Praise don’t play but still gain on rivals

PRAISE Christian Church International went top of Group A of the Andy Walker Trophy without kicking a ball - on goal difference.

Their first match with North Shields was postponed within the competition’s rules.

Their second was called off late by Morpeth Mighty Oaks, so Praise receive a 3-0 win and Morpeth are deducted three points.

This has gone against North Shields Community Christians as they were top of the group.

Their match at Jesmond Parish Church was a close encounter settled by Anthony Henderson’s finish.

He received a cross from Mark Ridyard to hit a left-foot volley for the winner.

Christians stay above Jesmond on goal difference.

In Group B, Jamie Dunn set Axiom on their way to victory against Colburn Corinthians.

Matt James and Matt Steel then gave them a commanding 3-0 advantage at the break.

Ben Garner pulled a goal back but Dunn notched his second and Scott Reddick also netted for 4-2.

Dylan Elliott and Ross James rounded off the scoring as Axiom recorded a 6-2 success.

Hillsong Newcastle travelled to Stockton Salvation Army with two wins from two Group C matches - and came away with their 100% record still intact thanks to an 8-1 victory.

Amin Kashy netted on five and eight minutes to put Hillsong 2-0 up.

Jacob Waters pulled a goal back for the Teessiders - but it turned out to be Stockton’s only counter.

Kashy completed his hat-trick as Ben Jeffery and Nathan McDine notched, Kashy nabbing his fourth on the stroke of halftime for 6-1.

Evan Holmes struck after the hour, Kashy connecting for his fifth goal in the second half as Hillsong moved confidently into the quarter-finals.

Heaton Saints travelled to Jubilee Church Teesside.

Phill Russell fired Heaton in front but five minutes later Martin Houseman tied the scores.

Russell made it 2-1 at the break before Patrick Carr levelled the scores for Jubilee - a fitting end to what was a close game.