Durham Alliance

Oct 9 2011 Sunday Sun

COUNDON and Leeholme took full advantage of being the only club with a league fixture by stretching their lead at the top to 10 points with an 8-0 win against Swalwell Amateurs.

There were double strikes from Liam Whitworth, Kevin Shoulder and Martin Houlahan, while Steven Bagshaw and Adam Pickford chipped in with a goal apiece.

It was a good day in the Durham County Trophy for Alliance League sides, with only Durham Garden House falling 3-0 to Gateshead Rutherford.

Gateshead Leam Rangers saw off Wearside League opponents Coxhoe Athletic 7-6 on penalties after a tense 90 minutes and extra time.

Hartlepool Stranton earned their place in round two with a 3-0 win at Whitehill.

The visitors put on a superb defensive display as well as hitting the hosts with outstanding counter-attacking football.

James Hannah fired in a superb brace while Steven Wheatley converted a third for the visitors to deservedly seal the vcitory.

Ebchester Reserves also put in a sound display against high-flying Cornforth United to run out deserved 4-1 winners.

Michael Hannant set Ebchester on their way before Johnny Parkin doubled the advantage.

Steven Agnew fired in a third as Cornforth pulled a goal back and Jonathan Yip made it safe for Ebchester with a fantastic effort late on.

There were also victories for Birtley St Josephs – 3-2 winners over Billingham Intermediates – and Shildon Railway, 5-0 winners at Coxhoe Utd.

Washington Town beat Wheatley Hill 5-2, Brandon United Reserves overcame Darlington GS 5-2 and Sunderland Hylton CW triumphed 5-3 at Murton.