I was going to do Sunderland RCA vs Bishop Auckland tonight. That was until I had a proper look at the fixtures. I knew this game was on when I planned to go to RCA, but I didn’t realise how few of the other Horden games I couldn’t get to. So, with RCA being at home on Thursday night too, I decided to do this game tonight and RCA on Thursday night. I won’t be at a game on Wednesday night, and I highly doubt I’ll be anywhere tomorrow night. With the end of the season now approaching, I think I’ll finish the season on about 145 games. It is almost 50 short of the last two seasons, but it still isn’t a bad effort! Hall Farm came into this game having won 21-1 on Saturday! They were playing Jarrow FC Reserves who are bottom of the league without a point I wish Jarrow FC Reserves still had a few games left and were playing midweek. I would definitely have made a point of watching them.

To the game and although Hall Farm started brightly, it was Horden who created the first chance. After cutting in to beat his man, Sean Ryder managed to get a shot away from 20 yards, but it darted narrowly wide.

Despite looking sharp, Hall Farm didn’t create anything in the opening exchanges.

Both Peter Crawford and Michael Cain went close for Horden, before Horden’s number 11 fired not too far wide in the 22nd minute.

The visitors continued to look dangerous, but alike the rest of the first half, it was Horden creating the chances. Joe Bell fired a free-kick over for Horden, before a terrible bobble in a defensive position gave Hall Farm a chance but the eventual shot failed to find the target.

A great chance fell the way of Crawford in the 33rd minute. A fine cross picked him out, and he chested it down before drilling a half volley narrowly wide.

In the 33rd minute, Hall Farm broke the deadlock. Number 7 collected possession 30 yards out and his unstoppable effort flew into the top corner.

Cain had a few efforts for the hosts as the first half came to an end, but the ‘keeper was equal to all of them.

Following the break, a great reaction save prevented Hall Farm of a second in the 47th minute.

Hall Farm’s number 6 missed a great chance to double his sides lead in the 53rd minute, before another good chance for the visitors was blazed over.

However, they did manage to double their lead in the 67th minute. A simple ball was played across to number 8, and he smashed home from 10 yards.

Two minutes later, it was 0-3. A simple ball over the top had number 6 chasing. He appeared to foul Horden’s Barney Dobinson, but the referee said no and number 6 raced through before eventually tucking the ball into the net.

With quarter of an hour to play, Jonny Payne got onto a Philly Hickman free-kick for Horden, but his header was saved.

A minute later, Horden were reduced to 10 men. Crawford was sent off and I honestly don’t have a clue why!

In the 82nd minute, Horden pulled one back. A challenge in the penalty area appeared to get the ball, but the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Hickman took responsibility and confidently drilled the ball home to regain the slightest bit of hope for Horden.

A lovely half volley restored Hall Farm’s lead in the 85th minute, and it rounded off a good night for them as they booked a spot in the final of the Mark Blake Memorial Trophy.

Full-time: Horden CW 1-4 Hall Farm Glasshus

Next up for me is Sunderland RCA vs Jarrow Roofing on Thursday.

Admission: Free, donations accepted

Attendance: 28

Programme: No

Referee: Aaron Morton