Plain to see Celtic are on course for the title

CLEATOR Moor Celtic extended their lead at the top of the Wearside League table with a 3-1 win at struggling Annfield Plain.

First-half goals from Kieran Maguire and Callum Birdsall put the Cumbrian side in complete control at the break.

Birdsall added a second after half-time and his side took the three points despite Steven Wilson giving Annfield Plain a route back into the game with a goal on 76 minutes.

Redcar Athletic wasted a chance to keep up the pressure on Celtic as they were beaten at home by Sunderland West End in a clash of two top-four sides.

Adam Drysdale and Jordan Cook struck in the space of five minutes to put West End ahead at the interval.

They were reduced to 10 men when David Keithley was shown a red card but held on for a crucial three points despite their hosts pulling a goal back.

Third-placed Hebburn Town Reserves fell to a defeat at struggling Stokesley SC as a depleted Hornets side were beaten by Will Mitchinson’s first goal for his club.

Boldon CA remain in fifth place after they secured a 2-1 home win against Silksworth CW, and Richmond Town are in sixth after their 9-0 hammering of Windscale.

There were braces for Adam Walker, Tom Gilroy, Ben Darville and Martin Butterworth before Dave Gibson added a ninth for Richmond.

Coxhoe Athletic remain bottom of the table after they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Darlington Reserves and Gateshead Leam Rangers took a point with a 2-2 home draw against Harton and Westoe CW.

Hartlepool FC were 4-1 winners against a Wolviston side that ended the game with 10 men after Phil Otele was shown a red card.

Jamie Tumilty put the visitors ahead on 16 minutes before Otele levelled up the scores two minutes later.

Tumilty put his side back ahead before Otele was shown a second yellow card on 68 minutes.

Goals from Sam Cook and Lee Jones ensured Hartlepool made the most of their numerical advantage to take all three points.