Win on penalties sees North Shields through to semi-final
NORTH EAST CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP LEAGUE
JESMOND Parish Church played North Shields Community Christians in the semi final of The NECFL League Cup last night.
Shields had the better first half, forcing some good saves from Jesmond’s Jamie Bogle and took the lead through a Keith Parsons header after 10 minutes.
Jesmond improved after the break and equalised after a good counter attack through Jonny Pickersgill (50), and then took the lead with a goal from Anthony Henderson (65).
The game then ebbed and flowed with chances for both teams. Shields forced a penalty on 85 mins but Scott Purcell’s effort was saved.
But the pressure told and Shields equalised through Stuart Cranswick with the last kick of the game.
With no further goals in extra time the match went to penalties. North Shields Community Christians scored all theirs but Jesmond Parish Church only managed three, to see North Shields move into the final on Saturday May 9 at Nissan Sports and Leisure Complex with a 10.30am kick off. They will face Stockton Churches Portrack or Saint Paul’s Ryhope.
On Saturday, the top two in the Premier Division both had tough away trips. Sitting on top, Stockton Churches Portrack took on Consett Saint Patrick’s, and it was Consett who took the lead from Peter Price after eight minutes. Alex Fawcett equalised seven minutes later and scored again on 22 minutes to put Portrack in front. Charlie Inman increased the lead to 3-1 before the break.
The only goal in the second half came after the hour and saw Alex Fawcett collect his hat trick and give Stockton Churches Portrack a 4-1 win to remain top of the pile.
In order to keep pressure on Stockton, Saint Paul’s Ryhope went to Axiom FC, and Callum Milne scored after 13 minutes, only for Richie Cowan to square he match after 35 minutes.
After getting back in the match Axiom faced disaster as, on the 52nd and 53rd minute, Jake Ballantyne and Anthony Young both scored from consecutive corners.
A minute later, Daniel Armstrong made the score 4-1 when he was given a gift of a side pass from Axiom to stroll in and score. Armstrong then got a second near the end of the game to finish the match off with a 5-1 win to remain in second place and leave the Premier Division Championship wide open.
In Division One, Hillsong Newcastle knew before the match that they needed one point to mathematically secure promotion to the Premier Division, Playing at Saint John’s Snod’s Edge. They did in style, winning 10-0.