Skinner’s men give Whitley six of the best

ASHINGTON manager Ian Skinner hailed his side after they cantered to a 6-1 win at Whitley Bay.

The Colliers had fallen behind inside the opening five minutes as former Newcastle United academy forward Josh Gilchrist fired the hosts in front at Hillheads.

But Skinner’s men roared back as recent signings Adam Johnson and Jordan Lashley both scored twice and Bobby Taylor and Craig Spooner grabbed a goal apiece.

“I have a lot of time for Whitley Bay, great club, (I have) lots of friends here,” said Skinner.

“But I thought, without being disrespectful, from the first minute to 90, we dominated the ball, creating numerous chances and probably could have scored a few more.”

Consett were the big winners in Northern League Division One as the league leaders saw title rivals North Shields drop points with a goalless at Sunderland RCA.

Ryhope CW leapfrogged Marc Nash’s side, coming from behind to earn a 2-1 win at Crook Town.

Gateshead loanee Ed Thomas fired the Black and Ambers in front but a James Ellis equaliser and a dramatic late strike from Jon Weirs gave the visitors all three points.

Newton Aycliffe also climbed above North Shields as they came from two goals down to take the honours in their home game with Seaham Red Star.

Newcastle Benfield were 1-0 winners at Billingham Town and early goals helped Redcar Athletic to a 2-0 win at Penrith.

Guisborough Town and Northallerton Town shared the points with an entertaining 2-2 draw at the KGV Stadium, while a Craig Hutchinson brace helped Thornaby battle their way past a determined Bishop Auckland.

Easington Colliery’s game at Division Two rivals Blyth Town was abandoned with the hosts ahead just before half-time after Colliers midfielder Luke Page suffered a serious injury.

Channon North scored five as Durham City’s nightmare season continued with a 10-0 defeat at Jarrow and Brandon United to a 3-0 win at 10-man Bedlington Terriers.

Esh Winning fell to a 4-2 home defeat against Billingham Synthonia, while Willington beat Ryton and Crawcrook Albion by the same scoreline.

Meanwhile, Boldon CA struck late to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland West End.