UNI AND BRANDON SHARE SPOILS IN HEATED ENCOUNTER

Newcastle University 2-2 Brandon United – Ebac Northern League Division Two

 Newcastle University and Brandon United earned a point a piece after a heated draw.

Brandon’s Adam Metcalf saw a couple of early efforts tipped around the post by Uni keeper Max Richardson.

The home side almost took the lead 15 minutes in – Harry Thompson played Carl Malpass through on goal but his effort was brilliantly turned past the post by Arron Shelton.

But they took the lead in the 22nd minute after Shelton let Jos Veitch’s weak effort through his hands and into the back of the net.

The hosts doubled their lead five minutes before half time – Lewis Scorgie was picked out at the back post from a corner, before his header across the face of goal deflected off a Brandon defender and found its way beyond Shelton.

Brandon pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time when a long free kick forward was met by captain Glenn Caygill who saw his exquisite looped header fly beyond Richardson.

Newcastle Uni were reduced to 10 at the start of the second half, after Tom Romano was sent packing for an off the ball incident. The sending off came just seconds after the hosts were denied a penalty.

The red card turned the game in Brandon’s favour, as they drew level just four minutes later. Drew Lake picked out Kobe Bewicke with a low cross, before the forward slotted the ball past Richardson.

The tempo of the game slowed due to stoppages as both teams began to pick up injuries. Brandon dominated possession but were unable to force any openings past a stubborn Uni defence.

Newcastle Uni held their own with 10 men and almost grabbed a winner in the final minute when Veitch saw his header turned away by Shelton. Uni held firm to earn themselves a well deserved point.

Newcastle University host Redcar Town in their next match, whilst Brandon United host Horden CW.

Adam Gill