Crook and District League
BOWES FC moved a point clear at the top of the first division after a 2-1 away win at Alston Moor.
The hosts created chances in the first half but lived to regret not taking them as Callum Tallentire nipped in to grab both Bowes’ goals.
Jack Currah pulled one back for Alston in the 85th minute, which meant a tense end to the game, but Bowes played out time well to secure the points.
Although top, Bowes will do well to stay at the head of affairs, having played more games than the three nearest sides below them.
In the second division, it was first against third as Glaxo Rangers welcomed Darlington Travellers Rest to Manor Farm. Despite a few dry days, the pitch was still extremely heavy in places.
The visitors arrived in Barney as the only side to defeat Glaxo in the league so far this season.
In a goalless first half of few clear cut chances, Billy Hutchinson and Kevin Maughan had the home side’s best chances but both failed to hit the target.
Travellers had the better of the first half and were allowed too much space in midfield in the run up to half time.
This led to wave after wave of attacks, but the Rangers defence stood firm to keep the scoreline goalless at the interval.
After some pointers in the team talk, the second half could not of started better as central midfielders James White and Jonny Foster moved tighter onto their opponents, not allowing them time on the ball.
This resulted in turn over of the ball and Hutchinson played in strike partner Adam Dent for the opener.
There was a good turnout of supporters for this game and the crowd went wild.
Travellers kept coming but again the defence stood firm until a cross came in that was not cleared and the ball was bundled home by Lee Gibbon to level matters.
Jamie McDougall and Ben Purchese down the flanks created chances and it was from one of McDougall’s jinking runs that he was brought down on the edge of the box. Unfortunately, the free kick was well saved.
Rangers’ hard work in the second half paid off when Dent turned provider for Hutchinson, who ran onto the pass to score.
Liam Foster came on for Ben Purchese and Dent dropped into a midfield five to see the game out.
This win was down to hard work on a very heavy pitch and the victory shows how much the young team has matured in the last 12 months.
Travellers judged Rangers keeper Jonathan Kent as his side’s man-of-the match.
Meanwhile, Evenwood Town consolidated their position as second in the table behind Glaxo with a 3-0 win away at bottom club Wearhead United.
Carl Dawson, Jamie Lamb and Mike Ainsley were on target for Evenwood.
Wear Valley Sunday League
THERE was no game for Bowes and Gainford succumbed 4-0 away to Shildon Elm Road.
Matty Moffat showed he still knows the way to goal as he bagged four for West Auckland the Club in a 6-0 away win at Spennymoor Voltigeur. Daniel Kent scored the other two.
In the second division, Toft Hill worked their way into a 3-0 lead only for Bishop Auckland Bay Horse to fight back and take a point as the game ended 4-4. Nigel Beckley scored twice for Toft Hill, with Richard Burn and Allan Jones also on target.
Leaders West Auckland Tunns passed 100 goals scored for the season as they put Darlington RA to the sword 7-1. Wayne Whitfield bagged a hat-trick and other scorers were James Campion, Daniel Peacock, Luke McGill and Jack Mortimer.
Tunns now hold a seven point lead over Toft Hill and also have two games in hand.
Other results
Division 1: Kirk Merrington Half Moon 0, Middlestone Moor Masons Arms 1.
Division 2: BA Cumberland 2, Escomb Saxon 1; NA Sports 3, NA Hallington 1; Ash Tree 3, Shildon Three Tuns 3.
BA Heart Foundation Cup: Willington Queen’s Head 2, Garden Farm 4; Ferryhill Celtic 4, Peases West 0; Darlington Albion 3, BA Sports Bar 1; Hilda Park 0, Coundon Miners 1; Sherburn Village 1, Witton Park 3.
