City struggle continues with defeat to Birtley
Durham City’s season of struggle continued with a 2-1 home Division Two defeat against Birtley Town.
Jack Honour and Daniel Hill got the goals for the Hoops and they held on for the three points despite Dario De Santos halving the deficit in the closing stages.
The result leaves the Citizens sat four points adrift at the bottom of the league standings.
Chester-le-Street Town claimed a surprise win at Crook Town after an own goal from Jordan Fielding gave the Cestrians all three points at Millfield.
Pacesetters West Allotment Celtic maintained their six-point advantage at the top of the Division Two table with a 2-0 home success against Jarrow.
Jay Bates’ side were then reduced to ten men ten minutes before the half-time interval when Jacob Forster was dismissed – but secondhalf goals from Ryan Higgins and Matthew Hayton gave the leaders all three points.
Redcar Athletic remained in second place after Sam Webster’s late goal gave them a narrow home win against Tow Law Town.
Billingham Synthonia boosted their promotion prospects as Leon Carling got the only goal of the game in their triumph at Esh Winning and Ryton and Crawcrook Albion endured a challenging afternoon as they were held to a goalless draw by Washington.
Heaton Stannington were 3-0 winners at Carlisle City thanks to goals from Bradley Fielder, Michael Baxter and Joe Kerridge, and Leighton Hopper got the only goal of the game in Bedlington Terriers’ home success against Newcastle University.