TOW LAW THROUGH TO PROMOTION FINAL

Boldon CA 0 Tow Law Town 2 – Division Two play-off

The Lawyers cruised into Saturday’s promotion final with a comfortable 2-0 win against a Boldon side that has exceeded all expectations.

From the off Tow Law looked the stronger, sharper team, while Boldon saw their first, great season in the league, come to an abrupt end with a surprisingly lacklustre display.  The visitors contained prolific striker Levi Collins and Tow Law keeper Tom Orton wasn’t called to make many meaningful saves.

The sides traded shots in the opening five minutes but then Tow Law took control, playing a measured, patient game.  They were rewarded in the 11th minute when Aaron Hardy produced a neat, quick turn and shot that gave them the lead.  While Boldon were still trying to settle in the game, a low drive by Lewis Milner went wide left.

The game then settled into a lull, broken just after the half-hour mark with a shot by Joel Pearson that Boldon keeper Callum Dobson allowed to let go as he dived down left.  Tow Law continued to press without creating any gilt-edged chances to extend their lead, including a shot into the side netting by Nick Marley.

In added time at the end of the first half Boldon had a rare opening – a cross by Collins met by Harris Saunders at the far post but the defender couldn’t get any power in his header which trickled wide.

The game was somewhat subdued both on and off the pitch and didn’t feel like a d0-or-die playoff encounter.  Boldon came out in the second half with more energy but were still unable to put the Lawyers under any sustained pressure.  Orton was called into action in the 51st minute when he punched a cross away while sandwiched in between two Boldon players, but Tow Law were able to keep the South Tynesiders at arms length.

Marley came within a whisker of scoring in the 64th minute, with the No. 9 trying to slide in to connect with a Pearson ball across the area, only to miss it by a couple of feet.

The win was wrapped up in the 79th minute.  Marley hit a first time pass across to Pearson who hit the ball back across the box, past a defender and keeper and into the net.   Dobson prevented a third with a fine, diving save to stop a powerful header by Marley but the damage had already been done.

Tow Law now have to wait until tonight’s match between Heaton Stannington and Easington Colliery to find out who and where they play in Saturday’s promotion final.

Mike Snowdon