Highwaymen take tough route to win
MORPETH Town moved into third place in the Premier Division table with a hard-earned win over fellow promotion candidates Stafford Rangers.
The Highwaymen had to do things the hard way after Derek Ubah put the hosts ahead on the quarter-hour mark when he headed home from a long throw-in from Thomas Tonks.
Their lead lasted until eight minutes into the second-half when a foul on Jack Foalle gave Liam Noble a chance to convert from the penalty spot. He made no mistake with a cool finish.
A quick turnaround was complete as on-loan Carlisle United striker Sam Fishburn continued his impressive form with a stunning touch and finish that gave his side a deserved three points.
Marske United lost ground on the play-off places with a home defeat against FC United of Manchester. A goal in each half from Regan Linney and Tavonga Kuleya were enough to give the visitors all three point and keep them at the top of the table.
Jon Shaw was Dunston UTS’ hero as the experienced centreback netted a late winner to ensure his side became the first to inflict a league defeat on North East rivals and East Division leaders Stockton Town.
The two sides looked to be on their way to a share of the spoils after Anchors forward Elliott Beddow cancelled out a first-half opener from Will Jenkins.
But Shaw popped up in the third minute of injury-time to head home at the far post and ensure his side continued their own push for promotion.
Hebburn Town lie just one point off the top after Liam Murray celebrated his recent contract signing by netting the only goal of their visit to Ossett United.
Consett slipped to only their third league defeat of the season and fell out of the play-off spots with a home defeat against Bridlington Town.
Zak Atkinson and Declan Bisset netted for the Steelmen but goals from Matt Broadley, Jack Bulless and Benn Lewis gave the visitors a 3-2 win at Belle View.
North Shields moved to within a point of the play-off places with a professional display in their home win against relegation-threatened Grimsby Borough. Cam Cunningham fired the Robins in front just before half-time and a secondhalf own goal from Tom Hipwell and a late strike from Regan Paterson gave Marc Nash’s men another impressive win.
Dean Thexton earned Chris Hughes a point in his first game as Shildon manager as his late equaliser cancelled out a first-half strike from Lewis Hey to give the Railwaymen a 1-1 draw at Tadcaster Albion.