Wearside league

Aug 25 2008 The Journal

FIVE of the eight Monkwearmouth Charity Cup ties were postponed but three clubs reached the next stage.

Easington Colliery maintained their impressive start to the season although they were taken to the wire by Coxhoe Athletic, who had won their first two games.

The Huntley brothers were the match-winners. James scored from the edge of the penalty area for the opener and Robert added his name to the scoresheet when the assistant referee gave a goal as the ball rebounded from the crossbar.

Coxhoe battled back and their pressure was rewarded on 70 minutes when Christian Holliday converted a penalty after Paul Broom had been brought down. An exciting finale ensured but Easington held on to their lead.

Newton Aycliffe beat Silksworth Community with a Mark Wood penalty before Kyle Swankey wrapped up the tie burying a first-time shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Guisborough also went through, defeating Hartlepool with goals by David Campbell (two) and Richard Playforth. Michael Markhall was Pool's only scorer.

The two scheduled league fixtures went ahead. Jarrow returned pointless from Windscale after Andrew McDonald claimed victory for the Cumbrians, finding the net on 69 minutes following a good build-up.

Kirkbymoorside are the early pace-setters after winning at Willington with goals from Paul Hodgson and Alex Strickland.

Willington goalkeeper John Cowson was taken to hospital with a facial injury sustained diving at the feet of a striker.

MALCOLM PRATT