Consett Sunday League

The Burnopfield side were good value for their money with strikes from Steve Bridge, Graham Gill and Peter Maguire.

There were goals galore at the Board Inn where Stephen Hird blasted four goals to see the home side to a 7-3 win over the Scotch Arms.

Stanley Central top Division Two after a couple of Ian Costello goals and another from Simon Purcell produced a 3-1 win at Steel Club with Stuart Nelson replying.

Gary Neasham and Joel Neasham both found the net as Chopwell beat off the challenge of Oxhill 4-1 with Paul Foster and Mark Metcalfe also scoring and Wayne Carr replying.

Glenn Ferry struck a hat-trick as Stanley Towneley Arms beat off Bute Arms 7-1 in Division One. Gary Clark scored twice along with Paul Willary and Shaun Little with Keith Hall on target for the Bute.

In the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy, Chris Bell, Steve Watchman, Mark Wallis and Gary Kay goals saw Annfield Plain Cricket Club oust Dipton Bird Inn 4-0.

A Hoggarth and Sons Eskvale and

Cleveland League

Annandale v Whitby Fishermans

The first half was a tight affair, remaining goalless despite Boothe going close for the home side. In the second half both teams played attacking football, Whitby breaking the deadlock when Clarke tapped in from close range. This seemed to spur Annandale on and a period of intense pressure resulted in Garbutt firing home from the edge of the area to equalise. Annadle pushed forward but despite efforts from Barker and Berry, Harland in the Whitby goal was in commanding form to keep the score level . Whitby had a man sent off but the ten men managed to hold on for a point.

Boosbeck Utd v Goldsborough

Goldsborough adapted to the heavy conditions much better than Boosbeck, who found themselves under pressure from the kick off. As early as the 5th minute the home side were trailing when Duell put Goldsborough ahead when the Boosbeck defence were slow to respond to a long ball into the Boosbeck goal area.. The second goal came after a dubious free kick decision, Dent's shot going past the Boosbeck wall into the net. Marsay gave Goldsborough a three goal lead as Boosbeck's defence looked on.Johnson gave Boosbeck a life line by pulling a goal back from just inside the area but Hopes were quickly dashed as once again the long ball caught the Boosbeck defence flat footed leaving Dent to score. A rare attack from the home team created a good chance for Winter but Goldsborough keeper, Sanderson, made a point blank save. Goldsborough full back, Raine then played a long ball up field where it was swept into the area for Dent to score his second. With five minutes remaining Dent completed his hat trick after a good solo run. Final score 1-6.

Brotton v Gt Ayton

Gt Ayton played some great football throughout the first half. Having most of the possession the Ayton forwards caused great problems for the Brotton defence. In the 25th minute Ripley was through on goal and made a fine shot from 15 yards but Townend in the Brotton goal made an excellent save. Brotton were only allowed a few breakaway chances as the Ayton defence stood firm leading to a goalless first half. Ayton again took control and in the 55th minute Ayton's man of the match, Ashby made an excellent run down the wing to cut the ball back for Ripley to shoot onto the bottom corner and break the deadlock. Ayton continued to look very much in control until Brotton's man of the match, Water, put in a great cross for Mcmillan to score with a close range header. This seemed to spur Brotton on and five minutes later a slip up in the Ayton defence left Ward with a 1-1 with Ayton's keeper and give Brotton the lead. Ward then had a chance to clinch the game with a penalty in the last five minutes but fired the ball hiogh over the bar. Ayton continued to press and, with five minutes stoppage time added, looked as if they would score again but Brotton held out to maintain their unbeaten run in league games, although they consider themselves lucky winning a game that was 90 % in Ayton's favour.

Grosmont v Grangetown YCC

Grangetown opened the scoring after an offside appeal was turned down and Williams rounded the keeper to find the net. Although the rest of the half was even Grangetown went further ahead just before the whistle when they played a one-two to split the Grosmont defence and slot home Grangetown's second. In the second half Grosmont started the stronger and quickly pulled a goal back when the Grangetown keeper fumled a crossed ball from Wetherall and Kelly pounced to slot the ball home. After several missed chances at each end Corner put Grangetown further ahead netting a good goal after breaking down the Grosmont defence. The home team never gave up but in the 80th minute Williams made it 4-1 in Grangetown's favour. With little time left Grosmont continued to push forward and produced what was probably the best goal of the match when a through ball from Wetherall fell for Duck to smash into the bottom corner of the net. Grangetown held firm for the remaining minutes to clinch the points. Final score 2-4.

Staithes v Highland Laddie

Staithes got off to their customary slow start, having failed to capitalise on two golden chances they found themselves 2-0 down within ten minutes through some sloppy defending. The pace was then increased and Staithes were rewarded with two goals after some excellent play by Beddingfield and Bowes within half an hour to make the half time score 2-2. Staithes began to dominate more in the second half and cruised into a 5-2 lead with a penalty from Beddingfield and two goals from centre back Libby. With the game all but won the home side took their foot off the gas and allowed Laddie to squeeze in a third goal just before the final whistle. Final score 5-3.

The Northern Echo Cup

Anchor Inn v Lingdale Utd

Lingdale started the game the brighter team coming close to opening the scoring with Hololob hitting a powerful drive, the keeper saving well. Anchor went ahead in the tenth minute with a tap-in from in-form Stevenson. Anchor then began to dominate with Scott outstanding in midfield and after ten minutes later a penalty was successfully converted by Hanratty. A third goal came after Lingdale failed to clear, Stevenson scoring from close range. Five minutes later the Lingdale keeper had no chance with Anchor's second penalty, Hanratty again blasted into the net. Hololob managed to pull a goal back for Lingdale on the stroke of half time but Anchor were well pleased with the 4-1 cushion. After a lot of strong words at the interval, Lingdale came out fighting, Watson quickly reducing the deficit with a low drive. Lingdale were now completely in control. Hololob outpaced the Anchor defence to make it 4 - 3, then with a rare attack on the Lingdale defence Anchor increased their lead again with a powerful 25 yard drive from King. Minutes later Lingdale almost scored again, Evans chipped the Anchor keeper who managed to push the ball over the bar. Evans again came close shooting narrowly wide from 3 yards. Lingdale eventually found the elusive fourth goal when after some good work, Iseton beat two defenders to slot the ball home. In the end Lingdale ran out of time leaving Anchor to go through with the 5-4 result.

Hinderwell v Loftus Ath

Hinderwell held their own in the first half of the tie. Although Loftus went two goals up, Hinderwell missed two opportunities to level, leaving Loftus with the advantage at the break A third goal came early in the second half before Hinderwell managed to pull a goal back through Omerod. The home side then had a man sent off and Lofuts completely dominated the rest of the game , netting 3 goals in the closing minutes. A Smithies hat trick and goals from Deveraux, J.Wilson and C.Wilson giving them a comfortable passage to the next round.