Hero to zero as a red card turns match

BILLINGHAM Town produced a stunning late comeback to go two points clear at the top with a home win against Willington.

Jeff Smith put the visitors ahead just before the hour-mark, but was sent off three minutes from full-time and the hosts took full advantage as Matt Robinson got them back on level terms in the last minute before Jack Connor netted a late winner.

The day got even better for Town as promotion rivals Chesterle-Street Town were well beaten at home by Tow Law Town.

A Dale Milburn penalty on 68 minutes gave the Lawyers the lead and a brace from Lewis Martin gave his side a 3-0 win.

Thornaby moved into second place as they ended Heaton Stannington’s impressive run with a 2-1 win at Teesdale Park.

Dan Robinson gave the visitors a first-minute lead, but two goals in a minute from Kurtis Howes and Charlie Graham secured all three points for Thornaby.

Northallerton Town are fourth after two goals from Andrew Ramsbottom and one apiece by Kerry Hedley and Nick Martin saw them beat Jarrow 4-0.

Alex Ramshaw’s late goal saw Washington win at home against Bedlington Terriers. A Stephen Young penalty had got Terriers back on level terms after Jak Hanson put the hosts in front.

On Teesside, Redcar Athletic and West Allotment Celtic shared the points in an eight-goal thriller.

Regan Patterson netted first for West but Sam Calvert equalised to keep it level at the break.

An own goal and a Chris Dickinson strike gave the hosts a two-goal lead but West hit back via Matthew Hayton and Shane Donaghey. Joel Callender put Redcar back in front on 74 minutes but Hayton grabbed his second in the last minute to ensure the spoils were shared.

Kallum Hannah got the only goal of the game to give Billingham Synthonia a narrow home win against Esh Winning.

Ryton and Crawcrook Albion had a routine win over struggling Brandon United, Callum Turnbull and Scott Jasper easing their side to a 2-0 win to keep the visitors in the bottom two of the table.

Only Durham City are keeping Brandon off the bottom of the table and their own poor season continued with a 4-1 home defeat against Crook Town.

The Steelmen were three goals up at half-time thanks to an own goal and strikes from Chris Dunwell and Phil Caley.

Jamie Haymen offered the Citizens some hope by pulling a goal back just before the hour, but Caley’s second of the day ended any slim chances of a comeback.

MARK CARRUTHERS