Horden knocked out of Vase by South Liverpool

Horden Community Welfare were knocked out of the FA Vase on Saturday afternoon losing 2-1 at home to South Liverpool.

Ewan Simpson was on the scoresheet for the Marras, but that was only after Owen Hough’s brace put the visitors in control.

Horden goalkeeper Craig Foster was sent off for two yellows for conceding two penalties – one of which he saved, while the other was one of Hough’s two goals.

The Marras started well, and within 45 seconds there was a big chance for Kyle Middleton at the back post, but he was unable to find the target.

Charlie Glennon blazed over with South Liverpool’s first half chance, and then Jack Pounder had a chance come and go for Horden.

It was a tight competitive game early on.

An injury to Middleton disrupted the first half as he was stretchered off, and upon the restart, South Liverpool had a good spell.

Mohamed Abdi found room to shoot for the visitors in the 32nd minute, but his curling effort just evaded the far corner.

Shortly after, the Marras went close. Robbie Bird drilled a low ball across the face of goal, and it just needed the slightest of touches, but no one was there to provide that touch.

Bird forced a save from Liverpool goalkeeper Peter Webster eight minutes before the break, and then Taylor Campbell put a shot over the crossbar.

With 30 seconds of normal time remaining in the first half, South Liverpool took the lead. Elliott Owen drilled a low ball across the face of goal, and it bypassed a number of bodies before Hough converted.

Five minutes into the second half, South Liverpool had a huge chance to double their lead when they were awarded a penalty after Foster brought down a Liverpool man. Foster was booked. Glennon took responsibility, but Foster made amends by getting down quickly to save.

In the 55th minute, Horden had a big chance to equalise. A corner found the towering Simpson, and his header was only narrowly to high.

Knowing they needed to score, Horden created a few further chances around the hour mark. Martin Fowler fired wide from long range, while Pounder headed over.

In the 69th minute, Horden were reduced to 10 men as Foster was sent off for a second yellow, and South Liverpool were awarded another penalty. It was almost identical to the awarding of the first penalty, and there was no complaints from Foster. Joe Atkinson came on to go on goal, but he couldn’t prevent Hough’s penalty.

Just as it started to look comfortable for Liverpool, the Marras pulled a goal back. A corner was whipped into the penalty area and Simpson was there to bundle the ball into the net.

Horden kept battling, but not many chances were created.

Exactly on 90 minutes, South Liverpool should have sealed it. Owen played Lewis Williams in, and he should have scored, but he sliced an effort wide.

Four additional minutes were played, but there was no way back into the game for Horden, and it was South Liverpool who booked their spot in the third round.

Full-time: Horden Community Welfare 1-2 South Liverpool

Next up for me is Easington Colliery vs Consett on Tuesday night.

Horden Community Welfare: Foster, Dobinson (c), Simpson, Fowler (Atkinson, 72′), Riding, Osborne, Middleton (Wright, 23′), Wallace, Pounder, Campbell, Bird

Unused subs: Bowes, Bradshaw, Broom, Hodgson

South Liverpool: Webster, Lloyd, Williams, Griffiths (c), Cain, Hajdari, Owen, Cottrell, Glennon (Williams, 68′), Abdi (Doyle, 76′), Hough

Unused subs: Brammell, Beardsworth, Connolly

Admission: £5 adults, £2 concessions

Programme: I didn’t get one as editor

Attendance: 265

Cheeseburger and chips: £5.50

Referee: Tom Lishman