The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League

Spraire RA maintained their position at the top of the Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League as they toppled Hoppers Transport 3-1 on Easter Sunday. Meanwhile, second placed Nestfield Club concluded their season in the wrong fashion as they stumbled to a 4-0 defeat against Newton Aycliffe Sports Club. However, it was the perfect end to the Easter holiday for the Sports Club, as they won the Bishop Auckland Heart Foundation Cup on Good Friday. Goals from Carl Black and Chris Postle ensured that the Sports Club beat Sherburn Lampton Arms 2-1 after extra time in the final, played at Kingsway, Bishop Auckland.

Elsewhere in Division One Speedwell and East End WMC played out a 2-2 draw whilst Coundon Forresters beat bottom side Green Dragon 14-0.

Man of the-match Adam Reid scored three of his four goals in the opening ten minutes to start the rout, whilst top scorer Rob Mazur also scored four goals. Darren Wilson (3), Norman Foster (2) and Shaun Hope also found the back of the net to ensure a miserable result for the Dragon.

In Division Two Hurworth Albion secured the third and final promotion spot as they beat Greyhound 5-0 - a result that accentuates The Greyhound's relegation troubles. Stephen Bell notched two of the Albion's goals whilst Marc Radmore, Richard Hill and Kelvin Russell also found the back of the net. Shuttle & Loom remain favourites to take the second division title however, as they underlined with a 9-1 away victory over Sadberge.

That result keeps them ten points clear of second placed Bishop Auckland Cricket Club, who beat Allstars 3-0 at the weekend, and 11 points clear of Hurworth Albion, although both teams do have games in hand on the Shuttle.

AFC Orange continue their run of poor form in Division Three, although they do seem to have taken their foot off the gas since they clinched the third division championship several weeks ago. On Sunday they were beaten 4-2 in a hard-fought game with Nestfield Seconds. Orange were reduced to ten men early in the game, however, as he was given his marching orders for complaining too vociferously about a penalty decision that wasn't given.

Nestfield took full advantage of the extra man as they soon moved into a 2-0 lead through goals from Weston and Hewitt. However, Orange started the second half much stronger and Chris Wardell soon bagged a brace - one of which coming at the end of an excellent solo run - to level the scores.

Nestfield continued to pass the ball well though, and they were rewarded as Chapman and Hewitt both found the back of the net to seal the three points.

Elsewhere in Division Three, Biglins News beat Newton Cap 6-3 whilst Faverdale beat Hogans 4-2. Aaron Radstock notched three of the Faverdale goals while Graham Mann struck the other. Chris Piper struck both goals for Hogans as they finish their season without picking up a point - although they're sure to be back next season to try and improve on that record.