Forfeit means third-place finish for Wallsend BCL in first season

WALLSEND BCL finished their debut North East Regional Women’s Football Premier League season in third place after their opponents Oughtibridge conceded the match.

It left Wallsend nine points off the top two – Barnsley edging Norton & Stockton Ancients by virtue of their far superior goal difference.

Goal difference was needed to separate them from Castleford and Tynedale, Wallsend holding a four-goal advantage over Castleford and five better off than Tynedale.

Tynedale’s hopes of snatching third were already denied after Oughtibridge conceded, but still produced a spirited and determined performance to beat York City.

An incredible first half saw Megan Bramham score a hat-trick for the hosts, but still trailed 4-3 at the break.

Tynedale eventually came out on top of the 10-goal thriller, winning 6-4. Jane Ridell scored her second hat-trick in recent weeks, with Ashley Lambert, Vicky Mudd and Megan Watson, ending with 21 goals this season, all on target.

The Durham County FA Women’s County Cup final awaits against Chester-le-Street Town, ending the club’s most successful league campaign.

In the midweek Northumberland FA Women’s County Cup final, Wallsend BCL were victorious, beating Newcastle United Reserves 3-0.

Goals either side of half-time by Lynsey Wilkinson, taking her tally to 22, gave Wallsend a two-goal lead before Newcastle had the chance to reduce the deficit from the spot.

However, Wallsend keeper Katie McTague superbly saved Siobhan Jones’ penalty before a late Zoe Hornby strike sealed the win. Wallsend BCL face champions Barnsley on Sunday at Wilberfoss Sports Ground, York, in the NERWFL League Cup Final.

NERWFL Northern Division runners up Hartlepool United will play in the Premier Division next season, after winning the Promotion Play-Off against Southern counterparts Sheffield Wednesday 3-1.

All the goals came in the first half at Wilberfoss Sports Ground, York with Jess Dawson cancelling out the Owls early lead. Justine Robinson and Nicola Duckling then netted as Hartlepool secured their second successive promotion.

A season to forget for Newcastle United finally ended on Sunday with a 6-0 defeat away at Leicester City.

The relegated Lady Mags have only managed to find the net 16 times, winning only two of their 20 matches.

In the FAWPL Northern Division One match, Chester-le-Street Town romped to a 7-2 home victory over Morecambe. A hat-trick by Nichole Havery and a brace from Amber McLoughlin were added to by Katie Ellison and Brogan Prudhoe.

The Durham side end their FAWPL campaign in fourth place.

In the Durham County League, Stockton West End earned promotion to the NERWFL Northern Division after winning their crucial match with Consett 2-0.

A match that would secure the second spot and promotion saw Lindsay Robinson net after seven minutes. On the half-hour mark, Rebecca Stephenson scored for the Teessiders, who will join league champions Boldon CA Villa in moving up.

The two teams, Boldon CA Villa and Stockton West End, meet in the League Cup final on Sunday, with Boldon hoping to complete the double.