After an unbeaten pre-season, this was the first one that really counted and with plenty of new faces joining the group over the summer, it was a great opportunity to see the new-look squad in competitive action.

Our visitors arrived at Metcalfe Park having earned promotion from Wearside League Division Two last season after finishing runners-up. They’d already played their first Division One fixture on Wednesday, losing 3–1 to Gateshead Leam Rangers Reserves, while Wolvo had to wait until today to get the competitive season under way.

And we didn’t have to wait long for our first goal of 2026/27.

Wolvo won a corner on four minutes which Reece Chambers swung into a crowded penalty area. With plenty of bodies competing for it, the ball eventually dropped to Mark Dixon, who swept it home on five minutes to give Wolvo the perfect start.

Easington had their moments and made sure it wasn’t all one-way traffic, but Wolvo continued to create chances as the half went on.

The second arrived just before the break. Easington lost possession and Marcus Allen was quick to take advantage, striking his effort in off the post on 41 minutes to send Wolvo into half-time with a 2–0 lead.

A good opening 45 minutes – and there was plenty more to come.

Wolvo came out strongly after the restart and made it three on 53 minutes. Jake Large, out wide on the right, sent the ball into the middle. It evaded Easington keeper Chappell and found its way into the back of the net for 3–0.

Four minutes later it was four, and this one was some introduction from the bench!

Marcus Allen threaded a ball through to substitute James Webb, who scored with his first touch of the game to make it 4–0 on 57 minutes. Not a bad way to get involved!

Easington did pull one back on 61 minutes, when Ethan Bowes tried his luck with a tentative effort from long range which found its way home, reducing the deficit to 4–1.

But Wolvo weren’t finished.

The fifth on 75 minutes was a lovely team goal. James Webb flicked the ball into the path of George Hunter, who fed Bailey Geldart. Bailey did the rest, dummying his defender before firing home to restore Wolvo’s four-goal advantage.

And there was still time for one more.

With six minutes remaining, Webb received the ball around the halfway line and went to work. He weaved his way forward, wrong-footed the goalkeeper and finished for his second of the afternoon to round off the scoring at 6–1.

A really positive afternoon at Metcalfe Park.

Five different goalscorers, plenty of minutes spread around the squad and some very encouraging performances from both familiar faces and some of the new lads.

Marcus Allen was picked as our Man of the Match, with his first-half performance in particular earning plenty of praise. ?

So, an unbeaten pre-season is followed by six goals and a place in the next round of the Clem Smith Bowl. Not a bad way to get the competitive season started!

There’s not much time to enjoy it though…

Next up, the Wearside League Division One campaign begins on Wednesday night as Wolvo travel to Coxhoe Athletic. ⚽

FULL TIME
? WOLVISTON FC 6–1 EASINGTON LANE RESERVES

⚽ Mark Dixon 5’
⚽ Marcus Allen 41’
⚽ Jake Large 53’
⚽ James Webb 57’
⚽ Bailey Geldart 75’
⚽ James Webb 84’

⭐ Man of the Match – Marcus Allen

Into the next round. Up the Wolvo! ??