Highwaymen on right road to play-offs
MORPETH Town remain 14th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division despite a 3-0 win over Atherton Collieries at Craik Park.
A Joe Walton thunderbolt on nine minutes was doubled early in the second half by striker Jack Foalle, captain Wayne Phillips providing the third for Tom Potter to glance home.
The Highwaymen are now just six points outside of the play-off places with four games in hand on many of the teams above them.
Spennymoor Town are through to the second round of the Durham Challenge Cup after a 6-0 win over Northern League opponents Chester-le-Street Town. Braces from Gavin Cogdon and Adam Boyes were added to by solo strikes from Ryan Hall and Mark Anderson.
Seaham Red Star kept their hopes of a last-16 berth alive in the Mitre Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup with a 2-1 win over Billingham Synthonia in Group A. They must beat Newcastle University in their remaining game to earn a top two finish.
A David Vincent goal for Ryhope CW lifted his side to the top of the Group B table in a 1-0 win over Crook Town – but they are not yet guaranteed a last 16 place with one game remaining.
Two goals from Scott Jasper saw Division Two Ryton and Crawcrook Albion secure their knockout berth in a 2-0 win over Ashington. The result means they join West Allotment Celtic as the two qualifiers from Group C.
A hat-trick from Ethan Wood and a Johnson Ballan brace helped Newton Aycliffe to a 6-1 win over Redcar Athletic in Group E – McCorie Carmichael netting a consolation for the visitors.
Aycliffe, now third, know a win over Northallerton Town in their final group game will secure their passage through to the knockout stages.
The top two faced off in Group F as Shildon beat Tow Law Town 6-2. Zak Atkinson and Billy GreulichSmith both notching a brace.
Sunderland West End and Bishop Auckland played out a 2-2 draw, both sides missing out on a last 16 place.
Meanwhile, there were goals galore in Group H as Hebburn Town overcame Durham City 5-0 and Whitley Bay defeated Birtley Town 6-1 – both victors progressing to the next stage of the competition.