Unibond League Division One North
Apr 27 2009 The Journal
Woodley Sports 3, Durham City 4
THE Lambeth Grove stadium in Stockport was no place for the faint-hearted on Saturday, especially for Durham City supporters.
They endured a tortuous 90 minutes before celebrating as the side clinched the UniBond League Division One North championship during their first season in the competition.
Lee Collings’ team went into the game in the knowledge that victory would secure the title but a dreadful first-half performance had them trailing 3-1.But City were a different outfit in the second 45 minutes.
Durham’s defending in the opening half gifted Woodley Sports three goals. Gary Gee was first to accept an early opportunity, and although Stephen Richardson equalised following quick thinking by the former Consett player Mattie Moffat, Durham were all at sea at the back.
Liam Hogan drove across goal into the net and things began to look bleak as Gavin Salmon went through unhindered to beat Craig Turns.
City supporters’ despair turned to joy in the second half. Moffat bundled the ball over the line on 54 minutes and 10 minutes later Durham were back in the game with a superb equaliser from Richardson.
The visitors looked more assured but Moffat pulled his shot wide before man-of-the-match Richardson completed his hat-trick 10 minutes from the end.
“I was a nervous wreck. That’s the worst we have defended all season but fair dues to the lads, they responded magnificently during the second half,” said Collings.
“We’ve only lost three games all season, have scored 98 goals which is more than any other side and conceded only 41, fewer than any other team.
“I think any neutral observer would agree that we are worthy champions.”
WOODLEY SPORTS: Connett, Sellars, Furnival, Cotton, Hogan, Kennedy, Haslam (Hedley), Browne, Queeley, Salmon, Gee (Madeley), Walker.
DURHAM CITY: Turns, Harrison, Capper, Dodds, Dixon, R Smith, Cogdon (C Smith), Graydon, Moffat (Laws), Richardson, English.
Referee: Mr P Dunn. Attendance: 159.
