A PRUDHOE schoolboy caught the eye as Northumberland footballers booked their place in the semi-finals of the Northern Counties Championship.

The county’s U16 boys’ team made the final four of the tournament, and they were helped on their way by the superb performances of Prudhoe High School pupil Tom McIntyre in midfield.

Tom was particularly impressive during Northumberland’s slender 3-2 victory over Cleveland, with the win secured in the dying minutes courtesy of a goal from Robbie Hodgson, of John Spence.

They had to come from behind on two occasions, with St Thomas More’s Matty Penhall twice finding the back of the net.

January produced nine points out of nine for the U16 who have maximum points with just one group game remaining.

Alfie Wheallens, of Walbottle, hit a hat-trick and Charlie Walker, of Whitley Bay, hit the other as they started the year with a convincing 4-1 victory on the road to Sheffield. Capping off a successful month, Northumberland secured a 4-2 success over Cumbria.

They were 2-0 down after 25 minutes but reduced arrears when Hodgson fired home before the half time break.

A 30-yard free kick from Gosforth’s Ben Franklin levelled proceedings before giving his side the lead from the penalty spot. It was over to Kieran Hall, of Astley, to round things off as he slotted home with the last kick of the game.

Northumberland U14 Girls were also celebrating their progress to the semi-finals as they finished top of their league, courtesy of a 7-0 success over South Yorkshire and a 3-2 victory over Cleveland.

The U16 Girls now rely on results going their way if they are to make the final four as, after defeating South Yorkshire 5-3, they went down 4-2 to Cleveland in their final league game.

It is a similar story of Northumberland U18 as their progress is now out of their hands.

They were pegged back from three goals up to draw 3-3 with Durham but did defeat Cleveland 3-0.