Sunday 6th December 2015

Finch-perfect New Inn stun table-toppers Houghton

Hetton New Inn stunned leaders Houghton with a thrilling 4-3 derby triumph in Division Three.

The unexpected victory steered Hetton up two places to eighth and eased their relegation fears.Two-goal star man Keith Finch, Jordan Hay and Jordan Knox guided Hetton home, capping a fine team performance.

For Houghton, a fourth defeat means they are only six points clear, having played more games than all of their rivals, six more than second-top Durham County.

Hetton took the lead in just the third minute, with a penalty which Houghton claimed was very soft. They were awarded a second penalty, as players jostled for position, in the 44th minute to double the lead, and still had time to add a third from close range before the interval.In the second half, Houghton fought back with a goal apiece from James Carman and James Wood.As Houghton pushed for the equaliser, New Inn added a decisive fourth goal on the counter-attack.Houghton’s Andrew Brooke pulled a third back in the 90th minute but ran out of time to find an equaliser.

The other Third Division derby lived up to expectations as Burnside WMC locked horns with lowly Dubmire WMC.The game started at a very fast pace, with the away side taking the lead with a low drive from Elliot Cutts finding the net from outside the box. Burnside doubled their lead after half an hour, with Max Stoker coolly finishing from close range.

Several more chances followed before Craig Ellison curled one in from outside the box, leaving the keeper with no chance, to make it a deserved 3-0 interval lead.

Some acrobatic saves from both keepers kept the score down, but Dubmire grabbed one back to cut the deficit.Keeper Sean Robinson starred for Burnside.

Durham County maintained their 100% league record with a seventh win out of seven.

They thumped Lumley Snooker Club 4-0, with Bradley Hird stealing the show thanks to a clinical hat-trick. Alex Hird also notched, with Ben Reed man of the match.

Houghton Wild Boar All-Stars finished 5-2 winners at home to Ferryhill Dynamos to climb into sixth place in Division One.

Nick Thompson scrambled home the only goal of the first half to give Boar the lead, perhaps against the run of play, but Ferryhill’s Chris Devine equalised 10 minutes into the second half before Rob Thompson and a super header from Nick Thompson made it 3-1 to the hosts

Devine reduced the deficit to 3-2 and a couple of brilliant saves from keeper Sean Simpson prevented Ferryhill adding to their tally.

The pivotal moment of the match came on 75 minutes, when the visitors had Nigel Milner sent off after reacting to Boar being awarded a penalty for a foul on Karl Anderson.

Nick Thompson, in search of his hat-trick, stepped up to take the kick but merely sidefooted the ball into the arms of keeper John Cavanagh.

Ferryhill’s 10 men struggled to keep out further Houghton attacks and Dean Clark and Dan Johnston both scored to seal the visitors’ fate.Sean Simpson starred in goal for Boar, with David Gibson best for the visitors.Whitehills produced a battling performance to secure a 1-0 victory at home to West Rainton to move joint top with Durham County Seniors, albeit having played four games more.Bradley Graham bagged the only goal midway through the first half. West Rainton proceeded to dominate the rest of the game, but a strong defensive display and some fantastic saves from keeper Stephen Turnbull denied the visitors.

Stephen Fisher shone for Whitehills.

Brandon Sports Club climbed to sixth place thanks to a close-fought 2-1 win over second-bottom Hilda Park.Hilda impressed throughout, but the outstanding goalkeeping of man of the match Robert Barron proved decisive in denying them any reward.

Hilda created the better early chances but failed to take any of them, and Brandon duly took the lead with a well-taken David Fort free-kick.

Slow to start the second half, Hilda came under intense Brandon pressure, but, on the break, Chris Watson crossed for Jak Gordon to slide home an equaliser.

Michael Fort, who led the line well, then pounced for Brandon’s winner. Daniel Foster shone for HildaThe big derby saw Sacriston WMC hold leaders Sacriston Cricket Club to a 1-1 draw, in a game of two halves.The cricketers made a great start, with Shaun Gregory firing the early opener from a brilliant Marc Bladen pass, but they could not build on their first-half dominance.Sacriston WMC had the majority of play in the second half but looked like missing out until star man David Wardle grabbed a merited leveller. Anthony Ward stood out for the cricketers.

High Handenhold Bird Inn moved up to fourth in Division Two thanks to a 3-1 win at Ferryhill Community Hub.Brett Maughan had Hub ahead, but Bird Inn stepped up their game and deservedly turned the tie around, thanks to Marc Wood’s brace and a Daniel Watkins strike.

In the only Fourth Division match, Dave Lucas grabbed a hat-trick in vain for table-toppers Lumley, who lost out 5-3 in a good end-to-end game at Birtley Coach & Horses.

Chester Garden Farm dominated from start to finish to run out 13-1 winners at home to Newton Hall Jovial Monk in the Stepy’s Coaches President’s Trophy.

Monk were under the cosh from the off, and, with no subs available, could not cope. Dan Johnson’s four-goal salvo was backed by hat-tricks from Tom Wray and Ryan Johnson, with Bailey Hunter, Liam Walsh and Michael Toon also on target.

Fourth Division newcomers Eppleton Cricket Club found hosts Bishop Middleham too strong in their D&P Trophies Knockout Trophy second round tie.

Bishop eased home 4-1, thanks to John Cook (2), Adam Partington and an own goal, after trailing to Liam Ord’s opener. Michael Ambler was the visitors’ top performer, with Steven Ferguson best for Bishop.

Sunday 29th November 2015

Carman drives Houghton to six-point lead at the top

Houghton extended their lead at the top of Division Three to six points, after rallying for a 4-1 triumph at Quarrington Hill WMC.

In a hard-fought game in very difficult conditions, Quarrington Hill took the lead in the 18th minute only for James Carman to equalise on the half hour, racing clear and firing a powerful shot inside the keeper’s near post.Houghton stormed in front with a Nathan Brewster penalty on the stroke of half-time, and they went on to dominate the second half, sealing the three points with Danny Grant’s header and a second from Carman.Andrew Brooke shone for Houghton.Chester-le-Street AFC were good 4-1 winners at bottom club High Shincliffe Avenue.Shincliffe made a good start, going ahead with a neat finish from 10 yards, after a long ball got through the visiting defence.But Chester took command after that and Elliot Rimington levelled, volleying home Andy Graham’s cross.Though Miller Fletcher missed a penalty, and Chester hit the woodwork twice, they finally went in front, when centre-back Scott picked up the ball from a short corner and fired home from the edge of the area.Rimington added a third before his good work set up sub Shaun Mayell, who curled home a brilliant 25-yarder to make it 4-1Sean Monaghan stood out for Chester.Durham County cruised to a 5-0 victory at second-top Sedgefield SC, keeping up their 100 per cent league record, with Joe Kerry’s brace backed by Alex Hird, star man Andrew Bartle and Jack Carr.Houghton Wild Boar All-Stars succumbed 3-1 at home to bright and breezy Coxhoe Red Lion in Division One.Coxhoe started strongly in dreadful conditions but wasted their first chance, then Boar got through one on one, only to be denied by keeper Tom Orton.Leon Greenwell made the breakthrough for Lion, bullet heading in a 15th-minute corner.Wild Boar came back into the game in the second half, with Rob Thompson heading an equaliser, but the visitors regained the lead with a 35-yard volley by Jordan Stannard, who then got the killer third goal.Craig Fletcher was Boar’s top man, with Jamie Appleby best for Lion.Ouston Cherry Tree made it six wins out of six to move up to third place, beating New Brancepeth WMC 7-3.Ouston’s bright start was rocked as Brancepeth opened the scoring, but the hosts were 2-1 up eight minutes later, thanks to strikes from Micky Ross and veteran Ryan Drummond.Brancepeth battled back to level from the penalty spot, tough Tree were in front at the break, thanks to Ross’s penalty.The visitors, whose scorers were Anthony Bussey, Robbie Barrass and Anthony Holliday, kept fighting and they levelled again early in the second half.But they failed to maintain the impetus and Ouston took control, hitting four more goals to run out easy winners, thanks to man of the match Chad Brennan (2), Ross, completing his hat-trick, and new signing Matthew Huntley, who produced an emphatic finish 10 minutes from time.

Old rivals Whitehills and Waldridge Park, who have followed each other up the league for the last few years, drew 1-1 in a close-fought derby.

Both teams had good spells, but all the drama came in the last few minutes.

Waldridge that took the lead in the 88th minute, capitalising on a defensive error, but Whitehills refused to give up and piled forward, with Ryan Grayson smashing in a last-gasp equaliser, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box,to deservedly take a point from the game.James Mansell starred for Whitehills.Bede Lodge SC rocked morning leaders Framwellgate Moor WMC with a 5-2 away win in their Second Division derby.Chris Dodds, David Duke, Sean Richardson, Mark Heslop and Jonathan Hodgson all notched for Bede, whose star man was Andrew Bell.

Ferryhill Celtic eased up after going 3-0 ahead at the break away to Pittington, as they ran out 4-1 winners.Jonathan Agar led the way with a hat-trick, backed by Jason White’s goal, with Luke Thompson star man.
High Handenhold Bird Inn pipped Ferryhill Community Hub 3-2, leapfrogging their opponents into fifth place.

Star man Ben Thompson, Dan Watkins and Tom Illingworth grabbed the crucial goals to cap a spirited performance in trying conditions.Ushaw Moor Cricket Club rallied from an early two-goal deficit to beat Pelton Crown 5-4 in a thriller.Connor Shaw had Pelton ahead in 54 seconds, and Mark Foster soon doubled the lead, withtheir pace up front and on the right wing causing Ushaw Moor problems.But the home side hit back strongly to go 4-2 up, with 10 minutes to go. Crown, who missed a penalty, responded brilliantly to level matters, thanks to a well-taken Stephen Burns brace, but the hosts hit an 85th-minute winner to clinch all three points.Lewis Cook grabbed a hat-trick for the cricketers, supported by efforts from Paul Taylor and Gary Clark, with Michael Abson star man.Witton Gilbert Travellers Rest climbed to fifth place in Division Four, just two points behind second-top Bowburn after an epic 5-4 victory over Birtley Coach and Horses.The 10-man Birtley side made Witton fight extremely hard for their win. David Callcutt converted a fine cross from six yards for the home opener, but Birtley broke away brilliantly to level.

The visitors led early in the second half, but Callcutt’s penalty restored parity. Bartlett immediately regained their advantage with a 25-yard free-kick, though a close-range Dan Cooke effort made it 3-3.Inspired Birtley bagged a fourth goal on the counter-attack, but Callcutt squared it again with a free-kick leveller, then hit his fourth, for the winner, with only a few minutes left.Sacriston WMC drew 2-2 with Brandon Sports Club in the only Premier Division game.Considering the difficult conditions, the match was played at a good tempo, with the scoreline a fair reflection of the gameBrandon came from behind twice courtesy of goals from man of the match Michael Fort and Gavin Mudd, with a powerful header.Chester Park Inn defeated Premier side Sacriston Cricket Club 2-0 in the Stonebridge Inn League Cup.Park Inn produced a great display in a close, hard-fought tie, with Paul Corlett making the breakthrough on the half hour. His second goal, on 65 minutes, settled the issue and Park Inn dug deep to keep out a Sacriston side who dominated much of the play but could not find the net in horrible conditions.Michael Jones shone for Park Inn, John Harrison for the visitors.Burnside WMC enjoyed a very solid, comfortable performance to reach the Stepy’s Coaches President’s Trophy semi-finals, winning 5-2 at Lumley Snooker Club.The visitors’ Craig Ellison fired the opener, a free-kick into the top corner after he was brought down outside the box, but Lumley levelled with a very tidy finish on the counter-attack.An own goal defending a Max Stoker effort and three more Ellison goals, making his tally four on the day, finished the tie off.Lewis Turnbull starred for Burnside, who were denied further goals by some great work from the home keeper.Two teams progressed to the third round of the Durham County Sunday Cup.Newton Aycliffe WMC earned a good 3-1 win at Hartlepool Rovers Quoit.Corey Nicholson had them in front at the break, but Quoit levelled on 75 minutes. In extra time, two deflected goals secured Aycliffe the victory.Sedgefield St Edmund’s won 2-1 at Billingham Whitehouse, with Kevin Hodgson and Calum Johnston notching.

Sunday 22nd November 2015

TWO SENT OFF, BUT SENIORS HOLD FIRM TO SEND HOUGHTON WILD BOAR SPIRALLING OUT OF GUARDS CUP

Durham County Seniors held on with nine men to knock Houghton Wild Boar All-Stars out of the JD Taxis Guards Cup.Boar opened the scoring, sparking a frenetic first half which ended 3-3.County went 4-3 up in the second period before having two players (Kieran Bowes and keeper David Pritchard) sent off – one for a rash tackle and another for foul language to­wards the referee.Despite Boar having the ma­jority of possession, they were unable to create any good goal­scoring opportunities.Star man Dan Johnston, Shaun Corner and Craig Fletcher netted for Houghton.Two clinical close-range fin­ishes by Josh Gregory led the way for County, backed by an improvised back-heeled efford from substitute John West and a headed own goal. Adam Birks was their star man.Langley Park deservedly edged past Ushaw Moor Crick­et Club, impressively dominat­ing from start to finish.They relied on a single goal to win the tie, though, Mike Barker netting 15 minutes from time. Ushaw Moor de­fended well, restricting the hosts to largely long-range ef­forts, and they managed to hit the post in on of their raids.Simon Moralee starred for Langley, with Michael Abson best for Ushaw.Hetton New Inn went down 5-1 to an impressive, young Chester Garden Farm side in their Stepy’s Coaches Presi­dent’s Trophy third round tie.Keith Finch’s ‘dragged ‘ penalty pulled battling Het­ton back to 2-1, but a couple of well-taken goals killed them off. Star man Ryan Johnson (2), Bailey Hunter, Dan Johnson and David Walsh all notched for Garden Farm.Keeper David Hartill was outstanding for New Inn.Pelton Crown lost 2-1 to Dur­ham County in an excellent tie.Despite difficult conditions, both teams played good foot­ball. Two Jack Carr goals gave Durham the win, with Kris Lawton replying. Steven Shaw shone for Pelton, with Bradley Hird best for County.Bishop Middleham felt hard done to in their 6-0 defeat at Ferryhill Celtic, believing the scoreline was harsh against a battling visiting side who started with 10 men.Bishop, with Philip Best starring, caused plenty of problems but fell behind against the run of play, and never really recovered.John Makepeace scored the opener, after a neat one-two, then Shane Todd rounded the keeper to net the second, after a goal kick was flicked on.In the second half, man of the match Jason White was given too much room and he ran the show as Todd, Luke Thompson (2) and sub Andrew Agar completed the scoring.Newton Aycliffe WMC pro­gressed in the FA Sunday Cup, coming through a tough tie against Liverpool side Garston. They won 4-2 on pen­alties after a 1-1 draw and will be at home in the third round against Northumberland out­fit Burradon and New Fordley on December 13.Sedgefield St Edmund’s pummeled battling visitors Ouston Juniors 6-1 in the Bishop Auckland Heart Foun­dation Cup, with Matthew Mc­Adam firing the consolation.Burnside WMC outgunned Quarrington Hill WMC 5-0 in a very one-sided Third Division contest, and they could have won by an even bigger margin.First-half goals from Craig Ellison and Max Stoker sent Burnside WMC into cruise control. A second from Elli­son, followed by a double from Kris Jobling, finished the game comfortably.

Houghton got back to win­ning ways, squeezing past Chester-le-Street AFC in a 2-1 away victory.

A hard-fought game in aw­ful conditions saw Houghton take a two-goal lead, thanks to Danny Grant’s long-range ef­fort and a well-worked Andy Brooke goal.

Chester pulled one back a minute from half-time. The second half brought no more goals but was dominated by Houghton for long periods.Dubmire WMC cruised to an 11-0 victory over luckless High Shincliffe Avenue, who started with 10 men and had a player sent off early on when they felt a booking would have sufficed.Hilda Park and Pelaw Grange Dogs shared the spoils in an entertaining Premier Di­vision derby which ended 3-3.Hilda took the lead after just 55 seconds, with a free kick floated in for Marc Smith to head home.

Aaron Sheriff followed suit to place his set piece past the Dogs keeper to make it 2-0, though Pelaw pulled one back within a couple of minutes.

The visitors ran through the Hilda defence to equalise in the second half.

Hilda restored their lead when Max Moss was brought down in the penalty box and Chris Duke converted from the spot, but again Pelaw hit back to level. Pelaw keeper Jordan Stevens was man of the match, keeping out at least seven clear-cut chances.

Chilton WMC came from be­hind to outgun Chester Britan­nia 8-1.

Britannia took the lead af­ter some sloppy defending from Chilton early on, but the visitors pulled themselves to­gether to take a 3-1 lead into half-time, before taking total control on the restart.

Kyle Wren and Kieran Har­nett both struck twice, backed by Nicky Pickford, Vinny Gash, David Harrison and Gary Shaw, with Michael Searby man of the match.

Brandon Sports Club made the most of their chances to get the better of Sacriston WMC, winning a close-fought clash 2-0.Sacriston had the better of the early exchanges without creating any clear chances. In the end, a flicked header from Andrew Morris and a cool fin­ish from star man David Fort decided the game.

New Brancepeth WMC re­covered from three goals down to secure a thrilling 6-4 First Division win over second-top Waldridge Park.Waldridge started brilliant­ly, going 3-0 up, only for the hosts to grab two back by half-time and then go ahead in the second period. Park hit back at 5-4, but the home side grabbed the crucial, decisive 10th goal.Chris Days fired a hat-trick for Waldridge, with Adam Campbell Bell also notcjhing.

Star man Anthony Hol­liday’s treble steered Bran­cepeth home, helped by efforts from Omar Moustafa, Michael Crooks and Adam Purvis.Whitehills turned in a good performance to outgun an im­proving Chester Park Inn side 5-0 in their derby.

Doubles from star man Chris Savage and Ryan Gray­son led the way, backed by a strike from captain Stephen Fisher. Michael Jones stood out for Park Inn.

Coxhoe Red Lion were left hanging on to claim victory over West Rainton, who fought back gamely from a four-goal deficit.

In a game of two halves, Cox­hoe dominated the first peri­od, scoring three goals without reply. Keeper Tom Orton made some fine saves to keep Rain­ton at bay, and the tie looked over when Coxhoe hit a fourth in the second half, but Rainton showed tremendous character to rally strongly, firing three goals to leave the hosts on edge before the final whistle.

Sub Jordan Stannard hit a hat-trick for Lion, with star man Michael Oughton also on target.

High Handenhold Bird Inn drew 5-5 with Pittington in an epic Second Division clash.

Bird felt their passing was terrible and let the visitors back into the game. Marc Wood (2), Shane Swift, Thomas Illingworth and Dan Watkins all netted for Bird.

ert Travellers Rest contin­ued their good run of form with another decent performance in a 3-2 Fourth Division win at Newton Hall Jovial Monk.

After a strong start from Witton, Monk took the lead against the run of play, but the visitors quickly equalised with a good finish from early sub Dan Cooke.

Monk attacked more in the second half, but a stunning 25-yarder from David Lumley put the visitors ahead. Monk levelled on 80 minutes, when a cross hit the bar and landed straight at the feet of the striker, who finished from close range.

Witton continued to push for a winner and grabbed it when a corner was met with a bullet header from man of the match Gavin McCormack.

Bowburn pipped Bearpark 4-3

Bearpark opened the scor­ing before Andrew Robin­son levelled, but the visitors stormed 3-1 up by half-time.

Bowburn, with Adam Kirk starring, took control in the second half, with Daniel Crisp pulling a goal back and Sean McGrail levelling from the penalty spot. Edward Carr then hit a 77th-minute winner.

tatement From The Britannia Chester le Street.Sunday 22/11/2015

Statement From The Britannia Chester le Street.Sunday 22/11/2015

'It is with great sadness and regret that I have to inform you that C-L-S Britannia wish to resign from the league. From the start of this season we have struggled to put a team out and after this morning where 3 players failed to show up leaving us with 10  player, so we had to play an injured 5ft striker in goal.

The players and management sat down after the game and decide its best we no longer continue as a club.''

Sunday 15th November 2015

Elsdon seals the deal as Dubmire stun leaders Houghton

Table-toppers Houghton slumped to a third defeat of the season in Division Three, succumbing 3-2 at Dubmire WMC in a close-fought derby.

Dubmire’s deserved triumph, their first points of the season at the eighth attempt, took them off the bottom of the table.

Luke MacDonald, a wonder strike from Stephen Donkin and Elsdon Thompson’s free-kick winner, two minutes from time, did the damage for Dubmire.

Houghton, though, made a good start with a Michael Carroll header putting them ahead on nine minutes. Dubmire levelled before having Ian Lucas, and they withstood the storm to go ahead on 70 minutes.

Kris Munro got Houghton, who had Adam O’Neil red-carded, back to 2-2, but the hosts secured all three points.

Quarrington Hill WMC secured only their third win, outgunning bottom club High Shincliffe Avenue 6-2.

Shincliffe took the lead early on, but Quarrington Hill got their act together and began to dominate, going 2-1 up by the break. Three more goals killed off Shincliffe before they grabbed their second goal.

Impressive Waldridge Park moved within two points of top spot in the First Division after demolishing Houghton Wild Boar All-Stars 4-0

Waldridge took the game to their hosts from the opening whistle, pressing Houghton back for long periods, and the opening goal, when it came, was more than expected.

The ball was played from defence through midfield and a cross from winger Campbell Bell found an unmarked Lloyd McGee, whose powerful shot from 20 yards flew under the keeper’s hands.

Boar had a spell of 15 minutes pushing the Waldridge defence back, however they struggled to create any openings as the defence held firm.

Waldridge’s possession play was again rewarded when a quick break allowed Jamie Taylor to pick out Bell, coming in from the right, and his fierce shot flew past keeper Sean Simpson.

On the stroke of half-time, Waldridge grabbed a third, with Bell getting on the end of a Chris Days pass and hitting the top corner.

Poor finishing, a couple of goal-line clearances by Chris Rogerson and Philip Thompson, and great goalkeeping by star man Simpson kept the score down after the break, although Waldridge did grab a fourth goal when defender Wes Delap headed in Jamie Taylor’s floated free-kick.

David Crank was Park’s star man for his strong performance in defence, marking Houghton’s lively winger.

Washington Sandpiper stormed to a 4-0 victory at West Rainton to rise to seventh place.

Alan Wilson (2), Stephen Burns and star man Craig Smith also notched, with Matthew Kane top man for Rainton.

Pelton RAOB climbed into joint second spot in the Premier Division thanks to a convincing 5-1 success at Sacriston WMC.

Soft defending was punished by the ruthless visitors.

Kenneth Ball’s double led the way in Buffs’ seventh win in 10 league games, backed by Michael Graver, Chris Winn and an own goals, with McMillan star man.

Man of the match Tom Winter fired Sacriston’s consolation.

Pelton Crown climbed to sixth place, thanks to victory in a scrappy Second Division game at fifth-placed Ferryhill Community Hub.

The match remained goalless in the first half, but three unanswered second-half strikes won the day, with Keith Lines, Scott Simpson and Mark Foster all on target.

Kris Lawton starred for Crown.

Ushaw Moor Cricket Club secured a 2-1 win at High Handenhold Bird Inn.

The score line suggests a close game, but Ushaw Moor should have been out of sight, missing a couple of good chances and hitting the post twice.

Lewis Cook opened the scoring with a penalty, then star man Scott Nattrass added the second. Jonathan Swift replied.

Bede Lodge SC maintained their hold on third place, beating visitors Langley Park 2-0 in a hard-fought game on a very heavy pitch.

David Duke and star man Jonathan Hodgson did the damage for Bede, who reached the halfway mark of their league programme with a fifth win to go alongside six defeats.

Langley, though, will rue their failure to capitalise on their periods of dominance.

Brandon Sports Club romped to a 6-0 home victory over Tudhoe United in the Bishop Auckland Heart Foundation Trophy first round.

The game was closer than the scoreline suggests, the difference being good defending and converted chances by Brandon.

Man of the match Lee Blades shone, assisting with most of the goals, three of which were converted by Steven Parnaby. The other goals came courtesy of youngster Oliver Graham and Andrew Morris.

Whitehills lost a thriller 3-2 to Premier leaders Sacriston Cricket Club, while Ferryhill Celtic claimed a 3-1 victory at Spennymoor Voltigeur, from the Wear Valley Sunday League.

Chester Garden Farm came through an epic preliminary round tie, winning 8-4 at Bishop Auckland Sports Bar.

The other scheduled Heart Foundation Trophy ties were postponed and will now be played on December 13.

Sunday 8th November 2015

Houghton hero Kyle goes to Town in Sacriston thriller

Houghton Town rocked Sacriston WMC with a stunning 5-4 away Premier Division win.

Town, in third place, were inspired by a clinical hat-trick from star man Kyle Davis, with Gary Davison and David Vincent also on target.

Table-topping Sacriston Cricket Club triumphed 1-0 at Chester Britannia, thanks to Graham Embleton’s goal. Jack Brennan starred, with keeper Wes Hood best for the hosts.

Sedgefield St Edmund’s eased to a 6-1 win at Hilda Park, with Andrew Beamson’s double leading the way.

Brian Fairhurst, star man Simon Ord, John Maddison and Glenn Donaldson also notched, with Chris Duke replying. Stephen Gregory stood out for Hilda.

Newton Aycliffe WMC romped home 9-1 against Pelaw Grange Dogs, hitting four in the first half and five in the second.

Mark Wood hit a 21-minute hat-trick in the first period, with Connor Hughes and Danny Mellanby adding doubles, backed by efforts from Gavin Wilson and Stuart Owen.

Pelaw replied when Brian Allen released Jordan Stevens on the left and he ran clear before smashing a shot past keeper Stephen Richardson.

Houghton Wild Boar All-Stars shared the spoils with West Rainton in their First Division derby.

Robert Thompson and sub Steven Tunstall notched for Boar in the 2-2 draw, with Stephen Parkin the hosts’ man of the match.

Matthew Kane and Chris Brown responded, with keeper David Passmore star man for Rainton.

Chester Park Inn revelled in a Paul Corlett hat-trick as they beat Coxhoe Red Lion 3-1 for their first win of the season, with Liam Lawson replying. Stephen Wood and Gavin Brown were the respective star men.

Whitehills were too strong for New Brancepeth WMC, cruising to a 7-3 away victory.

Brancepeth endured a poor first half and trailed 4-0 at the break, though they rallied strongly on the restart and got back to 5-3 at one point.

Anthony Bussey (2) and Omar Moustafa struck for the hosts, but Joe Whelan’s treble, supported by Ryan Grayson (2), Travis Turner and Chris Savage, gave Whitehills the spoils.

Framwellgate Moor WMC climbed into top spot in Division Two thanks to a 5-2 home success against Pittington.

Fram’s eighth win in nine matches came courtesy of two-goal James Smith, Mark Foster, Jack Rutter and Adam Roxby, with Ian Field star man.

Connor Shaw’s hat-trick inspired Pelton Crown to a 6-1 win over Bede Lodge SC.

Dean Stewart, Kris Lawton and sub Stephen Burns also netted, with star man Jonathan Hodgson responding.

Thomas Illingworth’s double helped High Handenhold Bird Inn to a 5-3 victory at Bishop Middleham.

Marc Wood, Ian Slater and Stuart Ainsworth also struck, with Kadam Lumsden-Parnaby (2) and Craig Bowmer replying.

Hetton New Inn rocked Lumley Snooker Club with a superb 3-1 away triumph to deny their hosts pole position in Division Three.

Lumley could have scored twice in a scrappy first half, with one effort cleared off the line and keeper David Hartill making a fine save.

Hetton capitalised to go ahead before the break.Hartill’s heroics kept Lumley at bay in the second half and the visitors doubled their lead on the break, despite the home side claiming offside.

Ben Haddock threw Lumley a lifeline at 2-1, but several more brilliant Hartill saves inspired New Inn, who scored a clinching third goal on the break.

Jordan Knox (2) and Kieron Hartill struck for Hetton.

Houghton overwhelmed High Shincliffe Avenue 7-1 to go top of the table, sparked by a well-taken Shaun Dixon hat-trick.

Daniel Grant, Levi Scott, Kris Munro and Michael Carroll also got in on the act.

Dubmire WMC went down 2-1 at Quarrington Hill WMC, for whom Michael Cantwell bagged both goals. Joe Kelsey shone for Hill.

Washington Jays thumped Chester-le-Street AFC 5-1 to sit fourth.

Fourth Division leaders Lumley had to scrap hard, recovering from three goals down to rescue a point at Witton Gilbert Travellers Rest.

Rest started brilliantly, Scott Bradley netting after David Calcutt’s shot was saved. Calcutt then took control, firing a 20-yarder into the bottom right corner, then making it 3-0 with a classy 25-yard lob.

The game changed on the half hour when a careless tackle in the box allowed Lumley to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot.

Lumley took advantage of a string of second-half corners to make it 3-2, then a speculative 20-yard shot was fumbled into his own net by keeper Simon Tweedy, marring an otherwise impressive performance.

Michael Halpin and Daniel Jowett (2) struck for Lumley.

Eppleton Cricket Club slipped to third place after being held 3-3 by Newton Hall Jovial Monk.

Star man Liam Ord and two-goal Barry Appleton’s goals were cancelled out by a hat-trick from Monk’s Matthew Williams.

Keeper Robert Berry was outstanding for the visitors.

Ouston Juniors made it five wins out of six to stay second, beating newcomers Bearpark 3-1.

Matthew Cornish, Matthew McAdam and Neil Worley struck, with Callum Robson replying.

Sam Hedley and Robert Cooper were the respective star men.

Durham County Seniors outgunned Chester Garden Farm 6-4 after extra time, in a pulsating JD Taxis Guards Cup second round tie.

Durham were 2-1 down with 10 minutes to go until Ross Wilkinson grabbed his second goal of the game. In extra time, sub Adam Birks and man of the match Kieron Bowes both grabbed doubles to win the day.

Bailey Hunter (2) and Tom Wray struck for Farm.

Houghton Chilton Lodge progressed from the third round, winning 3-1 at Birtley Coach and Horses.

They were two up by half-time, thanks to efforts from Iain Macpherson and Martin Armstrong, with Birtley reduced to 10 men when Aaron McEwen picked up two bookings.

In a stormy game, Birtley somehow got their way back to 2-1, sub Jack Kelly netting, but man of the match Dan Thompson sealed victory with a third goal.

James Ward’s dismissal, reducing Birtley to nine men, led to an abandonment a minute from time.

Durham County edged past Washington Sandpiper on penalties after a 3-3 extra-time draw.

Joe Kerry (2) and Craig Mountain notched for County, who had Stanley Ogunsuyi sent off.

Ferryhill Celtic cruised to a 10-0 success at Kelloe WMC, whose keeper, Matthew Agar, impressed in keeping the score down.

Four-goal Luke Thompson was supported by Jason White (2), substitute Jonathan Agar (2), Andrew Agar and John Makepeace.

Third Division Burnside WMC produced a spirited performance only to be pipped 5-4 at Chilton WMC in the Stonebridge Inn League Cup third round.

Byron Brown’s hat-trick inspired Premier outfit Chilton, with Nicky Pickford adding the other two goals, while Burnside stayed in the tie all the way thanks to doubles from star man Max Stoker and Lewis Turnbull.

Sherburn Village WMC outgunned Waldridge Park 6-4 in a second round tie.

Chris Days (3) and Adam Campbell Bell netted for Park

Sunday 1 st November 2015

Grant aid boosts Houghton as Chris and Danny sink leaders Sedgefield

It was an even game until Chris Grant scored with a curling 25-yarder. Houghton started well in the second half and, after Sedgefield eqalised with a deflected shot, they took hold of the game and scored three more, with Ryan Bradley, Stephen Shears and Danny Grant all getting on the scoresheet. Adam O’Neill starred.

Lumley Snooker Club sit second, two points behind Sedgefield with three games in hand, after a 6-0 cruise at Quarrington Hill WMC.

Chester-le-Street AFC pipped High Shincliffe Avenue 3-2 for only their second league win.

Alan Hall opened the scoring, with Elliot Remington doubling the lead. Shincliffe rallied, but James Thompson converted a Billy Hyde cross to settle the issue, though the visitors grabbed a late second goal.Keeper Dan Peterkin shone for Chester.

Bearpark edged an entertaining Fourth Division game between two well-matched teams, pipping Eppleton Cricket Club 2-1.Bearpark shaded the first half and led through Dylan Crooks, but Eppleton’s second-half pressing was rewarded by Liam Ord’s equaliser.

Bearpark, though, hit the winner immediately after, with Craig Bennett netting. Daniel Dixon starred for Eppleton, Callum Gray for the hosts.

Ouston Juniors handed newcomers Durham Buffaloes Head a 10th defeat in 10 league games, easing to a 5-0 victory.

Matty Cornish, Carl Moxon and Neil Morley had them three up at half-time. Centre back Matthew McAdam blazed a penalty over the bar but made amends, heading home a corner, before sub Stephen Grieve fired home the final goal from outside the area.

Two-goal David Lumley, David Calcutt (penalty) and star man Scott Bradley, with a super solo effort, secured Witton Gilbert Travellers Rest a 4-3 win over second-top Bowburn, who fought back strongly after trailing by four at the break.

Sacriston Cricket Club moved six points clear at the top after beating Hilda Park 3-0 in the only Premier Division game.

Depleted Hilda – missing nine players – put on a good show, hitting the bar twice and forcing keeper Marc Hall into a good save to deny Anthony Chapman. Sacriston were just too strong, with John Harrison (2) and Anthony Ward on target.

Whitehills came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Houghton Chilton Lodge in Division One.

Ian Davidson and Craig Johnson came up trumps for Lodge, but Whitehills deservedly levelled through Steven Boroumand and star man Joe Whelan. Adam Hinde stood out for Lodge.

Leaders Durham County Seniors secured a 3-2 win at West Rainton to go five points clear, but only just.

Mark Hughes’s second-minute penalty was levelled up by Ian Brown, but Andrew Ward restored Seniors’ lead right on half-time. Sub Adrian Dawson equalised late on, but Lee Walker hit the visitors’ winner in added time.

Chris Brown starred for Rainton, Anthony Simpson for Seniors.

Framwellgate Moor WMC moved joint top in Division Two thanks to a seventh win out of eight, 3-1 at home to Kelloe WMC.

Lewis Coburn, Liam Wrightson and Tristan Delph did the damage, with Danny Carr replying. Keeper Michael Graham shone for Kelloe.

Bede Lodge SC climbed to third place, nine points behind the top two, with a 5-2 success at Pittington. Star man Jonathan Hodgson (2), David Duke (2) and Daniel Mann all notched.

Houghton Town ran out fine 4-3 winners in their Castle InsuranceAlan Smith Memorial Trophy tie at Chilton WMC.

Kyle Davis’s brace and efforts from David Vincent and Lee McBeth gave Town the edge, with James Cook star man. Vinny Gash (2) and Joe Cornbill kept Chilton in it, with Kieran Harnett their top performer.

Waldridge Park lost 4-3 to Chester Garden Farm RAR, who had Bailey Hunter (2), Ryan Johnson and Dan Johnson on target in a solid display.

Adam Campbell Bell and Lloyd McGee (2) responded.

It was also 4-3 as Pelaw Grange Dogs beat Pelton Crown, who gave a good account of themselves against Premier opposition.

Kris Lawton, Keith Lines and Connor Shaw replied to strikes from Jordan Stevens (2), David Jeffers and Darryl Bell.

Dubmire WMC exited 3-2 at Langley Park in an eventful tie.

Tony Rutter and Steven Mickle twice fired Langley ahead, but Dubmire levelled in turn before Mickle converted a last-gasp penalty winner.

Burnside WMC romped to an 8-3 success at High Handenhold Bird Inn in the Stepy’s Coaches President’s Trophy.

Yet Bird, whose marksmen were Jonathan Swift (2) and Ben Thompson, hit the opener. Man of the match Craig Ellison levelled from the spot after being fouled in the box, and he completed a hat-trick by the break, with a glancing header and a close-range drive.

Sub Grant Craig netted twice on the restart and assisted for two more Ellison strikes, adding to a Robbie Richardson effort.

Ushaw Moor Cricket Club hung on to beat Lumley 2-1 in the D&P Trophies Knockout Trophy.

Steven Graham and Lewis Cook struck for Ushaw, with Lumley finishing strongly but only managing one goal, from Ross Melvin.

Bishop Middleham hit back three times from a two-goal deficit to squeeze home 6-5 in a thriller at Washington Jays.

Kadam Lumsden-Parnaby stole the show with a clinical hat-trick after being moved up front in place of the injured Ian Brabon, with Chris Hornsby also plundering a treble. Jays fought well, with their keeper making a string of superb saves.

Ferryhill Community Hub lost 3-1 to visitors Durham Federation, with Shaun Meek replying to strikes from Ben Pearson (2) and Scott Walker. Jason Winn shone for Federation, Philip Appleby for Hub.

Chester Park Inn knocked Hetton New Inn out of the Stonebridge Inn League Cup, winning 2-1 at home. Paul Corlett’s double sandwiched an equaliser from Jordan Knox.

Durham County trailed 3-2 at the break but rallied to win 6-4, thanks to Alex Hird (2), Chris Brown, Alex Graham, Stanley Ogunsuyi and Joe Kerry, with Andrew Bartle star man.

Two-goal Kurt Seymour, Reece Marshall and Nathan Carr notched for Dynamos, who had Marco Oswald sent off.

Houghton Wild Boar All-Stars’ great run in the Durham County Sunday Cup came to a sad end, losing 5-2 to Norton George and Dragon.

Houghton led after only 10 minutes when Jordan Eley glanced home a corner, and they went in 2-1 up at the break after a well-worked goal by Rob Thompson.

However, Norton, the Stockton Sunday League’s Premier Division leaders, proved to be the stronger side in the second half and, despite some excellent saves from Sean Simpson, they ran out 5-2 winners.

Washington Cricket Club edged home 5-4 in a thriller against Sunderland outfit Pennywell Comrades, thanks to David Kirtley, Liam Young (2) and Gary McCartney (2).

Brandon Sports Club pushed Farringdon ISL all the way before losing 5-2 in extra time to the Sunderland Sunday League’s Premier front-runners.

Brandon took the lead with Gavin Mudd’s header, but Farringdon forced their way back into the game with a strike which cannoned in off the post.

However, Brandon restored their lead, Mudd netting another header, but a deflected strike levelled it again.

Both sides pushed for a winner and both went close in normal time, but Farringdon made the most of the space that appeared in extra time and took their chances to secure a flattering margin of victory.

Ouston Cherry Tree exited 3-1 at Sunderland side Myers, who made a good start and led at the break.

Ouston impressed on the restart and deservedly equalised on 65 minutes, Micky Ross despatching a penalty after sub John Morrison was brought down as he was about to shoot. Myers regained the lead on the break, then added a late third.

Ouston complained that the defender who conceded the penalty was not booked as he later landed a caution and would have been off had he been yellow-carded earlier.

Birtley Coach and Horses only had the bare 11 for their tough tie at Witton Park Rose & Crown, but they fought gamely, with a full-back in goal, despite going down 6-0.

Pelton RAOB won 4-2 at Norton Red Lion, Sedgefield St Edmund’s beat Sherburn 5-3 and Newton Aycliffe WMC routed Washington Westwood 10-0.

Sunday 25th October 2015

Whelan doubles up as Whitehills end Seniors’ unbeaten record

Whitehills ended leaders Durham County Seniors’ unbeaten start with a 3-2 victory in Division One.
Steven Boroumand volleyed impressive Whitehills in front, but County levelled by half-time.

Both keepers – Stephen Turnbull and David Pritchard – made good saves, but Whitehills took the lead again through two Joe Whelan goals, the second coming from the penalty spot. Strollers cut the gap to ensure a tense last 15 minutes, but the home side saw the game out.Andrew Ward and Lee Walker netted for County. James Cattell starred for the hosts.Waldridge Park eased to a 6-1 derby success at Chester Park Inn to go second, repeating the outcome from their first clash a few weeks back.Keeper Chris Howard made several outstanding saves for Park Inn to keep the score level in the first half, before finally being beaten by Chris Days, who got on the end of an inch-perfect Jamie Taylor through ball and rounded the keeper to tap in.A minute later, though, Paul Corlett fired an equaliser.On the restart, Waldridge upped their game and Days made it 2-1, netting the rebound after Adam Campbell Bell’s shot was saved, then Bell controlled a tremendous crossfield ball from defender Matty Agar and made it 3-1.Days completed his hat-trick after a defensive error, then Steven Dobbing added a superb solo effort before Days netted again, heading home Agar’s strike.

New Brancepeth WMC comfortably saw off Coxhoe Red Lion 3-0 in a game of two sendings off.

Ricky Box notched for Brancepeth and was later red-carded, as was Lion’s Mark Watson. Adam Purvis and sub Robbie Barrass added to the home tally, with Ryan Wilkinson and Leon Greenwell the respective star men.Premier Division leaders Sacriston Cricket Club turned on the style to put Chilton WMC away in style, winning 8-1.John Harrison and Michael Frazer both plundered hat-tricks, with Graham Embleton and Rob Draper also netting. Kieran Harnett notched for Chilton, whose heart just wasn’t in it on the day, though makeshift centre-half Nicky Pickford was star man.

Pelton RAOB outgunned Brandon Sports Club 3-0, thank to three first-half goals.

Buffs were the better team for much of the game and their strong side’s attacking threat proved too much for the visitors.Star man Craig Mickle netted twice, with Matthew Smith also on target. Robbie Shields stood out for Brandon.Sacriston WMC lost 3-0 at Sedgefield St Edmund’s.

High Handenhold Bird Inn squeezed home 5-4 against Pelton Crown to grab only their second win of the season in Division Two.Keith Lines netted twice to give Crown a 2-0 lead, but three unanswered goals turned the derby around. Kris Lawton levelled, but Bird restored their lead straight from the kick-off and added a killer fifth goal before Lawton replied late on.Marc Wood bagged a treble for Bird, supported by strikes from Jonathan Swift and Dan Watkins.Ferryhill Celtic completely dominated Ushaw Moor Cricket Club to romp home 9-0.Johnny Agar fired a hat-trick, backed by doubles from Luke Thompson and Shane Todd, while Neal Bell and Liam Pearson also struck. Scott Nattrass stood out for Ushaw.Pittington took a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes, but Bishop Middleham stormed back to win a thriller 5-4.Adam Partington’s double hauled Bishop level, assisted by Kadam Lumsden-Parnaby and Peter Gray, then he completed his hat-trick.Pittington equalised at 3-3 with a 20-yarder in off the bar from Gareth Sheraton.Partington’s fourth goal and a fifth from Lumsden-Parnaby made the game safe, though Pittington had an effort cleared off the line before they hit a last-gasp fourth goal.Paul Harbisher (2) and Brian Colledge added to Sheraton’s strike for Pittington.

Ferryhill Community Hub came from behind to edge a 2-1 win over Kelloe WMC, who had debutant Karl Smith on target, with veteran Dave Graham man of the match.In Division Three, Sedgefield Social Club defended very effectively as they defeated High Shincliffe Avenue 3-0. Andrew Sharp was Avenue’s star man.Durham Federation cruised to a 10-1 win at newcomers Bearpark in Division Four.Ben Pearson’s four-goal salvo led the way, backed by Callum Wooler’s hat-trick, with Stuart Ross (2) and Callum Adamson also netting. Dylan Crooks responded.

Latest Suspensions

Individual	Club Name (Incident)	No. of Matches	Start Date	Suspension Level
Liam Dent	Chilton & Windlestone WMC	3	26/10/2015	All Football
David Foster	Framwellgate Moor WMC	3	26/10/2015	All Football
Carl Hewitson	Kelloe W.M.C	4	26/10/2015	All Football
Corey Nicholson	Newton Aycliffe W.M.C.	3	25/10/2015	All Sunday Football
Christopher Jordan	Sedgefield Social Club	3	25/10/2015	All Sunday Football
Carlo Barrass	Washington Sandpiper	1	25/10/2015	All Sunday Football
Graeme Brenkley	West Rainton	5	26/10/2015	All Football
Jamie Bowes	West Rainton	2	26/10/2015	All Football

Sunday 18th October 2015

Shears delight for Houghton in Burnside derby

Houghton handed Burnside WMC their first defeat in Division Three, claiming a hard-fought 2-1 triumph.

Burnside took the lead after just 13 minutes, Max Stoker netting.

They began to control the play but missed their chances and Houghton equalised two minutes before half-time, Grant Strong converting a penalty after star man Danny Grant was brought down by keeper Sean Robinson.

Both sides went close in the second half, Elliott Cutts hitting Houghton’s bar, but the hosts conjured up a winner when sub Stephen Shears ran into the box and his shot squirmed under the keeper and over the line 15 minutes from time.

Hetton New Inn secured their first league win, comfortably beating hosts Chester-le-Street AFC 3-0.

Their spirit and determination shone through, with goals from Jordan Knox, Kieran Hartley and Jonathan “ham” Shanks doing the damage. Man of the match Lee Francis and Keith Finch dominated midfield.

Sedgefield SC bagged an 85th-minute strike, a deft flick at a near-post corner doing the damage, to beat Quarrington Hill WMC in a long-ball battle.

Houghton Town enjoyed an excellent 4-1 Premier Division success at Pelton RAOB, with two-goal star man Lee McBeth leading the way/

Callum Munro and James Cook also notched.

Sacriston Cricket Club gained the upper hand in the second half to edge a 2-0 derby victory at home to Sacriston WMC.

Anthony Ward and John Harrison netted, with Michael Frazer and David Winter the respective star men.

Waldridge Park rallied from two down to thump Houghton Wild Boar All Stars 7-3 in Division One.

Boar started brilliantly and sailed into a two-goal lead when Shaun Corner lobbed the goalkeeper from 20 yards and Liam Lusk sidefooted home a right-wing cross.

Boar had a third goal disallowed before Waldridge hauled themselves level. Stephen Parkin’s penalty, regained Boar’s lead by half-time.

But Waldridge battled their way back and four second-half goals secured three precious points. Chris Days (4), Adam Campbell Bell (2) and and an own goal gave Park the edge.

Philip Thompson starred for Boar, Steven MacDonald for Waldridge.

New Brancepeth WMC drew 2-2 with Houghton Chilton Lodge in an entertaining clash, thanks to two late goals.

Lodge struck first when Dan Thompson was at full stretch to convert Ben Hodgson’s chip, then star man Ross Meenaghan’s cross was turned home by Adam Hinde for 2-0.

But Brancepeth struck twice in the final 10 minutes, Anthony Bussey bursting into the box unchallenged to find the bottom corner, then charging down a clearance by keeper Graeme Defty, after he had been given a short back pass, and tapping in.

Bede Lodge SC edged home 2-1 against Pelton Crown in Division Two, in a game of two halves.

Daniel Mann and Patrick Harrington had Bede two up at the break, but Pelton dominated on the restart, yet only had a Kris Lawton strike to show for their efforts.

Sean Richardson and Steven Shaw were the respective star men.

Pittington cruised to a 7-1 victory at Kelloe WMC, who had two men sent off.

Kadam Lumsden-Parnaby saw red after just 10 minutes, with Carl Sanderson dismissed with 20 to go. Michael Hogg hit Kelloe’s reply, but Phillip Harbisher and Andrew Foster bagged doubles for Pittington, backed by Danny Turnbull, John Bates and Paul Harbisher.

Framwellgate Moor WMC won 2-1 at Ferryhill Community Hub, with Chris O’Hara replying to strikes from David Pratt and Dale Aunger.

In Division Four, Bowburn enjoyed a great first half on the way to a 6-3 defeat of Lumley, who had Ross Melvin, Dan Melvin and Ross Hughes on target.

Lee Jennings struck twice for Bowburn, with Philip Spencer and Adam Kirk, with a ferocious 18-yarder from Jody White’s pass, making it 4-1 at half-time. Craig Hill’s right-foot half-volley and a deft Kirk header saw them 6-1 up.

Durham Buffaloes Head put up a good fight in their 3-2 defeat at Bearpark. They led twice, through Kevin Todd and Ryan Mundell, but lost to two disputed Craig Bennett penalties and a terrific solo goal by Dylan Crooks.

Eppleton Cricket Club hit back from a two-goal deficit to send Newton Hall Jovial Monk packing in the D&P Trophies Knockout Trophy.

Matthew Williams and Adam Baister struck for Monk, but, despite a fine display by home keeper Rob Berry, Eppleton fought well to win 4-2 thanks to Liam Ord’s brace, plus strikes from subs Kevin Ambler and Ben Harrison. Charlie Ord shone.

Lumley Snooker Club beat Witton Gilbert Travellers Rest 3-1, with Chris Dawson (2) and Ben Haddock netting. Connor Butterfield responded.

Washington Cricket Club demolished High Shincliffe Avenue 9-0 in a one-sided Stepy’s Coaches President’s Trophy tie, with five-goal Gary McCartney on fire.

David Kirtley (2), Paul Terrell and Liam Young also struck.

Ferryhill Dynamoes saw off Durham County 3-1 in the Castle Insurance Alan Smith Trophy.

Dynamoes led 2-0 before Joe Kerry replied, with County having an equaliser controversially disallowed. Thomas Olley, Chris Devine and Kurt Seymour struck for Dynamos.

Sedgefield St Edmund’s showed their Premier class by routing Birtley Coach and Horses 9-3 in the Stonebridge Inn League Cup.

James Ward, Kevin Bruynson and Mark Jordan struck for Birtley, but doubles from Joe Peel, Simon Ord and Dan Newby inspired Saints, with Andrew Beamson, Jamie Dalton and Jack Marley also on target.

Washington Jays came from two down to win 5-2 after extra time at Durham Federation, who had performed magnificently to lead with strikes from Conor James-Platt and Scott Walker.

Ferryhill Celtic ousted Ouston Cherry Tree from the JD Taxis Guards Cup, edging home 3-2 after extra time.

Celtic took the lead, with Andrew Agar scoring, then Jason White doubled the lead before Tree replied on 72 minutes, Andrew Clarkson’s bobbling shot from outside the box getting past Kris Carr.

Micky Ross then deflected a Clarkson shot beyond the keeper to level at 2-2.

Clarkson blasted a late penalty over the bar, and Tree paid for that when Celtic snatched victory in extra time, Agar netting his second.

Washington Sandpiper prevailed 5-3 against West Rainton, but only after extra time.

Wayne Hodgson (2), Alan Wilson, Ross Docherty and Stephen Burns notched, with two-goal Ian Brown and Matthew Kane replying.

Ouston Juniors won 3-1 at Kirk Merrington Half Moon in the Bishop Auckland Heart Foundation Trophy.

Matty Cornish levelling the hosts’ opener before Matthew McAdam’s coolly-taken penalty and a Cornish free-kick won the day.

Bishop Middleham progressed with a 1-0 victory at West Auckland The Club, controlling the game throughout and scoring when captain Phil Best produced an overhead kick as West only half-cleared a corner.

Ushaw Moor Cricket Club lost a very scrappy tie to a scruffy goal away to Stillington The Royal, having had a goal disallowed and been denied by a goal-line clearance and a string of fine saves.

Hilda Park blew a 3-0 lead as they crashed 6-4 to Newton Aycliffe Sports Club. Chris Duke, Chris Martin, Marc Smith and Arron Sheriff struck for Hilda.

Brandon Sports Club struck late on, with Andrew Morris netting after good work from Oliver Graham, to settle a tight, listless tie 1-0 against Chilton WMC.

Newton Aycliffe WMC started their FA Sunday Cup campaign with an 8-1 drubbing of Seaton Carew – after trailing early on.

Sonny Andrews hit four goals, backed by Rob Moncur, Corey Nicholson, Mark Wood and Aaron Wright. They next host Liverpool side Garston in round two.