Crook and District League
THE preliminary round of the South Durham Charity Bowl threw up a local derby as Evenwood Town travelled to Tensfield to take on Bowes FC.
It was an evenly contested affair until the second half when first division Bowes pulled away to record a 5-2 win. With a swirling wind making it difficult for both sides to string passes together, Josh Bousfield’s opener for Bowes was cancelled out by Nigel Beckley’s equaliser for the visitors.
Then came a moment of real controversy as Bowes restored their lead.
Striker Tommy Hutchinson provided a sublime finish when running on to a deflected through ball to round keeper Mark Tyrie and finish.
However, the ref had already spotted a hand ball and blown for a penalty – but then changed his mind and award the goal instead, much to the bemusement and anger of several Evenwood players.
Early in the second half, Callum Tallentire pounced on a defensive mistake to extend Bowes’ lead and at 3-1, that looked to be game over.
Evenwood refused to roll over and struck back almost immediately with an excellent move and good finish from Ashley Murphy.
A second from Hutchinson and a late strike from Wayne Thwaites secured the win for Bowes.
Redwell Rangers were also in cup action – Dave Short scoring a consolation as the Barney newcomers were on the wrong end of an 11-1 defeat in the Colin Waites Cup B group.
In the league, Glaxo Rangers battled back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to take a point against Wear Valley FC at Parkside School, Willington.
In an entertaining game, Kieran Linton and Jake Sowersby hit the bar while Johnny Foster forced the home keeper into a great save in the early exchanges, but it was Wear Valley who were two up in 25 minutes, the first from a long ball over then top and the second an excellently take free kick from 25 yards out.
Foster rifled home early in the second half after good work from Colin Welsh and James White to bring Glaxo back into the game before Valley restored their two goal advantage.
Kevin Maughan’s spectacular overhead kick gave Glaxo hope and with eight minutes remaining Linton scrambled then ball into the back of the net to make it 3-3.
This Saturday, Glaxo and Bowes face off at Manor Farm in the Weardale Charity Cup (2pm).
Evenwood Town head to Crook Town Wanderers in the league, while Redwell Rangers travel to Heighington in the first round of the Alan Britton Memorial trophy.
Wear Valley Sunday League
THE early exchanges of the season are providing few pointers as to who the favourites are in the first division this season, with just six points between the top seven teams.
Only Witton Park remain unbeaten having won all three of their league games so far.
On Sunday, Bowes had the chance to join those teams on nine points, but came unstuck at Middlestone Moor Mason’s Arms. Striker Tommy Hutchinson scored Bowes’ goal in a 2-1 defeat.
Elsewhere, West Auckland Tunns won their first league game of the season, running out 3-1 victors at bottom side Shildon Elm Road thanks to strikes from James Campion, Calum Crook and an own goal.
Thomas Louden scored the consolation for West Auckland The Club as they were handed a 4-1 defeat at Coundon Miners Arms.
In the second division, a hat-trick from Jamie Hayman helped Staindrop to a 6-2 win against Newton Aycliffe Gretna.
Gareth Walton added a couple and Ben Goodfellow was on target to complete the scoring.
In the Division 2 Cup, Gainford progressed to the next round thanks to a 4-2 win at Spennymoor Ash Tree.
Billy Hutchinson scored twice with Alan Haycock and Rob Maddison notching the others.
However, there was disappointment for Toft Hill Three Tuns, who went out 4-3 on penalties after the full time score ended 2-2 against Kirk Merrington Half Moon.
Nigel Beckley and Jason Colley were the scorers for Toft Hill.
Other results
Division 1: BA Pavilion 1, BA Sports Bar 3.
Division 2 Cup: BA Snooker 0, Newton Aycliffe Sports 2; BH Blues 5, Bay Horse 7; North Bitchburn Red Lion 0, NA Big Club 5.
League Cup: Witton Park 7, Willington Queen’s Head 4.
