Durham County Youth

THE Under-18s won through to the final of their national competition, the FA County Youth Cup, with a 2-1 extra time victory at home to Lancashire in a closely-fought semi final at Billingham Synthonia's Central Avenue stadium on Saturday.

The home side had an early chance from a fifth minute corner, Stephen Howe of Willington denied when his glancing header was well saved by Lancashire keeper Ian Lowe. After that, the Lancashire lads bossed the rest of the first half and Durham were glad to go in at half time with the scoreline still blank.

It was a different story in the second half as Durham took control without finding the net. It was Lancashire who broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when they scored against the run of play when centre forward Michael Richardson went through to score.

Durham equalised five minutes later. Durham centre forward Michael Richardson (Jarrow St. Bedes) was brought down as he went through on goal, and captain Ben Gawthorpe of Herrington CW stepped up to score from the penalty spot.

Five minutes into extra time, Trimdon's David Angel curled a free kick to the far post for Howe to head in off the far post for the Durham winner.

Durham have been drawn away in the final on April 27 and will visit either Nottinghamshire or Birmingham County Youths who meet in the other semi-final tomorrow.

Durham: Michael Leighton (Chilton YC), David Newton (Gateshead Redheugh), Ben Gawthorpe (Herrington CW), John Berry (Consett), Stephen Tobin (Chilton YC), Stephen Howe (Willington U18s), Adam Reid (Chilton YC), David Angel (Trimdon U18s), David Stephenson (Jarrow St Bedes), Craig Ellison (Herrington CW), Dale Elliott (Trimdon U18s). Subs: Steven Brown (Gateshead Redheugh), Daniel Olosuga (Gateshead Redheugh), Mark Harrison (Herrington CW), Philip Waddleton (Trimdon U18s), Dean Grayson (Crook Town).

Chester-le-Street Town

THE Under-18s warmed up for the County Cup semi-final against Brandon United when they maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a 4-0 league victory at Grindon.

The Premiership leaders recorded their 17th consecutive victory on a difficult playing surface. Craig Thorn set them on their way when he beat the offside trap after 23 minutes to open the scoring. Despite fine midfield prompting by central duo Graham Kime and Stuart Rand, the Cestrians had to wait until ten minutes into the second half to further their advantage.

Again, Craig Thorn was involved as he cleverly steered his way through the tight back line before being brought down in the penalty area. Graham Kime made no mistake from the penalty spot. Andrew Robinson then made it 3-0 with a fine overhead kick before Ryan Drummond powered a fine header for the fourth and final goal of the game after good work by wide man Craig Marley. Man of the match was Graham Kime.

The Under-16s also had a fine day when they won 4-2 at South Shields. Kieron Loan had a superb game for Chester-le-Street in a new central midfield role and powered a brilliant hat-trick. Joe Nichol grabbed Chester's other goal, final score was 4-2. Loan was Chester's man of the match.

The Under-17s title grasp is beginning to slip away as they lost by 3-1 to at Whitburn and Cleadon. With players suspended and unavailable, the Cestrians were a poor second best to the home side. David Lowther gave Chester an early lead but Whitburn fought back to win comfortably.

Fixtures for Sunday: Under 16s Durham County (a); Under 17s City of Durham (a), League Cup Quarter-Final; Under 18s Brandon United (a), Durham County Cup Semi-Final.

Coxhoe Boys

After going three goals down to Leam Rangers in the opening ten minutes, Coxhoe Under-13s fought back with two goals from Lee Soppitt and Jamie Lawson, but Leam had enough to stay in front.

Next up is a home game on Sunday at Coxhoe Leisure Centre when they face Redheugh Boys Club at 11am.