EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE

NORTH Shields assistant manager Andy Bowman praised a marked improvement despite the Robins falling to a second home defeat in three days.

After Wednesday’s 4-0 home loss against Heaton Stannington, Brian Smith’s side put in a hardworking display against Newcastle Benfield on Friday but fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Matty Telfer grabbing his first goal for the club and a combined crowd of 999 across both games were the main positives for the Robins.

He said: “We’ve compiled a squad over the last couple of weeks and it’s been a difficult job. On Wednesday it was a case of getting lads onto the pitch and seeing how we got on. Tonight, we gave Benfield a goal but the difference between Wednesday and tonight was a lot better.”

Two goals from Louis Johnson helped Bishop Auckland to a 3-1 win at Boro Rangers and ensured the Two-Blues moved eight points clear at the top of the Division One table.

Alex Francis, Matthew Ward, Scott Heslop, Kyle Wharton and James Proctor all scored as Birtley Town rounded off a remarkable week by romping to a 5-1 home win against West Auckland Town.

But it was Seaham Red Star that were the big winners on Saturday as they hit bottom-of-thetable Tow Law Town for six. A Sonni Coleman goal ensured Guisborough Town edged out West Allotment Celtic at the KGV Stadium and Jordan Holt’s goal was the difference as Carlisle City beat Heaton Stannington.

Sunderland RCA were unable to build on their first win of the season against Tow Law Town in midweek as a Zak Bewley brace condemned them to a 2-1 loss at Crook Town.