Our first game of the season in the Wearside League was not one to miss.

Plenty of controversy and talking points stem from this game, but the quality was unmissable.

Washington started the game very brightly, creating a number of chances within the first 5 minutes, Steven Dawson coming closest after a superbly timed through ball from Jordan Lee.

There was an early exit however in the first-half.

The first-choice goalkeeper for today, Mitchell Simons had to leave due to a dislocated knee with only 7 minutes of play gone.

This paved the way for outfielder Mark Brown to show his goalkeeping abilities as he was called upon to go in net.

The impromptu goalkeeper did not have a lot to contend with in the first-half, which was fairly even possession wise but not a lot in either final third.

One moment of brilliance from striker Harry Wood was the only real attacking threat in this half.

The striker converted at the near post with a cool finish to make it 1-0 to Washington on 17 minutes.

Just after this Washington had the ball in the net again, this time Jordan Lee who chipped the ball over the keeper - however he was deemed offside in the build-up.

The second-half brought out more from both sides attacking wise.

It wouldn't take long for Coxhoe to capitalise on Washington's keeper problem, as they slotted a goal away almost straight from kick-off.

Things started to turn scrappy after the equaliser and tackled flew in.

Washington were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box resulted in Harry Wood being fouled from behind.

Doing his usual run up to the spot by having his back to the keeper, Harry Wood slammed the ball in the top right-hand corner to make it 2-1 in the 53rd minute.

Again Coxhoe were able to capitalise in the 62nd minute to make it 2-2.

The home side also picked up a couple yellow cards shortly after this as tensions began to rise.

Washington gave away a penalty of our own after the referee judged a handball in the box - a dubious decision among even the home fans.

Mark Brown however channeled his inner Neuer and dived to his bottom right, saving the penalty and able to clear the ball in the process - much to the delight of manager Cameron Thompson who was full of praise after the game.

The match ended 5 minutes before the full 90 after officials deemed it unsafe to play due to weather and daylight conditions.

Man of the Match: Mark Brown.

#UnitingWashington