TWO goals from Gary Cook set Ponteland United on their way to the quarter-finals of the Northern Alliance George Dobbins League Cup.

The Premier Division side were overwhelming favourites at home to Jesmond, who sit two divisions below them in the league pyramid.

And after Cook’s double put them two goals to the good at half time, the full time score of 4-0, with strikes from Stephen Little and Zac Bewley, was hardly a surprise.

But the contest wasn’t as one sided as the scoreline suggests, according to Ponteland United club secretary, Alan Birkinshaw.

“You have to give credit to Jesmond,” he said. “They played well at times, and they have a young, fit side who should only get better.”

The presence of centre-forward Cook, who has missed crucial games due to injury this season, was a major plus factor for Ponteland.

It took him just 27 minutes to make his mark. Zac Bewley collected the ball from a left-wing throw, and cut inside before crossing for Cook, who jumped high to glance a header beyond the keeper.

Cook was at it again just six minutes later. This time it was Shane Brooks who broke away down the left, before pulling the ball back for Cook to finish with a firm strike of his boot.

“Jesmond kept going and were competitive throughout,” said Birkinshaw. “In the second half there wasn’t a lot of goalmouth action, and our third and fourth goals didn’t come until the final 10 minutes.”

With 80 minutes on the clock, Little headed home unchallenged from a corner. However, the Jesmond keeper claimed he had been fouled in the build-up, and was shown a red card for his protests. Cook turned provider in the closing stages, supplying Bewley with the ammunition to round off the scoring.

“We wanted to stay in the competition, and it’s very pleasing to reach the quarter-finals,” said Birkinshaw.

“Unfortunately we have missed some matches due to the winter weather, so it was great to get a game played, and to win.”

Ponteland, who are 10th in the Premier Division, return to league action on Saturday with a trip to Percy Main Amateurs.