Last updated 13:14, Thursday, 27 November 2008

Hexham Ex-Service 4, Haltwhistle Conservatives 2.HALTWHISTLE Conservatives were the visitors to Wentworth for this Hexham and District Sunday League division one clash.

Haltwhistle defied their lowly league position to give a gritty performance, and will count themselves unlucky not to get a result against the reigning league champions.

The Ex-service gave a rare start in midfield to the experienced Gareth McAlindon, who is normally unable to play Sunday football due to his Northern league commitments with Bedlington Terriers.

Captain Gavin Cox and Andy Robinson returned to the defence, with Paul Scandle playing in goal as a stand-in for the injured Mark Rowell.

The icy wind made conditions difficult, so the opening exchanges were tentative, with few chances at either end.

The game sprang to life after an excellent volley by Barry Joisce from a Wilson cross, but his effort went over the Haltwhistle bar.

There were chances for Haltwhistle and at the other end a forceful run by Ex midfielder Andy Crawford ended with a shot just over.

Crawford then played a neat one-two with Lee Telfer, winning a corner.

McAlindon’s corner found Wilson, whose shot was turned away by the keeper Shaun Hepple.

In the 30th minute Cox won a penalty for the Ex which was confidently despatched by Ian Milbourne to open the scoring.

A minute later a Haltwhistle free-kick was held safely by Paul Scandle.

There were chances at both ends, but it remained 1-0 at half-time.

Haltwhistle were proving to be stubborn opposition, but the Ex made a further breakthrough on 47 minutes when Telfer cleverly found Milbourne, who made it 2-0.

More Ex pressure followed with a Barry Joisce shot going over; this utility player is proving invaluable in a large but versatile squad.

McAlindon’s array of passes was starting to make inroads into the Haltwhistle defence, but a tactical switch by Ex manager Andrew Wylie had McAlindon replaced by Andy Donkin, with Robinson swapping with Joisce in midfield.

These tactical changes coincided with the Conservatives getting back into the game with two goals by Andy Pape to make it 2-2.

Haltwhistle continued to push forward and a dangerous shot was blocked by Mark Elliot.

A Milbourne corner found Cox, whose glancing header failed to find the target.

A Crawford pass split the Halty defence, but Hepple bravely saved at the feet of Telfer.

Then Milbourne headed wide from a Wilson cross.

With 73 minutes gone Nick Coward replaced Elliot who had given everything in defence.

A Lee Telfer volley went wide and a clever through ball by Robinson found Telfer, who was foiled again by Hepple.

Lee Telfer was the Ex’s best player and he was on the end of a cross from the lively Alistair Davidson to put the Ex back in front.

After good work by Milbourne and Wilson, an opportunist goal by Davidson made it 4-2.

Haltwhistle did have chances to rescue a point, including one glaring miss, but they went begging.

Milbourne set up substitute Enright who brought off a fine save by Shaun Hepple.

The game was sponsored by Wallace Carpets and Vinyls.