Shotton Colliery 4–0 Doxford Park FC

The Yakkas remain top of the Wearside League Division Two after a classy performance

Shotton Colliery made it four wins from four in all competitions since the Wearside League restarted with a comfortable 4–0 victory over mid table Doxford Park.

On a windy afternoon in East Durham, both sides grew slowly into the match, although some loose passes from both sides made for a scrappy opening 15 minutes.

Chances were at a premium during the first half, but the commitment of both sides couldn’t be faulted as the tackles were flying in.

Just past the 20 minute mark a scramble in the Doxford box saw the ball fall to Hall but his effort was well held by the keeper. At the other end, the Doxford number 9 managed to break through but the Shotton back line recovered well to dampen out any threat.

The Doxford keeper was alert to play a sweeper role and clear out a through ball with his head as Shotton started to turn the screw.

On the half hour mark, Shotton made the breakthrough. Bennett floated a teasing corner across the penalty area and Connor Walker made no mistake with the header past the keeper. 1–0 to the Yakkas.

Nathan Grainger fired an effort wide of the mark as the break through gave the hosts more of an edge. A 50/50 challenge in the Shotton box went the way of the home side and the remaining few minutes of the half went past with little incident.

HT Shotton Colliery 1–0 Doxford Park FC

The second half started with the same casual tempo as the first. The Shotton back line dealt well with any visiting attacks.

The hosts came close to doubling the lead but saw a fizzing effort tipped over the bar by the keeper. Minutes later Walker guided a header towards goal from a set piece but failed to trouble the keeper.

Just before the hour mark, Shotton did double their lead; and in some style. Sub Brad Beeston picked up the ball around 40 yards out, spotted the keeper off his line, and made no mistake in finding the back of the net. A superb finish to give the hosts a real foothold in the match.

The second goal caused a shift in temp and the hosts played with far more freedom. The visitors, with just the one substitute on the bench, began to tire and Shotton went in for the kill. Goalscorer Beeston tried his luck again and would have had his second of the afternoon if not for a fine save from the keeper.

With twenty minutes left on the clock, victory was sealed by inform man Nathan Grainger beat a defender in the box and managed to fire under the keeper for his fourth goal in three games.

By this time, Shotton were starting to play like a team with victory wrapped up. The icing on the cake came five minutes from time when first half substitute Micky Boardman turned his man before smashing home his first goal for the Yakkas.

The remaining minutes were seen out with little risk by a Shotton side which is brimming with confidence. Despite being without half a dozen players who are away with Peterlee Catholic Club and their big semi final tomorrow, the Yakkas put in a thoroughly professional performance to remain top of the Wearside League Division Two table.

Up next, another home clash against Hurworth Albion next Saturday as the games continue to come thick and fast.