Rothbury remain out in front – but three-way fight hots up

TEAM VALLEY CARPETS NORTHERN ALLIANCE SECOND DIVISION

THE top of the Second Division remains a see-saw affair as it becomes a three-way tie on 28 points.

Rothbury drew 2-2 with Willington Quay Saints to maintain their leadership.

Cramlington United moved level on points after they thrashed visitors Gateshead Redheugh 6-1, the hosts being four to the good inside 20 minutes through John Wilson (2), Callum Bryce and Christie Kidd.

Michael Heckles pulled one back just after the restart before goals from Luke Taylor, and a second for Kidd, sealed the win.

Whitley Sporting Club added their name to the mix when they won 3-2 at Blyth FC, with goals from Tom Atkinson, Connor Towes and Dave Adams.

The latter two came in the closing minutes to steal the win after the hosts had netted through Joseph Bolam and Andrew Welsh.

Whitburn remain on the coat-tails of the leaders after a 3-2 win of their own at home to bottom side Cramlington Town with goals from Anth Chapman, Lee Orr and Joe Warren. John Campbell got two in reply.

Paplavskis notched the only goal of the game for Spittal Rovers at home to Coundon whilst Ellington defeated Burradon 2-1.

All three goals arrived in the final 15 minutes – Jack Raffle scored the opener for Burradon before John Gall and Adam Bains turned the game around in the final five minutes.

Stobswood Welfare won 4-0 at home to Seghill.

Connor Leason, Adam Shanks and Jake Baker scored in the first half, with Robert Baker adding a fourth two minutes from time.