Horden pick up three points against West End

Horden Community Welfare claimed an important three points with a 1-0 win at home to Sunderland West End on Saturday afternoon.

David Doguhty’s 36th minute header proved the difference between the sides at a windswept Welfare Park.

Upon kick-off, the Marras almost took the lead after just two minutes. A corner picked out the Dan Flounders, and his header was headed of the line.

In the ninth minute, Horden again should have scored. Liam Wright’s great through ball played Robbie Bird in, and he shook off the attention of Tom Goundry. Bird’s shot was saved, and David Doughty could only blaze the rebound over.

West End’s first chance soon followed as George Pinder’s shot from the left side of the penalty area was saved by Andrew Fletcher.

Liam Wright’s 13th minute long range strike was then saved, and numerous further half chances followed for the Marras. The wind was helping Horden, but they were definitely the better team.

In the 36th minute, the deadlock was broken. A deep ball was lifted into the back post where Doughty beat a committed goalkeeper to head the Marras into a lead.

In stoppage time, West End created a good chance. A passing move found Charlie Upperton whose shot against his former team was saved by Andrew Fletcher.

West End – wearing Horden’s away kit – had the wind in the second half, and six minutes into it, they should have equalised. John Anderson was picked out in a good position, but couldn’t find the target with his shot.

Eleven minutes into the second half, Horden almost doubled their lead. Taylor Campbell burst forward and drove away from the fullback before crossing. It found Doughty whose first time volley was well saved by Oliver Swan. He probably didn’t know much about it, but it was a good save nonetheless.

Chances were flowing in the second half, and Robbie Bird had a good chance in the 66th minute. Swan got enough of hand on the shot to take the power out, and he picked it up just before it rolled across the line.

Fletcher was forced into a smart save to prevent a Pinder, and then Fletcher produced another save to deny Anderson.

Both sides kept searching for the game’s second goal, and Horden were looking the more likely to find it, but no more goals followed, and Horden took all three points.

Full-time: Horden Community Welfare 1-0 Sunderland West End

Next up for me is Easington Colliery vs Jarrow on Wednesday night.

Horden Community Welfare: Fletcher, Dobinson (c), Osborne, Flounders, Kidson, Riding, Bird, Fowler, Doughty, Taylor Campbell, Wright (Bradshaw, 83′)

Unused subs: Pounder, Kieran Campbell, Wallace, James

Sunderland West End: Swan, Anderson, Goundry, Mcleod, Lewer (Waller, 89′), Page (c), Clarke, Upperton (Catcheside, 70′), Linsel, Pinder, Green (Charlton, 45+2′)

Unused subs: Patton, Scott

Admission: £5 adults, £2 concessions

Programme: £2

Attendance: 151

Referee: Michael Studholme