Football
PLAYERS who talk back to the referee face ten minutes on the sidelines under new rules being introduced next season.
At the annual meeting of the Crook and District League, Durham FA secretary John Topping gave a presentation on the so called “sin bins” . They are being brought in after a FA trial involving 31 leagues across the country proved successful.
There was a 38 per cent reduction in dissent across the leagues taking part in the trial and three-quarters of players and managers involved wanted to continue with the scheme – as did more than eight in ten referees.
At the annual meeting it was confirmed that 15 teams will compete in two divisions of the Crook and District league next season.
Wear Valley, who finished bottom of division one, have dropped out and will be replaced by Darlington Deacon, who will play home games at Branksome School, Darlington.
Stanhope SSC and Evenwood Town have been promoted from division two and will join champions Middlestone Moor, Shildon Railway, Darlington Travellers Rest, Bowes, Willington WMC and Glaxo Rangers in the eight-team top tier. The second division consists of relegated Heighington, Bishop Pavilion, Ferryhill Town, Darlington GSOB, Crook Town Wanderers, Wolsingham and Darlington Deacon.
In other matters, the clubs voted to end extra time for internal cup competitions and instead go straight to penalties if the score is level after 90 minutes.
The new season will kick-off on Saturday, August 10.
Glaxo Rangers FC
THE club held its presentation night at the Sports and Social club – thanks went to Sarah and her team for a great buffet and also for looking after the team all season.
Colin Welsh was player of the season; Joe Lee was players’ player and Jamie McDougall took the trophy for leading goal scorer.
The club begins preparations for the new Crook and District League campaign at 7pm on Wednesday, July 3, at the Manor Farm pitches.
Friendly fixtures have been arranged with Bishop Pavillion, Wolsingham and Stanhope.
New players over the age of 16 are welcome – anyone interested can call Andrew Hall on 07703 639604.
Middleton-in-Teesdale FC
LEAGUE football returns to Middleton next season with a side entered in the Darlington Sunday Morning League.
Training is now under way at the village pitch every Thursday at 7pm.
Anyone interested is welcome to come along or call Dave Short on 07539 798871.
