Northern League Division Two
DurhamCityareuptoeighth following an impressive second-half performance to outgun Hebburn Town at Willington.
Hebburn needed just five minutes to go ahead, courtesy of Gary Shaw, and they just had about had the edge in a close-fought first half.
But Ollie Hotchkiss’s City side came out transformed for the second period and were quickly level, thanks to Nicky Allen arrowing a tremendous 22-yarder into the top right corner of Steve Hubery’s net.
City were galvanised by the goal and their pacy attack caused Hebburn problems. Craig Hennis confidently slammed home a 56th minute penalty for a 2-1 lead, and Sam Steele made the game safe with a fine effort, 15 minutes from time. Hubery made a fine save to keep out a ferocious Hennis strike as City finished well on top.
Easington Colliery are back on track, following a 4-2 home victory over Bedlington Terriers.
Liam Adamson made the breakthrough, firing under keeper David Stewart from a fine through ball, then Chris Pearson made it 2-0 with a stunning 25-yarder after being set up by Ethan Wood.
Jack Pounder added a third goal before the break, finishing off after James Talbot’s strike was deflected into his path.
Terriers fought back gamely in the second period. Easington claimed in vain for offside when Zak Atkinson tapped in Jack Foalie’s pass, then Paul Wardle’s speculative effort from range was deflected in past helpless keeper Kyle Donaldson.
Easington, though, kept their nerve and sealed victory when Pounder netted, after good work from Talbot.
Chester-leStreet’s impressive form continued, as they hammered bottom club Alnwick Town 5-1. Michael Hepplewhite fired them in front early on, only for Stephen Young to equalise. However, further goals from Hepplewhite, Andy Clarkson, Alex White and Lee Mole completed a good day for Chester. Lowly Crook Town earned a point in an entertaining 3-3 draw at highflying Heaton Stannington. David Paul put the Black and Ambers ahead in two minutes, only for Dean Imray to level. Shane Jones then put promotion hopefuls Heaton ahead, just after half time, but Paul’s second made it 2-2. In the 83rd minute, Richard Hoggins looked to have hit a winner for Heaton, but Chris Emms hammered home a free-kick leveller, four minutes later.
West Allotment Celtic and Whickham played out an entertaining 3-3 draw.
There were four goals in the first half hour, as Dean Walker put Celtic ahead, only for Sam Hedley to level. Elliott Mitchell restored the lead, but Whickham came back again to make it 2-2, through Andrew Bulford.
On 40 minutes, Bulford put the visitors ahead from the spot, but, with only two minutes left, Nicky Whitelaw ensured a draw.