Willow Pond battle back for 1-1 draw at Catchgate
Willow Pond have had a busy return to Sunderland & District Over-40s League action with three games in eight days.
A 3-2 win at home to Houghton Burn has been followed by a defeat 3-0 at high flying Shildon and on Saturday a 1-1 draw at Catchgate
On Wednesday Shildon created plenty of chances throughout the game and Willow star man and keeper Andrew Tilbury produced another outstanding display throughout the match.
John Stephenson scored following a cross for him to fire home their advantage and take a first half lead.
The second half had Pond with their backs against the wall and Shildon doubled their lead when man of the match Stephenson collected the ball unmarked on the edge of the box and his low shot gave Tilbury no chance.
When a Shildon corner was only half cleared to Plews in the box, he controlled the ball and fired home through the defence to make it three nil to the home side.
On Saturday they played against Catchgate who started like a house on fire and their tempo produced some early corners, then Kev Douglas scored with a looping shot.
The game was end to end and Pond drew level when David Laws' curling free-kick was powerfully headed home by Hoey.
Hartlepool Workies had mixed fortunes in the Premier League, losing 1-0 in midweek at Washington, then drawing 1-1 at home to Penshaw Catholic.
Wednesday’s game saw defences on top, although Stuart Greig and Mick Waller shot narrowly wide, and James Parkinson’s effort was tipped over. The play was end to end but with little being created then Washington broke the deadlock on 70 minutes.
Workies struggled to clear a corner and the ball was poked home. Man of the match Parkinson almost gained a point for his side, but his low shot was tipped on to the post and cleared.
On Saturday a depleted Workies squad faced leaders Penshaw and they went a goal down inside the first five minutes, the goal followed excellent work by Luke Charlesworth, his delivery into the box was met with a superb header by Paul Hodgson.
Workies pressed to get level and Waller hit the post, whilst Steve Kennedy’s shot was cleared off the line. With 10 minutes remaining the equaliser came. Parkinson was fouled just outside the area and Graham Popple hit the free-kick into the top corner.
In Division Two, Hartlepool Stag & Monkey hosted Peterlee Helford and edged a seven goal thriller.
Stag were slow out of the blocks and found themselves two down inside ten minutes. They got one back midway through the half when Graham Rowbotham’s free-kick was headed home by Mark Loynes.
Peterlee hit straight back to restore their two goal cushion, but Stag again reduced the deficit right on half-time when Andy Copeman’s cross to the back post was smashed home on the volley by Brendan Deer.
The hosts levelled early in the second half, Rich Willingham racing on to a fine ball from Loynes, and when the keeper made a great one on
one block, the rebound fell to Chris Ward 20 yards out, and he calmly chipped the ball over the back-peddling defence for a goal on his first full debut.
Stag went ahead for the first time in the game on the hour. Paul Lowden fired a rocket into the top corner after being set up by Deer. Peterlee threw everything into their search for an equaliser, with eight corners in the last five minutes, but Stag held firm to win 4-3.
Hartlepool Catholic Club entertained Washington Biddick and an uninspiring game ended 1-1.
Catholic went ahead when John Webster’s long punt forward sailed over the keeper
and just under the bar, but Biddick levelled before halftime.
Houghton Cricket drew 2-2 at home to Houghton Bede.
In the second half Forster put Houghton 1-0 up with a header. Houghton doubled their lead with a great finish from man of the match Alan Jones, but Bede scored twice to grab a point.
Washington EMS lost 3-1 at home to Middlesbrough, Chris Dawson on target for EMS and Paul Kindon their star man.
Saturday April 17 fixtures, Premier: 10.30am: Easington CW v South Shields, Hartlepool Workies
v Wallsend Boys Club, Middlesbrough v v Washington EMS, Penshaw Catholic Club v Ryhope Foresters, St Mary’s College v Ferryhill Greyhound
Div One: CSSC Darsley Park v Milbourne Arms, Pelton Crown Inn v Sunderland Grindon Broadway, Sherburn Village WMC v Plains Farm Project, Stanley v N/ Shields Pineapple, Thornley Harry’s Bar v Hebburn Town, Whitley Bay Seahorse v Consett
Div Two: Hartlepool Catholic Club v Peterlee Helford, Hartlepool Jacksons v Seaham Harbour, Hartlepool Stag & Monkey v Richmond Town, Cobblers Hall v Biddick Inn, Roseberry Hilda Park v Sedgefield, Wearmouth Old Boys v Woodhorn Lane
Div Three: Forest Hall v Sunderland Mill View, Seaton Buildings v Sunderland Hall Farm, Sunderland Ivy Legends v Heighington Bay Horse, Pennywell Comrades v Billingham Vets, Wingate Cons v Boldon Colliery Old Barrel
Div Four: Durham Bede Lodge v Houghton Cricket, Newcastle Blue Star v Trimdon Vets, Sunderland Rolls Royce v Whitburn, Sunderland Philadelphia v Houghton The Burn, Walkergate v Catchgate, Sunderland The Doxy Lad v Shildon Vets.