Auckland & District EBAC Youth League

Willington Boys Under-18s crowned a magnificent season by winning three cup finals in six days last week. After losing the Durham County Cup final to a golden goal in extra time to Gateshead Redheugh Boys Club. Willington (pictured right) lifted the Lady Eden Hospital Cup, the South West Durham Presidents Cup and the Auckland and District EBAC Youth League Cup.

All three of last week's finals were played at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field ground. Willington opened with a 5-0 success over Barnard Castle to lift the Lady Eden Cup. In an entertaining game, Barnard Castle never gave up and pushed Willington all the way. Martin Mann (2), Paul Bayles, Steven Howe and John Harrison got the goals.

Two days later, Willington beat Bishop Auckand 6-1 to win the Presidents Cup. With three changes to the side, Willington came out on top with goals from Harrison (2), Stuart Rand, Max Applegarth, Bayles and Andrew Morris. Dean Maddison scored for Bishops, who had Neil Robinson sent off for abusive language.

With two further enforced changes, Willington rounded off their treble success with a 3-1 win over Bishops in the league cup final. Rand gave Willington the lead on the half hour, Bayles and Lee Jenner making it 3-0 in the second half before Gary Whittaker pulled one back for Bishops.

Remarkably, Bishops had beaten Willington four times during the season, twice in the league and twice in the qualifying competition in the league cup. There was a consolation on the day for Bishops, captain Dean Maddison receiving the magnificent league championship trophy from league chairman Derek Staines.

"This was a great achievement to win three cups in six days, and I am very proud of all the lads," said Willington manager Robert Lee, "we have had a tremendous season. We were unlucky to be pipped at the post in the county cup, we should have brought that home as well."

Lee thanked sponsors B&S Engineering of Willington for their support, and Brett and Tricia Flemingof Cottles, Willington, for providing after-match hospitality.

Willington Juniors

THE Under-13s finished as runners-up in the first division of the Russell Foster Junior League and will be at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on June 14 to receive their medals. The team also reached the semi-finals of the league cup.

The Willington Under-15s are awaiting their fate after finishing next to bottom in the premier division. The team improved towards the end of the season after making a bad start due to having only a minimum squad.

South Durham Royals

Last Sunday saw all three teams in a tournament at Wigginton Ladies. In the first game against Scunthorpe, Royals had 90 per cent of possession but failed to score. Next game against Kirklees, the opponents scored with only one shot on goal to lose 1-0.

Final game in group stages against local rivals Darlington RA B, Royals won 1-0, J Gwynn scoring. Knockout stages, Royals were beaten 1-0 in the final minute of extra time against York City.

The Under-16s had three draws against Rotherham, Leeds Vixens and Burnley and a good 5-0 win against Earswick saw the Royals through to the semi-finals. In a closely fought match Royals went down 1-0 to Leeds United after hitting the bar and the post.

The Under-12 Royals started slowly being beaten 2-0 by Rotherham. They went on to win 8-0 against York and 2-0 against Morley Spurs.

The last match was crucial as a win would sent them to the quarter-final.

At half time they were level, but a strong Darwen side scored two goals in the last two minutes to put them out.