Match Reports

2007 / 2008 Season

Crook Town A.F.C. 0 - 2 Sunderland Ryhope - Arngrove Northern League Division 2         26/04/08

Both sets of fans classed this last game of the season as the heavy-weight contest of the two top goal scorers in the division, Darren Kokes and Andy Jennings both on twenty four goals, but it was all over in seconds as the benevolent Crook defence gifted a goal in the first minute. A back pass which left Robinson stranded, reached Newton who touched on to the unmarked Jennings for a tap-in.

Kokes retaliated with a run down the left but his cross was cut out by Wardle. McAvoy sent Shields scrambling across his goal line but his shot went a yard wide. Both keepers then had little to do for the rest of the half Robinson had an anxious moment when Nesbitt sliced a kick across his goal and Shields needed attention when he collided with Olusoga as they both jumped for a high cross.

Crook started well after the break but hardly looked like breaking down a well drilled away defence. The best chance came to Kokes who had a shot blocked in a crowded goal mouth after McAvoy had beaten two defenders to put in a great cross. It wasn’t to be Crook’s day as a raid down the left wing by Well gave Jennings a shot which beat Robinson’s left hand to sneak into the corner of the net.

Well brought out a fine save from Robinson as he broke through the Crook defence then at the other end a Foster corner found its way to Olusoga who hit the foot of the post from a difficult angle. The game petered out to a predictable end of season kick about leaving Kokes one goal short of thirty goals for the season a great effort playing for a mid-table side.

Team - Andrew Robinson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Neil Emmerson, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Shaun McAvoy, Neville Fuller, Michael Cook, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Sub Keith Foster for McAvoy.

Eric's man of the match Neil Emmerson.

Penrith 3 - 1 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2          19/04/08

Crook defence gifts goals.

With the weather more like Christmas than Spring the Crook defence gifted Penrith with the points needed to gain promotion with two first half moments of madness in a hard fought encounter. The game started with Penrith on the attack, Compson dealing well with two corners, punching the ball away on both occasions from the heads of eager Penrith attackers.

McAvoy, returning from injury was rewarded with an early booking as the ref missed a tackle from behind on him, he returned the complement but in front of Mr Bunting. Crook were looking the equal of the home side but on 19 minutes a kick out of the Penrith defence found Emmerson and Bellew going to head an easy clearance, leaving it to each other the ball bounced between them to Penrith’s man of the match Errington who nipped in to neatly chip the Crook keeper into the left hand corner of the net. Errington had a glorious chance shortly afterwards as a right wing cross evaded a crowd of players in the penalty area and with an empty net at his mercy he ballooned his shot over the bar. The same player again tried to chip Compson as he broke through the defence but the keeper was equal to the task.

Crook took the initiative, determined to gate crash the Penrith party, Pattison booked for his third robust tackle on Olusoga. Crook were awarded a penalty as Cook, weaving his way into the penalty area was pushed off the ball. What happened next was a little bit of pantomime, the local idiot ran from the Penrith dugout to keeper Holland, whispering in his ear then running to the side of the changing room. When Holland saved Kokes shot by diving to his right and the ball was cleared, he ran across the goalmouth with a grin a mile wide. I would have loved to have seen him do that in a packed Old Trafford, a public lynching comes to mind. It didn’t go down well with the Crook faithful behind the goal when the Crook manager was booked at Marske before the start of the second half for walking across the field before the start of play.

Seconds later a right wing cross reached Cook, his pass finding it’s way to Nesbitt, relishing in his role of captain, who unleashed a left foot shot from the edge of the penalty area which flew into the left hand corner of Holland's net. Joy was short lived as a hopeful punt forward by Pattison reached Bellew who miss judged the bounce, miss kicking and the unmarked Errington found an accurate chip to give Compson who once again had no alterative but to advance off his line no chance for a copy book second goal. It was now the Errington show as the apprehensive Crook defence gave him yet another shooting chance which hit the side netting.

The second half began as a midfield tussle, with many niggling free kicks given away by both sides. Penrith had a half chance as Errington just failed to get a touch to a right wing corner. Crooks best chance of the half came when McAvoy evaded a Jones tackle, his centre finding Kokes who shot over the bar. Just after Compson made a good save from an Errington free kick on the edge of the box.

The third Penrith goal came from a quickly taken free kick just inside the Crook half by Lynn which fell between Compson and Bellew but Irving stuck out his foot to beat both defenders to toe poke the ball home. McRobie was then sent off for a flying kick that Jackie Chan would have been proud of but fortunately it only connected with fresh air. The game petered out to a tame end with Penrith deservedly celebrating what has been a fine season. Well done Penrith!

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Neil Emmerson, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Shaun McAvoy, Neville Fuller, Michael Cook,
Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Sub. Craig McRobie for Fuller

Eric’s Man of the Match Craig Nesbitt.

Crook Town A.F.C. 2 - 2 Esh Winning - Arngrove Northern League Division 2         12/04/08

Football Heaven.....for 45 Minutes!

The first chance came early to Crook, a glancing header by Olusoga going narrowly wide after a Foster free-kick. An Esh free-kick by Richardson evaded both Compson and Coates, going wide of the right hand post resulting in a collision, Compson receiving on the field treatment for six minutes. Everyone then seemed content to play out an end of season bore for the next 30 minutes then Kokes breathed life into everyone having a shot rebounding off a defenders foot for a corner.

Compson could no longer continue after breaking his nose, the swelling impairing his vision being replaced by Robinson. Esh retaliated when Foster turned a dangerous Martin cross away for a corner and Robinson saving well from Hornsby. In the 51^st minute of the first half Crook took the lead when a McTaggart cross found Olusoga who’s cushioned header fell into the path of Cook who gave Molyneux no chance with a fine left foot shot from 10 yards.

I’m not sure if Eric put something in the half time orange juice or if both Managers changed all eleven players, but the second half resulted in a rip roaring 45 minutes. Both teams played with outdated wing men playing, shock and horror end to end football resulting in something that isn’t supposed to happen in football now entertainment! The first chance fell to Crook , Molyneux fumbling, the ball falling to Bone, his cross headed into the path of Cook by Olusoga, the shot sailing over the bar.

It was Robinson’s turn to fumble a Hornsby free kick, and Fuller trying to clear found the roof of his own net. A second Esh goal looked certain as Martin worked his way down the left Robinson colliding with an Esh attacker, and as he was lying prone on the floor Nesbitt kicked the ball off the line. A terrific shot from Coates was brilliantly saved by Robinson who somehow turned in mid air to palm the ball over the bar.

Crook retaliated, Kokes making a determined run only to be upended 25 yards from goal, Foster’s free kick went wide with the keeper scrambling across his goal line. The game was now fast and furious, Kokes just failing to get a touch on a dangerous Foster corner, Olusoga hitting the post from a McTaggart centre then Fuller miss kicked on the edge of the six yard box after yet another Foster corner.

Bellew handled on the edge of the Crook penalty area resulting in a fine save from Robinson but shortly afterwards Esh took the lead near the end through sub Gibson as he guided his shot passed Robinson’s left hand. Half of the Esh side were still hugging each other for a great win, but Crook spoilt the party equalizing as McTaggart found Olusoga who’s great touch to Kokes sent him dashing through a shell shocked defence to tuck the ball neatly passed Molyneux with a clinical left foot finish.

Thanks lads for the memory of what the game should be about!

Team - Neil Compson, Neil Emmerson, Craig Nesbitt, Michael Cook, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Graham McTaggart, Neville Fuller, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Sub. Andrew Robinson for Compson.

Eric’s man of the match Graham McTaggart.

Guisborough 2 - 1 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2      05/04/08

Crook's up and down season continues!

Crook played their second below par performance inside a week in a 90 minute backs to the wall encounter against a determined ‘Boro outfit. From the off the home side camped in the Crook half. The first good chance coming from O’Riordan who beat the offside trap only for Crook’s man of the match Compson, who saved his side from what could have been an embarrassing defeat pushed his shot around the post for a corner. Newton one of Crook’s overworked defenders was booked for a foul outside the area and from the kick a glancing header was just wide of Compson’s left-hand post. Kokes had the away side’s first chance of the game but shot over the bar as he beat the offside trap.

A combination of good and sometimes desperate defending kept ‘Boro at bay, and when they did break through Compson was equal to the task, in one attack saving well from Trainer at the foot of the left hand post throwing his body in the way of a full blooded shot. Crooks best period of the half came towards the end, Bishop fisting the ball away from Olusoga after a dangerous cross from McTaggart then a shot from Bone was beaten away by the keeper.

Crook took the lead in the 43 minute, a corner from the right found Fuller who’s shot hit the bar and goal poacher Kokes was quickest to react to find the back of the net. After the break a better performance from Crook was expected but from the off Guisbrough pressed on, Roddam shooting wide with the bombarded Compson scrambling across his line.

A shot was scrambled away as a centre by Booth found Morgan unmarked as he fired into a crowded goalmouth. Compson again kept Crook ahead as Morgan found himself with only the custodian to beat but a fine save with his feet kept the lead intact. ‘Boro equalized as the ball broke free to the unmarked Booth on the edge of the penalty area who, running in beat the stranded Compson, then they should have taken the lead as the over worked defence could only watch as O’Riordan shot wide when it was easier to score.

With the Crook faithful checking their watches the Crook defence again scrambled the ball from a crowded goalmouth but the winning goal followed as a hesitant Crook defence allowed a mistake by Emmerson to be punished by the unmarked O’Riodan to tap the ball in the net from close range. The away side then put extra effort into the final minutes but it was a case of too little too late.

Team - Neil Compson, Neil Emmerson, Dean Newton, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Andrew Bellew, Neville Fuller, Graham McTaggart,
Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs - Kris Leighton for Bone.
Craig Musham for Bellew.

Man of the Match Neil Compson.

Brandon 2 - 2 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2        02/04/08

Crook squander two goal lead.

Brandon had the first chance of the game in the first minute when Russell found himself free on the left hand side of the penalty area, Compson spreading himself to concede a corner. The home side were the more determined in the first 30 minutes Russell again found himself with a shooting chance, putting the ball wide of the post. Crook’s first shot by Coad was well wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area.

Crook began to play good football and took the lead as a Bone corner entered the 6 yard box, Kokes and Olusoga challenged for the ball which was cleared to the edge of the penalty area finding Beckett his shot flying passed Myers left hand into the corner of the net. Crook, now looking good in attack, gave the home defence a torrid few minutes up to the break, a Bone corner deceiving everyone in the penalty area and going inches wide of the far post.

After the break a Fuller pass beat the home defence and a full-blooded Kokes shot brought out the best in Myers as he tipped the ball past the post. Crook added a second as Fuller and Beckett combined well to set up Kokes on the edge of the six yard box, his left foot shot beating Myers right hand. The game looked like a win for the away side with only 10 minutes remaining but Crook relaxed their grip on the game with slack defending when a Russell cross from the left wing was aloud to reach McGarth who stabbed the ball home from close range. This set up a grandstand finish and within a minute the scores were level as the ball was scrambled over the line by Swinyard from a left wing corner.

Laidlaw was lucky to stay on the field after a horrid tackle on Coad, the most skilful player in the Northern League division two, as he weaved his way through the Brandon defence and I’ve feared for the lads well being on more than one occasion this season, after all if we take skill out of the game we may as well call it a day. The game then ended in an ugly affair spoilt by an incident in each half which will no doubt by discussed at a higher level than a web-site.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Neil Emmerson, Keith Foster, Matthew Coad, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Neville Fuller, Michael Cook, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Sub - Dean Newton for Cook.

Eric’s man of the match Chris Beckett.

Marske United 0 - 1 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2       29/03/08

Although Crook kicked off facing the wind and heavy rain the pairing of the experienced Emmerson & Foster at the heart of the defence looked a formidable partnership from the first kick of the game. The away sides quick breaks from mid-field with Beckett and Fuller again combining well had the home defence at their best to stem the flow of attacks from the fleet footed Coad and Kokes who were making light of the slippery under-foot conditions.

Two free kicks by Foster led to hurried defending, but no real danger to the Marske keeper Swan who, minutes later had to concede a corner with a fantastic save, diving backwards to tip a full-blooded drive from Kokes over the bar after the forward had beaten the defence on the right hand side of the box. McTaggart and Beckett combined well to get in a cross to Cook who lost his balance on the slippery surface, missing a great chance of a shot.

Marske, who failed to take too much advantage of the wind, had their best few minutes in the game. The first danger to Compson was from a free-kick on the edge of the six yard box after a back-pass had been handled by the keeper, an advantage which was wasted by the home side. The Crook goal had a lucky escape when Stott broke down the left, his pass finding Onions who’s centre beat the defence with now one on hand to take advantage.

High glee was raised among the Crook faithful after the break as the manager Peter Dixon was booked by the ref for ambling across the pitch as he was about to start the second half. Onions made a determined run down the right wing from the kick-off but his centre beat everyone as the ball went across the face of the goal, Crook conceding a corner. Coad was giving the home defence a hard time with his pace and ball control, gaining several free-kicks, one of which he headed wide from a pin-point Foster kick after he had been brought down half-way inside the Marske half.

A five man move resulted in a Crook taking the lead on 62 minutes. Marske had made a change in defence replacing Larkin with Howes which seemed to upset the balance of the home side. McTaggart and Beckett cut out a raid, the ball reaching Coad who, scampering down the right put in a great centre which gave Swan a difficult choice of “ should I go for it or stay on the line?” his split second hesitancy gave Kokes all the time he needed to nip in and give him no chance with his first time shot, but it hit the bar bouncing to Bone, who rushing in got a touch, Waller diving to his left got a hand to the ball but it crept inside the left hand post to save the defender from a red card.

Condition’s played a part in a dangerous situation for the Crook defence, Compson slipping as Foster made a back-pass but with Thompson rushing in, a first time tackle from Emmerson cleared the danger. Condition’s were now serious, more of a combined hurricane and monsoon but Crook stuck to their task well, the home side never looked a threat.

Chances were now being made in the home penalty area, Coad shooting wide of the left hand post after a solo run and Kokes bringing out a fine save from Swan with a shot from the edge of the box, then the keeper pushed a shot round the post from the same player in a one on one situation. Crook finishing the game well to move into the top –half of the League.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Neil Emmerson, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Neville Fuller, Michael Cook, Matthew Coad, Darren Kokes.

Sub Craig McRobie for Bone.

Eric’s Man of the Match. Neil Emmerson.

Crook Town A.F.C. 1 - 2 Penrith - Arngrove Northern League Division 2         19/03/08

You've heard the story, a game of two half's well this is one of a three quarter-quarter game. It started off with both sides playing 100 mile an hour football with Crook equal in every department with the champions elect. Both sides cancelled out most of the attacking options in the first 20 minutes with Crook looking the more likely to break the deadlock with their quick counter attacks.

The first good chance of the game had fallen early in the game Cook saw his shot spin off keeper Holland for a corner. Fuller in for the injured McAvoy was looking at home in his mid-field role, combining well with Beckett. Olusoga was felled in a central position while jumping for a cross and Crook took the lead as Fosters free-kick rebounded in the penalty area and fell to Kokes who beat Holland from close range after 26 minutes.

Penrith made a quick reply from a corner, Compson saving what looked like a certain goal diving to his left from a Fletcher shot. The away side then put pressure on the Crook defence but they found the home side in no mood to concede.

After the break Crook looked the more determined side, Kokes finding space on the left, his cross finding Olusoga who's deft touch found Bone, his right foot shot beat Holland only to rebound off the bar. Penrith then had a period on top but found the Crook defence equal to the task, Compson blocking a shot with his feet then Irving finding a full blooded shot rebounding off Newton's foot for a corner.

A Compson clearance was collected by Foster who spotted Olusoga free on the halfway line, his pinpoint pass beat the offside trap giving the striker a run at goal which resulted in a heavy collision with keeper Holland. Kokes looked to have beaten the offside trap but the linesman's decision was offside much to the annoyance of both player and spectators immediately at the side of play.

With 10 minutes remaining Penrith equalized when a free kick deceived a flatfooted defence, Errington heading passed Compson. With Crook having used their subs McTaggart limped off and with only seconds to go Errington was again the Penrith hero, pouncing on hesitant Crook defending to place his shot passed Compson in what had been an entertaining encounter with a disappointing end for the Crook camp.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Dean Newton, Keith Foster, Neil Emmerson, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Neville Fuller, Michael Cook, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs - Matthew Coad for Cook.
Marc Elliott for Beckett.
Karl Pennington for Olusoga.

Eric’s Man of the match Neville Fuller.

Crook Town A.F.C. 1 - 0 Thornaby - Arngrove Northern League Division 2       15/03/08

Wonder save gives Crook all three points.

Defences were on top in this dour no quarter given game, Crook the more likely to score with there more direct approach, Thornaby having more of the ball but for 89 minutes never looking dangerous in front of goal. The home side had the Thornaby defence in a tangle more than once, McAvoy just failing to reach a centre, the defence conceding a corner.

Thornaby were playing neat football in mid-field but lacked the cutting edge to worry Compson in the Crook goal. It was no surprise when Crook took the lead on 23 minutes albeit a penalty when Olusoga was upended in the box and Kokes was rather fortunate scuffing his shot but Trotter committed himself to diving left but the ball rolled into the far right corner. McAvoy was then carried from the action with a leg injury and was replaced by Fuller. The much improved Bone gave the Thornaby defence a moment of anguish with a fine centre into the box which fell short of the Crook attack.

Foster left what looked like an easy clearance for Compson but the keeper slipped leaving the defender with a hurried clearance. Crook looked certain to score as Bone found Foster in the penalty area, he’s pin point centre setting up Kokes running on to the edge of the six yard box but the usual ace saw his shot go 6 yards wide of the post much to the merriment of keeper Trotter.

The second half started with the visitors in determined mood. Compson beating away a shot then Emmerson kicking the rebound away for a corner. The game was now end to end, Trotter using his feet to good effect blocking an Olusoga shot and Compson fisting away a dangerous cross. Trotter lost control of a back pass and the persistent Cook stealing the ball away but only finding a defender who conceded a corner.

The Crook defence got in a tangle when Walker broke through but a fine McTaggart block had the ball bouncing off the unlucky forward. Beckett was making determined runs for Crook from the mid –field with shouts of “well played Toffa “ from the Crook faithful ringing in his ears. The best chance of the half so far fell to Crook after Nesbitt found himself unmarked on the left hand side of the box found Olusoga who touched it on to Kokes who brought out the best in Trotter with a fine two-handed save. Thornaby’s Jackson was then sent off for his second book-able offence as he fouled Kokes.

As the final whistle was near Compson made one of the best saves seen in many years on the Millfield, first he beat out a shot which fell to the unmarked Walker who had a simple tap in but as the shot left his foot the keeper propelled himself through the air to push the ball to safety which helped the home side to a welcome three points.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Neil Emmerson, Liam Bone, Shaun McAvoy, Chris Beckett, Michael Cook,
Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs - Neville Fuller for McAvoy.
Craig Nesbitt for Bone.

Eric's Man OF The Match Chris Beckett.

Stokesley 2 - Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2        08/03/08

Bone runs the show.

Both sides had difficulty with the adverse weather conditions throughout the first half, the swirling wind then when dropping slightly the heavy rain, mist and sleet! Crook had the better of the exchanges, Foster floating in a free kick early on but Johnson the home keeper had an easy catch. The wind spoilt any chance of a free flowing game and the ball seemed more out of play, than in. The first test for the Crook defence was a brave save as Compson’s feet dealt with a shot by Poole after the danger man of the home side Andrews had found him unmarked. It was again the same duo that troubled the Crook defence but Foster cleared the danger.

Crook broke away as Beckett found Bone on the right and his swinging cross was headed away for a corner. Kokes found the net from the kick but was ruled offside. Nesbitt then left the field with an injury to be replaced by McTaggart who had been missing for several weeks through injury. A rare mistake by Foster nearly lead to a home goal but Compson’s feet again saved the day as he kicked away a shot from Wise. Stokesley had a narrow escape when a clever Kokes back-header was scrambled away from inside the right-hand post. A Kokes shot from the edge of the area saw the ball falling to Cook but Johnson saved well beating out his shot, McAvoy then shoot the rebound over the bar. The weather was now atrocious and half time came as a welcome relief for the players and officials.

As the second half got under way Crook went behind, McTaggart losing the ball and Poole raced through placing the ball passed the diving Compson's left hand. This put Crook into second gear and a galvanized Bone, who had his best 45 minutes with some tremendous wing play beat his defender and his great cross was met by Olusoga who’s left foot shot gave the keeper no chance from the edge of the six yard box after 55 minutes.

This breathed life into both sides, Andrews shooting narrowly over the Crook bar then Bone, who was then the instigator of Crooks second goal as he received a pass from McTaggart and with a great run down the right found McAvoy in the penalty area with he’s cross. The midfielder beat a defender and his pass found goal poacher Kokes who slipped the ball passed the well beaten keeper.

It was soon 3—1 as Kokes tried his luck on the left wing his cross finding his strike partner Olusoga who gleefully obliged with a tap-in. Bone was now in full flow he worked his way onto the centre of the edge of the penalty area his left foot shoot brilliantly tipped over the bar by Johnson. Bone was then involved in the fourth goal. Fosters corner reached the inspired No 7 who’s right foot shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the right hand post rebounding to the ever alert Kokes who scored from close range to put him in the leading league scorers spot.

An end to end game continued now in bright sunshine, Johnson scrambling for an Olusoga shot which narrowly went over the bar, Fuller at the other end blocking a Andrews shot. Crook were working the ball to good effect, Johnson again making a fine save as he palmed a Cook shot over the bar. Campbell made Compson work as he turned a full blooded shot around the post. A minute from time the Crook defence failed twice to clear a corner Humberstone heading home from close range ending an entertaining 45 minutes.

Team - Neil Compson, Neil Emmerson, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Shaun McAvoy, Michael Cook, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs. Graham McTagartt for Nesbitt.
Neville Fuller for Beckett.
Karl Pennington for Olusoga.

Eric’s Man of the match Liam Bone.

Crook Town A.F.C. 0 - 4 Ryton - Arngrove Northern League Division 2       05/03/08

Crook lose in the first 30 minutes.

A three goal burst in the first 30mins had Crook reeling as the away side, with a chance of promotion started in whirlwind fashion. After 35 seconds Compson made a great save from Shaw but his parry was stroked into the back of the net by Walton. Crook replied when the ball was placed over the defence for Kokes to chest down but his left foot shot went wide of the post

Ryton then gave the Crook defence a torrid time Burrell outpacing Foster but he shot weakly wide. Crook then gave away a goal from a corner, leaving Liddle with a free header on the back post for the easiest of goals. It was open season in the Crook defence as they opened up for Burrell to centre and McBride had a simple tap in. Bulford then tricked his way through the defence but shot well wide on 38mins, an irate Ryton fan phoned the away teams clubhouse upset at his teams pathetic support saying “If there’s anybody interested up there were leading 3-0 after 38 minutes”

The second half was a little different Ryton after their whirlwind start let Crook back into the game Robinson touching an Olusoga shot passed the post, the bemused keeper taking an unexpected goal-kick, the ref got it wrong. This was now Crook’s best period of the game, a Kokes pass was chested into the path of Coad who shot over the top.

The Crook Manager was then banished from the touch line, as the home side were making a change Ryton sent two subs on without the officials permission which upset Peter. McAvoy made progress down the left wing his pass finding Fuller his full blooded right foot shot from 20 yards had Robinson rooted to the spot but it went an inch passed the left hand post. In a scramble in the Crook goalmouth Ryton killed off any revival McBride scoring through a crowd of players.

Team - Neil Compson, Neil Emmerson, Craig Nesbitt, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Shaun McAvoy, Michael Wood, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs - Matthew Coad for Bone.
Karl Pennington for Olusoga.
Neville Fuller for Bellew.

Eric’s man of the match Chris Beckett.

Crook Town A.F.C. - 1 - 0 Birtley - Arngrove Northern League Division 2         01/03/08

Both teams failed to come to grips with the strong cross-field wind and the first of few goalmouth chances fell to Birtley, a right wing centre
by Smith reached Moat who headed well over the bar. Birtley keeper Mallinson was harassed to punch a corner into the air, his fellow defenders covering well to clear danger. As the ball was caught on the swirling wind Moat ran through the Crook defence but Compson was the braver in a
one on one, the keeper clearing into touch with his kick.

McAvoy's strong runs from midfield were troubling the Birtley defence but the game failed to flow with petty free kicks given away by both teams. Crook looked the more aggressive side, but there was no worthwhile chance from either side.

The second half started in controversy, Urwin being sent off which ended in a touch line war of words between the player and Ford. The half was now littered with petty fouls from both sides, the Birtley trainer the hardest worked man in the ground as the away side seemed to be content to waste time at every opportunity. Crooks first shot on target in the game was from 25 yards by McAvoy, but as the keeper fumbled there was know one on hand to capitalize.

Birtley had a great chance to score as Iness broke free of the Crook defence but from Compson’s brilliant point blank save, the rebound ballooned well over the bar. Names were now being added to the Refs list, too many to count in what was now a heated encounter. McAvoy had a run from midfield his 25yard shot was dipping under the crossbar but somehow Mallinson, who was off his line, back peddled and brilliantly pushed the ball onto the bar then bravely saved the rebound as he grabbed the bouncing swerving sphere from the onrushing Kokes.

Then in all my time of watching football I have never seen such a stupid sending off. Olusoga, who had been booked in the first half for a tackle, did a “Maradona” as he challenged the keeper, both Ref & Linesman spotted the foolishness. Now we had a contest at last, Crook combining well on the right, and as a Bone centre was heading into the six yard box the unlucky keeper Mallinson slipped and Cook nipped in to put the home side in the lead. Crook defender Newton was then sent off for a tackle, his second bookable offence, being the last defender as he did so.

It was now Birtley's turn to show some urgency throwing men forward, Crook bringing on Musham to bolster the defence which was marshalled well by the experienced Emmerson & Foster. A Birtley free kick was well defended as three shots were blocked, Beckett breaking away on a great run and as he approached the penalty area, his pass found Wood who shot against the keeper, a defender giving away a corner as Kokes shot in the rebound. The Crook defence held out through the time added on to gain the double over the leagues new boys.

Team - Neil Compson, Neil Emmerson, Dean Newton, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Shaun McAvoy, Michael Cook,
Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Sub. Craig Musham for Bone.

Eric’s Man of the Match Keith Foster.

North Shields 2 - 1 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2          26/02/08

Team - Neil Compson, Neal Emmerson, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Shaun McAvoy, Michael Cook,
Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs Dean Newton for Bone.
Matthew Coad for Kokes.

Scorer Kokes.

Eric's man of the match Chris Beckett.

Prudhoe Town 0 - Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2       23/02/08

Crook are determined not to let the season stagnate and have bought two new players to go along with signings two weeks ago. The game started with Crook having the advantage of a strong wind and most of the play in the first half, Kokes having the first chance but shooting straight at keeper Hands. Crook had the ball in the net as a Foster cross was headed in but offside was given. The away side were suffering from over enthusiasm by over kicking in the strong wind. Kokes then had a shot beaten away by the keeper and Foster heading the corner over the crossbar.

Prudhoe first chance of the half came when Potts hit the side netting after controlling a left wing cross. With Crook doing most of the attacking Olusoga had a shot blocked and Beckett shot wide from the rebound. Kokes had a 50-50, only brave goal keeping saved a certain goal for the ever alert striker. Prudhoe were now using time wasting tactics to keep out the Crook onslaught with the away side desperate for a half-time lead in the strong wind. A miss kick by Bellow brought Compson into rare action, diving to his left to keep out a shot from Potts.

Crook were unlucky when a Kokes shot was fumbled by Hands but the ball evaded the Crook players following up. The ever dangerous Kokes had a shot from the edge of the penalty area which hit the bar, then the keeper finger tipped a Bone corner away for yet another corner. With Crook desperate for a goal, the attack was being caught offside on several occasion’s and half-time was a welcome relief for Prudhoe.

It was Crook who got off to a flying start after the break, the home defence rooted to the spot as a corner bounced dangerously in the area the ball somehow cleared. A Foster free kick was met by Cook, the keeper saved his shot but the rebound was pushed in by McAvoy, who was revelling in his mid-field partnership with Beckett to give Crook a well deserved lead on 50 minutes.

Fouls were plentiful in the Prudhoe half and a Bone free-kick was met by Foster who‘s difficult to defend cross onto the edge of the six yard box was stabbed in by the onrushing Olusoga. Prudhoe replied, Compson making a point blank save from Robinson the rebound going for a goal kick from a weak shot. Crook were dangerous on the left, Nesbitt and new boy Cook combining well. Kokes broke into the penalty area, the ball nipped off his toe only to reach Olusoga but he shot over the bar wasting a golden opportunity.

A welcome three points!

Team - Neal Compson, Neal Emmerson, Andrew Bellow, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Chris Beckett, Shaun McAvoy, Michael Cook, Liam Bone, Dan.Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

No subs were used.

Eric’s man of the match, Shaun McAvoy

Crook Town A.F.C. 1 - 6 South Shields - Arngrove Northern League Division 2     16/02/08

The first good chance of the game fell to Crook after the Shields defence had decided early to target Coad as the home sides danger man with repeated late tackles, when a Bone free-kick was headed narrowly wide by Moat. After a fumble by Wright the Shields keeper on the edge of the penalty area, the ball fell to Kokes who’s centre was headed for a corner with Olusoga lurking on the far post. Shields first corner was fisted away from the head of Scroggins by Compson, the first real sign of danger to the Crook defence.

Kokes was proving to be a danger to the away side’s defence, a left wing corner headed away by O’Brian. Johnson was then booked for a crude tackle on Coad, a yellow card produced when in my opinion red would have been more appropriate. Compson then made a brave save from Crew as he dived at the forwards feet. The Shields defence were continuing to give Coad a hard time with continuous petty fouls, the Crook manager Paul Dixon being reprimanded by the Ref for his zealous protest. Crook put the on the pressure with three successive corners but it was Shields who broke the deadlock as league Chairman Mike Amos uttered the words “I think I’ll see my first goalless draw this season." After a brilliant save from Compson the ball found its way to the left wing, the centre volleyed home by Johnson.

The second goal soon followed, Compson dived at the feet of an on-rushing Shields forward, and stayed injured on the ground and with promotion paramount in the minds of the away side they played on for several seconds. Feasy receiving the ball on the left and shooting home, the first incident of its kind on the Millfield since April 16^th 1994 v. Bedlington. Very un-gentleman like for the first team in the League to ban swearing.

Crook started the second half in determined fashion but 5 minutes after the break went further behind when Crew headed home from a corner. The home side to their credit continued to attack, a Foster shot was charged down by Wright after good work on the left by Coad, but Shields found another hole in the home sides defence as they pressed forward Johnson beating the unprotected keeper for goal number 4.

As the Crook attacks continued, Kokes pulled a goal back with a fine shot on the left hand side of the six yard box after working his way into the left hand side of the penalty area. Joy was short lived as Crook were pressing forward the ball broke to Crew who added number five. Shields were now looking to add to their goal tally, Compson tipping a Crew shot over the bar and Scroggins rubbed salt into the wounds slotting the ball passed Compson to end another disappointing afternoon for the home side.

Team - Neil Compson, Craig Musham, Chris Beckett, Andrew Bellew, Neil Emmerson, Liam Bone, David Moat, Craig McRobie, Matthew Coad, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs - Keith Foster for Musham.
Michael Ford for Liam Bone.
Neville Fuller for McRobie.

My Crook man of the match Darren Kokes.

Horden 1 - 2 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2          09/02/08

Crook had the better of the early exchanges with Coad a constant thorn in the side of the Horden defence. The visitors were making the most of the stiff breeze forcing several corners. Kokes broke through the home defence only for Rafferty to make a fine diving save at the strikers feet. The same player then made a run down the left his centre reaching Olusoga who’s looping header hit the bar with the keeper well beaten.

Crook were the more inventive side putting the home side under pressure in their own half, Horden having only two worthwhile attacks in the first 20 minutes. The visitors took a well deserved lead on 25 minutes when Crook’s man of the match, Coad, weaved his way down the left wing and his pinpoint cross found the unmarked Olusoga on the right who’s shot across the diving keeper from 20 yards nestled in the right hand corner of the net.

The lead was short lived however as a rare Horden attack resulted in the equalizer. A centre from the right by Atkinson reached Sullivan resulting in a ping-pong match in the Crook area and who else but ace striker Allen was on hand to touch the ball home. The Horden revival was short lived as Crook continued to attack resulting in the home defence arguing among themselves. Olusoga latched on to a long defensive clearance and heading over the bar. As half-time approached Coad, on yet another defence splitting run was fouled 20 yards on the left of goal. Bone, spotting the keeper off his line took a speculative shot giving the back peddling custodian no chance.

Crook rode the expected onslaught well in the first ten minutes, Allen left unmarked headed just wide of the left hand post. Horden found the Crook keeper in fine form, dealing with high crosses under pressure and new veteran defender Emmerson marshalling the defence well, central-defenders Beckett and Bellew having their best game for a while. Crook had a glorious chance to stretch the lead as a corner was floated in and a defensive header by Stephenson rebounded off a defender to McRobie on the edge of the six yard box who mistimed his shot, kicking fresh-air.

Horden had their best chance of the half when the ball ballooned over the Crook defence and Atkinson shot into the side netting past the advancing Compson. Coad had a crisp shot parried by Rafferty and Olusoga just failed to connect with the re-bound after a fine rightwing cross from Kokes. Allen was trying hard to rally a ragged Horden outfit to no avail, but Crook always looked the most dangerous.

Kokes bringing out a good block from Rafferty, Olusoga narrowly missing the rebound. The game suddenly changed when a crude tackle by Bellew on Allen saw the ref give the defender his marching orders. Crook a desperate 5 minutes to defend. New full back Tague was then booked for kicking the ball away. Coad then broke away, beating one man then he was ruthlessly brought down by Atkinson having treatment on the field for several minutes on a knee injury which could side line him for several weeks, a sad end for a great Crook win.

Team - Neal Compson, Martin Tague, Chris Beckett, Andrew Bellew, Neal Emmerson, Liam Bone, David Moat, Craig McRobie, Matthew Coad, Dan Olusoga., Darren Kokes.

Subs - Craig Thorn for Bone.
Neville Fuller for McRobie.

My Crook man of the match Matthew Coad.

Hebburn Town 7 - 3 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2     26/01/08

45 Minutes of misery!

If only Crook's away games could finish at half-time! Obvious lack of fitness in some quarters and the inability to defend corners and free-kicks outside the box is costing the team dear. The game started in bright fashion on a miserable wet dark afternoon Crook having the first chances. Rogers tipped an Olusoga glancing header over the bar and they took an early lead when a Bone free-kick on the right had the home defence in a tangle that saw Donaghy heading into his own net.

Leighton made a timely challenge on Elrington to give away a corner on the right and the kick caused panic in the Crook defence Hanson heading home on the edge of the six yard box. The game was now an entertaining end to end encounter, Crook’s second goal coming when Leighton found Kokes free on the right who spotted Rogers off his line, his chip beating the keeper, Olusoga sliding in to tap the ball home on 25 minutes.

It was now Hebburn’s turn to break away Nesbitt making a splendid tackle inside the 6 yard box as a goal looked certain then the equalizer came 2 minutes before half-time. A break down the right and the unmarked McCartney headed in from close range.

The first chance of the second half came to Crook. Olusoga headed across the penalty area finding Kokes who’s shot through a crowd of players went into the keepers hands. On 47 minutes Hebburn took the lead when Leighton miss-timed a headed clearance and Elrington tapped the ball home. The home side were now in full flow and scored a fourth when a left wing cross was headed in by McCartney.

Compson tipped a fine shot by McCartney over the bar then the same player scored his hat-trick as he found himself unmarked to slot home an easy chance. Crook were given a lifeline when when Olusoga was brought down in the penalty area Kokes sending Rogers the wrong way tucking the ball into the right hand corner.

The fight back was short lived when Myers worked his way down the right wing, his weak shot somehow finding its way into the left hand corner of the net. The rout was completed by Carroll who headed in from a left-wing corner.

Team - Neil Compson, Kris Leighton, Andrew Bellew, Craig Musham, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Craig McRobie, Craig Thorn,
Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs. David Moat for McRobie.
Michael Ford for Thorn.

Crook Town A.F.C. - 2 - 0 Team Northumbria - Arngrove Northern League Division 2       19/01/08

The away team started the brighter, McCormick heading wide from close range and Nesbitt making an excellent block on Readhead on the edge of the penalty area. Leighton, who had an excellent game playing right wing back in place of the injured McTaggart, who could be out for the rest of the season, made progress down the right putting in a great centre which was headed away by Baistow. A fine through ball found Olusoga unmarked, and goalkeeper Yorath made a fine stop in a one on one situation.

A woeful kick out by Compson put the Crook defence under pressure ending in Musham giving a free kick away on the edge of the box, but the keeper made up for his mistake by tipping the kick over the bar. From the resulting corner McCoy hit the right hand post. T. North were having the better of the exchanges but Crook’s quick brakes were causing concern, to the away defence, Kokes weaving his way into the box but his shot found its way into the ever alert Yorath’s hands.

Crooks defence got into a tangle, Young’s fierce left foot shot passed everyone, including the left hand post for a goal kick. The away side were now on the offensive gaining several corners, Crooks overworked defence scrambling the ball away on several occasions. If you don’t score when your on top you get punished, especially with a goal poacher like Kokes around. A quick Crook raid down the right by Bone who’s cross was well controlled by the lightening quick striker who beat two defenders, his shot giving Yorath no chance. Then it was service as usual, the visitors on the offensive Compson mistiming a punch the ball scrambled away as the opposition corner count went into double figures. A good chance was missed then a Crook raid had an Olusoga overhead kick going narrowly wide of the post.

Coad and Kokes combined well on the left wing but Coad’s shot was saved by the keeper. As the last sips of Bovril were being drunk “Sods Laws” struck, Crook scored with their first corner two minutes after the break. Bone centred and McRobie got the touch in a crowded goalmouth. Olusoga had two chances, a shot straight at the keeper then Yorath made a fine fingertip save as the home faithful were shouting “Goal”

A Leighton free kick was fumbled by Yorath and with Kokes following up he gratefully grabbed the ball at the second attempt. T. North made a valiant attempt to get back into the game but the Crook defence held firm the home side content to hit on the break. Crook replaced Olusoga with Ford and he nearly scored with his first touch in a Crook shirt, only a brave dive at his feet by Yorath saved a certain goal. Kokes nearly had the last say, beating the offside trap his fierce right foot drive was brilliantly turned round the post by Yorath.

Team - Neil Compson, Kris Leighton, Andrew Bellew, Craig Musham, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Craig McRobie, Matthew Coad,
Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs David Moat for McRobie.
Michael Ford for Olusoga.

My Crook man of the match Darren Kokes.

Esh Winning 5 - 1 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2      15/01/08

Crook show grit.......for 45 minutes!!

Crook gave as good as they got in a robust first half, then gave a second-half display which gives any manager grey hairs and ulcers!! Esh set off at a hundred miles an hour and put the Crook defence under pressure, McRobie clearing a dangerous centre clear for a corner. Olusoga was unfortunate not to get on the end of a Bone free-kick after beating the offside trap. Compson made a good save from Gregory after a good cross from Smith. But Esh took the lead after16 minutes when Nesbitt failed to clear, and Martin thumped the ball passed Compson’s right hand. Esh Winning’s robust tactics were undone from a free-kick on the edge of the box, McRobie's free-kick sailed into the net but the ref wanted the kick re-taken. Foster finding the same spot the left hand corner of the net.

Crook had a great chance, two players were offside but Coad took the ball through the defence from the halfway line, breaking into the penalty area Molyneux saving well, Bone shooting well over the bar from the re-bound. Crook had stood up well to the home onslaught Esh beginning to run out of attacking ideas. There was a long break for an injury to McTaggart who had to be replaced by Moat.

After the break a Foster free-kick beat the defensive wall but the shot went straight to the keeper. Crook were having difficulty defending set pieces and a corner bounced along the goal line three times only to be scrambled away for another corner. A corner was then Crooks undoing, the defence standing in a trance as Mason, unmarked scored from close range.

Quick thinking by Kokes and Coad had the Winning defence in a tangle, but as the ball was cleared up field the home side gained yet another corner and again poor marking allowed Blennings the freedom of the park to tap the ball home. Esh then hit the bar from a Fort free kick. Kokes brought out a tremendous save from Molyneux but Esh took a 4-1 lead as again woeful defending aloud Martin to tap the ball into the net. The rout was completed in rapid time as a cross from the right was met by Coates who struck the ball home.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Craig McRobie, Matthew Coad, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs - David Moat for McTaggart.
David Jeffers for Bone.
Karl Pennington for Olusoga.

Whickham 2 - 1 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2       29/12/07

A poor Christmas return for Crook.

Crook failed to win over the holiday period with a return of only one point out of nine. Whickham were the first to look dangerous in attack Richardson slipping the ball into the penalty area, Compson turning the cross away for a corner. A long throw into the Crook area found Compson exposed in the goalmouth, King having an easy chance to give the home side the lead after 6 minutes.

Crook retaliated when Peachey found Coad with a fine pass but his shot went wide of the right hand post. The game was now mainly mid-field shenanigans with not much interest to both sets of supporters, but one fine move from McTaggart and Bone on the right had Coad just failing to latch on to the cross with the defence and keeper out of position. Coad then headed down a cross which dropped just behind the unlucky Peachey who had timed his run well.

Compson made a brave diving save at the feet of Thirkell after Richardson and King had combined well down the left wing and Foster made a good block on Thirkell to put the ball behind for a corner. The only danger to the Crook goal was from the odd Whickham break away. The Whickham central defenders must have had to take Paracetamols at half-time Crook guilty of too many high balls into the centre which gave the smaller attackers no chance after fine approach work.

After the break Fairless found himself in a good position for a shot after a corner but his shot went wide. Richardson the Whickham keeper made a fine save from a McRobie free kick pushing the ball over the bar, then he dropped a Foster free-kick but no Crook player was on hand to push the ball home. The next Whickham move proved vital to the outcome of the game, a double substitution, with the home side looking second best.

Crook were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area after Coad had been fouled, Bone’s kick was headed just wide of the left hand post. Compson made an great save with his feet as Connell out-foxed Nesbitt to put in a shot. Whickham were now causing danger to the Crook defence and sub Pegram gave them a two goal lead giving Compson no chance.

Crook then brought on Pennington who had his best minutes in a Crook shirt giving the central defenders a different kind of head-ache with his extra height and body strength. With 2 minutes left Pennington scored when an un-defendable Foster corner from the right was headed in from close range, the fight back just failing to snatch a point.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Craig McRobie, Lee Peachey, David Jeffers, Matthew Coad.

Subs - Andrew Morgan for McTaggart
Karl Pennington for Peachey.

My Crook man of the match the ever dependable Keith Foster.

Crook Town A.F.C. 0 - 0 Darlington R.A. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2       26/12/07

The R.A. made it hard work for the home side who played their first 0-0 draw since the 8^th of April 2006 . The first goalmouth action came after 20mins when Coad placed a header between two defenders into the keepers hands. Darlington were looking the more determined side in the first half hour. McTaggart sprang Crook into life when he hit the cross bar with a centre cum cross. He then had a half chance when Clark and a defender got in a tangle, and with the keeper out of position his shot went over the bar. Then a dangerous Coad centre was headed behind for a corner by Smith.

Crook were fortunate not to concede when a corner was floated into the goalmouth and Bellew blocked a shot on the line. The R.A. continued attacking but found the dependable Foster marshalling his defence well. As half time approached Beckett made a fine 40 yard run passing to Olusoga but his cross into the danger zone was headed away for a corner.

Compson was soon in action after the break when he did well to cut-out a Finnagan centre. Crook took control of the game and Coad was brought down on the edge of the box but Fosters free kick went a yard wide of the right hand post. Coad weaved his way into the centre of the penalty area but his shot went over the bar. A dangerous cross from Olusoga found Leighton but his shot was blocked on the edge of the 6 yard box, the home side were now camped in the R.A. half.

Nesbitt was booked for a rash tackle in an R.A. breakaway Smith putting the free kick over the top. Coad then broke through the defence and as a defender hit Moat with his clearance the ball ballooned over the bar. As full time was near the away side had a breakaway but a timely tackle by Foster saved the danger.

Team - Neil Compson, Chris Beckett, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt., Liam Bone, David Moat, Craig McRobie, Graham McTaggart, Matthew Coad, Dan Olusoga.

Subs Kris Leighton for Bone
Karl Pennington for Olusoga
Lee Peachey for Nesbitt

My Crook Man of the Match, the dependable Keith Foster.

Norton 3 - 0 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2      22/12/07

Sloppy Crook pay the penalty.

Crook lost for the third season running at Norton having lost some of the euphoria of the last few league games and only Keith Foster came out of the game with full credit in what was a poor team performance. The first chance of the game fell to Coad who used his pace to beat the defence his shot going passed the right hand post. The game then became a niggling encounter with Crook being the main culprits, giving away needless fouls.

Olusoga, a surprising inclusion in the Crook eleven shot passed the left hand angle after a three man move. Compson made a fine block from the first Norton chance turning the ball away for a corner. A fine piece of defending by Lake cut out a cross from Olusoga as he looked like giving Bone a free shot at goal from inside the penalty area. Controversy followed as Compson was busy lining a wall for a free kick it was taken quickly but the shot hit the outside of the post.

Crook then had their best spell of the game. Stunned into action by events at the other end, a dangerous Foster free kick was headed behind for a corner, Olusoga shooting well over the bar from the cross. With Crook pressing hard an Olusoga cross was plucked off the head of Coad. With half time approaching Norton took the lead as Baverstock latched on to a defensive clearance outstripping two defenders , the unlucky diving Compson was alleged to have caught his foot as the ball was running away from goal the Ref awarded a penalty, Dowdon making no mistake from the spot.

The second half started with anguish for Crook as a Norton corner came floating into the Crook area for an easy catch for Compson but he dropped the ball and a Norton player gleefully stabbed the ball home for goal no 2. The Crook defence were now under pressure, McTaggart kicking away as the ball bounced across the Crook goal line. The away side regained composure, Pennington heading a Foster free kick wide and in a goalmouth scramble McTaggart and Beckett combined to give Pennington a shot which was scrambled away. As Crook were pressing the impressive Baverstock was again left unmarked and put the game out of reach as his placed the ball passed Compson. The last two chances of the game fell to an out of sorts Crook side but the Norton keeper Briggs had an easy 90 minutes.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Craig McRobie, Matthew Coad, Dan Olusoga, Carl Pennington.

Subs - Michael Suttcliffe for Olusoga.
Craig Musham for Bellew.
David Moat for Bone.

My Crook Man of the match Keith Foster.

Esh Winning 1 – 0 Crook Town A.F.C. – Arngrove Northern League Division 2       08/12/07

Match abandoned after 42 minutes.

Both keepers were in action early, Compson deflecting a shot away from goal with his left arm as the ball fizzed off the slippery surface and Molyneux finger tipping an Olusoga shot passed his right hand post. Esh were adapting better to the conditions and took the lead on 25 minutes when a right wing corner was turned in by Martin from close range.

Crook appealed for a penalty when a Foster free kick hit a defender, then Mason hit the Crook bar after a corner kick. It was difficult to tell the malicious from the accidental tackles in the conditions. Crook received a corner on the right and as Olusoga fell heavily and after several minutes he was carried off on a stretcher the referee calling an end to the game.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster,

Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Craig McRobie, Matthew Coad,

Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Penrith 3 - 0 Crook Town A.F.C. - League Cup    04/12/07

Crook's much changed side started well, the Penrith defence scrambling away a Crook free kick on the right for a corner, McRobie had a half chance from the dead ball kick. Crook's second corner was headed narrowly wide by Musham. Penrith took the lead with their first attack after 20 minutes, Compson rushing out of his penalty area only half clearing the ball to a Penrith player who's centre reached the unmarked Blaylock who stabbed the ball home.

In a dangerous raid, keeper Holland miss-kicked, the ball reaching McTaggart who's centre was headed just wide by Leighton. Crook went two down when with no danger lurking a back pass by Castledene went sailing over the stranded Compson. Holland then made a good save from McRobie after a free kick on the left. McTaggart had a good chance latching on to a McRobie through ball but shot wide.

Holland the Penrith keeper was having a torrid time with his kicking but Crook failed to capitalize on any of his blunders. Penrith rarely looked in trouble after the break and scored when the Crook defence failed to mark a left wing corner, Thornton easily heading home from close range. Crook's best chance of the half fell to Pennington after a Leighton pass found him on the edge of the 6 yard box, but he miss-kicked his shot.

Team - Neil Compson, Chris Beckett, Paul Castledene, Craig Musham, Andrew Bellew, Lee Peachey,
Craig M^cRobie, David Moat, Graham M^cTaggart, Kris Leighton, Carl Pennington.

Subs - Liam Bone for Musham.
Darren Kokes for Bellew.

My Crook Man of the match, Neil Compson for not losing his temper because of some poor defending.

Crook Town A.F.C. 1 - 1 Town - Arngrove Northern League Division 2     01/12/07

Crook started the more confident side, and saw a Foster corner headed away. Guisbrough’s first attack was put behind for a corner and as the kick reached the goalmouth a hesitant Crook defence gave Jackson the freedom of the six yard box to stab the ball home. Crook then took the initiative with great attacking play and deserved an equalizer after 10 minutes when Coad made a fine run down the left wing, and as he broke into the penalty area he spotted Bishop the 'Boro keeper advancing and calmly lifted his shot into the far corner of the net for a great goal.

At the other end Compson, diving to his left scrambled the ball around the post from a Wesson shot. Davis got his foot in the way of a Beckett pile-driver after Olusoga and Kokes had combined well on the edge of the penalty area. Crook failed to defend a corner and Roddam somehow put his shot over the bar from 2 yards.

After being a shade the better side in the first half, the home side as usual started the second period slowly giving Guisborough the freedom of the park, only brave keeping by Compson denying Muligan a goal by diving at his feet to concede a corner.

Peachey placed a pass over the defence. Olusoga beating the offside trap, but Bishop made a great save diving the right way to smother his shot. In now what was an end to end encounter Compson beat away a Wesson shot, and at the other end Kokes shot over the bar from a wide angle.

Olusoga was fouled on the left hand side of the penalty area and Bone hit the crossbar with Bishop left stranded on his goal-line. A dangerous Foster free-kick fizzed across the Guisborough goalmouth but three Crook players failed to get a touch. Both sides, desperate for a win threw everything into attack and with the last kick of the match Kokes received the ball on the right hand side of the penalty area weaving his way into the centre his great shot beating three defenders and keeper , hitting the post with what would have been the winning goal.

This was an entertaining 90minutes, a good advert for Northern League football.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Paul Castledene, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Lee Peachey, Matthew Coad, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Sub - David Moat for Peachey.

Eric’s Man of the Match Chris Beckett.

Crook Town A.F.C. 2 - 1 Marske United - Arngrove Northern League Division 2    24/11/07

M^cRobbie’s first touch seals win for Crook.

The game started as an equal midfield tussle, the first chance falling to Crook, Shaw touching a Suttcliffe shot round the post. Marske had two half chances easily dealt with by Compson. Crook were looking good in attack and took the lead after 17 minutes when determined work by Beckett, won the ball in midfield. His pass found Kokes free on the right who’s cross was volleyed into the net by Olusoga with his left foot for a great goal.

Marske retaliated as Kalonali hit the bar after a left wing cross. The visitors had an early blow losing Larkin with an injury then Thompson had a great chance as he broke through the Crook defence shooting yards wide with only Compson to beat. Olusoga hit the bar as a Crook raid had the Marske defence in a tangle.

The second half started with play mainly in the Crook half Compson making a tremendous save, pushing the ball round the post from a Thompson header. Marske were now on top and equalized when a free kick outside the box was headed in by Thompson. The game was now a fearsome no quarter given encounter. Thompson again headed over the Crook bar when two Crook defenders got in each others way. A breakaway by Crook had the Marske keeper beaten by a Beckett shot which wide of the post.

The game was now end to end and Compson made two great saves the first from Bell then beating away the rebound. Crook then turned on the pressure, M^cTaggart’s long throws causing concern in the Marske defence. Bone headed a cross away from the Crook goal. M^cRobie replaced Suttcliffe and his first touch put Crook in front. A throw in had been turned away for a corner Fosters kick was met by Kokes, his shot saved by the keeper only for M^cRobie to side foot the ball into the net on 71 minutes. Shaw made a great save pushing a shot onto the bar Kokes following up, had a scuffle on the goal line, the Crook forward sent off for having a kick at the keeper.

The game was now red hot, Stott missing a great chance for the visitors putting a header over the bar from inside the six yard box. After a melee in the Crook penalty area the home fans had their hearts in their mouths as the refs whistle sounded shrill and clear but a free kick was given to the home side. Marske were now frantic, Brodie-Myers sent off for kicking the ball away, his second offence. The whistle came shortly afterwards giving Crook a great battling win.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham M^cTaggart, Craig Nesbitt, Chris Beckett, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Liam Bone, Lee Peachey, Michael Suttcliffe, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs - Craig M^cRobie for Suttcliffe.
Paul Castledene for Bellew.

Crook Town A.F.C. 2 - 1 Brandon - Arngrove Northern League Division 2    17/11/07

Brandon made a nonsense of their league position with a fine display at the Millfield giving the home defence an anxious 90 minutes, Crook scraping home thanks to their dynamic duo Darren (Kokes) and Dan (Olusoga) The game started evenly, both keepers in action, Myers tipping a fine Olusoga shot from inside the penalty area over the bar from a Peachey pass. Beckett then made a run his pass reaching Olusoga who’s shot was brilliantly saved by the keeper, again tipping the ball over the bar.

Compson then did well to clear a shot from English with his feet near the post. Crook were beginning to get the idea that this wasn’t easy when at the other end Compson pushed a Lee shot round the post. On 27 minutes the deadlock was broken when a corner by Foster on the right was parried by Myers the ball eventually arriving to ace goal scorer Kokes after the keeper had blocked two Crook shots and the fleet-footed forward stabbed the ball home from the edge of the 6 yard box.

The Crook defence were in hesitant mood trying to play too much football at the back against the eager Brandon attack. Compson made a fine diving save from Bolam. A Foster 25 yard free kick found Olusoga but Myers made a tremendous save pushing a deft chip over the bar. Compson was then in action when the hesitant Crook defence left English free on the left, the keeper pushing the shot round the post. Crook were lucky not to concede from the corner when the ball was kicked off the goal line through a crowd of players.

The game became end to end after the break, Crook slowly beginning to take charge for the next few minutes. A Thorn cross headed over the bar by Kokes. Brandon equalized when Lee beat the offside trap leaving Compson stranded as he placed his shot passed the keepers right hand. Both defences were at full stretch as both teams looked for the winner. Crook making a last ditch effort bringing new boy Pennington into the attack sacrificing defender Bellew.

A Foster free kick was touched on by the head of Olusoga and Myers made yet another great save pushing the ball over the bar. McTaggart, who was now playing on the left wing sent in a fine cross and Olusoga timed his run and header to perfection beating three defenders and keeper to the ball for a great goal.

In the dying minuets Crook’s defence scrambled the ball away from a dangerous attack but the last chance of the game fell to Kokes who went one on one with Myers, the keeper saving with his feet, the final whistle giving three hard earned points to the home side.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Thorn, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Lee Peachey, Craig Nesbitt, Darren Kokes, Dan Olusoga.

Subs - Craig McRobie for Craig Thorn.
Carl Pennington for Andrew Bellew.

My Crook man of the match Darren Kokes.

Sunderland RCA 2 - 2 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2    13/11/07

Crook gave a fighting display to gain a useful point against an improving Ryhope. The first good chance of the half fell to Crook as a McTaggart cross was touched on to Kokes by Olusoga who’s shot from a difficult angle went over the bar. Play was end to end and Bellew headed away a dangerous cross from Owens. Ryhope were using both wings well but the Crook defence were looking well organized until a goalmouth scramble had Ryhope hitting the post.

Following the scramble Crook were looking the more dangerous side. Kokes and McTaggart combining well on the right and Olusoga headed just wide from the centre. Beckett had a determined run at the defence but his shot well saved by the keeper. Foster then had a 20 yard shot tipped round the post by Shields who was managing to keep Ryhope in the game.

The second half started in disastrous fashion for Crook as the home side caught the defence asleep. Sub Butlers first pass put through Lines who gave Compson no chance as his shot went into the right hand corner of the net. Crook’s attacking play was giving the home side plenty of work and the only danger to Crook’s defence coming from the long ball kicking of Shields.

A right wing cross from Bone reached Peachey who’s 20 yard shot hit the post. Crook won a corner of the left and Foster’s head flicking in Bone’s kick past a crowded goalmouth into the left hand corner of the net for a deserved equalizer. Crook were now pressing and a great move by Bone and McTaggart, who was having a great attacking game, gave Coad an opening, his shot just wide with Shields well beaten.

Crook took the lead with a fine goal McTaggart making a run into the centre and passing to Coad who’s hard to defend centre was met by Kokes who slipped the ball passed the diving keeper. Crook were beginning to rattle the home defence with their quick breaks and looked good value for the lead when 2 minutes from time a Ryhope free kick went into the mixer and the ref pointed to the spot, penalty, Owens gratefully tucking away his kick leaving Crook shell shocked, unlucky not to win.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Lee Peachey, Matthew Coad, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs - Craig Thorn for Olusoga
Paul Castledene for Peachey.

My Crook man of the match Graham McTaggart.

Thornaby 2 - 2 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2      10/11/07

Players use their heads in hard fought game.

Crook players used their heads in this mainly backs to the wall encounter, unfortunately one of them for the wrong reason. The game was only in the second minute when Crook took the lead when a cross from the right was missed by a crowd of defenders, Kokes unmarked on the far post found the right hand corner of the net with a glancing header. Thornaby then laid siege on the Crook goal Compson saving with his feet from point blank range, the keeper then making a brilliant save from Wilson after a right wing cross from Walker .

Crooks full-back Morgan headed a shot off the line when Crellin had beaten Compson with a header. All the fine defending ended gifting Thornaby a goal when Bellew and Compson left the ball to each other leaving Wilson a simple pass into an empty net. It was now McTaggart’s turn to head a shot off the line from a Wilson header and Crook were relieved to be level at half time.

The second half began evenly Crook doing their share of attacking and McTaggart and Bone combined well on the right wing and on 52 minutes, Olusoga timing his leap way above a three man defence saw his great bullet header giving keeper Trotter no chance to move before the ball nestled into the left hand corner of the net. Then it was normal service as Crook went on the defensive, Compson making a splendid save from Walker , tipping the ball round the post for a corner.

A free kick by Foster in a central position nearly sealed the points as the ball hit the bar, the rebound could have gone anywhere bouncing to a Thornaby defender. A goalmouth scramble lead to the equalizer, three times the defence had chances to clear on the line but Turner getting the final touch. McRobie lost it with the linesman and he was promptly sent off to leave his team mates with ten men for the final 10mins of the match…..will footballers never learn? The team did a well organized final few minutes earning a well deserved point.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Andrew Morgan, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Lee Peachey, Michael Suttcliffe, Darren Kokes, Dan Olusoga.

Crook man of the match Lee Peachey.

Crook Town A.F.C. 0 - 3 Esh Winning - Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup         07/11/07

Crook were brought back to earth with a bump when they were second best in most departments in a mediocre display against well organized opposition. The first 25 minutes could only described as schoolboy football. Compson was the first keeper in action saving a shot with his feet . Leighton and Olusoga combined in a Crook attack but Leighton’s shot went well over the bar.

Esh were looking the quicker side, Coates outstripping a hesitant Crook defence, shooting over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Esh took the lead near half time as the ball was worked down the right, Meghan shooting across Compson for a good goal. Crook looked more purposeful after the break but the Esh defence stood firm. The away side were a player down when Banks sent off. Coad, Crooks best player was brought down with a crude tackle by Mason as Crook tried to make the extra man count. Bellew rose high above the defence but headed into the side netting from the free kick.

Crook were hit on the counter attack as Gregory netted number two for Esh. Foster was left unmarked and unleashed a shot from 35 yards which Molyneux parried, then he made a splendid save from Bone finishing off any chance of a fight back. As Crook were pressing Martin broke through the Crook defence to add a third for a well earned win for Esh Winning.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Morgan, Chris Beckett, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Liam Bone, David Moat, Dan Olusoga, Kris Leighton, Matthew Coad

Subs - Craig McRobie for Chris Beckett.
Michael Suttcliffe for Kris Leighton.
Lee Peachey for David Moat

My Crook man of the match Matthew Coad.

Crook Town A.F.C. 4 - 0 Stokesley S.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2     03/11/07

The Dixon revolution continues.

This was another powerhouse display by Peter Dixon’s boys probably the best of the seven game unbeaten run. Stokesley created two good chances in the first half but the feature of the game was Crook's impressive forward play with Kokes leading the away side’s defence a merry dance. Crook took the lead when a cross from the right wing was met by a looping header from Olusoga leaving the keeper in no mans land, three Crook players rushing in to finish off the move but the ball had already crossed the line. This set up an end to end half Poole (J) and Yalsin missing good chances for the away side.

On 34 minutes determined play by Bone winning the ball on the halfway line gave Kokes a run at the defence, his cross finding the head of Olusoga who gave Drury no chance from 6 yards with a powerful header. The second half started with both sides having weak shots at goal then the Stokesley keeper had a lucky escape when he palmed away a cross from McTaggart only to hit the on rushing Kokes, the ball going inches the wrong side of the post for a corner.

Stokesley's best chance of the half came when Yalsin shot over the bar. Beckett then had the ball in the net to be ruled offside. Kokes and Olusoga were now reaping havoc in the away teams defence. A quick move by Bone, passing to Olusoga, who’s swinging cross was headed over the bar by the unlucky Kokes. Crook had a corner on the right, Foster rolling the ball to the unmarked Bone who’s 20 yard shot on the run flew into the back of the net for his first goal for the club.

Olusoga and Kokes again combined well, a Kokes shot beaten away for a corner. Near the end Bone made a fine run down the right, his cross had Drury and Kokes meeting the ball together, as they both hit the ground the ball rebounded back to Bone, who picked his spot to place the ball passed a crowded goalmouth into the left hand corner of the net.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, David Moat, Matthew Coad, Darren Kokes, Dan Olusoga.

Sub. Michael Suttcliffe for Coad.

My man of the match Dan Olusoga.

Crook Town A.F.C. 2 - 1 Hebburn Town - League Cup     31/10/07

Crook win a bruising cup-tie.

The home side won what could only be described as a foul ridden and often bad tempered 90 minutes. Hebburn kept the ball in the Crook half in the opening minutes, then in Crooks first attack a clearance from defence gave Coad a run into the box leaving two defenders no choice but to tackle from behind. Kokes making no mistake with his spot kick as he placed his shot into the right hand corner of the net. Hebburn continued to be the better side but found chances scarce against a well organized home defence.

Crook’s second shot on goal was a pearler, a clearance from defence found Coad who ran at the defence from the halfway line, which opened up like the Red Sea and spotting the keeper on the edge of the 6 yard box he let fly with a shot from 30 yards which sailed past the helpless Rodgers into the top left hand corner of the net. That rattled the Hebburn defence leaving the game littered with free kicks.

The away side missed two good chances, a header well wide from a corner and Myers breaking clear of Bellew for a free shot at goal placing the ball wide of Compson’s right hand post.

Hebburn looked the most likely to score after the break and did so when Grey headed in a cross from the right wing Compson receiving treatment after colliding with the post . The game was now getting rather heated Olusoga needing treatment from a now animated Crook manager. The game then boiled over as Coad, dribbling passed three defenders was crudely brought down by Grey who was sent off.

Hebburn sent on their three subs in an attempt to salvage a draw but the home side looked in no danger from this point.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham McTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Foster, Liam Bone, Craig McRobie, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes, Matthew Coad.

Subs - David Moat for McRobie,
Paul Castledene for Bellew.
Craig Thorns for Coad.

My man of the match Matthew Coad.

Birtley 2 - 4 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2     27/10/07

Crook survive late Birtley fight back with nine men.

Crook were content to sit back at the start but their lightening counter attacks had the Birtley defence making hurried clearances giving the Crook forwards the advantage. On 12 minutes Crook had a free kick on the right and the Birtley defence, expecting a high kick into the area were caught flatfooted when Bone’s quick kick along the floor was flicked on by Olusoga, three Crook players converging, Coad gleefully flicking the ball into the back of the net for his first goal for the club.

Birtley huffed and puffed away at the Crook defence to no avail, Crook’s quick raids causing the most panic to defenders. As halftime approached Crook gave away a needless free kick on the left the defence sleeping for the first time, Thompson having a free header in the penalty area to equalize. With the home side thinking job done we’ll enjoy the break Kokes found the Birtley defence in no mans land slipping the ball to Olusoga who unleashed a 20 yard thunderbolt which left Mallinson clutching fresh air, 2-1 half time.

Crook were now in confident mood, a free kick was won after quick work from Coad and Kokes in a central position. Now us “know-alls” behind the goal who question the manager for letting a centre half take all the corners because he says he is the best dead ball taker in the team were made to eat “humble pie” when Foster’s almost casual left foot shot flew passed the desperate diving Mallinson's right hand. Crook were now in confident mode, Morgan replacing McRobie, Kokes finding Olusoga free, this time on the left hand side of the box his shot flying passed the furious Mallinson’s left hand, game over!

Morgan’s next move was to the dressing room the linesman spotting an infringement red card. That gave Birtley the injection they needed. From the resulting free kick the ball slipped passed the Crook defence Smith beating keeper Compson to the ball for the home sides second goal. Crook then brought on Moat to tighten up the defence as the home side pressed home the extra man advantage. Kokes then was taken off seemingly with an injury.

Compson tipped a dangerous cross over the bar, then Coad received his marching orders as he tackled from behind, penalty! Compson is a big man and I wouldn’t like to take a penalty against him, Soulsby shot well over the bar. Crook then played keep ball in the corners until the 90mins were up the ref then found at least 7 minutes of injury time from somewhere but the magnificent Foster marshalled the defence.

A great win.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham M^cTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Craig M^cRobie, Matthew Coad, Darren Kokes, Dan Olusoga.

Subs - Morgan for M^cRobie.
Moat for Bone.
Leighton for Kokes.

My man of the match Keith Foster.

Crook Town A.F.C. 3 - Hebburn Town - Arngrove Northern League Division 2   24/10/07

Confident display by Crook.

Crook gained revenge for the County Cup defeat at Hebburn with a determined display in a fast and furious game. Crook’s quick breaks from defence and midfield had the visitors defence on the back foot and a good through ball by Liam Bone had Darren Kokes beating the central defenders. His early shot catching keeper Rogers wrong footed the ball nestling in the back of the net inside the right hand post on 12 minutes.

Dan Olusoga then found himself in space after a Kokes pass, his shot was blocked Kokes hitting the post from the rebound. Hebburn had a great chance but McCartney shot wide the game now being end to end the visitors play was more laboured than Crooks fleet footed attack Rogers made a fine save from Kokes. Hebburn should have scored as a centre from the left found the unmarked Jacobs but Neil Compson made a great save from close range.

Crook started the second half well on top and scored twice in two minutes. A pass from Matthew Coad saw Kokes trick the defence then again wrong footed the keeper and neatly tucked his shot passed Rogers left hand. Now it was Kokes turn to be provider, his cross was well controlled by Olusoga who tucked the ball passed the keeper. Crook replaced their forward duo but the game petering out to a well earned win for the home side.

Team - Neil Compson, Graham M^cTaggart, Craig Nesbitt, Chris Beckett, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Liam Bone, Lee Peachey, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes, Matthew Coad.

Subs - Chris Leighton for Darren Kokes.
Craig Thorns for Dan Olusoga

My man of the match Keith Foster.

Crook Town A.F.C. 1 - 0 Prudhoe Town - Arngrove Northern League Division 2       20/10/07

Dan “The man” wins it for Crook!

The game started as a midfield tussle with little goalmouth action, the only threat to Neil Compson’s goal was a slip by Bellew who let in Potts who was smartly tackled by Beckett on the edge of the penalty area. Crook started to play the good football we now expect and Prudhoe started testing the refs patience with numerous fouls.

Crook were now getting the better of the exchanges and scored a fine goal after good work down the right resulted in a Kokes cross finding the head of Olusoga who gave Edwards no chance in the Prudhoe goal. Crook were now on the attack, Kokes firing in a 30 yard shot but Edwards made a fine save. The half finished with Crook on top but with only one goal to show there was more tension in the second Prudhoe began to win the midfield battle pressing back the home side but they found Crooks central defence duo of Bellew and Foster in superb form and Compson confidently dealing with any threat. The only worry seemed to come from the fans. The best chance of the half came after Crook had made their three substitutions McRobie hitting the post on the edge of the six yard box after a quick raid. It was now a “keep what we have” situation but Kokes kept putting the Prudhoe defenders under increasing gaining corner after corner in tight situations on the right wing Crook gained a useful three points, nobody leaves the Millfield now until the final whistle!

Team - Neil Compson, Graham M^cTaggart, Andrew Bellew, Keith Foster, Craig Nesbitt, Liam Bone, Chris Beckett, Lee Peachey, Matthew Coad, Dan Olusoga, Darren Kokes.

Subs - David Moat for M^cTaggart.
Craig M^cRobie for Peachey.
Andrew Morgan for Coad.

My Crook man of the match Keith Foster.

South Shields 2 - 2 Crook Town A.F.C. - Arngrove Northern League Division 2     13/10/07

Crook’s fighting qualities shine through.

The day started well, I could actually read the Echo non league without the help of a microscope, but it worried me when they said we were at full strength because I don’t know what that is yet. The Crook defence looked comfortable in the opening 15 minutes.

Shields struggling against a well drilled Crook defence. Now it was Crooks turn to worry the home side, Liam Bone trying to chip Ben Holden, the keeper doing well to turn the ball over the bar. From the corner Chris Beckett, playing his 100^th competitive game for the club hit the side netting with the keeper beaten.

Neil Compson had to fist the ball from danger as four Shields players charged down on him and from the clearance a Dan Olusoga pass was met by Darren Kokes who’s run into the penalty box was halted by two defenders the ref immediately pointing to the spot, Kokes sending Holden the wrong way. Crook now put the home side under tremendous pressure Matthew Coad shooting narrowly wide. Shields did break the shackles on one occasion Compson making two good blocks with his body. Kokes then found the side netting from a difficult angle as Crook were mesmerizing the home defence but again the important second goal failed to arrive.

Olusoga beat the offside trap and raced down the right but his cross was cut out by Holden. Then the sucker punch as halftime approached, a Shields corner on the right was scrambled in by Darren Patton in a crowded goalmouth. Craig Thorns took the place of the injured Matthew Coad as Crook started the second half in the vane of the last two games again leaving their brains in the dressing room. A free kick in a central position and Lee O’Donovan’s resulting free kick was heading for Compson but a late deflection sent the ball into the back of the net.

The game was now fast and furious the ref handing out yellow cards like free chocolates at a Cadbury’s factory, he dismissed Manager Gary Steadman from the touch line for telling the linesman he was too young to read never mind understanding the laws of football. Chris Beckett beat the offside trap from a Keith Foster throw, he rounded the keeper but a defender came from nowhere toe punting the ball for a corner. Patton headed over the Crook bar as both sides were continuing to create half chances.

A Crook free kick by Keith Foster was fumbled then beaten away by Holden. As Crook pressed a breakaway by Shields had James Oates beating the offside trap but he hit Compson’s side netting. Four minutes from time Crook got a deserved point when Dale Huggins fended off a cross from Thorns with both hands and ace goal poacher Kokes scored his tenth goal in seven games from the spot.

Team - Compson, M^cTaggart, Foster, Morgan, Nesbitt, Bone, Beckett, Peachey, Coad, Olusoga, Kokes.

Subs - Thorns for Coad
Moat for M^cTaggart
Kerr for Peachey

My Crook man of the match Darren Kokes.

Crook Town A.F.C. 3 - 1 Horden - Arngrove Northern League Division 2      10/10/07

The game started at a fast and furious pace Dan Olusoga having the first chance. heading the ball over the bar. Crook then had Chris Beckett shooting past the right hand post. As the game became end to end a timely tackle was made on the ever dangerous Roy Allen in the Crook penalty area the ball cleared up field, Darren Kokes tried to chip keeper James Winter but saw the ball go straight into his hands. Darren Atkinson then broke into the centre of the Crook defence his shot well turned round the post by debut keeper Neil Compton.

Allen hit the bar from a corner but undeterred, Crooks two wide men Liam Bone and Matthew Coad began to torment the Horden defence. Bone had a great run down the right wing outpacing defenders, his cross was met by Kokes who’s shot hit the keeper on the nose the ball spinning into the left hand corner of the net. Beckett broke free of the defence his shot beaten away by Winter for a corner. Olusoga then had a shot beaten away by the over worked Winter.

As the second half began Horden took charge of the game for the second game running Crook started slowly after the break. On 53 minutes the Crook defence were all at sea as Allen hit the post, Alan Hoey reaching the rebound to equalize. Crook then had a let off as Compton failed to reach the ball which hit the post and he gratefully held the rebound. Allen found himself in space but Graham McTaggart blocked his goal bound shot.

Crook pulled themselves together, Olusoga had a shot saved by the keepers feet and then he made a fine run down the right wing, Beckett and Coad going in for the cross and it was hard to tell who scored as they tangled with the keeper. Kokes made progress down the right wing outsmarting Stephenson and neatly placed the ball past Winters left hand with a well worked solo goal. The same player was unlucky not to score again as he beat the offside trap, racing through and placing just wide of the right hand post, Crook coming out worthy winners.

Team – Compton, M^cTaggart, Nesbitt, Beckett, Bellew, Foster, Bone, Peachey, Olusoga, Kokes, Coad.
Subs - Thorns for Coad.
Moat for Peachey.
Castledene for Bellew.

My Crook man of the match Liam Bone.

Crook Town A.F.C. 2 - 3 North Shields - Arngrove Northern League Division 2     06/10/07

Crook missed chances, costly

This was a day of intrigue for Crook fans, a new manager, more players to choose from than the Chinese National side, glorious sunshine, Eric Gibson’s mince pies, Anne Gristwood’s mushy peas, and the game producing more shots on goal than Man. United have had all season.

Six of the starting line were new to the club and Crook got off to an attacking start, Dan Olusoga going close with a flying header from a free kick on the right. Then two top draw saves from Shields keeper David Lanning from Olusoga kept the visitors from falling apart defensively. Darren Kokes and Olusoga were beginning to combine well, the later winning every heading duel, the old boys comparing with 70s Legend “Big T” Terry Turnbull.

There was an early blow for Crook when they lost defender Craig Musham with a leg injury. Crook took the lead as the dangerous Liam Bone crossed from the right the Shields defence failing to clear, Olusoga making no mistake from 10 yards with a crisp right foot shot after 13mins. The away defence were having a harrowing time with the Crook side harassing their attacking play making the opposition play the ball back into their own half. Matthew Coad made a great run down the left wing, his cross reaching Olusoga who had the determination to beat a defender passing to Kokes who’s shot was brilliantly pushed round the post by Lanning.

Crook might have been out of sight by now. A moment of madness between Crook Keeper Michael Falcus and Keith Foster both shouting “my ball” after a long clearance from Lanning, Falcus miss kicking to Aaron Robertson who passed the ball into the net. Shields did most of the attacking after the interval and scored 2 minutes in as Roy Gordon was given an easy chance with the Crook defence still in shock from the equalizer. The home side pulled themselves together. Coad and Andrew Morgan combining on the left wing, Kokes beating the defence with a fine header, the ball going in off the right hand post. It was now anyone’s game and Shields Barry Gibson missing an empty net with the Crook defence in disarray.

Both teams now forgot about defending going for the winner and it was Shields who got the break as an over the top ball that Morgan failed to control was met by Jarvis—Smith who chipped a shot over the advancing Falcus. Crook had two half chances, Kokes putting over a great cross from the left Bone failing to connect with his right foot. Kokes then hit the side netting with the keeper well beaten. Crook were now making chances Coad just beating the keeper to the ball his left foot shot just clearing the bar. Kokes had a point blank shot turned away by the dependable Lanning. Coad failed to make good contact in the 6 yard box near the end being off balance, leaving Crook with a frustrating defeat.

Team – Falcus, M^cTaggart, Morgan, Beckett, Musham, Foster, Bone, Peachey, Olusoga, Kokes, Coad.
Subs - Houlahan for Musham
Sammons for Bone
Maine for Morgan

My Crook man of the match Darren Kokes.

Ryton Albion 4 - 1 Crook Town A.F.C.- Arngrove Northern League Division 2     29/09/07