Villa close on leaders after six of the best

N/EAST WOMEN’S LG NORTHERN DIVISION

TITLE challengers Boldon CA Villa eased past league strugglers Cramlington United 6-0 to move within two points of the leaders.

Like last week, the Villa pitch was waterlogged, resulting in the match played on the 3G pitch at Temple Park in South Shields.

Boldon coped better with the windy conditions, Elizabeth Thompson-Clark taking her season’s goal tally to 17 after bagging a brace.

Claire Pitt also found the net as the hosts led 3-0 at the break.

Allison Ferris was on target twice and substitute Jade Murray struck for Boldon who moved up to third, above Boro Rangers on goal difference.

The top-of-the-table clash between South Shields and second-placed Consett was postponed, keeping Shields a point clear of Consett at the top.

At the bottom end of the table, Blyth secured their first ‘home’ win of the season, completing the double over bottom side Guisborough with an emphatic 6-0 success.

The match was played on a 3G pitch at the Excelsior Academy in Newcastle and Lauren Robson bagged a brace in each half, securing her side a very welcome three points.

The visitors stood firm as Blyth controlled the early stages but fell behind after 25 minutes courtesy of own goal from their goalkeeper Gemma Pollock.

Blyth then extended their advantage three minutes later, striker Robson netting before midfielder Terri Nielsen was on the scoresheet just six minutes after that goal.

They took a 4-0 interval lead when Robson netted her second shortly before half-time.

On the hour mark, Robson completed her hat-trick - she had also hit a treble in the reverse fixture - then went one better eight minutes from time with her fourth counter.

Blyth’s third win of the season pulled them seven points clear of bottom side Guisborough but they have played two more games than those under them.

Prudhoe Town stay above Cramlington United on goal difference, both just a point off bottom spot.