JACK BOXES CLEVER!
EASINGTON ENJOY BOXING DAY TRIUMPH ON AN EVENTFUL DAY FOR LIVELY POUNDER
Easington Colliery secured a welcome 1-0 Second Division triumph at Hebburn Town yesterday.
The only goal came as early as the eighth minute, when David Vincent’s cross found Jack Pounder free in the box and his header beat keeper Steven Hubery.
Striker Pounder had an eventful morning, with two goals ruled out for offside and a booking before he missed a great chance to seal the win on 88 minutes, heading narrowly wide of the post.
With a minute left, Pounder was brought down in the box, but Ethan Wood blazed the resulting spot-kick high over the bar. Easington, however, held on for three excellent points.
Willington stunned highflying Tow Law Town with a comfortable 3-0 derby victory in front of 165 fans at Hall Lane.
Conor Winter put them in front on 34 minutes and it was 2-0 when Damon Ellis scored in the 58th minute. The game was made safe when Winter scored his second goal in injury time.
Heaton Stannington moved into second place, after a 2-1 home win over West Allotment Celtic. Jon Wright fired both goals, sandwiching Daniel Iredale’s strike.
Thornaby led Billingham Town with Michael James’ early goal but Stephen Oakley levelled, after Ashley Lavan missed a penalty for Town.
In Division One, West Auckland drew 1-1 at home to Shildon in front of a crowd of 402. The visitors started well and Adam Burnicle had his effort blocked on the line in the very first minute.
Dominic Curl then headed against the bar before Billy Greulich-Smith, headed home at the back post for Shildon’s opener.
West hit back in the second half, and equalised through Anthony Bell, who fired in from close range to secure a deserved point.
Bishop Auckland endured a 6-1 mauling at lowly Penrith.
Shaun Ryder equalised at 1-1, but doubles from Martyn Coleman, Andy MurrayJones and Connor Shields inspired the Cumbrians.
Leaders Morpeth Town stretched their advantage to 12 points after a 4-1 success at Ashington.
Jordan Fry (2) and Joe Walton, with a header, had them three up, before Fry completed his hat-trick with a header. Tony Stephenson pulled one back with a penalty.
Stockton Town won 3-0 at Billingham Synthonia , with a pair of Jamie Owens headers added to by Adam Nicholson.
Team Northumbria secured a crucial 2-1 victory at Newcastle Benfield. Jake Orrell had Benfield on top, but Ben Dibb-Fuller, on 77 minutes, and Scott Gunn, soon after, turned it around.
Sunderland RCA’s home clash with Consett was among the games postponed because of waterlogged pitches.