Cestrians triumph to go Bit further clear at top of table

NORTH EAST REGIONAL LG PREMIER DIVISION

A HAT-TRICK by Jenny Bitzer helped leaders Durham Cestria increase their lead at the top.

The Cestrians thumped Wakefield 7-0 to open up a 14-point adantage.

Two goals by Sophie Hodgson gave the visitors a half-time lead before Molly Holder made it 3-0 early in the second half.

Bitzer ended any hopes of a home revival, scoring a 20-minute hat-trick before Hannah Greenwood netted near the end to complete the rout.

Hartlepool United moved into second position after their convincing 7-2 home victory over Tynedale.

Jade Pye opened the scoring after nine minutes, the Clevelanders doubling their lead ten minutes later through Faye Garside’s first goal of the season.

Tynedale struck on the half-hour mark, Megan Watson poking home, but six minutes later Pools restored their two-goal cushion.

Jenni Duffy-Smith rifled home before the hosts made it 4-1 at the break.

A deflected Duffy-Smith effort found the net.

Caitlin Bates charged down the Tynedale goalkeeper’s attempted clearance, the ball ricocheting back into the net before Tynedale struck to make it 5-2 – Christine Murray finishing off a quick counterattack.

Substitute Lucy HammondGarrington notched nine minutes from time before adding her second on the rebound after her shot was saved.