Peterlee Sunday League: Pace the key factor as Plough pip New Seaham in first cup final

The final was a thriller, with the sides locked together at 2-2 at half-time, with Jonathan Roberts and Robbie Brown netting for the New Seaham side, while Jake Devine and Nathan Grainger replied.

It remained tight to the end, however substitute Hayden Pace was the Plough hero, hitting home the winner.

NSCC’s star man was Jack Moorhead, while Martin Dawes was sent off.

First Division promotion hopefuls Easington HMS Victory did their chances a power of good with a comfortable 6-0 win against Peterlee Catholic Club.

Doubles from Nathan Graham and Thomas Bott led the way, with the other goals coming from Carl Price and sub Michael Stuart. James Sanders starred for Victory, with keeper Lee Staples top man for Catholic.

Easington Welfare maintained their promotion aspirations when a brace from leading scorer Josh Lincoln, and an effort from star man Jay Jobson, paved the way for a 3-1 defeat of Shotton Builders Warehouse.

That saw them climb above Hetton Social into second place on goal difference, still with a game in hand.

Scott Bampton netted for Warehouse, who had Philip Hickman sent off. Rory Armstrong was their top performer.

Leaders Easington Southside maintained their challenge with a convincing 6-1 success against FC Peterlee Moorcock. Josh Broom, Matt Billyard, Darren Massam, Ken Pounder and subs Michael Taylor and Liam Walker all got in on the act.

Murton New Hesledon stayed on course for promotion in Division Two when they beat second-top Wingate Plough Inn 6-3 in a dramatic clash.

Star man Anthony Cook plundered a well-taken double, backed by further efforts from Ian Craggs, Aaron Dodds, Kristopher Howe and Daniel Owen as the visitors moved up to third place, with man of the match Dan Gorton, Hayden Pace and Joe Coulson all netting for Plough, who dropped to fourth.

NSCC got the better over Peterlee Oaklands in a five-goal thriller, winning 3-2 thanks to Michael Kennedy’s double and a Martin Hall strike.

Ryan Chambers shone for the New Seaham side, who moved within two points of leaders Seaham Marlborough with a game in hand.

Two Steven Freeman goals, plus strikes from Dave Kember and star man Michael Coates, set up a 4-1 win for Peterlee Hearts against Haswell Oddfellows Arms, for whom Scott French struck. Victory saw Hearts leapfrog their visitors into seventh place.

Easington CIU moved off the bottom of the Premier Division with a surprise 4-2 victory at second-top Horden CW Supporters Club.

Rob Huntley’s brace was supported by James Huntley and man of the match Simon Todd, with James Connor and Chris Wright replying. Craig Harbord was Horden’s top performer.

Ryan Pinder and Martyn Blenkinsopp netted for battling Murton Park View, but unbeaten leaders Dawdon Welfare Park maintained their impressive season with a narrow 3-2 success.

Kyle Bell (2) and Robbie Bird netted for Dawdon, who are now 18 points clear and need just eight more points to be sure of the title. Karl Garside was Murton’s star man.

Peterlee Helford United, chasing the runners-up position, hammered relegation-threatened Easington Lane WMC 9-0, with Peter Crawford and Richard Graham both grabbing hat-tricks. Joe Bell, Keith Bailey and Andrew Ross also weighed in, beating man-of-the-match keeper Antony Lowerson.

Shotton Comrades and bottom club Thornley Harrys Bar drew 1-1.