North on course for title after top result
SPORTSWORLD NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND LEAGUE
THE top-of-the-table clash at Seafield Park went a long way to deciding who would end up champions.
A 3-2 home win for North Sunderland over Tweedmouth Harow put them in pole position for honours.
If they take at least a point against Craster Rovers on Saturday North would clinch the title for the first time since 1999.
After an even first half, the game sprung to life on 35 minutes when both teams were reduced to ten men - but it remained 0-0 at half-time.
North Sunderland took the lead on the hour through Craig Grieve and the advantage was doubled a minute later by Ryan Thompson.
Harrow were still causing problems, though, and it was no surprise they reduced the deficit when Sean Simpson scored and Martyn Tait then levelled things up.
North, however, grabbed the winner on 90 minutes when Tom Vickers nettted with a great finish.
Harrow then had a goal disallowed in added-on time for offside.
In the ensuing melee, a Harrow player was sent off for arguing with the referee and then deep into injury time Harrow were reduced to eight players when another was dismissed for striking a North Sunderland player.
Rothbury moved into second place in the league with a 6-1 home victory against Wooler.
Goals for Rothbury were claimed by Dan Thompson (2) and Michael Old (2) with single strikes from Gareth McCann and Dan Herron.
The consolation for Wooler was courtesy of an own goal from Tom MacPherson.
AFC Newbiggin Reserves moved up to fourth with a crushing 10-1 victory over Craster Rovers.
Newbiggin were always in control with a hat-trick from Ryan Clark, two apiece from Matty Nelson and Jordan walker and one each for Michael Grieve, Reece Farrell and Sam Wake.
Steve Watson was the lone scorer for Craster.
Alnwick Town Reserves finally gained their first point of the season with a 2-2 draw at home to Shilbottle.
Shilbottle raced into a 2-0 half-time lead with counters from Regan Turnbull and Ryan Wilson.
Alnwick’s never-say-die attitude saw them rally in the second period and late strikes from Alan Wallace and Brandon Mallaburn enabled them to draw level.