ALNWICK PRESS THEIR CLAIM

By Bill Gardner
While previous league leaders Gillford Park slipped down a notch, Alnwick Town climbed into fourth spot and ended a month’s enforced break with a 2-0 home win against Shankhouse. The Town showed no signs of being ring-rusty after their ‘holiday’ and secured the points with goals by Richard Brown and Scott McMullen. Shankhouse however have played half of their league games and may drop out of the title race if results don’t improve.

Seaton Delaval ended the year in pole position – the first time in twelve years that they’ve been top of the pile in the Premier Division. And they made it four wins on the trot by beating Ponteland United 3-2 at Wheatridge Park.

Terry Goicochea opened the scoring for Delaval and their lead was doubled by an own goal gift. Liam McIvor then got Ponteland off the mark but right on half time Stephen Howes restored the home side’s two-goal advantage. Midway through the second half Dean Gate trimmed the deficit for United and they forced Delaval to hang on grimly in the closing stages.

The postponement of their home game against Heddon was costly for Gillford Park who were replaced in second spot by defending champions Walker Central. The Central extended their unbeaten run to six games with a 2-0 victory over in-form visitors Newcastle University. Ian Dunn fired Walker into an interval lead but the Students always looked threatening and there was relief all round for the Central when leading scorer Dave Thompson claimed their second goal and his thirteenth of the season in the 80th minute.

Harraby Catholic Club – champions in 2007 – could soon be influencing the current title race. Despite being in sixth place the Cumbrians have five games in hand of the latest leaders and have lost only once so far. Away to Wark they won 2-0 but had to wait until the second half to wrap up the points.
Wark made their visitors fight all the way to clinch the points and both sides went close in the opening stages. Martin Hardy and Lee Telfer both hit the woodwork for Wark while Marc Shiel and Nick Routledge fired just wide for Harraby.

The Cumbrians finally broke the deadlock on 65 minutes when James Earl’s determined run down the right saw him brought down in the corner of the box and Shiel stepped up to score from the penalty spot. Inside another minute Harraby’s lead was doubled and, when the home keeper didn’t hold Earl’s cross, Routledge was able to steer the ball over the line.

Things are remaining tight in the Premier Division basement with only two points separating the bottom six clubs. And Murton lifted off the bottom rung after beating mid-table visitors Peterlee Town 4-1. Murton avenged their earlier 3-2 defeat by the Newtowners with goals supplied by Andy Somerville (2), Karl Garside and Michael Walton. John Pyle replied for Peterlee who have now failed to win any of their last six league games.

Heaton Stannington have gone seven games without a win and had to settle for a 2-2 home draw with Carlisle City with only a single point separating the two sides. Heaton were two up at the break thanks to Gary Yates and Chris Hutchinson but replies from Jamie Heath and Chris Kelleher gave City a deserved share of the spoils.

Meanwhile, Blyth Town’s renaissance continued and a 3-1 victory at home to lowly Ashington Colliers earned them some more breathing space. After 11 minutes Aaron Hicken opened the scoring for Blyth by volleying home from Danny Beresford’s cross. Eight minutes later Beresford himself doubled the Town’s lead after he raced onto a long ball from Scott Earle.

Blyth’s winning tally was completed midway through the second half as, set up by Jeff Fuller, Beresford slotted in his second goal of the game. Anthony Wright replied for the Colliers but they need to use their games in hand productively to get themselves out of trouble.

DIVISION ONE – SHOCK DEFEAT FOR SEASIDERS
In the First Division, second-placed Whitley Bay ‘A’ were lying idle and Cullercoats in third spot slipped up badly on their visit to Scots Gap to face Wallington. The Seasiders were hammered 6-1 and could have no qualms about the outcome. Femi Akinbolu was their lone marksmen while the goals for an impressive Wallington side were put away by Ashley McAlpine (2), Stuart Foreman, Jack Palmer, Darren Carr and Ross Donnelly.

Percy Main were limited to a goal-less draw at Purvis Park by Seaton Burn who had Dave Hewitt sent off rather harshly only ten minutes into the game. Burt there was no shortage of goals at Gateshead where Rutherford dished out a 7-0 lesson to Berwick United. The Borderers haven’t yet picked up a single point on their travels and were well beaten again. Andy Reay completed his hat-trick for Rutherford, Ross Taylor bagged a brace and the winning tally was topped up by Stephen Tumelty and debutant Ian Bell.

Although they’re in fourth spot at the moment, Chopwell Officials are not yet serious promotion candidates but they were certainly too strong for bottom rung visitors Red Row Welfare. Still seeking their first point in this campaign, the Welfare were soundly beaten 6-1 and their single goal scored by Joe Moscrop was poor consolation. In a rather one-sided game Chopwell were never tested and their goals were shared by Kevin Morland, Andrew Smith, Lee Best, Mark Fitzpatrick and Stuart Rookes.

Stocksfield are now nine points ahead of nearest rivals Whitley Bay ‘A’ at the top of the table. Having won eleven of their twelve games to date the Tyne Valley outfit added three more points to their coffers by beating hosts Killingworth YPC 4-2. Killy had Kevin Grahamslaw and Peter Mulholland on target but still suffered their second defeat of the season. Phil Murray (2), Bruce Vause and Pat Finnerty scored for the league leaders.

Newcastle East End also claimed a 6-1 victory at home to Hebburn Reyrolle whose recent dip in form has been dramatic. Having now claimed only one win in five most recent appearances, Hebburn’s only scorer was James Keeler. Anthony Johnson was responsible for four of the East Enders’ goals with the other two put away by Paul Bright and Dieu-Donne Lomana.

DIVISION TWO – HOT-SHOT GIBBARD RETURNS TO HIS ROOTS
Only four games went ahead in the Second Division and second-placed Amble United secured a crucial 3-0 victory at home to current table-toppers South Shields United. Ross Gair gave Amble an interval lead which was doubled by the same player straight after the break. Returning ex-player-manager Steve Gibbard scored United’s third goal and with two games in hand they now have a great chance to take over in pole position in the New Year.

Amble United’s position was further strengthened by the 6-2 defeat of third-placed rivals Wideopen & District at Hexham, Hexham, who look set for a climb away from the basement, looked very strong in this encounter and their winning marksmen were Iain Strachan (2), Neil Tiffin, Mark Gibson, Scott Robson and Ben Griffiths. Both replies for losers Wideopen came from Richard Curran.

With games in hand to aid their cause, Forest Hall’s promotion hopes can’t be written off and they retained their unbeaten away record by drawing 1-1 with Wallsend Boys’ Club. This was an entertaining game between two clubs level on points and in the top half of the table. Danny Parker found the net for the Boys’ Club with his goal cancelled out by Forest Hall’s Tom Carver.
Wallsend Town’s woes continued and they suffered a sixth successive defeat, going down 5-4 to visitors Willington Quay Saints. Despite having Willie Tindle, Kevin Rookes, Mark Brewis and Steve Cap on target the Town were just edged out of the points. In what was their first away win this term the Saints had a four-goal hero in Gareth Pugh to complete a league double over Wallsend. And their other marksman was Glen Gallon.

Tynemouth United meanwhile became the latest Alliance side to bow out of the Northumberland Minor Cup. They switched their home tie to the ground of opponents Berwick Town and, despite scoring through Stephen Bell (2) and Paul Neilson, were narrowly beaten 4-3.

There will now be only five teams in the fourth round of the Minor Cup with ties due to be played on 10th January. The surviving flag bearers are Cullercoats, Newcastle BT, Forest Hall, Amble and Wallsend Town.

ARE GILLFORD SLIPPING?

By Bill Gardner
Gillford Park were toppled from pole position in the Premier Division after suffering their first league defeat of this campaign. The Park were beaten 3-2 at home by defending champions Walker Central who built up an early two-goal lead through Dave Thompson and John Campbell. Steve Skinner (penalty) and Mark Butler restored parity for Gillford before the break but after 80 minutes Joe Kennedy scored the Central’s winner.

Seaton Delaval replaced Gillford at the top on goal difference after winning 3-1 away to bottom rung side Murton. Murton had been unbeaten in four previous home games and were fired in front by Karl Garside. John Fitzpatrick levelled promptly for Delaval but they had to wait until deep into the second half for their other goals put away by Phil Hildreth and Paul Baird.

Shankhouse held onto third spot just ahead of Walker Central and after a spell of five games without a win they beat hosts Blyth Town 3-1. Trailing at half time to Aaron Hicken’s opener for Blyth, Shankhouse were strong after the break and Andrew Sherlaw equalised on the hour. Later strikes by Kevin Gustard and Gavin Keen, who netted in the dying seconds, wrapped up the points.

Alnwick Town’s home game against Heddon was postponed and the rest of the action was in the Longhorn Hardware League Cup. Carlisle City’s long-delayed first round tie at Wallington finally went ahead but there was no joy for the Cumbrians. Despite having Stephen Bell and Jamie Heath on target at Scots Gap, City were beaten 3-2 by their First Division hosts whose scorers were Stuart Foreman, Sam Walton and Ashley McAlpine. McAlpine found the net for his winner in the 89th minute.

In the second round of the League Cup, six Premier Division sides were trying to make progress and five were successful against opponents from the lower ranks. The only exception was Cramlington Town who lost out 2-1 in extra time away to Hexham. Andrew Scott put the Town in front after a goal-less opening half but with a minute to spare a Tom Phillips goal earned Hexham a reprieve. And in the 98th minute Phillips bagged his second to settle the issue.

Harraby Catholic Club, Newcastle University, Peterlee Town, Heaton Stannington and Wark all booked places in the third round and Harraby hammered neighbours Northbank 7-1 with goals for Nick Routledge (3), Rob Bainbridge (2), Dan Anderton and Lee Otway.

Joe Foote and Dave Kewn netted to give the University a 2-0 home win against Benfield Chemfica and Peterlee Town’s scorers in their 2-1 extra time victory against visitors Wideopen were David Fisher and Alan Smith.

Heaton Stannington beat cup hosts Wallsend Boys’ Club 4-1 thanks to Kevin Carr (2), Lawrence McKenna and Derek Oman and Wark’s marksmen in their 3-0 success at home to Amble were Marc Nixon (2) and Lee Telfer.

In an all-Second Division tie, hosts Forest Hall were beaten 3-2 in extra time by Stobswood Welfare despite having Michael Reay and Terry McCarthy on the mark. Stobswood turned out to have a super-sub in Michael Hogg and after coming off the bench he bagged a brace to add an extra half hour to the proceedings. And his hero status was enhanced when he scored the Welfare’s winner to complete his hat-trick.

DIVISION ONE – LEADERS CHOP DOWN RIVALS
First Division leaders Stocksfield extended their lead at the top to six points and a 6-3 win over fourth-placed visitors Chopwell Officials allowed them to maintain their hundred percent home record. Phil Murray supplied four of the Stocksfield goals with the others scored by Ben Pearson and Scott Johnson. Chopwell’s replies came from David Purdy, Andrew Smith and Lee Best.

In another of only four games down for decision in the First Division, second-placed Whitley Bay ‘A’ slipped up again. After winning four league games on the trot the Bay have drawn their last three and featured in another - a 2-2 stalemate with hosts Gateshead Rutherford.

Two goals for Jamie Linden, including a 29th minute spot kick, had Whitley apparently coasting but they p[aid for later complacency. Ross Taylor rounded the keeper to get Rutherford off the mark and with five minutes to go Dean Stewart levelled with a fine header.

With useful games in hand Cullercoats kept the pressure on at the top of the table and, beaten only once this term, they ran out 4-2 victors at home to Berwick United. Paul Wood and Simon Hargreaves scored for Berwick but they’re still seeking their first points away from home. Cullercoats got these ones in the bag thanks to Craig Deighton’s hat-trick and a goal for Sean Smith.

Percy Main lost their fourth away game on the trot, going down 3-1 against Hebburn Reyrolle and they remained in mid-table. First half goals by Chris Morris and Marc Haire put Hebburn in the driving seat. James Ferguson trimmed the deficit for the Main midway through the second half but Haire scored his second in 86 minutes for the home side to see the points secured.

CHARITY CUP – PONT STROLL THROUGH
Two games were played in the Pin Point Recruitment Charity Cup and while one went true to form the other didn’t. As expected Ponteland United coasted through by soundly beating cup visitors Gosforth Bohemian Garnett 6-1 at the Leisure Centre Ground.

Having played only two games since 1st November Pont were in no mood for charity in this first round encounter against Division One opponents. The visitors were stunned after only three minutes when James Hall chested down Andrew Davidson’s cross for Liam McIvor to fire low into the bottom corner. And five minutes later McIvor put Joe Dawson through to double the lead.

McIvor then got his second goal when David Redhead, making a return after four months of injury and suspension, played a through ball to young James Hal. Hall squared to McIvor who netted with a simple tap-in.

Gosforth nearly got one back after 20 minutes when Harry Tulip raced away from the defence but his shot was unluckily deflected onto the post. On the half hour Ponteland’s lead was increased again as McIvor completed his hat-trick, banging in the loose ball when Hall’s drive was parried out.

The impressive Hall got on the score sheet after 35 minutes and United were coasting. To bring a spectacular first half to a close at 6-0 to Ponteland, McIvor got his fourth goal of the game after slick passing between Glenn Ford and the overlapping Mark Dummett.

To their credit, Gosforth battled hard in the second half and never let their heads fall and with five minutes to go they got a deserved consolation goal for their grit and tenacity. John McDonald found the Ponteland net after his colleague Danny Sherwood had gone close.

Ashington Colliers meanwhile should have proved too strong for the First Division cup hosts Newcastle East End but it didn’t pan out that way. The East Enders beat their Premier Division opponents 4-2 and had Anthony Johnson and Paul Bright bagging a brace each to see them through. Both of Ashington’s replies came from David Brown.

With another two ties played to a finish the quarter-final draw in the Charity Cup now reads: Blyth Town v Whitley Bay ‘A’, Ponteland United v Killingworth YPC or Alnwick Town and Carlisle City or Berwick United v Newcastle East End. Red Row Welfare are also still in the hunt after receiving a bye.

NORTHUMBERLAND MINOR CUP – TOO MANY EXITS
Third round ties in the Northumberland Minor Cup, continually held up by the bad weather, finally got the go-ahead to ease the threat of fixture congestion. Last Saturday’s only casualty was Tynemouth United’s home tie with Berwick Town which has been rescheduled for this weekend up at Berwick.

Four Northern Alliance sides – Amble United, North Shields Athletic, Whitley Bay Town and Willington Quay Saints – all fell at the third round hurdle.

At home to league colleagues Killingworth YPC, Amble United were level at 1-1 after extra time with Brad Wake on target for the Seasiders and Jorge Bollado finding the net for Killy. But at the end of the resultant penalty shoot-out Killingworth emerged as 4-3 victors.

In another all-Alliance clash Newcastle BT put paid to the hopes of cup visitors North Shields Athletic by winning 2-1. Dave Thompson and Simon Mattock were BT’s marksmen while Alex Burn replied for the losers.

There were ignominious ends for the Minor Cup aspirations of both Whitley Bay Town and Willington Quay Saints. With no regular keeper available the Town were hammered 6-0 at home by last season’s losing finalists Killingworth YPC Town while the Saints, who reached the quarter-finals last time, were also beaten at home and went down 5-0 against Blyth Town Reserves.

Wallsend Town however kept their flag waving with a comfortable 4-1 victory on their visit to Whitley Lodge Baptist Church. Paul McCutcheon and recent signing Kevin Smith scored two goals each for Wallsend to extend their progress in the competition.

At the Northumberland Minor Cup’s fourth round stage the Northern Alliance will have five clubs definitely in contention. They are Killingworth YPC Sporting, Cullercoats, Newcastle BT, Wallsend Town and Forest Hall. And Amble FC and possibly Tynemouth United could eventually be joining them.

WINTER CUP CHAOS CAUSING PROBLEMS

By Bill Gardner
The third round programme in the Northumberland FA Minor Cup – the County’s biggest competition – frequently causes problems as it coincides with the wintry weather. It’s living up to its reputation again this year and the postponements have a knock-on effect as far as fixtures are concerned in leagues like the Northern Alliance.

After two successive blank weekends due to ice, snow and rain, there are eight Alliance hopefuls caught up in the log jam and hoping that the weather relents for this coming Saturday.

Last weekend only three of the Minor Cup games went ahead, including two matches involving Northern Alliance sides. Cullercoats and Forest Hall managed to make progress and Forest Hall were 4-2 victors away to Wallsend Town Reserves to book themselves a last sixteen slot.
Cullercoats meanwhile won 2-1 away to league colleagues Hexham in a very competitive tie. Craig Deighton bagged both the Cullercoats goals in the opening half but they had to battle to retain their advantage. Just recovered from a bad knee injury, Tony Lancaster reduced the deficit for Hexham but they failed in their determined quest for an equaliser.

DIVISION ONE – STOCKSFIELD STENGTHEN POSITION
The league programme suffered badly again with every game in the three divisions wiped out except for the First Division clash between Stocksfield and visitors Hebburn Reyrolle.

Heading the table and only beaten once so far, Stocksfield increased their lead in pole position by winning 5-2 and they’re now four points clear of nearest promotion rivals Whitley Bay ‘A’ with the added bonus of a game in hand.

Visitors Hebburn have suffered a recent dip in form and were soon in trouble, trailing to goals by Stocksfield’s Phil Murray and Ben Pearson at the interval. Pearson netted again after the break to take his personal tally to eleven league goals and Pat Finnerty scored the home side’s fourth. Hebburn rallied with replies from James Keeler and David Jeffers but their hosts still had the last word as Scott Johnson completed the scoring.

DISAPPOINTMENTS IN DURHAM
First Division side Gateshead Rutherford and South Shields United from the Second Division both bowed out of their respective Durham County competitions.

Rutherford, winners in the 2006-2007 season, switched their quarter-final home tie against Brandon British Legion in the Durham Trophy to the all-weather pitch at Gateshead International Stadium but were beaten 3-2. After half an hour they were two down to strikes by Lee Blades and David Hird for their visitors although Hird’s goal looked suspiciously offside.

Rutherford were by far the stronger side in the second half and two quick replies restored parity. Both were claimed by Steve Tumelty and after turning in a low cross at the near post he scored his second with a neat back-header. Steve Wood should have put Rutherford in front but was wide of the mark and his miss proved costly when, from a throw in, Andy Nicholson headed home Brandon’s 84th minute winner.

South Shields United were away to Hendon in the Durham Minor Cup and had their hopes dashed in a penalty shoot-out. Goals for Karl Kennedy (2), Kyle Yorston and Phil Enlund had Shields leading 4-2 at one stage but Hendon got back to 4-4 at the end of extra time. And in the spot kick contest the Sunderland outfit just shaded it to win 5-4.

WHITLEY CRUISE INTO SEMIS

By Bill Gardner

For the second week running the Northern Alliance programme was almost completely wiped out by the weather with concerns growing about a possible fixture backlog.

The only game played was at Hillheads where Whitley Bay ‘A’ entertained their First Division promotion rivals and current league leaders Stocksfield in a quarter-final tie of the Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup.

Whitley, the most prolific scoring machine in the league’s First Division along with Cullercoats, lived up to their free-scoring reputation by beating their Tyne Valley visitors 7-3.

Bruce Hogg and Dean Porter bagged a brace each for the Bay in this ten-goal thriller and their other marksmen were Gavin Hattrick, Darren Reay and Daniel Iredale. Stocksfield’s replies came from Wayne Stewart, Anthony MacDonald and Phil Murray but they can’t have envisaged this type of set-back.

Whitley’s convincing victory earned them a semi-final slot away to Cullercoats in the Combination Cup on Saturday 21st February when the other tie will involve Red Row Welfare entertaining Wallington.

Meanwhile, Wallington’s first round home tie against Premier Division opponents Carlisle City in the Longhorn Hardware League Cup suffered a third postponement and has been rescheduled for next Saturday – weather permitting. The winners are due to be at home to Stocksfield in the second round with games having been reduced to instalments because of the weather.

So far only Wallsend Town, Heddon, Walker Central, South Shields United, Amble United and Seaton Delaval are though to the League Cup’s third round stage. Most of the outstanding games will hopefully be played on the last Saturday before Christmas and are: Cramlington Town v Hexham; Forest Hall v Stobswood Welfare; Harraby Catholic v Northbank;
Newcastle University v Benfield Chemfica; Peterlee Town v Wideopen & District;
Wallington or Carlisle City v Stocksfield; Wallsend Boys’ Club v Heaton Stannington;
Wark v Amble and Whitley Bay Town v Cullercoats.

Apart from the League Cup log jam the Northern Alliance’s other main competitions have progressed smoothly. Along with the Combination Cup the Bosch Power Tools Challenge Cup and the Pin Point Recruitment Amateur Cup have both reached the semi-final stage with ties due in February. The Challenge Cup draw in the Premier Division is: Gillford Park v Blyth Town and Heddon v Seaton Delaval. And in the Second Division’s Amateur Cup the semi-final pairings are Amble United v Amble, a real local derby, and Forest Hall v Benfield Chemfica.

TOO MANY CLUBS DEPRIVED OF ACTION
County Cup games are giving Northern Alliance fixture secretaries Derek Booth and George Davison a few extra headaches as the winter weather takes it’s toll. Most of the Northumberland FA Minor Cup games stalled last weekend with thirteen Alliance clubs involved. These rearranged games will take precedence this Saturday along with Gateshead Rutherford’s home tie against Brandon British Legion in the Durham Trophy and South Shields United’s visit to Hendon in the Durham Minor Cup.

Things have been progressing slowly this season as far as league fixtures have been concerned if the Winter proves to be severe then there will be worries about completing fixtures.

Four months into the campaign and with the passing of eighteen available Saturdays there are 24 clubs in the Alliance’s three divisions that haven’t reached a double figure total of league games played so far.

In the Premier Division, Harraby Catholic Club and Newcastle University have been the worst affected although Walker Central and Ashington Colliers will also have some catching-up to do. The First Division’s main laggards through no fault of their own are Killingworth YPC who have played only six league games to date while another five of their colleagues have managed only seven games each. With fewer member clubs the Second Division position isn’t as serious, although Tynemouth United, Stobswood Welfare and Amble FC may face a busy schedule when the lighter nights return.

SEASIDERS SINK PERCY MAIN

By Bill Gardner
Due to the heavy overnight frost the game between Cullercoats and Percy Main at Links Road proved to be only one of two played in the Northern Alliance's three divisions as the programme was once again decimated by the weather. Both sides had completed only six league games so far this season due to the frequent postponements.

Recent signings Richard Latimer and Graeme Cole lined up in the Main's colours for the first time, while the Cullercoats starting eleven included five players who had represented the Villagers during the 2005-06 campaign. And David Owen and Craig Deighton were to punish their old club as the Seasiders finally emerged as 4-0 victors.

Early on Percy Main were well on top but were left to rue a series of missed chances which may have changed the course of events, while some inept defending by the Villagers virtually handed the points to their hosts.

In contrast the Cullercoats defence, well marshalled by the vastly experienced Alex Burnett, coped well with the aerial threat posed by the lengthy throw ins of Pierre Coiffait, while in attack Paul Towns and Femi Akinbolu troubled the Main's back line throughout the game.
Both sides endeavoured to seek an early advantage as Akinbolu found Towns, but Rob Rodgerson in the visitors’ goal proved his worth by finger tipping the ball behind for a corner. In response the Main's Dean Morgan was just off target while Jason Ritchie's free kick struck the upright and from the rebound Jon McEnaney and Steven Shadforth both somehow failed to find the net.

Minutes later, Ritchie's measured flag kick was met by the well placed McEnaney who headed just over the crossbar but after 20 minutes Cullercoats opened the scoring. From the right flank Towns found Akinbolu who laid the ball off superbly for Andrew McColl to fire home from close range.

Parity was almost restored immediately as Cole's goal-bound header from another Ritchie corner was acrobatically saved by home custodian Andrew Wedgewood and in the ensuing scramble Coiffait fired into the side netting.

But missed chances proved costly and Cullercoats doubled their lead. Towns provided the ammunition once again and, when his low cross from the right evaded the Villagers defenders, Craig Deighton duly fired home. Then, only a minute later, Cullercoats found themselves three goals to the good as a quickly taken corner fell to David Owen who found himself unmarked to fire home.

Following the interval chances went begging at both ends. Percy Main’s Tony Browell saw his header kicked from the line while Akinbolu headed wide for Cullercoats with the goal at his mercy and then chipped narrowly over the crossbar.

Akinbolu continued to prove the chief threat for Cullercoats and a combined effort by Rodgerson and Browell halted his run on goal. But the Seasiders still had the last word with a fourth goal in stoppage time. Owen took advantage of a deep cross from McColl to steer home his second of the game and round off his side's victory.

Killingworth YPC have also only been beaten once but have only managed to fit in six First Division games since the start of the season. They too therefore have several games in hand to boost their promotion hopes. And Killy moved up another three notches into a threatening fifth spot by beating lowly visitors Red Row Welfare 2-0.

Despite being still pointless and perched on the First Division table’s bottom rung, the Welfare are finally showing promise after bringing in several new players and gave a good account of themselves. They held out and matched their hosts until midway through the second half before conceding a penalty which was clinically put away by Killy’s Andy Edmundsen. And the Red Row lads kept going even after Kevin Westphal raced onto a left wing cross to double his side’s lead in the 78th minute.

HARRABY GRIND OUT COUNTY CUP VICTORY
Harraby Catholic Club beat the weather to reach the quarter-finals of the Cumberland FA Senior Cup but their efforts were stretched to over two hours of football before they eventually ended the hopes of visitors Netherhall.

Respective front runners Lee Otway for Harraby and Andrew Lowes for Netherhall caught the eye in most of the early exchanges. And in the 16th minute when Otway slid the ball invitingly into the path of James Earl his colleague spooned his shot over the bar.

Marc Shiel hit the upright after 25 minutes as Harraby pressed with fine play involving Ashley Combe. Then Otway outstripped the Netherhall defence as he chased a misdirected back pass but was dragged down in the area by visiting keeper Petit. Skipper Mike Swift wasted the chance to give Harraby the lead by sending his spot kick high and wide of the target.

Just before the break Andrew Lowes nearly snatched the lead for Netherhall as he intercepted a wayward pass but was thwarted by a fine save by Harraby custodian Ian Milburn. But it was Harraby who looked the stronger at the beginning of the second half.

An Aaron Rogers pass sent Shiel on a wide run and when he crossed to Otway the striker’s header was spectacularly saved at the foot of the post by Petit. Lowes again tested Milburn on the hour at the other end but Otway was unlucky again for Harraby when Petit was at full stretch tipping his angled drive around the post for a corner.

Visitors Netherhall almost snatched a dramatic winner in the dying seconds of normal time when Lowes spotted Milburn off his line. His 20-yard lob bounced off the top of the bar before being cleared and the well-balanced tie went into extra time.

Andrew Lowes finally broke the deadlock in Netherhall’s favour in the 93rd minute when at the second attempt he fired past Milburn to open the scoring. But the lead only lasted for a couple of minutes before Harraby got back on terms. Substitute Brett Swift’s penetrating pass put Ashley Combe through on goal and the wing-back’s angled drive went beyond Petit into the far corner.

Only seven minutes remained when Harraby scored their second and what proved to be the winning goal. Otway beat off two challenges and used his pace before crossing from the bye-line for Rob Bainbridge who easily side-footed home from close range.

LEAGUE CUP IS SERIALISED
Peterlee Town’s second round home tie against Second Division opponents Wideopen & District in the Longhorn Hardware League Cup was one of the many postponements. And the only sides to have booked third round places so far are: Wallsend Town, Heddon, Walker Central, South Shields United, Amble United and Seaton Delaval.

Most of the outstanding ties will be played on the last Saturday before Christmas and include: Cramlington Town v Hexham; Forest Hall v Stobswood Welfare; Harraby Catholic v Northbank;
Newcastle University v Benfield Chemfica; Peterlee Town v Wideopen & District;
Wallington or Carlisle City v Stocksfield; Wallsend Boys’ Club v Heaton Stannington;
Wark v Amble and Whitley Bay Town v Cullercoats.

BERWICK APPLY THE BRAKES

By Bill Gardner
Premier Division leaders Gillford Park were within two minutes of losing their unbeaten record but finally settled for a 2-2 draw with visitors Shankhouse in the weekend’s only top flight league game. Shankhouse’s Kevin Gustard scored straight from the kick off and then scored his second to give his side a substantial lead at the interval. Even after Matthew Wood got Gillford off the mark on the hour it looked unlikely that they would get anything out of the game. But in the 88th minute Chris Grainger’s leveller rescued the Cumbrians.

The only game in the First Division saw lowly Berwick United entertaining table-toppers Stocksfield who kicked off boasting a hundred percent record. But the Borderers stunned their visitors by beating them 2-0 and recording their own first league win of the campaign. After an hour of stalemate Paul Wood gave Berwick the lead and Stocksfield found it hard going in their search for an equaliser. They didn’t manage and were killed off ten minutes from the end when Wood bagged his second goal for the jubilant hosts.

In three previously postponed first round ties in the Longhorn Hardware League Cup, Harraby Catholic Club and Northbank both made progress but Wallington’s home game against Carlisle City had to be called off once again.

Harraby beat cup visitors Ashington Colliers 3-1 and after Ashington’s Anthony Wright cancelled out Harraby’s opener scored by Jordan Coulthard, the home side had Lee Otway and James Earl on target in the second half. Meanwhile, Harraby’s neighbours Northbank were 2-1 first round victors at home to Killingworth YPC. Andy Rogerson and Mark Worrall claimed Northbank’s goals with Callum Colbeck replying for the Tynesiders.

Six of the twelve second round matches in the League Cup were wiped out but Premier Division sides Heddon, Walker Central and Seaton Delaval cleared their respective hurdles. And Heddon banged in five goals without reply to sink Second Division opponents Newcastle BT at Bullocksteads where their goals were supplied by John Dunn (2), Andrew Shaw, Chris Douglas and Max Turner.
Cup holders Walker Central also ended the hopes of Second Division visitors North Shields by winning 3-0 at Monkchester. Joe Kennedy’s opener came straight after the interval when he raced onto David Dormand’s cross to find the net from twelve yards out.

Only four minutes later the Central’s lead was doubled as Ian Dunn climbed to meet Kennedy’s cross and scored with a close range header. North Shields continued to come under a lot of pressure and on the hour conceded a third goal. When Dean Mitchison’s drive was well saved by the Shields keeper, Dave Thompson reacted quickly to fire the loose ball home from just inside the area.

Seaton Delaval’s progress wasn’t as comfortable however and after a goal-less two hours away to Willington Quay Saints they scraped through 3-1 on penalties. John Fitzpatrick, Phil Hildreth and Terry Goicochea were successful from the spot for Delaval while Glen Johnson was a lone marksman for the plucky Saints.

Other sides from the league’s First and Second Divisions booking third round slots in the League Cup were Wallsend Town, South Shields United and Amble United. Against Rutherford at Gateshead, Wallsend beat the odds to win 3-2 with strikes by Darren Bell, Paul McCutcheon and Alan Errington.

South Shields United pulled off an excellent 3-0 victory against First Division outfit Chopwell in the cup. United rested several key players and still have another five unavailable due to injuries yet they still outplayed and outclassed a team doing well in the division above them.

After a stalemate first half Shields scored within a minute of the changeover when a great cross from Kyle Yorston was neatly tucked away by Karl Kennedy. United’s young guns continued to play some excellent football and in the 63rd minute doubled their lead thanks to a great diving header by Kennedy for his second goal of the game. Almost immediately United struck again and a clever chipped pass from the impressive Mark Davies was clinically despatched by Yorston. And this was another fine performance by South Shields who had Ryan Shave outstanding in a solid defence.

Amble United beat Second Division colleagues Tynemouth United 6-0 in a tie switched to Amble. Darren Riddell claimed four of their goals with the other two supplied by Ross Gair and Calvin Flanigan.

CHARITY CUP – BLYTH RACE TO VICTORY
Four ties in the Pin Point Recruitment Charity Cup went ahead with Blyth Town, Red Row Welfare, Ponteland United and Whitley Bay ‘A’ all making progress.
Blyth Town, at home to Seaton Burn, won 5-2 with Joe Race – recently released by Hartlepool – completing a hat-trick. But at the interval Seaton Burn were leading 2-0 thanks to Rob MacDonald’s spot kick and another goal for Chris Baker.

Blyth got their act together after the break and Race scored three times to put them in front for the first time. His first goal was set up by Jeff Fuller and his second by Danny Beresford. And the hat-trick was achieved when Race’s cross landed in the net after a deflection off a visiting defender. In the 70th minute Mark Waugh claimed Blyth’s fourth goal from the penalty spot and with a minute to go Lee Middleton completed the scoring with his tremendous 25-yard drive into the top corner.
Red Row Welfare, currently propping up the First Division table, have brought some new signings on board and impressively beat higher-ranked cup hosts Hebburn Reyrolle 3-1. Ben Lavender’s first half opener for the Welfare was cancelled out by Hebburn’s Ray Oshin but the Northumbrians soon rallied. Lavender’s second goal put them in charge again and just to make sure Ryan Cordiner was also on target.

Percy Main’s interest in the league's Charity Cup competition was ended by hosts Whitley Bay ‘A’ and they were beaten 3-1 in an exciting tie at Hillheads. The Main's cause wasn’t helped by the absence of injured front runners Joe Betts and Jon McEnaney but top scorer Mick Freathy proved a handful for the Bay defence while new signing Pierre Coiffait's second half introduction troubled Whitley with some colossal throw-ins reminiscent of Stoke City's Rory Delap.

The home side asked the early questions as Craig Smith's free kick was palmed away by Rob Rodgerson in the Villagers goal while Mathew Speedie's looping header just cleared the crossbar. And the deadlock was broken on the quarter hour when Dean Porter, who once turned out for the Villagers, got the home side off the mark from the edge of the area.

Fifteen minutes later Whitley doubled their lead as Daniel Iredale's deep cross was steered home by Porter from close range but Percy Main rallied. And after Jon McEnaney went close, home goalkeeper Tom Kindley saved Michael Freathy's close range effort. Action continued around the Whitley goal as Freathy brought a point blank save from Kindley and Jason Ritchie saw his deflected shot strike the woodwork.

After the break Percy Main’s Tony Browell sent his diving header just wide while his goalkeeping colleague Rob Rodgerson had to be alert at the other end, saving another Porter effort with his feet. The visitors threw themselves an 83rd minute lifeline when Jason Ritchie's free kick was headed home by Ian Graham. But Whitley skipper Gavin Hattrick sealed his side's victory with a strike three minutes into stoppage time.

In a delayed preliminary round game, Ponteland United beat Premier Division colleagues Murton 2-1 at the Leisure Centre Ground to prolong their Charity Cup interest. Liam McIvor scored both of United’s goals with Murton’s single reply coming from Karl Garside. And United’s first round visitors will now be Gosforth Bohemian Garnett.

COLLIERS SPOIL ALNWICK’S PLANS

By Bill Gardner
Due to cupties there were only four league games in the Premier Division and Alnwick Town wasted the opportunity to nudge Gillford Park off the top of the table.
In the event the Town were beaten 2-0 by hosts Ashington Colliers as their opponents belied their current lowly status. The Colliers had beaten Alnwick 3-2 in the reverse fixture and completed the double with goals in 44 and 88 minutes both scored by Anthony Wright.
Shankhouse also failed in their mission to claim a top four spot and slipped down to sixth after losing 2-1 away to Cramlington Town. Stuart Hepple gave Cramlington an early lead but straight after the break Darren Naylor levelled for the visitors. Only five minutes remained when Andrew Scott grabbed the Town’s winner.
Postponements have prevented defending champions Walker Central from making their mark so far. But they’ve lost only once in the league and a 1-1 draw with Carlisle City at Sheepmount hoisted them up into fifth place with several useful games in hand. David Thompson gave the Central a first half opener but a reply from Chris Kelleher on the hour salvaged a point for City.
Following four straight defeats Wark turned the corner. Their 6-0 home win against Peterlee Town lifted them off the bottom rung which is now occupied by Murton. Jack Wanless’s goal gave Wark a slender interval lead before they stepped up a gear. Marc Nixon completed a second half hat-trick and Phil Thompson and Mark Elliott were also on target. And the troubled Newtowners have secured only a single point from their last five league games.
In the Bosch Power Tools Challenge Cup, the top quarter-final tie was between Cumbrian neighbours Gillford Park and Harraby Catholic Club who lifted the trophy last season. Gillford trailed twice to Harraby goals both scored by Ashley Combe but replies from Chris Grainger and Mark Armstrong earned them a reprieve. Extra time failed to settle the issue and Gillford emerged from the penalty shoot-out as 3-1 victors.
Blyth Town avenged an earlier league defeat by Heaton Stannington and emerged as 4-3 victors in their hard-fought cup-tie at Grounsell Park. Kevin Carr (2) and Chris Hutchinson were on the mark for Heaton but Blyth just edged it.
Patrick Allen got the Town off the mark in the first half with a 30-yard drive from Aaron Hicken’s pass and shortly after the interval Jeff Fuller scored their second. Running onto Chris Taylor’s cross he netted from close range. When Hicken scored from a chance set up by Carl Hetherington the tie seemed to be heading for extra time. But in the 90th minute Hetherington whipped in a great free kick and Fuller was there once more to head home for Blyth’s winner.
Murton’s drop to the foot of the table was compounded by their 3-1 Challenge Cup defeat away to Seaton Delaval who trailed to Karl Garside’s 10th minute opener. The home side snatched the lead with replies from Chris Anderson and Stephen Howes before half time and made sure with a late third goal put away by Craig Johnson.
Heddon gained prompt revenge for last weekend’s league defeat by Newcastle University and beat the Students 4-0 at Cochrane Park thanks to Dave Little’s opener and a hat-trick for Max Turner.

DIVISION ONE – CULLERCOATS KNOCK OUT CUP HOLDERS
In the First Division, two ties in the Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup were down for decision and both Cullercoats and Wallington booked their places in the semi-finals. Cullercoats won 4-2 at home to last season’s cup winners Gosforth Bohemian Garnett with goals shared by Paul Towns, Stewart Wright, Joe Elliot and Steve Hart. Craig Ewart and Dan Corcoran replied for the disappointed Bohemians.
Wallington also made home advantage count by beating Berwick United 2-1. The two sides had featured in an earlier league draw up at Berwick but Wallington just shaded it this time. They had Ashley McAlpine and Sam Walton on target before Darren Cromarty finally got the Borderers off the mark.
Stocksfield, with a hundred percent record in their eight league starts, replaced Whitley Bay ‘A’ at the head of the First Division table. The Tyne valley outfit were comfortable 7-2 winners away to bottom rung side Red Row Welfare who are still pointless. Ben Pearson completed a hat-trick for the new leaders whose other scorers in a one-sided match were Phil Murray (2), Tom Finnerty and Anthony MacDonald.
Whitley Bay ‘A’ extended their unbeaten run top six games with a 3-3 draw away to Chopwell Officials but slipped down to second place. After having Dean Porter (2) and Mark Fenwick on target with Chopwell replying through Lee Brown, the Bay were leading 3-1 with only ten minutes to go. But their hosts staged a late recovery with strikes by Dave Fitzpatrick and Lee Best earning them a share of the spoils and hoisting them up into third spot.
After winning two games on the trot Gateshead Rutherford were brought back down to earth and were soundly beaten 5-1 at home by up-and-coming Northbank. Mark Worrall banged in all five of the Cumbrians’ goals with Rutherford’s single late reply coming from Danny Hill.
Percy Main have won all three of their home games so far and their latest success at Purvis Park was at the expense of Hebburn Reyrolle. Graeme Troughton opened the scoring for Reyrolle late in the first half and they led until the 70th minute. At that point substitute Sean Potts got the Villagers back on terms, firing home from a Jason Ritchie flag kick. Then, with seven minutes left and from another Ritchie corner, Tony Browell fired past Hebburn keeper Anthony McGowan for the Main’s 2-1 winner.

DIVISION TWO – HEXHAM CLOSE TO CAUSING CUP UPSET
There were four quarter-final ties in the Pin Point Recruitment Amateur Cup affecting Second Division sides with Forest Hall, Amble United, Amble Town and Benfield Chemfica all making progress.
Amble United had hammered cup hosts Hexham 6-0 up at Amble in an earlier league encounter but had to be content with a more modest 2-1 success this time. Lee Harker and Chris Moffitt struck to give United a clear interval lead but there were some anxious moments after Ian Strachan reduced the deficit for Hexham.
Amble Town did well to beat cup hosts Stobswood Welfare 2-1 and they simultaneously avenged a 3-0 defeat by the Welfare in the identical league game. Stobswood threatened a repeat when Matthew Graham fired them in front but Amble responded positively with two goals both scored by Dave Whenray.
Forest Hall ended the cup hopes of visitors Willington Quay Saints by winning 2-1 but it was a close thing. Kevin Baldwin gave the hosts the lead and it was doubled by Willington’s Stephen Telefoni when he steered the ball into his own net. The Saints threatened a recover after Gareth Pugh got them off the mark but the Forest defence held firm.
Despite having home advantage, Wallsend Boys’ Club failed to complete a league and cup double and instead were beaten 4-1 by Benfield Chemfica. Simon Bell was a lone marksman for the Boys’ Club while an own goal plus strikes by Liam Knowles (2) and Chris Jones made up Chemfica’s tally.
With the game between Tynemouth United and Whitley Bay Town postponed, there were only two league games going ahead in the Second Division. And South Shields United extended their lead at the top of the table to five points although second-placed Amble United have two games in hand. The Shieldsmen beat visitors Wallsend Town 1-0 to stretch their unbeaten sequence to seven matches. Their winner was put away in the 35th minute by Kyle Yorston who was red-carded in the 85th minute. Losers Wallsend had three players booked and are still seeking their first point away from home.
Wideopen & District are still in third place after losing their hundred percent away record. They were beaten 2-0 by a fast improving North Shields Athletic side which has lost only once in the last six outings. After a goal-less opening half Daniel Walton bagged a brace to get the points wrapped up for the home side.

THIRTEEN LEFT IN NFA MINOR CUP
In three delayed ties in the Northumberland Minor Cup involving Northern Alliance sides there were two failures and only one success. Seaton Burn bowed out after losing 3-1 at home against Whitley Lodge Baptist Church and Newcastle East End were beaten 4-1 by hosts Red Star Benwell.
Killingworth YPC Sporting however made comfortable progress with a 5-1 home win against North Sunderland thanks to goals supplied by Jorge Bollado (2), Anthony Burns, Kevin Westphal and Kevin Grahamslaw.
The Northern Alliance will now have 13 clubs involved in the third round of the Minor Cup on 6th December with the relevant pairings being: Amble v Procter & Gamble Cobalt;
Amble United v Killingworth YPC Sporting; Hexham v Cullercoats;
Newcastle BT v North Shields Athletic; Whitley Lodge Baptist Church v Wallsend Town;
Stobswood Welfare v Kicks Wallsend; Tynemouth United v Berwick Town;
Wallsend Town Reserves v Forest Hall; Whitley Bay Town v Killingworth YPC Town;
Willington Quay Saints v Blyth Town Reserves.

ALNWICK & DELAVAL ARE RAPID CLIMBERS

By Bill Gardner
Premier Division pacesetters Gillford Park had their match away to defending champions Walker Central postponed but still have a two-point lead in pole position with games in hand of all their closest rivals.
Challengers Seaton Delaval and Alnwick Town secured maximum points, leapfrogging over several of their rivals to go joint second. Only beaten once in their last five outings, Alnwick were convincing 3-0 winners away to Heaton Stannington. Heaton's slide down the table continued as the Town's Ben Keenan punished them with his hat-trick.

Delaval won only their second game away from home with a 2-1 verdict at Cramlington Town but needed a late winner to see off their hosts. Cramlington trailed to Connal Reed's opener but Stuart Heppell got them back on terms with ten minutes to go. Only five minutes remained when John Fitzpatrick weighed in with Delaval's winner.

Only four points are separating the top seven clubs in the Premier Division with teams like Heddon, Shankhouse, Harraby Catholic Club, Peterlee Town and Walker Central hoping to get to grips with the current leaders.

Heddon slipped up on Saturday however and were beaten for the first time this term at their Bullocksteads based. They lost out 2-1 to an impressive Newcastle University side which has won four of its last five games. Top scorer Dave Kewn and Will Deledicq netted for the Students in the space of two second half minutes and Heddon's single later reply came from John Dunn.

Peterlee Town had followed a five-match winning sequence with three straight defeats before Shankhouse's visit to Eden Lane. The two sides were content with a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw. John Pearce ended 76 minutes of stalemate with his opener for Peterlee but with four minutes to spare Shankhouse levelled through Kevin Gustard.

In their bottom of the table battle with bottom rung visitors Wark there was a vital 3-1 victory for Blyth Town, only their second on their own patch. Jeff Fuller opened the scoring for Blyth immediately after the break, converting a through ball from Chris Taylor. Matt McLoughlin equalised for Wark in the 84th minute but it wasn't all over however. Blyth secured all three points with strikes in 88 and 90 minutes by Aaron Hicken and Chris Taylor. Hicken's drive went in off the crossbar when he was sent clear by Oliver Cowie and Taylor netted from just inside the box following good work by Chris Lisle.

Carlisle City were 3-2 losers at home by Aspatria in the Cumberland Senior Cup while Harraby Catholic Club went down 2-1 to Cheshire visitors Poulton Victoria in the Northern Counties Senior Championship. Meanwhile, in the second round of the Durham FA Trophy, last season's winners Murton bowed out, beaten 5-2 by visitors Simonside SC. But Gateshead Rutherford made progress and in a 1-0 victory over Ebchester Consett Reserves their scorer was Stephen Tumelty.

DIVISION ONE – CUMBRIANS SURPRISE WHITLEY
Only three league games beat the weather in an already restricted First Division programme and leaders Whitley Bay 'A' spilled a couple of points. At Hillheads the Bay lost their hundred percent home record and could only draw 2-2 with mid-table opponents Northbank. Still seeking a first win on their travels, the Cumbrians produced a sound performance which produced two goals for their regular scorer Mark Worrall. In reply Jonathan Kew and Simon Reay scored for Whitley.

Whitley Bay's lead at the top of the division was trimmed to only a single point by Stocksfield who have three useful games in hand. With a hundred percent records in seven starts the Tynedale outfit had to work hard for their 3-2 victory at home to Wallington. Despite being in the lower half of the table, Wallington had Tom McPherson and David Featherstone on target and gave their highly-rated hosts a torrid time. In the end however Stocksfield just edged it to claim the points. Running onto Ben Pearson's pass Tom Finnerty scored his first goal for the club to open Stocksfield's account. Their second goal was put away by Cairns Kettles who headed home Bruce Vause's cross at the back post and from Graeme Watson's perfect cross Phil Murray headed in for the home side's vital winner.

In their last seven games Chopwell Officials have picked up five wins and a draw and almost unnoticed have been creeping up on the current leaders. And they slipped quietly into third spot after beating visitors Percy Main 2-1.

On the quarter hour mark Chopwell opened the scoring Gareth Powell squared to Rowland Lee who fired past the unsighted Rob Rodgerson in the Percy Main goal. But parity was soon restored as Chris Lau slid the ball through to Joe Betts who managed to scramble the ball past home keeper Graeme Clark at the second attempt.
With twenty minutes to go Chopwell countered in deadly fashion as Glen Caygill's corner, only half cleared by the Villagers' defence, fell kindly to Mark Fitzpatrick who rifled home a 30-yard thunderbolt via the crossbar to restore his side's lead.

DIVISION TWO – SHIELDS NUDGE AMBLE OFF THE TOP
Two games – Tynemouth United versus Newcastle BT and Wideopen & District versus Amble - were washed out in the Second Division but another four got the go-ahead. And South Shields United replaced Amble United in pole position.

While former table-toppers Amble had an idle Saturday, South Shields took full advantage and extended their unbeaten run to six games by beating visitors Benfield Chemfica 2-1. Colin Cooney netted for Chemfica but they're still waiting for their first points away from home after Kyle Yorston bagged a brace for their hosts.

With third-placed Wideopen & District also out of action Stobswood Welfare improved their standing, moving up into fourth spot following their 2-1 victory away to Whitley Bay Town. The Bay produced a brave performance considering they had Lee Savory sent off after half an hour. The Welfare's match-winning marksmen were Michael Hogg and Chris Graham with Garry Milburn replying for the plucky losers.

Stobswood's fellow-newcomers Forest Hall also continued their climb up the table with a 2-1 win at home to Wallsend Town. Ryan Arnott opened the scoring for the Town but his gal failed to prevent his side's fourth consecutive defeat. Kevin Baldwin came on as substitute to bang in both of Forest Hall's goals.

Wallsend Boys' Club seem to have lost their winning habit, sharing six goals and the spoils with visitors North Shields Athletic in a mid-table clash. Kyle Moffatt, Andy McBride and Stephen Forster supplied the Wallsend goals. Glen Churchman (2) and Matthew Donkin scored for the Shieldsmen who have now won three and drawn one of their last five games.

NFA MINOR CUP – HEXHAM KNOCK OUT HOLDERS
As usual the weather has meant that Northumberland Minor Cup matches are being played in instalments but three more Northern Alliance sides managed to book places in the third round of the county's biggest competition.
Hexham, fourth from bottom in the Alliance's Second Division, caused a sensation by winning 3-1 at home to last season's cup winners Shilbottle CW. Darren Dobson gave Hexham a lead which was doubled by Ian Strachan before the break. Strachan's second strike put the home side in an unassailable position and Alan Wallace's successful spot kick for Shilbottle was purely cosmetic.

Cullercoats coasted through with an 11-1 victory at home to Newcastle Rushworth & Diamonds. The Diamonds lost their sparkle as incessant Cullercoats pressure was rewarded with goals for Steve Hart (4), Craig Deighton (3), Sean Smith, Joe Elliott, Stewart Wright and substitute Femi Akinbolu.

Willington Quay Saints made progress by beating cup hosts Bellingham 4-1 and had David Gibson and Gareth Pugh on the mark to give them a clear lead at half time. Pugh scored his second straight after the changeover and, after Graham Teasdale hit back for the home side, the winners' tally was completed by Glen Johnson who scored from the penalty spot.
Three other ties with Northern Alliance involvement were wiped out for the second week running and rescheduled for this Saturday. Killingworth YPC and Seaton Burn are at home to respective opponents North Sunderland and Whitley Lodge Baptist Church while Newcastle East End are away to Red Star Benwell.

HEDDON CURE TRAVEL SICKNESS

By Bill Gardner
Gillford Park retained their three-point lead at the head of the Premier Division despite dropping their first home points. Still unbeaten, the Cumbrians were restricted to a 2-2 draw by Cramlington Town with both of their goals put away by Michael Riding. Cramlington had Kieran Parsons and Steve Elsey on target and deserved their share of the spoils.

With Harraby Catholic Club on county cup duty they were nudged out of second spot by Heddon who secured their first away win. After drawing four of their last six games on their travels the Heddon lads beat Peterlee Town 1-0. Team manager Paul Callan and secretary Billy Banks deserted the Newtowners last week and John Dunn’s 40th minute winner for Heddon was another blow.
Following a slow start to this campaign, last season’s champions Walker Central are finally firing on all cylinders. A week after knocking West Allotment Celtic out of the Northumberland Senior Cup the Central were impressive 6-1 victors away to Ponteland United to hoist themselves up into fourth place.

Walker had knocked Pont out of the League Cup only a fortnight earlier and they were soon on course for a double. Ex-Ponteland player Paul Gardiner opened their account with his long range effort following John Campbell’s corner kick.

On the half hour the visitors’ lead was doubled when Dave Thompson netted from a chance created by Campbell and there was no respite for embattled Ponteland. Shortly before the break they conceded a third goal as Thompson struck again with a thundering 18-yard drive.

After the break United regained some composure but they came under the hammer again midway through the half. Walker’s Campbell scored twice in the space of eight minutes. His first goal was set up by Ian Mills and his second by Chris Bannon.

With two minutes to go the Central’s tally was topped up by David Dormand who finished well after racing onto Ben Miley’s through ball. And only seconds remained when Dean Gate claimed a token reply for the home side.

Seaton Delaval and visitors Heaton Stannington had both been going through a lean spell before their clash at Wheatridge Park. But Delaval emerged as 3-0 victors to suggest they may be turning things around. Their marksmen, all inside the last twenty minutes, were Stephen Howes, Steve Anderson and Craig Johnson to leave Heaton without a win in their last six league games.
Wark are another side to have gone off the boil in the last month and three straight defeats have dumped the newly-promoted club onto the bottom rung. The damaging run continued and despite having Jack Wanless finding the net Wark ended up as 3-1 losers at home to Newcastle University. The Students wrapped up the points with a hat-trick for leading scorer David Kewn.

A first home win for Blyth Town earned Jeff Orr’s side some breathing space in the basement and they moved up a couple of notches by beating Murton 4-2. Jonathan Mann (hat-trick) and Jeff Fuller put Blyth 4-0 up after only twenty minutes and although Karl Garside and Michael Pittam hit back for Murton before the break they couldn’t make any further headway.

Shankhouse’s home game against Alnwick Town in the Premier Division was postponed along with Carlisle City’s home tie with Aspatria in the Cumberland Senior Cup. But City’s league colleagues Harraby Catholic Club made progress in the competition. They beat visitors Alston Moor Sports Club 6-0 with goals supplied by Rob Bainbridge (3), Lee Otway (2) and Dave Wallace.

DIVISION TWO – SHIELDS THREATEN AMBLE
The weather accounted for the entire league programme in the First Division but the single Second Division fixture got the go-ahead with South Shields United beating visitors Wallsend Boys’ Club 2-0. The result hoisted Shields into second spot, only a point short of current leaders Amble United with both clubs having played ten games.

The normally reliable Kyle Yorston wasted a couple of first ha\lf chances for the home side but a few tactical changes worked out for Shields. Wayne McCamley and Gary Spottiswood kept opponents Wallsend busy and inside a five minute spell Phil Enlund bagged a brace for United.

NFA MINOR CUP – WINNERS. LOSERS & SECOND CHANCES
Seventeen Northern Alliance clubs should have been involved in second round ties in the Northumberland Minor Cup but the weather intervened and six games were postponed. Killingworth YPC, Newcastle East End, Seaton Burn, Willington Quay Saints, Cullercoats and Hexham will be trying again to make progress this weekend.

In the other matches which were played to a finish, nine Alliance sides booked themselves third round slots in the Minor Cup and 2007 winners Amble United were 7-0 victors away to Grainger Park. The Seasiders were three up at half time thanks to Darren Riddell (2) and Paul Brennan and their later goals were supplied by Ross Gair (2), Greg Dance and Bradley Wake.

United’s neighbours Amble Town were also emphatic second round winners and beat cup hosts Gosforth Bohemian Garnett ‘A’ 5-0 with goals shared by Ben Davidson, Craig Jones, Shaun Jobson, James Todd and Nick Moore.

Despite having Ryan Stobbard, Nick Guest and Mark Crow on target at home to Lowick United, Benfield Chemfica bowed out as 4-3 losers with Anthony Murray (3) and Gary Fairbairn scoring for the visitors. But Wallsend Town easily made the cut by winning 6-1 away to Blyth Spartans ‘A’. Darren Bell completed a hat-trick and a long wind-assisted clearance allowed Wallsend’s keeper Ricky Donaldson to get his name on the score-sheet. Alan Etherington and Graham McMillan completed the Town’s tally.

Tynemouth United, on the bottom rung of the Northern Alliance’s Second Division table, claimed their first victory of the season against Minor Cup hosts Craster Rovers. The Tynemouth lads were encouraged by their convincing 7-3 success and four of their goals were tucked away by Mark Carey. They had Steve Clarke scoring from the spot and their other two strikes were by Gareth Lee and Paul Neilson.

In the round’s only all-Northern Alliance clash, Forest Hall – cup winners way back in 1978 – proved too strong for hosts and league colleagues Wideopen & District. Neil Gibson, Michael Sandberg and Thomas Carver all found the net in the Forest’s eventual 3-0 victory.

Newcastle BT, North Shields Athletic, Stobswood Welfare and Whitley Bay Town were the other Alliance sides clearing their respective second round hurdles.

Newcastle BT ended the hopes of Whitley Bay Baptist Church and won 4-2 with goals scored by Anthony Bruce (2), Tom Walton and Andy Mackay. And Daniel Walton scored a hat-trick for North Shields Athletic in their 4-1 victory away to Newcastle Dynamo Fenham. John Mordey banged in the winners’ fourth goal.

Whitley Bay Town were content with a narrow 3-2 verdict at home to Lindisfarne Athletic who put up a brave fight before losing to goals put away by Lee Hall, Jamie Wallace and Iain Irvin. Stobswood Welfare however coasted through and were comfortable 7-1 victors to see off visitors Forest Hall Town. Kerry Shotton help[ed himself to three of the Welfare’s goals, his colleague Josh Hay bagged a brace and Michael Graham and Michael Hogg were the other Stobswood marksmen.

MURTON SPIKE SHANKHOUSE GUNS

By Bill Gardner

Despite being on county cup duty, Gillford Park retained their three-point lead at the head of the Premier Division as Shankhouse and Peterlee Town both faltered.

Gillford beat visitors and league colleagues Northbank 2-1 in the second round of the Cumberland Senior Cup. Mark Armstrong gave them an interval lead that was doubled when Northbank’s Andy Rogerson put the ball into his own net. Mark Worrall reduced the deficit for Northbank but they made no further headway.

Two other Cumberland Senior Cup matches – Carlisle City v Aspatria and Harraby Catholic v Alston Moor Sports Club – were washed out and will be rescheduled for next weekend.

Second-placed Harraby could have been replaced but league results went in their favour and Shankhouse were beaten 2-1 at home by Murton. Goals for Mark Smith and Karl Garside earned Murton their first away points and their hosts’ single reply came from Andrew Sherlaw.

Peterlee Town, in joint third spot with Shankhouse and Alnwick Town, missed out on making further progress and after winning four home games on the trot were also beaten 2-1 by visitors Cramlington Town. Cramlington’s James Merzio presented the Newtowners with an own goal opener but his colleagues rose to the challenge. After the break Kevin Ord and Paul Huck found the net to wrap up the points for the Northumbrians.

Heaton Stannington and Heddon, occupying joint fourth spot in the Premier Division, shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Bullocksteads where Heddon previously had a hundred percent record. Jon Armstrong put the home side in front just before the interval but shortly after the change-over Adam Pendlebury levelled for Heaton.

In the clash between Ashington Colliers and Wark the two sides trying to get clear of the basement produced ten goals but hosts Ashington scored eight of them. The Colliers claimed their first home win in style thanks to Anthony Wright’s hat-trick and further strikes by Simon Cunningham (2), Patrice Butters (2) and Richard Brown. Lee Telfer and Phil Thompson replied for the losers.

Newcastle University lifted off the table’s bottom rung thanks to their 3-1 victory over Seaton Delaval at Cochrane Park. Chris Anderson opened the scoring for Delaval but Dave Kewn got the Students back on terms before half time. Sam Newton’s goal then gave the University the lead and Joe Foote put their third goal away in the last minute.

Ponteland United returned to Blyth, their second visit in three weeks, looking to avenge their Challenge Cup defeat by Blyth Town. Pont had two early chances but were undone in Blyth’s first attack. Oliver Cowie got the better of Groom and his cross was headed neatly home by the unmarked Lee Sparrow. But the visitors got back on terms on 20 minutes as McIvor crossed from the bye line for youngster Scott Fenwick to apply the finishing touch. And only five minutes later Pont were in front for the first time as Phil Groom’s free kick set up 16-year-old James Hall to drill home his first ever goal for Ponteland.

Five minutes into the second half United’s Fenwick was brought down in the box and opted to take the spot kick himself. Unfortunately for the youngster keeper Scott Earle made an excellent diving save to palm the ball to safety.

After this miss Blyth equalised when Patrick Allen’s cross was hammered in at the back post by Jeff Fuller and Pont were hit again after 65 minutes as Allen sent in another looping cross for Jonathan Lisle to score with a powerful header.

Ponteland made some changes with Kevin McGorie coming on for Hall and David Redhead replacing Suddick. And in the 75th minute Liam McIvor netted for the visitors to finalise the score at 3-3, a fair result but one that left Pont ruing their penalty miss.

Meanwhile, Walker Central became the Alliance’s sole survivors in the Tynetec Northumberland Senior Cup and did the league proud by knocking out Northern League opponents West Allotment Celtic. At a wind-lashed Monkchester the Central were 1-0 first round victors with their vital goal scored by Craig Scott.

DIVISION ONE – CHOPWELL’S CUP COMEBACK SHOCKS WHITLEY
Last Friday night at Hillheads, First Division leaders Whitley Bay ‘A’ took a break from league duties to take on Chopwell Officials in a rearranged first round tie in the Longhorn Hardware League Cup. And the Bay, leading 4-0 at half time, were finally and sensationally beaten 5-4 by their visitors. Goals for Ian Lee, Dean Porter, Gavin Hattrick and Sean Jobson had Whitley apparently coasting but Chopwell hit back with a vengeance as Andy Smith completed a hat trick and his colleague Rowland Lee bagged a brace.

Whitley Bay still held onto pole position in the middle division after send-placed Stocksfield won 2-0 away to Cullercoats who remained in third spot. The result in this vital game ended an unbeaten run for Cullercoats while leaving their opponents with a hundred percent record in their six games to date. Phil Murray put both of Stocksfield’s goals away.

Both Hebburn Reyrolle and Killingworth YPC are still coming up on the rails and Hebburn were restricted to a 1-1 draw by hosts Gosforth Bohemian Garnett. The Bohs, yet to win at Benson Park this term, had Craig Allan on target while Graeme Troughton replied for the visitors.
In their first away game of the season Killingworth picked up maximum points from their 3-0 victory over Berwick United. Kevin Grahamslaw bagged two of Killy’s goals and Anthony Burns completed their tally.

Having secured two wins and a draw in their last three outings, Newcastle East End have hitched themselves up into mid-table. The East Enders comfortably beat bottom rung visitors Red Row Welfare 3-0 to continue their progress. Paul Bright (2) and Craig Crosby netted for the winners with Ryan Gardiner replying for the Welfare who are still waiting for their first league win.

Percy Main, beaten 2-0 by Gateshead Rutherford at Prudhoe in midweek, bounced back effectively by beating Wallington 3-2 at Purvis Park. Wallington’s Ashley McAlpine scored twice to cancel out the Main’s goals by Joe Betts and Michael Freathy to make it all square with ten minutes to go, But the Villagers picked up the points when Jason Ritchie fired against the crossbar and Betts reacted quickly to drive in his second goal of the game.

Goals by Andrew Elliot and Andrew Reay earned Gateshead Rutherford their midweek success against Percy Main and they followed up by claiming their first away win of the campaign. At Seaton Burn the Gateshead lads won 4-2 after having Andrew Reay (2), Ross Taylor and Daniel Hall on target. Seaton Burn’s 49-year-old team boss Dave Hewitt came on as substitute to score one of their goals and their other reply came from Rob McDonald with a 35-yard free kick.

DIVISION TWO – PACE-SETTERS DROP POINTS
In the Second Division, Wallsend Boys’ Club brought forward their Northumberland Minor Cup second round tie away to Lynemouth Miners’ Welfare Social Club and were beaten 1-0. There was an interesting point in the game when Lynemouth brought on a player who had up to that point been involved in another match on an adjacent pitch!

Back on the league front, Amble United remained four points clear at the head of the table despite only managing to draw 2-2 with mid-table visitors Forest Hall. United scored first and last through Ross Gair and Shaun Black but in the interim Thomas Faid and Michael Reay netted for Forest to preserve their unbeaten record in away games.

Luckily for Amble United, second-placed Wideopen & District – their nearest rivals – also shared the spoils frfom their 1-1 draw at home to Willington Quay Saints. The Saints are still waiting for a first win on their travels and came close after Stuart Duffield had cancelled out Gary Lamb’s opener for the hosts.

South Shields United are occupying a threatening third spot and have secured four wins and a draw in their last five league appearances. The spell of good form continued as United beat lowly visitors Hexham 1-0. The strong wind was a great leveller but with twenty minutes to go Phil Enlund managed to grab the South Shields winner.

Following three straight defeats in the Second Division, Wallsend Town were pleased to get back on track and manager Dave Grandini was delighted by his side’s 4-0 home win against Newcastle BT. Paul McCutcheon scored twice for the Town and their other marksmen were Nick Anderson and Darren Bell.

Benfield Chemfica moved themselves up a couple of notches with a narrow 2-1 victory at home to Amble Town who are still stuck in the basement. Amble’s Nick More levelled after Nick Guest opened the scoring for Chemfica but the home side had the last word in the form of a Chris Jones match-winner.

Whitley Bay Town are only four points above bottom club Tynemouth United but picked up another precious point by drawing 1-1 with visitors North Shields Athletic. Dominic Vasseghi gave the Town an opener on the half hour. They led until the 75th minute when defender Lee Savory was sent off and from the related penalty David Armstrong scored the North Shields equaliser.