The Final Whistle - 24 September 2022

Two sides in the top three met at Stanhope where the SSC shared the points with unbeaten Newton Aycliffe Royal Telegraph. Stanhope hit the bar but the first half ended 0-0. Telegraph took the lead on the hour through Ryan Peart but Stanhope equalised ten minutes from time through Matthew Price. Immediately after the goal Stanhope had a player sent off.
The points were also shared at Evenwood where Ferryhill Town were the visitors. Chris Howe's goal for Evenwood was cancelled out by Brad Wilkinson. "Good even game" was the verdict of Evenwood's Chris Geddes.
Ryan Ward was Man of the Match at Heighington where the home side's good recent run ended with a 3-0 defeat at home to Willington WMC. Scorers Jak Crocher, Johhny Bains and Danny Lee .
Stanley Town returned to winning form and moved up to fourth with an 8-3 victory over Wynyard The Stables. James Fawcett notched a hat trick for the victors with further goals courtesy of Liam Ridley (2), Liam Orr (2) and Niall Teneur.
Middlestone Moor's defence of the Norman Wright Memorial Trophy got under way with a 14-1 win at Howden Australian. Aaron Jackson top scored with five and Joe Richardson bagged a hat trick. Reece Barrass (2), Mason Morrow (2), Ross Morrow and Lewis Powley completed the Middlestone Moor score sheet. Leon Quinn pulled one back for the Aussie.
Crook Wanderers progressed to the second round with a 2-1 win at home to Wolsingham. Mitch Richardson and Yannick Ayemou were the Wanderers marksmen. Dagan Taylor responded for Wolsingham.