YARM & EAGLESCLIFFE FC 0-3 PRUDHOE YC SENIORS

Prudhoe YC Seniors' new manager Mark McMeekin's first competitive test against Ebac Northern League Division Two newcomers Yarm & Eaglescliffe FC was passed with flying colours as his side recorded a resounding 3-0 win in front of a crowd of 156 at Bedford Terrace, Billingham on Saturday.

Their starting eleven included recent signings Kyle Cockburn, 17-year-old full-back Hugo McNicol, Sam Peat, and Aaron Willoughby, while three of the other new additions to the squad, Jordan Plunkett, Roman Sparks, and experienced striker Dan O'Reilly, were on the bench.

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors in the 19th minute when Josh Scott slipped a ball through to Matt Law who cut inside before firing over the bar.

They kept pressing and, just before the half-hour mark, a good spell of play ended with Law's close-range effort being saved by Will Lawrence after the winger had been set up by Brad Lowes.

The deadlock was finally broken on 34 minutes by Lowes. Scott held the ball up well on the edge of the box before laying it off to the advancing Lowes who struck it firmly into the bottom corner, giving keeper Lawrence no chance (0-1).

Things got even better for McMeekin's side when they doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute. A great pass from full-back Darren Graham picked out Scott who sprinted into the box before expertly chipping the keeper (0-2).

The Prudhoe boss made good use of his substitutes after the break with Finlay Baty, Will Morris, O'Reilly, Plunkett and Sparks all getting a taste of the action during the last thirty minutes.

The flash-point of the second half came on 84 minutes when home full-back Jack Dalton was shown a red card, while Scott and Sparks were both booked in the aftermath.

When play resumed, Prudhoe keeper Thomas White produced an outstanding save to maintain his side's two-goal advantage.

Matt Law put the icing on the cake with Prudhoe's third goal in the 88th minute. O'Reilly and Sparks linked up well with the latter then slipping it through to Law who turned the defender before firing low past Lawrence (0-3).

Former Hexham player Brad Lowes was named man of the match.