EIGHT teams contested a new competition held in honour of a man who has been synonymous with junior football for decades.

The inaugural Ivor Gray U11 Knock-out Cup saw Wark Forest and Throckley Magpies go head-to-head in the final of the special event, organised by the Tynedale Mini Soccer League, at Stocksfield.

The match went Throckley’s way, but there were medals for players of both sides, as well as a sparkling trophy, as league representatives recognised Stocksfield man Ivor’s contribution to the league.

Throckley kicked off with the sun at their backs. They scored with an outstanding long range strike from Joseph Heppell.

Jack Hunter then followed that up with another unstoppable hit for his first of two goals. There were hat-tricks for Jay Mason and Robert Parmley, while Throckley keeper Alfred Jenkins was man of the match.

Alfred and Wark Keeper Bayleigh Dobson both received high praise from the league committee, while there was a superb captain’s display from Wark skipper Alfie Bullock.

Wark Forest coach Simon Gilroy said his side played much better than the scoreline suggested.

He added: “Everyone played excellently and we had plenty of chances in the first half, but unfortunately somehow went into the break five goals down.

“The second half was end to end. We dominated for a while and Joe McArdle grabbed us two brilliant individual goals back .

“I think we were beaten by the better team today but the Throckley goalkeeper pulled off numerous excellent saves, including a stinging 20-yard volley from Adam Wilson, who was our man of the match. It was a super achievement to reach final.”