Hebburn boss salutes focus of his squad

HEBBURN Town manager Kevin Bolam praised his side for their “outstanding” reaction to last month’s home defeat against Thornaby.

A 3-2 win against West Auckland Town saw the Hornets stretch their lead at the top of the Division One table to 10 points and it also means that they are now six games unbeaten since the 4-1 defeat they suffered against the Teesside outfit.

Goals from Ben Dibb-Fuller, Michael Richardson and Graeme Armstrong gave Bolam’s side a narrow win against an in-form West side – but they were made to work for the points after Adam Mitchell’s late strike gave the visitors some hope of snatching a draw.

Bolam told The Chronicle: “I have to give the lads credit because I think we are progressing with them.

“I think things really hit home for them and us as a coaching staff after the Thornaby game.

“But their reaction to that defeat has been outstanding and they deserve massive credit for that.

“They are a good bunch of lads; they are taking on board what we ask them to do and we are progressing now.”

North Shields continued their fine form as a Kyle Patton brace and a Scott McCarthy goal helped them to a 3-1 win at out-of-form Whickham.

Dale Burrell had got the Lang Jacks back in the game at 2-1 – but Patton’s second of the day gave his side the points.

Brad Hird put in the outstanding individual display of the weekend as he struck four goals in Whitley Bay’s fine 6-2 win at Sunderland RCA. Craig Spooner and Mark Robinson were also on target for Nathan Haslam’s side.

Dennis Knight grabbed a hat-trick to inspire Newcastle Benfield to a 4-3 home win against Northallerton Town and Newton Aycliffe striker Dean Thexton also hit a treble as he side breezed to a 4-0 win against Penrith.

Division Two leaders Redcar Athletic fell to their first league defeat of the season, beaten by the odd goal in five at Tow Law Town.

An opener from Town striker Matty Moffat was cancelled out by Stephen Jackson in the first half. Moffat grabbed his second with 20 minutes left and Joel Pearson extended the lead to two moments later. Michael Woodhouse pulled one back for the leaders – but they were unable to find an equaliser.