Skilltraining Ltd Northern League round-up

Dec 29 2008 The Journal

IT was perhaps predictable that the top five clash between leaders Consett and Dunston Federation would end all square but the Fed might well have won had they not failed with a penalty. David Pounder gave the Steelmen a dream start, rifling home from an acute angle after just three minutes, but nine minutes later Kane Young headed in the equaliser.

Former Consett player Andrew Bulford was fouled but goalkeeper Paul Gilmore came to his side’s rescue, saving Fergal Harkin’s spot kick.

Within two minutes though Gilmore was beaten as Bulford produced a clinical finish but early in the second period Carl Piecha fired home at the far post.

Spennymoor Town, who won on Friday, are second and Sunderland Nissan third after they arrested a three-game losing sequence at Ryton.

An own goal and strikes by Anthony Chapman and Lee Owens had the Wearsiders firmly in control but Ryton produced a spirited second-half rally which almost earned them a point.

Daniel Smart threw them a lifeline with his 55th-minute goal and a minute from the end Marc Walton scored with a tremendous free-kick from 25 yards. There was still time for Ryton to hit the woodwork twice in the final five minutes.

West Allotment Celtic moved into fourth place with victory at Whitley Bay, where their marksmen were Andrew Johnson, David Colvin and David Potts.

Morpeth Town won a seven-goal thriller at Newcastle Benfield. At one stage they were three goals in front courtesy of Tony Stephenson (2) and Alex Benjamin (2).

Stephen Young was a first-half marksman for Benfield who looked beaten at the halfway stage but when Michael Chilton scored twice by the 70th minute, it was all to play for. Benfield though failed to level despite having scoring opportunities.

Goalkeeper Kyle Hayes punched an in-swinging corner from Alex Lawson into his own net to give Bedlington Terriers an eighth-minute advantage in the local derby at Ashington, who went down to 10 men on the hour with the dismissal of captain Paul Hutchinson.

Even so, the Colliers claimed a point with Alan Hogg converting a late penalty.

There was no shortage of goals at West Auckland Town but they were all credited to Shildon, who enjoyed a 5-0 romp thanks to Stuart Niven (2), Warren Byrne (2) and Chris Bell.

Tow Law Town were twice behind but still won at Chester-le-Street thanks to a spectacular last-minute goal by Adam McNichol.

Josh Home-Jackson and Craig Price netted for the Cestrians with Andy Johnson and Neil Hamilton also on target for the Lawyers.

Esh Winning go into the New Year leading Division Two for the first time, although it was a close call before they saw off a spirited second-half performance by Brandon United.

It looked all over for the visitors as Tony Hanson, Keiron Megran and Craig Coates scored for Esh by the 36th minute but when Stephen Fothergill bagged a brace, the outcome was wide open.

Esh, though, held out despite playing the last 15 minutes with 10 men following the dismissal of Gary Turton.

Norton and Stockton Ancients were without a game and dropped back to second with Horden CW third. The Colliers were held to a draw by improving Sunderland RCA, who also have their eyes fixed on a promotion place.

Keith Hutchinson gave the Colliers the lead just before the interval and midway through the second period Mark Davison levelled.

Birtley Town, with games in hand on all the sides above them, maintained their challenge, defeating Washington courtesy of Owen Peterson and Stephen Burns.

Nick Payne and Shaun Carroll led Hebburn Town to victory in the local derby over Jarrow Roofing and North Shields won by a similar margin at home to Team Northumbria.

Richard Carrick was sent off after half an hour and the Robins immediately took advantage with player-manager Anthony Woodhouse converting a Nicky Evans free-kick. Stuart Heppell then pounced on a rebound after a Roy Gordon effort had hit the woodwork.

Bottom-of-the-table Prudhoe Town gained only their eighth point out of 63 when they surprisingly held top-six side Whickham to a goalless draw.