Five-star Cestrians

Chester-le-Street Town Juniors moved five points clear at the top of the Fairs Software Tyneside Junior League on Wednesday night with a comprehensive 5-0 victory against Whitley Bay at Hillheads.

The visiting Cestrians were fast out of the blocks and a goal up inside seven minutes when Robbie Houghton smashed home a penalty after Steven Richardson had been hauled down in the box. Within three minutes it was 2-0 after a superb one touch move involving five players resulted in Richardson firing home superbly from ten yards.

The same player made it 3-0 on the half hour with another well taken goal as Chester-le-Street played some superb two-touch football.

Right on the stroke of half-time Chester keeper Liam Connell pulled off a fine save from Lee Kerr to protect Chester-le-Street's advantage. The second half saw Chester pick up where the left off and Richardson rammed home his third with a superb effort from the edge of the box. Striker Martin Urwin, who worked hard all game made it five with 15 minutes remaining. After using all their substitutes, Chester played the last fifteen minutes out with ten men after Carl Jones was carried off.

It was a good performance for the Cestrians who bossed the game and finished the plucky hosts off inside the first 30 minutes. Robbie Houghton and Gavin Stoker had excellent matches but man of the match Richardson was outstanding.

Tomorrow, Chester-le-Street are away to Seaham Red Star in the League Cup semi-final.

Team: Connell, Jones, R Draper, Houghton, Blemings, Curry, Stoker (Wadge 58), Taylor (Docherty 55), Urwin, Richardson, Clough (Davidson 75). Subs not used: Glazinski, Nevins.