50 YEARS AGO

BLYTH Spartans and North Shields were elected into the Northern League.

Blyth’s first appearance in the League was at home to Tow Law on Saturday August 22.

Fielding eight newcomers, Blyth went behind when full back John Embleton turned a right wing cross past his own keeper Mike Ingoe.

Billy Weirs hit a second goal for the ‘Lawyers’ in the 65th minute. Three years later, Mike Ingoe, the Blyth Spartans goalkeeper, was in the Tow Law team that reached the FA Cup Second Round after they humiliated Mansfield 5-1 at home in the First Round. If Tow Law had beaten their Second Round opponents Shrewsbury then the mighty Arsenal would have been their opponents in Round Three at home.

North Shields had a totally different experience in their first game hammering Shildon 1-7 away from home. Shields were 0-5 ahead at half-time but eased off slightly in the second half when Shildon keeper Albert Cullingford was injured.

Malcolm Pringle 3, Don Winskill 2, Mickey Lister and Ian Domoney were the Shields scorers, Bob Sample replied.

Blyth had no luck the following Saturday even though a header by Ken Duffell in the 14th minute gave them the lead for almost an hour at Evenwood. John Hornsby equalised, then with ten minutes left John Hussey hit the winner for Evenwood.

10 YEARS AGO

IN the Durham County League Sedgefield posted 153-9 against Ushaw Moor, with Peter Rivis hitting 52 and Steve Brodrick 45.

Ushaw Moor were dismissed for just 58 in 28.3 overs with Stefan Swanepoel taking 4-23 off 12 overs and Mark Lower 3-12.

Tudhoe’s title bid came off the rails at Mainsforth where they batted first and realised 116 thanks mainly to 57 not out from John Davies. David Thompson took 3-25 in 12 overs, John Cavanagh 4-43 and Gary Purcell 3-27. Although opener Purcell fell early to Shahid Anwar Robert Chismon 68 not out and Craig Dargue 40 not out took Mainsforth over the line.