VICTORIA REACH FIRST EVER FINAL
Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
VICTORIA reached their first-ever final when they beat Ash Tree in the semi-finals of the Kelvin McIntosh Division Two Cup.
But it took them extra-time – after the two sides drew 5-5 after 90 minutes – to book their place in the Spennymoor United-hosted final at Brewery Field.
Striker James Smith scored a hat-trick, John Temple grabbed two and Tony Carr one to guarantee their final clash with Binchester Socal Club, after they narrowly beat Croxdale 4-3 in the other semi-final.
Vic Secretary Marcus Jayne said: “The lads are over the moon and I’m really pleased for them. It’s our first ever final since we formed six years ago – it’s been a long time coming and it’s great to really have something to look forward to now after so long. We’re all buzzing and can’t wait for it.”
Glynn Porter (2), Steven Airey, Sean Bent and Steven Bowen scored Ash Tree’s goals.
Binchester progressed with goals by Lee Furber (3) and Chris Pickles. Gavin Bell (2) and Craig Flowers were on target for Croxdale.
Meanwhile, Thorns extended their lead at the top of Division One to six points with a 4-1 league win at home to Salvins.
Ian Woodhall (2), Andrew Richardson and Mark Nicholson scored the goals, but boss Dave McWaters is not counting his chickens.
“There are still plenty of points to play for,” he said. “We’re pleased with another good performance and another win, but we have to keep it up. The crunch game is likely to be our match against Hunwick, so there’s still everything to play for.” Clive Underwood scored Salvins’ only goal.
Second-placed Masons Arms slipped further from the leaders when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Old Shildon, who are third, thanks to a Paul Wilson strike.
Fourth-placed Hunwick Joiners, meanwhile, continued their pressure on the top three with a 7-2 home win over Tudhoe United.
Shaun Nicholson, Ian Wise and Craig Fleming all chipped in with a brace apiece, while Ross Brown also scored. Christian Schofield and Michael Lee scored for Tudhoe.
Lakeside jumped up one place to seventh with a 5-1 win over Browney. Andy Clay scored two and there was one each from Steve Hepples, Marc De Lucia and Wayne Marram as Lakeside look to steer towards safety.
The match between Grand and Voltigeur was postponed.
In Division Two last week, Green Tree beat Atlantic Bar 8-1 thanks to four goals by Gavin McIntrye. Darren Dye also grabbed a hat-trick, while Matthew Carrick scored one. Fred Wood scored for Atlantic.
Elsewhere, Eldon Arms won 3-2 at Shildon Athletic with goals by Andrew Sams (2) and David Leary. Chris Ross scored both Shildon goals.
• The next league meeting will take place at Croxdale WMC on Wednesday 6th April from 8pm.
• The league’s end-of-season presentation night will be held at Old Shildon WMC on Friday 27th May. Trophy-awarding will be followed by entertainment at the night, and clubs will be required to purchase tickets. More details to follow.
TOP GOALSCORERS
DIVISION ONE
Billy McClacklan (Tudhoe Utd) 24
James Melville (Hunwick) 23
Kevin Dodds (Masons Arms) 22
Andrew Richardson (Thorns) 20
Allan Barratt (Tudhoe Utd) 19
Shaun Nicholson (Hunwick) 16
Dale Phillips (Browney) 15
Tony Stebbings (Old Shildon) 15
Ian Woodhall (Thorns) 13
Marc De Lucia (Lakeside) 12
Paul Jones (Salvins) 12
Martin Longthorne (Thorns) 12
DIVISION TWO
Chris Pickles (Binchester SC) 34
Jamie Scaife (Shildon Athletic) 30
Phil Wilkinson (Croxdale) 27
Lee Nixon (Belvedere) 26
Andrew Sams (Eldon Arms) 25
Darren Dye (Green Tree) 23
James Smith (Victoria) 22
Lee Furber (Binchester SC) 19
David Leary (Eldon Arms) 18
Adrian Brown (Belvedere) 17
(Up to & inc. 6/2/05)
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