THURSDAY 6TH MAY 2008

COXON HAT-TRICK MAKES IT AN OXHILL TREBLE

LEAGUE champions Oxhill Central made it three trophies this season when they won our league cup, the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy, tonight.

 But they were made to fight all the way by Annfield Plain Demi in a seven-goal thriller, with the winner coming just a minute from time.

 Oxhill's match-winning hero was striker Alan Coxon, who completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute - just two days after being sent off for two bookable offences as his side won the Harkness Trophy.

The first 20 minutes of the game, played in front of a decent crowd on a fine, warm night, was fairly even, with Oxhill's captain David Watson coming closest to breaking the deadlock with a header which hit the bar.

 But it was a thumping header from the Demi's young striker Ronnie Eilles which opened the scoring on 22 minutes, powering home a right-wing cross.

 The lead lasted only two minutes, as the Demi failed to deal with a right-wing corner and Oxhill midfielder Daniel Craggs headed home to make it 1-1.

 Ten minutes later the Demi were ahead again, when a speculative effort from right-back Aaron Shields deceived the Oxhill keeper, and he could only help it into the top cormer of the net.

 It remained 2-1 to the Demi at half-time, but within a minute of the restart Oxhill were level, Coxon getting his first goal with a right-foot shot from inside the box.

 Craggs came close to putting the champions ahead for the first time when he hit the bar with a fierce rising drive, but Coxon made no mistake on the hour when he turned and shot into the bottom corner from six yards to make it 3-2.

 This time it was the Demi's turn for an immediate reply, and their prolific striker Steven Kirkbride smashed home an equaliser with his left foot from 15 yards out.

 With two-thirds of the game gone Oxhill - playing their fifth match in 10 days - made a double substitution, and it almost paid dividends, with Demi goalkeeper Ashley Westgarth making a tremendous double save from first Craggs and then Mark Eccles.

 Coxon and then Eccles again went close as Oxhill pushed hard for a winner, and, just when extra time and possibly penalties looked likely, up popped Coxon with the winner.

 He latched on to a long ball and finished coolly to make it 4-3 to Oxhill. Kirkbride had a chance to level with the last kick of the game when he took the ball round the keeper, but was forced wide, and ran the ball out of play.

 Second later referee Jim Taylor blew the whistle on a thrilling final, in which every player had been an absolute credit to the league.

 Annfield Plain didn't really deserve to lose, and though there were candidates on both sides, Coxon picked up the man-of-the-match award for his hat-trick.

Oxhill have the chance to make it four trophies on Tuesday night, 13th May, when they take on holders Stanley Royal in the Consett Charity Cup final.

 The game is again at Consett AFC's Belle Vue Ground, kick-off 7.30pm. Admission is by ticket, or £1 for adults and 50p for kids & OAPs at the door.

TUESDAY 6TH MAY 2008

OXHILL MAKE IT A LEAGUE AND CUP DOUBLE

NEWLY-crowned champions Oxhill Central made it a first division league and cup double tonight when they won the Harkness Trophy final.

They were pushed all the way by a Consett Black Horse side who they have already beaten twice this season, and it took a goal 10 minutes from time from Gavin Clews to give Oxhill their 1-0 win.

 He rose highest to head home from a corner, and his effort just about crept over the line to win the game for Oxhill, who played most of the second half with 10 men after having a player dismissed for a second bookable offence.

 The Black Horse took the game to their opponents, but a man of the match performance from Mark Eccles carried through the tiring champions, who also played most of their game on Sunday a man short.

They have it all to do again on Thursday night, when they take on Annfield Plain Demi in the league cup final, the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy.

 The game is again at Consett AFC's Belle Vue Ground, kick-off 7.30pm. Admission is by ticket, or £1 for adults and 50p for kids & OAPs at the door.

SUNDAY 4TH MAY 2008

CRAGHEAD SPRING A CUP SURPRISE

CRAGHEAD John's Castle Inn have had quite a first season in the league, promoted from the third division without losing a game, and today it got even better, when they beat first division opposition in the quarter-finals of the Stanley Aged Miners' Cup.

 Aaron Wilkinson, Grant Fearon and an own goal gave them a 3-2 win at Consett Steel Club, who replied through Lee Garfoot and Dean Bruce. Craghead's reward is a home semi-final next Sunday against another top-flight side, Consett Station Ex-Juniors.

 In another quarter-final of the same competition, Oxhill Central beat Stanley Royal 3-0 with goals from Jamie Green, Daniel Craggs and Paul Pilkington. They will meet Consett Black Horse in the other semi-final.

 In the league, Blackhall Mill might be on their way out of the First Division after 23 years, but bowed out with a win, beating Burton House 2-1. Graeme Clark and Glen Caygill got their goals, with Craig Hampton replying.

 And there was an 11-goal thriller at Lintz Celtic, who completed their fixtures with an amazing 6-5 win over Annfield Plain Demi.  David Lanning got a hat-trick for Lintz, with Daniel Johnson (2) and Aaron Robertson also on the scoresheet. The Demi had five different scorers - Mark Joyce, David Bainbridge, Glen Forbes, David Carter and Jamie Henderson.

 There was one game in Division Three, where Annfield Plain Cricket Club leapfrogged Medomsley Miners Arms into second place with a 4-1 win over Jolly Drovers. Gary Kay, Graham Carr, Ben Smith and Gavin Graham got the goals, with Daniel Coates replying.

Two cup finals take place this week. On Tuesday it's Consett Black Horse v Oxhill Central in the Harkness Trophy, and on Thursday Annfield Plain Demi v Oxhill Central in the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy. Both are at Consett AFC's Belle Vue Ground, kick-off 7.30pm.

THURSDAY 1ST MAY 2008

WITTON GILBERT GRAB POINTS AGAINST CHAMPS

AFTER propping up the First Division all season, Witton Gilbert WMC have put together a late run of performances which could yet keep them up.

 Their latest was a 3-3 draw tonight against newly-crowned champions Oxhill Central. The result left Witton needing a win in their final game against Consett Steel Club to pull off a remarkable recovery and send Consett AK Leisure down.

 Liam Summers, Rob Draper and David Coatman got their goals as they picked up the precious point, with Alan Coxon (2) and Jamie Green replying for Oxhill, who had only previously failed to take maximum points once all season.

Gary Innes got a hat-trick for runners-up Stanley Royal in their 6-2 win over the Steel Club, with Paul Henderson, Kevin Dixon and Chris McGhee also on target.

 And Rob Nichol and Michael Hurst got the goals which gave Consett Black Horse a 2-1 win at Annfield Plain Demi, lifting them to fourth, their highest position of the season. Glen Forbes replied for the Demi.

TUESDAY 29TH APRIL 2008

OXHILL CLINCH THEIR FIRST TITLE

THREE weeks after going top of Division One for the first time this season, Oxhill Central have clinched their first-ever league title.

 The result which ensured they can't be caught by last season's champions Stanley Royal was a 3-0 win over Consett Black Horse, with the goals coming from Daniel Craggs, Kris Soulsby and Alan Coxon.

Consett Steel Club rose to fourth with a 6-0 win over Lintz Celtic, with two goals each from Colin Wheatley and Dean Bruce, and singles from Lee Garfoot and Tom Lavery.

A reminder to all clubs that the next league meeting is this Thursday, 1st May - a week earlier than usual. It's at Delves WMC at 8.30pm, with the management committee at 7.30pm.

SUNDAY 27TH APRIL 2008

BLACKHALL MILL RELEGATED, AK LEISURE NOT SAFE YET

WITH the league's top two on cup duty, the focus was firmly on a big game at the bottom of Division One, which neither team could afford to lose.

 Unfortunately for Blackhall Mill they did just that, going down 5-2 at the hands of relegation rivals Consett AK Leisure, bringing to an end their 23-year stay in the top flight.

A Ross Grundy hat-trick did most of the damage, along with contributions from Scot Scott and David Curry, with Ben Reed and Graeme Clark replying for the Mill.

The result leaves the former league champions bottom of the table, four points adrift of AK Leisure, with only one game to play. However, AK aren't safe yet, as Witton Gilbert WMC, who are three points behind them, have two games left, and a superior goal difference.

They picked up another valuable point in their own struggle against the drop, drawing 2-2 with Consett Black Horse. The goals which keep them alive came from Rob Draper and Ian Renwick, with Rob Nichols and Paul McBride replying.

This means that a win in one of their last two games against Oxhill Central or Consett Steel Club could keep them up, as long as they don't lost the other too heavily...

Consett Station Ex-Juniors made sure of third place with a 4-3 win over Burton House. Their goals came from Scott Watson, Darren Watson, Mark Turner and Richard Eland, with Carig Hamilton, Craig Hampton and Steven Poulter replying.

Chopwell Hotel have had a decent first season in the top division, and hoped to complete their fixtures with a win, but it wasn't to be, as they went down 5-1 at Lintz Celtic. Joel Neasham notched for Chopwell, but Lee Atkins (2), David Lanning, Daniel Johnson and Alan Small gave Lintz the points.

In Division Two, champions Beamish & East Stanley were looking to complete their fixtures unbeaten, and they did it - but only just - as Stanley RAFA became just the second side to take points off them this season. Chris Youll, Jamie Armstrong and Martin Pritchard got RAFA's goals in a 3-3 draw, with Greg Halliday (2) and Sam Rafferty maintaining Beamish's proud record.

The result means RAFA finish third, and a 2-0 win over bottom club Hamsteels Inn means Consett Top Club finish fourth. Joe Gardiner and Peter Jackson got the goals which round off a good season for the Top Club.

In Division Three, Craghead John's Castle Inn were never in danger of losing their unbeaten record against bottom club Quebec Rangers, and they clinched the championship in style with a comfortable 8-1 win. Paul Quinn led the way with four goals, Grant Fearon got two, and Aaron Wilkinson and Stephen Burrows were also on target. Mark Jackson got Quebec's consolation.

Craghead will now be looking to finish the season in style by beating the only side to take a point off them this season, Tantobie Oak Tree.

There was a seven-goal thriller as Medomsley Miners Arms finished their fixtures with a 4-3 win over Annfield Plain Cricket Club. Ian Wilkinson (2), Paul Webster and Mark Lucy got the goals, with Barry Lindoe, Lee Harris and David Cowley replying.

Oxhill Central made it to their second final in a week by beating Consett Steel Club 4-2 in the semi-final of the Consett Charity Cup. A hat-trick from Alan Coxon and a strike from Tony Elvin saw them through, with Chris Connelly and Martin O'Neill replying.

And there was one much-delayed game in the 2nd Round of the Stanley Aged Miners' Cup, where first division Stanley Royal beat third division Tantobie Oak Tree 4-1 with goals from Paul Henderson (2), Lee Innes and Mark Patterson.

* A reminder to all clubs that the next league meeting is this Thursday, 1st May - a week earlier than usual. It is at the usual venue, Delves Club, with the management committee meeting at 7.30pm and the main meeting at 8.30pm. All fines for the season must be paid at this meeting.

ROUND UP 20th,22nd & 24th APRIL 2008

OXHILL CLOSE IN ON THEIR FIRST TITLE

OXHILL Central are closing in on their first league title after two more midweek wins - and have also made it to the league cup final in what looks to be the defining week of the season.

 On Sunday they lined up the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy final appearance against Annfield Plain Demi with a 5-0 win over Consett Black Horse. Daniel Craggs (2), Gavin Clews (2) and Colin Snailham were their scorers in a game switched to South Moor so it could beat Derwentside District Council's decision to close all its fields.

 On Tuesday they beat Consett Steel Club 7-2, with Craggs getting a hat-trick, Alan Coxon a double, and Clews and David Watson also on the scoresheet. The Steel Club replied through Lee Garfoot and Andrew Carr.

 Then on Thursday night Oxhill put one hand on the trophy with a 3-0 win over Annfield Plain Demi, with goals from Coxon (2) and Craggs.

 Those results keep them five points ahead of their nearest challengers Stanley Royal, who only have two games left, compared to Oxhill's four. However, the leaders' goal difference is so superior that a point against the Black Horse on Tuesday will effectively clinch the title.

 The Royal - who still have to play Oxhill again - made sure their rivals can afford no slip-ups with two midweek wins of their own. On Tuesday they dealt a big blow to Blackhall Mill's hopes of avoiding relegation, beating them 7-1. Paul Henderson led the way with four goals, while Kevin Dixon junior got two goals, and Kevin Dixon senior one. Chris Ashall got the Mill's consolation.

 On Thursday the Royal were up against another side fighting the drop, Witton Gilbert WMC, and managed a 2-0 win, despite having two men sent off. Henderson again and Scott Watson got the goals.

 Long-time leaders Consett Station Ex-Juniors also had two midweek games, and picked up four points which strengthen their hopes of clinching third spot. On Tuesday they won 4-3 at Lintz Celtic, with Mark Turner (2), Darren Watson and Paul McCourt on target. Kevin Johnson, Gary Christie and Aaron Robertson replied.

 Then on Thursday, Turner (2) and Watson were their scorers in a 3-3 draw with Blackhall Mill, for who the point could prove vital. Marco Fortunato, Kevin Morland and the veteran Gary Reid scored the goals which bring Blackhall Mill level with the side above them, Witton Gilbert, and within a point of Consett AK Leisure, who they play on Sunday.

 Second Division champions Beamish & East Stanley are hoping to go through the season unbeaten, and kept their remarkable run going with a 5-1 win over relegated Hamsteels Inn. The prolific Alan Robinson got a hat-trick, with Greg Halliday and Jim Storey also notching, with Craig Vaulks getting Hamsteels' goal.

 There was also one game in Division Three, with Medomsley Miners Arms running out 3-2 winners over their nearest neighbours, Ebchester Chelmsford. Phil Murray, John Dettmer and Chris McNally got their goals, with Lee Baum and Simon Wright replying.

MID-WEEK ROUNDUP 15th & 17th APRIL 2008

DERWENTSIDE COUNCIL CANCELS ALL GAMES

Derwentside District Council has cancelled all games on its fields this Sunday, due to the heavy rain on Thursday and Friday. Only one game has survived - the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy semi-final between Consett Black Horse and Oxhill Central, which has been switched to South Moor.

OXHILL & CRAGHEAD HOME IN ON TITLES

SIX midweek games have left us with a much clearer picture of the possible destination of the First Division championship, not least a decisive meeting between the top two.

Oxhill Central and Stanley Royal both played on Tuesday night, and both won - one result effectively eliminating their opponents as title hopefuls, and the other deepening a side's relegation worries.

The latter game was at Blackhall Mill, who slumped to the bottom of the table at the weekend. The game against table-toppers Oxhill was always going to be tough, and sure enough they went down 8-0. Oxhill's goals came from Alan Coxon (3), Daniel Craggs (2), Craig Suggett, Jamie Green and Gavin Clews.

Stanley Royal were up against early-season pacesetters Consett Station Ex-Juniors, and they just edged a closely-fought game 3-2. Andrew Murray scored twice for the Station, but Carl Piecha (2) and Scott Watson gave the Royal the points and ended the home side's championship challenge.

On Thursday, one of the games which will define the season saw Oxhill - who couldn't beat the Royal in six attempts last season - record a resounding 5-0 win over their nearest challengers, and open up the gap at the top to five points.

Coxon and Craggs each helped themselves to two goals, with Green completing the scoring, and to add insult to injury the Royal had two men sent off.

Oxhill have 45 points with six games left - including a rematch against the Royal - while the Royal have 40 with four to play. Third-placed Station Ex are 10 points behind the leaders, with four games to play, while Annfield Plain Demi are fourth with 33 points from 18 games, and Consett Steel Club fifth with 31 from 18.

The Steel Club have had an inconsistent season by their standards, but picked up another win on Tuesday night at Burton House, with Dean Bruce getting both goals in a 2-0 win.

Consett Black Horse have also made steady progress up the table as they catch up with their games in hand, and they plunged Consett AK Leisure deeper into relegation trouble with a 3-0 win on Tuesday night. The goals came from Scott Thompson (2) and Robbie Blemings.

Black Horse were meant to be in action on Thursday too, but their match v Annfield Plain Demi was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

There was another significant result on Thursday night, however, with Witton Gilbert WMC, who have spent all season on the bottom of the table, showing signs of clawing their way to safety. They picked up what could prove to be a vital point in a 1-1 draw with Station Ex-Juniors. Jason Manners got their goal, with Stuart Farrell replying.

The point brings Witton Gilbert to within one point of AK Leisure, who only have one game left - against fellow relegation battlers Blackhall Mill. Witton have four games left, all at home, including Oxhill and the Royal. The Mill also have four to play, including the Royal and the Station.

One game was played in Division Three this week, and it took Craghead John's Castle Inn to within one point of the title. They brushed aside lowly Consett Freemasons Arms 10-0, with hat-tricks from Gary Messer and Andy Hoburn, two goals from Steven Nixon, and singles from Aaron Wilkinson and Lee Davison.

SUNDAY 13TH APRIL 2008

OXHILL KNOCK ROYAL OFF THE TOP, CRAGHEAD DISLODGE TANTOBIE

THE leadership of the league has changed four times in the last 14 days as the First Division title race approaches its final stages. Annfield Plain Demi, Consett Station Ex-Juniors, Stanley Royal and now Oxhill Central have all topped the table this month.

 Early season leaders the Station knocked the Demi off the top after the first midweek games, only to be replaced by the Royal, courtesy of their 3-2 win over the Demi on Thursday night.

 Sitting on top of the pile now, for the first time this season, thanks to two wins in the last four days, are Oxhill. On Thursday night they beat Consett Steel Club 4-1 with goals from Mark Scott, Colin Snailham, Mark Eccles and Alan Coxon, with Martin Herdman replying.

And today they went two points clear after a 3-2 win over the Station, with goals from Eccles, Snailham and Gavin Clews. Their closest challengers are the Royal, and their meetings in the final weeks of the season look like they will decide the title.

  It's been a good week for Consett Black Horse, with their three games bringing two league wins and a cup semi-final appearance. First they beat Lintz Celtic 4-2 on Tuesday night, thanks to a brace each from Scott Thomspon and Chris McGinn, with Gary Johnson and Lee Atkins replying.

The same two players each grabbed a brace again on Thursday in their 4-3 win over Blackhall Mill, whose goals came from Graeme Clark (2) and Paul Forster.

Then today McGinn, Michael Bell and Robert Lavery were on target as the Black Horse beat third division leaders Tantobie Oak Tree 3-0 in the quarter-final of the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy.

 Witton Gilbert WMC, who have spent all season rooted to the foot of division one, gave themselves real hope of staying up with a 3-2 win over Lintz Celtic on Thursday night. Gary Draper (2) and Wes Haley got their goals, with Lee Atkins and Aaron Robertson replying.

 That result, and Blackhall Mill's defeat by the Black Horse, lifted Witton off the bottom for the first time, and above the Mill on goal difference. The pair are level on points, with the same number of games played, and only two points behind third-bottom Consett AK Leisure, who have played three games more.

 Witton Gilbert might have had hopes of doing their relegation fight some more good today when they hosted the Burton House, but they were dashed by an 8-1 hammering. Craig Hampton led the way for the visitors with a hat-trick, and Owen Spinks, Steven Lowery, Mick Hill, Tomas Kosela and Chris Bennett were also on target. Robbie Draper got the home sides's consolation.

 Burton House were bouncing back after a hammering of their own on Tuesday night, 6-1 at the hands of Consett Steel Club, with Tom Lavery and Dean Bruce both getting hat-tricks, with Hampton replying.

 In Division Two, the prolific Alan Robinson enjoyed the day's highest individual goal haul, scoring five as champions Beamish & East Stanley won 6-1 at the Scotch Arms. Greg Halliday got the other goal, with Chris Williams replying for the Scotch in their last game.

 Stanley RAFA's recent run of good form has come too late to win them promotion, but they are guaranteed third place after their 4-2 win at promoted Delves WMC. Lee Wilkinson and Mark Tilney netted for Delves, but Lewis Carr, Chris Youll, Joe Durham and Martin Pritchard took the points back to Stanley.

 Horse & Groom, who had promotion hopes of their own for so long, completed their fixtures and a fairly miserable run of form with a 3-1 home defeat by South Moor Sports, who are also played up.

 Whitehills Pub were looking to round off their season with a win at Consett Top Club, but the home side won 3-2 through David Southern, Peter Jackson and an own goal, with Phil Cummings and David Copple on target for the Chester-le-Street side.

 In Division Three, title hopefuls Craghead John's Castle Inn went top on goal difference thanks to a crushing 12-0 win at Ebchester Chelmsford. They ran up the 150 mark for the season with four goals from Gary Messer, and others for Aaron Wilkinson, Paul Chilton, Paul Quinn, Andy Hoburn, Neil Newton, Steven Nixon, Craig Pope and Steven Burrows.

 Newfield Inn completed their first season in the league with one of their best wins, beating Annfield Plain Cricket Club 5-3. Stephen Charlton got a hat-trick and Mark Emmerson two, with Ben Smith, Graham carr and Dan Graham replying.

 Consett Stateside were looking for a victory in their last game to consolidate third spot, but had to settle for a point in a 2-2 draw with Jolly Drovers. Sean Campbell and Aaron Hodgson scored for Stateside, and Chris Southwick and Lee Teasdale for the Jollys.

 Consett Fountain have had a decent season, and completed their fixtures with a 7-2 win over bottom side Quebec Rangers. David Lumley (2), Michael Profit, Jamie Parkin, David Thompson, Adam Kilty and an own goal were on the scoresheet, with Simon Merritt and Mark Jackson netting for Quebec.

 There were also two all-first division games in the Consett Charity Cup.

 In the quarter-final, Consett Steel Club won 5-1 at Lintz Celtic thanks to a hat-trick from Paul Castledene and strikes from Adam McVickers and Dean Bruce, with Adam Tinnion replying.

 And in the semi-final of the same competition, a hat-trick from Chris McGhee and a goal from Mark Patterson gave Stanley Royal a 4-0 win at Annfield Plain Demi - the second time they have beaten them in four days.

SUNDAY 6TH APRIL 2008

MESSER GETS SEVEN AS CRAGHEAD MAKE IT UNLUCKY FOR MINERS

 HAVING clinched promotion in midweek, Craghead John's Castle Inn are now homing in on the Third Division title, and they were in no mood for slip-ups when they took on Medomsley Miners Arms, who began the day in fourth place.

The Miners could only field 10 men, and Craghead made them pay with a 13-3 hammering, which included seven goals for Gary Messer - the season's highest individual goals haul this season.

Andy Hoburn also got a hat-trick, and Paul Chilton, Aaron Wilkinson and Steven Nixon were also on the scoresheet.

Craghead are now three points behind leaders Tantobie Oak Tree, with three games in hand. Tantobie are the only side to prevent Craghead winning in the league this season, and the sides have to meet again.

 That result, and a 1-0 win for Annfield Plain Cricket Club at the Jolly Drovers courtesy of a Graham Carr goal, saw the Miners slip a place to fifth, and the Cricket Club leapfrog them.

 Newfield Inn have had a decent first season in the league, and picked up another useful point with a 3-3 draw with sixth-placed Consett Fountain. Mark Edmondson and Steven Charlton (2) got their goals, with Paul Ringer and two own goals in reply for the Fountain.

Bottom club Quebec Rangers are determined not to end up as wooden spoonists, and picked up three useful points with a 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Ebchester Chelmsford. Jason Winn, Alan Herron and Rob Hall got their goals, with Lee Baum replying for the 'Knack'.

In Division Two, Stanley RAFA rose to fourth, their highest position of the season, after a 6-2 win at South Moor Sports. Peter Blackburn and Michael Gray scored for South Moor, but doubles from Steven Burdis and Joe Durham and singles from Chris Youll and Martin Pritchard gave the RAFA the points.

Scotch Arms had a very welcome 6-3 win over the side who started the day just one place below them, Whitehills Pub, and jumped two places over two clubs who have finished their fixtures with a 6-3 win. Andy Baker led the way with a hat-trick, with Lee Calvert, Craig Morgan and Duncan McCulloch also grabbing goals. Whitehills' reply came from Andrew Stephenson, Sean Crosbie and Davie Coppie.

In Division One, Consett AK Leisure pulled themselves out of the relegation positions for the first time in months after a 3-2 win over bottom club Witton Gilbert WMC. Goals from David Edgar, Tony KIng and Darren Grundy secured three vital points, with the visitors replying through Ian Renwick and Rob Draper. Blackhall Mill, who didn't play today, drop into the bottom two, though both they and Witton Gilbert have several games in hand on AK Leisure.

 Consett Black Horse won another of their games in hand, beating Chopwell Hotel 5-1 with goals from Chris McGinn, Rob Nichol, Robbie Blemings, David Thompson and Michael Bell. Chopwell's consolation came from Ant Broughton.

 In the 2nd Round of the Stanley Aged Miners' Cup, Delves WMC, who have secured promotion from Division Two, had the chance to test themselves against top flight opposition, but went down 3-0 to Consett Steel Club, whose goals came from Colin Wheatley (2) and Adam McVickers.

 In the quarter-finals of the Consett Charity Cup there were two games which gave first division clubs potentially tricky away games against second division, but both came through at a canter.

 Oxhill Central won 4-0 at Consett Top Club, while Stanley Royal beat second division champions Beamish & East Stanley 7-2. Their goals came from Kevin Dixon junior (3), Mark Patterson (2), Scott Watson and Kelvin Armstrong, with Greg Halliday and Alan Robinson replying.

 Last but not least, Annfield Plain Demi capped a memorable first season in the top flight by securing a cup final appearance after beating Lintz Celtic 3-1 in the semi-final of the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy. Aaron Robertson scored for the Lintz, but Mark Nicholson, Barry Lindoe and Stephen Kirkbride fired the Demi into the final.

A reminder to all clubs that the next league meeting is this Thursday, 10th April, with the management committee meeting at 7.30pm and full league meeting at 8.30pm. Any clubs not continuing next season need to inform us in writing at that meeting.

MID-WEEK 1ST & 3RD APRIL 2008

ONE POINT BETWEEN TOP FOUR, AND CRAGHEAD PROMOTED

THE fight for the First Division title is turning into one of the closest in years, with just one point separating the top four clubs after the first round of midweek fixtures.

Back on top, for the time being at least, are Consett Station Ex-Juniors, who led the way until February. They drew 1-1 with Consett Black Horse on Tuesday, with Daniel Nichol scoring for the home side and Rob Mitcheson replying for the Station, Then they beat the side who took over from them at the top, Annfield Plain Demi, 2-0, with goals from Andy Murray and Anthony Hutton.

Defending champions Stanley Royal are level on points with the same number of games played after their 3-0 win over Blackhall Mill on Tuesday night, with Paul Henderson (2) and Gary Innes securing the points.

Oxhill Central are a point behind the top two in third, with three games in hand, after their two games this week produced two wins.

They beat Burton House 3-0 on Tuesday with goals from David Watson, Daniel Craggs and Alan Coxon, then Craggs (2), Coxon and Mark Eccles were on target as they won 4-0 at the Black Horse on Thursday.

The top three all have to play each other in the closing weeks of the season - games which will surely decide the destination of the championship.

Deposed leaders Annfield Plain Demi are now fourth, and, although they are just a point behind the top two, they have played more games than their rivals, and their title hopes look slim. But they can still be proud of an excellent first season in the top flight.

Consett Steel Club seem to have stalled in sixth, a disappointing season by their standards, and they will regard their 3-3 draw with Consett AK Leisure on Thursday night as two points dropped. Colin Wheatley (2) and Dean Bruce scored for the Steel Club, but Ross and Darren Grundy and Scott Wilkinson replied to gave AK a welcome point for their relegation fight.

Earlier in the week AK Leisure had gone down 2-1 at home to Lintz Celtic, with Tony King's goal not sufficient to answer strikes from Aaron Robertson and Kevin Johnson.

There was a Burnopfield derby on Thursday night, and it ended all-square, with Lintz Celtic and the Burton House drawing 0-0.

Only one game was played in Division Two, and it was a close one, with Stanley RAFA running out 4-3 winners at the Scotch Arms. Kevin and Michael Price and Michael Guy were on target for the home side, but Chris Youll, Jamie Armstrong, Martin Pritchard and Joe Durham took the points back to Stanley.

Congratulations are in order to Craghead John's Castle Inn, who clinched promotion from Division Three in style, beating Jolly Drovers 10-0. Gary Messer scored six, Aaron Wilkinson got a hat-trick, and Paul Chilton made up the scorers. They are up with five games to spare, and, with three games in hand on leaders Tantobie Oak Tree - who they still have to play - will be hoping to grab the title.

Tantobie Oak Tree signalled that they won't give it up without a fight though, winning a tricky game at Medomsley Miners Arms 3-2 to maintain a six-point gap between themselves and Craghead.

SUNDAY 30TH MARCH 2008

TANTOBIE CELEBRATE PROMOTION WITH A TREBLE OF TREBLES

 TANTOBIE Oak Tree have enjoyed a superb season since joining the league, and today they clinched promotion from Division Three in style, in a game in which three of their players grabbed hat-tricks!

 Ebchester Chelmsford were the unfortunate opponents on the end of an 11-0 hammering from the league's top scorers, with Dan Bruce, Paul Hutchinson and Steven Cassidy all scoring hat-tricks, and Barry Cox and Paul Leighton also getting on the scoresheet.

 Craghead John's Castle Inn look odds-on to join them after their resounding 8-1 win at third-placed Consett Stateside, who cannot now finish in one of the two automatic promotion spots.

 Aaron Wilkinson got a hat-trick, Gary Messer got two, and Andy Hoburn, Neil Palmer and Paul Chilton were also on target for unbeaten Craghead, who now need only one win to confirm their own promotion. Gary Charlton got Stateside's consolation.

 Quebec Rangers have left it until four games from the end of their inaugural season, but at last registered their first win, 5-3 at Newton Hall, who were playing their final fixture. Jonathan Doyle, Mark Malyan and an own goal accounted for the home side's goals, but Mark Cousins, Simon Merritt, Alan Kwok, Mark Jackson and Damon Freeman took the points to Quebec.

 Newfield Inn have proved difficult to beat in their first season in the league, scoring and conceding an almost identical number of goals, but they went down today, losing 3-1 at home to the Jolly Drovers. Chris Hall scored for Newfield, but Michael Storey and Chris Southwick (2) gave the visitors the win.

 There were plenty of goals in Division Two, and Sean Crosbie can count himself unlucky not to be on the winning side after scoring a hat-trick for Whitehills Pub in their 3-3 draw with South Moor Sports, whose goals came from Daniel Bankhead (2) and Lee Hutchinson.

There were even more goals in the fixture between Horse & Groom and Stanley RAFA, and the away side emerged triumphant, by 6-4, though the scorers are not known.

 In Division One, bottom club Witton Gilbert WMC have endured a difficult season, but they pulled themselves to within a point of second-bottom Consett AK Leisure after beating them 2-0 thanks to strikes from Gary and Rob Draper.

 Local pride was at stake as Chopwell Hotel met Blackhall Mill, and the home side ran out 3-1 winners through goals from Derek Waters (2) and Andy Smith, with Ben Reed replying for the Mill.

 Two first division clubs were up against lower-ranked opposition in the quarter-finals of the Stanley Aged Miners' Cup, and, with both enjoying home advantage, were expected to progress.That's just how it unfolded, though Consett Station Ex-Juniors were made to graft all the way for their 2-1 win by second division Dipton WMC. Goals from Darren Watson and Andy Westgarth took the Station through, with Scott Embleton replying.Consett Black Horse had an easier ride against third division Medomsley Miners Arms, and Michael Hurst (3), Scott Thompson (2), Paul McBride (2) and Robbie Blemings gave them an 8-1 win, with Gavin Armin getting the Miners' goal.

 The scheduled Consett Charity Cup quarter-final between Beamish & East Stanley and Stanley Royal was one of three games which was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch after yesterday's downpour. The others were the first division game between Lintz Celtic and Annfield Plain Demi, and the division two clash between Hamsteels Inn and Consett Top Club.

Two of the league's leading clubs were hoping to secure a place in the final of the North West Durham Charity Cup, but sadly both were beaten by opposition from the Gateshead & District Sunday League in their semi-finals.Oxhill Central lost 3-1 at Birtley Barley Mow Inn, while Consett Steel Club were beaten 5-2 at home by Felling Fiddlers Three. 

SUNDAY 23RD MARCH 2008

HAT-TRICKS ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY

SEVEN games managed to beat the weather today, and hat-tricks were the order of the day, with five players helping themselves to trebles.Leading the way were Chris McGee and Mark Drake, who both scored three as Stanley Royal beat Consett Fountain 8-0 in the 2nd Round of the Consett Charity Cup. Also on the scoresheet were Mark French and Kelvin Armstrong.

n the quarter-final of the same competition Annfield Plain Demi came from behind to beat Stanley RAFA 3-2 with goals from Kirkbride, Richardson and Raisbeck.Another game which saw two hat-tricks was Craghead John's Castle Inn's 9-1 demolition of bottom side Quebec Rangers in Division Three. Gary Messer and Paul Chilton both got three, while Andy Hoburn scored twice and Aaron Wilkinson was also on the mark. Quebec's reply came from Simon Merritt.

n the same division, Medomsley Miners Arms went fourth after a 3-2 win at Jolly Drovers. Michael Storey and Dan Coates scored for the home side, but Martin Jarrett (2) and Mark Barton gave the visitors the points.

Strikes from David Newstead and Michael McKee gave Annfield Plain Cricket Club a narrow 2-1 win over Ebchester Chelmsford, whose goal came from Craig Nichols.

The final hat-trick of the day came from Peter Jackson as Consett Top Club won 5-1 at the Scotch Arms in Division Two. He was joined on the scoresheet by team-mates  Daniel O'Sullivan and Stephen Walls, and the Scotch's Andy Baker.

Only one game beat the weather in Division One, and it ended all square as Burton House and Chopwell Hotel drew 3-3. Stephen Poulter (2) and Steven Bridge scored for the Burton, but Tony Hughes, Joel Neasham and an own goal secured a point for the visitors.

SUNDAY 16TH MARCH 2008

DELVES AND TANTOBIE ARE PROMOTED

TWO more teams won promotion today - one of them without even kicking a ball.

Delves WMC, who have been near the top of Division Two all season, will be playing in the top flight next season after their 5-1 win at the Scotch Arms. They have 39 points, and although it is 10 fewer than Beamish & East Stanley, who won the title last weekend, none of their rivals can catch them.The win which clinched promotion came courtesy of goals from Sean Wilson, David Carter, Lee Wilkinson, Mark Tilney and Mark Toole, with Duncan McCulloch replying.

In Division Three, leaders Tantobie Oak Tree, are promoted without even kicking a ball. They have three games left to play, but defeat today for fellow promotion hopefuls Annfield Plain Cricket Club means only Craghead John's Castle Inn can now catch or overtake them.

Back in the First Division, things are heating up, and with the top three on cup duty, Oxhill Central won another of their games in hand to close the gap. They beat Chopwell Hotel 5-0 with two goals each from Daniel Craggs and Alan Coxon and one from Mark Scott.Consett Steel Club stay fifth after their 2-0 win over Blackhall Mill courtesy of Chris Connelly and an own goal. That result, and an unexpected win for AK Leisure at Lintz Celtic, leaves the Mill in trouble. AK Leisure won 3-0 at Burnopfield, thanks to David Curry (2) and Ross Grundy, and although they remain in a relegation position, they are now two points adrift. Consett Black Horse, another club with games in hand, also won one of them, 3-0 v Burton House, with goals from Robert Lavery, Michael Hurst and Chris McGinn.

In Division Two, Hamsteels Inn's 3-2 defeat at the hands of Stanley Ball Alley means they are relegated. They are eight points adrift of their nearest rivals, with just two games to play. Carig Vaulks and Ricky Bowman scored for Hamsteels, but Chris Carter (2) and Sean Costello gave the visitors the points and finished their fixtures in style.

Beamish & East Stanley showed why they are champions, with an 8-2 success at lowly Whitehills Pub. Greg Halliday (4), Alan Robinson (3) and Chris Jackson got their goals, with David Peacock and Phil Cummins replying.Horse & Groom leapfrogged Dipton WMC, who have completed their fixtures, to go third with a 3-2 win over Consett Top Club. Ben Pearson, Kieron Laddie and Andrew Whitfield scored, with Tony Daglish and Peter Jackson on target for the Top Club.Not so long ago Stanley RAFA might have harboured distant hopes of promotion, but they have stuttered of late, and lost again today, 3-2 at home to South Moor Sports. RAFA's goals came from Chris Youll and Paul Woodhouse, but their visitors took the points thanks to Mark Hemmings, Daniel Bankhead and Michael Gray.

In Division Three, Consett Stateside stay second after a 7-0 win over bottom side Quebec Rangers which featured a hat-trick for Aaron Hodgson and goals for Paul Charlton (2), Adam Parker and Sean Campbell.Craghead John's Castle Inn remain the only challengers to leaders Tantobie for the title, and they maintained their unbeaten record with an 11-0 brushing aside of Consett Freemasons Arms which included hat-tricks for Aaron Wilkinson and Paul Chilton, two goals apiece from Gary Messer and Paul Quinn, and one for Neil Palmer.Consett Fountain ended Annfield Plain Cricket Club's slim hopes of promotion with a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from David Lumley and Paul Ringer.Newfield Inn have given almost as good as they got in their first season in the league, and enjoyed their best win so far, 8-0 at Newton Hall, with goals from Steve Charlton (2), Daniel Bell, Shaun Summers, Yvan Lua Lua, Lewis Robson, Chris Hall and Mark Stevenson.

 There were two games scheduled in the 2nd Round of the Stanley Aged Miners' Cup, but Stanley Royal v Tantobie Oak Tree was postponed when the referee deemed the pitch markings unsuitable.The other pitched two of the First Division's top three against one another, and it took extra time to separate them, with Consett Station Ex-Juniors beating Annfield Plain Demi 5-4. 

SUNDAY 2ND MARCH 2008

ROYAL AND STATESIDE MOVE UP INTO SECOND

LEAGUE champions Stanley Royal gave notice that they don't intend to give up their title without a fight, with their latest win moving them into second place, their highest position of the season.They won 6-1 at Burnopfield Lintz Celtic today, courtesy of a hat-trick from Kevin Dixon junior, and strikes from Gary Innes, Chris McGhee and Craig Platten. Kevin Johnson replied for the home side.The Royal are now just five points behind leaders Annfield Plain Demi, with two games in hand. Long-time leaders Consett Station Ex-Juniors, who were knocked off the top by the Demi recently, also have games in hand, and their scheduled fixture against Burton House was called off due to the lack of a refereThe Consett derby between the Black Horse and Steel Club ended all square, with goals from Michael Bell and Adam McVickers making the final score 1-1.Another Consett team, AK Leisure had the chance to get out of the bottom two, but went down 2-1 at home to Chopwell Hotel. Joel Neasham and Andrew Smith gave the visitors the points, with Kevin Regan netting for the home side.

Second Division leaders Beamish & East Stanley became the first side to clinch promotion thanks to their 2-1 win over Dipton WMC. Kevin Douglas and Alan Robinson got their goals, with Michael Hall replying.Second-placed Delves WMC will regard their 1-1 draw  against Consett Top Club as two points dropped. They scored through Mark Tilney, but the visitors replied through Jacek Luzcak.Hamsteels Inn and Horse & Groom were both desperate for a win, for different reasons, and the Castleside team picked up the three points with a 3-2 victory through goals from Andrew Lumley, Keiron Laddie and Andrew Whitfield. Brian Innes scored twice for Hamsteels, whose relegation will be confirmed if they lose one more game.Whitehills Pub and Stanley Ball Alley were also both desperate for a win, to lift them away from the danger zone, but had to be content with a 1-1 draw, thanks to goals from Sean Crosbie and David Craig.Scotch Arms have been closer to the bottom of the table than they would have liked after having three points deducted for failing to fulfil a fixture, but they picked up three very useful points with a 4-3 win over South Moor Sports. Andrew Baker (2), Duncan McCulloch and Paul Devanney were their scorers, with Steven Green (2) and Paul Wilkinson on target for South Moor.

In Division Three, leaders Tantobie Oak Tree went marching on with a 9-1 win over lowly Consett Freemasons Arms. They had seven different scorers: Paul Miles (2), Dan Bruce (2), Lee Harvey, Andrew Taylor, Paul Leighton, Ant High and Craig Rice, with Graeme Brown getting the 'Masons' consolation.Consett Stateside continued their recent good run with a 3-2 win at Newfield Inn, and are now in second place. Their goals came from Aaron Hodgson (2) and Mark Panting, with Steven Charlton notching twice for Newfield.The third and four-placed sides swapped places after Craghead John's Castle Inn won 4-3 at Annfield Plain Cricket Club. Lee Harris (2) and Ben Smith were on target for the home side, but a hat-trick from Aaron Wilkinson and a strike from Paul Quinn enabled Craghead to leapfrog their opponents.Fifth and sixth also exchanged places after Medomsley Miners Arms beat Consett Fountain 2-1. Their goals came from Neil Hamed and Martin Jarrett, with Jamie Parkinson replying..Last but not least in the leagie, Jolly Drovers beat Ebchester Chelmsford 9-1, though no scorers are known.

 Two cup quarter-finals were due to be played, but the Stanley RAFA v Annfield Plain Demi game in the Consett Charity Cup was postponed due to high winds.

 The other game, in the Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy, saw two first division sides meet, and Oxhill Central won 4-1 at Witton Gilbert WMC, with goals from Jamie Green (2), Gavin Clews and Alan Coxon. Robbie Draper replied.

SUNDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2008

LEADERS TANTOBIE SUFFER SHOCK DEFEAT

LEAGUE newcomers Tantobie Oak Tree have enjoyed a tremendous season so far, winning the Iveston Bowl and being the team to beat in Division Three.

Before today they had only lost once in the league, and were 16 points clear of their nearest rivals, so their 4-2 defeat at Consett Fountain must go down as a shock result.Paul Ringer (2), Adam Kielty and David Lumley got the goals which did the damage, with Lee Harvey and Paul Leighton replying, and the result keeps the Fountain, who are enjoying a good run, in fifth place.The rest of the top five won too, banging in plenty of goals on the way. Second-placed Annfield Plain Cricket Club won 7-2 at Quebec Rangers, through Graham Carr (3), Ben Smith (2), David Newstead and an own goal. Damon Freeman and Simon Merritt got the home side's goals.Third-placed Consett Stateside were the day's biggest scorers, thumping Newton Hall 10-0 with goals from Gary Charlton (3), Aaron Hodgson (2), Greg Muirhead (2), Sean Campbell (2), and an own goal.And Craghead John's Castle Inn, who remain one of only two unbeaten clubs in the entire league, with plenty of games in hand on the teams above them, beat Medomsley Miners Arms 7-1. Aaron Wilkinson got a hat-trick, Andy Hoburn got two, and Gary Messer and Paul Chilton were also on target. Gavin Armin got the Miners' goal.Newfield Inn enjoyed a 5-1 win over Ebchester Chelmsford, with Steve Charlton (3), Yamin Lua Lua and Shaun Summers getting the goals, with Andy Douglas replying.Last but not least there was a welcome win for Consett Freemasons Arms at Jolly Drovers, which lifted them off the foot of the table. Chris Phillips got both goals in their 2-1 win, with Daniel Coates replying

.In Division Two, leaders Beamish & East Stanley stretched their lead to five points with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Scotch Arms. Greg Halliday and the prolific Alan Robinson got their goals, with Mark Green replying for the Blackhill side.Dipton WMC went third with a 6-2 win at Stanley Ball Alley featuring goals from Michael Brough (3), Scott Somerville (2) and Scott Embleton. Shaun Costello got both the Ball Alley's goals.And bottom club Hamsteels Inn picked up a valuable point at Stanley RAFA after drawing 3-3. One game, Castleside Horse & Groom v South Moor Sports, was postponed because the pitch was unplayable.

 In Division One, Consett Steel Club went fourth with a 2-1 win over bottom club Witton Gilbert WMC. Adam McVickers and Phillip Dodd got the goals, with Rob Draper replying.And Oxhill Central won another of their games in hand, Gavin Clews (2) and Daniel Craggs giving them a 3-0 win over Blackhall Mill.

A handful of cup games were also played, and there were some significant results.

Consett Station Ex-Juniors got back to winning ways after a recent sticky spell, beating AK Leisure 8-2 in the much-delayed Stanley Aged Miners' Cup game. Andy Westgarth, Darren Watson and Stuart Farrell all got doubles, with Mark Turner and Anthony Hutton also on the scoresheet. Ross and Scott Grundy got AK Leisure's goals.

League leaders Annfield Plain Demi made hard work of their Jack Grigg Memorial Cup quarter-final tie against second division Consett Top Club, before two goals from Stephen Kirkbride gave them a 2-1 win.

 There was another close game in the semi-final of the Harkness Trophy, where two goals from Paul McBride gave Consett Black Horse a 2-1 win over Burton House, whose goal came from Steven Bridge.

Finally, Stanley Royal travelled to Stockton hoping to become the first side from our league in many years to reach the Durham Sunday Cup final, but the absence of several key players proved too much for them, and they lost 2-0 to Hardwick Social Club.

SUNDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2008

OXHILL GIVE TITLE WARNING, BUT DEMI STAY TOP

HALF of today's scheduled fixture programme was lost to a heavy overnight frost, but there were again some significant results in the games that were played.

 Surprise leaders Annfield Plain Demi consolidated their position at the top of Division One with a 2-0 win at fourth-placed Chopwell Hotel, with goals from Stephen Kirkbride and Darryl Richardson.Last season's runners-up Oxhill Central have some catching up to do due to the number of cup games they've played, and they signalled their intention to be serious championship challengers again with an 11-0 win at Consett AK Leisure. Alan Coxon led the way with five goals, while Mark Scott grabbed a hat-trick, and there were two goals for Daniel Craggs and one for Jamie Green.

Only one game took place in Division Two, and early-season pacesetters Beamish & East Stanley returned to the top of the table with a crushing 9-1 win over South Moor Sports. Greg Halliday and Alan Robinson both scored hat-tricks, and there were also goals for Chris Jackson (2) and Michael King. The visitors' consolation came from Daniel Bankhead.

Two games in the division fell victim to the weather - Scotch Arms v Stanley RAFA and Horse & Groom v Consett Top Club.

Only one game beat the freeze in Division Three, and Stateside's 6-3 win in their Consett derby against the Fountain lifted them to third, their highest position of the season. Aaron Hodgson scored four times, and was joined on the scoresheet by Greg Muirhead and Paul Charlton. The Fountain replied through Jamie Parkinson, Aaron Martin and an own goal.

Newton Hall v Quebec Rangers, Annfield Plain Cricket Club v Ebchester Chelmsford and Tantobie Oak Tree v Craghead John's Castle Inn were all called off.

 Two cup games were also postponed, Burton House v Consett Black Horse in the semi-final of the Harkness Trophy, and Delves WMC v Consett Steel Club in the 2nd Round of the Stanley Aged Miners' Cup.

 Two games did take place in the latter competition, and Dipton WMC progressed at the expense of Whitehills Pub in the all-second division clash at Chester-le-Street. They won 6-1, with goals from Scott Somerville (2), Michael Hughes, Michael Brough, Darren Rowcroft and Scott Embleton. Sean Crosbie got the home side's consolation.

 The all-third division game between Jolly Drovers and Medomsley Miners Arms was a lot closer. It finished 2-2 after extra time, and the Miners went through after a penalty shoot-out.

There was one game in the Consett Charity Cup, and it saw Lintz Celtic win 3-2 at fellow first division side Witton Gilbert WMC. Their goals came from Aaron Robertson (2) and Gary Johnson, with Rob Draper and Jason Manners replying.

Last but not least, league champions Stanley Royal were meant to be in action against Stockton Hardwick Social Club in the semi-final of the Durham Sunday Cup, but the game was another victim of the weather, and will now be played next Sunday.

SUNDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2008

STEEL CLUB & CHOPWELL BLOW TITLE RACE WIDE OPEN

UNTIL recent weeks the destination of the Division One title has looked to be Consett, as Station Ex-Juniors have been enjoying their best season in years. Top-flight newcomers Annfield Plain Demi staked their claim to be taken seriously as challengers by going top last week.But the title race was blown wide open today, as both the Station and the Demi lost, and last season's top two, Stanley Royal and Oxhill Central, both won, to send out the message that they're by no means out of it.A single goal from Lee Garfoot was enough to give Consett Steel Club the three points in a 1-0 win at Annfield Plain Demi, who remain top because the Station lost 2-1 at Chopwell Hotel. Joel Neasham and Andrew Smith did the damage for the home side, who move up to fourth, with Richard Eland replying.Stanley Royal remain third, but their 5-2 win at Burton House, with goals from Kevin Dixon (3), Gary Innes and Mark Drake, takes them to within two points of the Station, with the same number of games played. Both have two games in hand on the Demi.Oxhill Central's 6-0 win over AK Leisure, which featured two goals apiece from Tony Elvin and Jamie Green, plus strikes from David Watson and Alan Coxon,  was only their sixth league game of the season, so even though they currently sit eighth they can't be ruled out as title contenders.

 In Division Two, Beamish & East Stanley are hot favourites for the title due to the number of games they have in hand over current leaders Delves WMC. They played one of them today, and made no mistake, beating third-placed Horse & Groom 7-3. They had seven different scorers - Michael Brown, Michael Box, Kevin Douglas, Ian Crabtree, Sam Rafferty, Chris Jackson, and, of course, Alan Robinson.Liam McMahon got a hat-trick in Stanley Ball Alley's 4-0 win over South Moor Sports, with David Herron also on target, while the Scotch Arms v Whitehills Pub game was postponed due to the late arrival of the away team.

 In Division Three, leaders Tantobie Oak Tree were left one tantalising goal short of the 100 mark in the league this season by their win last week, but made up for it today by hammering lowly Quebec Rangers 12-2. Paul Leighton (4) and Andrew Taylor both notched hat-tricks, with Lee Harvey (2), Barry Cox, Craig Rice and Anthony High also on the scoresheet. Mark Jackson got both Quebec's goals.Consett Fountain remain fourth, handily-placed to take advantage of slip-ups by any of the teams above them, after a 5-2 win over Newfield Inn. Scott Reay (2), Adam Kielty, Paul Ringer and Aaron Martin got their goals, with Yvan Lua Lua and Gary Medd replying.Trailing one place behind are Medomsley Miners Arms, who won 9-1 at bottom club Consett Freemasons Arms, though no goalscorers were phoned in.Consett Stateside are up to sixth after a 6-2 win at Ebchester Chelmsford, which featured a hat-trick from Aaron Hodgson. David Westgarth, Sean Campbell and Gary Charlton were also on target, with Keith Elliott and Simon Wright scoring for 'The Knack'.Last but not least in the league, Jolly Drovers beat Newton Hall 4-0 with goals from Karl McGuigan (2), Andrew Staley and Graeme Rockett.

There were also two cup games played, one of which produced a shock result. Craghead John's Castle Inn of the third division beat Stanley RAFA from the second 4-1 in the 2nd Round of the Stanley Aged Miners' Cup. Their goals came from Andy Hoburn (2), Aaron Wilkinson and Scott fantarrow, with Chris Youll replying.

And two second division rivals met in the Consett Charity Cup, where Consett Top Club eased to an 8-0 win over Hamsteels Inn, though again no scorers are known. 

SUNDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2008

TEN-MAN DEMI GO TOP - AND ROYAL MAKE COUNTY CUP SEMIS

DESPITE the lousy weather late last week, there were nine games played today after Derwentside District Council listened to representations from the league and referees and didn't cancel everything en masse.

There were some significant results, not least in the quarter-final of the Durham County Avec Sunday Cup, where league champions Stanley Royal clinched their place in the last four.

Even though they had a man sent off in the first half, they drew 2-2 at Sunderland Humbledon Plains Farm, and won the penalty shootout 6-5.

Their 'reward' is yet another away tie, at either Stockton Hardwick Social Club or Coundon Conservative Club on Sunday, 17th February. The good wishes of everyone in the league will go with them, as they couldn't face a harder game than all-England champions Coundon.

Two more of our clubs are through to the semi-finals of the North West Durham Charity Cup, despite having to concede home advantage because of the weather.

A goal from Adam McVickers was enough to give Consett Steel Club a 1-0 win over Dunston Holmside, while Craig Suggett, David Watson and Colin Snailham were on target for Oxhill Central in their 3-2 win at Felling Duke of Cumberland.

Back in the league, there is a new league leader for the first time since the start of the season. Annfield Plain Demi, who have gone through the divisions in consecutive seasons, sit proudly at the top of Division One.

The season they're having must be beyond even their wildest dreams, and to make matters more impressive, they achieved the win which took them to the top of the table, a 3-2 success at Blackhall Mill, playing with only 10 men!

They had a hat-trick from the prolific Stephen Kirkbri