WALKER ARE HAPPY AT HOME

By Bill Gardner
Leaders Gillford Park and defending champions Walker Central in second spot are pulling away from their challengers in the Premier Division title race. Both won again and Gillford Park retained their one-point lead in pole position by beating visitors Heddon 2-1. Heddon, seeking only their second away win, had Daniel Dunn on target but a brace for the Park’s Steve Skinner proved conclusive.

Walker Central haven’t lost a league game at their Monkchester fortress this season and a 2-1 success against third-placed Alnwick Town left the record intact. The Central’s leading scorer Dave Thompson fired them in front from close range after John Campbell, sent clear by Martyn McGonigal, put in a perfect cross. The Central’s lead was short-lived however and there was a prompt reply from Alnwick’s Neil Catlow. Thompson’s second goal for Walker shortly after the interval proved decisive however and it was something special. From fully 35 yards and with his back to goal he shook off a defender before unleashing an unstoppable shot that left the Alnwick Town keeper rooted to the spot.

Walker still have two useful games in hand as they seek to retain the title in a race that could eventually involve only three teams. Harraby Catholic Club are set to come up on the rails but took a break yesterday, only to be beaten 1-0 at home by Penrith in their Cumberland Senior Cup semi-final. Mike Brown scored the tie’s decisive goal after 26 minutes.

Seaton Delaval in fifth place and Carlisle City in sixth spot clashed at Wheatridge Park and Delaval’s 3-1 defeat ended a four-match unbeaten run. Scott Priest gave Carlisle an early opener which was cancelled out by Steve Anderson for their hosts. But Delaval then had Stephen Robinson and Terry Goicochea sent off and City took full advantage with Carl Armstrong and Guiseppe Amato adding to their tally in the second half.

Only three points are now separating eight teams in the bottom half of the Premier Division table after Cramlington Town and Peterlee Town both won to ease the threat of relegation. And Cramlington lifted off the bottom rung by winning 2-0 at home to fellow-strugglers Ashington Colliers who are now propping up the rest.
Like Peterlee, Cramlington Town eased their predicament in the basement and a 2-0 home win against fellow-strugglers Ashington Colliers lifted them off the bottom rung. The Colliers were sunk by second half goals put away by Gary Day and Mark Holt with Day marking his debut with a 43rd minute goal following good work by Thomas North. Holt doubled the Town’s lead with his close range effort in the second half.

Cramlington’s management have strengthened their squad to try to ensure their Premier Division future and it looks likely to pay off. Richard Sweeney and Joe Eagan have been signed from Cramlington Cobras while last weekend’s scorer Gary Day along with Ben Davison and Mark Evans have come in from Blyth Town Under-19’s.

Having been without a league win since last October, Peterlee Town were delighted when Jonathan Monaghan’s goal on the hour earned them a 1-0 verdict away to Ponteland United. Unfortunately with full time approaching and a precious three points at stake the match reached flash point. United’s Ricky Fenwick retaliated to an alleged head butt and a skirmish ensued. Fenwick was quite rightly sent off for his retaliation and Peterlee's Gary Lacey also received his marching orders for the initial offence. The match had little time to settle down before the referee blew the final whistle and Ponteland have now endured seven matches without a win and are being drawn into the relegation dogfight.

Shankhouse won by the same narrow 1-0 margin to record only their second victory at Northburn. Newcastle University were on the receiving end and went down to Lee Gustard’s winner put away in the 53rd minute.

Murton scored first and last through Steve Turner at home to Heaton Stannington but still finished up losing 3-2. After Turner’s opener on the half hour mark Heaton hit back three times in a devastating five minute spell immediately preceding the interval. Strikes by Gary Yates, Chris Flynn and Kevin Carr left Murton with a mountain to climb.

DIVISION ONE – PERCY MAIN STILL CLIMBING
While leaders Stocksfield and Whitley Bay ‘A’ were lying idle, Chopwell Officials leapfrogged over the Bay into second spot in the First Division but, having played more games than any other team, they’re undoubtedly in a false position. And Chopwell picked up their latest three points by completing a league double away to Northbank. Their scorers in a 2-0 victory were Andrew Smith and Dave Fitzpatrick.

Having lost only once at Purvis Park this term, Percy Main have joined the leading group and avenged an earlier defeat by beating visitors Gateshead Rutherford 3-1. John McEnaney fired the Villagers into an early lead and in the second half Joe Betts and Pierre Luc Coiffait added to their tally before Dan Robinson’s late reply for Rutherford.

Killingworth YPC slipped up and went down to a single goal scored for hosts Newcastle East End by Paul Bright just after the break. And Cullercoats, with a daunting fixture backlog to wade through, were 1-0 victors away to Hebburn Reyrolle. Hebburn, who had three points deducted from their total last week, had keeper Stephen Taylor in outstanding form but he couldn’t keep out Peter Bradley’s 33rd minute winner for the Seasiders.

Wallington made it five home wins on the trot and did well to beat Gosforth Bohemian Garnett 5-4 in a real thriller despite the windy conditions. Harry Tulip bagged all four goals for the Bohemians but his feat was equalled by Wallington’s Ashley McAlpine. And Jack Palmer also found the net to just edge it for the Scots Gap outfit.

After losing their two previous league games Berwick United shared the spoils from a 2-2 draw with visitors and fellow-strugglers Seaton Burn. Dan Aitken and Simon Hargreaves were the Berwick marksmen with both of the Burn’s replies coming from Chris Baker. These two sides are equal on points immediately above wooden spoonists Red Row Welfare in the First Division basement but Berwick have played one game less than Seaton Burn.

DIVISION TWO – AMBLE UNITED AIMING FOR THE TOP
It’s looking extremely likely that the race for the Second Division title will become the exclusive preserve of current leaders South Shields United and second-placed Amble United. Amble are only three points behind their rivals at the moment but have two crucial games in hand to help in their bid to reclaim pole position.

Both of the front runners were successful again last Saturday and South Shields secured their sixth win on the trot by beating visitors Whitley Bay Town 4-0. Their scorers were Tijan Kah, Aaron Kah and Phil Enlund with their tally completed by an own goal gift. Meanwhile Amble United faced a tougher task but still won 2-1 away to Wideopen & District to end an eight-match unbeaten run by their third-placed hosts. Experienced pair Ian Common and Steve Gibbard claimed United’s goals and Gary Lamb replied from the spot for Wideopen.

Forest Hall are still aiming for possible promotion although they may be facing an uphill struggle. And the Hall added to their war chest by winning 6-0 at home to Newcastle BT who had been hammered 7-0 in the reverse fixture. Michael Reay banged in four of the Forest Hall goals this time with their final tally made up by an own goal and a good strike by Mark Knights.

The challenge of Wallsend Boys’ Club has been fading in recent weeks and they could only manage a 1-1 draw with visitors Benfield Chemfica. Rob Nolan scored his eighth league goal of the season for the Boys’ Club while Liam Naulls punished a defensive error for Chemfica’s counter.
Stobswood Welfare retained their unbeaten home record but were given a hard time before ending up level at 1-1 with bottom rung opponents Tynemouth United. Still seeking their first win, Tynemouth set out a defensive stall and did well to keep their hosts at bay. They had Chris Grieves opening the scoring after 85 minutes but Stobswood’s blushes were saved by David King’s equaliser in the dying seconds.

Amble FC are immediately above Tynemouth in the Second Division basement and they picked up some precious points by beating visitors Wallsend Town 2-0. Wallsend have only managed one win on their league travels this season and they performed badly once again. Two goals both scored in the second half by Adam Shanks gave Amble a rare but well-deserved victory.

WEAKENED PONT MATCH COLLIERS

By Bill Gardner
Ponteland United manager Jarrod Suddick was mourning the death of his father Alan last week after the ex-Newcastle and Blackpool favourite passed away following a long illness. Jarrod was understandably absent when Ponteland visited fellow-strugglers Ashington Colliers with assistant manager Steve Baxter taking over.

After 30 minutes Pont took the lead when a fine ball from Marc Dummett was side footed on the volley into the net by young Scott Fenwick. However five minutes before half time the Colliers were level and when a cross came in from the right Anthony Wright was on hand to give visiting keeper John Elliott no chance with his low drive.

Ashington were looking the stronger side after the change-over with Lee Scott going close to putting them in front and with half an hour to go Pont defender Dummett was injured and replaced by debutant Ricky Fenwick. Both teams were looking for the vital three points and Scott Fenwick thought he'd scored a second for Pont but his header from James Hall’s cross glanced off the top of the crossbar.

In the end a draw was a fair reflection of the match with no team having a player to stamp their authority on the game. Although Joe Dawson up front for Pont worked his socks off they lacked the presence which the absent Liam McIvor normally gives them and also missed the subtlety and creativity of Suddick in midfield.
While previous leaders Walker Central were lying idle, Gillford Park replaced the defending champions in pole position by beating visitors Newcastle University 3-2. Gillford however started on the back foot and trailed at the interval to goals scored for the Students by Dave Kewn and Ed Tizard. Steve Skinner finally got the Cumbrians off the mark and a brace for Matthew Wood secured the vital points.

Seaton Delaval overtook both Alnwick Town and Harraby Catholic Club to settle into third spot after a 2-1 success away to Peterlee Town completed a league double. Winning at home is proving difficult for the Newtowners and Steve Howes gave Delaval the lead. Jonathan Monaghan levelled just before half time for the hosts but in the 53rd minute John Fitzpatrick claimed Delaval’s winner.

Carlisle City’s hopes of joining the title-chasing group received a surprising setback and after being unbeaten in seven recent games they were hammered 5-1 by hosts Murton. Mark Smith and Steve Turner (2) fired Murton into a solid interval lead and Turner completed his hat-trick straight after the change-over. Danny Bulmer got City off the mark but the home side had the last word when Turner banged inv his fourth goal of the game.

Having picked up only a single point from their last four Premier Division appearances, Shankhouse stopped the rot by beating Heddon 1-0 at Bullocksteads. The two sides had featured in an earlier goal-less draw at Northburn and another stalemate looked likely until Lee Gustard slotted in his 76th minute winner for the visitors.

Heaton Stannington won 3-2 at home to Cramlington Town but their bottom rung opponents were rather unlucky. After Aaron Jewell and Adam Donaghey found the net for Heaton inside the first ten minutes, Cramlington staged a second half recovery. David Atkinson opened their account and David Dormand restored parity with his 80th minute spot kick. But in the dying seconds Joe Wear settled the issue in Heaton’s favour.

First Division outfit Cullercoats booked their place in this season’s Longhorn Hardware League Cup Final by beating semi-final visitors Hexham 3-2 with goals shared by Joe Elliott, Craig Deighton and Femi Akinbolu who bagged their 75th minute winner.

In the other semi-final Harraby Catholic Club comfortably beat cup hosts Wark 3-0. Lee Otway opened the scoring and an own goal gifted by Wark’s Stuart Brown doubled Harraby’s lead after the break. Marc Shiel completed the Cumbrians’ tally.

Meanwhile a semi-final tie in the Northern Alliance Charity Cup resulted in a 3-1 home victory for Newcastle East End over Premier Division opponents Blyth Town. The Eastenders’ marksmen were Gary Dixon, Dieu-Donne Lomana and Anthony Johnson with Lee Sparrow replying for the losers.

DIVISION ONE – WHITLEY FORCED TO TAKE STOCK
Stocksfield took another massive step towards clinching the championship in the first Division by beating visitors and nearest rivals Whitley Bay ‘A’ 4-0. Leading scorer Ben Pearson bagged himself a first half brace for the current league leaders who also had Sam Quilliam and Wayne Stewart (penalty) on target after the break.

Stocksfield retained their hundred percent home record and are now twelve points clear at the top with a game in hand while Whitley’s promotion hopes could be threatened by the likes of Killingworth YPC and Percy Main. These two met at Purvis Park last Saturday and the Main impressively pulled off a 4-1 victory.
Against a Killy outfit which had just won five games on the trot, the Villagers had Graeme Cole opening the scoring straight from the kick off and Joe Betts netted to double their lead before the interval. Killy’s substitute Liam Callaghan reduced the deficit on the hour mark and they were only killed off by Percy Main goals in 85 and 86 minutes scored by Jason Ritchie and Pierre Luc Coiffait.

Gateshead Rutherford claimed only their second win on their travels by beating Berwick United 2-1. Berwick’s Lee Walker equalised after David Hall had fired Rutherford in front but a second half strike by Robbie Frame allowed the visitors to clinch victory and complete a league double at the Borderers’ expense.

Chopwell Officials trailed at half time to Peter Southern’s opener for visitors Wallington but came back strongly after the break to finally seal a 3-1 victory. Dave Fitzpatrick, Rowland Lee and Andrew Smith were Chopwell’s second half marksmen to inflict a sixth successive away defeat on Wallington.

Gosforth Bohemian Garnett, only beaten once in their last eight league outings, have hauled themselves out of the basement and picked up three more useful points by winning 2-1 away to Northbank. Improving on their earlier 2-2 draw with the Cumbrians on Tyneside, the Bohs had Harry Tulip and Paul Hodge on target this time and Northbank could only muster a single reply from Dave Glendinning.

Seaton Burn are still embroiled in a battle for First Division survival and despite scoring through Stu Taylor and Rob McDonald they were beaten 4-2 at home by Hebburn Reyrolle who ended their own miserable run of seven straight defeats in away games.

Meanwhile, Red Row Welfare are in trouble and facing the displeasure of league officials. Isolated on the bottom rung of the First Division table, the Welfare failed to field a team to face Alnwick Town at home in a semi-final tie of the Northern Alliance Charity Cup.

DIVISION TWO – KAH BROTHERS KEEP LEADERS ON COURSE
The top four sides in the Second Division all won last Saturday and current leaders South Shields United along with second-placed Amble United continued their battle for supremacy.

South Shields United held onto pole position thanks to their seventh home win on the trot and beat North Shields Athletic 2-0. Aaron Kah got United off the mark five minutes before half time and only five minutes remained when Tijan Kah doubled the lead to make the points secure.

With two games in hand Amble United kept the heat on South Shields and have retained a hundred percent record on home turf. They beat visitors Willington Quay Saints 2-1 to keep the run going despite falling behind to Glen Gallon’s 18th minute opener for the Saints. Midway through the second half ex-Alnwick striker Ian Common got Amble back on terms and only fiver minutes later their winner was put away by Michael Dance.

Wideopen & District held onto third spot and their 1-0 win at home to Benfield Chemfica stretched an unbeaten run to eight games. Recent signing Liam Jubb scored Wideopen’s vital winner in the opening half but, despite watching his team complete a league double, manager Alan Booth admitted that Chemfica had looked the better team for long periods in the game.

In fourth place at present, Forest Hall are well off the pace for possible promotion and were lucky to beat lowly visitors Amble FC 1-0. There were only four minutes to spare when Michael Reay scored the game’s only goal to leave Amble still seeking their first away win of the campaign.

On purely mathematical terms Stobswood Welfare are still capable of gaining promotion, having played only twelve games so far. The Welfare are still in the bottom half of the table but signalled their continuing interest by beating visitors Wallsend Boys’ Club 2-1. Josh Hay’s eleventh goal of the season put Stobswood in front and, after Rob Nolan levelled with a tremendous volley for the Boys’ Club, Kerry Shotton restored the Welfare’s lead.

Whitley Bay Town secured only their second home win by beating Newcastle BT 3-1 and reviving hopes of getting clear of the basement. A headed goal for Eddie Garratt before the interval and a second on the hour, direct from a free kick by Richard Biggs, gave the Town a clear lead. Dave Thompson reduced the deficit by opening BT’s account but the Bay’s anxieties were eased when Garratt bagged his second goal in the 85th minute.

Still with no win to their credit, Tynemouth United remained isolated on the bottom run and were beaten 5-3 at home by Wallsend Town. Leading 2-1 at the interval, United’s scorers were Oye Olaoyelade (2) and Chris Grieves but they were stripped of their advantage. Wallsend built on Mark Brewis’s opener and completed their tally with further goals shared by Ryan Arnott, Stephen Dodd, Anthony Senegoga and Phil Brown.

HEDDON SNATCH LATE EQUALISER

By Bill Gardner

Heddon drew 3-3 with close neighbours Ponteland United at Bullocksteads in a meeting of two Premier Division sides which seem to have lost the winning habit. But United could feel aggrieved at not gaining three points after a battling second half performance.

After only five minutes Pont were stung when a long range wind-assisted shot from home midfielder Daniel Hall flew into the top corner of the net giving Michael Havelock no chance. Heddon were having the better of the early exchanges stages but Richard Kent nearly levelled the score after good interplay between Liam McIvor and James Hall, only to be ruled offside.

Pont did manage to equalise in the 42nd minute when David Redhead scored after a cross from Marc Dummett wasn’t cleared. But just before half time Heddon were put in front again and when Daniel Hall’s long range free kick glanced off Glen Ford's head the ball flashed into the net for an own goal.

James Hall restored parity for Ponteland after 72 minutes by firing home from six yards and only four minutes later they went ahead. When Liam McIvor was hauled down in the box, Dummett stepped up to confidently score from the spot. But with the points apparently in the bag, United were caught out with only five minutes to go. Daniel Hall claimed his second goal of the game for Heddon to salvage a point when his 20-yard drive was too good for Pont keeper Havelock.

The top six sides in the Premier Division all won to preserve the status quo in the title race and Walker Central stayed two points clear in pole position by extending their unbeaten run to twelve games. The Central won 3-1 against bottom rung hosts Cramlington Town and, after the Town’s David Dormand had cancelled out Ian Dunn’s early opener for the league leaders, John Campbell bagged a brace for the visitors.

Second-placed Gillford Park followed up a midweek win at Alnwick by beating Heaton Stannington 2-0 at Grounsell Park. Yet to be beaten on their travels, the Park had Tyran Taylor and Ian Grainger scoring in each half to secure the points.

In third place Alnwick Town bounced back quickly after their midweek upset and made it five wins out of six recent games by beating struggling visitors Peterlee Town 2-1. Ben Keenan claimed both of Alnwick’s goals before a Craig Harbert spot kick got the Newtowners off the mark.

Harraby Catholic Club have games in hand of all the other teams at the top of the table and could upset a few ambitions on the run in. They completed a league double with a 3-0 victory at home to Newcastle University. Lee Otway scored first and last for the Cumbrians whose tally was completed by Roy Holliday.

Seaton Delaval also clinched a league double in hammering Murton 7-2 at Wheatridge Park. Delaval were four goals to the good at the interval and their goals in an impressive performance were supplied by Craig Johnson (hat-trick), Nick Evans, Gary Forbes, Stephen Howes and Connell Reed. Karl Garside replied for Murton who were also presented with an own goal by their hosts.

Since Stephen Bellas took over as manager Carlisle City have kept on improving and they avenged an earlier defeat in Cumbria by beating Shankhouse 1-0 at Northburn. Scott Priest scored City’s 57th minute winner to leave Shankhouse still seeking only their second home win of the campaign.

Two Northern Alliance sides – Blyth Town and Percy Main – will be going head to head in this season’s Northumberland Senior Bowl Final after seeing off the challenges of league colleagues in Saturday’s semi-final ties.

Blyth Town, who lifted the trophy last term, stayed on course for a repeat by beating cup visitors Whitley Bay ‘A’ 2-0. They went ahead after 33 minutes when Mark Waugh opened their account and their lead was doubled in the 68th minute when Danny Beresford netted from close range.

The cup holders’ opponents in this season’s final will be Percy Main who have previously picked up this silverware way back in 1978 and then more recently in 2004. The Villagers made the cut this time with a 2-1 victory away to their Premier Division opponents Ashington Colliers.

Percy Main opened the scoring through Jason Ritchie after half an hour but on the hour Richie Brown levelled for Ashington. The Main’s lead was quickly restored however and, when a long clearance from keeper Rob Rodgerson was cleverly helped on by Jon McEnaney, Joe Betts ran on to guide the ball past Tewart in the home goal.

In another cup clash, in the Longhorn Hardware League Cup, goals for Marc Nixon, Mark Elliott and Jamie Crichton gave Wark a 3-2 home win against Stobswood Welfare. And Wark will now be entertaining Harraby Catholic Club in this weekend’s semi-finals.



DIVISION ONE – STOCKSFIELD HAVE A STRONGHOLD

Having played a game less than their nearest challengers Whitley Bay ‘A’, Stocksfield are nine points clear at the head of the First Division table and favourites for the title and promotion. They’ve won all six of their home games to date and made Newcastle East End their latest victims. The East Enders however proved to be obstinate opponents and were only beaten 1-0. The game’s only goal was scored only two minutes after the kick off when Cairns Kettles passed to Phil Murray whose chip into the box was fired home by Ben Pearson to take his personal tally of league goals to fifteen.

Whitley Bay ‘A’ were on county cup duty but third-placed Killingworth YPC and Chopwell Officials in fourth spot both picked up maximum points. And Killy were impressive in their 6-1 home win against a Northbank side which had previously been enjoying a successful spell. The Killingworth goals to secure their fifth successive league win were sup[plied by Kevin Westphal (2), Andrew Edmundsen, Dan Smee, Callum Colback and Anthony Burns. And Killy’s Simon Patterson put the ball into his own net to present the Cumbrian visitors with their single counter.

After losing two games on the trot Chopwell were happy with their narrow 2-1 victory away to bottom rung outfit Red Row Welfare. Goals for Andrew Smith and Lee Best completed a league double for the visitors. Bradley Smith replied for the Welfare but they still have no home points to their credit.

Involvement in cup competitions has affected the progress of Cullercoats on the domestic front but the Seasiders could resurrect their promotion hopes by winning their games in hand. They made a promising start by beating visitors Gateshead Rutherford 4-2. Femi Akinbolu completed his hat-trick for the winners whose other scorer was Rob Watson. Ross Taylor and Robbie Frame replied for the losers.

Wallington have won their last four games at Scots Gap and they beat poor travellers Hebburn Reyrolle 3-1 to keep the run going. Jack Palmer bagged a brace for Wallington who also had Ashley McAlpine on target for his eleventh league goal of the campaign. Mark Haire was Hebburn’s only marksman as they slumped to their seventh successive defeat away from home.

Seaton Burn are still trying to escape from the First Division basement but are seeking their first win on home turf. The miserable run continued and they were beaten 3-1 by their latest visitors Gosforth Bohemian Garnett. Goals by Harry Tulip (2) and John McDonald gave the Bohemians only their second away win and the Burn’s single reply came from Ian Armstrong.



DIVISION TWO – SHIELDSMEN STAY ON TOP

Current leaders South Shields United and second-placed Amble United are continuing to battle for supremacy in the Second Division. Both won again last weekend and South Shields retained their three-point lead by beating powerful visitors Forest Hall 2-0. Second half goals for Mark Davey and Tijan Kah allowed United to clinch a league double while ending Forest Hall’s unbeaten record in away games.

Amble United could yet regain pole position by using their two games in hand successfully and they lived up to their free-scoring reputation with a 6-0 victory away to lowly Whitley Bay Town. Darren Riddell and second half substitute Steve Gibbard bagged a brace each for Amble whose other marksmen were Chris Moffitt and Shaun Black.

In third spot Wideopen & District are off the pace a little as far as the Second Division title is concerned but possible promotion is still worth fighting for. And the Wideopen lads extended an unbeaten run to seven games with their 4-0 victory away to Newcastle BT. Only Sean Hay’s opener separated the sides at half time but after the break Hay bagged his second goal before his colleagues Liam McEvoy and Liam Jubb also found the net.

North Shields Athletic remained in fourth place but slipped up badly and were surprisingly beaten 4-2 by their lowly hosts Amble FC. This was only Amble’s second win of this campaign and was secured with goals shared by Carl Sayer, Shaun Jobson, Ben Davidson and Adam Shanks. Alan Armstrong and Dan Walton replied for a disappointed North Shields side.

Wallsend Boys’ Club suffered only their second defeat at home and went down 4-2 against Willington Quay Saints who simultaneously claimed only their second away win. Glen Gallon’s two goals for the Saints were cancelled out by replies from Craig Williamson and Stephen Forster for the Boys’ Club and it was all square at 2-2 with seven minutes to go. But Mark Henderson restored Willington’s lead and John Foggett scored their fourth goal with a thundering 30-yard effort.

Despite booking themselves an appearance in this season’s Northumberland Minor Cup Final, Wallsend Town have struggled in the league and their 2-1 defeat by visitors Benfield Chemfica was their ninth on the trot in the Second Division. Liam Naulls and Mark Fenwick netted to secure the points for Chemfica and Paul McCutcheon claimed Wallsend’s token reply.

With only two points to date Tynemouth United are isolated on the bottom rung and allowed visitors Hexham to celebrate a fist win on their travels. Hexham passed the milestone by beating their hosts 2-0 thanks to first half strikes by Stephen Brown and Iain Strachan.

WALKER FAIL IN SENIOR CUP BID

By Bill Gardner
Walker Central made a quarter-final exit from the Northumberland Senior Cup after failing to find the net for the first time this season. The Central were soundly beaten 4-0 at home by Northern League neighbours Newcastle Benfield whose goals were supplied by Stephen Young (2), Michael Chilton and Adam Scope.

Walker, having previously lost interest in this season’s League Cup and Challenge Cup competitions, are now left to concentrate on the Premier Division title which they claimed last term. This season however a top two finish could be even more crucial with both the Central and their Cumbrian colleagues Gillford Park interested in stepping up to the Second Division of the Northern League.

While Walker were otherwise engaged, their closest challengers Gillford Park only managed a 1-1 draw away to Seaton Delaval and were lucky to salvage a point. The Cumbrians just managed to preserve their unbeaten away record and trailed to Delaval’s early opener scored by Steve Howes until Mike Riding snatched a last minute equaliser. And Delaval manager Nick Gray must be sick of watching his team concede vital goals in the dying minutes of their matches; it’s happened on many recent occasions.

Alnwick Town remained in third place after their 2-0 victory away to Ponteland United. The Town’s fourth league win on the trot was achieved with goals in each half for Gary Bailes and Mark Cockburn.

Bailes headed home from an inswinging corner from Scott McMullen in the 15th minute but there was a long wait for Cockburn’s goal scored after 89 minutes.
In the meantime Ponteland were held at bay by a competent Alnwick defence and their chances of a recovery dwindled after Glen Ford was sent off for a rash challenge and striker Liam McIvor was injured. And Pont are now fourth from bottom and facing a battle for their Premier Division future.
With games in hand, Harraby Catholic Club are posing a threat to the current pace-setters and they leapfrogged over Seaton Delaval into fourth spot. They did the trick by beating visitors Shankhouse 1-0 but their opponents deserved to share of the spoils.

Shankhouse were stronger than their hosts in the first half with Darren Naylor heading wide at the back post after 20 minutes and Lee Gustard picking up a loose ball in the area only to see home keeper Aaron Taylor blocking his close range effort. Then in another Shankhouse raid Graeme Smith’s 25-yard free kick hit the inside of the post and somehow shot across the goal to be eventually cleared.

It didn’t look as though either side would secure victory but Matthew Blake scored Harraby’s winner with only seconds to spare. In stoppage time Harraby were awarded a free kick just inside the visitors’ half and close to the touchline. Blake’s delivery into the 'box' saw both attackers & defenders unable to get a touch but the ball bounced and then skidded past the stranded Shankhouse keeper David Dent to give the home side a very fortunate winner.

After three home wins on the trot Carlisle City had to settle for a 2-2 draw with lowly visitors Ashington Colliers who were fired into a two-goal interval lead by Paul Smith and Patrick Cockburn. City were presented with an own goal opener by visiting defender Gareth Rees and then equalised through Ollie Driver.

Cramlington Town and Peterlee Town, Ashington’s fellow-strugglers in the Premier Division basement, didn’t fare quite as well. Cramlington were well beaten 5-2 by up-and-coming hosts Wark whose goals were put away by Marc Nixon (2), Martin Hardy, Phil Thompson and Jamie Peel. Iain Downie and David Dormand replied but Cramlington remained on the bottom rung.

Peterlee Town, just above Cramlington at the foot of the table and without a win since last October, were beaten 2-1 by hosts Heaton Stannington. Heaton had Joe Wear and Lawrence McKenna finding the net before John Pyle claimed a late consolation goal for the Newtowners.

Heddon drew 2-2 with Blyth Town at Bullocksteads where Chris Lisle bagged a brace for Blyth and Heddon responded with strikes by Craig Horsfall and John Dunn. And goals for Will Deledicq (2), Dave Kewn and Edwin Tizard gave Newcastle University a vital 4-1 victory over visitors Murton to ease their relegation worries. Steve Turner was Murton’s only scorer.

DIVISION ONE – STOCKSFIELD END PERCY MAIN’S RECORD
Stocksfield are now nine points clear of nearest rivals Whitley Bay ‘A’ and with a game in hand at the head of the First Division table. Both of these pace-setters collected maximum points last Saturday but each is aware of the challenge of Killingworth YPC in the battle for promotion.

Leaders Stocksfield, beaten only once this term, ended the unbeaten home record of fourth-placed Percy Main with a 2-1 victory at Purvis Park. After only seven minutes the Main went ahead, presented with an own goal opener as a good corner kick from Pierre - Luc Coiffait was fumbled into his own net by Stocksfield keeper Shaun Sagar.

But only four minutes later the visitors were back on equal terms as Ben Pearson, after combining well with his colleague Phil Murray, rounded the home keeper to poke the ball in from close range. Then, two minutes before the break, Pearson netted again for what turned out to be Stocksfield’s winner. This time he went on a solo run, beating several defenders before his deflected effort crossed the line.

After winning only one of their five previous games Whitley Bay ‘A’ comfortably beat Seaton Burn 4-1 to leave their hosts still seeking a first home win. The Bay, whose marksmen were Mark Fenwick, Jamie Lyndon, Gavin Hattrick and Ian Lee, were three up at the interval and the Burn’s single reply came from Stuart Taylor.
Killingworth YPC have a clutch of games in hand to assist their promotion hopes. They recorded their fourth win on the trot and completed a league double by beating visitors Chopwell Officials 2-1. David Smee bagged a first half brace for Killy and they defended well after a 70th minute reply from Chopwell substitute Alan Rennison trimmed their lead.

Northbank and Gateshead Rutherford maintained their mid-table status by securing maximum points in their respective home games and Northbank hammered Berwick United 4-0 with goals shared by Louis Gallacher, Simon Elston, Mark Graham and Jonathan Mason. Their defeat ended a recent run of successes for the Borderers.

Gateshead Rutherford made it five home wins on the trot at the expense of strugglers Red Row Welfare who were soundly beaten 3-0. With only one league win to their credit the Welfare trailed to two Dan Robinson goals at the interval and conceded a third after 88 minutes scored by Robbie Frame.

Wallington still have relegation worries following their 4-0 defeat away to Newcastle East End whose marksmen were Dieu-Donne Lomana (2), Matthew Young and Anthony Studholme. But Hebburn Reyrolle ended a spell of seven games without a win and in fortuitous circumstances beat visitors Gosforth Bohemian Garnett 1-0. The only goal of a scrappy encounter was put into his own net by a Gosforth defender in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

DIVISION TWO – LEADERS HUMBLED BY THE HALL
Amble United, three points behind Second Division leaders South Shields United but with a game in hand, slipped up at Forest Hall and were beaten 2-1 by their hosts. The Seasiders looked likely to extend an unbeaten run into double figures when they were fired into an early lead by Chris Moffitt. But they were stopped in their tracks and, after Michael Reay equalised, Forest Hall’s winner was put away by Tom Carver.

Helped by this unexpected result, South Shields United stayed in pole position and were happy with their 2-1 victory away to third-placed North Shields Athletic. David Armstrong was on the mark for a North Shields side looking for a seventh successive home win but they were to be disappointed. Tijan Kah got South Shields back on terms and the same player scored his second to wrap up the points for the current league leaders.

Wideopen & District and Wallsend Boys’ Club both have a lot to do if they are to revive their promotion prospects and the Boys’ Club had to be disappointed by their goal-less draw away to lowly Whitley Bay Town. Wideopen however extended their unbeaten streak to six games by comfortably beating visitors Amble FC 3-0. Having failed to win a single game away from home so far, Amble are still stuck in the basement. And Wideopen showed no mercy as they added three more points to their total with goals claimed by Gary Lamb (2) and new signing Liam Jubb who scored on his debut.

Willington Quay Saints are still in mid-table but have only been beaten once at home in this campaign. The Saints improved on their earlier 3-3 draw with visitors Benfield Chemfica by winning 2-1 this time. Stephen King’s opener gave the Saints a half time lead but it was cancelled out after 68 minutes by Jimmy Hawkes for the visitors. And only two minutes later Willington Quay’s winner was headed home by John Foggett.

Stobswood Welfare were beaten 1-0 by Mark Gibson’s vital goal for hosts Hexham while Tynemouth United remained stuck on the bottom rung despite their 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle BT. All four goals were scored in the opening half with Dave Thompson bagging a brace for BT and Chris Grieves and Oye Olaoyelade on the mark for Tynemouth who secured only their second point of the season.

Wallsend Town may have struggled in the Second Division this term but last weekend booked their place in the final of the Ideal Stelrad Northumberland FA Minor Cup by beating semi-final hosts Lowick United 1-0. The Town’s cup final opponents will be Blakelaw Crofters Lodge who won 2-0 to end the hopes of Northern Alliance First Division outfit Cullercoats.

CAMPBELL HAT-TRICK DENIES PONT

By Bill Gardner
While their closest rivals including second-placed Gillford Park were on cup duty, Walker Central went six points clear at the head of the Premier Division. The Central beat visitors Ponteland United 3-2 to complete a league double, maintain their unbeaten home record and clock up their seventh league win on the trot. But it wasn’t easy!

The players wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence before the game as a mark of respect for former long serving Northern Alliance League Secretary John McLackland who sadly collapsed and died suddenly on 20th February.

It was Walker who took the lead from the penalty spot when United’s Ford pulled John Campbell’s shirt and Campbell himself took the successful spot kick. Walker were looking strong at this stage but Pont stuck to their task and equalised after 38 minutes. Sean Willis’s cross found Liam, McIvor at the near post and his short pass gave Scott Fenwick the chance to tap the ball home. And only two minutes later Ponteland were in front. Suddick chipped the ball over the home defence to the unmarked Andrew Davidson who smashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner.

Clearly Walker were unsettled at this juncture and trailed 2-1 at half time. But Pont’s lead was short lived and only four minutes into the second half Campbell equalised with his second goal, scored from a narrow angle. And the Central snatched a winner ten minutes from the end courtesy of Campbell again as he punished poor defending to complete his hat-trick.

The rest of the games involved teams desperate for points in the basement and Cramlington Town, now on the bottom rung, were beaten 2-1 by hosts Carlisle City who scored first and last through Steve Bell and Jamie Yallop. Cramlington’s second half scorer was Thomas North.

Peterlee Town are only a point better off than Cramlington and their miserable run continued as they were beaten 3-0 at home by Wark. Phil Thompson scored all three goals in the second half for Wark to hoist them into a mid-table slot.

Ashington Colliers and Newcastle University are both involved in a battle against relegation but neither had any joy. The Colliers lost 2-1 away to Heaton Stannington who had three points deducted last week. Heaton’s marksmen were Adam Donaghey and Gary Yates who bagged their late winner after David Brown had levelled for Ashington. Meanwhile, Newcastle University came off second best in their bottom of the table clash at Murton. The Students went down 1-0 to Paul Wintrip’s 62nd minute goal for their hosts.

In their semi-final tie away to Gillford Park in the Bosch Power Tools Challenge Cup, Blyth Town were beaten 4-2 in extra time. Steve Skinner bagged a first half brace for the Park but replies from Blyth’s Aaron Hicken and Mark Waugh took the game into extra time. Chris Grainger netted to put the Cumbrians in front before Skinner completed his hat-trick and Gillford will be meeting Heddon in this season’s final.

There were a few shocks in the Longhorn Hardware League Cup and in a delayed third round tie Stobswood Welfare beat Premier Division visitors Heddon 2-1. After trailing to Max Turner’s opener for Heddon, the Welfare hit back through Wayne Gair and Josh Hay to clinch an unexpected victory.

More surprises emerged in the League Cup’s quarter-finals and despite both being at home Seaton Delaval and Shankhouse lost out to their respective First and Second Division opponents. Cullercoats beat Delaval 3-2 after trailing to goals by Steve Howes and Stephen Anderson for their hosts. Alex Burnett reduced the deficit for the visitors before Femi Akinbolu levelled in the 90th minute. Then in stoppage time Craig Deighton scored the Cullercoats winner.

Hexham won 2-1 to dump Shankhouse out of the cup and quickly responded to Craig Johnson’s opener for their hosts. They forced Shankhouse’s defender Graeme Smith into conceding an own goal and with only three minutes top spare Tony Lancaster claimed Hexham’s vital winner.

Harraby Catholic Club however made no mistake in their quarter-final at home to First Division leaders Stocksfield. They won 4-1 with goals shared by Mike Swift, Roy Holliday, Lee Otway and James Earl after Sandy Tordoff had given Stocksfield an early lead.

DIVISION ONE – JOY FOR TROUBLED BERWICK
In the First Division lowly Berwick United were celebrating after securing their first away points of the season. The Borderers did the trick with a 1-0 victory at Chopwell to give themselves some breathing space in the basement. The points were only secured late in the game but that didn’t matter to Berwick whose vital winner was snatched in the 88th minute by Sean Phillips.

Still with no home points to their credit, Red Row Welfare stayed on the bottom rung after a 2-0 defeat by visitors Seaton Burn whose marksmen were Stuart Taylor and Mark Braddick. And Gosforth Bohemian Garnett are just above Red Row in the basement but eased the pressure by winning 1-0 at home to Newcastle East End. Paul Menton scored Gosforth’s winner only five minutes into the game.

In mid-table, Gateshead Rutherford have won their last four games on home turf and they made Wallington their latest victims. Wallington produced a rather poor performance and couldn’t argue about losing 2-1. Their single goal was a last minute disputed penalty put away by Ashley McAlpine after Dan Robinson and Graeme Troughton had netted for Rutherford after the break.

The top two sides in the First Division – Stocksfield and Whitley Bay ‘A’ – were both absent from league duty and Percy Main, unbeaten in their last six outings, leapfrogged over Chopwell Officials to claim third spot.

The Main won 4-1 to complete a league double against Northbank over in Carlisle and Sean Potts gave them an early opener from Pierre Coiffait’s cross in a move initiated by Graeme Cole. And almost immediately the Villagers’ lead was doubled by Tony Browell who latched onto Jason Ritchie’s long free kick to score from close range.

Jonathan McEnaney scored Percy Main’s third goal after only 20 minutes to rock the Cumbrians when Ritchie again supplied the ammunition and the visitors’ tally was completed by Ritchie who scored from the spot after Coiffiat was up-ended in the area. Simon Elston claimed Northbank’s consolation goal.

Killingworth YPC claimed their third win on the trot in beating visitors Hebburn Reyrolle 4-3 with goals by Daniel Smee (2), Kevin Grahamslaw and second half substitute Peter Mulholland. Killy also presented an own goal gift to Reyrolle who had Chris Morris and Dave Jeffers on target as they suffered their sixth successive defeat away from home.

DIVISION TWO – AMBLE UNITED RECLAIM POLE POSITION
South Shields United were lying idle in the Second Division and surrendered pole position to Amble United who beat Wallsend Town 4-2 to protect their hundred percent home record. United’s scorers were Greg Dance (2), Steve Gibbard and Bradley Wake. Steve Richardson and Paul McCutcheon replied for the Tynesiders who are yet to earn a first league point on their travels.

Fourth-placed Wallsend Boys’ Club may also be in a false position, having completed more games than any other side in the Second Division. After drawing four home games on the trot the Boys’ Club got back on track by clinching a 3-0 verdict at the expense of strugglers Amble Town. Goals shared by Rob Nolan, Andy McBride and Frazer Henderson completed a league double for the hosts.

In third place, North Shields Athletic have played more games than the two teams above them but they haven’t given up on promotion. And the Athletic clinched a rare away win by beating Benfield Chemfica 3-0 with goals supplied by Dave Armstrong (2) and Ronnie Kay. The result ended Chemfica’s three-match winning streak.

Tynemouth United, the only team below Amble in the basement, stayed glued to the bottom rung and without a single league win in this campaign. They were beaten again – 2-0 by hosts Wideopen & District – and were sunk by goals for Wideopen’s Gary Lamb and Jamie Reeves. Lamb remained the Division’s top scorer with 19 league goals to his credit so far.

After losing only once in their eight previous outings Forest Hall were surprisingly beaten 2-0 at home by Whitley Bay Town who secured their first away points in the process. Strikes by Garry Milburn and Mick Welford gave the Bay some hope of dragging themselves out of the basement.

Willington Quay Saints suffered their first defeat at home this season in going down 3-2 against Newcastle BT. The BT lads had been the victims of travel sickness prior to this encounter but beat their hosts for the second time this term with goals shared by Dave Thompson, Anthony Bruce and Colin Galbraith. The Saints had been fired in front twice by Andy Duffield and then Glen Johnson but were stunned by Galbraith’s 85th minute match-winner.