skilltrainingltd Northern League

BISHOP AUCKLAND completed their great escape when they beat Northallerton 5-1 to secure survival in the first division of the skilltrainingltd Northern League on Saturday.

Bishops looked as if they were heading for the second division in January when they were adrift of the other strugglers, but new manager Colin Myers has guided them to 25 points since then, and First Division safety.

“The players deserve a huge amount of credit,” said Myers.

“When I first took over, I couldn’t believe the state the team was in, and they were very low on confidence.

“But they’ve taken everything on board that I’ve told them, and once we got our first win, then it snowballed from there. On Saturday, they kept their nerve, and once we scored our third goal, it was all over.”

Bishops took the lead after 12 minutes when teenager Mark Henson scored with a 30 yarder after cutting in from the right. Steve Salvin headed the second from Arjun Purewal’s cross before Stephen Allison gave Northallerton some hope when he pulled a goal back before half time.

Bishops took control on 65 minutes when Henson wriggled free and fired past Northallerton keeper Paul Clements.

Salvin made it 4-1 from 45 yards after Clements cleared the ball straight to him, and in the last minute Henson completed his hat trick at the second attempt.

Bishops’ win means Northallerton, West Auckland and Seaham Red Star will definitely finish in the bottom three, but the team that finishes third bottom could be reprieved if Morpeth are demoted because of their ground – a decision will be made on May 14.

Seaham Red Star are currently third bottom, after recording a 2-1 win over Dunston.

They took the lead when James Huntley scored from a Paul Roddam pass, then Dunston had keeper Barry Poskett red carded for a professional foul. Roddam put Seaham 2-0 up from an Andy Richardson pass just on half time, and in the second half Andy Bulford headed a consolation for Dunston.

West Auckland have now failed to win any of their last nine games, and they could finish bottom after losing 3-1 at home to Billingham Town.

They got off to a great start, scoring in the opening minute through Garry Barnes, but Town levelled in the third minute when Shaun Boynton scored from a Shaun Clarke free kick. Town got on top in the second half, and John Alexander made it 2-1 from a Richie Walker pass, and he scored his 21st league goal of the season wit ha header from a Clark corner.

Spennymoor were knocked off the top after they threw away a 2-0 lead against FA Vase finalists Whitley Bay – losing 3-2 in front of a 438 crowd. They went in front when Gareth Waite found Craig Ruddy with a 50-yard pass, and Ruddy crossed for Jamie Clarke to head in off the bar. They went 2-0 up when Bay keeper Terry Burke lost possession, allowing Karl Richards to score.

But former Moors striker Adam Johnston pulled one back from the edge of the box just before half time, and ten minutes after the re-start Clarke put through his own goal in a scramble. Whitley finished stronger, and skipper David Coulson scored the winner from a few yards, with Moors claiming handball.

Consett took advantage of Spennymoor’s slip to return to the top of the table with a 3-1 away win at West Allotment.

The home side took the lead when David Colvin set up Andy Johnson to score after 20 minutes, and they stayed in front until an improved Consett levelled on 62 minutes when Steve Johnson headed in a Chris Scott corner.

Sub Jonjo Dickman turned the game, putting Consett ahead from an Adam Emson assist, then he got the third, following up to score from the rebound after Emson hit the post. Consett have two games left, against Newcastle Benfield tonight and Whitley Bay on Saturday.

Newcastle Benfield also have a good chance of the title after winning 2-0 at Billingham Synthonia. Micky Chilton headed his 31st goal of the season after 15 minutes, and after Synners’ David Yale fired a penalty over the bar, Stephen Young made sure in the closing minutes.

In the other first division games, Sunderland Nissan look good for a top five finish after they beat Shildon 3-1, with all the goals coming in the second half. Richard Hodgson raced through to put Nissan into the lead after 55 minutes, then Danny Hindmarch fired the second. Lee Owens caught Shildon on the break for third, while Warren Byrne pulled a goal back for Shildon, his 40th of the season.

Tow Law were furious about a penalty awarded to Penrith that led to them losing 3-2 at Ironworks Road.

They led 2-1 at one point with goals by Mark Eccles and Lee Hamilton, but Penrith got back into the game thanks to Carl Jackson’s penalty, his second goal of the game.

Danny Robinson got the winner for Penrith with a 30 yarder.

Ryton, in their first season in the top division, should finish in the top half after beating Chester-le-Street 3-2 after being 2-0 down at one stage.

Chester led with two penalties by Josh Home-Jackson and Colin Wake, but Ryton hit back with three goals in the last half hour.

Bedlington drew 2-2 with South Shields, while Ashington beat Morpeth 2-0.

In the second division, Horden clinched promotion beating Crook 4-1. Craig Hubbard gave them the lead when he touched in a Stuart Brightwell corner, and Chris I’Anson tapped in from a Kevin Devine cross on 24 minutes. Darren Kokes pulled a goal back on 32 minutes, but Mark Stephenson made it 3-1 before Crook defender Andrew Green put through his own goal for the fourth. Horden can pip Norton for the title if they beat Marske on Tuesday night.

Sunderland RCA’s 2-1 victory over Stokesley was in vain, and they have to settle for fourth place. Steve Jones scored the winner after Andy Jennings’ early goal was cancelled out by Dale Mendum.

Washington’s 3-1 home win over North Shields means Darlington RA are down to third bottom.

Brandon’s chances of finishing in the top five are receding after they lost 3-2 at home to Marske United.

Marske scored three times in 15 minutes before half time through Simon Kasonali, Benn Thompson and Craig Skelton, with Alex Wilson and Paul Dixon replying.

Team Northumbria won 2- 0 at Jarrow Roofing, while Birtley got the better of bottom club Thornaby by the best of five, Michael Hepplewhite scoring the winner seven minutes from the end.