to be thwarted by the outrushing Anderson.  Ramm then worked another opening and unselfishly put the ball across goal to Luke Jenkinson whose shot was deflected wide.
 
Boldon were still competing for every ball, and full-back James Donnelly hit the post with a swerving effort as the second half progressed without further addition to the scoresheet.  Anderson excelled himself with a fine save from Jamie Patterson, but once again Town were to score three times in the closing minutes of the half.  On 81 minutes excellent work from Luke Jenkinson set up a chance for Greening to convert from close range to complete his hat-trick.  Within 60 seconds a superbly-timed run from Logan was picked out by a through ball from Barber to give Luke Jenkinson the opportunity to make it 7-1.  Patterson and Ramm had further chances blocked, but on 87 minutes Patterson threaded the ball through to Barber who coolly dummied the keeper and Town's Number 8 netted goal number 8.
 
Boldon collected five yellow cards in a game which was by no means dirty, but substitute Andrew Whalley was fortunate not to see red in the final minute when he cynically took Luke Jenkinson out of the game.
 
Town now travel to either Jarrow or New Marske in the League Cup Semi Final, whilst in the other half of the draw Ryhope CW will be at home to either Annfield Plain or Easington Colliery.
 
Town: Ossai, Rose (Patterson 52), D Jenkinson, Waterfield (Danby 52), C Cook, N Cook (Logan 52), Perry, Barber, Greening, L Jenkinson, Ramm
 

27th January 2010 - North Riding Senior Cup Third Round - Town 0 Northallerton Town 3 (at Whitby Town FC)
 

Town were knocked out of the North Riding Senior Cup by Northallerton Town of the Northern League.  Town started brightly on a very muddy Turnbull Ground, and Josh Greening had an early one-on-one saved by visiting keeper Alex Kell before following up to push the ball across goal from a narrow angle without a colleague able to get forward fast enough to tap the ball in.  A free kick from 20 yards out was taken by Wayne Brooksby but went just wide of the post.
 
Town were creating the better chances, but a header from Northallerton's Carl Chillingworth glanced off the crossbar with Rob Clark beaten.  Greening again went clear on goal but was foiled once more by Kell, and the defenders recovered in time to bundle the ball off the line from Greening's follow-up.
 
Town player-coach Mark Barber suffered an ankle injury and was substituted two minutes after half time, and within a minute the visitors took the lead when a 30-yarder from Chillingworth found the net.  Joel Ramm made a surging run from left back and exchanged passes with Greening to find himself with only Kell to beat, and although Ramm's effort cleared the keeper it fell just wide of the right hand post.
 
On 70 minutes the decisive goal came when Steve Allison bore down on the Town goal and hit a fierce shot which was well parried by Clark, only for the ball to come back off Carl Cook and trickle into the net.
 
Town seemed to have earned a way back into the game after 78 minutes, when a dazzling Brooksby run ended with a foul which was clearly inside the penalty area but the referee awarded Town a free kick on the edge of the box which came to nothing.  Northallerton gained a flattering 3-0 scoreline in added time, when Andy Ramsbottom dashed clear to finish neatly.
 
Town: Clark, Perry, Waterfield (Danby 80), C Cook, Ramm, Rose, C Cook, Barber (Patterson 47), Brooksby, Logan, Greening (Brown 63)

23rd January 2010  -  Wearside League  -  Scarborough Town 5 Jarrow 0.
 
Scarborough Town earned another three points to further their promotion ambitions with a deserved victory over Jarrow.  With midfielders Mark Barber and Jamie Patterson absent, Wayne Brooksby dropped into a deeper role in the centre of the park alongside Nathan Cook and Georgie Rose.  Billy Logan continued up front for his second start in a Town shirt.
 
A Josh Greening through ball allowed Luke Jenkinson an early sight of goal, but his curling effort just cleared the bar.  Town had claims for a penalty when Jenkinson seemed to be brought down by a rash challenge, but Jarrow had the clearest chance to take the lead when Chris Lunn failed to connect properly from ten yards out.  Visiting keeper Tony Orr made a good save and also blocked a follow-up when the shot hit him on the head and bounced away.
 
Town were now controlling the game, and Jenkinson glanced a header wide when well-placed in front of goal.  Then a superb run by Joel Ramm from the halfway line saw him exchange passes before clipping the ball narrowly over the bar.  A goal was definitely overdue, and on 21 minutes Town took the lead.  Orr bravely saved one effort, then Logan's effort crashed back off the crossbar before finally Greening netted to put Town 1-0 up.
 
Greening had another chance within a minute and tried to chip the advancing keeper but did not get enough height on the ball and Orr made the save.  At the other end Rob Clark was brought into action and made a superb block when Peter Kirkham shot strongly from ten yards out.
 
Nathan Cook tried a couple of long-range efforts without troubling the opposing keeper, but Town's pressure earned them a series of corners which led to goal number two after 29 minutes.  The ball was worked from the left corner flag to Logan, who held the ball well before pushing the ball to the edge of the area where Nathan Cook met it with his right foot to send a low shot scudding into the net.  Logan showed excellent control before unleashing a snapshot which went wide of the post, but just on half-time Jarrow's Lunn hit a fierce effort which just cleared the bar.
 
Town had to make more positional changes at half time when Joel Ramm could not continue.  Joe Danby came on at right back with the versatile Matt Perry switching to the left hand side.  Jarrow began the second period with a slick passing move from one end of the field to the other, having two shots blocked and earning a corner which was headed over the bar by Peter Kane. 
 
Great work from Rose on the right wing provided a chance for Greening which he chipped into the goalkeeper's arms, then a surging run from Nathan Cook was halted by a last-ditch tackle before Greening blasted a 25-yarder which skimmed the crossbar.  At the other end, Kane worked the ball onto his left foot but hit the ball just outside the post, but Town came back with Perry heading over after one of many Town corners.
 
Greening again cleared the bar with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box before having a further shot blocked by Jarrow's inspirational skipper Lee O'Neil.  Town's third goal was not delayed for long, when Logan robbed a defender and Town piled men forward, Brooksby sliding the ball into the path of Joe Danby who finished calmly to make the score 3-0 after 71 minutes.  Within two minutes Logan was the victim of a horrible foul on the right wing, but carried on and centred for Danby to hit a scorcher into the net from 15 yards to make it 4-0.  Referee David Toor had played the advantage rule to great effect before going over to book the Jarrow offender.
 
With substitutes Sean Exley and Danny Jenkinson freshening up the team, Town looked likely to add to their tally, but goalkeeper Orr continued to frustrate the home forwards with a close-range block from Luke Jenkinson and diving at the feet of Wayne Brooksby who had been fed a great ball by Exley.  Town topped off the scoreline when Nathan Cook spotted Orr too far off his line and found the net with an accurate 40-yarder in the 90th minute to make it 5-0.
 
Town:  Clark, Rose (Exley 70), Ramm (Danby 45), Waterfield, C Cook, N Cook, Perry (D Jenkinson 60), L Jenkinson, Brooksby, Logan, Greening.
 
Attendance: 92

12th December 2009 - Wearside League Cup First Round - Scarborough Town 2 Teesside Athletic 1

With Georgie Rose still injured and Mark Barber unavailable, Joel Ramm moved into a different role as an attacking midfielder with Danny Jenkinson making his third start of the season at full back. Also stepping up from the Under-19s was striker Billy Logan to make his Town debut.

Teesside Athletic, playing with the confidence engendered by a long unbeaten run - only one defeat in all games this season - were the first side to exert pressure which ended when skipper Andrew Bell shot just wide. Town countered after Wayne Brooksby was fouled and Josh Greening's cross was bundled wide at the far post by Neil Waterfield. Then a quick throw from Logan almost earned a chance for Ramm but Athletic goalkeeper Stuart McDonald was quickly off his line.

Both sides were playing the ball around in entertaining style, keeping possession and looking for the killer pass. Town keeper Rob Clark saved competently from the Wearside League's top goalscorer James Kesterton, and a timely tackle from Jenkinson ended the visitors' next attack. Brooksby made two lightning-fast runs down the left but failed to create a clear chance, and at the other end Clark was troubled by an inswinging corner but cleared at the second attempt. Clark then excelled with a reflex save as Kesterton powered a header towards goal. Nathan Cook tried two long-range efforts after Town failed to play their way through the Athletic defence, and Clark made another save from his namesake Jamie in the Teesside number 10 shirt.

As the interval approached, Brooksby seemed to be obstructed in the penalty area but got back to his feet to earn a corner which was hit low and hard to Nathan Cook on the edge of the box. His shot took a deflection and came back off the goalpost, but Ramm was on hand to tap the ball into the net to give Town the lead. Within a minute Athletic had a great chance, but Jamie Clark again foundered on the Town keeper when he should really have scored from eight yards out. The importance of this miss was underlined when Town went further ahead in the final seconds of the half. Ramm was brought down twenty yards out, and Brooksby's free kick hit the post but bounced back across goal where Ramm was on hand to snap up the chance to put Town 2-0 ahead.

Town began the second period with a long spell of pressure, a Brooksby cross narrowly eluding Ramm and then Ramm shooting straight at the keeper in a crowded goalmouth. A powerful header from Jenkinson in midfield set up the next chance, but Logan's run was thwarted when McDonald deflected the ball wide of goal. Within minutes an overhead kick from Logan had McDonald scrambling across his line but the ball fell just wide of goal. A long through ball was chased by Brooksby who reached it just before the outrushing keeper and prodded it past Athletic's last man but agonisingly wide of the post.

Teesside were still sticking to their footballing principles in a pleasant contrast to the over-physical approach of many Wearside League teams, and an intricate five-man move ended with Rob Clark making another good save. Jamie Clark shot just wide, and skilful work from Dale Mendum earned a corner which came to nothing. However on 70minutes Athletic got back into the game with a goal from Kesterton. Ramm had been harshly penalised for handball 25 yards out, with the resultant free kick taking a ricochet off the defensive wall to give Kesterton a chance which he took with aplomb.

An astute ball from Jamie Patterson was intercepted at the expense of a corner for Town which led to a goalmouth scramble and several chances which came to nothing. At the other end Joe Danby made a good block at the near post when Athletic broke away, but Town came nearest to scoring when a corner resulted in a chance for Luke Jenkinson who crashed the ball against the crossbar from 15 yards out. At the final whistle Town had just shaded the game, earning a home tie against Boldon in the Quarter Final.

Town: R Clark, Perry, D Jenkinson (Danby 68), C Cook, Waterfield, N Cook, Patterson (L Jenkinson 80), Ramm, Brooksby, Logan, Greening (Brown 78)

5th Dec 2009 - Wearside League - Windscale 3 Scarborough Town 3

Town squandered a three-goal lead to share the points with a much-improved Windscale side after a lengthy trip to the Lake District. Under clear skies after recent torrential rains, the pitch at Egremont was heavy but in good condition, with the grass long and lush.

Town welcomed Mark Barber back into midfield after recovering from his recent car accident, replacing injured skipper Georgie Rose. Barber, Jamie Patterson and Nathan Cook formed a solid unit in central midfield, with Wayne Brooksby and Josh Greening working up and down the flanks and Luke Jenkinson spearheading the attack.

After ten minutes of parity, Town began to get on top and took the lead after 12 minutes. A through ball from Matt Perry sent Greening away down the left wing. Cutting inside, Greening progressed into the penalty area and coolly placed the ball past James Dolan in the home goal.
Another Greening centre just eluded Jenkinson by the narrowest of margins, and Barber chipped a shot which cleared the crossbar, but the home side came close when Dean Rodgers shot from the edge of the box and Rob Clark parried the ball to safety.

On 25 minutes a Jenkinson shot from the edge of the box was arrowing towards the top corner when Dolan pulled off a splendid save, but Town were not to be denied and within two minutes a good passing move between Joel Ramm and Nathan Cook gave Jenkinson the opportunity to turn inside and feed the ball to Brooksby who doubled Town's lead.

On the half hour mark Town went three goals ahead, with defensive midfielder Patterson venturing forward as the ball was fed into the box from the right hand side to hit the ball home from 12 yards despite the close attention of two defenders.

A long-range Nathan Cook effort was blocked, and the home defenders swarmed around Jenkinson as he anticipated a half-chance just in front of goal. With Town dominating, Windscale were reduced to playing on the break, but Neil Waterfield and Carl Cook were coping easily with long balls, and Town's hard-working midfielders were dropping back efficiently to prevent the Cumbrians from a clear sight of goal. Just on half time, some admirable one-touch football from Town saw Jenkinson move along the 18-yard line and hit a shot which Dolan saved well at the foot of the post.

The second half began uneventfully but after 55 minutes Town made a rare error in defence, Clark coming out but the ball was headed away without any great power, and Windscale's Lee Dixon took the chance to lob the ball neatly into the net to make the score 3-1. Town's coach Mitch Cook freshened up the side by deploying all three substitutes - withdrawing both Cooks along with Josh Greening to give teenagers Danny Jenkinson, Matty Brown and Joe Danby a slice of the action.

However Town seemed to lose their rhythm and the game became more evenly-contested and more physical. After 72 minutes Windscale struck again from a well-worked corner, the ball being flicked on at the near post for Peter O'Donnell to tap in from short range to make the score 3-2. With ten minutes still to go, Windscale's Dave Gullen was sent off for a second bookable offence but this seemed to spur the home side on even more, and on 88 minutes, a series of free kicks ended with Dean Rodgers hammering the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box to earn the home side a share of the points which they deserved after a determined second-half performance.

Town: Clark, Perry, Ramm, Waterfield, C Cook (D Jenkinson 60), N Cook (Brown 60), Patterson, Barber, Brooksby, L Jenkinson, Greening (Danby 60)