Promotion joy for Whickham and Hebburn

HEBBURN Town and Whickham will play Division One football after a dramatic final day in the Division Two promotion chase.

Goals from Macheck Kanda and Paul Chow helped Hebburn Town to a 2-0 home win over Chester-leStreet Town.

Whickham went into their home game against Heaton Stannington knowing that only a win – coupled with a draw or defeat for Northallerton Town at Thornaby – would see them join the Hornets and Blyth AFC in Division One.

Whickham did their part as Steven Aiston and Kyle Wharton got on the scoresheet in their 2-0 win over the Stan but they were made to wait for news from Teesdale Park.

Despite being down to ten men for over 50 minutes, Thornaby held Northallerton to a 2-2 draw and that was enough to spark promotion celebrations at Whickham’s Glebe home.

Division Two champions Blyth AFC were 1-0 winners at Bedlington Terriers thanks to a Bobby Taylor goal and Durham City and Tow Law Town shared the points in a 2-2 draw at Hall Lane.

Division One champions Marske United were held to a 1-1 draw at Guisborough Town.

Glen Butterworth had given Marske the lead on 70 minutes but a Mark Robinson penalty meant they had to settle for a point.

Jake Orrell hit a brace as Newcastle Benfield ended their season with a 3-1 win at Whitley Bay.

Paul Brayson had given Benfield an early lead with his 30th league goal of the season before being pegged back by Callum Johnston.

But Orrell scored twice in the last eight minutes and secured a top eight finish for Benfield.

North Shields ended their season in style with an 8-0 home win against Seaham Red Star.

Ben Harmison and Ryan Carr both hit hat-tricks and Matty Cornish and Dean Holmes were also on the scoresheet.

Ryhope CW eased themselves into a mid-table finish with a 4-2 win at Dunston UTS.

Ben Riding put Ryhope ahead 10 minutes before half-time but a Jake Stafford penalty levelled the scores before the interval.

Thomas Bott put Ryhope back in front on 56 minutes and then extended their lead just after the hour-mark.

Matty Weirs made it 4-1 in injurytime just before Callum Elliott pulled one back for the hosts.