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.