Athletic in seventh heaven after running off with a first title

REDCAR Athletic romped to a 7-0 home win against Gateshead Leam Rangers - and that was enough to land them their first league title.

Adam Preston put them ahead from the penalty spot on 17 minutes and Andy Jennings doubled the lead with a close-range finish three minutes later.

Preston doubled his own tally for the day minutes before half-time as his side took a three-goal lead into the interval.

Jennings stretched the advantage to four with his second of the day on 54 minutes before Jordan Rivis added a fifth.

Anthony Jones added two goals in the closing stages as Athletic sailed to the three points they needed to claim the honours.

News is now awaited from the FA as to whether they will take their place in next season’s Northern League Division Two.

Cleator Moor Celtic finished in second place after they fought off a brave challenge from Coxhoe Athletic.

Tom Mahone, Leigh Dunn and Ryan Hall grabbed the goals as the Cumbrians triumphed 3-2 against the bottom-of-the-table side.

Russell Bradley and Steven Clifford had both equalised for Coxhoe before Mahone snatched the three points for Celtic in the last minute.

Wolviston rounded off their league campaign with a 5-2 success over Sunderland West End.

Phil Otele nettted twice and there were also strikes from Nathan Bayes, Junior Masandi and Andy McGirr as they claimed an impressive three points at Metcalfe Park.

Paul Mossa’s reign as Boldon CA manager ended with a comfortable 3-0 home verdict against Stokesley SC and that means Mossa signed off with a fifth-placed finish.

South Shields Reserves rounded off their campaign with a 2-1 home defeat against Silksworth CW.

Goals from Chris Pattison and Stephen Butterworth helped Richmond Town to a 2-1 result at Annfield Plain.