Durham Alliance League Match Reports

SATURDAY APRIL 28TH 2012

2012-04-28T11:45:00.001-07:00

BRANDON BRITISH LEGION 7 V 0 WHITEHILL FC
Brandon British Legion need a point to secure their first Durham Alliance League Championship. After an even start Brandon made the breakthrough on 23 minutes when David Fort finished neatly from inside the box. Brandon added a second on the stroke of half-time when Lee Blades headed a cross into the path of Scott Bryden to tuck inside the near post. Brandon controlled the game after half time and made numerous chances to extend their lead. The third came from Michael Fort as he headed in Gavin Mudd's free kick, Gavin himself got on the score sheet with a composed finish after some great work from Michael Fort and Scott Bryden to win the ball back in Whitehill's area. Lee Blades added a fifth when he raced down the right flank, cut inside and despatched a fine left-foot effort inside the far post with the keeper only able to get a fingertip on it. A fine chip from Michael Fort gave him his second of the day when he was sent clean through and the rout was complete when Andrew Smith's corner proved difficult for the Whitehill's keeper to deal with and ended up in the goal to make it seven.

HARTLEPOOL TOWN 3 V 1 EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES

Hartlepool Town came out on top of this game with a 3.1 win. Danny Charlton advanced down the right and when Neil Fannon received the ball he crossed was met by David Wilson who controlled the ball to fire into the bottom corner, the same two combined for Towns second soon after with Fannon providing the cross this time for Wilson to volley into the top corner. Shortly before Ebchester reduced the deficit when Michael Bell got on the end of a left wing cross to poke home from close range. The second half was a typical end of season affair with the only highlight coming from Towns Liam Dunn who got on the end of a through ball, beat the defender and rounded the advancing keeper to slot into the empty net to make the game safe.

GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS 3 V 1 SWALWELL AMATUERS

A bright early start by Leam rangers good football played with Leam rangers going 1-0 up in the first half hour, Swalwell stepped up their game and equalised before half time from a corner. Score 1-1 at half time. A cagey start to the second half as both teams had half chances until James Fenwick scored his second with a low drive to left corner from outside the box. Leam rangers had a few more chances to close the game until James Fenwick wrapped up the points and his hat tick with a cool lob in top left corner. A good team performance by Leam rangers and a man of the match performance by James Fenwick.

HARTLEPOOL STRANTON 1 V 5 DURHAM GARDEN HOUSE

The game started very scrappy with both midfields trying to hold of the game and on the 25 minute Mark Stranton went ahead with a goal from lee jackson. Durham came straight back with goals from Guthrie and Huntley to lead 2 - 1 at the break. The 2nd half was an even affair , until Guthrie broke through to score to make it 3-1, with further goals coming from ellis and a great finish from Guthrie to take his tally to three and a deserved win for the Garden House.

SHILDON RAILWAY 1 V 2 WASHINGTON TOWN

Washington came out winners in a typical end of season game with little incidents of note. Washington went ahead with a Ryan Moore free kick late in the first half. Moore doubled Washington's lead with his second of the game on 55 minutes. Chris Creamer pulled one back but it wasn't enough with Washington running out 2-1 winners.

BIRTLEY ST.JOSEPHS 8 V 2 COXHOE UNITED

Birtley ended the season in style with a convincing 8-2 win against Coxhoe United. Birtley took the lead in 10 mins when Dan Hill stabbed home. Coxhoe levelled when Shaun Ryder hit a sweet finish from inside the area. Coxhoe then went 2-1 ahead with the goal of the game from Ray Pirt who cracked in a thunderous 25 yard free kick. From then on Birtley took control with a further 7 goals. Tony Smith fired in a hatrick , then there were goals from Dan Hill, Jack Pearson, Martin Guy, Justin Godfrey and Philip Quigley.

SATURDAY APRIL 21ST 2012

2012-04-23T07:44:00.001-07:00

BIRTLEY ST.JOSPEHS 2 V 5 BRANDON BRITISH LEGION

Birtley were well beaten by leaders Brandon Legion. Birtley took the lead on the half hour when Tony Smith fired in from 10 yards. Just on half time the excellent Lee blades drew the leaders level with a calm finish. The second half saw Brandon show why they are top of the league with some superb attacking play. League leading scorer Micheal Fort hit a superb brace with man of the match lee Blades grabbing his second. Tiny Smith gave Birtley hope to make it 4-2 but Craig Hindmarch gave Brandon the points with a well taken 5th.

SHILDON RAILWAY 1 V 7 HARTLEPOOL TOWN

Hartlepool Town came out on top 7-1 at a serverley depleted Shildon Railway. Hartlepool went ahead on two minutes when John Payne scored with a header from a free kick. The goal sprung Shildon into action who missed numerous chances before Hartlepool made it two with a neat finish from Weatherill With Shildon reduced to ten men Hartlepool made it three just before half time with a David Wilson goal.The second half was a tight affair for the first 20 minutes with Shildon reducing the arrears to 3-1 with a Gary Proudfoot goal before Hartlepool started to make the extra man count. Town eventually came out 7-1 winners with another goal from Wilson and further efforts Hill, Winspear and Hammond.

WHITEHILL FC 4 V 1 WASHINGTON TOWN

The visitors took the lead on 14 mins when a Chris Howard clearance in the Whitehill goal was charged down by Suhail Armed and the ball rebounded in to the net for 0-1. Whitehill drew level seven minutes later when Anthony Davison won the ball, and Luke Kerry charged into the box and made no mistake for 1-1. Whitehill took the lead on 28 mins when Gary Draper headed in a Graham Embleton cross for 2-1. Whitehill made it 3-1 within a minute of the restart, this time it was Anthony Davison who headed in a Graham Embleton Free-Kick. Luke Kerry completed the scoring on 62 minutes with an excellent individual goal to give the final score of 4-1.

HARTLEPOOL STRANTON 6 V 3 HYLTON CW

Stranton got of to flying start with a good goal by Larkin, and it didn’t stop there with Larkin who finished the half with a hat trick. Just before half time castle pulled one back with a neat finish by crew. The second half was Castle at their best playing some good football and scoring two more goals through crew and Sumner. This seemed to wake Stranton up and replied with two goals from man of the match Matty Gardner and one from Luke Larkin to take his total to 4 in the game.

WHEATLEY HILL WMC 2 V 4 COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

This match was fortunate to be played after heavy overnight rain had left the pitch really wet and heavy . Praise has to be given to Mr Brian Hammond of Wheatley Hill for his efforts to get the game on. The match was a competitive game for an end of season fixture which had nothing much at stake. Coundon took their chances when they came along and went in at half time with a 3 0 lead goals coming fron Joe Hardaker 2 and Stephen Butler 1. In the second half Wheatley Hill came back strongly with goals coming from Lee Smith with a header and Liam Cockerill. However with 5 minutes to go Coundon closed the game with a further goal from Joe Hardaker to complete his hat trick.

DURHAM GARDEN HOUSE 2 V 2 GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS

An entertaining match ended 2 - 2, Garden House took the lead through Jack Carr but Leam Rangers came back to lead 2 1 at half time with goals from James Fenwick and Lewis Conroy. Garden House pressed hard in the second half but had to wait till 85 minutes before Andrew Boyes headed home the equaliser. A good game played in a good spirit by both teams.

MONDAY APRIL 16TH 2012 - AUCKLAND CHARITY CUP FINAL

2012-04-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Shildon Railway took the Auckland Charity Cup 3-0 against neighbours Shildon Elm Road at West Auckland Town.

As with many cup finals the game started off a cagey affair with neither team wanting to give an inch. Neil Robinson missed couple of chances midway through the first half as ‘the BR’ (Shildon Railway) began to dominate. The breakthrough came on 32 minutes when a Ross Brown was fouled in the area, Kevin Hamilton slotted away the resulting penalty to put BR 1-0 up. BR began to threaten further and were rewarded when an Adam Pinkney cross was slotted in by Scott Oldfield. Elm Road, who accounted for both Coundon & Leeholme and Hartlepool Town from the Alliance league in previous rounds, came close with an effort rebounding off the post on the stroke of half time, BR going into half time with a thoroughly deserved 2-0 lead. BR came out firing in the second half and had a couple of chances before Neil Robinson raced away to round the keeper and slot home to kill the game and give BR an unassailable 3-0 lead. A couple of chances were created late in the game but the final 35 minutes was fairly quiet affair and the game finished 3-0 to the BR.

SATURDAY APRIL 14TH 2012

2012-04-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

BRANDON BRITISH LEGION 4 V 0 SWALWELL AMATUERS

Brandon kept their nerve in the title race as they registered another victory at home to Swalwell. The hosts ran out 4-0 winners in the end but were made to work for the win. Craig Hindmarch struck the opener from 25 yards on half an hour but Brandon were unable to extend their lead in the opening half. Scott Bryden set up Gavin Mudd after the break for number two. Then Bryden got on the scoresheet himself for the third. The icing on the cake however came from Mark English, the full back got the ball in his own half and set off on a mazy run leaving defenders for dead before firing a precise right-footed drive across the keeper into the bottom corner.

COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC 0 V 1 HARTLEPOOL TOWN

In a match between third and fourth in the league you would have expected a good game of football.However a bobbly pitch and strong wind did little to enhance the quality of football played. It was a dire game littered with mistakes on both sides. Hartlepool town took the lead after about 15 minutes with a scrappy goal when Coundon failed to clear the ball and it was deflected into the net . The ball nearly having not enough strength to cross the line . The goal being awarded to Liam Dunn. Coundon fought back but missed two guilt edged chances to equalize and the score remained 1 0 to Hartlepool at half time. The second half was little better. The Hartlepool left winger David Wilson continued to shine down the left and posed a threat to the Coundon defence. Coundon created a number of half chances and had a good penalty appeal turned down late on in the game when Kevin Bromley on as a sub.

BRANDON UNITED RESERVES 0 V 1 HYLTON CW

Brandon played the first half into a strong wind and up the Welfare Ground slope and did well to hold Hylton to 0-0. Hylton hit the bar with a close range header as conditions worsened and a five minute hailstorm swept the ground. Brandon were hoping for better things second half playing with the wind and down the slope but it was Hylton who took the lead when a smart angled shot by Hylton Man of the Match William Crew evaded the excellent Ryan Hindhaugh in the Brandon Goal. Brandon kept pressing to the end and despite a fine performance from the Brandon Man of the Match Daniel Mcdonough, they were unable to find the equaliser.

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 7 V 2 WASHINGTON TOWN

Ebchester beat Washington Town 7-2. Both teams started slow with Washington taking an early lead through Darren Green. Ebchester then pulled one back through Daniel Parker before Richard Parkin added a second from a free kick to make it 2-1 going in to half time. In the second half Ebchester built on their advantage with Michael Bell, Joe Gill, Paul James, Scot Scott and a second from Daniel Parker to make it 7-1 before a last minute consolation from Jamie Sherriff. Man of the match for Ebchester was Jonathan Yip with Michael Jakewey picking up the award for Washington.

WHEATLEY HILL WMC 1 V 2 GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS

Wheatley Hill WMC entertained Gateshead Leam Rangers and went down 2-1. In a close first half Wheatley Hill went ahead on the stroke of half time through Andy Walker. In the second half it was Leam Rangers who came out the better side as Wheatley struggled to find any sort of rhythm. Goals from James Fenwick and Rob Gray secured the win and a valuable three points fro the away side.

MARK BLAKE MEMORIAL TROPHY FINAL APRIL 9TH 2012

2012-04-10T09:12:00.002-07:00

Durham Garden House FC won their first trophy four years after their formation. Based at the Garden House in Durham they are a friendly well run club that have improved every year and have reached the targets set by the Management team Alan Hayes and Steve Briggs. Durham Van Hire, Fabio's and Garden Vision provide much needed sponsorship that enable the club to remain playing.

In their first final Garden House went ahead early in the game through Damon Stevens following good work from Jack Carr. When Stevens scored his second it looked like Garden House would run away with the match but Hartelpool were not going to give in and the remainder of the second half was contested evenly.

The second half started brightly for Hartlepool and they scored a well taken goal fron Sean Wood. Philip Parker was then at his best bteween the posts for Garden House and pulled off 2 great saves which seemed to inspire his team mates. Mark Lax scored from close range following more good work from the impressive Carr , a good goal from Paul Salked put Garden House 4 1 up and John Guthrie headed home a pin point free kick from Philip Hayes to seal the win for the Garden House.

SATURDAY APRIL 7TH 2012

2012-04-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

COXHOE UNITED 2 V 3 BIRTLEY ST.JOSEPHS

An entertaining end to end game that the visitors edged in the dying seconds from a long throw in. The game started strongly for Birtley, stretching the home side and dictating the play however the first good chance of the game fell to Coxhoe's Daniel Bell who, following good work from Ian Brabon, forced a good stop from Birtley's keeper Jamie Sexton. In typical fashion the visitors doubled the misery by going straight up the other end to take the lead with a goal from the impressive James Bowman. Liam Lawson had a chance to level with a one on one but again the Birtley keeper was up to the task. Minutes later Lawson sprang the offside trap and this time was not to be denied, lifting the ball over the onrushing keeper with the deftest of touches. The second half followed the pattern of the first, the visitors on top at the start and once again taking the lead through Bowman. Coxhoe dug deep and equalised when a fine cross from Liam Lawson was met with a towering header at the far post by substitute Nick Peterson to level the scores. Both teams took turns to try to take all three points but it was the visitors who prevailed when the long throw found it's way in at the near post through a mass of bodies, the goal being credited to Bowman for his hat trick.

GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS 3 V 1 SHILDON RAILWAY
The first half was very much an even contest with Shildon taking advantage of a poor clearance when Hamilton slotted home to go in 1 0 up at half time. In the second half Leam pressured Shildon and were rewarded when Conroy put a cool finish past the impressive Shildon keeper to level the score. Shortly after Leam took the lead when Fenwick chipped the keeper from outside the box after some neat build up play. Both teams pressed forward and had chances to add to the score but the Leam wrapped up the points with a well taken third goal from McNaney.

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 2 V 4 SUNDERLAND HYLTON CW

Ebchester were beaten 4-2 by Sunderland Hylton CW. Ebchester took an early lead through a well taken Richard Parkin chip. Sunderland responded with a quick fire brace from Willie Crew to see the Wearsiders go into half time leading 2.1 up after poor defending from the home side. Ebchester then drew level with a second, this time from the head of Richard Parkin. Willie Crew then completed his hat-rick which was followed by a goal from Liam Gill to make it 4.2. Man of the match for Ebchester was Jonathan Yip with Kirk Hardy for Sunderland Hylton CW.

BRANDON BRITISH LEGION 2 V 0 COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

Scott Bryden notched on 25 minutes after good build-up play from Mark English. Coundon applied much pressure in the second half and were awarded a penalty with fifteen minutes remaining but Ian Myers denied the visitors. Moments later Paul Harland thundered a drive beyond Gareth Young to seal a win for Paul Stout's men.

WHITEHILL FC 1 V 6 HARTLEPOOL TOWN

Leaders Whitehill were soundly beaten 6-1 at home by Hartlepool Town. David Wilson hit four, Josh Wilson and Liam Dunn netted for Hartlepool and Ryan Drummond got Whitehill’s consololation.

WASHINGTON TOWN 1 V 4 WHEATLEY HILL WMC

Wheatley Hill WMC went to Washington Town and came away with all three points in a 4-1 victory. Wheatley’s goals coming from Hepple, Wilcox and two from Cockerill. Washington’s reply from Jakeaway

SATURDAY MARCH 31ST 2012

2012-04-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

WHITEHILL 2 V 0 GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS

Whitehill made hard work of overcoming a young Leam Rangers team at the Riverside, The first half was a low key affair with the visitors creating one or two half chances but the game went in at half time 0-0. The second half saw Whitehill step up the pace slightly and the first chance of the half fell on 55 mins to Luke Kerry who was set up by Ryan Drummond, but he saw his shot saved well. Three mins later Luke Kerry eventually got on the scoresheet when Graham Embleton laid the ball on for him to make no mistake for 1-0. As the vistors kept pushing for an equaliser, Phil Roughley in the Whitehill goal made an excellent save to keep us in front just after the hour mark. Carl Ritchie and Gary Draper missed chances to put Whitehill further in front, but it wasn't till the 85th minute, that the points were sealed when Kenny Ball showed a great bit of individual skill and finish well for 2-0.

SUNDERLAND HYLTON CW 3 V 0 HARTLEPOOL STRANTON

Played on a bone dry pitch with a strong up and down wind both teams struggled to control the ball and get into any kind of rythmn. The first chance of the game broke to Hylton CW with Liam Gill running onto a fine through ball from Kyle Sumner, his low shot was parried well by goalkeeper Robert Campbell but Hylton's Carl Old finished from a very tight angle. Hartlepool Stranton were frustrated by the high defensive line of Hylton CW and on the occasions they did break through poor finishing meant the half time score remained at 1 - 0 to Hylton CW. The 2nd half with the wind behind them, Hylton started brightly and were rewarded with a second goal from a Steve Anderson corner which Liam Gill slotted home from close range to make it 2 - 0 to the Sunderland side. Hylton kept up the pressure and when Scott Tench crossed from the left the ball struck a Hartlepool defender and rolled into the far corner.

BRANDON UTD RESERVES 1 V 6 SWALWELL AMATUERS

Swalwell, playing with a strong wind behind them, opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a penalty following a handball by a Brandon Defender. Within 15mins the score was 3-0 to Swalwell after two goals that could have been offside on another day. On 30mins Brandon winger James Hudspeth scored with a crisp shot from 20yds into the bottom right corner of the goal. If Brandon had been able to hang onto the 2 goal deficit it might have made the second half interesting but unfortunately they shipped 2 more goals within the remaining 15 mins. 5-1 at half-time. As expected, witin 10 mins of the second half starting the wind had died away and despite Brandon huffing and puffing it was Swalwell who scored the only goal of the second half. Goal scorers for Swalwell were one each for Ben Gardner, Sam McKenry, Liam Henderson and David McDermott with a brace for Mary McNulty. Man of the Match for Brandon was Nick Allen and for Swalwell was Martin Bagnall.

BIRTLEY ST.JOSPEHS 4 V 1 WHEATLEY HILL WMC
Birtley St Joseph's came out on top of this league fixture with a convincing 4-1 win . It was Wheatley Hill though who took an early lead n Birtley failed to defend a quick free kick allowing Liam Cockerill to curl round the keeper from 10 yards. Birtley levelled on 35 mins when the ball fell to Martin Guy to fire home. The second half saw Birtley come out more determined and they duly took the lead when James Bowmn scored on 55 mins. It was 3-1 when a great ball from Niki Langston found Dan Irving who finished at the far post. Ther was still time for Tony Smith to fire in a forth to secure the points for Birtley.

COXHOE UNITED 1 V 7 HARTLEPOOL TOWN
At half time and the scores level 1-1, the game appeared to be more evenly balanced than it actually was. Hartlepools dominance in the first half continued in the second and they ran out comfortable and deserved winners with the best performance seen at Coxhoe this season. Final score Coxhoe United 1 - Hartlepool Town 7.

Scorers

Coxhoe - J. Colling
Hartlepool - D. Wilson 3, C. Birkbeck 3, R. Hammond 1

DURHAM GARDEN HOUSE 1 V 2 BRANDON BRITISH LEGION

Brandon came out on top in a very competitive game that was a credit to the league. Goals in both halves settled the game with the first from Craig Hindmarch and a second from Paul Harland. Garden House created chances but could not match the clinical finishing of Brandon. A cracking game played in a great spirit with a lot of good players excelling on a great surface.

TUESDAY MARCH 27TH 2012

2012-03-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ebchester Consett Reserves 3 V 0 Hartlepool Stranton

Three goals in the first half coming at key times were instrumental in securing Ebchester CR an important victory. The first came on 4 mins through Dan Parker, Richy Parkin with the 2nd on 22 mins and the 3rd from Stephen Agnew just before half time on 44 mins dashing Hartlepools hopes. The second half was end to end with the home team managing to keep a clean sheet running out 3-0 winners. Hartlepools MOM left midfielder Matthew Gardner was very industrious throughout matched by Ebchesters MOM Jonathan Yip.

SATURDAY MARCH 24TH 2012

2012-03-25T01:32:00.001-07:00

WHITEHILL FC V COUNDON 1 & 1 LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

In an entertaing game which turned out to be a good advert for the league, Whitehill and Coundon shared the spoils with after a hard fought 1-1 draw. It was Whiehill who took the lead on 6 mins when a cross from the left found Luke Kerry to head over the keeper for 1-0.Chances were few and far between in the rest of the half and Whitehill went in 1-0 up.It just took three minutes of the second half for Coundon to draw level when they were awarded a penalty kick which Mark Wood made no mistake. Both teams went for it after that as a draw wasn't really suitable for both teams, and Phil Roughley had to make four brilliant saves in the Whitehill goal, and chances also fell to Gary Draper, Carl Ritchie and Gary Dryden for the home club.Neither team deserved to lose and a draw was the right outcome from an excellent game of football.

BRANDON BRITISH LEGION 5 V 1 WASHINGTON TOWN

Brandon eased to a 4-0 half-time lead through goals from Andrew Nicholson, Scott Bryden and a brace from Michael Fort. Washington hit back in the 2nd half with a goal from Paul McAdam but Brandon's Steven Parnaby scored near the end and rounded of a convincing win for Brandon.

HARTLEPOOL TOWN 5 V 1 GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS

Town took the points in this encounter but like last week they had to come from behind, from their own they were caught out with a long ball over the top for Jonny Dobson to score to give Rangers a half time lead. Town again pressed in the second half and were rewarded when Craig Garthwaite leveled things curling in from the left. Craig Weatherill put Town in front soon after scoring from a set piece, the game was put to bed with 20 mins left when David Wilson scored 2 following good work down the right from Neil Fannon. The scoring was rounded off when Robert Hammond fired in from 45 yards after latching on to a poor defensive clearance.

DURHAM GARDEN HOUSE 6 V 1 SHILDON RAILWAY

Garden House came out on top after a great second half performance against a Shildon team who lost their keeper late in the first half with the score at 1 1. Damon Stevens put Durham ahead bit Shildon were level at half time through john barker. Second half strikes from Joe Kerry, Philip Hayes, Anthony Hoyland , John Guthrie and a second from mom Stevens gave Garden House the 3 points.

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 3 V 1 COXHOE UNITED

Not much happened for either team in the first half with only a couple of half chances for Coxhoe. The second half seen Ebchester start brightly and got a couple of early goals through Dan Parker to get themselves in the lead. Ebchester then added a controversial third before Coxhoe grabbed a late consolation goal.

HARTLEPOOL STRANTON 1 V 2 BIRTLEY ST.JOSPEHS

A very tight game from the start with both midfields battling to get the upper hand and it went Birtleys way on 25 mins going ahead with a goal from Niki Langstin. Stranton found themselves under more pressure and paid dearly by not clearing a corner which Redshaw kindly put the loose ball away to make 2-0 half time. The second half was dominated by Stranton and pulled one back through Ben Sprintall. This spared Stranton on but they could not beat the Birtley keeper. Te game played in good spirit finished 2 - 1 to Birtley.

TUESDAY MARCH 201TH 2012

2012-03-21T10:26:00.002-07:00

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 1 V 5 COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

An excellent high tempo end to end game in which the underdogs deserved more than the score line suggests. Ebchester started the brighter of the two teams having the majority of possession in the first half hour only for Coundon to punish a couple of lapses in concentration with two superbly taken goals from Dale Jardine and Paul Thompson. Ebchester replied with an equally good 20 yard strike from Dan Parker. But again Dale Jardine pounced to punish Ebchester before the break. The second half was as good as the first with Coundon’s superior finishing the difference between the two teams with two goals from sub Tony Callachan. Excellent performances from Coundon’s MOM Liam Whitworth and his teams strike force along with Ebchester’s MOM Stephen Agnew and his midfield team mates with both teams contributing to a thoroughly entertaining match.

SATURDAY MARCH 17TH 2012

2012-03-18T02:22:00.001-07:00

CLEM SMITH BOWL SEMI FINAL

COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC 2 V 0 SHILDON RAILWAY

Both teams fielded severely depleted squads with Coundon having just eleven eligible, available players. However both teams fought out a tight cup tie. Coundon scored early on through Liam Whitworth and the score remained the same at half time. Coundon continued to work hard in midfield and remained tight at the back. Shildon kept pressing without really threatening the Coundon goal and with about 20 minutes to go Steven Bagshaw increased Coundon's lead with a cross shot which although cleared by the Shildon defence was adjudged to have crossed the line by the linesman. Coundon remained tight to see out the game and put them into the Final.

HARTLEPOOL STRANTON 4 V 3 WASHINGTON TOWN

Stranton were on the front foot from the start , but Washington held firm until Ashley Clarke found a hole in their defence to put Stranton 1-0 up with a good finish. Just before half time Larkin broke away to make it 2-0 at the interval. The second half was an even affair until Stranton were awarded a penalty , which Everitt converted. This seemed to wake up Washington who scored 3 goals to take the tie to extra time where man of the match Larkin scored the winner with seconds left, to put Stranton into the final.

LEAGUE

BRANDON UNITED RESERVES 1 V 3 WHITEHILL FC
Brandon United Reserves entertained Whitehill at the Welfare ground and were quickly on the attack. A Whitehill defender was penalised for hand ball within the first 5 mins and Michael Websters penalty kick was well saved by the Whitehill keeper low down to his left. The game then became fairly even before Whitehill took the lead from a penalty when the Brandon keeper brought down a Whitehill player in the box. The keeper saved the first effort but the rebound was netted to give Whitehill the lead. Whitehill doubled their advantage 2 mins later when a Brandon defender headed against the back of his own teammate and the ball fell to a Whitehill player standing in front of the goal who tapped it in. Brandon changed to three at the back for the 2nd half and pushed Whitehill hard until a Whitehill cross hit the back post and ricocheted accross the goal and in off the other post. Three nil to Whitehill. Brandon were playing some lovely football against a tiring Whitehill side and a 35yd piledriver from Brandon's Stephen Wilson hammered against the Whitehill bar and over. Michael Webster of Brandon scored a consolation goal 2 mins from time. Yet again Brandon had loads of luck, all of it bad. It never goes for you when you at the bottom!!

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 1 V 2 DURHAM GARDEN HOUSE

Ebchester lost 2-1 to Durham Garden House, with two goals from Jack Carr for Durham in the first half. Stephen Agnew replied with a thunderous right footed drive from 35 yards in the second half, as Ebchester failed to grab the equaliser.

COXHOE UNITED 2 V 2 SWALWELL AMATUERS

A classic game of two half saw both clubs take a valuable point. Coxhoe took the lead in the first half when a free kick from man of the match Michael Cairns was met at the back post by Ian Brabon who headed powerfully back across goal to score. Early in the second half the home side doubled the advantage when Declin Moss picked up a throw in that was allowed to run through the visitors penalty area, slotting home for 2-0. The visitors were the stronger side as the second half progressed and they were rewarded with the point they deserved with two smart finishes from Andrew Ross. Swalwell closed the game the stronger of the two sides but Coxhoe managed to hold out for a point.

BIRTLEY ST.JOSEPHS 2 V 3 HARTLEPOOL TOWN

Birtley entertained Hartlepool Town and were 1-0 ahead on 5 mins when some great play from Jack Pearson saw Dan Hill cross for Nicki Langston to fire home from close range. Birtley were dominating and saw them increase the lead to 2-0 when Michael Redshaw headed home. The first half saw little response from Hartlepool other than a missed penalty on 40mins. The second half was a different affair with the visitors dominating from the off, Josh Maddison pulled a goal back quickly followed by a Craig Weatherall thunderbolt, just as the game was heading for a draw up popped Sam Cooke to score and keep Hartlepool in the title race with a well deserved 3 points.

SATURDAY MARCH 10TH 2012

2012-03-11T00:34:00.001-08:00

WHITEHILL V SUNDERLAND HYLTON CW

After a tight first fifteen minutes, Whitehill gradually wore the vistors down and took the lead on 23 mins when Gary Draper shot into the top corner for 1-0. It was just three mins later when Anthony Davison won the ball in the box and Luke Kerry was hand to make it 2-0. Just before the half hour mark Ryan Drummond sent in a telling cross from the right and Graham Embleton was on hand to head back across the box for Anthony Davison to make it 3-0, and complete an excellent first half display from the home side. Whitehill went close early in the second half when once again Anthony Davison sent in a good cross but Luke Kerry just failed to make contact. Hylton then struck the post from a corner kick on 54 mins and a minute later made it 3-1 when Mark Brown headed into his own goal. Whitehill pressed through out and chances went begging, but with only three minutes on the clock Whitehill gave Hylton a lifeline when Gary Dryden tried to clear the ball from the edge of the box only to see it fly over Phil Roughley's head for another own goal and 3-2. Anthony Davison then made it 4-2 a minute from time when he broke away and slotted the ball into the bottom corner for 4-2. Luke Kerry then looked to have made it 5-2 but just as he was taking the ball over the goal line the referee said he had blown the final whistle and disallowed the goal.

SWALWELL AMATUERS V BIRTLEY ST.JOSEPHS

A fairley even start by both teams, then in the 7th minute Birtley struck, from a throw in Birtleys right wing crossed the ball into the box for Birtley's 10 James Bowman to head in unchallenged. It continued to be a fairly even game with not much between the two teams until the 22nd minute when from a Swalwell corner the ball fell to Swalwell's Liam Henderson who struck it into the goal from 18 yards. This seemed to lift Swalwell who continued to press Birtley and were rewarded with a second goal on 28 mins scored by Marc McNulty. The rest of the first half was end to end with no addition to the scoreline.
The second half started as the first ended with nothing between the teams. Then in the 68th minute the referee awarded a penalty to Birtley which was easily put passed the Swalwell keeper by Anthony Smith. From this point Birtley took control of the game and it came as no surprise that they scored their third goal on 71 minutes with fine play from Birtleys Niki Langston who scored with a shot across the keeper. Birtley continued to press and scored their 4th goal on 80 minutes with a simple tap in for Lee Cutherbertson. Swalwell Amateurs huffed and puffed but lacked any discipline or creativity to stay in contention and Birtley St Josephs deserved the three points.

WASHINGTON TOWN V COUNDON

In a game where Washington dominated possesion, it was Coundon who took the lead in the first half and took a 2 goal lead into half time, in the second half Washington town again dominated but fail to find the net, Coundon goalkeeper keep them in the game with some fine saves for Coundon to hold on to the win. Goalscorers Callaghan and Bagshaw.

EBCHESTER V GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS

Gateshead goals came from Richardson, Atherton & Fennick. The first half saw Gateshead take an early lead, and from then on they controlled the game and never looked in any doubt. 2.0 half time, 3.0 full time. Easy victory for the visitors against a very poor home side

WHEATLEY HILL V COXHOE

Wheatley Hill went down 2-1 at home to Coxhoe United. Coxhoes scorers were Declan Moss and Nick Peterson with Kevin Eccles scoring for Wheatley Hill.

HARTLEPOOL TOWN V BRANDON BRITISH LEGION – SOUTH DURHAM BOWL SEMI FINAL

Brandon British Legion progressed to the Final of the South Durham Bowl with an emphatic 6-1 trouncing of Hartlepool Town. Parnaby hit 5 and Natress one. Wilson got Hartlepool Towns consolation.

HARTLEPOOL STRANTON V BRANDON UNITED RESERVES

Stranton accounted for Brandon United Reserves by 4-1. Scorers for Stranton were Gardner(2), Larkin, Ross, with Shaun Wilson replying for Brandon.

SATURDAY MARCH 3RD 2012

2012-03-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

Durham Garden House and Hartlepool Stranton will contest the
Final of The Mark Blake Trophy.

Garden House went through in a tight game which could have gone
either way with both teams having good chances, but it was Durham GardenHouse
that came out on top Dan Beaney scoring the winning goal in the last few
minutes of the game.

In the Final they will play Hartlepool Stranton who
accounted for Coxhoe 4-2. Trouble at set pieces had Coxhoe 2-0 down at half
time which, without the help of the woodwork, could have been more. The home
team started much brighter in the second have and got to grips with the game
better than they had in the first. However as the game got towards the close,
Coxhoe not making the most of a run of chances and Stranton looking dangerous
every they broke, it looked as if the visitors would see the game out. Within
the space of 10 minutes Coxhoe got back into the game with goals from Ian
Brabon & Nick Peterson and found themselves level with 7 minutes to play.
But set piece trouble returned and Stranton were 3-2 up from a corner which was
followed up with a fourth to kill the game. All in all a great cup tie with the
visitors just about deserving their victory. Good luck to Stranton in the
final.

Shildon Railway reached the final of the Auckland Charity
Cup after an unconvincing win against neighbours West Auckland. West deservedly
went ahead on 45 mins with a 20 yard strike but Shildon made substitutions at
half time and they soon made dividends when Ross Brown nodded home on 60 mins.
In extra time Thomas Delve won it for Shildon when he prodded home after an
outstanding cross from MOM Kevin Hamilton. Railway will now meet Shildon rivals
Elm Road in the final.

Whitehill returned to the top of the league courtesy of a
4-1 win at Ebchester. Ebchester started
the brighter of the two teams putting Whitehill under pressure from the off. A
good move down the left ended with Agnew putting a cross in for Parkin to slot
away from close range. Whitehill replied late in the first half against the run
of play to make it 1.1 with a goal from a corner. Half time 1.1.In the second
half Whitehill looked like a team who are rightly challenging for the league,
with 3 goals coming from crosses. Ebchester continued to work hard but couldn't
put the ball in the back of the net. Whitehills goals came from Draper,
Drummond, Kerry & Davidson.

Leam Rangers took the points in a very entertaining game
with both sides playing some very good football. James Fenwick scored after
some very neat football resulting in him slotting the ball in with the help of
the inside of the post. Hartlepool pressured the Leam goal early in the second
half and were unlucky not to draw level, after a break by the Leam Ross
Nicholson chip the keeper from outside a very crowded penalty box to make it 2
0. Hartlepool pressed forwrard and were rewarded a penalty which was well taken
by Cook. The Leam upped their game in the last twenty minutes and wasted two
very good chances to go further ahead.
The home side took the points.

Brandon British Legion kept up the pressure on the leaders
with a 6-0 victory over their neighbours Brandon United Reserves. The first 15 minutes was fairly even with both
teams only having one shot on target. On 18 minutes a slip on the muddy field by
a Brandon United defender allowed for an easy goal by the Legion. 2 minutes
later a lucky deflection of a united player turned the ball into his own net.
On 37 minutes the Legion made it 3-0 with a great goal. Legion continued to
press right from the whistle scoring again on 50 minutes which was followed up
by no.5 and finally no.6 coming on the 80th minute. Goal scorers:
Michael Fort (2),Scott Byrden (2),Paul Harland & Stephen
O’Neil.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25TH 2012

2012-02-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Whitehill reached the Final of the League Challenge Cup with a 5-3 victory over Hartlepool
Town. Whitehill took the lead on 21 mins with an excellent strike from David
Hardy, and were 2-0 up on 24 mins when Anthony Davison rounded the keeper. Luke
kerry made it 3-0 scoring from an acute angle and carl Ritchie scored from a
free kick for 4-0. David Wilson scored from the penalty spot for Hartlepool to make it 4-1 and Anthony Davison
scored his second of the game when he headed in for 5-1. Whitehill just saw out
the second half out even though they created plenty of chances, but it was
Hartlepool who scored two goals in a five minute spell with a Peter Twidale
brace.

After a very forgettable first 45 minutes the score at half time was 0-0.After the restart
Coundon took an early lead with a low struck shot into the bottom corner from
Joe Hardaker. Coundon increased their lead through Martin Houlahan and Michael Gibson completed the scoring
with a great left foot shot across the keeper.With Whitehills on cup duty
Coundon now move into top spot in the league.

An easy win in the end for Brandon thanks to a hatrick from Micheal Fort and a goal each for
Craig Hindmarch, Lee Blades and Jay Balfour. Brandon raced to a 5-0 lead by
half time but didn't have it all their own way in the second half even though
the point were safely in the bag. Brandon managed to only add one more goal to
their first half tally but with 20 mins remaining took their foot of the gas
and allowed Coxhoe to get two goals back through Dan Owens and Micheal Purvis.
The scoreline could have been worse for Coxhoe but Micheal Fort missed a
penalty.

In a game of 2 halfs due to strong winds neither team came out on top. Half time Ebchester
were 3.0, with 2 goals from Richy Parkin the first coming direct from a free kick 20 yards out, the second saw Stuart McKenna pull it back for Parkin to
place in the top corner, Shaun Dodds wand of a left foot saw him score direct from a corner. Agnew and Parker fired blanks and ebchester
were unlucky to be only 3 up. Second half Birtley pulled 2 back through Philip Quigley a header from a corner, then a mistake at the back and good feet from
Daniel Waller before a calm finish for Birtleys second, and in the last 10 minutes substitute Paul Beat pinged one in direct from a corner, Birtley
continued to force themselves upon Ebchester but a string of great saves saw
the game end as a draw. Entertaining game at belle vue

Durham garden house missed some great chances to go ahead in the first half and were punished
by 2 goals from matthew gardener and carl wood and 1 from luke larkin. Stranton deserved the win and ended a great run from Garden House in fine style.

A very good game between Washington Town and Gateshead Leam Rangers both teams wanted to play
football in the very windy conditions, washington took the lead through a Philip Marriot goal after the Leam Rangers goalkeeper had saved a penalty
from Adam Burincle, leam then pull back through Brad Atherton , Washington regained the lead through Michael Thompson
only for leam to pull back level again through Lewis Meach and then took the lead through Mark Conroy washington town drew level in the second half through
a Christopher Stephenson goal

Shildon railway won this encounter at a canter despite conceding 3 goals to a struggling
swalwell outfit.man of the match Neil Robinson ,who proved to be a thorn in swalwells side all afternoon opened the scoring after only two minutes matching
onto a through ball and smashing a right foot effort past the helpless keeper Robinson who had come out of
retirement after 5 years to help out swalwell.swalwell equalised with a well taken penalty by Johnson only for Shildon to score two in quick succession to
go 3-1 up . Bagnell bought it back to 3-2 before Shildon made it 4 on the stroke of half time.second half saw little change with Shildon seeming able to
attack at will.richardson with his first for the club scored for swalwell who's misery was compounded by three further goals from .shildon whose scorers were
Robinson with two Hamilton with two,barker,proudfoot and delve.two sendings off at the end made the game look a bit naughty which it was not however johnsons
red card for swalwell summed up another miserable afternoon for the hosts

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18TH 2012

2012-02-19T04:58:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON AGED PEOPLES TROPHY SEMI FINAL

Birtley St.Josephs v Whitehill FC

Birtley St Joseph's faced local rivals Whitehill in the Washington Aged People's Trophy semi final with Whitehill progressing to the final after a hard fought 3-2 win. Birtley had a chance after 25 mins when awarded a penalty but Dan Irvings spot kick was well saved by Phil Roughly to keep the score level . 5 mins later Niki Langston fired Birtley in front with a rasping drive. HT 1-0. The second Half saw Whitehill pressing and they were rewarded when Paul Freemans hopefully shot deceived the Birtley keeper to drop in over his head . Birtley regained the lead on 70 mins when James Bowman controlled the ball and unleashed an unstoppable shot from just outside the area . Whitehill kept pressing though and deservedly levels on 87 mins when Graeham Emblton hit the goal of the game when lashing in a free kick from 30 yards. With the game heading for extra time Luke Kerry broke free only to be dragged down in the box by the Birtley keeper . The Whitehill striker got up to calmly slot home the resulting penalty to give Whitehill a 3-2 win and book their place in the final

Hartlepool Town v Brandon British Legion

Hartlepool Town progressed to the Washington Aged final with a 3.2 home win against Brandon British Legion, Legion took an early lead through Lee Blades, Town equalized when Christopher Taylor turned his man to score. In the second half Legion again took the lead when Andrew Nicholson scored only for David Wilson to level from the spot after Sam Cook was felled in the box, Peter Twidale put Town into the final scoring the winner.

MARK BLAKE MEMORIAL TROPHY ROUND 1

Swalwell Amatuers v Durham Garden House
Saturday saw an end to end game with six goals seeing dgh win 4-2 and progressing in the cup. A Swalwell team unrecognisable to that which played earlier in the season missed a penaly after two minutes which may have altered the outcome of the game, Michael Henderson seeing his weak effort palmed over. Durham then took the lead after 25 mins with a great header from a corner. Swalwell equalised after 31 mins when Bagnell punished a defensive error. Durham again took the lead with an offside looking goal even though the finishing header was worthy of winning a game alone. Swalwell again equalised with Fallon firing a low right foot effort into the bottom corner 2-2 half time.the second half saw Durham step up the pace and a 55 yd free kick from the no 5 and a gine goal from mom Richard Ellis won it for Durham despite lots of huff and puff from Swalwell.4-2 final score

Ebchester Consett Reserves v Washington Town

Washington started the brighter of the two teams and used the wind advantage in the first half going 3 goals up with Ebchester getting 1 back before the break. The second half saw Ebchester dragging themselves back into the game and pulling it back to 3-3 and unlucky not to win it in normal time due to some good last ditch Washington defending. Extra time was played in extreme blizzard conditions at times with Washington showing more character and 4 goals to progress to the next round. Overall an entertaining game in arctic conditions well officiated. Goalscorers for Ebchester were Stuart McKenna, Shaun Dodds and Jonathan Yip with Washington's goals coming from Adam Burnice (3), Ryan Moor (3) and Chris Stephenson. Ebchester mom Jonathan Yip, with Kelvin Briggs getting Washingtons.

Coxhoe United v Brandon United Reserves
An end to end game that, at 2-1 to Coxhoe, looked like it might head
into extra time. However some good work on the right from Liam Lawson
and Leon Greenwell resulted in a diagonal ball out to the left where
Sean Johnson beat two defenders to square the ball for Ian Brabon to
drive home from six yards. Coxhoe's extra quality in the the box
settling the tie and setting up a semi-final appearance for the second
year running.

DURHAM COUNTY TROPHY SEMI FINAL

Shildon Railway v Coundon & Leeholme
Coundon & Leeholme are through to the final of the Durham County Trophy after 4-3 penalty win at Shildon Railway F.C. Both teams had to deal with terrible winds which spoilt much of the match, Coundon went ahead when a mix-up in the Shildon defence on 15 minutes allowed Michael Gibson to nip in and slot home from close range. Shildon came out and gave a real go of it in the second half and were rewarded with an Adam Pinkney goal direct from a corner on 70 minutes. Coundon went down to 10 men with Martin Houlahan seeing red for a clumsy, and by no means intentionally dirty challenge, on 80 minutes. Shildon continued to press for the final ten minutes but could not make their extra man count and the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. The game went into extra time and the 30minutes that proceeded were a cagey affair with neither team wanting to give away much with such a big prize at stake.

LEAGUE

Sunderland Hylton CW v Wheatley WMC
The game was played in windy condition but Hylton soon got the balll down and played some excellent football leading to there first goal a great interchange between curry and gill leading to crew scoring , Hylton were then on top and a easy goal from liam gill hyltons new signing from Ryhope c.w, Gill made it 3 in the second half and to round it all off a brilliant free kick from ross kennedy from 30 yards all due respect to wheatly hill they never give in to the end .

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 12TH 2012

2012-02-13T00:57:00.000-08:00

Birtley St Josephs faced neighbours Whitehill in a keenly contested local derby with the game once again switched to Gateshead Stadium. Birtley started the game the brighter and could have been ahead on 10 mins when Niki Langston fired in a cracking 20 yard effort only for it to come crashing back off the crossbar to James Bowman who headed over the rebound, Whitehill though were allways dangerous on the break and should have went 1-0 ahead but Carl Richie blazed wide. It was Whitehill who took the lead when Carl Richie managed to control a wayward headed clearance to slot home on 35 mins. The second half again saw an end to end game with both keepers making fine saves before Whitehill extended there lead on 55 mins through Anthony Davidson. Birtley though never gave up and got their reward when James Bowman was fouled in the area leaving Anthony Smith to convert his 17th goal of the season. Birtley continued to press and went close when Niki Langston forced a good save from Phil Roughley in the Whiehill goal, Whitehill were again looking for the third goal but it was Birtley who drew level when James Bowman headed home an inch perfect cross from Andy Shotton for a deserved equaliser for the match to finish all square.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4TH 2012

2012-02-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

BIRTLEY ST.JOSEPHS V GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS
In a match played in horrendous conditions at Gateshead Stadium both teams put in gutsy performances with Birtley taking the points courtesy of a 3-2 win. Birtley took the lead when Niki Langston fired in from just inside the area. It was deservedly 2-0 10 mins later as James Bowman rose highest to head home an inch perfect cross from man of the Match Dan Irving. Leam though have a never give up attitude and were rewarded when James Fenwick stabbed home to make it 2-1 at the break. The second half saw Birtley again pressing at every opportunity with James Bowman eventually restoring the advantage to 2 goals when slotting home his second of the game. There was still time for Leam to grab a late consolation when Jaimie Butler took advantage of a hesitant Birtley defence. Special mention to match officials Peter Conner, Michael Pearson and Chris Armstrong for allowing the game to go ahead.

HARTLEPOOL STRANTON V COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

Coundon edged into the Final of the League Challenge Cup in a game played in poor conditions, stranton started the stronger going 2 nil up with goals from larkin and ward , counden got back in the game through bad defending . in the second half counden levelled straight from the kick off this gave them a big lift and played some good football scoring three more goals taking it 5 -2 . stranton never gave up and got back into the game through steve wheatley, and the goal of the game came from matty gardener to make it 4 - 5 to counden. the game was well refereed by adam williamson and his assistants.

DURHAM GARDEN HOUSE V SWALWELL AMATEURS

Despite freezing conditions and snow for most of the game Garden House and Swallwell played out a very entertaining 3 - 3 draw at the Bobby Robson Centre. Garden House went ahead early on with a great finish from Jack Carr. Swallwell came back straight away and equalised with a great free kick from Michael Henderson. The away team then went in front with a great shot from Sam Mcenry and went in at half time in front. Garden House came out very determined in the second half and were level through John Guthrie but not for long as Swalwell went back in front following a goal from David Mcdermott, Garden House kept going and scored a third through substitute Dan Beaney. Overall a fair result for two teams who were determined to play football on a horrible day and got their rewards with a good game.

SATURDAY JANUARY 28TH 2012

2012-01-31T00:01:00.000-08:00

COXHOE UNITED V GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS

A switch of venue due to a waterlogged pitch saw Coxhoe United host Gateshead Leam Rangers at the home of last year's league champions Cornforth United. In an end to end first half, full of chances to both teams, Coxhoe debutant Jonathan Colling grabbed two goals and Ian Brabon one to take a half time lead 3-1. The visitors came out flying in the second and quickly drew level with two early goals. This set the tone for the rest of the game, Leam Rangers applying costant pressure and Coxhoe struggly to break on the counter attack. The breakthrough that the visitors deserved finally came with five minutes remaining taking a 4-3 which they were to hang onto despite a late sramble in their area.
Final result - Coxhoe United 3 Gateshead Leam Rangers 4. Coxhoe United - Jonathan Colling 2, Ian Brabon 1
Gateshead Leam Rangers - Jamie Butler, Rob Grey, Louis Meach & James Fenwick.

BRANDON BRITISH LEGION V BIRTLEY ST.JOSPEHS

After a fairly equal and uneventful first half it was 0-0 at half time.Brandon upped their game in the second half and took a deserved lead when Michael Fort's deflected cross looped in the air, and Scott Bryden rose like a salmon to head over and beyond the Birtley keeper to break the deadlock. Brandon went 2 up through Michael Fort when he was first to react to a loose ball after the keeper and defender collided in the 6 yard box. Michael Fort scored again to put Brandon further ahead with a simple tap-in after some good work down the right from Lee Blades. Brandon then rounded off a good second half performance with a fourth when David Fort slipped a through for Jay Balfour and the youngster finished well.

WHITEHILL V BRANDON UNITED RESERVES

Whitehill completed a comfortable 4 0 home win a against Brandon Utd Res. On 13 mins good build up play by Luke Kerry and Ryan Drummond saw the latter cross from the left for Brinsley Sheridan to fire in for 1-0. It was 2-0 on 20 mins after Luke Kerry forced the ball in following a goal mouth scramble. Richard Oliver in the Brandon goal then made three excellent saves in as many minutes from Ryan Drummond, Anthony Davison and David Middlemas. Credit to Brandon who never gave up the chase, and the second half saw them create a few half chances but it was Whitehill who extended the lead on 68 mins when Ryan Drummond finished off a good move.
Luke Kerry rounded off the scoring when he fired into the top corner for 4-0 two minutes from time.

COUNDON V HYLTON CW

The game was played in good conditions and Coundon took an early lead through Martin Houlahan. Coundon continued to create chances and several good chances were missed. However Hylton were counter attacking on the break and carved out several chances themselves. It remained 1 0 at half time but just after the break Hylton broke away down the left and Gavin collins struck a good left foot shot into the net to make the score 1- 1. Coundon were still creating chances but were unable to score the second goal hitting the bar and missing several more good openings.Hylton however were still very much inthe game until the final two minutes when Michael Gibson who had come on as a substitute turned in a cross from the right in at the near post to make it 2-1 to Coundon.

SHILDON RAILWAY V HARTLEPOOL STRANTON

Shildon Railway took all three points in a one-sided 4-2 win against Hartlepool Stranton. Shildon came out of the blocks firing and deservedly went ahead when Paul Dawes netted his 20th of the season inside 10 minutes. Credit must go to Dawes who could have gone to ground and claimed a penalty but choose to stay on his feet and tuck the ball away instead. Shildon were on top throughout the game and missed key chances in the first half but still went in at the break with a fully deserved lead. On the hour Dawes was on target again to put Shildon 2-0 up and minutes later converted a penalty for his hat trick and man of the match performance. Terry Gillan broke through from midfield and sent a fine right footed curling effort past the keeper from just inside the 18-yard box to put Shildon 4-0 up and in cruise control with 15 minutes remaining. Hartlepool scored two late consolation goals.

DURHAM GARDEN HOUSE V WASHINGTON TOWN

Durham garden house came out 4-2 winners against Washington Town at the Bobby Robson Centre. Garden house took the lead through joe kerry but washington were soon level through adam burnicle. Kerry put garden house 2-1 just before the break. Garden house then went 3-1 up with a cool finish by Jack Carr and were 4-1 up with a great free kick from Philip Hayes. Washington never gave up and got a second through Philip Marriott. In a very competitive match Garden House came away winners and continue to improve following a tough first half of the season.

SATURDAY JANUARY 21ST 2012

2012-01-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

Durham Garden House came out on top 4 - 2 at the Bobby Robson Centre. Goals from Chris Botterill, James Huntley and two from man of the match Richard Elliss saw Garden House win against a stubborn Ebchester. Goals from Richard Parkin and Robbie Blemings kept Ebchester in touch but Garden House ran out worthy winners and won 3 games in a row for the first time in their short history.

At the Riverside Whitehill took the lead on 9 mins when Mark Brown sent in a free kick, and the ball was headed into his own net by Robert Mawson. Brindsley Sheridan made it 2-0 20 mins later when he tapped in from close range. On 35 mins David Middlemass scored on his Whitehill debut with a 25 yard drive for 3-0. Anthony Davison completed the scoring in the first half when he made it 4-0 on 41 mins. Luke Kerry scored Whitehills fifth two mins after the restart, he then went on to make it 6-0 just after the hour mark. Carl Ritchie then finished well for 7-0 15 mins from time and Luke Kerry completed a very good hat trick on 82 mins for 8-0 and a deserved Man of the Match award.

Birtley St.Josephs entertained Coundon & Leeholme in a league clash. In windy conditions Birtley started the brighter and took the lead on 10 mins when Dan Irving curled in a free kick from just inside the byline. Birtley had 2 more chances to increase their lead before Mark Wood levelled on 44 mins, Birtley went 2-1 up when Dan Irving scored right on half time. The second half saw a fantastic performance from coundons Martin Houlahan who sent Liam Parsons clear for the equaliser, Coundon the took over with a goal from Houlahan before the Coundon man set up Liam Parsons for his second to make it 4-2. Mark Foster added a fifth before Houlahan converted number 6 . Birtleys Dan Irving competed his Garrick with a fantastic 30 yard strike to make the final score Birtley 3 Coundon 4.

In a good game in very difficult condition both teams tried to get the ball down and play football Coxhoe United scored first through Collinson,. Hylton CW scored 10 minutes into the second half through Bagley and took the lead through a penailty with 15 mins left. Coxhoe never gave up and deserved the 2-2 with 5 mins left.

The game between Hartlepool Stranton and Swalwell Amatuers was played in very poor conditions , but the first half was all stranton with good football but to sucess. the second half was the same as first half Stranton on the front foot only for swalwell to score from a free kick. Stranton drew level through Luke Larkin. with the game running down and Stranton pushing forward they were caught on the counter with Swalwell scoring again to take the points.

In a game spoilt by the wind Brandon British Legion took the lead in the 50th minute with a well taken strike by Michael Fort. Shildon Railway were then reduced to 10 men with the dismissal of their goalkeeper Shaun Robinson. Brandon made sure of all three points with a 87th minute tap in by substitute Stephen Parnaby.

The pitch was passed playable after a 10.30am pitch inspection and the game between Brandon United Reserves and Gateshead Leam Rangers began with a very strong wind helping Brandon. Nick Allen scored two goals in the first three minutes, both from crosses supplied by Brandon man of the Match Cameron Annison and for the rest of the first half Brandon tried without success to add to that score. Leam Rangers defended resolutely with occasional breakaways calling Brandon's debutant keeper, 17year old Ryan Mundell, into a couple of fine saves.. In the second half the game completely reversed with Leam Rangers dominating possession and scoring three goals through James McAnaly, James Fenwick and Ross Nicholson. Aaron Reynolds was Leam Rangers Man of the Match. It was good to see two young sides (Brandon fielded 7 under 18's) trying to play football in a 50mph wind on a soft pitch. Well done to the players of both sides for their efforts.

SATURDAY JANUARY 14TH 2012

2012-01-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

The weather wiped out most of the scheduled matches in the league programme and only three matches survived.

In a very competitive game Durham Garden House came out on top 3-1 after a strong second half performance. Cornforth went in front with a goal from john shepherd but garden house went on to win the game in the second half with 2 goals from jack carr and one from new signing damien stevens.

First half of this encounter took a took time to get into any sort of rhythm with both defences on top but Hartlepool had the 1st chance after 20 mins, David Wilson crossing from the left and unmarked Josh Maddison heading wide at the back post. Just before the break Washington almost took the lead but Ryan Moore's effort was saved well at his near post by Gary Fleetham in the Hartlepool goal. The second half was much better as both teams played with more tempo and creating chances but to no avail, Andrew Maddocks in the Washington goal saving well from Wilson, the gamed seemed to be heading for a draw but Christopher Horn had other ideas, in the 90th minute he dispossessed a Hartlepool defender to finish well and claim all points for his team.

Birtley entertained Swalwell in a game switched to Gateshead Stadium . Birtley had numerous chances including a first half penalty which was brilliantly saved by Jonathan Kilner in the Swalwell goal . The second half saw Birtley again dominate with Kilner dealing with everything thrown at him. Final Score Birtley 0-0 Swalwell .

SATURDAY JANUARY 7TH 2012

2012-01-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

The Durham Alliance League returned to action following the Xmas break with the Quarter Finals of the Clem Smith Bowl taking centre stage.

WHITEHILL FC V SHILDON RAILWAY

In a close encounter Shildon Railway progressed through to the semi final of the Clem Smith Bowl beating Whitehill 4-3 on Pens after 2-2 at 90 mins. Whitehill took the lead on 17 mins when Brinsley Sheridan headed in a Graham Embleton corner, Shildon were back on level terms 30 seconds later when Terry Gillan tuned the ball in for 1-1. Ryan Drummond then made it 2-1 on 35 mins when his cross was caught by the strong wind and the ball flew over the head of Shaun Robinson in the Shildon goal. Michael Condron made it 2-2 on 57 mins, and that concluded the scoring as the game went into extra time. Paul Botcherby sustained an injury just after the restart, and Whitehill played the next 25 mins with ten men as all of their substitutes were on the field. The match was decided on penalty kicks with Shildon coming out on top 4-3, unbelievably that was out of 20 penalties taken.

WASHINGTON TOWN V SUNDERLAND HYLTON CW

It was a great day for football with both teams looking to play football, both teams had chances in the first half but the goal keepers made fine saves to keep their team in the game, It wasn't until the second half before the first goal of the game, a break down the washington right and the ball played into the box for Jamie Sheriff to score with a good finish, with more good saves from both keepers in which was a end to end game Washington second goal game from good work down the left and a good ball played into the middle for Darren Green to finish. 2-0 the final score.

BIRTLEY ST.JOSEPHS V COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

A very tight game between Birtley and Coundon saw both teams giving a cracking performance ending in Coundon winning 1-0. It was nip and tuck with both teams having chances until 44 mins in when Paul Barret was sent off to give Coundon a Penalty which mark wood scored to put Coundon 1-0 up at half time. On 60 mins Michael Searby was then sent off for Coundon to give birtley a penalty which Tony Smith failed to convert putting Coundon into the semi finals.

CORNFORTH UNITED V HARTLEPOOL STRANTON

Cornforth took an early lead through a goal by Philip Best. However Hartlepool fought back and scored 2 goals to take the lead before a goal just before half time by Stephen Caruthers. The 2nd half started with Cornforth missing 2 great changes to finish the game off. However Hartlepool battled hard and got the rewards with 3 goals in 15 mins. Well deservered win for Hartlepool.

CLEM SMITH BOWL SEMI FINAL DRAW – MARCH 3^RD 2012

Coundon & Leeholme Youth FC v Shildon Railway
Hartlepool Stranton v Washington Town

LEAGUE

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES V HARTLEPOOL TOWN
On a very windy day in Consett, a good game of football was produced by the teams on show. Hartlepool Town made the best of the conditions coming out on top with a 6-2 victory. Three players scoring a brace for Hartlepool Town; Craig Weatherill, David Wilson and Josh Maddison. There were penalties for both teams in this game, Ebchester's slotted home by Stephen Agnew who also scored Ebchester's other goal.

BRANDON UNITED RESERVES V COXHOE UNITED

A basement club clash resulted in a narrow win for Coxhoe. The game was played on the 3G surface at Willington as Brandon's pitch was still suffering from some waterlogging. A strong end to end wind and a low sun created difficult playing conditions. Coxhoe played downwind with the sun on their backs in the first half and poured forward at every opportunity. They were awarded a penalty which was struck against the bar but scored not long after through a close range header from Liam Lawson. Coxhoe did not have everything their own way in the first half and Brandon's Cameron Annison struck the post after a godd exchange of passes with Alex Hird.

GATESHEAD LEAM RANGERS V DURHAM GARDEN HOUSE

Durham Garden House started off the new year with a hard fought win against a very determined Leam Rangers. The home team went in front mid way through the first half with a goal from Louis Meach and despite some good pressure from Garden House the sore at half time was 1-0. After some tinkering with the formation Garden House came out strongly and were level within 20 seconds of the restart with a well taken goal from MOM Jack Carr, Garden House then had a good spell but couldnt get in front. Leam Rangers hit the bar before Garden House scored through substitute John Guthrie. A much improved second half performance saw Garden House home but only just.

SWALWELL AMATUERS V BRANDON BRITISH LEAGION

Brandon British Legion showed there class at Swalwell Amateurs coming away with an easy 8 - 1 victory. Courtesy of 4 goals from Michael Fort, Scott Bryden with 2, 1 from Scott Nattress and a goal from sub Thomas Clarke to compound the result. Michael Henderson with a consolation goal from the penalty spot for Swalwell Amateurs

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17TH 2011

2011-12-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

HARTLEPOOL STRANTON V COXHOE UNITED

In the only league match to survive the weather Hartlepool Stranton and Coxhoe United shared the points in an evenly contested match. Stranton started the better and played some good football with Luke Larkin coming close with a header. Despite the early pressure it was Coxhoe who went in at half time with the lead courtesy of a good finish by Liam Lawson. Stranton piled on the pressure in the second half and were rewarded with a Luke Larkin finish.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10TH 2011

2011-12-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON AGED PEOPLES TROPHY ROUND 3

Birtley st Joseph's put on a superb display to make the semi final of the Washington aged people's trophy. Martin guy put birtley ahead with a stunning volley on 4 mins. 3 goals followed from , James bowman (2) on 10 and 12 mins, then Tony Smith added a fourth on 15 mins from the spot. Hylton pulled a goal back when Gavin Collins converted a penalty. Nick Langton with a scorcher made it 5-1 at the break. 10 mins from time Martin Guy grabbed his second. Final score, Hylton 1 Birtley 6

WEARDALE CHARITY CUP ROUND 2

Ebchester lost 2-1 at Bishop Auckland Green Tree. John Cunningham and Paul Rasy with the goals for Green Tree and Ebchester’s reply coming from Stephen Agnew.

AUCKLAND CHARITY CUP ROUND ROUND 3

Shildon Railway are in the Auckland Charity Cup Semi Final with a hard fought win over Bowes. Adam Pinkney broke the deadlock on 30 minutes in an evenly matched first half with a great right footed finish on the edge of the box from a Scott Oldfield cross. Shildon came out firing in the second half and their sharp start was rewarded with Ross Brown firing in from close range to make in 2-0 on 47 minutes. Brown then netted his second of the game to put Shildon in control with 55 minutes gone. Man of the match Ben Trotter then scored his first of the season on the hour to wrap up and 4-0 win for Shildon and book them a place in the semi final.

LEAGUE

Coxhoe prevented Durham Garden House from winning 3 games on the trot for the first time in their history at the Sir Bobby Robson Centre today. Coxhoe went in front early on and when Garden House equalised it was an even game. Coxhoe then went 3 1 up before Garden House got a consolation goal with the last kick of the game through Philip Hayes. Coxhoes goal were scored by Adam Miller, Liam Lawson and Daniel Bell. Joe Kerry got Durhams first. Man of the match for Durham was James Huntley who also missed a penalty at 2 1 and Coxhoe keeper Jonathon Arnold who commanded his box brilliantly. Overall it was deserved victory for Coxhoe. On a sad note Durhams Rav Sull was hospitalised with a suspected broken leg suffered after 10 minutes, best wishes to Rav for a speedy recovery and Thanks to the emergency services for a professional response, and to ref Craven Beal for his handling of the situation.

Gateshead Leam Rangers went dow 5-3 at home to Washington Town. Leam lead 1-0 at half time then went 4-1 down early in the second half before pulling it back to 4-3. But it was Washington who took the points with a late strike. Leam’s scoreres were Louis Meach, Ryan Gibson and Jordan Jobling. Washington goals coming from Paul Marriott, Adam Burkinell, Syhial Ahmid and a brace from Kevin Briggs.

Swalwell started the game the brightest scoring 2 quick goals to shock Cornforth. Cornforth battled hard to get back in the game and thanks to a brace from Billy Snaith, first been a looping header over the keeper, the 2nd been a classy left foot volley the managed to bring the game level. The first half finished with the score at 2-2. The 2nd half was all Cornforth with Swalwell keeper making some great saves however Stephen Ferguson made it 3-2 to Cornforth and in the last few minutes Cornforth sealed a well deserved win with a goal from Andrew Blackburn.

Whitehill who were outplayed throughout, lost 6-1 at home to Brandon British Legion. Whitehill took the lead when Luke Kerry was first to react in the box on 12 mins. Brandon then got back on level terms on the half hour mark, then in the second half it was the visitors who scored most of their chances with 5 goals in a clinical second half display. On target for Brandon were Michael Fort 2, Scott Bryden 2,David Fort and Paul Harland.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 3RD 2012

2011-12-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

DURHAM ALLIANCE MATCH REPORT SATURDAY DECEMBER 3^RD 2012

LEAGUE

Durham Garden House v Brandon United Reserves

Durham Garden house came out on top in a game littered with defensive errors. Garden house started the brighter and joe kerry hit the bar with a powerfull header. Brandon United Reserves however scored first after a defensive error form rav sull. The second half started the same as the first and garden house levelled from a mistake with richard elliss taking advantage. Brandon then went in front following another mistake and elliss popped up again to score for Garden house. Then substitute dan beaney scored the winner with 10 minutes left. Overall a draw would have been a fair result but at the moment garden house are grinding out results and are hard to beat.

Brandon Reserves took a depleted squad to the Bobby Robson Sports Complex to play Durham Garden House. Heavy rain fell during the warm up and in the second Half. The clubs current injury crisis resulted in two of the reserve team players being moved up to the first team on the saturday morning and four of the U18's coming in to help make up a 14 man squad which included Glen Hendrix from Newton Aycliffe making his debut for the club. Brandon started brightly and deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute with a 25yd top corner shot from Dan Mcdonough.One nil to Brandon at half time, The garden House lads came out with more purpose in the second half and forced an early equaliser when a low ball into the six yard box squirmed under the Brandon keepers body on a very difficult day for keepers! Within 10 minutes Brandon were in front again when Alex Hird picked the pocket of Ex-Brandon player Ravi Sull and shot under the advancing keeper.The lead did not last long however with Garden House equalising on the hour.

Coxhoe United v Wheatley Hill WMC

A competitive game of few chances that was edged by the visitors. Goals from Kevin Hepple and Liam Cockerill had Wheatley Hill 2 goals up early in the 2nd half. Coxhoe United battled back with a 40 yard strike from Liam Lawson but could not turn late pressure into a deserved equaliser.

Birtley St.Josephs v Cornforth United

Birtley St.Josephs entertained a depleted Cornforth and quickly found themselves a goal down when Steven Wilsons chipped free kick evaded all to find its way into an empty net. It was 2-0 when STeven Ferguson headed home. Worse was to come when Andrew Blackburn put Cornforth 3.0 ahead. Birtley then started an amazing comeback. Niki Langston pulled a goal back then Tony Smith made it 3-2. Michael Redshaw levelled leaving Tony Smith to complete the comeback to make the final score Birtley 4 Cornforth 3

Swalwell v Whitehill
Whitehill travelled to Swalwell and came away with all three points in a 4-0 win with 2 goals apiece from Ryan Drummond and Anthony Davison.

Hartlepool Stranton v Gateshead Leam Rangers

In bad conditions both teams played good football, leam went ahead with a good finish by ross nicholson just before the break. The sceond half saw stranton take hold of the game but were hit on the counter by a louis meach finish.Stranton hit straight back with a good finish from mclean. in dying minutes leam hit a third through aaron reynolds to take the points.

Hylton CW v Ebchester

Hylton CW beat Ebchester 2-0. Liam Gill and William Crew getting the goals.

DURHAM COUNTY TROPHY

Brandon British Legion eased to a 2-0 win in a game they controlled from start to finish. David Fort opened the scoring with a great individual effort and when Gavin Mudd made it 2-0 from the penalty spot, Brandon's passage to the semi finals was made safe.

Coundon & Leeholme were in Durham Trophy action today against South Shields Harton & Westoe from The Northern Alliance League. Coundon scored after two minutes through Mark Wood. After 12 minutes Coundon scored a second with a great foot left strike from Martin Houlahan. South Shields pulled a goal back mid way through the first half with a header from Steven Pearce. However just before half time Coundon added a third through Thomas Louden after a good ball from Anthony McGowan. After the break South Shields immediately pulled a goal back through Owen peterson but Coundon increased their lead by scoring a fourth goal from Chris Howe. South Shields continued to force their way back into the game but Coundon were defending well and added a fifth through Kevin Shoulder. South Shields lost a little shape and Coundon added further goals through Stephen Bagshaw and Kevin Shoulder again to run out well deserved winners.A good cuptie played in difficult conditions.

Shildon Railway trounced Washington Town 6-0 to move into the semis with goals from Scott Oldfield, Tommy Delve and four from Paul Dawes.

Hartlepool Town went down 4-1 to last season s winners Hebburn Reyrolle.

COUNDON REGAIN TOP SPOT

2011-11-26T10:50:00.000-08:00

Coundon and Leeholme regain top spot with a 7-2 win at Coxhoe Utd. Coundon who dominated proceedings cruised home with goals from Thomas Loudon , Mark Wood, Steven Bagshaw and Martin Houlahan, Tony Callaghan though was the star man firing in a hatrick against his former club, Brothers Liam and Philip Lawson on target for Coxhoe.

Brandon Utd Reserves gained a much needed 3-2 win at the expense of Washington Town. Alex Hird deservedly put Brandon in front before Jamie Sherriff fired in an equaliser. Brandon then took control in the second half with goals from Cameron Annison and Daniel McDonagh, Jamie Sherriff hit an injury time consolation for the visitors.

Durham Garden House took the points with a 2-1 win in an entertaining match at Swallwell Amateurs. On a tight pitch and with the wind behind them in the first half Durham had numerous chances to score but had to wait 30 minutes before a great run and cross from Chris Kane was converted with a great header by Joe Kerry. more chances went begging and Durham had to be content with a 1-0 lead at half time. The second half saw Swallwell come into the game more but Durham were controlling things until Swallwell scored a good goal to level on the hour through Steven Tumelty, Garden House came back quickly and took the lead with a well taken debut goal by Jack Carr. Durham were content to defend their lead and comfortably ran out winners. (Alan Hayes)

Birtley St Josephs went down 2-1 to Sunderland Hylton CW. The Hylton keeper Matty Rowan put in a superb display with several outstanding saves to keep the score level until Tony Smith gave a dominant Birtley the lead on the half hour, The second half saw the visitors come more into the game which eventually led to the equaliser from Andrew Kimble. Birtley squandered a host of chances and were punished when Andrew Kimble scored a very hotly contested winner.

Round 3 of the Washington Aged Peoples Trophy saw a fantastic end to end battle between Wheatley Hill and Brandon British Legion. Brandon eventually making the semi finals with a 6-5 extra time win. Lee Smith, John Bradley and a fantastic hatrick from Liam Cockerill accounting for Wheatley Hill’s efforts, But Brandon hit back with goals from Gavin Mudd (2), Craig Hindmarch, Scott Brydon, Lee Blades, and Craig Hackworth.

The Hartlepool derby ended with Hartlepool Town overcoming rivals Hartlepool Stranton to make the semi finals. Stranton were 2 goals to the good after 25 mins play with strikes from Carl Wood and Ashleigh Clarke, Town pulled a goal back through a Chris Birbeck penalty on 45 mins, Peter Twidale levelled on the hour, The comeback was complete when Chris Birbeck again scored from the spot to give Town the win.

Whitehill moved into the Semi Finals of the Washington Aged Peoples Trophy with a well earned 4-3 win away to Cornforth Utd . Playing in very windy conditions Whitehill took the lead in the first minute of the game when Cornforth lost the ball from their kick off and Bryndsley Sheridan was on hand to fire in for 0-1. It was 1-1 after ten minutes when Gary Dryden scored an own goal when he headed past our on coming keeper. Cornforth took the lead on 16 mins when Steven Ferguson converted after Paul Freeman lost the ball while attacking and they broke away to make it 2-1 The lead only lasted 5 mins, this time Ryan Drummond nipped in and passed the ball past the keeper for 2-2. Cornforth again regained the lead on the half hour mark with a good finish again from the excellent Steven Ferguson to make it 3-2. H.T. 3-2. Whitehill now playing against the strong wind changed their formation to stop conceding goals and it payed off when they drew level on 70 mins, Graham Embleton hit a free kick from 20 yards in off the post for 3-3. Ten mins from the end Luke Kerry was pulled down in the box and he stepped up to make no mistake from the spot for 3-4 and to take us into the semi finals. (Martin Winn)

In the Clem Smith Bowl Shildon Railway progress to Round 2 with a superb 5-1 win at Ebchester Reserves. A Neil Robinson brace and further goals from Ross Brown, Tony Gillan and Neil Maddison see Shildon through , Shaun Redmond with Ebchester’s consolation.