Higgins just spot on in a Cup shocker

NORTH EAST CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP LEAGUE

NORTH Shields Community Christians pulled off a shock 2-1 win over Whitley Bay Sporting Club from the Northern Alliance League in the Northumberland Minor Cup.

Sporting took the lead after 20 minutes, but the Christians levelled from a free-kick just before the break.

Towards the end of a fierecelyfought second half, Shields’ Luke Parker was brought down in the box and captain Conor Higgins volleyed the ball into the net from the penalty spot.

With the Christians in cup action and second-placed Saint Paul’s having a weekend off, thirdplaced Stockton Churches Portrack became Premier Division leaders by beating visitors Sunderland Samba 7-2.

After six minutes Robert Helyer fired Stockton in front.

Marc Brockelsby made it 2-0 before Victor Ozadele put the Wearsiders back in the game at 2-1.

Lee Twizell and Charlie Iverson then gave Stockton a 4-1 halftime advantage.

Twizell nabbed a second to increase the lead to 5-1, Alex Fawcett and Marc Dawson then wrapping up the scoring.

Jesmond Parish Church, sitting in fifth place, travelled to Jubilee Church Teesside - all the goals coming in the first half.

Ben Robinson shot Jesmond in front on 20 minutes - only for Aaron Thompson to equalise five minutes later.

Ben Forthergill netted after 37 minutes and that turned out to be the winner as Jesmond triumphed 2-1 to move into joint second place - but third by way of a lesser goal difference.

Consett Saint Patricks prevailed 4-0 at YAV SIFF.

The match was just one minute old when Colin Wheatly netted from a corner.

Wheatley made it 2-0 after the break, Rob Lavery notching for 3-0.

In the last few minutes Wheatley completed his hat-trick as Saint Patrick’s sealed the match 4-0.

In Division One, leaders Hillsong Newcastle overcame second-placed St Charles RC Church Gosforth 5-1 thanks to efforts from Jaddai Kembaya, Nathan McDine, Gary Frizzle (2) and Tyrone Stoddart.