Northern League division Two

Mar 16 2008 by Sunday Sun

RYTON were the only top-four team to win and they consolidated third position by defeating Esh Winning 2-1.

Gary Forbes gave Ryton an early second-half lead but following Michael Fort’s equaliser on the hour, it was not until 10 minutes from the end that Dale Burrell grabbed the winner.

Leaders Penrith left it late before clinching a point at fifth-bottom Hebburn Town, who led through Shaun Carroll. With just nine minutes left on the clock, Derek Townsley restored parity.

South Shields, who started the day in pole position, dropped back to second after losing at Marske United, for whom Mark Taylor scored the only goal on 12 minutes.

Following a poor start to the season, Sunderland RCA are now fifth, just a couple of points behind Whickham, who they beat 3-1 at Meadow Park.

It was not until the 65th minute that Andrew Jennings broke the deadlock with a superb solo effort, but seven minutes later Whickham were back in the game as Graeme King converted a penalty.

Lee Owens restored the advantage to the Wearsiders on 74 minutes and in stoppage time Gary Shields made sure from the penalty spot.

At the bottom, Brandon United lost to Prudhoe Town, whose scorers were Alan Brown, David Potts and an own goal.

Team Northumbria suffered a similar fate when they too conceded three goals to Norton and Stockton Ancients, whose marksmen were Daniel Hanafin, Jonathan Dowdan and Michael Dunwell.

Darlington RA are third from the basement but 17 points clear of a relegation place.

Their latest defeat was at the hands of North Shields, for whom David Little, Stuart Heppell and Dean Lee, with a brace, scored. RA’s only reply came from Wayne Flannigan as the Robins recorded their fourth consecutive home win.

Crook Town saw off the challenge from Thornaby with a Darren Kokes penalty, but goals were more plentiful for Horden CW who defeated Guisborough Town courtesy of Michael Ford, Anthony Lund and Roy Allen.

Birtley Town, who led the table for several weeks until Christmas, have still only managed four points this year following defeat at Stokesley SC.

Ben Johnson was an early scorer for the visitors and after Sonny Andrews equalised, Levent Yalcin netted the winner with a minute remaining.