Forest Hall 0-0 Whitburn

<p>We went into this one looking to build on the point gained last week at Wallsend LC, and couldn't have any complaints about the playing surface this time out either with it being played on a 3G pitch. The home side began the better, especially for the first 15 minutes or so as they asked us questions early on. Despite a shaky looking defensive opening from ourselves, and an early free kick that clipped our crossbar we managed to sort ourselves out to cause a few problems of our own. One of our points to improve on last week was being patient on the ball isntead of rushing it forward, as much as this week wasn't too much better, we did get better considerably as the half went on. Our only half chances of the first 45 fell came through a Roberts long range effort and a wide strike from Nolan after good built up between himself, Newbrook and Sheldon.

<p>The second half wasn't too dissimilar to the first in terms of an even game, yet by the end of the game we'd certainly done enought to earn all 3 points. Both by chances created, and chances taken. The first real chance of the second period fell to Newbrook, who broke clear and fired inches wide of the keepers far post. Minutes later it was Newbrook again who pounced on a poor clearance, as he found himself in the same position but this time the keeper saving his effort. The home side threatened with a few long range efforts but nothing enough to worry us as man of the match Adams swept up everything in our third of the park. Another chance came and went as Nolan went one on one with the keeper but couldn't find the back of the net with his left peg after he was played through by Smith, following good hold up play by Newbrook. A breakthrough was finally made in the final 15 when Skinners long throw was powefully headed in by frontman Newbrook, as he was moving away from goal, only to see it disallowed. We still don't understand the reason why, as the referee refused to explain his decision and the linesman claimed there was a "push in the back" by the goalscorer. Fairly impossible to push someone in the back when you're moving away from goal, have your own back to goal, and the supposed pushed player is goal side to you, also facing away from their own goal.

<p>Two weeks in a row we've came home from an away tie disappointed we haven't got the full lot on offer, but for two totally different reasons. As far as we're concerned, that scoreline should and would read for a 1-0 away win. You can usually analyse a good officiating performance by how little they're noticed or mentioned throughout a game, so to say two of Saturdays three stood out more than any player sums it all up. We'll take that frustration and try to use it positively as we go into next week, still unbeaten in 2016, to Whitley Bay.