SkillTrainingLtd Northern League

Nov 2 2009 The Journal

DAVE Hagan has made a dream start managing Tow Law Town. His new charges beat Consett in his first game and on Saturday the Lawyers rocked Whitley Bay before a crowd of 509 at Hillheads.

Hagan predicted it would be difficult against the Seahorses but they led until the last minute when Lee Kerr converted a penalty awarded for a handling offence. The visitors were a trifle fortunate to break the deadlock after 69 minutes. A shot from Mark Eccles took a huge deflection and flew past goalkeeper Terry Burke.

Six minutes later and Ian Chandler’s side were chasing the game. Burke could only parry a powerful shot and Lewis Teasdale was in the right position to tap the ball into an empty net. Whitley mounted a wave of attacks but the Lawyers’ defence stood firm. Defeat cost Whitley pole position and Spennymoor Town returned to the top with a five-goal rout of neighbours West Auckland Town.

Ashington continue to enjoy a purple patch and remain third after defeating Shildon at Woodhorn Lane courtesy of goals by Andrew Johnson and Keith Douglas (pen).

Dunston UTS stay fourth when a brace of goals from Fergal Harkin saw off a strong challenge from Bedlington Terriers. Fifth-placed Newcastle Benfield were also taken to the wire at Penrith who conceded the only goal to Dean Nicholson midway through the opening half. Just before the end, Benfield goalkeeper Andrew Grainger denied Graham Anthony and Matthew Lea.

South Shields continue to enjoy their best season for some time and four second-half goals from Craig Armstrong (2), Chris Feasey and David Graham earned them victory at Esh Winning, who led at the break through Stuart Thompson and Danny Craggs.