Welcome return to play

Clubs in the North Northumberland League returned to competitive action, whilst those in the Northern Alliance, whose league season has been voided, restarted with a series of in-house cup competitions, as well as the NFA Minor Cup.

But for a number of other sides, including those in the National League, Northern Premier League and Northern League it was a case of as you were as their organising bodies had already declared play would be suspended until the start of the 2021-22 campaign.

Alnwick Town returned to action in the NFA Benevolent Bowl, but they went down to a 5-0 away defeat at the hands of Killingworth, giving a debut to goalkeeper Zac Stephenson.

It was also NFA Minor Cup day and Spittal Rovers from Berwick christened a new all-weather pitch at the town’s sports centre by playing the first competitive match on the new facility.

They faced Whitley Bay Sporting Club A and won 7-2 with four goals from Paul Wood.

A club spokesman said the pitch was a welcome addition to the sporting facilities in the town, and they were so pleased with it they booked it for another game last night (Wednesday) against Newcastle University A in the Amateur Cup.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Alliance Cowey Cup, North Sunderland went down 1-0 at home to Morpeth FC in a keenly contested fixture at Seahouses, the only goal of the game coming late in the first half.

In the North Northumberland League, Belford beat Ellington 3-1 at home with goals from Kevin France, Jack Young and Aaron Hope.

Alnwick Development lost 2-1 away to Alnmouth United whilst Alnwick U23s were dispatched 3-0 at home by Amble St Cuthberts.

Fixtures for this Saturday (April 10) are:

Alliance Challenge Cup – Alnwick Town v Seaton Delaval; Shankhouse v Wallington.

Combination Cup – Rothbury v Felling Magpies; Wallsend Boys Club v Red Row Welfare.

Cowey Cup – North Sunderland v Newbiggin Central;