FLORISTS REMAIN IN BLOOM
SUNDERLAND SUNDAY LEAGUE
RCA Grangetown Florists continue to blossom at the top of the Premier Division.
The Florists remain at the summit following a 3-1 home win over Redhouse Last Orders.
Neil Atkinson scored twice, Alan Tench replied for the visitors but Andy Place’s customary effort sealed victory.
The leaders must guard against complacency, however, after FA Sunday Cup quarter-finalists Southwick moved into second spot with a hard-fought 1-0 win at the impressive Stella Dons.
Andy Brown scored the only goal of the game, and Southwick still have six games to catch the Florists.
At the other end of the table, Sunderland Railway Club won 2-1 at Silksworth CW.
Munday opened the scoring for Silky but the basement boys rallied to victory with goals from Pilkington and Rogerson.
And The Lansdowne’s excellent run continues in the league after they ran out easy, 4-0 winners over a very depleted New Town.
Against just eight men, Reece Noble and Jake Fenton each scored doubles.
In the First Division, Herrington’s promotion push was halted with a 4-2 defeat at rivals Grange Park, who are playing catch-up with five games in hand on second place.
Thubron, Salam, Grimes and Shaun Fisk earned Park the win, and Herrington saw starlet Lewis Herron notch two.
Thorney Close Inn upset the formbook with an unexpected but exciting 6-5 win over promotion candidates Port of Call.
Micky Wharton managed to find the net four times but still ended up on the losing side, with David Jones banging in a hat-trick then further goals from Charlton, Makin and Robson toppling the Port.
Pennywell Comrades’ good form has returned after another impressive 2-1 win over the plucky Washington Sky Lounge.
Goals from David and Daniel Snowdon gave the home side victory, and McCartney replied for the visitors.
The game took a turn for the worse after Billy Wyatt was sent for an early bath.
A brilliant Craig Williams hat-trick ensured Wearmouth CW leapfrogged Washington River Bar in the league, and in doing so distanced themselves from the relegation zone.
Adam Hinde scored twice for the River Bar near the end of the match.
And the bottom two in the First Division locked horns, with The Stella claiming the bragging rights - if not salvation; both look relegated - courtesy of a 4-2 home win over Ashbrooke Hendon.
Stephen Rutter scored a treble and Lawton scored once, with Newby and Reay on target for Hendon.
Meanwhile, Premier Division side Hylton Castle TC Plastics ended The Stackyard’s winning streak to cruise into the third round of the Total Sport Challenge Trophy with a 5-1 away victory. Hodgson, Petch, Pearson, Middleton and Drysdale scored Hylton’s goals, with Gales in reply.