SATURDAY MARCH 28TH 2015

BIRTLEY FC 0 V 2 WHEATLEY HILL WMC FC

On a bright but very windy Saturday afternoon Birtley FC welcomed Wheatley Hill WMC to the Birtley Welfare, Both sides started brightly and both created chances with Wheatley Hill WMC creating the better but thanks to some outstanding saves from Birtley FC's goalkeeper Dan Davies kept them in the game. On the 20th minute Wheatley WMC took the lead from a corner, then Wheatley Hill WMC got awarded a penalty on the 43' minute but it was wasted. H/T 0-1 Second half kicked off and on the 46' minute Wheatley Hill WMC were awarded there second penalty of the game which they converted to make it 0-2. Both sides went on to create chances but the wind did hinder what could have been a good game. The MOTM for Birtley FC - Jonathan Swift,  MOTM for Wheatley Hill WMC - Lee Smith.

HORSLEY HILL FC 0 V 2 COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

Horsley Hill entertained Coundon at Temple Park in what can only be described as very blustery conditions. Both teams tried to get the ball down and play but the strong wind intervened. There was little between the teams when Christopher Howe gave Coundon lead on 25mins. From the restart the Hill went for the equaliser but a strong Coundon defence was resolute. Whilst still pressing for the equaliser the Hill were stunned when Sean Johnson doubled Coundons lead after good build up play. The second half was much the same with Hill searching to get back into the game but the solid Coundon back line were in fine form. The game ended 0-2 to Coundon but the Hill certainly gave a good account of themselves. 

SHILDON RESERVES V WALLSEND TOWN

The fixture could not take place due to the Wallsend Town’s bus breaking down.

SEDGEFIELD NETPark v EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES

The fixture was postponed.

MARK BLAKE MEMORIAL TROPHY SEMI FINAL

MURTON AFC 1 V 0 BISHOP AUCKLAND RESERVES

A game spoilt a little by a gusty wind, Murton came through with a Kyle Morris goal. Despite missing a couple of guilt edged chances to win the game Murton were good for their victory, restricting Bishops to a couple of chances. Bishops Man of the Match went to Danny Naylor and Murton's to Wadda Taylor. This was a very solid performance from each and every player today and a fantastic team effort.

BRANDON UNITED RESERVES V HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES

The match was postponed due to the pitch being unfit for play.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 25TH 2015

CLEM SMITH BOWL FINAL

COUNDON & LEEHOME YOUTH FC 3 V 0 WALLSEND TOWN

Coundon took the first trophy of the season with a 3-0 victory over Wallsend Town in the final of the Clem Smith Bowl at Chester Moor. In a fast and furious encounter between two of the favourites for the League title Coundon looked to be take the early advantage. Wallsend were putting in some hard tackles but Coundon took the lead with a goal from Mark Wood. Coundon continued to pressure Wallsend and were awarded a penalty. Ian Maddison took the spot kick and scored a good second goal for Coundon giving Coundon a 2-0 lead at half time. Coundon continued to play well without their usual strikers who were unavailable. Ben Collison played well as a striker and scored a third goal for Coundon which gave them a 3-0 victory.

SATURDAY MARCH 21ST 2015

WASHINGTON AGED PEOPLES TROPHY ROUND 3

HORSLEY HILL FC 8 V 1 WALLSEND TOWN

Horsley Hill FC progressed through to the semi final with an emphatic win over title chasing Wallsend Town. The Hill soon took control of the game and scored two quick goals from Levi Collins. The 2 -0 advantage allowed the hill to play their quick attractive football and Centre forward, Adam Sharp brilliantly headed the Hills 3rd from some great build up play. The second half started much the same as the first and a brace from wide man Adam Bell sent the young Hill side into a 5-0 lead. Poor marking by the Hills midfield allowed Wallsend to pull a goal back but the just spurred the Hill on. And after 78mins on the clock Adam Sharp added another 2 goals to his tally' completing his hat trick for the afternoon. Late on, substitute Andrew Taylor scored, ending the game with the score line 8 - 1.

BISHOP AUCKLAND RES. 4 V 3 CHESTER-LE-STREET WHITEHILL (AET)

These two teams met for the first time since August in a entertaining encounter, with both teams playing an excellent level of football! The home side took an early lead as Lewis Dunn crossed for Shaun Pickford to tap home from 3 yards. The visitors pulled level with a powerful long range effort, and then took the lead after a 6 yard scramble. Both teams had more chances, a pattern that continued into the second half too. Man of the Match Conner McEvoy pulled the scores level with a stunning strike from 20 yards on his birthday 20 minutes into the second half, with the relentless pace from both teams continuing. Chester Le Street scored what should have been a controversial winner from the spot, as Lewis Fitzgerald was adjudged to have handled from a free kick. Further chances came and went and with time running out, the home side needed a miracle to save their place in the competition. That is exactly what happened! In the final corner with seconds to go, goalkeeper Mark Connell was sent forward who, somehow, knocked home a waist high volley from 10 yards to send the game to extra time! Extra time was just as entertaining, with the pace continuing throughout from both. The visitors had a number of chances from range, but the home side sealed an incredible come back after a pacy run and cross from Tyler Thompson found leading scorer Lewis Dunn’s head, to loop into the far corner!  This truly was an incredible game of football from both teams over 120 minutes, with credit to both sets of players. A real testament to the Durham Alliance League!

HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES 3 V 0 SEDGEFIELD NETPark (AET)

Hartlepool FC Reserves secured their 3rd semi final this season with a 3-0 extra time win against Sedgefield at Grayfields.  Hartlepool were first to show when Jake Larkin put Lewi Murphy through who was just caught offside. FC were guilty of some scrappy defensive play while Sedgefield got a foothold in the match. Carl O'Sullivan had a shot deflected when the ball was headed into his path by captain Aaron Doyle and FC were making progress down the left with the impressive Dom Swinburne. Sedgefield then almost broke the deadlock with two chances, one going agonisingly wide the otter stopped by keeper Ryan Harrisskitt. Josh Ford impressed in the heart of the defence but both teams were guilty of missed chances with Sedgefield's striker going 1v1 with the FC keeper and the home side missing out with poor finishing. FC started the second half more positively with O'Sullivan first to show with a shot just wide, Cartwright had a volley saved by Joe Clayton in the Sedgefield net and at the other end Sam Dobson had to put in a great tackle to keep FC in the match. Goalkeeper and Sedgefield MOM Clayton pulled off another great save from O'Sullivan and the best chance fell to Sam Harrison who shit straight at the keeper. In the dying minutes O'Sullivan put Murphy through who was just inches wide and Sedgefield had a stone wall penalty waved away to win the match at the death. Extra time saw some tired legs but the deadlock was broken when the front pairing of O'Sullivan and Murphy linked up twice within minutes to put FC 2-0 up. FC made it 3 when MOM Ross Kidson went on a 25 yard run to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

SHILDON RESERVES 1 V 2 COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC

The visitors edged a very competitive game at the Bobby Robson centre. The first half started with the home team on top but they couldn't capitalise on their pressure. Coundon then scored from a free kick which was headed home at the back post by Craig Robson. 1 0 to Coundon at half time and all to play for. The second half was very competitive again and when Steven Johnson put Coundon 2 up it should have been game over. Shildon wouldn't give up though and when James Huntley got one back with 11 minutes to go the game was back in the balance. Try as they might the home team couldn't get the game into extra time and Coundon progressed to the next round. A cracking game of football edged by Coundon courtesy of their finishing.

 LEAGUE MATCHES

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 5 V 2 BRANDON UNITED RESERVES

Ebchester welcomed Brandon to Belle Vue for today’s game. It was the home team who started the brightest and were on the front foot from the off, they quickly made the most of the good start and found themselves 1-0 up after 3 minutes, Parker finishing well after a good through ball from Agnew. They were 2-0 up 5 minutes later, the same combination working again. This time it was Parker the supplier, a great cross found the head of Agnew and he placed it into the bottom corner. Brandon then came back into the game and started to get a foot-hold of the match. They got a goal back after 20 minutes, Ebchester failing to clear a corner and they were punished by a good header. First half ending 2-1. The second half started very flat with neither team taking a grip of the game. Ebchester restored their two goal lead through Parker again, Brandon failing to clear a corner and Parker tucked it away from 3 yards out. Brandon got themselves back into the game though with the goal of the match, a good corner curling straight in. Ebchester quickly reacted and the 2 goal gap was back 2 minutes later, a good goal from Parkin as he went past 3 defenders and slot the ball home from 6 yards out. Ebchester finished the scoring with their 5th, Parkin looking to play a ball into the box but shinned it straight into the back post and into the net. A deserved home victory. Final score 5-2 to the home team.

WHEATLEY HILL WMC FC 10 V 0 FERRYHILL TOWN

Today's game was a one sided affair with the home team scoring ten unanswered goals. The goals were shared between four players the pick of the score's was the outstanding Ian Watson who scored four. Shaun Jackson also helped himself to a hat trick. Philip Hickman with a brace and Liam Cockerill with a single goal completed the scoring on a day for Ferryhill to forget. In a match without any major decisions to make referee Michael Heskett had a good day as did his linesmen.

SATURDAY MARCH 14TH 2015

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 2 V 1 BIRTLEY FC

Ebchester welcomed Birtley up to a surprisingly calm Consett for today’s match. Ebchester started on the front foot and were pushing for a goal from the off. A free kick on the half way line was delivered by Parkin towards the Birtley box, it was flicked on by Dan Parker and made its way to the feet of Parkin, despite having 3 men around him he wriggled his way through them and from the edge of the box managed to find the far top corner to give Ebchester a deserved lead. Birtley came back into the game strongly and started to push further forward looking for an equaliser, a good ball in from their captain and a well connected header was heading in but Ebchester's goalkeeper pulled off a top save to keep the home side in the lead. First half ends 1-0. Second half was very even with both sides showing the occasional threat, it was perhaps the Ebchester goalkeeper who was the busier of the two and pulled off some good stops to keep the home sides advantage. Birtley, however, found the equaliser with 20 minutes remaining, a corner ball into a good area and a goal mouth scramble fell to the centre forward who put the ball into the bottom corner to level it up. With two minutes remaining Birtley had a chance to steal the points, but the pacy Jonny Parkin got back in to show some real muscle to intercept a one on one chance, from there Ebchester worked the ball forward. Sanderson flying down the left wing found Richie Parkin in the middle of the goal, he showed real composure under pressure to take it around the goalkeeper and slot it into an empty goal to give the home side all three points. Debating an offside decision that lead to the goal the Birtley goalkeeper was red carded for arguing with the linesman. Ebchester's star man was Michael Hannant and the away team’s captain taking it for them. A close game that ended 2-1 to the home side.

BISHOP AUCKLAND RESERVES 13 V 0 FERRYHILL TOWN

Bishop Auckland ran out 13-0 winners in a competitive affair, with the home side in from the 1st minute through Jordan Maughan. A 20 minute hatrick from Lewis Dunn made the points safe, before a stunning Conner McEvoy volley ensured it would be a comfortable afternoon. Callum Walton, Bobby Gibson and two more both Dunn and Maughan completed an impressive victory!

MURTON AFC 3 V 2 SEDGEFIELD NETPark

Murton bounced back from a defeat last week to convincingly beat Sedgefield 3-2. Murton were comfortably the better team over the course of the game taking the lead from the spot mid way through the first half via mustard after Morris was pulled back. Murton weathered a brief storm after their goal from Sedgefield and took control of the game again before adding a second on 60 mins through Kyle Morris who had an excellent debut upfront for Murton. Danny Naylor topped off a man of the match performance with his first goal for the club on 75 minutes and Murton looked set to win convincingly as well as keep a rare clean sheet until Mustard chested through his own net from 12 yards out! Sedgefield made the score line tight by scoring a penalty a minute from time however the result was never in doubt. Final score Murton 3 Sedgefield Netpark 2.

SHILDON RESERVES 1 V 5 WHEATLEY HILL WMC FC

Wheatley hill produced a clinical performance to despatch Shildon reserves and ran out 5 1 winners. The home team never got a foothold in the game and goals from Richard Carr, Stuart softly; Shaun Bradley and two for Philip Hickman sealed the 3 points. Michael Webster got a consolation for Shildon. Man of the match for Shildon was Michael Nichol and lee smith for Wheatley hill. The game was refereed by Kieran Downey who had an easy day which he handled very well.

SHERBURN VILLAGE WMC FC 3 V 1 CHESTER-LE-STREET WHITEHILL

Whitehill’s came to Sherburn following a nine game undefeated run. It was always going to be an entertaining game and it didn't disappoint anyone. First chance landed to Sherburn’s Nicky Marley on 9 whose back flick header was cleared off the line. Whitehill’s replied straight after with a great strike from no 10 Craig Mickle which flew just wide. Both teams were well up for a battle. Whitehill’s keeper was replaced on 14mins after falling awkwardly following a goalmouth scramble. A Sherburn corner 5 mins later saw Marley’s header cleared off the line by no 8 Matty Smith .On 27mins Whitehill’s took the lead with a great bit of individual skill by Mickle saw his 20yd shot nestle into the corner of Sherburn’s net 0-1. The rest of the half saw both teams battling hard all over the pitch and great flowing football being played by both sides. The half ended 0-1 to Whitehill’s. Second half started off the same both teams not easing off. Sherburn levelled on 56 after Alex Hird was brought down just outside the box free kick given Scott Arnott stepped up to slam home bottom right from 20yds 1-1. Sherburn took the lead 4 mins later from another free kick virtually the same position which Scott Arnott curled around the wall and into the top right 2-1. Sherburn made it 3-1 on 68 when a ball over the top by man of the match Scott Arnott saw Nicky Marley run through the defence latch onto the ball and slam home. Whitehill’s tried to reply and 5 mins later a corner saw no 3 Chris Martins headers fly just over the bar. A great save by Sherburn’s keeper Craig Jackson on 78 kept Whitehill’s at bay. Sherburn should have made it 4 -1 on 82mins but a scramble in the box and Marley couldn't get the ball from under his feet but managed to slip it to Hird who put it wide from 3yds . Whitehill’s didn't give up and battled till the end. Great game by two committed teams.

CLEM SMITH BOWL SEMI FINAL

HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES 0 V 1 COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC (AET)
An outstanding semi final with both teams creating lots of chances. Coundon were first to show after the initial midfield stalemate with Cartwright having to head clear off the line. Readman also put a great block in the box to thwart Coundon and at the other end Lake Larkin was making progress down the left and put a great cross in for O'Sullivan who just failed to connect. Coundon wasted several chances with shots going wide and picked up a yellow card in the 22nd minute after Aaron Doyle took a kick to the head. FC was playing very positively and was coming more into the game. O'Sullivan found himself through on goal but the referee blew for a handball and moments later Sam Harrison had a shot deflected with a fingertip save from Kriss Carr in the Coundon net.  In the opening minutes FC went close with a shot and hit a tame free kick to the keeper after being awarded a free kick just outside of the box. Readman showed some great defensive skills when he chased a ball down for 30 yards before putting in a great tackle in the box. The best chance of the half saw O'Sullivan play Larkin in who chipped his shot over the bar. Coundon pressed midway through the half and put pressure on FC but couldn't break the deadlock. O'Sullivan almost put FC in from but put the ball agonisingly over the bar. Keeper Harrisskitt used his body well to shield an attack from Coundons striker and in the dying minutes FC could have nicked the match after FC had 3 great chances. Extra time saw a lot of tired legs and Coundon almost went in front as the ball skimmed off the FC post. Sam Harrison had a great shot cleared off the line but the stalemate was over when Coundon rifled in a loose ball in the box. FC tried to get back into the game but Coundon closed it down as the likely league champions grabbed the place in the final.

 

 

SATURDAY MARCH 7TH 2015

SHERBURN VILLAGE WMC FC 3 V 1 EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES

Sherburn started the game with a very strong wind at their backs. The first chance landed to Consett on 6 mins when a fierce shot from 12 yds was cleared of the line. Sherburn’s Craig McManners beat the offside trap on 15 to see his strike skim Consett's post. Free kick on 22 mins to Sherburn was floated in from the right by Chris Brown to find Nicky Marley whose header was planted into the bottom corner 1-0. A cross from Consetts no 9 Jack Wilkes 9 mins later somehow managed to slip under Sherburn’s keeper to make it 1-1. A flick over from Consetts right by Sherburn’s Alex Hird on 38 found Scott Arnott at the far post to head home 2-1. Sherburn made it 3-1 on 44 mins when Scott Arnotts 22yd free kick sailed into the top corner. Few chances second half fell to both teams. A great save by Sherburn’s Aiden Jackson on 55 was tipped over the bar. Sherburn’s Scott Arnott struck the bar with a fierce drive on 88. Sherburn ran out comfortable winners in the end.

SEDGEFIELD NETPark 1 v 1 FERRYHILL TOWN

The very windy conditions were always going to test both teams. Ferryhill kicked with the strong wind in the first half and had no real changes with Sedgefield creating more but were let down by poor final balls, h/t 0-0. Sedgefield expected to push on second half and they did have the majority of possession but really not testing the Ferryhill keeper enough, credit to Ferryhill who defend deep and cleared everything that dropped their way. Sedgefield were beginning to panic trying to rush the play, their lack of confidence clearly showing after a bad run of form. Ferryhill took a surprise lead with I think their only shot on target all game, 0-1. Sedgefield started to push forward and were awarded a penalty for a handball, Brian Fairhurst scored from the spot 1-1. Shots were coming in but the frustration continued. A very frustrating point for Sedgefield.

BIRTLEY FC 1 V 2 HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES

On a bright but windy afternoon Birtley FC entertained Hartlepool FC reserves, Birtley FC started the brighter and created a couple of chances before a cracking free kick from Sean Lewis on 17' gave Birtley FC the lead. Both teams the created chances at either end but at half time Birtley FC went in 1-0 up.
The second half started bright and Hartlepool equalised on the 50' through O'Sullivan with a well worked goal. Both teams then went on to create chances but failed to take them also with Hartlepool hitting the cross bar. Hartlepool then took the lead on the 85' through O'Sullivan after a wasted set piece by Birtley FC. Final score 1-2. MOTM Birtley FC was Jonathan Swift and Hartlepool FC MOTM Paul Donaghy.

CHESTER-LE-STREET WHITEHILL 7 V 1 MURTON AFC

Whitehill had another comfortable 7-1 home win over Murton AFC, With Whitehill playing against a very strong wind in the first half it was Murton who had the first chance of the game when a long ball bounced over Scott Creswell in goal hit the bar but he saved the rebound well with his legs. Whitehill took the lead on 8 mins after good work by Steve McDonald and the ball was crossed to Scott Hope to fire in for 1-0. On 15 mins Chris Trevena and Steve McDonald made progress up the right hand side for Craig Mickle to get on the score sheet for 2-0. Just passed the half hour mark from Murtons corner kick Whitehill broke away up the field with half a dozen players involved and Craig Mickle fired in his second of the game and 3-0. H.T. 3-0. On 55 mins a great tackle by Chris Trevena in his own box saw us break away again for Craig Mickle to complete his hat trick for 4-0.The goal of the game was scored on 64 mins when Scott Hope took a free kick but his shot struck the wall and rebounded back to him, he then thundered a volley into the top corner from 25 yards for 5-0.Two mins later Craig Mickle scored his fourth of the game when he lobbed the keeper for 6-0, and on 73 mins Nick Mitchinson fired in for 7-0. Murton scored a consolation goal on 82 mins when a shot by John Dale flew over Scott Creswell’s head who thought it was going over the bar but the ball nestled in the top corner, for a final score of 7-1

HORSLEY HILL FC 3 V 0 WHEATLEY HILL WMC FC

Horsley Hill extended their lead at the top of the table courtesy of a 3 - 0 win at home to a strong Wheatley Hill outfit. In the. First half saw both sides play some good football despite gale force winds. However, Horsley Hill broke the deadlock on 35mins when excellent play by left midfielder Phil Great which saw him go past three players and calmly slot the ball past the Wheatley keeper from 18yds. The first half ended with Horsley Hill 1 - 0 up. The second half started with Wheatley applying some good pressure but without creating any clear cut chances. A penalty was awarded to Horsley Hill after some good build up play by centre forward Adam Sharp. Kyle Houshby Cooley slotted home from the spot. From then on Horsley Hill dominated the game and added a third from substitute Levi Collins

AUCKLAND CHARITY CUP SEMI FINAL
The game kicked off with even play. It was difficult to play good football in the windy conditions but Coundon took the lead through a goal by Ben Collinson The second half was poor and Coundon took a 2-0 lead through a goal by Matt Allison. The game ended with a 2-0 victory for Coundon.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH 2015

COUNDON & LEEHOLME YOUTH FC 1 V 1 CHESTER-LE-STREET WHITEHILL

The game kicked off with end to end football. Both teams were playing well when Coundon were given a corner. Ian Madison headed the ball and gave Coundon a1-0 lead. The second half was similar to the first when Whitehill’s were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Coundon box. Matty Smith took the free kick and put the ball in the top corner of the Coundon goal with the match finishing 1-1.

SHERBURN VILLAGE WMC FC 1 V 1 WHEATLEY HILL WMC FC

A hard battling first half by both teams with chances falling for both teams ended 0-0. Second half started with Wheatley Hill on top and should have taken the lead but for a good save by Sherburn’s keeper Lee Abbott. On 68 mins Wheatley Hill broke the deadlock with a fine Finish by Richy Carr 0-1. Both teams were fighting hard with small battles been fought all round the pitch. Chances fell for both teams. On 78mins Wheatley hill went down to 10 men whence fender Lewis Edwards was sent off for second yellow. Sherburn piled the pressure on and on 86 were rewarded when a corner from the left was headed home by Dan Chester 1-1. Sherburn nearly stole all 3 points in the last min when a header by veteran Billy Harker skimmed the bar (the home side all sighed with relief as he would have never shut up about it) the game ended 1-1

HORSLEY HILL FC 3 V 1 SEDGEFIELD NETPark FC

Horsley Hill entertained Sedgefield today and climbed back to top of the league courtesy of 3. 1 at Temple Park. The first half saw both teams playing attractive end to end football. Sedgefield took the lead mid way through the first half when Madison struck a thunderbolt of a free kick which nestled into the top corner. The Hill tried desperately to get back into the game but spurned some glorious changes. The second half saw Horsley Hill come out of the traps quickly and Levi Collins equalised after some great build up play. From that moment the Hill took control of the game and added two more goals through Adam sharp and Adam Bell.

MARK BLAKE MEMORIAL TROPHY ROUND 1

BIRTLEY FC 3 V 6 MURTON AFC
Birtley FC welcomed Murton AFC for the first round of the Mark Blake Memorial trophy. Birtley FC started the brighter and took the lead on 10' after some good play and a cool calm finish from Thomas Illingworth. Both teams then created chances at either end but it was Birtley FC that scored again on the 27' through Jonathan Swift. Murton AFC then went straight down the other on 28' to make 2-1 to Birtley FC. Murton AFC then equalized on 37' with a good finish. Murton AFC then took the lead on the 40' to go in at halftime lead the game 3-2. Halftime score 2-3. Second half started slow but on the 60' Murton AFC broke down Birtley FC's defence again to make it 2-4. Both sides went on to create chances with both teams hitting the wood work but Murton AFC went on to make it 2-5 on the 83'. Birtley FC then pulled one back on the 84' with a well taken free kick from Thomas Illingworth making it 3-5. Murton AFC made it 6 on the 88' with another well worked goal. Match result 3-6 to Murton AFC.

EBCHESTER CONSETT RESERVES 4 V 6 BISHOP AUCKLAND RESERVES

Ebchester hosted Bishop Auckland in the Mark Blake Memorial Trophy, with the score line level after 90 minutes and the away side progressing through to the next round with an extra time victory. The score line in normal time was 4-4, with the scoring opened by Bishop Auckland Lewis Dunn. Ebchester quickly levelled through the head of Christopher Parkin, flicking on a teasing cross beyond the Bishop goalkeeper. It was Bishop Auckland who again took the lead through Dunn, beating the offside trap and slipping the ball in at the back post. Ebchester again levelled through Stephen Agnew from the penalty spot after the Bishop goalkeeper brought down Ebchester winger Daniel Reed when bearing down on goal. The teams went in level at half time, with the score line reflecting the even nature of the game up until that point. In the second half Bishop Auckland scored two quick goals through Thompson and Maughan, however Ebchester were soon back in the game with Parkinson and Agnew levelling the score line. The momentum was with Ebchester for the last twenty minutes, with the home side pushing on and looking to win the game in normal time. Despite coming close there was no winner and the game went to extra time. The momentum of the game shifted in extra time with Bishop Auckland taking the victory, with Dunn sealing his hat trick and a goal for Liam Bain. Man of the match for Ebchester was Richard Parkin, with Clifford Kirkbridge taking the award for Bishop Auckland

HARTLEPOOL FC RESERVES 3 V 2 SHILDON RESERVES

This was set up as a potentially great cup match as you could not separate the teams in the league having drawn 1-1 both home and away. Hartlepool made a good start with some solid passing and had the first chance when Lewi Murphy crossed for Carl O'Sullivan who headed just wide. The deadlock was broken when Hartlepool's defence was slow to react from a Harrisskitt save and the Shildon number 6 Ian Race found the bottom corner. Hartlepool hit back though when Aaron Doyle’s long throw was deflected into the net and went 2-1 up just before half time when Lewi Murphy rifled home from an acute angle. Hartlepool were told to keep it tight in the second half but conceded 4 minutes after the restart when a long ball caused confusion between the defence and keeper which allowed Shildons No9 Stephen Clifford slotted home. Shildon were in the driving seat but in the 80th minute good link up play between Jake Larking and Lewi Murphy saw Murphy cross perfectly for Dom Swinburne to smash home a volley into the bottom corner. Hartlepool then played the game out for a place in the semi final.

BRANDON UNITED RESERVES 7 V 0 FERRYHILL TOWN

On a heavy pitch Brandon soon got their passing game going and in the 10th minute Man of the Match Ben Pearson made a 35 yard run and shot high into the top corner. Brandon continued to press but found Ferryhill's Man of the Match goalkeeper Luke Brown in good form. On 25 mins a corner into the Ferryhill box was partially cleared and Brandon's Dan McDonough swivelled and shot into the net. McDonough picked up his second five minutes later when he hit a low left footed volley into the bottom corner of the Ferryhill goal. 3-0 at Half time. In the second half Brandon continued to press and Dan McDonough completed his hatrick after good work by Ben Pearson. This goal was quickly followed by a debut goal for young Jack Bromley. A lovely passing move by Brandon was finished with style by Ben Pearson for his second of the match. In the 80th minute another 17 year old, Jeremy Allen, scored his debut goal with a cool chip over the advancing keeper. Final score Brandon reserves 7, Ferryhill Town 0.