It’s brilliant to be top but we can still play even better, says Stewart

Farringdon Detached secretary Ian Stewart believes the Wearside League leaders can still improve after they made it six wins in a row against Wolviston.

Rhys Brown proved to be the inspiration for Liam Lay’s side as his hat-trick laid the foundations for yet another win that keeps them at the league summit.

Perri Agnew also netted for Farringdon – although they were made to work as goals from Mikey McGee and Jake Stott threatened a late comeback from the visitors that was never completed.

Lay’s side will now turn their attention towards Wednesday night’s home game against Windscale, and Stewart believes they can still improve despite their lofty position.

HetoldTheEcho:“Itshould have been a comfortable win after going 4-1 ahead with 25 minutes left to play – two late goals from Wolviston ruined that.

“It’s another big three points at home and that’s six in a row now.

“I know it’s early in the season, but it feels brilliant to be there and to do it after beating local rivals Silksworth on Wednesday makes it even sweeter.

“We have still not played our best football, but goals win games and that’s what we are doing at the moment.”

Shotton Colliery lie in second place after a Nathan Grainger hat-trick and a goal apiece from Craig Foster, Nathan Ball and Peter Crawford helped them to a 6-0 win at Annfield Plain.

Gateshead Leam Rangers areinthirdthankstotheirfifth win in seven games against NortonandStocktonAnicents.

Leam raced into a two-goal lead thanks to an Aidan Rutledge brace but were pegged back as Liam Blyth and Matt Dickens found the net for the Ancients.

But the hosts would not be denied,andRutledgecompleted his hat-trick on the hour to give his side another win.

Craig Linsel and Sam Cook were on target as FC Hartlepool secured a 2-0 home win against Shildon Reserves, and twogoalsfromWillPrestoninspired West Auckland Tunns to a 2-1 win against Richmond Town.

First-half goals from Andrew Home and Jay Roper were not enough for Washington United to take the points in their home game against Durham Corinthians, as Steven Telford and Cam Arthurs earned the visitors a point.

Chester-le-Street United and Darlington RA drew 0-0 .