Consett Sunday League: Stanley Towneley Arms are on the verge of creating league history. No side from Stanley has ever lifted the championship but, the Towneley Arms are now well in contention after a string of outstanding results, highlighted by a crushing win over deposed leaders AK Leisure.

In their last four matches, AK Leisure have gone from unbeaten leaders to a side that has dramatically fallen out of contention and even out of the top three.

But it is the manner of their demise that has shocked everyone - just one point from 12 - and a thumping 8-0 defeat by the Towneley Arms.

It was a dream debut for Gary Messer after switching from the now disbanded Craghead. Messer blasted four goals as the Towneley Arms, with a game in hand, moved to within four points of new leaders Stateside and these two sides have still meet.

Also on target for last season's unbeaten Division Two champions were two-goal Ivan Moxon, Darren Grimes and Gary Clark to set up an exciting end to the season.

Third placed Leadgate Golden Lion accounted for Annfield Plain Cricket Club with Daniel Craggs scoring twice.

Gary Christie hit a hat-trick and Davie Dorn the other in a 4-2 Lintz Cricket Club win over the Highwayman.

Meanwhile, leaders Stateside won for the first time in four starts when ex-Blackhall Mill players Paul Jobes and Kevin Eglon along with Lee Garfoot saw them account for their former side 3-2 - Paul Tyers replying with both goals.

Two midweek wins saw Lanchester Social top Division Two along with Chopwell who beat Burnhope 5-0 with Lee Nicholson scoring twice.

Thomas Wilson scored twice as Annfield Plain Demi drew 3-3 with Stanley Central for whom another ex-Craghead player, Richard Liddle, scored on his debut.

Malcolm Guthrie scored twice in a 5-2 Cricketers win at Oxhill while David Collins helped himself to a hat-trick in a 5-2 Top Club win over Tantobie.

A 2-0 win at Horse & Groom has taken Black Horse one point clear at the top of Division Three.

The Plainsman are still second while Craig Tait and Scott Sommerville scored twice each for third placed Dipton Bird Inn in a 6-2 win over Hat & Feather to make them favourites to go up with Black Horse.

Mark Farthing's double steered Freemasons to a 3-1 win over Prince of Wales while Medomsley Miners enjoyed a rare 3-2 win at the Duke.

James Parkin and Joe Clark scored twice each as Delves United won a stunning 11-goal thriller over the Poacher for whom Anthony Rogerson and Graham Drinkall netted doubles.

Stanley and District Sunday League

THERE was disappointment for Pelton Fell WMC when they came up against Pelton RAOB in the semi-final of the Stanley Aged Miners Cup at Consett's Belle Vue Park.

Weakened due to injuries and work commitments the Fell lost 2-1 with George Middlemiss scoring from the penalty spot five minutes from time.

Felling Mulberry took on South Moor Sports in the league and drew 2-2 with Gary Harkness striking both of the Mulberry goals as did David Craig for South Moor.

Pelton Fell were on midweek duty against Low Fell Jolly Miller who led through John Robinson only for Pelton to level the score with a Billy Burrell goal. Just 55 seconds into the second half the Miller regained the lead with a second from Robinson. Derek Willis equalised from the spot and when Gary Thompson put the Fell in front for the first time that was how it ended.

Stanley Masons Arms played championship challengers Stanley FC and after a goalless first half collapsed to a 6-0 defeat.

Mark Drake - who will play Minor Counties cricket for Northumberland this season - struck a hat-trick along with David Turner and two goal substitute Graham Kendal.

The final group games of the Richardson Cup, to decide who goes into the final have been resolved.

Pelton Crown needed to beat Felling Mulberry by seven goals to reach the final and the Mulberry had a player sent off in a goalless first half.

But despite being that man short, the Mulberry refused to buckle and ensured their final appearance against South Moor Sports when Andy Case hit the only goal for them.

Stanley RAFA played South Moor Sports in a game in which a draw would have left three clubs on five points. The RAFA took a 2-1 lead into the last three minutes only to be hit by three South Moor goals to book their final place and a 4-2 win.

David Maughan scored both RAFA goals with Chris Youll (2), ex-RAFA striker David Craig and Anthony Burgess scoring for South Moor.

In the League, Low Fell Jolly Miller played their last league fixture and were crushed 9-0 by Stanley FC. There were another five goals for Drake, David Turner (2), Kendal and Martin Pritchard.

In the top game of the day, Pelton Fell WMC played local rivals and current league leaders Chester Garden Farm and lost out 3-1.

Derek Willis got the Fell's consolation as the Farm hit back through with Paul Atkinson, Peter Bell and Paul McCafferty for the Farm.

Stanley Masons Arms were beaten 7-1 by third placed Grange Villa WMC. The Masons goal was from Ian McAllister with a John Haley hat-trick, two from centre half Colin Harrison, David Hardy and young Anthony Whitfield scoring for the Villa.