Consett Sunday League: LANCHESTER Social have taken an early liking to the First Division with three wins out of three.

Last season's Division Two champions are clear at the top following their latest success - a hard-earned odd goal in five win over Lintz.

Steve Poulter, Kevin Russell and Steve Jones grabbed the all important match winning goals with Gary Johnson's double in vain for the Lintz.

At the other end of the spectrum, it has been a nightmare start for Annfield Plain Cricket Club who have suffered three straight defeats.

Leadgate Golden Lion who have been scoring goals for fun in their opening two games crushed the Plain 8-0.

Mark Turner was the tormentor in chief with four goals and there was two each from John Dettmar and Ian Davidson.

Manuel Rodrigues made it four goals in two starts for Station Ex Juniors after his hat-trick saw them to a 5-1 home win over Chopwell. Jamie Routledge got the other two with Matthew Rowley replying.

Lee Innes was also on hand with a hat-trick as Blackhill Comrades recorded a 7-0 win at promoted Stanley Central with John Golightly getting two others and Chris McGinn and Paul Butterfield one each.

Black Horse are one of three teams sitting at the top of Division Two with six points after their 2-0 win at Oxhill.

Promoted Plainsman are another along with the Bute Arms. Plainsman just edged it 4-3 over relegated Highwayman witn goals from Chris Fishwick, Carl Gerry, Steve Mallett and Michael Fanns.

The Bute were held 1-1 at home by Top Club and Peter Maguire scored twice for Burton House as they beat Steel Club 5-2.

David Clark was a hat-trick hero for Duke of Wellington in the 5-2 win at Hamsteels in Division Three for whom Steve Hutchinson scored both goals.

Dean Laddie also landed a treble in a 3-1 Scotch Arms win at Medomsley Miners while Hat & Feather beat Horse & Groom 2-0 and Delves saw off the Smelters 9-0.

Stanley Sunday League

League Champions Stanley Royal started of the new season in style, continuing where they left off last season with a 3-0 win over South Moor Sports.

Martin Pritchard, David Turner and an own goal did the damage secured the win for the Royal.

Stanley Masons Arms SC entertained Pelton Crown Inn and lost a tight game by the odd goal in five.

Stephen Hutchinson and Michael Harris netted in vain for the Masons with the Crown scoring through Del Swift, Steven Cameron and Mark Lyle.

Felling Mulberry started the season off in style with a crushing 10-3 home win over newcomers Washington Oasis.

There was a great performance by Andy Case, who hit his first ever hat-trick then went one better by finishing off with a four-goal haul.

A further two goals each from man of the match Gary Harkness and Ian Pine were added to by Lee Wilkinson and Andy Parkin. The Oasis refused to throw in the towel and did hit the net on three occasions through Anton Wright, Craig Slaughter and Dean Robson.

Low Fell Jolly Miller also played hosts to newcomers when they took on Gateshead Black Bull and 5-1. Both Scott Dodds and Andrew Stephenson netted twice along with John Robinson with Colin Janson hitting the Black Bull's goal.

Crook and

District League

West Auckland Queens Head came back from one down to beat Wearhead 5-3 and maintain their 100 per cent record. Wayne Carr (2), Hamish Foster (2) and Andrew Sugden scored for West and Wearhead replied through Paul Tennick, Gary Crampsie and Billy Crampsie.

An eight man Tow Law Station side lost 12-0 at unbeaten Willington WMC. Scorers were Ian Woodhall (5), Michael Bylett (3), Darren Britton, Stephen Lee, Peter Franks and Andrew Hutchinson.

Stephen Carr gave Crook White Swan an early lead against Coundon and Leeholme Juniors. Goals from Michael McGowan and Stephen Spence set the visitors on course for a win before sub Rob Barron notched a last minute equaliser.

Byers Green and Roddymoor shared the points in a good game. Stephen Tyers gave Roddymoor a half time lead which Barry Goundry cancelled out with a 65th minute equaliser.

Dwayne Hinds gave Rugby Club the lead at Stanhope but Darren Fletcher equalised in the second half. Hinds scored an 85th minute winner for Rugby Club and would have had a hat trick had Lee Westgarth not saved a penalty.

Lee Nelson, Stuart Dawson and Wayne Lonsdale gave Stanley United a 3-0 lead at home to Howden Australian. John Stephenson pulled one back but Stanley completed a comfortable first win