Shocks and surprises for many in Cup matches

THERE were some Cup shocks in the league this week as several Premier Division sides were knocked out of the competition by lowerleague opposition.

Premier Division high-fliers, Blue Star, crashed to a 2-0 defeat away to Second Division leaders Stobswood, Max Anderson opening the scoring early on, Robert Baker adding a second on the hour for the hosts; whilst at the Pont, they fell 4-2 to First Division outfit Hebburn Town U23s, Jack Robertson grabbing a double to progress.

Chemfica meanwhile, who hit ten last week, crashed out at home to First Division leaders Cramlington United, this after Thomas Ions had afforded the hosts an early lead; however, goals from Rhys Groves and Niall Younger put the First Division side through.

Wallington meanwhile, also fell to a Second Division side, losing 2-1 away to Willington Quay Saints, they netting through Stephen Oliver and Ryan Ferrier in the final fifteen minutes, after Shay Richardson had opened the scoring early in the first period. Elsewhere, in the Reeves Investment-sponsored League Cup, both Alnwick Town and Newcastle Independent netted five on the road, the former seeing off top division rivals Haltwhistle Jubilee 5-1, whilst Wilson Kneeshaw bagged a brace in the latter’s 5-0 win at Blaydon Community.

Burradon & New Fordley required extra time to see off visitors Gateshead Rutherford, Ian Lee with a late brace to send them through, and Forest Hall won by the same result, away to Newcastle Independent Cabrito.

In the Team Valley Carpets Bill Gardner Cup, the top scorers were Whitley Bay Sporting Club, winning 9-1 away to Bedlington United Sporting Club, Joe Forbes with a five-goal haul, and two from Tom Atkinson, whilst nine goals was netted in the game between Gosforth Bohemians and Ponteland United Reserves, the visitors edging 5-4.

Braces from Mo Younis and Chris Scott afforded Newcastle University A 4-1 success at home to Ashington Reserves, and North Sunderland progressed by the same when at Whickham U23s, Kyle Jeffery with a brace of his own alongside goals from Richard Stanwix and Tom Allen; there was also victory for Hexham, 3-0 at home to Gosforth Bohemians Reserves, and Wideopen won 3-1 at Morpeth.

Killingworth stretched their lead in the Bay Plastics Premier Division back out to seven, from second place Prudhoe, following a comfortable, 3-0 win away to Winlaton; goals from Connor Shaw and Michael Baxter had the leaders two up at the break, before a late third, from Sam Grieveson, wrapped up the points.