HEADACHES AHEAD?

By Bill Gardner
A complete wipe-out of the Northern Alliance programme left fixture secretaries Geoff Mason and George Davison increasingly frustrated. They had been hoping to get a few cup competition loose ends tied up before the looming Christmas break but those plans have been thwarted by the big freeze which shows no sign of easing.

The third round of the Northumberland Minor Cup, scheduled for this weekend wont help matters when fourteen of the leagues clubs will be tied up by county cup duties. The relevant Minor Cup pairings are: Lynemouth Institute v Gosforth Bohemians;

Morpeth Sporting Club v North Shields Athletic; Newcastle Chemfica v Blakelaw Club;

Red House Farm v Stobswood Welfare; Seaton Burn v Newcastle Diggers United;

Walbottle Original Masons v Tynemouth United; Wallington v Forest Hall;

Wallsend Boys Club v Cullercoats and Whitley Bay A v Hexham.

The crucial casualties of yesterdays weather were four third round ties in the Kicks Leisure George Dobbins League Cup: Amble United v Percy Main, Ashington Colliers v Newcastle University, Shankhouse v Walker Central and Whitley Bay A v Harraby Catholic Club. These may need to be quickly rescheduled but Whitley Bays involvement in the NFA Minor Cup is likely to lead to complications in rearranging their tie against the Cumbrians.

Going into December, Alnwick Town are still enjoying a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier Division table and if the Northumbrians have any ambitions to rejoin the Northern League things are looking bright at the moment.

The Town are boasting the only surviving unbeaten record in the Alliances top flight while retaining an interest in the League Cup and Challenge Cup. Theyve reached the quarter-finals in the League Cup and the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup. And in their nineteen games played so far this season Alnwick have lost only once, going down 1-0 against Heaton Stannington in the NFA Senior Bowl at the beginning of October.

With a game in hand second-placed Ponteland United are still Alnwicks most potent rivals in the title race and Jarrod Suddicks side had won three league games on the trot before this weekends freeze-up, recording three defensive clean sheets in the process. When they met up with leaders Alnwick on the opening day of this season the result at the Leisure Centre Ground was a 2-2 draw and its still certainly all to play for. And apart from the championship, United only have one other remaining silverware target in their sights. Theyve been drawn away to Percy Main in Februarys Northumberland FA Senior Bowl quarter-finals when the other pairings will be: Blyth Town v Ashington Colliers, Heaton Stannington v Walker Central and Seaton Delaval v Newcastle University.

PONTELAND STAY IN CONTACT – BUT ONLY JUST

14th November

By Bill Gardner
Only two of three scheduled Premier Division matches went ahead and second-placed Ponteland United trimmed the lead of front runners Alnwick Town to ten points by beating visitors Gateshead Rutherford 3-0.
With club captain Craig Brownout injured Pont handed a debut to new signing Stephen Salter and brought in promising keeper Ryan Carter for the absent Gareth Powell and Michael Havelock.

On Rutherford’s first ever visit to the Leisure Centre Ground they started brightly with Joe Hindmarch heading narrowly wide and Linton Smith going close with his free kick. United then created a few opportunities themselves and went in front five minutes before the break when Harry Tulip beat Gateshead keeper Dave Bebbington with his low drive.

Inside the first ten minutes of the second half the game was killed off as a contest by two more Ponteland goals. On 52 minutes a cross from Andrew Davidson was volleyed home from close range by Richard Kent. And almost immediately Kent turned provider, crossing from the right for Davidson to score with a rare header and take his recent goals tally to six in six outings.

In the other top flight league game Stocksfield emerged as 5-2 victors in their bottom of the table clash away to Cramlington Town to hoist themselves clear of the basement. Two of the winners’ goals were slotted in by Sandy Tordoff with Scott Johnson, Jamie Starkey and Pat Finnerty providing the others. Andrew Carr and Dan Branley replied for Cramlington who stayed level on points with Murton at the foot of the Premier Division.

Third round ties in the Kicks Leisure George Dobbins League Cup were hit by the weather but four of the seven planned games went ahead. And last season’s cup winners Hebburn Reyrolle bowed out following their 2-1 defeat at Wark. Tom McAlindon bagged both of Wark’s goals in the first half and Hebburn’s single reply came from Kristian Wilkinson in the 75th minute.

In an all-Premier Division encounter at Grounsell Park, Heaton Stannington were restricted to a 1-0 victory over visitors Murton who belied their low league ranking. Michael Waggott claimed what turned out to be Heaton’s winner after half an hour but Murton always looked capable of a comeback and only the woodwork denied them a late equaliser.

Alnwick Town carried their sparkling league form into the cup arena and booked their place in the League Cup’s last eight with a 3-0 home win against First Division opponents Heddon. The plucky visitors held out for 50 minutes before Dale Kennedy finally got Alnwick off the mark. And inside the following twenty minutes further goals were added by Chris Moffat and Stephen Hogg.

Blyth Town also made progress in the cup but needed the luxury of extra time and penalties to see off First Division visitors Cullercoats. Just before the break Graeme Heath fired Blyth in front but midway through the second half Sean Smith levelled for Cullercoats. Extra time produced no further goals and Blyth eventually won 4-2 in the spot kick shoot-out.

There are four third round games still to be decided in the League Cup with the updated draw for the quarter-finals now reading: Whitley Bay A or Harraby Catholic Club v Alnwick Town, Ashington Colliers or Newcastle University v Wark, Heaton Stannington v Amble United or Percy Main and Blyth Town v Shankhouse or Walker Central.

Carlisle City’s game away to Wigton in the third round of the Cumberland Senior Cup was postponed and rescheduled for this Saturday. Northbank made progress however by beating visitors Silloth 2-1 with goals in each half for Andy Rogerson and Ross Irving.

Harraby Catholic Club made a surprising exit from the county cup after losing 3-2 to hosts Eden Thistle who had started as relative outsiders in the competition. Two hotly disputed first half spot kicks both put away by the Thistle’s Stephen Golding put their visitors on the back foot and Phil Wynne scored a third goal before Harraby’s late replies came from Brett Swift and Mark Worrall (penalty). This was a major upset for the Northern Alliance’s reigning champions Harraby and after the game they bemoaned what they saw as some inexplicable decisions which hadn’t been in their favour.

DIVISIONS ONE & TWO – PETERLEE SOAR UP THE TABLE
The wet weather leading up to the weekend played havoc with fixtures in Division One and Division Two and there were eight scheduled games postponed.

In Division One Peterlee Town entertained Newcastle East End in the only surviving league game and the Newtowners won 5-0 to move up five notches into third spot. The East End had been performing quite well prior to this encounter but fell behind when Peter Crawford bagged an early brace for Peterlee.

A missed penalty attempt on the half hour mark was the East End’s last chance to save the game and after the break things went from bad to worse. Graham Ball increased the home side’s lead and after 70 minutes the Newcastle keeper was sent off after conceding a penalty which was put away by Crawford to complete his hat-trick. And with two minutes to spare Peterlee’s nap hand was topped up by Graham Lacey as they completed a league double against the Tynesiders.

In a second round tie in the Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup there was a 2-1 victory for Whitley Bay A at Hillheads against Wallington. Both of Whitley’s goals were claimed by Dean Porter to put them into this season’s semi-finals.

South Shields United made progress in the Pin Point Recruitment Charity Cup’s first round by beating visitors North Shields Athletic 2-0. Goals late in each half by Aristote Guerin (penalty) and Richard Pinkney earned South Shields a trip into Cumbria to face Northbank Carlisle in next month’s quarter- finals.

Holders Morpeth Sporting Club retained their interest in this season’s Ideal Stelrad Northumberland Minor Cup and in a tie switched to the all weather pitch at Gateshead Stadium they beat cup opponents West Jesmond 3-2. The Morpeth marksmen to put them though were Mark Armstrong, Luke Jamieson-Yip and Graham Carter. Meanwhile other Minor Cup matches involving Northern Alliance sides were affected by the weather and have been rearranged for this weekend when Cramlington United host Blake law Cub and Forest Hall are away to Gosforth Bohemians A. And, after two postponements, Cramlington’s cup-tie may be switched to Blakelaw.

Only one of seven Division Two league games was able to go ahead and Whitley Bay Town celebrated their first away win of the campaign. The Town beat Red House Farm 3-2 and had a hat-trick hero in Chris Atkin. Nathan Johnstone claimed both replies for the Farm who stayed put in mid-table while Whitley Bay eased themselves clear of the basement.

STOCKSFIELD CLOSE TO UPSETTING LEADERS

7th November

By Bill Gardner
Alnwick Town are now enjoying a thirteen-point lead at the top of the Premier Division table. Still unbeaten, the Northumbrians clocked up their eleventh successive league victory but had to work hard for a 2-1 verdict at Stocksfield.
The league’s most prolific scorers had to wait forty minutes for Stephen Hogg’s opener. With the ball apparently out of play before Stocksfield’s Wayne Stewart was harshly penalised for a foul, Alnwick were awarded a contentious free kick. It found Hogg whose volley struck a defender before looping over keeper David Armstrong into the net.
Only a few minutes later the league leaders were pegged back by Jamie Starkey’s Stocksfield equaliser. Scott Johnson’s pass released Sharkey and he shot across the keeper to claim his fourth goal in only five games for his new club. After 65 minutes however Alnwick’s lead was restored by Ben Keenan and once again the circumstances were questionable. He appeared to come back from an offside position before turning the ball in for his side’s winner and after Stocksfield had a late potential equalise disallowed Alnwick were eventually relieved to hear the final whistle.
In a top of the table clash with Percy Main at Purvis Park and after suffering two defeats on the trot Ponteland United beat their hosts 2-1 to move back into second spot. Dean Gate gave the black-and-whites a very early opener and following good work by John Redhead and Andrew Davidson his half volley flew into the bottom corner.
United’s lead was doubled midway through the first half by winger Davidson who has scored in six of his last seven appearances for Jarrod Suddick’s side. This time Redhead and Harry Tulip were involved in the build-up and Davidson finished well with a low drive just inside the upright.
While Percy Main’s defeat extended a run of poor home form and saw them slip down to sixth place, both Carlisle City and Blyth Town are starting to take an interest in the title race, albeit as outsiders at the moment.
Carlisle City leapfrogged over Percy Main, Heaton Stannington and Harraby Catholic Club and while the last two were laid idle City climbed into third place with a 3-2 victory away to Shankhouse. Goals for James Armstrong and Jordan Walsh had given the home side a 2-1 advantage at the interval but Stuart Kilgour, Craig Cherry and Stuart Hill netted for the Cumbrians and Shankhouse have only won once at Northburn in this campaign.
Blyth Town have been creeping up on the rails despite a bout of travel sickness and they finally recorded their first away win, beating Seaton Delaval 3-0 at Wheatridge Park to climb into a very respectable fifth place. After only eight minutes they were fired in front by Danny Beresford when his chance was organised by Jeff Fuller.
Seven minutes into the second half Blyth’s lead was doubled and when Fuller pulled the ball back from the bye-line and Graeme Heath seized the easiest of chances to beat the keeper. Moments later the game was effectively over for Delaval. Steve Anderson was sent off for a late challenge on Town keeper Scott Earle who had to be taken off injured. And in the 67th minute Blyth neatly wrapped up the points with their third goal as a Fuller effort was handled and he stepped up to score from the resultant penalty.
After losing two home games on the trot Killingworth Sporting got things right again by beating visitors Wark 3-0. Wark had been unbeaten in three previous outings but looked lethargic in this encounter and were duly punished. Liam Callaghan bagged a brace for Killy whose other marksman was Kevin Westphal.
Walker Central picked up their first away points of the season and hauled themselves out of the basement with a 4-0 victory against second bottom Cramlington Town. The final score was no reflection of an entertaining game in which lively striker Nabby Benny was Walker’s secret weapon, scoring all four goals for the winners to crown a great personal performance.
In the second round of the Durham FA Trophy, Gateshead Rutherford were beaten 4-3 at home by league colleagues Simonside SC who had ex-Rutherford player Shaun Edwards scoring a hat-trick. And Murton made progress with a comfortable 7-2 win against Durham Alliance hosts Washington Town. Their goals were supplied by Liam Gill (hat-trick), Stephen Turner (2), Tom Elliott and Karl Garside.

DIVISION ONE – HEBBURN KEEP THE HEAT ON
First Division leaders Whitley Bay A were on county cup duty and nearest rivals Hebburn Reyrolle trimmed the Seasiders’ lead to a single point and the South Tynesiders have a useful game in hand. Hebburn kept this season’s hundred percent record intact by beating lowly visitors Stobswood Welfare 3-1. This wasn’t one of Reyrolle’s better performances but goals for Craig Watson (penalty), Dominic Solman and Craig Malley secured three more vital points. Chris Graham replied for the Welfare.
South Shields United climbed into third spot and made it four wins out of five at home by beating mid-table opponents Heddon 3-1. The Shieldsmen completed a league double over their visitors with goals shared by Aristote Guerin, Dominic Mossa and Tijan Kah.
Newcastle East End’s climb up the table was interrupted when they only managed a 3-3 draw away to Berwick United Ultras. Berwick, who have failed to win in their last four games, had Andrew Bergon, Brian Parkin and Sean Phillips finding the net in this one. But they still dropped another two points as the East Enders claimed their share of the spoils with replies from Mark Lowson(2) and Lee Stephenson.
From being front runners at one time in the First Division, Amble United have hit a bad patch and slumped down to sixth place. United’s 4-0 defeat by hosts Newcastle University was their third setback on the trot and they need to turn things around quickly to revive their promotion hopes. The Students meanwhile look set to charge up the table with their games in hand and they sunk Amble without trace with strikes by Ed Savitt( 2), Dan Clements and James Swainston.
Peterlee Town had just suffered three straight defeats at Eden Lane but stopped the rot at the expense of visitors Chopwell Officials who clearly still have some problems to sort out after losing 5-1. Goals for Darren Major and Martyn Pearce gave the Newtowners a clear interval lead. Alan Rennison pulled a goal back for Chopwell but they were on the back foot in the last half hour and conceded further goals to Peterlee’s Peter Crawford, Paul Franks and Phil Robinson.

DIVISION TWO – MORE MISERY FOR TELECOM LADS
None of the three Second Division matches had any bearing on the top of the table where Wallsend Town are holding off their nearest rivals Wallsend Boys Club. And in a clash with basement partners Wideopen & District there was no joy for hosts Newcastle BT. A 2-1 defeat stretched BT’s winless run to seven games as Wideopen clocked up their first league victory of the season. Anthony Bruce opened the scoring for BT but they were left disappointed and after Alex Wellington levelled for the visitors their stoppage time winner was snatched by Craig Redpath.
Despite having central defender Mike Smith sent off just before the interval Swalwell overtook Cullercoats Custom Planet in the pecking order by soundly beating their visitors 7-2 although it was only 2-1 at half time. Dave Fitzpatrick and Stuart Rook bagged a brace apiece for Swalwell who also had Joe Adams and Adam McVickers on target. Their tally was topped up with an own goal presented by the Planet’s Paul Katz. Tony Fawcett (penalty) and Andrew McCartney replied for the losers.
Willington Quay Saints have won only once on home turf this term and they were well beaten 6-1 by up-and-coming visitors Northbank Carlisle. The Cumbrians were dominant throughout and were rewarded with goals by John Slaven (2), Fraser Vass (2), Scott Thompson and Nicky Routledge. Gareth Pugh was a lone marksman for the Saints.

NORTHUMBERLAND MINOR CUP
Of the fourteen Northern Alliance sides involved in second round ties in the Ideal Stelrad Northumberland FA Minor Cup eleven cleared this hurdle. The teams bowing out at this stage of the competition were Wallsend Town, Whitley Bay Town and Amble.
There were resounding second round victories for Whitley Bay A, Hexham and Wallington and the Bay were 6-1 victors away to Belford with their goals coming from Ian Lee (2), Glen Rearden, Jamie Lyndon, Adam Johnson and Gavin Hattrick.
Hexham almost emulated Whitley Bay’s feat by winning 5-1 against Shilbottle CW Reserves at Wentworth Park. The Tyne valley outfit had Scott Robson and Mark Gibson scoring two goals each and Stephen Coates claimed their fifth.
Wallington however outdid their two colleagues and registered the round’s highest score by hammering Springhill Berwick 8-0 at Scots Gap. The spring was certainly taken out of the visitors and they were already trailing 6-0 at half time. Jordan Nellis led the way with his hat-trick for Wallington while Sam Walton bagged a brace and the rest of their goals were supplied by Kyle Reardon, Mark Jewitt and Nick McClughin.
A single first half goal for Chris Baker was enough to earn Seaton Burn their third round ticket at the expense of cup hosts Alnmouth United while Newcastle Chemfica narrowly beat visitors New York 2-1 with a Steve McLaughlin penalty and a telling second goal by Gareth Davies. And Red House Farm made home advantage count to beat Wearside League opponents Prudhoe Town 3-1.
North Shields Athletic made the cut by winning 2-1 away to Red Star Benwell with strikes by Graham Williams and David Jeffers and Cullercoats retained an interest by winning 4-2 away to Walker Central Reserves. Peter Bradley’s free kick got the Seasiders off the mark. Stewart Wright then netted twice to set Cullercoats up for the kill and their winning tally was completed by Gareth Armstrong.
Gosforth Bohemians were happy with a 3-2 verdict at Wooler to put them through with their goals shared by Dan Child, Andrew Renton and Nick Robinson. And there were two all-Northern Alliance ties in the Minor Cup’s second round.
Whitley Bay Town had Matt Bergh and Chris Fairley on target at home to league colleagues Wallsend Boys Club but after leading 2-1 with eight minutes to go ended up losing 4-2. The Boys Club hit back successfully through Ben Pollock, Oye Oyolade, Mike Starkie and Rob Haney in a storming finish.
The other county cup clash between sides in the Alliance’s Second Division saw third-placed Tynemouth United entertaining league leaders Wallsend Town with United emerging as impressive 4-2 victors. Lee Garwood (2), Lee Brady and Paul Gordon were Tynemouth’s scorers with Craig Burke and Alex Downey replying in vain for the disappointed losers.
Three second round ties postponed last weekend will be hopefully played this Saturday when Cramlington United entertain Blakelaw Club, Forest Hall visit Gosforth Bohemians A and Morpeth Sporting Club are away to West Jesmond.

ALNWICK SEE OFF ONE OF THEIR RIVALS

31st October

By Bill Gardner
With other top-of-the-table results going their way, Alnwick Town also helped themselves to go a massive twelve points clear at the head of the Premier Division table. The Town’s 5-3 victory over Percy Main maintained their hundred percent home record and was their tenth league win on the trot.
Dale Kennedy gave Alnwick a very early opener and two quick-fire penalties put away by Ben Keenan just before the interval extended their lead. Percy Main had Jason Ritchie (penalty), Mick Haley and Liam Knox on target but were always chasing the game and Alnwick’s winning tally was completed by Neil Catlow and James Swordy.
Percy Main’s defeat, their first away from home, allowed Heaton Stannington to nudge them out of second spot and also overtake Ponteland United who they beat 3-1 at Grounsell Park. But with keeper Gareth Powell replacing the injured Michael Havelock and new signing Scott McDonald making his debut Pont looked the better side in the opening exchanges. And on the quarter hour they went ahead with Andrew Davidson scoring from the spot after Harry Tulip was fouled.
There was an immediate response from Heaton however and only three minutes later they were back on terms, Kye Waters seizing on a half clearance to beat Powell with his low 25-yard drive into the bottom corner.
Only 25 minutes had elapsed when Heaton went in front for the first time. Adam Donaghey completed a fine run down the right by firing across the Ponteland keeper and just inside the back post. And ten minutes into the second half the home side claimed their vital third goal. Andrew Weeks did the spadework and when he pulled the ball back from the bye-line full back Ian Mills was able to pick his spot.
While both Percy Main and Ponteland dropped down a notch there was renewed hope for the Cumbrian contingent of Harraby Catholic Club and Carlisle City who moved up to occupy fifth and sixth places respectively.
Harraby were fortunate to win 1-0 away to Walker Central but had to survive a strong last minute penalty appeal after Rob Bainbridge had fired them into a 13th minute lead with his first goal of the season. And Carlisle City were happy to draw 1-1 with improving visitors Ashington Colliers. James Hartley was quick to give City an early lead when a cross from Robbie Mather came to him off the head of Colliers defender Gareth Rees. Michael Hogg levelled midway through the first half for Ashington after robbing Steve Bell and beating advancing keeper Bradley. The Colliers had won their three previous games away from home but both sides squandered second half chances in this one and a draw was probably the fairest result.
Blyth Town climbed into the top half of the table after winning 4-1 at home to Murton who are now on the bottom rung and without a single win on their travels. Jeff Fuller’s opener for Blyth was cancelled out by Liam Gill but that was Murton’s last shout. Fuller, Jonny Mann and Gary Day added to Blyth’s tally and they had a chance to make it five but Mark Waugh missed from the penalty spot.
Shankhouse shared the spoils from their 1-1 draw with hosts Gateshead Rutherford after having James Armstrong on target straight from the kick off. Rutherford’s 70th minute leveller was claimed by Linton Smith.
Stocksfield’s recent problems were eased when second half goals earned them a 2-0 home win against Killingworth Sporting. Jamie Sharkey opened the scoring on the hour with his low drive after receiving from Ben Pearson. And within another three minutes the home side’s lead was doubled by Scott Johnson. Once again Pearson initiated the move and, when his flag kick was helped on by Pat Finnerty, Johnson almost broke the net from close range.
Lowly Cramlington Town did well to get a 2-2 draw at Wark. Aiden Armstrong and Dale Telfer scored for the home side but two successful penalties by Andrew Carr earned Cramlington a deserved and welcome point.
In their second round tie away to Hebburn Reyrolle in the Kicks Leisure League Cup, Seaton Delaval were beaten 3-2 by their First Division hosts. Delaval had Andy Johnson and Jordan Fry on target to lead 2-0 but Reyrolle hit back successfully through James McCoy, James Wood and Craig Watson who scored from the spot in stoppage time to settle the issue.

DIVISION ONE – WHITLEY ARE READY FOR HEBBURN CHALLENGE
While their top of the table rivals Hebburn Reyrolle were on League Cup duty, Whitley Bay A increased their lead at the head of the First Division table to four points although Hebburn now have two useful games in hand.
The Bay are still unbeaten and have a hundred percent record in six away games to date and they continued on their merry way with a 2-1 victory over Heddon at Bullocksteads. After a goal-less opening half Ian Lee got Whitley off the mark and their lead was increased by Gavin Hattrick with seven minutes to go. A last minute reply from Heddon’s Kevin Urwin came too late to affect the outcome.
Cullercoats won 3-0 away to Amble United and overtook their hosts to settle into third spot. For the first time in this campaign Amble failed to find the net and the visitors picked up the points with second half strikes by Steve Hart (penalty), Peter Bradley and Alex Burnett. And this was a welcome result for Cullercoats who, despite remaining unbeaten away from home, had drawn three and lost one of their previous four games in the First Division.
Newcastle East End made it three wins out of four by beating out-of-sorts visitors Morpeth Sporting Club 2-0 with goals by Lee Stephenson and Andy Graham. And Wallington’s progress continued when they beat lowly hosts Stobswood Welfare 4-2. The Wallington goals shared by Tom McPherson, Jordan Nellis, Sam Walton and Justin Millican extended their side’s unbeaten run to five games. Replies from Adam Shanks and Chris Graham weren’t enough to save the Welfare from another defeat.
After losing three games on the bounce South Shields United returned to form in spectacular fashion by winning 8-2 at home to Peterlee Town. Aristote Guerin led the way for Shields by banging in four of their goals and the rest were claimed by Richard Pinkney (2), Mark Davies and Phil Enlund.
North Shields Athletic recovered their winning touch following a long lean spell but only managed a 1-0 success at home to a Forest Hall side still seeking its first league point. Promotion has proved a step too far for the Hall and a goal for Athletic’s Dean Wear left them disappointed once again.
Gosforth Bohemians had only picked up two points from three appearances prior to entertaining Berwick United Ultras but they just edged it by 3-2 thanks to goals scored by Craig Allen, Tavis Couling and Andy Parkinson. And Newcastle University’s 4-2 victory away to troubled Chopwell Officials hoisted the Students clear of the basement. Their match-winning marksmen were Tim Rakshi, Ed Savitt, James Swainston and Andrew Hartley and a quick climb up the table is promised.

DIVISION TWO – NO WORRIES AT WALLSEND
The top three teams in the Second Division all won to keep things tight with leaders Wallsend Town, Wallsend Boys Club and Tynemouth United all adding to their points tally. And Wallsend Town, the most prolific scorers in the league’s three divisions, were at it again in a 5-1 victory at home to Cramlington United. Derek Graham completed his hat-trick for the Town whose other scorers were Craig Burke and Ronnie Kay.
So far unbeaten, the Town are setting the hottest of paces and with three games in hand are two points better off than second-placed Wallsend Boys Club. In an entertaining game away to fourth from bottom Amble the Tynesiders emerged as 3-0 victors with goals by Rob Haney (2) and Ben Pollock. Amble belied their lower status in the Second Division but lost some impetus after Shaun Jobson suffered an injury and was taken to hospital.
Tynemouth United in third spot seem to have recovered from a recent dip in form and the improvement was obvious in their important 5-4 home win against Simonside SC. The visitors had just won four league games in succession but despite having Shaun Edwards and Sean Flood bagging a brace apiece they still lost out in this one. Lee Garwood also netted twice for Tynemouth and their other three goals wrapping up the points were claimed by Alex Nisbet, Steve Matthews and Michael Armstrong.
After winning three games on the trot Newcastle Chemfica were brought back down to earth and were narrowly beaten 4-3 at home by Red House Farm who had in direct contrast just lost three games. The Farm just edged it in a thrilling encounter with goals supplied by Rob Nolan ( 2), Zack Brogden and Chris Davison. Unluckiest man on the field had to be Chemfica’s Steve McLaughlin who had nothing to laugh about after hitting a hat-trick.
Cullercoats Custom Planet have remained unbeaten in five games at home so far and hammered lowly visitors Whitley Bay Town 5-0. Martyn Hepple scored four of the winners’ goals but spurned a chance for his fifth with a penalty miss and the Planet’s nap hand was completed by Andrew McCartney.
Newcastle BT had drawn four and lost one of five games prior to entertaining Northbank Carlisle. They would have settled for another stalemate but instead were beaten 1-0 by the Cumbrians whose 75th minute winner was slotted in by John Slaven from Ross Irving’s low cross.
Seaton Burn secured their fourth win, beating Willington Quay Saints 1-0 with a close range header from Sean Barker with only a minute to spare. But Wideopen & District are still without a league win and stayed perched on the bottom rung despite their battling 1-1 draw with mid-table visitors Hexham. Sean Hay was on target for Wideopen with Steve Coates replying for Hexham whose travelling form has been letting them down so far this term.

VICKERS GOAL SINKS THE CHAMPS

24th October

By Bill Gardner
Nearest rivals Ponteland United slipped up and Alnwick Town went ten points clear at the top of the table. The unbeaten Northumbrians claimed their ninth league win on the trot, beating hosts and defending champions Harraby Catholic Club 1-0.
Alnwick were in front midway through the first half when Tony Brown’s inswinging corner found Tom Vickers who finished with the deftest of touches. After 55 minutes however the goal-scorer was taken off injured after colliding with the goalpost. He was replaced by James Swordy and the Northumbrians suffered another blow when Kevin Elliott received his marching orders but they defended well to cling onto the points.
.Ponteland lost their unbeaten record and after five successive victories went down 2-1 at home to Carlisle City. United were given a very early lead by Andrew Davidson who seized on an overhead pass from Max Turner to pick his spot.
Pont keeper Michael Havelock was injured after half an hour and was eventually replaced by Gareth Powell and Carlisle levelled right on half time as Steve Rooke stooped to head home from a corner kick. Both sides squandered chances after the break and a draw looked inevitable but with four minutes to go a City flag kick skidded off Pont defender John Redhead’s shin at the near post to creep over the line and present all three points to the visitors.
Percy Main and Heaton Stannington held onto third and fourth places respectively and Percy Main did the trick by winning 2-1 away to an in-form Ashington Colliers. The Colliers had won three and drawn one of four recent games and were fired into an interval lead by Michael Hogg after Shaun Gibson’s right wing corner came back off the upright. But straight after the break Jon McEnaney levelled for the Villagers after racing onto an astute through ball from Malcolm Morien. At the other end the Main’s keeper Rob Rodgerson did well to thwart Ashington’s John Moscrop but it was the Villagers who struck again to settle the issue. Ashley Smith scored the winner when put through by Tony Browell and the Colliers’ cause wasn’t helped by the by the dismissal of goal-scorer Hogg for a foul on Mick Haley.
Having won only one of five prior encounters Heaton Stannington turned the corner with a 3- 1 victory away to Killingworth Sporting despite having Kevin Carr red-carded after 65 minutes. Kevin Westphal opened the scoring for Killy but a determined Heaton came out on top with strikes by Ian Mills and Lawrence McKenna who bagged himself a vital brace.
Shankhouse had won all three of their away games before dropping in at Cramlington Town but they had a nasty surprise in store. Bottom rung outfit Cramlington picked up their first points on home turf this term and in a stirring encounter emerged as 5-4 victors. Despite a David Dormand hat-trick and a goal for Kevin Ord the visitors were still edged out of it. The Town ended a run of seven straight defeats with goals shared by Kieran Parsons, Christen Priest, Steve Rylatt, Sean Walker and Dieu Donne Lomana.
Seaton Delaval secured their first home win by beating Walker Central 2-1. The Central, still with no points on their travels, were given the lead by Abu Sallin but Steve Anderson levelled for Delaval before the interval. Walker worked hard after being forced to endure the second half with only ten men but were killed off by an 82nd minute strike by Delaval’s Stephen Howes.
Blyth Town had picked up only two points from four games prior to the visit of troubled Stocksfield but cruised to a 6-2 win on this occasion. A second minute opener for Gary Day gave Blyth a boost and when Jeff Fuller completed a first half hat-trick they were totally in charge. After the break Jonathan Mann added to the home side’s tally which was completed by Danny Beresford with his chance set up by David Atkinson. A Ben Pearson penalty and Mark Waugh’s own goal made up Stocksfield’s losing tally and they’re still seeking their first points away from home.
Murton lost 2-1 at home to Wark as both sides tried to shake off a spell of poor form. A 5th minute opener by Martyn Blenkinsop was unfruitful for Murton and Wark claimed victory with replies in each half from Matt McLoughlin and Matthew Blackith.

DIVISION ONE – EAST ENDERS THWART AMBLE
First Division leaders Whitley Bay A had their home game with Newcastle University postponed while second placed Hebburn Reyrolle staged their delayed Combination Cup tie, beating Morpeth Sporting Club 3-0. And Hebburn will be visiting Amble United in the quarter-finals on 20th November.
With these two pace-setters missing out on le ague action there was an opportunity for Amble United in third spot to narrow the points gap but they were left frustrated and were beaten 3-2 away to Newcastle East End. Darren Riddell’s two goals for the Seasiders weren’t enough and their seven-match unbeaten run was halted. After losing four previous games on home turf the East Enders got back on track impressively thanks to goals supplied by Mark Lowson, Ian Graham and Robbie Mills.
Along with the East End both Cullercoats and Heddon are still trying to get up among the leaders and they also picked up points to progress their ambitions. Cullercoats however featured in their third draw in four games and were restricted to a 2-2 stalemate by visitors Gosforth Bohemians. The Cullercoats scorers were Peter Bradley and Graham Allen but the Bohs deserved their share of the spoils with their replies coming from Darren Campbell and Peter Gadsden.
Heddon are now sharing fourth place with Cullercoats after their 3-2 victory away to bottom rung strugglers Forest Hall who remain on zero points from eight games. Michael Reay and Neil Gibson netted for the Hall but their efforts went unrewarded. Ben Haddock’s hat-trick for the visitors proved decisive even if the narrowness of their victory wasn’t too convincing.
North Shields Athletic were happy to end a winless run of six games by beating hosts Peterlee Town 3-1 in a mid-table battle. After Liam Elliott grabbed a very early opener for the Athletic the Newtowners had a chance to restore parity on the quarter hour mark. Peter Crawford missed from the penalty spot however and almost immediately Dave Jeffers doubled the North Shields lead. Stephen Hockaday got the home team off the mark but with ten minutes to go Craig Boyle wrapped up the points with the Athletic’s third goal.
Three First Division games were washed out and as well as Whitley Bay A’s game at Hillheads the other casualties of the weather were Berwick United’s home game with South Shields United and Stobswood Welfare’s fixture against visitors Chopwell Officials.

DIVISION TWO – WALLSEND DROP FIRST POINTS
Table-toppers Wallsend Town had their hundred percent record in the Second Division terminated when they only managed a 3-3 draw with Northbank over in Cumbria. First half strikes by Sean Reid and Ronnie Kay had given the Tynesiders a great start but Northbank hit back on either side of the interval through Scott Thompson (penalty) and Andy Rogerson. Although Derek Graham’s goal edged Wallsend in front again they were deprived of victory by Rogerson’s second goal of the game for their hosts.
While Newcastle Chemfica were lying idle Simonside SC leapfrogged over them into second spot thanks to an amazing 6-5 win at home to Cullercoats Custom Planet. The most frustrated man on the pitch had to be the Planet’s Martyn Hepple who scored all five of their goals but still finished on the losing side. Simonside have won all four of their home games to date and just edged this thrilling encounter with strikes by Sean Flood (2), John Bailey (2), Ian Hudson and Steve Graham.
Tynemouth United in fifth spot beat fourth-placed hosts Wallsend Boys Club 3-1 to signal the end of a brief lean spell. Only an outstanding display by home keeper Phil Holgate kept Tynemouth at bay in a goal-less opening half but he was beaten after the break by United’s Lee Garwood and then Steve Matthews. Rob Haney’s successful spot lifted the Boys Club’s spirits but they waster several other scoring chances and were punished when Garwood was again on target for the visitors.
Seaton Burn celebrated after securing their first points away from home with a single goal victory over Red House Far. This was a third defeat on the trot for the Farm with the Burn’s winner scored from the spot by Ian Armstrong.
Swalwell were 3-2 victors away to Cramlington United who had won one and drawn three of their four most recent games in the Second Division. Despite having Lindsay Collinson and Mark Langlands on target United’s improved run was ended as Swalwell harvested the points with replies from Dave Fitzpatrick (2) and Chris Smith.
Hexham beat Newcastle BT 2-1at Wentworth Park but were trailing at the interval to Sean Blakey’s opener for their visitors. Tom Phillips netted to get Hexham back on terms and their winner was put away by Steve Coates.
Both Whitley Bay Town and Willington Quay Saints celebrated rare successes and the Bay notched their first win of the season. They beat bottom rung visitors Wideopen & District 1-0 with the game’s single goal scored after half an hour by Richard Biggs.
Willington Quay moved up the table a couple of notches, securing their first home points from a 3- 2 victory over strugglers and poor travellers Amble. The Saints were 2-1 down at half time but hit back effectively and got the points in the bag with strikes by Andrew Macbeth (2) and Gareth Pugh.

GOALS GALORE IN LEAGUE CUP

17th October

By Bill Gardner

Two second round ties in the Kicks Leisure George Dobbins League Cup were ten-goal thrillers with top flight clubs Heaton Stannington and Blyth Town, both away to lower division opponents, claiming identical 6-4 victories.
Heaton’s marksmen away to Newcastle East End were Lawrence McKenna (hat-trick), Adam Donaghey, Ian Mills and Andy Weeks. Andy Graham also completed a hat-trick for the losers whose other reply came from Jason Thompson.
Visiting Willington Quay Saints, Blyth Town’s scorers were Jonny Mann (hat-trick), Jeff Fuller (2) and Danny Beresford to outweigh the Saints’ efforts by Gareth Pugh (2), Stephen Cape and Glen Johnson (penalty). And there were other high-scoring ties in which Alnwick Town and 2005 cup winners Shankhouse made easy progress. Despite having Gary Bailes sent off just after the break in their home tie against Red House Farm, Alnwick still coasted through 7-0 with goals by Tom Vickers (3), James Swordy (2), Chris Moffat and Ben Keenan.
Shankhouse had a slightly more modest 5-0 success away to Newcastle Chemfica with goals were shared by Michael Bell, James Armstrong, Jordan Walsh, David Dormand and James Card.
In the second round’s only all-Premier Division encounters there were victories for Walker Central and Wark at the expense of top flight colleagues. Walker beat cup hosts Cramlington Town 4-0, avenging their earlier league defeat with goals by Ben Taylor (2), Liam Mulligan and Nabby Benny. And Wark’s scorers in the 2-0 home win against Gateshead Rutherford were Tony Lancaster and Matt McLoughlin.
Ashington Colliers cruised into the next round by beating visitors Amble 4-0 with strikes by Simon Cunningham, Jon Rees, Marc Richardson and Michael Hogg but Ponteland United came a cropper at Cullercoats.
With several players unavailable Pont had to make changes, bringing in full back Ricky Fenwick for his first start of the season. Paul Hodgson also made a belated start to the campaign following a lengthy injury absence but United were still missing the services of Craig Brown and Ross Phillips.
United fell behind after only five minutes when Gareth Armstrong had an easy tap in for Cullercoats. The visitors levelled on the quarter hour and just after Harry Tulip’s header came off the bar Hodgson scored with a powerful volley to make it all square at half time.
Cullercoats had a player harshly sent off after 55 minutes for denying a goal scoring opportunity and Andrew Davidson put Pont in front with the resultant penalty. But in the 88th minute and despite their numerical disadvantage the Seasiders got back on terms when Craig Deighton headed home from a free kick. Extra time produced no further goals and in the spot kick shoot-out Cullercoats edged it as 4-3 victors.
Reigning Premier Division champs Harraby Catholic Club were taken to extra time by Tynemouth United over in Cumbria after Tynemouth’s Michael Brown had cancelled out Daniel Balmer’s early opener. Harraby emerged as 4-2 victors thanks to extra time goals scored by Marc Shiel (2) and Aaron Roberts.
Murton won 4-1 at home to current Second Division leaders Wallsend Town after Steve Bell had given the Tynesiders an interval lead. Murton turned the tables with replies from Paul Garside (hat-trick) and Marc Smith.
A bad facial injury to Percy Main’s Chris Locke caused the 70th minute abandonment of their home tie against Peterlee Town with the Villagers leading 4-0. Both John Amos and Dean Ellis had scored two goals apiece before the unsavoury incident leading to the immediate sending of the Peterlee offender. And the Main will now have to wait to see whether the game has to be replayed.
In the only Premier Division league game Killingworth Sporting beat hosts Carlisle City with second half goals by Kevin Westphal and Elliott Dixon. The result ended a three-match losing streak for Killy.

DIVISION ONE – CUP ROUNDUP
On a weekend when league games in the First and Second Divisions made way for ties in the Kicks Leisure League Cup and Pin Point Recruitment Charity Cup, only Amble United, Cullercoats, Whitley Bay A, Newcastle University and Heddon kept the First Division flag flying in the League Cup. And every one of the Second Division survivors bowed out at the second round stage.
Amble United stayed on course by winning 3-1 at home to their First Division colleagues Wallington and a first half brace claimed by Josh Hay laid the foundations for the Seasiders. Although Jordan Nellis replied for Wallington just before half time their hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 55th minute when Ross Gair scored Amble’s third goal.
While Cullercoats claimed a major scalp in their successful penalty shoot-out at home to Ponteland United, Whitley Bay A made progress with a 4-1 victory at Hexham where their goals were equally shared by Jamie Lyndon, Alex Robinson, Tomi Ameobi and Dean Porter.
Freshly-relegated Newcastle University and Heddon kept their League Cup options open and the Students had goals by James Swainston, Ben Burt and Pat Stokle to thank for their 3-2 victory over Berwick United Ultras at Cochrane Park.
Heddon however needed the luxury of extra time to book their third round ticket with a 3- 2 win away to Wideopen & District. Nick Jefferson and Sean Hay netted for Wideopen but two replies from Dan Robinson earned Heddon a second chance. Although they were down to ten men for the added half hour the visitors had Robinson on the mark again to complete his hat-trick and put his side through into the last sixteen.
With the second round completed apart from the tie involving holders Hebburn Reyrolle at home to Seaton Delaval the third round draw of the Kicks Leisure League Cup now reads:
Alnwick Town v Heddon, Amble United v Percy Main or Peterlee Town,
Ashington Colliers v Newcastle University, Blyth Town v Cullercoats, Heaton Stannington v Murton, Shankhouse v Walker Central, Wark v Hebburn Reyrolle or Seaton Delaval and
Whitley Bay A v Harraby Catholic Club. Ties are due to be played on Saturday 13th November.

CHARITY CUP ACTION
In a delayed preliminary round tie in the Pin Point Recruitment Charity Cup, North Shields Athletic progressed by beating visitors Chopwell Officials 2 -0. Goals for Matt Donkin and David Jeffers earned the Athletic a forthcoming trip across the river to take on first round opponents South Shield United.
All of the other first round ties were decided and Forest Hall celebrated a rare victory, beating cup hosts Morpeth Sporting Club 6-2 in extra time. And the extra half hour was also required by Northbank Carlisle to secure a 4-2 verdict away to Newcastle BT. Dan Sherliker and Greg Hamilton were BT’s scorers in normal time but they ran out of steam and the Cumbrians wrapped up the tie.
The most incisive Charity Cup victory was achieved by Simonside SC who beat visitors Cramlington United 7-1. In a one-sided encounter Shaun Edwards claimed a hat-trick for the winners. The other Simonside marksmen were Sean Flood ( 2), Steve Graham and Craig Lumley before Dean Morgan grabbed a last minute consolation goal for Cramlington.
Stobswood Welfare did well to win 3-1 and end the Charity Cup hopes of in-form visitors Gosforth Bohemians whose only scorer was John Elliott. David King opened the Welfare’s account and their progress was assured when Adam Shanks bagged himself a brace.
Stocksfield, the only Premier Division competitors in the Charity Cup this term, proved too strong for Second Division visitors Seaton Burn, winning 2-0 with goals for Jamie Starkey and Ben Pearson. And Swalwell won 5-1 at home to Wallsend Boys Club who had beaten their hosts 1-0 in the identical league game in this campaign. Wallsend boss Tim Hutchinson fielded a young side for the cuptie but in the opening twenty minutes was dismayed to see teenager Gary McGarrigal and veteran Alan Storey carried off injured. Storey could face a long lay-off with ankle ligament damage.
After Scot Goldsmith-Scott gave Swalwell a half time lead their visitors had a tough task ahead and after the changeover the home side added further goals through Dave Fitzpatrick ( 2) and Stuart Rook ( 2) before Scott Lynas finally got the Boys Club off the mark. But this wasn’t the best of adverts for Northern Alliance football.
Whitley Bay Town had Liam Hudson and Chris Fairley finding the net in their tie at home to Cullercoats Custom Planet but got no joy and were eventually beaten 6-2. Martin Wardale’s hat-trick ensured that the Planet retained their interest in the cup and just to make sure the visitors also had Tony Fawcett, Liam Graham and Andy Gay getting their names on the score sheet.

JEFF HELPS BLYTH TOWARDS CUP REPEAT

By Bill Gardner
Four past winners of the Northumberland FA Senior Benevolent Bowl – Blyth Town, Ponteland United, Percy Main and Seaton Delaval – were all successful in first round ties this time. And Blyth, who lifted this trophy in 2008 and again in 2009, passed their initial test with a 3-1 victory away to Cramlington Town.
For this tie ex-team boss Jeff Orr stepped in alongside David Dent in the absence of manager Michael Connor. And Blyth opened the scoring when full back Richard Orr’s cross was handled by a Cramlington defender and Jeff Fuller stepped up to beat home keeper Frazer Nairn with his spot kick. The hosts responded and a defensive error allowed Jordan Watson to equalise from a tight angle.
The visitors went in front again however before half time when Gary Day’s cross was bundled in by Jonny Mann and it was job done after 70 minutes when Tom Haigh completed the scoring with a tremendous long range volley.
Ponteland United have lifted the Senior Bowl on four previous occasions and stayed on course for another triumph by beating hosts Killingworth Sporting 5-2. The result completed a league and cup double for United who had been idle for a fortnight but they were trailing early on after Andrew Edmondson opened the scoring for Killy.
Pont equalised midway through the first half when John Redhead finished well following good work by strike partners John Dunn and Harry Tulip. But Killy’s lead was restored before the changeover by Elliott Dixon who took advantage of a wayward back pass.
Ponteland moved up a gear after the break and on 55 minutes got back on terms when Glenn Ford’s headed pass was headed in by Harry Tulip. Almost immediately United were in front for the first time as John Dunn’s cross was slotted in by Tulip. And Tulip went on to complete a second half hat-trick before the visitors’ tally was completed by Andrew Davidson’s curling free kick. Ponteland’s joy was muted however when Dunn had to be taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle.
Percy Main coasted through and were 4-0 victors at Purvis Park to end the hopes of First Division opponents Heddon. Ashley Smyth opened the scoring when unselfishly fed by John Amos who had rounded the keeper. Five minutes before the break Smyth struck again, this time after racing onto a great through ball from Mick Haley. Amos then got his name on the score sheet with a great strike from the edge of the box when a flag kick was only partially cleared. And with three minutes to go Pierre luc Coiffait rounded off a good day for the Villagers. Following good work by Malcolm Morien he found the net from just outside the area.
Aiming for what would be their third success in the county cup, Seaton Delaval banged in five goals without reply to sink Wark at Wheatridge Park. A weakened Wark outfit was always under pressure and Delaval’s Stephen Howes and Steve Anderson scored two goals each to make up a nap hand after Jordan Fry had opened their account.
In a repeat of last season’s Senior Bowl final, holders Alnwick Town made an early exit and were beaten 1-0 at home by Heaton Stannington. To avenge last term’s defeat, Heaton’s winner was scored by Gary Yates on the stroke of half time and they were worthy winners on this occasion.
Newcastle University relegated to the Northern Alliance’s First Division for this campaign, surprised Premier Division opponents Shankhouse by winning 3-1 at Cochrane Park. George Coyle, Patrick Stokle and Elliott Connolly were on target for the Students and Shankhouse’s only response was a Liam Jubb penalty.
Walker Central beat cup hosts Stocksfield 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after the game ended all square at 1-1 after extra time. Home striker Jamie Sharkey had cancelled out Nabby Benny’s opener for the Central. And Amble United were unlucky to finish up as 5-2 extra time losers at home to Ashington Colliers, having led 2-1 until deep into stoppage time. Sean Taylor and Darren Riddell were the Amble scorers but the Colliers went through with goals supplied by Marc Richardson (2 ), Jamie Patterson (2) and Shaun Gibson.
Meanwhile in the only league game in the Premier Division, Gateshead Rutherford drew 1-1 with visitors Murton who had Paul Wintrip levelling after Craig Horsfall had put their hosts in front.

DIVISION ONE – CATCH US IF YOU CAN
Championship and promotion issues are never decided in the first half of a season but Whitley Bay A and Hebburn Reyrolle are doing their best to prove the theory wrong in the First Division. Current leaders Whitley are unbeaten in ten starts while second-placed Hebburn with a game in hand have retained a hundred percent record.
Both teams won comfortably again and at Hillheads the Bay’s 4-0 victory ended the five-match unbeaten run of visitors Berwick United Ultras. Mark Nicholson bagged two goals for the winners whose other scorers were Ian Lee and Dean Porter.
Channon North is Hebburn Reyrolle’s top scorer and he claimed his tenth goal of the season in his side’s 4-1 home win against North Shields Athletic. Ray Oshin and Craig Watson (penalty) were the other Reyrolle marksmen with an own goal completing their tally. Losers North Shields got no comfort from this game and have failed to win any of their last six.
Cullercoats in fourth place have only added two points to their total in three most recent appearances and were limited to a 2-2 draw with in-form visitors Wallington. Stewart Wright and Dave Fairless struck for the Seasiders but Wallington who had just won three league games on the trot replied through Jordan Nellis and Sam Walton to claim a share of the spoils.
Peterlee Town bounced back from two straight defeats to beat hosts New castle East End 3-2. Home form has dipped for the East Enders and goals this time for Craig Pleasant and Kris Carr brought no reward. The Newtowners just shaded it with goals supplied by John Pyle, Stephen Hockaday and David Paul.
South Shields United are on a losing streak at the moment and were surprisingly beaten 2-1 at home by troubled Chopwell Officials for whom this was a first league victory. After Tijan Kah fired Shields in front they had Richard Pinkney missing from the spot instead of doubling their lead. Adam Fone got Chopwell off the mark on the hour and their unexpected winner was slotted home by veteran Kevin March.
In their Northumberland Minor Cup tie which was postponed on the previous Saturday, Gosforth Bohemians made progress by beating visitors Newcastle Medicals 7-0. Daniel Child and Peter Hall bagged two goals each for the Bohs and their remaining marksmen in a one-sided match were Craig Allen, Darren Campbell and Matt Atkin. They will now be joining another eight of their Northern Alliance colleagues in the second round draw.

DIVISION TWO – TOWN EXTEND THEIR WINNING STREAK
In the Second Division, Wallsend Town, Newcastle Chemfica and Wallsend Boys Club are continuing to set a challenging pace with current leaders Wallsend having the added bonus of three games in hand. With a surviving hundred percent record the Town marched on by beating visitors Red House Farm 4-1 and are the highest scorers in this division. On this occasion their goals were shared by Craig Burke, Sean Reid, Derek Graham and Stephen Dodd.
Newcastle Chemfica stayed level on points with Wallsend at the head of the table but were lucky to snatch a 1-0 victory at Hexham. In a game played at break-neck speed Chemfica were under heavy pressure in the first quarter but survived to claim the points and their third win on the trot. Their vital goal was a penalty scored after the break by Steve McLaughlin.
Given that Wallsend Boys Club have drawn two and lost one of their last five league matches Wallsend Boys Club are occupying a rather unlikely third spot. They made it two wins on the trot however by clinching a 3-1 verdict at Seaton Burn. Chris Thompson and Rob Haney netted for the Boys Club before Mark Braddick hit back for the home side. And early in the second half Leroy Odd scored a third for the Wallsend lads to make the points secure.
In their last six league games Newcastle BT have won only once and drawn five times and there was another 2-2 stalemate with visitors Tynemouth United. Goals for Anthony Bruce and Carl Aziz had given BT a clear interval lead but fifth-placed Tynemouth rallied and replied through Alex Nisbet and Lee Garwood. Man-of-the-match was undoubtedly BT’s keeper Guy Henderson who pulled off a string of fine saves in the closing ten minutes.
Cullercoats Custom Planet have been enjoying a successful run lately but their climb up the table was interrupted by a 3-3 home draw with Cramlington United. Martyn Evans, Andy McCartney and Tony Fawcett found the net for the Planet with Lindsay Collinson (2) and Craig Petrie on target for United who are still seeking their first away win.
Willington Quay Saints have been unbeaten in four away games to date and were 5-0 victors on their visit to Wideopen & District. Ryan Chirnside-Ferrier bagged a brace and the remaining g scorers were Gareth Pugh, Andy Macbeth and John Foggett. Wideopen haven’t won yet in this campaign and weren’t helped by having a player red-carded in the second half with the score standing at 2-0.
Amble claimed only their second league win, beating bottom rung visitors Whitley Bay Town 3-0. Their opener was a spectacular thirty-yarder blasted home by Jordan Giles and things were tidily wrapped up when John Charlton bagged himself a brace.
Meanwhile Simonside SC retained an interest in the Durham FA Trophy by beating Norton & Stockton Ancients Reserves 3-0 down on Teesside. Steve Graham slotted in two of Simonside’s goals and the third was claimed by Dave Scroggins.

LEADERS WILL TAKE SOME CATCHING

3rd October

By Bill Gardner

While second-placed rivals Ponteland United were enjoying an idle Saturday, Alnwick Town extended their lead at the top of the Premier Division to a daunting seven points by beating visitors Killingworth Sporting 4-0. Yet to be beaten and with a hundred percent record at St James Park, the league leaders inflicted a third successive defeat on Killy with first half goals by Kevin Elliott, Dale Kennedy and Scott McMullen and a fourth for Chris Moffat in the 85th minute.
While Ponteland now have three games in hand to tackle the top-of-the-table deficit, Percy Main retained third spot with a creditable goal-less draw against reigning champions Harraby Catholic Club at Purvis Park. Harraby thought they had the ball in the net in the first minute when Mark Worrall’s drive was only partially parried by home keeper Phil Hogg, deputising for the injured Rob Rodgerson. Percy Main player-manager Jason Ritchie hacked the ball clear but admitted after the game that it was a close thing.
At the other end a cross from Pierre luc Coiffait shaved the bar and Michael Bowman’s fierce drive struck Harraby keeper Jordan English in the chest. And English had to be at his best to tip over Malcolm Morien’s header from Ritchie’s cross.
Both keepers excelled in what was a fascinating contest and Hogg in the Main goal brilliantly saved a great header from Marc Shiel. The same player beat Hogg in the dying minutes but once again the Villagers’ man-of-the-match Ritchie headed off the line. And the end result was fair to both sides.
Shankhouse’s recent climb up the table was interrupted as waterlogging at Northburn caused postponement of their game against Stocksfield. But this was the only casualty of the weather and Carlisle City’s improving form was reflected in their 4-0 victory over Murton at Sheepmount. City made the brightest of starts and Murton keeper Aiden Vout did well to deny Jamie Heath an early opener. But Vout was beaten after 20 minutes when Olly Driver charged down an attempted clearance and his pass to Mark Graham was hammered home from twelve yards.
Heath played a big part for City’s second goal, beating the offside trap to feed Robbie Mather who tapped in his first league goal of the season. But Murton continued to battle and they twice had Stephen Turner going close to reducing the deficit. And just before the break Turner was grounded by home keeper Jack Twentyman who was lucky not to concede a penalty.
Murton pressed after the changeover and Paul Wintrip’s clever chip came down off the crossbar with Twentyman beaten. Against the run of play however the Cumbrians increased their lead and a square pass from Graham found young substitute James Hartley who netted from a tight angle.
Wintrip and Turner still went close to getting a determined Murton off the mark, both being thwarted by late saves by Twentyman but City scored their fourth goal in the 89th minute. Again it was Hartley on target after he was put through by Stuart Kilgour.
Heaton Stannington’s hopes of getting up among the leaders were dealt a blow and they were soundly beaten 4-1 at home by a revitalised Seaton Delaval outfit. Adam Donaghey scored from the spot for Heaton to cancel out Craig Johnson’s early opener for the visitors. Jordan Fry restored Delaval’s lead and Steve Anderson also netted to make it 3-1 at the interval. Heaton missed with a second penalty attempt after Stephen Howes added to Delaval’s tally.
Still with no away win to their credit, Blyth Town were rather fortunate to share the spoils from their 3-3 draw at Wark. Goals in each half for Wark’s Dale and Lee Telfer were met with Blyth replies from Gary Day and Neil Blades. It seemed to be game over when Jamie Peel restored the home side’s lead withj five minutes to go but an 89th minute strike by Jeff Fuller rescued Blyth.
Ashington Colliers won 3-1 away to Walker Central and have secured three wins and a draw in four recent outings. It was all square at half time after Walker’s Nabby Benny cancelled out Glenn Bolton’s early goal for the Colliers but when Marc Richardson bagged a brace in the 75th and 80th minutes it was all over for the Tynesiders.
A spell of poor form and a points deduction had seen Gateshead Rutherford tumble down the table so their 2-1 victory over bottom rung hosts Cramlington Town restored some confidence. Craig Horsfall fired Rutherford into an interval lead and after Jordan Watson levelled for Cramlington the Gateshead winner was put away by Kevin Hay with ten minutes to spare.

DIVISION ONE – REYROLLE ELBOWED OUT BY THE BAY
Because of County Cup commitments only four First Division games were played, with two of them involving teams at the top of the table. And while Hebburn Reyrolle were out of action they were nudged out of pole position by Whitley Bay A. The Bay, still unbeaten and with a hundred percent travelling record, won 3-2 at Peterlee and thanks to strikes by Ian Lee (2) and Michael McMullen they were three goals up at the interval. The Newtowners hit back through Tommy Orchard and David Paul (penalty) but an equaliser eluded them.
Amble United moved up into third spot behind Hebburn after beating troubled hosts Chopwell Officials 4-1 with goals supplied by Josh Hay (2), Rikki Hume and Sean Taylor. Irving Ruddick replied for Chopwell who remained second from bottom and are still looking for their first league win.
In fifth spot despite only winning one of their last five matches, South Shields United were beaten 4-2 away by Newcastle University who could soon be climbing the table. Three goals inside five first half minutes for the University’s Patrick Stokle, George Coyle and Ed Savitt knocked the stuffing out of their visitors. Two replies from Mark Davies before the break offered United a ray of hope but the flame was extinguished when Tom Smith scored a fourth from the spot for the Students.
Wallington made it into the top half of the table after beating Heddon 2-1 at Scots Gap and just edged this contest between two in form sides. The Wallington goals were scored by John Paxton and Ben Fenwick with Ben Somerthwaite netting on his debut for the losers.

DIVISION TWO – SIMONSIDE BEGIN TO THREATEN
Games at Amble and Cramlington in the Second Division were washed out, leaving only two to go ahead while most teams were involved in the Northumberland Minor Cup. In one of the surviving clashes league newcomers Simonside SC picked up their third win on the trot to go level on points with leaders Wallsend Town although the Town now have two games in hand. The Simonside lads did the trick with a 3-2 victory at home to Northbank Carlisle but it was a close call. After Dave Scroggins put the home side in front the Cumbrians snatched the lead with replies from Sergio Royo and Andy Rogerson. Steve Graham’s leveller got Simonside back on track and with only three minutes to spare Sean Flood scored their vital winner.
In the remaining league game the Alliance’s other new boys Red House Farm were beaten 3-2 at home by Wallsend Boys Club who leapfrogged over them into fourth spot. Zak Brogden scored both of the Farm’s goals but they were just edged out in the end. Two penalties confidently put away by Rob Haney kept the Boys Club in contention and their third goal scored by Chris Thompson proved decisive.
Meanwhile Swalwell passed a Preliminary Round test in the Durham Minor Cup, winning 5-4 against Etherley Welfare in a real thriller at Bishop Auckland. With the help of an own goal gift Swalwell made progress with strikes by Joe Adams, Chris Smith, Stuart Rook and Rob Beverley who scored the goal of the game with a 25-yard special.

NORTHUMBERLAND MINOR CUP HITS AND MISSES
Thirteen Northern Alliance hopefuls were trying their luck in the first round of the Ideal Stelrad Northumberland Minor Cup. Of these, six made an early exit while another six booked places in the next round along with Cullercoats who were waved through after scheduled cup hosts Chemfica Development defaulted.
There were three all-Northern Alliance ties in the County Cup’s first round with Tynemouth United, Hexham and Stobswood Welfare making progress at the expense of league colleagues.
Tynemouth won 4-2 away to Berwick United Ultras with their goals shared by Aaron Chalmers, Chris Wallace, Paul Gordon and Mike Murtha outweighing the scoring efforts of Berwick’s Sean Phillips and Andy Burgon. And Hexham were 4-1 victors away to Newcastle BT who scored first through Gregg Hamilton. A Scott Coates penalty got Hexham back on terms and the same player fired them in front before further goals w ere added by Steve Coates and Darren Dobson for the visitors.
Stobswood Welfare were 3-2 victors away to Newcastle East End and the other first round successes were achieved by Wallsend Town, Newcastle Chemfica and North Shields Athletic.
Goals by Sean Reid and Craig Burke earned Wallsend their 2-1 second round ticket away to Craster Rovers who were flattered by the finmal score. But both North Shields and Chemfica made more emphatic progress.
North Shields Athletic hammered cup visitors Longhoughton Rangers Reserves 8-1 with goals supplied by Dave Jeffers (hat-trick), Tom Cowx (2), Dave McDonald, Liam Bainbridge and Craig Boyle. And Newcastle Chemfica made the cut with a 6-2 victory away to Newcastle RVI Lochside. Martin Dixon and Steve Spence bagged a brace each for the winners and their other marksmen were Steve McLaughlin and Matt Harrison.
Including previously-awarded byes the following sixteen Northern Alliance flag bearers will be going into the draw for the NFA Minor Cup’s second round draw:
Tynemouth United, Cullercoats, Wallsend Town, Hexham, Stobswood Welfare, Newcastle Chemfica, North Shields Athletic, Amble, Cramlington United, Forest Hall, Morpeth Sporting Club, Red House Farm, Seaton Burn, Wallington, Whitley Bay A and Whitley Bay Town. Gosforth Bohemians could be joining their colleagues if they overcome cup visitors Newcastle Medicals in a rescheduled first round tie.

KEEPER INJURY TAKES EDGE OFF ALNWICK WIN

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.

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.

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