CHAMPS OFF TO WINNING START
Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
 LEAGUE champions Thorns were off to a winning start in the league programme last week as the 2005-06 season kicked off.
Middridge Bay Horse, formerly Horndale, gave the current league title holders a run for their money in the opening game of the campaign.
Andrew Richardson opened the scoring in the first half, but Bay Horse came back after the break and drew level from the spot.
But Anthony Stewart grabbed the all-important winner with 20 minutes left, and Secretary Steve Richardson says it was a close call. “They gave us a good game,” he said. “I thought we took a while to get going and could have played better, but we probably grew stronger in the second half and finished quite strong.”
Meanwhile, last year’s runners-up Hunwick Joiners also kicked their campaign off with a win – thumping Penny Gill at their place 7-2.
Hunwick striker James Melville opened his 05-06 account in emphatic fashion with four goals, while Ian Wise, Sean Nicholson and Shayne Sugden were also on target for Hunwick.
Boss Aidan McCabe said: “We started off a bit nervy and settled more as the game progressed, and I think our experience got us through in the end. We’re obviously delighted with the strong start and it was eventually a good all-round performance.”
Elsewhere, Old Shildon won 2-1 at Eldon Arms thanks to goals by Michael Davidson and Anthony Moss.
Masons Arms were 4-3 winners over Hogans with goals by Peter Kerr, Michael Barrass, John Savage and Kevin Dodds.
 Voltigeur beat Browney 10-4 with goals by Chris Pennal (4), Chris Hodgson (3), Gary Dixon (2) and Ian Mains.
Finally, Binchester Social Club and Lakeside drew 0-0 in the season’s opener.
In Division Two, the result of the weekend was Green Tree’s thumping 15-0 win over league new boys Southern Club.
Darren Dye opened his account with five goals, while David Longstaff chipped in with four. There was also a hat-trick apiece for Barry Liddle and Gavin McIntyre.
Meanwhile, Victoria won 5-2 at George & Dragon with goals by Jason Greenland (3), John Temple and Adam Cunningham.
Victorious manager Marcus Jayne said: “We played quite well but we could have played better I thought. It was pleasing to start off with a win but I think we could have done better.”
Elsewhere, Croxdale were 2-1 winners over new boys Quinns thanks to a brace by Gavin Bell.
Atlantic Bar were 8-1 winners over Ash Tree, while newcomers Half Moon won 5-3 at Belvedere and New Brancepeth won 9-3 at Horndale Celtic.
The game between North Britton and Shildon Athletic was postponed.
• Club secretaries are reminded that all results, or postponed fixtures, MUST now be phoned or text to Secretary Mike Hill on 07773 925748, before 2pm Sundays and before 9pm midweek games.
Clubs that fail to inform the league of results to that number before the required time will be penalised in accordance with league rules.
• The next league meeting will be held at Horndale WMC in Newton Aycliffe on Wednesday 7th September, from 8pm.
| 
