Northern Alliance League

Nov 16 2009 by Paul Cunningham, The Journal

ONLY four of the eight scheduled ties in the first round of the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup got the go-ahead and three of them produced surprising results.

Premier Division leaders Wark, along with second-placed Walker Central and Heaton Stannington in third spot, were all beaten at home to end their interest in the competition.

Heddon, on the Premier Division’s bottom rung provided the biggest upset by winning 3-2 in their cup clash with Walker Central at Monkchester.

Liam Mulligan’s successful spot kick gave them the lead through the first half.

Heddon outfit came back strongly with replies on either side of the interval by Daniel Dunn and John Dunn. Mulligan’s second goal for the hosts squared things again before Ian McElroy slotted in Heddon’s winner.

Wark were involved in a nail-biting encounter with Ponteland United with Ponteland securing a 3-2 victory.

Two goals both scored by Liam McIvor gave United a great start but Wark’s top scorer Marc Nixon netted a duo of his own. Pont still had the last word however when Billy Holden claimed their winner.

There was another shock as Heaton lost 2-1 against Blyth Town.

Craig Hopwood fired Blyth into an early lead and, although Heaton’s Adam Donaghey levelled straight after the break, Neil Blades settled the issue with his winner for the visitors after 65 minutes.

Harraby Catholic Club’s tie away to lowly Murton ran true to form and the Cumbrians coasted to a 5-0 victory to ensure their place in the second round. They had David Hewson and Andrew Douglas on target before the interval. Further goals were added by Daniel Balmer, Dan Wordsworth and Hewson who bagged his second to complete the visitors’ nap hand.

Postponed ties involving Carlisle City v Alnwick Town, Killingworth Sporting v Seaton Delaval and Shankhouse v Cramlington Town have been rearranged for Saturday November 28.