20/09/2026
Whitburn & Cleadon Madrid 6
New Durham AFC 4
Alfie ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Alex ⚽️
Leo ⚽️
Jamie 🅰️🅰️🅰️
Joseph 🅰️
Arlo 🅰️
POTM Joseph - what did he have for breakfast? On it from the start and full of confidence, both creative and strong, really well played Jospeh
OPOTM Arthur - a trophy on debut says it all, strong calm goalkeeping and great distribution, welcome to the team Arthur and good luck!
In a memorable game, the Madrid boys were unplayable in the first half to set up a great win, the first of the new league campaign. The passing and movement was incredible, there was always an option and the right decision was always made, alongside some clinical finishing the boys built a lead to make the second half a comfortable one and a great win. The list of names with goals or assists tells the story, everyone played their part in a goal except Harry who was commanding things at the back and Arthur on debut in goal. It really was a team performance to remember.
Whitburn raced into a five goal lead, with Durham pulling a goal back for a 5-1 lead at half time. It is always nice to play a team we haven't played before (i think) and Durham looked bright, especially on the break and certainly not four goals worse than Whitburn but that said, the Madrid boys were playing superbly and taking their chances. 1-0 came from a lovely pass by Joseph for Alfie to fire home, 2-0 after a flowing move, Alex out to Jamie, back into Alex to turn and score. Whitburn's third saw Alfie fouled in the box, Alfie then getting up to fire home the penalty. Four nil was Alfie's 11 minute hattrick, Jamie again the provider and the fifth came from Leo, with Arlo seeing his shot saved and the rebound falling nicely for Leo and a calm slot home.
Attacking wise Whitburn really had clicked but there was a really nervous moment at the back and Harry saved the day. With Durham clean through a brilliant last ditch sliding tackle stopped the chance. With the score 2-0 at the time, it really was a game changing moment, nice one Harry. Five great goals, could have been more, with Jospeh in particular unlucky not to get on the scoresheet with a couple of nice chances that were saved.
Half time 5-1
There was always going to be a reaction from Durham and despite the healthy lead, the next goal felt important. Step forward Arthur, our new goalie making his debut for Whitburn. He had already made his presence felt in the first half with some good saves, calm keeping and great distribution. At the start of the second half he really made his mark on the game. As Durham seemed certain to score with a really powerful shot, Arthur made a super save with his right arm to s***f our the danger. This was closely followed by a brave dive at the feet of a Durham striker and two chances were gone. Great stuff Arthur, what a way to introduce yourself to your team mates, we look forward to more of the same as we get to know you better.
That important goal came and it fell to Whitburn, Jamie breaking through and playing a perfectly weighted pass to Alfie to fire the sixth goal. There was almost a carbon copy later in the game which Alfie miscued, the two of them just connected today, Jamie setting up two of Alfie's four goals. Jamie also fizzed in two great corners along the ground, one in each half, neither somehow inexplicably got a single touch. As mentioned the whole team were playing so well and with great confidence, typified by tenacious Arlo, some sensational close control and dribbling, strong play to hold up the ball and earning a corner. There were more goals though, Durham showing great spirit to fight back with three second half goals but it wasn't enough and Whitburn ran out deserved winners.
Final Score 6-4
A super game from two good teams, ten goals and a very entertaining match! A week off now, next match vs Stockton 🟡⚫️
