In June it was announced that a partnership between Durham United FC and Durham University had been reached for the later to lead our mens first team in the Wearside first division.

The season started with two very close games, conceding goals in injury time of both resulting in an opening day 2-1 defeat to Farringdon Detached followed by a 2-2 draw against a strong Gateshead Leam rangers side.

The team didn’t have to wait any longer to get across the line with their first win as they came on top of an entertaining game against Darlington RA winning 4-3. This was quickly followed by a dominating performance against Shildon reserves. Durham were 6-0 up at half time at which point he opposition refused to return for the second half. The result of this game now lies in the hands of the FA and league committee.

A tough game against Silksworth ended in a 4-2 defeat however as you will read in the report below the team bounced back with an impressive victory against top of the table Hartlepool FC.

The team continue to play their home games at the Graham Sports Centre at Maiden Castle and will be hosting a whole club event for you all to attend in October.

Read Wednesdays match report below:

Durham United hosted FC Hartlepool in what proved to be a competitive fixture at Maiden Castle. Durham were electric in the opening five minutes as Jack Gibbons slotted home to make it 1-0.

Chances from Tom Hizzett and Morgan Lant couldn’t be capitalised on but it wouldn’t be long before Gibbons bagged his second of the game. Durham broke well and Hizzett’s lofted pass found Gibbons in acres. 2-0 at the break.

FC Hartlepool looked sharper in the second half and had the chances to show for it. The visitors’ best chance of the half came when their striker took the ball round the keeper and a goal looked inevitable. Jonah Blake had other ideas though, blocking the ball on the line with his clearance shattering against the post and away from danger.

After weathering the storm of Hartlepool attacks, Durham extended their lead through a Ned Ventham wonder strike in the 70th minute. Durham were pushing for a fourth but it was a Hartlepool lofted header which pulled one back for the visitors with 5 minutes left to play. That goal proved merely a consolation as Durham United took all three points. FT 3-1