Blue Star are closing gap on Students

NEWCASTLE University are being pegged back at the top of the Premier Division after a 3-3 draw at mid-table Seaton Delaval, while second-place Newcastle Blue Star closed the gap with a 4-0 win at home to Shankhouse.

An early Andy Carr double gave Delaval the advantage over the Students, netting either side of Churchill Onomonu’s effort.

Lee Scott though levelled for the Uni on the stroke of half-time.

Bailey Morton restored the hosts’ lead with 20 minutes left but a second from Scott ensured the leaders earned a point.

Blue Star flew into second when they took care of visiting Shankhouse courtesy of a Richard Coulson brace, one in each half, with Dean Gallagher and Adam Dobson also on target.

Wallington went fourth after beating visiting Gateshead Rutherford 4-3, Simon Farrier with a hat-trick for Wallington, Andrew Bell also scoring whilst replies came from Dan Fuller, Louis Tiplady, and an own-goal.

Ponteland are fifth after a 2-2 draw at North Shields Athletic for whom Phil Watson scored twice, Carl Vatt and Trae Rowlandson replying. Alnwick Town won 2-1 on Friday night against New Fordley, Phil Airey with the winner.

Percy Main beate Whitley Bay A 3-2, Paul Collinson with two (one from the spot) and Mark Mcdonell the scorers, Thomas Bramley and Sven Hart replying.

Killingworth are in the final of the Benevolent Bowl, beating Newcastle Chemfica 2-0, Malcolm Morien and Colin White scoring.

In the First Division, Gosforth Bohemians won 3-1 at home to Blyth Spartans Reserves, Dan Ure, Alex Kennedy and Tav Couling on target, Liam Shanley replying.

The other two First Division games finished in 1-0 home wins for Forest Hall and Red Row Welfare, Joe Thompson netting the winner for the former against Hexham and Liam Eason against Longbenton for the latter.

Whitley Sporting returned to the top of the Second Division with a 4-3 home win over Gateshead Redheugh, while Stobswood beat Cramlington Town 5-2. Whitburn & Cleadon won 4-2 against Seaton Sluice, Burradon beat Jesmond 2-1 and Coundon drew 1-1 with Ellington.

The remaining cup matches saw First Division Blyth Town and Cullercoats record Northumberland Minor Cup wins at home to Prudhoe Youth Club (2-1) and Wallsend BC (3-2) respectively, whilst Bedlington lost 3-2 at home to Haltwhistle Jubilee.

The semi-finals of the Durham Minor Cup saw Middlestone Moor Masons Arms beat Hebburn U23s 5-0 and Shildon Railway win 4-0 against Winlaton Vulcans.

PETER MANN