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.