Huntsman got their first piece of silverware after a last minute goal from David Neale sealed a 1-0 win against Yates at Darlington RA’s Brinkburn Road ground. The manager made 3 changes from the week before with Mark Percival, Lee Redpath and Carl Bates all returning to the side.
Both sides packed the midfield and space was tight and chances were few and far between but all the best ones in the first half fell to the Huntsman, firstly Jamie Herd broke the offside trap but fired over with only the keeper to beat; next David Neale wriggled into the box but saw his low shot well saved. The Huntsman defence were never really tested but both sides went in at half time happy with 0-0.
The second half continued in the same way as the first with Huntsman dominating but chances were limited. They thought they had broke the deadlock but Adam McDonald had his goal chalked off for offside. Anth Cox almost scored with his first touch but his effort went just wide.
Yates had their chances aswell firstly they hit the post from a right wing free kick before Mark Percival cleared off the line following a mix up between Neil Dodds and Stuart Ord. Jamie Herd then had a goal chalked off for offside despite being well onside as he raced though and finished impressively.
Just as the game appeared to heading for extra time the Huntsman forced a free kick deep in injury time which was hit up to Adam McDonald whose back header was clawed out of the top corner but David Neale was on hand to put the ball in the back of the net to the joy of the Huntsman supporters. They managed to see off a free kick and corner before the final whistle blew to give the Huntsman the victory their performance deserved having dominated from start to finish.
Next up is the British Legion on Thursday 1st of May 6.30pm kick off, if Huntsman can get a win it means they travel to Spraire Lads on Sunday May 4th knowing victory will seal the league title!
