Crook and District League
BOWES FC got 2019 off to a good start with a 3-2 division one home win against Wear Valley.
In an open and entertaining game, it was the visitors who took the lead midway through the first half, when striker Jason Brasauskus slotted the ball under Bowes keeper Richard Borrowdale as he came out to narrow the angle.
Bowes were level within a couple of minutes with a well worked goal and finish from Callum Tallentire and it remained 1-1 at the interval.
Bowes started much the better of the sides after the break and two goals from Rob Dixon gave them a cushion.
A late penalty tucked away by Paul Taylor to make the score 3-2 created a few anxious moments, but Bowes held on and the win takes them up to third in the table.
Evenwood Town also enjoyed a victorious start to the year with a 3-1 win away to Wolsingham in the Colin Waites Cup. Scott Holliday, Ashley Murphy and Richie Hind were on target for Evenwood, with Stephen Kyle pulling one back for the hosts.
Sadly no new year cheer for Redwell Rangers, who continue to find it difficult in their first season.
Rangers leaked 14 goals against Bishop Pavilion, James Campion leading the way with five.
Wear Valley Sunday League
STAINDROP moved up to third in division two with a narrow, hard-fought win at home to Bay Horse Blues on Sunday.
Robert Bell scored the only goal of the game to secure the three points.
With games in hand on the sides immediately above and below them, Staindrop are well placed consolidate their place in the top three.
Gainford Cross Keys also took three points thanks to a 6-3 home win against Wearhead United.
Alan Haycock bagged a hat-trick with the other goals coming from James Readman, Ben Moore and Billy Hutchinson.
Like Staindrop, mid-table Gainford have plenty of games in hand on the sides around them and are handily placed to move up if their good form continues.
In the first division, a brace from Tommy Hutchinson and a third from Adam Lee-Shield secured a 3-2 win for Bowes' Sunday outfit at home to West Auckland The Club.
Gareth McMahon and Danny Wales replied for the visitors.
West Auckland Tunns overcame Willington Queen's Head 3-2 thanks to goals from Mark Parvin, Liam Blighe and Gary Proudfoot.
In the Heart Foundation Cup, there was a rare defeat for Toft Hill Three Tuns, who went down 5-1 at home to Darlington Albion, Andrew Boyes netting the consolation.
Other results
Division 1: Shildon Elm Road 1, BA Juniors Pavilion 2; Coundon MA 3, BA Sports 4.
Division 2: Bay Horse 2, NA Big Club 1; BA Snooker 1, Darlington RA 12; Spennymoor Ash Tree 5, NA Gretna 2.
Heart Foundation Cup: Kirk Merrington Half Moon 2, Washington Westwood 5; Witton Gilbert 0, NA Sports 2.
DFA Sunday Cup: Witton Park 3, East Stanley 0; Hebburn Clock 3, Middlestone Moor MA 4.
