45 years ago - Evenwood FC shake the amateur soccer world by flying a player over from Germany to play in the FA Amateur Cup first round replay at Ferryhill. The expensive amateur, half-back Brian Howard serves with the 7th Royal Tank Regiment but has played one game for Evenwood earlier in the season.

A three minute phone call costing Evenwood 8s.9d confirms the Army will release Howard and he travels from Germany with Billy Day, the Middlesbrough outside right, costing the club £20 which chairman Walter Maires thought was money well spent.

Unfortunately, Howard does not impress and Evenwood lose 2-1 with Harry Bell and Terry Leach scoring for Ferryhill, Hodgson replying for Evenwood.

Ted Wilson an opening batsman from North End Durham, is to captain Uganda in their two-day match against touring MCC team in Kampala. Wilson has a big fielding reputation to maintain as it's claimed he has never dropped a catch in first class cricket in East Africa.

10 years ago

Witton Park move to the top of the Hathaway Auckland and district League after beating Bowburn 8-0 with Foster (4), McGurk (2), Timms and Errington their scorers.