Depleted Consett slipped to a 2-0 home defeat against Northern Premier League high-flyers Hebburn Town today in a close game at Belle View Stadium.
It was a game of few clear-cut chances, but the Hornets, who are second in the league, took theirs, while Consett’s were left to rue their misses.
Hebburn took the lead in the 36th minute when big striker Liam Henderson headed home from Wayne Phillips’ right-wing corner.
Consett survived a big penalty appeal in added time at the end of the first half when Henderson claimed he was tripped, but the referee waved away Hebburn’s appeals and it remained 0-1 at the break.
Striker Zak Atkinson had two good headed chances to bring Consett level in the first 15 minutes of the second half, but couldn’t direct his efforts on target.
They were made to pay when Hebburn doubled their lead in the 67th minute, when Amar Purewal flicked on a cross from the left, and Liam Henderson buried a half-volley beyond the reach of Consett keeper Ross Coombe.
Consett had a big chance to get back in the game in the 76th minute when Declan Bisset’s through ball put fellow sub Daniel Smith clean through, but the teenage midfielder – making his debut after signing from Northern League side Newcastle University – rolled his shot just wide, pictured top.
When the final whistle went the 0-2 scoreline meant three losses in a row for Consett, who went into the game without the suspended Karl Byrne, unavailable Evan Horwood and injured Matty Slocombe.
With no midweek fixture, Consett’s next game is the trip to West Yorkshire next Saturday, 29 October, to face Ossett United.
Seats on the official club coach to the game are available now, priced £20. Bookings are being taken at the clubhouse, and places must be paid for in advance.
- Full match report and more pictures to follow.