Alnwick win through in Alliance Challenge Cup

The game was played on the new artificial surface at Greensfield and it was the first time Alnwick Town first team had used the facility.

Kieran Hogg’s left-footed free-kick curled into the top corner opened the scoring before Richard Stanwix, Hogg again, Joe Egglestone and Alan Wallace made sure of progression, often benefitting from the space in behind Wallington’s defence.

Brad Richardson scored Wallington’s goal with the visitors 3-0 down, lobbing Alnwick ‘keeper Dan Mullen, from distance.

The game began with promise of another high scoring affair following the 3-2 victory for Wallington earlier in the season.

Alnwick were denied their first chance to run at goal on five minutes by a foul on the left on the edge of the Wallington box. Hogg’s resulting left footed free-kick curled away from the ‘keeper and inside the top right corner.

Thomas Truscott shot wide for Wallington before Stanwix doubled Alnwick’s advantage when in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.

Stanwix then found the net with a header, but the effort was ruled out by the referee.

Jake Walton worked space for himself in a central position to carve open the first opportunity of the second half before hitting high over the bar.

Hogg’s second goal came 15 minutes into the period as he made a solo run through the middle using quick feet to beat his defender and run clear of the chasing pack before placing the ball under the diving ‘keeper.

Wallington replied instantly when Richardson volleyed the ball from 30 yards and caught Mullen off his line.

Joe Egglestone’s first and second touch were to control the ball on the edge of the Wallington area and curl a right-footed shot inside the far post just a minute after being introduced off the bench.

Wallington went close to a second when Michael Angus dragged his shot wide, but Alan Wallace completed the scoring from close range, placing his effort to the left of the ‘keeper.