League

Ponteland Park
Spectators: 5000 (Terracing: 4000, Seating: 1000, VIP seats: 0) An unexpectedly hard shot by Ryan Hubbard in the 6th minute of play forced Hartlepool's goalkeeper Ian Longstaff to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 10th minute, Harry Bourton hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Liam Long took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Jim Newbury, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. The supporters of Hartlepool booed when Ponteland United was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 13 match minutes in a wonderful position. Johnathon Sweeney didn't get a good kick on the ball. 16 minutes into the match, Ponteland United's goal looked a bit too open when Micheal Groom came free, but Liam Long reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. In the 19th minute of the match, Matt Oldroyd got a very nice opportunity to score, but Ian Longstaff was well-placed and pushed the ball away from the goal at the left post. Ponteland United's Matt Oldroyd got a good chance for a goal in the 20th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. Ian Longstaff showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Ryan Hubbard in the 21st minute of the match. The supporters of Hartlepool booed when Ponteland United was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 25 match minutes in a wonderful position. Glenn Leeson didn't get a good kick on the ball. When Barney Layfield fell near the penalty area in the 28th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Ponteland United's protests and gave Barney Layfield a yellow card for diving instead. 28 minutes into the game, one of Ponteland United:s players got tackled near the goal, and the referee blew for a penalty. Tony Rashleigh shot the penalty kick by force right in the crossbar. No goal. When Hartlepool's Jim Newbury in the 35th minute got a chance for a shot 35th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Ponteland United's goalie prevented a goal. Micheal Groom sent away a hard shot on goal in the 36th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. After 38 minutes, Micheal Groom made it 0-1 with a short kick to the right side. Ponteland United's Liam Long tried to save the shot but he was too slow in reacting to the shot. After 44 played minutes Ponteland United got a freekick which was hit by Glenn Leeson. In the 45th minute of the match Tony Rashleigh sent off a long shot with destination to the right of the goalkeeper, but Liam Long skillfully saved the ball.

The wind increased when Ryan Hubbard made the kick off in the second half. If Jim Newbury had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 61st minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. After a rather tough play, Ponteland United's Johnathon Sweeney got a free kick in the 63rd minute. If Matt Oldroyd had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 68th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. 70 minutes into the game, Kev Sheldon was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Hartlepool's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Ponteland United the free kick. In the 70th minute, one of Hartlepool:s players had the ball in front of the goal but got pushed and fell. The referee felt it was an obvious case and blew a penalty for Hartlepool. Geoff Jump placed the ball on the penalty spot and got himself ready to shoot. Post out! In the 74th minute, Ponteland United's goalie took a deep sigh of relief after Micheal Groom fired away a hard shot that went just outside the left post. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Micheal Groom in the 78th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Liam Long saved Ponteland United from getting behind. Jim Newbury received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 81st minute. Liam Long tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. In the 83rd minute, Hartlepool's Micheal Groom dribbled the ball into the box and hit a shot with the outside of his foot, sending the keeper the wrong way. 0-3. Ryan Hubbard received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 91st minute. Ian Longstaff tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. In the 95th minute, Ryan Hubbard left the goalkeeper for dead before tapping the ball into the right side of the net. The Ponteland United fans were clearly happy with the effort and the scoreboard reflected the new score: 1-3. When the final whistle sounded Hartlepool left the ground with the victory after a much better performance than Ponteland United.