Emergency Services League

Derwentside managed to fit two matches in this week and benefited with two wins, which pushes them to within striking distance of the leading group, with games in hand still. On Monday a solitary goal by Mick Turner was enough to see off Sedgefield. The victory should have been more emphatic but woeful finishing let them down, coupled with a fine performance in goal by Paul Hardman.

On Thursday Derwentside travelled to Grangetown to face full of confidence Langbaurgh and did it for the majority of the game with ten men. They led at the interval by two Kevin Maddick goals. Langbaurgh pulled a goal back in the opening minutes of the second half when a clearance struck one forward and rebounded fortuitously to Paul Murphy who finished with aplomb.

Derwentside extended their lead when Dave Wells raced clear and rounded the keeper to score. With ten minutes left a fine strike by Mick Semp but Langbaurgh back in with a shout, but the visitors hung on and then clinched the points in the final minute with a goal by Fred McAloan.

Durham HQ's dismal run continued when they were beaten 4-1 by Durham Fire Brigade. Morgan, Waggott, Curry and Ibbotson got the Fire Brigade's goals as they seek to reignite their season. Neil Taylor's goal was of little consolation to HQ, who have dropped out of title contention in recent weeks.

In the League Cup, Saints and Easington got played and it was the visiting Easington side who ran out 3-2 winners. Easington continue to have chances of three trophies having already reached the Meredith Trophy final and sitting third in the league. Easington's goals were scored by Keith Bowmaker, Neil Robinson and Vince Marriner, while lan Stephen and Paul Barrett scored for Saints, Easington will face Frankland in the next round.

North-East Christian Fellowship League

Swas responsible for the loss of more than half the fixtures. The top match was at Foxhunters playing fields at Whitley Bay Churches, who took the lead after nine minutes from Geoff Noble. William Katalay equalised for Airport Church. Andy Nolan, a half-time substitute, drove down the left side and shot across the Bay keeper to plant the ball in the bottom right corner and gave Airport a 2-1 win. At Ashington College, Stakeford Methodist Church were one down to a Ryan Pender goal for Metro Church. Stakeford's Phil Baxter equalised in the 88th minute, a volley from the right back Nigel Brown gave Metro Church a 2-1 win.

David Appleton and Paul Jewson gave Stranton Saints Hartlepool a 2-0 home lead over Bethshan Christian Centre. Stranton increased their lead to 5-0 with Appleton scoring his second, Paul Gough and Andy Normanton also scored. Martin Kay got a consolation for Bethshan with Stranton winning 5-1.

In division two the only match to survive was at Houghton-le-Spring with Bethany Christian Centre taking a 2-0 lead from Gavin Johnston, Bryan Gilmour pulled a goal back for Ryton Churches before half time. Mark Cowan equalised for Ryton in the closing stages. Bethany could have taken the three points when they were awarded a penalty but unfortunately missed the spot kick.