County Cup holders Amble Tavern open league campaign with win

Amble Tavern's Brad McClelland challenges for the ball in his side's 3-1 win over Newsham Victory in the Blyth and Wansbeck Sunday League. Picture by Steve Miller

In the premier division, new side Amble Tavern got off to winning ways as the County Cup holders beat visitors Newsham Victory 3-2 with goals from Josh Hay, Jamie Dixon and Brad McClelland. Newsham’s top scorer from last season David Lillico scored both for his side.

Ashington RAOB are back after a few years away and they got off to winning ways with a 7-1 home win against another promoted side, Cramlington Green. On target for the Buffs was Kyle Downie (3), Ben Harmison (2), Michael Angus and Jamie Thompson. Michael Jordan scored the Green consolation.

Another new team in the premier, Bedlington Market Tavern, won at home 4-0 against Earsdon Red Lion with goals from John Barrett (2), Michael Gray and Ryan Stafford.

Blyth Town Sunday also won at home, 6-0 against Ashington Town Central, with Martyn Hepple (3), Jordan Miller (2) and Kevin Long on target.

Division one saw Ashington Station Lounge win by the odd goal in three against Morpeth Conservative Club. Craig Towert and Richard Stobbart scored for Lounge, Nick O’Neil for Morpeth.

Bebside went down 2-0 at home against Ellington Plough, who had Stew Packer and Max Robinson on target.

Shakespeare Tavern went down to title favourites High Street 9-1 at home. Ian Jackson scored for Tavern. Goals for High Street came from Adam Emmerson (3), Brandan Nadeem (2), Alan Goldie, Scott Mordue, Anthony Goldie and Chris Laidlaw.

Marden Residents were at home against Guide Post SC in the first game for Marden since their 26-year-old player Ira Tilley passed away. His parents attended the game where there was a minute’s silence before kick-off. Marden gained all three points with a win by the odd goal in five through Chris Ridgeway (2) and Marc Hunter. Jake Gray and Peter Allaway scored for Social Club.

North Shields Pineapple went down 5-3 at home to Whitehouse Ashington. Goals for Pineapple came from Jay Dalton, Charlie Thompson and Les Thompson. For Whitehouse, Jordan Lashley (2), Tony Messenger, Mark Taylor and Curtis Bell were on target.