Last updated 13:11, Thursday, 23 October 2008

THE cut and thrust battle at the top of the Tyne Valley Insurance Tynedale U10s Mini-soccer League First Division continued on Saturday morning with Haydon Bridge and Hexham Greens taking over as joint leaders.

The Haydonians began the season as dark horses but are fast becoming one of the favourites to win the championship as they enjoyed an impressive 8-1 victory away to Wylam Rockets Blues.

Nathan Barwick, Dale Graham and Crispin Straker all hit doubles with Joe Johnston and Cedwyn Scott also netting despite the heroics of home keeper Lewis Winship.

Central defender Alexander McHarg was the winner’s man of the match while Lol Watson scored the Rockets consolation goal.

Hexham Greens have been involved in some tight games in recent weeks and their clash with Stocksfield Rangers promised to be another closely fought affair but last season’s Division Two champions made light of their task to run out 7-1 victors.

Hamish Forsyth and leading scorer Ryan Gardner both notched hat-tricks with Thomas Jepson also on target while a Josh Watts strike was scant reward for the efforts of the visitors.

Daniel Dunkley was in fine form for Hexham with the versatile Charlie Weatherhead starring for the Rangers.

Wark began their game away to Throckley Magpies Inter in pole position but the day started badly, and got worse, as without a recognised goalkeeper and with a couple of key players ‘lost in transit’ they went down 4-0.

The Magpies edged the first period to lead virtue of a tremendous 30 yard volley by Jack Croucher to give them a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The ace striker added a second after the break in finding the net with a cross shot into the bottom corner.

Inter struck again with a well worked goal involving Jack Hawkins and Croucher for Dean Boulton to finish well on the turn. Dominic Rapier was prominent for the North Tyne outfit but their misery was complete when a Marcus Gilroy corner was converted by Ben Boyd.

Billy Rogan hit four as Haltwhistle United won 8-0 way to luckless Prudhoe YC Blues with other goals coming from Dylan Fairless (2), Cieran Fleming and the impressive Jake Findlay, despite the sterling efforts of Thomas Wright.

Unbeaten Corbridge United share second place with Wark and first half goals by Joe Hughes and Finlay Robertson clinched maximum points with a 2-0 win over Sporting Stocksfield.

Nika Sharifi starred for Corbridge against a fighting home side well served by keeper Sam Lambert and Emily Ward.

Strikes from Owen Baxter (2), Callum Snowdon (2) and Robert Pringle made it six wins for Second Division Allendale in the 5-1 defeat of Throckley Magpies U9s who replied through Mackensey Hadfield.

James McGee notched a hat-trick and the prominent Nathan Crozier a brace as Stocksfield U9s hit seven without reply away to neighbours Prudhoe YC Reds U9s.

Daniel Bennett and Matthew Bradley were also on the mark with the home side best served by keeper Lewis Hand.

Elliot Jeffries starred for Hexham U9s in hitting a double in the 3-0 defeat of Wylam Rockets Whites with David Scott also netting.

Jake Duffy was also prominent with some strong runs out of defence with the tenacious work of central midfielder Ally Watson earning him the man of the match award for the Rockets, whose Jacob Hatch also impressed.

Prudhoe YC Blues U9s kept in contention for league honours with the 7-1 defeat of Corbridge United Lions with the outstanding Dale Newton notching a hat-trick.

Luke Banks scored twice with Prudhoe’s other marksmen being Tom Humphreys and William Quinn.

Matty Pugh netted the visitors’ consolation goal with Wilson Barlow their star man.

Haltwhistle United Blues are the latest team to find Division Two favourites Haydon Bridge U9s too hot to handle.

The Bridge finished last season on a high in being the only side to beat the previously all-conquering Throckley Magpies U9s and they continue to power their way to victory.

The finishing of Owen Murtough, Joel Pearson and Liam Lambert proved too much for Halty whose top performer was Joshua Caisley.

Billy Wild excelled between the posts for Wylam Rockets Yellows but was unable to prevent his side being hit for six without reply.

Aaron Smith led the way with four while Fin McKendrick and Lewis Twizell also found the net for winners Corbridge United Hoops with Sam Austin prompting well from midfield.