26th September
By Bill Gardner
Alnwick Town extended their unbeaten run in the league to nine games as their 4-1 victory away to Cramlington Town left them four points clear of chief rivals Ponteland at the head of the Premier Division table. The league leaders had beaten Blyth Town 1-0 at St James Park in midweek with midfield dynamo Kevin Elliot scoring their vital 34th minute goal. Under pressure from a couple of Blyth defenders he managed to slip the ball past keeper Scott Earle from just inside the area. Ian Herron was Blyth’s most dangerous player but spurned a chance to get his team back on terms before half time.
Three days later the Alnwick lads followed up with the 4-1 success away to Cramlington Town. Cramlington’s Chris Ridgway cancelled out James Swordy’s early opener for Alnwick but the visitors had Chris Moffat and Scott McMullen on target to give them a clear lead at half time. Ten minutes after the interval Alnwick keeper Michael Armstrong was stretchered off with a leg injury but Tom Vickers completed the winning tally in the 75th minute.
Ponteland United kept tabs on Alnwick by also retaining their unbeaten league record and claiming their fifth win on the trot, 2-1 away to Blyth Town. Jonathan Mann’s 100th senior goal gave Blyth a 40th minute lead. John Dunn equalised for Pont on the hour mark and also claimed United’s winner with ten minutes to go amid strong appeals for offside by the home side.
While defending champions Harraby Catholic Club were on County Cup duty Percy Main took advantage and leapfrogged over the Cumbrians into third place thanks to their 1-0 victory away to Gateshead Rutherford.
It may have been different if Rutherford’s Robbie Frame had not shot wildly over from an early Michael Jeffares cross. But the Main also had their moments and from a Jason Ritchie flag kick Dean Ellis volleyed only inches wide.
Percy Main keeper Rob Rodgerson then did well to keep out a downward header from home striker Dave Loughlin and the first half ended goal-less. With wind assistance after the break Percy Main began to flex their muscles with Dean Ellis, Michael Bowman and Pierre luc Coiffait, who fired against the woodwork, all going close to ending the deadlock.
With mounting Percy Main pressure a win was looking inevitable for the visitors but they had to wait until the 80th minute for their winner scored by Ashley Smyth. A long through ball from Pierre luc Coiffait sent him on his way and he finished with a low drive under home keeper David Bebbington.
Equal on points and now sharing fourth spot with Harraby, Shankhouse and Heaton Stannington are both showing signs of improvement. And Shankhouse were 2-0 winners at Murton where their hosts have been difficult to beat this term. Murton contributed to their own downfall by presenting their visitors with an own goal opener and the lead was then doubled by Lee Gustard.
Heaton Stannington have been unbeaten in their last three outings but were restricted to a 1-1 draw on their visit to Ashington Colliers who had just won two league games on the trot. Five minutes before the interval Michael Hogg put the Colliers in front but straight after the change-over Jason Bates got Heaton back on terms.
Stocksfield, with player Phil Murray in temporary charge of team affairs following John Wilson’s decision to step down as manager, were beaten 2-0 at home by Seaton Delaval. The visitors hadn’t won in the Premier Division since the first day of the season but gathered the points quite comfortably in this encounter. Stephen Howes ended 57 minutes of deadlock in Delaval’s favour and they coasted after Steve Anderson scored their second goal fifteen minutes from the end.
Wark’s home game with Walker Central was postponed due to waterlogging but Carlisle City and Harraby Catholic Club were in productive action in the Cumberland Senior Cup. Carlisle hammered cup visitors Parton United 8-0 with goals by Jamie Heath (hat-trick), Carl Murphy (2), Robbie Mather (2) and James Hartley. Harraby however needed extra time to secure a 2-1 win away to a young and useful Warwick Wanderers outfit. Their goals came from Matthew Thompson and Daniel Balmer.
DIVISION ONE – FIRST POINT DROPPED BY WHITLEY
With a surviving hundred percent record Hebburn Reyrolle are still in pole position in the First Division, two points ahead of nearest rivals Whitley Bay A with the same number of games played. But visitors Morpeth Sporting Club gave the table-toppers a tough time before being narrowly beaten 2-1. Simon Jacobs gave Reyrolle an interval lead but after 75 minutes his strike was cancelled out by Morpeth’s Martin Stanley. Only ten minutes remained when Ray Oshin slotted in the Hebburn winner.
Meanwhile at Hillheads Whitley Bay dropped their first points of this campaign and were held to a 1-1 draw by Gosforth Bohemians.
Beaten only once this term, Amble United are determined to hang onto the top two’s coat tails but have a six-point gap to bridge to keep their promotion plans on track. They assisted their cause again with a 3-0 victory at home to North Shields Athletic. All of the Amble goals came in the closing fifteen minutes of an otherwise close encounter and were scored by Darren Riddell, Sean Taylor and Josh Hay who netted right on the final whistle.
Fourth-placed Cullercoats slipped up and their four-match unbeaten run was halted by their 2-0 defeat at home by Newcastle East End. The East Enders had just lost four league games on the trot but took advantage of a poor performance by their hosts. Only a minute after the kick off they were fired in front by Ian Graham and in the final minute of the first half Craig Pleasant was on target to double their lead.
Newly-relegated Heddon are inching up the table, having won three of four most recent games. Away to Peterlee Town who had bowed out of the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek Warren Fisher’s lads looked very competent and ended up as 3-1 victors. David Potts and Kevin Urwin netted in the first half for Heddon and after Daniel Reid got the Newtowners off the mark Potts scored his second for the visitors to wrap up the points.
Still with no win to their credit, Chopwell Officials seem to have solved some of their recent problems and were good enough to limit in-form visitors Berwick United Ultras to a 1- 1 draw. Chopwell’s scorer was Dale Gibson and Dan Cornish replied for the Borderers.
Wallington secured their first home win by beating strugglers Forest Hall 5-1 at Scots Gap where they were three goals up at the interval thanks to John Paxton (2) and Justin Millican. Kyle Reardon then weighed in with Wallington’s fourth goal and after a token reply from the Hall’s Scott Parker the home side’s winning tally was topped up by Chris Martin. Unhappily for Forest Hall they are continuing to struggle in this division and are still seeking their first league point.
Stobswood Welfare had lost five successive games before entertaining Newcastle University but manager Tony Mather’s promise of a change of fortunes for the Welfare could soon be brought to fruition. They produced a much better performance to win 2-1 with both of their goals claimed by Adam Shanks. James Swainston replied for the Students who, on this form, won’t be expected to regain their former Premier Division status.
DIVISION TWO – WALLSEND TOWN IN SEVENTH HEAVEN
With eighteen points each to their credit, current leaders Wallsend Town and second-placed Newcastle Chemfica are heading the Second Division table. With three useful games in hand and a hundred percent record in six league starts Wallsend are holding all the early season aces and they dealt out a 7-0 lesson to hosts Seaton Burn. Leading 4-0 at the half way stage the Town proved unstoppable and the goals flowed freely from Craig Burke (hat-trick), Derek Graham, Mick Rankin, Sean Reid and Alex Downey.
Newcastle Chemfica have won four of their five home games to date after beating latest visitors Swalwell 6-2 and settling into second spot. Steve McLaughlin scored four of Chemfica’s goals against Swalwell with the others tucked away by Gareth Davies and Liam Naulls. Chris Smith and Adam McVickers netted for the losers who remained in the top half of the table.
Despite their run of successes Chemfica will still be looking over their shoulder at the likes of Tynemouth United, Cullercoats Custom Planet and newcomers Simonside SC and Red House Farm, all of whom are sharing third place with games in hand.
While Tynemouth were lying idle the other three all picked up maximum points to maintain their challenge and Simonside SC claimed an emphatic 6-1 home win against Wideopen & District whose single reply came from Nick Jefferson. Shaun Edwards was a match-winning hero for Simonside, bagging five of their six goals with the final tally completed by Lee Ditchburn.
Cullercoats Custom Planet were also in goal-hungry mood away to Willington Quay Saints and emerged as 5-3 victors in a real thriller. Drawing 2-2 at the break, the Planet had Martyn Hepple (2), Martyn Evans, Mark Henderson and substitute Andrew Gray on target. Michael Beever, Andrew Macbeth and Ian McCartney scored for the Saints who are still seeking their first home points.
Red House Farm were perfectly happy with their more modest 4-2 win at home to Amble who have lost all of their away games this term. Paul Newton-Eddy (2), Shaun Forster and Chris Mann were the Farm’s marksmen with Amble replying in vain through Sean Palmer and Jordan Giles.
Wallsend Boys Club were 3-0 down at Hexham to goals by Scott Robson (2) and Curtis Harvey but recovered to snatch a 3-3 draw. Rob Haney, Gary McGarrigal and Ben Pollock hit back for the Boys Club who could easily have picked up another two points for their second half performance.
Cramlington United hoisted themselves up three places and away from the basement by drawing 1-1 with visitors Newcastle BT who had Dan Sherliker putting them in front in the first half. A great Lindsay Collinson free kick salvaged a point for United.
Still without a win, Whitley Bay Town stayed put on the bottom rung after losing 3-1 at home to Northbank Carlisle. The Bay’s lone marksman was Andrew Laird and they were overshadowed by the Cumbrians whose goals were tucked away by Scott Thompson (2) and Andrew Rogerson.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Monday, 20 September 2010
ALNWICK FOIL CUMBRIANS IN THE CUP
19th September
by Bill Gardner
Current Premier Division leaders Alnwick Town cleared a major hurdle in style by beating 2008 winners Harraby Catholic Club 3-2 in the first round of the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup at St James Park. The early stages of the tie saw two of the league’s form teams locked in a midfield battle but Harraby had Daniel Balmer volleying inches over and Mark Worrall heading narrowly wide. It was Alnwick’s Chris Moffet however who opened the scoring after 17 minutes with his low 20-yard drive.
Harraby levelled after 25 minutes when Balmer volleyed home Guiseppe Amato’s free kick at the back post. The home side’s lead was restored by Dale Kennedy just before the interval and he netted from close range when a poor back pass left Harraby keeper Jordan English exposed.
Harraby made another defensive error on the hour and this time Alnwick’s James Swordy fired into the bottom corner to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb. They reduced the deficit with a late Mike Swift penalty when Dan Wordsworth was fouled but fine goalkeeping by Alnwick’s keeper Michael Armstrong in the dying minutes ended any hopes of a Harraby recovery.
Having knocked out Challenge Cup holders Ponteland United in a preliminary round tie a fortnight ago, newly promoted Percy Main ended the hopes of six-time winners Carlisle City by beating the Cumbrians 3-1 in the first round at Purvis Park.
The Main had beaten the Cumbrians 1-0 in the league in an earlier clash at Sheepmount and City, keen to make amends, took the lead with James Hartley ending 70 minutes of stalemate. The Main pushed forward and were unlucky to see two near misses by Michael Bowman before Dean Ellis got them back on terms by heading home a cross from Malcolm Morien.
In extra time Carlisle’s danger man Lee Otway tested home keeper Rob Rodgerson with his shot on the turn and Bowman went close again at the other end with his drive striking the crossbar. But it was the Main’s Malcolm Morien who turned out to be the hero of the hour. He put his side in front by rifling in a great pass from Ashley Smith and bagged another goal in the second period with a header from Jason Ritchie’s flag kick.
Another two ties needed extra time to settle the outcome and Seaton Delaval were 2-1 victors at home to Wark with all the goals coming in the added half hour. Tom McAlindon gave the visitors the lead but Luke Newton levelled for Delaval and their winner was claimed by Steve Anderson.
In a real thriller at Monkchester, Walker Central clinched a 4-3 extra time win against Cramlington Town. First half strikes by Michael Strachan and Nabby Benny had put the Central well clear but after the break Cramlington hit back with three replies inside ten minutes from Jordan Watson, Steve Rylatt and Kieran Pearson.
In the 80th minute 16-year-old striker Abu Sallin rescued Walker with his equaliser and in extra time visiting keeper Frazer Nairn kept his side in the game with two outstanding saves. He was beaten however by Nabby Benny’s vital winner for the Central.
Last season’s losing Challenge Cup finalists Shankhouse stayed on course this time by beating Heaton Stannington 2-1 at Grounsell Park. Mike Bell’s opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Heaton’s Adrian Watson before the interval but the Shankhouse winner was put away by Lee Gustard midway through the second half.
Murton produced the first round’s shock result by beating hosts Ashington Colliers 6-1 with Liam Wintrip, Martin Blenkinsop and Nathan Ball bagging a brace apiece. And Blyth Town were lucky to make progress away to Gateshead Rutherford. Trailing to Kevin Hay’s early opener for the home side Blyth were presented with an 88th minute own goal leveller by Rutherford debutant Terry Veitch before Danny Beresford snatched their 2-1 winner only a minute later.
Despite having two players sent off in the second half, Killingworth Sporting hung on to beat cup visitors Stocksfield 3-2. Their winning marksmen were Paul Dunn (2) and Anthony Burns. Stocksfield, whose manager John Wilson stepped down last week, replied in vain through Pat Finnerty and Ben Pearson.
DIVISION ONE – HEBBURN PLAY THE WAITING GAME
With Percy Main having been promoted to the Premier Division, last season’s Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup winners are out of the reckoning this time so a new name will have to be etched on the First Division trophy this term. Hebburn Reyrolle, who lost to Percy Main in the final last term, are waiting in the wings after their first round home tie against Morpeth Sporting Club was put back to 2nd October but fourteen of the other silverware hopefuls were in action.
Past winners Newcastle East End (2006) and Whitley Bay A (2009) met up at Millers Dene and the Bay completed a cup and league double by winning 2-0. Their goals were scored by Michael McMullen and Dean Porter.
Gosforth Bohemians, who lifted the Combination Cup three seasons ago, only had a brief flirtation this time and fell at the first hurdle, losing 2-1 to cup hosts Newcastle University. The newly-relegated Students had goals by Patrick Stokle and Ed Savitt earning them their second round ticket.
Cullercoats beat Chopwell Officials for the second time in this campaign, completing a double by dishing out an 8-0 cup lesson to their troubled hosts. Chopwell, hammered 10-0 in the League Cup up at Alnwick only seven days earlier, came under the cosh again and they seem to have an uncertain future. In a very one-sided tie Cullercoats piled on the agony and their goals were shared by Gareth Armstrong, Sean Smith and Phil and Craig Deighton with each of them bagging a brace.
Amble United also claimed an emphatic victory to make progress and, having beaten visitors South Shields United 1-0 up at Amble a fortnight previously, coasted to a 4-0 success in their latest meeting. Goals on either side of the interval, both scored by Josh Hay, put Amble firmly in the driving seat. Their lead was increased in the 85th minute by Darren Riddell and Hay went on to complete his hat-trick with a well-taken penalty in the dying seconds.
Heddon passed their first round test with flying colours and after beating Stobswood Welfare in the league at Bullocksteads they completed a double with their 5-2 cup victory in the reverse fixture. Adam Shanks and Chris Graham scored for the Welfare but their efforts counted for nothing. Heddon had a hat-trick hero in Kevin Urwin and two goals for Dan Robinson completed their tally.
Wallington booked their place in the Combination Cup’s second round by winning 2-0 away to Peterlee Town while Forest Hall, struggling following promotion to the First Division, celebrated their first win of the season. In the cup arena they emerged as worthy 3-1 victors at home to North Shields Athletic thanks to goals by Alan Knights, Matthew Smith and Neil Gibson with Craig Boyle claiming the Athletic’s single reply.
In the only First Division league game down for decision Berwick United Ultras beat visitors Morpeth Sporting Club 3-0 to climb into the top half of the table. Two of the Borderers’ goals were slotted in by Jamie Punton with the third claimed by Kieran Laverty.
DIVISION TWO – WALLSEND TARGET SILVERWARE AGAIN
Before gaining promotion Stobswood Welfare won the Pin Point Recruitment Amateur Cup, beating promoted colleagues North Shields Athletic in last season’s final. So with neither of these two sides involved in the competition this time around, previous winners Newcastle BT and Wallsend Town were fancying their chances on the first round platform
The Telecom lads were disappointed however and went down 5-2 at the initial hurdle, shown the exit by Seaton Burn. Greg Palmer found the net in each half for BT who were always in the hunt despite the final score-line. Goals for Ian Armstrong and Stephen Russell had given Seaton Burn a toe hold and when Chris Baker and Dave Hewitt were also on target in the last minute of the first half their goals were crucial. And for good measure Nicky Hara scored the Burn’s fifth goal in the 90th minute.
Wallsend Town, who lifted the Amateur Cup in 2001 and again in 2007, kept this season’s silverware options open. In two meetings with league newcomers Simonside SC this term the Town have banged in a total of eleven goals and they won 5-2 on this latest occasion. Derek Graham completed his hat-trick for Wallsend whose other two marksmen were Craig Burke and Sean Reid while Lee Ditchburn and Sean Flood netted for the losers.
In a repeat of an earlier league game at Bullocksteads which Tynemouth United had won 4-1 they emerged as 6-0 victors this time against visitors Red House Farm. Mike Armstrong, Aaron Chambers and man-of-the-match Lee Brady scored two goals each for United with Brady claiming his second from the penalty spot.
Swalwell had Dave Fitzpatrick and Chris Smith on target in each half to win 2-0 in their tie away to Cramlington United and Northbank Carlisle recorded the first round’s most impressive score in beating hosts Cullercoats Custom Planet 7-0. Scott Thompson (2), Fraser Vass, Lee Field and Luke Barwick were on the mark for the Cumbrians whose tally was complement by two own goals, both presented by the Planet’s Chris Wilkinson.
Wideopen & District made progress by impressively beating visitors Hexham with their 50th minute winner scored by Liam Forrest while Whitley Bay Town and Wallsend Boys Club both avenged earlier league defeats inflicted by their respective cup opponents.
The Bay were 3-2 victors away to Willington Quay Saints and had Liam Hudson to thank for all three of their goals. Glen Johnson and Gareth Pugh netted for the Saints who were leading 2-1 early in the second half. Meanwhile, Wallsend Boys Club won by the same margin on their visit to Newcastle Chemfica whose two replies were both put away by Liam Naulls. The Boys Club just edged it with strikes by Gilberto Chapin, Jordan Roberts and Leroy Odd.
by Bill Gardner
Current Premier Division leaders Alnwick Town cleared a major hurdle in style by beating 2008 winners Harraby Catholic Club 3-2 in the first round of the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup at St James Park. The early stages of the tie saw two of the league’s form teams locked in a midfield battle but Harraby had Daniel Balmer volleying inches over and Mark Worrall heading narrowly wide. It was Alnwick’s Chris Moffet however who opened the scoring after 17 minutes with his low 20-yard drive.
Harraby levelled after 25 minutes when Balmer volleyed home Guiseppe Amato’s free kick at the back post. The home side’s lead was restored by Dale Kennedy just before the interval and he netted from close range when a poor back pass left Harraby keeper Jordan English exposed.
Harraby made another defensive error on the hour and this time Alnwick’s James Swordy fired into the bottom corner to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb. They reduced the deficit with a late Mike Swift penalty when Dan Wordsworth was fouled but fine goalkeeping by Alnwick’s keeper Michael Armstrong in the dying minutes ended any hopes of a Harraby recovery.
Having knocked out Challenge Cup holders Ponteland United in a preliminary round tie a fortnight ago, newly promoted Percy Main ended the hopes of six-time winners Carlisle City by beating the Cumbrians 3-1 in the first round at Purvis Park.
The Main had beaten the Cumbrians 1-0 in the league in an earlier clash at Sheepmount and City, keen to make amends, took the lead with James Hartley ending 70 minutes of stalemate. The Main pushed forward and were unlucky to see two near misses by Michael Bowman before Dean Ellis got them back on terms by heading home a cross from Malcolm Morien.
In extra time Carlisle’s danger man Lee Otway tested home keeper Rob Rodgerson with his shot on the turn and Bowman went close again at the other end with his drive striking the crossbar. But it was the Main’s Malcolm Morien who turned out to be the hero of the hour. He put his side in front by rifling in a great pass from Ashley Smith and bagged another goal in the second period with a header from Jason Ritchie’s flag kick.
Another two ties needed extra time to settle the outcome and Seaton Delaval were 2-1 victors at home to Wark with all the goals coming in the added half hour. Tom McAlindon gave the visitors the lead but Luke Newton levelled for Delaval and their winner was claimed by Steve Anderson.
In a real thriller at Monkchester, Walker Central clinched a 4-3 extra time win against Cramlington Town. First half strikes by Michael Strachan and Nabby Benny had put the Central well clear but after the break Cramlington hit back with three replies inside ten minutes from Jordan Watson, Steve Rylatt and Kieran Pearson.
In the 80th minute 16-year-old striker Abu Sallin rescued Walker with his equaliser and in extra time visiting keeper Frazer Nairn kept his side in the game with two outstanding saves. He was beaten however by Nabby Benny’s vital winner for the Central.
Last season’s losing Challenge Cup finalists Shankhouse stayed on course this time by beating Heaton Stannington 2-1 at Grounsell Park. Mike Bell’s opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Heaton’s Adrian Watson before the interval but the Shankhouse winner was put away by Lee Gustard midway through the second half.
Murton produced the first round’s shock result by beating hosts Ashington Colliers 6-1 with Liam Wintrip, Martin Blenkinsop and Nathan Ball bagging a brace apiece. And Blyth Town were lucky to make progress away to Gateshead Rutherford. Trailing to Kevin Hay’s early opener for the home side Blyth were presented with an 88th minute own goal leveller by Rutherford debutant Terry Veitch before Danny Beresford snatched their 2-1 winner only a minute later.
Despite having two players sent off in the second half, Killingworth Sporting hung on to beat cup visitors Stocksfield 3-2. Their winning marksmen were Paul Dunn (2) and Anthony Burns. Stocksfield, whose manager John Wilson stepped down last week, replied in vain through Pat Finnerty and Ben Pearson.
DIVISION ONE – HEBBURN PLAY THE WAITING GAME
With Percy Main having been promoted to the Premier Division, last season’s Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup winners are out of the reckoning this time so a new name will have to be etched on the First Division trophy this term. Hebburn Reyrolle, who lost to Percy Main in the final last term, are waiting in the wings after their first round home tie against Morpeth Sporting Club was put back to 2nd October but fourteen of the other silverware hopefuls were in action.
Past winners Newcastle East End (2006) and Whitley Bay A (2009) met up at Millers Dene and the Bay completed a cup and league double by winning 2-0. Their goals were scored by Michael McMullen and Dean Porter.
Gosforth Bohemians, who lifted the Combination Cup three seasons ago, only had a brief flirtation this time and fell at the first hurdle, losing 2-1 to cup hosts Newcastle University. The newly-relegated Students had goals by Patrick Stokle and Ed Savitt earning them their second round ticket.
Cullercoats beat Chopwell Officials for the second time in this campaign, completing a double by dishing out an 8-0 cup lesson to their troubled hosts. Chopwell, hammered 10-0 in the League Cup up at Alnwick only seven days earlier, came under the cosh again and they seem to have an uncertain future. In a very one-sided tie Cullercoats piled on the agony and their goals were shared by Gareth Armstrong, Sean Smith and Phil and Craig Deighton with each of them bagging a brace.
Amble United also claimed an emphatic victory to make progress and, having beaten visitors South Shields United 1-0 up at Amble a fortnight previously, coasted to a 4-0 success in their latest meeting. Goals on either side of the interval, both scored by Josh Hay, put Amble firmly in the driving seat. Their lead was increased in the 85th minute by Darren Riddell and Hay went on to complete his hat-trick with a well-taken penalty in the dying seconds.
Heddon passed their first round test with flying colours and after beating Stobswood Welfare in the league at Bullocksteads they completed a double with their 5-2 cup victory in the reverse fixture. Adam Shanks and Chris Graham scored for the Welfare but their efforts counted for nothing. Heddon had a hat-trick hero in Kevin Urwin and two goals for Dan Robinson completed their tally.
Wallington booked their place in the Combination Cup’s second round by winning 2-0 away to Peterlee Town while Forest Hall, struggling following promotion to the First Division, celebrated their first win of the season. In the cup arena they emerged as worthy 3-1 victors at home to North Shields Athletic thanks to goals by Alan Knights, Matthew Smith and Neil Gibson with Craig Boyle claiming the Athletic’s single reply.
In the only First Division league game down for decision Berwick United Ultras beat visitors Morpeth Sporting Club 3-0 to climb into the top half of the table. Two of the Borderers’ goals were slotted in by Jamie Punton with the third claimed by Kieran Laverty.
DIVISION TWO – WALLSEND TARGET SILVERWARE AGAIN
Before gaining promotion Stobswood Welfare won the Pin Point Recruitment Amateur Cup, beating promoted colleagues North Shields Athletic in last season’s final. So with neither of these two sides involved in the competition this time around, previous winners Newcastle BT and Wallsend Town were fancying their chances on the first round platform
The Telecom lads were disappointed however and went down 5-2 at the initial hurdle, shown the exit by Seaton Burn. Greg Palmer found the net in each half for BT who were always in the hunt despite the final score-line. Goals for Ian Armstrong and Stephen Russell had given Seaton Burn a toe hold and when Chris Baker and Dave Hewitt were also on target in the last minute of the first half their goals were crucial. And for good measure Nicky Hara scored the Burn’s fifth goal in the 90th minute.
Wallsend Town, who lifted the Amateur Cup in 2001 and again in 2007, kept this season’s silverware options open. In two meetings with league newcomers Simonside SC this term the Town have banged in a total of eleven goals and they won 5-2 on this latest occasion. Derek Graham completed his hat-trick for Wallsend whose other two marksmen were Craig Burke and Sean Reid while Lee Ditchburn and Sean Flood netted for the losers.
In a repeat of an earlier league game at Bullocksteads which Tynemouth United had won 4-1 they emerged as 6-0 victors this time against visitors Red House Farm. Mike Armstrong, Aaron Chambers and man-of-the-match Lee Brady scored two goals each for United with Brady claiming his second from the penalty spot.
Swalwell had Dave Fitzpatrick and Chris Smith on target in each half to win 2-0 in their tie away to Cramlington United and Northbank Carlisle recorded the first round’s most impressive score in beating hosts Cullercoats Custom Planet 7-0. Scott Thompson (2), Fraser Vass, Lee Field and Luke Barwick were on the mark for the Cumbrians whose tally was complement by two own goals, both presented by the Planet’s Chris Wilkinson.
Wideopen & District made progress by impressively beating visitors Hexham with their 50th minute winner scored by Liam Forrest while Whitley Bay Town and Wallsend Boys Club both avenged earlier league defeats inflicted by their respective cup opponents.
The Bay were 3-2 victors away to Willington Quay Saints and had Liam Hudson to thank for all three of their goals. Glen Johnson and Gareth Pugh netted for the Saints who were leading 2-1 early in the second half. Meanwhile, Wallsend Boys Club won by the same margin on their visit to Newcastle Chemfica whose two replies were both put away by Liam Naulls. The Boys Club just edged it with strikes by Gilberto Chapin, Jordan Roberts and Leroy Odd.
Monday, 13 September 2010
HEATON CLOSE UP ON LEADERS
12th September
By Bill Gardner
In one of only two Premier Division league games Heaton Stannington, beaten only once in their last six outings, climbed into third spot by beating visitors Wark 4-1. Wark’s Jamie Peel opened the scoring after 20 minutes but replies from Adrian Watson and Lawrence McKenna had Heaton leading at half time. Two penalties put away in the 75th and 90th minutes by Adam Donaghey and Kevin Carr made certain for the home side.
Heaton’s latest victory allowed them to leapfrog over Percy Main who have lost some of their earlier edge and were restricted to a goal-less draw with improving Blyth Town at Purvis Park. A game of few chances could have been settled by either side in the closing stages. After 89 minutes the Main’s keeper Rob Rodgerson who had rarely been in action pulled off a tremendous point blank save to deny Danny Beresford. And only seconds later the Villagers could have snatched a win but Malcolm Morien, put through by substitute Craig Culyer, wasted what was an ideal opportunity.
Most of the weekend’s other games were in the first round of the Kicks Leisure George Dobbins League Cup and there were three upsets involving teams from the top flight. Carlisle City, Killingworth Sporting and Stocksfield all fell at the first hurdle. And Carlisle, four times past winners of this trophy, were beaten 6-3 at home by their Premier Division colleagues Ashington Colliers. After opening the scoring through Mark Graham, City were never in the hunt thanks mainly to Mark Richardson who banged in five goals for the Colliers. Their sixth was claimed by Marc Pattie before Carlisle replied twice in the dying minutes through James Hartley and Lee Otway.
Killingworth Sporting bit the dust, losing 1-0 away to Second Division opponents Hexham whose 72 nd minute winner was put away by Thomas North. And Stocksfield lost out 4-1 away to Second Division leaders Wallsend Town. Derek Graham gave Wallsend a 20th minute opener and their lead was doubled by club captain Ryan Arnott on the half hour mark. But on the stroke of half time the Tynesiders had a player sent off for violent conduct and straight after the change-over Ben Pearson got Stocksfield off the mark. They failed to make their numerical superiority count however and Wallsend’s Craig Burke and Sean Reid added further goals to round off a major upset.
There were one or two close things for other Premier Division hopefuls and Gateshead Rutherford just edged through 3-2 away to cup minnows Cramlington United. Isaac Mitchell, Robbie Frame and Michael Jeffares netted for the winners with Paul Weightman and Lindsey Collinson on target for the plucky home side.
Shankhouse, cup winners in 2005, were given a scare by Second Division hosts Wallsend Boys Club before emerging as 4-3 victors. Jordan Roberts, Michael Starkie and Gary Shaw scored for the Boys Club but Shankhouse just shaded it with goals for Dave Dormand (2), Chris Rue and Mike Bell – three of them resulting from long throw-ins.
In other ties results ran true to form with Alnwick Town leading the way and inflicting a crushing 10-0 defeat on troubled visitors Chopwell Officials. Stephen Hogg found the net four times for Alnwick whose tenth and final counter came from substitute keeper Brian Brooks.
Seaton Delaval’s 55th minute substitute Craig Cook completed a hat-trick in his side’s 6-2 home win against Forest Hall while there were two goals each for Andrew Davidson and Richard Kent in Ponteland United’s 7-0 victory over visitors Cullercoats Custom Planet.
Successes against teams from the lower divisions also allowed Cramlington Town, Harraby Catholic Club and Walker Central to retain their interest in the League Cup. Andy Carr found the net in each half of Cramlington 2-0 cup win against visitors Morpeth Sporting Club and Walker Central had an identical success to knock out cup hosts North Shields Athletic with goals put away by Craig Bryce and Nabby Benny.
Harraby Catholic Club trailed to Chris Smith’s opener for Second Division visitors Swalwell but recovered well to clinch a 4-1 verdict. Daniel Balmer levelled for the Premier Division’s reigning champions on the stroke of half time and after the change-over there were two more strikes inside two minutes by Marc Shiel (penalty) and Balmer again for the Cumbrians. Their fourth goal in 65 minutes was claimed by Matthew Thompson with his curling drive into the top corner.
DIVISION ONE – ANOTHER SETBACK FOR THE EAST END
Only two First Division league games were down for decision and Newcastle East End suffered a fourth successive defeat, going down 4-3 at home to Wallington. Mark Lowson, Andy Graham and Ian Graham found the net for the East Enders but their efforts counted for nothing in the end. Wallington wrapped up the points and just shaded their hosts with telling strikes by Justin Millican (2), Jonathan Kimmitt and Mark Jewitt.
Late starters Newcastle University picked up their first points by beating Heddon 3-2 at Cochrane Park. After a goal-less first half two goals for James Swainston gave the Students a clear lead. Replies from Ben Haddock and Kevin Urwin revived Heddon’s hopes but they were dashed when the University’s winner was scored from the spot by James Ripley.
Amble United, Whitley Bay A, Hebburn Reyrolle, Peterlee Town and Cullercoats were all in goal-hungry mood to keep the First Division flag flying with successes in the First Round of the Kicks Leisure George Dobbins League Cup.
Amble United made progress by beating cup visitors Seaton Burn 4-2. Always in charge and assisted by an own goal gift the Seasiders had Greg Dance (penalty), Ross Gair and Brent Aisbitt on target while Dave Hewitt and Chris Baker scored for the losers.
Gosforth Bohemians were Whitley Bay A’s 6-0 victims in their tie at Benson Park where the Bay over-ran their hosts and had their goals provided by Ian Lee (2), Michael McMullen, Dean Porter, Sean Jobson and Jamie Lyndon.
Hebburn Reyrolle won the League Cup last season and got their defence of the trophy off to a promising start with a 5-2 first round victory away to Newcastle BT who scored first and last through Greg Hamilton and Dan Sherliker. In the interim Simon Jacobs bagged himself a brace for Hebburn and his colleagues Ray Oshin, Craig Watson and Chris Morris were also on the mark.
Peterlee Town showed the exit door to visitors and Second Division newcomers Simonside SC who were soundly beaten 5-1. Shaun Edwards was a lone marksman for Simonside and the Newtowners cruised through with first half goals by Andrew Harrison and Luke Wallace and second half strikes by Dave Paul, Kris Hope and Phil Hickman.
Cullercoats also comfortably made the Second Round cut in the League Cup after winning 5-0 away to Whitley Bay Town who had no answer to their visitors’ fire-power. Craig Deighton and Steve Hart bagged two goals each for Cullercoats who lifted this prestigious trophy in the 2008-2009 season and the nap hand was completed by Phil Deighton.
DIVISION TWO – CHEMFICA ARE CLIMBING
In the single league game played in the Second Division, Newcastle Chemfica inflicted a second successive defeat on hosts Tynemouth United who stayed in second spot despite their latest 4-2 set-back. Chemfica meanwhile moved up into third place thanks to a brace each claimed by Steve Spence and Steve McLaughlin while the disappointed losers replied through Scott Rowan and Chris Garwood.
Second Division hopes in the League Cup now rest on Wallsend Town, Hexham, Northbank Carlisle, Red House Farm and Willington Quay Saints who all cleared their first round hurdles plus Amble, Newcastle Chemfica and Tynemouth United who received byes.
Red House Farm maintained their interest with 2-0 victory at home to Stobswood Welfare with both of their goals claimed by Chris Davison and Willington Quay were more spectacular 4-1 winners against powerful First Division visitors South Shields United.
The North Tynesiders dominated the cup-tie and, had it not been for some excellent saves by United’s keeper Shaun Newbrook, his side could have suffered a much heavier defeat. The Shieldsmen’s only goal was a rather lucky 70th minute effort by substitute Kyle Yorston but at that point the Saints were already four goals to the good and Shields didn't look capable of mounting any sort of come-back.
Hard-working performances from Dominic Mossa, Adam Bell and Jevon Jull were the only positives on a very disappointing day for the South Tyneside outfit which didn’t please manager Gareth Allen.
LEAGUE CUP SECOND ROUND DRAW
With clubs receiving byes entering the fray, the revised Second Round draw in the League Cup is as follows with ties due to be played on Saturday 16th October:
Alnwick Town v Red House Farm; Amble United v Wallington; Ashington Colliers v Amble;
Cramlington Town v Walker Central; Cullercoats v Ponteland United;
Harraby Catholic Club v Tynemouth United; Hebburn Reyrolle v Seaton Delaval;
Hexham v Whitley Bay A; Murton v Wallsend Town; Newcastle Chemfica v Shankhouse;
Newcastle East End v Heaton Stannington; Newcastle University v Northbank Carlisle;
Percy Main v Peterlee Town; Wark v Gateshead Rutherford; Wideopen & District v Heddon;
Willington Quay Saints v Blyth Town
By Bill Gardner
In one of only two Premier Division league games Heaton Stannington, beaten only once in their last six outings, climbed into third spot by beating visitors Wark 4-1. Wark’s Jamie Peel opened the scoring after 20 minutes but replies from Adrian Watson and Lawrence McKenna had Heaton leading at half time. Two penalties put away in the 75th and 90th minutes by Adam Donaghey and Kevin Carr made certain for the home side.
Heaton’s latest victory allowed them to leapfrog over Percy Main who have lost some of their earlier edge and were restricted to a goal-less draw with improving Blyth Town at Purvis Park. A game of few chances could have been settled by either side in the closing stages. After 89 minutes the Main’s keeper Rob Rodgerson who had rarely been in action pulled off a tremendous point blank save to deny Danny Beresford. And only seconds later the Villagers could have snatched a win but Malcolm Morien, put through by substitute Craig Culyer, wasted what was an ideal opportunity.
Most of the weekend’s other games were in the first round of the Kicks Leisure George Dobbins League Cup and there were three upsets involving teams from the top flight. Carlisle City, Killingworth Sporting and Stocksfield all fell at the first hurdle. And Carlisle, four times past winners of this trophy, were beaten 6-3 at home by their Premier Division colleagues Ashington Colliers. After opening the scoring through Mark Graham, City were never in the hunt thanks mainly to Mark Richardson who banged in five goals for the Colliers. Their sixth was claimed by Marc Pattie before Carlisle replied twice in the dying minutes through James Hartley and Lee Otway.
Killingworth Sporting bit the dust, losing 1-0 away to Second Division opponents Hexham whose 72 nd minute winner was put away by Thomas North. And Stocksfield lost out 4-1 away to Second Division leaders Wallsend Town. Derek Graham gave Wallsend a 20th minute opener and their lead was doubled by club captain Ryan Arnott on the half hour mark. But on the stroke of half time the Tynesiders had a player sent off for violent conduct and straight after the change-over Ben Pearson got Stocksfield off the mark. They failed to make their numerical superiority count however and Wallsend’s Craig Burke and Sean Reid added further goals to round off a major upset.
There were one or two close things for other Premier Division hopefuls and Gateshead Rutherford just edged through 3-2 away to cup minnows Cramlington United. Isaac Mitchell, Robbie Frame and Michael Jeffares netted for the winners with Paul Weightman and Lindsey Collinson on target for the plucky home side.
Shankhouse, cup winners in 2005, were given a scare by Second Division hosts Wallsend Boys Club before emerging as 4-3 victors. Jordan Roberts, Michael Starkie and Gary Shaw scored for the Boys Club but Shankhouse just shaded it with goals for Dave Dormand (2), Chris Rue and Mike Bell – three of them resulting from long throw-ins.
In other ties results ran true to form with Alnwick Town leading the way and inflicting a crushing 10-0 defeat on troubled visitors Chopwell Officials. Stephen Hogg found the net four times for Alnwick whose tenth and final counter came from substitute keeper Brian Brooks.
Seaton Delaval’s 55th minute substitute Craig Cook completed a hat-trick in his side’s 6-2 home win against Forest Hall while there were two goals each for Andrew Davidson and Richard Kent in Ponteland United’s 7-0 victory over visitors Cullercoats Custom Planet.
Successes against teams from the lower divisions also allowed Cramlington Town, Harraby Catholic Club and Walker Central to retain their interest in the League Cup. Andy Carr found the net in each half of Cramlington 2-0 cup win against visitors Morpeth Sporting Club and Walker Central had an identical success to knock out cup hosts North Shields Athletic with goals put away by Craig Bryce and Nabby Benny.
Harraby Catholic Club trailed to Chris Smith’s opener for Second Division visitors Swalwell but recovered well to clinch a 4-1 verdict. Daniel Balmer levelled for the Premier Division’s reigning champions on the stroke of half time and after the change-over there were two more strikes inside two minutes by Marc Shiel (penalty) and Balmer again for the Cumbrians. Their fourth goal in 65 minutes was claimed by Matthew Thompson with his curling drive into the top corner.
DIVISION ONE – ANOTHER SETBACK FOR THE EAST END
Only two First Division league games were down for decision and Newcastle East End suffered a fourth successive defeat, going down 4-3 at home to Wallington. Mark Lowson, Andy Graham and Ian Graham found the net for the East Enders but their efforts counted for nothing in the end. Wallington wrapped up the points and just shaded their hosts with telling strikes by Justin Millican (2), Jonathan Kimmitt and Mark Jewitt.
Late starters Newcastle University picked up their first points by beating Heddon 3-2 at Cochrane Park. After a goal-less first half two goals for James Swainston gave the Students a clear lead. Replies from Ben Haddock and Kevin Urwin revived Heddon’s hopes but they were dashed when the University’s winner was scored from the spot by James Ripley.
Amble United, Whitley Bay A, Hebburn Reyrolle, Peterlee Town and Cullercoats were all in goal-hungry mood to keep the First Division flag flying with successes in the First Round of the Kicks Leisure George Dobbins League Cup.
Amble United made progress by beating cup visitors Seaton Burn 4-2. Always in charge and assisted by an own goal gift the Seasiders had Greg Dance (penalty), Ross Gair and Brent Aisbitt on target while Dave Hewitt and Chris Baker scored for the losers.
Gosforth Bohemians were Whitley Bay A’s 6-0 victims in their tie at Benson Park where the Bay over-ran their hosts and had their goals provided by Ian Lee (2), Michael McMullen, Dean Porter, Sean Jobson and Jamie Lyndon.
Hebburn Reyrolle won the League Cup last season and got their defence of the trophy off to a promising start with a 5-2 first round victory away to Newcastle BT who scored first and last through Greg Hamilton and Dan Sherliker. In the interim Simon Jacobs bagged himself a brace for Hebburn and his colleagues Ray Oshin, Craig Watson and Chris Morris were also on the mark.
Peterlee Town showed the exit door to visitors and Second Division newcomers Simonside SC who were soundly beaten 5-1. Shaun Edwards was a lone marksman for Simonside and the Newtowners cruised through with first half goals by Andrew Harrison and Luke Wallace and second half strikes by Dave Paul, Kris Hope and Phil Hickman.
Cullercoats also comfortably made the Second Round cut in the League Cup after winning 5-0 away to Whitley Bay Town who had no answer to their visitors’ fire-power. Craig Deighton and Steve Hart bagged two goals each for Cullercoats who lifted this prestigious trophy in the 2008-2009 season and the nap hand was completed by Phil Deighton.
DIVISION TWO – CHEMFICA ARE CLIMBING
In the single league game played in the Second Division, Newcastle Chemfica inflicted a second successive defeat on hosts Tynemouth United who stayed in second spot despite their latest 4-2 set-back. Chemfica meanwhile moved up into third place thanks to a brace each claimed by Steve Spence and Steve McLaughlin while the disappointed losers replied through Scott Rowan and Chris Garwood.
Second Division hopes in the League Cup now rest on Wallsend Town, Hexham, Northbank Carlisle, Red House Farm and Willington Quay Saints who all cleared their first round hurdles plus Amble, Newcastle Chemfica and Tynemouth United who received byes.
Red House Farm maintained their interest with 2-0 victory at home to Stobswood Welfare with both of their goals claimed by Chris Davison and Willington Quay were more spectacular 4-1 winners against powerful First Division visitors South Shields United.
The North Tynesiders dominated the cup-tie and, had it not been for some excellent saves by United’s keeper Shaun Newbrook, his side could have suffered a much heavier defeat. The Shieldsmen’s only goal was a rather lucky 70th minute effort by substitute Kyle Yorston but at that point the Saints were already four goals to the good and Shields didn't look capable of mounting any sort of come-back.
Hard-working performances from Dominic Mossa, Adam Bell and Jevon Jull were the only positives on a very disappointing day for the South Tyneside outfit which didn’t please manager Gareth Allen.
LEAGUE CUP SECOND ROUND DRAW
With clubs receiving byes entering the fray, the revised Second Round draw in the League Cup is as follows with ties due to be played on Saturday 16th October:
Alnwick Town v Red House Farm; Amble United v Wallington; Ashington Colliers v Amble;
Cramlington Town v Walker Central; Cullercoats v Ponteland United;
Harraby Catholic Club v Tynemouth United; Hebburn Reyrolle v Seaton Delaval;
Hexham v Whitley Bay A; Murton v Wallsend Town; Newcastle Chemfica v Shankhouse;
Newcastle East End v Heaton Stannington; Newcastle University v Northbank Carlisle;
Percy Main v Peterlee Town; Wark v Gateshead Rutherford; Wideopen & District v Heddon;
Willington Quay Saints v Blyth Town
Monday, 6 September 2010
PERCY MAIN KNOCK OUT CUP HOLDERS
5th September
By Bill Gardner
Ponteland United stayed two points clear at the head of the Premier Division table despite being side-lined by their home tie against Percy Main in a preliminary round of the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup. In the event the league leaders, who lifted this trophy last term, were beaten 2-1 by their visitors who had both of their goals claimed by Tony Browell.
Browell ended 52 minutes of stalemate with his headed opener from Dean Ellis’s corner kick and bagged his second only two minutes later. From another flag kick, this time curled in by Pierre-Luc Coiffait, Browell forced the ball home from close range. Richard Kent replied in the 85th minute for United from Gavin Wood’s cross before Dean Gate almost bagged an equaliser, his drive striking Rob Rodgerson without the Percy Main keeper knowing much about it.
Both Alnwick Town and Harraby Catholic Club claimed victories to leave them sharing second spot and Alnwick, yet to be beaten, were 6-2 victors at home to Gateshead Rutherford. Ben Keenan completed a hat-trick for the Town whose other scorers were Dale Kennedy, James Swordy and Stephen Hogg. Rutherford had Isaac Mitchell opening the scoring and their second reply came from Michael Jeffares.
Harraby extended an unbeaten run to six games by beating hosts Shankhouse 2-0. Shankhouse were twice denied by the woodwork in the first half but still trailed to two great early strikes by Mark Worrall for the Cumbrians. Worrall claimed his first after only eight minutes with a shot across home keeper Tony Deakin who was under pressure from Stuart Moffat and Daniel Balmer.
Then midway through the half Worrall was on target again to double Harraby’s lead. This time he beat Deakin with a swirling 18-yard effort from the corner of the area. Worrall in fact was close to completing his hat-trick on the hour but his chip over the keeper was disallowed for a handling offence in the build-up..
After two successive drawn games Blyth Town came good with a vengeance and beat visitors Heaton Stannington 7-3. Leading 4-0 at the interval, Blyth had Jonnie Mann claiming a hat-trick with Gary Day bagging a brace. Their other marksmen were new signing Ian Herron and Jeff Fuller. Heaton, who had inflicted a first defeat on Percy Main in midweek, were never really in the hunt this time despite having Adrian Watson, Kevin Carr and Michael Waggott on target.
In the meeting over in Cumbria between two sides suffering a recent loss of form Carlisle City were made to work hard for a 2-1 win against Seaton Delaval. Stephen Bell gave the home side a 17th minute opener, holding off two defenders and squeezing his shot past Delaval keeper Dave Herrington. City’s lead was doubled in the 34th minute with a cross-cum-shot from Jamie Heath which went in off the back post. Delaval were always threatening but had to be content with a single reply on the hour. Their goal was claimed by John Fitzpatrick whose header came off Carlisle’s Lee Otway on its way into the net.
Ashington Colliers climbed into mid-table with an impressive 3-1 victory at Wark where their goals were shared by Michael Hogg, Dave Brown and Jamie Patterson with Stuart Brown responding for the losers. And Walker Central secured only their second victory, beating visitors Killingworth Sporting 1-0. Liam Mulligan put away a vital 25th minute penalty for the Central and Killy’s attempts to get back on terms weren’t helped by the sending off of Liam Callaghan on the hour mark. This was an encouraging result for Walker manager Michael Jeffels who has admitted that his policy of bringing on talented youngsters may no equate to a tilt at the Premier Division title this time around. Mike has to be congratulated for his aims and his young charges are already repaying him with some sound performances.
Stocksfield also claimed their second win of the new campaign to improve their position in the basement and were pleased to beat visitors Murton 3-1. Liam Wintrip was Murton’s only scorer and their hosts sealed the points with replies from Graham Hudspith and Jack Wanless, the latter bagging a brace to mark his debut after transferring from neighbouring Wark.
DIVISION ONE – JOINT LEADERS SET THE STANDARD
At present, Hebburn Reyrolle and Whitley Bay A are setting an unmatchable pace as joint leaders in the First Division, each boasting hundred percent records in their seven opening games. And to reflect their neck-and-neck supremacy both of the front runners recorded identical 5-0 victories.
Hebburn’s nap hand was achieved at Scots Gap against Wallington who had picked up three points from their two previous games. They had no answer to Reyrolle’s fire power how ever and Channon North claimed a hat-trick for the winners whose other scorers were Simon Boyle and Mike Younger.
Whitley Bay A followed suit by hammering five goals past Stobswood Welfare at Hillheads where the goals were supplied by Dean Porter (2), Ian Lee, Craig Smith and Paul King. And while the Bay celebrated their seventh successive league win the Welfare were left bemoaning their fifth successive defeat.
In third spot Cullercoats are seven points behind the pace-setters following their 1-1 draw away to North Shields Athletic. Craig Boyle netted for the Athletic and the Cullercoats goal was put away by Craig Deighton who seems to be recapturing his form at an opportune time for the Seasiders.
There was an important 1-0 win for Amble United at home to South Shields United with both sides desperate to keep their promotion prospects on track. They’re now level on points although a game in hand could prove useful for Amble whose winner was tucked away on the stroke of half time by Brent Aisbitt.
Heddon reached the respectability of a mid-table slot thanks to their third win of the season, 4-2 against Newcastle East End at Bullocksteads. Regular marksman Ben Haddock bagged two of Heddon’s goals with the others provided by Danny Robinson and John Pearson. Replies from Andy Weeks and Richard Hoggins couldn’t prevent a third straight defeat for the East Enders.
While Chopwell Officials had their game at Forest Hall postponed by the league to allow them to sort out some recent problems, Newcastle University finally started their campaign but were beaten 3-1 at home by Morpeth Sporting Club. Will Deledicq netted for the Students but Morpeth secured the points with strikes by Luke Jamieson-Yip, Glen Gallon and Michael Halliday.
In a preliminary round of the Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup there was a 2-0 victory for Gosforth Bohemians at the expense of Berwick United Ultras at Benson Park. Goals for Matt Atkin and Tavis Couling earned the Bohs a forthcoming first round tie away to Newcastle University.
DIVISION TWO – CUP WIN FOR TOWN AS RIVALS SLIP UP
Wallsend Town are sitting comfortably in pole position in the Second Division, equal on points with Tynemouth United but with a vital game in hand. A hundred percent record in five league games to date have put Wallsend in high spirits and, taking a break from league duty, they beat visitors Amble 1-0 in a preliminary round tie in the Pin Point Recruitment Amateur Cup. Derek Graham’s goal settled the issue and set up a first round home tie against Simonside SC.
While Wallsend Town were otherwise engaged, Tynemouth United had an ideal opportunity to nudge their rivals out of top spot. Instead, they slipped up and were soundly beaten 4- 1 at home by promising newcomers Red House Farm. Rob Nolan (2), Nathan Johnstone and Chris Davison scored for the Farm and Tynemouth were never really in the hunt had their late consolation goal put away by Scott Rowan.
Like Tynemouth, Swalwell could have improved their top-of-the-table ranking but stayed put in third place after being restricted to a goal-less draw by visitors Whitley Bay Town. The Town picked up their first point of the campaign but deserved more after giving a gritty performance against their strong opponents.
Fourth-placed Wallsend Boys Club paid for bad finishing against Northbank over in Cumbria and were beaten 1-0 by hosts Northbank whose physical style upset the Tyneside youngsters. The game’s single but vital goal was scored by Northbank’s Paul Fiddler only ten minutes into the game.
Probably the weekend’s most impressive win was achieved by Simonside SC as they beat powerful hosts Newcastle Chemfica 5-3. In what was an end-to-end encounter it was Simonside who came out on top with goals shared by Craig Lumley, Sean Flood, Dave Scroggins, Shaun Edwards and Kyle Riley. Chemfica played their part in a full-blooded clash but their replies from Steve McLaughlin, Phil Courtney and Liam Naulls weren’t quite enough.
Cullercoats Custom Planet had their scheduled home game switched to the ground of opponents Seaton Burn who had Nick Hara and Rob MacDonald on the mark to secure a 2-1 victory. And Newcastle BT’s 3-3 draw at home to Willington Quay Saints hoisted them clear of the basement. In what was their third recent draw the BT scorers were Greg Hamilton (2) and Anthony Bruce while Glen Johnson (2) and Mark Henderson replied to earn the Saints their share of the spoils.
There was another stalemate involving Wideopen & District and visitors Cramlington United which finished at 2-2. Nick Jefferson scored both of Wideopen’s goals and Dean Morgan and Paul Weightman found the net for Cramlington.
By Bill Gardner
Ponteland United stayed two points clear at the head of the Premier Division table despite being side-lined by their home tie against Percy Main in a preliminary round of the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup. In the event the league leaders, who lifted this trophy last term, were beaten 2-1 by their visitors who had both of their goals claimed by Tony Browell.
Browell ended 52 minutes of stalemate with his headed opener from Dean Ellis’s corner kick and bagged his second only two minutes later. From another flag kick, this time curled in by Pierre-Luc Coiffait, Browell forced the ball home from close range. Richard Kent replied in the 85th minute for United from Gavin Wood’s cross before Dean Gate almost bagged an equaliser, his drive striking Rob Rodgerson without the Percy Main keeper knowing much about it.
Both Alnwick Town and Harraby Catholic Club claimed victories to leave them sharing second spot and Alnwick, yet to be beaten, were 6-2 victors at home to Gateshead Rutherford. Ben Keenan completed a hat-trick for the Town whose other scorers were Dale Kennedy, James Swordy and Stephen Hogg. Rutherford had Isaac Mitchell opening the scoring and their second reply came from Michael Jeffares.
Harraby extended an unbeaten run to six games by beating hosts Shankhouse 2-0. Shankhouse were twice denied by the woodwork in the first half but still trailed to two great early strikes by Mark Worrall for the Cumbrians. Worrall claimed his first after only eight minutes with a shot across home keeper Tony Deakin who was under pressure from Stuart Moffat and Daniel Balmer.
Then midway through the half Worrall was on target again to double Harraby’s lead. This time he beat Deakin with a swirling 18-yard effort from the corner of the area. Worrall in fact was close to completing his hat-trick on the hour but his chip over the keeper was disallowed for a handling offence in the build-up..
After two successive drawn games Blyth Town came good with a vengeance and beat visitors Heaton Stannington 7-3. Leading 4-0 at the interval, Blyth had Jonnie Mann claiming a hat-trick with Gary Day bagging a brace. Their other marksmen were new signing Ian Herron and Jeff Fuller. Heaton, who had inflicted a first defeat on Percy Main in midweek, were never really in the hunt this time despite having Adrian Watson, Kevin Carr and Michael Waggott on target.
In the meeting over in Cumbria between two sides suffering a recent loss of form Carlisle City were made to work hard for a 2-1 win against Seaton Delaval. Stephen Bell gave the home side a 17th minute opener, holding off two defenders and squeezing his shot past Delaval keeper Dave Herrington. City’s lead was doubled in the 34th minute with a cross-cum-shot from Jamie Heath which went in off the back post. Delaval were always threatening but had to be content with a single reply on the hour. Their goal was claimed by John Fitzpatrick whose header came off Carlisle’s Lee Otway on its way into the net.
Ashington Colliers climbed into mid-table with an impressive 3-1 victory at Wark where their goals were shared by Michael Hogg, Dave Brown and Jamie Patterson with Stuart Brown responding for the losers. And Walker Central secured only their second victory, beating visitors Killingworth Sporting 1-0. Liam Mulligan put away a vital 25th minute penalty for the Central and Killy’s attempts to get back on terms weren’t helped by the sending off of Liam Callaghan on the hour mark. This was an encouraging result for Walker manager Michael Jeffels who has admitted that his policy of bringing on talented youngsters may no equate to a tilt at the Premier Division title this time around. Mike has to be congratulated for his aims and his young charges are already repaying him with some sound performances.
Stocksfield also claimed their second win of the new campaign to improve their position in the basement and were pleased to beat visitors Murton 3-1. Liam Wintrip was Murton’s only scorer and their hosts sealed the points with replies from Graham Hudspith and Jack Wanless, the latter bagging a brace to mark his debut after transferring from neighbouring Wark.
DIVISION ONE – JOINT LEADERS SET THE STANDARD
At present, Hebburn Reyrolle and Whitley Bay A are setting an unmatchable pace as joint leaders in the First Division, each boasting hundred percent records in their seven opening games. And to reflect their neck-and-neck supremacy both of the front runners recorded identical 5-0 victories.
Hebburn’s nap hand was achieved at Scots Gap against Wallington who had picked up three points from their two previous games. They had no answer to Reyrolle’s fire power how ever and Channon North claimed a hat-trick for the winners whose other scorers were Simon Boyle and Mike Younger.
Whitley Bay A followed suit by hammering five goals past Stobswood Welfare at Hillheads where the goals were supplied by Dean Porter (2), Ian Lee, Craig Smith and Paul King. And while the Bay celebrated their seventh successive league win the Welfare were left bemoaning their fifth successive defeat.
In third spot Cullercoats are seven points behind the pace-setters following their 1-1 draw away to North Shields Athletic. Craig Boyle netted for the Athletic and the Cullercoats goal was put away by Craig Deighton who seems to be recapturing his form at an opportune time for the Seasiders.
There was an important 1-0 win for Amble United at home to South Shields United with both sides desperate to keep their promotion prospects on track. They’re now level on points although a game in hand could prove useful for Amble whose winner was tucked away on the stroke of half time by Brent Aisbitt.
Heddon reached the respectability of a mid-table slot thanks to their third win of the season, 4-2 against Newcastle East End at Bullocksteads. Regular marksman Ben Haddock bagged two of Heddon’s goals with the others provided by Danny Robinson and John Pearson. Replies from Andy Weeks and Richard Hoggins couldn’t prevent a third straight defeat for the East Enders.
While Chopwell Officials had their game at Forest Hall postponed by the league to allow them to sort out some recent problems, Newcastle University finally started their campaign but were beaten 3-1 at home by Morpeth Sporting Club. Will Deledicq netted for the Students but Morpeth secured the points with strikes by Luke Jamieson-Yip, Glen Gallon and Michael Halliday.
In a preliminary round of the Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup there was a 2-0 victory for Gosforth Bohemians at the expense of Berwick United Ultras at Benson Park. Goals for Matt Atkin and Tavis Couling earned the Bohs a forthcoming first round tie away to Newcastle University.
DIVISION TWO – CUP WIN FOR TOWN AS RIVALS SLIP UP
Wallsend Town are sitting comfortably in pole position in the Second Division, equal on points with Tynemouth United but with a vital game in hand. A hundred percent record in five league games to date have put Wallsend in high spirits and, taking a break from league duty, they beat visitors Amble 1-0 in a preliminary round tie in the Pin Point Recruitment Amateur Cup. Derek Graham’s goal settled the issue and set up a first round home tie against Simonside SC.
While Wallsend Town were otherwise engaged, Tynemouth United had an ideal opportunity to nudge their rivals out of top spot. Instead, they slipped up and were soundly beaten 4- 1 at home by promising newcomers Red House Farm. Rob Nolan (2), Nathan Johnstone and Chris Davison scored for the Farm and Tynemouth were never really in the hunt had their late consolation goal put away by Scott Rowan.
Like Tynemouth, Swalwell could have improved their top-of-the-table ranking but stayed put in third place after being restricted to a goal-less draw by visitors Whitley Bay Town. The Town picked up their first point of the campaign but deserved more after giving a gritty performance against their strong opponents.
Fourth-placed Wallsend Boys Club paid for bad finishing against Northbank over in Cumbria and were beaten 1-0 by hosts Northbank whose physical style upset the Tyneside youngsters. The game’s single but vital goal was scored by Northbank’s Paul Fiddler only ten minutes into the game.
Probably the weekend’s most impressive win was achieved by Simonside SC as they beat powerful hosts Newcastle Chemfica 5-3. In what was an end-to-end encounter it was Simonside who came out on top with goals shared by Craig Lumley, Sean Flood, Dave Scroggins, Shaun Edwards and Kyle Riley. Chemfica played their part in a full-blooded clash but their replies from Steve McLaughlin, Phil Courtney and Liam Naulls weren’t quite enough.
Cullercoats Custom Planet had their scheduled home game switched to the ground of opponents Seaton Burn who had Nick Hara and Rob MacDonald on the mark to secure a 2-1 victory. And Newcastle BT’s 3-3 draw at home to Willington Quay Saints hoisted them clear of the basement. In what was their third recent draw the BT scorers were Greg Hamilton (2) and Anthony Bruce while Glen Johnson (2) and Mark Henderson replied to earn the Saints their share of the spoils.
There was another stalemate involving Wideopen & District and visitors Cramlington United which finished at 2-2. Nick Jefferson scored both of Wideopen’s goals and Dean Morgan and Paul Weightman found the net for Cramlington.