HEDDON FAIL TO MAKE THEIR POINT

By Bill Gardner
Still with no league win to their credit, Heddon crossed into Cumbria to take on Harraby Catholic but there was no change in fortune and they were beaten 3-2.

Harraby were given a sixth minute lead when Jordan Coulthard’s cross was headed into the goalmouth by Steve Archibald for Rob Bainbridge to poke the ball over the line. The home side kept up the pressure and from James Earl’s flag kick Coulthard headed home at the back post to double their lead.

The Cumbrians however allowed Heddon to take control and the visitors were unlucky to have a penalty appeal turned down following a foul on John Dunn. But in the 40th Andrew Hall got Heddon off the mark with his free kick.

After the break Heddon got themselves back on terms and when John Dunn latched on to a long clearance he ran clear to go round Harraby’s debutant keeper Williams and roll the ball into the net.

Harraby woke up to the growing threat and Andrew Douglas restored their lead after 76 minutes. Heddon threw everybody forward in the last five minutes but although Harraby’s Coulthard was sent off for a ‘professional foul’ the visitors couldn’t save the game.

Ponteland United faced up to Alnwick Town at the Leisure Centre and had to settle for a 3-3 draw.

Within a minute Pont were in front when Billy Holden, put through by Liam McIvor, easily beat Town keeper Bryan Brooks. United then went on to waste a host of opportunities but managed to double their lead after 25 minutes when McIvor scored his first goal of the season.

Only five minutes later Ponteland were three goals up and when Max Turner looped in a cross from the left the ball sailed over the keeper into the net. The points should have been assured for United at this stage. Instead their lead was reduced before the break and Alnwick full back Danny Lowes cut in to beat Michael Havelock with his low drive.

This goal lifted Alnwick’s spirits and Tony Brown scored with his header to reduce the deficit even further. And Pont finally paid for their own woeful lack of finishing when their visitors restored parity midway through the second half with Tom Vickers scoring to ensure that the spoils were shared.

Joint leaders Wark and Walker Central have a clear six-point lead at the head of the Premier Division with Wark just shading it on goal difference. Both teams won again and Wark beat hosts Ashington Colliers 4-0 with goals by Marc Nixon (2), Matt MacLoughlin and Tony Lancaster to stay in pole position.

Walker Central have a hundred percent record away from home and extended it by beating Shankhouse 4-2. Andrew Stokes gave Walker an interval lead which was increased by David Dormand as he bagged a second half brace. In a late flurry John Robson scored the Central’s fourth goal and Craig Cook and Anthony Moran netted for Shankhouse but it was all over for the home side.

Carlisle City are tucked in behind the two current pace-setters and after losing two successive home games they turned the corner by beating visitors Seaton Delaval 2-0 with goals scored by Graeme Lupton and Steve Bell.

Heaton Stannington and Killingworth Sporting are sharing fourth spot after both picked up maximum points but they still have a lot to do to catch up with the teams at the top. Heaton secured a 3-1 victory against nearest neighbours Newcastle University at Cochrane Park. Martin Hill opened the scoring for the Students but Heaton replied through Iain Irvin and Lawrence McKenna before the break and their third goal was put away by Gary Yates.

Killingworth made it four home wins out of five by beating Blyth Town 2-1 but they were rather fortunate. Danny Beresford fired Blyth into a half hour lead that survived until the 83rd minute. Michael Bell then levelled for Killy before their 89th minute winner was claimed by Kevin Westphal.

Cramlington Town won 2-0 at Murton with a goal in each half supplied by Andrew Carr (penalty) and Jordan Watson. And In their first round tie in the Kicks Leisure League Cup away to Second Division outfit Stobswood Welfare, Stocksfield were beaten 2-1 with both of the Welfare’s goals claimed by Kerry Shotton. Phil Murray had given the Premier Division side the lead when his cross-cum-shot was diverted into the net off a Stobswood defender.

DIVISION ONE – URWIN SHATTERS AMBLE UNITED HOPES
Amble United came off second best in their top of the table tussle with hosts Gateshead Rutherford in the First Division and slipped down into third place after losing 4-1. Lee Common managed to cancel out Kevin Urwin’s early opener for the Gateshead outfit but Urwin’s second goal restored the home side’s lead before the interval. Amble had a brief bright spell after the changeover but faded later on and Rutherford hot-shot Urwin helped himself to two more goals including a penalty.
While Rutherford took over at the top, Percy Main leapfrogged over Amble into second place – retaining their unbeaten home record by beating bottom rung visitors Northbank 2-0. This should have been an easy game for the Villagers against the still pointless Cumbrians but it wasn’t. They had to wait until the 55th minute for their opener scored by Jonathan McEnaney with his header from Shaun Wilkinson’s perfect cross going through the arms of despairing Northbank keeper Jack Twentyman. The points weren’t really secured until stoppage time when player-manager Jason Ritchie scored from the spot after Wilkinson was felled in the box.

Morpeth Sporting Club have emerged as the Division One dark horses this season and winning six games in a row has taken them up into fourth place, only three points behind Amble United. They continued their progress with a 2-1 victory away to Hebburn Reyrolle after being presented with an early own goal opener by the Hebburn keeper. Ray Oshin levelled on the hour for Reyrolle but with six minutes to go Richard Latimer weighed in with Morpeth’s winner.

Wallington and Whitley Bay A have been inching their way up the table and they both recorded convincing victories to sustain their challenge. Wallington beat lowly Seaton Burn 4-0 at Scots Gap, inflicting a sixth successive defeat on their visitors. The goals were shared by Peter Southern, Nat Williamson, Michael Calder and Jack Palmer.

After a spell of inconsistency, Whitley Bay A are looking strong again and a 4-1 win away to a decent Gosforth Bohemians side could be an important turning point. Craig Smith headed home from a corner kick to give the Bay a slender interval lead. It was doubled by Mark Waite before Glen Robson bagged a brace to complete the winners’ tally. Only five minutes remained when Ben Guy claimed a consolation goal for the Bohs.

After losing their last two home games South Shields United were happy to draw 2-2 with Chopwell Officials and had to come from behind twice to earn a point. Their first reply was down to an own goal and their second and very late equaliser was put away by Mike Armstrong.

Newcastle East End lost 2-0 at home to Peterlee Town whose marksmen were Nathan Liddell and Hayden Pace but Cullercoats extended their recent unbeaten run to five games by winning 4-0 away to Berwick United. Berwick have won only one of their nine league games so far and were sunk in this one by Cullercoats goals scored by Craig Deighton (2), Alex Burnett and Ben Gardner.

DIVISION TWO – LATE WINNER HOISTS AMBLE TO THE TOP
Amble have taken over from Wideopen & District as the new leaders in the Second Division, albeit on goal difference but Amble have played a game less than their main rivals. Pole position was achieved by the Amble lads as they ended Wallsend Boys Club’s unbeaten record away from home but it was a close thing. The single goal settling the issue in the home side’s favour was claimed by Adam Shanks with the last kick of the match.

Previous pace-setters Wideopen are showing signs of slipping and were soundly beaten 3-0 by up-and-coming hosts North Shields Athletic. Unbeaten in seven home games to date, the Shieldsmen are now occupying a threatening third spot and their latest victory was confirmed with strikes by Graham Williams (2) and Matt Donkin.
Up-and-down form has adversely affected Wallsend Town’s efforts to get among the leaders and they suffered another blow by losing 2-1 at home to Newcastle BT. Ryan Arnott opened the scoring for Wallsend but on the stroke of half time Carl Aziz levelled for the visitors. And midway through the second half BT’s winner was scored by Greg Palmer.

Newcastle Chemfica have been impressive on their home patch so far this term and visitors Hexham, beaten 2-1, were their latest victims. Hexham are yet to win on their travels and a goal for Jamie McNamee wasn’t enough in this encounter. Chemfica picked up the points with replies from Dean Calvert and Mike Crozier to install themselves in a respectable mid-table slot.

Forest Hall got a long-awaited breakthrough and after drawing three successive games they claimed their first away win. The Hall did the trick by beating hosts Cramlington Blue Star 2-1 but left it late to clinch the points. Kevin Baldwin gave Forest Hall a 40th minute opener but Chris Bond’s reply in 80 minutes for the Star looked likely to earn them their first home point. It wasn’t to be however and Baldwin bagged his telling second goal in the dying seconds.

Willington Quay Saints had an 81st minute strike by Noel Clynch to thank for earning them a 1-0 verdict at home to Cullercoats Custom Planet. But the weekend’s top result was Tynemouth United’s 3-2 home win against Whitley Bay Town. These were the first points of the campaign for the Tynemouth lads who had Chris Grieves (2) and Paul Nichol on target while Luke Jamieson-Yip and Paul Hindmarch replied in vain for Whitley.

BLYTH HALT HARRABY

By Bill Gardner
Harraby Catholic Club were away to Blyth Town in a fixture that has previously proved awkward for the Cumbrians in recent seasons and they were beaten 4-2 on this occasion. There was an hour’s deadlock before Blyth opened the scoring and when Danny Beresford was brought down by Harraby’s Jordan Coulthard, Mark Waugh scored from the spot. And the Town’s lead was doubled after 74 minutes when a defensive error was punished by home team substitute Graham Heath.

Harraby responded and Dan Wordsworth reduced the arrears when James Earl’s flag kick gave him the chance to head home from close range. Blyth however had their two-goal advantage restored and Danny Beresford netted with the aid of a helpful deflection. Mike Swift hit back again for Harraby and when Earl’s free kick came back off the bar, he hammered the ball in from the rebound. But Blyth Town still had the last word and the unmarked Heath bagged his second goal of the game.

Wark and Walker Central swapped places on the basis of goal difference at the head of the Premier Division table and Wark’s 3-2 home win against Killingworth Sporting installed them in pole position. Goal-a-game striker Marc Nixon bagged two of Wark’s goals to take his tally to fifteen and the other scorer for the winners was Jamie Peel. Killy’s replies came from Nick Hindhaugh and Liam Callaghan.

Walker Central suffered their first defeat as their hopes for an eighth win on the trot were scuppered by visitors Ashington Colliers. A late show by the Colliers earned them a 4-2 victory. After Glen Taylor gave Ashington an interval lead the Central hit back with two quick second half strikes by Steve Forster and David Dormand. But inside the last fifteen minutes John Rees, Joe Moscrop and Anthony Wright netted for the visitors to wrap up the points.

Carlisle City are in third spot and ended their recent lean spell with a 3-0 success at Murton.

Experienced striker Graeme Lupton’s return to City has given them a cutting edge and he bagged a goal in each half to put the Cumbrians in charge. Stuart Hill also found the net in the 75th minute to complete the scoring.

With Killingworth losing at Wark, Heaton Stannington stayed in joint fourth place despite losing 5-4 to Seaton Delaval in a real thriller at Wheatridge Park. Delaval looked set for a more comfortable win when they had Carl Begbie, Stephen Howes and Nick Gray on target inside the first fifteen minutes. Heaton hit back through Adam Donaghey (penalty) and Kevin Carr before the break to signal a nail-biting second half. Although Edmore Murau and Lawrence McKenna added to the visitors’ tally it was Delaval who picked up the points when Jeff Fuller bagged himself a vital brace.

Cramlington Town are still waiting for their first home win after drawing 3-3 with Stocksfield. The Town were fired in front midway through the opening half by David Atkinson as he turned in Graham Hogg’s low cross. Stocksfield levelled just before the interval when Wayne Stewart scored from a chance set up by Phil Murray.

Iain Downie restored Cramlington’s lead with a fine header from Graham Hogg’s corner kick and almost immediately Andrew Carr slotted in a third goal for the hosts after racing onto Jordan Watson’s through ball. With only three minutes remaining Stocksfield seemed to be down and out but they were rescued by a late brace claimed by Phil Murray. He bagged his first with a telling touch to Wayne Stewart’s hard-driven cross and a headed pass by Cairns Kettles gave him the opportunity for his vital second, hooked in from barely six yards out.

Meanwhile, in a preliminary round tie in the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup, Alnwick Town hammered visitors Newcastle University 7-0 to earn themselves a future first round trip to Carlisle City. And at Hillheads a Northern Alliance side was beaten 3-2 by the Liverpool County Premier League in the first round of the FA Carlsberg National League System Cup. The Alliance had Anthony Moran and Andrew Armstrong (penalty) on target but were always second best top the Liverpudlians whose goals were scored by James Croxton, Chris Lester and Francis McIntosh.

DIVISION ONE – HORSFALL IS RUTHERFORD HERO
Amble United are in pole position in the First Division, just ahead of Gateshead Rutherford on goal difference, and the two pace-setters won again as they continued to set a challenging pace.

The Amble lads have won seven of their eight games to date and were happy to beat visitors Whitley Bay A 1-0. The narrowness of the margin didn’t bother United as the Bay failed to get a name on the score sheet for the first time this season. Instead they were sunk by Martin Humble’s 80th minute winner for the home side.

Gateshead Rutherford won much more emphatically and easily retained their hundred percent home record by hammering lowly visitors Berwick United 7-0. Craig Horsfall, a new signing from Heddon, gave Rutherford the lead straight from the kick off and he struck again after only seven minutes. With Berwick always looking vulnerable at the back Horsfall bagged another two goals to take his personal tally to four and the other Gateshead marksmen were Kevin Urwin (2) and Joe Hindmarch.

Both Percy Main and Gosforth Bohemians are in contention at the top end of the table but they had differing fortunes last weekend. While the Main stayed on course there was an upset for the Bohs who lost 3-2 away to up-and-coming Morpeth Sporting Club. Morpeth’s scorers to gain their fifth successive league win were Chris Tate (2) and Richard Latimer while the Gosforth replies came from Harry Tulip and Matthew Owens.

Percy Main picked up another three useful points by beating hosts Seaton Burn 3-1 and ex-Whitley Bay striker Malcolm Morien gave them an interval lead with a venomous strike from outside the area.

Six minutes into the second half Nicky Hara got the Burn back on terms but his goal only served to stir up the visitors.

Ian Lee, another ex-Whitley Bay stalwart, put the Villagers in front again, marking his return to his old club with a clever finish as he lobbed the ball over the home keeper. And for good measure the Main added a third goal to their tally with Steven Shadforth finding the bottom corner of the net when Callum Colback’s effort was blocked.

Wallington are showing signs of improving and a 2-1 victory at Chopwell hoisted them into the top half of the table. Wallington’s Peter Southern and Dave Featherstone had the ball in the net before Andrew Smith got Chopwell off the mark.

Cullercoats however still haven’t recaptured last season’s form and despite having Tom McGuinness, Craig Deighton and Stewart Wright finding the net they were restricted to a 3-3 draw at home to Hebburn Reyrolle.

Newcastle East End made their trip into Cumbria worthwhile by beating Northbank 3-0 and leaving their hosts still seeking their first league point. After suffering three straight defeats themselves the East Enders turned the corner and picked up maximum points thanks to strikes by Sean Graham (2) and Gary Dixon.

Newly-promoted South Shields United were encouraged by their 3-1 win away to freshly-relegated Peterlee Town who had two players sent off. Mark Davies (2) and David Surrey scored for Shields with the Newtowners’ single reply coming from Elliott McQuaid.

DIVISION TWO – STOBSWOOD STUN LEADERS
Wideopen & District are still heading the Second Division table, three points clear of nearest rivals Amble who have a game in hand at their disposal. But the Wideopen lads surrendered their hundred percent record and were beaten 2-0 at home by an impressive Stobswood Welfare outfit. Now in fourth place, the Welfare are enjoying a great run and goals for Paul Smith and Chris Graham put three more points in the bag.

Amble have won seven of their eight games so far and made visitors Cullercoats Custom Planet their latest victims. The Planet have fallen out of orbit and their 4-1 defeat was their sixth successive setback with their only goal supplied by Neil Turner. David Shepherd, Adam Shanks, Wyn Fremlin and Craig Kielty shared Amble’s goals in what was a comfortable victory.

In third place at the moment, North Shields Athletic are set to challenge the teams above them and a 3-2 home win against Newcastle BT was another morale-booster. Goals supplied by Dave McDonald, Gary Farrage and Michael Hall just edged it for the Shieldsmen and cancelled out the strikes of Richard Beverley and Simon Mattock for the visitors.

Neighbours Wallsend Boys Club and Wallsend Town both improved their league positions with identical 1-0 victories. A very youthful Boys Club outfit with two teenagers at the heart of their defence had Rob Nolan scoring on the quarter hour to beat Newcastle Chemfica whose travel woes continued. And Ryan Arnott’s first half goal for hosts Wallsend Town was enough to see off Hexham in an entertaining game.

Deficiencies in the playing surface prompted the referee to cancel Whitley Bay Town’s home game against Cramlington Blue Star while Forest Hall featured in a 3-3 thriller with visitors Swalwell who were happy to see the end of a three-match losing streak. Forest Hall’s goals were supplied by Kevin Baldwin, Jamie Gilbert and Mike Sandberg with Swalwell’s replies shared by Jonathan Graham, Chris Smith and Andrew Scott.

Willington Quay Saints are unbeaten in their last four outings and their 4-1 home win against Tynemouth United extended the promising sequence. Strikes by Glen Gallon, David Gibson and Colin Ancrum had the Saints cruising at the start of the second half. Chris Grieves got Tynemouth off the mark but even after earlier scorer Gallon was red-carded, Willington were still superior and had substitute Gareth Pugh completing their tally.

PONT’S FIRST HOME POINTS

By Bill Gardner
After suffering three straight home defeats Ponteland United picked up their first points at the Leisure Centre Ground and a 3-2 victory against Blyth Town hoisted Jarrod Suddick’s side into a mid-table slot. Blyth however were most impressive in the early exchanges and a goal in each half for Chris Lisle and Tom Haigh had them apparently cruising. The Town wasted their two-goal advantage however and conceded three to their hosts inside the last twenty minutes. Gavin Wood opened Ponteland’s account and Richard Kent bagged their equaliser five minutes later. Then, just before the final whistle Blyth were deprived of any reward when Wood scored his second and winning goal.

Heddon, only two points better off than Newcastle University at the foot of the Premier Division table, have failed to win in their eight starts so far and lost their sixth game on the trot. Against unbeaten league leaders Walker Central at Bullocksteads the Heddon lads were on the wrong end of a 5-1 score-line. Although they had David Brunsden cancelling out Paul Stoneman’s early opener for the Central this was their last shout. Liam Mulligan’s successful spot kick restored Walker’s lead before half time and their third goal was put away by Paul Mills straight after the change-over. And further pressure by the visitors was further rewarded when Andrew Stokes bagged himself a brace.

Shankhouse’s six-match unbeaten run (including four draws) was ended when they visited second-placed Wark and the Tyne valley outfit ran out fairly comfortable 5-2 winners. In the first half Wark were twice given the lead, first by Lee Telfer and then by their goal-a-game striker Marc Nixon. On each occasion Shannkhouse hit back promptly, their first equaliser put away by Anthony Moran and their second by Michael Bell. But after the interval Wark ran the show and after Stuart Brown scored their third goal another two were supplied by Nixon and Phil Thompson.

Stocksfield entertained Murton in the only other Premier Division league game down for decision and a 1-1 draw ended Stocksfield’s dismal run of three defeats while giving Murton their first point away from home. Murton, managed by ex-Stocksfield player Andrew Upperton, ended 86 minutes of stalemate when Allan Curl put them in front. But within a minute the home side was back on terms when Anthony MacDonald found the net.

There were only two all-Premier Division clashes in the first round of the Kicks Leisure League Cup with Carlisle City and Heaton Stannington both making progress. Goals for Gary Yates and Russell Nelson earned Heaton a 2-0 home win against Killingworth Sporting while Carlisle beat visitors Alnwick Town 6-1 thanks to goals by Chris Major (2), Steve Bell (2), Tom Short and Graeme Lupton. Dale Kennedy claimed Alnwick’s consolation goal in the 88th minute of a one-sided encounter.

Another five first round ties involved teams from the league’s top flight facing opponents from the lower divisions and last season’s beaten finalists Harraby Catholic Club along with Seaton Delaval and Newcastle University were all successful in booking places in the second round.

Harraby hammered Second Division cup visitors Willington Quay Saints 12-0. Rob Bainbridge (4) and Marc Shiel (2) led the charge for the Cumbrians whose remaining goals were shared by James Earl, Steve Archibald, Andy Douglas, Mike Swift (penalty), Nick Routledge and Andy Roberts.

Goals supplied by Steve Howe (2), Craig Johnson (2) and Jeff Fuller gave Delaval a 5-1 win in their tie away to Newcastle East End from the First Division. And there was a slightly more modest 3-1 cup win for Newcastle University against their First Division visitors Seaton Burn. Dave Kewn (2) and Gareth Pickup were on target for the Students with Mark Braddick replying in vain for the Burn.

In addition to Alnwick Town and Killingworth Sporting, the other Premier Division fallers at the League Cup’s first hurdle were Cramlington Town and Ashington Colliers. Cramlington Town had Kevin Long and Jordan Watson on the mark in their tie away to Gosforth Bohemians but were beaten 4-2 after having three of their players sent off. And Ashington Colliers were beaten 3-1 by Second Division cup hosts Newcastle BT. Rob Beverley (2) and Greg Hamilton scored for BT before Joe Moscrop got a late goal for the Colliers.

DIVISION ONE – TAPSFIELD IS THE MAIN MAN
There were no league games played in the First Division with League Cup matches taking priority and current league leaders Amble United were beaten 1-0 by Percy Main in their tie at the latter’s Purvis Park base. An entertaining game was settled in the 76th minute as the Main’s substitute Dave Tapsfield scored their winner from Craig Ewart’s low cross.

Last season’s cup winners Cullercoats made an early exit this time. They were beaten 2-1 at Hillheads by their divisional colleagues Whitley Bay A whose match-winning marksmen were Dean Porter and Mark Waite.

In another all-First Division clash Chopwell Officials made home advantage count to beat Cumbrian opponents Northbank 2-0 thanks to strikes by Lee Best and David Fitzpatrick. And Peterlee Town won 7-1 away to Cramlington Blue Star with David Howe playing a starring role with his hat-trick. The other scorers for the Newtowners were Nathan Liddell, Paul Callan, Matt Gaffney and Hayden Pace and the Blue Star’s single reply came from Ross Armstrong.

After a goal-less opening half in their tie at Gateshead, Hebburn Reyrolle beat cup hosts Rutherford 4-1 and were unstoppable after the break. Two ex-Rutherford players – James Maccoy and Dan Matthews – scored for Reyrolle and they had Jay Telford bagging a brace. Rutherford, unable to replicate their fine league form, only managed a single reply through David Clasper.

Gosforth Bohemians beat Premier Division visitors Cramlington Town 4-2 and despite having Kevin Long and Jordan Watson on target the Town never recovered after having three of their players sent off. The Bohs took full advantage and strikes by Danny Sherwood (2), Harry Tulip and Paul Menton ensured their progress.

DIVISION TWO – ACE GIBBARD AIDS THE WELFARE
There were only three league fixtures in the Second Division and Stobswood Welfare, only beaten once this term, won 3-1 at Swalwell to move up into fourth spot. Well-travelled striker Steve Gibbard has linked up with the Welfare and found the net at Swalwell along with Paul Nesbitt and Paul Smith. Jonathan Graham replied for the losers.

Wideopen & District extended their lead at the head of the Second Division to six points and made it eight wins on the trot although plucky visitors Cullercoats Custom Planet were only narrowly beaten 2-1. Liam Graham was the Planet’s scorer but Rob MacDonald bagged both of Wideopen’s goals to maintain their hundred percent record.

Like last season, Tynemouth United are under the cosh again, with no points from their eight starts so far and resting on the bottom rung. United are leaking goals at an alarming rate and were hammered 9-1 at home by North Shields Athletic. Dominic Vasseghi claimed five of the North Shields goals with the rest supplied by Matt Donkin (2), Gary Farrage and Craig Boyle. Graham Piggott replied for Tynemouth who seem to be increasingly out of their depth at this level.

The Second Division’s heroes in the first round of the League Cup were Newcastle BT who upset the odds by deservedly beating Premier Division visitors Ashington Colliers 3-1. Following a goal-less first half the BT lads started to impress and had Rob Beverley and Greg Hamilton oin target to upset their opponents. Joe Moscrop finally got the Colliers off the mark with ten minutes to go but in the 89th minute a second goal for Beverley made sure that BT will be in the second round.

Hexham, last season’s semi-finalists in the League Cup, were halted this time at the first hurdle and beaten 2-0 by Forest Hall at Wentworth Park. Forest Hall thoroughly deserved their success with Tom Jones opening their account just before the interval and Scott Parker doubling the lead with a minute to go.

Newcastle Chemfica booked themselves a second round slot by impressively beating powerful visitors Amble 6-2. Four of their goals were tucked away by Anthony Bruce and the winning tally was completed by Alan Malloy and Martin Dixon. Wyn Fremlin replied twice for the losers.

Wallsend Town did well to beat First Division hosts South Shields United 3-2 with goals by Lee Summers, Paul McCutcheon and Ryan Arnott who scored the winner in the 80th minute. The home side’s replies had come from Mick Armstrong and Nick Payne.

Wallsend Boys Club won 3-0 away to Whitley Bay Town to go through and the pairings in the Second Round of the Kicks Leisure League Cup are now:

• Cullercoats Custom Planet v Newcastle BT;
• Forest Hall v Chopwell Officials;
• Gosforth Bohemians v Wideopen & District;
• Harraby Catholic v Berwick United;
• Murton v Blyth Town;
• Newcastle Chemfica v Wallsend Town;
• Newcastle University v Morpeth Sporting Club;
• North Shields Athletic v Ponteland United;
• Percy Main v Heddon;
• Peterlee Town v Hebburn Reyrolle;
• Swalwell v Stobswood Welfare or Stocksfield;
• Walker Central v Heaton Stannington;
• Wallington v Tynemouth United;
• Wallsend Boys Club v Seaton Delaval;
• Wark v Carlisle City;
• Whitley Bay A v Shankhouse.

STUDENTS FAIL FIRST EXAM

By Bill Gardner
Newcastle University made their usual belated start to their season but it wasn’t a happy curtain-raiser and the Students were soundly beaten 5-0 at home by highly-placed Wark. Leading 3-0 at the interval, Wark had Marc Nixon completing a hat-trick to preserve his goal-per-game status and Tony Lancaster and Phil Thompson were their other marksmen.

Apart from the University, Heddon are the only other club yet to claim a Premier Division victory. Two drawn games have been followed by five straight defeats and Heddon’s misery was extended when they lost 2-0 to Blyth Town at Bullocksteads.

Heddon are still waiting for their first three-pointer and have followed up two drawn games with a depressing run of five defeats. They were beaten 2-0 at Bullocksteads by Blyth Town who hoisted themselves up into a mid-table slot.

After a goal-less opening half Danny Beresford scored his first goal of the new campaign for Blyth, meeting Adam Gladwin’s perfect cross and beating the home keeper from a couple of yards out. This slender lead survived despite a few Heddon onslaughts and it was doubled in the dying minutes to ensure that Blyth bagged the points. This time Beresford emerged as provider and Martin Robinson raced onto his defence-splitting through ball to slot his low drive wide of the Heddon keeper.

Cramlington Town finally secured their first league win at the seventh attempt. The Town clinched a 2-1 verdict away to Ashington Colliers and were in front after fifteen minutes as a well-delivered cross from Dave Atkinson was headed home by Kevin Long from just inside the box. This goal was cancelled out by Ashington’s Marc Pattie as he struck just before the interval but Cramlington were determined to end their miserable run and regained the lead in the 65th minute. Earlier scorer Long bagged his vital second goal and the Town’s winner when he rifled in Andrew Carr’s cross from close range.

Newly-promoted sides Killingworth Sporting and Stocksfield came face to face and Killy made home advantage count by winning 2-0. Both sides went into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats but Killingworth edged this one. They took the lead midway through the opening half when Jorge Bollado rolled the ball through to Kevin Westphal whose shot bounced to confuse visiting keeper Peter Adnitt on its way into the net. Jack Callaghan doubled Killy’s lead in the 70th minute with Bollado once again providing the ammunition.

After a slow start to the campaign, Ponteland United have picked up and did well to draw 2-2 with early pace-setters Heaton Stannington at Grounsell Park despite being affected by injuries and suspensions.

Heaton had Kevin Carr close to opening the scoring but after 25 minutes it was Pont who took the lead when Andrew Davidson’s cross was headed on by Gavin Wood for Turner to fire home. Ten minutes later however Heaton levelled as Lawrence McKenna’s square pass was banged in by Carr.

United came under heavy second half pressure and the home side went in front when Edmore Murau was brought down in the box and Adam Donaghey scored from the spot. Despite this set-back Ponteland dug in deep and were rewarded by a 65th minute equaliser as a long ball from Ross Phillips put Billy Holden through to score with a lob over the advancing home keeper. Both sides had later chances but a draw was probably the right result.

Walker Central remained three points clear of Wark at the head of the table and the Central, the only side to remain unbeaten in the Premier Division, were 3-0 victors at home to Seaton Delaval.

David Dormand gave them an interval lead and Liam Mulligan netted twice inside the last ten minutes.

Heaton Stannington, Carlisle City and Killingworth Sporting are jointly occupying third spot but, like Heaton, Carlisle had to settle for a single point from their 1-1 draw away to Shankhouse. Steve Thornton fired Shankhouse into a 20th minute lead in what was their first home game this term but on the hour Joe Blaylock grabbed an equaliser for the Cumbrians.

Harraby Catholic Club suffered their second postponement of the new campaign when their home game with Murton had to be called off due to waterlogging.

DIVISION ONE – AMBLE UNITED ON THE RECEIVING END
After winning six games on the trot and banging in twenty-five goals in the process, First Division leaders Amble United were stopped in their tracks with a vengeance. United were victims of resurgent visitors Cullercoats who claimed an impressive 5-1 verdict. Stewart Wright gave Cullercoats the lead straight from the kick off and although Greg Dance supplied Amble with a prompt equaliser they were stunned after the break. Two goals each for Craig Deighton and Dave Fairless reflected a great performance by the Cullercoats lads.

Due to Amble’s slip-up they’re now sharing pole position with Gateshead Rutherford who have improved greatly compared to last term. Only beaten once in their seven starts, the Gateshead outfit secured their sixth victory in beating hosts South Shields United 3-2 and Kevin Urwin gave them a first half opener. Kyle Yorston levelled for Shields straight after the interval but their joy was short-lived. Johnny Gage handled on the line to be red-carded and Michael Jeffares put Rutherford in front again from the spot. Jeffares went on to score again for the visitors after 85 minutes and time was running out when South Shields bagged a second reply through Mark Davies.

Only two points shy of the top-of-the-table duo, Gosforth Bohemians and Percy Main are joint second in the pecking order and both won again to keep up the pressure. Against early strugglers Seaton Burn at Benson Park, the Bohemians romped to a 6-0 victory and the margin could have been even greater. There were three goals in each half scored for the Bohs by Matthew Owens (2), Harry Tulip (2), Liam Riley and Danny Sherwood to leave Seaton Burn still seeking their first point away from home.

Percy Main stayed in contention by beating Chopwell Officials 2-1 at Purvis Park but fell behind in the 37th minute and, when Graeme Cole committed a foul on Chopwell front runner Lee Best, the visitors’ centre half Gareth Powell beat Rob Rodgerson with his spot kick. Only four minutes later the Villagers were back on terms and after being hauled down by the Chopwell keeper, Craig Ewart tucked away his penalty to equalise. And with ten minutes to go second half substitute Callum Colbeck, set up by Ewart, scored the Main’s winner from just outside the box.

Whitley Bay A and Morpeth Sporting Club continued their climb up the table and the Bay, who have been beaten only once so far, were comfortable 4-0 victors away to Berwick United. Dean Porter claimed a hat-trick for Whitley whose other scorer was Jamie Lyndon.

After commencing their season with three consecutive defeats, Morpeth Sporting Club have won four games on the trot and did well to beat latest opponents Wallington at Scots Gap. Chris Tate and player-manager Richard Latimer were on the mark for Morpeth with Wallington’s single reply coming from Peter Southern.

Newcastle East End’s poor form continued and they were beaten 2-1 at home by Hebburn Reyrolle whose goals were both tucked away by Chris Morris. Dieu Lomana scored for the Eastenders as they slumped to a third successive league defeat.

DIVISION TWO – A WIDEOPEN GAP
A hundred percent record in seven games to date has installed Wideopen & District as clear leaders in the Second Division with Alan Booth’s side currently three points better off than second-placed Amble. Both sides won again last weekend and Wideopen beat struggling visitors Whitley Bay Town 3-1. Liam Jubb bagged a brace for the league leaders who also had Andy Walker on target while the Bay’s single reply came from Andy Milsom.

After a shock 2-1 defeat at home by Whitley Bay Town in midweek, their first setback this season, Amble got their act back together and responded by beating hosts Swalwell 4-1. Adam Shanks (2), Wyn Fremlin and Craig Kielty found the net for the Seasiders with Stuart Rook replying for the losers.

In joint third spot, Wallsend Boys Club and North Shields Athletic are working hard to stay in contact with the early pace-setters and the Boys Club, beaten only once so far, were 2-1 winners at home to league newcomers Cullercoats Custom Planet. Dan Henry and Michael Starkey supplied the Wallsend goals while Eddie Garrett scored for the Planet as they suffered a fourth defeat on the trot.

Like the Boys Club, North Shields Athletic have lost only one of their seven games to date and did well to beat fifth-placed visitors Wallsend Town 4-1 in a tough encounter. Dominic Vasseghi (2), Graeme Murray and Graham Williams supplied the Athletic’s goals and Paul McCutcheon was Wallsend Town’s sole marksman in what was only their second setback this term.

Although Stobswood Welfare and Newcastle Chemfica are nine points short of Wideopen’s total at the top, these two sides are in fine form at the moment with a quick climb up the table promised. Stobswood cruised to their third win in a row and hammered bottom rung hosts Tynemouth United 7-0. Dave Farrell completed his hat-trick for the Welfare and their tally was completed with further goals by Josh Hay (2), Paul Smith and Matthew Graham. The result was too much for the Tynemouth manager who resigned after the final whistle and the coast club is certainly suffering. They’ve lost all seven of this season’s games and have conceded twenty-nine goals already.

Following two back-to-back defeats Newcastle Chemfica are coming good again and claimed their fourth league win by beating visitors Newcastle BT 3-0. The BT lads, under new management, are still waiting to pick up their first point away from home and went down to Chemfica goals scored by Anthony Bruce (2) and Jonathan Ireland.

Willington Quay Saints are making every effort to recover from a less than perfect start and there are signs that they’ve turned the corner. Despite falling behind to Ross Armstrong’s fifth minute opener for visitors Cramlington Blue Star the Saints rallied to beat the league’s newcomers 3-1. Dave Smith’s penalty got them back on terms before half time and the points were in the bag when further goals were added by player-manager Trevor Ford and David Allan.

Hexham and Forest Hall each made it three draws on the trot with their 1-1 stalemate at Wentworth Park where a player from either side had to be taken to the nearby hospital. The injuries were no reflection of an entertaining and disciplined encounter. After a goal-less first half Ian Strachan gave Hexham the lead and only seconds remained when substitute Kevin Baldwin levelled from the penalty spot for the Hall.