Seaton Delaval go down to late goal

Posted by The Journal on Nov 11, 09 01:43 PM in Sport

Seaton Delaval's barren spell in the Northern Alliance Premier Division continued at the weekend when they played away at fellow Northumbrians Ponteland United.

There have been four drawn games in Ponteland's eight-match unbeaten run and another looked likely after 80 goalless minutes against visitors.

The match was evenly balanced in the first half with few clear-cut chances, although Craig Johnson went close for the visitors and Glenn Ford for the hosts saw his downward header well saved by Delaval goalkeeper Frazer Nairn.

Pont had just about shaded the game in terms of possession and after the break they introduced midfielder Paul Hodgson, who was ending a lengthy suspension - and he started to drive United forward. The pace of Sean Willis and Billy Holden was causing Delaval problems and Holden had the best chance of the game.

Willis' goalbound effort was well saved by goalkeeper Nairn, but from the rebound he volleyed the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Delaval, however, remained in determined mood and their best chance of the second period fell to Stephen Anderson - but his header from Stephen Torre's excellent cross just cleared the bar.

With 10 minutes remaining, Willis broke clear for Pont, but was cut down in the penalty area.

He got up to beat Nairn with his spot kick to end the deadlock.

Jeff Fuller came on as a substitute for Delaval but his time on the field was very brief as was sent off for retaliation.

Although five minutes of stoppage time were added, Pont saw out the game safely.

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