A three goal burst in ten minutes ensured Consett stay eight points clear at the top of the STL First Division with a 3-2 win at West Allotment on Saturday.

Marc Walton put Allotment ahead just before half time, but Consett moved up a gear at the start of the second half. Jamie Poole scored from the edge of the box on the hour, then Danny Craggs made it 2-1, scoring from the rebound after Anthony Lund’s shot was blocked. Recent signing Dale Burrell scored the third in a goalmouth scramble, before Walton scored his second of the game with a cracking drive from the edge of the box.

“For twenty minutes we played really well, but we were struggling with injuries near the end, We’d already used three subs, and two players were having problems,” said manager Kenny Lindoe.

Spennymoor climbed above Shildon into second by beating Penrith 2-0, but they were less than convincing. They took the lead after 29 minutes when Gavin Cogdon was fouled, and Steve Capper scored from the penalty spot. Moors went on to miss a couple of good chances, and in the second half Penrith caused some nervous moments before Anthony Peacock crossed for Craig Ruddy to sidefoot in at the far post with just three minutes left.

Newcastle Benfield also went above Shildon on goal difference by defeating Billingham Town 3-0.

Benfield striker John Campbell, who is still the subject of strong interest from several Football League clubs, scored twice to make him the joint top scorer in the league, with 23.

Chris Feasey fired Benfield ahead after 6 minutes, with Campbell adding the second with a deflected effort just after half time. He got the third after Town keeper James Briggs parried a Scott Fenwick shot.

South Shields had a good 2-1 away win at Sunderland RCA in their local derby.

They took the lead after 20 minutes when Chris Winn beat four defenders and fired in off the post, and soon after Lee-Paul Scroggins fired an angled drive into the top corner.

The RCA came more into the game in the second half, and there were plenty of chances at both ends before Joe Walton headed RCA’s consolation late in the game.