Ponteland United got back into action today after a break of almost two months through bad weather and faced a difficult test against visitors Seaton Delaval in the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup

United were at full strength with Liam McIvor returning upfront after a three match suspension back in December and welcomed newcomer Jeff Forsyth into the starting line up for his debut..

A good allround team performance by Ponteland United secures all three points in an entertaining encounter with Carlisle City. After an early rush of goals Pont gradually assumed control to run out deserving winners.

Ponteland United travelled to second place Walker Central eager to avenge the 6 - 1 mauling they received at home in the third game of the season. With McIvor still suspended Gavin Wood retained his place to lead the attack and Richard Kent replaced Joe Dawson on the right of midfield.

Mark Rasmussen on the left for Walker was looking lively in the early stages and had one good long range effort saved by Havelock and cleared by Dummett. The early pressure remained with the hosts but they were stunned after 10 minutes when Ponteland broke down the left and a cross from Dummett was headed on by Wood to Kent who hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the right hand side of the goal area.

Ponteland made one enforced change from the cup victory at Wark last Saturday with Gavin Wood replacing the suspended Liam McIvor. The game got underway on a dark dismal and wet afternoon at the Leisure Centre and it was Wood who made his presence known after ten minutes when he collected a clever back heel from Holden and saw his left foot drive cannon off the post back into the arms of visiting keeper Adnitt.

Age Concern Northumberland are looking to recruit Home Care Attendants in your area!

We require caring and committed individuals to provide practical help of both a personal and domestic nature to clients in their own homes in the Ponteland area.

We are holding an Open Day on Tuesday 24 November 2009 at Ponteland Club & Institute Ltd, Merton Way from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm - so why not call in and see how you can make a difference to someone's life!

For further information or for an application pack call the HR & Training Team on 0845 140 00 88.

Ponteland United went to league leaders Wark in the first round of the Pin Point Recruitment Challenge Cup with the hosts only being beaten twice this season. In the corresponding league fixture at Wark Ponteland however came away with a respectable 1 - 1 scoreline. With Sean Willis injured and club captain Craig Brown unavailable Joe Dawson and Paul Hodgson were drafted into the starting eleven.

Ponteland visited Harraby where they haven't won since the Cumbrians joined the Northern Alliance League.

On a pleasant afternoon the hosts were looking for a good start and nearly benefited when dangerous centre forward Steve Archibald got in between central defenders Ford and Anzevui but his shot was parried away for a corner by Havelock.

Both teams were linking defence with attack but the former were keeping chances to a minimum.

The students usually enjoy their visits to the Leisure Centre and have been a thorn in the side of United in recent years.

Today was no exception and despite their low position in the league the students gave a good account of themselves.

Pont couldn't get to grips with the formation and movement of the opponents midfield and it was Anzevui in the heart of the Ponts defence that kept the students at bay particularly in the early stages.

A wholehearted, determined performance from Ponteland earned them a deserved three points against local neighbours Heddon at Bullocksteads.

Heddon brought early pressure on the visitors defence with a series of corners but Phillips and Brown defended resolutely. Pont's first opportunity was after 15 minutes when Davidson's cross was headed goalwards by Holden but Curran pulled off a finger tip save to push the ball over the bar.

David Edwardson for the hosts created a good chance for Heddon when he chipped a ball over the defence for Craig Horsfall who controlled the ball well but his shot was brilliantly saved by Havelock.

By Chris Morgan

The staging of the Horton Grange Country House Hotel Ponteland Junior Open last week was a huge success with over 300 competitors in the event held at various locations around Ponteland.

Some excellent tennis was on show as the players defied the bad weather to produce a fine tournament with some of the village's budding Andy Murrays providing some local success.

In the boys under 9 singles, Chris Jeffery was victorious while the final of girls under 11 singles saw two Ponteland players, Olivia Rodda and Katie Thirlwell face off in the final with Rodda the eventual winner.

In the under 18 mixed doubles, Ponteland player Sandy Robson partnered Rachel Oswald to success over Thomas Sharp and Anna Oswald and there was success in the Sharp family as Thomas's brother Michael reigned victorious in the boys under 18 singles.

Michael was back on court later and along with Michael Mugsford defeated his brother and Robson in the boys under 18 doubles final.

Elsewhere, Claudette Gilhespie and Luke Hudson finished runners-up in their event while Robson was back at the business end of proceedings, partnering Jack Heslop to second place in the under 16 boys doubles.

Tournament organiser Nick Clark, who was at the courts at 5.30am on finals day to clear them of the surface water said: "Thanks to the sponsors, in particular Horton Grange and Cowell's Garden Centre for help making this an excellent event."

"We were also lucky to have the use of the Northumberland Tennis Club indoor courts at Jesmond, with thanks going to them as well as congratulations to all players."