Town take upper hand in Vase semi

THE region’s non-league programme was hit by a flurry of postponements once again this weekend.

The highest-profile game did take place, however, as Stockton Town gained the upper hand in their FA Vase semi-final tie against Northern League rivals Marske United.

An unfortunate own goal by Marske defender Josh Rowbotham and a cool finish from Anchors striker Fred Woodhouse gave Stockton a 2-0 lead ahead of this weekend’s second leg.

The win delighted Stockton manager Michael Dunwell – and he challenged his side to repeat their impressive performance on Saturday.

He said “We got what we deserved in the first half.

“Yes, they had a lot more possession but Marske will always have that on this surface because they are a very good football side.

“But we were good on the counter, especially with Kevin (Hayes) down the right because he caused them a lot of problems.

“We knew that if we could stifle them, they would get impatient and commit bodies forward, which is what they did.

“It was a game plan and it came off but we are only half way there and we have to have the same togetherness and passion next week”

Just one of the scheduled 17 Northern League games took place on Saturday.

It came in Division Two as struggling Darlington RA produced some late heroics to come away from Billingham Town with all three points.

It looks as if the hosts had claimed a dramatic win when Brandon Kirkbride put them ahead on 86 minutes.

But the visitors claimed an unlikely victory thanks to a lastminute equaliser from Nathan Wilson and James Connor’s winning goal in the second minute of injury time.

The top two could not be separated in the only Wearside League game to survive the wintry conditions.

Cleator Moor Celtic remain top of the league after their 0-0 home draw against Hebburn Town Reserves.

The Hornets are a point behind the Cumbrian side after a game of few chances on Saturday.