By Bill Gardner
There were some surprising results and, despite having an idle Saturday, Premier Division leaders Wark stayed six points clear. Of their four nearest rivals, only Killingworth Sporting picked up maximum points.
Killingworth leapfrogged over Heaton Stannington to claim third spot thanks to their 3-2 victory over Shankhouse at Northburn but their hosts were twice fired in front by Paul Armstrong and then Carl Moir. Prompt replies from Killy’s Andy Edmundsen and Nick Hindhaugh kept the visitors in the game and Hindhaugh’s second goal after 70 minutes proved decisive, leaving Shankhouse bemoaning their fourth league defeat on the trot.
Second-placed Walker Central suffered only their second defeat away from home, losing 3-2 against Seaton Delaval who they had beaten 3-0 in the reverse fixture. Two early strikes by Mark Fenwick and Stephen Anderson put Delaval in charge but they wasted this advantage and allowed Liam Mulligan and David Dormand to hit back for the Central before the break. But in the 74th minute Jordan Fry netted to give the hosts a well-earned victory.
Both Heaton Stannington and Carlisle City failed to take advantage of Wark’s absence from league duty and although Heaton extended an unbeaten run to seven games their 1-1 draw away to Murton had to be disappointing. Murton had been 7-2 losers at Grounsell Park but opened the scoring this time through Paul Wintrip after only fifteen minutes. His goal threatened to give his side a surprise victory but with only seconds remaining Christian Collins scored to save Heaton from a greater upset.
Carlisle City had lost only one of seven games prior to their visit to Ponteland United and a 4-2 defeat dented their title hopes. Ponteland returned to action following the previous week’s postponement and were unchanged from the team which defeated Walker last time out. It didn’t take too long for the visitors to get their noses in front and after only ten minutes a cross from Jamie Yallop was headed by Pont’s Anthony Anzevui but only into the path of Ollie Driver who beat home keeper Michael Havelock.
Five minutes later Pont were level with Richard Kent quickly getting the better of Yallop and firing low past City keeper Shane Williams from Marc Dummett's cross. And 20 minutes Ponteland were in front when Billy Holden set up Gavin Wood to score.
The lead lasted only another three minutes until Carlisle’s Guiseppe Amato won a free kick on the left and his cross was headed firmly home by the unchallenged by Michael Holliday. However, just before the break United’s lead was restored by Billy Holden who netted from a tight angle. And Holden scored his second goal after going round the keeper in the dying seconds to make the points secure.
In their mid-table meeting with visitors Blyth Town, Alnwick Town avenged an earlier defeat by winning 3-1 this time. Robbie Dobson gave Blyth an opener on the stroke of half time but Alnwick ran the show after the change-over. Chris Moffitt struck to restore parity and midway through the second half his Alnwick colleague Ben Keenan bagged himself a quick-fire brace.
The Premier Division’s bottom two clubs Heddon and Newcastle University had no luck again. Heddon had Ben Haddock and Mark McEwen on target away to Cramlington Town but still lost 3-2 after conceding earlier goals to the Town’s Stuart Hepple (2) and Kevin Long.
Newcastle University were hammered 6-0 by visitors Harraby Catholic Club who had their goals supplied by Aaron Roberts (2), David Hewson, Daniel Balmer, Lee Sturrock and Alan Casey.
In a delayed first round tie in the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup, Stocksfield were beaten 5-1 away by Ashington Colliers whose marksmen were Mark Richardson (2), Scott Smith, Marc Pattie and Simon Curry. Ben Pearson was Stocksfield’s only scorer and the Colliers will now be visiting Blyth Town in the quarter-finals of the competition.
DIVISION ONE – PURVIS PARK’S A FORTRESS
Percy Main and Gateshead Rutherford have drawn clear of the rest in the race for the First Division title. Rutherford took a break from league duties to pursue their hopes in the Durham FA Trophy and booked themselves a semi-final slot by beating visitors Hartlepool Town SFC 5-0. Andy Reay saw his penalty for Rutherford well saved but they still coasted through, thanks mainly to Robbie Frame’s hat-trick. The home side’s other scorers were Joe Hindmarch and Steve Tumelty.
In pole position in the First Division and having now played a game more than Rutherford, Percy Main have a five-point lead after beating Whitley Bay A 4-2 at Purvis Park. The Villagers, with a hundred percent record on home turf, were leading 2-0 after only fourteen minutes.
Jonathan McEnaney opened their account by bundling home a floated free kick from Jason Ritchie and the Main’s second goal came a few minutes later with Callum Colbeck deceiving Bay keeper Chris Compson with his well placed back header.
Dean Porter hit back for Whitley with his low stooping header going in off the post but McEnaney’s second goal just before the interval restored Percy Main’s advantage. This time he fired home from close range from Jason Ritchie’s flag kick.
Midway through the second half Whitley Bay were reduced to ten men when Ian Lee received his marching orders and the Main bagged their fourth goal as Steven Shadforth banged in an unstoppable effort from just outside the box. There was only a minute left when the Bay completed the scoring, Joe Riley stabbing home a loose ball in controversial circumstances with the home defenders claiming that the ball had been pulled back from being well over the dead ball line.
Third-placed Amble United have a couple of useful games in hand but, after winning three games on the trot, the Seasiders were restricted to a 2-2 draw away to Hebburn Reyrolle. Ron Warwick gave United an interval lead but two second half replies from Simon Jacobs and Alan Pegram swung the game in Hebburn’s favour. But an 80th minute penalty put away by Paul White salvaged a point for the visitors.
After losing five away games in succession, Gosforth Bohemians turned the corner by beating hosts Peterlee Town 4-3 in a mid-table battle. Martin Jones (2) and Dave Langley netted for the Newtowners but they were just overtaken and strikes by Harry Tulip (2), Ben Edusei and Paul Menton saw the Bohs pick up the points.
Having suffered a heavy defeat in the Durham Trophy a week earlier, Chopwell bounced back and beat struggling visitors Northbank 2-1. Both sides wasted first half opportunities but Chopwell ended the stalemate with two quick goals straight after the break, both scored by Andrew Smith. On the hour mark Northbank hit back through Sergio Royo and were only deprived of a point by some resolute Chopwell defending in the closing stages.
Morpeth Sporting Club made it into the fourth round of the Northumberland Minor Cup and in their rescheduled tie at home to Red Star Benwell they secured a comfortable 5-2 victory. John Paxton weighed in with a hat-trick for Morpeth and their other marksmen were Chris Tate and Karl Snowden.
DIVISION TWO – WIDEOPEN SLIP UP
With Second Division leaders Amble and second-placed North Shields Athletic out of league action there was a chance for Wideopen & District to put some pressure on. They blew it however after having to settle for a 3-3 draw with visitors Forest Hall. Wideopen had famously-named Niall Quinn bagging two of their goals with the other claimed by Rob MacDonald. But Forest Hall earned a share of the spoils with replies from Kevin Baldwin, Alan Knights and Tom Jones.
At the wrong end of the table, both Tynemouth United and Whitley Bay Town achieved encouraging results and a 3-2 verdict at home to Willington Quay Saints gave Tynemouth only their second win of the campaign. Their goals by Stephen Matthews, Chris Hutchinson and Chris Garwood (penalty) just outweighed the scoring efforts of Glen Johnson (penalty) and John Foggett for the Saints.
Whitley Bay Town, leading 3-2 at half time away to Cullercoats Custom Planet, were finally restricted to a 3-3 draw but were happy with a precious point. Chris Fairley, Chris Atkin and Luke Jamieson-Yip were the Town’s first half marksmen and the Planet’s replies were shared by Kevin Walter (who netted after only twelve seconds), Edmund Garrett and Mark Wilkinson.
Swalwell have only lost once in their last eight outings but were lucky to get a 2-2 draw with visitors Hexham. A gift of an own goal by home defender Chris Smith gave Hexham their opener five minutes before the half time interval. After the change-over Scott Coates scored from the spot to double Hexham’s lead but Swalwell’s decision to bring Craig Robinson off the bench paid dividends. He scored twice in the last five minutes to rob the visitors of victory.
Cramlington Blue Star out-muscled hosts Wallsend Boys Club in their basement battle to win 3-2 Wallsend led 2-1 at the break after goals by Andy McBride and Dan Henry had triggered a single reply from Blue Star’s Jamie Evans. The Star’s manager Ray Armstrong was red-carded but his side’s physical approach rattled Wallsend’s youngsters in the second half and further Cramlington goals were supplied by Sam Robinson and Thomas Bazzee.
Amble, Wallsend Town and Newcastle Chemfica all made progress in the NFA Minor Cup with Wallsend Town hammering cup hosts and league colleagues Newcastle BT 6-0. Liam Bell completed a hat-trick for the Town who also had Paul McCutcheon (2) and Rikki Donaldson on target.
Amble were also in free-scoring mood at home to Blyth Rangers and the current Second Division leaders won 6-1 to book their place in the next round. Wyn Fremlin’s opener for Amble straight from the kick off was cancelled out by Blyth’s Craig Petrie but that was the Rangers’ last shout. Amble cruised to a comfortable victory with further goals by Stu Marshall (2), David Shephard, Adam Shanks and Mike Grieves.
Newcastle Chemfica were also third round Minor Cup winners, scoring two goals without reply at home to Bellingham. Their match-winning marksmen were Colin Cooney and Mark Burlingston.
Monday, 14 December 2009
Monday, 7 December 2009
WALKER WELCOME CAMPBELL’S RETURN
By Bill Gardner
The weather played havoc with the fixtures and Premier Division pace setters Wark had their home game with Harraby Catholic Club washed out, allowing second-placed Walker Central to trim their lead to six points.
After losing three games on the trot Walker Central got back on track with a 4-1 victory over Shankhouse at Monkchester. James Armstrong put Shankhouse in front midway through the opening half but they were still heading for a third successive league defeat.
John Campbell marked his return to the Central’s ranks after a spell with West Allotment Celtic by scoring their equaliser after 35 minutes and just before the interval Paul Chapman claimed the home side’s second goal. David Dormand netted after 74 minutes to increase Walker’s lead and with two minutes to go Campbell completed their tally with his second goal of the game.
Heddon’s new manager Warren Fisher was within a minute of seeing his new charges claiming a first home win but visitors Newcastle University salvaged a point from the eventual 3-3 draw. There was a dream start for Heddon in this bottom of the table clash with Daniel Robinson and John Pearson both finding the net within three minutes of the kick off.
Michael Forrest got the Students off the mark on the half hour but Heddon’s two-goal lead was restored by Daryl Lucas shortly before the break. Even when Will Deledicq scored the University’s second goal Heddon seemed in little danger of letting things slip. But in the 89th minute Deledicq struck again to ensure that the spoils were shared.
Having watched his Seaton Delaval side suffer six defeats on the trot, team manager Nick Gray was relieved to see a much better performance which earned a 2-1 victory away to Blyth Town. Blyth had been unbeaten in five previous appearances and were fired into an early lead by Danny Beresford. Stephen Howes got Delaval back on terms before Stephen Anderson scored their winner a couple of minutes before half time.
Ashington Colliers’ home game against Stocksfield in the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup had to be postponed but in the other outstanding first round tie Carlisle City beat Alnwick Town 2-1.
Carlisle surrendered home advantage and travelled up to Alnwick for the first meeting of the two sides this season.
Only minutes into the game a double sending off reduced each team to ten men and Stephen Rutter opened the scoring for Alnwick midway through the first half. The Town’s slender lead survived until City’s Stuart Hill restored parity in the 79th minute to take the tie into extra time. Towards the end of the first extra period Steve Bell found the net for Carlisle’s winner to set up a home game against Cumbrian neighbours Harraby Catholic Club in the Challenge Cup’s second round.
DIVISIONS ONE & TWO – SAINTS ARE TRAVELLING BADLY
Waterlogging caused the postponement of the three First Division fixtures that had been scheduled and only two of four planned games in the Second Division got the go-ahead.
In only their second home game this term, Cullercoats Custom Planet picked up three useful points to keep clear of the basement. The Planet beat Willington Quay Saints 2-1 to leave their visitors still seeking a first win away from home. Both of the Cullercoats goals were scored by Edmund Garrett with Dave Allan replying for the Saints.
In the only other Second Division encounter, Hexham drew 0-0 with third-placed Wideopen & District at Wentworth Park where the playing surface was perfect. The star of the show was Hexham keeper Dave Anderson who pulled off a string of fine saves to protect his side’s unbeaten home record. The result was also encouraging for a Wideopen outfit which had lost both of its previous games in the Second Division.
COUNTY CUPS – REYROLLE ARE STILL ROLLING
The weather also had a devastating effect on County Cup games but Chopwell Officials and Hebburn Reyrolle saw some action in the second round of the Durham FA Trophy. Chopwell’s action wasn’t up to much and they were hammered 7-1 by hosts Chester-le-Street Whitehills but Hebburn Reyrolle made progress by winning 5-3 away to South Shields Simonside with the aid of extra time. Craig Malley, Ray Oshin and Chris Morris netted for Reyrolle but i9t was all square cat 3-3 after ninety minutes. In the extra half hour however the Northern Alliance side out-ran their opponents and further strikes by Malley and Dan Matthews settled the issue.
Weather permitting, Gateshead Rutherford’s home tie in the Durham Trophy against Hartlepool Town SFC will go ahead this weekend along with seven third round games affecting Northern Alliance sides in the Northumberland FA Minor Cup which were also washed out.
Three Alliance flag-bearers – Amble United, Percy Main and Forest Hall - managed to make progress and Amble United did the trick by beating visitors and league colleagues Whitley Bay Town 2-1. Chris Atkin opened the scoring for Whitley early in the second half but it took only another minute for Marc Hume to get United back on terms. And in the 65th minute Amble’s winner was claimed by Ian Common.
Forest Hall did well to beat First Division cup visitors Gosforth Bohemians 3-2 with goals provided by Jamie Gilbert (2) and Tom Jones. Ben Edusei and Harry Tulip replied in vain for the Bohs who couldn’t complain about the outcome.
Wallsend Boys Club switched their home tie in the Minor Cup to Purvis Park, the ground of opponents Percy Main, and gave a good account of themselves before being beaten 3-0 by the current First Division leaders in the Alliance.
The Main were unable to find a breakthrough in the opening half although Malcolm Morien and Steven Shadforth were close to opening their account. However, after 52 minutes the deadlock was broken with a simple goal when Jason Ritchie’s well-delivered flag kick was headed powerfully home by Callum Colbeck.
With their noses in front the Villagers began to apply some pressure and Shaun Wilkinson saw his close range effort palmed round the post by visiting keeper flicked wide by keeper Phil Holgate. But an error by Holgate on the hour mark allowed Percy Main to double their lead and he fumbled a low cross from man-of-the-match Shadforth, allowing the ball to trickle into the net.
After this second setback the Wallsend lads’ heads dropped and the Main were able to tighten their grip on the game. And they were confident enough to introduce substitutes Chris Doig, Joe Betts and Liam Knox in the closing stages. In the 88th minute Knox scored his side’s third goal to wrap up the tie with his brave stooping header from an excellent Betts cross.
The weather played havoc with the fixtures and Premier Division pace setters Wark had their home game with Harraby Catholic Club washed out, allowing second-placed Walker Central to trim their lead to six points.
After losing three games on the trot Walker Central got back on track with a 4-1 victory over Shankhouse at Monkchester. James Armstrong put Shankhouse in front midway through the opening half but they were still heading for a third successive league defeat.
John Campbell marked his return to the Central’s ranks after a spell with West Allotment Celtic by scoring their equaliser after 35 minutes and just before the interval Paul Chapman claimed the home side’s second goal. David Dormand netted after 74 minutes to increase Walker’s lead and with two minutes to go Campbell completed their tally with his second goal of the game.
Heddon’s new manager Warren Fisher was within a minute of seeing his new charges claiming a first home win but visitors Newcastle University salvaged a point from the eventual 3-3 draw. There was a dream start for Heddon in this bottom of the table clash with Daniel Robinson and John Pearson both finding the net within three minutes of the kick off.
Michael Forrest got the Students off the mark on the half hour but Heddon’s two-goal lead was restored by Daryl Lucas shortly before the break. Even when Will Deledicq scored the University’s second goal Heddon seemed in little danger of letting things slip. But in the 89th minute Deledicq struck again to ensure that the spoils were shared.
Having watched his Seaton Delaval side suffer six defeats on the trot, team manager Nick Gray was relieved to see a much better performance which earned a 2-1 victory away to Blyth Town. Blyth had been unbeaten in five previous appearances and were fired into an early lead by Danny Beresford. Stephen Howes got Delaval back on terms before Stephen Anderson scored their winner a couple of minutes before half time.
Ashington Colliers’ home game against Stocksfield in the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup had to be postponed but in the other outstanding first round tie Carlisle City beat Alnwick Town 2-1.
Carlisle surrendered home advantage and travelled up to Alnwick for the first meeting of the two sides this season.
Only minutes into the game a double sending off reduced each team to ten men and Stephen Rutter opened the scoring for Alnwick midway through the first half. The Town’s slender lead survived until City’s Stuart Hill restored parity in the 79th minute to take the tie into extra time. Towards the end of the first extra period Steve Bell found the net for Carlisle’s winner to set up a home game against Cumbrian neighbours Harraby Catholic Club in the Challenge Cup’s second round.
DIVISIONS ONE & TWO – SAINTS ARE TRAVELLING BADLY
Waterlogging caused the postponement of the three First Division fixtures that had been scheduled and only two of four planned games in the Second Division got the go-ahead.
In only their second home game this term, Cullercoats Custom Planet picked up three useful points to keep clear of the basement. The Planet beat Willington Quay Saints 2-1 to leave their visitors still seeking a first win away from home. Both of the Cullercoats goals were scored by Edmund Garrett with Dave Allan replying for the Saints.
In the only other Second Division encounter, Hexham drew 0-0 with third-placed Wideopen & District at Wentworth Park where the playing surface was perfect. The star of the show was Hexham keeper Dave Anderson who pulled off a string of fine saves to protect his side’s unbeaten home record. The result was also encouraging for a Wideopen outfit which had lost both of its previous games in the Second Division.
COUNTY CUPS – REYROLLE ARE STILL ROLLING
The weather also had a devastating effect on County Cup games but Chopwell Officials and Hebburn Reyrolle saw some action in the second round of the Durham FA Trophy. Chopwell’s action wasn’t up to much and they were hammered 7-1 by hosts Chester-le-Street Whitehills but Hebburn Reyrolle made progress by winning 5-3 away to South Shields Simonside with the aid of extra time. Craig Malley, Ray Oshin and Chris Morris netted for Reyrolle but i9t was all square cat 3-3 after ninety minutes. In the extra half hour however the Northern Alliance side out-ran their opponents and further strikes by Malley and Dan Matthews settled the issue.
Weather permitting, Gateshead Rutherford’s home tie in the Durham Trophy against Hartlepool Town SFC will go ahead this weekend along with seven third round games affecting Northern Alliance sides in the Northumberland FA Minor Cup which were also washed out.
Three Alliance flag-bearers – Amble United, Percy Main and Forest Hall - managed to make progress and Amble United did the trick by beating visitors and league colleagues Whitley Bay Town 2-1. Chris Atkin opened the scoring for Whitley early in the second half but it took only another minute for Marc Hume to get United back on terms. And in the 65th minute Amble’s winner was claimed by Ian Common.
Forest Hall did well to beat First Division cup visitors Gosforth Bohemians 3-2 with goals provided by Jamie Gilbert (2) and Tom Jones. Ben Edusei and Harry Tulip replied in vain for the Bohs who couldn’t complain about the outcome.
Wallsend Boys Club switched their home tie in the Minor Cup to Purvis Park, the ground of opponents Percy Main, and gave a good account of themselves before being beaten 3-0 by the current First Division leaders in the Alliance.
The Main were unable to find a breakthrough in the opening half although Malcolm Morien and Steven Shadforth were close to opening their account. However, after 52 minutes the deadlock was broken with a simple goal when Jason Ritchie’s well-delivered flag kick was headed powerfully home by Callum Colbeck.
With their noses in front the Villagers began to apply some pressure and Shaun Wilkinson saw his close range effort palmed round the post by visiting keeper flicked wide by keeper Phil Holgate. But an error by Holgate on the hour mark allowed Percy Main to double their lead and he fumbled a low cross from man-of-the-match Shadforth, allowing the ball to trickle into the net.
After this second setback the Wallsend lads’ heads dropped and the Main were able to tighten their grip on the game. And they were confident enough to introduce substitutes Chris Doig, Joe Betts and Liam Knox in the closing stages. In the 88th minute Knox scored his side’s third goal to wrap up the tie with his brave stooping header from an excellent Betts cross.