Five-star Villa win to narrow gap on Shields
NORTH EAST REGIONAL LEAGUE NORTHERN DIVISION
THE bad weather did not stop Boldon CA Villa moving within two points of South Shields with a 5-2 home victory against York RI.
Nicole Woodward cancelled out Elizabeth Thompson-Clarke’s opener for Villa before the hosts stepped up a gear.
The Tynesiders took a 3-1 halftime lead with Jade Murray, and Thompson-Clarke again, on target.
The duo both netted again in the second period, Thompson-Clarke completing her hat-trick - making her the leading league goalscorer with 20 goals so far this season.
Jodie Langstaff claimed a late reply for the visitors.
Boldon CA Villa and Boro Rangers trail the leaders by two points but have played a game more.
Consett stay four points adrift and still have to play the leaders twice, as well as Boldon and Boro Rangers, in a difficult run-in.
At the bottom end, Prudhoe Town moved above Blyth after beating Cramlington United 2-1 at home.
Samantha Garcia gave the hosts a first-minute lead as the South Tynesiders dominated but spurned numerous chances to increase their advantage.
The wasted chances looked costly as Cramlington found an equaliser, Chloe Roylance sending the teams in level the break.
A goal by Jess Hooper two minutes into the second period proved to be the winner.
Prudhoe’s back four stayed solid at the back, denying the visitors another equaliser, while winger Emily Henderson was a constant threat down the right.
The victory took Prudhoe three points above Blyth and level on points with Cramlington - but behind on goal difference.
It is top versus bottom in Sunday’s three matches as the leaders South Shields host Cramlington, Boldon CA Villa entertain Blyth and Consett welcome Guisborough.
Bylth, meanwhile, have been deducted nine points by the league for fielding an ineligible player.
As a result they slip to second bottom in the table - just a point above basement club Guisborough.
The punishment follows the Northumberland outfit being kicked out of the Northumberland County Cup for using the same player - after they had defeated Wallsend BCL.