The Darlington Northern Echo Sunday Invitation League

The weekend was dominated by individual division cup competitions.

The second division cup, sponsored by Darlington Motor Factors, produced three of the four semi finalists. Northern Spirit RA booked their place after defeating Hogans 5-1.

Northern Spirit Colts took an early 2-0 lead but then capitulated at home to Green Dragon and lost 11-3. Colts' scorers were Phil Moore (2) and man of the match Mark Hamilton, while the Green Dragon had Shaun Russell, Kev Marshall, Fred Wood (2), Dave Abdale (3) and Elliott Made (4) to thank for their goals.

Hoppers Transport booked their place in the semi final after a 5-4 victory against Bishop Auckland Derby. Ian Thompson hit a hat-trick for Hoppers with Michael Smith and Peter Dawson scoring the other two. Derbys' goals came from Michael Latcham (2), Mark Foreman and Wayne King.

The remaining quarter-final tie between favourites Nestfield Club and Classic World Fitness will be played on Sunday.

All the third division cup semi finalists are now known. Hurworth Albion hit the Falchion for seven without reply. After a lively start the game seemed to be very even but an own goal and a goalkeeping mix-up gave Hurworth a 2-0 half time lead. It should have been three but for a brilliant save by Trevor Hardy in goal. In the second half the Falchion seemed to go to sleep and the floodgates opened with five more goals being scored to make the final score 7-0. Saul Charlton (2), Neil Bell (2), Kevin Russell and Paul Jameson were all on target.

Hopetown WMC marched to the semis by virtue of a golden goal against Darlington 21st Allstars. Hopetown started the strongest going ahead through Amadip Singh but Allstars worked hard to get back into the game but a defensive error allowed Hopetown's Peter Gormly to increase the lead. In the second-half Allstars were inspired into action and were awarded a penalty which was converted by Stephen Stacey and they then made it all-square when Ryan Sandwick scored after an impressive solo run. Hopetown were then on the receiving end of the pressure and found themselves behind when Aaron Donham scored a stinging goal. In the last few minutes of normal time it was Hopetown's turn for a penalty and despite enormous pressure Michael Weston made no mistake levelling the game at 3-3. The hero of the day was Kevin Wake whose golden goal ended the contest and sent the clubmen one step from a place in the final. Shuttle and Loom pulled off a convincing victory against the Brown Trout, coming out 8-2 winners. Barry Raper (2), Paul Eagle, David Palmer, Michael Dutton, David Dresser and Steven Yates were Loom's scorers. The Trouts' consolations came from Phil Snowball and Daryl McElvenea.

In the remaining cup tie Bishop Auckland Kings Head defeated Biglins News 3-1.

In the first division cup, sponsored by the Darlington & Stockton Times, Jack Horners booked their place in the semi final with a 1-0 victory over Copper Beech DCS.

The remaining second round matches of the first division cup will take place on Sunday. The three ties will be Coundon Miners Arms versus Busters, East End WMC against Newton Aycliffe Sports Club and Team Scania at home to Springfield.

In the only league game of the day Busters came back from 3-0 down against Springfield to earn a 3-3 draw. Darren Tate (2) and one from Mark Jenkinson gave Springfield the lead but Busters clawed their way back with goals from Shaun Collins and John Banks.

The league's three remaining teams in the Sunday County Cup; N Aycliffe, SC/ Coundon and Team Scania were all knocked out of the

County Cup on Sunday.

l Secretaries should note there will be a meeting on Sunday and are required to bring the £10 quiz money and deposits for the Sportsmans dinner.

Darlington Ladies

Darlington gained their first win of the season in the Northern Combination League despite going behind to a goal after only five minutes at home to Bradford City.

A City player thumped a clearance from the half way line and it sailed over 'keeper Angie Vickers into the net but the game then shifted towards the home side and increasing pressure saw chances being created.

After 20 minutes Louise Leech powered past two defenders and was upturned by a third to give Darlington a penalty which was converted by Ali White.

The second goal came on the 40 minute mark after City failed to clear a corner which Laura Thompson capitalised on when she turned tightly and stuck well from ten yards.

After half time City were allowed to play when Darlington dropped a gear in their play, City looked like they could get something back but they missed two chances before scoring their second goal in the 65th minute when Darlington's defenders left a City player unmarked to tuck the ball away.

This kick-started the home side, Nat Parker missed a chance when it looked easier to score but in the 80th minute the ever hard-working Charmanie Fuller got the goal she deserved. She had looked to have dribbled her way into a cul-de-sac, she turned and struck a curling shoot from outside the box into the far corner.

Darlington: Vickers, Gibson, Hill, Britton, Brown, White, Thompson, Parker, Fuller, Westmarland (MacDonald), Leech (Wilcock).

l The reserves crashed to a 14-0 defeat away to Sunderland.

On Sunday Darlington play Billingham in the cup at Carmel School, kick-off at 2pm