Athletic are far from on right track!

NBS NORTHERN ALLIANCE LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

JUST three points now separate the top three sides after leaders North Shields Athletic crashed to defeat at home to mid-talbe Wallington.

The visitors had John Paxton to thank for setting them on their way to a 4-3 win as he scored a hat-trick which was added to by Joel Laviers.

Athletic replied through an early Anthony Errington strike and a second-half double from Lee Crammond, Wallington grabbing the winner deep in stoppage time.

Second-placed Ponteland returned to winning ways following consecutive losses when they triumphed 2-0 at lowly Northbank.

Ethan Bewley struck three minutes before the break to ease the tension somewhat and Shaun Johnstone nabbed the second with six minutes remaining to seal all three points.

The top-of-the-table clash between Whitley Bay A and Newcastle University, meanwhile, saw nine goals scored and the visitors come out on top with a 5-4 verdict.

Dillon Blake and Dillon Adamson netted for the hosts in the first half, Olly Waldon notching twice for the visitors to ensure the sides were level at the interval.

A Connor Campbell double kept the Bay in the game as Keith Douglas also scored twice for the Uni for a tense finale - Liam Atkin popping up with the winner at the death.

Killingworth Town maintained fifth when they prevailed 4-1 at Gateshead Rutherford.

Lee Hamilton struck twice in the first half to open up a lead.

David Boyle pulled a goal back 10 minutes after the restart then, after Rutherford missed a penalty, Killy converted one of their own through Alex Henderson with 10 minutes remaining.

Scott Bamborough wrapped up the points with the crucial fourth.

Seaton Delaval remain sixth after they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Ashington Colliers.

Jack Foalle gave Burn a blistering start in the opening seconds and Matthew Bailey added a second after just nine minutes.

Jack Loughborough kept the Colliers in the game and three minutes into the second half Joseph Bolam earned them a share of the spoils.

Newbiggin defeated visitors Percy Main 2-0 with strikes from Bailey Morton and James Essen while Shankhouse came through 3-1 at Birtley Town.