03/02/2026
18 January 2026
📉 Penny Black fell to defeat, despite a spirited performance, away at North Ormesby Working Men’s Club in the first game of the New Year.
❌ With no appointed match official, both teams were forced to take the whistle duties for a half apiece.
⬆️ The hosts took an early lead when the striker was allowed to waltz through on goal, round the goalkeeper and put his side in front despite being offside.
⛔️ Penny Black tried to hit back on 19 minutes after Jack Robinson sent Billy Gatenby away to the left of goal, as he evaded a defender’s lunge and tried to round the keeper only to see his effort clear the bar.
🚫 A corner from Chris Burton wasn’t dealt with by the North Ormesby WMC defence, but attempts from Jack Robinson and Andrew Lodge to convert were unsuccessful.
💥 The home side, who had plenty of possession with their visitors leaving little space, did manage to fashion an effort from the edge of the area which thumped off the bar.
🔒An Andrew Lodge free-kick into the area on the half hour was fumbled, only for Lee Robson’s resultant chest and volley for goal to whistle wide of the upright from 10 yards.
❎ Eight minutes later, Penny Black went close again with Billy Gatenby’s wonderful flick towards goal evading everyone and bouncing off the bar to safety.
⏱️HT: North Ormesby WMC 1-0 Penny Black
‼️Just nine minutes into the second half, saw Penny Black move from back to front with pace, Billy Gatenby leaving two defenders in his wake, cutting into the area and smashing an effort off the foot of the post. Simon Frank picked up the loose ball on the right and fired a ball into Chris Burton whose effort was blocked on the line.
🍃 There was another opportunity to pull level when Chris Burton was afforded the freedom of the right-side of the penalty area, cutting back for Billy Gatenby who fizzed his effort just wide of the far post.
📊 The hosts continued with their greater share of possession but couldn’t find a way through as Penny Black pushed for an equaliser.
⏫ But with 16 minutes remaining a slack pass allowed the home side space to drive forward, with the effort from the edge of the area skidding goalwards, Connor Charlton got down well to parry but saw the rebound converted to double their lead.
⛵️With the wind firmly out of the Penny Black sails, it was North Ormesby Working Men’s Club who saw the game out to secure all three points.
⏱️FT: North Ormesby WMC 2-0 Penny Black
🗣️Manager Sam Loughran praised his side’s efforts. “I couldn’t ask for much more from the lads, really. They’ve given everything, created multiple opportunities, defended well against a very good side who have ultimately been more clinical than us today.”
🔉“We’ve carried out the game plan relatively well, tried to deny them space and build from there. We’ve hit the woodwork twice, we’ve had one cleared off the line, we’ve had two fly centimetres wide and other than finishing those chances, we’ve couldn’t do much more.
💬“Billy’s caused them problems, I thought Ad had another strong performance, Batesy has ran his socks off, Lodge has broken things up really well, but the award goes to Lee today for another astute showing, he’s commanded well and led that backline brilliantly.”
Butler Bros Environmental Solutions LTD
Images from the wonderful Karen Harland Photography
Chris Burton - Turners Glazing and Repairs
Jake Dawson - Dovecot Bar & Kitchen & School of Sport NE
Billy Gatenby - Turners Glazing and Repairs
Adam Holland - Online Bootroom
Kieran Hutchcraft - Multicoat North East Ltd & CMJ Electrical
James Mahoney - Hartburn Roofing
Corey Mellaneo - The Lash Lady
Elliott Morgan - Blytheholme Club & Institute
Sam O'Gorman - Cortex Property Investments
Lee Robson - Morningdog Coffee
Jono Moniz - B Mac Plumbing & Heating