Bright shade of Gray for new Bay boss

NICKY Gray was keen to take the positives despite losing the first game of his Whitley Bay reign at Newcastle Benfield.

The hosts twice grabbed equalisers during the first half as Connor Walker and Ryan McGorrigan cancelled out goals from Bay duo Matthew Coley and Mal Morien.

Joe Robson gave Benfield a halftime lead and McGorrigan secured the contest with his second goal of the day five minutes from time.

Despite the defeat, Gray was pleased with some aspects of his side’s play at Sam Smith’s Park.

He said: “There is a lot to work on, we knew that already and we are under no illusions.

“I thought we were the better side in the second half but we switched off on their fourth goal and I think the scoreline was a little harsh on us.

“There is maybe a lack of confidence but we had a good week training.

“It will not happen overnight but there were positives and we need to build on them.”

Scott Heslop scored twice to allow Consett to remain eight points clear at the top of Division One after they earned a 2-0 win at Newton Aycliffe.

North Shields continued to impress as they romped to a 4-1 victory at Bishop Auckland thanks to goals from Dan Wilson, Brad Hird, Cameron Cunningham and Callum Smith.

Ryhope CW remain just a point behind North Shields after a late goal from former Robins winger Denver Morris helped them to a 2-1 home success against Ashington.

Jamie Armstrong’s brace ensured Penrith ended West Allotment Celtic’s fine form with a 2-0 verdict on North Tyneside.

■ ■DIVISION Two leaders Heaton Stannington fell to a first home league defeat of the season and saw their lead at the top of the table cut to six points as secondplaced Ryton and Crawcrook Albion claimed a win at Grounsell Park with a goal from Konner Lamb.

Third-placed Newcastle University suffered a surprise home defeat against Chester-leStreet Town as strikes either side of half-time from Matthew Ward sandwiched an equaliser from Ryan Redford.

Fellow promotion contenders Easington Colliery wasted a two-goal advantage in their home draw against Jarrow.