Report

County won 2-0 away at Birtley on a very poor and heavy pitch.

County had several chances to put the game out of site but the most pleasing thing to see was the passing football at times despite the heavy conditions.

Kieran Hurton went close on 9 minutes but the Birtley keeper made a fine save and 3 minutes later Callum Williams pushed forward and put a ball into the box for Sean Mearman and he took the ball down on his chest and finished well for a 1-0 County lead.

Macauley Ashton was creating opportunities on the left flank and also had a shot saved by the Birtley keeper.

Mark Jacomb then went close on 13 minutes but the keeper saved and 5 minutes later a Harrison Scott run created a chance for Mark to turn but his shot went wide of the post.

County then had lots of possession thanks to fine defending and good distribution by the back four of Bomber Appleby, Davie Loerns, Callum Williams and Harrison Scott.

Just before half-time County went close again thanks to a fine Mark Jacomb lob that went over the bar.

Sean Mearman who had tackled well in midfield and scored the opener had to be withdrawn and was replaced by Aiden Brown who continued to win the ball for County throughout the match.

Straight after the break Daniel Knowd fed the ball to Joseph Russell and his effort went close but just over the bar and Joseph's pace continued to cause Birtley trouble until the end of the game.

County continued to press forward with Harrison Scott and Ben Cahill going close and after winning four corners County eventually made the pressure pay as Ben Cahill headed home on the far post on 78 minutes for a 2-0 County.

Although County took time to get the second goal and the game was tight in the second period at times, Adam Willsher was never troubled in goal so overall 2-0 was a fair result.

County played some really good football particularly in the first 30 minutes and the defense was calm and really solid and the clean sheet was most welcomed.

Man of the Match was awarded to Daniel Appleby who had a good game at left back and he just pipped Davie Loerns who did well in defense against a really big centre forward.

Next week County are at home in the Cup against Moorside Juniors who today beat Blaydon 17-0 in the Dave Watson Memorial Trophy.

Well done everybody