Norton and Stockton Ancients: Norton Under-9s boys and parents had a weekend to remember after bringing home a Cup after a close Haggerston Castle Trophy Final win.

Norton started the tournament impressively with a 5-1 win over Hartburn Juniors in the first match, this was followed by an 18-0 win over Tweedmouth Comets, 8-0 win against Tweedmouth Juniors and 7-0 win against Spittal Rovers all from Northumberland.

The final was against Hartburn Juniors, Norton took an early 3-0 lead with goals from Mohan (2) and Garbutt. Hartburn hit back with two goals before half time. Half-time 3-2.

Norton pressed forward in the second half and should have had more goals before Mohan scored again to complete his hat trick to finish off Hartburn who had been looking dangerous on the break.

Final score was 4-2 and all the squad deserves credit for the performances and sportsmanship shown against the other teams.

Norton Under-12 Girls played Middlesbrough in a game that started off with some excellent football. In the second quarter, Middlesbrough took the lead putting more pressure on Norton. All the girls worked to get the ball but Norton were unable to hit the spot. Middlesbrough put their second goal away making it hard for Norton to catch them. Norton scored, but time ran out making Middlesbrough the winners by 1-2.

In a game where neither keeper was really tested, Yarm scored against Norton Under-12s ten minutes before half-time. Norton pushed for the equaliser in the second half, but Yarm scored their second goal in injury time to seal their 0-2 win and win the league title.

Norton Under-13s started the match well against Acklam Steelworks, putting Acklam under pressure, but the visitors were first to score. Norton levelled through Mike Williams, and then Acklam went ahead just before half-time. Peacock pulled one back before Acklam scored two in three minutes. Norton rallied and left it late to score two in the last two minutes bringing the final score 4-4.

Norton Under-13s' last game of the season was against Stokesley and they certainly played some good football, creating lots of chances before Williams put them in front. Norton continued to put the pressure on Stokesley but could not break down a lively defence in the first half. Norton went two up in the second half through Garbutt. Stokesley retaliated with some good football, but Norton were always in command and won the game 2-0.

The Under-14 A took on Nunthorpe at home with Norton starting off well with a quality free kick from David Scaife. Norton's possession and excellent passing put them 4-0 up in the first half, including a well taken penalty from keeper Ben Douglas. Norton went on to win the game 7-1 thanks to goals from Woodhouse, Blackburn, Plimmer and Mannion.

The Under-14 Bs lost 8-1 away to Wheatley Hill. Norton were outplayed from the start by a rampant Wheatley Hill. Man of the match Atkinson scored Norton's only goal with a lovely 25 yarder giving the opponents' keeper no chance. Atkinson also hit the post from a 20 yard free kick.

A ten-man Hartburn came out 3-2 winners over a tired looking Norton Under-14 B team. Goals from Wood and Jackson were not enough for Norton and Norton could not find the equaliser. Two games a week over the last four weeks has taken its toll on the squad.

Cleveland Juniors scored early on against the Under-15s with a header from Williams. Despite a lot of possession, Norton could not convert any of their chances, although getting close, in a physical game. Final score was 0-1 to Cleveland Juniors.

Norton Under-15s were away to Newton Aycliffe and won 5-1 thanks to all five goals from Shaun Taylor. Shaun scored his goals thanks to quality service from Dave McCreal, Lee Thomas and Steven Rudd.

The Under-17s game against New Marske was delayed for over an hour due to the referee not turning up. All the early play belonged to Norton; however the Markse keeper was in brilliant form and stopped four certain goals. The second half was the same as Norton piled on the pressure, but Marske were dangerous on the break. In the last minute, the Marske keeper made a great save to deny Norton the victory that would have won them the title and now Norton Under-17s must rely on Darlington dropping points.

Norton & Stockton Ancients would like to thank all the parents who helped out and support the club during the season, without them the clubs could not continue.

Riverside - Chester-le-Street

Five Riverside teams participated in a two day tournament held at Mablethorpe which included teams from all over the UK. All did extremely well with the Under-8s just failing to make it to their final and the Under-11s and 12s making it through to their respective finals only to beaten by a single goal. Pride of place, however, went to the Under-9s and the Under-10s for winning their tournaments. An enjoyable weekend was rounded off at the presentation night where all players received a commemorative trophy presented to them by Trevor Brooking.

Richmond Town

The Under-14s continued their busy schedule when they met Bishop Auckland away on Wednesday, April 30 in the semi-final of the Teesside League Challenge cup.

Richmond went ahead in the first half through N Fisher and Bishop Auckland drew level before the break from a fluke cross. Early in the second half K Holbrook regained the lead from a penalty. Bishop Auckland piled on the pressure and drew level late on with a shoddy decision from the linesman. Richmond held on during extra time with a great performance from S Mander at right back to take it to penalties.

Richmond won the nail-biting shoot-out 4-3 to get to the final of the Teesside Challenge cup by defeating another first division team. The final will be on May 18 at University of Teesside, Saltersgill Pavilion, Middlesborough at 10.30am.

On Sunday Richmond's Under-14s played Marton A of the first division in the North Riding County Cup final. It was a nail-biting contest all the way through the match until five minutes from time when N Fisher scored a beauty to take the lead against a team defeated only once this season by a team Richmond beat in an earlier cup competition. All Richmond had to do was hold on but Marton drew level after an error from Richmond. It went to extra time and Richmond lost 3-1. The score is an unfair reflection on a very brave performance by all the squad.

Richmond Under-13s were home to Nunthorpe Athletic and lost 1-0. In a close match with few clear chances the match was decided by a defensive mistake which allowed Nunthorpe to score midway through the first half. A G Love 20-yard shot which just cleared the crossbar and a T Stanwix shot which the keeper parried were the closest Richmond came to scoring.

Richmond Under-15s played away to North Ormesby and won 4-2. Goals were from C Cox (3) and R Bainbridge. This result will build up momentum for their Cup final on May 18 at the same venue and kick-off time as the Under-14s.