Third-tier Newbiggin stun Killingworth on day of cup upsets

LEADERS AFC Killingworth were among the Premier Division sides dumped out of the Reeves Investment George Dobbins League Cup yesterday.

Killingworth lost 2-1 at home to Combination Cup finalists AFC Newbiggin, who bounced back from defeat on Wednesday in style.

Jordan Laidler found the net for the hosts but it was not enough as Cameron Elliott and Bradley Higgins, who was later sent off, ensured the Second Division visitors went home as the victors.

Top-tier Winlaton were also eliminated by lower-league opposition, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at First Division outfit Forest Hall Celtic.

Goals from Ross Newton and Akin Akinbola gave the visitors a surprise win as they fought back to overturn a half-time deficit after Ross Nicholson had opened the scoring.

Second Division Stobswood were another winner on the road, claiming a 1-0 win at struggling Premier Division side Percy Main.

Max Anderson scored the only goal before Percy’s Paul Smith had a late penalty saved.

Gateshead Rutherford, however, did better than some of their top-flight rivals as they edged past First Division leaders Prudhoe Youth Club 2-1.

The hosts netted in the first, and last minute, via Aristote Guerin, and Stephen Hall, with Matthew Law scoring in between for Prudhoe.

Alnwick were the big winners on the day as they walloped eight past hosts

Bedlington, with Joe Eggleston netting four and Simon Farrier bagging a brace.

Newcastle Blue Star left it late to win 2-1 at Walker Central, with Joseph Armstrong providing the winner, and Haltwhistle eased past Cullercoats Reserves 5-1 as Greg Irwin and Shaun Johnson each found the net twice.

Other clubs progressing to the second round include Burradon & New Fordley, Ponteland United, Newcastle Chemfica, Hebburn Town U23s, Whitburn, Blaydon Community and both Newcastle Independent sides.

Meanwhile, the Bill Gardner Cup was a more routine affair.

Wallington ran riot in extra time to beat hosts Cullercoats 5-1 while Morpeth also hit five when home to Whitley Bay Sporting A.

Gosforth Bohemians dismissed

Premier Division opponents North Shields Athletic 4-0, and Ponteland United Reserves won by the same at home to Blyth Town U23s.

Ashington Reserves needed extra-time to defeat Fawdon 3-0, and Newcastle University A won by the same result at home to Seaton Sluice.

Willington Quay Saints and Newcastle East End shared the spoils in the Team Valley Carpets Second Division, with Alex Foreman and Michael Mullaghan netting for their respective clubs.

North Sunderland moved into third place in the Bluefin Sport Insurance Third Division with a comfortable 6-1 win at home to Red House Farm.

Whickham U23s also enjoyed a comfortable 5-0 win away to Bedlington United Sporting Club.