Boldon CAFeaturedFootballNon-league footballNorthern LeaguePrudhoe YC

Prudhoe’s winless run extends with Boldon bouncing back from defeat

 Prudhoe YC 1-3 Boldon CA

Prudhoe YC suffered defeat in their first game since Boxing Day after a strong second half display from Boldon CA at Essity Park. 

 The YC took the lead in the opening minutes via Michael Wright’s penalty kick. However, Oly Bell’s two goals either side of half time placed the visitors in pole position. Harrison Hart put the game to bed in the 90th then saw red in freak circumstances.

After a lengthy period of no games, the YC hoped to start 2025 with victory at Essity Park, following a winless period of six matches.  

As for Boldon, the away side had won three of their last four games and looked to bounce back from a thrilling 5-3 loss to Redcar Town.  

Prudhoe’s positive start to the match was almost immediately rewarded. After winning the penalty with a neat piece of skill in the box, Wright confidently slotted home, a dream start for the YC.  

Despite being in the ascendancy for the majority of the first half, the home side struggled to double the lead and take the game away from the visitors.  

Matt Law squandered a chance for the YC in the 30th minute. The winger latched onto a teasing threaded ball by Lucca Taylor but rifled his effort straight at the keeper. 

Against the run of play, Boldon equalised on the stroke of half time. Stephen Wilkinson finished his powerful run down Prudhoe’s left side with a pinpoint cross, giving Bell an empty net to tap home.  

Less than ten after the break Boldon found their second. Sam Watts released Bell down the right flank, who fired a low strike past Sam Wilson.  

Shortly after, YC defender Brad Rogers was called into action with a goal line clearance to prevent Bell’s hattrick, before Wilson kept Boldon at bay with a superb stop from Hart’s shot moments later.  

At the 70 minute mark, Prudhoe’s Liam Dalton had a volleyed effort from inside the box blocked, with this being the only attempt at a comeback from the home team.  

There was a penalty shout at 80 minutes for the home side after Collins Unuareokpa was brought down in the box, but the referee waved away calls.  

In injury time, Hart ensured a valuable three points for Boldon with an emphatic finish into the roof of the net. However, the forward was sent off minutes later amidst the celebrations, receiving a second yellow card. 

The YC’s attention now turns to Billingham Town in midweek, a vital game in Prudhoe’s fight for a playoff place.