Stewart takes the positives despite West End suffering narrow loss
Sunderland West End jointboss Steven Stewart took the positives despite his side being edged out in a close encounter at Ryton & Crawcrook Albion.
RobbieWilliamsongrabbed the only goal of the game as Albion condemned West End to a third consecutive defeat and left them 10 points shy of NorthernLeagueDivisionTwo league leaders Heaton Stannington.
After the game, Stewart said: “We are going through a bit of a blip, but did well in a tightgameonSaturday.Itcould have gone either way because the work-rate, desire and passion from the lads was there. It was a better all-round performanceinawfulconditions,despite the result.”
Heaton Stannington were held to a 2-2 at Birtley as goals from Stan duo Liam McBryde and Dan Stephenson sandwiched efforts from Andrew Clarkson and Tom Scothern.
Two goals from Jack Maskell were unable to help Horden CW claim anything from their trip to Boldon CA as the hosts won by the odd goal in five – Jonathan Wightman, Oscar Taylor and a late winner fromSamAttewellgaveBoldon a sixth straight win.
Crisis club Durham City rounded off a disastrous week with a 5-0 defeat at Bedlington
Terriers.KeenanNellisledthe way with a hat-trick for the Terriers and there was a goal apieceforLucaNelsonandJordan Lashley as the hosts eased to a comfortable three points.
A bad afternoon was made worse for the Citizens after Washington’s surprise 2-1 home win against Billingham Synthonia left them 12 points adriftatthebottomofthetable.
ABradChisholmbracegave the Mechanics an unexpected three points – although they had to remain true after Ben HendersongaveSynnerssome hope with goal on 76 minutes.
Newcastle University drew at Brandon United as Stephen Pennington’spenaltycancelled out Reece Brown’s opener for United.
Jordan Palmer scored for the tenth time in two games as his hat-trick helped Carlisle City to a 5-1 home win against Jarrow, while Ryan Bennions and Kyran Clark both scored twice as Redcar Town eased to a 6-1 win at Blyth Town. Jack Chapman and Carl Williams also netted for the visitors as a Callum Johnston penalty provided the smallest of consolations for Blyth.
Aaron Hardy got the only goal of the game as Tow Law TownsawoffChester-le-Street Town, and Wayne Whitfield and Craig Moody helped Willington beat Esh Winning 2-1.