U23s: Hexham 2 Heddon United 2

A FIRST home game for the newly formed under-23s was played at Wentworth Leisure Centre on Saturday, and it was an entertaining affair for the spectators who gathered to watch.

Hexham were slow to start and conceded on 10 minutes as a shot from distance crept in off the post.

Will Burns nearly levelled soon after with a half volley that struck the post, but Heddon led 1-0 at the break.

Another slow start to the half saw Hexham two behind, and to make matters worse, a player down as Matty Lawrence was sin binned for dissent.

However, this was the spark that Hexham needed, and a quick-fire brace from Dan Simpson saw Hexham level before Lawrence returned to the pitch.

Both goals almost identical, came from set plays that Simpson was alert to and he made no mistake either time, smashing the ball home from close range.

With a full complement of 11 again, Hexham had a chance late on through Ollie Scott who raced clear but lost his footing and the game ended in a draw.

Will Turnbull was voted man of the match.