Percy Main's last scheduled home game of 2022 against Gateshead Rutherford in the George Dobbins League Cup, has been predictably postponed because of a frozen pitch. Hence, my words from the programme that will go unprinted are included here, along with my contributions to the Wallington (29th October) and Newcastle Independent (3rd December) issues that were issued, with the oldest one first -:
Percy Main Amateurs 3
Winlaton Community 3
By
all accounts, those lucky enough to be at St James’ Park for the visit of
Brentford were treated to an extravaganza of attacking football. While not
perhaps of the same standard as that contest, the six-goal thriller between
Percy Main Amateurs and Winlaton Community kept the spectators at Purvis Park
thoroughly entertained for the whole duration.
Following
a difficult start to the season, Winlaton have regrouped and are coming again
with confidence. On the back of a 7-1 hiding of Seaton Delaval the previous
week, the outfit from the far westerly reaches of Gateshead played a full part
in a compelling contest. While goal machine Kyle Wharton lead the line in a
muscular fashion, notching from the spot with an emphatic finish, it was tricky
winger Samuel Brhane who really caught the eye in the first period. Winlaton’s
game was built around their ability to break at speed and Brhane was absolutely
crucial to this tactical ploy. However, it was Percy Main who struck first.
All-action attacker Jay Errington made a superb move down the inside left
channel and squared the ball for the onrushing Alfie Livermore to crash home at
keeper Mendonca’s near post. Almost from the restart, it could and perhaps
should have been 2-0, when Dillon Blake accepted a perfectly weighted through
ball by Errington, only to fire a fraction wide.
As
well as the incisive passing play, both sides enjoyed good old fashioned melees
in the goalmouth. While Percy were frustrated to see a pair of Blake efforts
charged down, Winlaton benefitted from the rub of the green as Brhane toe poked
his side level on the half hour. The Villagers were not downhearted by this and
both Jordan Stephenson and Livermore were denied by block saves by Mendonca.
The game then changed 4 minutes from the break when Adam Green was adjudged to
have impeded Wharton and the big target man put the visitors ahead.
Within
2 minutes of the restart, The Main were level at 2-2. After having his heels
clipped in the box, Blake got up to take the resulting spot kick, rolling calmy
home as Mendonca guessed incorrectly. This sparked wave upon wave of home
attacks, including a blinding one handed save by Mendonca low to his left from
a strong Blake effort. The pressure finally told on the hour when an astute low
cross by Errington was effortlessly turned home by the classy Blake. If home
fans thought the visitors would wilt after this, there was a rude awakening 90
seconds later when Edgar crashed home an unstoppable volley from wide on the
right of the penalty area, tying up the game at 3-3. Despite the best efforts
of both sides, including a pair of blinding reflex saves by Percy keeper Callum
Elliott from the aforementioned Wharton, this is how it ended, following a
superb contest that was compelling from first whistle until last.
Ponteland United 1 Percy
Main Amateurs 2
The
main drag through Ponteland must boast the highest number of restaurants per
capita in the known world. Seemingly every other building between The Badger
and The Seven Stars is dedicated to the production of high quality
gourmet foods, without a single Just Eat sign on show. If you’re in search of
not sustenance, but sporting entertainment, then a right turn at The Diamond
is the way to go. Ponteland United’s original ground, renowned for its
impressive size and wonderful playing surface where Percy Main won the Northern
Alliance Combination Cup in May 2010 by defeating Hebburn Reyrolle, is now a
car park for the rebuilt Ponteland Leisure Centre. This impressive structure,
that also combines the local high school, looks out onto three sporting
facilities; the untouched cricket club, from whose square all new developments
radiate, the rugby club, who were hosting Rockcliff on the Saturday Percy Main
came visiting and the new home of Ponteland United. Behind a secure and
intimidating fence, on which a banner proclaiming the existence of Ponteland
United, verdant grass tells of an untouched football pitch; it isn’t in use
just yet. Instead, about half a mile up the road, a more modest but still
adequate facility plays host to PUFC, just behind the local primary school.
The
extra distance required to locate this ground resulted in a late arrival. Not
only was kick off a distant memory, Ponteland had just taken the lead.
Apparently ex-Main striker Joe Rowan had fired the home team into the lead. For
about the first thirty minutes, this must have been the only significant
goalmouth action worthy of the game, as both sides kept it tight on a blustery
afternoon, where a strong crosswind played havoc with ideas of close control or
swift, incisive wing play. Ponteland should have doubled their lead after a
moment of chaos in the Percy defence saw the ball given away in the penalty
area. However, a case of over elaboration by Ponteland resulted in Percy
scrambling the ball away to safety.
Up
front, Percy’s attack of Jay Errington, Alfie Livermore and Dillon Blake always
looked lively, and the latter was twice denied by desperate blocks in the box
around the half hour. However the equaliser, which came on 40 minutes, was worth
waiting for. An accurate, arrowed Crossfield pass by Livermore was superbly
controlled by Errington, whose accurate touch gave him the chance to bury an
impressive low finish from the left hand side of the area. In a game of few
chances, this was a more than important goal in the context of play. Indeed,
almost immediately, the Main went ahead. Almost inevitably, it was Dillon Blake
who notched what proved to be the winner, hurdling keeper Grady Wilson, who had
blocked but not held his first effort, to knock the ball into an empty net from
almost on the line.
The
second half was a far less memorable affair, as the gusting wind played havoc
with all attempts at constructive play. Not only that, frequent showers of
rain, including one particularly severe bout of hailstones, also interrupted
the rhythm of the game. Initially, the Main held the ascendancy, but a third
goal proved elusive, though every time Ponteland countered, the effortless
handling of the ever impressive Callum Elliott, kept the home side at bay. In
the end, Percy Main deserved the victory for a solid showing from front to
back.
Dead on Arriva
With
Percy Main somewhat inactive, having unaccountably been left with a blank
weekend, despite the fact that Whitley Bay A were similarly free and have still
to come to Purvis Park, I decided to make another tick in my ongoing attempts
to recomplete my Northern Alliance set, on a sunny day that perhaps offered me
my last chance to wear shorts to a game in 2022. As has regularly been alluded
to, the rapid turnover of clubs and moving of grounds by others means
completing the Alliance is a task somewhat akin to a sporting version of
painting the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling with a toothbrush. On Saturday morning I
was left with 3 grounds still to visit; Blyth Rangers at the Isabella Pavilion,
Burradon and New Fordley at Burradon Welfare and, according to information only
recently communicated to me, Hexham at Queen Elizabeth High School in the town.
Predictably, the first and last of those mentioned were away and so Burradon
versus Seaton Delaval Amateurs in the Challenge Cup was to be my destination.
No doubt I’ll make the trip up to Burradon again with Percy Main later in the
season for a league game, which will then be the third ground I’ve seen that
fixture on, after Fordley Welfare and Action Park, as recently as last Easter
Monday evening.
One
benefit of visiting Fordley was the supposed ease of travel, when contrasted
with both blyth and Hexham; Arriva’s 52 could pick me from Four Lane Ends if I
was coming from mine, or the 53 would collect me opposite New York Club if I
decided to travel from Shelley’s, which is what I opted for in the end.
Arriving at the designated stop in plenty of time for the 12.50 bus that would
drop me directly opposite the ground at 13.30, I began a wait that predictably
turned into a vigil. I realise that national politics are in vogue right now,
but at a local level Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah is currently engaged in a
series of fact-finding meetings with the top brass at Arriva, Go North East and
Stagecoach to discover quite why bus services on North Tyneside are so dismally
incompetent. This may be a fond task, as the services have been shocking
throughout my adult life. Stood seething on Brookland Terrace, I composed many
an email in my head before finally boarding the late running 13.20 service at
13.31. The 12.50 service did not operate. There was no explanation for this on
social media or recognition of the fact on the Arriva website. Inquiring for a
reason from the driver, I was given an insolent shrug by way of response.
Once
the large knot of pensioners that comprised the vast majority of passengers on
board had disembarked at Boundary Mills, the bus steadily made-up time,
presumably on account of the fact that only Northern Alliance addicts or those
with a strong love for Killingworth, Cramlington and environs would be likely
to use this service, explaining why there were only 3 of us, excluding the
driver, on board after Great Lime Road. The ground, beside Burradon Primary
School, was adjacent to the bus stop, and game noises told me I’d missed kick
off. Not to worry, the sounds guided me home, and I took up my place, arms
resting on the permanent pitch barrier, just in time to see Delaval take the
lead when a loose ball from a corner kick was swept home from inside the six-yard
box. There seems to be a theme, unlike in previous years when North Shields
Athletic and Cullercoats perennially struggled to avoid the drop, that
whichever side falls to the bottom of the table then engages in a Lazarus-style
renaissance, pulling steadily away to safety. We’ve already seen Winlaton hold
us to a thrilling draw at Purvis Park, and now the other Amateurs are seemingly
reinvigorated, coming into this one on the back of a 6-1 victory over Newcastle
Independent.
Their
opponents Burradon are a feisty set of battlers, and they came back strongly
from this setback, though their equaliser on the half hour did have something
of the unexpected about it. Again, a corner was not cleared properly, only this
time it was a home player who swept the loose ball home. However, parity was
not restored for long, as Delaval retook the lead with what turned out to be
the winning goal and a fine strike it was too. A central free kick from pushing
30 yards was clipped serenely into the top corner with the Burradon keeper left
vainly grasping at thin air. In all honesty, it was a fair score line at the
break and a lovely piece of skill to bring us to that point.
Surprisingly,
the second half produced no further goals, though not for a want of trying. In
fact, a brace of well marshalled defences at either end of the pitch were
profoundly on top in the contest and actually chances were thin on the ground,
though the game remained compelling throughout. Despite oath-edged talk in the
heat of battle, the final whistle saw good natured handshakes exchanged, just
as it should be. It’s a basic facility at Burradon in terms of playing
facilities, but the developments off the pitch look to be paying dividends.
Sadly, I was unable to locate coffee anywhere and so took the amazingly
punctual bus home with my thirst unslaked. For those who are interested in such
things, the return journey took as long as Burnley did to score 4 unanswered
goals on Wearside, which kept me happy and amused until I arrived home.
Percy Main 4 Wallington 1
It
would be fair to say that in recent times, Wallington have held the upper hand
in encounters with Percy Main. Only a few weeks ago, the men from Scots Gap put
Percy to the sword by a margin of 7-1 at their scenic Oakford Park home.
However, that was a modest loss compared to the shameful 14-0 loss that marked
the end of last season. Indeed, it have been over 6 years and 10 long years
since the Villagers had come out on top against today’s visitors. Therefore,
the final score from this contest acts as something of a footballing palate
cleanser, though it must also be recognised that Wallington are an excellent
footballing side and played a full part in another superb afternoon at Purvis
Park, where the entertainment may not be quite of the standard currently on
display at St James Park but is some of the very best football to be seen in
the Alliance. Such is the improvement discernible since manager Gavin Hatrick
assumed control at Percy that the team is playing at a standard not seen in
years. Long may this continue.
A
ferocious cloudburst right on the first whistle meant the game began in filthy
conditions, ideal for uncompromising, whole-hearted attacking play that stirs
the blood. The to and fro from both sides was as sparking as the sky was dank
and gloomy. Inside two minutes, Tyler Scarth had the ball in the net for Percy
Main, only to be denied by an offside flag. Wallington could have taken the
lead on 5 minutes, when Jack Palmer found himself unmarked 6 yards out, but
opted for power over precision and sliced his effort well over. This was only a
temporary reprieve as Adam Green, the steadiest of all Main defenders for
seasons now, underhit a backpass, allowing the ever dangerous Keelan Nellis to
pounce and roll the ball into an empty net. However, this was only a temporary
setback, and the Main came roaring back. Ben Bradburn nodded in at the back
post on 21 minutes, notching his first goal since arriving at Purvis Park from
Alnwick Town.
Wallington
should have been back in front on 28 minutes after Callum Elliott failed to
hold a hanging cross, presenting the ball to Kyle Rearden in the 6 yard box.
However Eliott atoned with an incredible, brave block to keep the scores level.
The home side then took the lead just after the half hour when Jordan Stephenson
accepted a pass from Dillon Blake and fired viciously home via the underside of
the bar for what would effectively be the winning goal, though with an hour to
play, anyone predicting that eventuality would have been a brave man, as
Wallington continued to probe and push the Main back.
Perhaps
the crucial, defining moment came on 52 minutes when a Wallington defender was
penalised for handball in the box. Blake took the responsibility and
confidently rolled the ball home, to give the Main a 3-1 lead. Wallington
continued to probe and Elliott was required to be at his best to deny Michael
Angus, though it was to be the Villagers who wrapped up the scoring when Scarth
accepted a beautiful long ball out of defence and finished stylishly to make
the final score 4-1. The last few minutes featured a strong shout for another
Percy penalty and a quite incredible dash from goal by Callum, obviously
seeking not to replicate the errors of Hugo Lloris the week before, that ended
in him losing his balance and aquaplaning into the Wallington player on the
ball. The yellow card was inevitable, but worth it from a spectator’s point of
view.
Chemfica 1 Percy Main 2
As
3 World Cups in T20 cricket, rugby league and women’s rugby union reach their
conclusions and top level football in England pauses until Christmas to
accommodate the dubious delights of the tournament in Qatar, the truly
discerning lover of the beautiful game will no doubt be delighted to note that
the Northern Alliance is continuing regardless. On a Saturday when Eddie Howe’s
renascent Newcastle United completed a fourth successive league win by cuffing
an abysmal Chelsea to one side, Gavin Hatrick’s Percy Main Amateurs matched the
Magpies’ feat, though with slightly less acclamation.
In
truth, this game was a slow burner, with little to report during a lacklustre
opening half an hour. While the Main clearly had the lion’s share of
possession, there was little tangible to show for this, as the lack of direct
efforts on goal kept ex Main custodian Reece Monaghan underoccupied against his
former team. The deadlock was broken, against the run of play and with strong
suspicions of offside in the build-up, when Olly Ure put the home side ahead
with a doubly deflected effort, after accepting a cross from the right wing.
Thankfully, the Villagers did not put them off their stride and they tied the
game up on 44 minutes when Mark McDonnell curled a sumptuous effort beyond
Monaghan and into the top corner from distance. In all honesty, it may have
been a cross rather than a shot, but regardless it was an eye catching effort
and just rewards for a strong showing by Percy.
The
second period saw play develop in a clear pattern; Percy Main pressed high and
pushed Chemfica back, with the home team relying on pacy counterattacks down
the left hand touchline. However, Chemfica had little in terms of attacking
threat to profit from these quick breaks and so the ball was returned to Percy
players in attacking positions. Alfie Livermore and Jay Errington both had
excellent games, causing their markers no end of headaches with their astute
movement across the box. Efforts by Jordan Stephenson, a flashing shot inches
wide on the turn, Livermore, a quick free kick and McDonnell, a good low effort
saved at the foot of the post, kept Monaghan on his toes. The Chemfica
custodian was unlucky to be finally beaten on 68 minutes, after making another
quality save. Firstly, McDonnell fed newly arrived substitute Tyler Scarth,
whose first touch of the ball was almost a goal. Instead, the honour went to
Stephenson, who buried the loose ball to put the Main decisively ahead.
The
rest of the game was mainly concerned with a Monaghan versus Livermore duel
that saw the Chemfica keeper thrice deny the Main’s rising young star. This was
another impressive performance and excellent win by a settled side who are
blessed with spirit, stamina and no shortage of skill. Long may this continue!!
Newcastle United; Autumn
2022
It
was just before the Manchester United game when I last expressed my opinions
about Newcastle United. At that point, the season had seen a steady start, but
nothing out of the ordinary, with some of the usual hysterical gripes on social
media exploding from the great unwashed, such as the clown in the Peaky
Blinders cap bellyaching that we were in a relegation dogfight after the
Bournemouth draw. So, how’s that working out for you fella? Perhaps you were
the one in The Gosforth Hotel at the start of the Chelsea game, also keeping
the Birmingham millinery manufacturers in work, claiming we’d get beat with
Woods and Willock in the team. Well said that lad…
Looking
back now, in something of a sulk that the unwelcome distraction of the World
Cup has stayed our stellar progress, the most amazing thing about the
Manchester United game is that it wasn’t on the telly, which is probably why it
felt like such a low profile affair. No I don’t do fire sticks or any of that
palaver, so I only got to see the highlights on Match of the Day 2. Should have
won it in the first half; could have lost it after the break, so I suppose a
draw was a reasonable result in the circumstances, though I do think we’d have
had more of a go at them with the benefit of 6 weeks of hindsight after the way
we’ve played since that point. The biggest shame back then was news of Isak’s
injury, which I guess just proves football is a wicked game. Predictably ASM
found some kind of injury to duck out of things and make his reputation grow by
not actually playing. I’m becoming less and less convinced he is essential to
the squad moving forward.
And
so on to the Everton game, where the big pixels of Amazon Prime made the
television coverage look like a tribute to the Blockbusters pieces that Bob
Holness used to concern himself with, when not performing saxophone solos for
Gerry Rafferty (yes, I do know…). What was still abundantly clear is that
Newcastle were the best team by far and Everton, under the less than expert
tutelage of Lampard minor, have not progressed a scintilla since Benitez was
given the shove. Almiron scored a blinder, and we could, and should, have had a
few more, but it didn’t matter too much in the end as Everton were so
pedestrian, they didn’t threaten our goal in any meaningful manner throughout
the entire game. It was an efficient victory with the added bonus of another
clean sheet as we continue to demonstrate that the current Newcastle defence is
almost unrecognisable from the shambles under Algarve Bruce.
If
the Fulham and Brentford games had an air of unreality about them, on account
of the crushing margins of victory in both, then that particular sensation was
redoubled during the next pair of fixtures. The manner in which Newcastle
crushed Aston Villa was redolent of the 5-1 scudding handed out to them when
Andy Cole notched his 40th of the season back in 1993/1994. Sometimes it can
actually amaze you just how good a team we’ve become. The fact Villa had won
well themselves the week before, having freed themselves of the shackles of
Gerrard’s incompetence, was not a threat, more of an utter irrelevance.
Courtesy of that stumbling carthorse Mings rendering his own keeper senseless
and pensioner Ashley Young (ironic name alert) displaying the reactions of a
tired Argentinosaurus when the ball was fired towards his arms, we got the
first goal from the spot, which put us ahead at the break and allowed us to
crush them underfoot in the second period. It could, and should, have been 6 as
Wilson and Murphy both cracked the woodwork late on.
As
for Southampton, having endured Hassenhuttl’s bellyaching after Wood and Bruno
did for his side last year, it was even better to see them both on the
scoresheet again as we obliterated his mob, despite not passing the ball that
well. What we did was score a clutch of sublime goals, with the side netting
feeling the caresses of our footwork on every occasion. Probably the most
telling moment was Botman’s frustration as they pulled one back on 89 minutes;
with an attitude like that, no wonder we’ve got the best defensive record in
the league. Incidentally, Sean Longstaff was incredible; his indefatigable
stamina showing the fruits of all those summers spent haring round the back
field at Tynemouth Cricket Club, with his dad Davy shouting the odds from a
prone position. Let’s hope young Matty reaps the benefits soon, as there’s not
one true NUFC fan doesn’t love the bones of the pair of them.
When
Palace rolled into town for the League Cup tie, it was great to finally get to
a game. Courtesy of my mate John’s membership, he sorted out brilliant tickets
in the Leazes North East Corner, which must be one of the most civilised parts
of the ground to spectate from, for him, me and my son Ben. This is a 70 year
old bloke coming over from county Kildare for a midweek game you do realise.
That’s what I call dedication. We had a superb pizza before the game in
Pinocchio’s as well as the usual brilliant pints in The Bodega. It was just a
shame we had to endure 90 minutes of football that teetered between tepid and
terrible. I liked our initial team selection, but both Shelvey and ASM were
still miles off the pace and turned in woeful displays over the 90. I liked
Howe’s substitutions even more, but the crucial breakthrough just would not
come and so we had the lottery of penalties. The least said about Bruno’s
effort the better, but you have to say that Pope earned his money that night.
When he came in the summer, I wasn’t convinced we needed another keeper, but he
has demonstrated he’s a clear step up on Dubravka. The reward of a home tie
against Bournemouth next time out is one I appreciate. I’ll definitely be at
that pre-Christmas treat.
And
so, the Chelsea game. Again, what can you say? They were absolutely horrific,
and we ought to have smashed them out of sight. I’m still scratching my head at
why we didn’t get a penalty when Chalobah almost took the laces out the ball,
but it simply didn’t matter in the end, despite Kai Havertz’s toddler tantrum,
as Willock scored as good a goal as any of Miggy’s recent superstar strikes.
Almost incredibly, but totally deservedly, we head into this strange pause with
30 points from 15 games, having tasted defeat only once and that being in
August. Without question, these players are responding to some superb coaching
and man management; whether they’ve been here for several seasons and been able
to shake off their post Algarve Bruce torpor, or if they’ve arrived in the last
12 months and have grasped the nettle in turn the club around, they are giving
Eddie Howe at least 110% if not more. Howe himself has proved all doubters
wrong, in terms of his coaching and his demeanour. It’s a while since we last
had a manager I respected, probably Chris Hughton if I’m honest, but here is a
man whose words I hang on. Except when he is unnecessarily forced into a corner
by mendacious members of the Fourth Estate asking vindictive closed questions
about Saudi Arabia. That we can all do without.
Ah
Saudi Arabia; the investment by PIF. At some point, the elephant in the room
had to be addressed. I’m guessing that probably 10% of our active support have
some kind of moral dilemma about being owned by the House of Saud. However,
most of them can sleep soundly in the knowledge of this. Being generous, I’d
imagine only 1% of those have walked away from the club and then, they’ve done
it without making a fuss for the most part because, being honest, as a single
person you’re never going to have any influence such investment, much less turn
Saudi Arabia into a modern, democratic state. Let’s stick to football, eh?
AFC Newbiggin 4 Percy Main
1
The
current World Cup is Qatar is the source of much debate of Human Rights abuses
and also the difficulties faced by spectators trying to gain access to grounds
in time for kick off. While such privations may not seem to have much to do
with Northern Alliance football, the 50 or so supporters of both teams who
assembled outside the 4G cage at Hirst Welfare that AFC Newbiggin are
temporarily calling their home as they wait for building works to be completed
on their Newbiggin Leisure Centre base, could empathise with those straining to
see events on the field in Qatar, as they themselves squinted and sought
differing potential vantage points as the game continued behind the unforgiving
confines of the vandal proof, green metal fence that separated fans from
footballers.
Perhaps
the most significant effect of the peculiar vantage point for spectators was to
make it difficult to feel connected to the game. This was a pity as, once the
players had come to terms with the lively bounce off the artificial surface,
the game was played to a good standard. Newbiggin’s main danger was striker
Liam Thompson, who almost opened the scoring with a curling effort that dropped
just wide after 10 minutes. For Percy Main, who were enjoying the lion’s share
of possession, the closest to an opening goal came from a strong Ant Ridley
shot from the edge of the box that keeper Nathan Hudson reacted instinctively
to tip over.
Newbiggin
took the lead, slightly against the run of play, on the half hour mark when
Thompson expertly nodded home from a soft free kick, conceded on the touchline.
The goal was redolent of Australia’s winner that morning against Tunisia.
Sadly, Jay Errington was unable to draw the Main level right on half time when
he mistimed a similar headed opportunity as the visitors roared back. With the
very last kick of the half, Alfie Livermore put a strong effort just wide as
Newbiggin held on to lead 1-0 at the break.
At
the resumption, Percy Main redoubled their attacking instincts, following the
introduction of Dillon Blake from the bench. As ever, the busy forward was at
the centre of everything good about the Villagers’ play. He set up Errington
with a splendid defence-splitting pass for a 1 on 1 with Hudson, that the
keeper did well to block. However, for all the intricate close play, it was a
lusty ball over the top by Carl Collins that brought about the equaliser on 70
minutes. Errington timed his run to perfection and expertly lobbed the
on-rushing Hudson. While the goal was nothing less than the Main deserved for
their excellent response, it was the signal for the visitors to fold like a
pack of cards and concede three unanswered goals in the next 13 minutes, giving
the final score a lopsided and somewhat unfair look.
Immediately
following the equaliser, Newbiggin drove down the left and a deep cross to the
back post saw an unmarked Jack Livingstone restore the home side’s lead with a
precise header. Worse was to come as Adam Angus pounced on a rebound in the
box, following Callum Elliott’s smart save, to bury the loose ball on 79
minutes. The final indignity came courtesy of Harry Bainbridge, who waltzed
through the Main defence on 83 minutes and fired home to put the game beyond
all doubt, leaving Percy Main to reflect on a quite spectacular collapse after
working so hard to restore parity.
Percy Main 2 Newcastle
Independent 3
Those
of you who are still looking for a last minute Christmas present for the
football lover in your life, may consider the value of a half season ticket for
Percy Main Amateurs. Reasonably priced at £20, they grant admission to all
fixtures yet to be played at Purvis Park in 2022/2033 and with probably 10
games still to go, that represents tremendous value, especially if the games
are as good as the ones that have been played already this campaign. This may
seem a strange thing to say on the back of a late home defeat to a strong,
well-disciplined and highly effective Newcastle Independent side, but it seems
clear that news of the quality of Percy Main’s play has got around the Northern
Alliance, if one considers the confrontationally effusive celebrations that
accompanied each goal by the Newcastle Independent technical team, as well as
the fact today’s game was filmed by two separate camera crews.
From
the first whistle, Newcastle Independent sought to gain the upper hand, with
Harvey Walsh unleashing a fierce drive that drifted just wide of Callum
Elliott’s right hand post in the first minute. On a bitterly cold day that saw
torrential downpours interrupted by short bursts of dazzling sunshine, the
football on display was a warming treat for the crowd of interested onlookers.
Most, if not all, would not have been surprised when Independent took the lead
on 20 minutes, when Matthew Bowles profited from a favourable bounce following
a block tackle and finished coolly into the bottom corner. Until 35 minutes,
Percy Main had shown little in the way of creativity as the strong Independent
defence kept them at arm’s length, but this was to change when Dillon Blake was
tripped in the area. The Main striker picked himself and slotted home from 12
yards to restore parity. The final incident of note in the half involved Rob
Ridley having a tooth knocked out by an Independent player. One hopes Rob
remembered to place the otiose molar under his pillow on Saturday night.
The
second half began evenly, until Independent took the lead after a smart piece
of finishing by Rhys Hutchinson, who seized on a loose ball and drove it
viciously into the bottom corner. This was the cue for the Villagers to embark
in their best period of play in the game. Both Jay Errington and Ant Ridley
were denied by stupendous saves by Rob Hodgson in the away goal, though he was
rather embarrassed to be beaten by Jordan Stephenson’s decent, but not
devastating, strike in the 63rd minute that brought the scores back
level. Under leaden skies, on a gluey pitch, the two sides strove for the upper
hand. Sadly for Main, the visitors were to prevail when Harvey Walsh broke away
down the left and fired powerfully under the body of the advancing Elliott on
83 minutes. It was a tough defeat to swallow, but the Main lads knew they had
given their all and played their full parts in a very entertaining encounter.
