RCA rocked as Ashington storm back to win from two down
Sunderland RCA gave away a 2-0 half-time lead as they crashed to defeat at Ashington in Division One.
The hosts hit back to win thanks to three second-half goals, securing a first victory in eight games.
Liam McBryde forced the ball home for RCA’s opener after keeper Conor Grant parried Michael Charlton’s effort, then, on 43 minutes, he scored his second, converting a Stephen Callen cross.
Ashington were a different team after the break and reduced the deficit in the 56th minute, when Craig Scott brought down Dale Pearson in the box and Kyle Downey converted the resulting penalty.
Eight minutes later, following a good move, sub Lee McAndrew found himself in on goal and his shot beat goalkeeper Jonathan Carmichael, making it 2-2.
Ben Harmison then got Ashington’s winner, heading home McAndrew’s cross.
Seaham Red Star dropped to ninth, after they went down 2-1 at Marske United.
The Seasiders were in front in the 35th minute, when Curtis Round’s shot found the net after hitting the post on the way in.
Red Star levelled six minutes later, when home keeper Robert Dean’s clearance was hit back goalwards by David Palmer, going in off the post, despite Dean arguing that the ball had not crossed the line.
Marske clinched victory in the 81st minute, when Glen Butterworth stabbed the ball home, following a goalmouth scramble.
Easington Colliery’s Second Division promotion challenge is fading.
PaulFrame’smenslipped11 points adrift of the third promotion place, with 12 games to go, after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Darlington RA, who moved off the foot of the table with their point
RA stormed in front on 20 minutes when a fine cross caused panic in the Easington defence and the luckless Shane O’Brien headed into his own net. Luke Page, who hit the post early in the game, equalised on 52 minutes, when he fired home via the underside of the bar.
Easington pushed for a winner, but RA survived, despite Liam Adamson, Aidan Goodey and Ian Redman all going close.
Fourth-placed Durham City kept their promotion challenge alive with a 3-1 win at Crook, who are only three points above bottom spot.
City opened the scoring through Kieran Harnett, but Christian Holliday equalised. Jack Wilkie and Matthew Smith, though, scored late on to secure City’s success.
Willington are looking over their shoulders after losing 3-0 at home to high-flying Team Northumbria, who moved back into pole position with the win.
Two goals from Robert Spence, and a further Ben Dibb-Fuller effort, did the damage as they moved three points clear at the top, following Stockton Town’s postponement at Blyth Town.
Willington are just six points above the drop zone.
Third-placed Billingham Synthonia demolished Northallerton Town 7-1. A hat-trick from former Ryhope CW striker Conor Winterwas the highlight, followed by goals from Nathan Mulligan, Joe Hillerby, Josh Rowbotham and Macauley Langstaff. Tom Atkinson replied.
Tow Law Town were convincing 4-0 winners at home to relegation threatened Ryton & Crawcrook Albion.
Jordan Lee’s brace led the way, supported by goals from Dean Thexton and debutant substitute Matty Moffat.
Esh Winning’s run of good form came to an end, when they lost 3-0 at Whickham to drop back to bottom spot.
Mark Fitzpatrick was the home hero, with a double either side of half-time. John Martin scored the other goal.
Brandon United drew 0-0 with Alnwick Town to move up to sixth-bottom spot.
Craig Malley’s looping header and a dramatic, lastminute winner from James Talbot steered Hebburn Town home 2-1 against Thornaby.