Durham Alliance review

Mar 20 2011 Sunday Sun

BRANDON British Legion are through to the final of the Clem Smith Bowl after winning 2-1 at Coundon and Leeholme.

Brandon took a grip on the game in the first half to lead 2-0 with goals from Micheal Fort.

Coundon came out more determined in the second period, though, and Paul Thompson pulled a goal back on 65 minutes.

Brandon, however, stood firm to deservedly make it through.

Hartlepool Town will face Brandon in the decider after a close game with league Leaders Cornforth United, Craig Weatherall firing in the only goal of the game.

Hartlepool were then reduced to 10 men for the final 25 minutes, but defended well under intense pressure to win through.

In the league, Whitehill lost 1-0 to Birtley St Josephs, substitute John Sexton blasting home at the far post late on after Birtley had missed a host of chances to seal the win.

Gateshead Leam Rangers put Wheatley Hill to the sword with a fantastic 8-3 triumph.

Hat-tricks from Liam Barnett and Anthony Brewis, followed by a brace from Stephen Stephenson, sent the home side to the foot of the table, Liam Cockerill (2) and Andrew Walker replying for Wheatley Hill.

Washington Cricket Club and Ebchester Reserves drew 1-1 thanks to strikes from David Laidler and Daniel Parker.

Durham Garden House continue to climb the table, this time with a 4-0 verdict at Hebburn Town Juniors.

Simon Wright (2), Mark Lax and Chris Botherill did the damage.

Hartlepool St Francis ran out 4-2 victors at home to Coxhoe United.

Matty Gardner, Chris Sleeth and a double from Luke Larkin proved enough to claim the points, Dan Mawson (2) for Coxhoe.