LAVELLE ON THE DAY BUT RFC PIP ALLSTARS TO A TOP THREE FINISH

The Division One business was wrapped up on Sunday with RFC confirming a highly respectable third place finish in their first season the top flight. They faced Allstars at Blackwell Meadows with the two teams sharing 8 goals in a high scoring draw. RFC went into the game in 3rd spot and a point clear of their rivals so the result was enough to ensure they stayed there after 90mins. Twin Mike Lavelle was at the double whilst Matty Davison and Dean Thomas also netted for RFC whilst Allstars scorers were Thompson, Goodwin and two from Richardson. Elsewhere Haughton ended their Championship campaign unbeaten after a 2-0 over Brinkburn Lions who bow out of the DSIL after a 14 year association with the League in various different guises. Former player and Secretary Neil Jollie said he was sad to see the end of an era, ‘It’s a shame, especially as the team could only field 10-men in the last game on Sunday. Some of the older lads are hanging up their boots, the manager is moving on and no one wanted to take the reins so alas the Lions shall roar no more.’ Jollie said he will treasure the memory of being part of the clubs sole success when they won the 2005 Division 3 Cup, ‘We were underdogs on the day and nicked it on penalties. There was dancing on the streets of Darlington that night!’

It may be all over in Division 1, but it’s far from being done and dusted in Division 2. Grants Gym have played all of their games and laid down the marker by beating Slaters in the midweek game. A solitary John Wood goal was enough which means Grants finish on a total of 41 points and only The Deacon, who have 4 games to play, are capable of catching them. Slater’s boss, James Gilby, said he was disappointed not to get a result against the leaders, but was pleased his side made amends at the weekend with a 1-0 win over ACE Cars, ‘I thought we deserved something out of the game against Grants, we were so unlucky on the day. Then after dominating against ACE Cars it takes an own goal to get us the result, that’s football I guess!’ Meanwhile Goodfellas late promotion charge continued after they hit Croft for 6 at Moor Lane Park. Mackintosh poked home the opener and Michael Rippon managed to steer home a Durr cross to make it 2-0. The visitors pulled one back, but Carl Dixon curled home to make it 3-1 at the break. Dixon bagged his second after the restart whilst Durr and Gilham combined on two occasions to ensure a comfortable win for the Aycliffe lads.