Huntsman 0, Coundon Durham Ox 2
Following the disappointing 5-4 loss to Tow Law two weeks ago, The Huntsman entered Sunday’s home game against Coundon Durham Ox level on points with the visitors, in what looked to be a shootout for the title.
Anthony Macdonald was again forced to play in goal, while Stuart Ord and Ryan Mercer were both recalled to the starting eleven, with two big players missing in Andrew Richardson and Calum Farley.
The game got off to a frenetic start, with few opportunities for either side. However on the 20 minute mark, Coundon broke down the Huntsman right, and their striker made no mistake, calmly slotting home.
Coundon then didn’t allow the home side a chance to get back into the game, as a quick counter attack saw the Coundon midfielder hit an unstoppable effort past Macdonald to make it 2-0 at HT.
The Huntsman tried to rally in the 2nd half, and looked to be given a lifeline when the Coundon centre forward who has been a real thorn in their side all day saw a straight red in an off the ball incident.
Ultimately though, even with the one man advantage, they failed to create any real further chances of note, and Coundon ran out deserved winners to pull 3pts clear.
A disappointing performance from start to finish but a third successive promotion is still within their grasp needing only one win from their two remaining league games however they will be hoping for 6 points to push Coundon all the way with goal difference in the Huntsman’s favour.
Next up, The Huntsman play reigning division 1 holders Witton Park Rose and Crown in the Darlington Charity Cup quarter final on 10th April 10:30am at Simpasture Park.