SkillTrainingLtd Northern League

Oct 19 2009 The Journal

IT just gets better and better for Whitley Bay, who attracted a bumper crowd of 538 to Hillheads for their Skilltrainingltd Northern League First Division game with Chester-le-Street.

Ian Chandler’s side did not let the fans down. Five goals flowed from five different players as Whitley became the first side to score 50 – and they boast the only unbeaten record.

Adam Johnston, Chris Reid, Leon Ryan, David Coulson and Lee Kerr all penetrated the Cestrians’ defence, with Robert Draper the visitors’ only marksman.

Despite winning 13 and drawing one of their 14 games, the Seahorses are just two points in front of Spennymoor Town, whose relentless challenge shows no signs of weakening.

They roared into a four-goal lead at Esh Winning thanks to Jamie Clarke, Keith Graydon and John Toft (2). The game was into the last minute as John Ryan replied.

Dunston UTS are third but have a lot of ground to make up on the leaders.

Andrew Bulford crowned a fine performance when he scored all five goals in the rout of Tow Law Town.

Ashington are fourth and a brace of goals by Andrew Johnson earned them victory at Billingham Synthonia, but fifth-placed Penrith again lost ground, losing for the third time in a week.

An only goal by Stephen Ramsey was sufficient for South Shields.

Mark Sheeran gave Bedlington Terriers the lead on 66 minutes and five minutes from time Stephen Young grabbed the equaliser for Newcastle Benfield.

West Auckland Town remain bottom, although they will be encouraged at claiming their first victory at the expense of Horden CW.

David Manson was a hat-trick hero with Stuart Banks West’s other scorer, while Craig Hubbard struck twice for the Colliers.