DONS MAKE CUP PROGRESS
SUNDERLAND SUNDAY LEAGUE
Sunderland Stella Dons and Hylton Castle TC Plastics are through to the next round of the Durham County Sunday Cup.
The Dons advanced to the latter stages of the competition with an impressive 3-1 win over much-fancied Burnside.
Star man Shaun Pickford, brother of Jordan, pulled the strings in the middle of the park and had his say in goals from Davey Hall, Liam Young and Nath O’Neill.
While Callum Hope ensured his Hylton Castle side dumped RCA Grangetown Florists out of the cup as his late strike secured a close 2-1 victory.
Robbie Hall found the net for the Florists but Drysdale levelled matters, and it was left to Hope to steal the headlines with his classic strike.
In the Premier Division, Silksworth moved closer to the dreaded drop zone after another defeat, as Redhouse Last Orders edged the game with a 2-1 win.
Hicks and Jardin won it for Redhouse and Brooke responded for Silky.
Southwick chalked up another convincing win in the league and it was Ryhope Forresters who were put to the sword.
It finished 4-0 with goals from Forster, Martin, Ross and Fairley.
Chris Sproaty was standout for the Ryhope side.
Relegation favourites Sunderland Railway Club have five league games left to pull away to safety, but stay rooted to the bottom of the league for the time being after The Lansdowne made light work of them in a 4-1 win.
The visitors were comfortable throughout and victory was gained as Jay Martin nodded home, Lewis Lynch slotted in and Jake Fenton scored twice.
In the First Division, Port of Call extended their lead at the top of the table after they recorded a 2-1 win against Washington Sky Lounge, enhancing their standing as firm favourites for the league title.
The excellent Richie Jordan earned star man with a fantastic display and a goal to boot.
Thompson responded for the Sky Lounge but it was supersub Lee Collins who scored the winner.
Herrington CW hammered Washington Teal Farm 7-2 to move into the upper reaches of the table.
Chris Cook scored a hattrick, Lewis Herron hit a brace, while Morrison and a Reece McCann volley saw off the Farm, who had Cuthbertson and Sotheran reply.
Pennywell Comrades got back to winning ways after they beat The Stella 2-0 to give them hope of gaining promotion.
They were, however, given a helping hand after Alexander saw red for the Stella and Pennywell took advantage with Snowdon and a great Herring strike to win it.
The Stackyard are still hot on the heels of league leaders Port of Call after they beat Thorney Close Inn in a highscoring game, winning 5-3.
Thorney managed three efforts through Micky Pattison and two from Aaron Forrest but the Stackyard were always in control and they found the net through McCollin, Gales, Wilson and a brace from Bryan Norton.
Finaly, in the Total Sport Challenge Trophy, Kings Arms won 4-3 against The Victory Club, The Board Inn beat Redhouse 4-2, Grange Park overcame Myers 4-0 and after drawing 2-2 after extra-time, Wearmouth CW Juniors progressed to the next round beating Ashbrooke Hendon 6-5 on penalties.