Town are on song – as Synthonia are beaten
A STUNNING first-half performance helped Billingham Town to a comprehensive derby win against Billingham Synthonia.
Craig Hutchinson continued his impressive form with a hat-trick in the opening 45 minutes, and Jamie Davis grabbed the other goal to give Town a four-goal advantage at the break.
That proved to be the end of the scoring, but Town had done enough to see off their neighbours and maintain their five-point lead at the top of the table.
Thornaby lie in second after Lewis Murphy’s injury-time winner gave them all three points in a dramatic game at Birtley Town.
Joe Barwick put Birtley ahead just after half-time, but their lead was wiped out by quickfire strikes from Ben Jackson and Joe Scaife-wheatley.
James Davidson got the hosts back on level terms as the game ticked into injurytime, only to see Thornaby claim the points thanks to Murphy’s late strike.
Michael Hepplewhite and Owen Henderson were on target as Chester-le-street Town moved up to third with a 2-0 win at Ryton and Crawcrook Albion.
Heaton Stannington were held to a goalless draw at home against Willington and two goals from Glen Hargrave put Jarrow on their way to a 3-1 win against Tow Law Town at Perth Green.
Billy Harper couldn’t claim a win in his first game as Durham City manager as the Citizens fell to a 7-2 home defeat against Easington Colliery.
Carl Pottinger scored twice for Harper’s side, but hat-tricks from Liam Adamson and Jack Pounder, along with a goal from Dan Martin, gave the Colliers a comprehensive win at Hall Lane.
Jordan Rivis also hit a treble in Redcar Athletic’s 4-2 win against Crook Town and Michael Leech scored the only goal of the game as West Allotment Celtic claimed all three points at Washington.
Jayven Redman scored a brace to cancel out Cameron Fenton’s opener and give Esh Winning an impressive 2-1 win at Bedlington Terriers.
The win moved Esh up to 16th in the table, although they were grateful to see Stephen Young miss a penalty for the hosts in injury time.