Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League

THE League's impressive pool of referees have been praised after another highly successful season for the Spennymoor Sunday League.

The League has enjoyed yet another fruitful year despite bad mid-season weather conditions which hampered the fixture list.

But ALL league and cup games were again fulfilled - and that is mostly down to the co-operation and dedication of referees and club secretaries.

"We are again indebted to our referees," said Fixture Secretary Norman Dale. "On behalf of all club secretaries, I would like to thank our loyal pool of referees for their support during the season.

"Their support is certainly not un-noticed and we would hope they stick with us and give us the same backing next season."

Dale said that club secretaries can also give themselves a pat on the back.

"It's been yet another frustrating season with the weather," he said. "During the difficult times in the winter, the co-operation of secretaries is absolutely essential and thankfully, most have been excellent this year."

Andy Heatherington has scooped the league's Referee of the Year award, while Steven Clough has won the New Referee of the Year award.

Mike Hill (Laceys), Keith Corbett (Horndale), Sharon Hedley (Old Shildon), Malcolm Scott (Huntsman), Phil Judge (North Briton), Karl Thompson (Two Blues), Steve Richardson (Thorns) and Steve Suton (Binchester Social Club) have all won Secretary of the Year awards.

They will all be presented, along with all awards for the season, at the league's end of season presentation night, which is due to be held at Newton Aycliffe WMC on Friday June 7.

Any referees wanting tickts can contact Norman Dale on 01388 818840. Any clubs wanting extra tickets can contact Chairman Brian Boughen on 01388 811874 or Secretary Mike Clarke on 07736 800604.

* Meanwhile, the League will also be holding a Referee's Meeting on Wednesday July 10 in Spennymoor United's clubhouse, Brewery Field. All referees are more than welcome to attend. Again, contact Norman Dale for details.

Darlington and District League

The final game of the season saw Albion overwhelm their hosts Rothmans 8-0. Gary Mitchell added to his impressive total with a nap hand and his season's total of 26 was only one behind the League's leading scorer Peter Robson of Post Boy. The scoring was rounded off by Adrian Weston (2) and Paul O'Hagan.

The defeat had a profound effect on Rothmans who decided enough was enough and immediately tendered their resignation from the league which reduced the league's numbers at the time of writing to 12.

An invitation is extended to any club wishing to join the league for next season to contact Dougie Hawman on (01325) 281922 or attend the AGM at East end WMC on Thursday June 6 at 7pm.

Emergency Services League

Ian exhilarating League Cup Final, Durham Fire Brigade thwarted the treble hopes of Easington Police, with a marvellous 5-3 victory.

Talk about a game of two halves, this was the epitome of one. The Fire Brigade were three down with 25 minutes to go, before staging the most dramatic of comebacks, in what was a marvellous advert for football within the league.

The Fire team were unable to take a golden opportunity in the first minute and from then on, Easington dominated proceedings, but they too were unable to put their chances away, until half an hour had passed. Then a corner was only partially cleared and when played back into the Fire Brigade box, it was Easington centre half Dave McKinlay who rose highest to head home.

Ten minutes later Easington doubled their advantage, when Neil Robinson converted a penalty after he himself had been pulled down in the box. After the interval, it was still Easington who were in command, and 12 minutes in, they extended their lead.

Paul Footes was put clear and appeared to have spurned his opportunity, when he delayed his shot but he had picked his moment well and slotted the ball past the keeper to put his side into what seemed an unbeatable lead. The Fire Brigade are made of stern stuff and picked themselves tip and shuffled their pack slightly. They continued to play football, whilst Easington seemed to sit back. This proved to be fatal for Easington who were unable to regain any momentum.

With 25 to go, Richie Morgan finished off a neat move, side footing in from close range.

Suddenly their tails were up and a short time later the deficit was one, Steve Holcroft galloped clear before chipping the ball over the advancing keeper. There was no stopping the Fire Brigade now as Easington visibly wilted and the equaliser was inevitable.

Following a goalmouth scramble, where the ball was headed oft the line, the rebound was deflected onto the bar and sub Dave Ibbertson, was on hand to force the ball home. Ibbertson scored his second. A short time later, this time with a header to give his side the lead with minutes to go.

Then in the final minute, Morgan scored his second when he capitalised on a misunderstanding between defender and keeper to lob the keeper from fully 35 yards to round off a magnificent comeback and victory.