NORTHERN LGE DIV 2

BLYTH Town’s impressive season continued as they progressed north of the 100-point mark with a 3-1 win against Bedlington Terriers, who have now discovered their play-off fate.

Terriers took the lead within 30 seconds through Joseph Thompson knowing that only three wins from their final three games would secure the home tie in the semi-final against Easington Colliery in their promotion bid.

A dominant second half ensued from Blyth however, with Dan Wilson netting the equaliser from the penalty spot shortly after the interval – with goals from Brandon Slater and Lucas Cooper putting the game out of reach for their southeast Northumberland neighbours, but propelling Town to 101 points for the campaign.

“I think it’s a little bit of a shock,” reflected manager Michael Connor. “We started the season thinking with the players we’ve brought in – the likes of Wilson and Robbie Dale – gave us a good chance to challenge. The idea was to get in the play-offs, to have a good run in the FA Vase, and to maybe get FA Cup football.

“For us to get 101 points with two games to go, with the goals that we’ve scored and the football we’ve played. It’s just mind-blowing, and to get to the Senior Cup final as well... There are so many great memories from throughout the season, it would be good to finish it on a high. We know it’s going to be really tough in the Senior Cup final, but I’ve said to the lads: ‘Don’t play the occasion, play the game, and go and enjoy the moment’ and who knows on the night.”

Elsewhere on Friday night, Mark Davison, Joshua Barnett, Callum Stanton and James Fairley all scored in Easington Colliery’s 4-0 win at Washington to ensure the Colliers will host Bedlington in the play-off semi-final on Saturday.

The other play-off semi-final sees Horden CW travel to Newcastle Blue Star on Friday night. Blue Star rounded off their league fixtures with a 3-0 win at Thornaby as Dan Lanning, Owen Mitchell and Regan Paterson all found the net at Teesdale Park.

Regan Brown’s second-half brace gave Esh Winning a 2-0 win against Prudhoe YC and Jarrow and Boldon CA shared the points with a goalless draw at Perth Green.

Matthew Wilshaw rounded off a stunning season with a hat-trick in Billingham Synthonia’s 4-0 win at Chester-le-street United. Lewis Porritt also netted for Synners.