Peterlee Sunday League: Fabulous Francis gives Lane lift-off in survival scrap

In the only top-flight game to beat last week’s rain, a brilliant hat-trick from man of the match Stephen Francis stole the show for Lane, backed by a brace from Jai Young and an effort from substitute Kyle Scott.

Victory took Lane up to third-bottom spot, a point above Thornley and two clear of Easington CIU, who have a game in hand.

Man of the match Anthony Cook’s four-timer, along with a Liam Appleby hat-trick, paved the way for Murton New Hesledon to hammer Peterlee Hearts 9-2 in Division Two.

Gavin Hoggarth and Josh Kettle also got in on the act, with Michael Coates and sub Dave Kember replying. Paul Griffiths was outstanding for Hearts.

Peterlee Oaklands enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 success at New Seaham Mallard, for whom man of the match Ethan McGhin responded to strikes from Liam Owen, Phil and Alan Robinson, and Karl Arkwright .

Carl Huitson starred for Oaklands.

Acre Rigg Social Club won their derby encounter 3-0 against Peterlee Central Club, with Matty Pattinson, Chris Collings and sub Iain Hind all on the scoresheet.

Michael Laverick ran the show for Rigg, with Lee Sennett best for Central.

Tom Young, Jake Devine and Dean Fox were all on target, but second-top Wingate Plough Inn were unable to salvage anything from their game at home to leaders Seaham Marlborough, who ran out 5-3 winners in an entertaining showdown.

Adam Hepple (2), Chris Dormand (2) and Chris Blaney netted for Marlborough, whose star man was keeper Adam Wood.

Nathan Grainger shone in vain for Plough.

In the only First Division game, front-runners Easington Southside maintained their promotion aspirations with a crushing 7-2 win against struggling Wingate Grange.

Simon Hall and Jonathan Lee were both on target for off-form Grange, but a double from Matt Billyard, helped by strikes from Darren Massam, Mark Walker, Neil Sergeant, Ken Pounder and sub Liam Walker, steered Southside home in style.

Grange had John Bartley sent off, with Jamie Lee their star man.

Horden CW Supporters Club and Dawdon Welfare Park both secured semi-final places in the Tommy Burrell Memorial Cup.

Horden CW Supporters ran out comfortable 9-4 winners against Hetton Fox and Hounds to make the last four, helped by a clinical hat-trick from James Connor.

Bob Taylor (2), Jonathan Pearson, Chris Wright, Andrew Summerbell and sub Jack Pounder also struck, while star man Michael Brunning (2), Simon Scott and Dylan Berry netted in vain for Fox.

Martin Fowler shone for Horden.

Premier leaders Dawdon Welfare Park had their work cut out before sealing a narrow 2-1 win against Murton Park View, courtesy of Robbie Bird and Nathan Burrell.

The ever-reliable Stephen Turner notched for Park View, whose star man was keeper Aidan Vout.

Easington Welfare reached the First Division Cup final, edging home 4-3 in a thriller against battling Hetton Social Club.

Welfare had Josh Lincoln to thank for a brilliant hat-trick, while Tom Williams also notched. Joe Taboun was sent off.