Washington state declines with defeat to the Pelton
Washington EMS continued their poor run of form with a 4-1 home defeat to Pelton Crown in the Premier Division of the Sunderland and District Over-40s League.
Pelton started the game very strongly and had a few chances early on but Washington took the early lead when debutant Michael Hill crossed in for winger Danny Murray to score at the back post.
Pelton took control of the game again and gained a penalty when midfielder Steven Bowey was fouled just inside the box.
Bowey took the penalty and levelled the scores. Bowey took control of the game and Pelton went 2-1 up when Bowey's corner was dropped for defender Sean Devlin to slot the ball home.
The second half was a continuation of the first and Bowey was once again fouled inside the box to earn a penalty – but he hit the post with his kick.
Washington struggled to cope with the pace of Pelton and a defensive mistake led to striker Carl Johnston scoring a third goal.
The game was finished when Neil Johnson was pulled down by the Washington goalkeeper and Bowey scored his second to end the game at 4-1 to Pelton.
Bowey was man of the match for Pelton and John Wilson for Washington.
Penshaw Catholic Club travelled to Marden and lost narrowly after taking the lead when John Spence fired home from close range. Marden equalised when Steve Monaghan headed home from a corner.
The game was decided by Frankie Deverdics, who headed home a fine cross from Danny Patterson to secure the three points for Marden.
Hartlepool FC Blues entertained Hebburn in the Premier League and with a full squad they created loads of chances in win
ning the game 5-1.
In Division Four, Seaton Carew made the long journey to promotion rivals Catchgate, and the visitors edged a tight game 2-1.
The home side were the sharper early on and twice drew fine saves from keeper Colin Smith.
Against the run of play, though, Seaton went ahead on 20 minutes.
Graham Rowbotham’s free kick picked out Paul Lowden and his deft header found the bottom corner.
Catchgate levelled within five minutes, bundling the ball home from close range.
Seaton felt there had been a foul on ‘keeper Smith, who had to leave the field with a badly gashed thigh.
Seaton were playing their first game for a month and gradually found their feet after the break to dominate the second half.
On the hour, Matty Thompson fired in a low cross for Brendan Deer to go full length to power a header off the upright.
The winner came, though, five minutes later.
Nick Cain clipped in a great free kick for man of
the match Dave Cooling to head home from eight yards.
Hartlepool Vets were away at Sunderland Royal Navy and came home with a point from a 3-3 draw.
The home side went ahead midway through the first half, and despite chances for both sides, they turned round at 1-0.
Within 20 minutes, the Vets had turned the tables to lead 2-1.
A good strike from Tom Hudson brought them level, then he set up Craig Wright with a great ball.
Navy levelled five minutes later, only for Hudson to put the Vets back in front with another good strike.
In a lively second half, Navy equalised with five minutes to go through an own goal. Wright starred, also Hudson and Collins.
Fixtures for Saturday, January 22:
Premier Division: Blyth Masons Arms v Ryhope Foresters, Ferryhill Greyhound v Sherburn Village, FC Hartlepool Blues v Wallsend, Middlesbrough SC v Hebburn Town, Pelton Crown Inn v Penshaw Catholic, South Shields v Marden, Sunderland Times Inn v Killingworth YPC, Washington EMS v Easington Colliery CIU.
Division One: CSSC Darsley Park v Humbledon Plains Farm, Consett v Stanley, Dubmire V Seaham
Harbour Cricket, N/ Shields Pineapple v Woodhorn Lane, Redcar Town v Roseberry Hilda Park, Sunderland Grindon and Broadway v Hartlepool Jacksons, Wallsend Community v The Milbourne Arms.
Division Two: Durham County v Boldon Colliery Old Barrel, Hartlepool Tech v Newcastle East End, N/Aycliffe Cobblers Hall v Sunderland Mill View, Peterlee Helford v v Hartlepool Raby Arms, Sunderland Hall Farm v S/Shields Catholic Club, Washington Biddick Inn v Hartlepool Cricket Club.
Division Three: Bedlington United Sporting v Whitburn FC, Hedworthfield Red Hackle v Pennywell Comrades, Newcastle Blue Star v Sunderland Ivy Legends, Trimdon Veterans v Shildon AFC, Walkergate v Billingham Vets, Wingate Constitutional v Durham Bede Lodge.
Division Four: Billingham the Lion v Houghton Cricket, Darlington Railway Athletic v Sunderland Rolls Royce, Hartlepool Vets v Catchgate, Seaton Carew v Redcar Newmarket, Sunderland The Philadelphia v West Moor, Sunderland Willow Pond v Sunderland Royal Navy.