Dawson strikes twice to put Stockton on course for opening-day victory

NORTH EAST CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP LEAGUE

THE NECFL started their league programme on Saturday.

Saint Paul’s Ryhope, as Premier Division Champions last season resigned from the league, so it was left to runners-up Stockton Churches Portrack to start the league off.

Marc Dawson got them on their way at home to Jesmond Parish Church, and the same player added a second before half time. Alex Fawcett wrapped the game up in the 78th minute to give Stockton a 3-0 win.

At Consett Leisure Centre, newly promoted St Charles RC Church Gosforth started their campaign at Consett St Patrick’s, and it was Consett who scored through Aidan Bailey after 19 minutes.

Ten minutes later a through ball saw Andrew Howes round the keeper and tie the match, but St Charles regained the lead through John Holt.

A corner after 52 minutes led to Consett’s equaliser from Peter Price and the game finished 2-2.

North Shields Community Christians and Hillsong Newcastle played out a 0-0 draw.

In Division One, with Hillsong Newcastle and St Charles RC Church promoted, third-placed Stockton Salvation Army missed out.

They travelled to St John’s Snod’s Edge, and after four minutes they were ahead through Nathan Wilson, with Callum Cooke making it 2-0.

Craig Allison got St John’s back in the match but that was short-lived as Austin Laidler made it 3-1 at half-time.

In an amazing second half Salvation Army scored nine unanswered goals as Chris Skipper scored five and Laidler scored another two for his hat-trick, with Tom Pickington and Rory Sawyer also netting in a 12-1 win.

Jubilee Church Teesside took the lead at home to Hope Church Sunderland through Anthony Pierson, with Kyle Yorston equalising.

Danny Oram struck twice for Jubilee in the last six minutes to complete a 3-1 victory.