Chester-le-Street Town Under-18s made it two wins out of two in the Fairs Software Tyneside Junior League when they put a dent in to early leaders New Hartley championship drive.

It has been a frustrating pre-season for the Juniors Manager Andrew Muxworthy who has seen is side short of between seven and 11 squad members for every match - including the first two of the season. This was still the case last Saturday when with seven missing the Junior's beat New Hartley 2-1 at Moor Park.

In the first minute of the game Steven Richardson played a ball in to the feet of Chris Laws and he turned and smashed a powerful cross shot home from 22 yards.

The home side had much of the possession in the early part of the game and seemed to be switching the play well when a mistake at the back allowed the visitors a 23rd minute equaliser. This gave New Hartley confidence and they were ever so close to going ahead but for a couple of excellent stops by keeper Liam Connell.

After the break Chester struggled to find the bite that destroyed West Denton last week, but always looked the more likely goalscorers through Chris Laws or Andy Bulford upfront. On a couple of occasions the visitors keeper pulled off excellent stops. Andy Bulford then missed a gilt edge chance to equaliser after good build up play down the left. The winner arrived in the 73rd minute when Craig Watson put Bulford through and he outpaced the defence before cleverly lifting the ball over the advancing keeper. Final score: Chester-le-Street 2-1 New Hartley.

Chester-le-Street: Connell, G Draper, Clayton (Liddle 83), Jones, R. Draper, Glazinski (Hetherington 79), Richardson, Watson (Browne 74), Bulford, Laws, Urwin. Sub not used: Nevins. Man of the match: S Richardson.

Coxhoe Boys

Coxhoe Boys Under-15s continued their slid pre-season with a satisfying 2-0 win over First Division Haughton on Tuesday evening.

The First Division side played some good football and the match was played in a sporting manner as Coxhoe secured the friendly win with goals from Shane Gavin and new signing, John Dodds.

Tonight, Bobby Orton's side take on Shildon (6.30pm) at Coxhoe Leisure Centre.