10th August 2019 Hebburn Town FA Cup (h)

Courtesy of WBFC Twiter

I went away for one week and things had gone to pot. The first game of the season had ended in a very respectable 1-1 draw with Newcastle Benfield but then Billingham Town, who, had been beaten 6-0 in the first game of the season (at home to Stockton), turned the lads over 3-0 at Hillheads. Crowds had been up, with renewed enthusiasm: 417 and 337. But the Hillheads faithfull were still waiting to see their first victory of the season. The hopes of seeing that happen for today's match seemed as unlikely as the chances of Hillheads staying dry. Thunder storms and showers were predicted throughout the day.



The day started with a fairly dry Gateshead 10k for the Boy Mark and I, followed by a trip in pleasant sunshine to Hillheads.

The sun indeed was shining and the Bay started as if they were solar-powered.
Only five minutes in Luke Salmon had the first chance but after rounding the Hebburn Keeper, his effort was saved on the line with a hint of handball.

Next up, it was Lee Kerr, followed by another Luke Salmon effort that was saved by the keeper's leg. On the downside, Nathan Stephenson was booked for disagreeing with the referee on one of his many puzzling, and some might say, scandalous decisions. Who says we have freedom of speech?

Finally, Brad Hird was put through and this time, he rolled the ball under the advancing keeper's body. Hillheads erupted.

The joy lasted four minutes. Two Hebburn penalties turned the first half on its head and all the lads' hard work had been undone. It was no coincidence that the rain started falling. The heavens had had their hearts broken!
There was worse to follow, just two minutes into the second half. A Hebburn freekick was turned in. 438 fans were mostly gutted. So was the home team. Four more goals (one a penalty), an Anderson own goal (sliding in perfectly at the far post to score) and a Bott sending off for a second booking were the 'rewards' for the home fans.
It was the footballing gods reminding us that there are no shortcuts to success. Nathan's brand of football will take to time to come good. Frustrated and cheesed off doesn't come close to explaining how The Boy Mark and I felt after the game. This will be a long road. I'm placing my faith in a Pony Rider charging to our rescue. Who knows what this next turn in the Bay rollercoaster will bring us?

Courtesy of Shanks' Twitter