WELCOME CUP WIN FOR VOLTY
Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
SECOND Division side Voltigeur claimed a morale-boosting League Cup win over Victoria to book themselves a second round tie.
Volty have been struggling in the league, with three wins and a draw leaving them 10th in the division.
But they pulled off a narrow, single-goal victory over the Vic with a Tom Porter first-half strike.
“There was nothing in it,” admitted victorious Secretary Dean Mains. “The goal was all that separated the two sides. It was a good, closely-fought game – we had the better of the first half, taking the lead, and they the second half, but couldn’t score.”
Elsewhere, Hunwick Joiners beat Boot & Shoe 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick by striker Steven Howe, Shaun Brown netting the other goal.
Secretary Aidan McCabe said: “Pleased to be in the next round. Our season suffered a slight blip with our first defeat of the season a week earlier, but we’ve bounced back and we’re pretty happy with our season up to now.”
First Division side Horndale claimed an impressive win in the competition, winning 6-2 at Beehive.
Wayne Pratt (3) Mark Silvester (2) and Carl Hodgson scored the goals, with goalkeeper Nathan Winter putting in a man-of-the-match performance with a number of fine saves.
Boss Mickey Grimes said: “It was a cracking game and we’re just pleased to have won. It was 2-2 at half-time and they had the better of the first half, but we started to play in the second half and luckily scored our chances when they came along.”
Lakeside also progressed to the second round with a close, extra-time win over Belvedere, Steve Hepples grabbing the all-important winner.
Other sides that progressed were Old Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Tudhoe United, Tudhoe United, Loves and Eldon Arms. The following teams had byes to the second round: North Briton, Grand, Binchester SC, Shildon Athletic, Salvins and Browney.
In the only Division One game last week, Salvins won 4-1 at home to Browney thanks to goals by Kevin Dodds, Mark Nicholson, Paul Jones and Paul Rutter.
Meanwhile, the North Briton went back to the top of Division Two with a 4-2 win at the Grand.
Scott Wright had put Grand in the lead, but Phil Judge equalised for the Brit. Adrian Gough then made it 2-1 to the visitors, only for Mark Cowley to draw Grand level.
However, a Dominic Richie goal just before half-time and a Gary Donald strike after 70 minutes earned the Brit maximum points.
“Delighted with the lads,” said boss Barry Atkinson. “After a disappointing County Cup defeat, the lads have lifted their heads up and have played very well in difficult conditions. I’m pleased with their attitudes just as much as I am with the result – and it’s nice to be back on top! I’d like to pay particular praise to Kevin O’Neil, who has been recovering from a serious injury and was forced to play due to the shortage in numbers – he also put in an outstanding performance.”
• The league plans to publish details of the extraordinary meeting, called at Spennymoor United’s Brewery Field this Wednesday (October 29), in next week’s Local Heroes.
RESULTS ROUND-UP
Sunday October 26
League Cup R1: Belvedere 1, Lakeside 2 (AET); Green Tree 2, Old Shildon 7; Victoria 0, Voltigeur 1; Beehive 2, Horndale 6; Hunwick 4, Boot & Shoe 1; Newton Aycliffe 9, Postchaise 1; Cumby Arms 0, Thorns 2; Middlestone Moor 2, Tudhoe Utd 6; Loves 7, Masons Utd 2; Masons Arms 3, Eldon Arms 4.
Division One: Salvins 4, Browney 1.
Division Two: Grand 2, North Briton 4. | 