Northern Alliance

Apr 7 2008 by Bill Gardner, The Journal

WITH five games each left to play, both Northbank and Newcastle University look unlikely to escape relegation but they’re not waving the white flag yet.

Having won two of three previous games the students only lost 1-0 to title contenders Gillford Park at Cochrane Park. The game’s goal was by Stephen Skinner.

Fellow-strugglers Northbank drew with hosts Blyth Town . The bottom rung outfit drew 1-1 with a last-minute strike by Andy Rogerson to cancel out Blyth’s opener by Danny Beresford.

Championship favourites Walker Central stay three points clear of Gillford. In a first meeting of the two clubs this term Central won 2-0 at Cramlington Town.

First half goals for Chris Anderson and Ian Mills extended the Central’s unbeaten run to 19. After remaining unbeaten at Bullocksteads, Heddon have suffered two consecutive home defeats but stay third. Visitors Seaton Delaval won 4-1. John Fitzpatrick fired them into an early lead before Heddon’s Paul Jones put the ball in his own net. Craig Johnson and Andrew Purvis hit the target for Delaval while Heddon’s reply came from Ian McElroy.

Champions Harraby Catholic Club clinched their fourth league win on the trot with a 3-1 verdict at Shankhouse. The Cumbrians were gifted an own goal by Graeme Cole. Lee Gustard got Shankhouse level but Harraby won with goals by Stephen Archibald and Alan Casey.

Ponteland United drew 2-2 with visitors Carlisle City. Liam McIvor and Sean Willis scored first and last for Pont and City through Paul Gardiner and Johnny Coulthard.

Peterlee Town‘s Andrew Stephenson’s goal beat hosts Alnwick Town. Heaton Stannington lost 3-1 at Ashington Colliers. Mark Pattie (2) and Gary Bailes scored for the home side with Heaton’s reply from Aaron Jewell.