Last updated at 13:16, Friday, 12 February 2010

THE Tyne Valley Insurance Tynedale Mini-soccer League was again badly disrupted by weather on Saturday morning.

However, the West Northumberland Youth FA Coalfields Regeneration Trust U10s Trophy took centre stage, after losing out to unfit grounds the previous week.

Co-operation all round led to both semi-finals being played with Corbridge United Lions and Throckley Magpies AC having wins over Corbridge United U9s and Haydon Bridge respectively.

With their pitch unplayable the Haydonians gave up home advantage in sportingly switching to their opponent’s ground on the outskirts of Newcastle.

Unfortunately, their gesture went unrewarded with the Magpies hitting top form to reverse an early Division One scoreline in reaching the final.

Oliver Carver was on target for AC with Liam Lambert netting for the Bridge to make it all square at half-time and everything to play for.

Further goals by Luke Banks and Reece Whitfield won the day for Throckley despite the efforts of prolific duo Joel Pearson and Owen Murtough.

Corbridge U9s put up a brave fight before losing out to their year older Lions club mates who had to overcome the deficit of a Lucas Holmes goal.

Both sides deserve great credit for their efforts but strikes by Wilson Barlow, Matty Pugh and a great header from Matthew Percival confirmed it will be an all first division final.

The only Division One game to go ahead was at Stocksfield where the home side enjoyed one of the best results of the season, with the 6-2 defeat of Corbridge United.

Matthew Bradley capped a man of the match performance by scoring the goal of the game with a second half volley on the turn from a Daniel Bennett right wing corner.

James McGee, Jonny Tobin and Bennett also netted with Nathan Crozier going one better in hitting a brace.

Finn McKendrick and star man Aaron Smith were on target for the visitors.

Unbeaten Throckley Magpies U9s took advantage of their nearest challengers Corbridge United U9s being on West Division Cup duty and others losing out to the weather by stretching their lead at the top of Division Two to 11 points.

They proved too strong for Haltwhistle United by hitting eight without reply with Mason Barker, Liam Hall and Connor Burgess all scoring twice while Gabe Ellis and Bailey Garwood also netting against a Halty side best served by Adam Archibald.

The derby between Wylam Rockets Tynedale and visitors Prudhoe YC Blues proved an enthralling end to tend nine goal thriller with the pacey Ben Bloomer completing his double by snatching a last gasp winner for Prudhoe.

Earlier Daniel Craigie, Andy Matfin and Jason Waters also found the net for the winners while Wylam top scorer Tony Tarbitt notched a hat-trick and William Lavery also replied.

Feature of the match was the midfield duel between the home side’s outstanding Euan Daniels and Prudhoe’s Joseph Robson.

Tynedale keeper Archie McDonald and his opposite number Jake Blackburn also caught the eye with a string of fine saves.

A flurry of late strikes resulted in the battle of the Rangers going to Corbridge by the odd goal in seven away to Stocksfield.

The visitors’ man of the match Sam Douglas hit a double and Lance Urwin and Harrison Waller one apiece with Stocksfield’s replies coming from the promising Josh McCutcheon (2) and Jake Armstrong.

The only Challenge Shield quarter final to be played was the all Wylam clash between the Blues and their younger Apollo side.

Luke Greenwood gave the former a first minute lead which they doubled through Jacob Hatch but Apollo hit back to make it 2-1 at half-time with a Sam Anderson cross being met by a fine header from Jamie McFadden.

The Blues had been on top during the opening period but the Wylam youngsters fought hard after the break to find an equaliser.

However, their pressure failed to pay off and the issue was finally settled with the Blues adding a third through Jamie Barnard. Keeper Lewis Winship again excelled for the hosts with defender Rory Hanley prominent for a battling Apollo.

First published at 09:42, Friday, 12 February 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk