5 May 2009

A 1-0 win for Newcastle Benfield at Penrith tonight means that Consett have finished runners-up in the Northern League for the second year running. And if the Gods of Football conspired to deny them, it's hard to conceive how they could have come up a more cruel scenario. Following on from the 84th minute Whitley Bay winner that snatched the one point away that would have all but clinched the title, tonight's winner came just three minutes from the end of a game that seemed absolutely certain to finish goalless. In an awful game played in dreadful conditions, the best chances fell to Penrith as they saw a header come back off the bar two minutes before the break, and a 25-yard screamer rattle the crossbar at the other end in the first minute of the second half. Just as it seemed that the game was petering out into the draw that would have given Consett the title, Stephen Young headed home at the back post from a right wing corner, the ball just crossing the line despite the best efforts of a defender on the line. Benfield were presented with the trophy on the pitch after the final whistle, leaving the hopeful travellers from Derwentside with a long and miserable drive home. Nevertheless, it was quite incredible that Consett even got this close to winning it, and congratulations must go to all concerned at the club for a great season, even if it didn't finish with a shiny trinket at the end of it all.

2 May 2009

Consett came agonisingly close clinching their first ever Northern League title this afternoon, however their 2-3 defeat at the hands of Wembley-bound Whitley Bay leaves their fate in the hands of others. It all looked so promising as Consett led 2-0 at half time thanks to a Steven Johnson strike on the half hour and a goal from Adam Emson two minutes before the break. However, Whitley boss Ian Chandler no doubt took the opportunity at half time to remind his charges that FA Vase final places were by no means guaranteed, and the home side started the second half like men possessed. Paul Chow's glancing header and Phil Bell's close range finish had the scores level before the hour mark to set up a fraught last half an hour for the large travelling support. With the clock running down it looked like the Steelmen might hang on for the point that would have virtually clinched the championship until Whitely substitute Chris Moore popped up six minutes from time to break Consett hearts. Title rivals Newcastle Benfield won 5-1 against West Allotment Celtic which means everything comes down to the last game of the season ... Penrith v Benfield on Tuesday night. The equation is very simple, a win for Benfield means the title goes to the East End of Newcastle, anything else and Consett are champions. All the folks from Belle Vue can do is cross their fingers and hope.

> Match report and pictures