Hard-fought win extends Blue Star lead

A 73RD-MINUTE counter from Luke Carr gave Premier Division leaders Newcastle Blue Star a hard-earned win at secondplaced Newcastle Independent.

This increases their lead at the top to six points over Burradon and New Fordley, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Wallington but move into second place.

Alnwick Town suffered a 3-1 defeat at Haltwhistle Jubilee.

Cramlington United and AFC Newbiggin shared the spoils 2-2 on Friday night and a six-goal thriller at Percy Main ended with Winlaton Community gaining a valuable point.

Seaton Delaval AFC held on to their 2-0 lead for success over visitors Newcastle Chemfica.

A Connor Shaw hat-trick gave Killingworth the points at home against Whitley Bay Reserves.

In the only Reeves Independent Division One game, Bedlington West Moor and Jesmond played out a goalless draw.

In the Team Valley Carpets Division Two, Whitley Bay Sporting Club found themselves two down at Newcastle Independent Cabrito but pulled the deficit back by half-time and clinched three points with a 70th-minute winner.

Morpeth won comfortably 5-0 at bottom club Seaton Sluice.

Heddon United continued their good form in the Bluefin Sports Insurance Division Three with a 3-1 victory over Wallsend Boys Club Under-23s.

In the second round of the Northumberland FA Minor Cup a number of lower-division teams upset Alliance rivals – Third Division Ashington FC Reserves won 4-0 at home to First Division FC United of Newcastle.

Second Division Ponteland United Reserves came through

5-1 at Division One’s Forest Hall Celtic.

Ellington of Division Two won 4-2 at Division One leaders Newcastle Blue Star Reserves and Second Division Red House Farm prevailed 3-0 at home to First Division Rothbury.

Blyth Rangers scored 10 times without reply against Inclusion Sport Foundation Hadrian.

Division One oufit Division Willington Quay Saints prevailed 3-2 at Division Three table-toppers Benton

Other Alliance teams through to the next round are Alnwick Town Dev, Heaton Stannington, Cullercoats, Gosforth Bohemians Res, Newcastle Uni A, Newcastle East End, North Sunderland, Blyth Town U23, Seaton Burn, Stobswood Welfare and Stocksfield.

In the Durham FA Minor Cup Division Two leaders Blaydon Community lost a penalty shoot-out to Wynard Village and Gateshead Redheugh won 1-0 over visitors Belmont United.