Durham Alliance Combination League: Champions Oddies gun for cup final glory now

The Sunderland side have enjoyed a magnificent campaign, beaten only once in the 30 league games which go down in the record books.

Incredibly, they finished 14 points clear at the top, with Redcar Town’s challenge fading and long-time leaders Durham City Reserves ending up in second place.

Oddies finished their league campaign in style with three victories in five days to finish on 79 points.

First up, they impressively defeated Durham City Reserves 3-1 at Maiden Castle to seal the title.

Michael Bulmer quickly gave the Wearsiders the lead, after Paul Taylor had a penalty saved by Joe Wilson, but Kyle Patton levelled it up.

Man of the match Paul Taylor made amends for his penalty miss by restoring Oddies’ lead, then Bulmer made sure of victory with another goal in his prolific campaign.

James Huntley stood out for City.

Oddies went on to beat Brandon United Development 4-1 on Monday, despite seeing Jay Martin sent off.

Bulmer, Martin Thompson, Paul Taylor and Stephen Allan netted, with Mark Wasey starring.

On Wednesday, Oddies were 5-2 victors at Bishop Auckland Reserves, with Luke Taylor capping a fantastic individual display with a clinical hat-trick, while Bulmer notched twice.

Tomorrow, they have home advantage in the League Challenge Cup final against Sherburn Village WMC in what promises to be a cracker.

A matchday programme is available for the noon kick-off at the Billy Hardy Complex in Castletown.

Sherburn are in good spirits after two league wins to sit fourth, with a chance of a third-place finish.

Jamie Taylor (2) and Steven Turnbull secured a 3-2 win at Brandon United Development, despite Danny Turnbull’s red card, then Glenn Hendrix (2) and Scott Arnott outgunned Killingworth YPC 3-0.

Farringdon Detached’s tough season ended with a 5-1 derby loss to Hall Farm and a 3-0 reverse at Hartlepool Reserves.

Seaham New Westlea end bottom after losing both games of their double header against Bishop Auckland Reserves.

Liam Bain, Reed Molloy, Danny Wales, Ben Thompson and Dale Sadler secured a 5-0 Bishops win, and it was 4-0 in the quickfire return, as Wales (3) and Connor Bain struck.

Washington AFC, ahead of New Westlea on goal difference, lost 7-1 to Hartlepool Reserves in their final game. Kai Elstob fired the consolation, with John Lines star man.

Coundon & Leeholme ended their league season by thumping Wallsend Town 10-2, inspired by five-goal Wayne Whitfield. Kurt Matthews (3), Ben Trotter and Scott Hastie also scored.

Meanwhile, the league AGM will take place at Chester-le-Street Cricket Club on Thursday, June 9 (6pm).