Published at 09:40, Friday, 05 February 2010

Hexham U16 Girls 1,North Shields 1.HEXHAM entertained North Shields at Tyne Green on Sunday, in what was only their second league game of the season.

After a cold start, the Hexham girls settled into the match well with some good play up the left hand side between Beth Kennedy and Emma Smith.

However, as one of Hexham’s attacks was broken down, North Shields broke with a quick pass from the midfield over the Hexham defence to leave the North Shields striker to hit the back of the net.

Hexham’s heads did not fall though and, with growing communication between Holly Turley and Hannah Kennedy, the defence grew strong.

Roxanne Carson put in some great tackles on the right hand side and the midfield worked hard to push the play into North Shields half.

Catherine Johnston made a fantastic cross-shot, only to be denied by the near post.

As the game continued Hexham kept pushing forward and it was not long until they got their reward as Lauren Ray scored the equaliser after a good jinky run.

The first half ended all square at 1-1 and Hexham made a substitution, giving Charlotte Sadler the chance to show her speed in defence.

Hexham’s confidence grew in the second half and North Shields knew this was going to be no easy game.

A string of corners for Hexham led to a good clearance off the line from North Shields with striker Rachael Scott ready to pounce.

North Shields were on the back foot but were still dangerous on the counter attack. However, Hexham’s stand-in goalkeeper Helen Green dealt with everything that was thrown at her and a second North Shields goal never looked likely.

As the half wore on Ruth Brooker linked well with Greta Salvesen down the right to keep the pressure on the North Shields defence.

With five minutes to go Hexham thought they had won it when an excellent free kick into the box by Catherine only needed a touch but it eluded everyone and just skimmed past the far post.

For all their efforts Hexham could not find the winner and the game ended 1-1.

This was a great performance by Hexham to reward the team for all their hard work.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk