Close draw at the top
Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
TITLE-CHASING Masons Arms and Championship Dark Horses Tudhoe United played out a closely-fought draw last week.
While the result did neither side any good, it favoured their surrounding teams as Lakeside leapfrogged Tudhoe back into third spot and Thorns increased their lead over Masons.
In-form Masons took the lead after half-time through Marc Costello, but Allan Barratt grabbed a late leveler for Tudhoe.
“We were disappointed with the result,” said Masons Secretary Anthony Warnett. “We didn’t play particularly well but created enough chances to win the game, we just couldn’t put them away.”
Meanwhile, Lakeside jumped to third on goal difference when they beat the Bay Horse 4-1 with goals by Wayne Marram (2), Marc De Lucia and Steve Hepples.
“Delighted with both our second-half performance and the result,” said Lakeside boss Stuart Hodgson. “We were slow opening and it was a disappointing first-half display, but we picked it up after half-time and I took control of the game.” Dale Anderson scored Bay Horse’s opener.
Elsewhere in Division One, Binchester Social Club maintained their impressive recent form with a comfortable home win over Penny Gill.
But by their own admission, Spennymoor side Penny “didn’t turn up” and crashed to their eighth league defeat of the season. See the latest Game of the Week feature.
Meanwhile, top-of-the-table Thorns recorded their tenth win of the campaign with a 3-0 win at Old Shildon, Chris Harman, Andrew Richardson and Ian Woodhall scoring the goals.
But Hunwick Joiners maintained their pressure on the leaders with an 8-1 home win over Eldon Arms. James Melville (2), Paul Taylor (2), Martin Holt, Ross Brown, substitute Chris Parkinson and man-of-the-match Shaun Nicholson scored their goals.
In Division Two last week, North Briton continued their rich vein of form with their third league win of the season, a 2-1 victory at Horndale Celtic.
Gary Donald and Michael Hannen scored their goals, and veteran stalwart Phil Judge said: “We’re on a roll at the minute! The lads are starting to communicate with each other and they’re working hard for each other as a team, and as a result we’ve put some useful results together. Let’s hope we can take that into this Sunday’s cup game against Horndale!”
Meanwhile, Quinns beat Shildon Athletic 7-0 with goals by John-Paul Tallentire (3), Steven Quinn, Dave Parker and Jordan Bulmer.
Ash Tree edged their third win of the season with a 1-0 win at New Brancepeth thanks to a Ben Dover strike, while leaders Victoria maintained their lead at the top with a 6-1 home win over Atlantic Bar. Adam Cunningham (3), Sean Heathside, James Smith and Jason Greenland were on target for the Vic.
Belvedere won 1-0 at the Southerne Club with a Timothy Hutchinson goal, and Masons United were 3-1 winners over the Green Tree with goals by Stephen Alderson (2) and Neil Quigly.
Croxdale boosted their goal difference no end with their 16-0 rout of struggling George & Dragon.
• The league is holding a Christmas Party at the Southerne Club in Newton Aycliffe on Friday 9th December. A Pie & Peas supper will be available and entertainment will be provided by top local band The Zoo, while the league’s annual Christmas Prize Draw will also be made. Tickets costing just £3 are available from the Committee.
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