Goals galore as sides find back of net

NORTHERN Alliance sides went on a mammoth goal spree with more than 150 goals scored across three leagues and two cup competitions.

Premier Division leaders Newcastle Blue Star lost 2-0 at home to North Shields Athletic allowing Newcastle University (away to Gateshead Rutherford) and Ponteland (at Percy Main) to narrow the gap to one point.

First Division leaders Blyth Town continued their 100% start to the season with a 3-0 home win over Wallsend Community.

As the goals flowed, Niza Chilufya bagged a brace as the Students won 4-2 at Rutherford, Nicky Langston with a double for the hosts. Owen Lewis-Thompson scored twice as Ponteland won 5-0 at Percy Main Amateurs.

Alnwick’s Jonathyn Quinn followed up his midweek brace with another penalty, this time in the 3-1 win away to FC United of Newcastle, while Sam Johnson notched a treble for Seaton Delaval as they won 4-2 on the road at Gateshead A.

The remaining top division games saw ten goals netted at AFC Killingworth, home striker Malcolm Morien with five as his side beat Whitley Bay A 7-3.

Michael Angus and John Paxton scored for Wallington as they defeated visitors Shankhouse 2-0, while the game between Newcastle Chemfica and New Fordley finished 2-2.

Jak Ditchburn scored twice to maintain Blyth Town’s impressive start to the season as they beat visitors Wallsend Community 3-0.

The top-five clash between hosts Winlaton and Bedlington saw seven goals, the points going to the home side.

Hebburn U23s won 5-4 at Gosforth Bohemians as David Stansfield scored twice for the visitors, Kieron Boyle matching it, and Prudhoe Youth Club defeated Hexham 5-1, Adam Greenwood with two of the goals.

For all the goals elsewhere, First Division side Red Row Welfare – and Phillip Airey in particular – went on a goal spree of their own defeating bottom club Newcastle East End 13-1, Airey with five goals, Kieron Bell four and Max Anderson three.

There were plenty of goals netted in the Second Division, Andy Hall’s hat-trick helping Jesmond leapfrog Rothbury to go top of the table, Daniel Thompson replying with a brace.

Another newcomer, Ellington, enjoyed an 8-0 win at home to Cramlington Town, Adam Bains helping himself to a five goals.

Willington Quay Saints won 3-0 at Seghill while games between Whitburn and Redheugh, and Wideopen and Stobswood, finished with honours even.

PETER MANN