Anchors take Stock of top three

STOCKTON Town moved into the top three of the Northern League Division One table with a 2-0 win at Newcastle Benfield.

The Anchors took until nine minutes from time to break down their disciplined hosts and there was an element of fortune about their opening goal.

A corner from Kevin Hayes was swung into the six-yard box and took a deflection off Joe Robson before nestling one in the back of the net. And the points were secured when Nathan Steel came off the bench to grab his first goal for the visitors.

Ryton and Crawcrook Albion progressed into the last eight of the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup after they came out on top in a seven-goal thriller at Heaton Stannington.

The Stan took a two-goal lead as the half-hour approached as Regan Paterson and Danny Sayer found the net. But Albion has got back on level terms by half-time with Sam Norris and Jack Cooper on target.

Cooper put the visitors ahead for the first time after half-time and the lead was stretched to two by a near chip from Scott Jasper.

Lee Middleton got the Stan back into the contest 11 minutes from time – but they were unable to find an equaliser and exited the competition.

Redcar Athletic will join Albion in the quarter-final after they eased to a 4-0 win at Billingham Synthonia thanks to goals from Mike Woodhouse, Kallum Hannah, Sam Webster and Joe Taylor.

West Allotment Celtic were in typically prolific form as they strolled to a 7-2 home win against Bedlington Terriers.

Shane Jones and Bruno Mendes-Correia led the way with braces and there was a goal apiece for Matty Hayton, Jack Errington and Mikel Thompson as Jay Bates’ side put their visitors to the sword.

Malik Kalimba and Kevin Westphal grabbed a goal in each half for the Terriers but they were well beaten by the current Division Two leaders.

A dominant first-half display from Willington laid the foundations for their 5-0 win against Durham City.

An Adam Storey hat-trick and a Vinny Gash goal put Ibby Hassan’s side in control at the interval and Kyle Wren added a fifth goal after the break.