Ancients in top form to beat Cestria

NORTON and Stockton Ancients maintained their 100% record, winning the top-of-the-table clash with leaders Durham Cestria 4-2.

The match, played at the Graham Sports Centre at Maiden Castle, saw the hosts twice hit the woodwork before they took a 20th-minute lead thanks to an own goal.

Molly Holder’s cross from the right was turned into her own net by Chelsea Bell.

Norton quickly responded Vicki Burton heading home a Shannon Reed assist for the equaliser before Reed again crossed for Nyci Thorns to head home on the stroke of half-time.

The Cestrians dominated after the restart, denied by a good save before their possession rewarded them an equaliser.

A defence-splitting ball led to Sophie Hodgson’s initial shot being saved by the goalkeeper but it fell back into the path of Hodgson, who tapped home.

The leaders pushed for a winner but came undone at the back with eight minutes remaining, Reed squaring the ball for Thorns to tap in.

The hosts threw everything forward in search of an equaliser - but three minutes from time Norton struck the killer blow,

Reed, with her fourth assist of the match, sent Kate McSorley clear and she powerfully finished.

Norton now trail the Cestrians by nine points - but with five games in hand.

Third-placed Hartlepool United won 7-2 at Wallsend BCL to keep alive their own slim title hopes.

Wallsend twice cancelled out Caitlin Bates goals, Bates then completing her hat-trick before the break to put them 3-2 up.

Jess Dawson and Bates’ fourth gave them breathing space before substitute Lucy Hammond-Garrington helped herself to a quickfire brace.

Tynedale moved up to fourth after a 5-4 victory at Wakefield.

Christine Murray (2) and Megan Watson were on target as Tynedale took a 3-0 lead, but the hosts then pulled one back.

Wakefield twice levelled before Tynedale retook the lead through Watson’s second.

Ashley Lambert looked to have made it safe at 5-3 - although Wakefield added another finish in the dying seconds.