Willington win takes them to County Final

They defeated Redheugh 3-2 with a golden goal after the sides had shared four goals. John Cunningham and Christopher Hodgson scored for Willington before Cunningham grabbed the crucial third goal.

Ironically, Willington lost the final three seasons ago to Redheugh who celebrated with a golden goal.

The under-18s, who are part of the Albany Northern League club Willington and play on the same ground, will meet Seaham Red Star in the Final.

Secretary Robert Lee who has looked after the team for nine years is delighted that Willington have again reached the final.

"It is a great tribute to a young side. Ten of the team on duty in the semi final against Redheugh are eligible for next season which augurs well for the future of the club," said Lee.

Willington Under-15s meanwhile reached the next round of the Russell Foster Solar Trophy with an 11-0 victory at home to Felling Magpies. Harry Drummond rifled four goals, Nick Elliott claimed a hat-trick and both Ryan Young and Adam Comby scored twice. Comby was named man-of-the-match and there was also praise for Gareth Walton, a substitute for Willington.

Darlington Spraire Lads

Othree Spraire Lads fixtures managed to survive the weather last weekend. Spraire Lads Under-9s were very unlucky to go down 1-0 to Greatham, courtesy of a last minute goal against the run of play as Spraire pushed for their first win of the season. It was another gutsy performance from a rejuvenated Under-9s team that has gone from strength to strength over recent weeks. A well deserved man of the match award went to Jake Wood

Spraire Lads Under-15 C took on Division Five champion contenders Northallerton this week but were far from overawed by the occasion. Adopting a counter attacking game they rarely looked troubled throughout the game as each player ensured a resolute and notable team performance. Northallerton were first to strike but were soon pulled back after a superb through ball and finish by Hufford. Northallerton struck again but once more within minutes Spraire were back on equal terms. With half-time approaching Northallerton were awarded an extremely harsh penalty decision, following a ball to hand ricochet in the box. The spot kick was duly converted leaving the score 3-2 at half-time. Spraire continued to show tremendous spirit and determination throughout the second half with many individual seasonal best performances being recorded. Northallerton managed one further goal but were pushed all the way to the final whistle. Man of the match for Spraire went to goal keeper Martin Thickett.

Spraire Lads Under-16s were well worth a point at Whinney Banks but found themselves on the end of a 2-1 defeat. It was an evenly balanced game in very slippery conditions. Whinney Banks were a goal ahead after only 40 seconds. Spraire responded well and equalised before half-time through Stephen Oliver. In the second-half, Spraire struck the post and failed to convert two one-on-ones but it was Whinney Banks that had the better luck to score on 70 minutes to take the points. Spraire man of the match was keeper Tom Pattison.

Darlington RA

The RA were at home to Brompton Juniors in the league and like the previous week the RA started slowly giving the ball away cheaply in crucial areas.

Both teams missed chances in what was an open game until Brompton eventually punished the RA for one of their many mistakes. Despite this set back the RA still created goal scoring opportunities but could not put the ball in the net. The RA lost the ball in midfield again and Brompton broke away to go in 2-0 up at half-time.

The second half saw the real RA passing the ball quickly and moving around the pitch, it wasn't long before they pulled a goal back with a jinking right wing run and fine cross by Dave James for Craig Hancock to head home. The RA continued their relentless surge on Brompton's goal Craig Hancock scoring again from ten yards to even the score at 2-2. In the last 15 minutes the woodwork, fine goal-keeping, goal line clearances and poor finishing thwarted the RA.

When the final whistle went the RA players were disappointed but should have been pleased with the character and commitment they showed in fighting back from two goals down. Man of the match was utility player Liam "Big Al" Allen.

Marton

After an untidy start against North Ormesby, Marton Under-14s settled down and began creating scoring opportunities. The visitors' keeper made three outstanding saves before Johnson who scored twice in as many minutes finally beat him.

North Ormesby, to their credit, worked hard and contested for every ball but with a two-goal cushion Marton grew in confidence, played some terrific football and it was no surprise when they added to the score.

Henderson lobbed the keeper to score his first and he quickly scored again finishing off a great through ball from Tyman.

Johnson went on to complete his hat trick with a great strike just before the interval.

The second half got under way with North Ormesby determined to get back into the game, but as hard as they tried it wasn't to be their day and further goals from Rowney (2), Hill, Kell and Carroll completed the 10-0 win.

Darlington Mount Pleasant Rangers

Most of Rangers teams suffered with the frosty weather this weekend but a couple were in League action.

The Under-13s, sponsored by King, Hope & Co, played away against Bedale in the league. Rangers, with a weakened squad, could not get motivated in this game and although the midfield worked hard Rangers failed to break down a strong Bedale who went on to win 6-0. Rangers man of the match was Dale Aiskew who was outstanding in midfield.

The Under-9s, sponsored by Mill VW (Faverdale), played away against Leven FC in the league. Rangers struggled to gain possession in this game, the frosty conditions underfoot not helping with Leven winning 4-2. Rangers scorers were Jim Wilson and Dale Thompson who was also named man of the match.

A friendly that followed saw Rangers draw 1-1 with Dale Thompson scoring and Euen Legg man of the match.

* Rangers are looking for young players, boys & girls, who fall into the under-8s category for the new season beginning in September 2004. If you are interested in playing for an up and coming club ring Steve on (01325) 332025 for details.

Thirsk Falcons

Thirsk Falcons were again at home this weekend, playing host to Darlington Albion.

Thirsk were without their usual keeper due to an injury during training. Both teams were fighting for the ball from the start and it was Albion who had the first shot at goal but put it wide.

Then Thirsk, with a great ball to Joe Barwick, who shots past the keeper to give Thirsk the lead.

Barwick scored a second to make it 2-0 before the Thirsk keeper pulled off a good save to protect the two-goal lead.

David Mosley made it 4-0 at half-time with two goals and although the second half saw Albion attacking from the whistle their shot was straight at the keeper.

Mosley secured his hat-trick to make it 5-0 before Albion were rewarded for their persistence to make the score 5-1.

Thirsk again attacked and Mosley, after scoring his hat-trick unselfishly, squared the ball to Barwick but the ball bobbled in front of him and the shot went just wide.

Thirsk's keeper made a fantastic save in the last few minutes of the match to deny Albion a second goal as the game ended 5-1 to Thirsk.

Manager Ian Barwick was very impressed with the way his team played this week. An excellent performance by the back four of Will Baker, Martyn Nelson, Andrew Bustard and Luke Williams and by stand-in keeper Sean Taylorson who's usual role is defender.

Man of the match for the second week running was Joe Barwick.

Apollo Doors Gateshead Youth League

Whickham Fellside G had the better of Whickham Fellside Y when they met in the local derby in the Under-11 division. James Nicholson, Kieron Rose and James Harrison struck for Whickham Fellside G who won 3-1 with Jack Gibson the home side's only marksman.

Brian Powell scored the only goal as Swalwell finished 1-0 in front of Ryton, but goals were more plentiful for Low Fell M who hit Redheugh with a 7-0 defeat. Most of the goals came from Connor Mathieson with a hat-trick and Dean Stewart who bagged a brace.

Only one game was possible in the Under-12 section and Cleveland Hall and Leam Rangers shared in a 2-2 draw. Jason French and Alan Mulholland netted for the Hall with Matthew Hart and Dean Todd on the mark for Leam Rangers.

In the Under-13 division Redheugh just had the edge on Winlaton winning 2-1 with goals by Martin Taylor and Rhys Cummins, while Swalwell and Consett ended goalless. Washington visited Low Fell where they claimed the points with a 3-0 success.

In the Under-13 league cup Whickham Fellside B made progress at the expense of Leam Rangers Y, Goals by Adam French and Greg Wood enabled them to end 2-1 winners.

At Under-14 level Cleveland Hall gained three points visiting Leam Rangers where they won 9-2. Kevin Hempsall claimed a hat-trick and Robert Allen scored a couple of goals. Another player to score twice was Tom Burge in a 5-1 victory for Redheugh visiting Blaydon.

No games went ahead in the Under-15 league but Redheugh progressed to the final of the league cup defeating Cleveland Hall 4-1 with goals by Daryl Iveson (2), Dan Morrisey and Scott Swanson.

New County North Durham Youth League

The programme was badly affected by the weather, but Leam Rangers were able to stage their game with Redheugh and were rewarded by moving to the top of the table having secured a 9-0 victory.

John Sherlock rifled four goals, Brian Moore struck a hat-trick and Greg Nicholson bagged a brace of goals in a runaway victory for Leam Rangers, who have won eight of their ten matches and lead three sides who share second position. Blaydon, Cleveland Hall and South Moor are all in close contention to Leam Rangers.

In the Under-17 division Redheugh maintained their position at the top defeating Cowgate 2-1 while South Moor visited Beamish and won 3-0 margin.

All other games were postponed.

Fairs Software Tyneside Junior League

All games were postponed at the weekend because grounds were unfit.

Rohm and Haas JOC Hetton Youth League

Oone game went ahead at the weekend when Sacriston entertained Darlington College in the semi-final of the prestigious North East Durham Youth Cup.

Despite the conditions the two teams produced a good open game and there was little between the sides throughout the 90 minutes.

It appeared that the tie would go into extra time but with a minute remaining Stuart Owen snatched a dramatic winner for Darlington College who will meet either Ryhope or Jarrow St Bedes in the final.

Their semi-final tie between two teams from the league was postponed.

Lumley lead the table by one point from Ryhope but in the Subsidiary Cup, which is competed for on a league basis, it is Ryhope who are ahead four points from Lumley.