Clark woe at late call as weather hits leagues

WashingtonmanagerJames Clark was left frustrated at the late postponement of their Ebac Northern League Division One home game with Whitley Bay on Saturday.

The bad weather accounted for many of the scheduled games in the Northern and Wearside Leagues.

Clark said: “A late call, like today, is frustrating as the lads have had a good rest and had prepared well, but the players’ safety is the most important thing.

“We have Team Northumbria away to come (tonight), so the lads will get some extra rest – but this is coupled to a lack of match rhythm.

“Following tonight’s game, we have six away games in a row, but we have had some good away performances this season, so I am not worried by it.”

One game that went ahead saw Shildon remain third, despite losing heavily 4-1 at home to Dunston UTS.

After a few half chances fell the home side’s way, it was Dunston who took the lead on 38 minutes, with a 30-yard shot from Joshua Hawkes.

However, the Railwaymen hit back immediately with an excellent goal from Daniel Moore, when he chipped the ball home over the advancing goalkeeper Aidan Grant.

Dunston then regained the lead when Mark Fitzpatrick scored midway through the second half from the penalty spot and then four minutes later, Dale Burrell made it 3-1.

Hawkes added his second of the afternoon to make it 4-1 for Dunston, who remain seventh.

Bishop Auckland entertained Jarrow Roofing BCA and won convincingly 4-1. The Two Blues are now up to 14th, while Roofing hover just two points above the relegation trapdoor.

Team Northumbria won a vital three points, when they beat North Shields 2-0.

In Division Two, the only game to beat the weather was on the 3G pitch at West Allotment Celtic, where Tow Law Town won 4-2 to move up to third.

In the Wearside League, the one clash to go ahead saw South Shields Reserves beaten 5-2 at Darlington Reserves.