Town took the lead late into the first half via Kieran Stares, and grabbed a second with just under ten minutes of normal time to go, courtesy of Gary Mitchell. Moments before doubling the lead however, the YC saw a goal from Michael Wright controversially chalked off for offside.

Coming into the game, the Seniors hoped to claim their first three points of the campaign, following a goalless draw at home to Sunderland RCA in the league opener.

YC manager Dean Walker gave a first official squad appearance to Harry Frazer, whilst the returning Brad Mawston made an impact off the bench.

The Match

A cagey opening 25 minutes got us underway in Prudhoe, with both sides struggling to break each other down.

At the half hour mark, a first real chance fell the YC’s way. After positive play down the right-hand side from Thomas Wilson, the ball reached Billy Foster, who fired wide from close range.

Towards the end of the first period the visitors began to threat, and broke the deadlock on 42 minutes. Town’s Stares grabbed his third goal of the season, smashing home from the edge of the box after latching onto Joel White’s lay off.

Town started the better in the second period, causing YC ‘keeper Sam Wilson to parry away a promising opening in Prudhoe’s six-yard box early on.

Another opportunity arose for Billingham in the 68th minute, with Stares’ glancing header flying just over the bar.

As the half progressed, the YC put pressure on Town in an attempt to find an equaliser.

On 80 minutes, the Seniors’ Brad Lowes released Wright down the left flank, who looked to be clearly in line with Billingham’s defenders. The forward then equalised with an audacious chipped finish; however the linesman raised his flag for offside.

From the resulting free kick, the visitors doubled their lead, with Mitchell guiding home a dangerous flash across the box.

Despite a wave of corners and sustained pressure from Prudhoe in the last quarter of an hour, the home side couldn’t capitalise as Town held out for the three points.

After a cruel end to the fixture, the Seniors will look to bounce back in their third league game of the season.

Following back-to-back home games, the YC make the trip to Seaham Red Star on Saturday.