Peterlee Sunday League: Dawdon's cup final agony, but Hetton Lyons spark championship party

The Gateshead outfit went ahead at Eppleton CW with a goal from Ron Jones and they were awarded a penalty just before the break, however Dawdon keeper Stuart McBeth made a brilliant save to keep the score at 1-0.

Incredibly, Dawdon managed to force an equaliser in a dramatic finish to the first 45 minutes, with Lee Chapman on target with a stunning strike to send the Welfare fans wild in delight.

The second half saw both teams create chances, but the defences gave little away.

Greenside, though, bagged the winner 15 minutes from time, with Kevin Metcalfe firing home their decisive second goal.

Dawdon have another two finals in which to grab silverware.

Tonight, they meet Easington Lane WMC in the Tommy Burrell Memorial Cup final at Shotton Recreation Park (6.15pm kick-off).

They are back at Shotton on Sunday to take on Premier champions Peterlee Catholic Club in the John and Pat McManus Memorial Cup final (10.30am kick-off).

Despite the final disappointment, the prestigious county competition has been a big hit for the league this season, with Dawdon runners-up, Peterlee Catholic Club losing semi-finalists and Horden CW Supporters beaten at the quarter-final stage.

Hetton Lyons clinched the Second Division title on goal difference, pipping Peterlee Hearts, however the runners-up will make the step-up next season too.

Two goals from Jonathan Glenwright, and an effort from Jack McBeth, saw Lyons home 3-0 against New Seaham Westlea 3-0 last week.

The other match produced an epic nine-goal thriller, with Wingate Grange squeezing home 5-4 against Acre Rigg SC.

Michael Lee’s treble, Adam Benton and Simon Hall did the trick for Grange, with John Brown (2), Lee Higgins and Scott Jackson responding.

Peterlee Central Club and Haswell Oddfellows Arms, who finished in the bottom two positions, will have to apply for re-election at June’s AGM.

Easington CIU clinched the First Division title in great style when they hammered Horden Cricket Club 8-2.

Their leading scorer for the season, Liam Adamson, notched a five-timer to inspire CIU, while Rob Huntley, Ryan Barrow and Jamie Hill also on target.

Michael Ridley struck twice for the Cricket Club.

Josh Dunning’s hat-trick, plus a brace from Matty Billyard and a strike from Adam Brown, set up a 6-3 win for Easington Southside against Wingate Howden 6-3.

Jake Devine, Dave Cummings and Josh Pettler notched for Howden, who have been relegated to Division Two alongside Seaham Parkside.

In midweek, Martin Dunn ’s clinical hat-trick, plus efforts from Kieran Purvis and Matt Billyard, paved the way for Easington Southside to overwhelm Seaham The Knack 5-1.

Easington CIU go up with runners-up Seaham Marlborough.

In the Premier Division, Shotton Comrades came out on top in the battle of the two relegated sides, beating basement side Easington Welfare 2-1.

Lee Westgarth and Lee Johnson did the damage, while Joe Taboun netted for Welfare.

In midweek, two-goal sub Tom Goundry, Sean English and Martin Peace steered champions Peterlee Catholic Club home 4-3 against Easington Lane WMC in a thriller.

Liam Appleby’s hat-trick and an effort from Chris Hughes helped Murton Colliery defeat Shotton Comrades 4-1, with Lee Johnson replying. Warren French was Comrades’ top man.