-13th and 20th December 2005| back to top

Treble clinched.

Wearview defeated in an edgy Final.

Sporting Redhouse 2 Wearview Elite 0
Wearview were a bit short of players so Steve Lawson was recalled from retirement and Paul Jackson was also back. Wearview started the brightest and had a few chances while at the other end Carl Middlemiss denied his brother Chris with an outstanding save. It was goalless at half time but midway through the second half, Walker pounced on a mistake by Hembrough to put Sporting 1-0 up - and thats when the mayhem began. Wearview claimed that some inconsistant decisions went in Sportings favour (although this is always a claim made by the losing team) and this lead to Mini and Jacko both been yellow carded with Carl Middlemiss sent off. Fouls were being committed by both teams all over the pitch and then Cheesey finished the game off with a superb header with 2 mins remaining. In the end Wearview just embarrassed them selfs and Sporting clinched the treble (report by Scott Hembrough).

A pulsating final between the two best sides in the league. Wearview Elite went into the final desperate to get one over on their fierce rivals, Sporting. It was a two-fold effort. First, they felt they owed their rivals one. Sporting had come out on top in all but one of their clashes this season and that was drawn. Second, Sporting were going for an unprecedented Treble of League, Sassco Cup, and League Cup. Something Wearview would rather not let happen. However, Sporting put in one of their best displays of the season to not only contain Wearview, but rattle them to such an extent that Goal keeper, Carl Middlemiss was sent off for unsporting behavior and Captain and 'talisman' Paul Jackson nearly following with a verbal volley toward referee, Keith Brazier. A tight taught first half was followed by Trevor Walker of Sporting opening the scoring with a superbly placed goal which he calmly slotted past a hapless Middlemiss. Wearview tried in vain to get back at Sporting. Neil Middlemiss nearly got them back on level terms with a one on one effort against ' The Asian Sensation' Tarnjit Sangha, but the aging keeper not for the first time came out on top against Wearview. The men in red tried to pull themselves level, but were constantly thwarted be a resolute rearguard of Michael ' Baby Cheese' Ross and the indomitable Mark Kelsey. Si Williamson marshalled the midfield with grace and aplomb wonderfully supported by Trevor Walker and Chris Middlemiss. With the game coming to a close, the pivotal moment ended Wearview's resolve. A deftly flighted corner by Chris Middlemiss was superbly headed...yes headed in by Michael Ross. The game as a contest was over. Wearview completely lost their heads. Paul Jackson was infuriated claiming Ross was in the box. The referee did not want to know. Carl Middlemiss through his gloves in the direction of the referee and was duly sent off. This was not the Wearview that had become renowned for the beautiful game. This was a team that had clearly become frustrated at the way things were panning out. Sporting knew this and closed the game out in real comfort. So! The Treble has been achieved. Since the inauguration of the Sassco Championship, this had not been done. It has now. (report by Tarnjit Sangha).

Third Place Play Off
Crown Electrics 2 Hylton Castle 1

Well that's it for Season 8 and most involved can safely say it was a cracking season. All teams were exceptionally organised and the top teams in the League can safely cope with each other. However, it's Sporting who have the consistency, while the likes of Wearview, Hylton and Crown would rue their dropped points against each other and the remaining teams. Of the other teams, Redhouse Youth were the most impressive while AGUK and Max performed poorly, despite having a good squad. Sassco were inconsistent as ever.

The new Season 9 will start at the end of January, with a pre-season lasting only one week. I will let all know closer to the time.

-13th and 20th December 2005| back to top

Hylton's last gasp.

Sporting eventually get through. Wearview defeat Crown.

Sporting Redhouse 1 Hylton Castle 1
Sporting won 2-0 on penalties
A brilliant game. Sporting went ahead and just as they seemed to be celebrating a Final appearance, Hylton scored off a wicked deflection near the end. The game went to penalties and the "Asian Sensation" kept a clean sheet as Sporting triumphed 2-0 on penalties.

Wearview Elite 3 Crown Electrics 1 (report by Scott Hembrough)
Wearview v Crown is usually a close and firery encounter, but without Jacko at work and Jon Wardle moanin about a "groin strain" (in other words small manhood) this encounter was more mellow. After a cagey first 5 minutes Wardle hit an unstoppable opener. Wearview hit back immediatley with a solo strike from Gaz Anderson. Wearview stepped it up and went 2-1 up just before the break with a goal that would grace any World Cup final from Hembrough. Crown pushed on in the second half and had a few near misses before Wearview hit them on the counter and Mini scored a simple tap in. Crown fought back but it was to be in vain as Wearview booked themselves a place in the final against Sporting Redhouse.

-6th December 2005| back to top

Sporting through.

Youth's walloped! Coulson back!

Sporting Redhouse 5 Redhouse Youth 1
It was going to be a difficult task for the Youth's who seemed to have lost the way after their goalless encounter against Max. However, they had a final opportunity to make an impact in a must win game against Sporting. They had to win by three goals, but unfortunately came away with a bit of a battering off a clinical Sporting. The scoreline simply demonstrates Sporting's ability in taking their chances against a Youth team who are desperate for a striker. 5-1 final scoreline. Coulson was back in goal for Sporting and he immediately made an impact by pushing the normally placid Walker to the edge within five minutes. Is this a one off for Coulson or could it be a permanent comeback - or was it raining and Fatboy refused to play.

13th December 2005
Semi Finals
7:00pm Sporting Redhouse v Hylton Castle
7:30pm Crown Electrics v Wearview Elite

20th December 2005
Third Place Play Off
7:00pm Semi Final losers*
Final
7:30pm Semi Final winners

*This game is optional. Both Semi Final losers need to agree if they wish to play it.

-29th November 2005| back to top

Max gain some pride.

Crown 100%. Sporting draw with Wearview.

Redhouse Youth 0 Max Housing 0
A must win game for Redhouse Youth, while Max Housing needed some pride after two heavy defeats. There was plenty of pre-match build up to the game, with the Youth's claiming a high score while Max simply needed to avoid a heavy defeat. Yet a defeat seemed on the cards. The Youth's pounded the Max defence, but were thwarted constantly by their former 'keeper, McClusky. As mentioned before, the Youth's seem to struggle to score goals and lack a regular goalscorer. Max, you would say, probably have a similar problem. however, as the game wore on, they had their fair share of chances and the worst thing for the Youth's were the gaps left at the back, which could have hammered a nail into their coffin when at 0-0. Nevertheless, Max held on to a superb final game draw against their close rivals.

Wearview Elite 2 Sporting Redhouse 2
A superb game to end the night. Both these teams could say they were comfortably through, but pride was at stake. Sporting opened the scoring but were soon pegged back by an equaliser from Hembrough. The notable aspect of this game was the three Minnies playing, two for Wearview and one for Sporting. Also the run in with The Traitor and Jacko was quite enjoyable to watch. The icy pitch didn't help, but the game was flowing and superb to watch. After good openings at either end, Sporting eventually went ahead with what seemed to be the winning goal. Wearview had other ideas and scored a superb equaliser in the last minute from Neil Middlemiss. It could have been even better just seconds later as Hembrough broke through but his shot only shattered the post instead bulging in the back of the net. A 2-2 draw it was.

The final game in the group is next week. Redhouse Youth have to defeat Sporting by more than 6 goals to get through. However, the game is more for reputation than anything else. If the Youth's can pull off a result, it puts them in a good confident mood for next years League. Sporting will face Crown in the Semi's if they fail to beat Redhouse Youth by 4 clear goals.

Hylton Castle 6 Millfield Diamonds 0
Castle confirmed their empathic entrance into the Semi Finals with a 6 goal hammering against Millfield, who couldn't cope. Bunta grabbed himself a hat-trick while McGowan and Snowball got the others. Castle look a good bet for a Final place now as they seem to have come into form at the right time. Also they've got the reputation as "Sporting killers" as one of only a few teams to get the better of the Champions.

Crown Electrics 3 Sassco.co.uk 1
A spirited performance from Sassco saw them go in at half time holding Crown, the holders, to a 0-0 draw. Sassco had by far the better exchanges in the first half, but their failure to score was capitalised on by Crown in the second, when Tom Robason fired one in from long range. Two further goals killed off any hope for Sassco, but Gash Brazier did fire in a late consolation with good work from the returning Sammut. Crown remained the only team with a 100% record in the group. Definitely one of the favourites to retain their "Crown".

Hylton Castle look likely to face Wearview, while Crown will probably play Sporting Redhouse.

-23rd November 2005| back to top

Sassco and Max out.

Crown and Wearview in the semi's.

Sporting Redhouse 5 Max Housing 0
An almost impossible task for Max Housing. After losing heavily, they had to get something against the current Champions. The opening was predictable, with Kev Mc making numerous saves to keep it to 0-0. However, it didn't last. Trevor Walker opened the scoring and soon after, Simon Williamson added to it. From then on it was goal after goal with five in total to put Sporting firmly into a a good opening game and a possible semi-final position.

Wearview Elite 1 Redhouse Youth 0
The Youths started in rampaging form, but their main problem still exists in that they don't seem to have an out and out striker or finisher. Kev Snowdon had the best chance, but shot horribly wild. Eventually, near the end, Gaz Anderson struck the only goal of the game to all but confirm Wearview's entry into the semi-final stage.

Hylton Castle 3 Sassco.co.uk 0
Sassco were dumped out of the cup in what was the first make or break game. Both teams had lost their openers and a defeat here would put pay to any potential semi final spot. Hylton dominated most of the game, but Sassco held on tight until a few minutes before the break when Castle scored from a free-kick with lax marking allowing their player to score. The second half saw more pressure applied before a second goal from Castle killed the game. The final minutes saw a third goal as Castle now have to get something against Millfield to put themselves in the semi's.

Crown Electrics 4 Millfield Diamonds 0
Crown, inspired by Tom Robason, took full control of this game from start to finish and never looked uncomfortable. Millfield after gaining their first three points struggled against the well organised Crown team. Goals in both halves put paid to any hope of a Millfield comeback, but they do have a final opportunity against Hylton Castle in their last game - a game which will decide the semi finalists. Both teams have equal points but goal difference means that Castle only need a draw.

TCC are no longer entering the AGUK Super League, so the fixtures have been changed. Click here.

-16th November 2005| back to top

Violent Final.

Sporting overwhelm TCC. Second cup kicks off.

Sporting Redhouse 3 TCC 1
A strong final. Both sides were clearly up for it. Could TCC keep up their form in the final stage, or would Sporting Redhouse be a step to much for them.

In the opening salvos, Sporting looked clearly superior. Chance after chance, they broke through and were thwarted at the last second, but it wasn't too long before they opened the scoring. Walker, superbly cushioned the ball before dispatching it to the back of the net. Most of the play continued this way, until TCC, a team never to sit back and take it, struck an equaliser with most of Sporting's team in the other half.

The second half saw Sporting take the lead again and the game descended into chaos. Niggling tackles continued from both sides and it eventually resulted in TCC 'keeper, Foggin, being dismissed from the field of play. This, combined with a third goal, ended the game as a proper contest, as Sporting took the Double.

Wearview Elite 8 Max Housing 1
Poor Michael Anderson. He'd been stating that Scotty Hembrough would have to retire after this game as Wearview would suffer ignominy of an opening day defeat. Yet, as mentioned before to many "young uns" in the past, "don't mouth off before a game..." So the end result being 8-1 was truly humiliating. Everyone seemed to weigh in with the goals. Hembrough got two, while Steve and Gaz Anderson got one each. Middlemiss grabbed four and surely could have had more had it not been for Kev McClusky, who's choice of teams after leaving Youths has been a bit questionable. Never mind, for Max, there's plenty to play for with games v Sporting and Youths to come up.

Millfield Diamonds 1 Sassco.co.uk 0
Typical Sassco. After a good cup performance in the previous competition, it was back to square one with a defeat off a team that would be regarded (prior to this game) as the weakest in the group. With Hylton and Crown also in the pack, Millfield got themselves off to a flying start. An opening goal after around ten minutes settled the issue. Sassco had all the main players available, but the threat of Bell and Tyzack didn't result in a goal. It was an onslaught at the end, but ironically, Sassco failed to get any significant shots on target. Strong and tenacious defending from Millfield snuffed out the threat, as Sassco went home, tails between their legs.

Crown Electrics 4 Hylton Castle 2
A superb game between two fierce rivals. It didn't boil over as the players were probably more worried about keeping warm in the sub zero temperatures rather than fighting it out between each other. Tom Robason, now in more control of the team, led by example and fired in a superb opening goal, which was quickly replied to by Bunta, with a superb shot. Yet Dave Robason then added another to give Crown the lead before Wardle made it more comfortable with a third. Hylton weren't out of it and struck a deflected shot which somehow looped over Paul Martin in goal. 3-2 and all to play for, but in the dying minutes, Dave Robason latched on to a wide ball and struck it perfectly past Pottsy in goal to put Crown at the top.

TCC are no longer entering the AGUK Super League, so the fixtures have been changed. Click here.

-1st November 2005| back to top

TCC beat the holders!

Sporting defeat Sassco.

TCC 4 Wearview Elite 2
A great set of Semi Finals played. The opener saw the holders, Wearview, take on TCC. Both teams were on good form, with TCC coming out of two preliminary rounds, while Wearview had disposed of Crown. Yet the holders were in for a bit of a shock. 3-0 down in the first half, it was a true mountain to climb. Town Centre Citroen were clinical and professional as they took their goals against a full-strength Wearview. Yet it wasn't all over. Two late goals gave Wearview some hope, but a fourth and final one from TCC in the final minutes ended it. Some observers always try and comment on which is the best league, but this proves my original theory of saying that the top teams in any league are generally good enough to win any other leagues they enter. TCC definitely prove this, but they need to sort out their kit situation. A £5 suspended fine is administered, as the cup competitions are generally lenient on kit fines. Yet the next competition will see fines administered and possibly teams removed.

Sporting Redhouse 3 Sassco.co.uk 1
Sassco genuinely hoped for a result against Sporting, having played some good football since ending their league campaign on a poor note. They did have Muers as a stand-in 'keeper as Garrett was ill, but it didn't stop them taking the lead against a strong looking Sporting team. But as expected, Sporting came back strong as Sassco failed to add to their lead. A deflected long range shot from Walker was soon followed by a second one from the same player. The tables had turned and the second half saw Sporting coming closer to a third, while Sassco struggled to get shots on target, although both teams were evenly balanced. In the dying minutes, Conlon bagged the third for Sporting to confirm a Cup Final place. They now face TCC in the Final with an opportunity to bag the Double.

-18th October 2005| back to top

Big guns through.

Although Sassco spring a surprise.

TCC 1 Redhouse Youth 0
With Youths turning up late, it did little to help their organisation. They looked out of sorts as TCC dominated most of the game. However, a penalty decision went their way, but Foggin, in goal for TCC, pulled off a stunning save. His just rewards came in the end when TCC struck the only goal in a fairly one sided contest.

Sassco.co.uk 4 Herrington CW 2
The surprise of the night by far. Sassco had bolstered their team with Bell from Fulwell, but they still had the bulk of the side which finished so poorly last season. Herrington, without Hutchinson, did still have Lyall, Boddy, Cuddihy and also ex-Sporting player, Derek Newton. So it was expected to be keenly fought. It was, but the outcome was unusual. Sassco hurtled into a spectacular 3-0 lead before Herrington got out of their blocks and bagged two quick goals, the second squirming under Garrett. However, Sassco levelled out and most of the second half saw them back on top, before Keith Mouat, with acres of space, edged closer to the goal area before lashing one in from a tight angle.

Sporting Redhouse 1 Max Housing 0

Max were "lucky losers" to be drawn out of the hat. But not so lucky when they had to face Sporting. No Linley or Johnstone were present, but the youthful team nearly pulled off a shock result. Sporting were playing their first game back and definitely looked rusty. An opening goal calmed their nerves, but nervousness crept in as they failed (albeit unluckily) to add to it. Yet the result stood and Sporting go through to the semi finals.

Wearview Elite 3 Crown Electrics 2

Games between these two are always a welcome boost to the Sassco competitions and this wasn't to disappoint. Wearview pulled away with a two goal lead and looked very comfortable. Yet the thought of their 3-2 loss when being 2-0 up came back to haunt them as Robason steamed in with a spectacular strike. Wearview weathered the storm and went 3-1 up, before Greenwell clawed one back. The scoring ended their as Crown are eliminated again.

The holders, Wearview now move into the semi finals with a tie against TCC while Sassco face Sporting. The games take place on the 1st November, due to SAFC playing at home next week.

1st November 2005
Semi Finals
7:00pm Wearview Elite v TCC
7:30pm Sassco v Sporting Redhouse

-15th October 2005| back to top

dadcheck not entering.

Max Housing are the lucky losers.

A narrow 1-0 defeat notwithstanding, Max Housing are back in as a replacement for dadcheck.com in the Quarter Finals.

18th October 2005
Quarter Finals
7:00pm TCC v Redhouse Youth

7:30pm Herrington CW v Sassco.co.uk

8:00pm Sporting Redhouse v Max Housing

8:30pm Wearview Elite v Crown Electrics

-11th October 2005| back to top

Not a good start.

Teams disorganised in the first stage.

Sassco.co.uk 2 Hylton Redhouse 0
A dominating performance from Sassco. Without Bell and Muers, they faced off against the new team which featured McKlusky and Taylor from the Youths. Keith Mouat opened the scoring after a brilliant save from McKlusky, but it came out perfectly for Mouat to bag one in. The second half saw some pressing from Hylton Redhouse, but eventually, Sammut scored a blinder of a goal. Sassco played really well against the debutantes. Garrett in goal (without any gloves), Dixon, Tyzack and Sangha all played well. Taylor's team performed much better than they did last week, but they will improve as the talent is there.

Herrington CW 1 Max Housing 0
Both teams were badly organised. Both had kit problems, but this didn't stop a good game. A single goal separated the two teams. Max had quite a lot of the play, but lacked the finishing touch. Herrington, with Cuddihy and Hutchinson in the ranks did really well as they progress - as expected.

TCC 4 Hylton Castle 1

Another badly organised effort. Castle only had five players while TCC struggled with kits as well. However, despite Snowballs superb equaliser, Castle succumbed to late goals. A great start from TCC who go into the second round.

18th October 2005
Quarter Finals
7:00pm TCC v Redhouse Youth

7:30pm Herrington CW v Sassco.co.uk

8:00pm Sporting Redhouse v dadcheck.com (or Max Housing)

8:30pm Wearview Elite v Crown Electrics

-8th October 2005| back to top

Latest news.

New team in the Cup plus a lucky loser?

Delighted to say that TCC (Town Centre Citroen) are late entrants into the cup competition. They will face off against Hylton Castle at 8:30pm. They currently play in the Wednesday league.

Also, dadcheck aren't yet 100% in as they tended to have problems at the back end of the last season. If this happens, then one of the teams which lose in the Preliminary Round will be pulled out of the hat and added into the draw. The lucky loser will be pulled out after the games on the 11th regardless in preparation in case dadcheck can't make it for the Quarter Finals.

Games next week
Preliminary Round
11th October 2005
7:00pm Sassco.co.uk v Hylton Redhouse FC

7:30pm Max Housing v Herrington CW
8:00pm Redhouse Youth v Millfield Diamonds
8:30pm TCC v Hylton Castle

-4th October 2005| back to top

Good start.

Three successful pre-season games.

As with most new seasons, sometimes I can't be bothered and would prefer to be in a warm house watching Eastenders, instead of freezing my balls off at the complex for two hours. However, after the nights games, I'm well back into the swing of things and am looking forward to the cup competitions. We've been given a shot in the arm again by three new teams, albeit, two of them being partially made up of existing teams and also a return of SR-1 in the form of Herrington CW, a team which are doing exceptionally well in the Durham Alliance League.

Sassco.co.uk 4 Millfield Diamonds 1
Millfield were the new boys on the block and looked quite decent. Some good ball players within the team, but Sassco, now featuring Tommy Bell struck early and went 2-0 up. Millfield managed to get one back shortly after, but the second half saw Sassco score two further goals. Team from Sassco included Keith Mouat, Tyzack, Garrett, Muers and Sangha.

Sporting Redhouse 2 Herrington CW 0
The Champions were without Walker, Wilson and Williamson, but they still proved to be a bit too strong for Herrington CW, who were without Hutchinson, but did feature Lyall, Boddy and Cuddihy from the old SR-1 team. The game was dominated by Sporting, who went 1-0 up in the first, but Herrington had odd chances on the break. In the second half, opportunities were at a premium before Sporting got their inevitable second. Not a bad start from Herrington. They were depleted and up against it, but did managed to hold their own which is quite obvious considering that the bulk of the team was so successful as SR-1 in both Tuesday and Thursday competitions.

Hylton Castle 4 Hylton Redhouse 0
The new team featured Taylor and McKlusky from Redhouse Youth, but against Hylton Castle, they struggled. It was one way traffic, but, as expected, McKlusky pulled off some astounding saves. One hell of a signing and a proper coup in getting him involved. Yet for all his heroics, Hylton Castle without McGowan and Murton, easily secured another three goals to give them a handsome win. A poor kit showing from Hylton Redhouse, through. Shirts were clearly not identical and no shin pads were worn (they have to be in proper competition otherwise the referee won't let the players play). But this was obviously a dry run for the proper competition.

Games next week
Preliminary Round
11th October 2005
7:00pm Sassco.co.uk v Hylton Redhouse FC

7:30pm Max Housing v Herrington CW
8:00pm Redhouse Youth v Millfield Diamonds

-21st September 2005| back to top

Sassco Open Cup (8th Series) draw.

Top teams receive a bye.

I have arranged a series of friendly games on the 4th October as below.

Friendly games
4th October 2005

7:00pm Sassco v Millfield Diamonds

7:30pm Herrington CW v Sporting Redhouse

8:00pm Hylton Castle v Hylton Redhouse FC

The initial teams have been drawn. The opening set of games will be played on 11th October.

The below teams received a bye (based on their final league positions)
Wearview Elite (current holders)
Crown Electrics
Sporting Redhouse
dadcheck.com
Hylton Castle

Preliminary Round
11th October 2005
7:00pm Sassco.co.uk v Hylton Redhouse FC

7:30pm Max Housing v Herrington CW
8:00pm Redhouse Youth v Millfield Diamonds

If any of the above teams withdraw before the competition, then the opponents will receive a bye.

-20th September 2005| back to top

League ends in a whimper.

Crown awarded a win over the Champions.

Crown Electrics 3 Sporting Redhouse 0 - match awarded
Sporting were unable to present a team, so the manager conceded the result to Crown. The eagerly awaited final game didn't materialise, so the next set of games will probably be played on 4th October.