KILLY JOIN THE ELITE

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.

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.

WALKER ARE ON THE SLIPPERY SLOPE

By Bill Gardner
Marc Nixon took his season’s total of goals for Wark to twenty-six in his side’s 6-2 home win against Heddon. Now with a clear nine-point lead at the head of the Premier Division, Wark dished out a lesson to their visitors at the opposite end of the table and Nixon led the way with his hat-trick. An own goal gift and strikes by Phil Thompson and Lee Telfer completed Wark’s tally with John Dunn and John Pearson replying for Heddon who remained stuck on the bottom rung.
Defending champions Walker Central are still occupying second place despite a damaging and unexpected dip in form which has seen them pick up only a single point from their last four home games. The Central showed few signs of an improvement and they were beaten 3-0 at Monkchester by Ponteland United, a side they’d hammered 6-1 in the third game of the season.
After only ten minutes Pont broke down the left and, when Marc Dummett’s cross was headed on by Gavin Wood, Richard Kent sent his unstoppable drive into the top corner. More misery was forthcoming for Walker and only five minutes later they conceded another goal. An excellent cross from Kent wasn’t defended well and Wood beat home keeper Matthew Hunter with his powerful header.
Twenty minutes into the second half Pont claimed their third goal after Wood used his height and strength to win the ball. He lofted his pass over a couple of defenders to Max Turner and the winger found the net with a clever lob over the advancing keeper.
Walker were well served in midfield by Marc Rasmussen but they lacked the firepower that was once their trademark and something needs to be done quickly if they are to stand any chance of mounting another championship challenge. At the moment Wark are well ahead of them and showing no signs of slipping up.
Blyth Town moved up another notch and extended their unbeaten run in the Premier Division to five matches with their 2-0 victory away to Murton. The home side held out until midway through the second half but were sunk by Blyth’s two substitutes.
Graeme Heath opened the scoring after 65 minutes of stalemate with his powerful header from what looked like an impossible position but the Town’s lead wasn’t doubled until the 88th minute. Dan Branley, recently signed from Ashington Colliers, marked his debut with Blyth’s second goal to make the points secure. A through ball from Josh Miller was completely misjudged by the Murton keeper, allowing Branley to score with a simple tap-in at close range.
Late starters Newcastle University recorded their first home win, scoring two goals without reply against Ashington Colliers at Cochrane Park. Chris Musounda opened the Students’ account five minutes after half time and there was a prompt second strike by Dave Kewn to make the points secure.
In two first round ties in the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup, both Seaton Delaval and Shankhouse made progress. Shankhouse needed extra time to beat cup visitors Cramlington Town 3-1. Anthony Moran fired Shankhouse in front straight from the kick off and Cramlington had to wait until the 89th minute for Chris Davison’s equaliser. In the second period of extra time Paul Swithenbank bagged himself a brace to put Shankhouse through.
Seaton Delaval avenged an earlier league defeat by winning 2-0 in their Challenge Cup tie away to Killingworth Sporting thanks to goals in each half put away by Stephen Howes and Paul Baird.
Harraby Catholic Club beat third round visitors Parton United 5-0 in the Cumberland Senior Cup to book a place in the quarter-finals. Parton had knocked out Wearside League outfit Cleator Moor Celtic in the previous round but were soon under pressure. A first half hat-trick for Aaron Roberts who also had a penalty saved put Harraby in charge. Andrew Douglas also netted before the interval and Harraby’s tally was completed after the break by Rob Bainbridge.

DIVISION ONE – PURVIS PARK STRONGHOLD FOR PERCY MAIN
Percy Main held onto pole position in the First Division, two points clear of second-placed Gateshead Rutherford with the same number of games played. The Main haven’t dropped a single point at their Purvis Park base this term and maintained their record by beating lowly visitors Berwick United 4-1.
However, in the first significant action of the match, Berwick’s Simon Hargreaves nodded home Sandro De Oliveira’s precise cross at the back post with only five minutes on the clock to give the visitors a shock early lead.
The Villagers soon recovered their composure and were back on level terms at the interval after Callum Colbeck beat the offside trap for the umpteenth time before rounding United keeper Thompson and rolling the ball in. Then, four minutes into the second half Malcolm Morien put the Main in front from close range after Jason Ritchie's astute quick free kick caught out the Berwick defence.
On the hour mark Colbeck increased the Villagers’ lead, grabbing his second goal with a powerful drive across the keeper after cutting in from the left but in the 75th minute the Main had Mick Haley sent off for a ‘last man’ handling offence. Despite having their numbers reduced however the league leaders added a fourth goal to their tally and Morien netted again when his chance was set up by Shaun Wilkinson.
Percy Main’s most potent rivals Gateshead Rutherford kept the pressure on by extending their unbeaten run into double figures. They were impressive again and won 3-0 away to Cullercoats who have suffered only two defeats in their last eleven outings. Only twenty seconds into the game Rutherford’s Robbie Frame opened the scoring with the help of a deflection and straight from the restart the visitors’ lead was doubled by Richard Biggs. And Rutherford made sure of completing a league double against the Seasiders when Kevin Urwin claimed their third goal midway through the second half.
After losing six league games on the trot, Gosforth Bohemians were delighted to beat Newcastle East End 2-1 at Benson Park. The Bohs trailed to an early goal for the East Enders but soon got their act together. Ben Edusei levelled before the interval and after the break Matt Atkin claimed their vital winner.
In three first round ties in the Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup in the First Division, Hebburn Reyrolle, Wallington and Amble United all made progress. Hebburn beat visitors Peterlee Town 2-1 to complete a league and cup double. Reyrolle’s Ray Oshin saw his early penalty saved by the home keeper and right on half time David Steel was more successful, scoring from the spot to put Peterlee in front. But the Hebburn lads rallied and two quick second half replies from Simon Jacobs and Chris Morris put them through.
Wallington did exceptionally well to win 5-2 away to Morpeth Sporting Club who were finalists last season under their previous name of Red Row Welfare. Morpeth had Chris Ridgway and John Paxton on target but Wallington gained revenge for an earlier league defeat with goals supplied by Michael Freathy (2), Ben Lavender, Ashley McAlpine and Jack Palmer.
Cup hosts Seaton Burn belied their low ly league status and gave Amble United a hard time but the Seasiders still emerged as 2-0 victors. For the third time this season they left the Burn disappointed and this time their first half goals were claimed by Brad Wake and Chris Moffitt.

DIVISION TWO – WIDEOPEN LOSE SOME GROUND
Only four points are separating Amble, North Shields Athletic and Wideopen & District – the three front runners in the Second Division with North Shields having played one game more than their two promotion rivals. And Wideopen were the only ones to slip up when they were beaten 3-1 away to Wallsend Boys Club. The Boys club had keeper Phil Holgate to thank for a couple of fist class saves and he had no chance to keep out Rob MacDonald’s goal for the visitors. By then the home side was leading 2-0 thanks to strikes by Craig Jones and Rob Nolan and Chris Thompson also scored to complete the winners’ tally.
Current league leaders Amble emerged from a brief dip in form to narrowly beat bottom rung hosts Tynemouth United 2-1 after falling behind to Steve Dickson’s opener for their opponents. Wyn Fremlin’s reply restored parity before Amble’s winner was put away by Michael Straker.
North Shields Athletic also won away from home and after beating Whitley Bay Town 2-0 they’ve won eight of their last ten games in the Second Division. Both of the Athletic’s goals were scored inside two fruitful first half minutes by Antonio Mango and Alex Burn.
Newcastle Chemfica and Wallsend Town are threatening to join the exclusive group at the top of the table and fourth-placed Chemfica very impressively won 6-0 away to Stobswood Welfare. The Welfare had just won seven games on the trot but were outplayed in this one. Goals for Michael Crozier (2), Anthony Bruce (2), Martin Dixon and Mark Burlingston were just reward for a sterling performance by Chemfica.
Wallsend Town seem to be picking up again and have won all of their last three league games. Their latest victims were visitors Cullercoats Custom Planet who were soundly beaten 4-1 by the Town whose scorers were Liam Bell (2), Stephen Dodd and Kevin Smith.
Forest Hall retained their unbeaten home record with their 2-1 victory over Hexham who have been travelling badly this term. Nathan Lajevardi and Kevin Baldwin were the Forest Hall marksmen with Hexham’s reply coming from Scott Coates.
New boys Swalwell have tasted defeat only once in their last seven outings but were fortunate to beat fellow-newcomers Cramlington Blue Star 1-0 at Derwenthaugh. Midway through the opening half Graeme Marshall blasted his penalty wide for Blue Star and they eventually paid for this miss. With only seconds remaining Swalwell scored an unlikely match-winner claimed by Stuart Rook.
Willington Quay Saints had drawn three and lost two of five most recent games so a 3-1 home win against Newcastle BT was a welcome development. Goals for the Saints shared by Glen Johnson, Wes Fidler and Stuart Duffield ended what had been a promising run by BT who had Richard Beverley on target for their consolation goal.

NO RUB OF THE GREEN FOR DELAVAL

By Bill Gardner
Home games in Cumbria involving Carlisle City and Harraby Catholic Club were both washed out and, while second-placed Walker Central were lying idle, Wark increased their lead at the head of the table to six points.
The league leaders however were lucky to claim their fifth successive away win and needed a late goal to beat Seaton Delaval 2-1 at Wheatridge Park. Tony Lancaster’s 40th minute opener for Wark was cancelled out by Delaval’s Stephen Howes midway through the second half. The home side was then twice denied by the woodwork and only seconds remained when Mark Campbell scored Wark’s winner.
In third spot, Heaton Stannington extended an unbeaten run to six games but should have done better than drawing 2-2 away to Cramlington Town. Thanks to strikes by Gary Yates and Iain Irvin in the 14th and 17th minutes, Heaton looked set to overpower their hosts. But Jordan Watson got the Town off the mark with almost the last kick of the opening half and on the hour Danny Long equalised to earn a precious point for the home side.
Killingworth Sporting are now sharing fourth place with Carlisle City after beating visitors Murton 3-2. Killy improved on their early season draw in the reverse fixture and this time goals shared by Liam Callaghan, Anthony Burns and Kevin Westphal saw them pick up maximum points. Murton replied through Stephen Turner and player-manage r Andrew Upperton but are yet to win on their travels.
Stocksfield’s impressive away form was in evidence again in their 2-0 victory over Ponteland United at the Leisure Centre Ground. Ponteland made one change from the team that had pulled off a great cup victory at Wark on the previous Saturday with Gavin Wood replacing the suspended Liam McIvor.
Wood made his presence felt after ten minutes when he collected a clever back heel from Billy Holden and saw his left foot drive cannon off the inside of the post and into the grateful arms of visiting keeper Peter Adnitt.
Stocksfield were looking strong and organised at the back and Ben Pearson and Tom Finnerty were willing runners up front. They were awarded a penalty after 20 minutes when Tony Anzevui brought down visiting striker Wayne Stewart with his desperate lunging tackle. Stewart himself beat Michael Havelock from the spot.
Right on half time Stewart got his second goal of the game, getting in front of Havelock to score with a powerful header from Tony Dowson’s flag kick. And, although Pont had opportunities to make a comeback, Gavin Wood and Anzevui sent their shots wide of the target.
Another scoring chance fell to Ponteland substitute Richard Kent but he also pulled his drive wide of the post after latching onto Max Turner’s perfect through ball. But the Stocksfield defence was impressive and the Tynedale lads held on for the three points.
Blyth Town have been inching their way up the Premier Division table and a 2-1 win at home to Shankhouse helped them on their way again. Following a goal-less first half Chris Lisle netted for Blyth straight after the changeover when his chance was set up by Danny Beresford. The Town’s lead was doubled by Tom Haigh midway through the second half when he raced onto Craig Hopwood’s cross to fire into the bottom corner. And, although Kevin Gustard replied in 80 minutes for Shankhouse, time ran out for the visitors.
Heddon still haven’t won at their Bullocksteads base and Alnwick Town heaped on more misery by beating their hosts 2-1. Two goals late in the first half scored by Kevin Elliott and Tony Brown perked up Alnwick who had lost their three previous league games. Three minutes after the interval Daniel Robinson pulled a goal back for Heddon but a determined Alnwick rearguard held out to secure a much-needed victory.

DIVISION ONE – PERCY MAIN ARE THE NEW LEADERS
The Cumbrian floods put paid to home games involving Carlisle City and Harraby Catholic Club in the Premier Division along with Northbank versus Cullercoats in the first Division. But in one of only three First Division matches Percy Main nudged previous leaders Gateshead Rutherford out of pole position by winning 5-1 at home to Newcastle East End.
With the East End making the early running it was surprising when Steven Shadforth opened the scoring for the Villagers on the half hour mark when he slotted home from David Tapsfield’s perfectly weighted through ball.
However, East End roared back with a quality equaliser, with Anthony Studholme prodding in Paul Bright’s cross at the near post. This goal proved to be a wake-up call for Percy Main and two minutes after the interval they regained the lead. Tony Browell’s headed pass into the box was powerfully driven home by Shaun Wilkinson who was subsequently named as man-of-the-match.
Then three goals in a devastating twelve-minute spell ended the resistance of Newcastle East End who had played a full part in an entertaining game. Callum Colbeck increased the Main’s le ad with his close range effort following a goalmouth scramble and Jonathan McEnaney claimed their fourth goal after Malcolm Morien’s drive was only parried by the East End keeper. Then after 68 minutes the Villagers’ tally was topped up by Graeme Smith who forced the ball over the line when Morien's cross caused chaos in the visitors’ penalty area.
Morpeth Sporting Club are determined to have a say in this season’s title race in the First Division and have been a revelation since changing their name from Red Row Welfare. Astutely managed by Richard Latimer, Morpeth are now in a threatening fourth spot after leapfrogging over Whitley Bay A.
Before Morpeth’s visit to Hillheads the Bay had been unbeaten at home but in a thrilling encounter they ended up losing 5-3. The Whitley goalscorers were Jack Walker (2) and Mark Waite but the Sporting Club deservedly picked up the points. Player-coach Latimer led by example with his brace for the visitors whose other goals were supplied by Chris Tate, Chris Bainbridge and Scott Pocklington.
South Shields United have lost their last three games and were surprisingly beaten 4-3 by lowly hosts Berwick United who badly needed these points. Aaron Kah, Dominic Mossa and Gary Newbrook found the net for South Shields but they left empty-handed with the Borderers just edging it with strikes by Mike Robinson (2), Simon Hargreaves and Leigh Walker.

DIVISION TWO – CHEMFICA FELL FOREST
As in the First Division there were only three games beating the weather in the Second Division with Newcastle Chemfica, Wallsend Town and Newcastle BT all recording home wins.
In fifth place, Chemfica stayed ahead of visitors Forest Hall in the pecking order by beating the Hall 2-0 and they’ve now won seven of their last nine games on home turf. In this latest victory their goals were supplied by Michael Crozier and substitute Martin Dixon to leave their opponents still suffering from a damaging spell of travel sickness.
After losing their two previous home games, Wallsend Town got back to winning ways at Swalwell’s expense and beat their visitors 4-1. Ryan Arnott opened the scoring for Wallsend who were always in charge and their later marksmen were Mick Garwood, Stephen Cape and Kevin Smith. Chris Smith replied for Swalwell but they couldn’t complain about their five-match unbeaten run coming to an end.
Newcastle BT have won three and drawn three of their last six games on their own patch and are occupying a respectable mid-table slot. They beat Tynemouth United 3-1 to leave their bottom rung visitors still without a single point from their travels this term. United however held out for an hour before two quick strikes by Gregg Hamilton and Carl Aziz gave their hosts a decided edge. A reply from Kevin Murphy raised Tynemouth’s hopes but they were killed off when Sean Blakey scored BT’s third goal in the 89th minute.

LEAGUE CUP LATEST
Meanwhile, the draw has been made for the third round of the Kicks Leisure League Cup with ties due to be played on Saturday 19th December. Only eight Premier Division clubs have retained an interest in this season’s competition.
The third round pairings are: Whitley Bay A or Shankhouse v Gosforth Bohemians;
Stobswood Welfare v Heaton Stannington; Newcastle Chemfica v Ponteland United;
Cullercoats Custom Planet v Heddon; Chopwell Officials v Blyth Town;
Wark v Harraby Catholic; Newcastle University v Wallington;
Hebburn Reyrolle v Wallsend Boys Club

HEDDON DUMP WALKER IN ONE OF SEVERAL UPSETS

By Bill Gardner
Four of the eight scheduled first round ties in the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup had to be postponed due to waterlogging and the surviving games provided some upsets.
Heddon on the Premier Division’s bottom rung provided the round’s biggest surprise by winning 3-2 in their cup clash with second-placed Walker Central at Monkchester. The Central had comfortably beaten their visitors 5-1 in an earlier league fixture but it was a different story this time.

A successful spot kick taken by Liam Mulligan put Walker in front midway through the first half but they were overtaken when Heddon’s Daniel Dunn and John Dunn replied on either side of the interval. Mulligan’s second strike after 73 minutes lifted the home side’s spirits but only two minutes later Ian McElroy weighed in with Heddon’s winner. And it’s been a horrendous five-week spell for Walker who have made early exits from the NFA Senior Bowl, League Cup and now the Challenge Cup.

There was another shock up the Tyne Valley where current Premier Division leaders Wark were also beaten 3-2 by cup visitors Ponteland United. The two sides had drawn 1-1 in the identical league meeting and this was another close encounter.

After fifteen tense minutes Pont started to get into the game and they opened the scoring when Liam McIvor cut in from the right to drill a low shot past home keeper Shaun Sagar from the edge of the box. And five minutes later McIvor bagged his second goal from a similar position, following good work by Max Turner.

After being two goals to the good Ponteland allowed Wark to get back into the game and a minute before half time Wark’s leading goalscorer Marc Nixon was left unmarked to head home.
Then, five minutes into the second half Wark restored parity and, when Craig Daglish mistimed a tackle and a penalty was awarded, Nixon stepped up to score his second goal of the game.

A real cut and thrust cup-tie ensued with Wark showing clearly why they’re heading the Premier Division table. But the Ponteland lads worked their socks off with Anthony Anzevui, Glenn Ford and Marc Dummett prominent in defence. And after 70 minutes the issue was settled when Billy Holden claimed Pont’s vital winner, ending his solo run with a curling shot past Sagar into the top corner.

With a hitherto excellent home record, Heaton Stannington had a league and cup double in their sights when Blyth Town dropped in at Grounsell Park. But they were left disappointed and a fast-improving Blyth outfit beat them 2-1 to avenge an earlier league defeat.

Craig Hopwood fired the Town in front within ten minutes of the kick off but regular marksman Adam Donaghey netted to get Heaton back on terms with almost the first kick of the second half. His reply didn’t upset Blyth too much and their efforts were rewarded just after an hour when Neil Blades, who had recently returned to the club, put away their vital second goal.
Almost as expected, Harraby Catholic Club proved too strong for first round hosts Murton and emerged as comfortable 5-0 victors.

Harraby arrived at a surprisingly dry ground at Murton from the ‘wetlands’ of Cumbria and made a very bright start. After Andrew Douglas and James Earl both tested home keeper Aiden Vout they opened their account after 22 minutes as David Hewson, returning from injury, volleyed home from Earl’s lofted free kick.

Douglas increased the visitors’ lead on the half hour when a defensive mix-up allowed him to pick his spot from ten yards and Harraby always threatened on the break in the second half. Goals put away by Daniel Balmer, Dan Wordsworth and Hewson added to their tally with Hewson claiming his second goal after seeing off several Murton challengers on his way.
Postponed ties involving Carlisle City v Alnwick Town, Killingworth Sporting v Seaton Delaval and Shankhouse v Cramlington Town have been rearranged for Saturday 28th November.

DIVISION ONE – PERCY MAIN ISSUE A WARNING TO LEADERS
In the First Division, the top first round tie in the Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup was the meeting of league leaders Rutherford with second-placed visitors Percy Main. And after recovering from a two-goal half time deficit the Main snatched a notable 3-2 victory.

Rutherford opened the scoring on the half hour mark when Andrew Reay received a pass from Kevin Urwin, beating the offside trap before lofting the ball over the advancing Percy Main keeper Phil Hogg. Then, right on half time the home side’s lead was doubled by Urwin who scored from the rebound when his first effort was palmed out by Hogg.

It didn’t take the Villagers too long to launch their rescue act and only five minutes after the change-over Joe Betts got them off the mark when he ran onto Steve Shadforth’s through ball to score from the edge of the box. Only six minutes later the Main were back on level terms with Malcolm Morien equalizing with his powerful header from Jason Ritchie’s free kick. And with seven minutes to spare Rutherford were finally killed off by Morien’s second goal of the game. This time he beat home keeper Richard Swann after being put clear by a slide rule pass from Betts.

A run of success continued for Cullercoats who avenged an earlier 4-0 league defeat by beating first round visitors 3-1 in the cup. The Seasiders booked themselves a second round slot with goals shared by Sean Smith, Stewart Wright and Dave Fairless.

South Shields United also made progress and they too gained revenge after visitors Gosforth Bohemians had beaten them 3-1 in a league fixture. This time United beat the 2008 Combination Cup winners 2-0 with both of their goals scored in the opening half by Jack Lawton and Gary Errington.

In their first meeting this term Berwick United needed extra time to beat their cup hosts Newcastle East End 3-2. First half strikes by Andrew Hall and Paul Bright had apparently set up the East Enders for a rare victory but the Borderers booked an extra time reprieve with replies from Craig Heugh and Sandro De Oliviera after the break. Then, in the 18th minute of extra time Leigh Walker snatched Berwick’s winner.

The three first round ties which had to be postponed – Morpeth Sporting Club v Wallington, Seaton Burn v Amble United and Northbank v cup holders Whitley Bay – have been rescheduled for Saturday 28th November when Hebburn Reyrolle will also be hosting cup opponents Peterlee Town.

Due to the unavailability of Hebburn’s ground last weekend the Reyrolle lads went to Peterlee for a league game and picked up three points from a 2-1 victory. David Steel scored from the spot to give the Newtowners an interval lead but Chris Morris levelled for Hebburn and their vital second goal was put away by Simon Jacobs.

DIVISION TWO – HOLDERS FOREST GO THROUGH
In the Second Division, Pin Point Recruitment Amateur Cup holders Forest Hall got their defence of the trophy underway with a 3-1 first round victory at home to Whitley Bay Town. Their goals were provided by Mark Knights, Ben Gibson and Ryan Anderson with youthful striker Chris Fairley replying for the Bay.

Stobswood Welfare stood up well to a first half physical onslaught by cup hosts Wallsend Town before emerging as worthy 2-0 victors. Stephen Gibbard opened the scoring only a couple of minutes before the interval and in the second half the Welfare produced some impressive football. To ensure that they made progress their second goal was slotted in on the hour mark by regular scorer Josh Hay.

Cullercoats Custom Planet completed a league and cup double at Cramlington Blue Star’s expense but, despite having home advantage, needed the luxury of extra time to show the Star the exit door. Cramlington had cancelled out Andrew McCartney’s opener but Liam Graham restored the Planet’s lead to put them into the next round.

Extra time was also needed to obtain Newcastle Chemfica’s 3-1 win away to Willington Quay Saints with the score level at 1-1 after ninety minutes. Chemfica’s Mark Burlingston had quickly cancelled out Callum Ancrum’s first half opener for the Saints and during the extra half hour there were further strikes by Anthony Bruce and John-Paul Bradley for the visitors.
Amble recorded the first round’s most convincing victory in beating visitors Hexham 6-1, a surprising outcome following their goal-less draw in the league at Wentworth Park. Scott Coates scored from the penalty spot for Hexham’s consolation goal and they were well beaten by a livelier Amble outfit. Stu Marshall completed a hat-trick for the winners whose other marksmen were Stuart Oman, Shaun Jobson and Wyn Fremlin.

Newcastle BT have been showing considerable improvement this term and progressed in the cup thanks to their 2-0 home win against Swalwell who restricted them to a draw in the corresponding league fixture. Whitley Bay based striker Richard Beverley has proved a great signing for BT and he bagged himself a first half brace to see off Swalwell.

Wallsend Boys Club lost interest in the Amateur Cup after losing 2-1 at home to North Shields Athletic who were fired into a telling lead by Antonio Mango and Dan Walton. Rob Nolan trimmed the deficit for the Boys Club but they never looked capable of changing the course of the game.

Meanwhile, Wideopen & District’s scorers in their easy 4-0 cup win at home to Tynemouth United were Liam Jubb (2), Jack Steel and Richie Curran.

WARK BREAK FREE IN POLE POSITION

By Bill Gardner
After being neck-and-neck with Walker Central for a couple of weeks, Wark have finally claimed pole position and are three points clear of their Tyneside rivals. Wark made it five away wins on the trot by beating Cramlington Town 5-0 and had John Famelton, Mark Campbell and Daniel Carter on target to put them in charge by half time. After the break Tony Lancaster bagged a quick-fire brace to complete the nap hand.

Wark were helped by Walker Central’s 3-1 defeat by Blyth Town which ended the Central’s hundred percent record away from home. Craig Bryce fired the Central into a fifth minute lead which survived for almost an hour. Mark Waugh’s spot kick got Blyth off the mark and they were put in front when Walker’s Kye Walton turned the ball into his own net. Danny Beresford scored a third goal for Blyth who had picked only two points from three previous outings.

Heaton Stannington leapfrogged over Carlisle City into third spot after beating the Cumbrians 4-0 at Grounsell Park. While this was City’s first defeat on their travels, Heaton have emerged as serious title contenders with a useful game in hand. First half goals for Adam Donaghey and Gary Yates rocked the visitors and both players found the net again after the interval with Donaghey’s second being an 80th minute penalty.

Fifth-placed Killingworth Sporting have been regaining some consistency and proved the point by winning 2-0 away to Newcastle University. The Students had beaten highly-rated Walker Central last weekend and Killy had to work hard for these points. Jorge Bollado opened the scoring after fifteen minutes and the same player eased his side’s anxiety when he bagged his second with only five minutes to spare.

Ponteland United’s eight-match unbeaten run has included four draws and another one looked likely when Seaton Delaval visited the Leisure Centre Ground. The match was evenly balanced in the first half with few clear cut chances although Craig Johnson went close for the visitors and Glenn Ford for the hosts saw his downward header well saved by Delaval keeper Frazer Nairn.

Pont had just about shaded the game in terms of possession and after the break they introduced midfielder Paul Hodgson who was ending a lengthy suspension. And he started to drive United forward. The pace of Sean Willis and Billy Holden was causing Delaval some problems and Holden had the best chance of the game. Willis’s goal-bound effort was well saved by keeper Nairn but from the rebound he volleyed the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Delaval however remained in determined mood and their best chance of the second half fell to Stephen Anderson but his header from Stephen Torre’s excellent cross just cleared the bar. With ten minutes remaining Willis got clear for Pont but was cut down in the penalty area. He got up to beat Nairn with his spot kick to end the deadlock.

Jeff Fuller came on as a substitute for Delaval but his time on the field was very brief and he was sent off for violent retaliation. And although five minutes of stoppage time were added, Pont saw out the game safely with Glenn Ford and Anthony Anzevui looking solid at the back.

Stocksfield secured only their second home win with a narrow 4-3 victory over strugglers Heddon who remain on the bottom rung. Ben Pearson completed a hat-trick for the winners whose other scorer was Wayne Stewart. Ian McElroy (2) and Dan Robinson replied in vain for Heddon.

Both Alnwick Town and visitors Harraby Catholic Club had been showing indifferent form before meeting up at St James’ Park but the Cumbrians emerged as 2-0 victors. Harraby’s Stephen Archibald had an early goal chalked off for offside and Alnwick’s Scott McMullen saw his powerful header tipped over by visiting keeper Andy Casson. But it was the Cumbrians who took the lead after 24minutes when Rob Bainbridge’s low cross was hammered in by Archibald.

Richard Brown was near to restoring parity for Alnwick but his drive clipped the upright and after the break Harraby were on top. After a couple of near misses by Bainbridge they doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when Archibald bagged his second goal from close range.

With only one home win to their credit so far Ashington Colliers entertained a Murton side seeking its first away win and the resulting 1-1 draw left both disappointed. Craig Wilson opened the scoring for Murton straight from the kick off but after half an hour Marc Richardson levelled for the Colliers.

A 1-0 victory over Whitley Bay A at Hillheads earned Shankhouse a third round slot in the Kicks Leisure League Cup when they will be at home to Gosforth Bohemians.

DIVISIONS ONE & TWO – RARE WIN FOR NORTHBANK
Things are going badly for Newcastle East End in the First Division where they’ve suffered seven straight home defeats and are now stuck in the basement.. The East Enders allowed fellow-strugglers Northbank to pick up their first points away from home and the Cumbrians beat their desperate hosts 4-0 to lift themselves off the bottom rung. Two Dave Glendinning goals in the first half put Northbank on course for a rare victory. After the break Glendinning completed his hat-trick for the visitors whose fourth goal was claimed by Martin Coward.
Now in second place, Percy Main are only a point behind First Division leaders Gateshead Rutherford with an important game in hand. And for the second time in a week the Villagers beat South Shields United 2-0, this time away from home. It took only two minutes for Malcolm Morien to put the Main in front when he raced onto an astute pass from Tony Browell. The lead was doubled after 59 minutes when Steven Shadforth found the net after being put clean through by Joe Betts.

Cullercoats are still a long way short of joining the current pace-setters but they’ve struck a rich vein of form and have only tasted defeat once in their last ten outings. The Seasiders gained revenge for a 2-1 early season defeat by soundly beating hosts Peterlee Town 4-0. Steve Hart was a hat-trick hero for the winners and their tally was completed by an own goal presented to them by Peterlee’s Paul Callan.

These were the only three First Division league games down for decision and there was only one match played for points in the Second Division. Improving Swalwell climbed into mid-table and their 1-1 draw with visitors Willington Quay Saints extended an unbeaten run five games. Wes Fidler gave the Saints the lead just before half time but their hopes of clinching a first away win were shattered when Chris Smith levelled for Swalwell after the break.

The three First Division outfits in the Durham FA Trophy – Chopwell Officials, Hebburn Reyrolle and Gateshead Rutherford – all made progress in the competition.
Chopwell needed extra time to see off cup visitors Cornforth United to the tune of 2-1 and after Cornforth’s John Cook cancelled out Mark Fitzpatrick’s opener they were thankful for Andrew Smith’s winner.

Hebburn Reyrolle also won 2-1 although they were rather fortunate at home to Norton & Stockton Ancients Reserves after being given a boost by the early goals of Chris Morris and Dan Matthews. And Gateshead Rutherford cut it fine by winning 1-0 away to Shildon Railway with Ross Greenhill scoring the tie’s only goal from the spot with only ten minutes to go.

NFA MINOR CUP LATEST
Nineteen Northern Alliance Clubs were involved in second round ties in the Ideal Stelrad Northumberland Minor Cup and six of them fell at this hurdle. Wideopen & District, Cramlington Blue Star, Seaton Burn, Hexham, Tynemouth United and North Shields Athletic were all shown the exit door.

In three all-Northern Alliance clashes in the cup Amble United, Berwick United and Wallington all ended the hopes of league colleagues and Amble United won 4-0 at home to Tynemouth with goals shared by Brent Aisbitt, Mark Hume, Lee Harker and Paul White who completed his side’s tally in stoppage time.

Berwick United just edged out cup hosts Cramlington Blue Star by winning 2-1 but the Star were unfortunate. They had Jonathan Wardle on target but after Mike Robinson opened Berwick’s account the Borderers were presented with an own goal winner.

Wallington were 4-3 victors at Scots Gap but their colleagues North Shields Athletic gave them a run for their money. Paul Crate and Ashley McAlpine bagged two goals each for Wallington and replies from Athletic’s Dan Walton, Matt Donkin and Gary Farrage just fell short of what was required.

Amble, Forest Hall, Wallsend Boys Club, Morpeth Sporting Club, Gosforth Bohemians, Stobswood Welfare, Newcastle Chemfica, Wallsend Town, Whitley Bay Town and Newcastle BT were among the Alliance sides booking places in the Minor Cup’s third round.

Wallsend Boys Club won 6-0 at Belford, Morpeth Sporting Club cruised through by winning 7-1 away to Berwick Town and Newcastle BT beat cup hosts Wooler 6-2.
Gosforth Bohemians recorded the second round’s most convincing victory by hammering Tyne View of Blakelaw 10-0 at Benson Park. Matt Atkin scored four of the goals, Harry Tulip bagged two more and the rest were supplied by Danny Sherwood, Paul Hodge, Aaron Taylor and Liam Riley.

Kevin Bell and Adam Shanks were Amble’s marksmen in their 2-0 success at home to Newcastle Diggers United while Forest Hall won 3-1 away to Bamburgh Castle thanks to strikes by Michael Sandberg, Jamie Gilbert and Tom Faid.

Newcastle Chemfica’s tie at Rothbury finished goal-less after extra time but the Northern Alliance hopefuls won 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out. But no penalties were needed by Stobswood Welfare, Wallsend Town and Whitley Bay Town to ensure their progress.

Stobswood had Josh Hay (hat-trick), Steve Gibbard and James Davison on target to beat cup hosts Newcastle Pin Point 5-1 and last season’s losing finalists Wallsend Town won 4-1 at home to Newcastle Chemfica A thanks to goals scored by Lee Sommers (2), Pat Masuka and Graham McMillan.

Whitley Bay Town put their recent league problems behind them to record a 3-1 second round victory against visitors Springhill Berwick. 16-year-old debutant Chris Fairley, signed from Tynemouth United, scored twice for the Bay and Chris Atkin claimed their third goal.

STUNNING FIRST WIN FOR STUDENTS

By Bill Gardner
Newcastle University lifted off the Premier Division’s bottom rung after claiming their first win in some style. The Students beat hosts Walker Central 2-1 in a top versus bottom clash and had Will Deledicq bagging a vital second half brace after Paul Mills had fired the Central into an interval lead.

This surprising setback for Walker was mirrored up the Tyne Valley where their fellow-pacesetters Wark were also beaten 2-1 by Heaton Stannington. Daniel Carter netted for Wark but their fourth-placed visitors secured the points with two goals for Gary Yates.

With Walker Central and Wark still sharing identical records in pole position, nearest rivals Carlisle City trimmed their lead to three points and the Cumbrians have a useful game in hand. City continued their successful run with a 4-2 win at home to Cramlington Town.

In third spot Carlisle City were boosted by the setbacks suffered by the joint leaders and they narrowed the points gap by winning 4-2 at home to Cramlington Town. Ollie Driver netted twice for City in the opening half but Cramlington rallied with replies from Stuart Heppell and Andrew Carr restoring parity.

Cramlington deserved a share of the spoils in a game marred by the brandishing of eight yellow cards – five for Crammy and three for City - but Carlisle surged ahead again with further strikes by Carl Armstrong and Scott Priest wrapping up the points.

Like Heaton Stannington, Killingworth Sporting are continuing to threaten on the fringes of the title race and they sharpened up their challenge by beating Seaton Delaval 3-2 at Wheatridge Park. Goals for Stephen Ardley and Michael Fenwick midway through the first half gave Delaval a clear lead but Killy’s Francesco Di Pietro and Kevin Westphal hit back just before the break. After Jorge Bollado scored the visitors’ third, Delaval had little to offer and they now face a struggle to get out of the basement.

Stocksfield climbed into the top half of the table with a 1-0 victory over hosts Shankhouse to avenge their earlier defeat at Prudhoe. After winning two games on the trot Shankhouse were stopped in their tracks and Josh Brooks scored Stocksfield’s winner a few minutes before half time.

Ponteland United visited Harraby Catholic Club – a team Pont hadn’t beaten on their own patch since the Cumbrians joined the Northern Alliance League. Both sides had good opportunities to get off the mark with Harraby’s Steve Archibald seeing his drive palmed round the post by keeper Michael Havelock and Sean Willis bringing a good save out of Andy Casson at the other end.

Half time arrived with the game still scoreless although Harraby had enjoyed most of the possession. Chances became scarcer after the break but the best fell to Pont’s Andrew Davidson who fired wildly over the bar from Liam McIvor’s cross when the goal was at his mercy.

With 20 minutes remaining there was a flash point and a robust challenge by McIvor on the home side’s Dan Wordsworth resulted in a melee and the sending off of both players. Ponteland then had the better of late r exchanges and just after Billy Holden’s shot smacked the crossbar they grabbed the only goal of the game. The 80th minute winner was scored by substitute Max Turner who hammered a low cross from Dean Gate past helpless keeper Casson. And the 1-0 victory was welcomed by a Ponteland side that had just drawn three games on the trot.
Heddon are still waiting for their first win at Bullocksteads after being beaten 3-1 by Ashington Colliers and replacing Newcastle University on the bottom rung. An early brace for Scott Smith gave the Colliers a great start and, although Ian McElroy quickly replied for Heddon, Ashington’s tally was completed by Glen Bolton in the second half.

Murton ended a dismal run with a 2-1 victory at home to Alnwick Town after their visitors had been fired into a fifth minute lead by Tom Vickers. Chris Wilson opened Murton’s account after 80 minutes and in the dying seconds also snatched his side’s winner.

DIVISION ONE – RUTHERFORD LOOK OVER THEIR SHOULDERS
Gateshead Rutherford are four points clear at the head of the First Division but with games in hand both Percy Main and Amble United are putting the pressure on. All three title contenders won last weekend and Rutherford passed another major test. Unbeaten in their last nine games and still unbeaten at home the Gateshead lads beat in-form visitors Morpeth Sporting Club 2-1 with the final score flattering their opponents. Andrew Reay fired Rutherford into an interval lead which was wiped out by Morpeth’s Michael Dixon straight after the break. There was a series of misses by the league leaders before Kevin Urwin claimed their 83rd minute winner with his header from a right wing corner.

Second-placed Percy Main have a hundred percent record at Purvis Park and extended it by beating South Shields United 2-0. It took only nine minutes for the Main to go in front and, following indecision by the visiting keeper and his full back, Chris Lock netted from close range. The Shieldsmen battled hard to try to get back on terms but the Villagers’ lead was doubled after 57 minutes. Player-manager Jason Ritchie scored from approaching forty yards with his left foot to make the points secure.

A week off didn’t have any effect on Amble United’s determination and the Seasiders marked their return to action with a 5-1 victory away to Newcastle East End. Brent Aisbitt opened United’s account in the first half but straight after the interval Anthony Johnson levelled for the East Enders. In the last half hour however Amble’s pressure paid off in the shape of further goals supplied by substitute Darren Riddell (2), Greg Dance (penalty) and Paul White.

Whitley Bay A’s chances of closing the gap on the top three suffered a blow when they were beaten 2-1 by hosts Chopwell Officials who had lost their three previous games at Welfare Park. Two goals put away by Daniel Johnson changed Chopwell’s fortunes with the Bay only managing a token reply by Ian Lee.

Peterlee Town, now in sixth spot, are proving to be successful travellers and they’ve won five of their six away games so far. The Newtowners continued the trend with a 5-2 victory over lowly hosts Berwick United with four of their goals scored by Elliott McGiade. The fifth was claimed by Louis Smith with Berwick’s two replies coming from Paul Richardson and Craig Heugh.

Cullercoats are staging a remarkable recovery, suffering only one defeat in their last nine outings, and they hammered struggling visitors Seaton Burn 6-0 to stay on course. Stewart Wright and Steve Hart bagged a brace each and the Cullercoats tally was completed by Sean Smith and Rob Watson.

Wallington became the latest tormentors of Gosforth Bohemians who have lost six league games on the trot and were beaten 3-2 at Scots Gap. Ashley McAlpine (2) and Michael Freathy were Wallington’s marksmen with Paul Menton and Harry Tulip scoring for the losers.

With only one win to their credit and perching on the bottom rung, Northbank parted company with manager Stuart Darlington before losing again, 4-3 at home to Hebburn Reyrolle. Hebburn’s scorers were Simon Jacobs (2), Chris Morris and Dan Matthews. Jonathan Mason, Luke Barwick and Jack Twentyman replied for the Cumbrians who have had absolutely no luck in this campaign.

DIVISION TWO – PACE-SETTERS ARE STUMBLING
Only a single point is separating leaders Amble from second-placed Wideopen & District at the top of the Second Division table. but both have been inconsistent lately and North Shields Athletic are coming up on the rails.

Amble have picked up only a single point from three recent outings and could only draw 0-0 with hosts Hexham who are proving difficult to beat at Wentworth Park. And Wideopen & District fared even worse when beaten 4-2 at home by Wallsend Town. After losing three consecutive games the Town were determined to make their mark in this one and in a physical encounter came out on top thanks to Ryan Arnott’s hat-trick and another goal for Paul McCutcheon. Replies from Liam Jubb and Martin Roper couldn’t save Wideopen.

North Shields Athletic consolidated their position in third spot although they’ve played a game more than their top of the table rivals. Following a brief lean spell the Athletic are back to winning ways and comfortably beat hosts Cramlington Blue Star 3-0. Their first half scorer was Jonathan Greaves and after the break Graham Williams bagged a brace which included a penalty.

Games in hand are promising Stobswood Welfare a future starring role in the race for promotion and they’ve won their last seven games in the Second Division. In-form visitors Forest Hall with a ten-match unbeaten run were expected to give the Welfare a hard time but the Stobswood lads emerged as 2-0 victors with both of their goals tucked away in the opening half by Matthew Graham.

Newcastle Chemfica leapfrogged over Forest Hall into fifth spot and picked up their first points away from home by beating bottom rung opponents Tynemouth United 3-1. Although Tynemouth’s Chris Grieves managed to cancel out Mike Smith’s opener, Chemfica’s lead was restored by Dean Calvert and Mark Burlingston also netted to complete the scoring.
Swalwell recorded their second home win and scored the weekend’s quickest goal when Jonnie Graham netted only a half a minute into their game with Cullercoats Custom Planet. Graham’s second goal plus Chris Smith’s strike earned Swalwell an eventual 3-1 verdict with Andrew McCartney claiming the Planet’s consolation goal.

Newcastle BT are enjoying themselves much more in this campaign as they strive for a place in the top half of the table and a 3-1 win away to Wallsend Boys Club was quite impressive. BT’s second win on their travels was achieved with goals scored by Richard Beverley (2) and Dan Sherliker. Rob Nolan was the Boys Club’s lone marksman and they’ve only earned a single point from four recent games.

Whitley Bay Town seem on the way to solving some of their problems and a 2-2 draw with visitors Willington Quay Saints was well earned. After David Smith put the Saints in front at half time the Town hit back through Ben Kiddie and Andy Laird to snatch the lead. But in the 80th minute Wes Fidler’s goal earned Willington a share of the spoils.

HEATON HEAP MISERY ON WALKER

By Bill Gardner
There were two notable fallers in the second round of the Kicks Leisure League Cup with Premier Division outfits Walker Central and Seaton Delaval both bowing out. Walker Central had been beaten 3-0 at Alnwick Town in the NFA Senior Bowl on the previous Saturday and they suffered an identical reverse in the League Cup. Visitors Heaton Stannington avenged an earlier league defeat with goals by Kevin Carr, Lawrence McKenna and Adam Donaghey.

In another all-Premier Division encounter Blyth Town beat cup hosts Murton 4-0. Two first half strikes by Craig Hopwood and Danny Beresford put Blyth on course for an easy victory. Their goals tally was completed after the break by Tom Haigh and Craig Robinson.

Seaton Delaval were on the receiving end of one of the League Cup’s biggest upsets when they were beaten 2-1 away to Second Division opponents Wallsend Boys Club. Paul Baird netted for Delaval but his goal was outweighed by replies from Andy McBride and Chris Musgrave to put the Boys Club into the next round. This was a thoroughly deserved success for the minnows who could have won by a greater margin but for the heroics of the Seaton Delaval keeper.

Last season’s losing League Cup finalists Harraby Catholic Club coasted through thanks to their 6-0 home win against Berwick United with the Cumbrians’ goals supplied by Daniel Balmer (2), Alan Casey, James Earl, Marc Shiel and John Dowell.

Newcastle University avoided a possible banana skin by beating Morpeth Sporting Club 5-2 at Cochrane Park. Dave Kewn helped himself to four of the Students’ goals with Edwin Tizard claiming the fifth. Morpeth’s replies came from Paul Bullock and Michael Dixon.

Andrew Davidson (2) and Billy Holden scored Ponteland United’s goals in their 3-1 cup win away to North Shields Athletic who replied through Liam Bone. And Heddon used the League Cup platform to record their first win of the season, beating Percy Main 2-1 at Purvis Park.

The Main had won all of their previous games this season on home turf but the run came to an end and John Dunn scored both of their goals. His first on the quarter hour was slightly against the run of play but a good individual effort after he beat off several challenges.

Dunn was on target again to double Heddon’s lead after 75 minutes as he raced onto David Edwardson’s through ball, evaded Steve Shadforth’s tackle and rounded home keeper Bob Rodgerson to fire into the unguarded net. There was a glimmer of hope for the Villagers when Jason Ritchie scored from the spot after Callum Colbeck was floored in the area but at that point time was against the home side.

Premier Division leaders Wark cleared their second round hurdle at the expense of four-time cup winners Carlisle City. With home advantage Wark won 4-1 and had Marc Nixon (hat-trick) and Phil Thompson on target before City’s 80th minute consolation goal was provided by Ollie Driver.

Desperate for league points, Shankhouse had drawn three and lost two of their previous five league games so their 4-1 victory against Stocksfield at Prudhoe was a very welcome event. Michael Bell netted twice in the first half for the visitors and their tally was boosted later on by goals scored after 67 and 77 minutes by Anthony Moran and Darren Naylor. Only three minutes remained when Graeme Hudspith got Stocksfield off the mark with his header from Anthony MacDonald’s cross.
Cramlington Town claimed their first home win by beating neighbours Ashington Colliers 2-1 and completed a league double in the process. Two early goals both put away by Andrew Carr put Cramlington in charge and he scored his first after only six minutes after racing onto a through ball from Kevin Long. And in the 20th minute he netted again with a fine header from David Atkinson’s cross. Straight after the interval Glen Taylor reduced the deficit for the Colliers and Cramlington had to defend well to protect their slight advantage.

Alnwick Town’s 2-2 draw with visitors Killingworth extended an unbeaten run to six games. Killy had Craig Harley and Kevin Westphal on target to give them a clear lead but Alnwick hit back after the break through Ben Keenan and Mark Cockburn.

DIVISION ONE – URWIN HAT-TRICK KEEPS LEADERS ON COURSE
With a game in hand, Amble United are only four points behind current leaders Gateshead Rutherford in the First Division. The Seasiders, who have won six of seven home games to date, kept the pressure on their rivals by beating struggling visitors Seaton Burn 4-0. Brad Wake and Ron Warwick were on target in the opening half with later goals added by Brent Aisbitt and Greg Dance who scored from the spot in the 59th minute.

Amble had been hoping that Rutherford might slip up against in-form visitors Cullercoats but the Gateshead outfit won 3-2 in a thriller to retain their unbeaten home record. In a see-saw encounter leading scorer Kevin Urwin scored all three goals for the league leaders with his vital third coming after 86 minutes. Ben Gardner and Dave Fairless scored for Cullercoats who saw Craig Deighton’s penalty saved before having a player sent off ten minutes from time.

Northbank had picked up their first league points on the previous Saturday but were brought back down to earth quickly and were hammered 4-0 at home by Whitley Bay A. And Newcastle East End suffered a fifth successive home defeat, going down 6-2 against South Shields United. Goals by Anthony Johnson and Anthony Studholme counted for nothing in the end for the Eastenders. South Shields easily secured their fourth away win on the trot with goals supplied by Gary Spottiswood (2), Jack Lawton (2), Aaron Kah and substitute Scott Graham (penalty).

The First Division hopefuls making progress in the League Cup were Chopwell Officials, Gosforth Bohemians, Hebburn Reyrolle and Wallington. Chopwell beat cup hosts Forest Hall 2-0 while Gosforth Bohemians earned their second round ticket by beating Wideopen & District by the same score at Benson Park. Their scorers were Harry Tulip and Sean Quinn.

Down on Teesside there was a 4-1 victory for Hebburn Reyrolle to show Peterlee Town the exit door. Paul Callan got the Newtowners off the mark but they performed poorly and were never really in the hunt. Simon Jacob bagged two of the Reyrolle goals and strikes by Craig Malley and Alan Pegram completed their tally.

DIVISION TWO – AMBLE OPEN UP GAP AT THE TOP
Because of second round ties in the League Cup only two Second Division games were scheduled and in one of these Amble strengthened their hand in pole position. Their 4-0 home win against Willington Quay Saints took them three points clear of nearest rivals Wideopen & District. In what was Amble’s fifth win on the trot they had regular marksman Wyn Fremlin completing a hat-trick before Stu Marshall completed their tally. Unhappily the winners’ hero Fremlin had to be taken to hospital after sustaining a leg injury in the second half.

In the only other Second Division encounter Cramlington Blue Star picked up their first home points of the campaign by beating bottom rung opponents Whitley Bay Town 3-1. Johnny Wardle’s early opener for the` Star was cancelled out after an hour by the Bay’s Greg Lake. But James Harrison netted to restore Cramlington’s advantage and with three minutes to spare their third goal was tucked away by Ross Armstrong.

The Second Division sides retaining an interest in the League Cup and progressing to the third round were Cullercoats Custom Planet, Newcastle Chemfica and Stobswood Welfare.

With home advantage, Cullercoats Custom Planet ran out comfortable 6-1 winners to end the hopes of their Second Division colleagues Newcastle BT. Nigel Morris led the way for the Planet with his hat-trick with Kieran Fitzpatrick bagging himself a brace and Tony Fawcett also found the net. BT’s single reply on an off day came from Richard Beverley.

In another all-Second Division cup clash, Newcastle Chemfica beat visitors Wallsend Town 2-1 with both of their goals claimed by Michael Crozier and Alan Errington replying for the losers who have gone off the rails recently.

Stobswood Welfare carried their impressive league form into the cup arena when they visited Swalwell. The Welfare had already beaten Swalwell 6-1 in an identical league meeting and dished out similar punishment, winning 6-0 this time. Stobswood’s Josh Hay banged in three of their goals with the rest shared by Steve Gibbard, Paul Smith and James Davison.

COLLIERS BOWL OVER THEIR NEIGHBOURS

By Bill Gardner
In the weekend’s single Premier Division encounter, a 1-0 local derby victory away to Harraby Catholic Club took Carlisle City to within three points of current joint leaders Wark and Walker Central. City’s important winner was put away by Scott Priest with nine minutes to spare.

All the other sides in the Alliance’s top flight were involved in county cup action and while Murton were beaten 4-1 by hosts Stockton Town in the Durham FA trophy there were successes in the first round of the Northumberland FA Senior Benevolent Bowl.

Two ties went into extra time and Ashington Colliers needed the extra half hour to beat visiting neighbours Cramlington Town 3-2. Goals for Joe Moscrop and Scott Smith gave the Colliers a clear interval lead but an own goal gifted by Ashington’s Adam Ryder got Cramlington off the mark. The visitors then levelled through Jordan Watson, only for Marc Richardson to restore the Colliers’ le ads at the end of the first extra period.

Cup holders Blyth Town also needed extra time to record a 6-4 victory in a great cup tie against Whitley Bay A at Hillheads. After 90 minutes it was all square at 2-2 but Blyth progressed with goals supplied by man-of-the-match Danny Beresford (2), Tom Haigh, Mark Waugh, Adam Gladwin and Chris Lisle. The Bay’s goals were shared by Ian Lee, Dean Porter, Gavin Hattrick and Mark Waite. And after this determined and skilful performance by Blyth few would bet against them retaining the Senior Bowl even in the light of this season’s stiffer competition.

Wark sailed into the second round by beating visitors Shankhouse 4-0 and after having Tony Lancaster, Phil Thompson and John Hamilton on target in the first half their tally was completed after the interval by Matthew MacLoughlin.

Alnwick Town claimed an impressive 3-0 verdict at home to Walker Central. Scott McMullen opened Alnwick’s account within two minutes of the start and after 65 minutes Ben Keenan doubled their lead. In the 85th minute the Town’s third goal was supplied by Richard Brown.

Two teams – Killingworth Sporting and Stocksfield – completed league and cup doubles with their respective and identical 2-1 victories in the Bowl’s first round. Killingworth’s visitors Ponteland United had Liam McIvor finding the net to end 75 minutes of stalemate but United were hit by a double whammy late in the game as Killy emerged as 2-1 victors. To open the scoring Pont’s hard-working midfielder Joe Dawson passed to Billy Holden and when he transferred the ball to McIvor he went round home keeper Aiden Ames to score.

Killingworth made a double substitution for the final quarter hour and the move paid off. With five minutes to go a right wing cross was palmed into the air by Pont keeper Michael Havelock and home striker Frank Di Pietro fired home the loose ball. Then, only two minutes later Killingworth stole a winner when Havelock was beaten again, this time by substitute Jorge Bollado’s volley. Understandably Pont were deflated at the final whistle but credit was due to Killy for their never-say-die attitude and their late flourish. 

Stocksfield were presented with an own goal opener by visitors Newcastle University when a Students’ defender turned Patrick Finnerty’s hard-driven flag kick into his own net. The University’s Edwin Tizard equalised soon after the change-over but Stocksfield wrapped up the tie midway through the second half. A quickly-taken throw-in by Anthony Dowson released Wayne Stewart who was able to pick his spot only seconds after coming on as a substitute for the Tyne valley outfit.

Ben Gardner (2) and Craig Deighton were the Cullercoats marksmen in the Seasiders’ 3-2 home win against Heddon and Heaton Stannington made progress by beating Seaton Delaval 2-1 at Wheatridge Park. Lawrence McKenna’s opener for Heaton was cancelled out by Delaval’s Stephen Howes but Kevin Carr scored a vital second goal for the visitors before the break.

DIVISION ONE – MORPETH THROW THEIR HAT INTO THE RING
Third-placed Amble United with a game in hand, pepped up their challenge in the First Division with a 3-1 win away to mid-table opponents South Shields United. Greg Dance opened the scoring for Amble with an absolute screamer midway through the first half. Shortly after the break Kyle Yorston got Shields back on terms but their visitors’ lead was restored by Ross Gair and with three minutes to go Amble’s third goal was claimed by regular marksman Darren Riddell.

There’s little doubt that Morpeth Sporting Club will figure prominently in this season’s race for the First Division title. They made it seven wins on the trot by beating lowly Seaton Burn 4-1 with goals shared by Lee Donnelly, Micky Hanlon, Mike Dixon and Scott Pocklington with the Burn’s single reply coming from Stu Taylor.

Gateshead Rutherford have won five and drawn one of their last six games and stayed in pole position after their 4-1 victory away to Newcastle East End. Lee Chapman was a lone marksman for the Eastenders who have now lost four home games on the trot but this result was no reflection of the play. The Rutherford scorers were Aaron Sheriff, David Loughlin, Andrew Reay and Craig Horsfall but three of their goals were put away inside the last ten minutes.

In second place Percy Main are just three points short of Rutherford’s total and, like Amble United, they have a useful game in hand. The Villagers were rather fortunate to beat hosts Gosforth Bohemians 1-0 to extend and unbeaten run to eight games. The Bohs had their central defender sent off only a minute after the kick off. It still took Percy Main another 73 minutes to open the scoring through Dean Morgan whose goal turned out to be vital. At that point they were playing against nine men after Bohemians’ striker Danny Sherwood also received his marching orders.

At the tenth attempt, Northbank finally picked up their first league points from their 3-2 win against visitors Berwick United who are still pointless away from home. Two first half strikes, both by Sergio Royo, put the Cumbrians in charge and Neal Thorley scored their third goal. Chris Falconer and Paul Richardson hit back for Berwick but they couldn’t find an equaliser and are now propping up the table.

Peterlee Town are also making a bid for promotion this time and have won four of their last five games, culminating with a 4-1 victory at home to Wallington who had been enjoying a successful run themselves. Paul Callan’s early opener for the Newtowners was cancelled out by Wallington’s Brad Smith before the break. Callan netted again to restore Peterlee’s lead and went on to complete his hat-trick after his colleague Jack Turner scored a third goal for the home side.

Meanwhile, Hebburn Reyrolle and Chopwell Officials both passed preliminary round tests in the Durham FA Trophy. Chopwell hammered cup visitors Durham Garden House 6-1 and Simon Jacob (2) and Ray Oshin netted for Hebburn in their 3-0 home win against Hartlepool St Francis Under-21’s.

DIVISION TWO – HOME WINS FOR JOINT LEADERS
Bolstered by a couple of games in hand, Amble are in top spot in the Second Division and sharing the same points total with nearest rivals Wideopen & District. Both teams made home advantage count to secure maximum points as they continued to set a hot pace.

Wyn Fremlin’s two goals for Amble included a second half penalty and their other scorers were Adam Shanks and Stu Marshall. Chemfica replied through Anthony Bruce and Dean Calvert but were always chasing the game and are still seeking their first point away from home.

Wideopen, just edged out of top spot by Amble on the basis of goal difference, conceded another three goals but still managed to beat visitors Newcastle BT 4-3. Martin Roper turned out to be a hat-trick hero for the winners whose other scorer in the 90th minute was famously-named new signing Niall Quinn. BT were unlucky to lose after goals by Greg Palmer, Darren Whitfield and Colin Galbraith had promised a share of the spoils.

The two current leaders have opened up a four-point gap at the top and third-placed North Shields Athletic were knocked back. They became the latest victims of in-form hosts Stobswood Welfare and were beaten 5-2. The Welfare clocked up their sixth successive league win with goals supplied by Steve Gibbard (2), Matt Graham, Josh Hay and Mike Hogg with James Baker and Bryan Murray replying for their opponents.

Wallsend Boys Club are still just on the fringes of the promotion race but have lost only once in six recent games and featured in a creditable 1-1 draw away to Willington Quay Saints. The Saints, who had won their last four games on home turf, were fired into a 50th minute lead by Mark Henderson but after 72 minutes substitute Josh Walsh restored parity for the Boys Club.

Forest Hall still have a lot to do if they are to revive their promotion hopes but they’re still unbeaten at home after earning a 3-1 verdict against visitors Wallsend Town. The Hall’s Mark Knights put the ball into his own net to give Wallsend a boost but he was saved embarrassment by the goal-scoring exploits of his colleagues Dean Smith, Jamie Kennedy and Ryan Anderson.

Hexham beat bottom rung visitors Tynemouth United 2-0 but had to wait for around eighty minutes for substitute Darren Dobson’s brace which settled the issue in their favour. And, after failing to fulfil the previous Saturday’s fixture, Whitley Bay Town returned to action but were beaten 4-1 at home by Swalwell. Stuart Rook and Craig Robinson bagged two goals each for the winners with Whitley’s single reply scored by Luke Jamieson-Yip.

In a clash featuring two new clubs at the wrong end of the Second Division table, Cullercoats Custom Planet ended a seven-match losing run by beating hosts Cramlington Blue Star 3-1. James Fitzpatrick (2) and Liam Graham found the net for the Planet with Jamie Evans replying for a Blue Star side still waiting for their first point at home.

PONTELAND MATCH LEAGUE LEADERS WARK

By Bill Gardner
The top three sides in the Premier Division all drew and there is still no clear leader with Wark and Walker Central sharing pole position with almost identical records.

After winning six games on the trot, Wark were restricted to a 1-1 stalemate by visitors Ponteland United. With the wind behind them in the first half Wark had the majority of the play and showed why they are one of the leagues front runners. Pont’s Michael Havelock was the busier of the two keepers, tipping over a cross from Matt MacLoughlin but with new signing Anzevui marshalling the defence and Liam McIvor and Craig Brown working hard in midfield United kept the home side at bay and it was still 0-0 at half time.

Havelock was in action again after the break, tipping over a drive from Mark Elliott but was beaten on 60 minutes by Marc Nixon's 30-yard free kick low down to his right. Despite this set-back Pont stuck to their task with Brown and Glenn Ford bravely charging down Phil Thompson’s drive as Wark aimed to double their lead.
Richard Kent was working tirelessly on the visitors’ right flank but Wark’s defenders were proving too strong and physical for Billy Holden when the crosses came in.

Nevertheless, Ponteland’s nippy striker got his reward with five minutes to go. Home keeper Sagar failed to collect Max Turner's cross when under pressure from McIvor and Holden was on hand to poke the ball over the line.

It was always going to be tough for Walker Central at home to Harraby Catholic Club and they also had to be content with a 1-1 draw. Only beaten once in this campaign, the Central were given the lead by Liam Mulligan straight after half time. The Cumbrians had Marc Shiel claiming their leveller after 67 minutes and their games in hand will make them increasingly threatening.

Carlisle City in third place have remained unbeaten in their last four matches away from home and shared four goals with their latest hosts Blyth Town. Craig Robinson opened the scoring for Blyth midway through the first half but there was a fairly quick reply from City’s Steve Bell. With five minutes to go Chris Major scored what seemed to be Carlisle’s winner but in the dying seconds Mark Waugh’s successful spot kick salvaged a point for the Town.

With the teams above them all spilling points, fourth-placed Heaton Stannington improved their standing and another good performance at Grounsell Park earned them a 4-1 verdict against strugglers Heddon. Thanks to strikes by Brian Dodsworth (2), Lawrence McKenna and Kevin Carr, Heaton were four goals to the good after 55 minutes and Heddon’s later consolation goal was put away by David Edwardson. And Heddon are still in trouble after suffering their eighth defeat on the trot in the Premier Division.

Two in-form sides met at St James’ Park where hosts Alnwick Town won 4-1 against Cramlington Town to keep themselves in the top half of the table. Early goals for Ben Keenan and Tony Brown gave Alnwick a flying start and after Jordan Watson hit back for the visitors their two-goal advantage was restored before the break by Tom Vickers. In the final minute Dale Kennedy scored a fourth for the home side who have remained unbeaten in their last five outings.

Stocksfield have won two and drawn two of their four most recent league games after beating Seaton Delaval 2-1 at Wheatridge Park. A goal in each half for Josh Brooks and Phil Murray set the visitors up for the kill. Carl Bennington punished an error by Stocksfield keeper Peter Adnitt to get Delaval off the mark but that was their last shout.

After five games, late starters Newcastle University secured their first league point with a goal-less draw against Murton at Cochrane Park and Murton are yet to win away from home. Meanwhile the strength of the wind at Northburn caused Shankhouse’s home game against Killingworth Sporting to be called off.

DIVISION ONE – RUTHERFORD STUNG BY SEATON BURN
First Division leaders Gateshead Rutherford had their hundred percent home record terminated by Seaton Burn who picked up their first away point from their 1-1 draw at Lobley Hill. Despite being at the bottom end of the table the Burn posed some problems for their high-ranking hosts and after an hour were fired in front by Dave Hewitt. Rutherford had three goals disallowed for offside but with nine minutes to go Craig Horsfall’s leveller saved some of their dignity.

Now in fourth spot, Whitley Bay A had to be content with a 3-3 draw with Hebburn Reyrolle at Hillheads. The Bay’s goals were shared by Dean Porter, Craig Smith and Ian Lee with his first of the season. Marc Hare and Craig Malley hit back for Hebburn who had a last minute equaliser put away by Marc Lockwell.

South Shields United became the latest tormentors of Northbank who are on the bottom rung and still waiting for their first point. Over in Carlisle, South shields emerged as 2-01 victors after having Phil Elund and Phil Lawton on target in the first half. Northbank worked hard to get back in the game but their only reward was a single strike by Stuart McGarva in the 77th minute.

Cullercoats are gradually recovering last season’s fine form and claimed their first home win at the expense of a Gosforth Bohemians side which has lost its way in recent games. For the first time this term the Bohs failed to get a name on the score sheet and were beaten 1-0. Straight after the interval Rob Watson secured the points for Cullercoats and his fierce thirty-yard drive was a worthy match-winner.

Amble United’s top of the table clash with visitors Morpeth Sporting Club was called off due to the gale force wind at the coast but Peterlee Town continued their improved run away from home and won 3-1 at Chopwell to climb into a mid-table slot. Two of the Newtowners’ goals were scored by Damian Gee with Nathan Liddell also finding the net. Andrew Smith was a lone marksman for Chopwell who have picked up only a single point from their last four games.

DIVISION TWO – SINGLE GOAL STUNS NORTH SHIELDS
In the Second Division the game between fourth-placed Stobswood Welfare and visitors Whitley Bay Town was a non-starter due to Whitley’s inability to field a team. And the strong winds caused the postponement of Wallsend Boys Club’s home game against Hexham.

With Northumberland Minor Cup ties reducing the Second Division programme even further only two league games went ahead and an impressive Newcastle Chemfica outfit beat third-placed visitors North Shields Athletic 1-0. After five straight wins North Shields were sunk by a 75th minute strike by Chemfica’s Mick Crozier.

In the only other Second Division encounter hosts Newcastle BT shared the spoils with Cramlington Blue Star. The result was a 2-2 draw with the Blue Star scoring first and last through Jonathan Wardle and James Harrison. In the interim BT’s marksmen were Sean Blakey and Colin Galbraith.

Swalwell took a break from league duty but made an early exit from the Durham Minor Cup, beaten 4-2 by cup hosts Evenwood White Swan despite having Colin Beestone and Joe Adams on target.

NORTHUMBERLAND MINOR CUP – AMBLE STROLL THROUGH
Of the nine Northern Alliance teams involved in the first round of the Ideal Stelrad Northumberland Minor Cup, there were three early fallers but the remaining six were able to make progress. Cullercoats Custom Planet, Newcastle East End and Willington Quay Saints were all ushered through the exit door.

The Planet were beaten 3-0 at home by league colleagues Berwick United whose goals were shared by Leigh Walker, Simon Hargreaves and Phil Lee. And Newcastle East End suffered severe disappointment away to Newcastle Chemfica Reserves. Dieu Lomana’s goal for the East Enders made it 1-1 after extra time but they were beaten 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out.

Willington Quay Saints bowed out and although Mark Henderson and Gareth Pugh found the net they lost 3-2 away to cup holders Blakelaw Crofters Lodge.
Among the teams clearing the first hurdle, Amble and Wideopen & District – the two sides currently heading the Second Division table in the Alliance – were the most convincing first round winners in the Minor Cup.

In Amble’s 9-2 home victory against Gosforth Bohemians A, both John Charlton and Wyn Fremlin weighed in with hat-tricks. Stu Marshall bagged himself a brace and the Amble tally was topped up by Adam Shanks.

Wideopen were also at home and hammered cup opponents North Shields Town 6-0. Martin Roper banged in four of the goals and the other two were supplied by his colleague Liam Jubb.

Goals for Jamie Gilbert and Danny Carr earned Forest Hall their 2-0 cup passport when they visited Lowick United and Percy Main also won away from home, beating Ashington BB Athletic 4-3. First half Percy Main goals for Malcolm Morien, Callum Colbeck and Chris Locke were wiped out by three Ashington replies after the break. There was relief all round for the Villagers when Mick Haley edged them in front again with barely a minute to spare with his goal direct from a corner kick..

Last season’s Minor Cup finalists Wallsend Town were 3-2 first round winners at home to Cullercoats Reserves, making hard work of a victory assured by goals supplied by Kevin Smith, Stephen Dodd and Tony Senagoga.

Another thirteen Northern Alliance hopefuls who received byes will be joining the fray in the Minor Cup’s second round with the draw yet to be announced. The late starters are Amble United, Cramlington Blue Star, Gosforth Bohemians, Hexham, Morpeth Sporting Club, Newcastle British Telecom, Newcastle Chemfica, North Shields Athletic, Seaton Burn, Tynemouth United, Wallington, Wallsend Boys Club and Whitley Bay Town.