Over-40s League: Half-time subs inspire Philadelphia to thrilling success against Wingate

The hosts dominated the first half, but Wingate’s impressive defence held firm, backed by a series of good saves from the keeper.

The half-time introduction of two subs sparked Phili, with Neil Westray cutting in from the left and unleashing a fierce 25-yarder into the top corner, in off the bar.

Paul Russell soon doubled the lead, forging his way into the box and finishing off. Russell then crossed for Neil Machin to make it 3-0 with a diving header.

Wingate got a lifeline, scoring from a corner, then converting a penalty, but Phili saw out the final seven minutes for the win.

David Simpson and Paul Bestford struck for Wingate.

Willow Pond were left to rue missed chances as leaders Pelton Roseberry Grange ran out 4-0 winners, with four second-half goals from star man Wes Hood.

It was goalless at the break, but the quality of play from both teams was tremendous. Kit Tipling had a goal chalked off for offside, and Pelton were similarly denied.

Lee Brown, Andy Norman, new boy Paul Holly and Stu Hope stood out in Willow’s defence.

On the restart, Gary Golightly hit the post after Gary Barker’s effort was parried by Pelton keeper Barry Foster. Then David Laws’ ferocious shot forced an outstanding save from Foster.

Willow sub keeper Andy Tilbury saved a back header from Hood before he took charge in the final 20 minutes. Hood fired a first-time opener, added a second from a long ball on the half-volley and converted a penalty for 3-0. Hood struck again, heading in a corner at the back post.

Ivy Legends slipped to a hard-fought 2-1 defeat against Billingham Vets, to a highly controversial late winner, with the hosts so convinced of offside that they stopped and waited in vain for the whistle to blow.

In an excellent, free-flowing game, Alan Neal’s well-taken goal had Ivy ahead, but Billingham’s five subs provided fresh energy and a superb headed goal from a mishit near-post corner saw them level.

Washington JFC Biddick Inn ruthlessly capitalised on four defensive errors to beat out-of-sorts Rolls-Royce 4-1, with Davy White hitting the consolation.

Penshaw Catholic Club made hard work of beating resolute Wallsend Community 3-2 to go fourth in the Premier Division.

Wallsend led with a free-kick, only for Damian Maw’s 25-yard curler to level it up. Penshaw talisman Chris Moody’s great finish put the visitors 2-1 up, but sloppy play allowed the hosts to equalise.

Penshaw’s second-half patience was rewarded by a winner from Kenny Taylor, with a fine back-post header 10 minutes from time.

Ryhope Foresters lost 3-0 to Easington CIU, despite a strong start when they hit the woodwork twice and missed two other chances.

Easington’s confidence grew and their pressure paid off with a Keith Churchill own goal. Two further goals, either side of Churchill’s red card, sealed their success.

Hylton CW’s spirited performance could not stop Heaton Stannington climbing into third place.

Three goals in each half saw Heaton home 6-2. Hylton got back to 3-1 from a corner right on half-time, then got back to 4-2, but Aubrey Rutherford (3), Noel Hanlin and Chris Rue, whose double included a 30-yarder, gave the Tynesiders the edge.

Spennymoor Town made Marden fight all the way for a 3-2 away win.

Lee Crosby’s 20-yarder and a Ferenc Deverdics strike had Marden two up before Wayne Edgecumbe finished off a long ball to rally Spenny. Steve Hart’s brilliant free-kick made it 3-1, with the hosts managing to cut the deficit and go close to an equaliser.

Grindon Broadway stayed two points off top spot in Division One after a good 2-0 victory at Pelton Crown.

Seaham Marlborough, in fifth, edged past Consett 3-2 and Sherburn Village are eighth after a 2-0 defeat of Blakelaw SC.

Dubmire Club sit sixth in Division Two after a 2-0 defeat of bottom club Plains Farm Alldec, while Mill View had their fifth draw, 1-1 against Woodhorn Lane.

Wearmouth CW Old Boys fought out a goalless draw in a bruising Fourth Division encounter at second-top Sedgefield.

Both teams had chances, but a draw was a fair result. Keeper Anthony Holliday in goal and his defence held firm for Wearmouth, whose man of the match was Martin Mulvaney.

Pennywell Vets pipped Durham County 4-3, while Boldon Colliery Tavern lost 3-2 to Forest Hall.