Acklam Football Club

Acklam FC v Norton & Stockton Ancients

Sunday 2^nd December 2007  

Acklam FC played host to first division Norton & Stockton Ancients in the quarter finals of the League Cup on a very wet afternoon at the Acorn Centre.

Norton & Stockton opened the scoring as early as the 5^th min when a long ball over the top beat the Acklam defence and was knocked over the advancing goalkeeper by the Norton & Stockton forward.

Acklam then started to play some decent football that we knew they could and from a corner caused panic in the Norton & Stockton defence that they just managed to scramble clear.

Jordan Wales broke down the right and his cross was met by Adam Lane to draw Acklam level. Charlie Collin played in Joe Stubley who inturn fed Adam Lane but his shot went just over the bar.

Norton & Stockton’s fast flowing football was always going to cause problems but Acklam closed them down and worked very hard to stay in the game.

Adam Lane flicked on to Jordan Wales who shot just wide of the target.

Adam Lane then found himself with a 1v1 opportunity against the Norton keeper who won the chase to the ball and cleared the danger.

Jordan Wales floated in a free kick and Adam Lane’s header was tipped behind by the Norton & Stockton keeper for a corner.

Norton & Stockton attacked down the left and a great cross ended with the forward trying a spectacular overhead kick that went just wide.

Great inter play from Jack Cubbin Joe Stubley and Adam Lane set Stephen Waite clear but his shot was off target.

Norton & Stockton worked a good opening from a throw in and the forward shot wide 

Half Time Acklam FC 1 v 1 Norton & Stockton 

The second half was only a few minutes old when Acklam were awarded a penalty, Adam Lane stepped up but sadly hit his penalty high and wide.

Norton & Stockton spurred on by the penalty miss made Acklam pay as they went forward and scored to make the score 2-1 with a well driven shot into the corner of the net.

Acklam refused to give up and equalised when Sandy Davison played in Adam Lane who crossed for Stephen Waite to fire home.

Alex Hamblen then hit the post as Acklam went looking for a third.

A long through ball set Adam Lane away and he drove past the goalkeeper into the far corner to put Acklam 3-2 up.

Alex Hamblen then tore down the left and his perfect cross was met by Adam Lane to complete his hat trick and send Acklam into dreamland.

With approx 5mins to go in this enthralling cup-tie Norton & Stockton scored again to give this game another twist.

Acklam held out to record a magnificent victory that everyone connected with the club can be very proud of. 

Full Time Acklam FC 4 v 3 Norton & Stockton 

What a performance full of grit, determination, pride, passion and a fantastic never say die attitude.

Norton & Stockton were magnanimous in defeat an in the words of one of their representatives they were out fought and out played. 

MOM: Every single member of the squad can be proud of this victory and it would be totally unfair to single out individuals in what was an astonishing game of football, played in the right spirit by both sides. Also a special mention for the referee John Lucas who let the game flow at all times.