Hallam win the University Challenge
Newcastle University FC 2 – 5 Hallam FC
FA Vase 1st Round
It proved to be a lovely sunny day for the predicted 3-hour journey to Prudhoe in Northumbria. As it turned out, the journey was extended due to “something or another” occurring further up on the A1 forcing a diversion across Durham and into places we thought we would never see or wanted to. As pretty as the area was, there was some anxiety building on the coach as the time started to tick towards 2:15pm and we still had not arrived. The coach driver got us there at 2:25pm, he skilfully negotiated through the country lanes and avoided the Mrs Miggins types driving their weekend transport at 15mph in a 60 zone.
Newcastle University Football Club are based in Newcastle upon Tyne. They are currently members of the Northern League Division Two and ground sharing with Prudhoe Youth Club some 15 miles west of Newcastle.
With just a 30 minute to disembark the coach, change and warm up the players the game kicked off at 3pm as planned. With about 30-40 Hallam supporters positioned behind the goal and around the ground we commenced.
It took only 3 minutes for Hallam to claim first blood. A cross into the Newcastle box saw the ball bounce off a couple of Newcastle defenders, it fell to Brett Agnew who half-volleyed the ball into the bottom right of the Newcastle goal. This came to some joy to the Hallam faithful camped behind the goal. 0-1
Hallam’s second goal came again from Agnew who leaped onto a bounding ball well outside the penalty area. Seeing the keeper away from his line Agnew cheekily lobbed the ball over the stranded keeper and it sneaked into the left side. 0-2
Credit to Newcastle University as they now started to penetrate Hallam’s rear. The two central midfielders were making darting runs towards Hallam backline but once they come up against central brick wall consisting of Vanks and Salt most advances were thwarted.
Newcastle University’s efforts were eventually realised when they pulled one back after 26 minutes with a goal converted from the 6-yard box. 1-2.
Some nervy moments then pursued as the University side pressured Hallam forcing some fine keeping from Miles Wright. The pressure reduced as the following Hallam advance saw Liam Royles fetch the ball on the right side and, with some skilful footwork went past the defender and slotted the ball low past a diving keeper 1-3.
That’s how the 1st Half concluded. The Hallam staff were entertained to a feast of assorted sandwiches and a rather splendid doughnut, and it was soon time to commence to the 2nd half.
Newcastle University came out with a renewed energy and through their pressure were rewarded with a direct free kick just outside the Hallam box. The kick flew over the wall and towards a diving Miles Wright who appeared to have blocked the shot. As it happened the ball bounced just short of Wright and took a strange bounce sending the ball over him and into the net. 2-3
Now followed the usual period of “squeaky bum” time as Newcastle University put on a wave of advances testing both the Hallam back line and Wright in goal as they sought an equaliser. This period of the match seamed to go on for some time and was only ended when Hallam snatch their fourth. Agnew gathered the ball just inside the penalty area and his low drive beats the keeper to claim his hattrick, unfortunately he is not able to keep the match ball at this level…. 2-4
With the game entering is conclusion there was one more piece of Hallam magic to come. From a Newcastle Uni clearance, Blakeley picks up the ball 40 or so yards away from the goal, seeing the keeper off his line he launches the ball forward looping over the keeper and into the Newcastle goal 2-5.
The game ended a few minutes later and Hallam come away victorious.
Much thanks to the Newcastle University FC team, we wish them all the best for the coming season. The hospitality at the ground was friendly and relaxed, the food was quality, and the entire experience was viewed by everyone as a positive one.
On to the next round of the Vase with the draw to be made Monday 24th Oct. Did I hear someone say, “Isle of Man away”?
John
Hallam FC Media
