Flu could not prevent away victory

This was still a strong side on display and they started much the stronger with the midfield dominant and strikers Dobson and Phillips a constant threat. During the first quarter of the game Hexham had Cullercoats pushed further and further back and home keeper Darren Houghton was a very busy man.

The rain was driving down the field in Hexham's favour but the back line of Cullercoats held firm and to the home side's credit started to win more of the ball and ask some questions themselves.

From the midway point in the first half they took control and Hexham became sloppy and gave the ball away to many times in dangerous areas. The match had been turned completely on its head. Cullercoats looked the more dangerous and it was no surprise when they took the lead on thirty five minutes.

Hexham were under no pressure when they tried to play the ball out of defence and when they lost it they were wide open and Kieron Fitzpatrick capitalised beating Heads with a rasping drive.

This was just what they deserved and the wakeup call was truly heard. Directly from the kick off the ball was spread out to the wing and Darren Dobson controlled well and headed for the byline.

When he got there he drove a low hard cross into the path of Luke Parkinson who fired the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Hexham had only been behind for less than sixty seconds, Cullercoats must be kicking themselves for the lack of concentration so soon after going in front.

Up till the half time whistle Hexham were back in control with Scott Coates always a threat and Tom Phillips up front causing problems with his nonstop running against two very tall and competent central defenders.

The second half began as the first finished with Hexham on top. The goal had made such a difference to the team and within moments they almost took the lead. Luke Parkinson timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap to get one on one with the home keeper but he was thwarted by a fine save.

This was the theme for the next period of the game with Tom Phillips constantly running at the home defence and Houghton pulling off another two fine saves at the feet of Parkinson. But on the third occasion Luke recovered his composure to pick up the rebound and put Hexham in front for the first time in the game.

The back four for Hexham were in control as Cullercoats strived to get back on level terms shutting down any danger and with fifteen minutes to go Scott Coates made the game safe. Hexham were awarded a free kick when Scott Robson was wrestled to the ground about five yards outside the area, from the resulting free kick Scott Coates fired low and hard which slipped under the keeper's body and into the goal.

It was an excellent strike from Coates which zipped off the greasy surface to beat Houghton who had been in great form all day. With the point from Hexham's first win on the road this season in the bag they eased off a little and allowed Cullercoats to play a bigger part in the closing moments.

A couple of dangerous corners and a low shot which Heads turned around the left hand post was the response but at the final whistle Hexham were comfortable winners and this result puts them seventh in the table.

The Man of the Match was Tom Phillips who got through a tremendous amount of work but a goal to reward his efforts was not to be. The manager must hope the flu bug has gone by the weekend when Topsigns are match sponsors and league leaders Amble come to the Wentworth Leisure Centre for a 2.30 ko.