Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40s League

Ithe Premier League, in gusty conditions, both Billingham Wanderers and Northumbria Police took time to settle and ended drawing 1-1. The visitors took the lead after 15mins with a good shot from Steve Green.

The home side were denied several times by Alan Bains, the stand-in Police keeper, but it was the introduction of ex-Southampton player, Jerry Forrest in the second half that lead to the Teessiders equalising with a Harry Davies strike.

Both sides had chances to settle the game which was spoilt by a strong wind. The visitors putting up a strong performance with Mick Mullarkey a constant threat up front and Terry Murphy having a good game for Billingham.

Billingham visit Wardley Green at Washington in the Cup tomorrow.

Newcomers Ferryhill Greyhound lost 2-0 at home to champions Steels SC. The first half saw Ferryhill more than hold their own, but unable to pierce Steels' solid defence and it ended goalless. The restart saw Steels doing most of the attacking and only the brilliance of ex-Darlington keeper Phil Owers kept Steels from scoring. However, after 15 minutes the deadlock was broken. Long headed home a cross from Stronach to put Steels 1-0 up. Peter Stronach made it 2-0 ten minutes from time. Ferryhill played well but Steels always had that extra edge. Steels should retain their championship but will not have many harder matches and Ferryhill should finish in the top half of the table. Ferryhill's outstanding player was Matty Pearson.

In Division One Mr Flint's Pirates showed their promotion capabilities by defeating Wallsend Rising Sun 2-1 at home. The villain of the piece was Dufferweil who once again missed a penalty, by shooting wide. Ian Gates scored for Pirates to given them an interval lead. Wallsend levelled midway through the second half, Gates again scored to win the match but Pirates missed too many chances and should have had a higher score than 2-1.

Langley Park Rams Head drew 3-3 away to the Board Inn to gain their first point of the season. Board Inn took the lead after ten minutes when Towers scored, but Alan Forster levelled with a spot kick. Brian Place restored Board's lead close on half-time. The restart saw Place score his second to put Board 3-1 up but with only ten minutes remaining Rams pushed forward and Brian Sara made it 3-2 when he scored a rocket from 18 yards and five minutes later Sara levelled the scores when he hit a piledriver.

Rams heroes were Brian Sara and Kevin Chatterton in midfield.

In division two Glaxo lost 4-0 at home to Newton Aycliffe who led 1-0 at the interval and after the restart took control scoring three more goals to run out worthy winners, their marksmen were Colin Smith and Neil Morris (pen) and a brace from Geoff Peaden who had a fantastic game.

In division three Consett kept up their promotion drive by defeating Regency Windows 5-0. West Auckland lost 1-0 away to Marsden Inn and Wynyard Vets drew 3-3 with Taylors in a high scoring game.

In division four Wingate played very well to defeat the leaders Halfway House 2-1 away. Wingate took the lead after 20 minutes through Dave Whiting and should have gone 2-0 when George Franklin hit the woodwork.

After the restart House leveled through Colin Howey but Wingate came back strongly to force a corner which Ian Henderson took and John Bradley headed home. Stars were Graham Allen and Eddie Maddison.

Darlington Railway kept on target for promotion by winning 4-0 away to Trimdon Veterans.