Morpeth are Developing a title charge
MORPETH FC moved level on points with second-placed Haltwhistle Jubilee with an 11-1 win at Wallsend Boys Club Development.
Calvin Payne netted for the hosts but goals from Darren Smith (2), Will Pritchard (2), Jack Freeman (2), Michael Bray, Ross Donnelly, Nick O’Neil, Tom Rolt and Alfie Whiting kept Morpeth in with a real shout of the title.
Red House Farm, meanwhile, moved into fifth place with a 3-2 victory at Newcastle Chemfica Amateurs.
Joe Walker and Juan Valbuena netted for Red House, who also benefited from an own goal - Ellis Bowen and Dan Cahill scoring for Chemfica.
In the John Hampson Memorial Trophy, Ponteland United Reserves began their Group B campaign with a 7-1 success at Wideopen A.
Peter Scott bagged a brace for Pont, their other counters courtesy of Sean McDonald, Jason Watson, Tom Harlow, Shaun Anderson and Steven Johnson. Mark Davison responded for Wideopen.
Haltwhistle Jubilee bowed out of the Northumberland FA Minor Cup at the semi-final stage.
James Charteries had them a goal to the good at the break at higher-ranked Cullercoats - but the hosts stormed back after the interval and hit three goals without reply to make the final. ■ THE battle for honours in Division One of the North East Christian Fellowship League is hotting up nicely.
Leaders Morpeth Mighty Oaks were at home to Heaton Saints and Lewis Tanney put Oaks ahead after 28 minutes.
Shortly before half-time Will Smith equalised - but within ten minutes of the restart Morpeth were back in front thanks to Matty Wilcox.
Tanney added his second to wrap up the match and keep Oaks in top spot.
Salvation Army remain one point behind Morpeth with two games in hand after triumphing 2-1 at Saint John’s Snod’s Edge.
Joe Ashworth fired Saint John’s ahead early on and it took almost hour for Army to level through Jamie Gunn.
In the 91st minute, Callum Cooke scored to give the Teessiders victory.
At the other end of the table, mid table YAV SIFF beat third-bottom Hope Church Sunderland 5-2.
In the Premier Division, Stockton Churches Portrack are now unbeaten in 10 games following a 3-0 result against Saints Charles RC Church Gosforth.
North Shields Community Christians are in second after seeing off Jesmond Parish Church 6-1.