A dismal first half performance for the Colliers left them far too much to do in this much awaited FA Vase second qualifying round tie. Eccleshill settled quickly and relished taking the game to Horden. They had their first chance within two minutes and continued to press with Horden having little to give as an answer for the remainder of the first half. First blood went to Eccleshill in the 16th minute when Philp was given too much time and space and struck home, ‘keeper Andrew Rafferty was isolated.

Midfield struggled to either defend or create it seemed and Horden were all at sea in the 35th minute when an Eccleshill goal kick met Stephenson who headed the ball backwards towards Rafferty to be caught out by the speed of Baker who netted the home sides second goal. Half time 2-0 to Eccleshill.

The second half saw an improvement but it proved to be too little too late. In the 58th minute Kevin Duggan beat his man for Barry Turton to shoot at the keeper, then four minutes later Neal Guttridge finished a sideways ball from Duggan to make the score 2-1. Other chances came and went, Darren Atkinsons' free kick rifled wide by Roy Allen, Duggan having a chance cleared off the line and a great dipping shot from Atkinson tipped over the bar. So much pressure saw us exposed on the counter attack and Eccleshill got their third in the 89th minute (captain, Rosindale) to bury the game and kill off Hordens’ hopes of progressing any further in the competition. An appearance for Simon Corbett in goal as Rafferty sustained an injury which now sees both of Horden’s keepers sidelined. We hope they will recover for the important Durham Challenge Cup and FA Cup games this coming week. A disappointing day for all concerned, a lift of spirits needed this week.