Houghton Chilton Lodge clinch survival with rampant victory

HOUGHTON Chilton Lodge avoided the drop in Division One with a stunning victory in their final game of the season.

Lodge needed to beat bottom club High Handenhold Bird Inn to climb above Ushaw Moor Cricket Club and reach safety, albeit only on goal difference.

And they showed no nerves in sealing the deal, with a strong, all-round team performance putting Bird to the sword in a 5-0 win.Dan Thompson, Lee Wright, man of the match Adam Hinde, Andrew Macpherson and sub David Firth all got in on the act as Lodge recorded only their sixth league win, sending the cricketers down.

Keeper Tony Swift won the plaudits for Bird in keeping the score down.

Washington Cross Keys and Pelaw Grange Dogs drew 1-1, leaving the visitors in fourth place while Keys could yet climb above them.

After a pretty uneventful match, the game exploded into life with two goals in the final five minutes. Cross Keys took the lead on 85 minutes when a through ball found its way to Young, who flicked it past keeper Sean Hall.

Dogs levelled two minutes later, though, as David Jeffers swung in a free-kick that wasn’t dealt with and John Robinson volleyed home from 10 yards.

Keys climbed to fifth with a 3-1 defeat of Sacriston Cricket Club on Thursday, with two-goal Ross Docherty and star man Liam Young netting.

Champions Hetton Lyons CC maintained their unbeaten record with a 17th win in 19 Premier Division games, triumphing 3-0 at Pelton RAOB.

Conor Winter and two-goal Robbie Bird did the damage, with Max Stoker man of the match. Daniel Addison stood out for Buffs.

Newton Aycliffe WMC guaranteed the runners-up spot by beating Sacriston Cricket Club 2-0.

Sacriston had much of the play but just could not take their chances and Aycliffe made them pay, netting twice late on, through subs Warren Byrne and Jordan Steele.

East Rainton ended their season in second-bottom spot but with a victory, only their second in the league, 3-1 at bottom club Coxhoe WMC, while Sherburn Village WMC scrapped for a goalless draw at Sedgefield St Edmund’s.

In midweek, Brandon Sports Club reclaimed third place thanks to a 3-2 win at Newton Aycliffe WMC. Lewis Wing and Shaun Ryder struck for Aycliffe, but Karl Turner, star man John Kidd and Jonathan Ord steered Brandon home.

Pelton RAOB cruised to a 4-0 victory over Houghton Comrades to keep up their push for a top-three finish, with the goals spread around by Craig Mickle, Paul Weatherburn, Michael Graver and star man Kevin Dixon.

Whitehills, runners-up to neighbours Waldridge Park in Division Two, ended their league campaign on a winning note, beating Houghton Wild Boar All-Stars 2-0.

Star man Jamie Taylor and Chris Burr grabbed the goals, with Stephen Parkin the hosts’ stand-out performer.

In the Third Division, champions Pelton Crown showed no mercy to an understrength Kelloe Davy Lamp side in a 12-0 rout as they moved 10 points clear of Washington Cricket Club.

Four-goal Liam Mitchell led the way, backed by John Morris’s hat-trick. Steven Ions, Scott Simpson, Mark Foster, Dean Stewart and sub Ryan Warnaby also struck.

Michael Hoyle starred for Crown, with Michael Soppitt best for the visitors.

Ferryhill Celtic kept up their push for the second promotion place, hammering Esh Winning Cricket Club 13-1.

Luke Thompson and Andrew Agar both plundered four-goal hauls for rampant Celtic, backed by Shane Todd’s treble and efforts from sub Brett Maughan and Liam Taylor. Dean Taylor bagged Esh’s consolation.

Celtic also routed Lumley 8-1 on Thursday, with doubles from Luke Thompson and Liam Pearson leading the way. Jason White, Andrew Agar, Liam Taylor and Nathan Lawson also struck.

Newton Hall Jovial Monk have endured a tough season in Division Four, but they relished a 5-1 thumping of Witton Gilbert Travellers Rest in their penultimate match.

Man of the match Matty Williamson’s double inspired Monk, with Chris King, David Wile and Mark Emmerson also on target. Star man David Lumley notched Travellers’ consolation.

A last-day win for Lumley Snooker Club will clinch third place.

Lumley, away to fifth-place Quarrington Hill WMC, were in control for most of the first half, hitting the bar after 20 minutes and getting a big help when the home side had a man sent off just before the break.

Quarrington took control on the restart, despite the man disadvantage, but they could not find a breakthrough and a fluffed clearance led to Lumley going ahead.

Lumley broke quickly to add a killer second goal, sealing a 2-0 win.

Washington Jays pipped High Shincliffe Avenue 1-0, thanks to a Wes Moat strike, with Michael Alcock man of the match.

COUNTY CUP WIN TOPS THE LOT, SAYS OWEN

By Martin Walker of Aycliffe Today

Former Newton Aycliffe winger Stuart Owen says the Big Club’s historic County Cup win this week tops his achievements with his hometown club.The midfielder was a key part in Aycliffe’s rise to the Northern League first division in recent years.But he says Thursday night’s victory over Stockton Hardwick Social beats that.Warren Byrne scored twice for the Big Club before Hardwick pulled one back late on.The final whistle signalled delirium among the Revolution faithful as fans poured onto the Eppleton Colliery Welfare pitch.“It was unbelievable,” said ‘Rat Boy’ Owen, pictured (above) with his dad, Dave, who jointly manages the Big Club side with Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Jason Steele.“When that final whistle went, it was the best feeling in the world – something you can keep for the rest of your life.“There was people running in all directions. Supporters on the pitch, committee lads celebrating. It was just special.”It’s the first time the Big Club has won the County Cup since Allan Oliver’s side won it back in 1998.Owen added: “Winning silverware with Aycliffe was brilliant, I have some great memories of my time with the club, but this is with your mates.“We all drink together and we beat some good sides along the way, but went into the final as under dogs.“It was a tense game and we didn’t play our best football if we’re honest, but the defence and Stevie Rich in goal were awesome all night, they were first class.

“It was a great team effort all-round and one of the best nights of my life.”

Photo by Peter Allison

Sunday 19th April Buffs tough it out to seal first cup in potential treble

PELTON RAOB lifted the first of three potential cups with a convincing victory in the Ramside Hall Hotel Cup-Winners’ Cup final.The Premier side showed their class to defeat gallant Third Division outfit Ferryhill Celtic 4-1 at New Ferens Park.Craig Mickle’s double led the way for Pelton, backed by strikes from Luke Kerry and Alex Peake, with sub Craig Winkworth replying.Matthew Smith stood out for Pelton, with Jason White top man for Ferryhill.Buffs met Brandon Sports Club in last night’s Castle Insurance Alan Smith Memorial Trophy final and have a third final to look forward to, on May 15, when they meet Newton Aycliffe WMC in the Durham City Smiles League Cup final.Ferryhill Celtic also have another final, with Houghton Wild Boar All-Starsawaiting in May 8s Stepy’s Coaches President’s Trophy final.

Newton Aycliffe WMC landed the Durham County Sunday Cup on Thursday night, beating Stockton Hardwick 2-1 in the final at Eppleton CW.

D&P Trophies Knockout Cup Final

D&P Trophies Knockout Cup Final

Washington Cross Keys 1 v 0 Durham County FC

A bumper crowd turned out to witness the first of this seasons Swinburn Maddison Durham Sunday League cup finals the D&P Trophies Knockout Cup at Durham’s New Ferens Park. In a closely contested affair first division Washington Cross Keys run out winners 1-0 over fourth division champions Durham County FC. The Cross Keys took the lead on the twenty minute mark, Carlo Barrass stabbing home from close range. In the second half the Durham youngsters fought valiantly in search of an equaliser and disappointingly have two efforts ruled out for offside but the well organised hard working Cross Keys, well marshalled by man of the match Daz Green, comfortable deal with the pressure to earn the club its first ever cup final win

Lyons on cloud nine in title challenge

HETTON Lyons CC overwhelmed long-time challengers Brandon Sports Club 9-1 to inch closer to the Premier Division title.Lee Blades gave Brandon the lead after an even start, but Hetton levelled and notched twice for a 3-1 interval lead before cutting loose in the second half.Conor Winter, Robbie Bird and Gavin Barton all plundered doubles, while Craig Price, Denver Morris and substitute goalkeeper Rhys Jobling also scored, Jobling coming on as outfield player to net for the second week in a row.Lee Chapman starred for Lyons, with David Fort best for the hosts.Six points from their final four games will guarantee another title for Lyons.Only Newton Aycliffe WMC can deny Lyons, and they face a mammoth task despite winning 2-0 at second-top Houghton Comrades, with goals from Kieran Megran and Jordan Lavery. Matt Stephenson shone in vain for Comrades.Sherburn Village WMC and Sedgefield St Edmund’s served up a close-fought 0-0 draw, with keeper Michael Brown starring for the visitors.Jordan Stannard and Jonathan Colling netted as bottom club Coxhoe WMC earned only their second point of the season, in a 2-2 draw at Pelton RAOB in which keeper Tom Orton starred.In midweek, Pelton RAOB won 2-0 at Newton Aycliffe WMC, who then won 3-1 at Sherburn Village.Ushaw Moor Cricket Club produced a sensational last-game win over champions Chilton WMC to give themselves hope of survival in Division One.Chilton, try as they might, could not find a breakthrough and a late goalkeeping error let in sub Chris Coates to secure a 1-0 win,That moved the cricketers up to third-bottom, three points clear of Houghton Chilton Lodge, who had two games to play and a better goal difference.Scott Davison starred for Ushaw Moor, David Harrison for Chilton.Houghton Chilton Lodge succumbed 5-3 to Sacriston Cricket Club, with Adam Hinde, Ross Monaghan and Andrew Macpherson responding to strikes from Chris Mordue (2), Sam Renwick (2) and Tom Winter.Whitehills sealed the second promotion spot with victory in the only game in Division Two. They go up again alongside Waldridge Park after edging a hard-fought 2-1 triumph at West Rainton, who had Graeme Brenkley sent off. Jamie Bowes notched for Rainton, whose defeat ended their own promotion ambitions.Pelton Crown maintained their championship push in Division Three with two wins to go top.First, they defeated battling Hetton New Inn 3-1.Both sides went close in an even first 45 minutes, with Pelton breaking the deadlock only for the visitors to level. On the restart, Crown notched twice more, with Liam Mitchell, man of the match Kris Lawton and John Morris securing their 3-1 win.That moved them two points off top spot, with five games in hand.In midweek, a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Esh Winning Cricket Club moved them into pole position, despite having Steven Ions sent off.John Morris and Mark Foster struck the vital goals, with Michael Fish replying.Framwellgate Moor WMC consolidated third place with a fine 3-1 success at home to leaders Washington Cricket Club.Promotion is out of reach, but Moor turned on the style, capped by strikes from Adam Kitching, star man James Smith and Lewis Coburn.Ferryhill Celtic were good 4-1 victors away to Bede Lodge SC, inspired by a well-taken Luke Thompson hat-trick.Shane Todd also weighed in, while John Kilgannon notched for Bede, whose star man was Andrew Bell.Belmont The Shoes moved off the bottom in style, defeating Kelloe Davy Lamp 4-2, with Kadam, Lumsden-Parnaby firing both replies.Ferryhill Community Hub outgunned Esh Winning Cricket Club 6-1, with Jonathan Hodgson firing the consolation.In midweek, Ferryhill Celtic walloped Framwellgate Moor WMC 7-1. Lewis Coburn struck for Moor.Durham County moved top of Division Four by winning their penultimate match, 4-1 at Chester-le-Street AFC.Already promoted, Joe Kerry’s double, backed by Stanley Ogunsuyi and sub Chris Brown, steered County home, with keeper Craig Oliver the hosts’ star performer. Shaun Mayell hit Chester’s consolation.Fencehouses went down 4-1 at fourth-placed Lumley Snooker Club.Fencehouses took an early lead, with Grant Craig scoring, but poor marking at a set piece led to Lumley levelling with a deflected strike right on half-time.It remained tight in the second half, with Fencehouses appealing in vain for two penalties, which they described as “nailed on”. Ben Haddock’s brace, added to by Darren Finlay and Dean Lawrence, guided Lumley home.Washington Jays and Quarrington Hill WMC fought out a tight goalless draw.Jays had an effort cleared off the line, while the visitors missed a penalty. Jays were denied a last-gasp winner by a good save from Carl Morris. Carl Lewiston stood out for Quarrington Hill.In midweek, Fencehouses beat Washington Jays 1-0, with Grant Craig scoring and Scott Hutchinson man of the match.

 On a warm spring evening in front of a good crowd Sacriston Cricket Club Fc put in one of the performances of the season. Pelton Roab fc had a pretty strong squad out and Sacriston had up 7 player’s unavailable which made this victory all the more noteworthy.

Sacriston were up for the game from the very start and competed with Pelton all over the pitch. After some good early pressure Sacriston had a good chance on 15 minutes when Gavin McCormack got in behind the Pelton defence and fired a shot against the post.

Sacriston were on the front foot for most of the first half and had many set pieces in and around the box with a few shots on the Pelton goal.

Pelton started to come into the game towards the end of the first half and almost scored when a cross which had only been partially cleared fell to a Pelton player in the box and his shot looked goal bound all the way but Sean Gregory bravely put his head in the way to divert the effort over the bar. In Craig Mickle Pelton had the outstanding player on the field he was fantastic on the night and his play was keeping Pelton in the contest. At times it was taking 3 players to get the ball of him and in the end we fouled him to stop his progress several times. Jacob Horner for Sacriston was causing similar problems with his dribbling ability from midfield and he was brought down several times when in within sight of the Pelton box.The start of the 2^nd half was a tight affair and Sacriston made a change on 57 minutes with Craig Coates replacing Jacob Horner and the change paid off immediately. A free kick was clipped into the Pelton box which was headed out of the area and landed in the middle of the field between 6 players but it was Anthony Ward who wanted it the most and his header got the ball back towards the Pelton area where John Harrison flicked his header on to Coates at the back post who positioned himself perfectly to head home from 4 yards out to give Sacriston the lead.

Pelton came back strong and Mickle’s play forced the Sacriston captain O’Brien to be yellow carded for persistent fouling. James Thornton came into the game on 67 minutes replacing Ward who took a 10 minute breather before finishing the game later on.Sacriston went 2-0 up on 73 minutes when Boyd pounced on hesitation in the Pelton defence and his cut back found Harrison on the edge of the 6 yard box and he finished well into the bottom right hand corner.This gave Sacriston a much needed cushion going into the final stages of the game and with 15 minutes or so to go I decided to substitute O’Brien because he was too close to receiving a red card for Horner with Sean Gregory moving back into defence to mark Mickle which he did brilliantly.Ward came back on to replace Harrison for the last 10 minutes who had led the line superbly and he had given the team a much needed aerial and physical presence against the robust Pelton defence.Although Sacriston had to defend a lot in the final moments particularly from corners we didn’t really look like conceding and at times we had several of our players literally throwing their bodies in the way of any potential shots towards our goal which pleased me immensely.Craig Coates manipulated the ball superbly towards the end of the match and showed great game management to help run down the clock. His experience and quality in the end proved crucial and he has been a superb influence on the team whenever he has played.

In the 93^rd minute Pelton got 1 goal back when for the first time in the match we didn’t pick up a runner from a corner and Gyan got across the front post to divert his header into the net from 7 yards out. The final whistle blew shortly afterwards as Sacriston celebrated their first victory over Pelton for 3 years.

Full credit to all of my players who to a man stood up to the test, we carried no passengers during the match and every player at numerous stages when called upon did their jobs magnificently. There were several candidates for man of the match but Michael Quinn just got my vote for his excellent display at centre half he was magnificent and never lost a challenge all night and he defended with great skill and his positioning and the timing of his tackles were perfect. Stuart Fenton also had an outstanding game at right wing back with Collinson slotting back into his old position at sweeper with ease. McCormack & Ward’s work rate was something to behold never giving any Pelton player a second longer on the ball than necessary and this was the key to our victory.

Sean Gregory was awesome in the match and his tenacious play in midfield and then in defence typified the team’s spirit on the night. Bryan Potts has come in for some criticism in recent games but his performance tonight was superb. This was a nice way to finish our home league campaign. We now have 3 games left in the league starting with Coxhoe WMC on Sunday

Quickfire Finch sets tone for 13-goal Fencehouses romp

FENCEHOUSES romped to a 13-0 Fourth Division win over Bowburn, never looking back from scoring one of the quickest goals in league history.David Finch needed just 10 seconds to make the breakthrough, and the hosts were four up by the quarter hour mark, thanks to outstanding forward play from influential man of the match Dan Lay, whose fine display was capped by four goals.It was 7-0 at half-time, with six more in the second period.Grant Craig notched a hat-trick, with sub Gary Hartis and Finch netting twice. Craig Thompson hit a “worldy” for his goal, with Dan Cummings also on target.Dale Sudder stood out for Bowburn.Houghton eased through their final game of their first season with a 5-0 victory over High Shincliffe Avenue, who started a man downA first-half hat-trick from Lee McBeth had them four up at the break, with Daniel Grant also scoring. Substitue Shaun Dixon added a fifth goal, with Levi Scott again named man of the match. Michael Lawson shone for Avenue, whose skipper, Andrew Sharp, was close to marking his 100th appearance with a goal.Durham County’s title push suffered a little setback when they were held to a 2-2 draw at Lumley Snooker.County, whose marksmen were Joe Kerry and Alex Graham, were two up at the break, but Lumley fought well on the restart, rescuing a point late on as Dan Young and James Ladler struck.County are two points behind leaders Chester Garden Farm with two games to play, compared to their rivals’ one.Durham Federation had Callum Adamson on target in a 6-1 home loss to Chester-le-Street AFC. Stuart Ross was their star man.On Tuesday, Fencehouses came from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Newton Hall Jovial Monk, with Grant Craig their marksman.In Division Two, Waldridge Park need to just win their final match of the season to clinch the title.Park confirmed promotion with a 2-0 home win over relegated Dubmire WMC, who started with only 10 players and were under pressure from the off.Only very good goalkeeping and the woodwork kept the score down to two. Richard Ellis and star man Chris Rooney were outstanding in midfield for Park, who were close to an opener when centre-half Wes Delap saw a header rebound down onto the line, with the referee on hand to say “no goal”.After the break, and with the visitors now up to full strength, Waldridge pressed and finally took the lead when Steven Dobbing’s shot at the near post could only be parried into the net by the keeper.The lead was doubled when Dobbing’s pass found Adam Campbell Bell in the area and his powerful shot flew into the net. West Rainton kept alive their slight chance of a top-two finish when they beat third-placed Durham County Seniors 4-1.Star man Graeme Brenkley (2), Ian Brown and Jamie Bowes all notched to lift Rainton level with County, but with a game in hand, albeit still five points behind second-placed Whitehills.Rainton had Scott Redmayne sent off.Framwellgate Moor WMC capitalised on a catalogue of errors to beat Kelloe Davy Lamp 4-3 to rise into third place in Division Three.Kelloe fought back with goals from Carl “Bags” Sanderson, Anthony Wharrier and Steven Ferguson, but gave themselves too much to do after their earlier mistakes led to doubles from clinical Moor pair Jack Rutter and James Smith.Ferryhill Celtic drew 1-1 at Belmont The Shoes, with Luke Thompson on target and Jason White man of the match.Celtic beat title-chasing Pelton Crown 3-1 in midweek, with Liam Mitchell scoring for the beaten visitors. Adam Harrison was their star man.Ouston Cherry Tree climbed to sixth place in Division One thanks to a Micky Ross-inspired 3-0 win over Houghton Chilton Lodge.Lodge were denied what would have been a cracking opening goal after an effort from range came back off the bar.Ouston upped their game, though, and a well-worked Ross strike had them on top at the break. Josh Scott used space on the left well to pick out Ryan Drummond, whose cushioned header back to the edge of the box was inch perfect for the advancing Ross to drill home first time.Sub Daniel James produced some great play down the right before cutting back for Ross to lash in a second goal, then he completed his treble in the final minute, scuffing home a Bailes pass after manager Zak Scott’s lung-bursting run drew the defenders away.Washington Cross Keys eased to a 4-1 win at Ushaw Moor Cricket Club, who had Andrew Smith on target. Mark Burnham starred for Ushaw, who are in the drop zone with only one game to go.High Handenhold Bird Inn fought gallantly for a 2-2 draw at Pelaw Grange Dogs, with keeper Tony Swift their man of the match.Dan Watkins and Jonny Swift (penalty) grabbed Bird’s goals as they secured only their fourth point of the campaign, going 2-1 up at one point before San Hay controlled a Donnelly flick to fire an equaliser.Pelaw led early on when Jeffers brilliantly lobbed the keeper.Ouston Cherry Tree won 1-0 at Washington Cross Keys on Thursday, with Darren Green the stand-out performer for Keys.

Conor on song again as Lyons overwhelm Coxhoe

HETTON Lyons CC moved 11 points clear at the top of the Premier Division after handing out an 8-0 defeat to bottom club Coxhoe WMC, who are now all but relegated.Conor Winter led the way with a hat-trick, backed by Jack Pounder (2), Robbie Bird, Jack Walker and Rhys JoblingPelton RAOB and Hilda Park served up an entertaining derby which ended 1-1, keeping Buffs on course for a possible top-two finish and all but sealing the visitors’ top-flight survival.Determined Hilda counter-attacled with pace from the off, and battled well in midfield. Graver and Mickle went close to Pelton, but Hilda defended firmly until the home side made the breakthrough after a period of pressure early in the second half.Hilda had a penalty appeal turned down and Buffs turned defence into attack to be awarded a spot-kick of their own, but Graham Unsworth saved Matty Smith’s effort, diving to his left.Hilda kept fighting and deservedly levelled when a cross from the left was forced home by Chris Cuthbertson.Jonathan Yip stood out for Hilda.On Thursday, Lewis Wing and sub Liam Cooper secured Newton Aycliffe WMC’s 2-1 win at old rivals Sedgefield St Edmund’s.Newton Aycliffe WMC clinched their place in the Durham City Smiles League Cup final, edging past Brandon Sports Club on penalties after a hard-fought 2-2 draw.Brandon took the lead midway through the first half after Andrew Morris managed to squeeze a low drive under the keeper. Towards the end of the half, Brandon’s pressure led to a second goal, with Steven Parnaby outjumping the Aycliffe defence to nod home.The second half was another even contest. Aycliffe resorted to long-ball football which Brandon defended well against. A soft penalty got Aycliffe back in the game, then, with Brandon looking for a killer third goal in the dying minutes, a missed chance gave possession back to the visitors and, with almost the last kick of the game, a cross found its way into the Brandon goal.Extra time did not separate the sides, but Aycliffe came through 2-1 on penalties.