Wallsend Labour Club 1-1 Whitburn Athletic

<p>After last weeks convincing performance, we were looking to add a bit of consistency to our season by repeating our previous efforts in a rearranged fixture which last time out only lasted 6 minutes due to an early injury. Conditions of play have been mentioned a lot recently when it comes to football match reports however this one was right up there. The decision for the game to go ahead went right down to the last minute before kick off with the hail and wind causing "potential dangerous playing conditions". Both sides done well to play any decent football in the opening stages of the game, although chances were few and far between. The first real opportunity came our way when Nolan hit a free kick a couple of feet wide of the post. The one clear cut chance in the first half was superbly taken, and was conjured up out of a nothing phase of play. Chris Sheldon drifted inside from the right wing position linking up play nicely before spraying an inch perfect pass with the outside of his foot into Skinners path. Saying that, there was still plenty to be done as Skinner strolled past 2 defenders before placing his shot neatly across the keeper. The game remained even up until half time with no keeper having any real trouble to deal with.

<p>Into the second half with the home side chasing the game, they changed formation in a bid to claw their way back level. Despite that, the first chance of the second half fell for us to double our lead, Fawcett doing very well down the right flank as he pulled it back to Nolan from the byline, who couldn't convert. Another opportunity was missed soon after, when Newbrook released Sheldon from deep who was an inch away from finding the net after beating the last defender and rounding the keeper. Just like the first half, there wasn't a lot for Symington to deal with in our net, apart from the odd long range effort, the home side were more often than not caught offside. Wallsend did grab their chance to score as soon as it came their way though, as the forward beat the offside trap and beat Symington after he managed to get a hand to it. We couldn't quite nick the winner despite joy down both flanks, Sheldon in particular having a good afternoon. The final chance of the match fell to the player who opened the scoring, Skinner found himself in a similar position however this time seen his shot tipped over the crossbar.

<p>A point away from home is never a bad one, we do feel disappointed we didn't get all 3 after feeling our performance deserved them though. On the bright side, that's 4 points taken from the previous 2 games against sides who are currently sitting 5th and 6th in the league. Next up we're away against Forest Hall, another rearranged fixture after the weather claimed this one back in mid December.