WEST END RISE TO TOP
LAST-GASP EQUALISER DENIES FORD QUARRY MEN VICTORY BUT THEY’RE IN POLE POSITION
Sunderland West End climbed to the top of the TWR Bifolds Wearside League thanks to a hardearned 2-2 draw at Boldon CA last night.
The visitors took an early lead when Mark Catcheside headed home an excellent Chris Curtis cross, but fourth-top Boldon soon equalised, with Jonny Wightman on target.
Prolific marksman Anthony Ross restored West End’s lead with a cracker, firing into the top corner of the net, in the 20th minute.
West End looked like holding on for a victory, but, in the final minute, Aaron Burn conjured up an equaliser.
West End lead the table on goal difference from Redcar Athletic and Boldon CA.
Redcar have a game in hand on West End, and three in hand on Boldon.
Next up for the Ford Quarry man is a home clash with Hartlepool on Saturday.
Silksworth CW shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Coxhoe Athletic. James Cook opened the scoring for Silksworth with a right-foot finish, from just inside the box, after half an hour.
They doubled their lead, five minutes into the second half, when Christopher Thomas picked the ball up outside the box and curled a right-foot effort into the corner of the net.
Fifteen minutes later, Coxhoe pulled one back when striker David Paul was fouled in the box, and he stepped up to score the resultant penalty.
Paul scored his second to level it up on 75 minutes, hitting a right-footed half-volley from inside the box.
Silksworth are back in action on Saturday, at home to Boldon CA, while Coxhoe entertain Leam Rangers.
Hartlepool rose to seventh after a 7-1 success at Harton & Westoe CW, despite falling behind to Jordan Fenwick’s strike.
Callum Short started the comeback, with Jamie Tumilty firing a hat-trick to spark Pool, including a penalty and a 30-yard rocket.
Ashley Clark, Matty Gardner and Michael Connelly added to the tally.
Prudhoe Town were thrashed 7-1 by Richmond Town as Wayne Gredziak’s hat-trick was supported by Isam Mohammed (2), Michael Westoe and Adam Shields, with Stephen Foster hitting a late consolation.
Boss Brendan Rodgers claims Celtic were able to take a rest during their 4-0 Betfred Cup quarter-final win over Dundee.
Scott Sinclair’s penalty was added to by James Forrest (2) and sub Callum McGregor and Rodgers said: “What we did very well, was we had a rest when we had the ball. We are always hungry to get the ball and if we are to get any rest in the game it has to be with the ball.”