The D.T.E. Consett & District Sunday League
Saturday 6th June 2009
REMINDER - AGM TOMORROW
A reminder to all clubs that the league's Annual General Meeting is tomorrow, Sunday, 7th June, at 10.30am at Blackhill Comrades Club. ALL clubs must attend. Any not doing so will forfeit their place in the league.
Any outstanding money must be paid beforehand. The Treasurer will be available from about 10am.
Sunday 24th May 2009
TANTOBIE MISS OUT ON PROMOTION
SO that's another one done and dusted then, with the last three games of season 2008-09 played this morning.
Most of the ups and downs were already decided, apart from in Division Two, where Tantobie Oak Tree had to beat in-form Blackhall Mill to overtake Consett Top Club and clinch promotion to the top flight.
But it proved a step too far for them, and, despite a second-half rally after finding themselves 4-0 down, they were beaten 5-3. Rowland Lee was the Mill's main man with a hat-trick, with Scott Ruddick and Martin Gray also on target. The visitors' goals came from Sam Rafferty, Dan Bruce and Robbie Drummond.
In Division One, champions met runners-up, and it was the former who prevailed, South Moor FC beating Annfield Plain Demi 3-0 with goals from Craig Suggett, Tony Elvin and Alan Coxon.
And in Division Three, champions Consett Fountain rounded off their season with a 1-1 draw with Hamsteels Inn. Tony O'Brien got the Fountain's goal, with Anthony Bussey replying.
* A reminder to all clubs that end-of-season payments for fines, transfers etc are due by Saturday, 30th May, so the books can be closed and audited in time for the AGM.
The AGM is at 10.30am on Sunday, 7th June at Blackhill WMC. We have at least two new applications for membership. All current members must attend for their membership to continue.
Thursday 21st May 2009
SOUTH MOOR TOO STRONG FOR TANTOBIE
FIRST Division champions South Moor FC proved too strong for second division promotion hopefuls Tantobie Oak Tree when they met in the Consett Charity Cup final tonight.
The 'Arch' powered to a 5-0 victory, with man-of-the-match Colin Snailham grabbing a hat-trick.
Gavin Clews opened the scoring with a header from a corner after just 10 minutes, and Snailham made it 2-0 a few minutes before half-time.
He added two more after the break, and Mark Eccles also got on the scoresheet to give South Moor - who won the trophy last season as Oxhill Central - a comfortable win, and their third trophy of the season, to add to the league championship and Harkness Trophy.
Tantobie could gain some consolation on Sunday when they play their last league game.
A win will see them overtake Consett Top Club to clinch runners-up spot and a place in the top flight next season.
END-OF-SEASON PAYMENTS NOW DUE
Most clubs should have received an e-mail informing them how much money they owe for fines, transfers etc. The deadline for payment is Saturday, 30th May - FA Cup final day. Contact the treasurer if you've haven't had an e-mail.
Tuesday 19th May 2009
LATE DEMI WINNER BREAKS STEEL CLUB HEARTS
A GOAL just four minutes from time saw Annfield Plain Demi beat Consett Steel Club 2-1 in tonight's Jack Grigg Memorial Cup final at Consett AFC's Belle Vue Park.
Substitute Colin Thompson hit a 30-yarder past Steel Club keeper Lee Harrison to put his club's name on the trophy for the first time.
But the Demi also had goalkeeper Ashley Westgarth, who was named man-of-the-match, to thank for their triumph, as he pulled off a stunning last-gasp save as the Steel Club pressed for an equaliser to take the game into extra time.
It was an evenly-contested game played in perfect conditions in front of a decent-sized crowd, and the Steel Club missed a chance to take an early lead when they missed a penalty.
Richie Parkin was brought down in the box by a Demi defender, but the spot kick, which he took himself, was well-saved by Demi keeper Westgarth.
And the Annfield Plain side made their Consett opponents pay for the miss when they took the lead on 25 minutes.
The Steel Club defence failed to deal with a shot which crashed down off the bar, and Steven Kirkbride stooped to head home from almost on the goal-line.
Their lead was short-lived though, as the Steel Club were level within a minute. Parkin made up for his earlier penalty miss by taking advantage of hesitancy in the Demi defence to slot past the keeper from 12 yards.
Chances came thick and fast at both ends, with both keepers candidates for the man-of-the-match award, until the Demi's late, late winner, and their keeper's crucial save.
* In the only league game to take place, Blackhall Mill beat Horse & Groom 2-1 in Division Two.
Sunday 17th May 2009
DEMI ARE DIV 1 RUNNERS-UP, FOUNTAIN DIV 3 CHAMPS
ANNFIELD Plain Demi warmed up for Tuesday's Jack Grigg Memorial Cup final appearance by clinching the Division One runners-up spot behind champions South Moor FC today.
Two big results against their closest rivals in the last four days made sure of second spot, with Thursday night's 3-2 win at Consett Station Ex-Juniors courtesy of goals from Paul Reay (2) and David Bambridge giving them the momentum to finish the job off today.
And they did so in style, with a 9-0 hammering of Consett Black Horse. This time Reay helped himself to six goals, and Scott Hardy (2) and Steven Kirkbride were also on the scoresheet.
In the other top-flight match, Linzt Celtic and the Demi's final opponents Consett Steel Club shared the spoils in a 4-4 draw. Daniel Johnson, Aaron Robertson, Jake Stafford and Ryan McVittie got the Lintz goals, with Martin McKinney (2), Dean Bruce and Scott Wilkinson replying for the Steel Club.
In Division Two, Blackhall Mill continued their recent good run of form, which included lifting the Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup on Thursday night, with a 2-1 win over South Moor Sports. Craig Willis and Stephen Christer got their goals, with Paul Wilkinson replying.
There was a championship decider in Division Three, between two clubs already guaranteed promotion, and it was Consett Fountain who came out on top against Consett Demi, winning 4-2 to clinch the title with a game to spare. Scott Reay (2), Mark Tilney and Adam keilty got the goals, with Daniel Coates scoring twice for the Demi.
Thursday 14th May 2009
SILVERWARE FOR BLACKHALL MILL
BLACKHALL Mill capped a fine second half of the season tonight when they lifted the inaugural Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup.
They beat Newfield Inn 2-1 at Consett's AFC's Belle Vue Ground in a closely-contested game whose result was in doubt until the last few seconds.
Both sides had chances in an evenly-matched first half, but the game somehow remained goalless at half-time.
Lee Craggs opened the scoring for the Mill after 55 minutes, finishing well from six yards out, and five minutes later Stephen Christer added a second for the second division side with a breakaway goal
But their third division opponents didn't let their heads drop, and got a goal back with quarter of an hour left through a superb lob from Ian Stewart.
Newfield came agonisingly close to finding an equaliser, hitting the bar in the last minute, but the Mill defence, well-marshalled by man-of-the-match Graeme Clark, held out for the win.
Tuesday 12th May 2009
TANTOBIE STILL ON COURSE FOR PROMOTION
TANTOBIE Oak Tree have lifted one cup this season, are in a second final, and would have been in a third had it not been for an administrative oversight.
Now they are also closing in on a second successive promotion after a 4-2 win in a re-arranged game against Stanley Ball Alley. Sam Rafferty, Dan Bruce, Lee Harvey and Paul Miles got their goals, with Brian Phillips and Chris carter replying.
Blackhall Mill have been on a good run of late, but playing three games a week seems to be catching up with them after they lost 3-1 at Consett Braes. Anthony Broughton netted for the Mill, but the Braes finished their fixtures in style with a win thanks to Aaron Hodgson, Stu Nichols and Sean Campbell.
Sunday 10th May 2009
SOUTH MOOR LOSE IN LGE FOR FIRST TIME IN 2 YEARS
FIRST Division champions South Moor FC were beaten in the league for the first time in two years when they were just edged out in a nine-goal thriller by Consett Steel Club.
Alan Coxon scored twice for South Moor and Tony Elvin and Jason Ferry once each, but a hat-trick from Dean Bruce and goals from Jonathan Mould and Chris Connolly have their visitors a stunning 5-4 win.
In Division Two, South Moor Sports recorded a resounding 10-1 win over Ball Alley, who only had eight men. Grant Fearon helped himself to four goals, and Scott Watson also bagged a brace, with Peter Blackburn, David Statt and Michael Gray also on the scoresheet. Ball Alley's consolation came from David Craig.
Consett Braes completed their season with a 5-2 win over Annfield Plain Cricket Club, who were also playing their last game. They also had a hat-trick hero in the shape of Mark Richardson, with Paul McNamee and Aaron Hodgson also on target. Ben Reed and Craig Platten replied.
In the Jack Grigg Memorial Cup semi-final there was a close-fought game, and for a change Paul Reay wasn't on the scoresheet for Annfield Plain Demi - he was at Wembley watching Whitley Bay win the FA Vase. However, his team-mates Mick Hall and Stephen Kirkbride notched to give his side a 2-1 win over Chopwell Central, whose scorer was Joel Neasham.
The Demi will meet Consett Steel Club in the final at Consett AFC's Belle Vuie Park on Tuesday, 19th May, kick-off 7.30pm.
In the Consett Charity Cup semi-final, second division Tantobie Oak Tree sprung a surprise by beating first division Black Horse 4-3. Dan Bruce (2), Craig Rice and Ben Harvey were their marksmen, with David Thompson, Michael Hurst and Colin Wheatley replying for the Consett side.
Tantobie will meet South Moor FC in the final at Consett AFC on Thursday, 21st May, kick-off again at 7.30pm.
In the Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup, Blackhall Mill from the second division will meet Newfield Inn from the third in the final on Thursday, 14th May, after they won their respective semi-finals.
Scott Ruddick got the only goal as Blackhall Mill won 1-0 in the all-Division Two clash at Blackhill FC, while Stephen Charlton (2) and two own goals from Liam Panting gave Newfield Inn a 4-2 victory over Consett Fountain in the all-Division Three game.
Sunday 3rd May 2009
MILL FIND SOME FORM, SOUTH MOOR BOOK FINAL PLACE, DEMI IN SEMI
IT'S taken a while, but Blackhall Mill have found some form at last in Division Two.
They secured a semi-final spot in the Consett Aged Miners Charity Cup in midweek, and today they continued their recent run of good league form, when two Paul Forster goals gave them a 2-0 win over Dipton WMC. It means they have lost only one of their last seven league games.
Their opponents in that semi-final, Blackhill FC, are also in decent form, and their 2-1 win at South Moor Sports means it is six games since their last league defeat - ironically to the same opponents. Karl Muirhead and Duncan McCulloch got their goals, with Peter Blackburn replying.
Blackhill and Blackhall Mill meet in the league on Tuesday, five days before they clash again in the semi-final.
Ball Alley v Tantobie Oak Tree had to be called off when the home side could not field a team, and the matter will be dealt with by the management committee on Thursday.
Consett Demi drew level on points with Consett Fountain at the top of Division Three with their 2-0 win at Cronniwell, and guaranteed themselves promotion. The game between the sides on 17th May looks like a title decider, though the Fountain have a game in hand, against third-placed Hamsteels.
Three days after they added the Harkness Trophy to the Division One title, South Moor FC stormed into another final, brushing aside Division Two champions Craghead John's Castle Inn 7-0 in the semi-final of the Consett Charity Cup. Daniel Craggs, Kris Soulsby and Jason Ferry all scored twice, with Craig Suggett also on target.
It took extra-time to settle the Consett derby in the quarter-final of the same competition, and goals from Paul McBride and David Thompson edged the Black Horse into the last four ahead of the Steel Club.
Last but not least, Annfield Plain Demi's Paul Reay has been in stunning goalscoring form recently, and it continued as he bagged five in his side's 9-0 demolition of second division Consett Braes in the quarter-final of the Jack Grigg Memorial Cup.
* A reminder to all clubs that the May league meeting is this Thursday, a week earlier than usual.
Midweek round-up, April 28 & 30
THIS round of midweek games saw the four semi-finalists decided for the Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup, with two from Division Two and two from Division Three.
The Division Two pair are Blackhill FC and Blackhall Mill, who topped Groups B and D respectively, and they will meet in the semi-final following the draw, which was carried out at the Harkness Trophy final.
The other semi-final pitched together the Division Three sides, Newfield Inn and Consett Fountain, who won Groups C and A. Both games will be played on Sunday 10th May, with the final at Belle Vue Park on Thursday 14th May.
But the outstanding result of the week was the Group D game which saw Joe Smith score all five Queens Head goals in their 5-4 win at Ball Alley.
There was one league game on Thursday night, when Blackhill FC and champions Craghead John's Castle Inn drew 3-3 in Division Two. Lee Emery, Robbie Nichol and Lee Calvert scored for Blackhill, with Aaron Wilkinson, Tony Quinn and Jonathan Green replying for Craghead.
Thursday 30 April 2009
SOUTH MOOR's AMAZING COMEBACK
HOLDERS South Moor FC retained the Harkness Trophy tonight after an amazing comeback in the final at Consett AFC's Belle Vue ground.
Andrew Smith gave their opponents Chopwell Central a surprise lead after beating the offside trap on 15 minutes, and Mark Fitzpatrick added a quick second.
When Dale Gibson scored a third to give Chopwell a fully-deserved 3-0 half-time lead, a shock result looked on the cards.
But South Moor, prompted by Mark Eccles and man of the match Danny Craggs, turned on the style after the break, and Craggs reduced the arrears with a stunning volley.
Alan Coxon made it 3-2 with a crisp drive, and a powerful Kris Soulsby header levelled the scores with 13 minutes to go.
That proved unlucky for Chopwell, and Colin Snailham struck an excellent winner into the bottom corner three minutes from time when a free-kick was played to him on the edge of the box.
The goal gave South Moor a 4-3 victory, and a league and cup double, with the title already in the bag on Sunday.
Sunday 26 April 2009
SOUTH MOOR RETAIN THEIR TITLE
SOUTH Moor FC are celebrating today after retaining the title which they won for the first time last season as Oxhill Central. The result which clinched it was a 3-0 win over Consett Black Horse, thanks to two goals from Gavin Clews and another from Alan Coxon.
The fight is now on for the runners-up spot, with Consett Station Ex-Juniors and Annfield Plain Demi the two clubs in contention. The Demi should have been in action today, but their opponents Blackhill Miners Arms failed to fulfill the fixture, and the matter will be dealt with at the May management committee meeting.
Subject to the composition of the league being decided at the AGM in June, Stanley RAFA look like they will be playing second division football next season. They lost their final game 3-0 at Beamish 'A', courtesy of goals from Michael Box (2) and Kevin Douglas.
In Division Two, Craghead John's Castle Inn, who were crowned champions without dropping a point, look to have taken their foot off the pedal, and suffered their second successive defeat, 5-2 at home to South Moor Sports. Andy Hoban scored twice for Craghead, but Scott Watson (2), David Rainbow, Liam Hodgson, and Simon Tweedy gave the visitors a shock win.
Horse & Groom have spent all season near the foot of the table, but gave themselves a slim hope of avoiding the drop with a 4-2 win over fellow strugglers Ball Alley. Their scorers are not known.
In Division Three, second met third, and Consett Demi, who began the day above Hamsteels on goal difference, made it a bad week for their opponents by inflicting a 4-0 defeat. Karl McGuigan (2), Dan Coates and an own goal did the damage, and, with two games each left to play, the Fountain v Demi clash now looks likely to be the title decider.
There was a surprise result in the semi-final of the Jack Grigg Memorial Cup, where second division Tantobie Oak Tree beat top-flight opponents Consett Steel Club 2-1. Dan Bruce and Robbie Drummond got the goals, with Chris Elliott replying.
And Chopwell Central secured a semi-final appearance in the same competition with a 6-1 thumping of AK Leisure. Derek Waters (2), Mark Fitzpatrick (2), Joel Neasham and Andy Smith got their goals, with Tony King getting AK's consolation.
There was a close game in Group A of the Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup, which Washington Town edged 4-3 over Consett Fountain. Gary Allen (2), Ross Docherty and David Corrigan were their marksmen, with Michael Profit, Dan Nichol and Scott Reay replying.
And in Group D, Beamish 'B' ran up the day's highest score in their 9-2 win over Lanchester Queens Head. Mark Dobson, Alex Britton and Jamie Dodds all bagged doubles, with Bryan Kinsman, Matt Lumley and Lee Hodgson also on the scoresheet. Joe Smith scored twice for the Queens Head.
Tuesday 21st April 2009
SNAPPER GOAL WINS IVESTON BOWL
A SINGLE goal from Paul 'Snapper' Wilkinson was enough to settle tonight's Iveston Bowl final in Newfield Inn's favour - their first trophy since joing the league.
He scored with a smart strike from outside the box after just 15 minutes to give the Chester-le-Street side a hard-fought win over doughty opponents Hamsteels Inn.
Both were playing in their first final at Consett AFC's Belle Vue Park, and although Hamsteels had some good chances, hitting the post and watching an early one-on-one roll inches wide, they couldn't find an equaliser to force extra time.
The game's defining moment came in the closing stages when Wilkinson cemented his man-of-the-match award - and Newfield's 1-0 win - by clearing Hamsteels' best chance of a leveller off the line.
Sunday 19th April 2009
STATION DRAW LEVEL WITH CHAMPS - AND FIRST DEFEAT FOR CRAGHEAD
IT was a day of significant results in the league, not least at the top of Division One, where Station Ex-Juniors drew level on points with defending champions South Moor FC.
They did it with a 3-2 win over fellow Consett side Black Horse, and had Mark Turner (2) and Michael Murray to thank for their goals, with Colin Wheatley notching twice for the visitors. However, South Moor, who were on cup duty today, remain favourites for the title, as they have four games left, compared to the Station's one.
There were two big results in Division Two, and one of them saw Craghead John's Castle Inn, who hadn't lost a league game since they became members last season, beaten 4-3 by Consett Braes - the first points the 'Jerry' have dropped in 2008/09.
Kelvin Armstrong (2) and Aaron Wilkinson were on target for Craghead, but Paul McNamee, Greg Muirhead, Gary Charlton and an own goal gave the Braes a shock win.
The other game would have resulted in Consett Top Club guaranteeing themselves a place alongside already-promoted Craghead in the top flight next season if they had won, but they could only draw 1-1 at South Moor Sports.
Goals from Scott Watson for the home side and Tony Daglish for the visitors meant they had to settle for a share of the spoils, and the second promotion place is now up for grabs, as Tantobie Oak Tree can still overtake the Top Club if they win all five remaining fixtures.
In the only game in Division Three, a Mark Lumley hat-trick saw Beamish 'B' complete their league programme with a 3-2 win over Cronniwell United, who replied through Andrew Douglas and Stephen Breen.
Paul Reay has been in prolific goalscoring form for Annfield Plain Demi of late, and he was at it again, scoring six in his side's 8-1 demolition of Ball Alley in the 2nd Round of the Jack Grigg Memorial Cup, and AK Leisure also had a good win at the same stage, beating Lintz Celtic 4-0.
In the quarter-finals, Chris Connolly and Martin O'Neill both grabbed hat-tricks for Consett Steel Club, who were the day's highest scorers. They beat Beamish 'A', who had a makeshift goalkeeper, 9-1, with Martin McKinney, Richard Parkin and Michael Hannant also on the scoresheet. Alan Robinson got Beamish's consolation.
And Tantobie Oak tree secured a semi-final slot with a 2-1 win at Annfield Plain Cricket Club, courtesy of goals from Paul Miles and Craig Rice, with Scott Moat replying.
In the Consett Charity Cup, second division Blackhall Mill put up a brave quarter-final fight against first division leaders South Moor FC, but were beaten 3-1. Anthony Broughton scored for the Mill, but goals from Gavin Clews (2) and Alan Coxon took South Moor through.
Last but not least, there were also two games in the Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup, with Blackhill FC beating Consett Demi 2-1 in Group D, and Consett Fountain triumphing 6-0 over Washington Town.
Midweek round-up - 14 & 16 April, 2009
CUP runs have left Annfield Plain Demi with more games to play than any other Division One team, and they picked up four useful points this week to take them third.
On Tuesday night they won 3-2 at Consett Steel Club, thanks to David Bambridge, Ronnie Eilles and Paul Reay, with Chris Elliott and Darren Bell replying.
And on Thursday they drew 1-1 with Chopwell Central, with a Glen Forbes goal cancelling out one from Derek Waters.
Consett Black Horse are fourth after having to settle for a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at AK Leisure. Colin Wheatley got their goal, with Scott Harrison on target for AK.
Aaron Robertson was Lintz Celtic's hero with a hat-trick in their 4-2 win at Beamish 'A'. Gary Johnson was also on the scoresheet, with Alan Robinson grabbing both Beamish goals.
In Division Two, Consett Top Club need to win their last game to clinch the runners-up spot after having to settle for a point against fellow promotion contenders Tantobie Oak Tree on Tuesday. Peter Jackson and Tong Dalglish netted for Top Club, with Andrew Taylor and Anthony High replying for the Oak Tree in a 2-2 draw.
Tantobie kept the pressure on with a 2-0 win over third-placed Annfield Plain Cricket Club on Thursday night, with goals from High and Glen Cuthbertson.
The Cricket Club had enjoyed a victory by the same 2-0 margin on Tuesday night, with goals from Joe Smailes and Ben Smith beating South Moor Sports.
The rest of the midweek games were in the Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup.
In Group A, Consett Fountain followed a 5-0 win over Hamsteels Inn, in which Adam Keilty grabbed a hat-trick, with a 4-1 win at Horse & Groom, with Scott Reay and Jamie Parkinson each scoring twice.
Hamsteels, who have been flying in the league recently, suffered a second defeat in three days when they went down 4-2 at Washington Town.
Washington suffered a reverse of their own earlier in the week, losing 6-3 at Horse & Groom, for who Andrew Whitfield, Jay Rafferty and Dean Laddie each scored twice.
In Group B, Consett Demi won 3-1 at Cronniwell United, and then drew 1-1 at Whitehills Pub, with Chris Southwick getting their goal in the latter game in reply to one from David Peacock.
Duncan McCulloch, who has been enjoying a good spell in front of goal recently, got all four in Blackhill FC's 4-0 win over the Cronniwell.
In Group C, Consett Braes picked up two wins, following a 3-1 win at Freemasons in which Greg Muirhead scored twice with a 7-1 hammering of Medomsley Oak, where Paul McNamee, Sean Campbell and Gary Charlton all bagged braces.
And Blackhall Mill did likewise in Group D, following a 3-1 win at Queens Head with a 2-1 success at Ball Alley.
Tuesday 14th April 2009
TONIGHT'S Harkness Trophy Final ended in disappointment when it was abandoned at half-time due to thick fog.
Referee Marting Bunting made his decision in conjunction with his assistants and league officials, as the game was becoming increasingly farcical from a spectator's point of view, and, in his opinion, potentially dangerous for the players.
A new date for the game between Chopwell Central and South Moor FC, who were drawing 0-0 at the time, will have to be arranged.
Both clubs received a supply of free tickets so anyone who paid to get in won't have to pay again when the game is played.
Sunday 12th April 2009
IT was a good day for away wins, with no less than NINE of the day's 14 games resulting in the visitors taking the spoils.
Among the awayday victors were Division One leaders South Moor FC, who took another step towards retaining their title with a 4-0 success at Consett Black Horse, with goals from Gavin Clews (2), Mark Eccles and Jamie Green.
Still tucked in three points behind them after an away win of their own are Consett Station Ex-Juniors, 4-2 victors at Lintz Celtic. John Lidster (2), Mark Thompson and Mark Turner got their goals, with Paul Balmer and Lee Atkins replying.
Chopwell Central warmed up for Tuesday night's Harkness Trophy final with South Moor FC with a win of their own on the road, 6-2 at Blackhill Miners. David Spark netted twice, and there were singles for Sean Wilson, Derek Waters, Andy Smith and Gavin Starr. The Miners replied through Craig Gibson and David Clark.
Tony King got a hat-trick for away side AK Leisure at Beamish 'A' but it wasn't enough to prevent his side going down 5-4 in a cracking game, in which Greg Halliday (2) , Jim Storey and Carl Greener were among the home side's scorers.
Consett Steel Club also sent their visitors home empty-handed, beating Stanley RAFA 6-2. There were six different marksmen for the home side: Martin Herdman, Chris Elliott, Jonathan Mould, Chris Connolly, Martin McKinney and Darren Bell. RAFA's scorers were Phil Hall and Joe Durham.
In Division Two, second-bottom Horse & Groom put an end to basement side Ball Alley's recent revival, walloping them 7-0. Dean Laddie did most of the damage with four goals, and Andy Whitfield (2) and Richie West were also on target.
And South Moor Sports notched another of those away wins, goals from David Rainbow and Scott Watson giving them a 2-1 success at Consett Braes, whose goal came from David Parker.
In Division Three, Consett Fountain scored their 100th league goal of the season and went six points clear at the top as they edged it 2-1 over Medomsley Oak. Mark Tilney got both their goals, with Neil Hamed replying.
Two games in the Consett Charity Cup saw the narrowest win of the day, and the biggest shock. The former was second division Blackhall Mill's 1-0 2nd Round win at third division Hamsteels, courtesy of Graeme Clark's goal.
The latter was second division Tantobie Oak Tree's 4-0 quarter-final victory over first division Annfield Plain Demi, watched by a big Easter Sunday crowd. Anthony High scored twice, and there were singles for Paul Miles and Andy Taylor.
There were also four games in the Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup, and they all resulted in away wins.
In Group B, Whitehills Pub won 2-1 at Consett Demi, with the home side's strike by Karl McGuigan's usurped by the visitors' Phil Cummins and Mark Brown.
In the same group, Blackhill FC won 3-1 at Cronniwell United. Simon Wright again netted for the home team, but Duncan McCulloch (2) and Kevin Pigott secured the win for the visitors.
In Group C, Newfield Inn enjoyed the day's biggest win, 9-1 at Consett Freemasons. Shaun Summers grabbed a hat-trick, Sean Bell got two, and there were also goals for Paul Wilkinson, Mark Emmerson, Mark Stevenson and Steven Wood. The 'Masons consolation came from Alan Cullen.
Finally, Beamish 'B' almost matched them with a 7-1 win at Queens Head in Group D. Alex Britton got a hat-trick, Jack Ackerman scored twice, and Chris Lamb and Matt Lumley were also on the scoresheet, with Mark Jackson replying.
MIDWEEK ROUND-UP
Tuesday 7th & Thursday 9th April
STATION Ex-Juniors narrowed the gap between themselves and Division One leaders South Moor FC to three points in this round of fixtures with a 3-1 win over fellow Consett side AK Leisure. John Lidster, Mark Turner and Scott Watson got their goals, with David Curry replying, but the Station have played two more games than the defending champs.
Annfield Plain Demi are a handy fourth, with games in hand on those above them, after a 2-1 win over Lintz Celtic. Paul Reay and Darren Grimes were their scorers, with Aaron Robertson netting for the Lintz.
Beamish 'A' leapfrogged Blackhill Miners near the foot of the table after beating them 5-0 on their own pitch. Carl Greener did most of the damage with a hat-trick, and Steven Cassidy and Kevin Leighton were also on the scoresheet.
But there was more misery for bottom club Stanley RAFA, who lost 6-2 at home to the Steel Club. Jamie Armstrong and Darren Peel were on target for the home side, but four goals from Chris Connelly and one each from Richard Parkin and Martin O'Neill took the points back to Consett.
In Division Two, second-placed Consett Top Club kept their promotion bid on course with a 2-1 win over South Moor Sports. Peter Jackson and Tony Daglish got their goals, with Craig Pope replying.
Annfield Plain Cricket Club remain third, but their 2-2 draw with Blackhill FC and the Top Club's win means they cannot now finish in an automatic promotion position. The prolific Duncan McCulloch scored both for Blackhill, with Ben Smith and Gavin Graham replying for APCC.
Blackhall Mill have had a resurgence in recent weeks which has pulled them away from the bottom of the table, and it continued when they won 4-0 at Dipton WMC, who have dropped to fourth, thanks to goals from Gareth Powell, Carl Armstrong, Lee Craggs and Scott Ruddick.
Tantobie Oak Tree still stand a chance or automatic promotion due to their games in hand, but they suffered a blow when they lost 2-1 at home to bottom club Ball Alley in a game which had to be abandoned with five minutes left due to incidents which have been reported to Durham FA. The league's management committee has decided, however, that the result should stand, so goals from Chris Carter and David Craig gave the Stanley side their first win of the season. Robbie Drummond got Tantobie's goal.
In Division Three, the Fountain went three points clear of Consett Demi at the top with a 6-0 win at Beamish 'B'. Scott Reay grabbed a hat-trick, and there were goals for Jamie Parkinson, Mark Tilney and Adam Keilty.
And Hamsteels Inn drew level on points with the Demi after their eighth league win in a row, 2-1 over Washington Town. Alan Hinton and Kyle Bola scored for Hamsteels, with Martin harrison replying for the league newcomers, who have now completed their fixtures.
The new Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup is now picking up pace, with five more games played on Thursday night.
In Group A, division three leaders Consett Fountain drew 2-2 with second division strugglers Horse & Groom, with goals from Mark Lydon and Nathan Clarke for the home side and Andrew Whitfield and Jay Rafferty for the visitors.
In Group B, second division Whitehills Pub won 4-1 at third division Cronniwell United, with goals from Richard Johnson, David Bell, David Peacock and Sean Crosbie. The Cronniwell's consolation came from Keith Elliott.
In Group C, third division rivals Medomsley Oak and Consett Freemasons drew 1-1 thanks to goals from Chris Muncaster and Johnny Roddham respectively.
And second division Consett Braes edged it over third division Newfield Inn, winning 3-2 with goals from Greg Muirhead, David Parker and Aaron Hodgson. Shaun Bell and Steven Charlton notched for Newfield.
Finally, in Group D, second division Ball Alley, buoyed by their first league win of the season on Tuesday, won 8-4 at third division Queens Head. Chris Phillips and Chris Carter both helped themselves to hat-tricks, with Brian Phillips and Kris Horner also scoring. Martin Bowen can count himself unlucky to finish on the losing side after also scoring a hat-trick for the Lanchester side, whose other goal came from Anthony Gilson.
Friday 10th April 2009
ABANDONED GAMES - RESULTS STAND
LAST night's management committee decided that the results of two recent games which were abandoned will stand.
They are:
2nd April: Div 3: Beamish 'B' 1 Medomsley Oak 2
7th April: Div 2: Tantobie Oak Tree 1 Ball Alley 2
These have been added to the results section, and league tables updated accordingly.
Thursday 9th April 2009
LEAGUE MEETING TONIGHT
A REMINDER that the April league meeting is tonight at 8.30pm, with the management committee beforehand at 7.15pm. Clubs with games are still expected to attend the league meeting. Just get there as quickly as you can.
Sunday 5th April 2009
IT was a day of celebration for Craghead John's Castle Inn, who clinched the Division Two championship in style with a 7-0 win at Dipton WMC. It was Craghead's 19th straight win, and now, with three games left, they will be aiming to go through the season with a 100% league record - a rare feat in any division. Tony Quinn led the way with a hat-trick, and there were goals for Aaron Wilkinson, Kelvin Armstrong, Andy Hoban and Paul Chilton.
In Division Three, Newfield Inn, who have led the table for most of the season, needed to win their final game if they were to stand any chance of the title. However, it was against Consett Fountain, who have title aspirations of their own, and they sent Newfield packing on the wrong end of a 4-2 defeat which puts them in pole position. Scott Reay was their hero with a hat-trick, with Mark Tilney also on target. Newfield's reply was through Shaun Bell and Mark Stevenson.
The result leaves the Fountain top, on the same points as Consett Demi, but with a game in hand. The only other clubs who can catch them are Hamsteels, who trail the top two by three points, with three games to play, and rank outsiders Medomsley Oak, who are relying on slip-ups by those above them, as they are five points behind, with just two games left.
The only other third division game was between bottom club Consett Freemasons Arms and Washington Town, who have acquitted themselves reasonably well in their first season in the league. A Martin Harrison hat-trick inspired Washington to a 6-3 win, and he was joined on the scoresheet by Michael Olds, David Corrigan and Mark Stoves. The 'Masons, who are again the league wooden spoonists, replied through Graeme Brown, Alan Cullen and Darryl Howlett.
In Division One, leaders South Moor FC were in cup action, which gave the chasing pack the chance to narrow the gap, and both their nearest challengers did just that.
Consett Station Ex-Juniors beat Blackhill Miners 5-1, with John Lidster and Scott Thompson each scoring twice, and Kieron Sharp grabbing a goal. The Miners' consolation was from James Parkin.
Consett Black Horse increased Stanley RAFA's woes at the foot of the table with a 4-1 win. Andrew Murray netted twice, and David Thompson and Craig Jones once each, with Darren Peel replying.
Two David Curry goals and another from Darren Grundy gave AK Leisure a 3-1 win over Chopwell Central, whose goal came from Mark Fitzpatrick.
In a much-delayed game in the 1st Round of the Consett Charity Cup, Blackhall Mill overcame fellow second division side Consett Braes 3-1, thanks to Craig Willis, Lee Craggs and Stephen Christer, with David Parker replying.
There were four games in the 2nd Round of the Jack Grigg Memorial Cup, and one of them produced one of the surprise results of the season. Runaway league leaders South Moor FC must have fancied their chances of progress when drawn against Beamish 'A', who they have already beaten 7-1 and 6-2 in the first division. But they were held to a 3-3 draw after extra time and then knocked out 4-1 on penalties, making Beamish the first side from our league to beat them this season.
The other three games went according to the form book: first division Consett Steel Club met third division Consett Demi in a cup for the second week in a row, and again went through by the odd goal, this time winning 3-2. Richard Parkin, Chris Connelly and Michael Hannant got their goals, with Andy Toner and Dan Coates netting for the Demi.
Tantobie Oak Tree from the second division made no mistake against Medomsley Oak from the third, beating them 6-1 with a treble from Paul Miles and singles from Robbie Drummond, Dan Bruce and Ben Harvey. Mark Lucy replied for the Oak.
And there was an all-second division tie at South Moor Sports, which saw visitors Annfield Plain Cricket Club emerge triumphant. Scott Moat (2), Craig Platten, Gavin Graham and an own goal did the damage, with Scott Watson and David Statt on target for the home side.
There were two more games in the fledgling Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup, and in-form Hamsteels Inn enjoyed a 4-0 win at second division Horse & Groom thanks to goals from Gareth Bowen (2), Kelvin Scorer and Adam Lawson.
And the competition saw its first stalemate, though no extra time or penalties were needed, as the initial stages are played on a mini-league basis. Mark Brown and Sean Crosbie were on target for Whitehills Pub and Kevin Pigott and Barry Robinson for Blackhill FC in their 2-2 draw.
The final game of the day saw Annfield Plain Demi carry the league's hopes into the semi-finals of the North West Durham Charity Cup, but they were beaten 3-0 at home by Gateshead Sunday League Premier Division high-fliers The Fiddlers.
Saturday 4th April 2009
ONE MINUTE'S SILENCE THIS SUNDAY
ALL clubs are asked to observe a minute's silence this Sunday in memory of a player from our league who was tragically killed this week.
Gino Shepherd, a 17-year-old left-winger with Lanchester Queens Head FC, died on Thursday night when he was struck by a train.
It is believed he was crossing the track on his way home from their game and didn't hear the train coming because he had his MP3 player on.
Stan Jones of Queens Head FC said of Gino, who used to be on Carlisle United's books: "He will be sadly missed and our thoughts go out to his family."
Tuesday, March 31, and Thursday, April 2
THE leaders in the top two divisions went marching on in the first round of midweek fixtures, keeping their noses in front of the teams chasing them.
South Moor FC recorded their ninth consecutive win in Division One with a 5-2 victory at Chopwell Central. David and Mark Fitzpatrick were on target for Chopwell, but goals from Jason Ferry (2), Kris Soulsby, Mark Scott and Alan Coxon gave the defending champions the points.
Their closest challengers are now Consett Station Ex-Juniors, who are nine points behind, with the same number of games played. The Station played two midweek games, winning both. On Tuesday two goals from Robbie Blemings gave them a 2-1 win at Blackhill Miners, who replied through David Clark. And on Thursday a Mark Turner hat-trick and singles from Richie Eland and Paul McCourt gave them a 5-2 win over Beamish 'A', whose goals came from Karl Greener and Michael Box.
The two wins saw the Station overtake Consett Black Horse, who were beaten 3-2 at home by Lintz Celtic. Michael Hurst and Andy Murray notched for the home side, but two goals from Kevin Johnson and another from Aaron Robertson saw the spoils go back to Burnopfield.
Annfield Plain Demi are on a good unbeaten run, which augurs well for this weekend's North West Durham Charity Cup semi-final, and their latest result was a 6-0 win over Beamish 'A'. The prolific Paul Reay got a hat-trick, taking his tally to 21 in his last six games, and he was joined on the scoresheet by Ashley Westgarth, Colin Thompson and Barry Lindoe.
There was a big result at the bottom of the table for Consett Steel Club, who lifted themselves two places with a 4-1 win over AK Leisure. Richie Parkin scored twice, and Chris Connolly and Michael Hannant one each, with David Curry replying.
In Division Two, Craghead John's Castle Inn made it 18 wins out of 18 and 100 league goals for the season with a 2-1 win at the Horse & Groom. Andy Rennoldson was on target for the home side, but regular marksmen Aaron Wilkinson and Tony Quinn secured the points which mean Craghead need only one more win to clinch the championship.
Second-placed Consett Top Club also kept their promotion push on track by beating the Horse & Groom. Andrew Pearson, Michael Robson and Peter Jackson got their goals in the 3-2 win, with David Sewell and Mark Emery replying.
Tantobie Oak Tree look in the strongest position to do something about it, due to their games in hand, and they picked up six points with two wins. On Tuesday they beat Whitehills Pub 3-1, thanks to Paul Leighton, Graham Carr and Andrew Taylor. Sean Crosbie got Whitehills' goal. Then on Thursday they had seven different scorers in a 7-3 win at Annfield Plain Cricket Club. Carr and Taylor were among them, and they were joined by Dan Bruce, Robbie Drummond, Gary Mackay, Paul Miles and Craig Rice. APCC's scorers were Gary Kay, Scott Moat and Craig Platten.
It was a bad week for the Cricket Club, who could have gone third if results had gone their way. They also lost 4-1 to Blackhall Mill, who picked up four points in their two midweek games to haul themselves further away from the foot of the table. Tuesday's win was down to goals from Martin Gray, Gareth Powell, Alan Rennison and Graeme Clark, with Anthony Sanderson replying. And on Thursday they drew 2-2 with Ball Alley, with Rennison and Scott Ruddick on the scoresheet for the Mill, and Mark Finlay and Kris Hewitt for Ball Alley.
It wasn't a good week either for Consett Braes, whose three-match winning run came to an abrupt halt when they lost both their games. On Tuesday a Scott Watson hat-trick saw them beaten 3-1 at South Moor Sports, with Paul McNamee getting their consolation. And on Thursday a Duncan McCulloch double saw the Braes beaten 2-0 at Blackhill FC.
In Division Three, Lanchester Queens Head completed their league programme, but couldn't end it on a winning note, going down 6-1 at Consett Fountain. Scott Reay and Adam Keilty both scored twice, and Jamie Parkinson and Mark Tilney once each, with Simon Merritt replying.
The Beamish 'B' v Medomsley Oak game on Thursday had to be abandoned after 73 minutes, with the visitors leading 2-1, when heavy fog made it impossible to continue.
There were three games played in the Consett Aged Miners Charity Cup, and Consett Demi got their Group B mini-campaign off to a good start with a 3-1 win over Cronniwell United. Dan Coates, Andy Toner and Michael Storey scored, with Simon Wright replying.
In Group C, two goals from Martin Jarrett and one from Chris Muncaster gave Medomsley Oak a 3-2 win over Consett Freemasons, for who Daryll Howlett scored twice
The first game in Group D saw second division Ball Alley beat third division Beamish 'B' 3-2. Mark Lumley scored both Beamish goals, but David Craig, Brian Phillips and Kris Hewitt gave the Stanley side the win.
Sunday 29th March 2009
DEFENDING champions South Moor FC took another step towards retaining their First Division title today with a 6-0 victory over Blackhill Miners. Tony Elvin, Colin Snailham, Gavin Clews, Jamie Green, Jason Ferry and Liam Petrie got the goals which keep them 12 points clear of their nearest challengers.
Consett Station Ex-Juniors were hoping to stay in touch with the leaders when they travelled to bottom club Stanley RAFA, but were instead left to reflect on two points dropped after having to settle for a 3-3 draw. Mark Turner (2) and Richie Eland were on target for the Station, but goals from Jamie Armstrong, Lee Carr-Sloanes and Darren Peel earned RAFA a valuable point in their fight against the drop.
A Paul Balmer hat-trick was the highlight of Lintz Celtic's 6-2 win at AK Leisure, for who Tony King scored twice. Also on the scoresheet for the Burnopfield side were Dan and Kevin Johnson, and Aaron Robertson.
In Division Two, leaders Craghead John's Castle Inn were on cup duty, and they made up for the disappointment of losing the Abbey Trophy final in midweek by securing a semi-final appearance in the Consett Charity Cup. They beat first division Beamish 'A' – the third top-flight opponents they have knocked out of cups this season – 6-4 after extra time. Their goals came from Steven Nixon, Paul Chilton, Tony Quinn (2), Dan Bankhead and Jonathan Green. Beamish's goals came from Stephen Cassidy, Michael Box, Greg Halliday and Alan Robinson.
Back in the league, second-placed Consett Top Club got back to winning ways after their draw last week, beating fourth-placed Annfield Plain Cricket Club 6-2. Craig Platten scored twice for APCC, but Andy Pearson and Tony Daglish did the same for the Top Club, and Michael Robson and Michael Bell also got among the goals.
Scott Watson was South Moor Sports' hat-trick hero in their 6-1 win at bottom club Ball Alley, with Craig Pope (2) and Darren Rosser also scoring. Brian Phillips got the home side's consolation.
In Division Three, Hamsteels Inn continued their excellent recent form with a 2-0 win at Beamish 'B' with goals from Gareth Bowen and Phil Holmes. It was their seventh straight win, and lifts them up to third.
Medomsley Oak went fourth with a 3-0 win over Washington Town, thanks to goals from Neil Hamed, Martin Jarrett and Dane Marsland.
The much-delayed Consett Charity Cup 1st Round tie between Blackhall Mill and Consett Braes was the only game of the day to fall victim to the weather, due to a frozen pitch.
There were four 2nd Round games in the same competition, and a single goal from Chris Elliott was enough to give first division Consett Steel Club a 1-0 win over third division Consett Demi.
Other top-flight clubs found it easier against lower-ranked opposotion, with first division prevailing against second in two other ties.
Consett Black Horse beat the Horse & Groom 6-1, with goals from Michael Hurst (2), Craig Jones (2), Philip Dodds and Andrew Murray, with Kieron Laddie replying.
And Annfield Plain Demi walloped Blackhill FC 9-2, with the prolific Paul Reay helping himself to four more goals. Darren Grimes also got two, and there were singles for Colin Thompson, Phil Raisbeck and Barry Lindoe. Kevin Price and Duncan McCulloch replied for Blackhill.
The biggest win of the day was recorded by second division Tantobie Oak Tree, still on a high after winning the Abbey Trophy in midweek. They travelled to third division leaders Consett Demi, and came away with a stunning 11-2 win. Robbie Drummond, Paul Leighton and Ant High all scored twice, and Andrew Taylor, Lee Harvey, Paul Miles, Dan Bruce and Chris Baker also helped themselves to goals. The Fountain's reply came from Mark Tilney and Adam Kielty.
There was one game in the Consett Aged Miners Charity Cup, and it, too, featured plenty of goals. Whitehills Pub beat Cronniwell United 5-3, with goals from Chris Morris (2), Mark Brown, David Cowen and David Peacock. The visitors replied through Keith Elliott (2) and Simon Wright.
Tuesday 24th March 2009
TANTOBIE Oak Tree lifted the first silverware of the season tonight when they beat Craghead John's Castle Inn 3-2 in a pulsating Abbey Trophy Final.
The game between two of the Second Division's leading sides attracted a big, boisterous crowd, to Consett AFC's Belle Vue Park, and two well-matched teams went at each other at a furious pace from the off.
It was midway through the half before either side had a good chance, and then both went close. Tantobie hit the bar with a long-range free-kick, and then their goalkeeper Chris Baker had to be alert to turn a deflected shot round for a corner.
It was another deflection which produced the first goal of the game on 32 minutes, when Sam Rafferty's 25-yard free-kick took a touch off the Craghead wall to send the ball looping over keeper Tony Ridley to make it 1-0 to Tantobie.
Three minutes later it was 2-0 when the division's runaway leaders failed to clear their lines, and Lee Harvey made them pay with a crisp shot into the bottom corner.
Another three minutes had elapsed when Craghead halved the deficit, Aaron Wilkinson scoring from an acute angle after latching onto Jonathan Green's pass.
Three goals in six minutes had set the game alight, but there was no further scoring before the interval, which arrived with Tantobie leading 2-1.
Three minutes into the second half, they had restored their two-goal lead, when Paul Leighton finished into the empty net as the ball bounced kindly for him to run it past the keeper from Harvey's flick-on.
Craghead's Tony Quinn then almost scored directly from a corner, with the ball cannoning off the back post, and Tantobie's Paul Miles forced a good diving save from Ridley as the game continued to ebb and flow.
Just past the hour mark, Craghead pulled it back to 3-2, when Baker saved well from Danny Bankhead's header after good work down the right by Andy Hoban, only for Quinn to be on the spot to slot home the loose ball.
The last half-hour saw Craghead launch wave after wave of attacks, and Baker pulled off a couple of fine saves, with a defender coming to his rescue by hacking the ball off the line on the one occasion he was beaten.
Tantobie's defence held firm in the face of some relentless Craghead pressure, with man of the match Gary Mackay outstanding.
Congratulations to Tantobie, who add the Abbey Trophy to the Iveston Bowl they won last year, and commiserations to Craghead, who will be looking to make amends for their defeat by adding the Division Two title to the Division Three championship they won 12 months ago.
Sunday 22nd March 2009
THE leaders of the top two divisions went marching on today, but there was a change at the top of the Third Division which could prove decisive.
Consett Demi won 8-0 at bottom club Freemasons to send them above long-time leaders Newfield Inn, who only have one game left. Carl McGuigan was the Demi's hero with SIX goals, with Michael Storey and Dan Coates also on the scoresheet.
The only other game in the division saw the league's two newcomers meet, and Beamish 'B' took the points with a 4-3 win over Washington Town, who finished with only eight men after having three players sent off.
In the Iveston Bowl semi-final, Hamsteels Inn booked a first-ever appearance at Belle Vue with a 2-0 win at Consett Fountain, courtesy of goals from Kyle Bola and Gareth Bowen. They will face Consett Demi, on a date to be arranged.
There was one game in the Consett Aged Miners' Charity Cup, where Newfield made it two wins out of two with a 3-0 success at Medomsley Oak.
In Division Two, leaders Craghead John's Castle Inn look unstoppable, and their 5-1 win over Stanley Ball Alley was their 17th consecutive league victory. Their goals came from Neil Bankhead (3), Andy Hoban and Neil Newton, with Chris Hewitt replying.
Their closest challengers, Consett Top Club, could only draw 1-1 with Blackhill FC, which means that one more win guarantees Craghead the championship. Michael Robson scored for the Top Club, and Duncan McCulloch for Blackhill.
Dipton WMC are still entertaining thoughts of promotion, but suffered a blow in a 1-0 defeat at Tantobie Oak Tree, through a Paul Hutchinson goal. Tantobie's games in hand mean they could still be promoted themselves.
Annfield Plain Cricket Clkub are fourth, but level on points with Dipton, after their 2-0 win over Horse & Groom, with goals from Craig Platten and Gavin Graham.
Blackhall Mill's win last week lifted them out of the bottom two, but they remain in danger after a 3-1 home defeat by Consett Braes. Scott Ruddick scored for the Mill, but a Gary Charlton hat-trick gave the Braes the points and their third win in a row.
Whitehills Pub have been struggling for form of late, and recorded their first win in seven league games today, beating South Moor Sports 3-0 with two goals from Phil Johnson and one from David Cowan.
In Division One, leaders South Moor FC forged ahead at the top, with Gavin Clews and Lee Shaw giving them a 2-0 win over AK Leisure – their seventh win in a row.
Consett Black Horse suffered a body blow in their pursuit of the champions, losing 3-2 at home to Consett Station Ex-Juniors, who are now only a point behind in third place. Chris McGinn and David Thompson were on target for the Black Horse, but Robbie Blemings (2) and Mark Turner gave the visitors three valuable points.
Consett Steel Club have found it a struggle to pick up points all season, but gained a valuable one today in a 1-1 draw with Blackhill Miners. Martin McKinney scored for the Steel Club, with Mark Toole replying.
And it has taken seven months, but it has come at last – Stanley RAFA have won their first game and given themselves some hoep of beating the drop. They beat Beamish 'A' 3-2 with goals from Colin Stobbart, Phil Hall and Gordon rainbow, with Alan Robinson and Michael Box replying.
Finally, two teams with little to choose between them on the day met in the semi-final of the Harkness Trophy, and Chopwell Central beat Annfield Plain Demi 4-1 to secure a final showdown with South Moor FC. Andy Smith (2), Derek Waters and Mark Fitzpatrick were their scorers, with Paul Reay notching for the Demi – his 14th goal in his last four games.
Sunday 15th March 2009
APOLOGIES first of all for this belated update. We are having major connectivity problems with the website. Basically, every time we try to upload something it crashes out. This has been reported to League Website, and will hopefully be resolved shortly.
Anyway, to the football: there were some significant results throughout the league today, not least in Division One, where the top four all won.
Defending champions South Moor FC maintained their unbeaten league record with a 5-1 win at Lintz Celtic - their sixth consecutive victory. Alan Coxon got a hat-trick and Kris Soulsby two goals, with Aaron Robertson replying for the home side.
Consett Black Horse remain their closest rivals, trailing by six points with the same number of games played. They scraped a narrow 1-0 win over second-bottom Consett Steel Club, thanks to a goal from Colin Wheatley, who moved between the clubs earlier this season.
Consett Station Ex-Juniors remain third, but did their goal difference the power of good with a 9-0 crushing of bottom club Stanley RAFA. Robbie Blemings got a hat-trick, Stuart Farrell got two, and there were goals from Paul Castledene, Scott Thompson, Andy Westgarth and Keiron Sharp.
Annfield Plain Demi remain on the heels of the top three, with games in hand over all of them. They won 5-0 at Consett AK Leisure, with Paul Reay and Stephen Kirkbride each netting twice, and Colin Thompson wrapping up the scoring. The brace takes Reay's recent tally to an incredible 13 goals in three games.
Beamish 'A' have had a decent spell of late, with only one defeat in their last seven games, but they came unstuck today, losing 4-2 at home to Chopwell Central. Greg Halliday and Alan Robinson scored for the home side, but Dale Gibson, Andy Smith, and David and Mark Fitzpatrick took the points back to Chopwell.
In Division Two, the top two met in the semi-final of the Abbey Trophy, and it was leaders Craghead John's Castle Inn who prevailed. Goals from Aaron Wilkinson and Tony Quinn gave them a 2-1 win over Consett Top Club, who replied through Tony Daglish. Craghead meet Tantobie Oak Tree in the final on Tuesday, 24th March, at Consett AFC's Belle Vue Park, kick-off 7.30pm
The cup tie gave the chasing pack the chance to make up some ground, but third-placed Dipton WMC slipped up, losing 3-1 at home to Tantobie. Gary Mackay (2) and Lee Harvey were on target for the Oak Tree, with Ted Sherrard getting Dipton's goal.
Annfield Plain Cricket Club still harbour hopes of promotion, and did them no harm today with a 5-0 win over Whitehills Pub, with goals from Craig Ridley, Richie Telford, Craig Platten, Ben Smith and Gavin Graham.
Consett Braes recorded their first league win October against the Horse & Groom two weeks ago, and today's rematch saw them repeat the success. Gary Charlton got four of the goals in a 5-2 win, with David Parker joining him on the scoresheet. Andrew Whitfield and Kieron Laddie replied for the Castleside side, who suffered a sixth successive league defeat.
The Horse & Groom have actually dropped into the relegation places, after being leapfrogged by Blackhall Mill, who won 6-2 at bottom club Ball Alley. The Stanley side had three points deducted for failing to fulfil last week's fixture v Consett Braes, leaving them on -1.
The biggest aggregate score of the day came at Blackhill FC v South Moor Sports, with the home side on the wrong end of a 9-2 hiding. Michael Price and Robert Nichol scored for Blackhill, but David Rainbow (4), Scott Watson (3) and Gary Clarke (2) gave the visitors an emphatic win.
In Division Three, leaders Newfield Inn, who only have one league fixture left, were playing the first game of their Consett Aged Miners Charity Cup campaign, and two goals from Steven Charlton gave them a 2-0 win over Consett Freemasons.
This gave second-placed Consett Demi the opportunity to narrow the gap at the top, and they did, to just two points, beating the Queens Head 3-1. Karl McGuigan (2) and Andrew Toner got the goals, with the Lanchester side's reply an own goal. The Demi have three games in hand on Newfield, and look well-placed to challenge them for the title.
Don't rule Consett Fountain out of the running though. They are five points behind the leaders, with five games in hand. Their latest success was a 4-0 win over Beamish 'B' courtesy of goals from Scott Reay (2), Mark Tilley and Adam Kielty.
Hamsteels Inn are also on a good run, and their 6-1 win over Medomsley Oak was their sixth league win in a row. Gareth Bowen was their hero with a hat-trick, with Phil Holmes (2) and Russell Harris also on target. Dane Marsland replied for the Oak.
With the third division league programme well advanced, teams at the bottom are scrambling for points as much as those at the top in a bid to avoid having to apply for re-election, and Cronniwell United picked up a valuable point in a 2-2 draw with Washington Town. Danny O'Sullivan and James Hanson got the home side's goals, with Martin and Matthew Harrison replying for the visitors.
Thursday 12th March 2009
MONTHLY MEETING TONIGHT AT BLACKHILL CLUB (MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 7.30PM, MAIN MEETING 8.30PM). ALL FINES TO BE PAID.
Sunday 8th March 2009
DIVISION One has started to look like a one-horse race in recent weeks, with the pack chasing leaders South Moor FC all losing ground.
But the defending champions being in cup action today gave their closest challengers the chance to edge a little closer, and Consett Black Horse made no mistake, winning 4-0 at struggling Stanley RAFA with two goals from Craig Jones and one each from Colin Wheatley and Scott Goldsmith.
The Black Horse now trail South Moor by six points, but the pair have yet to meet, and their two clashes could well be the games which determine the destination of the league title.
Station Ex-Juniors suffered a damaging defeat by the Steel Club last weekend, but bounced back with a 4-3 win at Chopwell Central. Their goals came from Robbie Blemings (2), Richie Eland and Paul McCourt, with Derek Waters, David Fitzpatrick and Andy Smith replying.
The Steel Club's tails were up after their 1-0 win over the Station last week, but they suffered a blow today when they went down 3-2 at home to Beamish 'A'. Richard Parkin and Scott Wilkinson struck for the home side, but Greg Halliday, Jim Storey and Michael Box gave Beamish the points which ease their own relegation fears.
Leaders South Moor FC won the divisional cup the Harkness Trophy last season as Oxhill Central, and took their place in this season's final with a 7-2 semi-final win over AK Leisure. Mark Scott got a hat-trick and there were doubles for Jamie Green and Alan Coxon, with Darren Grundy and Nick Tinkler replying for AK.
Annfield Plain Demi secured their place in the last four of the same competition, where they will play Chopwell Central for the right to meet South Moor in the final. The Demi hammered Blackhill Miners 9-0, with Paul Reay following last week's seven-goal blast with another four today. There was also a hat-trick for Stephen Kirkbride, and singles for Barry Lindoe and Vince Murray.
In Division Two, leaders Craghead John's Castle Inn were on cup duty, and they secured a last-four meeting with their closest league challengers Consett Top Club with a 4-0 quarter-final win at South Moor Sports, courtesy of goals from Tony Quinn (2), Andy Hoban and Aaron Wilkinson.
In the semi-final of the same cup, Tantobie Oak Tree secured a final appearance at Belle Vue with a 3-1 win over Annfield Plain Cricket Club. Robbie Drummond (2) and Lee Harvey got the goals, with Craig Platten replying.
Back in the league, third-placed Dipton WMC kept their hopes of promotion alive with a fifth consecutive win, beating Blackhill FC. Michael Brough got all four goals, with Lee Emery and Michael Price responding for Blackhill.
And there was a huge win for Blackhall Mill - only their second of the season - as they beat Whitehills Pub 3-2 with goals from Alan Rennison (2) and Martin Gray. Sean Crosbie and Aaron Bell responded. The Mill are still in the bottom two, but now just a point behind Horse & Groom, with four games in hand.
Consett Braes v Ball Alley was postponed, as the Stanley team were unable to field a side.
In Division Three, leaders Newfield Inn suffered an unexpected 4-2 home defeat at the hands of league newcomers Washington Town, which brought their six-match unbeaten run to an end. No goalscorers were rang in.
The other new boys, Beamish 'B', also enjoyed a victory, 4-3 over Consett Freemasons Arms. Mark Dobson, Alex Britton, Dean Cuthbertson and Stuart Ferguson got the goals, with Chris Shields, John Roddham and Michael Thompson notching for the 'Masons.
And Medomsley Oak kept their promotion hopes alive with a 5-2 defeat of the Queens Head. Damon Freeman and Lee Shepherd netted for the Lanchester side, but a Chris Muncaster hat-trick and goals from Chris McNally and Mark Lucy gave the Oak a useful three points, and lifted them to third.
The teams which were 2nd and 3rd in the division at the start of play met in the quarter-final of the Iveston Bowl, and it was Consett Fountain who made up for being leapfrogged by the Oak with a 4-2 win over Consett Demi to secure their place in the semi-finals. Scott Reay was their hero with a hat-trick, with Adam Kielty also on target, with Andrew Staley and Dan Coates scoring for the Demi.
In the first game in the new Consett Aged Miners Charity Cup, the tie went according to league placing, with second division Horse & Groom prevailing 3-2 at third division Hamsteels Inn. Phil Holmes and Gareth Bowen scored for the home side, but Andrew Whitfield, David Sewell and Keiron Laddie saw the H&G to an opening win in the round-robin competition.
Teams will meet home and away in four groups of four, with the table-toppers going through to the semi-finals.
Sunday 1st March 2009
REAY GETS 7 FOR DEMI, SOUTH MOOR, CRAGHEAD & NEWFIELD SURGE AHEAD
PAUL Reay of Annfield Plain Demi was in scintillating form in his side's 8-3 win at Chopwell Central. He scored SEVEN of their goals, with Darren Grimes getting the other. Chopwell's reply came from Andrew Smith (2) and Joel Neasham. The result puts the Demi third, behind South Moor FC and the Black Horse.
The Black Horse have stuttered a little of late, drawing two and losing the next two of their last four league games, but they got back to winning ways thanks to a David Thompson goal which gave them a 1-0 Consett derby win over AK Leisure.
But South Moor remain the team to beat in the First Division. T
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