Christians are two matches from Cup glory

NORTH Shields Community Christians reached the last four of the League Cup with a 4-1 victory over YAV SIFF.

Lamine Diaby scored after just three minutes to fire Division One side YAV into a shock lead against their Premier Division opponents.

However, five minutes later the match was tied when Stuart Cranswick netted.

James Bowden then notched as the Christians led 2-1 at the break.

They stretched their advantage in the second half courtesy of strikes from Steve Thomson and substitute Todd Clarkson.

In the competition’s first round, Premier Division leaders Stockton Churches Portrack romped to a 7-1 victory against Division One’s Hope Church Sunderland.

The Teessiders took the lead through Dan Rigby, Adam Lowes levelling the match at 1-1 on 20 minutes.

A double from Martin Ford took Stockton into half-time leading 3-1.

A second-period hat-trick from Lee Twizzel and a strike from Alex Fawcett steered Portrack into the quarter-finals and a tie at Newcastle-based Heaton Saints.

Jubilee Church Teesside needed extra time and then penalties to see off Premier League team Jesmond Parish Church.

The first goal came on 51 minutes from Jesmond’s Luke Ridyard.

Ten minutes later a penalty was awarded which Michael Mayberry tucked away for Jubilee Church.

On 70 minutes Dan McGrane restored Jesmond’s advantage but as the match moved towards the final whistle Martin Cottle struck for 2-2 and the match went into extra time.

There were no further counters so the tie went to penalties Jubilee Church Teesside triumphing 4-2 to move into the semi-finals.

The top two met in Division One, Morpeth Mighty Oaks edged out 4-3 by Heaton Saints.

Oaks made the best possible start, Blaine Evans striking inside the first minute.

Phil Russell equalised for Heaton before Carl Thompson scored for Heaton to take them into the break leading 2-1.

Chris Barnes levelled for Morpeth, Russell then netting his second.

Again Morpeth equalised through Barnes - but in the dying seconds Will Smith scored to give Saints the three points.