Post by slush on Nov 7, 2006 12:54:10 GMT
Hurren heads Casuals to first success
Easington Utd Casuals 3 – 2 Leven Members Reserves
FOR the first time this season, Casuals boss Doug Clubley had real options at his disposal and it showed with a hard-fought but richly deserved first win.
Having lost twice to Leven already this term, the locals gained revenge (and their first points of the campaign) thanks to a second half header from skipper Dave Hurren.
Hurren earned the armband – and the left back slot – due to the absence of ‘Dooley’ Cousins, while other changes saw Luke Jeffery make his first appearance in three weeks following injury, Tom McLaughlin gain a start after missing out for the reserves the week before and ‘Biff’ McNaught making only his fourth appearance of the season.
With Jamie Cousins and Matty Purse ensuring there was youth on the bench, “Awd Threv” Biglin balanced things out by putting his forty-year-old legs into a pair of shorts for the first time this season!
The opening half hour saw Easington produce some of their best football thus far and it was no surprise when they took the lead. Adam Swaby’s burst into the box was halted but the ball flew across the box to the far post where the unmarked Dave Clubley was on hand to slot past the keeper.
Unfortunately, despite their dominance, the Casuals were soon pegged back when the Leven striker got between McNaught and keeper Thurkettle to finish well.
Easington restored their advantage when Matty Findley’s long searching ball from the right picked out Rich Clubley, getting there ahead of the keeper to bundle home.
The second half was a more even affair and Leven drew level again when a penalty was awarded for hand ball against Ward and duly converted.
But the Casuals were not to be denied. A Dave Clubley corner from the left picked out the attacking Hurren who headed past the stranded keeper.
Besides the goals, ‘Bezza’ Barnett again worked hard without reward, hitting the post once and being unlucky with other half chances; Swaby missed a good chance and the industrious Tom McLaughlin was a touch unfortunate with two or three long-range attempts that the keeper saved.
At the back, Thurkettle’s handling was assured behind a defence that was well-marshalled by The Younger McNaught. Throughout the team players tried to keep the ball on the deck and front two grafted hard up to ensure Leven’s defence were given no time to dwell.
It’s only a start but at least now the locals can approach their league cup trip to Long Riston in a week’s time with some degree of confidence.
Easington: I Thurkettle, L Jeffery, D Hurren, A Swaby (J Cousins), A McNaught, S Ward (T Biglin), M Findley (M Purse), T McLaughlin, R Clubley, A Barnett, D Clubley
Easington Utd Casuals 3 – 2 Leven Members Reserves
FOR the first time this season, Casuals boss Doug Clubley had real options at his disposal and it showed with a hard-fought but richly deserved first win.
Having lost twice to Leven already this term, the locals gained revenge (and their first points of the campaign) thanks to a second half header from skipper Dave Hurren.
Hurren earned the armband – and the left back slot – due to the absence of ‘Dooley’ Cousins, while other changes saw Luke Jeffery make his first appearance in three weeks following injury, Tom McLaughlin gain a start after missing out for the reserves the week before and ‘Biff’ McNaught making only his fourth appearance of the season.
With Jamie Cousins and Matty Purse ensuring there was youth on the bench, “Awd Threv” Biglin balanced things out by putting his forty-year-old legs into a pair of shorts for the first time this season!
The opening half hour saw Easington produce some of their best football thus far and it was no surprise when they took the lead. Adam Swaby’s burst into the box was halted but the ball flew across the box to the far post where the unmarked Dave Clubley was on hand to slot past the keeper.
Unfortunately, despite their dominance, the Casuals were soon pegged back when the Leven striker got between McNaught and keeper Thurkettle to finish well.
Easington restored their advantage when Matty Findley’s long searching ball from the right picked out Rich Clubley, getting there ahead of the keeper to bundle home.
The second half was a more even affair and Leven drew level again when a penalty was awarded for hand ball against Ward and duly converted.
But the Casuals were not to be denied. A Dave Clubley corner from the left picked out the attacking Hurren who headed past the stranded keeper.
Besides the goals, ‘Bezza’ Barnett again worked hard without reward, hitting the post once and being unlucky with other half chances; Swaby missed a good chance and the industrious Tom McLaughlin was a touch unfortunate with two or three long-range attempts that the keeper saved.
At the back, Thurkettle’s handling was assured behind a defence that was well-marshalled by The Younger McNaught. Throughout the team players tried to keep the ball on the deck and front two grafted hard up to ensure Leven’s defence were given no time to dwell.
It’s only a start but at least now the locals can approach their league cup trip to Long Riston in a week’s time with some degree of confidence.
Easington: I Thurkettle, L Jeffery, D Hurren, A Swaby (J Cousins), A McNaught, S Ward (T Biglin), M Findley (M Purse), T McLaughlin, R Clubley, A Barnett, D Clubley