Oxton fail to fight back at Durham

Jan 24 2007 by Nick Moreton, Birkenhead News

OXTON’S furthest away fixture in the Northern Premier League took them to the North East to play leaders Durham University.

On a wild and windy weekend, Oxton knew it was never going to be a breeze.

After an evenly balanced opening five minutes of the match, the first half was turned in Durham’s favour.

Oxton squandered possession and were punished as the home team took the lead from a penalty corner.

Goalkeeper Simon Dolan saved a penalty before Durham doubled their from close range.

Oxton were unable to reduce the 2-0 deficit before half time with the best chance falling to Trevor Merrick, who produced a smothering save from the rarely tested Durham keeper.

After the interval, Oxton raised their game and soon opened their account for the afternoon.

Jonathon Hodgkinson fed Gordon Moore in the area to stroke a low shot home.