Paxton treble gives chasing pack boost

A HAT-TRICK from Wallington’s John Paxton at North Shields Athletic saw the visitors pull off an impressive 4-3 win and reopen the title race.

Paxton’s treble, including a stoppage time winner, and a strike by Joe Leviers cancelled out goals from Anthony Errington and Lee Crammond (2).

The loss gave Ponteland and the chasing pack a chance to narrow the gap and they did just that, Pont winning 2-0 away at Northbank Carlisle, Ethan Bewley and Shaun Johnstone scoring late in each half.

The top four clash at Whitley Bay A saw the hosts lose a ninegoal thriller against visitors Newcastle University.

Dillon Blake and Dillon Adamson put Bay ahead, Olly Waldon replying twice for the Uni. Connor Campbell netted twice for the hosts after the break but Uni maintained their title charge with two from Keith Douglas, and a stoppage time winner from Liam Atkin.

Killingworth Town kept up pressure on the top four when they enjoyed a 4-1 win away to lowly Gateshead Rutherford as Lee Hamilton scored a first half double to put them on their way, After the break David Boyle pulled a goal back but, shortly after they missed a penalty that would have levelled the game, Town extended their lead with a spot-kick of their own from Alex Henderson, Scott Bamborough finalising matters in the closing minutes.

Seaton Delaval meanwhile raced into a two-goal lead at home to Ashington Colliers after Jack Foalle, in the opening minute, and Matthew Bailey scored. James Loughborough however pulled one back and Joseph Bolam tied matters up just after the break.

Gateshead A romped to a 6-1 home win at the top of the First Division against visiting New Fordley as Grainger Park slipped up when away to Cullercoats, losing 3-2.

Joe Robson scored twice for the Heed with Cameron Fenton, Callum Johnston, Jack Elliott and Joe Mellish also finding the net.

Hexham won 4-2 at home to Gateshead Redheugh as Tony Lancaster scored three and Hebburn Reyrolle enjoyed an 8-1 thumping of visitors Alnmouth as Chris Godfrey scored twice.

In the Second Division leaders Killingworth YPC saw their home game against Willington Quay Saints postponed and second-placed Forest Hall took advantage, winning 3-2 at Blyth Town, Callum Lawson scoring twice for Hall. Cramlington United defeated visiting Prudhoe YC 5-1 with Matthew Kelly hitting a late second half brace.