DURHAM ALLIANCE COMBINATION LEAGUE: Bishops ease to victory over Hill

Following the sad resignation of Sherburn Village WMC, the expunged results left Wheatley a point clear of Hall Farm Glasshus.

But Wheatley failed to capitalise on their home clash with Bishop Auckland Reserves, who ran out 3-1 winners.

David Jackson struck for Wheatley, with star-man Adam Lee-Shield, Barry Shaw and Liam Bain on target for the visitors. Joe Smith was Wheatley’s top performer.

Wheatley remain a point ahead in pole position, but Hall Farm now have two games in hand.

West Auckland Tunns got the better of bottom club Billingham in a battle of two league newcomers.

Man-of-the-match Simon Carney, Paul Jordan and Brian Bradley came up trumps for West, lifting them above Durham City Reserves into third place on goal difference.

Jack Hart and Andrew Rowney notched in vain for Billingham, with Ryan Duffie their star man.

Hall Farm Glasshus were given a walkover in their Durham County Minor Cup quarter-final against Stockton Churches Portrack.

The Sunderland side will now host Northern Alliance outfit Ryton and Crawcrook Albion A in the semi-final on February 11.

The other semi sees Shildon Railway up against Stockton West End A.

Blackhill and Ebchester progressed in the Weardale Charity Cup with a 2-1 away success against Alston Town.

Chris Page grabbed the opener for Blackhill, but their Crook and District League hosts levelled with a Ross Thompson strike.

Anthony Snowball came good in extra time to seal Blackhill’s success. Richy Parkin was star man.

Sherburn’s resignation leaves the league with seven teams, although there are understood to be three clubs interested in joining next season.