Acklam Football Club

 

Acklam FC v Coulby Newham ‘B’

Sunday 22nd April 2007

 

Acklam’s last scheduled league match of the season was at home to Coulby Newham ‘B’. Acklam were hoping for a win that would take them to equal points with Darlington TSC and see them in an end of season play off match for the title.

From kick off it was obvious that Acklam were in good form and they soon settled into the game. Good passing from the midfield and intelligent running from the strikers started causing Coulby problems and Acklam soon started rattling in the goals.

Adam Lane settled the nerves early in the game with a header from a tantalising Joe Stubley cross, the same player scored another two in quick succession to clinch a quick fire hat trick, the first a strike from the edge of the box and the second when he pounced on a loose ball in the six-yard box.

 Coulby however, in spite of the goals they were conceding showed their determination not to let Acklam have it their own way, spirited attacks down the flanks forced Acklam back, Acklam’s defence held strong and more Acklam goals went in. Not to be out done by his strike partner, Josh McDermott then fired in a brace, his first goal came with a sharp finish after a good ball from centre back Jack Cubbin, his second, a shot from inside the box after a mazy dribble through the Coulby defence. Then Jack Cubbin got his name on the score sheet when his long-range free kick deceived the Coulby keeper. Josh McDermott then scored another, this time from close range to clinch his hat trick.

The referee blew for half time with the score Acklam 7 v Coulby ‘B’ 0

Acklam rang the changes at half time, an early test for the reorganised defence saw keeper Michael Easton collect the ball well under pressure from the Coulby forward.

Acklam continued their first half form into the second, and more goals went in past the beleaguered Coulby keeper. Adam Lane leapt high to head in a pinpoint Jordan Wales cross, then a Joe Stubley special from the edge of the box hit the back of the net. Coulby pushed forward in the chase for a goal and a fine save from keeper Michael Easton resulted in a corner. The ball was cleared by the Acklam defence, Adam Lane collected it in his own half, he then ran away from the chasing pack of Coulby defenders and keeper who had joined the attack to net another goal.

Josh McDermott then notched another with a clinical finish to put Acklam eleven goals to the good. Coulby’s sprit shone through, and from another enterprising attack were awarded a penalty when the Acklam defender pushed the Coulby attacker in the area. Unfortunately for Coulby they found Michael Easton in fantastic form as he flung himself low to his left to make a tremendous penalty save.

To add to Coulby’s woe’s, Acklam broke away and scored from the resulting clearance, Joe Parkin netted with a strike from inside the area. Adam lane notched another from the edge of the box, then Joe Stubley scored his second with another clinical finish.

Coulby refused to raise the white flag and mounted another attack; they were awarded another penalty when the Coulby striker went down under a challenge from the Acklam defender Michael Hurndall. This time the Coulby penalty taker made no mistake and lashed an unstoppable shot past Michael Easton into the net.

Final Score Acklam 14 v Coulby Newham ‘B’ 1 

Another ‘must win’ match was won well by the squad. They started the game in the right frame of mind, and after the first ten minutes the result was never in doubt.

The forwards did the damage in the early stages of the match, but credit must be paid to the defence and midfield who worked hard to give Acklam the edge.

Well done to Coulby ‘B’ whose spirit shone through in a difficult match, they tried hard for a goal and were justly rewarded late in the game. 

M.O.M. – Michael Easton – He has been patient this season, and took his chance to prove himself an able deputy for Joe Parkin. His penalty save rounded off an impressive performance.