Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40s League

Only four games were played last Saturday due to waterlogged grounds.

The Villa Real Cup final on Boxing Day saw Owton Manor defeat Marden 2-1. Marden scored first but Manor came back to dictate the play and quickly drew level when Linneghan headed home a Mattron corner and then went further ahead through Mark Skirving who put away a cross from Muers. The Manor should have increased their lead when a leader from Skirving went over the bar and Alan Lewis shot inches wide with a shot just inside the box. The restart saw Marden trying to get level only for Manor keeper Harrison to pull off three great saves. At times Marden were the better side but failed to finish their attacks and could not penetrate Manor's solid defence so the socred remained 2-1 to Owton.

In Division Two Gateshead Ex-Servicemen continue to improve and have a chance of promotion as three teams go up. They turned in a fine performance to win at home against Red House in a tight game. After 20 minutes Gateshead took the lead when Alan Meldrum headed home a cross from Michael O'Neill. In the second half Gateshead keeper Dave Peacock was substituted after hurting his fingers. Red House now came back but Gateshead held firm and ended up well deserved winners.

In division three Durham C Strollers won their third game in a row and are now fourth from bottom. They won 3-2 at home to West Cornforth in an exciting game. Durham began in fine style and took the lead through John Hall. Then Steve Greenham scored for the home side for a 2-0 interval lead. The restart saw West Cornforth fight back and score twice to make it 2-2. Durham brought on two subs and change the course of the game. In the last period Gary Bennett took a free kick which found Martin Maggiore who slammed home to give Durham a hard earned victory.

Leaders Wynyard Vets lost 3-6 at home to Hartlepool RNC who move off bottom spot. Pools scored first only for Vets to level courtesy of Stephen Elsworth just on half-time. The restart saw the Vets go into a 2-1 lead when Freddy Surplice scored. Pools rallied and Chaytor levelled then Ally Rae scored a piledriver from 20 yards. Chaytor scored two more for Pools 5-2 lead. Mo Nayah pulled one back for Vets but Pools' Sammy Clar scored to make it 6-3 to the visitors.

In Division Four Thornley Celtic were in devastating form winning 4-0 at home to Houghton Mill Inn. Revelling in the muddy conditions they took an early lead courtesy of Paul Stimmerson who scored from just outside the box. Gary Hammond made it 2-0 when he headed home a centre from Summerson and on half time Summerson scored a second to put the home side 3-0 up. Hammond scored midway through the second half to make it 4-0 and completely settle the score.