FOOTBALL: GOALKEEPER turned penalty scoring hero as Swinburne Arms Stamfordham lifted the Division Two KO Cup of the Hexham & District Sunday League.

Swinburne number one Alex Lawson sent home the winning spot kick in his side’s final against league champions Halfway House Prudhoe, ending a shoot-out which went down to 22 spot kicks. .

Halfway were favourites to lift their third trophy of the season in the rearranged showdown, hoping to add the silverware to the league title and the Mick Simmons Trophy.

And there was little to separate the two sides throughout, former Newcastle United reserve Greg McDermott, the son of Liverpool legend Terry, netting for Stamfordham who were best served by James Walby.

Matty Robinson registered for Prudhoe, as the game headed into the dreaded shoot-out.

And after a tense schedule of pens, it was over to Lawson at number 11 to convert and win it 8-7 for Stamfordham who finished the season down in fifth spot.

While Prudhoe were disappointed not to complete the treble, they can be happy with the double and appearing in three cup finals in total as they prepare to take the step up back to Division One.

THE Hexham and District Sunday League will have a bit of a different look to it next year with three teams out, and four new ones in.

At this week’s AGM, it was confirmed that there will be 18 teams over the two divisions with Hexhamshire, White Swan Ovingham, Ryton Social Club and Heddon St Andrew’s joining the ranks.

Outgoing clubs are Ryton and Crawcrook Albion, Wylam and Warden Boatside who all tendered their resignations.

The changes have resulted in Bardon Mill Bowes Lyon being relieved from dropping down to Division Two.

They will be joined in the top division by Phoenix Chopwell whose third place in Division Two has earned them promotion along with champions Halfway House following the departure of runners-up Warden Boatside.

Next season’s line-up, therefore, looks like this.

Division One: Haltwhistle Jubilee, Hexham Phoenix, Stocksfield, Prudhoe SC, Barrasford, Prudhoe Town, Bardon Mill Bowes Lyon, Halfway House, Phoenix Chopwell.

Division Two: Hexham Hearts, Swinburne Arms , Haydon Bridge Anchor, Dr Syntax Prudhoe, Rose and Crown Bellingham, Hexhamshire, Ryton Social Club, White Swan Ovingham, Heddon St Andrew’s.