Higgins puts Christians on their way with goal inside first minute

NORTH EAST CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP LEAGUE

NORTH Shields Community Christians made the perfect start in the quarterfinals of the NECFL League Cup at home to Hillsong Newcastle.

Within 30 seconds Conor Higgins picked up a pass to slot home for a 1-0 lead and the Christians held on to that advantage up to half-time.

On the restart, Higgins again was in the mix as he was fouled in the box and picked himself up to take the penalty and put his team 2-0 up.

A ball to the back post in the 89th minute enabled saw Evan Holme to score for Hillsong - but it was too little too late.

Saint Paul’s Ryhope faced Jubilee Church Teesside and the first half was goaless.

The deadlock was broken after 55 minutes when Gary Ayre put Saint Paul’s in front.

Thirty minutes later Callum Milne scored to wrap the game up as the Wearsiders reached the last four.

Jesmond Parish Church were up against City of God Newcastle.

Sam Gains fired Jesmond in front on seven minutes.

Anthony Henderson was then tripped in the box, Tommy Watson converting the spot kick as Jesmond led 2-0 going at half-time.

The second period started slowly, Tom Withers then making it 3-0 on the hour.

Watson struck his second and it was 5-0 when Kieron Hubbuck netted with a header from a corner.

City of God scored with a deflected shot in the last five minutes courtesy of Chris Owen.

With the referee about to finish the game, Ben Robinson notched to seal a 6-1 success for Jesmond.

Consett Saint Patrick’s reached the final of the Andy Walker Trophy with a penalty shoot-out victory against Stockton Churches Portrack.

Marc Dawson fired the Teessiders in front.

However, Saints stormed back with two strikes from Peter Price - only for a Lee Tweizell double to then edge Stockton 3-2 ahead.

Gary Charlton’s late effort took the match to extra time and penalties, where the Saints prevailed 4-1..