Aycliffe earn Cup revenge

Coundon Foresters v Newton Aycliffe Sports Club

Newton Aycliffe Sports Club gained revenge for their last day defeat by Coundon Foresters that cost them the league title as they scooped the Northern Echo League Cup with a rampant 5-1 victory over the First Division double winners.

Aycliffe were quick out of the blocks during the match at Darlington's RA ground, and moved into a 1-0 lead within the opening five minutes as Paul Stout slotted home to put the champions straight onto the back foot.

The Sports Club looked by far the hungrier of the two sides, and they continued to push for goals with Chris Postle missing two good chances before Aycliffe doubled their lead.

A through-ball was illegally cut out with a Coundon hand just inside the Coundon half and the Sports Club took full advantage as Aaron Robson rose highest inside the Coundon box to head home the resulting free-kick.

Coundon started to move more into the game, and the lively Rob Mazur found himself unlucky not to score as he drew the Aycliffe 'keeper out of his box before attempting to lob the ball into the far corner from a tight angle, only to be denied by the post.

As it was, however, Aycliffe held onto their 2-0 lead as the half-time interval provided a respite from the heat for both sides.

Coundon introduced former Darlington striker Lee Ellison as a half time substitute as they attempted to claw their way back into the game with a change of tactics.

However, Aycliffe's players still had their manager's half-time words ringing in their ears as they pressed Coundon every time they gained possession, and it came as no surprise when John Shotton slotted the ball home to make the score 3-0.

Ellison slotted home from the edge of the box to bring the score back to 3-1, but as much as Coundon laboured they had no response to the Aycliffe onslaught.

Aycliffe kept pressing for goals and went close with one effort cleared off the line before Paul Stout rose highest to power a corner into the top of the Coundon net to make the score 4-1.

Coundon's heads were down, but Aycliffe weren't content with the scoreline as they passed the ball around with pace, and it came as no surprise when substitute Andy Turner carried the ball into the box before keeping his head to slot the ball past the Coundon 'keeper to make the final score Newton Aycliffe Sports Club 5, Coundon Foresters 1.

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Shildon New Masons dramatically clinched the First Division championship with a nail-biting victory over derby rivals Old Shildon.

In a tense five-goal thriller, Masons eventually got the better of their third-placed opponents who made them work hard for their title.

Two goals by Thomas Louden and one by Mark Palmer with just 15 minutes remaining sealed the championship.

"Obviously we are delighted," said Masons manager Shaun Thompson. "It's great for the lads who turn up in the pouring rain, week-in, week-out. They deserve this title and it's a great achievement for the club."

Thompson thought Old Shildon pushed them all the way - and almost wrecked their title party.

"They were always in the game," he admitted. "They controlled the first 20 minutes and pressured us, but luckily we managed to get into the game and take the lead. But it was a good, close game."

Meanwhile, Europa bagged their second trophy in as many seasons when they beat Spennymoor Thorns 1-0 last Friday in the Invitation Cup Final at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field - Kevin Wilkinson grabbing the winning goal.

Europa won the Second Division Cup last season when they also gained promotion to the top flight in their first season in the Spennymoor League.

And - along with another cup - they finished fifth in Division One this season.

"It's been another great year for us," said Europa's secretary Shaun Harker. "It was our first season last year and we won a cup and promotion - that was a good achievement for us, but to win another cup this year and finish fifth in Division One is an even greater achievement for the club."

Meanwhile, Old Shildon take on Huntsman in the League Cup Final at Brewery Field this Sunday, kick-off 10.30am. Admission is free and drinks are available from the clubhouse.

Broompark Loves were due to play Shildon Athletic on Thursday night this week in a match that would decide the top spot in Division Two. Loves are currently second, with Thorns top, but a win for Loves would see them go clear by a point.

l A full round-up of the league season, complete with all the honours and completed league tables, will be featured in next week's Local Heroes.

Results - Tuesday, May 7: Division One: Newton Aycliffe 4, The Grand 1.

Thursday, May 9: Division Two: Pit Laddie 8, Locomotion 0; Binchester Social Club 4, Green Tree 3.

Friday, May 10: Invitation Cup Final: Europa 1, Spennymoor Thorns 1.

Sunday, May 12: B&A Trophy Final: Postchaise 3, Broompark Loves 3 (A.E.T. Loves won 3-1 on penalties).

Division One: New Masons 3, Old Shildon 2.

Division Two: Pit Laddie 8, Victoria 2; Binchester Hotel 2, Binchester Social Club 5; Shildon Athletic 5, Locomotion 1.

Darlington and District League

The finish of the Invitation Trophy was another hard-fought affair and an excellent advert for the standard of football in the league. Killinghall Arms immediately took the initiative against Greyhounds and after seven minutes Neil Matthias shot home from close range to put Killie ahead. Greyhounds bounced back and David Wilson should have levelled when he beat the offside trap only to pull his shot wide. Killie with the wind at their backs almost went two up immediately after the resumpton, but Keith Simcox's goalbound effort rebounded to safety off the inside of the post.

Greyhounds were confined to break aways but their limited opportunities came to nothing and it was Killie who had several efforts just missing the target and Danny Fleary was unlucky not to score with a thumping header which hit the bar. Keeper Paul De St Croix was finally beaten two minutes form time when sub Jamie Langburn coolly side-stepped his market to crash an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to leave Killie the victors by 2-0.

Also in midweek Albion moved into third spot in the table with an 8-0 demolition of DGSOB. Gary Mitchell (4), Adrian Weston (2), Paul O'Hagan and Rodney Brown were Albion's scorers.

There was plenty of room on the pitch at Hundens as eight-man Grey Horse beat ten-man Speedy Hire 3-2. The prolific Darren Tate scored all three for Horse. Aaron Radstock and Alan Gowling replied.

Newton Aycliffe, with 58 registered players on their books could only muster three for their game at RA Social which was, of course, postponed.

The annoying part is that it is the club who will have to stump up the £50 fine plus the referees fees and expenses and not the absent players.

On Saturday, Aycliffe managed a full complement of players and were rewarded with a 5-0 win against DSRM SC who completed their fixtures without a win to their name but are to be applauded for their continued sportsmanship in such adversity.

Post Boy took an early lead in their final fixture against Greyhounds and increased their tally to three by half time. Another three after the break was countered by Dave Wilson to make the final score 6-1. Peter Robson (4), Paul Robson and Michael Seal were Post Boy's marksmen.

RA Social were indebted to Peter Gormley who scored direct from a corner after 30 minutes to give them a single goal victory over Killinghall Arms and keep RA on track for the runners-up spot.

Archdeacon were the quickest to settle at Rothmans and lead 3-0 at half time through James Howlett (2) and Leon Russell. Rothmans came more into the game in the second half but the Deacon defence held firm before the latter increased their advantage to seven at full time.

Russell added his second, Anth Thorns, Michael Thraves and a first goal in three seasons for Mick Duffy who ran half the length of the pitch before chipping the oncoming keeper were Deacon's second half scorers.

A second half blitz from Albion saw them put seven past Speedy Hire without reply. The scorers were Paul O'Hagan (2), Nathan Kemp (2), Darren Kacis, Gavin Bell and Gary Mitchell.

Monday saw RA Social move within three points of the runners-up berth as they came from behind in the second half to beat Greyhounds 3-1 who had lead through a Dave Wilson strike.

Emergency Services League

No change at the top with two weeks to go of what has been a fascinating season, with both of the top two teams winning easily this week. Easington were six goal winners at Sedgefield, with two goals each for Neil Robinson, Vince Marriner and Paul Footes. Robinson and James Stansmore were their respective man of the matches. The fixture concludes Sedgefield's season, who are hoping for better things next year. Easington maintain their treble chase, but could be undone by having to play three matches in eight days.

Frankland can only win their matches and hope that Easington slip up in their title bid. They had an easy nine goal win over eight man CLS, with top scorer Ian Gibson leading the way with four goals. Peter Jobling scored twice and was man of the match. Richie Knott, Malcolm Penney and Peter Richards scored one each in the romp. Keeper Mark Harding was CLS man of the match. Frankland have only one match remaining, next week against Saints.

Durham Fire Brigade stopped Newcastle from securing third place this week, with a 4-2 win over them. The win pushes the fire brigade up to fifth spot, with potential to finish higher. Four first half goals secured the points, although two goals by Newcastle in the first five minutes of the second half caused concern. Steve Holcroft (2), Scott Walters and Ian Bell got the goals for the fire brigade, with Barrie Joiyce and Paul Kindon scoring for Newcastle.

Derwentside picked up three points when they entertained Darlington, but they made heavy going of their 3-1 win. Kevin Maddick gave the home side the lead early in the game and had to wait to the final minute of the half when Andy McConnell scored from 18 yards. It looked like Derwentside would rue their multitude of missed chances, when Darlo pulled one back early in the second half through a close range effort from Neil Baker. The home side weathered the storm and secured the points when Maddick scored his second goal of the game with a close range header.