IN ACTION: Middleton-in-Teesdale FC line up before their season opener
IN ACTION: Middleton-in-Teesdale FC line up before their season opener

Crook and District League

BOWES FC, now operating only on a Saturday, got the season off to a winning start.

Goals from Ed Sabey and Callum Teasdale secured the first three points of the season against Willington WMC.

However, there were heavy defeats for the dale’s two other clubs.

Glaxo Rangers had a tough looking assignment against last season’s league runners up Shildon Railway – and so it proved.

Callum Tallentire scored twice in Shildon’s 5-1 victory, the others coming from Reed Molloy, Lucas Hallimond and Luke Pearn.

Rangers striker Jamie McDougall bagged the consolation.

Evenwood lost 9-2 against Cockerton Club – formerly the Travellers Rest.

Adi Weston bagged a second half hat-trick, there were two for Lee Gibbon and Will Bolland, Darren Swankie and Sam Notman completed the scoring for Cockerton.

The ever dependable Nigel Beckley grabbed Evenwood’s two goals.

All three dale teams are on the road this Saturday.

Bowes travel to Middlestone Moor, it’s Evenwood’s turn to take on Shildon and Glaxo are at Stanhope Town SSC. All game start at 2pm.

Wear Valley Sunday League

THE opening Sunday morning of the season through up a dale derby when Staindrop made the short trip to last season’s division two champions Toft Hill.

There was little to choose between the sides and in the end, it was Jamie-Lee Hayman’s strike for the visitors that proved the difference.

Man-of-the-match for Staindrop was Lewis Robinson.

In the second division, Gainford drew a blank on their visit to Bay Horse Blues in Bishop Auckland.

The side lost 3-0 despite Kyle Swankie’s efforts which earned him man-of-the-match honours.

This Sunday Staindrop entertain Middlestone Moor MA, while Toft Hill are at West Auckland WMC. Gainford host Coundon Three Tuns. All games kick off at 10.30am.

Other results

Division 1: Middlestone Moor MA 8, West Auckland The Club 4; BA Juniors Pavilion 4, BA Sports Bar 0; Witton Park 6, Coundon WMC 0.

Division 2: Shildon Elm Road WMC 9, NA Gretna 3; NA Sports 1, Red Lion 1; Spennymoor Ash Tree 4, Wearhead 1; Coundon Three Tuns 2, Crook Athletic 4.

Darlington Sunday Morning Invitation League

IT was a chastening start to Sunday morning football life for league new boys Middleton-in-Teesdale FC.

On a morning more akin to November than August, the young side were no match for visitors Darlington White Horse, who went 4-0 up in the first few minutes.

White Horse continued to pass the ball around and add to their tally at regular intervals, eventually scoring 21.

The one bright spot for Middleton was a consolation goal.

Middleton will hope for an improved showing this Sunday when they welcome Darlington The Brinkburn to the upper dale.

Middleton are still on the look-out for players.

If anyone in interested in turning out on a Sunday morning, the club can be contacted through its Facebook page.