ALNWICK TOWN 3 WALKER 0

Alnwick found themselves drawn against league leaders Walker in the first round of the Benevolent Bowl at St James Park on what was a perfect day for football.
Alnwick could not have got off to a better start, in the fifth minute they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out in a central position, midfielder Scott McMullen stepped up to curl the ball round the wall and in to the bottom corner of the net giving the keeper no chance.
It was the home side that was more of a force in the early stages of the game using the slope to their advantage and creating a couple of half chances.

Alnwick could have went two up on 20 mins a great delivery from Dale Kennedy on the left looked like a certain goal for Ben Keenan but the striker was caught in two minds to finish with his head or foot as the ball bounced in the six yard box and the chance went astray.
Walker had their best chance on 30 mins, a quick turn in the box followed by a shot narrowly went past the post to the relief of Town keeper Brian Brooks.
On 40 mins Alnwick were awarded a penalty as Kennedy was blatantly pushed from behind by a Walker defender. Tom Vickers stepped up to take the spot kick which was put to the keepers left but he made a great full stretch save tipping the ball away to safety.
Walker had the better start to the second half pressing Alnwick back but they lacked any threat once they got around the Alnwick area as they tended to try and pass their way through the home defence.
Alnwick were catching Walker out as gaps were being left and on 65 mins they were awarded a corner which resulted in one of the best finishes seen at St James for a long time, the corner was swung in deep and eluded everyone in the six yard box but up popped Keenan to smash an incredible volley from the tightest of angles back across the face of goal and in to the top corner of the net.
Walker to be fair never gave up the challenge and pressed for the goal that would bring them back in the game and make it a nail biting finish.
On 75 mins Richard Brown could have made the game safe as he broke clear but delayed his shot on his weaker foot which the keeper saved comfortably.
The gaps were appearing and the pace of Alnwicks forwards was paying off, on 85 mins John Colly broke clear down the right and delivered the perfect cross for Richard Brown to head home from 4 yards out for his first goal of the season.
A deserved win in the end and a terrific team performance where everyone played their part in an exciting cup tie.

Pizza Royale MOM Mark Cockburn

Team B Brooks, D Lowes, B Murray, G Patterson, S McMullen, M Cockburn, T Brown,
         N Catlow, T Vickers, D Kennedy, B Keenan, K Elliot, J Colly, R Brown