14th November
By Bill Gardner
Only two of three scheduled Premier Division matches went ahead and second-placed Ponteland United trimmed the lead of front runners Alnwick Town to ten points by beating visitors Gateshead Rutherford 3-0.
With club captain Craig Brownout injured Pont handed a debut to new signing Stephen Salter and brought in promising keeper Ryan Carter for the absent Gareth Powell and Michael Havelock.
On Rutherford’s first ever visit to the Leisure Centre Ground they started brightly with Joe Hindmarch heading narrowly wide and Linton Smith going close with his free kick. United then created a few opportunities themselves and went in front five minutes before the break when Harry Tulip beat Gateshead keeper Dave Bebbington with his low drive.
Inside the first ten minutes of the second half the game was killed off as a contest by two more Ponteland goals. On 52 minutes a cross from Andrew Davidson was volleyed home from close range by Richard Kent. And almost immediately Kent turned provider, crossing from the right for Davidson to score with a rare header and take his recent goals tally to six in six outings.
In the other top flight league game Stocksfield emerged as 5-2 victors in their bottom of the table clash away to Cramlington Town to hoist themselves clear of the basement. Two of the winners’ goals were slotted in by Sandy Tordoff with Scott Johnson, Jamie Starkey and Pat Finnerty providing the others. Andrew Carr and Dan Branley replied for Cramlington who stayed level on points with Murton at the foot of the Premier Division.
Third round ties in the Kicks Leisure George Dobbins League Cup were hit by the weather but four of the seven planned games went ahead. And last season’s cup winners Hebburn Reyrolle bowed out following their 2-1 defeat at Wark. Tom McAlindon bagged both of Wark’s goals in the first half and Hebburn’s single reply came from Kristian Wilkinson in the 75th minute.
In an all-Premier Division encounter at Grounsell Park, Heaton Stannington were restricted to a 1-0 victory over visitors Murton who belied their low league ranking. Michael Waggott claimed what turned out to be Heaton’s winner after half an hour but Murton always looked capable of a comeback and only the woodwork denied them a late equaliser.
Alnwick Town carried their sparkling league form into the cup arena and booked their place in the League Cup’s last eight with a 3-0 home win against First Division opponents Heddon. The plucky visitors held out for 50 minutes before Dale Kennedy finally got Alnwick off the mark. And inside the following twenty minutes further goals were added by Chris Moffat and Stephen Hogg.
Blyth Town also made progress in the cup but needed the luxury of extra time and penalties to see off First Division visitors Cullercoats. Just before the break Graeme Heath fired Blyth in front but midway through the second half Sean Smith levelled for Cullercoats. Extra time produced no further goals and Blyth eventually won 4-2 in the spot kick shoot-out.
There are four third round games still to be decided in the League Cup with the updated draw for the quarter-finals now reading: Whitley Bay A or Harraby Catholic Club v Alnwick Town, Ashington Colliers or Newcastle University v Wark, Heaton Stannington v Amble United or Percy Main and Blyth Town v Shankhouse or Walker Central.
Carlisle City’s game away to Wigton in the third round of the Cumberland Senior Cup was postponed and rescheduled for this Saturday. Northbank made progress however by beating visitors Silloth 2-1 with goals in each half for Andy Rogerson and Ross Irving.
Harraby Catholic Club made a surprising exit from the county cup after losing 3-2 to hosts Eden Thistle who had started as relative outsiders in the competition. Two hotly disputed first half spot kicks both put away by the Thistle’s Stephen Golding put their visitors on the back foot and Phil Wynne scored a third goal before Harraby’s late replies came from Brett Swift and Mark Worrall (penalty). This was a major upset for the Northern Alliance’s reigning champions Harraby and after the game they bemoaned what they saw as some inexplicable decisions which hadn’t been in their favour.
DIVISIONS ONE & TWO – PETERLEE SOAR UP THE TABLE
The wet weather leading up to the weekend played havoc with fixtures in Division One and Division Two and there were eight scheduled games postponed.
In Division One Peterlee Town entertained Newcastle East End in the only surviving league game and the Newtowners won 5-0 to move up five notches into third spot. The East End had been performing quite well prior to this encounter but fell behind when Peter Crawford bagged an early brace for Peterlee.
A missed penalty attempt on the half hour mark was the East End’s last chance to save the game and after the break things went from bad to worse. Graham Ball increased the home side’s lead and after 70 minutes the Newcastle keeper was sent off after conceding a penalty which was put away by Crawford to complete his hat-trick. And with two minutes to spare Peterlee’s nap hand was topped up by Graham Lacey as they completed a league double against the Tynesiders.
In a second round tie in the Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup there was a 2-1 victory for Whitley Bay A at Hillheads against Wallington. Both of Whitley’s goals were claimed by Dean Porter to put them into this season’s semi-finals.
South Shields United made progress in the Pin Point Recruitment Charity Cup’s first round by beating visitors North Shields Athletic 2-0. Goals late in each half by Aristote Guerin (penalty) and Richard Pinkney earned South Shields a trip into Cumbria to face Northbank Carlisle in next month’s quarter- finals.
Holders Morpeth Sporting Club retained their interest in this season’s Ideal Stelrad Northumberland Minor Cup and in a tie switched to the all weather pitch at Gateshead Stadium they beat cup opponents West Jesmond 3-2. The Morpeth marksmen to put them though were Mark Armstrong, Luke Jamieson-Yip and Graham Carter. Meanwhile other Minor Cup matches involving Northern Alliance sides were affected by the weather and have been rearranged for this weekend when Cramlington United host Blake law Cub and Forest Hall are away to Gosforth Bohemians A. And, after two postponements, Cramlington’s cup-tie may be switched to Blakelaw.
Only one of seven Division Two league games was able to go ahead and Whitley Bay Town celebrated their first away win of the campaign. The Town beat Red House Farm 3-2 and had a hat-trick hero in Chris Atkin. Nathan Johnstone claimed both replies for the Farm who stayed put in mid-table while Whitley Bay eased themselves clear of the basement.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Monday, 8 November 2010
STOCKSFIELD CLOSE TO UPSETTING LEADERS
7th November
By Bill Gardner
Alnwick Town are now enjoying a thirteen-point lead at the top of the Premier Division table. Still unbeaten, the Northumbrians clocked up their eleventh successive league victory but had to work hard for a 2-1 verdict at Stocksfield.
The league’s most prolific scorers had to wait forty minutes for Stephen Hogg’s opener. With the ball apparently out of play before Stocksfield’s Wayne Stewart was harshly penalised for a foul, Alnwick were awarded a contentious free kick. It found Hogg whose volley struck a defender before looping over keeper David Armstrong into the net.
Only a few minutes later the league leaders were pegged back by Jamie Starkey’s Stocksfield equaliser. Scott Johnson’s pass released Sharkey and he shot across the keeper to claim his fourth goal in only five games for his new club. After 65 minutes however Alnwick’s lead was restored by Ben Keenan and once again the circumstances were questionable. He appeared to come back from an offside position before turning the ball in for his side’s winner and after Stocksfield had a late potential equalise disallowed Alnwick were eventually relieved to hear the final whistle.
In a top of the table clash with Percy Main at Purvis Park and after suffering two defeats on the trot Ponteland United beat their hosts 2-1 to move back into second spot. Dean Gate gave the black-and-whites a very early opener and following good work by John Redhead and Andrew Davidson his half volley flew into the bottom corner.
United’s lead was doubled midway through the first half by winger Davidson who has scored in six of his last seven appearances for Jarrod Suddick’s side. This time Redhead and Harry Tulip were involved in the build-up and Davidson finished well with a low drive just inside the upright.
While Percy Main’s defeat extended a run of poor home form and saw them slip down to sixth place, both Carlisle City and Blyth Town are starting to take an interest in the title race, albeit as outsiders at the moment.
Carlisle City leapfrogged over Percy Main, Heaton Stannington and Harraby Catholic Club and while the last two were laid idle City climbed into third place with a 3-2 victory away to Shankhouse. Goals for James Armstrong and Jordan Walsh had given the home side a 2-1 advantage at the interval but Stuart Kilgour, Craig Cherry and Stuart Hill netted for the Cumbrians and Shankhouse have only won once at Northburn in this campaign.
Blyth Town have been creeping up on the rails despite a bout of travel sickness and they finally recorded their first away win, beating Seaton Delaval 3-0 at Wheatridge Park to climb into a very respectable fifth place. After only eight minutes they were fired in front by Danny Beresford when his chance was organised by Jeff Fuller.
Seven minutes into the second half Blyth’s lead was doubled and when Fuller pulled the ball back from the bye-line and Graeme Heath seized the easiest of chances to beat the keeper. Moments later the game was effectively over for Delaval. Steve Anderson was sent off for a late challenge on Town keeper Scott Earle who had to be taken off injured. And in the 67th minute Blyth neatly wrapped up the points with their third goal as a Fuller effort was handled and he stepped up to score from the resultant penalty.
After losing two home games on the trot Killingworth Sporting got things right again by beating visitors Wark 3-0. Wark had been unbeaten in three previous outings but looked lethargic in this encounter and were duly punished. Liam Callaghan bagged a brace for Killy whose other marksman was Kevin Westphal.
Walker Central picked up their first away points of the season and hauled themselves out of the basement with a 4-0 victory against second bottom Cramlington Town. The final score was no reflection of an entertaining game in which lively striker Nabby Benny was Walker’s secret weapon, scoring all four goals for the winners to crown a great personal performance.
In the second round of the Durham FA Trophy, Gateshead Rutherford were beaten 4-3 at home by league colleagues Simonside SC who had ex-Rutherford player Shaun Edwards scoring a hat-trick. And Murton made progress with a comfortable 7-2 win against Durham Alliance hosts Washington Town. Their goals were supplied by Liam Gill (hat-trick), Stephen Turner (2), Tom Elliott and Karl Garside.
DIVISION ONE – HEBBURN KEEP THE HEAT ON
First Division leaders Whitley Bay A were on county cup duty and nearest rivals Hebburn Reyrolle trimmed the Seasiders’ lead to a single point and the South Tynesiders have a useful game in hand. Hebburn kept this season’s hundred percent record intact by beating lowly visitors Stobswood Welfare 3-1. This wasn’t one of Reyrolle’s better performances but goals for Craig Watson (penalty), Dominic Solman and Craig Malley secured three more vital points. Chris Graham replied for the Welfare.
South Shields United climbed into third spot and made it four wins out of five at home by beating mid-table opponents Heddon 3-1. The Shieldsmen completed a league double over their visitors with goals shared by Aristote Guerin, Dominic Mossa and Tijan Kah.
Newcastle East End’s climb up the table was interrupted when they only managed a 3-3 draw away to Berwick United Ultras. Berwick, who have failed to win in their last four games, had Andrew Bergon, Brian Parkin and Sean Phillips finding the net in this one. But they still dropped another two points as the East Enders claimed their share of the spoils with replies from Mark Lowson(2) and Lee Stephenson.
From being front runners at one time in the First Division, Amble United have hit a bad patch and slumped down to sixth place. United’s 4-0 defeat by hosts Newcastle University was their third setback on the trot and they need to turn things around quickly to revive their promotion hopes. The Students meanwhile look set to charge up the table with their games in hand and they sunk Amble without trace with strikes by Ed Savitt( 2), Dan Clements and James Swainston.
Peterlee Town had just suffered three straight defeats at Eden Lane but stopped the rot at the expense of visitors Chopwell Officials who clearly still have some problems to sort out after losing 5-1. Goals for Darren Major and Martyn Pearce gave the Newtowners a clear interval lead. Alan Rennison pulled a goal back for Chopwell but they were on the back foot in the last half hour and conceded further goals to Peterlee’s Peter Crawford, Paul Franks and Phil Robinson.
DIVISION TWO – MORE MISERY FOR TELECOM LADS
None of the three Second Division matches had any bearing on the top of the table where Wallsend Town are holding off their nearest rivals Wallsend Boys Club. And in a clash with basement partners Wideopen & District there was no joy for hosts Newcastle BT. A 2-1 defeat stretched BT’s winless run to seven games as Wideopen clocked up their first league victory of the season. Anthony Bruce opened the scoring for BT but they were left disappointed and after Alex Wellington levelled for the visitors their stoppage time winner was snatched by Craig Redpath.
Despite having central defender Mike Smith sent off just before the interval Swalwell overtook Cullercoats Custom Planet in the pecking order by soundly beating their visitors 7-2 although it was only 2-1 at half time. Dave Fitzpatrick and Stuart Rook bagged a brace apiece for Swalwell who also had Joe Adams and Adam McVickers on target. Their tally was topped up with an own goal presented by the Planet’s Paul Katz. Tony Fawcett (penalty) and Andrew McCartney replied for the losers.
Willington Quay Saints have won only once on home turf this term and they were well beaten 6-1 by up-and-coming visitors Northbank Carlisle. The Cumbrians were dominant throughout and were rewarded with goals by John Slaven (2), Fraser Vass (2), Scott Thompson and Nicky Routledge. Gareth Pugh was a lone marksman for the Saints.
NORTHUMBERLAND MINOR CUP
Of the fourteen Northern Alliance sides involved in second round ties in the Ideal Stelrad Northumberland FA Minor Cup eleven cleared this hurdle. The teams bowing out at this stage of the competition were Wallsend Town, Whitley Bay Town and Amble.
There were resounding second round victories for Whitley Bay A, Hexham and Wallington and the Bay were 6-1 victors away to Belford with their goals coming from Ian Lee (2), Glen Rearden, Jamie Lyndon, Adam Johnson and Gavin Hattrick.
Hexham almost emulated Whitley Bay’s feat by winning 5-1 against Shilbottle CW Reserves at Wentworth Park. The Tyne valley outfit had Scott Robson and Mark Gibson scoring two goals each and Stephen Coates claimed their fifth.
Wallington however outdid their two colleagues and registered the round’s highest score by hammering Springhill Berwick 8-0 at Scots Gap. The spring was certainly taken out of the visitors and they were already trailing 6-0 at half time. Jordan Nellis led the way with his hat-trick for Wallington while Sam Walton bagged a brace and the rest of their goals were supplied by Kyle Reardon, Mark Jewitt and Nick McClughin.
A single first half goal for Chris Baker was enough to earn Seaton Burn their third round ticket at the expense of cup hosts Alnmouth United while Newcastle Chemfica narrowly beat visitors New York 2-1 with a Steve McLaughlin penalty and a telling second goal by Gareth Davies. And Red House Farm made home advantage count to beat Wearside League opponents Prudhoe Town 3-1.
North Shields Athletic made the cut by winning 2-1 away to Red Star Benwell with strikes by Graham Williams and David Jeffers and Cullercoats retained an interest by winning 4-2 away to Walker Central Reserves. Peter Bradley’s free kick got the Seasiders off the mark. Stewart Wright then netted twice to set Cullercoats up for the kill and their winning tally was completed by Gareth Armstrong.
Gosforth Bohemians were happy with a 3-2 verdict at Wooler to put them through with their goals shared by Dan Child, Andrew Renton and Nick Robinson. And there were two all-Northern Alliance ties in the Minor Cup’s second round.
Whitley Bay Town had Matt Bergh and Chris Fairley on target at home to league colleagues Wallsend Boys Club but after leading 2-1 with eight minutes to go ended up losing 4-2. The Boys Club hit back successfully through Ben Pollock, Oye Oyolade, Mike Starkie and Rob Haney in a storming finish.
The other county cup clash between sides in the Alliance’s Second Division saw third-placed Tynemouth United entertaining league leaders Wallsend Town with United emerging as impressive 4-2 victors. Lee Garwood (2), Lee Brady and Paul Gordon were Tynemouth’s scorers with Craig Burke and Alex Downey replying in vain for the disappointed losers.
Three second round ties postponed last weekend will be hopefully played this Saturday when Cramlington United entertain Blakelaw Club, Forest Hall visit Gosforth Bohemians A and Morpeth Sporting Club are away to West Jesmond.
By Bill Gardner
Alnwick Town are now enjoying a thirteen-point lead at the top of the Premier Division table. Still unbeaten, the Northumbrians clocked up their eleventh successive league victory but had to work hard for a 2-1 verdict at Stocksfield.
The league’s most prolific scorers had to wait forty minutes for Stephen Hogg’s opener. With the ball apparently out of play before Stocksfield’s Wayne Stewart was harshly penalised for a foul, Alnwick were awarded a contentious free kick. It found Hogg whose volley struck a defender before looping over keeper David Armstrong into the net.
Only a few minutes later the league leaders were pegged back by Jamie Starkey’s Stocksfield equaliser. Scott Johnson’s pass released Sharkey and he shot across the keeper to claim his fourth goal in only five games for his new club. After 65 minutes however Alnwick’s lead was restored by Ben Keenan and once again the circumstances were questionable. He appeared to come back from an offside position before turning the ball in for his side’s winner and after Stocksfield had a late potential equalise disallowed Alnwick were eventually relieved to hear the final whistle.
In a top of the table clash with Percy Main at Purvis Park and after suffering two defeats on the trot Ponteland United beat their hosts 2-1 to move back into second spot. Dean Gate gave the black-and-whites a very early opener and following good work by John Redhead and Andrew Davidson his half volley flew into the bottom corner.
United’s lead was doubled midway through the first half by winger Davidson who has scored in six of his last seven appearances for Jarrod Suddick’s side. This time Redhead and Harry Tulip were involved in the build-up and Davidson finished well with a low drive just inside the upright.
While Percy Main’s defeat extended a run of poor home form and saw them slip down to sixth place, both Carlisle City and Blyth Town are starting to take an interest in the title race, albeit as outsiders at the moment.
Carlisle City leapfrogged over Percy Main, Heaton Stannington and Harraby Catholic Club and while the last two were laid idle City climbed into third place with a 3-2 victory away to Shankhouse. Goals for James Armstrong and Jordan Walsh had given the home side a 2-1 advantage at the interval but Stuart Kilgour, Craig Cherry and Stuart Hill netted for the Cumbrians and Shankhouse have only won once at Northburn in this campaign.
Blyth Town have been creeping up on the rails despite a bout of travel sickness and they finally recorded their first away win, beating Seaton Delaval 3-0 at Wheatridge Park to climb into a very respectable fifth place. After only eight minutes they were fired in front by Danny Beresford when his chance was organised by Jeff Fuller.
Seven minutes into the second half Blyth’s lead was doubled and when Fuller pulled the ball back from the bye-line and Graeme Heath seized the easiest of chances to beat the keeper. Moments later the game was effectively over for Delaval. Steve Anderson was sent off for a late challenge on Town keeper Scott Earle who had to be taken off injured. And in the 67th minute Blyth neatly wrapped up the points with their third goal as a Fuller effort was handled and he stepped up to score from the resultant penalty.
After losing two home games on the trot Killingworth Sporting got things right again by beating visitors Wark 3-0. Wark had been unbeaten in three previous outings but looked lethargic in this encounter and were duly punished. Liam Callaghan bagged a brace for Killy whose other marksman was Kevin Westphal.
Walker Central picked up their first away points of the season and hauled themselves out of the basement with a 4-0 victory against second bottom Cramlington Town. The final score was no reflection of an entertaining game in which lively striker Nabby Benny was Walker’s secret weapon, scoring all four goals for the winners to crown a great personal performance.
In the second round of the Durham FA Trophy, Gateshead Rutherford were beaten 4-3 at home by league colleagues Simonside SC who had ex-Rutherford player Shaun Edwards scoring a hat-trick. And Murton made progress with a comfortable 7-2 win against Durham Alliance hosts Washington Town. Their goals were supplied by Liam Gill (hat-trick), Stephen Turner (2), Tom Elliott and Karl Garside.
DIVISION ONE – HEBBURN KEEP THE HEAT ON
First Division leaders Whitley Bay A were on county cup duty and nearest rivals Hebburn Reyrolle trimmed the Seasiders’ lead to a single point and the South Tynesiders have a useful game in hand. Hebburn kept this season’s hundred percent record intact by beating lowly visitors Stobswood Welfare 3-1. This wasn’t one of Reyrolle’s better performances but goals for Craig Watson (penalty), Dominic Solman and Craig Malley secured three more vital points. Chris Graham replied for the Welfare.
South Shields United climbed into third spot and made it four wins out of five at home by beating mid-table opponents Heddon 3-1. The Shieldsmen completed a league double over their visitors with goals shared by Aristote Guerin, Dominic Mossa and Tijan Kah.
Newcastle East End’s climb up the table was interrupted when they only managed a 3-3 draw away to Berwick United Ultras. Berwick, who have failed to win in their last four games, had Andrew Bergon, Brian Parkin and Sean Phillips finding the net in this one. But they still dropped another two points as the East Enders claimed their share of the spoils with replies from Mark Lowson(2) and Lee Stephenson.
From being front runners at one time in the First Division, Amble United have hit a bad patch and slumped down to sixth place. United’s 4-0 defeat by hosts Newcastle University was their third setback on the trot and they need to turn things around quickly to revive their promotion hopes. The Students meanwhile look set to charge up the table with their games in hand and they sunk Amble without trace with strikes by Ed Savitt( 2), Dan Clements and James Swainston.
Peterlee Town had just suffered three straight defeats at Eden Lane but stopped the rot at the expense of visitors Chopwell Officials who clearly still have some problems to sort out after losing 5-1. Goals for Darren Major and Martyn Pearce gave the Newtowners a clear interval lead. Alan Rennison pulled a goal back for Chopwell but they were on the back foot in the last half hour and conceded further goals to Peterlee’s Peter Crawford, Paul Franks and Phil Robinson.
DIVISION TWO – MORE MISERY FOR TELECOM LADS
None of the three Second Division matches had any bearing on the top of the table where Wallsend Town are holding off their nearest rivals Wallsend Boys Club. And in a clash with basement partners Wideopen & District there was no joy for hosts Newcastle BT. A 2-1 defeat stretched BT’s winless run to seven games as Wideopen clocked up their first league victory of the season. Anthony Bruce opened the scoring for BT but they were left disappointed and after Alex Wellington levelled for the visitors their stoppage time winner was snatched by Craig Redpath.
Despite having central defender Mike Smith sent off just before the interval Swalwell overtook Cullercoats Custom Planet in the pecking order by soundly beating their visitors 7-2 although it was only 2-1 at half time. Dave Fitzpatrick and Stuart Rook bagged a brace apiece for Swalwell who also had Joe Adams and Adam McVickers on target. Their tally was topped up with an own goal presented by the Planet’s Paul Katz. Tony Fawcett (penalty) and Andrew McCartney replied for the losers.
Willington Quay Saints have won only once on home turf this term and they were well beaten 6-1 by up-and-coming visitors Northbank Carlisle. The Cumbrians were dominant throughout and were rewarded with goals by John Slaven (2), Fraser Vass (2), Scott Thompson and Nicky Routledge. Gareth Pugh was a lone marksman for the Saints.
NORTHUMBERLAND MINOR CUP
Of the fourteen Northern Alliance sides involved in second round ties in the Ideal Stelrad Northumberland FA Minor Cup eleven cleared this hurdle. The teams bowing out at this stage of the competition were Wallsend Town, Whitley Bay Town and Amble.
There were resounding second round victories for Whitley Bay A, Hexham and Wallington and the Bay were 6-1 victors away to Belford with their goals coming from Ian Lee (2), Glen Rearden, Jamie Lyndon, Adam Johnson and Gavin Hattrick.
Hexham almost emulated Whitley Bay’s feat by winning 5-1 against Shilbottle CW Reserves at Wentworth Park. The Tyne valley outfit had Scott Robson and Mark Gibson scoring two goals each and Stephen Coates claimed their fifth.
Wallington however outdid their two colleagues and registered the round’s highest score by hammering Springhill Berwick 8-0 at Scots Gap. The spring was certainly taken out of the visitors and they were already trailing 6-0 at half time. Jordan Nellis led the way with his hat-trick for Wallington while Sam Walton bagged a brace and the rest of their goals were supplied by Kyle Reardon, Mark Jewitt and Nick McClughin.
A single first half goal for Chris Baker was enough to earn Seaton Burn their third round ticket at the expense of cup hosts Alnmouth United while Newcastle Chemfica narrowly beat visitors New York 2-1 with a Steve McLaughlin penalty and a telling second goal by Gareth Davies. And Red House Farm made home advantage count to beat Wearside League opponents Prudhoe Town 3-1.
North Shields Athletic made the cut by winning 2-1 away to Red Star Benwell with strikes by Graham Williams and David Jeffers and Cullercoats retained an interest by winning 4-2 away to Walker Central Reserves. Peter Bradley’s free kick got the Seasiders off the mark. Stewart Wright then netted twice to set Cullercoats up for the kill and their winning tally was completed by Gareth Armstrong.
Gosforth Bohemians were happy with a 3-2 verdict at Wooler to put them through with their goals shared by Dan Child, Andrew Renton and Nick Robinson. And there were two all-Northern Alliance ties in the Minor Cup’s second round.
Whitley Bay Town had Matt Bergh and Chris Fairley on target at home to league colleagues Wallsend Boys Club but after leading 2-1 with eight minutes to go ended up losing 4-2. The Boys Club hit back successfully through Ben Pollock, Oye Oyolade, Mike Starkie and Rob Haney in a storming finish.
The other county cup clash between sides in the Alliance’s Second Division saw third-placed Tynemouth United entertaining league leaders Wallsend Town with United emerging as impressive 4-2 victors. Lee Garwood (2), Lee Brady and Paul Gordon were Tynemouth’s scorers with Craig Burke and Alex Downey replying in vain for the disappointed losers.
Three second round ties postponed last weekend will be hopefully played this Saturday when Cramlington United entertain Blakelaw Club, Forest Hall visit Gosforth Bohemians A and Morpeth Sporting Club are away to West Jesmond.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
ALNWICK SEE OFF ONE OF THEIR RIVALS
31st October
By Bill Gardner
With other top-of-the-table results going their way, Alnwick Town also helped themselves to go a massive twelve points clear at the head of the Premier Division table. The Town’s 5-3 victory over Percy Main maintained their hundred percent home record and was their tenth league win on the trot.
Dale Kennedy gave Alnwick a very early opener and two quick-fire penalties put away by Ben Keenan just before the interval extended their lead. Percy Main had Jason Ritchie (penalty), Mick Haley and Liam Knox on target but were always chasing the game and Alnwick’s winning tally was completed by Neil Catlow and James Swordy.
Percy Main’s defeat, their first away from home, allowed Heaton Stannington to nudge them out of second spot and also overtake Ponteland United who they beat 3-1 at Grounsell Park. But with keeper Gareth Powell replacing the injured Michael Havelock and new signing Scott McDonald making his debut Pont looked the better side in the opening exchanges. And on the quarter hour they went ahead with Andrew Davidson scoring from the spot after Harry Tulip was fouled.
There was an immediate response from Heaton however and only three minutes later they were back on terms, Kye Waters seizing on a half clearance to beat Powell with his low 25-yard drive into the bottom corner.
Only 25 minutes had elapsed when Heaton went in front for the first time. Adam Donaghey completed a fine run down the right by firing across the Ponteland keeper and just inside the back post. And ten minutes into the second half the home side claimed their vital third goal. Andrew Weeks did the spadework and when he pulled the ball back from the bye-line full back Ian Mills was able to pick his spot.
While both Percy Main and Ponteland dropped down a notch there was renewed hope for the Cumbrian contingent of Harraby Catholic Club and Carlisle City who moved up to occupy fifth and sixth places respectively.
Harraby were fortunate to win 1-0 away to Walker Central but had to survive a strong last minute penalty appeal after Rob Bainbridge had fired them into a 13th minute lead with his first goal of the season. And Carlisle City were happy to draw 1-1 with improving visitors Ashington Colliers. James Hartley was quick to give City an early lead when a cross from Robbie Mather came to him off the head of Colliers defender Gareth Rees. Michael Hogg levelled midway through the first half for Ashington after robbing Steve Bell and beating advancing keeper Bradley. The Colliers had won their three previous games away from home but both sides squandered second half chances in this one and a draw was probably the fairest result.
Blyth Town climbed into the top half of the table after winning 4-1 at home to Murton who are now on the bottom rung and without a single win on their travels. Jeff Fuller’s opener for Blyth was cancelled out by Liam Gill but that was Murton’s last shout. Fuller, Jonny Mann and Gary Day added to Blyth’s tally and they had a chance to make it five but Mark Waugh missed from the penalty spot.
Shankhouse shared the spoils from their 1-1 draw with hosts Gateshead Rutherford after having James Armstrong on target straight from the kick off. Rutherford’s 70th minute leveller was claimed by Linton Smith.
Stocksfield’s recent problems were eased when second half goals earned them a 2-0 home win against Killingworth Sporting. Jamie Sharkey opened the scoring on the hour with his low drive after receiving from Ben Pearson. And within another three minutes the home side’s lead was doubled by Scott Johnson. Once again Pearson initiated the move and, when his flag kick was helped on by Pat Finnerty, Johnson almost broke the net from close range.
Lowly Cramlington Town did well to get a 2-2 draw at Wark. Aiden Armstrong and Dale Telfer scored for the home side but two successful penalties by Andrew Carr earned Cramlington a deserved and welcome point.
In their second round tie away to Hebburn Reyrolle in the Kicks Leisure League Cup, Seaton Delaval were beaten 3-2 by their First Division hosts. Delaval had Andy Johnson and Jordan Fry on target to lead 2-0 but Reyrolle hit back successfully through James McCoy, James Wood and Craig Watson who scored from the spot in stoppage time to settle the issue.
DIVISION ONE – WHITLEY ARE READY FOR HEBBURN CHALLENGE
While their top of the table rivals Hebburn Reyrolle were on League Cup duty, Whitley Bay A increased their lead at the head of the First Division table to four points although Hebburn now have two useful games in hand.
The Bay are still unbeaten and have a hundred percent record in six away games to date and they continued on their merry way with a 2-1 victory over Heddon at Bullocksteads. After a goal-less opening half Ian Lee got Whitley off the mark and their lead was increased by Gavin Hattrick with seven minutes to go. A last minute reply from Heddon’s Kevin Urwin came too late to affect the outcome.
Cullercoats won 3-0 away to Amble United and overtook their hosts to settle into third spot. For the first time in this campaign Amble failed to find the net and the visitors picked up the points with second half strikes by Steve Hart (penalty), Peter Bradley and Alex Burnett. And this was a welcome result for Cullercoats who, despite remaining unbeaten away from home, had drawn three and lost one of their previous four games in the First Division.
Newcastle East End made it three wins out of four by beating out-of-sorts visitors Morpeth Sporting Club 2-0 with goals by Lee Stephenson and Andy Graham. And Wallington’s progress continued when they beat lowly hosts Stobswood Welfare 4-2. The Wallington goals shared by Tom McPherson, Jordan Nellis, Sam Walton and Justin Millican extended their side’s unbeaten run to five games. Replies from Adam Shanks and Chris Graham weren’t enough to save the Welfare from another defeat.
After losing three games on the bounce South Shields United returned to form in spectacular fashion by winning 8-2 at home to Peterlee Town. Aristote Guerin led the way for Shields by banging in four of their goals and the rest were claimed by Richard Pinkney (2), Mark Davies and Phil Enlund.
North Shields Athletic recovered their winning touch following a long lean spell but only managed a 1-0 success at home to a Forest Hall side still seeking its first league point. Promotion has proved a step too far for the Hall and a goal for Athletic’s Dean Wear left them disappointed once again.
Gosforth Bohemians had only picked up two points from three appearances prior to entertaining Berwick United Ultras but they just edged it by 3-2 thanks to goals scored by Craig Allen, Tavis Couling and Andy Parkinson. And Newcastle University’s 4-2 victory away to troubled Chopwell Officials hoisted the Students clear of the basement. Their match-winning marksmen were Tim Rakshi, Ed Savitt, James Swainston and Andrew Hartley and a quick climb up the table is promised.
DIVISION TWO – NO WORRIES AT WALLSEND
The top three teams in the Second Division all won to keep things tight with leaders Wallsend Town, Wallsend Boys Club and Tynemouth United all adding to their points tally. And Wallsend Town, the most prolific scorers in the league’s three divisions, were at it again in a 5-1 victory at home to Cramlington United. Derek Graham completed his hat-trick for the Town whose other scorers were Craig Burke and Ronnie Kay.
So far unbeaten, the Town are setting the hottest of paces and with three games in hand are two points better off than second-placed Wallsend Boys Club. In an entertaining game away to fourth from bottom Amble the Tynesiders emerged as 3-0 victors with goals by Rob Haney (2) and Ben Pollock. Amble belied their lower status in the Second Division but lost some impetus after Shaun Jobson suffered an injury and was taken to hospital.
Tynemouth United in third spot seem to have recovered from a recent dip in form and the improvement was obvious in their important 5-4 home win against Simonside SC. The visitors had just won four league games in succession but despite having Shaun Edwards and Sean Flood bagging a brace apiece they still lost out in this one. Lee Garwood also netted twice for Tynemouth and their other three goals wrapping up the points were claimed by Alex Nisbet, Steve Matthews and Michael Armstrong.
After winning three games on the trot Newcastle Chemfica were brought back down to earth and were narrowly beaten 4-3 at home by Red House Farm who had in direct contrast just lost three games. The Farm just edged it in a thrilling encounter with goals supplied by Rob Nolan ( 2), Zack Brogden and Chris Davison. Unluckiest man on the field had to be Chemfica’s Steve McLaughlin who had nothing to laugh about after hitting a hat-trick.
Cullercoats Custom Planet have remained unbeaten in five games at home so far and hammered lowly visitors Whitley Bay Town 5-0. Martyn Hepple scored four of the winners’ goals but spurned a chance for his fifth with a penalty miss and the Planet’s nap hand was completed by Andrew McCartney.
Newcastle BT had drawn four and lost one of five games prior to entertaining Northbank Carlisle. They would have settled for another stalemate but instead were beaten 1-0 by the Cumbrians whose 75th minute winner was slotted in by John Slaven from Ross Irving’s low cross.
Seaton Burn secured their fourth win, beating Willington Quay Saints 1-0 with a close range header from Sean Barker with only a minute to spare. But Wideopen & District are still without a league win and stayed perched on the bottom rung despite their battling 1-1 draw with mid-table visitors Hexham. Sean Hay was on target for Wideopen with Steve Coates replying for Hexham whose travelling form has been letting them down so far this term.
By Bill Gardner
With other top-of-the-table results going their way, Alnwick Town also helped themselves to go a massive twelve points clear at the head of the Premier Division table. The Town’s 5-3 victory over Percy Main maintained their hundred percent home record and was their tenth league win on the trot.
Dale Kennedy gave Alnwick a very early opener and two quick-fire penalties put away by Ben Keenan just before the interval extended their lead. Percy Main had Jason Ritchie (penalty), Mick Haley and Liam Knox on target but were always chasing the game and Alnwick’s winning tally was completed by Neil Catlow and James Swordy.
Percy Main’s defeat, their first away from home, allowed Heaton Stannington to nudge them out of second spot and also overtake Ponteland United who they beat 3-1 at Grounsell Park. But with keeper Gareth Powell replacing the injured Michael Havelock and new signing Scott McDonald making his debut Pont looked the better side in the opening exchanges. And on the quarter hour they went ahead with Andrew Davidson scoring from the spot after Harry Tulip was fouled.
There was an immediate response from Heaton however and only three minutes later they were back on terms, Kye Waters seizing on a half clearance to beat Powell with his low 25-yard drive into the bottom corner.
Only 25 minutes had elapsed when Heaton went in front for the first time. Adam Donaghey completed a fine run down the right by firing across the Ponteland keeper and just inside the back post. And ten minutes into the second half the home side claimed their vital third goal. Andrew Weeks did the spadework and when he pulled the ball back from the bye-line full back Ian Mills was able to pick his spot.
While both Percy Main and Ponteland dropped down a notch there was renewed hope for the Cumbrian contingent of Harraby Catholic Club and Carlisle City who moved up to occupy fifth and sixth places respectively.
Harraby were fortunate to win 1-0 away to Walker Central but had to survive a strong last minute penalty appeal after Rob Bainbridge had fired them into a 13th minute lead with his first goal of the season. And Carlisle City were happy to draw 1-1 with improving visitors Ashington Colliers. James Hartley was quick to give City an early lead when a cross from Robbie Mather came to him off the head of Colliers defender Gareth Rees. Michael Hogg levelled midway through the first half for Ashington after robbing Steve Bell and beating advancing keeper Bradley. The Colliers had won their three previous games away from home but both sides squandered second half chances in this one and a draw was probably the fairest result.
Blyth Town climbed into the top half of the table after winning 4-1 at home to Murton who are now on the bottom rung and without a single win on their travels. Jeff Fuller’s opener for Blyth was cancelled out by Liam Gill but that was Murton’s last shout. Fuller, Jonny Mann and Gary Day added to Blyth’s tally and they had a chance to make it five but Mark Waugh missed from the penalty spot.
Shankhouse shared the spoils from their 1-1 draw with hosts Gateshead Rutherford after having James Armstrong on target straight from the kick off. Rutherford’s 70th minute leveller was claimed by Linton Smith.
Stocksfield’s recent problems were eased when second half goals earned them a 2-0 home win against Killingworth Sporting. Jamie Sharkey opened the scoring on the hour with his low drive after receiving from Ben Pearson. And within another three minutes the home side’s lead was doubled by Scott Johnson. Once again Pearson initiated the move and, when his flag kick was helped on by Pat Finnerty, Johnson almost broke the net from close range.
Lowly Cramlington Town did well to get a 2-2 draw at Wark. Aiden Armstrong and Dale Telfer scored for the home side but two successful penalties by Andrew Carr earned Cramlington a deserved and welcome point.
In their second round tie away to Hebburn Reyrolle in the Kicks Leisure League Cup, Seaton Delaval were beaten 3-2 by their First Division hosts. Delaval had Andy Johnson and Jordan Fry on target to lead 2-0 but Reyrolle hit back successfully through James McCoy, James Wood and Craig Watson who scored from the spot in stoppage time to settle the issue.
DIVISION ONE – WHITLEY ARE READY FOR HEBBURN CHALLENGE
While their top of the table rivals Hebburn Reyrolle were on League Cup duty, Whitley Bay A increased their lead at the head of the First Division table to four points although Hebburn now have two useful games in hand.
The Bay are still unbeaten and have a hundred percent record in six away games to date and they continued on their merry way with a 2-1 victory over Heddon at Bullocksteads. After a goal-less opening half Ian Lee got Whitley off the mark and their lead was increased by Gavin Hattrick with seven minutes to go. A last minute reply from Heddon’s Kevin Urwin came too late to affect the outcome.
Cullercoats won 3-0 away to Amble United and overtook their hosts to settle into third spot. For the first time in this campaign Amble failed to find the net and the visitors picked up the points with second half strikes by Steve Hart (penalty), Peter Bradley and Alex Burnett. And this was a welcome result for Cullercoats who, despite remaining unbeaten away from home, had drawn three and lost one of their previous four games in the First Division.
Newcastle East End made it three wins out of four by beating out-of-sorts visitors Morpeth Sporting Club 2-0 with goals by Lee Stephenson and Andy Graham. And Wallington’s progress continued when they beat lowly hosts Stobswood Welfare 4-2. The Wallington goals shared by Tom McPherson, Jordan Nellis, Sam Walton and Justin Millican extended their side’s unbeaten run to five games. Replies from Adam Shanks and Chris Graham weren’t enough to save the Welfare from another defeat.
After losing three games on the bounce South Shields United returned to form in spectacular fashion by winning 8-2 at home to Peterlee Town. Aristote Guerin led the way for Shields by banging in four of their goals and the rest were claimed by Richard Pinkney (2), Mark Davies and Phil Enlund.
North Shields Athletic recovered their winning touch following a long lean spell but only managed a 1-0 success at home to a Forest Hall side still seeking its first league point. Promotion has proved a step too far for the Hall and a goal for Athletic’s Dean Wear left them disappointed once again.
Gosforth Bohemians had only picked up two points from three appearances prior to entertaining Berwick United Ultras but they just edged it by 3-2 thanks to goals scored by Craig Allen, Tavis Couling and Andy Parkinson. And Newcastle University’s 4-2 victory away to troubled Chopwell Officials hoisted the Students clear of the basement. Their match-winning marksmen were Tim Rakshi, Ed Savitt, James Swainston and Andrew Hartley and a quick climb up the table is promised.
DIVISION TWO – NO WORRIES AT WALLSEND
The top three teams in the Second Division all won to keep things tight with leaders Wallsend Town, Wallsend Boys Club and Tynemouth United all adding to their points tally. And Wallsend Town, the most prolific scorers in the league’s three divisions, were at it again in a 5-1 victory at home to Cramlington United. Derek Graham completed his hat-trick for the Town whose other scorers were Craig Burke and Ronnie Kay.
So far unbeaten, the Town are setting the hottest of paces and with three games in hand are two points better off than second-placed Wallsend Boys Club. In an entertaining game away to fourth from bottom Amble the Tynesiders emerged as 3-0 victors with goals by Rob Haney (2) and Ben Pollock. Amble belied their lower status in the Second Division but lost some impetus after Shaun Jobson suffered an injury and was taken to hospital.
Tynemouth United in third spot seem to have recovered from a recent dip in form and the improvement was obvious in their important 5-4 home win against Simonside SC. The visitors had just won four league games in succession but despite having Shaun Edwards and Sean Flood bagging a brace apiece they still lost out in this one. Lee Garwood also netted twice for Tynemouth and their other three goals wrapping up the points were claimed by Alex Nisbet, Steve Matthews and Michael Armstrong.
After winning three games on the trot Newcastle Chemfica were brought back down to earth and were narrowly beaten 4-3 at home by Red House Farm who had in direct contrast just lost three games. The Farm just edged it in a thrilling encounter with goals supplied by Rob Nolan ( 2), Zack Brogden and Chris Davison. Unluckiest man on the field had to be Chemfica’s Steve McLaughlin who had nothing to laugh about after hitting a hat-trick.
Cullercoats Custom Planet have remained unbeaten in five games at home so far and hammered lowly visitors Whitley Bay Town 5-0. Martyn Hepple scored four of the winners’ goals but spurned a chance for his fifth with a penalty miss and the Planet’s nap hand was completed by Andrew McCartney.
Newcastle BT had drawn four and lost one of five games prior to entertaining Northbank Carlisle. They would have settled for another stalemate but instead were beaten 1-0 by the Cumbrians whose 75th minute winner was slotted in by John Slaven from Ross Irving’s low cross.
Seaton Burn secured their fourth win, beating Willington Quay Saints 1-0 with a close range header from Sean Barker with only a minute to spare. But Wideopen & District are still without a league win and stayed perched on the bottom rung despite their battling 1-1 draw with mid-table visitors Hexham. Sean Hay was on target for Wideopen with Steve Coates replying for Hexham whose travelling form has been letting them down so far this term.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)