Huntsman 6, Timothy Hackworth 0
By Craig Woodhead
The Huntsman bounced back to form this week following last week’s disappointing cup defeat, with a 6-0 over Shildon Timothy Hackworth at home on Sunday.
Manager Neil Dodds was forced into several changes, centre half Anthony Macdonald had to play as emergency goalkeeper with Nathan Wintour ruled out through injury, while Captain Lee Redpath returned along with Paul Barnes, Calum Farley and Ryan Mercer.
A bright start from the Huntsman was rewarded when a well taken corner from Mercer was met by Dave Neale, playing as a make shift centre forward bulleted his header home to make it 1-0.
The home side continued to dominate the game but they had to wait 35 minutes before they doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time as Neale’s ball across the box found Reed Molloy, who took the ball around the keeper, before smashing high into the net.
Following the break the Huntsman continued to dominate and the third goal arrived after a well worked move down the right hand side produced a great ball which was met by Neale, who challenged the goalkeeper and nodded home.
It was Neale again who made it 4 and completed his hat trick when he smashed into the top corner from 20 yards with a goal of the season contender.
A fourth for Neale soon followed, as he was on hand to turn home a John Jamie Herd strike from outside the box from, to cap an excellent individual performance.
Perhaps a shade unfortunate not to have been credited with the 5th, Herd completed the scoring, stabbing home from close range. Remarkably Neale wasn’t awarded man of the match with the accolade going to the all action display of Calum ‘No Rules’ Farley.
The victory saw The Huntsman go top of Division 2 on goal difference. They will seek to carry their recent league form into this Sunday’s Heart Foundation Cup tie at Simpasture to Gainford Cross Keys.