MASONS ARMS reached the final of the Second Division Cup last week to set up an interesting tie with Voltigeur.

The Arms beat their namesakes, Masons United, 4-2 in a close encounter. Ian Crowe scored twice, with Michael Barrass and Andrew Elliott both netting one a-piece to book their place in the Brewery Field showdown, a date yet to be set.

"Delighted to be in the final," said Secretary John Booth. "We're really looking forward to it, but United gave us a very good game and it was close, to give them credit. I thought we might have scored more goals but they kept fighting back and made it hard for us."

Meanwhile, in Division One last week, Newton Aycliffe got back to winning ways with a 3-1 win at Green Tree, striker Dave Muir netting a hat-trick.

"It's been coming," said manager Brian Scaife. "We've been playing quite well recently and some results just haven't gone for us, but I thought we played well last week and fully deserved the win.

"Now I think we have finally turned the corner and this will hopefully set us up nicely for our cup final on April 18."

Elsewhere, Postchaise beat Binchester Social Club 7-0 with goals by Paul Thompson (3), Daniel Pattinson (3) and Stuart Beattie, while Loves continued their title push with a 5-0 home win over Lakeside, Gary Hindmarch (3), Brent Mailer and Terry Nelson getting on the scoresheet.

In Division Two, the only game that survived was Voltigeur's 6-2 home victory over North Briton.

Craig Warburton (2), John Templeton, Tony Craddock, Billy Ward and Michael Hudson were all on target for the Volti.

Secretary Dean Mains said: "It was very even until after half-time. We were drawing 2-2 at the break, but then we had the wind in the second half and were probably the better side and I think deserved the win."

Meanwhile, all finals will be played at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field ground.

The Division One Cup Final will be played between Old Shildon and Newton Aycliffe on Sunday 18th April. The B&A Trophy Final will be played on Sunday 25th April. The semi-finals of that competition currently consist of: Old Shildon v Hunwick, Loves v Masons Arms.

The League Cup Final will be played on Sunday 2nd May. The semi-finals consist of Tudhoe United, Loves, Thorns and Old Shildon.

As mentioned above, a new date is likely to be set for the Division Two Cup Final between Voltigeur and Masons Arms, which was due to be played on Friday 9th April.

The next league meeting will be held at Middlestone Moor Club on Wednesday April 7.

The league has invited proposals from members to stage the annual end-of-season presentation night.

So far, Old Shildon WMC, Middlestone Moor Club and the Belvedere in Bishop have been put forward as potential venues for the ceremony, which is expected to be held in early June.

The league is still open to offers from other members.

Meanwhile, the league will also be discussing proposals for the event - such as entertainment, trophies etc - at the next league meeting on Wednesday April 7.

* Old Shildon are holding a Sportsman's Dinner on Friday April 16th (7.30-11pm), with former Liverpool star David Fairclough the guest speaker. Comedian Dave Adams also makes up just some of the entertainment. Entry is just £10, pay at the door, which includes a Pie and Peas supper. Contact David Hedley for more details on 07940 992884.

* Visit our site at: www.spenny-league.co.uk

Division One Top Scorers - Ian Maddison (Old Shildon) 36; Kenny Melvin (Beehive) 24; Thomas Louden (Old Shildon) 24; Gary Hindmarch (Loves) 23; Dave Muir (Newton Aycliffe) 21; Wayne Pratt (Horndale) 20