Emmanuel win to ease fears of drop

NORTH EAST CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP LEAGUE

TWO teams trying to stave off relegation from the Premier Division met at the Riverside Chester-le-Street - Emmanuel Church Durham and Stockton Church United.

Stockton had won in midweek 4-1 against Jubilee Church Teesside - but there was no repeat as they lost 2-0 this time.

With the match passing the hour mark, Ryan Marklew put Emmanuel in front with a tap-in in front of goal.

Ten minutes later Steve Brook took a punt from the half-way line and saw the ball drop behind the goal line to secure Emmanuel the victory.

They now need a point from their last two matches to survive while the Teessiders require a possible three wins from their last five fixtures.

At Silksworth, Saint Pauls Ryhope - pushing for second place - faced a Jubilee Church side looking for a win which would secure their top-flight place for next season.

The match came alive after 14 minutes when Kieran Davis netted for Saint Paul’s.

He scored again after half an hour and completed his hat-trick on the stroke on half-time.

Davis took just two minutes after the restart to net his fourth goal, Dale Spencer adding another after the hour to secure Saint Paul’s 5-0 triumph.

The result leaves them four points behind Stockton Churches Portrack with a game in hand.

Division One leaders North Shields Community Christians had their destiny in their own hands, travelling to Richmond to face Saint Cuthbert’s Corinthians Colburn.

Dean Sowerby settled their nerves after 10 minutes followed by a Dave Marrin strike 10 minutes later.

North Shields looked in control at 2-0 but Saint Cuthbert’s were awarded a penalty after 35 minutes, which Connor Metcalf notched with aplomb.

With the score at 2-1 at halftime, it was Saints who responded as Paul Conn netted to tie the match at 2-2.

However, two counters from Simon Parker 10 minutes apart saw North Shields lead 4-2 with three minutes left.

On the stroke of full-time Luke Parker struck for 5-2.