WALLINGTON'S defensive frailties were exposed as they were unable to challenge in Group B.

While scoring seven goals from their opening two games, conceding 10 at the other end scuppered their hopes of making the final of the competition.

They were twice in command during the opener against Ponteland United as they led 2-0 then 4-2, yet somehow they ended the game pointless after losing 6-4.

It was a similar story on Monday evening when they welcomed Prudhoe Town to Oakford Park, showing plenty of attacking talent - only for their weaknesses at the back to cost them dearly.

Josh Laverick, Aidan Armstrong and John Paxton all found the back of the net and three seemed a real possibility.

However, two goals from Ste Forster, an effort from Jamie Peel and a penalty from Derek Waters meant that Wallington again had nothing to show for their efforts.

They did win the shoot-out 5-4, though, to pick up their only point to date.

Their game with Blackhill Ebchester, set to take place at Consett Leisure Centre on Thursday evening, would decide who would finish bottom and, thus, contest the Stan Jackson Cup final with Winlaton Vulcans at Prudhoe High School on Monday evening.

Ebchester seemed the more likely of the two to finish bottom of the pile after failing to pick up a single point from two games, losing 4-0 to Ponteland on Monday.

A Gary Cook hat-trick and a single from Sam Wight earned United the points, and they went on to make it a maximum four points by winning the shoot-out 4-3.