The Final Whistle - 14 January 2023

"It was the game of the century at Stanhope" reports Clem. The SSC trailed Middlestone Moor in the quarter final of the South West Durham Charity Bowl after just one minute. Worse was to follow and Stanhope were 4-0 down after fifteen. They then staged a remarkable recovery to clinch a 7-6 win that set up a semi final at Evenwood. Stanhope scorers were Jack Barker (2), Sam Green (2), Lewis Martin, Jack Howell and Charlie Sanderson.
Ross Morrow (4) and Aaron Jackson (2) replied for Middlestone Moor. "Over the moon with that - brilliant game for the people watching" commented Stanhope manager Dean Tinkler while Middlestone Moor responded "Well done to Stanhope".
The other semi final will be between Newton Aycliffe Royal Telegraph and Willington WMC after the latter beat Howden Australian 4-1. Willington scorers Crocher, Mason, Burns and an own goal. The result does not tell the whole story however. "We had 10 men for 85 minutes and led 1-0 through Lucas Baker for 60. Proud of our boys today" commented Howden boss John Chambers.
Evenwood will also entertain Stanhope in the semi final of the Auckland Charity Cup following a 4-1 quarter final victory at Wolsingham today.
Newton Aycliffe Royal Telegraph join Heighington in the last four of the Colin Waites cup after a 4-2 win at Stanley Town. Ryan Peart bagged all four for the victors. Liam Ridley and Kane Barron scored for Stanley whose secretary Ryan Young said "It was a fantastic game in gale force winds".