THE FEDEDGING CLOSER TO TITLE

DUNSTON UTS took a giant step towards the title as they edged a tight game against mid-table West Auckland.

Gateshead outfit Dunston made it seven league wins on the spin after Mark Fitzpatrick struck midway through the second half, his 22nd in 24 games. Bishop Auckland, in second place, are now ten points behind after a shock 5-3 defeat at home to bottom club Penrith. It was only a third win for the Dolly Blues, with Martyn Coleman bagging a hat-trick. Newcastle Benfield manager Stuart Elliott's 100 per cent record continued with a 2-1 win over Guisborough Town. Veteran striker Paul Brayson scored the winner after Danny Earl had equalised for the lowly Priorymen. Struggling Ashington drew 11 at Newton Aycliffe, while Seaham Red Star did the double over North Shields, bagging a 2-0 victory. Stockton Town beat secondbottom Whickham 4-2 on Teesside. The Anchors let a 2-1 half-time lead slip but secured victory through Sonni Coleman and Chris Stockton. Max Cowburn had restored parity on the hour before Stockton powered home. Shildon beat Consett 3-0 while Hebburn Town beat Sunderland RCA 3-2 on South Tyneside. Graeme Armstrong's first-half goal for Hebburn was added to by Lewis Suddick six minutes into the second period. RCA hit back through Greg Swansbury, Michael Richardson responding for the Hornets, Tom McAloon with the visitors' second. Whitley Bay, who suffered a club record 9-0 defeat at home to Hebburn Town last time out, were without a fixture.