In the Premier Division, Colonel Prior grabbed a much needed 3 points as they defeated Dawdon CW 5-2. The Prior just stay managed to field a team and showed tremendous character by playing superb attacking football and raced into a 4-0 half time lead thanks to a well taken hattrick from David Mitchell and a fine strike from Lee Norman.
It was a different story in the 2nd half as the roles were reversed as Dawdon threw everything but the kitchen sink at their opponents. Their fine play only rewarded them with 2 consolation goals which came from star man Craig Lloyd and Kevin Price.

Redhouse remain joint top as they obliterated Hendon Grange Global Gym 10-1. Charlton opened the floodgates after only 30 seconds and moments later Tommy Bell slid in the second. After periods of unanswered pressure, Grant Foster struck his sides 3rd goal for his first goal in 5 years. The Gymboys pulled one back immediately and only woeful finishing prevented the home side from increasing their lead.

The second half was one way traffic as Redhouse went goal crazy, Liam Wooton helped himself to a hattrick to atone for his earlier misses. Shaun Hounslow also got into the act as his cross-shot sailed in for number 7, Grant Foster knocked in the eight before a solo effort from Gareth Brazier worthy of Maradona made it 9. John Dixon then rounded things off as his 6 yard tap in sent it into double figures.

Chesters BB simply had no ideas as they slipped to a 2-4 defeat to an in form Aquatic Sports who have title ambitions of their own. Ian Redman and Shaun Flanagan grabbed Chesters goals, but it was ruthless finishing from Aquatics forwards that made the difference as their goals came from Scott Hailstone, Scott Johnstone, Craig Watson and Michael Conlon.
A special mention must go out to Aquatics secretary Tommy Oliver who has kept this team going for 50 years and who must be proud of his teams progress this season after they were in danger of folding 6 months ago. Well done Tommy keep up the good work.

In the game of the day, leaders Jolly Potters were pushed all the way by nearest rivals Hylton CW before finally prevailing 2-1 thanks to goals from Michael McCabe and David ‘Hotdog’ Keithley. Carl Price replied in vain for the Colliers.

Park View can count themselves unlucky as they lost 3-5 at home to a vast improving Shiney Row Travellers Rest in an entertaining First Division clash.

The visitors drew 1st blood as they finished off a good move with an easy tap in. The view were not to be outdone as they equalised within 5 minutes as Simon Peacock finished off a 12 pass move. Peter Briggs in the home goal kept the Travellers at bay with some acrobatic saves, but he could do nothing on 35 minutes as the visitors went ahead with a fine 18 yard strike. The View went into the interval on level terms through a Rob Russell header.

The second half started with the visitors well on top as Briggs make 4 top drawer saves of which one was a penalty, it wasn’t long however before the Travellers restored their lead and soon made it four after some sloppy defending.

An excellent free kick from Jamie Hounslow pulled one back for the home side to give them a glimmer of hope, this didn’t last long as the visitors broke away to score a classy fifth.
A disjointed Sassco UK were fortunate to grab a point as they drew 3-3 against The Saltgrass.

The visitors were quickly out of the traps and set about their business full of purpose. After some breathtaking football, the Salty found themselves 3-0 up after 30 minutes thanks to goals from John Higham and a brace from Tony Wilkinson who rolled back the years with finishes that Super Kevin Phillips would’ve been proud of. Sassco gave themselves a lifeline as Anthony Pearson pulled one back on the stroke of half time.

Mr Sanghas men started the second half with all guns blazing and were soon level thanks to strikes from Wayne Greenwell and Anthony Pearson. Chances came and went but in the dying seconds The Satlgrass had a chance to get the win their performance deserved as John Hope went clean through and with only the keeper to beat he spooned his shot hopelessly wide.
Despite making several new signings, The Cove were well beaten 8-0 by leaders Washington Cricket Club. All the goals came in the 1st half as The Cove simply had no answer to their opponents relentless attacking play. The Cricketers goals came from Ingram (2), Pine (2), Laidler (2), Dixon and Wailes.

Although this may have looked like a one sided game, The Cove must be commended for their 2nd half display showing superb team spirit and battling qualities.

Shiney Row Country Park Inn gained 3 vital points as they went nap with a 5-0 victory over the Times Inn. The Southwick side simply had no answers to the home sides attacking play as goals from Mark Evans (2), Chris Priest, David Forster and Daniel Wilson capped a fine display.

George Cogden was in inspirational form as he led the Colliery Tavern to a 3-1 win against Cambridge Hotel. The win keeps the Tavern hot on the heels of the leaders thanks to goals from Michael Bulmer (2) and Carl ‘20 Regal King Size’ Chapman. Cambridge replied through Paul Stoker.

The League also had 4 teams in action in the Durham Minor Cup of which 3 progressed to the 1st round proper.

Blue House led the way as they won 4-2, but they needed extra time to dispose of Bishop Auckland Cumberland Arms. The Wearsiders made the worst possible start as they found themselves 0-2 after 5 minutes, despite this setback they started to find their rhythm and started to settle down and it told in their play as star man Michael Potts pulled a goal back with a bullet header.

The second half was all Blue House as they peppered their opponents goal but couldn’t find a way past their keeper. Inspiration was needed and it came from Jordan Thompson who equalised with a cheeky back heel to take the game into extra time. The home side continued to get battered and with a penalty shoot-out on the horizon, up stepped Brian ‘El Galactico’ Carter to put his side ahead with a Raul type finish and it was soon all over as Jimmy Cooney sealed an amazing comeback with another quality finish.

Houghton Town B also made it through to the next round as they robbed Darlington Hole In the Wall 5-0. It was a scrappy opening to the game as both sides struggled to adapt to the plough field they were playing on. Just before half time Andrew Steele put the B-Team ahead as tucked away a penalty after he was upended.

On 55 minutes Mr Bogan made an inspired treble substitution, this injected some much needed life and urgency into the game. This unsettled the home side as the Houghton side scored 4 unanswered goals, firstly a brace from Smith, a header from Southern and the goal of the game from Phil Dorian – a sublime 35 yard chip which left keeper flapping.

The Arms City Coachworks were made to work hard before they progressed with a 5-4 win against Whickham Lang Jacks. In a game that was end to end, it was the wearsiders will to win and finishing qualities that got them through as they were helped with goals from Steven Wright, Ritchie Timm and star man Jake Baker who weighed in with an outstanding hattrick.
Hylton CW Juniors were knocked out in a seven goal thriller at the Billy Hardy Centre as Blaydon Stella Board Inn overcame them 4-3.

In the TWR Commercial League Challenge Cup, Usworth FC interest ended as they were comprehensively beaten 5-0 away to Hendon FC. Scorers for the East End side were David Rush (2), Kevin Churchill, Kyle Sumner and Martin ‘Eddie’Jackson.