Summary courtesy of the Northern League:

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion scored three goals in 15 minutes as they came back from two goals down at Easington Colliery to reach the final of the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup.

The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute when Kyle Middleton broke into the area before laying the ball off to captain Jack Pounder, who saw his low effort slip through the hands of Ryton stopper Jonathan Ball.

Ryton came close to drawing level 23 minutes in – Scott Bamborough’s corner fell to Mark Waite but he could only send his effort over the bar.

Easington doubled their advantage in the 56th minute – Dane Burlace’s excellent free kick was met by the head of Middleton, who directed his header beyond Ball into the Ryton net.

The home side had a fantastic chance to ensure victory 18 minutes from time – Burlace picked out substitute Ryan Leonard at the back post, but he could only fire wide from six yards out.

Ryton were awarded a penalty in the 75th minute when Konner Lamb was brought down in the area after a mis-timed challenge from Ethan Ord.

Ryton skipper Callum Turnbull stepped up and fired home beyond Steavans to kickstart his sides comeback.

The visitors were level just five minutes later as Bamborough’s free kick wide on the right was headed home by Andrew Brown into the bottom corner beyond Easington keeper Aaron Steavans.

Ryton completed the comeback in the 86th minute when two of their substitutes combined – Joe Thompson drove down the left before his cross found Paul King at the back post who fired home to send his side into the final.

Ryton and Crawcrook Albion will battle it out with Newcastle University for silverware in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Final in Birtley on Friday 13th May.

Match report by: Adam Gill (from the Northern League)

Photo by: Ian Smith