After success against Silksworth in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup, it was back to Wearside Premier League action for Durham FC as they welcomed South Moor to New Ferens Park. The visitors had been involved in a number of thrillers already this season with their games averaging over five goals, and this fixture would help maintain that average.

Durham had the best of the early exchanges and were rewarded in the 9th minute when Josh Harker won a header from a South Moor throw in. Max Stoker and Alfie Jordan pressed the visitors backline resulting in the ball falling at the feet of Matty Halliday who smashed a left foot shot in first time to the top corner.

Just after the twenty minute mark, Halliday was looking to double his tally but saw his effort picked up by the South Moor keeper. The chances continued to come for Durham FC with Jack Patterson finding the keeper’s arms from outside the box and Alfie Jordan firing wide on the half hour mark.

Durham FC began to wonder if they would rue these missed chances, and true to form, South Moor scored from their first attack. Kyle Fazakerley dribbled in from the right flank and laid the ball off to Jon Davies who took a touch with his right foot before curling in a fine left-footed effort in to the top corner to tie the game. Durham FC kicked off, and within 30 second of the restart were behind in the game. Davies pressed the defence, winning the ball back before dribbling at goal and slotting the ball beyond Harry Renwick.

The hosts were stirred in to action, shocked at two South Moor goals in 90 seconds, and began to press again. It looked like the visitors would go in with the lead but on the stroke of half time Tom Young whipped in a cross and Josh Harker was the first to react, poking the ball beyond the keeper to level the match.

The game looked to be heading for a draw but with five minutes left on the clock Matthew Smith threaded a through ball from the centre circle to Josh Harker who timed his run to perfection. Taking a touch, he worked the ball on to his right foot and curled in to the bottom right hand corner from the edge of the box for this second and Durham FC’s third.

The hosts were able to see out the remaining time without any scares and collect a third win in succession and lift themselves to sixth in the Wearside League Premier Division.

Renwick, Young (Rowell 86), Patterson (Lyon 71), Stradling, Robinson, Morland, Smith, Stoker (C), Halliday (Bradley 90), Josh Harker, Jordan (Dunn 66) - Subs Dunn, Rowell, Lyon, Horrabin, Bradley

Man of the Match - Josh Harker sponsored by DIY Trading