Mar 2011
Wednesday's football March 2
05/03/11 11:08 Filed in: Reports
WEARSIDE LEAGUE by MALCOLM PRATT
AFTER suffering only their second defeat of the season in the previous game, Wearside League leaders Easington Colliery bounced back to form against Annfield Plain last night.
Former Durham City player Simon Todd, signed from Seaham Red Star, made a dream debut giving the Colliers a third-minute lead. His long-range shot flew into the net, giving Plain goalkeeper Stephen Kennedy no chance.
The visitors quickly levelled as Dominic Elliott finished off a nicely-worked move but two goals in a minute early in the second period had Easington back in the ascendancy.
James Donnelly cut in from the right and fired into the top corner of the net before Dale Crawford made it 3-1 with a fierce drive from the edge of the penalty area.
Easington remain nine points in front of New Marske who came from behind to win 3-1 at Silksworth.
James Gillespie finished off a good move down the left, slotting the ball home at the far post after just a couple of minutes.
The Wearsiders though were then undone when they failed to defend two set pieces. Shaun Howes equalised following a corner and Michael Mackin struck from a free kick.
Midway through the second period, Shaun Mackin beat goalkeeper John McClean and although they pressed in the later stages, the Wearsiders rarely troubled Seasiders' keeper Justin Hutchinson.
Ryhope CW stay third despite conceding two points to visitors Redcar Athletic.
Sam Young headed in a corner after only three minutes but by the seventh minute John Butler had equalised for Ryhope.
Houghton Town gained a welcome victory when they defeated Kirkbymoorside with a 13th-minute goal from Chris Curtis which was worthy of winning any game.
Curtis was well outside the penalty area when he struck a superb volley which rocketed into the top corner of the net giving goalkeeper Aaron Rivis no chance.
Both teams produced an excellent game of attacking football and despite going down to 10 men on 70 minutes with the dismissal of Rob McDermott, the visitors had Houghton penned back into their own half but failed to equalise.
Boldon CA celebrated the switching on of their new floodlights when they went nap against Coxhoe Athletic.
Kris Robertson bagged a brace of goals with Michael Meek, James Hudson and Shaun Reay (pen) completing a comprehensive 5-0 victory.
Alan Blair, Laurie Black and Dean Rogers (2), swept Windscale to a 4-1 success at Willington whose only reply came from debutant John Roberts.
Cleator Moor Celtic played only their third game this year and edged Hartlepool 2-1 with goals from Robbie Fowler and Craig Padley. Shaun Ross replied for Pools.