A debut goal from Kieron Symington in the opening half an hour was all that separated the sides as the Seniors claimed a first home win of the season.

After a frustrating performance against Garstang saw Prudhoe exit the FA Vase, the YC came into last night’s league fixture looking for a positive reaction.

Along with Symington, Matty Lewer made his first competitive appearance for the Seniors, following a feature in pre-season.

The Match

The opening opportunity of the game fell to the visitors four minutes in, with Isaac Jowett driving towards the edge of the box but firing over the bar with his effort on the half volley.

Five minutes later, the YC retaliated and had a serious chance to open the scoring. A lofted ball from Brad Rogers released debutant Symington in on goal, however Esh ‘keeper Jack Halton made himself big and saved well. In freak circumstances, the ball almost looped in the net after the save, but the backspin took it away from goal.

Midway into the half, Esh Winning threatened once again. A dangerous corner from Ellis Swinburn eventually found its way to Sol Tones, whose effort rattled the crossbar.

That said, Prudhoe reacted almost immediately to Esh Winning’s pressure and got their goal in the 27th minute. Symington met Rogers’ pinpoint inswinging cross with a glancing header which nestled into the bottom right corner – a dream start for the new striker.

Shortly after, the Seniors’ James Simpson looked to have to the ball first inside the away side’s penalty area before being clipped, however the referee waved away penalty calls.

With the home side in the lead, Esh Winning pushed for a foothold back in the game. On 35 minutes, the YC failed to deal with Michael Harland’s twisting run in the box, allowing the forward to fire back across goal but, luckily for the Seniors, the number 10 hit the left post.

In the 40th minute, Prudhoe nearly doubled the lead courtesy of Brad Mawston. Halton produced a strong save to stop the winger’s low effort. From there, the Seniors couldn't make the most of a scramble in the Esh box as the visitors cleared away.

After a frantic first half, with both sides strong in spells, Esh Winning chased an equaliser in the second period.

Prudhoe defended well throughout and had a penalty shout dismissed - Simpson yet again looked to be fouled inside the box inside the 70th minute.

On 77 minutes, the away side continued to build pressure and almost equalised. An initial effort was blocked superbly by Rogers, before the ball was flashed across the YC box but couldn’t be directed on target by the visitors.

Showing grit and determination, Prudhoe managed to dig deep and hold out for a much needed three points.

The Seniors are back on the road on Saturday, facing Jarrow at Perth Green CA.