Saturday's football February 12
14/02/11 15:48 Filed in: Reports
WEARSIDE LEAGUE by MALCOLM PRATT
THE games involving the leading trio were postponed but Ashbrooke Belford House failed to take advantage and close in on their rivals.
Victory would have lifted them into third place but despite scoring first, they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Annfield Plain.
Mark Green raised the expectations of Tommy Dobbing's team before the introduction of Stephen Kirkbride early in the second period proved decisive.
It was Kirkbride who fired Annfield Plain back into the game and 20 minutes from time he was left with a simple tap-in for what proved to be the winning goal.
Ashbrooke have slipped back to fifth and Windscale are now fourth following their thrilling five-goals contest with Willington.
The Cumbrians made a dream start, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes. Player manager Matthew Henney headed in at the near post on five minutes before Dean Rogers was left with a simple chance following excellent work by Alan Blair.
It looked all over for Willington as Andrew Hurley produced a tremendous 30-yard drive which swerved away from goalkeeper Chris Sawyer on its way into the net.
With 20 minutes remaining, however, Daniel Lee threw the visitors a lifeline and when Michael Weston beat the offside trap after 75 minutes, the result was all to play for.
Windscale held on for a 3-2 victory and are fourth - their highest rating so far.
Boldon CA have struggled near the bottom of the table for most of the season but they marginally improved their position with a six-goals blast at Cleator Moor Celtic.
There was no hint of the goals avalanche which was to follow when both sides managed just one apiece in the opening period.
Michael Dickinson struck for Celtic with Chris Robertson on target for the South Tynesiders who went on to dominate the second half.
Further goals flowed from Shaun Reay (2), Michael Meek (2) and Shaun Heals with Barry Irvine claiming a second consolation for the hosts.
Coxhoe Athletic slipped to second from bottom after losing by the only goal to Darlington Cleveland Bridge.
The outcome of a poor game was decided in the 38th minute when Dan McLachlan fired home at the far post past Coxhoe goalkeeper Tom Orton.
Jarrow grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser at Kirkbymoorside where Liam Clark had given them a ninth-minute lead, as his low shot found the net from the inside of the post.
Soon afterwards Peter Kane's penalty was saved by home goalkeeper Adam Magsen and just before the interval, Rob McDermott levelled.
Sarjo Cham gave the Yorkshiremen the lead for the first time midway during the second half and it was not until the 91st minute that Peter Kirkham earned a point for the visitors.
Hartlepool's game with Prudhoe Town was abandoned after just two minutes. Pools Philip Ross broke the same leg he fractured two years ago and after being taken to hospital by ambulance, players from both teams decided they didn't want to continue. Their wish was upheld by the referee.