Little change at top as leaders Stockton continue march

THERE was little change at the top end of the East Division table as the current top three all claimed maximum points from challenging fixtures on Saturday.

Leaders Stockton Town continued what feels like an unrelenting march towards the title by collecting a home win against Grantham Town.

Michael Roberts opened the scoring with 15 minutes on the clock and Michael Fowler killed off any hope of a comeback from the Gingerbreads when he doubled the lead with just over 20 minutes remaining.

Dale Pearson was the inspiration for second-placed Dunston UTS as they continue to lead the chasing pack with a 4-0 ‘home’ win against Cleethorpes Town.

The former Morpeth Town and Blyth Spartans striker struck a stunning hat-trick and Jude Swailes hit a memorable effort as Jon McDonald’s side romped to a 4-0 win in a game held at Consett’s Belle View.

Another in-form striker continued to shine at Hebburn Town as the

Hornets made it four consecutive wins with a home victory against Bridlington Town.

Town captain Amar Purewal opened the scoring just after the hour-mark and doubled his own tally and his side’s lead to give his side an invaluable three points with just over quarter of an hour remaining.

Newton Aycliffe slipped out of the play-off places as a Jack Dolman goal was enough to help Stocksbridge Park Steels to a 1-0 home win against Brian Atkinson’s side.

And Ashington were denied what would have been a fine win at play-off contenders Belper Town by a late equaliser from Sidik Atcha.

Cameron Gascoigne and Wilson Kneeshaw both scored for the Colliers as they recovered from Atcha’s first of the day – but the Nailers midfielder snatched a point for his side in the second minute of injury-time.

Morpeth Town moved to within three points of the Premier Division’s top ten with a 2-0 home win against Lancaster City.

Two goals in as many second-half minutes from Jack Foalle and Andrew Johnson gave Craig Lynch’s side all three points.