Two Blues stay four points ahead at top

BISHOP Auckland maintained their four-point lead at the top of the Division One table as they inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Sunderland RCA.

The hosts were reduced to ten men just after the hour-mark when Denver Morris was shown a red card and they were punished as a Simon Jakab own-goal and a Dane Burlace strike gave the Two Blues yet another win.

Whitley Bay remain in second place after they claimed a dramatic late win at Tow Law Town.

The two sides looked on their way to a share of the spoils after Lawyers duo Andrei Ardelean and Jeremie Anderson-dacosta cancelled out an early brace from Bay striker Mal Morien.

But Scott Lowery was on hand to grab all three points for the visitors and ensure they kept up the pressure on the leaders.

Heaton Stannington took the honours in their local derby with West Allotment Celtic.

Shane Jones gave Allotment some hope of mounting a comeback when he scored 12 minutes from time after Louis Anderson and Konner Lamb had put their host in control.

But an injury-time brace from Jordan Lashley gave the Stan a fourth win in five games as they continue to adjust to life at a higher level.

An Adam Burnicle brace and a Joe Lamb goal helped Crook Town to a 3-0 home win against Pickering Town and Jonny Murray’s early strike gave Penrith a narrow win over Newcastle Benfield.

Seaham Red Star’s Thomas Lawson secured a point for his side in their Friday night clash with West Auckland Town after James Ellis had put the visitors ahead inside the opening two minutes.

And Nathan Stephenson’s hattrick inspired Northallerton Town to a 3-1 win at Thornaby and brought down the curtain on Paul Edwards’ managerial reign with their hosts.