Wearside League

IT’S still too close to call for the title although Teesside Athletic, who conceded the last unbeaten record in midweek, lost further ground when they were held by lowly East Durham United.

Leaders Newton Aycliffe and New Marske though show no signs of weakening and both enjoyed comfortable victories.

Aycliffe hit bottom-of-thetable Guisborough Town HC for six as the goals flowed from Elliott Gardner (2), Danny Mellanby, Chase Mc- Mullen, Daniel Lerner and Roy Allen. David Campbell claimed a consolation for the visitors. New Marske are just two points off the top having played the same number of games as Aycliffe.

The Seasiders were four goals in front against Boldon CA through Robert Jones, who rifled a hat-trick, and Nicholas Ward before Michael Wright replied.

Easington Colliery are third but have a lot to do if they are to overtake the leading pair. Goals by Christopher Tarn (2), Peter Crawford and Scott Emmerson earned them a thrilling 4-3 victory at Willington for whom Adam Blenkinsopp (2) and John Banks replied.

Teesside Athletic are down to fourth but have games in hand on the three sides above them. They were rocked as East Durham United took a seventh- minute lead through Richard Anderson and there were only 13 minutes remaining as Lance Skelton restored parity.

Coxhoe Athletic could finish in the top six especially after defeating Hartlepool by the odd goal in three. Adrian Pritchard rounded the goalkeeper and Adrian Weston produced a tremendous 30-yard drive before Pools reduced the arrears with a late Brian Ross penalty.

Although Michael Lewis (pen) gave Cleator Moor Celtic a tenth minute advantage, Ryhope CW quickly levelled through Michael Burlinson and Kevin Burns hit the winning goal after an hour. An only goal by Paul Round proved sufficient for Kirkbymoorside at home to Jarrow while Silksworth Community’s win at Annfield Plain lifted them to sixth bottom.

Michael Curtis put the ball into his own net to give Plain the lead but the Wearsiders hit back with two goals from David McKinley.