Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League: Division Two leaders Horndale and promotion rivals Postchaise battled out a fiercely competitive draw last week.

A win for Horndale would have put them firmly in the title driving seat. They lead by one point but their nearest competitors Postchaise hold one game in hand.

So a draw was the better result for Postchaise, who took a first-half lead in this tense game through Lee Taylor.

Horndale battled back and eventually equalised through Wayne Pratt, although both sides had chances to bag what would have been a crucial three points in what's turning out to be an exciting promotion battle.

"It was a very tough game," said Postchaise boss Peter Taylor. "It was very scrappy at times and neither side really got a hold of the game. We had chances to win it but never captailised - but I would say it was a fair result."

Horndale manager Mickey Grimes said: "We took our time to get into the game but once we did it was very close. The lads battled well and it was a hard-earned point."

Meanwhile, Horndale take on Brawns Den in the final of the Second Division Cup at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field ground this Sunday. It's the first of the league's five finals, with the other four being played in May. Kick-off is 10.30am and admission is free.

Elsewhere in Division Two last week, Cumby Arms and close Aycliffe rivals North Briton played out a blockbusting derby, with no less than eight players getting on the scoresheet.

Cumby ran out 5-3 winners, with Russell Cant, Tim Leabitter, Andrew Metcalfe, Stuart Fawcett and Michael Hannon scoring their goals.

"Both sides were extremely competitive!" said Cumby manager Alan Morton. "They came at us from the off but we defended well in the first half then attacked in the second - I think we deserved the win ovrall." Dennis Tounson, David Patrick and Brian Burniston score Brit's goals.

Green Tree beat Masons United 3-2 with goals by Matt Carrick, Andrew Carrick and Darren Rutter. Paul Gibson and George Richardson scored for United.

In Division One last week, Old Shildon maintained their impressive run with yet another comfortable win, this time over Binchester Social Club. Philip Appleby (2), Thomas Lauden, James Hedley, Kevin Russell and Robert Wilson scored the goals. Michael Tinkler netted Binchester's consolation.

Meanwhile, the Grand and Beehive drew 2-2 in their relegation dog-fight. Dean Cummins and Mark Cowley scored for Grand, with Jeff Dunn and Paul Richardson scoring for Beehive.

l Clubs are being reminded that the league's transfer window closes on Monday (March 31). No players can be registered or transferred after this date.

Meanwhile, the league's next meeting will be held next Wednesday (April 2).

Results round-up, Sunday, March 23, Division One: Thorns 2, Salvins 1; Tudhoe Utd 5, Lakeside 5; Grand 2, Beehive 2; Newton Aycliffe 3, Eldon Lane 1; Old Shildon 6, Binchester SC 1.

Division Two: Eldon Arms 3, Boot & Shoe 0; Masons United 2, Green Tree 3; Victoria 1, Shildon Athletic 1; Cumby Arms 5, North Briton 3; Horndale 1, Postchaise 1.

Darlington Church and Friendly League

For the second week running Hurworth Otter & Fish were eliminated from a cup competition in extra time, this week it was against Stillington The Royal in the Archbold Trophy quarter finals, the sides were level at half-time at 1-1, Simon Hares for Royal and an own goal equaliser for Otter who's forwards for once were firing blanks, the score stayed thus until with four minutes of extra time remaining Wayne Muldowney struck the vital goal Darlington RA Youth and Darlington Mowden had there usual hard encounter and once again RA proved to be the Mowden bogey as they came out 3-1 victors, Graham Dodsworth struck after just three minutes for RA Youth and Ross Wetherell added a second before the break, Mowden came more into the game in the second half and pulled one back through Gary Varty, with ten minutes remaining young Wetherell struck again to seal their semi-final spot.

Aycliffe Saints entertained Shildon Elm Road WMC and progressed into the semi's with a 4-2 win, Saints had the better of the early exchanges and went ahead after 20 minutes catching Elm Road defence at sixes and sevens ten minutes later they were caught again as Saints added a second, just before the break Carl Dawson reduced the arrears, in the second it was very much the same with Saints having the upper hand adding another two before Craig Dawson struck a late goal for Elm Road, Ben Hall hit a brace with one apiece for Michael Cave and Jonathan Hall.

The remaining tie between Chilton Wheatsheaf Wanderers and Darlington Travellers Rest went to a penalty shoot out after the game and extra time ended 3-3, a save by Darren Wise put Wheatsheaf into the semi's 3-1, Steve Ryder, Chris Chapman and an own goal were Wheatsheaf scorers in normal time with James Brooks, Chris Hall and a Max Ripley penalty replying for Travellers.

In the league Darlington Skerne Park and Darlington G.S.O.B. had a ding dong encounter with the Old Boys taking the points 4-3, Mally Leafe hit a couple, one went to Dave Challies and an own goalwere Old Boys scorers, for Skerne Park, Craig Wright, Chris Walker and Dean Pearson were on target.

Newton Aycliffe Navy Club went down 3-1 for the second week, this time it was Bishopton Hoppers Transport who did the damage, Ian Thompson , Chris Jordan and Paul Mulrooney scoring.

Darlington and District League

DGSOB 1 v 3 Killinghall Arms

A cracking game which could have gone either way. However, Killie scored three excellent goals through Gary Alford, Danny Fleary and sub Martin Gayles. Matty Freitag was Old Boys' second half scorer and the respective star performers wer eMark Sowerby and Keith Symcocks.

East End WMC 3 v 2 Newton Ayclife

The clubmen led 3-1 at the interval with goals from Mark Maddison (2) and Colin Airey. Despite their best efforts Aycliffe were unable to find a leveller and had to settle for goals from Scott Brassell and David Brassell.

Grey Horse 1 v 1 Shuttle and Loom

With a strong wind at their backs Shuttle went ahead early on with a rare goal from defender Gary Boyce. Shuttle failed to add to their lead and it was no more than Grey Horse deserved when Darren Tate levelled matters after the break for a spirited and fair draw. Michael Weston and Terry Greenstreet were the respective star men.

Post Boy 9 v 1 Archdeacon

Post Boy's typical patient and controlled play saw them control this game from the start to finish. Post Boy finally broke the deadlock to lead 3-0 at the interval. The second half was one way traffice with the fight being completed knocked out of the Deacon, their one high spot being an excellent headed goal from Tony Cater. Post Boy's scorers were Darren Hewitson (4), Paul Robson (4) and Neil McCavanagh. Michael Seal was their man of the match and Deacon's award went to Neil Blewitt.

Kingfisher Finance Trophy, second round

Albion 7 v 1 DSRM SC Reserves

Despite the recent upturn in their fortunes Rolly's were well beaten by a rampant and confident Albion whose Gary Mitchell top scored with six. Rodney Brown added the seventh. Chris Park notched Rolly's consolation.

* Albion's appeal against Coxhoe for fielding an ineligible player in their Auckland Charity Cup semi-final tie has been upheld and the club will now contest the final at West Auckland's ground on Monday, April 19 kick off 7.30pm.

T M Disco Crook and District League

Crook Wanderers have shown good form in the league and were expected to provide a stern test for West Auckland Queens Head in the Albert Vickers Cup quarter final. Four goals from Wayne Dobinson and one each from Carl Jones and Andrew Sugden gave Queens Head a convincing 6-1 win with a Paul Bailes goal bringing scant consolation for the Wanderers.

Byers Green St Peters increased their lead at the top after beating Crook White Swan. Andrew Soppitt put Byers Green ahead but Neil Redden equalised. Ian Brown scored the match winner for Byers Green just before half time and his side held on to win a close match.

Kevin Burke gave Howden Australian the lead at Willington WMC. A Peter Franks penalty made it 1-1 but Australian regained the lead in the second half through Andrew Morgan. Willington created the better chances but none were taken until Malcolm McWilliams grabbed a late equaliser to salvage a point.

Roddymoor's good league run continued at Wearhead where they went into a 3-0 lead through Wilson Brown, Michael Watts and Alan Hawkey. In the latter stages

Wearhead came back into the game and were rewarded with a goal from Billy Crampsie though this came too late to spark a revival.

Rugby Club were well on top during the first half at Stanhope Town and went in two up through John Paul Collinson and Paul Barker. Stanhope were much better in the second half but could only pull back one goal through 16 years old Graham Hodgson playing his second game. The win was the sixth in a row in the league for the Rugby Club.