Arngrove Northern League

May 10 2008 by Bill Gardner, The Journal

WITH a game to spare, Walker Central claimed what was their second Premier Division title in midweek and did the trick by beating hosts Carlisle City 3-2, with goals for David Dormand, Ian Dunn and Dave Thompson. City replied through Ollie Driver and Craig Wood.

Walker end their Premier Division season today at home to Alnwick Town, with hopes of remaining unbeaten at Monkchester throughout their triumphant campaign. And Paul Bennett’s side could go on to complete a notable league and cup double. Next Wednesday night at Heaton Stannington’s ground, the Central will be facing Wallington in the Longhorn Hardware League Cup final (6.45pm).

Cumbrian outfits Harraby Catholic Club and Gillford Park are vying for the runners-up spot. Today, Harraby bring the curtain down by entertaining Ashington Colliers.

Going into today’s games Gillford Park are equal on points with Harraby and have a game in hand, although they have a slightly inferior goals difference.

Gillford are visiting Blyth Town before dropping in on Carlisle City next Wednesday.

Blyth Town were beaten 3-2 at home by Ashington Colliers in midweek, with the Colliers having a hat-trick hero in Lee Scott. And the Town still have three games left after this afternoon’s encounter with Gillford.

Peterlee Town, battling it out with Heddon for fourth place, are following up their Challenge Cup disappointment with a home game against Newcastle University as they try to halt a damaging end-of-season losing streak.

Like new champions Walker Central, Heaton Stannington are playing their last game this weekend and only visitors Ponteland United can keep them from celebrating a season-long unbeaten record at Grounsell Park.

Meanwhile, Shankhouse will be aiming to continue their storming end to a disappointing campaign. They beat Cramlington Town 4-0 at Northburn in midweek and have only tasted defeat once in their last eight games. Hosts Carlisle City are unlikely to cause any upset.