Huntsman 2, Witton Park 3
The Huntsman entertained Division 1 leaders and current holders Witton Park on Sunday in the quarter final of the Darlington Charity Cup and pushed their illustrious opponents to the death in an evenly contested affair.
Manager Neil Dodds made four changes from the side which lost too Coundon with Carl Bates, Calum Farley, Andrew Richardson and Jamie Herd coming into the side.
It was Witton who settled quickly and had a lot of possession but were limited to long range shots, as the half wore on the Huntsman grew into the game.
It looked set to be 0-0 at half time but a set piece undid all of the Huntsman’s good work when a long throw found its way into the box and squirmed in past the helpless McDonald in goal. 1-0 half time.
The second half saw the introduction of more pace up top for the Huntsman to try and stretch the Witton back line on the counter attack.
This tactic almost proved dividends early in the second half with Molloy forcing a smart save with Herd just missing the rebound. Witton rallied and went 2-0 up when the impressive central midfielder drilled home in the bottom corner from 18 yards.
Huntsman head didn’t drop and they soon clawed a goal back when a Molloy free kick was swung in onto the head of David Neale who glanced home from 12 yards.
However the joy was short-lived when Witton went 3-1 up with the midfielder doubling his tally drilling home once again from the edge of the area.
The Huntsman once again got back on the front foot, with the impressive Richardson winning possession in the middle of the park before slipping in Reed Molloy who raced away from the defence to slot home to put the Huntsman back in the game.
Witton were reduced to 10 men for an awful tackle on Richardson which killed the game as they banked up and defended their lead.
Anthony McDonald was awarded man of the match for a superb display with a number of fine saves which kept the Huntsman in the game.
Overall plenty of positives for the Huntsman going into next season in the top division.
Next up the Huntsman travel to Willington for a league game on Tuesday 12th of April, before welcoming Bishop Auckland Snooker Club to Simpasture on Sunday April 17th in the Invitation Cup quarter final.