Northern League
Jarrow Roofing Boldon CA 1-7 Billingham Town
Attendance: 20
Yet another early start, this time for a North East 'double header' The bright sunshine that lit up the journey up the M6 gave no hint of the problems that were about to arise.
The sat-nav decided that the quickest route to our destination was across the North Yorkshire moors and, to be frank, the conditions were treacherous. The roads were covered with snow and ice and, at one stage of the journey, the only other car that was seen was being pulled out of a ditch by a tractor after skidding round a corner!
This set the alarm bells ringing so a call was made to Consett to confirm that the game was definitely on. They seemed quite confident as a local referee had passed the pitch playable, so it was a bit of shock upon arrival at Consett at 10.30am to see the crowd spilling out of ground. The actual match referee called the game off minutes previously saying the pitch was frozen, the area where the Main Stand cast it's shadow being the dodgy area. Bugger!
This meant having to hastily find an alternative game. The closet ground to Consett (who were at home) was Jarrow Roofing Bolden Community Association Football Club (to give their full title) so it was to there we headed.We arrived just after kick off and were greeted by the sight of a fantastic ground. The Boldon Sports Ground is a ramshackle affair which I thought was brilliant.
The Roofers were hosting Billingham Town, which was 19th v 20th (out of a league of 22) and it was a comprehensive victory for the visitors. Town went in 5-1 up at the break after scoring with virtually every shot they had on target. The homesters added a goal just before half time.
Billingham added two further goals in the second half but Jarrow did have chances to reduce the deficit and the the final scoreline was quite harsh on Jarrow.
The merits of a 'dodgy' treble were discussed, as North Shields kicked off at 1pm, but it was decided to go and do GBG 'tick' instead by heading to the superb Steamboat in South Shields...
...8 handpulls on the go and battered prawns, for soakage, provided free of charge. Everyone's a winner! It was then up the road for...
Northern League
South Shields 0-0 Bedlington Terriers
Attendance: 286
After the feast comes the famine! After witnessing an eight goal thriller in the morning it was a goalless draw in the bitterly cold afternoon.
It was far from drab at Filtrona Park and the game was played at a fast pace, with plenty of resolute defending and some blood and thunder tackles. There was a nasty tackle early doors which left a South Shields player leaving the ground in an ambulance, otherwise the game was played in a good spirits.
Once again I left the North East with a positive impression of the Northern League and, once again, saying to myself I must try and get up here more often.
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