South Shields flying high in the Northern Premier – North East Non-League Recap (13th/14th September 2022)
Non-league football resumed this mid-week following the suspensions put in place across the English pyramid over the weekend to pay respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The weekend’s planned FA Trophy games took place this Tuesday and Wednesday alongisde fixtures from the National League, National North, Northern Premier, and both Northern League Divisions One and Two.
National League & National League North
Gateshead slipped into the relegation places of the National League following a two goal away defeat to Halifax Town. Mike Williamson’s side were dealt a double blow from Halifax forward Mani Dieseruvwe in the 51st and 54th minute before Owen Gallacher received his marching orders for a second yellow card.
The Heed were leapfrogged by their Yorkshire opponents and now sit 21st, a point and place from safety behind Toquay United.
An injury time equaliser from Lewis McNall rescued a point for Blyth Spartans at home to Farsley Celtic in the National League North while Spennymoor Town also had to share the spoils at home following a goalless clash with Curzon Ashton.
Northern Premier League
South Shields have a four point gap at the top of the Northern Premier League after a convincing 0-2 victory away to Lancaster City.
An own goal and Michael Woods sealed the points in what manager Kevin Phillips described as “Probably the best 45 minutes of football we’ve played this season.”
Hot on their heels in second with a game in hand is Marske United who also won on the road, they beat Guiseley 1-3 thanks to an Adam Boyes brace and Josh MacDonald.
They also had goalkeeper Ryan Catterick to thank who saved a penalty at 0-1.
Morpeth Town are closing in on a play-off spot after besting Ashton United 3-1.
Jack Foalle had the hosts in front within a minute with Chris Reid and Dale Pearson adding to the tally to make it three straight home league wins.
FA Trophy
Tuesday night proved fruitful for most of the North East sides competing in the first qualifying round of the 2022/23 FA Trophy, with five of the seven teams in action progressing.
The highlight was the all North East affair as Consett travelled to Shildon and picked up a 1-2 win via goals from Jake Orrell and Colin Larkin either side of a Dean Thexton equaliser.
Hebburn Town and Dunston UTS also won 1-2 on their travels at FC Trafford and Mossley respectively, while North Shields dispatched Pontefract Colleries 3-1 on home turf.
Stockton Town put on a show with Witton Albion and dramatic secured a 3-4 victory with Stephen Thompson netting in the last minute to give Stockton their first ever win in the competition.
Newcaslte Town fell to a 0-2 home defeat to Spalding United ending their distant Wembley dreams early on.
The next round for the North East contingent is as follows:
Hebburn Town v Stockton Town
Bootle v Dunston UTS
Colne v Consett
North Shields v Runcorn Linnets
Northern League Divisions One & Two
Andrei Ardelean’s late double gave Tom Law Town victory away to Crook Town as the hosts crumbled after Declan Brown’s second half red card on Wednesday night.
Jack Pounder’s hat-trick helpes Billingham Town to put nine past Ryton & Crawcook Albion in a 9-2 drubbing which put Town top of Division Two, and he was rewarded in style.
A return over a decade in the making as Washington played their first home game in NE37 since the 2009/10 season ended in a 1-2 defeat to Boro Rangers.
Wednesday night saw Blyth Town see of Easington Colliery 2-0 at home while Billingham Synthonia scored twice in the final final minutes at Prudhoe YC Seniors to complete a dramatic 1-2 win.
