Goals galore as Hillsprint Hambleton Football Combination returns

The Combination has said goodbye to Black Swan, Bedale, Brompton Academy, Broughton & Kirby Hibernians and Ripon City, who all resigned from the league, while Academy FC, Dalton, Thirsk and Shorthorn FC (South Otterington) have been welcomed.

Three teams have changed their name – AFC Nags Head become Golden Lion, Northallerton, Broughton & Kirby Hibernians Res become Kildale 2021 and Romanby become The Sportsman’s.

In division one, Catterick Village hosted Stokesley Wanderers and drew 2-2. James Stinson opened the scoring for Stokesley after 20 minutes. Brandon Bishop equalised for Catterick ten minutes later, but Callum Smith put Stokesley ahead after 54 minutes. Bishop equalised for Catterick in the first minute of injury time to give Catterick a share of the points.

Durham Ox and Knayton produced a goal fest, the game ending 5-5. A Sam Vernalls' brace and further goals from Dan Baxter and Reece Bickerton gave Ox a 4-1 half time lead, Jake Porter scoring Knayton's goal. Vernalls completed his hat-trick early in the second half to make it 5-1.

Knayton fought back brilliantly with two goals from Jake Porter for a hat-trick, and further goals from Richard Fawcett and Tom Griffiths, who equalised with a minute to go.

Sportsman’s visited Streetlam Farmers and won 4-1. A Scott McNichol penalty and free kick gave Sporty’s a two goal lead after 20 minutes. Ryan Monaghan White pulled a goal back for Streetlam. In the second half Colin Anderson put Sporty’s 3-1 up after 75 minutes. Five minutes later McNichol completed his hat-trick, scoring his second penalty of the game.

Kildale travelled to Thirsk Town and won 5-1 with a brace each from Lewis Wood and Louis Hodgeson, and a further goal from Gareth Davies. Lee Johnson scored Thirsk's goal. The Robert Thompsons versus Cowtons game was postponed as Thompsons were unable to field a side.

In division two, Catterick Garrison Football Centre visited Academy FC and won 4-1 with goals from Adam Chirwa, Connor Dagnall, Liam Stacey and an own goal. Liam McCormack scored for Academy.

Golden Lion visited Katch FC and won 5-2. Katch held a 2-1 half time lead with goals from Niki Westbury and Alex Sinclair, Scott Healey scoring Lion’s goal. In the second half, Lion hit back with a Lee Manamley brace and further goals from Andy Anderson and Ben Wood.

Leeming United hosted Kirklington, who were 2-0 up at half time with goals from Leon Taylor and Marc Gray.

Leeming reduced the arrears after 47 minutes with a goal from Tom Freeman. On 85 minutes Leeming equalised through Jez Opoku to give his side a share of the points.

Oddies WMC visited Potting Shed and in a high scoring game won 5-3. Potting Shed took a 2-0 lead after 30 minutes. Oddies' Ben Taylor reduced the arrears after 32 minutes, and Sam Rayner equalised for Oddies on a minute before half time.

Will Horner put Oddies ahead after 60 minutes, and Sam Rayner scored his second of the game after 75 minutes to make it 4-2. Potting Shed scored their third with three minutes to go before Joe Andrew scored the goal of the game when he hammered the ball into the top corner of the Shed net from 31 yards to complete the scoring.

White Bear, Bedale hosted Catterick Rovers and drew 3-3. After a goalless first half Connor Fraser put Bear ahead after 50 minutes. Gus Glass equalised for Rovers. Danny Hare restored Bear’s lead after 80 minutes. Bailey Proudlock equalised for Rovers. On 85 minutes Zac Lake restored Bear’s lead only for Olly Reynolds to equalise and give Rovers a share of the points.

Fixtures for September 26. Kick offs 10.30am.

Division 1: Catterick Village v Streetlam Farmers; Cowtons v Stokesley Wanderers; Durham Ox, N’ton v Sportsman’s; Knayton v Thirsk Town; Robert Thompsons, Thirsk v Kildale 2021. Division 2: Catterick Rovers v Academy, Dalton; Golden Lion, N’ton v Potting Shed, N’ton; Katch N’ton v Kirklington; Oddies WMC, N’ton v White Bear, Bedale; Leeming United v Shorthorn, S. Otterington.