SATURDAY JANUARY 24TH 2015

SHERBURN VILLAGE WMC FC 3V 4 MURTON AFC

On a very heavy pitch both teams were in for a battle. First chance landed to Sherburn on 10 mins a cross from the left found Joe Simpson whose header was well saved by Murtons keeper. A shot from Sherburn’s Gaz Dodds on 18 from 10yds skimmed Murtons post. Murton went down to 10 men on 24 when no 4 Shaun O’Brien was sent off strait red. Sherburn now had the advantage and piled the pressure on. 32 mins saw a belter of a shot by Sherburn’s Peter Ryder cleared off the line. 40 mins a header from Sherburn’s Nicky Marley skimmed the bar. Murton then took their first chance of the half on 42 when a long ball landed to Haydon Pace who slotted past the keeper 1-0. Sherburn 2 mins later levelled when Nicky Marley slammed the ball home from 10 yds h/t 1-1. Second half saw Murton take the lead on 52 when a free kick from the left landed at Mark Ruddock’s feet who took it well and made it 2-1. 6 mins later Murton made it 3-1 with a well taken goal by Anth Cowie. Murton were battling for every ball Sherburn just couldn't get it together. Murton could have finished it off on 64 but a great save by Sherburn’s keeper Lee Abbott kept them in the game. Sherburn started to get it together and on 70 mins Gaz Dodds clipped his header over the keeper to make it 3-2. Murton were defending well and battling hard. But on 80 mins Sherburn levelled with a great goal from Joe Simpson 3-3. What a great game of football was being played by both teams. You would not have thought Murton were down to 10 men they worked and worked as Sherburn had chance after chance to try to take the lead. On 85 mins a slip by Sherburn defender Andrew Chester let Murtons Haydon Pace through to score his 2nd and Murtons 4th . Sherburn put pressure on Murton for the remainder of the game but Murton saw it out to win 4-3. A great game of football by both teams and well done to Murton.

SHILDON RESERVES 5 V 2 EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES

The home team ran out 5 2 winners against a very competitive Ebchester team. The away team scored first through Daniel reed and were only in front for 5 minutes before Shildon equalised through man of the match Joe Kerry. Ebchester broke through again though and Stephen Agnew finished well. Stephen Clifford got the home team level and that was the end of the scoring in the first half. The home team then took control in the second half and goals from Clifford, Michael Webster and James Huntley saw the home team complete a good performance. Shildons big squad was the main difference between the 2 teams. Star for Ebchester was Daniel reed.

DCFA TROPHY SEMI FINAL

WHICKHAM SPORTING CLUB 6 V 2 SEDGEFIELD NETPark
NETPark started the brighter team and should have been a goal or two up in the first 15mins causing problems from free kicks and numerous corners, also a big shout for a hand ball that went unnoticed. Then on 20mins the game changed with James Duddin losing control of the ball in his penalty box he then made a tackle catching the Whickham striker a nailed on penalty but the Referee decided it was a 'two footed' tackle and sent James off!!! The Referee had set his marker so handed out yellow cards to both teams as if he was on commission, this game didn't have one bad tackle or any hassle all game. Anyway back to the game and after a few more goals it was 2-2 at half-time. Whickham scored a well worked goal on 55mins to take the lead 3-2 and 5mins later were gifted a fourth 4-2. NETPark were dead and buried they gave a good battle for the next 20mins but two late goals put Whickham into the final, F/T 6-2
Good luck to Whickham in the final in what will be a tough game v Sunderland Silksworth

LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 3

HYLTON SC 0 V 5 COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

This quarter final fixture was indeed going to be a must win for both teams as Hylton hold the advantage for the first win earlier in the league although Hylton’s form has not been the best and a much needed confidence boost was a must. Coundon started the brightest with some killer balls into the pockets behind the Hylton full backs and were soon 1-0 up, Hylton’s left back fell asleep and with a great ball the winger squared it to make it 1-0.  Hylton were still hopeful and pressed Coundon but that long ball caused Hylton real problems and just before half time made it 2-0 with a mountain to climb for the Hylton boys.  The 2nd half Hylton tried hard but couldn't deal with the Coundon pressure and 2 minutes in the third was tapped home. Mistakes at the back didn’t help Hylton’s cause today but couldn’t find the net at the other end either. Coundon ran out 5-0 winners but a gallant effort from a weakened Hylton team low on confidence. Well done Coundon and good luck in the latter stages, I believe we lost to the winners of this trophy today.

HORSLEY HILL FC 4 V 4 HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES (Horsley Hill won 6-5 on Penalties)

BATTLE OF THE HILL. Horsley Hill progressed to their second semi final in successive weeks. The Hill went into a two goal lead courtesy of in form striker Levi Collins and MoM Frankie Hucks. However, a very good and determined Hartlepool side drew level before the break with two goals from an excellent Carl Sullivan. The second half continued with the same intensity, however, Adam Bell put the Hill back into the lead with a superb 20yd strike. Hartlepool soon equalised through Larkin after some good play. The Hill went down to 10men after a reckless challenge from Collins. Surprisingly the ten men took the lead with 10mins to go through the impressive Adam Bell. However with minutes to go Hartlepool levelled the game through their MoM Sullivan, taking the game into extra time. The extra time period saw both teams level with nothing between them. Again penalties saw both sides excel, however the Hill finally progressed winning 7 - 6. Both sides came together after the final whistle to congratulate each other in what was a gruelling but fairly competitive game. Both managers agreed that the game was a credit to the league and worthy of the final

BISHOP AUCKLAND RESERVES 2 V 3 WHEATLEY HILL WMC FC (After Extra Time)

The quarter final of the League Challenge cup was an entertaining affair, with both teams very competitive. The visitors took the lead after a free kick was stunningly saved by Mark Connell; only for it to hit the post and trickle in. The home side rallied and scored two in quick success after brilliant play from Jordan Maughan. His powerful run down the left side allowed Alex Cantwell to tap in before Maughan himself was released and perfectly finished first time from 18 yards. The second half was entertaining with both sides creating chances and both goal keepers in good form. Wheatley hill forced extra time with a goal midway through the half, but really the home side should have sealed their place with a succession of chances. Extra time was an edgy affair, but Wheatley hill booked their semi final place with a great shot on the turn on the 118 minute.