-1st April 2008 | back to top

Sassco shock the favourites in the Final.

Sassco pictured with the AGUK Super League Trophy. Back row are David Simpson, Dave Gourlay, Simon Mulvaney, Davinder Sangha. Sitting are Stephen Lewis, Mark Cresswell and Keith Mouat.

Sassco.co.uk 0 Sporting Redhouse 0 Final
Sassco won 3-1 on penalties

An unexpected conclusion to the AGUK Super League as the rank outsiders, Sassco - a team which crept into the last four, triumphed with a rare 0-0 draw and a shoot out victory.

Sporting Redhouse were overwhelming favourites against an improved Sassco team. Sassco presented the same line up as in their tremendous Semi Final victory over the holders. Simpson, Mulvaney, Sangha, Gourlay, Mouat, Lewis and Cresswell. The disappointment to anyone independent was that Sporting, with a dream team line up of Sangha, Williamson, Walker, Anderson, Davison, Harrison and Cromack - all who'd won countless trophies in the Sassco League, would probably triumph and thus gain the Treble. However, Sassco had their own plans in place. The wind was shocking and worked fully in Sassco's favour. Both teams played it on the floor, but the wind was preventing any quick breaks. Sporting had the lions share in the opening half with a few misplaced passes from Sassco letting them in. But Simpson, who controversially replaced Logan in the last few League games, was sure to every shot. But saying that, none of the shots were devastating and were more like snatched shots. 0-0 at half time and in the second, Sassco seemed to be coping quite well as their forays into the Sporting half were more frequent. Yet despite this, Sassco failed to muster a single shot on target and eventually retreated into their negative shell, with Mulvaney remaining deep thus adding a third defender to the team. Sporting were frustrated. Harrison was the main threat, but surprisingly, Steve Anderson, widely regarded as the overall best player within the League wasn't a threat at all.

So, just like the last time Sassco were in a Tuesday final it went to penalties (They lost against Crown back in Season 5 in the same competition). Sassco were jubilant as the penalties started and Sporting looked visibly gutted. Cresswell fired in the opener for Sassco and it was 1-0. Billy Harrison walloped his in so it was 1-1. Then it was down to Gourlay, who's shot crashed in off of the roof of the net. Then, the villain of the piece, the team hopping Traitor finally got his comeuppance as Simpson shut out his shot. 2-1 and Sassco's Stephen Lewis stepped up and rammed home the winner.

A glorious end for Sassco as they gained their first trophy on a Tuesday since their Season 4 victory (ironically also over Sporting) back in 2001.

-25th March 2008 | back to top

Sassco shock the holders.

with a 2-1 win over AFC. Sporting cruise past a poor Youth's.

Click here to give your opinion on these games as well as any other Sassco related subject.

Sporting Redhouse 4 Redhouse Youth 0
After last weeks excellent 1-1 draw against AFC, Redhouse Youth's put in an insipid performance as they lamely went out of the Cup. Barely a shot on Sporting's goal in the first half was in contrast to Sporting's two well taken strikes. At half time, the fortunes turned slightly as the Youth's pressed on, but a breakaway goal to send Sporting away at 3-0 meant that the mountain was way too high to climb for the Youth's. A goal scored at a tight angle completed the humiliation for the Youth's team who just haven't been firing on all cylinders since the introduction of Hembrough and Murton. Ironically, the two superstars were absent from their encounter against AFC last week and, no doubt, will be plying their trade in the USA Major League Soccer once their career with the Youth's ends.

Sassco.co.uk 2 AFC Redhouse 1
A shocker of a result, but it was "now or never" as Sassco's supremo, Davinder Sangha, challenged his troops. His reasoning was that this was the strongest Sassco team out for a long time as Keith Mouat was back and the mythical Dave Gourlay came in as the seventh man, with Simon Mulvaney also making an appearance. AFC were missing Flash Jordan. But as they were unbeaten, the holders and also the favourites to retain their crown, they really didn't need to worry and everyone wanted to play Sassco as they were unquestionably the weakest of the four Semi Finalists.

Sassco came out of the blocks the quickest and limited the chances made by AFC. A free-kick from Keith Mouat broke the deadlock, just after Mark Cresswell's goal was disallowed. But as Sassco were ahead in their group encounter (which they lost 3-1) meant that they had it all to do. Lewis, in the second half, drove through his Saturday team mates and scored a superb second goal to make it 2-0. From then on Sassco defended desperately, with great blocks from Mouat, Sangha and Mulvaney. AFC shot either high or wide and Simma made a few good stops to keep Sassco in it. Charlie scored with around five minutes remaining to make it 2-1 and everyone waited for the inevitable AFC equaliser. It didn't come and time was played out to send Sassco, unexpectedly into the Final - their first appearance since Season 5. It's also extra ammunition for Cressy as well as he's trying to impress this bird who's showing no interest in him whatsoever. Maybe bringing the trophy home might impress her.

Gash was quite gracious in defeat. "Well done Sassco. Took their chances unlike AFC and hopefully they will win instead of the corrupt and universally hated Sporting Redhouse. A team who seem to have bribed their way into the Final. Rumours are abound about an impending transfer for Hembrough to Sporting, which explains his impotent performance in the other Semi Final."

Witherwack 4 Downhill FC 2
A good start for Witherwack as they opened their Season 12 campaign and a reasonable opening from Downhill. Liam Wooton and Steve Conlin shared the four goals for Witherwack and Mark Bewick and Campbell scored Downhill's. The win puts them joint on points with FC Hendon.

-19th March 2008 | back to top

Semi Finalists are changed.

Table error puts Sassco through instead of Witherwack.

An error in the Super League table. I had Witherwack down for two wins against Downhill when it was actually one. As you can see from last weeks table, they had six games played, but also had one played this week. This puts Sassco into a Semi Final spot.

I've put both team's results below just to make sure that everyone can cross check them.

Sassco.co.uk games
12/02/2008 Sassco.co.uk 3 Witherwack 3
12/02/2008 Sporting Redhouse 6 Sassco.co.uk 1
19/02/2008 Downhill FC 0 Sassco.co.uk 2
04/03/2008 AFC Redhouse 3 Sassco.co.uk 1
11/03/2008 Sassco.co.uk 4 Southwick FC 1
11/03/2008 Redhouse Youth 8 Sassco.co.uk 0

Witherwack games
12/02/2008 Sassco.co.uk 3 Witherwack 3
19/02/2008 Witherwack 0 Southwick FC 3
26/02/2008 Redhouse Youth 0 Witherwack 0
04/03/2008 Sporting Redhouse 4 Witherwack 0
11/03/2008 Witherwack 4 Downhill FC 3
18/03/2008 Witherwack 1 AFC Redhouse 3

AFC Redhouse 1 Redhouse Youth 1
A game to decide positions was concluded as a 1-1 draw. Youths's were in the lead with a Kevin Snowdon strike, but Charlie managed to grab on for AFC. A tough result which was more positive for Youth's. "It wasn't easy," claimed AFC's supremo, Gash Brazier. "We had the unedifying sight of Grant Foster being bullied by Coyney. I'm happy with the point as we've left the first stage unbeaten."

AFC Redhouse 3 Witherwack 1
As mentioned, an error in the table means that the three goals from Gash, Charlie and Flash Jordan Gallagher, put their hated, but not so near rivals Sassco through. Ironically, AFC will bow play Sassco in the Semi Finals, while Sporting face off against the Youths.

FC Hendon 3 ALS 0 - League Game
It was decided to give both ALS and FC Hendon the honour of kicking off the Season 12 campaign. The reports will eventually be shifted in full to the updated Season 12 site once the AGUK Super League is over.

Match report by Brian Watson (ALS)
ALS committed football suicide with schoolboy errors and bad defending and had keeper Scott Montgomery to thank for keeping the score down to three. ALS gifted FC Hendon the perfect start with Adil Ali encroaching in to the area. The resulting penalty was put away with ease from the FC Hendon player. The second FC Hendon goal came from a smart shot which hit the base of the post and rebounded out to the feet of the correct to tap in. So it ended 2-0 at the break. Shortly after the break Hendon were gifted yet another chance. This time John Robson stepping in to the box. However Montgomery saved the spot kick. Hendon put the final nail in the coffin with a three on one break and another goal to McConville's boys. Montgomery then produced some magic between the sticks with a brilliant save - tipping round the post from a long range effort. If FC Hendon can reproduce this form every week then I’m sure they will trouble the big boys in the League.

-13th March 2008 | back to top

The Bunker Newsletter in association with
The Sunderland Music Forum
March 2008
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Thanks to everyone who filled out the Sunderland Music Forum questionnaire last month.
If you still haven't completed one, you still can at www.bunkeruk.com/main/smf.htm

Please pass this onto anyone else you think will fill it in too.

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THE BUNKER HAS DECIDED TO GIVE AWAY OUR LABEL RELEASES AS FREE MP3 DOWNLOADS!!!

The complete list of free tracks can be found on our website. It includes some great tracks from great local bands
from the past few years, including Ambershift, Seventythree, Seven Heroes, Influx and More!!!

Get over www.bunkeruk.com/main/mp3.htm now
to view the whole list of downloads!

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-4th March 2008 | back to top

Semi Finalists are decided.

Only the positions remain to be decided for Sporting, Youths, AFC and Witherwack.

A very disappointing night. Namely, because the appointed referee, Gavin Sloan, failed to show without any explanation. None has been forthcoming yet, so I will take a deep breath before letting loose. It proves my theory of referee's not really understanding that the game needs them to be there and punctual. My thanks go to Stephen Lewis, Anth Pearson and Daniel Campbell for standing in a refereeing the games in truly miserable conditions.

Sporting Redhouse 8 Downhill FC 1
Campbell's superb strike ping ponged off several players before nestling into the back of Sporting Redhouse's goalmouth. Shock? I'm afraid not. The eight goals against, gave it away. Sporting are comfortably into the Semi Finals now, while Downhill hit rock bottom.

Sassco.co.uk 4 ALS 1
ALS suffered an opening defeat in the debut as replacements for Southwick FC. They struck the opener against a changed Sassco side, but Sassco roared back with a superb long range effort from Lewis again. Soon after, Sassco gained a penalty and Lee Cresswell made it 2-1. The second half saw goals from Lee Cresswell and Stephen Lewis to make it a comprehensive 4-1 win.

Witherwack 4 Downhill FC 3
Downhill's second outing was more positive. However, it ended in defeat which also eliminated Sassco from the Semi Finals. Frog grabbed an unlikely hat-trick for Downhill, but Witherwack replied immediately with an extra goal. The win gives Witherwack a Semi Final spot.

Redhouse Youth 8 Sassco.co.uk 0
A bit of a walloping. Sassco were already out and Youth's were already through. Sassco only had five players, who held on bravely, but once a quick two goals went in, most gave up in a game which nearly turned nasty.

FC Hendon played against Witherwack in a late friendly which resulted in a 4-1 win for Hendon.

-4th March 2008 | back to top

All three big guns win.

Southwick vanish without a trace.

Redhouse Youth 3 New Southwick FC 0 - match awarded
Never seen anything like it. New Southwick were there but a man down. Inexplicably, they refused to get on the pitch. I gave them two minutes to do so or they were out of the Cup and also League. ALS now take their place and also their results within this Cup. Unbelievable. It's just a game of football chaps. No need to be scared. Plenty of sides have put out five players in the past.

Sporting Redhouse 3 Witherwack 0
A comprehensive win for Sporting Redhouse over Witherwack. An early goal settled the side and they went on to score two more in quick succession.

AFC Redhouse 3 Sassco.co.uk 1
A more than useful performance from a weakened Sassco team without Cresswell and Mouat. They opened the scoring when Bell (in goal) decided to make hand signals outside the box. Lewis fired in the penalty opener. AFC soon gained a reply and in the second half went on to take a quick lead to 3-1 with Gash Brazier scoring two of the three goals.

Downhill faced off against ALS in their friendly and suffered a 4-1 defeat against a team which is currently unbeaten in the friendlies.

-26th February 2008 | back to top

Charlie gets four against Southwick.

Sporting also beat Southwick. Youth's and Witherwack draw a blank.

Sporting Redhouse 4 New Southwick FC 2
A tight game which was hampered by the wind. Sporting opened the scoring, but Southwick soon roared back with an equaliser. Sporting then took the lead again and were again pegged back. Southwick were missing a few key players for their catch-up double header and succumbed to two late goals from Sporting in a 4-2 defeat.

Redhouse Youths 0 Witherwack 0
The Youths were back in from the cold, but struggled to get past a stubborn Witherwack team in a rare 0-0 tie. Both teams struggled in the conditions and Witherwack would probably consider the result a positive one as they remain in the top four.

AFC Redhouse 8 New Southwick FC 2
Craig Charlton was the star of the night as AFC overcame a weary Southwick side with a massive 8-2 scoreline. Tommy Bell scored two while Gash and Grant scored one each. A massive result which easily confirms the fact that the holders will be taking part in the knock out stage. In fact, Gash has already texted me the list of the AFC team members he wants me to sort out the winners awards for.

A couple of useful friendly games on the night. Sassco really looked disinterested against an ALS (click for the link to their website) team which took the lead and dominated the chances. An injury to Cresswell hampered their chances and Sassco were looking to be put out of their misery with ALS' second goal. It did come, but not from ALS. With around twenty seconds remaining, Stephen Lewis fired in a spectacular long range effort to tie he game.

McClusky's Cauld Lad team suffered a defeat against the new Valley Road FC team controlled by Paul McConville. Valley Road defeated Cauld Lad 4-2 in the final friendly.

-12th February 2008 | back to top

AFC's revenge against Sporting Redhouse.

Witherwack trounced by the New Southwick.

Only Scott Hembrough and Chris Taylor paid their due amounts which means that they are now clear . However, this does mean that Redhouse Youth are being replaced by Kevin McClusky's version for this cup competition, as the full amount of £32 wasn't paid and also the shirts were not returned. Durham FA will have to be informed now regarding the outstanding amounts. The amount due might double and also the individual players will be banned by DCFA. This will now happen automatically and Durham FA will ask me to contact them once the shirts are back and the money paid - then they will lift the ban.

New Southwick FC 3 Witherwack 0
It all came crashing down to earth for Witherwack as the New Southwick side comfortably trounced them. An opener from Rossy was followed up by Scott Johnstone. They never looked back and now it looks like Witherwack have to take some points off Sporting and AFC to be in with a shout.

AFC Redhouse 3 Sporting Redhouse 0
In the increasingly cold conditions, Sporting Redhouse froze as AFC gained revenge with a 3-0 win. A corker from Grant Foster was followed with equally superb strikes from Brooke and also a free-kick from Tommy Bell. A major win and no doubt that these two will probably meet again in the Semi Finals or the Final.

Sassco.co.uk 2 Downhill FC 0
A lethargic performance from Sassco, who never looked out of control. After several chances from the team, Lewis fired in the opener which was added to in spectacular fashion by Cresswell.

Sassco had a second game, a friendly against the new Redhouse Youth team. After a goalless first half, Cresswell, then Muers scored the goals in a 2-0 win.

-12th February 2008 | back to top

Sporting Redhouse shade it against the Youth's.

Witherwack claw it back against Sassco. AFC hit Downhill for six.

More disruption in the Super League. Southwick announced their intention to quit, but a ready made replacement seems to be at hand, with Scott Johnstone (ex Wearview and Max Housing) making a return, with Joe Spraggon in there to keep him in check. They played their first game, which was a 6-2 friendly win against Downhill. They will be making their competitive bow next week.

Sporting Redhouse 2 Redhouse Youth's 1
Redhouse Youth's were facing a sort of make or break game against Sporting. Since boasting their new superstars, Hembrough and Murton, they've struggled against the big boys. This game was a marked improvement as Scott Hembrough almost immediately cancelled out Trevor Walker's opener for Sporting. The game swung from end to end, but right at the death, Billy Harrison fired one in from a very tight angle past the unfortunate Mullen in goal for Youth's. With Southwick's absence, it's unquestionable that Youth's will be in the Semi Finals, but the defeat today was hard to cope with.

Youth's now owe a total of £32 towards the League for two missing payments. The team is suspended and if payment isn't made next week, then the matter will be dealt with by Durham FA, who will double the amounts. We have a strict policy of not allowing arrears to go out of hand. Also, Durham FA policy is to make sure that they are informed within seven days of any arrears.

AFC Redhouse 6 Downhill FC 0
An expected win for AFC as they humbled a poor Downhill side. Goals galore as AFC look to a Semi Final position. Gash was missing, but the "Dream team" of Carlos, Grant, Yes Trigger, Brookie, Charlie and Tommy Bell made it clear that Gash's position was under threat. The AFC team did something they haven't done in a good while - they passed. It's not as if they don't normally do that, but usually the passing ends when the ball reaches Gash.

Sassco.co.uk 3 Witherwack 3
A tremendous performance from Sassco, but it felt like a defeat. Despite going 1-0 down in the first half, they continued the pressure and were rewarded when Stephen Lewis hit the equaliser early in the second. Within minutes, they were 3-1 up with Mickey Donkin and Mark Cresswell hitting the target. Crucially, they took their foot off the pedal and allowed Witherwack back in it with two late goals. Poor defending, but considering that the two previous Sassco performances were heavy defeats against the same opponents bodes only to well for Sassco.

-5th February 2008 | back to top

Sporting Redhouse in pole position.

Witherwack overwhelm Downhill while Youth's narrowly beat them.

Massive disruption at the start of the AGUK Super League. The mish-mash knockout competition has now been superceded by the league format cup. The carefully crafted three groups of three switched over to a two groups of four format, when Wear Consulting struggled to present a team. However, this was kicked to the kerb when Hendon announced that they couldn't make it. Now it's a simple seven team pool. Everyone plays each other once and at the end, the Semi Finals are formed from the top four within the pool.

My thanks go to Sporting Redhouse and Downhill who were able to play two games, back-to-back, to compensate for the absent two teams.

Sporting Redhouse 6 Sassco.co.uk 1
Two games on the trot really didn't affect Sporting at all. Once again, they raced into a two goal lead against a new look Sassco team. At 2-0, Sassco piled on the pressure in the second half and John Hunt scuffed his shot into the back of the net. Just as Sassco almost equalised, Sporting fired one in on the break and ended the game as a contest in a similar fashion to the Cup Final. Three further goals killed Sassco, who are happy to have got the difficult game in the pool out of the way.

Witherwack 5 Downhill FC 0
Witherwack kept the reputation of the new teams (the only one now) on a high. A solid start against Downhill led to a 5-0 hammering. Steve Conlin scored two while the hat-trick went to Liam Wooton. A hugely impressive win; that, allied with their decent performances in the previous cup, mean that Witherwack could scrape into a top four finish depending on their results against the "Big Four."

Redhouse Youth 2 Downhill FC 1
The Youth's, sporting their new shirts gave a good performance against Downhill. Problem for them was that Minnigan, in goal for Downhill, gave even a better one. He managed to thwart all the opportunities taken by the Youth's. Unfortunately, for him, the first goal was a tight angle shot from Kurt Baxendale. Youth's grabbed the second in the second half and normally Downhill would capitulate and concede further goals, but this time Campbell fired in an unstoppable strike to make it 2-1. The scoring ended there. Downhill didn't look likely to score again, but it was a nervous last few minutes for the Youth's who won this competition back in Season 9.

-5th February 2008 | back to top

Sporting Redhouse trash a sorry AFC.

Second part of the Treble achieved.

Standing are Steve Anderson, Tarnjit Sangha, Gary Davison and Trevor Walker. Sitting are Paul Cromack, Billy Harrison and Simon Williamson.

Sporting Redhouse 4 AFC Redhouse 1 Final
Unquestionably, the strongest sides within the competition met in the Final. Sporting Redhouse, freshly crowned as Champions, were facing a determined AFC Redhouse team. Both were reasonably full-strength, but AFC were hampered by the absence of Tommy Bell. It was keenly felt as Sporting powered into a two goal lead. Yet, the second half showed more promise as Brookie fired in a goal to reduce the deficit. Sporting were going to be on the ropes for a while, but a sucker punch knocked the fight and the discipline out of AFC Redhouse, as a 3-1 scoreline was too hard to reduce. An eventual fourth struck for Sporting meant that the second part of the Treble was theirs. Sporting are the only side to have won the Treble within the League and this performance means that it's likely that they'll do it again.

-22nd January 2008 | back to top

Sporting Redhouse, Season 11 League Champions.

Pictured with the Sassco League Trophy.

Standing are Trevor Walker, Tarnjit Sangha, Gary Davison and Steve Anderson. Sitting are Billy Harrison, Simon Williamson and Paul Cromack.

-22nd January 2008 | back to top

Sporting Redhouse and AFC Redhouse cruise into the Final.

AFC overcome a strong Youth team. Sporting and Wear just kick each other.

AFC Redhouse 2 Redhouse Youth 0 Semi Final
A strong looking Redhouse Youth team came undone, unexpectedly, against a scratch AFC team in the first Semi Final. The Open Cup, so far, had been hit and miss due to team withdrawals and eliminated teams being given second chances. The real business was in the Semi Finals, where the four strongest sides appeared. It was Tommy Bell who opened the scoring and Grant's glory goal, which would have made it 2-0, was disallowed, much to his anguish. Yet, even as the Youth's pressed on with their full team of Hembrough, Murton and co., even a hastily drafted McClusky couldn't keep out Charlie's clinical free-kick in the second half. Experience over Youth again, as AFC once again, appear in the Final like they did last time.

Sporting Redhouse 5 Wear Consulting 2 Semi Final
Well rested after their scare and near hiccup against Witherwack in the Quarter's; Sporting came out all guns blazing and overwhelmed a confident looking Wear Consulting team. They raced into an unassailable 3-0 lead, before Tyzack pegged one back for Wear Consulting. However, almost immediately afterwards, Billy Harrison fired in the fourth and his hat-trick. Simon Williamson and Trevor Walker scored the others for Sporting, while Siddall grabbed the other goal for Wear. The game descended into a kicking match with both Mouat's attempting to kick Harrison out of the game. A yellow card was issued to Paul Mouat, but it could have been worse. Sporting now return to a Cup Final, a privilege they last had in Season 8 (it's Season 11 now) back in December 2005. They won the Treble on that occasion.

Tyzack's view was quite different. He thought a combination of poor referring decisions and bad luck cost his team dearly. The first goal, he claimed, wasn't a free-kick and put the whole team off their game. Also, they were not happy with the decision of allowing a Sporting substitute while the ball was in play. However, Tyzack commented that, "Credit to Sporting as they took their chances and are in the final so good luck. We're looking forward to the next Cup competition."

Sassco.co.uk 5 Downhill FC 4 Friendly
A low key, but open game between two teams dumped out at early, but expected, stages of the Cup. Stephen Lewis was the man of the moment as he grabbed four goals in a 5-4 win for Sassco. Downhill didn't give up and kept pegging Sassco back every time.

Witherwack 4 Hendon Grange 2 Friendly
Another impressive result for Witherwack as they look to regroup for the next Cup. They have a manageable group with Downhill and AFC in, so an expected second place finish would put them through. They raced into a 3-0 lead over Hendon, who grabbed a consolation near the end. Witherwack then added a further goal to end the game.

No games next week due to Sunderland AFC v Birmingham on Tuesday night. The week after will see the Open Cup Final between AFC Redhouse and Sporting Redhouse along with some group games in the next cup - the AGUK Super League.

-15th January 2008 | back to top

Southwick lose their Cup without kicking a ball .

Witherwack and Sassco get a second chance. Wear Consulting trounce Hendon Grange.

Witherwack 4 Sassco.co.uk 1 Second Chance Elimination Round
Both these sides had a second chance in the cup. Poor commitment from Southwick meant that they failed to field a team on the day. If it occurs again, then it's likely I can't enter them into the League or next Cup competition as we have other teams within the League who could have been left without games to play. This has made the draw a bit up and down, but essentially gives the teams there a chance to get through and get some match practice.

Witherwack looked like they wanted to have another chances as they blitzed Sassco in the first half. Two goals were quickly scored before Sassco clawed one back from Cresswell. However, shocking errors from the Sassco defence and goalkeeper meant that Witherwack's unassailable first half lead increased to 4-1 and the game was over as a competition. Ryan Davison and Steve Conlin shared the goals for Witherwack.

Redhouse Youth's 2 Witherwack 0 Quarter Final
Witherwack's reward was an encounter against a full strength Redhouse Youth team featuring Murton and Hembrough. Yet it was Yatesy who got in on to the act with two excellent goals, one being a free-kick. The start of the game was a bit slow for the Youth's as it was their first game back. But once the opener went in, they relaxed and passed the ball about easily beyond a now tired Witherwack side. It remained that way in the second half and until the end of the game. The Youth's are, at the moment, unsung which could weigh heavily in their favour. After all, they won it the season before last - and that was without Murton, Hembrough and Yates.

AFC Redhouse 8 Downhill FC 1 Quarter Final
Grant Foster, somehow, got three goals and announced that his game is just not about kicking...other people. Charlie struck another three and Brookey's long range efforts ended in two for him. Jason Calvert hammered Downhill's reply at and under Carl Middlemiss. It was so comfortable that AFC even risked Tommy Bell in goal for the latter stages. He didn't concede and Gash Brazier was his typical boisterous self when he discovered that his Semi Final opponents would be Redhouse Youths. "Walk over," he claimed. "They'll bottle it like Southwick did. We'll just kick Murton and Hembrough - both cast offs. Once they fade, the rest of the Youth's aren't up to much. The Cup is ours. We were cheated out of it last time. This time we'll make no mistake." Agreed Gash, better keep yourself on the sidelines for the important games then.

Wear Consulting 3 Hendon Grange 0 Quarter Final
A debut for Wear Consulting in the Tuesday League. However, they've been pitting their wits on the Wednesday competition for a good while now and their belated entry into the Tuesday competition was a triumphant one. Hendon would be considered dark horses, but Tyzack's men, one or two of which had been starved of success plodding along for Sassco in the past few seasons, came together and trounced Hendon. Dean Matthews, in goal for Hendon, suffered the most - being an ex-Sassco player as well. Tyzack scored two goals while Ian McCabe scored the crucial second goal. Also featuring for Wear Consulting were Paul Mouat (ex-Sporting) and Keith Mouat (ex-Sassco).

The Semi Final draw was made live at the pitch side during AFC's game against Downhill. The schedule for next week is as follows. Games to be played on the 22nd January.

7.00pm Sassco v Downhill FC (friendly)
7:30pm Redhouse Youth v AFC Redhouse
8:00pm Sporting Redhouse v Wear Consulting
8:30pm Available

-8th January 2008 | back to top

A Sporting get a scare. Downhill and Hendon sail through.

Washington Colliery's comeback in vain. Sassco's five men downed by Stokoe's three goals.

Sporting Redhouse 4 Witherwack 3 Quarter Final
A true shock to the system for Sporting. Having to face the ignominy of entering the Cup at this early stage, they suffered a scare. Billy Harrison put them 1-0 up against Witherwack and as they dominated the game, Witherwack struck an equaliser. More shocks minutes later as Witherwack went 2-1 up. Nearly going 3-1 up, Sporting hit back to make it 2-2. Then, a comical goal. Sangha's throw out hit the referee and rebounded to a Witherwack player who slotted it past the hapless Sangha. Sporting then struck another equaliser before scoring in the dying seconds to take the tie 4-3. A great open ended game. Witherwack can count themselves a bit unlucky. True, Sporting had lots of chances, but as in every season, they nearly got dumped out at the early stage again.

An error in the draw meant that one of the above Elimination Games would have to be classed as a Quarter Final. Due to teams pulling out, I didn't realise that 7 teams would be left by the end of the night instead of 8. So a random draw was done by Dean Matthews who pulled Sporting out of the hat to put them into the Semi Finals.

Downhill FC 4 Washington Colliery 2 Elimination Round
A debut for Washington Colliery wasn't going at all well. Downhill were rampant and three excellent goals later, they were 3-0 ahead and cruising. It was in the second half when Washington got to grips with the conditions. A quick two goals later, they were heading for the equaliser. However, Downhill fired in their fourth and the game was over with Downhill making a superb entrance into the Quarter Finals. Jamie Wilson and Craig Neal were the scorers for Washington. Dan Campbell scored two for Downhill with Ed Morrison and Jonny Atkinson getting the others.

Hendon Grange 3 Sassco.co.uk 0 Elimination Round
Sassco went heavily defensive against a strong looking Hendon team (featuring ex-Sassco player, Dean Matthews, in goal). It seemed to work as Hendon, relying on long range efforts, saw most of them thwarted by Logan in goal. At the other end, lone striker, Lewis, had a decent half and had a few pot shots. The game was changed when Mickey Donkin decided he was injured and limped off just prior to the half ending. Sassco held on with five men until around eight minutes were remaining. It was then that Liam Stokoe fired in a soft opener. He eventually got a hat-trick in shocking conditions. The sky just seemed to fall in for around five minutes. Great win for Hendon as they enter into the Quarter Finals.

The Quarter Final draw has been made (again by Dean Matthews). Games to be played on the 15th January.

7:30pm Southwick v Redhouse Youth
8:00pm AFC Redhouse v Downhill FC
8:30pm Hendon Grange v Wear Consulting
Sporting v Witherwack (already played, 4-3 win for Sporting)

-8th January 2007 | back to top

A 1-1 draw keeps Southwick in second place.

Sporting confirmed as Title winners.

AFC Redhouse 1 Southwick FC 1 double result
Jiff, deciding to remain on the pitch this week, fired Southwick into the lead in the first half. This was after McClusky had kept Southwick's goal clear with some good stops. As the game wore on, a more stronger looking Southwick team looked likely to take an unassailable lead, however, Sean Brook fired in an equaliser late in the game. The scoring ended there with chances at both ends. As it was a double result, the table remains the same with last seasons Champions, Southwick, holding second place.

-18th December 2007 | back to top

Sporting take the Title as Southwick implode.

Jiff storms off and Southwick are trounced 3-0.

Sporting Redhouse 3 Southwick FC 0
The biggest game of the season ended in a whimper and not a bang. Southwick, trailing 1-0 in the first ten minutes, spectacularly imploded as Jiff and Danny Hall had a slanging match, which resulted in Jiff storming off and refusing to come back on the field of play. A disaster as Sporting comfortably added a further two goals to cement their Title. They had a double game against Downhill afterwards, but this just confirmed it.

Sporting Redhouse 5 Downhill 2 double result
The result was classed as double as the League draws to a close. Only games remaining are Southwick's double-header against AFC Redhouse to decide on the second and third place finishes.

Witherwack 5 Sassco.co.uk 1 friendly match
Another very impressive result from Witherwack as they annihilated a sorry looking Sassco team 5-1, despite a 0-0 half time score.

Sassco Open Cup
The initial draw has been made for the Elimination Round. Three games are due to be played on the 8th January 2008. The draw is as follows:

Whitley Bay Deaf FC v Hendon Grange
Sporting Redhouse v Witherwack FC
Washington Colliery v Mountain Daisy FC
Downhill FC v Wear Consulting

Southwick, AFC, Youth's, and Sassco are all in the Quarter Final draw as they finished high in the last Open Cup. The fixtures above could change. If another team comes in, for example, then the lowest placed team from last season's Open Cup will be pulled out of the Quarters to play in the Elimination Round. Alternatively, if a team doesn't enter, then their opponents will received a bye to the Quarter Finals.

Last Season's competition results are shown below.

-11th December 2007 | back to top

Getting close to the finishing line.

Youth's, Redhill and Sassco finish their campaigns. Redhill put a dent in AFC's.

Southwick FC 3 Hylton Castle 0 - match awarded
Hylton Castle were missing for the second consecutive week. Again, with notice (albeit short), but the match has been awarded.

Need Danny Hodgson to contact me within the next few days if Hylton Castle are still in for the Cup Competitions.

Redhouse Youths 3 Sassco.co.uk 1
The end game for both these teams. Contrasting fortunes. Sassco had a disaster of a season, but Youth's didn't fulfill expectations. With both Murton and Hembrough joining when they were flying high, they failed to maintain the challenge. With four defeats, they were out of the reckoning. However, they finished on a positive note. An easy and comfortable win against Sassco was played in icy conditions. The hardened pitch was making life difficult for both teams, but Youth's coped easily. An early goal from Baxendale set them on their way and it seemed to be settled when Yates fired in a free-kick. Sassco came back with Mickey Donkin nodding in a disputed header. Eventually Youth's added a third and final goal when Yates stole past Sangha and Simpson to make it 3-1.

AFC Redhouse 0 Redhill 0
A truly pulsating game to end the competitive games on the night. AFC had many chances, but most were wide. A penalty was missed by Grant Foster who was then dismissed (and misses the next game) for two challenges. Redhill then went on the offensive and Carl Middlemiss must have made at least ten top drawer saves to keep AFC in it. Yet, the game when they needed to score, they fired blanks. 0-0 the final scoreline. AFC have two remaining games against Southwick. They have to win them both and hope Sporting slip up.

Redhill are immediately suspended and will not be invited into the cup competition. They owe a total of £15 now due to another kit fine (this time £10) to add to the one last week. They also need to hand back two shirts to the organisers. If not returned, then the details will got to Durham County FA who will ban all the players until they are returned. I'm disappointed mainly because I provided them with the shirts to help out with kit.

Witherwack FC 3 Downhill FC 1 friendly match
The new team came up trumps in this friendly game. They were fully kitted and played some good football in the worsening conditions. Their just rewards was a 3-1 win over Downhill and we'd be happy to have them in the League.

Remaining Fixtures
AFC Redhouse v Southwick FC (twice)
Sporting Redhouse v Downhill FC (twice)
Southwick FC v Sporting Redhouse

Next week, AFC can't make it so the fixtures will be Sporting Redhouse v Southwick FC. Sporting will also be asked if they want to play a second game on the same night against Downhill. If not, they'll play after Christmas. They will also be asked if the Downhill game can count as a double result. The choice will be theirs.

-4th December 2007 | back to top

Run of the mill results.

Youth's turnaround to win. Hylton Castle concede a game. Charlie's double downs Sassco.

Southwick FC 3 Hylton Castle 0 - match awarded
Danny Hall reckoned he'd be beating three men and firing in a hat-trick, while Jiff'd be firing blanks. It's would have probably gone the other way with Jiff getting the goals and Hall having a clanger. However, we'll never know. Hylton were unable to present a team and cancelled the game with notice. Match awarded to Southwick.

Redhouse Youths 2 Redhill 1
A bit of a turnaround. Redhill were dominant and struck the bar on several occasions. They couldn't add to their opening goal and soon Youth's quality in the form of Hembrough and Murton shone through. Murton grabbed the equaliser and Youth's scored the winner in the second half.

Disappointed with both teams as payment wasn't made in full. It's likely I'll have to add a small fine for this. Also, Redhill have to pay a £5 fine for kit violation. Both are suspended until payment is made.

AFC Redhouse 3 Sassco.co.uk 1
An equaliser from Lewis wasn't good enough as Charlie fired in two and Gash volleyed in one. It was a decent performance from Sassco, but AFC were much superior.The win puts them neck and neck with Sporting. Southwick still have a game in hand over both of them.

-27th November 2007 | back to top

All three top teams win.

Youth's overcome Hylton Castle 3-0, while Southwick and Sporting get comfortable wins.

Southwick FC 5 Sassco.co.uk 2
A decent first half from Sassco ended soon in the second when Southwick went 3-2 up. It was too high a mountain climb for a Sassco team regrouping and rebuilding for the cups. Lewis (ex-Bunker) scored on his debut and Simpson added to it. Jiff scored 4 goals while Mark Pemberton fired in the other. Southwick gained another three points and if they win all their remaining games, the trophy will be remaining with them.

Redhouse Youths 3 Hylton Castle 0
David Murton and Scott Hembrough fired the Youth's into an unassailable 2-0 lead over Hylton Castle, who looked shell-shocked. They came back into it strongly, but some mind blowing saves from Mullen kept them out and allowed Scott Hembrough to break for the third goal.

Sporting Redhouse 3 Redhill 1
Redhill gave their all, but it didn't get them the points. Neil Middlemiss fired in two tight angle goals give Sporting a strong lead. Late on, Sangha was caught unawares by Frog as Redhill pegged them back. However, this good work was over as Trevor Walker scored Sporting's third.

-20th November 2007 | back to top

AFC open it up!

Sporting suffer their first defeat. Southwick and Youth's share the points.

AFC Redhouse 3 Sporting Redhouse 2 - Report by Gareth Brazier (AFC)
Both teams went into the game on the back of good form and I fully expected it to be a tight game despite Steve “Borat” Andersons claims they would murder us.

First half Brooke was benched as we tried to opt for all out attack, however it saw us at sixes and sevens as our new “Christmas pudding” formation fell somewhat inevitably, flat on its arse. The roll on roll off subs also seemed to hinder us when it should have been straightforward, although I didn’t count into my reckoning our average team IQ being around about 5, one goes off, one comes on, not exactly rocket science is it?

Anyways we couldn’t string 2 passes together whereas Sporting did what they do best and kept the ball away from us, they soon went ahead when Mini put past his boy. Bugger. We created sod all apart from a few from distance which Tanjy hoyed his cap on. Sporting then doubled their lead with the last kick of the first half, Si slotting home a free kick, clearly aided by the fact that the ref had marched our wall a good 30 yards back.

Second half we kicked off and within seconds had pulled one back, Tommy “ten teams” Bell somehow fired it in from an angle but it seemed to bounce over tanj before hitting the net, a fluke but a goals a goal. Next 10 mins saw us right up for it and winning every second ball to comply with a few meaty tackles, Tanj saved well from Charlie’s free kick and then again from Bell, whilst Carlos did what was needed at the other end. The equalizer came when of all people Grant Foster surged forward, blinding the sporting defence with his new silver boots and tucked it away. Get in.

Then with 3 minutes left Flash Jordan Gallagher picked up the ball went on a run bamboozling everyone(including himself), before unleashing a left foot screamer which flew in off the underside of the bar. How dyer like that Mr Anderson?!!!

Last minute saw Mini sent off for god knows what, thought him and the ref were going to come to blows which would have provided some entertainment to warm us up as it was truly pissing down. Good to see Anth sends other people off and not just I was getting a bit paranoid.

Southwick FC 2 Redhouse Youths 2
Report to follow.

Hylton Castle 3 Sassco.co.uk 0
Sassco were unable to field a team and thus conceded the game to Hylton Castle at 3-0.

* The table below doesn't contain BarPure. No team has come forward to replace them yet so it seems as if they will be deleted.

** Durham FA have been informed regarding the sending off and bad behaviour. We will be awaiting their advice on how to proceed.

-13th November 2007 | back to top

Redhill win a thriller.

Coburn's missing "goal". Five man Sassco conceded five. AFC break down a resilient Downhill.

BarPure failed to show again for their scheduled game against Redhouse Youth. The match has been awarded to Youth's 3-0, but BarPure have been removed from the competition. Despite excellent organisation since their debut, they've been struggling in the last few weeks. This is the second time they've dropped out on the day so it isn't fair on the other teams to keep them in and then cancel a game on the day in future.

We're looking for a replacement. However, if one isn't found, then we will have to delete them from the League.

AFC Redhouse 3 Downhill FC 1
A surprisingly resilient performance from Downhill. They had a good side out and it showed. They forced a few early saves, but two tight angle strikes from "Flash" Jordan Gallagher showed AFC's superior finishing ability. Despite this, Downhill did get a goal, but a reply from Brook settled the game 3-1 for AFC.

Sporting Redhouse 5 Sassco.co.uk 0
Another heavy defeat for Sassco. This time, Simon Mulvaney failed to show and they were put to the sword against Sporting. It was 1-0 in the first half, but a goal in the second saw the floodgates open and Sporting added another five, and more importantly, another three points.

Redhill 4 Hylton Castle 2
The game of the night by far. Redhill fired in the opener, but a controversial decision meant Hylton Castle didn't get the early equaliser which was dispatched by Shaun Coburn. The ball shot straight through the side netting. This was confirmed by those on the sidelines, but the referee let the decision stand. Hylton soon grabbed a goal, but further goals from Redhill always had them on the back foot. Bewick (aka Frog) fired in two, while Catcheside and Lay scored the others. Hylton had clawed it back to 2-2, but excellent saves from Lainey kept Hylton Castle out. A wicked deflection off Snowball made it 3-2 to Redhill, before a final shot made it 4-2. An excellent open game contested between two strong sides. Would the result have been different had Hylton Castle been awarded their early "goal".

Redhill have been fined £5 for failing to have a full kit. They've also been warned that the shirts (provided by Sassco) will be taken off them if it happens again. The agreement was to have one person hold the shirts after each game and not to give them out to players to take home.

-30th October 2007 | back to top

The "Big One" ends honours even.

Youth's comfortable but narrow win. AFC "lose" a goal in their win.

Redhouse Youths 3 BarPure.co.uk 2
Youth's were dominant, but lacked a little concentration. BarPure only came out with five men as Callum Collins was an injured bystander. Not surprisingly, they went 2-0 down, but stunningly took their limited chances to make it 2-2. In the second half, a superb strike from Kurt Baxendale gave the Youth's the initiative again, but BarPure rallied late on. Despite this, Youth's really should have been way ahead, but as it happens sometimes, the team with five play harder and the team with six tend to relax a little. The game saw some of the best goals seen in a while at the complex.

Sporting Redhouse 2 Southwick FC 2
The biggest encounter of the season watched by a large crowd. The game had everything good and bad. The good saw a superb opener from Southwick somehow loop into the goal. Sporting then hit back, but a disputed goal, late on saw Southwick take the plaudits. However, Sporting hit back again with an excellent goal to end the big game of the night 2-2.

The bad points were the indiscipline towards the stand in referee. Both teams could be either fined or deducted points due to behaviour. This league is quite lenient in sending's off and also cautions, but from now on, I will implement retrospective fines and bans. For example, if anyone swears at the referee, they could be banned and fined.

Gash Brazier was an interested bystander and, as usual, he had plenty to say. "A draw would be perfect," he said before the game. Afterwards, he was quite happy. "Both these two teams have nothing we need to fear. There were so many mistakes in the game and the attitude towards the referee was disgusting. Both teams should be kicked out for that..."

Report by Tarnjit Sangha (Sporting Redhouse)
The game of the night and most probably the game of the season so far saw the leaders and current champions, Southwick with a 100% record take on the only other team with a 100% record as well, Sporting Redhouse.

The game did not fail to disappoint. The two teams differ in styles. Southwick the all action, no nonsense approach while Sporting prefer the more subtle style with great passing and movement.

It was Southwick who really went at their closest rivals never letting Sporting settle on the ball. They really did knock Sporting out of their stride. But when Sporting did settle the quick one-two passing and movement caused Southwick a lot of problems.

It was a robust game. The referee really did have his hands full. Southwick took the lead twice, the second a controversial strike with everyone believing the forward had entered the keepers area.
However the goal stood.

But with just a minute remaining on the clock Sporting leveled to make the final score 2-2. Sporting did have a wonderful chance right at the death to steal all 3 points but Steven Anderson blazed the ball over the bar not realizing just how much time he had.

The draw was probably the fair result, but I can't help but feel that Southwick on the whole was the slightly better side and can feel a little aggrieved at the final whistle for not taking the spoils.

With both teams dropping points for the first time this season it will have given great heart to the only other realistic title challengers, AFC Redhouse who went into their game with Sassco knowing a win would help close the gap against the top two just that little more.

AFC Redhouse 4 Sassco.co.uk 1
It should have been 5-1. The opener from the aforementioned Brazier hurtled through the tightest hole (sound familiar?) in the back of the net. It wasn't given, but soon after, a powerful shot squirmed under Logan. It was backs to the wall for Sassco, who just relied on the breakaway. It was 1-0 until late in the second when lax marking saw the second and third goals scored in quick succession. With their foot off the pedal, AFC allowed Sassco back into it with a goal from Mulvaney (his second in two games). However, a fourth dealt Sassco the final blow. Goals from Grant (2), Brooks and Brazier were the highlights of the game.

* I'll add goalscorer details later into the reports.

-30th October 2007 | back to top

Youths fading away.

Defeat against Southwick. AFC take more points. Sporting bottle it.

Southwick FC 3 Redhouse Youths 0
Kyle Sumner, Danny Hall and Jiff Dickinson put a spanner in the Youth's recent upsurge. A 3-0 trouncing wasn't helped by the fact that Bunta has failed to show for two of their most critical games. Southwick are still 100% and look like contenders with Sporting. The two games between them two will be critical.

BarPure.co.uk 2 Downhill FC 2
An open game. BarPure were back after their no-show last week (and recorded defeat). Downhill were looking for points in one of the games where both teams were evenly matched. Speedy and Mark Eden fired in the goals for BarPure, but Downhill also did the same. A 2-2 draw was probably a fair result.

AFC Redhouse 6 Redhill 2
Gash Brazier was fuming at Sporting's "unavailability." He was looking forward to the game and was disgusted when he heard they'd pulled out due to player shortage. "I'm sick and tired of teams bottling it against AFC. Youth's did it and now Sporting. Tell Sangha I'll play him on Bunny Hill if he wants it bad enough." He was also scathing about Sporting's players. "Mini? He's nothing. Kick him and he'll be out of it." The fury was still deeply set as Catchy stole the ball and opened the scoring for Redhill. Ironically, Redhill had AFC on the back foot for the first few minutes, but naivety set in as AFC came roaring back. The eventual result was 6-2. Charlie, Gash and Grant all scored two goals a each. For Redhill, after their recent excellent performances, this wasn't a bad one, it was just an open and entertaining game. Catchy got both their goals.

Hylton Castle 3 Sassco.co.uk 1
Sassco were defending in numbers and it was all Hylton Castle. Yet, from a breakaway, Simon Mulvaney fired in a superb long range effort to make it 1-0 to Sassco. Hylton Castle dominated and eventually equalised through Daz Snowball. In the second half, Shaun Coburn fired one in to make it 2-1 and the game opened up as Sassco attempted to get one back. In the dying minutes, Keith Moon scored the third for Hylton Castle as they gained a deserved three points.

-23rd October 2007 | back to top

Sporting beat the Youths.

Six points for Sporting in one night. Redhill defeat Downhill.

Sporting Redhouse 1 Redhouse Youths 0
A disputed goal from Middlemiss settled the major game of the night. Sporting were reasonably full strength with only Williamson missing. Murton was absent for Youth's having served his one game ban. In a tight game the only goal came when Middlemiss jumped high for a ball at the edge of the area to nod it past 'keeper, Dinning, who was making a return. Youth's were adamant it was in the box, but the goal stood and Sporting gain a major scalp in their quest to win back the Title.

Sporting Redhouse 3 Sassco.co.uk 0
A back to back game against lowly Sassco. New faces again for Sassco with Donkin and Simpson from the defunct Bunker and Keith Mouat making his first appearance this season. Cresswell also came in. For Sporting, Anderson opened the scoring and added to it from a tight angle. A further goal in the first half settled the game, which was goalless in the second. A trouncing for Sassco, but they performed quite well throughout and were unfortunate not to get at least a goal. Cresswell, in particular, had a good game.

Redhill 5 Downhill FC 1
Despite the handsome scoreline, Redhill spent most of the game bickering amongst each other. Catchy fired in the opener and never looked back, as Downhill suffered another heavy defeat.

-16th October 2007 | back to top

AFC and Youth's share the points.

Sporting defeat Hylton Castle.

Sporting Redhouse 3 Hylton Castle 1
Sporting were full-strength, but Hylton Castle were lacking Gowey after another injury. Two goals from Middlemiss and one from Davison gave the victory to Sporting, with Dorwood replying for Hylton Castle. Sporting are closing in on pole position. They've played six games and, along with Southwick, are the only teams on 100% records.

Southwick FC 5 Downhill FC 1
Another heavy defeat for Downhill, although this was a more stubborn approach which held Southwick at bay for most of the first half. Nevertheless, a very strong looking Southwick team soon commenced the scoring, with two from Cresswell and one each from Danny Hall, Kyle Sumner and Michael Conlon. Anth Pearson struck Downhill's goal in a spectacular fashion, but it wasn't as good as Campbell's two corkers against Sassco the week before.

Redhill 6 Sassco.co.uk 1
Sassco did reasonably well in the first half amidst some intense Redhill pressure. But, just prior to half time, Redhill scored and subsequently, Dean Matthews was dismissed for Sassco. From the kick off, Muer's scored a long range effort as Lainey was busy chatting to someone on the sideline. Second half saw constant Redhill pressure and another five goals in the back of the net for a 6-1 Redhill scoreline.

Redhouse Youth 1 AFC Redhouse 1
The game of the night by far. A pulsating encounter saw Youth's take the lead in the second half from Kev Snowdon, but only to see it pegged back when Brooks finished off a superb move. The scoring ended there, but Carl Middlemiss pulled off some spectacular saves to keep it at 1-1. His opposite number, Ross Mullen, also clawed away a long distance effort near the end. Both teams were missing key players. Bunta for Youths and Bell for AFC. A fair result in the end.

-9th October 2007 | back to top

Downhill's first points.

Southwick and Hylton get massive wins.

Southwick FC 7 BarPure.co.uk 0
Another comprehensive win for Southwick as they keep their 100% record going. Goals from Danny Hall (2), Lee Cresswell (2), Kyle Sumner (2) and Critter.

Downhill FC 2 Sassco.co.uk 2
It was the "old" Sassco making a showing with Dean Matthews and Gary Tyzack returning. Yet, it was the same old arguments. Downhill took the lead, but a quick response from Gary Tyzack was ruined by Sangha giving away the ball from a throw in. 2-1 and Downhill kept the lead for most of the second half, until Simon Mulvaney fired one in from distance. Points lost for Sassco, but a point welcomed for Downhill.

Hylton Castle 12 Downhill 2
Redhill failed to show in any major form, so Downhill agreed to a second game - this time against Hylton Castle. It seemed to be a good idea when a long range effort was deflected past poor Pottsy, in goal for Castle. But, Castle came storming back and scored a frightening amount of goals. 12-2 was the final score.

Hylton Castle 3 Redhill 0 - match awarded
Match awared to Hylton Castle. Redhill are now under the control of Mark Bewick from next week onwards. It was too late to cancel the game in advance, so the points go to Hylton Castle.

Bunker could be replaced by Wear Consulting, under the control of Gary Tyzack. If not, then Bunker will eventually be deleted from the League.

Also, thanks to Anthony Barella for coming in to referee the games. Full marks from each team as he controlled the games without any problems.

-2nd October 2007 | back to top

David "Bunta" Murton see's Red!

Sassco down to three players. AFC, Southwick and Youth's all win.

Hylton Castle 8 Downhill FC 1
Downhill didn't learn. Playing superior opposition again, they were picking the ball out of their own net before even an outfield player touched it. Hylton Castle were strong and resilient and despite conceding a goal from Downhill's Plunket, they managed to add a further seven goals to give them a handsome and much needed win.

Redhouse Youth 4 Sassco.co.uk 0
Not something you see every day; Sassco with three players. The team was on the back foot already as they only had five players. And this was against a rampant Redhouse Youth team, again featuring the iconic Murton and also Scott Hembrough. Both struck in the first half from distance with Murton hitting two goals and Scott one. Second half, the Sassco team tightened up, but the game flared up with five minutes remaining. Murton, who'd been dealt with heavily by Sassco's physically large team, was dispossessed of the ball and took his anger out on Mickey Walker. Both had a flare up in the first half and this one in the second saw Wallis and Walker pummelling the poor Murton, while all his team mates watched on. Everyone else was watching with amusement. All three were red carded. So Sassco's Sangha and Mark Middlemiss blocked everything and Logan made some good saves, with only Yatesy gaining any joy with the fourth goal in the last few minutes.

Southwick FC 6 Redhill 1
Another great performance from Southwick. Even Murton, standing on the sidelines, renowned for rubbishing his opponents, said that he'd "have to reconsider his assessment of the current Champions." Jiff Dickinson scored two while Dale Huggins did the same. The other goals came from Conlon and Sumner. Special mention for Lainey in Redhill's goal. Despite the heavy scoreline, he pulled off some amazing saves...

Redhill are fined £5 for one player wearing a different shirt. Yes I know it was green, but tops have to be IDENTICAL.

AFC Redhouse 3 BunkerUK.com 1
...as did Simpson for Bunker. They gained a shock lead, but AFC scored almost instantly with "Flash" Jordan Gallagher bagging his first. Craig Charlton had some superb opportunities, and scored two of them, but the misses were more memorable. The game was played in good nature, but as Tommy Bell said, "There's no mate's on the pitch." He was correct and even the returning Lewis for Bunker, couldn't prevent a defeat.

Bunker are fined £5 for three players wearing a different shorts and socks. They also owe £4 from their match fee which means that if not paid by this Saturday, the team is suspended and the points of their next game will be awarded to their opponents.

-25th September 2007 | back to top

Shock return for Hembrough.

While Charlie makes an impact for AFC and Billy "Mourinho" Harrison saves Danny Hall's skin.

A good night of football, despite the cold. The night was livened up by the returns of some major players. Hembrough for Youth's, Charlton for AFC and Harrison for Southwick. Also, thanks to all the teams for their prompt match details.

A full fixture list will be produced this coming week so that team will be aware of their games well in advance.

Sporting Redhouse 4 BarPure.co.uk 0
Five man Sporting were well under the pressure against BarPure. The opening shots went to BarPure and Sangha made some important stops. Eventually, Gary Davison turned up and the full complement took it in their stride. A through ball was dealt with, first time, by Trevor Walker as Sporting went ahead against the run of play. Eventually, it was 4-0 with further goals from Williamson, Middlemiss and Anderson.

Southwick FC 5 BunkerUK.com 0
As per last week, Bunker were again unrecognisable. This time it was against the Champions and they suffered for it. Danny Hall missed a howler of a penalty at the start, but his blushes were spared by three goals from the returning Billy Harrison, who's return is similar to what it'd be like if Jose Mourinho came back to Chelsea as a centre forward in the next few weeks. He laid the foundation for Southwick's domination and now, as a mere player, returned to bag a hat-trick. Further goals came from Lee Ellison and Michael Conlon, as Southwick's unbeaten run continues.

AFC Redhouse 3 Hylton Castle 1
Losing Murton and Middlemiss didn't seem to be a problem for the outspoken Gash Brazier. "They can rot in hell," he exclaimed as Craig Charlton, languishing in no-man's land with Bunker transferred over and wearing the same boots as Bunta, bagged two goals against arch-rivals Hylton Castle. The Castler's look a different team without McGowan and also lacked Danny Hodgson for this one. AFC were also featuring "Flash" Jordan Gallagher (no relation to the original "Flash" Gordon from the 1930's movie and the same named Sporting player). Gash Brazier stamped his authority on his team by grabbing a goal. Lee Melia's brilliant long distance effort, for Hylton Castle, to make it 3-1 was only a consolation.

Redhouse Youth 11 Downhill FC 1
A shock return. The last time we saw Scott Hembrough in his prime was when he was in the papers back in 2006 lifting the Treble with Wearview. He then vanished, only to return for a brief aborted spell with Wearview in the Cup. Everyone then assumed he'd gone to the mountains or turned to religion. But when Coyney handed him a lucrative contract in a seedy Sunderland bar - far better than the contract given to Murton, he couldn't say no. Poor Downhill FC were the victims. Youth's were on top form. Hembrough helped himself to two goals, while Murton and Yates secured hat-tricks each. Stef Mitchell got one while Kurt scored two. "A new era in football," claimed the iconic Murton. It's going to take a very good team to stop the Youths from this day forward.