Football round-up
Ebac Northern League
West Auckland Town.... 3
Redcar.......................... 2
A THRILLING Friday encounter saw West top the division one table – albeit temporarily – after twice coming from behind to grab the points against a lively Redcar side.
Going into the last five minutes of normal time, West trailed 2-1 before Jordan Blinco equalised, while Anthony Bell’s winner came during time added on by the ref.
The only change to the starting 11 saw Jamie Harwood replacing Gary Brown, who was ill.
West were playing catch-up from the tenth minute, when Redcar took the lead through Nicky Martin’s confident header.
It was the first goal West had conceded in more than six hours after keeping four clean sheets on the trot.
Midway through the first half, Redcar almost doubled their advantage when Harry Williams’ show rebounded off the post.
The home side found it difficult to penetrate the Redcar back four and were left shooting from distance.
West started the second half with Jamie Cobain replacing the injured Andre Bennett who limped off.
The home side drew level when Kieron Parnaby picked the ball up in midfield, took a touch and let fly from 22 yards giving the keeper no chance.
The goal spurred West on and chances came their way. Bell hit a shot straight at the keeper then an Adam Mitchell corner was headed just wide by Potter.
With West pressing, Redcar broke and scored.
A long pass found captain Jordan Rivis on the penalty spot and his quick turn and shot restored the visitors’ lead
It looked as though the visitors may return to the seaside with the points until the dramatic last few minutes as first Blinco’s header flew into the net and with the four minutes of added time up Bell unleashed a piledriver to secure the win.
The final whistle was blown as soon as Redcar restarted and that win lifted West to the top of the league until Consett's win on Saturday lifted them back above West.
There are no midweek games scheduled for a while so the next action is a trip to Penrith on Saturday, November 6, before a home game against Sunderland RCA on Friday, November 12.
Dave Bussey
Earlier in the week, West scored a 3-0 win at Seaham Red Star, thanks to two goals from Jordan Blinco and an Arron Thompson penalty.
Crook and District League
BARNARD Castle FC’s Weardale Cup tie at Middlestone Moor on Saturday fell victim to the weather – a waterlogged pitch resulted in the postponement.
The weather notwithstanding, all three dale sides should be in action this weekend.
Barney are at Stanhope Town SSC, while Evenwood Town welcome Middlestone Moor to the Randolph Social Welfare ground and Glaxo Rangers head to Willington.
All games kick off at 1.30pm.
Wear Valley Sunday League
ONLY two games went ahead as a result of the morning’s deluge.
In the dale derby, Gainford took the three points when they visited Toft Hill.
Two goals from Alan Haycock and one apiece for Ben Moore and Kieron Kirby helped Gainford to a 4-2 win.
Jordon Eley and Chris Murphy were the scorers for Toft Hill.
In the only other game to finish, Newton Aycliffe Roundhouse lost out to Willington Black Horse 4-2.
The game between West Kyo and Coundon in the Sunday cup did kick off but was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch.
Darlington Sunday Morning Invitation League
STAINDROP Wheatsheaf hit double figures in a cup tie against Darlington White Horse.
Sam Hicks and Aaron Reed both scored hat-tricks in the 14-1 rout.
Ollie Ross and Jamie McDougall both bagged a brace and there were goals for Dan Hull, Ben Goodfellow, Lewis Robinson and Harrison Saunders.
Aaron Reed picked up man-of-the-match honours.
