Select inevitably.
Weak challenges and team removals didn't help anyone's cause, but it's quite obvious that Select would continue to dominate. The gap was again 11 points, The closest rivals were Crown and SR-1. Lance Roberts also put up a good fight.

But as always, Select controlled it from start to finish, but they wobbled a bit for the first time when Crown Electrics defeated them 3-1 in a decisive game. However, the only other defeat was a 4-3 loss against a declining Slipway. They also drew against the same team when 3-0 down! A high scoring 4-4 draw against Sporting was the only other blip.

Inter, Ellie and Slipway had bad league campaigns while the likes of Sex & Chocolate, Wearview and Sporting never threatened the hierachy of Select, Crown, SR-1 and Lance.

Crown win their first trophy.
Amazingly enough, despite their dominance, Select never won the treble. This time they were set for a final show down with Crown but suffered a highly charged encounter against Team Inter. Two goals from Middlemiss set the scene as the Inter defence was pounded in the second. A late goal from Walker wasn't enough as Crown viewed a new opponent in the final. Crown had reached the summit, but they stumbled through the group stage. A 2-0 win over Boldon was followed by a 1-0 defeat v SNC. The critical game was 2-1 over SR-1, which put them into the second round.
There they faced Select and drew 2-2 and also had a 1-1 v Wearview to see a Semi clash with SNC. 2-1 put them into the Final - and not against Select.

Inter opened the scoring, but Crown equalised and took the game on penalties.

8th April 2003

Select 11 points clear at the end.

Crown throw away a 2 goal lead.

Season 5 concluded with two highly entertaining games.

Firstly Crown raced into a two goal lead with a first goal from Steve Smith followed by a long ranger from Clark against Anthony Mouat of Sporting. Yet even at 2-0 it was evenly balanced. The game was essentially decided by two goals at the end of each half. Stephen Wilson lashed in a goal at the end of the first and at the end of the second. Sporting could have deservedly snatched it in the last minute of the game, but Gav Greener fired wide.

Crown finished in 2nd place – 11 points behind Select, who easily defeated SNC 3-1. Williamson, Walker and Hunt scored for Select while Dixon scored the consolation for SNC.

John Cairns was awarded the Golden Boot for the fifth season running as he took 35 goals in all competitions. Walker and Williamson followed with 27 and 25. Wardle got 21. Also, Gary Davison was awarded Player of the Season for his sterling performances, as Select rarely lose when he is playing despite having a lack of cover in defence.

Verbal award went to Sex & Chocolate as the Team of the Season. They have had a considerable improvement over the course of the last few seasons. Semi Final in Season 2. Promotion in Season 3. Consolidation in Season 4. And in Season 5, a good league placing and appearances in two semi finals. Also Dave Robason was nominated as Best Player in the AGUK.net Super League for Crown and John Hunt for Select in the 5th SFL Cup.

Honours: Season 5

League Champions Sunderland Select

5th SFL Cup Winners Sunderland Select

AGUK.net Super League Winners Crown Electrics

Leading Goalscorer John Cairns (Select)

Player of the Season Gary Davison (Select)

Team of the Season Sex & Chocolate

Best Player SFL Cup John Hunt (Select)

Best Player Super League Dave Robason (Crown)

 1st April 2003

Inter achieve the impossible.

Crown edge it to their first ever Trophy.

It’s safe to say that the headline of the night was, without a doubt, team-intermedia.com’s 2-1 victory over Sunderland Select in the Semi Finals of the AGUK.net Super League. A truly battling and awesome adrenaline filled performance put Inter 2-0 ahead in the first 15 minutes. Middlemiss and Kelsey grabbed the goals. It was then backs to the wall as Select piled on the pressure. Inter pressure constantly and kept the shooting down to a minimum. Walker reduced the deficit with a shot from an angle to make it 2-1 to set up a frenetic last eight minutes. But slowly time ebbed away and Inter had achieved the impossible – which completely belied their third from bottom finish. Yet in a way, history was on their side. A 4-3 win was Select’s first ever defeat in Season 3. And in Season 4, it was Inter which were and still are the only team to prevent Select from scoring in a 0-0 draw. This season we saw a 2-2 draw and a narrow 3-2 defeat.

And how must young Dave Gourlay feel now? He prioritised an important indoor game in favour of his Semi Final against Crown as he expected Select in the Final. They weren’t and two sparkling goals from the man of the moment, Steve Stubbs sent Crown through. SNC hadn’t been beaten off Crown this season and would be classed as their bogey team – but not anymore. A narrow 2-1 defeat set up an Inter v Crown Final.

Crown, in the Final, were placed under similar pressure which Inter applied in the Semi. So it was no surprise to see Middlemiss fire in an opener. A defensive mix up saw Wardle lash in an equaliser and that was where the scoring ended. The second half saw some intense pressure from Crown as Keith Mouat for Inter was a hobbling passenger. Nothing came of it – so it was penalties. Mark Kelsey missed a critical one before sudden death, but Sangha saved a good strike from Jeff Clark. Kelsey then missed another one and it was left to Sangha to attempt to save, but he couldn’t and Crown managed to win their first ever Trophy since their entrance in January 2000.

Boldon and Ellie played out their final League game. A 0-0 draw was a surprise and demonstrated Boldon’s progress. Disappointing overall as Ellie really need a better Season in Season 6 and Boldon need to grab some wins.

Two friendlies again tonight. Ryhope succumbed to a 3-2 defeat off the demoralised Select and Posithread.co.uk beat JJB Sports 4-1.

 25th March  2003

Ellie get two consecutive wins.

Select easily trounce Lance Roberts.

Select, comfortable Champions, did not take their foot off the pedal against Lance Roberts in an easy 3-0 win. Trevor Walker, John Cairns and John Hunt scored the goals for the Champs in a one sided game.

Lance followed this with an uncomfortable win over Sex & Chocolate. The game flared up in the second half which resulted in Neil Middlemiss being sent off. This was Lance’s last ever game in the League and despite ending with a win, it ended on a sour note. . . and I lost a bloody ball as well.

Two notable friendly games were played on this night. Team-intermedia.com comfortably waltzed past a hapless JJB Sports team under the control of Craig Henderson. Only this time, Hendo didn’t have the likes of Alan Burn or Lee Cuddihy to bolster his attack. A comfortable 8-0 victory for Inter.

Ryhope made their debut in a friendly against Posithread.co.uk and actually opened the scoring. Shaun Snowdon’s team hit back to take a share of the match in a 1-1 draw. A very positive result. Alan Slack’s Ryhope team could make a similar impact two what Ellie Leisure did a few season’s back – well organised, strong and definitely up for it.

18th March  2003

Select have retained the Title.

2-1 win over Crown confirms the Championship.

A thrilling opening game between Select and Crown in the Cup ended in a 2-2 draw. This was played with openness as both teams were assured of a Semi-Final berth. Goals from Wardle, Cairns and Williamson graced the game which swung from end to end.

The “proper” game ended in a decisive 2-1 win for Select. Wardle grabbed a late consolation, but goals from Lawton and Walker had already secured an expected Title. There was an exceptionally slim chance of Crown sneaking it. To do this, they had to hope that Select failed to gain maximum points in their last two games as well as losing this one. Well done to Select who have graced the League for the last three Seasons. In Season 3 they were under the control of Tarnjit Sangha to win at a canter. In Season 4, John Hunt was in sole control, and with Trevor Walker on board, they turned into a formidable unit. Season 5 simply confirms this.

It may be getting to a stage where the League is uncompetitive because of Select’s involvement, but this is irrelevant. Select would win ANY league which they entered and it’s a pleasure to have such a well organised and good to watch team. It speaks volumes to know that Select have only utilised 7 players this Season, the smallest squad in the League.

Inter failed to beat SNC again as they went down to a solitary Chris Dixon goal. This win meant that Lance were eliminated and SNC leapfrogged over Inter to head the group and face Crown Electrics – a team they have beaten twice and drawn with this season. This means that Inter have a formidable task ahead of them in Select. Inter’s enjoyable Cup escapades could come to an abrupt end.

In the League games played this night, Posithread (Wearview) trounced Ellie Leisure with goals from Dave Hutton (2) and Lee Rumley. This concludes Posi’s involvement this Season which has seven games played and only one loss. A good sign for Season 6.

Ellie went on to secure a narrow win over Boldon by 4-3. Boldon were actually a few goals down but turned the tide when the inept Simon Keir (Cola Boy) threw down his gloves and graced the pitch to instigate a magnificent fight back. In vain, however as Ellie held on.

Slipway also suffered at the hands of Sporting Redhouse again. A 3-0 defeat puts them second bottom on goal difference with the hapless Inter.

11th March  2003

Inter into the Semi’s.

SR-1 blast their way into third place. Posithread hold Crown.

The surprisingly large crowd watching the Inter v Lance game erupted after a truly wonder strike from David Staples past Chris Conifey in goal. Inter were 1-0 ahead in a game, where if they won, would put them into the semi finals. Lance and SNC had played out a very enjoyable 3-3 draw the previous week which meant Inter had two chances to get through. They had beaten and drawn against Lance this season in the League, but had lost to SNC twice. Lance, fired on by Greenwell, Middlemiss and Muers piled on the pressure but the solitary first half goal put Inter into the Semi Finals. A pretty decent record now. Inter (previously as Herrenknecht and Sassco) reached the semi final stage in Season 3 (1-0 defeat to Royal Mail in the SFL Cup), and won 4-0 v Sporting last season in the SFL Cup.

Lance have to hope that team-intermedia.com beat SNC by at least two clear goals to put them through.

Slipway edged out Boldon 2-0 in a not so timid game. Boldon, as always, felt hard done by with Referee Tommy Foster. But Slipway made their chances count. Melvin Keith and Terry Halliwell grabbed the goals. Boldon were to face off later against SNC – who had a bad night. Sporting Redhouse walloped them 5-0 with goals from Greener (3), Butler and Wilson. SNC had played out a draw against the same team only two weeks ago. Boldon then were cruising past SNC with a 1-0 lead. This was soon equalised as SNC, despite playing horrendously, grabbed a share of the points. Boldon, again, went 2-1 ahead only to be pegged back by a weak goal. 2-2 the final score and, once more, missed chances from Boldon.

Finally, SR-1 signed off in style with 5 clear goals past Ellie Leisure. Lee Cuddihy scored two, while Lyall, McClements and Ward grabbed a share of the rest. A brilliant performance, and allied with SNC’s bad day, it pushed SR-1 into third place. SNC need maximum points against Select and Lance Roberts to finish in third.

 4th March  2003

Posithread shocker!

6-0 reverse in the Super Cup.

The much vaunted Posithread v Select game took place tonight. Posi were the unbeaten new boys who were about to face their sternest test to date. It’s safe to say that they failed miserably. Select took control and hammered six goals past them in thirty minutes. Shaun Snowdon’s side tried to make a difference but clearly struggled after a weak early penalty was conceded. John Hunt, Simon Williamson and Trevor Walker all shared six goals between them as Select topped their group and look set for the semi finals.

The other game in the other group was a perfect result for team-intermedia, despite them not playing. Lance and Sex & Chocolate battled out an impressive and highly enjoyable 3-3 draw. Gourlay bagged two for SNC as they came back to share the spoils.

Inter were actually playing on the night, but in the League. A 3-1 defeat against Sporting was nothing really to be ashamed about, but missed chances and weak shooting cost them. Greener opened the scoring for Sporting followed by Wilson. Leithes grabbed one back and for most of the second half it was a case of when Inter were going to score. But as mentioned, missed chances led to Lee Butler firing in a third at the death.

SR-1 saw off Boldon’s brief and impressive challenge with three goals – two from Cuddihy and one from Dennis. Boldon had all the early chances but as always, struggled to score – which is exactly the reason that they are at the foot of the table.

 25th February 2003

Crown drop points.

0-0 against SR-1.

The much vaunted Sporting Redhouse tried and tried, but couldn’t manage to breakdown a resilient (if not late) SNC team. A few seasons back this would have probably been a four or five nil game for Sporting, but times have changed and SNC are more than able to hold their own up against the best. The point pushes them into third, above both Lance and SR-1 – who almost forfeited the game against Crown due to an injury crisis. Lee Cuddihy somehow managed to cobble a team together which performed outstandingly against Crown. A 0-0 draw against Crown was much better than the 2-1 defeat in the Cup last week and also the 3-0 hammering earlier in the Season. SR-1 are now in fourth place. Slipway, despite being holed up at the bottom of the table with Boldon, grabbed an all to important win against team-intermedia.com. Despite Inter’s miraculous qualification into the Cup Second Round, the team failed to finish it’s chances despite going ahead with a rare Michael Booth goal. Davinder Sangha was playing out of goal for the second week running and didn’t do too badly – but fellow veteran, Melvin Keith stole the show with a two smash and grab strikes. Mark Kelsey flared up again and, as expected, referee Tommy Foster didn’t produce a card again.

Finally, Ellie faced off against Select for what seemed like the umpteenth time. The result was the same – three points for Select with two goals from Trevor Walker. Select have now defeat Ellie 5-1 and 2-0 in the League, and 4-2 and 4-0 in the Cups – the latter coming in the 5th SFL Cup Final.

 18th February 2003

Inter into the Second Phase.

Helping hand from the “new look” Sporting.

Posithread’s first dropped points since replacing Wearview came against Inter in a 1-1 draw. Surprising, really, considering that Inter were well under strength, fielding the veteran, William Harper and Sangha outfield. A penalty late in the game was scored by Mark Kelsey, although it was cancelled out near the end. Slipway then had to beat Sporting to progress. They were, however, facing a Sporting team considerably changed from last week’s 5-1 debacle. Only Wilson was left from the original team. The new look team contained Lee Butler, Ryan McNaught, Paul Mouat, Anth Mouat and Gavin Greener. They ran out 2-1 winners in a bad tempered game. So for what seemed the first time since Season 1, the Slipway were ready to progress to the latter stages, but failed again.

The other games went to form. Crown shattered SR-1’s faint hopes of qualifying with a 2-1 win. Select dismissed Ellie Leisure 4-2 to enjoy a 100% record matched by SNC, who defeated Boldon 2-1 in a very bad tempered game. Simon Keir was sent off in the dying moments for dissent.

 11th February 2003

Posi, Select and SNC are through.

Inter and SR-1 have a fighting chance. Boldon and Sporting are out.

Inter gave themselves a lifeline in the group stage by surprisingly thrashing Sporting Redhouse 5-1 in their best performance of the Season. The recalled Middlemiss weighed in with two brilliant goals to match Mark Kelsey’s two and also an opening penalty from David Staples. Stephen Wilson, for Sporting, grabbed a consolation to make it 3-1, but Inter stepped up a gear to give themselves a fighting chance to get out of the group.

Especially when Posithread trounced Slipway 3-0 thirty minutes later. Slipway put out a strong team, but Posithread were far too good for them. Shaun Snowdon’s squad hasn’t been defeated since taking the reigns from Wearview, with three straight wins (two in the Cup Group). Ben Gawthaw, Dave Hutton and Lee Rumley (off the bench) grabbed the goals.

Select ran out comfortable 5-2 winners over Lance to set up an excellent decider between Lance and Ellie. Both teams are on equal points, but Lance have a lesser deficit and more goals scored, so a draw will see them through – but Ellie will take heart from an opportunity to get through.

SNC, with a wonder goal to overcome Crown Electrics, are through with six points. The brilliant strike from new player, John Depardieu, midway through the second half means that Crown have to at least avoid a defeat against SR-1 in their last game. SR-1 dismissed Boldon in a lively and niggling 2-0 win. Lee Cuddihy and Joe Dennis scored the two goals in a game where Idris Balarabe and Mark Lyall were caution. Balarabe was close to a sending off, but the game petered out once SR-1 went 2-0 ahead.

 21st January 2003

AGUK.net Super League opens.

Sporting, Sassco, Boldon, Ellie and SR-1 face crunch games

A major event occurred in the Sassco League on this day, 21st January 2003. One can hark back to a misty evening on 3rd October, three years ago in the year 2000. On that night, Tarnjit Sangha bowed out of the limelight with Sporting Redhouse as they were eliminated by a solitary Steve Lawson goal for Royal Mail in the 2nd SFL Cup. This was only their second defeat in around 70 games under Tarnjit Sangha in all competitions. They had already surrendered their League Title to Royal Mail a week earlier and Tarnjit decided to bow out, handing the reigns to Darren Duggan. Yet merely three years later, Tarnjit was again back in control of Sporting Redhouse with only the enigmatic Stephen Wilson appearing with him. Giants of the past, the likes of Stuart Wright and Scott Wright were brought into the fold to form a new look Sporting. Yet age has taken it's toll on Tarnjit Sangha in the past few years and it clearly showed as a much more compact and impressive Posithread team tore Sangha's team of the last century apart as goals from Steve Willie and Dave Scott separated the teams. A third goal from substitute Lee Rumley was a reply to a Stephen Wilson strike, which gave a brief glimmer of hope. Yet apart from that, the sorry sight of Tarnjit Sangha misplacing passed and easily being beaten was a far cry from the once feared defender of three years ago.

Sibling rivalry doesn’t add up to much these days as both Tarnjit and Davinder Sangha came first and second in Season 1. Now both are floundering as Davinder Sangha, still playing (albeit not managing) team-intermedia.com suffered a harsh but fair defeat at the hands of the old enemy Slipway. Both Mooney’s (Michael and William) were playing alongside John Pybus. The average age of the Slipway was balanced by the addition of the Halliwell twins who performed fantastically to give their team a 3-1 win. So at the moment, both Slipway and Posithread head the group and look likely to proceed.

Lance Roberts had something to shout about with an emphatic win over a struggling Ellie Leisure team. A 4-0 win with goals from Hembrough, Muers and two from Middlemiss gave Lance Rackstraw a comfortable option in the group which also features Select. Ellie have to beat Select to have any real hope of progressing, something they have failed to do in League and challenge cup.

Sex & Chocolate also proved how good they are as a team by overcoming a tricky SR-1. Tim Gillespie put them 2-0 early in the second half as the result seemed certain. Yet a goal from SR-1 put them back into it before a simple one-two allowed Graeme Cassidy to stride through midfield to strike the winner. And all this occurred with Dave Gourlay only coming on as a second half sub.

Crown struggled past Boldon as only two late goals (one being a disputed, but brilliant Shaun Forrest free kick), saw them gain the three points. An evenly balanced game was watched by Jon Wardle on the sidelines as his goalscoring prowess was missing. A second from Dave Robason sealed the win.

17th December 2002

Crown crash!

Wearview/Posithread.co.uk open with an impressive win

The tie between Crown and SNC kicked off late due to an error in the schedule, which meant both teams were on edge. Two superb goals separated the teams in the opening half. Chris Scott scored an all too rare strike to put SNC 1-0 ahead, but Wardle blasted in an unstoppable free-kick past stand in keeper, Daykin to make it 1-1. A late strike from SNC, however, put Crown out of the running, albeit temporarily, as the defeat gives Select the initiative to race ahead for the Title.

Slipway were still, apparently, celebrating their “historic” win over Select and put out the same six players, who were rudely awakened by a rampant Lance Roberts team who simply wanted it more. A 5-0 defeat for Slipway puts them back to square one as the win over Select seems a distant memory.

Finally, Wearview, under the control of Shaun Snowdon played their penultimate game and gained a tremendous and highly impressive victory. The team which is known as Posithread.co.uk (albeit Wearview for their last two League ties), easily dismissed a weak show from team-intermedia.com who themselves were celebrating their previous week’s win over Lance Roberts. David Leithes was a limping passenger for most of the second half, but still, Posithread.co.uk fired in three impressive goals to give them a strong positive showing for their AGUK.net Super League campaign, which will pit them against Slipway, Sporting Redhouse and also team-intermedia.com

Winter Break: Games resume on the 7th January 2002. Thanks for all the support from teams and players this year. The season commences with three weeks of Super League games in January. . .

 10th December 2002

Lance Roberts played Mark Banks who is still signed on for the Slipway, against Crown Electrics which means that the result is declared void and Crown are through to the Quarter Finals. A similar event occurred at the end of Season 4, when Sporting Redhouse played Chris Middlemiss in the Play-Off Semi-Final against Castletown. The 1-0 win was reversed. Had this happened in the League, then Lance would have been deducted 3 points. Rules are there to be abided by – not to have certain players who are “bored” just to have a game. True, Lance were short, but then unfortunately they should have chose a player who wasn’t registered in the League. Mark Banks played in the 2-1 win for Slipway against Inter only the previous week.

Castletown secured an important win over Sex and Chocolate to move them up one place through a George Ferguson brace. Dave Gourlay scored yet again for Sex and Chocolate who will be disappointed with not picking up at least a point from the game.

Inter bounced back from last weeks narrow defeat off Slipway. In a ill tempted  game where 3 players received cautions. Inter were soon 2 up through David Staples (his first goal of Inter) and David Leithes. Simon “Cola Boy” give his team hope beating Michael Smillie with a weak shot. Inter were not to be denied and Craig Richardson fired home to give Inter the 3 points.

In the first round of the SFL Cup Sunderland Select scored 6 for the 2nd week running thumping Boldon Wanderers 6-0 with John Cairns bagging 4 and the in-form Trevor Walker hitting 2.

Wearview entertained Sporting in the battle of the “Jackson twins”. Gary was the happier of the 2 scoring 1 and assisting defender Rob Glanville to 2 goals as Wearview swept aside Sporting. Craig Spence also saved an early first half penalty from Stephen Jackson on a night Sporting will want to forget.

Lance beat Crown 3-2 on penalties with Dave Robason missed the decisive penalty kick after a 1-1 draw in normal time. However this result was overturned as Lance fielded an ineligible player in Mark Banks so Crown progressed through.

SFL Quarter Final Draw

Ties to be played on 19 November 2002

Crown Electrics v Slipway

Sunderland Select v Wearview

Castletown v SR-1

Sex & Chocolate v team-intermedia.com

Cup Results:

Select 6 Boldon 0

Crown 1 Lance 1

3-2 to Lance on Penalties (result declared void, Crown go through)

Sporting 0 Wearview 3

22nd October 2002

Select close the gap.

Slipway’s first win since mid July.

The opening game of the night produced 9 goals and could have been far more but for Davison and Spence pulling off some excellent stops. Gary Jackson and Alan Elliott gave Wearview an early 2 goal lead and produced an early onslaught at the Select goal with chances from Chris Middlemiss and Gary Jackson. It seems once Select go a goal down its spurs them on, they were soon ahead with 4 goals from Trevor Walker who has started to bang the goals in, in the absence of John Cairns and Simon Williamson bagging 2. Gary Jackson secured his  2 goal of the night but in the end his goals for only consolidations.

SR-1 slipped down to third place after a defeat at the hands of Lance. SR-1 had a few new signings including goalkeeper Graeme Roper (formerly of Wearview) who kept the score down. Lee Cuddihy missed a first half penalty whilst Mark Muers and Scott Hembrough scored at the other end to ensure that Lance recorded another victory.

Crown Electrics faced Sporting Redhouse with Crown knowing that 3 points was essential after Select’s 6-3 win earlier. This game was a bit ill tempted with Tom Robason picking up a caution after a tussle with Paul Mouat. Jon Wardle who appears to have found his scoring boots once again fired Crown ahead after holding off Ryan McNaught. But Sporting denied Crown the 3 points enabling Select with a game in hand to within a point of Crown when Stephen Jackson fired home yet again in the 2nd half.

Sex & Chocolate appear to be moving up the table slowly, moving up to 5th after another solid performance against basement boys Boldon with Chris Scott, Dave Gourlay and Chris Dixon firing in the goals. Ian McDowell scoring Boldon’s solitary goal.

Slipway recorded their 1st win since mid July at the hands of Inter. Inter had a lot of possession in the early stages but Slipway created the best chances on the break mainly through Mel Keith. It was Mel Keith who ironically give the Slipway the lead after a neat header from a Mark Banks throw-in slipping through the goalkeepers hands. Mark Kelsey soon levelled things scoring his 2nd goal in 2 games. A deflected shot by Mel Keith put Slipway in the driving seat. Inter pressed forward to the end in search for a equaliser and were awarded a penalty  at the death when a Slipway defender was alleged to have ran across the box. Craig Richardson had the confidence to step up and take the kick but Stephen Keith who had been in fine form all night drove to his right and tipped the ball around the post to safety to ensure a narrow victory for Slipway.

 News

Gary Brown is in sole control of SR-1. Ellie Leisure now have a red/white 1st kit.

 15th October 2002

Select and Crown both win.

SR-1 still in Second Place

Unlike last week the games went according to the way the league suggested with the top 3 teams gaining maximum points as they battle it out for the title.

In the opening game of the evening S&C bounced back from their defeat at the hands of SR-1 last week recording a 1-0 narrow victory over Ellie Leisure with Dave Gourlay grabbing the only goal of the game.

SR-1 remained in 2nd spot after a hard fought match against the Slipway, managing to come from behind with 2 goals from Lee Cuddihy and Steve Hutchison grabbing a goal cancelling out strikes from Joe Dove and George Lavelle.

Boldon were full of confidence after their famous 1-0 victory over Crown last week but Sporting Redhouse were up for the challenge and Stephen Jackson 2 goals taking his tally to  in 2 games after missing last weeks thrashing off Lance Roberts.

Inter produced another solid performance hoping to make it two consecutive wins on the belt something they are yet to do. Mark Kelsey fired Inter ahead from a Sean Hounslow corner. This was a wake up call for Select and they were soon reversed the deficit with long range strikes from Trevor Walker and John Cairns as well as hitting the bar on 2 occasions. Inter levelled in the 2nd half through Craig Richardson but Select had the last laugh when John Hunt unmarked at the far post fired home to keep Select on course for the title once again.

It was expected to be a close encounter between Crown and Lance. Lance went into the match after a tremendous 5-0 win over Sporting and having only conceded 5 goals to their name. However Crown proved too strong on this occasion for Lance with Jon Wardle bagging 2 goals to help him get back on track towards the golden boot.  Steven Stubbs criticised on many occasions also helped himself to 2 goals whilst Neil Bainbridge rifled a long range shot past Paul Martin to score Lances only goal of the game.

 News

Davinder Sangha has been shifted (sacked) from his post as Coach for team-intermedia.com (six-a-side) and appointed Technical Director. Michael Booth takes over as Coach after guiding the team to a superb win (only their second) in his role as Temporary Team Selector.

 8th October 2002

Boldon achieve the impossible.

“Cola Boy’s” single strike ends a 21 match unbeaten run.

In the opening game of the night Boldon Wanderers pulled off the result of the season so far by ending Crown Electrics 21 game unbeaten record  with substitute Simon Keir scoring the solitary goal earlier in the second half. Ironically it was Boldon’s first victory of the campaign and who would have thought it would have came against Crown.

Third placed SR-1 moved up into second spot after a narrow win over S&C who conceded their first goal in four matches, Lee Cuddihy was the scorer.

Inter produced the second surprise of the night defeating Wearview comfortably 3-0, giving them only their second win accompanied with a clean sheet since the opening day of the season. Phil McNerney seeming to be hitting top form at the moment grabbing two and Craig Richardson completing the scoring to give Inter a much needed win.

Lance Roberts stormed to victory to add to their 3-0 win the previous week hitting five past Sporting Redhouse who were missing their new signing Stephen Jackson. This showed as Lance ran riot and Neil Middlemiss hit two, Mark Muers, Wayne Greenwell and an own goal completing the scoring

The final game of the night was an ill tempted game contested between Slipway and Ellie Leisure. Slipway only having five players created the early chances and were ahead on two occasions through Mel Keith but Ellie Leisure pegged them back almost immediately through Paul Noble and Gary Tyzack. Gary Tyzack then put Ellie Leisure ahead for  the first time in the game, a late penalty save by Ian Butler a John Pybus condemned Slipway to another defeat and looking precariously over their shoulder.

 News

Port of Tyne – who originally were replacements for JJB Sports – have been reluctantly deleted from the League. The team was struggling for players this week and normally a postponement would be at hand, but with them only having played one game, this postponement would have put them well behind the other teams in playing games.
 

 1st October 2002

Select and Crown – neck and neck.

A two horse race as last season’s top two break away.

The race between Select and Crown continued as both teams secured handsome wins. Select easily defeated Ellie Leisure by five goals to one in a game which was expected to be tight. Select opened the scoring but it was cancelled out by George Ferguson. Further goals from Select, however, made the crucial three points secure. Simon Williamson scored two goals and the others were shared between Hunt, Greener and Cairns.

Their rivals, Crown, sucker punched team-intermedia.com by a 4-1 score line. Two quick goals put them in the driving seat (the opener from Wardle who seems to be lagging behind in the goal scoring charts), but Inter grabbed one back from Craig Richardson after good work from Phil McNerney. More counterattack goals from Dave Robason (two) and Sean Forrest finished off the brief Inter fight back.

SR-1 played twice (back-to-back) and gained nothing from both games. The first was a 2-0 defeat against Sporting for whom Stephen Jackson grabbed another goal. Jeff Young scored the other as Sporting slowly climb back up the table.

Wearview, with goals from Elliott and Jackson, further dented SR-1, who are still in third place despite the two set backs.

Lance Roberts look comfortable in 5th place with several games in hand after a 3-0 trouncing of Boldon Wanderers, who have yet to win a game. Simon Keir’s team suffered at the hands of Neil Middlemiss, who scored two, and the “very fragile” Scott Hembrough, who seems to be making good progress towards full fitness.

 News

Sporting Club have been deleted from the League at their Manager’s request. The League now comprises of 12 teams. The new draw for the AGUK.net Super League and the 5th SFL Cup are as follows:

SR-1 have been moved from Group A to Group C. Top two in each group qualify for the Second Round Groups. The schedule will be amended accordingly.

 24th September 2002

Inter dropping into mediocrity.

Sporting Redhouse make some inspired signings.

Select opened the night with a comfortable and deserved 2-0 win against Lance Roberts who were unbeaten in 4 games spanning two months. John Cairns fired in an early opener and added to his tally in the second half to keep Select in third (points lost due to Sporting Club being deleted). They are three points behind Crown who suffered a minor setback in a 2-2 draw with Ellie Leisure. Tom Robason grabbed both Crown’s goals while Burnside and Ferguson scored for Ellie.

Slipway slipped further down the table with a 4-2 defeat against Wearview – a team they had previously beaten 1-0. Gary Jackson helped himself to the man-of-the-match award as well as two goals. Alan Elliott, returning from a self enforced ban got on the score sheet as well.

Joining them were the rapidly declining team-intermedia.com. An insipid performance led to a 2-0 defeat against SNC, a game where Kelsey and Hounslow had a running verbal battle in the second half. Michael Smillie appeared in goal, and despite some decent saves, could do nothing about a Chris Dixon pile-driver midway in the first. This set the scene for the rest of the game which ended with SNC gaining three points. That’s four straight wins for SNC and no goals conceded.

Inter then faced SR-1 and made two changes. Watson came in for Smillie and Sangha replaced Kelsey. Performance was definitely better as they went 1-0 down but clawed it back to 1-1 with Hounslow scoring. Despite this, a second strike from SR-1 gave them the three points as Inter are struggling to win games. Only one win in eight games. SR-1 now celebrated moving back into second. New player Grieves continued from last week with a goal, joined by the ever present Hutchinson.

A major talking point of the night was Sporting Redhouse’s new acquisitions. Stephen Jackson, Ryan McNaught and Paul Mouat could turn the Duggan’s mediocre outfit into an outstanding outfit. They started slowly against Boldon but soon enough, Pud Jackson grabbed a hat-trick to send them in with three points at 4-0. “Cola Boy” Simon Keir was between the sticks for Boldon, and despite holding out for a long time, failed to gain the holy grail (a point) for Boldon. A promising start from Sporting – more to come, surely.

 News

Runexact have been deleted from the League for failing to show for a recent game. No replacement has been appointed so any team which gained points and goals against Runexact have now lost them. The upside is that those teams will still have games in hand.

 17th September 2002

Crown score a major victory.

3-1 against Select keeps them at the top.

After the four week break, Crown Electrics caused a major stir by defeating Sunderland Select 3-1. Dave Robason opened the scoring and minutes later Steve Stubbs (of all people) made it 2-0. Simon Williamson did manage to pull one back with plenty of time and it would seem that Select would equalise – but Sean Forrest grabbed the winner near the end to keep Crown at the top.

Select did gain three points immediately after this game with a comfortable 6-1 win over Boldon Wanders. Simon Williamson scored a hat-trick but the Man-of-the-match accolade went to Carlos Short who was standing in for the absent Gavin Greener and Trevor Walker (who is injured).

Ellie Leisure put out a strong squad for their first game back and were rewarded with a comfortable 2-0 win. Andrew Huntley came off the subs bench to score while George Ferguson scored a superb goal to give his team all three points. Chris Middlemiss found himself in the book, again, for dissent.

Wearview, like Select, bounced back with a second game and an impressive win over Sporting Redhouse. 5-3 was the final result as Gary Jackson helped himself to a fine hat-trick. Darren Duggan scored two for Sporting Redhouse along with a single strike from Geoff Young, but Wearview, with additional goals from Middlemiss and Glanville gained all three points.

After losing three consecutive games, SR-1 came tumbling off the top of the table, a position they’d held for quite a while. The break seems to have done them good as they scored five with no reply past a weakened Slipway side. Lee Cuddihy wasn’t there for SR-1 but his replacement, Gavin Grieves fired in two goals. Lyall, Hutchinson and Dennis shared the others as they easily demolished the Slipway. Michael Mooney was making a rare start for the Slipway, but that was due to lack of available players.

So Crown still head the table despite losing the points they gained with a win over Runexact – all teams which played Runexact and gained points and goals have lost those points and goals, but they have games in hand now. Select are in Second and still look like favourites to retain the trophy for a third consecutive season. Sporting Club, having recently lost against Select and Lance are still hopeful.

 News

11-a-side games are now beginning to take place on Tuesday evenings. If any team is going to struggle, it is possible to cancel games for the duration of this period, which is for around 4-5 weeks.

Port of Tyne are in the League as a replacement for JJB Sports.

 13th August 2002

Crown head the table.

Steve Stubbs fires in the goal to take them to the top.

With a disjointed Sporting Club receiving a footballing lesson off Lance Roberts, it was up to Crown to attempt to take pole position in a difficult encounter against the Slipway. Their main man, Jon Wardle, was dismissed along with Slipway’s George Lavelle for fighting so it was left to Steve Stubbs to fire in a second half winner with the only goal of the game. Slipway are now near the foot of the table with Port of Tyne (replacement for JJB Sports) and Boldon beneath them. Boldon had actually returned from a two week break but the usual form followed them. Gary Jackson scored four goals as Wearview won 5-1 – and this feat achieved without Chris Middlemiss, who was sitting out a one match ban.

The aforementioned Sporting Club suffered their second successive defeat – this time against Lance Roberts. Neil Middlemiss and Scott Hembrough provided the goals as it seems that the wheels seem to have come off the Sporting Club rollercoaster just before they are going into a four to five week break due to 11-a-side commitments.

Select, who will also be having a break, easily dismissed SR-1 by five goals to one. SR-1, who like Sporting Club were easily beating early opposition have now suffered three straight defeats and look unlikely to win the League. Gary Brown returned from his break but was unable to stop Simon Williamson scoring two goals and Trevor grabbing a hat-trick.

Sex & Chocolate gained their third win on the trot without conceding a goal again in a 3-0 trouncing against team-intermedia.com. Unlikely source, Graeme Cassidy fired in two goals and Gourlay scored the other as SNC overrun a hesitant Intermedia in the second half. SNC were struggling with a keeper and Michael Wilson had to deputise for them – but he wasn’t even tested as Intermedia failed to have one single shot on target.

Finally, Ellie Leisure came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Sporting Redhouse. Darren Duggan and Mark Hill scored for Sporting Redhouse as they cruised through the game, but strikes from Paul Noble and Paul Morris gave Ellie Leisure a draw – their third in a row.

 6th August 2002

Select prove a point.

Comprehensive 2-0 win over an unbeaten Sporting Club.

A mouth-watering clash between the unbeaten Sporting Club, who had enjoyed a seven match winning run, against the current Champions, Select, who were also unbeaten, started with unexpected disorganisation. Both teams started the game with five players, albeit only for a few minutes. Select gained the upper hand and soon had Sporting Club chasing a deficit. Simon Williamson opened the scoring followed by a strike from John Cairns late in the second half. Phil McNerney came on as a late substitute for Sporting Club, but failed to make an impact. Stephen Jackson and Stephen Wilson had typical off days against Select who have now registered three wins over their rivals (two last season when Sporting Club were named as Toddys.co.uk).

Crown took full advantage as they celebrated their first win over rivals, Runexact, with two goals from Shaun Forrest and one from Jon Wardle. This puts them firmly in 2nd place and two points behind Sporting Club.

Lance Roberts moved into 5th place after an impressive and deserved 3-1 win over Sporting Redhouse. Steve Bryan made his debut for Sporting and did actually manage to equalise after Neil Middlemiss had put Lance 1-0 ahead. Further goals from Muers and Bainbridge sealed the win.

Wearview managed to pull off another amazing result after recent set backs with a 3-2 win over SR-1 - who seem to have stalled after their inspiring opening run. Gary Jackson deserved his man-of-the-match accolade with two goals. Chris Middlemiss scored the other goal and Mark Lyall and Joe Dennis scored for SR-1.

Dixon helped himself to a hat-trick in Sex & Chocolate’s 3-0 demolition over the Slipway. This was by far Sex & Chocolates best performance since last season as they seem to be mirroring that form. A slow and unimpressive start followed by excellent and unexpected wins. Slipway have had three heavy defeats on the trot and are third off bottom.

Finally, team-intermedia’s recent bad run seems to have reversed as the defence is holding out tight. A late goal from Sean Hounslow put Intermedia 1-0 ahead against Ellie Leisure, but man-of-the-match, Andrew Huntley, gave Ellie Leisure a late equaliser. A point each was good enough.

 30th July 2002

SR-1 suffer their first defeat.

Sporting Redhouse score a major win over the Slipway.

Another impressive performance by Crown Electrics resulted in SR-1’s first defeat of the season. Goals from Shaun Forrest, Dave Robason and a pile-driver from Jon Wardle resulted in a 3-0 win for Crown. SR-1 were short of three regulars, Steve Rodgerson, Gary Brown and ‘keeper, Steve Barnes, which could have made the result different, but then again, Crown seem rampant over the last few weeks.

Intermedia’s strongest team since the opening day 1-0 win over Sporting Redhouse put on a decent performance against Runexact. Craig Richardson, returning from a long lay off, fired in what appeared to be the winning goal near the end. Runexact ignored the setback and Anthony Morrison grabbed the equaliser soon after in an entertaining draw.

Both defences were strong in the game between Lance Roberts and Ellie Leisure. A 0-0 draw was a fair reflection on the chances in a game where there were few and far between. Both teams came close on certain occasions and it was probably Lance Roberts who were more disappointed having scored a heavy win last week against the Slipway.

Chris Middlemiss, manager of Wearview was sent off against Sex & Chocolate not long after an altercation between Graeme Cassidy and Craig Spence which could have also resulted in a dismissal. Sex & Chocolate ran out comfortable 5-0 winners as Wearview,s season seems to be falling apart. Dixon scored two goals while Chris Howe, Chris Scott and, inevitably, Dave Gourlay scored the other three. This was Sex & Chocolates first win this season and it proved to be a welcome three points.

Finally, Sporting Redhouse tore a timid Slipway apart by six goals to two. Darren Duggan, Mickey Donkin and substitute Kevin Hicks fired in three goals as Jeff Young helped himself to a hat-trick. Slipway were clearly disorientated and goals from Paul Mooney and Darren Ewart were only consolation goals in their second heavy defeat in two weeks.

JJB Sports may soon be deleted from the League, but this depends on whether Craig Henderson takes over from Alan Burn as a replacement manager (using a replacement team) still playing on as JJB Sports.

 23rd July 2002

Sporting increase their goal tally.

SR-1 remain in 2nd with a game in hand.

Town End Farm have been deleted from the League for failing to show for a game and also having outstanding payments.

Playing back to back games against Runexact and Intermedia didn’t really affect Sporting Club’s performance. A brilliant clash between them and Runexact ended 4-3 in Sporting Club’s favour. Coomber and Dodd put Runexact 2-1 ahead, but they were soon 3-2 down. Coomber, again, equalised, but a last minute strike from Sporting Club gave them a thrilling and important victory. Man-of-the-match Mark Banks scored two goals while Jackson and Stephen Wilson shared the others.

A second game against Intermedia was a little less intense. Early goals sealed Intermedia’s fate as they were already playing with a much weakened team. A 9-1 win gives Sporting Club a healthy goal difference. Stephen Wilson grabbed four, Banks (again man-of-the-match) grabbed three and Jackson could only manage two.

Key rivals, Sunderland Select, secured a comfortable win over Sex & Chocolate. 5-1 was the final scoreline as John Cairns scored a hat-trick and Trevor Walker scored two. Graeme Cassidy scored a consolation for Sex & Chocolate, who actually put out a reasonably strong team.

Wearview cancelled out all early pressure from Sporting Redhouse with a sublime Chris Middlemiss goal late in the first half. From then on, Wearview were under constant pressure and stand-in goalkeeper, Andy Bradford, gained a deserved man-of-the-match award. A late but brilliant goal from Craig Spence condemned Sporting Redhouse to another defeat as they rued missed chances.

Wearview, like Sporting Club, played consecutive games. But for the second encounter, they came up against a rampant Crown Electrics team. Tom Robason fired in two goals in a deserved man-of-the-match performance, while Wardle grabbed one of his many hat-tricks. Shaun Forrest put in the remaining goals to give Crown a superb 7-2 win. Gary Jackson and Craig Spence scored for Wearview – but only as consolation.

Earlier on, SR-1 faced off against Ellie Leisure and finalised a late 3-2 win with goals from Lee Cuddihy (2) and Steve Hutchinson. They were actually 2-0 ahead but Ellie Leisure, courtesy of Noble and Burnside clawed it back to 2-2. A third for SR-1, however, gave them the points as they sit in 2nd Place.

Lance came good with four goals against Slipway who were 1-0 down when still playing with only four men. One of the absentees, Stephen Ewart, turned up and scored their goal but Muers and Neil Middlemiss both shared four goals in an impressive win.

 16th July 2002

Low scores and tight games.

Apart from Sporting Club’s 6-0 win.

Apart from an expected thrashing by Sporting Club over Boldon, most of the games were pretty even.

Town End Farm grabbed a late winner, courtesy of Paul Mouat, to overcome Sporting Redhouse. An intriguing encounter between the Mouat’s and the Duggan’s did threaten to flare up, but nothing major occurred. Sporting were displaying Mickey Donkin for the first time this season and Town End had Ian Askew as a last minute replacement for the absent Neil Richardson.

Slipway also won by the solitary strike. Stephen Ewart let one lose from distance past Craig Spence – who had replaced Gary Jackson at half time. If Jackson had been in between the sticks, it would seem that he wouldn’t have had a problem in saving it as agility wouldn’t be a problem for him. Spence, however, is much more of a close range shot stopper and has always been suspect from a distance.

As mentioned, Sporting battered Boldon by six clear goals to increase their lead at the top. Stephen Jackson moves ahead in the race for the Golden Boot with eleven goals. Mark Banks and Gavin Wilson scored the other two goals in an impressive and expected win.

Runexact also came out of their recent slumber with an unimpressive but solid win over a dogged Sex & Chocolate. Brogden was in goal for Sex & Chocolate and made some good stops – good enough to see Dixon opening the scoring. Gary Gettins equalised for Runexact and also scored a late winner to move the team from Pennywell into 6th position.

Their rivals (also from Pennywell) Crown Electrics secured a good win after last weeks trouncing off Sporting Club. A single strike from man-of-the-match, Shaun Forrest settled the issue against Ellie Leisure. Stephen Harrison’s team were a bit below strength but so were Crown, who were playing without Jeff Clark.

Finally, Intermedia had a balanced game against SR-1 which was decided by a brilliant strike from Stephen Hutchinson, late in the game. Intermedia started brightly with several shots on the SR-1 goal, but faded away as SR-1 took control and forced Watson into some excellent saves before grabbing the winner.

 9th July 2002

All the contenders held as Sporting lead.

team-intermedia (somehow) draw with Select.

SR-1 came up against their toughest test yet and just managed to scrape a 1-1 draw. A first minute (probably 30 second) strike from John Coomber set Runexact on their way as they created chance after chance. The goal came from a defensive error and, for once, it would seem that Runexact’s luck had turned. But being Runexact, they dominated the game and failed to add to their lead. Lee Thompson’s team suffered their usual, last minute setback as Joe Dennis stole into equalise.

Slipway, probably still smarting from throwing a 3-0 lead away against Select last week, came up against a weakened but physically strong Sex & Chocolate side. Dave Gourlay came on for Chris Wynn in the second half and despite gaining a man-of-the-match award, failed to break the dead lock. Joe Dove, George Lavelle both came close to scoring for Slipway, but it would seem that the team was over cautious after the Select game and failed to make any inroads against SNC. 0-0 was a fair result in an uninspiring match.

Sunderland Select came up against a weakened team-intermedia and surprisingly found themselves 2-1 down. Mark Kelsey (making his debut) and Sean Hounslow found the back of the net and Intermedia looked as if they were going to gain their second win of the season. Dave Watson gained a man-of-the-match award (equally shared with Intermedia’s crossbar and post) as himself and the post thwarted Selects attack. But he couldn’t prevent a late goal, which gave Select a share of the points. Gavin Greener and John Cairns scored their goals, but the whole team was dumfounded as to why they hadn’t scored more.

Lance Roberts had trounced Town End Farm a few weeks back, but this return game was an altogether different affair. Anthony Mouat did let in a first minute strike from Wayne Greenwell, but then a brilliant performance from Paul Mouat (man-of-the-match) inspired the team as he helped himself to two goals. His goals were augmented by Neil Richardson scoring two (and then having one disallowed) and David Duff scoring in a brilliant 5-1 win. And this from a team which looked in disarray only a few games back.

Sporting Club faced Crown as both teams attempted to defend unbeaten records. Stephen Jackson scored a first minute goal as Sporting looked rampant. However, a free kick put Crown back into it. Sean Forrest scored with accuracy from long range, but later goals from Stephen Jackson and Stephen Wilson gave Sporting a solid 3-1 win as they head the table by two points.

All their nearest rivals dropped points today. Select, Lance Roberts and SR-1. And with a game against Boldon, next week, it seems likely they’ll be heading the pack for the foreseeable future.

 News

Name change.

Castletown are now called Ellie Leisure.

 25th June 2002

Select come storming back.

Sporting Club head the table with SR-1 in 2nd.

JJB Sports, Town End Farm, Sporting Redhouse all failed to make a full £12 payment which means they are fined £2 each. All teams were okay with kits this week.

Slipway turned on the style and raced into an impregnable 3-0 lead against the Champions with 4 minutes remaining on the clock. Steven Ewart, George Lavelle and Paul Mooney had fired in the goals as Slipway were ready to celebrate their first win. A goal by Cairns was a minor setback, but then two further goals in succession by Cairns and Williamson completely knocked back the Slipway. From a famous 3-0 win, they returned almost empty handed with a paltry 1 point. Excellent work from the Champions who demonstrated to all watching how to take their chances in an epic encounter.

Just prior to Slipway playing, Crown, without Jon Wardle, pummelled Intermedia and were 3-0 up before the interval. Sean Hounslow pulled one back for Intermedia, but then Crown simply pushed into upper gear and scored three more. Gary Rolls got man-of-the-match, but Shaun Forrest was outstanding and scored some outrageous goals to give his team an impressive win.

SR-1 easily overcame a tricky encounter with Sporting Redhouse and trounced Darren and Garry Duggan’s team. There was no Joe Casey in goal to save them this time as Steve Hutchinson, who is proving to be one of the new stars of the League, banged in two goals along with a solitary strike from Joe Dennis.

Sporting Club laboured over an awkward Wearview team and were content to come away with a 1-0 win, courtesy of Stephen Jackson. Wearview displayed the same line up for their third game and have had excellent results against the strongest teams in the League.

The same cannot be said about Boldon Wanderers. An inquest took place after their 8-0 humiliation against Lance Roberts to try and get to grips with the League. Mark Muers helped himself to four goals, while Neil Middlemiss scored a hat-trick. Wayne Greenwell could only manage one goal.

Town End Farm finally sparked into some life with Neil Richardson making an appearance and grabbing both goals. It didn’t look too promising as Anthony Mouat let in another howler – straight through his legs – from Chris Dixon. Sex & Chocolate had chances, but Town End Farm showed their resilience and eventually gained their first three points.

Finally, Runexact were 1-0 down against JJB Sports after James Procipis latched onto a mistake by the Runexact defence. John Coomber scored a brilliant equaliser and further goals by Ralph Dodd and Paul Thompson gave the highly rated team a deserved victory.

 25th June 2002

A Select Masterclass.

10 goals against Boldon puts them on top.

Despite two superb goals scored by Simon Keir and Michael Errington for Boldon, the ten scored by Select put the result into perspective. Trevor Walker (who was man-of-the-match) and John Cairns shared eight goals (four each) and John Hunt chipped in with two, including one excellent individual effort . The result puts them at the top on goal difference as four teams have 100% records.

Their main rivals, Sporting Club, overcame a timid team-intermedia by seven clear goals. It was 1-0 until the second half, but with Craig Richardson as a limping passenger from the first ten minutes of the game, the inevitable happened as 1-0 turned to 7-0, with four from Stephen Jackson. Ironically, Davinder Sangha, in goal for Inter, was awarded man-of-the-match for his performance – scant reward though.

SR-1 also gained momentum with a 4-1 thrashing of a weak Sex & Chocolate team. Three former Tyne Port players were on show for SNC and they failed to make any significant impact. Dave Gourlay managed to grab their only goal. Hutchinson scored two for SR-1 and Lee Cuddihy and Mark Lyall shared the other two for a team which is looking increasingly impressive.

Finally, Ellie Leisure joined the others on six points with three hard earned points against Slipway. They were 3-0 ahead with goals from Ferguson, Huntley and Noble, but Slipway pulled two back from Stephen Ewart and Melvin Keith. Unfortunately, for them, the third never came. Ellie Leisure were displaying Craig Burnside in goal after Ian Butlers hand injury last week against JJB Sports so the result was even better than expected.

Crown and Wearview played out a 1-1 draw, with Craig Spence (his second in two games) and Tom Roberson scoring the goals. Jeff Clark sat out his one match ban in this game as his team failed to take all three points. Wearview have had impressive performances against the Champions, last week, and now the Runners-Up.

Lance Roberts put their disappointing defeat against Crown behind them as they steamrolled past a hapless and disorganised Town End Farm with a 3-0 trouncing. A impressive team displaying Nicky and Eddy Pemberton, Paul, Keith and Anthony Mouat and David Duff were taken apart by a more vibrant Lance team. Neil Bainbridge fired in a superb opener which was followed by goals from Muers and man-of-the-match, Greenwell. Keith Mouat was shown a yellow card for his dissent. One thing is certain, TEF have to organise themselves off the pitch as well as on it if they have any hope of continuing in this League.

Runexact made their debut this season, and suffered the same fate they did at the start of last season. A Gordon Robson strike for Sporting, who were still smarting from losing the week before, slipped through Keith Buck’s hands. Ralph Dodd did get an equaliser, but then a mistake from the normally reliable Lee Thompson allowed Gordon Robson to steal in and grab the winner. Joe Casey was again awarded the man-of-the-match as he pulled off some brilliant saves throughout the game.

This produced an early season clash between the Sangha brothers, Tarnjit of Sporting Club and Davinder of team-intermedia.com. Both teams had opened their campaign with narrow wins. Michael Smillie who had a reasonable game last week against Sporting Redhouse gave way to the more experienced Dean Wardle who partnered Michael Booth in defence. The rest of the line-up remained unchanged with Watson still out injured and likely to be on the sidelines for a long while. The first half was an even contest with Stephen Jackson opening the scoring for Sporting Club after a defensive mix-up in the heart of the team-intermedia.com defence. Chances were created at both ends with both keepers pulling off important saves. Unfortunately for team-intermedia.com 10 minutes into the game, Richardson picked up an injury after a heavy challenge with Stephen Wilson. This limited him to having to limp around the pitch up front and try just to lay the ball off to other team members. All credit to Richardson he tried to struggle on, but was told to leave the pitch to save picking up a worse injury. With no substitutes available team-intermedia.com would have to play the second half with only 5 men. This was going to be a hard enough game with 6 men but with 5 men the inevitable was bound to happen and happen it certainly did. Sporting Club soared into a 7 goal lead with 6 quick successive goals with team-intermedia.com finding it difficult to even string a couple of passes together. Davinder Sangha was bombarded with shots left, right and centre and to be fair to him the scoreline could have been into double figures if it wasn't for some brilliant stops. Maybe in future team-intermedia.com may have to consider having at least one substitute maybe Michael Smillie who played in last weeks win, incase of future injuries. Overall a football lesson for team-intermedia.com who now have a disappointing goal difference of -6 and 3 points after two games and next week face Crown Electrics who finished second in season 4 of the Sunderland Football League.

Match Report by Michael Booth (team-intermedia.com)

 News

Kit and Discipline Fine.

Crown Electrics

Crown Electrics broke the kit rule despite warnings and have been fined £5. They also had Jeff Clark sent off which has resulted in another fine of £5 and a one match ban which must take place before 16th July.

The following teams have not paid their £25 Entrance Fee:

Boldon Wanderers        

JJB Sports       

Runexact         

Sex & Chocolate           

Sporting Redhouse        

Sporting Club of Sunderland       

Town End Farm

Wearview         

The Entrance Fee is due no later than 2nd July otherwise the teams could have points deducted. Also the Handbook will not be given to any teams which haven’t paid their fee. No team will be registered with Durham FA until they have paid their fee.

Ellie Leisure, Lance Roberts, Slipway, Select, Crown Electrics, team-intermedia and SR-1 have paid their fees.

 18th June 2002

No surprises.

Clark sees Red against Lance Roberts.

The new Season kicked off with Lance suffering a defeat against last seasons 2nd Placed, Crown Electrics. Gary Rolls scored the only goal of the game just before half time as Lance piled on the pressure. Jeff Clark was later shown the red card for swinging a punch at Neil Middlemiss. However, like most of his shots and passes, he missed, but the intent was still there and referee, Tommy Foster had no choice but to dismiss him. Crown did manage to hang on gain a valuable 3 points.

The major game of the night was Sporting Club (previously Toddy’s) against Slipway. In a tough encounter, Lee Butler and man-of-the-match, Ryan McNaught grabbed the goals for Sporting Club, while substitute, Stephen Ewart gave Slipway some hope. However, Sporting Club were in no real danger of losing the points.

New boy’s, SR-1, sit at the top of the table on goal difference with a comfortable opener against Simon Keir’s Boldon Wanderers. Lee Cuddihy scored two goals and Mark Lyall the other. Simon Keir scored a consolation for Boldon but it was to no avail as SR-1 gained the points. Stephen Hutchinson was awarded the man-of-the-match award.

Team-intermedia.com (new name for Sassco) faced off against a strong Sporting Redhouse team featuring both the Duggan brothers. They even had the audacity to play Gordon Robson who was considered one of Intermedia’s main players last season. The outcome, though, was negative for Sporting as Robson fired blanks in a game where chances were minimal. Garry Duggan struck an all too impressive free-kick which glanced off the post to end the first half – but that was their only real chance. Michael Smillie was replacing Sangha in defence due to ‘keeper Dave Watson’s injury and Sangha, playing in goal, was rarely troubled in the second half despite the majority of the possession going to Sporting Redhouse. Joe Casey, in goal for Sporting Redhouse, was nominated man-of-the-match with some brilliant saves and just as the game was petering out to a 0-0 draw, Michael Booth on the right side managed to find some space and squeeze the ball through to Sean Hounslow who beat his man to fire in a late winner.

Wearview (CDS) were expected to be pulverised by Select, but managed to surprise all with a dogged performance. Select took the lead but were pegged back by Craig Spence’s goal only to conceded a second goal later on. Gary Jackson, in goal, made some good saves but there were no more goals from either team.

Ellie Leisure played JJB Sports and gained an expected win with two impressive Andrew Huntley goals. Alan Burn (inevitably) scored for JJB Sports but a new line up featuring Gary Cameron, who played for Fergusons in Season 2 looked disjointed and suffered an opening day defeat.

Ellie Leisure got their season off with a 2-1 win against JJB.  A slightly changed side for Ellie Leisure with Butler in goal, the solid Harrison and Morris at the back,  MOM Huntley in the middle and debutant Hodgekiss and pacy Ferguson up front. 2 goals from the impressive Huntley who tormented JJB all night won it for Ellie Leisure. A bit of a mix up in the Ellie Leisure defence had gifted JJB the opener in the early stages and they led 1-0 at half time although Ellie Leisure had missed 3 good chances through Huntley, Hodgekiss and Ferguson. Ellie Leisure came back strongly after the break and after good work from Ferguson, Huntley finished coolly to equalize. There was now only going to be one winner as Ellie Leisure piled forward and pressured the JJB defence. Alan Burn ran at Ellie Leisure as often as he could but was stopped in his tracks by the Ellie Leisure rearguard. A quick corner between Huntley and Harrison left Huntley to sidestep the defender before sliding the ball into the bottom corner to deservedly give Ellie Leisure the points.

Match Report by Stephen Harrison (Ellie Leisure)

Michael Smillie was called into to replace David Watson who declared himself unfit at the weekend. Davinder Sangha moved inbetween the sticks with Smillie partnering Michael Booth in defence and Craig Richardson, Mickey Pearson and Sean Hounslow taking up the attacking roles. The first half was a bit of a dull affair with Sporting Redhouse shading the possession as both teams cancelled each other out in the middle of the park. Both keepers had very little to do until the last minute of the first half when Sporting Redhouse were awarded a free-kick. Duggan stepped up and curled in a free-kick which clipped the outside of Sangha's post and bounced away to safety. The second half had to be a bit more entertaining and so it was. Both teams knew that a single goal would probably clinch victory. Sporting Redhouse were restricted to long range efforts which were comfortably saved by Sangha, credit has to be given to the Sporting Redhouse who was almost a spectator in the 1st half who managed to pull off two spectacular stops from Richardson. Time was running out and a point for either side looked on the cards, until Booth found Hounslow, Hounslow surrounded by three defenders managed to squirm this way through and slot the ball under the despairing dive of the Redhouse goalkeeper. Overall a good start to the season in terms of result butIi think that performances in the future will have to improve if team-intermedia.com want to challenge for honours this season

Match Report by Michael Booth (team-intermedia.com)