NORTHERN LEAGUE

FA CUP ACTION preoccupied a number of teams in the Northern League top division yesterday, meaning there were just five games.

Ryhope CW continued their great start to the season as they made it three wins from three with a 3-0 victory at Billingham Synthonia.

The in-form visitors were reduced to ten men before half-time as Danny Lay picked up a red card for a challenge on David Hillerby. But struggling Billingham were unable to make the extra man pay, with Mick Nicholson, Matty Weirs and Joey Melvin all netting second-half goals.

North Shields picked up an emphatic first win of the season as they crushed Bishop Auckland 5-0, with Lee Mason and Craig McFarlane both on target in the first half and Joe Robson, Joe Kerridge and Jordan Summerly completing the rout after the break.

The result means the Bishops have now conceded 14 goals in their opening three games.

Nathan Fisher netted another hat-trick, taking his tally for the season to nine goals in four games, as West Auckland beat Stockton Town 3-1.

Jamie Owens had put the home side ahead at half-time but Fisher bagged a seven-minute hat-trick midway through the second-half to turn the game around.

Team Northumbria lost 3-2 away to Seaham Red Star, who have now won back-to-back games, while Jarrow Roofing and Washington finished 2-2.

Jack Pickard’s late penalty looked to have won it for Washington but Shaun Vipond hit an 87th minute leveller, prodding home from close range.

PAUL REECE