LONGHOUGHTON U13s marched into the third round of the League Cup after a convincing 6-3 victory over Marden.

With weather playing havoc with fixtures, Longhoughton coaches had an early Sunday morning start preparing the newly renovated Crowlea Road site for three home games. Their efforts were rewarded with a seemingly capacity crowd who were treated to some outstanding football throughout the day.

In a stiff northerly breeze, League Six Longhoughton started slowly against the League Four visitors whose neat passing movements signalled early danger for the home side.

However, on seven minutes it was the hosts who opened the scoring against the run of play as the energetic Chris Sweeney sped away from pursuing defenders to slot the ball into bottom corner.

But the North Shields-based side quickly responded and were soon level as a slick passing move sliced through the home defence leaving home keeper James Bolam with no chance.

Longhoughton responded well and immediately the home midfield of Connor Weightman, Matthew Reid, Tom Farr and Adam Robinson were engaged in a Herculean struggle against their opposite numbers.

Robinson was an early victim as an accidental clash saw him injured and replaced by Kane Rogers.

With Andrew Kiddell dropping to cover the midfield, Rogers made an immediate impact up front, feeding Sweeney who again finished with style with a deft chip over the advancing keeper.

Against the wind, the home defence of Sam Grey, Jake Storey, Nick Clarkson and Ryan Wealleans stood firm but a sloppy handball in the box allowed Marden to pull level with a well struck penalty.

However, the visitor's joy was short lived as man-of-the match Reid split the Marden defence with a pinpoint pass for Rogers to coolly finish and put Longhoughton 3-2 up.

Soon after, keeper Bolam guaranteed a Longhoughton half-time lead with a spectacular diving save to deny Marden the equaliser.

Longhoughton came out for the second half full of belief with fresh legs in the form of Sam Taylor and Joe Mallen and were soon threatening to extend their lead.

The expectant crowd didn't have to wait long as Sweeney's electric pace again took him clear of the chasing pack as he went through to score his hat-trick.

With the heavy pitch taking its toll, Marden again pulled a goal back after a clever give and go. With 10 minutes to go, and 4-3 ahead, Longhoughton were in no mood to sit back and, in true Arsenal style, continued to attack with free flowing football.

Inevitably it was Sweeney who secured victory and capped an outstanding performance with two more goals in the last few minutes to extend his tally to five.

Credit to all of the Longhoughton players who once again overcame quality opposition with a hardworking and skilful display in difficult conditions.