Shields make their Mark in derby battle
NORTH Shields manager Marc Nash has urged his side to build on their North Tyneside derby win against Whitley Bay.
Sean McRoberts fired the Robins in front six minutes into the second half and a late brace from substitute Gary Day ensured Nash’s side completed the league double over its local rivals.
The three points moved Shields into the top four of the Division One table ahead of next weekend’s trip to fifth-placed West Auckland Town.
Nash challenged his side to use this momentum to boost its attempts to finish in the top four by picking up maximum points over the festive period.
He said: “We had a great win against Hebburn last week and that just meant it was very important we picked up another win against Whitley Bay.
“It sends us into a busy schedule over Christmas in good form and we face another tough game against West Auckland Town next weekend.
“We have done well and we have had a good haul of points over the last month but we have to keep things going because it can quickly turn against you.”
Sunderland RCA came out on top in a seven-goal clash against Ryhope CW at Meadow Park.
Jack Devlin scored twice and Michael Rae grabbed the other for the visitors.
However, braces from Nathan O’Neill and Kyle Davis ensured RCA took all three points.
Hebburn Town and Guisborough Town played out a goalless draw at the Energy Check Sports Ground.
Striker Ash Lavan netted four times as Billingham Town moved eight points clear at the top of the Division Two table with a 5-3 home victory against Washington.
The win extends Town’s unbeaten run to 20 league games.
Aaron Ramsbottom hit a hat-trick as Northallerton Town prevailed 3-2 against Bedlington Terriers.
The striker’s first goal of the day came just before the hour mark and put his side back on level terms after Brad Higgins put the Terriers into the lead five minutes into the second-half.
Adam Harvey restored the visitors’ lead three minutes after Ramsbottom’s equaliser but the Northallerton front-man struck twice in three minutes to claim the three points which moved his side up to third in the table.