Welfare feel the benefit of fightback

THE finalists for the remaining two cup finals of the 2021-22 season are now decided.

In the Reeves Investment George Dobbins League Cup, Division Two champions, Stobswood Welfare continued what has been a fantastic season when they came from behind to defeated Division One high-fliers Cramlington United 2-1.

Cameron Cunningham gave Cramlington the lead immediately after the restart but a quick-fire double just after the hour mark from Josh Hay gave Stobswood victory.

They will face Burradon and New Fordley in the final after they came through 3-0 against

Whitley Bay Reserves.

Dave Malone’s side progressed with second-half goals from Danny Sayer (2) and Jack

Fennell.

The Team Valley Carpets Bill Gardner Cup final will be between Wideopen and District and Hexham.

Wideopen prevailed 3-1 at Willington Quay Saints, Taylor Smith with a first-half brace, while Lewis Loughead scored three to help Hexham to a 5-0 success over North Sunderland, Will Forsyth (a penalty) and Joe Hughes also netting.

■■IN the Bay Plastics Premier Division, fifth-placed Wallington picked up a 3-1 result at home to lowly North Shields Athletic thanks to counters from Shay Richardson, John Paxton and Thomas Truscott, Josh Skivvington with the reply. ■■NEWCASTLE Independent, closed the gap on Reeves Independent Division One leaders Cramlington United following a

4-1 win at Whitburn.

Fellow title challengers AFC Newbiggin triumphed 3-1 at home to Gosforth Bohemians.

Hebburn Town Under-23s are chasing down fourth place after romping to a 9-0 victory at home to Rothbury - Robbie Gateshill notching four goals and Gabriel Bada and Jack Robertson with two apiece.

■■THE top five sides in Team Valley Carpets Division Two were inactive, but sixth-placed Newcastle Blue Star Reserves prevailed 4-1 at home to Newcastle Chemfica Amateurs, Lennon Lowden and Kyle Cockburn with braces.

Seaton Sluice edged a sevengoal clash at Ashington Reserves, Andrew Beadling with a double.