Stan slip up but Albion fail to take advantage

LEAGUE leaders Heaton Stannington fell to a surprise defeat at Willington – but results elsewhere meant they preserved their 12-point lead at the top of the table.

The two sides were level at halftime as Evan Howard’s first Stan goal cancelled out an opener from Aidan Hart.

But it was the hosts that took the honours thanks to a secondhalf strike from Craig Moody.

Second-placed Ryton and Crawcrook Albion failed to capitalise on the Stan’s slip-up as they were beaten at home by fellow promotion challengers Newcastle University.

Mark Waite and Callum Turnbull netted for Albion – but a Tom Romano brace and a goal apiece from James Coates and Ryan Redford gave the Uni a 4-2 win at Kingsley Park.

Billingham Synthonia rounded off a week of ups and downs on a high as they snatched a late win at Boldon CA.

The two sides looked to be heading for a share of the points after Boldon top scorer Levi Collins got his side back level after Kurtis Howes had put Synners in front midway through the second-half.

Connor Johnson had other ideas and he claimed the points for the visitors in the second minute of injury-time.

Two goals from Lewis Calvert and one from Joe Gibson gave Blyth Town an impressive 3-0 win at Chester-le-street Town and Washington came from behind to earn all three points in their trip to Jarrow.

Luke Hudson put the hosts ahead just before the interval – but they were left empty-handed by a fine strike from Jak Hanson and Jake Martindale’s winner.

Ryan O’connor got the only goal of Bedlington Terriers’ 1-0 win at Esh Winning and Joe Bennett’s strike gave Redcar Town a narrow home win against bottom of the table Durham City.

There was only one goal in Tow Law Town’s home triumph against Brandon United as Nick Marley’s first-half effort settled the contest.