Whitburn 4-0 Hazlerigg

<p>After last weeks disappointment we attempted to bring our performance levels back to those which were displayed at Gateshead a fortnight ago. Changes were made to the 11 from the week before and we certainly got a response in a game where conditions again weren't great. After a fairly even first 20, we began to push forward which was followed by the opening goal. Smith picked the ball up on the left to play in Wilson through on one one with the keeper, who took his chance superbly by rounding him with ease and rolling the ball into the net. 5 minutes later we doubled our lead with the same two players involved, Smith again down the left hand side weaved his way into the box before hitting a low cross for Wilson to tap in from 6 yards. A third was nearly added soon after when Sheldon worked his way down the right flank before beating his man and finding Nolan, who was unlucky to see his shot superbly saved by the keepers finger tips.<p>Into the second half, the game was getting more and more scrappy as the pitch chewed up more and more. Both teams battled well and played out a fairly even first 20 again, with no real threat at either end. The game then started to open up as Hazelrigg began to push to get back into the game which gave us the opportunity to grab a third and secure the 3 points, given the excellent defensive security provided by Roberts and Skinner to the back 4. The first chance to do that fell to Wilson and Skinner, a scramble in the area after Smith's cross resulted in the pair unfortunate not to stick the ball in the net, Skinner in particular who struck the post. A third was then scored as Smith was played through by Sheldon who beat the keeper from the edge of the area. Sheldon then scored the fourth himself by latching on to Wilsons through ball and again beating the keeper from the edge of the area. We did have the ball in the back of the net for a fifth time however substitute Cam Fyvie was offside when Skinners drilled cross reached him from the right hand side. A mention must go to the back 5 of Fawcett, Adams, Doyle, Laverick and Symington, as throughout they superbly defended any opporunities that fell the visitors way.<p>We've set our standards now, and performances like this won't surprise anyone because we've shown time and time again what we're capable of doing, it's just the consistency that's been the issue. The improvement is epitomised to an extent after beating the side comfortably 4-0 who stuffed us 4-1 on the opening day of the season. Next up is Wallsend LC on Saturday, another chance to continue our long climb up the league!