First-half goals from Matthew Elsdon and Liam Noble saw Hebburn dominate FC United of Manchester, who could only score a second-half consolation goal, courtesy of former South Shields man Dylan Mottley-Henry.

In the initial strides of the game, the Hornets looked menacing in attack and maintained strong possession.

New signing Callum West connected the attacking play well, and nearly contributed to the first chance on goal in the second minute, when Amar Purewal’s effort fell just short of the target.

In the 11th minute, Hebburn’s first key chance came from a free-kick by Liam Noble, which found Purewal in FC United’s box. Purewal managed to get a strong strike on target, but Conor O’Keefe was on hand to react quickly, and turn the ball behind for a corner.

Noble crossed the ball into the box that found Jack Donaghy, but he couldn’t get the ball under control, and it went out for a goal kick.

The 17th minute saw a shrewd cross by Noble to West, who made a decisive run on goal, although West’s strike was on target, the ball fell into the gloves of FC United’s O’Keefe.

Two minutes later, FC United had a chance on goal when a cross by Mottley-Henry found Adam Le Fondre, but Donaghy’s crucial deflection kept the score level.

However, the game was paused in the 21st minute after a clash of heads between Michael Turner and Michael Donohue, which saw both players require treatment.

In the latter stages of the first half, the Hornets were relentless in their attempts on goal, dominating the game.

This momentum paid off in the 41st minute when a corner by Noble found Donaghy, who passed it to Matthew Elsdon. With a brief touch, Elsdon drove the ball past O’Keefe, giving Hebburn a 1-0 lead.

Two minutes later, the Hornets extended their lead with a sensational goal when a corner kick from Noble curled directly into the net, securing a 2-0 cushion.

Soon after, the referee blew for half-time.

FC United started the second half by bringing on Jan Palinkas, Rudy Misambo, and Gerald Sithole for Matthew Grivosti, Noah Halford, and Charles Hayes Green.

In the 70th minute, the Hornets made a tactical substitution, with Joe Walton replacing West after a brilliant debut.

However, in the 73rd minute, a corner by FC United found Mottley-Henry, who headed the ball into the net, reducing the score to 2-1.

To increase their attacking threat, the Hornets made a key substitution in the 75th minute, bringing on Liam Murray for Joao Gomes.

FC United mirrored this by substituting Noah Halford for Charlie Ennis.

In the 82nd minute, Hebburn replaced Daniel Savage with Olly Martin to further boost their attacking options.

The Hornets continued to defend their lead, and brought on Paul Van-Zandvliet in exchange for Noble on 90+3 minutes, in an effort to reinforce defensive play.

A few minutes prior, a red card was shown to Turner, which meant the Hornets had to see out the final minutes with ten-men.

However, the full-time whistle soon came and the Hornets could celebrate they’d get an important three points as they chase down a play-off spot.

Man of the match: Liam Noble
Attendance: 1,621