CONSETT AFC 4-2 WEST AUCKLAND TOWN

(Saturday 16 December, 3:00PM)

West Auckland succumbed to a four goal haul by the impressive Michael Mackay as they struggled to gain any foothold in the game.

Consett had a couple of early opportunities before marksman Michael Mackay put the hosts ahead, finishing off a four man move. Dale Jardine nearly gave West a perfect response when he charged down the keepers clearance but was unfortunate to see the ball bounce off the post with no players close enough to tap home a rebound. Danny Key then saw his shot saved as West started to get into the match. However Consett doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Mark Bell did well to palm away Andy Appleby’s shot from the edge of the area, but Mackay reacted quickest and swept the ball home. And it was to get worse three minutes later, with a third for Consett and a third for Mackay, after he beat the offside trap rounded Bell and slotted the ball into the empty net.

Consett failed to capitalize on their first half showing instead choosing to settle for what they had although a 55th minute shot tested Mark Bell. Mattie Moffat, having a quiet afternoon by his normal high standards, was to see the Consett woodwork hit for the second time, when his run took him past 2 players before his shot hit the top of the bar and away for a goal kick with the keeper beaten. Kevin Bromley had an effort well held before, seconds later a Consett shot was narrowly off target.

Mark Bell saved well from Jonjo Dickman after the midfielder’s quick 1-2 with Michael Mackay saw him with space for an effort. West had a consolation effort 7 minutes from time when Kevin Bromley tucked home a rebound for his first of the season after Andy Cole’s good low shot was only pushed half clear by the keeper. However had Danny Richmond managed to find the back of the net a couple of minutes later the game could have had a tense finish. There was confusion in the Consett defence following a corner but Richmond could only shoot wide under pressure.

The game was put beyond doubt a minute later when Michael Mackay again broke clear and calmly shot past Bell in the far corner. Jamie Middleton did manage to pull another goal back in the 2nd minute of stoppage time, finding room in the area to fire past Craig Turns however it was far too little far too late.

Team
    1 Mark Bell
    2 Michael Heckley
    3 Danny Key
    4 Jamie Middleton
    5 Karl Everitt
    6 Leigh Grant
    7 Lee Ellison
       (13. Darren Kokes 73 mins)
    8 Danny Richmond
    9 Mattie Moffat
   10 Ian Maddison
        (14. Andy Cole 30 mins)
    11 Dale Jardine
        (12. Kevin Bromley 68 mins)