Last updated 13:39, Thursday, 02 October 2008

Wallsend Town 2, Hexham 4HEXHAM enjoyed a change from league duty this week as they travelled to second placed Wallsend Town in the Amateur Cup.

The new formation, successful last week at Newcastle Chemfica when the Tynedale team picked up a point when they deserved three, was utilised again.

This new system is working well and Hexham were soon out of the blocks and putting pressure on the Wallsend back four.

However, Hexham were not without injury problems early on, as striker Mark Gibson had to leave the pitch with a knee injury. This brought Luke Parkinson into play and he made the most of the opportunity.

Not long after entering the fray he was on the end of a superb left wing cross from Craig Nesbitt and Hexham had the early advantage.

Luke doubled the joy for Hexham after breaking into the box, and, despite being tackled, he managed to keep his balance and force the ball past Riki Donaldson in the home goal.

Luke turned from goal scorer to provider when he crossed to Darren Dobson, who managed to get a touch on the ball and give Hexham a three-goal advantage.

It had been a terrific first 30 minutes for the visitors, which would have been even better had Scott Robson not hit the post with the goal at his mercy.

Wallsend did not take this lying down and made every effort to get back into the game with half-time just around the corner.

Just before the break a corner was not cleared and Steve Dodd powered the ball back towards the goal; even then Scott Coates was unlucky not to clear before the effort crossed the line.

After the break, Hexham struggled to pick up where they left off and Wallsend had their best spell of the game. The home team sensed their opportunity and went all out to bring the game back within their reach.

A collision between two of the Hexham defenders left Paul McCutchen with the easy task of scoring past keeper Mark Stobbart, who was making his first appearance in goal for Hexham this season.

Mark had no chance with either of the goals he conceded and could feel satisfied with a solid performance.

Stephen Brown also falls into this bracket with another promising display as he adjusts to the pace of the Alliance after recently moving from the Tyneside Amateur League.

Every game he plays he looks more and more at home, and he will be a real acquisition for the team.

Another new face is Neil Tiffin who recently transferred from premier league outfit Wark. He has settled into midfield and is providing some much-needed experience.

The game was over as a contest when Luke Parkinson completed his hat-trick after a tempting cross from Darren Dobson was dispatched to the back of the goal.

If Luke had missed this chance, striking partner Iain Strachan was there, just in case. But he didn’t, and it was no surprise that he was named man of the match for his all-round display, as well as his goals haul.

As the game drew to a close, Chris James came on to ensure the midfield was secure.

This was an excellent result for Hexham as the side had been beaten by three goals only a few short weeks ago in the league fixture.

Tomorrow the league leaders Amble United are the opponents and Hexham are due back at Wentworth leisure centre, but the recent rain has delayed their return. No venue for the game has yet been finalised.