Halliday at the double in Shields’ win

UNBEATEN title favourites South Shields won a bruising encounter at title chasers Consett 3-1 denting their hosts title hopes.

Olivia Bruce gave the home side the perfect start, putting Consett 1-0 up after only five minutes - but the visitors were level ten minutes later.

A Paige Lester corner found Natalie Beswick, who shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

Lester then hit the bar before the visitors took a half-time lead when a long-range strike by Sophie Halliday flew in over the goalkeeper.

Five minutes into the second period Halliday notched again, lifting her shot over the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

Four minutes later a cross from the left saw Nina Garthwaite stretch to beat the goalkeeper, her effort rebounding back off the bar.

Garthwaite and Elizabeth Fraser tested goalkeeper Rachael Simpson on numerous occasions and 12 minutes from time Simpson saved a penalty.

Kirsty Wood tripped the dangerous Fraser just inside the area but the busy shotstopper saved Helen Dryden’s spot kick.

South Shields now lead Consett by seven points with five games to go.

Boldon CA Villa stayed two points off the leaders after securing a 1-0 success at home against Prudhoe Town.

Elizabeth Thompson-Clarke’s first-half strike proved enough.

Boldon, who have played a match more, have two matches to stage against Blyth but face tough tests against fellow contenders Boro Rangers and Consett.

South Shields play the bottom four, as well as Consett at home, in their final five games.

At the bottom end, Cramlington United inflicted more misery on Blyth - winning the derby meeting 3-0.

All the counters came in the first half, Chloe Roylance bagging a brace and Rachel Best also on target.

Cramlington moved three points above Prudhoe while Blyth stayed a point better off than bottom side Guisborough.