Reserves hit a spot of bother - and miss out on Charity Cup glory

TWR WEARSIDE LEAGUE

THERE was penalty shoot-out heartache for a young Hebburn Town Reserves side in the Total Sport Alan Hood Charity Cup final.

They took Hartlepool to a shoot-out, despite playing striker Josh Houghton between the sticks after their regular goalkeepers were ruled out with injuries.

Hartlepool took the lead just before half-time thanks to a goal from Jamie Tumilty.

Nathan Richardson’s header levelled the scores just before the hour-mark and he then turned provider for Jamie Lawson to put the Hornets ahead two minutes later. Kevin Bolam’s side looked set for a famous win - but they were denied in the first minute of injury-time as Sam Cook’s equaliser sent the tie to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

Hartlepool held their nerves to prevail 5-4.

Sunderland West End lie in third after they put six past struggling Annfield Plain.

Anthony Ross led the way for West End as he hit a hat-trick and further counters from Brad Wilson, Kieron Martin and Jordan Cook rounded off an impressive display at Derwent Park.

Strikes from Junior Masandi and Nathan Bayes gave Wolviston a 2-0 home victory over Boldon CA and Richmond Town were 3-0 victors at Gateshead Leam Rangers.

Redcar Athletic secured a priceless 2-1 success at Cleator Moor Celtic and moved level on points with their opponents at the top of the table.

Michael Woodhouse put the visitors ahead on seven minutes and they took a two-goal into half-time thanks to a strike from Lance Skelton. Brad Tatton pulled a goal back for Celtic but the visitors successfully saw off heavy pressure to seize the initiative in the title race.

Crucially, Redcar hold a game in hand over their rivals as the season heads into its final weekend. ■■TWEEDMOUTH Harrow also needed penalties to see off Rothbury in the final of the Sportsworld North Northumberland League’s Laidler/ Lancaster Cup.

Dan Thompson gave Rothbury a half-time advantage but Martyn Tait levelled in the second period.