UniBond league

Sep 1 2008 The Journal

Sunderland Nissan 1, Newcastle Blue Star 2

BLUE Star were taken to the wire by former Skilltrainingltd Northern League rivals Sunderland Nissan in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

This clash has produced entertaining games and close results over the years and Saturday's was no exception.

It looked as if a replay would be necessary until former Gretna striker Lee Novak hit the winner with barely a minute left.

Sunderland scored forced when Anthony Chapman split the Tynesiders' defence and Richard Hodgson slotted the ball into the net wide of Daniel Lowson.

Soon afterwards Lowson made a splendid save from Hodgson before Novak showed the class which is attracting the attention of several clubs, including Preston North End.

The striker picked up a pass and from 35 yards fired in a tremendous shot which flashed in past goalkeeper Paul Newton.

Blue Star began to exert pressure following the goal which came just before the interval but as time wore on a draw looked the likely result.

Nissan defended in depth and there were few chances for Blue Star despite their midfield supremacy. Indeed one of the best opportunities fell to Nissan substitute Stuart Banks but his effort was superbly saved by Lowson.

In the 89th minute the deadlock was broken for when Novak was perfectly positioned at the far post to slot home a cross from Steve Bowey.

SUNDERLAND NISSAN: Newton, A Stephenson, Davison, Scott, P Stephenson, Rowe, Chapman (Collins), Pearson, Tarrant (Banks), Hodgson, Appleby.

NEWCASTLE BLUE STAR: Lowson, Craddock, Talbot, Card, Flynn, McClen (Scott), McTiernan, Bowey, Grayson, Novak, Fawcett (Emms).

West Auckland Town 0, Durham City 5

DURHAM City were also in FA Cup action and though manager Lee Collings was forced to field a weakened side, they were too good for former Skilltrainingltd opponents West Auckland Town.

The home side held on until the half hour but once City broke the deadlock there was only going to be one winner.

Calvin Smith had time to beat West keeper Nick Farrell and buried his shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

Three minutes later Durham went two goal up as Stuart Morris beat Farrell from just outside the penalty.

And two in as many minutes midway through the second half ended the match as a contest.

Another flowing movement opened up the chance for Tommy English to fire in from 15 yards and a minute later worse was to follow for the home side who had Stephen Flockett sent off.

English then made it four driving into the net from a narrow angle.

Just before the end City went nap as Nathan Fisher scrambled the ball home at the far post.

WEST AUCKLAND TOWN: Farrell, Lowden (Jardine), Bromley, Barker, Heckley, Maddison (Freary), Stewart, Richmond (Creamer), Barnes, Flockett, Owen.

DURHAM CITY: Turns, Harrison, Capper (Cogden), Dodds, Dixon, Laws, Morris, Smith, Tait (Fisher), Toft (Chapman), English.