Mechanics’ dominance all for nothing

Washington manager Jason Jones was almost lost for words after watching his side fall to a 3-2 defeat at Chester-le-Street Town.

Joe Hailes put the Cestrians in front on 10 minutes and Michael Hepplewhite doubled the lead midway through the half.

An own-goal from Owen Lancaster halved the deficit ahead of half-time, but Hepplewhite’s second of the day gave his side a lead they would not give up, despite Josh Allen pulling a goal back for the Mechanics.

Jones said: “What can I say? We battered a side that are doing really well in the league and came away with nothing.

“I am really disappointed not to get anything out of the game because we passed the ball around really well and played some great stuff in difficult conditions.

“We started slowly but we grew into the game and we were camped in their half in the second-half and created some great chances.

“But it’s about taking those chances and they took three of theirs, we only took two of ours.

“Our two new signings – Fraser Colling and Richie Goodman – were both outstanding and the squad is growing in confidence and belief.

“We just need to add some experience and we will shoot up this league.”

Billingham Town moved five points clear at the top of the table as goals from Mark DixonandCraigHutchinson helped them to a 2-0 home win against Jarrow FC.

Northallerton Town lie in third position and braces from Dan Jones and Damon Reaks put them on their way to a 5-1 home win over Ryton and Crawcrook Albion.

Willington came out on top in their derby clash with Crook Town with a dominant display at Hall Lane.

Matty Moffatt scored twice and Conor Winter and Michael Brown were also on target in a 4-1 win for the hosts.

Brandon United claimed all three points for only the third time this season after Chris Spence, Jordan Lee and Niall Fingleton scored in their 3-0 win at Esh Winning.

And Tom Bligh got the only goal of the game as Billingham Synthonia rounded off a good week with a 1-0 win at West Allotment Celtic.