Heaton Athletic 0-4 Northern FC
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Northern FC returned to action after the Christmas break and, despite being low on numbers which meant Barry Ryan had to name himself on the bench, ran out 4-0 winners to maintain their lead at the top of the Championship
The scoreline was somewhat harsh on the hosts, who belied their league position of 2nd bottom to put in a good performance and a real test for the league leaders.
The first goal was therefore going to be all-important, and this duly came on 20 minutes through Lee Smith. Northern had chance to double this lead on the half hour, Dan O’Donnell being brought down in the box, but the Heaton keeper pulled off one of many fine saves to deny Andy Tasker from the spot.
A scramble in the Heaton 6-yard box on the stroke of half time saw Connor Scott somehow manage to find the corner of the net whilst on his backside, meaning Northern went into half time 2-0 up.
A very even start to the second half, but Northern found the all important third goal mid-way through the second half, Dan O’Donnell tapping in from close range after good work from Lee Smith down the left. Dan was unfortunate not to bag a second half hatrick, with 2 headers hitting the crossbar with the keeper beaten. Connor Scott also hit the bar, which would have put a nice, if unjust gloss on the final score.
Northern finished the game off on 81 minutes with the strangest one-two you will see this season. Mick Avery’s attempted shot was closer to going for a throw-in than the net, but Dan O’Donnell retrieved it and crossed the ball onto Mick’s head to make it 4-0
On a side note, congratulations to Northern stalwart Mark Hall and partner Lisa on the birth of Laila-Mai, at 4:48am on the day of the game.
Northern FC – Wright, Frith, Denton, Tasker, S Ryan, R Hall (Rutter 82), M Avery, Matty Hall, Scott, O’Donnell, Smith
Sub not used – B Ryan
MOM Matty Hall