League Play-Off

Houghton Regis
Spectators: 34 (Terracing: 26, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) The sun was shining, the grass was green and the audience cheered when Ged Barber got the match started through his kick off. With a little luck, Sunderland FC's Iain Pollard got control of the ball when Liam Wild tried to sneak it across the goal line. 11 minutes into the game, Benjamin Chalmers was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Houghton Regis AFC's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Sunderland FC the free kick. Benjamin Chalmers hit a great freekick 11 minutes into the match. Ged Barber sent away a hard shot on goal in the 13th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. Sunderland FC's Iain Pollard played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Gav Longden in the 18th minute of play. The supporters of Houghton Regis AFC booed when Sunderland FC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 19 match minutes in a wonderful position. Johnathan Dixon didn't get a good kick on the ball. In the 20th minute Samuel Faulkner shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Iain Pollard saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. After 23 played minutes Sunderland FC got a freekick which was hit by Johnathan Dixon. Sunderland FC's Iain Pollard proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 27th minute of the match, managed to save Sunderland FC from getting a goal against them. Will Basham took a chance and fired a shot far from the goal in the 29th minute, but it turned out to be a dangerous situation for Iain Pollard. Sunderland FC's goalkeeper really had to stretch himself to stop the ball from crossing the goal line. Des Wild was astounded when the referee showed him the red card after a seemingly innocent challenge, 31 minutes into the match. After 30 minutes of play, the referee blew the whistle. It was a penalty for Sunderland FC! Samuel Faulkner walked up to take care of the penalty kick. He was aiming for the top corner, but the ball went just outside the post. After a defensive mix-up in Sunderland FC's zone, Gav Longden stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Iain Pollard came out of the goal and Gav Longden tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. When Houghton Regis AFC's Gav Longden in the 39th minute got a chance for a shot 39th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Sunderland FC's goalie prevented a goal. After the first half the score was level. The break gave the players a chance to catch their breath, whilst the managers went over the tactics with them again.

When Alexander Thomas fell near the penalty area in the 62nd minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Houghton Regis AFC's protests and gave Alexander Thomas a yellow card for diving instead. Alexander Thomas kicked well hit freekick during the 62nd minute of the match. Benjamin Chalmers was shown his second yellow card after 64 minutes, following a rather ugly tackle on opponent. That was the end of his participation in the match. Benjamin Chalmers hit a great freekick 65 minutes into the match. After a rather tough play, Houghton Regis AFC's Alexander Thomas got a free kick in the 74th minute. The audience thought it was a sure goal in the 82nd minute, when Sunderland FC's Charlie Hinshelwood after having done a great run through the defense got himself free with Ritchie Sheehan in Houghton Regis AFC's goal and fired away a shot, but it missed the goal by a fraction of an inch. After 84 minutes of play Houghton Regis AFC's Alexander Thomas was too eager in his attempt to stop his opponent and brought him down. With that he got his second yellow card and was ordered off the ground. After a rather tough play, Houghton Regis AFC's Alexander Thomas got a free kick in the 84th minute. Charlie Hinshelwood might have been able to make a better finish in the 88th minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Ritchie Sheehan. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Charlie Hinshelwood ran back to his position shaking his head. With a little luck, Houghton Regis AFC's Ritchie Sheehan got control of the ball when Johnathan Dixon tried to sneak it across the goal line. Gav Longden received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 92nd minute. Iain Pollard tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere.