Ashley Air Products

Over- 40s League

premier champions Billingham Wanderers drew at home to third-placed Marden, a game which proved a disappointment for Billingham as they dropped two points while Marden were happy with a point from a game they thought they had lost. The first half ended goalless but after the restart Billingham controlled more of the game and took the lead when Keith Corner scored from a perfect Keith Aldridge pass. Wanderers, although on top, failed to increase their score and in injury time an innocuous cross looked to ge going wide when Andy Reed appeared from nowhere to slide the ball into the net and give Marden a point.

In Division One the Masons Arms won 5-0 at home to Newton Aycliffe and have improved greatly in recent weeks, ten points from their last four games have taken them to seventh place. Aycliffe, however, have fallen away, gaining only three points from their last five games and are now fifth from bottom. The Masons turned in a great display of attacking football and a first half hat-trick from John Whitehead gave them a 3-0 interval lead.

After the restart Martin Cantwell added a fourth when he headed home a centre from Whitehead and then scored his second to make it 5-0 and really settle the issue. For Masons Gordon Bennett was outstanding and dominated the midfield.

Ferryhill Greyhound defeated second placed Wearmouth 3-0 at home and showed they are promotion material despite being fourth from bottom.

They have played nine games with a number in hand of the clubs above them.

Two goals from Nigel Fordham and one by Willie Taylor gave them a clear-cut victory over Wearmouth and showed it is only a matter of time before they are in the group of clubs seeking promotion.

In Division Two, Langley Park Rams Head dropped valuable points in a 1-1 home draw to lowly Rockcliffe.

Rams Head scored first through Forster, but failed to add to their score and when Rockcliffe levelled were unable to penetrate Rockcliffe's solid defensive barrier. For Rams Head, Ambrosini starred