Clash of old rivals fails to be match of century

Action from Hebburn Town (yellow and black) and Jarrow (blue) JARROW FC played Hebburn in a league fixture for the first time in more than 100 years.

This one is unlikely to be spoken about over the next century.

The two sides came into the fixture in decent form, with the hosts pushing ahead with a promotion challenge, their visitors easing into life in the Northern League after promotion last season.

Both sides showed plenty of honesty, effort and endeavour, albeit without reward, with chances few and far between.

It was Hebburn who started the game on the front foot.

A sublime cross-field pass from defender David Coulson found Glen Hargrave on the right-hand side.

The winger fired a low cross into that area and that was met by striker Paul Chow.

He took one touch before spinning on the ball and lashing a shot towards the far post.

However, alert defending from David Smith ensured the ball was cleared to safety.

The visitors found their way into the game and had a great chance to take the lead just after the 15-minute mark. Steven Graham led a break and released Grant Pressling into the lefthand side of the area.

His shot was tame and sailed wide of Steve Hubery’s near-post.

Jarrow, buoyed by that chance, created another with 32 minutes on the clock.

A headed clearance from Coulson found David Smith and the full-back struck a powerful volley at goal. That