WCFL match report for w/e 26.2.2011
05/03/11 10:51 Filed in: Match Reports
by James Johnson
DURHAM MINOR CUP
West End FC produced a magnificent performance to progress to the semi finals with a swashbuckling 2-1 victory away to Hartlepool Headland.
The game was in doubt but the referee decided to go ahead with the tie even though the pitch looked like a paddy field. The Wearsiders were buoyed on by their voicerous support – 52 of them travelled down in high spirits, this giving their side an extra spring in their step and extra motivation.
West End sarted nervously and were not looking like a complete team as mistakes and arguments crept, Headland took note of this and upped the pressure of which finally paid off as they took a deserved lead as David Sanderson headed the ball into his own net from a corner. Further setbacks came as the talismanic Coomber went off injured with a grazed knee and was replaced by new Russian centre forward Mikhail Chinkichenko. The change suited West End better and it showed as they produced some wonderful football on a pitch that was more suited to mud wrestling, albeit they couldn’t take their chances.
Stern words from the West End hierarchy saw them come out all guns blazing and the front two of Bogie and Chinkichenko were causing havoc with their positional sense and off the ball running. West End were camped in their opponents half with the visiting keeper doing yoga whilst waiting to be called upon. The relentless pressure finally paid off as they equalised in stunning fashion, a free kick was awarded 25 yards out and Stephen Bogie signalled to the bench where he was going to put it – and true to his word he thumped it into the stanchion to signal wild celebrations from the players and the Barmy Army. West End were rampant now and went in search of the goal that would the game, Hartlepool to their credit were defending admirably, but on 70 minutes West End were in wonderland as they grabbed the decisive winner. About 25 passes (Liverpool style) were made before Stephen ‘Vanilla Ice’ went on a run and beat two men before crossing for Chinkichenko to slam the ball into the roof of the net. West End saw out the rest of the game dominating possession much to the delight of their supporters who again were fantastic.
The result sees West End into the semi finals and sets up a mouthwatering clash with Hylton CW Juniors.
In the other quarter final that go the go ahead, Hylton CW Juniors stormed into the semi finals as they proved to be too strong for a luckless Hall Farm Blakeneys who succumbed to a 4-1 defeat at the Billy Hardy Centre.
The much eagerly anticipated quarter final tie between Redhouse and Thorney Close Inn was cancelled due to an unplayable pitch.
The Wearside Combination League are now guaranteed a team in the final after the semi final draw was made at Durham FA HQ, this is an amazing achievement for the league itself but credit must be given to the teams in question who have been fantastic and the Committee and fellow clubs are proud of their achievements.
Durham Minor Cup semi final draw:
Hylton CW Juniors v West End FC
Darlington DSRM v Redhouse/Thorney Close Inn
PREMIER DIVISION
Colliery Tavern went goal crazy as they hammered Usworth FC 14-0 in a bad tempered clash.
Usworth’s task was made harder as they were reduced to 9 men after the sending off of both Liam Carnall and Michael Ambler. The Tavern had David Dixon dismissed too.
Despite those set backbacks, it was the Tavern who had their shooting boots on and produced a display of clinical finshing of which Arsenal should take note of. The star of the show was undoubtedly Michael Bulmer who scored six goals, further goals from Gavin Foot (2), Darren Straughan (2), Anthony Stokell (2), David Dixon and stalwart Billy Pemberton saw the Tavern coast home for 3 easy points.
The other scheduled fixture were wiped out by unplayable pitches.
FIRST DIVISION
FC Whitburn produced a battling display as they edged a seven goal thriller winning 4-3 at home to Victoria Gardens.
Whitburn won thanks to goals from Liam Bayles, Ross Toward, Andrew Smith and man of the match Danny Wilson. The Gardeners replied with goals from Ben Stokoe (2) and Adam Wasey and their star man was Ryan Lawson.
The win will hopefully instil some confidence into the young Whitburn side and climb the table with a few more successes.
Oddfellows good form continued as they won 3-1 against FC Chesters at a bog like Leyburn Grove.
Oddfellows started the brighter with some clinical pass and movement coming close to outdoing the Chesters defence and it was Andy Smith who had an early chance for the visitors but he was thwarted by a good save from the keeper work. It was the home side who took the lead against the run of play as Ethan Lee ran through unopposed to calmly slot the ball home after the entire away team stopped to question a referees decision. Rule of thumb is always play to the whistle lads!!
Oddfellows were having the lions share of possession and they finally equalised in bizarre circumstances as a Chesters clearance hit the referee and it fell to goal machine Andy Smith who swivelled and fired in an unstoppable shot past the helpless keeper. The scoreline could have been greater in favour of the visitors had it not been for goalkeepeing heroics from Tom Robason in the Chesters goal.
Chesters were given a rollicking at half time and they started to show improvement in the second with some good passing and attacking play but the final end product was nowhere to be seen. Those misses would return to haunt the home side as Oddfellows took the lead as Chris Rowntree rode two challenges, skin the centre half and then curled in a sublime effort that flew past the outstretched hands of Robason and nestle into the net. Chesters went in search of an equaliser which failed to materialise after some wayward finishing, the game was finally over as a contest as Oddfellows grabbed a killer third goal thanks to Shaun King who lashed the ball home with only his first touch.
A battle royale ensued as East Durham Spartans and Seaham Harkers Bar shared the spoils as both teams produced an excellent game of football in a 2-2 draw.
Lee Wood grabbed both goals for the Spartans, whilst Harkers replied through strikes fom Marc Ruddock and Michael Wilson.
Spartans star man was Jonathan Holland and Liam Sinclair starred for Harkers.
Times Inn have the bragging rights as they came out on top in the local derby against Dray and Horses as they ran out 3-2 winners in a feisty contest.
The Saltgrass grabbed a valuable three points as they edged out Country Park Inn 3-2 at Quarry View.
WCFL Match Report for w/e 12.2.11
18/02/11 11:29 Filed in: Match Reports
FIRST DIVISION
The league with programme was decimated due to a combination of bad weather and waterlogged pitches.
The Times Inn continued their impressive season as they recorded another win as they won 4-2 at home to The Saltgrass. It was the Saltgrass who drew first blood as they took the lead as John Hope raced through and dinked the ball over the onrushing keeper, but the Times are made of sterner stuff these days and immediately equalised fromt the kick off. The visitors regained the lead in comical fashion as Hope and Timm combined to set up Chipp who raced through and was one on one with the keeper but his shot stuck in the mud and he managed to land on his backside as he tried to kick the ball, luckily Lewis Spence was on hand to put the ball into the net. Again the Saltgrass switched off and sloppy play allowed Times Inn to equalise righton half time.
The second half was a scappy affair as conditions deteriorated and it Times Inn who took advantage as they scored two more goals to make the final score 4-2.
John Hope was man of the match for the Saltgrass.
Seaham Harkers Bar returned to winning ways as they thumped Park View 5-1.
PREMIER DIVISION
A depleted Hall Farm Blakeneys gained revenged as they produced their best performance of the season as they handed out a 6-3 battering to Redhouse.
The Farm were quick out of the traps and raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to strikes from the prolific Dean Smith. Farm were relentless with Steve Hope rolling back the years with a virtuoso performance, chances were missed by the home side and they lost rythym as they suffered injury blows to key players. This allowed Redhouse to gain momentum and they were right back in the game as they scored twice in a matter of minutes to level the game. The Farm urged on by their gaffer upped their game and one final assault on the visitors goal saw Ross Taylor pounce to give the Farm a 3-2 half time lead.
Bogans men dominated the second half and scored two further goals through Andrew Steele and Dean Smith who scored his hattrick, Redhouse pulled another goal back but Dean Smith wrapped up the game as he scored his fourth goal bringing his season tally to 17.
The win more than pleased Farm boss Lee Bogan who was quoted “The lads deserve the credit for today, they forgot about last weeks shocking performance and stuck to their task despite missing key players and a change in formation,. The lads gave 100% commitment and they were a credit to the club as was referee Rebecca Welsh who handled the game superbly.”
Lee Southern starred for Hall Farm Blakeneys.
In the TWR League Challenge Cup, Hylton CW Juniors proved too strong for Dray and Horses as they ran out easy 6-2 winners.
Stephen Davison starred for Dray and Horses.
WCFL Match Report for w/e 5.2.11
09/02/11 10:44 Filed in: Match Reports
DURHAM MINOR CUP
Thorney Close Inn produced a major upset in their County Cup tie as they knocked out the holders Shields United 3-2 to progress to the quarter finals.
Thorney started the brighter when a brillant ball in the channel for Paul Brooke to bare down on goal only for Parkin in the Shields goal to pull off an excellent stop Shields United’s 2 Africans up front Assan Jallon and Aristote Guerin were having a awesome tussle with Liam Dunn and Mark Swindle at the back and looked very dangerous, and it was Shields that took the lead on the half hour mark when Assan Jallon got to the byline and crossed for Liam Robertson to stab home in a crowded penalty Area. This sparked the visitors into life and immediately equalised when Paul Brooke went clean through and his effort was saved but Dan Makin was on hand to slam the rebound into the net to sent the supporters wild. Just before half time Thorney took the lead after some great play between Brooke and Lisle saw Makin hit a scorching volley which was well saved and up popped Dale Spence to crack in a half volley. United duly responded and the dangerous Guerin smashed an effort off the crossbar on the stroke of half time.
The second half was more open and Shields started to look threathing on the break and had pace in abundance and Jackson made another great stop. With the game end to end Thorney extended their lead on seventy minutes, the overlapping Rob Brooke crossed perfectly for his brother Paul Brooke to slam home. Chances were squandered by the visitors to wrap up the game, the main culprits were Lisle and Paul Brooke. United then gave themselves a lifeline as they pulled a goal back thanks to a screamer from Assan Jallon. This set up a grandstand finish but the Wearsiders held on to record a famous victory.
Thorney Close Inn have been rewarded with a mouth watering quarter final tie away to highflying Redhouse. It is also worth mentioning that the league has 5 teams in the quarter finals and are guaranteed 2 semi finalists, this is the best showing in the competition from teams in the league. Well Done.
ALAN HOOD MEMORIAL TROPHY
Hylton CW Juniors are having a season to remember as they produced a major upset as they knocked out cup holders West End. The Juniors won a penalty shoot-out after the game finished 3-3 after extra time.
West End started off slowly and were deservedly a goal down after ten minutes thanks to a crisp finish from Lee Cresswell, the cup holders were sparked into life and the freescoring Stephen Bogie equalised after some exhilarating football. Both sides were playing excellent football and it was the West End who took the lead after a fine strike from Jonny Glenwright, the lead didn’t last long as the Juniors equalised as Jordan Monson headed in from a free kick.
West End were given a stern talking to at half time and came out focused on putting the game to bed, confidence was ozzing through the side and after some good play West took the lead as Stephen Bogie bagged his second dof the game. The Juniors then proceeded to bombard the West goal but their efforts were easily dealt with, but with fifteen minutes to go slack defending allowed John Kerry to equalise and send the game into extra time.
Extra time produced not much action as both teams cancelled each other out, it came to penalties and the Juniors nicked it 3-1 after some super stops from keeper Matt Rowan.
Hendon FC got back to winning ways but they needed extra time to progress as they laboured to a 3-1 win against neighbours Hollycarrside.
Hendon took the lead through Keith Lonsdale and they were soon pegged back as Jordan Ewen equalised against the run of play. Extra time came and Mr Turnbull’s men turned on the style as their opponents wilted, goals from Martin Hope and Brian ‘Peg Leg’ Carter secured the win.
TWR COMMERCIAL LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP
Chesters Athletic were pushed all the way before managing to secure a 3-2 win against a plucky Shiney Row Travellers Rest.
Goals from Richard King and a double from Marc Stephenson sent rob kings men into the next round. Craig Bewick starred for Athletic.
Colliery Tavern produced a battling performance as they edged out Seaham Harkers Bar 3-2 in an entertaining game.
The Tavern found themselves 2-0 up thanks to a quickfire double from man of the match Ben Ward, but Harkers staged a fightback and found themselves on level terms thanks to goals from Darren ‘Razor’ Ruddock and James Lowery.
The game could of gone either way but the Taverns experience shone through and won the game with Anthony Stokell firing the winner.
FC Chesters were down to the bare bones but still managed to progress as they needed extra time to produce a battling 3-2 win at Park View.
The patched up Chesters won the game thanks to strikes from Paul Maw, Stephen Lyndon and Brian Baxter. Park View replied with efforts from Simon Peacock and a Kane Clinton own goal.
PREMIER DIVISION
Hylton CW good form continues as they produced yet another huge win, this time winning 7-0 against basement boys Usworth FC.
The man of the moment Liam Oley showed his predatory skills as he notched four times. Further goals came from Mark Cresswell (2) and Carl Price who also scuffed a penalty.
John Banks was Hylton CW man.
Aquatic Sports produced a battling performance to continue their winning streak and they defeated Hendon Grange 3-1 at the San Siro.
The game got underway with both teams testing each others' defences but no goals were scored. Half way through the first half Aquatic took the lead after Richard Cull placed his header wide of the keeper to make it 1-0 to Aquatic and it wasn't long before it was 2-0 with Mark Fisk finishing well inside the box. Just before half time Hendon had a couple of chances to level the game but Aquatic keeper Kylos saved them both. The second half started with each team having a couple of half chances but they could not take them. Hendon made a couple of changes and it seemed to spur them on and with about 20minutes to go they got a goal back and then started to put the pressure on Aquatic but with 5 minutes left Alan Palin played a great ball through to Mark Fisk who let the ball come across him and with his left foot placed his shot into the corner of the net for his second goal of the game.
Redhouse kept up their pursuit of the league title as they eased to a 5-3 win against an out of sorts Hall Farm Blakeneys.
Redhouse flew out of the blocks and were soon ahead when great work by Carl Old and Steve Anderson saw the ball played out to Dale Huggins who lashed home from the edge of the box. That lead was soon doubled when Stevie "Weavie" Anderson continued his rich vein of goal scoring form, cutting in past 2 defenders before curling the ball home from 18 yards out. Redhouse were playing some great stuff and it was no surprise when they soon went 3-0 up, a short corner was played out to John Dixon and his cross was met at the back stick by Neil Middlemiss who fired home on the volley. Hall Farm however grabbed a barely deserved glimmer of hope when a corner ricocheted around the Redhouse box before being poked home by skipper Lee Southern The second half saw more of the same as Redhouse went 4-1 up, again great tight interchange around the Hall Farm box lead to Carl Old firing home with a great first time finish. Old then broke away down the right before crossing for the onrushing Neil Middlemiss to head home and make it 5-1. At this point the Redhouse management team of The Moth, Catfish and Tommy ‘Liar’ Bell rang the changes and this seemed to have an effect on their team as they took the foot off the pedal to allow the Farm to pull two goals back through a Cameron Marshall and substitute Andrew Steele.
This was a solid performance from Redhouse who are the only side in the league to be still challenging for all 5 trophies this season.
Carl Middlemiss shone for Redhouse as did Paul Hope for the Farm.
FIRST DIVISION
Silksworth Golden Fleece were made to battle for their 4-2 win against a much improved Victoria Gardens thanks to goals from star man Carl Young (2), Ed Wood and Kris Tyson.
Oddfellows eased to a 7-3 win in the clash with Times Inn at Silksworth. Oddies goals came from the prolific Andy Smith who netted an impressive four goals, Steven Colquhoun scored twice and Stephen Allan wrapped up the scoring.
WCFL MATCH REPORT FOR W/E 29TH JANUARY 2011
06/02/11 17:47 Filed in: Match Reports
PREMIER DIVISION
Aquatic Sports overcame a plucky Usworth FC as they won 5-2 to reach the dizzy heights of fourth in the league table.
Aquatic dominated the first half and finally made the breakthrough on the half hour as Mark Fisk latched onto an exquisite through ball to expertly plant the ball into the net.
In the second half Aquatic conceded a corner early on and a rare error from Hoey allowed Andrew Kirkley to power a header into the roof of the net. Aquatic needed to raise their game and the introduction of two substitutes soon changed the complexion of the game in Aquatics favour. Mark Fisk restored Aquatic lead as he stabbed home a left wing cross. Usworth then collapsed like a pack of cards as Aquatic ran riot, Mark Dickinson scored a cracking half volley from a Scott Hailstone pass to make it 3-1.
It was soon 4-1 and it proved to be goal of the game as Michael Conlon scored with an amazing 15 yard bicycle kick. Following a great interception and pass from yours truly (who actually had a good game!) to Beam and another great ball from Beam Critter struck a beautiful half volley in the bottom corner from 20 yards to seal the game for Aquatic. The win was then completed as Paul Russell slammed home an unstoppable drive. Usworth pulled a goal back thanks to the legendary Andrew Makin.
Anthony Fletcher starred for Usworth as did Mark Dickinson for Aquatic.
Hylton CW have improved of late and continued their good form as they thumped The Cambridge 8-2 at the Billy Hardy Centre.
Barry Cooks’ men proved too strong as they stormed to success thanks to goals from Liam Oley who bagged a hattrick, John Cairns, Carl Price, Adam Sloanes and John Migham. The Cambridge replied with strikes from Anthony Mullen and Craig McShane.
Anthony Powell starred for The Cambridge.
FIRST DIVISION
FC Chesters produced the performance of the day as they defeated Seaham Harkers Bar 5-2 and end the latters unbeaten league record.
The Chesters got off to the best possible start as great pressure from Ethan Lee allowed Paul Maw to nip in and score from the tightest of angles. Harkers Bar soon equalised as home keeper Robason produced a stunning save only to see Matthew Mustard to volley in the rebound. Chesters kept their opponents on the back foot and went close with several efforts, the pressure finally paid off as Maw grabbed his second goal of the game hitting home the rebound after the keeper had saved his first effort.
The second half saw Chesters going for the jugular and scored a third goal as Stephen Murphy let fly from 25 yards and deflected off a defender and wrong foot the keeper.
Ethan Lee made then it 4-1 from Murphys corner kick, Lee rose like a salmon to head in from close range. Paul Maw eventually grabbed his hat-trick after leaving the defender for dead and finidhing with aplomb. Harkers Bar managed to pull one back courtesy of a Darren Ruddock penalty.
Ethan Lee starred for FC Chesters as did Marc Ruddock for Harkers Bar.
Silksworth Golden Fleece came out on top in an eleven goal thriller as they won 6-5 against fellow promotion challengers East Durham Spartans.
Spartans replied with goals from Philip Robinson (2), Daniel Kears, Jamie Cresswell and man of the match Terence Bentley.
Country Park Inn seem to have turned the corner as they recorded a 5-2 win against Park View.
Ryan Scott was the goalscoring hero as he claimed a hattrick and further strikes from Paul Bell and Scott Cameron gave the Park Inn the three points.
Goalkeeper Priest starred for Park Inn producing several smart saves.
Hollycarrside, now under new management have picked up form as they produced a gritty performance to win 5-3 away to Victoria Gardens.
Paul Stokoe has been a revelation as he scored a perfect hattrick. Further strikes from Callum Hellens and Jake Bell secured the win. Andrew Morris starred for The Holly. An excellent hattrick from Adam Wasey for the Vicky Gardens wasn’t enough to win the game, whose man of the match was Kevin Golightly.
Times Inn have definitely improved this season and recorded yet another win as they triumphed 4-2 away to FC Whitburn.
Whitburn replied with strikes from man of the man Liam Bayles and Kyle Gray.
Oddfellows were involved in an eleven goal thriller although the game wasn’t that close as they ran out easy 9-2 winners against a very lacklustre Saltgrass FC.
The prolific John Hope hit both Saltgrass goals, but his efforts were overshadowed by opposition centre forward Andrew Smith who scored a phenomenal six goals. Further goals from Darren Liddle, Steve Colquhoun and Michael Livingston gave the Oddfellows a comprehensive win.
Special mention must go Mr Klipper of The Saltgrass who despite his old age produced a great performance from midfield demonstration fine technique and tremendous heading ability.
WEARMOUTH & HYLTON AGED PEOPLES TROPHY
Chesters Athletic produced a battling performance as they sent high flying Hendon FC packing with a 3-2 victory.
Athletic won the game thanks to efforts from Rob Thompson, Marc Stephensdon and Marc Evans. The visitors replied through goals from Kyle Sumner and James Dickinson.
Craig Bewick shone for Athletic as did Keith Lonsdale for Hendon.
Shiney Row Travellers Rest also progressed as they made light work of an inept Dray and Horses to record a 6-2 win.
Paul Bridge proved to be the matchwinner and difference between the sides as he hit four goals and was backed up with strikes from Michael Dixon and Ian Wilkinson.
DURHAM MINOR CUP
West End produced a magnificent performance to progress to the quarter finals as they battled to a 5-2 win away to Bowes FC.
Backed by a huge travelling support West End took the lead as John ‘Billy Liar’ Coomber lashed home a penalty after David Keithley had been fouled. The away fans were in wonderland as an own goal saw West End go 2-0 up, Bowes decided to roll their sleeves up and it worked as they bombarded West End with attack after attack and before you could blink the score was 2-2 after some lethargic defending from the visitors.
West End were given the Alex Ferguson hairdryer treatment at half time, after dodging the flask and plastic cups the players came out with the bit between their false teeth. Veteran player Anthony Nelson and striker Andrew Lloyd Webber came on to give the side much needed impetus, the changes worked as Webber with his electrifying pace was causing problems left, right and centre. Jonny Glenwright restored the visitors lead with a long range strike, Webber then scored to restore the two goal cushion.
From then it was all Bowes as they tried in vain to get back into the match, but West End had the final say as John Coomber scored another penalty to make the final score 5-2 and secure his side a place in the quarter finals where their opponents will be Hartlepool.
West End would like to thank their magnificent support who attended the game especially Eddie Dodds who sang, danced, cartwheeled and drummed his way throughout the match, rumours say that his antics were down those cakes from Greggs.
WCFL match report for w/e 22.1.2011
01/02/11 20:47 Filed in: Match Reports
by James Johnson
DURHAM MINOR CUP
Hall Farm Blakeneys produced their best performance of the season as they defeated Gateshead Rutherford Reserves with a pulsating 3-1 win to march onto the quarter finals.
It was Rutherford who started the stronger and missed a penalty after the Farm had an Andrew Adey goal ruled out. Bogans men grew in confidence which was evident in their play and just before half time they took the lead as Ross Taylor swept the ball home.
The second half was a tense affair and it was the Geordie visitors who struck a blow as they equalised with a well taken goal. Not to be undone, the Farm regrouped and laid siege to the visitors goal and there persistence paid off on seventy minutes as Ross Taylor grabbed his second goal to put his side in front after good play from Smith and Spence. The Farm could sense victory and it was Dean Smith who wrapped the game up after he tucked away the loose ball as the keeper spilled it.
Cameron Marshall was the Farm star man as they secured their third consecutive win.
Hylton Colliery Juniors also made it through to the quarter finals as they handed out a 6-1 beating to visitors Shildon Elm Road WMC.
The victory came courtesy of David Ward and Kevin Gordon who both hit stylish hattricks.
Redhouse made light work of their opponents, Hartlepool (HPOO) as they stormed through to the quarter finals after a 9-0 win at Downhill.
The Wearsiders had Paul Cromack unavailable as he was taking the kids to see Joe McElderry in concert, apart from that however they were at full strength with Carl Old finally being allowed back into the country after all charges were dropped. Hartlepool FC turned up in an official club bus and looked very smart indeed, Michael Stanness turned up smoking a roly and looking like Jimmy Jesus’ long lost brother, a more differing set of ideals you are unlikely to see! It was immediatley apparent that Redhouse had the measure of the opposition, but chances were being squandered left right and centre. The breakthrough came however in the 20th minute, Carl Old showing Redhouse what they had been missing as he picked up the ball and bulldozed his way through a few defenders before producing a lovely finish from a tight angle. From then the floodgates opened as Wooton finally got on the scoresheet with a smart chipped finish before firing home from close range to make it 3-0. Carl Old then grabbed a second to make it 4-0 to the home side. Hartlepool were out of sorts and out of control as they were reduced to ten men as their over enthusiastic defender started using his fists much to everyones surprise.
The second half saw Redhouse really turn on the style as they ripped into Hartlepool, the goals were now flowing as Stevie "Messi" Anderson scored a great goal as he showed mindboggling control to bamboozle 4 defenders in the Hartlepool box before curling the ball home. Old completed his hat trick and shortly after Mark Catcheside made it 7-0. Steve Anderson then showed great feet on the edge of the box to fire home for his second to make it 8-0. At this point Hartlepool FC threw the towel and the team was in complete disarray. The ninth goal soon came when Steven Taylor lashed home from two yards for his first goal in four years.
Gareth Brazier was Redhouse star man.
Hendon FC made a disappointing exit as they lost 3-2 in a fiery encounter at Darlington DSRM SC.
Jason Gargett fired the Wearsiders in front but the home side adapted to the appalling condition better and stormed into a 3-1 lead. Martin Hope grabbed a consolation goal to give his a chance but it wasn’t meant to be as DSRM saw the game out.
Thorney Close Inn’s eagerly anticipated tie with Shields United was postponed due to a frosted pitch much to the dismay of the Thorney hierarchy.
TWR COMMERCIAL LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP
East Durham Spartans progressed after finally overcoming a much improved Usworth FC 4-3.
Lee Wood was the Spartans hero as he bagged a fantastic hattrick, the prolific Philip Robinson also scored. Usworth replied with strikes from Andrew Makin, Michael Hill and Dean Simpson.
Stuart Dodds again starred for Usworth.
Hendon Grange were involved in an eight goal thriller as they were pushed all the way to claim a 5-3 victory against Times Inn.
The Grange won the game thanks to strikes from Adam Campbell (2), Stephen Langton, Josh Joyce and Alan Miller.
West End had a depleted squad for their tie with Silksworth Golden Fleece, but they still had too much quality as the progressed to the next round with a 2-0 win.
Stephen Bogie just can’t seem to stop scoring as he bagged both goals, West End star man was David Keithley.
ALAN HOOD MEMORIAL TROPHY
Colliery Tavern made light work of First Division Oddfellows as they cantered to a 5-0 win.
Margy Stokell’s charges won the game thanks to strikes from Michael Bulmer, sub Gary Stokell and Carl Chapman who hit an impressive hattrick.
Gavin Foot starred for the Tavern, as for Oddfellows well they felt they could have won if they had a full strength side out.
Shiney Row Travellers Rest also safely made it through to the next round as they eased to a 4-0 away win against Victoria Gardens.
PREMIER DIVISION
Aquatic Sports fielded a patched up side but still managed to grab a much needed three points as they won 5-3 in an end to end game against The Cambridge.
Aquatic drew first blood on fifteen minutes as Mark Dickinson drill home via the post from twelve yards after the visiting keeper flapped at a corner. It wasn’t long before Aquatic doubled their lead as Scott Johnstone scored with a 25 yard left foot curler after a mazy run. The Cambridge managed to pull a goal back just before half time, Craig McShane firing home after the home defence were exposed due to a lack of pace.
After some words of encouragement, Aqauatic came out fired up and increased their lead as Mark Fisk let fly from 25 yards and his strike flew into the net via the crossbar leaving the keeper beaten all ends up. The visitors pulled a goal back through Anthony Mullen. Aquatic were under immense pressure from the Cambridge long ball tactics and a fourth goal seemed to settle them down as Richard Cull nodded into the net.
Aquatic had chances galore to finish the game off but they were to rue those missed chances as Anthony Powell struck to set up a tense finale. Donaldson in the home goal pulled off some miraculous saves to keep his side infront. The game was finally put to bed as Paul Russell clinched the points for Aquatic with a 25 yard piledriver.
Aquatic keeper Kyle Donaldson stole the man of the match award with a tremendous display.
Hylton CW were left frustrated as they drew 1-1 away to Chesters Athletic.
The Colliers took the lead through Liam Oley and played well for the rest of the game, but their concentration deserted them as Chesters grabbed a valuable point in stoppage time through Robert Robson.
Liam Frame starred for Chesters as did Mark Cresswell for the Colliers.
FIRST DIVISION
There were three games played in the First Division of which produced a staggering 22 goals.
The Saltgrass earned a hard earned point as they drew 5-5 with FC Chesters.
John Hope continued his excellent form in front of goal as he bagged a fine hattrick and further strikes from Tony Wilkinson and an own goal secured a point for the Saltgrass as they try and break clear from the bottom.
FC Chesters goals came from star man Ethan Lee (2), Paul Maw, Stephen Murphy and Jon Wardle.
Saltgrass keeper Andrew forbes was man of the match producing a string of fine saves.
FC Whitburn grabbed a much needed win as they secured a 3-2 success against Hollycarside who are under new owners.
Substitute Liam Bayles came off the bench to score to win the game for Whitburn after strikes from Dayne Weir and Ross Toward. The Holly replied with strikes from Paul Stokoe (2).
Grant Pressling starred for Whitburn. Kyle Hourigan put on a great goalkeeping performance for Hollycarside.
There was a seven goal thriller at Thompson Park as Dray and Horses won 4-3 against Park View.