Northern Alliance

Mar 31 2008 The Journal

FIRST Division Wallington will play Premier Division leaders Walker Central in this season’s Longhorn Hardware League Cup Final on May 14.

They beat Heddon 1-0 in their semi-final at Bullocksteads where the goal was by Wallington’s Peter Southern.

Walker Central lifted the League Cup seven years ago and set up the opportunity for a repeat by beating visitors Shankhouse 2-1. David Thompson fired Walker ahead but Tim Wilson’s replied. With less than 10 minutes to go Central’s Ian Dunn scored the winner.

With Walker and Heddon otherwise engaged Gillford Park enhanced their title prospects. The Cumbrians leapfrogged Heddon into second by beating hosts Alnwick Town 4-0. They were three up at the interval through Graham Goulding (2) and Steve Skinner before Kyle Armstrong scored.

Defending champions Harraby Catholic Club had a 4-1 win at Seaton Delaval. Harraby’s James Earl (2) and Marc Shiel found the net before Paul Baird got Delaval off the mark. Rob Bainbridge claimed the visitors’ fourth.

Peterlee Town and Heaton Stannington both won. The Newtowners beat visitors Carlisle City 2-0 with goals by Karl Lilley and Louis Smith. Heaton won 4-2 at Northbank.

Three inside 10 first-half minutes by Scott Milne, Lawrence McKenna and Russell Nelson put Heaton in charge. Scott Thompson scored twice from the spot for Northbank but Dominic Elliott netted again for the Tynesiders.

Newcastle University’s struggle to avoid relegation was helped by a 3-1 win at Ashington Colliers. The Students’ Dave Woolman hit a hat-trick with Ashington’s reply from Paul Key. Blyth Town won 2-1 at home to Cramlington Town thanks to Mark Waugh (penalty) and Keith Woodrow. Cramlington’s goal was by Nathan Rogerson.

BILL GARDNER