Durham FA’s Summer Elevens League came to a conclusion on Monday 12th August.

Five teams took part in the league over the course of 7 weeks, with all games being played on the new 3G pitch at Gateshead International Stadium.

The teams involved in the league were:
• South Shields New Mill
• Gateshead Sherriff Hill Three Tuns
• Gateshead Inter XI
• Sunderland Sassco.co.uk
• Seaham Roseberry Park U17’s.

The final was a thrilling contest which eventually saw South Shields New Mill being crowned League Champions after topping the group to secure their place in final, defeating Gateshead Sherriff Hill Three Tuns who overcame Gateshead Inter XI in their semi-final.

It was always looking to be a tight game, with New Mill beating the Three Tuns 1-0 in the first group game of the league.
South Shields New Mill broke the deadlock just before the first half through a tidy finish from Mark Smith.

A quick-fire double from Sean Crow put Gateshead Sherriff Hill Three Tuns in the driving seat early in the second half as they looked to defend their lead.
New Mill’s Carl Dodds capitalised on a defensive error to put the game in the balance, with a penalty shoot-out looming.

South Shields New Mill sealed the victory late in the game through Steven Welsh who made a surging run from his own half to get on the end of a through ball and slot home past the goalkeeper to clinch the 3-2 win.

Mark Jones of Sherriff Hill Three Tuns had this to say about taking part in the league:
“Enjoyable Monday night game of football, played with the right attitude and very well ran tournament, it is what grassroots football is all about”

Durham FA are looking to host more Flexible Football Leagues over the 2019/20 season. If you would like to be involved then please contact Daniel McElhone on Daniel.McElhone@DurhamFA.com