HEBBURN UPSET UNITED’S CUP PLANS

By Bill Gardner
Ponteland United lost the opportunity of reaching their second cup final when they were beaten comprehensively by Division One form team Hebburn Reyrolle. In the semi-final of the Kicks Leisure League Cup United’s visitors were high in confidence and deserved their 3-1 victory.

Ponteland’s end-of-season hopes have been badly affected by injuries to key players like Liam McIvor, Billy Holden, Max Turner, Jeff Forsyth and Craig Daglish. But they still took an early lead against Hebburn, Gavin Wood getting them off the mark after only ten minutes when he fired home from Andrew Davidson’s cross.

The lead lasted barely a minute before Craig Malley got Reyrolle back on terms with his 20-yard drive into the bottom corner. And on the half hour the visitors went in front when Shannon North scored after winning a race for the ball with Pont keeper Michael Havelock.

As the game progressed Hebburn were the better side all over the park and with ten minutes to go their efforts were rewarded with a third goal. Once again Shannon North was the scorer and he collected a long high ball before going round Havelock to poke the ball into the unguarded net. And it will be Hebburn Reyrolle who will be taking on Heddon in this year’s League Cup Final.

Four of the five teams heading the Premier Division dropped points and leaders Wark were restricted to a 2-2 draw at home by Ashington Colliers. Tony Lancaster and Marc Nixon scored for Wark with Richie Brown and Marc Pattie replying for the improving Colliers.

Walker Central remained in second spot and three points behind Wark despite losing 2-1 against Blyth Town at Monkchester. Liam Mulligan’s 16th minute opener for the Central was a bizarre affair. As Blyth had attempted to put the ball out of play following an injury their gesture misfired and Mulligan strolled through an ‘open door’ to put his side in front.

Walker deserved full credit six minutes later when they deliberately allowed Blyth’s Gary Day to run through unchallenged to accept the gift and restore parity. Justice had been done and it was still all to play for and after an hour the issue was settled. Blyth’s winner was headed home at close range from a Neil Blades flag kick.

Fourth-placed Heaton Stannington and fifth-placed Killingworth Sporting both have games in hand to make them capable of harming Walker Central’s plans for promotion. But they each shed valuable points and Heaton only managed a 1-1 draw away to stalemate experts Carlisle City. Kevin Carr fired Heaton in front after only five minutes but an 82nd minute penalty put away by Olly Driver restored parity for the Cumbrians.

Killingworth have fallen off the pace at a critical time and have won only once in six most recent appearances. Visitors Alnwick Town ended their own protracted lean spell by beating Killy 2-0 with goals for Scott McMullen and Ben Keenan early in the second half.

Murton have made a rapid climb into the top half of the Premier Division table and leapfrogged over visitors Harraby Catholic Club by beating their Cumbrian visitors 1-0. Stephen Turner headed home Murton’s winner only six minutes into the game and Harraby, with a daunting thirteen matches still to play, now look unlikely to catch up with the current pace-setters.

Newcastle University on the bottom rung and their fellow-strugglers Heddon, who are only four points better off, both suffered defeats and are now staring relegation in the face. The Students had Ben Burt on target at Cochrane Park against Cramlington Town but went down 2-1 to the Town’s goals scored by Jordan Watson and Martin Wardale. And Heddon, despite leading 2-1 at the interval, were eventually beaten 3-1 by hosts Shankhouse. Kevin Urwin and Ben Haddock were on the mark for Heddon but Shankhouse wrapped up the points through Jack Davidson, Anth Moran (82 minutes) and Paul Armstrong (89 minutes).

In a real thriller at Prudhoe, Stocksfield beat visitors Seaton Delaval 5-4 with goals supplied by David Below (2), Wayne Stewart, Pat Finnerty and Graeme Hudspith. Delaval had recovered from a 3-0 deficit to go 4-3 up with replies from Stephen Howes (2), John Fitzpatrick and Jordan Fry but they were still finally edged out.

DIVISION ONE – PROMOTION RACE HOTS UP
The top five teams in the First Division all won and Gateshead Rutherford strengthened their hand in pole position with a 3-1 victory away to Wallington. Unbeaten in their last five outings, Rutherford wrapped up the points with goals by Craig Horsfall, Aaron Sheriff and Kevin Hay with Wallington’s single reply coming from Peter Southern.

Rutherford are now five points clear of Percy Main who have a game in hand and the Main seem to be back on song following a dip in for. The Villagers followed up an important 3-0 win against promotion rivals Amble United in midweek with a 2-0 success against Cullercoats at Purvis Park. Jason Ritchie opened the scoring with his well-taken penalty after Craig Culyer was barged off the ball in the box. There was a long wait for the second goal and in the second minute of stoppage time it was claimed by Malcolm Morien as he headed home from Liam Knox’s precise cross.

After their midweek setback against Percy Main, Amble United got back on course quickly and the third-placed Seasiders were convincing 4-0 victors at home to lowly Newcastle East End. The visitors held out until just before the interval when Ian Common opened United’s account. Straight after the changeover Lee Harker doubled Ambles lead and it was all over for the Eastenders. Harker bagged his second goal after 77 minutes and five minutes later Paul White completed Amble’s tally.

Whitley Bay A and Morpeth Sporting Club both picked up maximum points although they remain on the fringes in the battle for promotion. In a game played on the Friday night Morpeth easily beat visitors Chopwell Officials 6-2 with their goals supplied by Graham Carter (2), Ross Symington, Chris Tate, Karl Snowden and Scott Pocklington.

Whitley Bay A were content with a more modest 2-0 verdict against bottom rung outfit Seaton Burn at Hillheads and the Bay have now won seven of their last eight games in the First Division. Both of their goals on this occasion were bagged by Jamie Lyndon.

Danny Sherwood’s goal for Gosforth Bohemians couldn’t prevent their 3-1 defeat at Benson Park by Peterlee Town whose scorers were Adam Stanley, Peter Crawford and substitute Adam West. And South Shields United showed no mercy to relegation-haunted visitors Northbank. The Cumbrians still have a chance of avoiding the drop and almost deserved a share of the spoils. Kyle Yorston netted after only four minutes for North Shields before seeing his later spot kick saved. Only seconds remained when the home side’s lead was doubled by Dominic Mossa.

DIVISION TWO – AMBLE STILL AIMING TO STEP UP
With only four games left to play – home to Newcastle Chemfica and Stobswood Welfare and away to Wallsend Town and Willington Quay Saints – North Shields Athletic are closing in on the Second Division title. A goal-less draw away to Forest Hall wasn’t too much of a blow for the league leaders while the Hall retained their unbeaten home record.

The biggest threats to North Shields’ aspirations will probably come from second-placed Amble and Stobswood Welfare who, despite being currently down in sixth spot, have eleven games outstanding to complete their league programme and do some catching up. Both won to keep the pressure on and Amble in particular fancy their chances of stepping up this term.

Amble were a trifle fortunate however to beat mid-table visitors Hexham 2-1. Wyn Fremlin’s very early opener was cancelled out by a Tom Phillips leveller for Hexham in the 65th minute and time was rapidly running out when Kevin Bell slotted in Amble’s vital winner.

By winning all of their Games in hand Stobswood could even overhaul pace-setters North Shields but it may be the tallest of orders. The Welfare however are giving it their best shot and a 2-1 victory over hosts Wallsend Town was an important step. Liam Anderson netted for Wallsend while Chris Graham opened Stobswood’s account and their winner was tucked away by Josh Hay to extend an unbeaten run away from home to eight games.

Newcastle BT were fairly comfortable 3-1 winners at home to Newcastle Chemfica whose losing run continued. First half goals for Greg Palmer and Josh Elliott set BT up nicely and their 65th minute third goal was scored by Dan Sherliker. David Ryan claimed a last minute bizarre consolation goal for Chemfica when a powerful clearance by the home keeper cannoned off his head and into the net.

Swalwell look like finishing in a mid-table slot but they were not short of effort in their 5-1 victory away to second from bottom Cramlington Blue Star. The Swalwell goals flowed from Stuart Rook ( 2), Joe Adams, Matthew Scott and Chris Smith with Ross Armstrong replying for the losers.

Wallsend Boys Club put some more distance between themselves and the basement by impressively beating powerful visitors Tynemouth United 4-3. With goals supplied by Scott Lynas (2 ). Andy McBride and Chris Thompson the Boys Club always had their noses in front. Chris Garwood, Kris Whillis and Aaron Chalmers replied for Tynemouth who have lost only two of their last twelve games.

Whitley Bay Town still have some work to do to lift themselves off the bottom rung in the Second Division and their 2-1 defeat at home by Wideopen & District didn’t help. Chris Sword and Sean Hay were Wideopen’s marksmen and only ten minutes were left when Chris Atkin got the Town off the mark.

UNITED AIM FOR CUP DOUBLE

By Bill Gardner
After losing 1-0 in the identical league game on the previous Saturday, Ponteland United gained prompt revenge by beating hosts Blyth Town 2-0 in their semi-final tie in the Kicks Leisure Challenge Cup. Blyth’s Mark Waugh was celebrating his 250th appearance for the club but it was Ponteland who took the lead on the half hour mark. Joe Dawson and Gavin Wood were involved in the build-up and when Wood played the ball in to Andrew Davidson he outpaced Blyth’s left back before placing his low drive out of the reach of keeper Scott Earl.

With ten minutes remaining United scored their vital second goal when a flag kick from Lewis Shiels was headed into the air and Paul Hodgson was first to react. He controlled the ball well and cleverly slotted his short pass through to Gavin Wood who blasted his shot into the roof of the net.

With one cup final appearance now booked, Ponteland are involved in another semi-final clash this Saturday when they entertain First Division hopefuls Hebburn Reyrolle at Ponteland Leisure Centre in the Kicks Leisure League Cup

In the other Challenge Cup semi-final Shankhouse took on Carlisle City for the third time this season. Two prior league clashes had resulted in draws but this time Shankhouse were well worth their 3-1 victory at Northburn. After trailing to Dean Barnard’s early opener for City, Shankhouse replied twice in three minutes through Martin Roper and Jordan Walsh and confirmed their place in this season’s final when Roper bagged his second goal in the 82nd minute.

Premier Division pace-setters Wark and Walker Central both spilled points and are now sharing top spot although the Central have played three more games than their rivals. Wark went down 3-2 away to Heaton Stannington despite being given an early two-goal lead by Marc Nixon and Lee Telfer. Replies from Lawrence McKenna and Iain Irvin got Heaton back on terms before the break and Michael Rush scored their winner on the hour mark.

A seven-match unbeaten run has kept Walker Central’s hopes of a top two finish alive and they drew 1-1 with Stocksfield at Monkchester. Michael Lamb fired the Central into an early lead but Scott Johnson levelled for the visitors after both keepers were taken off injured.

Along with Heaton Stannington, Harraby Catholic Club could use their games in hand to get among the current leaders and Harraby claimed their seventh win on the trot. The Cumbrians beat visitors Alnwick Town 2-1 to complete a league double.

Both sides carved out chances in the early stages but it was Harraby who opened the scoring after 36 minutes. When Aaron Roberts set Steve Archibald on a run on the left flank he cut in and rounded the keeper before squaring the ball to Marc Shiel. Shiel had the easiest of jobs in finding the net from barely six yards.

Harraby then increased their lead immediately before the interval and when Aaron Roberts tore into the box he was brought down by a desperate tackle. Mike Swift stepped up to confidently score from the spot. After 64 minutes Alnwick gained a foothold in the game when full back Danny Lowes saw his thirty-yard free kick sneak under the bar with the assistance of a fortunate deflection. They failed however in their search for an equaliser as Harraby defended doggedly up to the final whistle.

After three defeats on the trot Killingworth Sporting featured in a goal-less draw at home to Cramlington Town who welcomed securing another point to keep them clear of the basement.

And Murton’s unbeaten run at home was halted by Ashington Colliers who claimed a 3-1 victory with strikes by Scott Smith and Jamie Patterson plus an own goal gifted by Murton’s Mark Smith. Only ten minutes remained when Karl Garside got Murton off the mark.

Heddon are only two points better off than Newcastle University at the foot of the Premier Division table so a goal-less draw wasn’t very helpful to either club. The best chance fell to the University’s Dave Kewn who smashed his drive against the woodwork but the Students need to exchange games in hand for points quickly if they are to avoid the drop this season.

DIVISION ONE – IT’S GETTING TOUGH AT THE TOP
With only five points separating them and with seven or eight games to go, Gateshead Rutherford, Amble United and Percy Main are leading the charge for promotion from the First Division but all three dropped points last weekend.

Current leaders Rutherford were restricted to a 1-1 draw at home by Durham FA Minor Cup winners South Shields United. Ben Howell fired the hosts in front but their advantage evaporated when their keeper Craig Knox inexplicably guided the ball into his own net.

Amble United’s double figure unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt when they lost 2-0 away to mid-table outfit Peterlee Town. The Newtowners had picked up only two points from three previous games but ensured a maximum haul in this one. Both of their second half goals were put away by Peter Crawford.

Of the three First Division pace-setters Percy Main probably endured the biggest embarrassment in losing 2-1 at home to bottom rung opponents Seaton Burn. John Amos put Percy Main in front after only five minutes when he latched onto Chris Doig’s through ball and netted from the edge of the area. But Seaton Burn hit back to record their first win away from home this season. A good individual goal by Ian Armstrong got them back on terms straight after the interval and midway through the second half Mattie Laing scored their winner when his 30-yard free got a helpful deflection.

Gosforth Bohemians made it five home wins on the bounce by beating Cullercoats 2-1 at Benson Park where their goals were scored by Steve Grey and Matt Atkin. And Morpeth Sporting Club secured a third successive league win by overcoming struggling visitors Northbank to the tune of 2 -1. Chris Tate opened the scoring for Morpeth after 77 minutes and after their visitors had wasted a few scoring opportunities. The Sporting Club’s lead was doubled in the 90th minute by John Paxton although there were appeals for offside and Ross Irving grabbed a consolation goal for Northbank in stoppage time. And relegation is looking even more likely for the Cumbrians.

Berwick United won their third successive home game, beating Chopwell Officials 2-1 with goals for Phil Lee and Paul Richardson. Irving Ruddick scored Chopwell’s goal but they’ve only picked up a single point from five recent outings and have tumbled down the table.

Newcastle East End took another step towards First Division survival and home form is serving them well at present. They beat visitors Wallington 2-1 and had Dieu Lomana and Ian Graham on target in each half before substitute Jack Palmer got Wallington off the mark.

Hebburn Reyrolle booked themselves a forthcoming meeting with Percy Main in the Pin Point Recruitment Combination Cup Final but were a trifle fortunate to beat semi-final visitors Whitley Bay A in extra time. Jamie Lyndon’s fifth minute opener for the Bay looked likely to put the Seasiders through. But in stoppage time Craig Watson got Reyrolle back on terms and they added further goals through Ray Oshin and Shannon North during the added half hour.

DIVISION TWO – ATHLETIC HOMING IN ON THE TITLE
With a massive thirteen-point lead in pole position, North Shields Athletic look favourites for the Second Division title and promotion. With several games in hand only Amble and Stobswood Welfare look to be the only teams capable of challenging the current leaders. And while their two most dangerous rivals were both on cup duty North Shields beat visitors Hexham 3-1 and haven’t been beaten at home in this campaign. The North Shields marksmen were Danny Henderson, Craig Boyle and Graham Williams with Hexham’s single reply coming from Darren Dobson.

Amble and Stobswood took a rest from chasing promotion points to meet in the semi-final of the Pin Point Recruitment Amateur Cup and the Welfare made home advantage count. They won 3-2 to avenge an earlier league defeat at Amble with their goals supplied this time by Steve Gibbard (two) and Paul Smith. Wyn Fremlin and Adam Shanks replied in vain for Amble and it’s Stobswood who’ll be facing North Shields in this year’s final.

Although their chances of gaining promotion are slim, Forest Hall nudged Wideopen & District out of second spot after winning 3-0 away to Wallsend Boys Club. The Wallsend youngsters have found it hard going this term and offered little resistance in conceding goals to the Hall’s Rob Ruddick (two) and Jamie Gilbert.

Wideopen & District have lacked consistency and they suffered another damaging defeat, being well beaten 4-1 by hosts Tynemouth United. United’s new look team are a handful these days and they coasted to this victory thanks to Mike Armstrong’s hat-trick and a good goal for Kris Whillis. Liam Jubb claimed Wideopen’s consolation goal.

Wallsend Town climbed above Hexham into fifth place and aren’t out of the hunt in the promotion race, improving their chances with an impressive 4-0 victory away to Newcastle Chemfica. Chemfica had won eight of their ten previous games at home but the Town gained revenge for their 4-2 defeat in the reverse fixture. This time they made no mistakes and wrapped up the points easily with goals supplied by Liam Anderson (two), Marc Nicholson and Mick Rankin.

Whitley Bay Town are still on the bottom rung in the Second Division but with nine games still to play the Town are aiming to move up a couple of notches. They were certainly good value in their 3-0 home win against Newcastle BT with Luke Jamieson-Yip bagging a brace after Liam Hudson opened the scoring.

LATE INJURIES COULD BE COSTLY FOR PONT

By Bill Gardner

Ponteland United, now occupying fourth spot, have lost only once on their travels this season and were made to work hard for an eventual 2-2 draw with Seaton Delaval at Wheatridge Park.

A downpour just before the game made conditions very difficult at the outset and Delaval belied their recent form by going into a two-goal lead. Following a couple of near misses by Ponteland’s Max Turner and as the game was becoming over-physical Delaval were fired in front. After twenty minutes the visitors’ defence was caught out and Jordan Fry was on hand at the back post to head in Paul King’s cross.

The home side’s lead was doubled five minutes into the second half and, after collecting a shrewd pass from Andrew Purvis, Stephen Howes beat United keeper Michael Havelock from a very tight angle.

Despite this setback Pont believed they could save the game and Marc Dummett opened their account with his free kick getting a kind deflection to guide it into the net.
With fifteen minutes to go parity was restored by United’s Billy Holden whose glancing header from another Dummett free kick beat the unsighted home keeper Pont continued to press and somehow in a goalmouth melee the ball just wouldn’t go into the net with Delaval defending resolutely and Pont unable to get a clear strike on goal. However an equaliser came with 15 minutes remaining and it was almost identical to the first. Dummett again curled his free kick viciously into the crowded goalmouth and it glanced off Holden’s head past the unsighted home keeper Joe Thompson.

With passions beginning to run high Delaval had Steve Anderson red-carded with ten minutes remaining. And Ponteland suffered a double injury blow in the closing stages when strikers Max Turner and Billy Holden ended up injured. Turner was withdrawn with a hamstring problem and Holden suffered knee ligament damage in a collision with Delaval keeper Thompson.
The typical and unpredictable Easter weather put paid to the home games of Ashington Colliers, Stocksfield and Shankhouse with Premier Division leaders Wark and third-placed Killingworth Sporting left kicking their heels.

Defending champions Walker Central in second spot saw some action however and in difficult conditions at Monkchester they beat Cramlington Town 3-0 to get within a point of Wark. Paul Chapman and Chris Walpole scored inside the first twenty minutes to give the Central a boosts and five minutes from the end Liam Mulligan completed their tally.
Walker manager Mike Jeffels was happy with the result against a Cramlington outfit that had hammered Wark on the previous Saturday. He paid tribute to teenagers Mike Strachan, James Walker, Sean Reid and keeper Matt Hunter who were drafted in and also to 51-year-old Wilf Keilty who had to come on as substitute.

Alnwick Town have made a dramatic climb into fifth spot after winning six games on the trot and they showed no mercy to visitors Murton who suffered a heavy 10-1 defeat. Murton have won only once on their travels and were run ragged in this encounter with only a single reply from Michael Walton to show for their efforts. Tom Vickers banged in five of Alnwick’s goals in an inspired performance and the others were shared by Ben Keenan, Tony Brown, Chris Murray, Gary Patterson and Chris Moffatt.

Ponteland United stayed put in fourth place and have only lost once away from home this term. United were restricted to a 2-2 draw by Seaton Delaval at Wheatridge Park but had to come from behind to share the spoils. Strikes by Jordan Fry and Stephen Howes gave Delaval a two-goal lead but they have a habit of surrendering the advantages they create. Marc Dummett opened Pont’s account and Billy Holden scored their equaliser but they failed to capitalise when the home side’s Steve Anderson received his marching orders in the 75th minute.
Newcastle University have failed to clinch a win in a miserable run of nine league matches and the Students are still facing possible relegation unless their several games in hand yield some points. In their first meeting with visitors Blyth Town this term the University were beaten 4-1 but the score-line hardly did them justice.

Jeff Fuller’s first half opener for Blyth was turned in from Chris Lisle’s pull-back from the bye line and Gary Day also netted for the Town before the break with his chance too set up by Lisle. The University’s single reply came from Dave Kewn but they conceded two more goals to Day (penalty) and Fuller after the break with the latter’s second scoring opportunity laid on by Neil Blades.

DIVISION ONE – PETERLEE MAKE THEIR POINT AT PURVIS PARK
Only goal difference is now separating joint leaders Gateshead Rutherford and Percy Main at the head of the First Division with the Main holding the aces in the shape of two games in hand. And while their Gateshead rivals were lying idle the Villagers kept the pressure on despite shedding their first home points of the campaign.

At Purvis Park, Jason Ritchie’s side were restricted to a 4-4 draw in their thrilling encounter with Peterlee Town who had been 4-2 losers in the reverse fixture. In this return game Percy Main made the brightest start and Joe Betts and Callum Colbeck were on target inside the first twenty minutes. They were reeled back in however and their determined visitors restored parity with replies from Scott Henderson and Adam Stanley.

Before the break Malcolm Morien restored the Main’s advantage but once again Peterlee hit back, this time through Peter Crawford and it was all square at 3-3. Colbeck’s second goal of the game nudged the Villagers in front again in the 65th minute but the Newtowners refused to surrender. After 76 minutes Crawford struck again for the visitors who deserved their share of the spoils.

Third-placed Amble United still have an interest in the promotion race and games in hand could allow them to overtake current table-toppers Rutherford, if not Percy Main. The Seasiders however were disappointed with their 2-2 home draw against Gosforth Bohemians although the result extended their unbeaten run to seven games. United seemed to have the points neatly wrapped up after scoring goals in each half put away by Darren Riddell and then Lee Harker. But credit was due to the Bohemians who never gave in and staged a very late recovery. Harry Tulip reduced the deficit in the 86th minute and three minutes later Kevin Held weighed in with Gosforth’s last ditch equaliser.

Chopwell Officials had won six of eight league games prior to the visit of South Shields United but in this one they slumped to a 3- 1 defeat.

Shields, due to take on Hartlepool Millhouse this week in the Durham FA Minor Cup Final at Peterlee, showed no signs of pre-final nerves and came good after losing three league games on the trot. Ryan Shave headed them in front from a Mark Davies flag kick midway through the first half and almost immediately Aaron Kah put his brother Tijan Kah through to double United’s lead from a tight angle. Before the interval Shields keeper Shaun Newbrook conceded a penalty and Chopwell’s Lee Best beat him from the spot but the visitors still had the last word. Straight after the changeover some intricate passing between Michael Pittuck, Mark Davies and Aaron Kah ended up with a great cross from Adam Bell being headed powerfully home by Kyle Yorston.

In the only other First Division game to beat the weather Berwick United’s recent improvement continued and they made it four wins out of five by beating struggling visitors Northbank 3-1. The Borderers avenged their earlier defeat over in Cumbria and took the lead when, slightly against the run of play, Jonathan Brown blasted his 25-yard effort into the roof of the net.
Before the interval a defensive mix-up by Northbank allowed Simon Hargreaves to extend Berwick’s advantage Ross Irving went close to getting Northbank off the mark but they conceded another goal scored by Leigh Walker and a late reply from Stuart McGarva didn’t offer much consolation. The Cumbrians had only one player on the bench at Berwick and are facing the real prospect of relegation.

DIVISION TWO – ATHLETIC ARE HEADING NORTH
Only two of eight scheduled games in the Second Division were able to go ahead because of the unforeseeable Easter elements and North Shields Athletic stretched their lead at the head of the table to a massive twelve points although nearest rivals Amble now have four games in hand.

Still unbeaten at home, North Shields made visitors Willington Quay Saints their latest victims in a 10-0 rout which showed just why they’re leading the field. Craig Boyle was a star performer with his hat-trick for Athletic. They also had Danny Henderson bagging himself a brace and the other goals in the double figure final tally were shared by Antonio Mango, Graeme Murray, Alex Burn, Liam Vaughan and James Barker.

But for their unsatisfactory results away from home, Forest Hall could have been challenging for the Second Division title instead of being in fourth spot with only vague hopes of promotion. In direct contrast to their travelling record the Hall have yet to be beaten at their East Palmersville base and maintained their record by restricting second-placed Amble to a 2-2 draw.
Kevin Baldwin and Michael Reay were the Forest Hall marksmen while Amble’s two counters both came from leading scorer Wyn Fremlin whose personal tally was increased to 26 goals in all games so far this season.

Amble have maintained their progress but are facing a daunting fixture backlog in the run-in to the end of the campaign. Other Second Division sides facing similar problems because of the continuing bad weather are Newcastle Chemfica, Cramlington Blue Star, Wallsend Town, Wallsend Boys Club and Whitley Bay Town who are currently isolated on the bottom rung.