The Bulldogs came out all guns blazing in this local derby against the Beverley Whitestar, Sam Hunter was rock solid in goal making some brave saves and in defence Ryan Flanagan with partner Thomas Holgate held up any attacks like a brick wall. This set the foundations for the midfield of Jay Halliday and captain Zac Whitaker to run the game.
They found their strikers with some lovely flowing football Emrah Railton going close to opening his goal chart and Joe Pringle dancing round the defence only to be thwarted by the Whitestar keeper. But it was Jay Halliday who scored the first goal poking a lovely shot passed the keeper. Minutes later it was that man Jay Halliday again thumping in a scorching shot to take the first half 2.0
For the second half the coaches threw the hard working Kester Holwell into midfield, playing his usual hard working display which earned him the Man of the Match award. He was ably assisted by Sam Hunter who gave Zac Whitaker plenty of ammunition to charge forward and take on the Whitestar defence, but they kept him out with some fine defending.
Then Whitestar started to make inroads into the Bulldogs half only for Jacob Kemp making his first start in defence to clear the ball confidently, still the Beverley team kept attacking but Kester Holwell was proving to be there nemesis holding out to win the first game 2.0
The second game was a much tighter with both sides tiring with the rainy conditions; Will Deering was having his usual commanding game in defence partnered by Thomas Holgate who himself playing only his third game for the dogs was outstanding. In midfield Ryan Flanagan went on marauding run down the left wing and hit a thunderous shot that gave the post a fright, next it was Emrah Railtons turn to lash a shot a whisker wide. Then the run of the game Joe Pringle muscled his way passed the midfield then outpaced the defence only to be brought down on the edge of the box. This closed the half 0.0
AFC Tickton came out looking for the winner Liam Headspith finding plenty of space held the ball up well for his strike partner Zac Whitaker to take on the defence and cross a majestic pass into the feet of Jay Halliday who hammered home his hat-trick.
It was all hands on deck after this as Whitestar came all out for the equaliser Will Deering now in goal pulled off some fine saves and with Jacob Kemp showing a cool head in defence the rest of the boys rallied round them to win the game 1.0
Both coaches Knight & Halliday were thrilled with this performance the boys showed some great teamwork and fitness!! WELL DONE LADS
Next Sunday the Bulldogs are away to Newbridge Tigers kick-off 10.30am
Photos by Paul Linton
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