THORNS BOOK SEMI-FINAL PLACE
Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
THORNS booked their place in the B&A Trophy semi-finals with a narrow 2-1 win over Croxdale.
Michael Oliver and Steven Richardson scored their goals as the Division One champions look to continue their strong season.
But manager Dave McWaters is hoping his side can go one better this year and win a cup after losing three previous finals.
“We always seem to fall at the last hurdle,” he said. “We have a strong run and then just lose it when we get to the final. So hopefully we can go one better this year. Our priority is still the league. It was nice to win it last year, and it’s our main aim to win it again, but a cup would be a great bonus.”
The league would like to wish Croxdale player Joseph Haywood a successful recovery after breaking a leg during their match with Thorns.
Meanwhile, Binchester Social Club booked a B&A Trophy quarter-final tie with Horndale after beating Tudhoe United 3-0 in the second round of the competition. Chris Pickles scored twice and Michael Tinkler once to complete the win.
Back in the quarter-finals, Old Shildon won 5-3 at Shildon Athletic thanks to goals by John Poulter, Louis Whensley, Craig Bendilow, Paul Wilson and an own goal. Jamie Scaife (2) and Chris Ross scored for Athletic.
Hunwick beat Salvins at home 5-1. Sean Nicholson scored four goals and Ross Brown one, with Clive Underwood getting Salvins’ only goal.
The semi-finals of the B&A Trophy now consist of Old Shildon, Hunwick Joiners, Thorns and either Binchester Social Club or Horndale.
In Division One last week, Horndale won 4-0 at Grand with goals by Kyle Allen (2), Mark Buckley and Darren Scott.
Elsewhere, Lakeside won 2-0 at home to Browney, with Peter Heslop and Marc De Lucia scoring the goals.
In Division Two, Victoria beat Masons United 5-1 with goals by Chris Jayne (2), John Templeton (2) and James Smith. Steven Alderson scored for Masons.
Green Tree beat Belvedere 3-2 thanks to goals by Andrew Appleton, Andrew Walton and Darren Dye. John-Paul Greaves and Lee Nixon scored for Belvedere.
Ash Tree won 4-2 at Gainford with goals by Richard Turner (2), Glyn Porter and Stuart Rand. Ali Logan and Phil Hutchinson were on target for Gainford.
Eldon Arms won 3-1 at Cumby Arms with goals by David Leary (2) and Andrew Sams. Gary George scored for the Cumby.
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