Durham Cup win for New Hartley

The under 18 junior side, who ply their trade in the Durham Youth League, challenged Silksworth on Saturday in the County Cup Final and came away 3-1 winners.

The two sides, who had never met before, played in front of a good crowd at Jarrow’s Perth Green ground .

After an even start it was Silksworth who took the lead on 20 minutes with a ‘freak’ own goal, but New Hartley recovered and they equalised when they were awarded a penalty on the half hour, which Rhys McLeod slotted home to make it 1-1.

The goal gave New Hartley the lift they were looking for and by half-time they had opened up a 3-1 advantage.

First of all striker Dan Turner fired them in front and then, just before the break, top scorer McLeod got his second of the game to put his side in the driving seat.

The second half was a more evenly balanced affair. There were a number of half chances but neither side managed to add to their tally and at the final whistle it was New Hartley who were declared the winners with skipper Jonathan Chrisp lifting the trophy.

This coming Saturday (May 29) New Hartley are in semi-final action when they host Billingham Town in the John Maley League Cup with a 1.30pm kick-off.