Seaton Delaval lose top spot

Posted by The Journal on Jan 5, 09 02:57 PM in Sport

Over the years, Seaton Delaval haven't enjoyed much success against Shankhouse and they were beaten 2-1 by their tormentors at Wheatridge Park. Steve Anderson scored straight from the kick-off for Delaval but Shankhouse hit back through Lee Gustard and Craig Johnson after the break to pick up the points.

This setback for Seaton Delaval allowed Walker Central to replace them in pole position. The reigning champions had figured in an earlier draw with visitors Carlisle City but showed the Cumbrians no mercy on Tyneside.

After trailing to Ollie Driver's opener for City at the interval the Central went on to seal a convincing 6-1 victory. They had Paul Gardiner, John Campbell and David Thompson bagging a brace each in an impressive second half performance.

Although Walker are now leading the field there are only four points separating them from Gillford Park in fifth spot and the title race is wide open. Gillford's home game with Wark was frozen out but Alnwick Town held onto third spot by completing a league double at home to Cramlington Town.

Alnwick had won 3-2 in an earlier clash at Cramlington but were more decisive this time in securing a 2-0 verdict. Beaten only once in their last six games at St James's Park, Alnwick were given the lead by Ben Webster in the 38th minute. And ten minutes into the second half Tony Brown netted to double their advantage.

While Gillford Park were lying idle their Cumbrian neighbours Harraby Catholic Club had a chance to overtake them but it didn't quite work out. Instead Harraby became the latest team to find out how much hosts Blyth Town have improved and they had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Blyth had Chris Lisle opening the scoring after 36 minutes but on the stroke of half time Nick Routledge equalised for the visitors.

After eight games without a win Heaton Stannington avenged an earlier defeat by Newcastle University and beat the Students 2-1 at Grounsell Park. Sean Graham and Kevin Carr were on target for Heaton with Ben Burte replying for the visitors.

Peterlee Town have picked up only a single point in their last seven appearances and were hammered 6-0 at home by Ponteland United. Pont's goals were supplied by Liam McIvor (2), Scott Fenwick, Andrew Davidson, Dean Gate and Joe Dawson. Meanwhile, Ashington Colliers were 4-0 victors in their bottom of the table clash away to Murton with goals shared by Richard Brown, David Brown, Anthony Wright and Lee Scott.

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