Salmon quite a catch for the Colliers

ASHINGTON came away from Dunston UTS with an impressive three points as Luke Salmon hit a brace in a thrilling 5-3 win for the Colliers, writes MARK CARRUTHERS.

Dan Halliday gave Dunston the lead just before the half-hour mark but they were pegged back two minutes before half-time when Tony Stephenson scored from the penalty-spot for the visitors.

However, Halliday scored his second of the night to give Chris Swailes’ side the lead at the interval.

Salmon’s first of the night levelled the scores and Ashington went ahead for the first time 11 minutes from time when Damien Stevens struck from close-range.

Mark Fitzpatrick pulled Dunston back level two minutes but parity only lasted for a minute when Salmon put Ashington back in front.

David Edwards sealed the points for the Colliers with a goal two minutes from time and that moved them up into the top ten of the Northern League Division One table. ■■CONSETT were in seventh heaven as they hammered nearneighbours Tow Law Town in the Brooks Mileson League Cup’s second round.

The Steelmen were four goals up at half-time thanks to strikes from Michael Sweet, David Dowson, Nathan Lawrence and Matthew Slocombe.

Substitute Michael Mackay hit a second-half brace and Sweet added his own second of the night after the interval.

Dean Thexton nabbed a consolation goal from the penaltyspot for the Laywers - but it was their hosts who romped through to secure a home tie against Newcastle Benfield. ■■ANDREW Johnson hit a hat-trick for Spennymoor Town as they beat Chester-le-Street Town in the Durham Challenge Cup. ■■NORTHUMBERLAND Senior Cup holders Blyth Spartans progressed to the semi-finals of the competition with a 4-0 victory over Bedlington Terriers.

Alun Armstrong’s side were two goals up at the interval thanks to strikes from Jordan Laidler and Greg Rutherford.

Robbie Dale extended the advantage 14 minutes from time and Rutherford added his second to round off a comfortable win.