Wear Valley Sunday League
GAINFORD Cross Keys were left kicking themselves after letting a three goal lead slip at home to Shildon Elm Road.
The sides were fairly evenly matched, but Gainford carved out the better chances during the first 45 minutes and deserved their lead.
Striker Alan Haycock burst through for the first sight on goal, but the Elm Road keeper was quickly out to smother the number nine’s shot.
However, Gainford were soon one up thanks to Shane Walker’s cool finish after he also found himself one-on-one with the keeper.
Elm Road, by contrast, had to make do with trying their luck from distance and Rob Maddison between the sticks for Gainford was little troubled.
Joe Mott then increased the lead with an excellently taken goal. As the ball came across he leapt up and volleyed past the keeper with the outside of his right foot.
When an Elm Road own goal saw Gainford’s lead extend to 3-0, surely the game was up?
Alas no. With plenty of time on the clock and a full bench of subs, Elm Road mounted a second half fightback that saw them score three times and head home with a point.
Toft Hill Three Tuns remain winless in the league – but they gave leaders Middlestone Moor Mason’s Arms a run for their money on Sunday.
Tim Wilkinson and Nigel Beckley, with a penalty, were on target for Toft Hill in a 3-2 home defeat.
This coming Sunday sees Staindrop back in league action with a trip to the leaders, while Gainford welcome Wearhead to Barforth Bridge. Toft Hill have the weekend off.
Other results
Division 2: Coundon Three Tuns 1, BA Bay Horse 5.
League Cup round two: Crook Athletic 2, Coundon WMC 4.
Heart Foundation Cup: Sheriff Hill 2, BH Blues 5; Newton Aycliffe Sports 7, Waldridge Park 1.
All England Cup: Greenside 5, Witton Park 1.
Darlington Sunday Morning Invitation League
MIDDLETON-in-Teesdale were in cup action, welcoming Middleton St George Havelock to the upper dale.
Showing signs of continued improvement, the young Middleton-in-Teesdale side lost 4-2, with Aidan Clarke and Nathan Bowes getting on the score sheet.
This Sunday, Middleton are at home again, this time in the league, when they welcome Garrison Redstar.
Crook and District League
ONLY two games went ahead on Saturday, thanks to the wet weather.
Willington WMC won through to the semi-final of the South Durham Bowl, overcoming Stanhope 6-1, while in the second division, Bishop Pavilion defeated Heighington 5-3.
This Saturday, Evenwood Town are due to host Glaxo Rangers, while Bowes entertain Cockerton Club in the South Durham Bowl.
The games kick off at 1.30pm.
