Driffield Dynamo travelled to Hull to face second bottom Batemans knowing a victory would all but secure avoiding a bottom two finish.
Again they were without the services of several players who were incidentally all forwards which meant central defender Harris was given the role of lone striker.
Dynamo started well and almost took the lead after just three minutes when Jack Farran’s long throw was flicked on by Harris but Iveson failed to take the opportunity at the far post.
It wasn’t long before they made the breakthrough though. Harrison’s long ball out of defence was chased by Harris who out muscled the last defender and despite the keeper saving his first effort Harris was first to react to place the ball into the empty net.
Despite taking the lead Dynamo allowed Batemans back into the game and once again conceded from a corner five minutes later.
Batemans continued to press forward and were only thwarted by some good defending by Oxlade, Harrison, Arksey and skipper Thomas. Chives as always was impressive with several key saves to keep the scores level at the interval.
Nield replaced Chives in goal at the break but the gamble backfired as Batemans dominated almost all the second half and scored two goals in quick succession from set pieces 10 minutes into the half.
The closest Dynamo came to getting back into the game was when Arksey’s shot was well saved and Harrison’s close range effort rebounded off the keeper to safety.
As Dynamo threw players forward they left gaps at the back and were punished late on when a forward scored with ease.
This was probably Dynamo’s worst performance of the season following the previous week’s scintillating display against Costello.
Harris was probably the only Dynamo player to come out of the game with any credit.
Hopefully the lads will get this performance out of their system and show the character and effort they have shown all season in their remaining fixtures.
Driffield Dynamo travelled to Hedon with several key players missing. They began well with Arksey and Iveson combining well down the left and Wilkes as lively as ever up front.
Hedon, who Dynamo face in the plate final at the end of the month had the first chance to open the scoring but skipper Thomas’ last ditch tackle averted a one-on-one opportunity. Keeper Chives had to be alert but as always his handling was impeccable.
Dynamo’s susceptibility to defend set pieces was again evident as a forward was allowed a free header from a corner but the impressive Harrison cleared off the line.
As usual Nield and Jack Farran were working hard in midfield but neither were able to bring team mates into play as their Hedon counterparts constantly pressurised them.
Hedon took the lead when a cross from the left was tipped to safety by Chives but the ball was recycled by a Hedon winger who crossed for a forward to tap home.
With their first real chance Dynamo were level two minutes later. Iveson’s precision delivery from a corner was headed home by Wilkes.
Naylor and Oxlade were linking up on the right side trying to give some service to Wilkes who was being well marshalled by the Hedon back four. Beston was trying to link up play between the midfield and forwards but Dynamo were finding little cohesion all over the park.
Hedon regained their lead five minutes before the interval when they failed to deal with a corner and a forward was allowed a free header which he beat Chives with.
It was no more than the home side deserved who were certainly the better side.
The second half began and from the first whistle it was a much improved display. The back four of Oxlade, Harrison, Arksey and skipper Thomas looked solid and the midfield of Joey and Jack Farran, Naylor and Nield finally beginning to play the ball to feet bringing Iveson and Wilkes into play.
Just as they began to dominate they were dealt a killer blow. Chives was dispossessed as he tried to clear and a forward had the simplest of chances to roll the ball into the empty net.
Dynamo never gave up but were unable to break down a resolute Hedon back four. The game finished with a disappointing 3-1 defeat.
The boys have to realise that they must not be complacent and give 100% for the full 80 minutes in every game if they are to avoid ending up in the bottom two and losing the plate final.
Driffield Dynamo faced title contenders Hall Road at a wet and windy Allotment Lane.
Hall Road made their intentions clear straight from the kick off but Chives made the first of a string of fine saves.
It came as no surprise when Hall Road scored after five minutes. Again Chives made a superb save only for a forward to react quickest to smash the ball into the roof of the net. Dynamo responded well and looked dangerous on the break with the pace of Wilkes and Falcus. Naylor playing against his former club partnered Harrison in the middle of midfield with Steel and Iveson wide on the flanks.
Dynamo were awarded a free kick on the right about 30 yards out after a good approach play involving Joey Farron and Steel which saw the latter fouled. Up stepped Iveson to curl an unstoppable left footed drive into the top corner of the net.
The Dynamo players were totally committed and defending resolutely with Harris and skipper Thomas outstanding at the back. Chives was keeping Dynamo in the game with save after save as Hall Road tried desperately to regain the lead.
Dynamo counter attacked with Arksey utilising his blistering pace to race down the left wing but his cross was hacked to safety.
Hall Road finally scored again after 30 minutes when Dynamo once again failed to deal with a corner and a player scored from close range. Moments later they scored again, almost a carbon copy of the second goal as Dynamo allowed a Hall Road player a free header from a corner on the left.
Van Beston, Oxlade, Nield and Jack Farran were all introduced to try and stem the tide. Chives again made another super save just before the interval thwarting a certain goal.
Hall Road did score a 4th goal with the last kick of the first half with a well taken goal. Despite the scoreline the Dynamo lads were all giving 100% but they were playing against a very good side.
The second half was similar to the first with Hall Road having the lions share of possession and numerous chances but the back four and Chives in goal were outstanding.
Hall Road were awarded a dubious penalty midway through the second half which was well taken.
Dynamo rarely threatened the Hall Road back four but to their credit they never gave up.
With 10 minutes left Hall Road grabbed a 6th goal which completed the scoring. Despite the disappointing scoreline the Dynamo lads showed a lot of character not to throw the towel in against a very good team.
They still have two league games and a final to look forward to as the season draws to a close.
Thanks as always to Pat for welcome refreshments and to young Isaac Wilkes for running the line.