Wearside League: There was a mini celebration at Ferryhill Athletic on Saturday after securing only their second victory of the season.
And David Fanning's side did so very much against the odds. Sport Catterick, in good form of late, were firm favourites to make further progress up the table but the under-dogs rose to the occasion and fully deserved a 4-2 win.
It is a long time since Ferryhill enjoyed the luxury of a three-goal lead but by the 31st minute they had struck through Tony Stafford, Stuart Cottam and Tony Stebbings.
Martin Butterworth pulled a goal back for the visitors only for Cottam to again find the net and although Sam Vernalls maintained his recent good scoring record, there was no stopping Ferryhill.
Darlington RA extended their lead at the top of the table with a hard-earned 2-1 success over Wolviston at Brinkburn Road. Martin Brown celebrated his return to the side following a long lay-off to give RA a 17th-minute advantage and after Shaun Braithwaite levelled, Andrew Singlewood grabbed the winner.
RA are now seven points in front of Stokesley SC who were without a league fixture but have two games in hand.
Coxhoe Athletic stay third after being held to a 2-2 draw at Harton and Westoe.
John Parnaby was an early scorer for Coxhoe and after Jonathan Mullen equalised it appeared that an 85th-minute goal by Kevin Bush would see Coxhoe home. But in a dramatic finale Harton took a point with a late effort from Mullen.
Ryhope CW moved into fourth place - their highest rating of the season - when they just edged victory at home to Whitehaven. The only goal was scored by Stephen Rochester on 35 minutes.
Annfield Plain scored twice in the last eight minutes to take the points at Jarrow who led from the 45th minute courtesy of Paul O'Brien. Tony Quinn equalised with a penalty in the 82nd minute and with virtually the last kick of the match David Watson snatched victory.
Mark Johnson put Cleadon SC in front in the 75th minute at New Marske who shared the points as Ben Walker found the net with only three minutes remaining.
Goals were more plentiful at Washington Nissan UK who ended 3-3 with Shotton Comrades. Michael Pittam and Daryl Evans had Comrades two goals up but Nissan hit back to level through David Ward and David King. An 84th-minute penalty by Gary Devine looked as if it might be enough for Shotton but once again the home side retaliated and Richard Bland equalised.
Boldon CA and Birtley Town were also involved in a 3-3 draw. Craig Rolfe (2) and Graham Nesbitt were on target for Boldon with Anthony Cosgrove, Matthew Raine and Tony Thirkell replying for the visitors.
Stokesley SC represented North Riding FA in the Inter County competition at Bay Athletic where they lost 4-2 on penalties. Craig Johnson and Jonathan Newton struck when the scores finished level at 2-2 following extra time.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article