United still 12 points behind leaders Morpeth despite win
MARSKE United closed the gap on Division One leaders Morpeth Town to just 12 points after their 4-1 win at Whitley Bay.
The title challengers fell behind to an early Callum Johnston goal but took all three points thanks to strikes from Andrew Stephenson, Peter Bulmer, Mikey Roberts and Curtis Round.
The Seasiders still have eight games in hand over Morpeth and but face a hectic schedule of 14 games in the next 28 days.
Shildon won the battle of two sides in the top six as late goals from Adam Burnicle and Kyle Patton helped them to a 2-0 home victory against Consett.
Sunderland RCA replaced North Shields in the top six as they came from behind to beat Newcastle Benfield.
Jake Orrell put Benfield ahead on four minutes but Martin Swales’ side continued their impressive form with a dominant second-half display.
The win was secured thanks to Nathan O’Neill’s hat-trick as the Wearside outfit took full advantage of North Shields’ 2-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Bishop Auckland.
Chris Winn’s brace gave the Two-Blues a precious win as they eased their relegation worries and placed pressure on a Jarrow Roofing side sat third from bottom in Division One.
One relegation was confirmed on Saturday as Washington’s 9-1 home hammering by Ryhope CW condemned them to Division Two football next season.
James Ellis scored four times in the first half as Ryhope continued their fine recent goalscoring form.
Mark Fitzpatrick’s second-half penalty ensured Dunston UTS warmed up for their Durham Challenge Cup Final tie against display as they were made to scrap for a point at Ossett Albion.
The Mariners were two goals behind at half-time after a poor display in the opening 45 minutes.
They secured a point thanks to second-half goals from Michael Richardson and Jon Shaw and could have taken an unlikely three points after Graeme Armstrong went close twice in the closingstages of the game.
Arca said: “It feels like a good point but in the first-half we did not look like South Shields at all.
“We were launching the ball and hping for the best and that is not our style.”