Marcelinho warms up ‘El Coastico’ with brace

VAST overnight frost put paid to over half the Alliance fixtures yesterday afternoon as only a handful of games managed to keep themselves warm.

In the Premier Division only North Shields Athletic and Percy Main hosted games, the former hosting ‘El Coastico’ with Whitley Bay A.

The hosts claimed a rather enjoyable 6-1 win thanks to a brace from Marcelinho Junior alongside efforts from Tom Crow, in the first half, and Phil Watson, Jonny Lowes and Dean Blacklock in the second, Andy Robertson having levelled proceedings early on.

Five goals were netted at Percy Main as well as they edged past a stern challenge from Newcastle Chemfica 3-2, the visitors leading through Oliver Mure early in the first half with Jack Armstrong levelling up before the break.

Supporters were made to wait until the closing stages for further goals but didn’t leave disappointed as first Connor Gayles, then Chris Glass, opened up a two-goal advantage for the hosts, an own-goal at the death making for a nervy finale.

In the First Division Blyth Spartans Reserves went goal crazy when at home to Wallsend Community, Karl Lazzari bagging a hat-trick in an 11-2 win. Louis Anderson chipped in with two for the Reserves who went on to add further goals from Callum and Adam Uddgren, Liam Shanley, Andy Murray, Yannick Aziakonou and David Gray, the hosts holding a five-goal lead at the break. Community hit their two consolations, both via Chris Mason, in the closing stages.

The top six clash between Cullercoats and Hebburn U23s went in favour of the hosts, Laws bagging a brace in a 5-1 win, whilst Forest Hall eased past Prudhoe Youth Club 3-1.

Of the three matches played in the Second Division, Willington Quay Saints won 4-1 away to Whitley Sporting Club, and both Ellington and Seaton Sluice picked up 3-2 home wins over Wideopen, and Whitburn respectively.

In the Northumberland Minor Cup, Cramlington United also enjoyed a 3-2 win over hosts Gosforth Bohemians.