Re/Max Northern Alliance

Sep 1 2008 The Journal

WITH a point separating them, leaders Gillford Park and second-placed Heaton Stannington took maximum points on Saturday.

Gillford Park went top in midweek and the unbeaten Cumbrians stayed put after winning 2-1 at Blyth Town. Jeff Fuller opened the scoring for Blyth but on half time Stewart Moffatt got the Park level. In the 67th minute Stephen Skinner claimed Gillford’s winner.

Heaton Stannington featured in a thrilling match at Grounsell Park where they beat Shankhouse 5-4. Early goals for Kevin and Lee Gustard put Shankhouse on top but Heaton hit back with replies from Steve Clark and Alan Summers.

Shankhouse scored again through Craig Johnson and Lee Gustard but were edged out. Kevin Carr scored Heaton’s third before the break and in the second half before further strikes by Chris Flynn and Summers .

Previous leaders Harraby Catholic are now third, a point better off than Seaton Delaval in fourth. They produced a goal-less draw in their match in Cumbria while Harraby’s neighbours Carlisle City had to be content with a 1-1 draw against visitors Heddon.

Graeme Lupton’s penalty put City in front in the first half and Heddon’s 81st-minute equaliser was also from the spot by Ian McElroy.

Champions Walker Central have suffered two postponements and after two victories dropped their first points at home to Cramlington Town. The 3-3 draw which was a credit to the injury-ravaged visitors.

Strikes by Walker’s John Campbell, David Thompson and Ian Dunn had them in front three times but Cramlington hit back through Kieran Parsons and Paul Joice. Andrew Millar scored their third equaliser at the death.

There was another exciting 3-3 stalemate between Alnwick Town and promoted visitors Wark. Alnwick’s scorers were Mark Richardson (2) and Scott McMullen with Wark’s replies from Phil Thompson, Martin Hardy and Jack Wanless. All six goals were before the interval.

Murton secured their second victory since returning to the Premier Division by beating visitors Ponteland United 2-0. Paul Wintrip gave the hosts an interval lead and Karl Garside slotted in second in the 88th minute to leave United still seeking their first win.

BILL GARDNER