Chow on the spot to keep Hebburn Town on course for promotion

There was little between the teams in the first ten minutes, but from then on, Hebburn dominated.

Hebburn had their first strikes on goal when Gary Shaw fired a shot against the legs of Dom McMahon in the home goal, while Dan Robinson’s overhead kick sailed just wide.

On the half hour mark, a free-kick from Jack Donaghy was met by Meechack Kanda, who planted a firm header just past the upright.

Donaghy was denied a goal when a corner from Callum Smith was headed clear.

Hebburn started the second half strongly, with Peter Jones setting up Dan Smith, who flashed a shot wide.

Paul Chow came on to replace Robinson, and this almost immediately paid dividends when a free-kick was met by Chow, who headed against the post only for Shaw to blaze over.

Channon North then replaced Peter Jones and he set about in search for a goal.

North had three attempts at goal which on another day may have given the Hornet’s the lead they deserved, but somehow failed to score..

With time running out a draw looked on the cards, but in the 89th minute, Kanda drove a fine ball to the feet of Callum Smith and he was brought down for an undeniable penalty.

Paul Chow drove the ball past McMahon to at last give the Hornets the advantage they truly deserved.

They held on to this for the remaining injury time to take three vital points in their chase for promotion.

Other results on Saturday mean that Hebburn are now lying in second place, but in a packed schedule, there are still four league games to play.

The first two of these are tonight, against Crook Town, and tomorrow night against Tow Law Town, both kicking off at 7.30pm at Hebburn Sports Ground.

This is followed by the Ernest Armstrong Cup semi-final on Thursday at Kingsley Park, against Ryton and Crawcrook Albion, and an away fixture at Darlington RA on Saturday.

The final league game is on Bank Holiday Monday at home to Chester-le-Street Town, kick off 11am.