Hat-tricks help leaders stay ahead
LEADERS Newcastle University blotted their copybook in conceding a second half penalty when home to Newbiggin yesterday.
However they ran out emphatic 12-1 winners as both Olly Walden and Niza Chilufya scored hat-tricks, Matthew Konadou-Yiadom grabbed two and there was further goals for Josh Ferguson, Peter Mairs, Noah Neil and Joe Hamblin
Second place Birtley Town won 4-1 at home to Whitley Bay A as Morgan Spence, Andy Hall, Jack Honour and an own-goal had the Hoops four to the good before the Bay pulled one back in the dying minutes through Connor Campbell.
Northbank defeated visitors Killingworth Town 2-1 with all three goals arriving in the second half as Mark Worrall and Robbie Cowley afforded the hosts the lead with Scott Bamburgh pulling a goal back from the spot with five minutes remaining.
Ponteland, with goals from McLelland, Bewley and Cook, defeated visitors Wallington 3-0 despite being down to 10 men whilst Percy Main enjoyed a 4-2 win at home to third place Seaton Delaval as Joe Conway and Paul Collinson both scored twice, Jordan Wray and Ryan Gladstone replying.
The one game to go ahead in the First Division saw second half efforts from Straughan and Middleton give Cramlington Town all three points away to Cullercoats in a bottom-of-thetable clash.
Second Division leaders Blyth Spartans Reserves won the local derby with visitors Blyth FC courtesy of a Jack Butler hat-trick, two for Karl Lazzari, and one apiece from Tom Bailey and Liam Wotherspoon.
Third place Bedlington were made to fight for the points on the road to Gateshead Redheugh before running out 5-2 winners, Michael Lewis with a second half brace for the hosts whilst goals from Adam Ord, Sheldon White, Chris Conway, and a late double from Joe Moscrop, ensured Bedlington maintained their push for a top three finish.
Whitburn won 2-1 away to Coundon in the remaining league game, all other postponed due to adverse weather conditions still affecting the region.
First Division outfit, Killingworth YPC, reached the final of the Bill Gardner Cup thanks to a brace from Malcolm Morien in a 2-1 home win over Second Division Prudhoe Youth Club Seniors.