Victory is Mighty fine for Christians
SATURDAY saw the second round of group-stage matches in the Andy Walker Trophy.
In Group A, Premier Division side North Shields Community Christians defeated Division One team Morpeth Mighty Oaks 6-3.
Shields took an early lead courtesy of Alan Ewart, followed by a Wasim Collins goal from the spot.
Scott Purcell then made it 3-0, Dan Bland and Purcell increasing their team’s advantage at the break.
Lewis Blackburn claimed the first counter in the second half from the spot to put Morpeth on the scoresheet.
Dan Webb and Conor McCabe then reduced the deficit to 5-3 before a second Bland effort settled the score.
Consett Saint Patrick’s hosted Axiom in Group B and it was Nathan Steel who give Axiom the lead.
However, this only lasted five minutes as a hat-trick from Colin Wheatley inside 10 minutes gave Consett a 3-1 advantage.
Gary Charlton added a fourth before half-time before nabbing a second.
Adrian Bailey, a Peter Price double and a strike from Jack Malone made the final score 9-1 to the Saints.
Heaton Saints met neighbours Hillsong Newcastle in Group C.
Home team Heaton netted first through Matthew Haigh.
Michael Lawrence equalised and three minutes later Scott Hall turned the match Hillsong’s way.
Jamie Holmes tied the match at 2-2 but an own goal on the hour went in favour of Hillsong and with Nathan McDine netting they then ran out 4-2 winners.
Group D had City of God Walker playing their first home game of the season as they faced promoted team Sunderland Samba.
The game was tied 0-0 at half-time but Andrew Place got Samba off the mark just after the hour.
Samuel Olaleye tied the match in the 80th minute and then grabbed the winner with just a minute left.
In Group E, YAV SIFF travelled to Saint Charles RC Church.
Phil Moore broke the deadlock, putting Saint Charles in front, but it was soon 1-1 as Hanifi Salki broke clear to equalise.
In the second period YAV went 2-1 up with a 20-yard finish from Ahmed.
Saint Charles went searching for the equaliser - and it duly arrived in the 84th minute, Duncan Falconer on the mark.