by MALCOLM PRATT

It remains nip and tuck at the top of the table with Ryhope CW's lead over
Scarborough Town now only six points, with the Seasiders having three games in
hand on their rivals.

Martin Swales' side were favourites to win at Hartlepool, who started the day
second from bottom but in the event they were lucky to claim one point.

Colin McCullough shocked the visitors when he found the net in a goalmouth
scramble after only nine minutes and when Ryhope had John Butler sent off in the
76th minute, the omens were not good.

With the game deep into stoppage time, John Davis saved Ryhope just when it
seemed his side was about to suffer what would have been only their second
defeat of the season.

In contrast, Scarborough Town enjoyed an eight-goals romp over Wolviston, whose
defence has been one of the strongest in the league.

The Teessiders though had no answer to Boro's penetrating attack and the goals
flowed from Josh Greening, who rifled a hat-trick in the first nine minutes,
Jamie Lawrence, Dean Craig, Matthew Brown, Robbie Hawkes and Joe Danby.

Houghton Town moved into the top half of the table with an excellent 3-2 victory
over Windscale in Cumbria.

The home side scored first and last courtesy of Dean Rogers and Peter O'Donnell.
In between, Stephen Harrison, Brad Freeman and Richard Hall found the net for
Steve Patton's side.

Jarrow scored their first goal in five games but Peter Kane's header
wasn't enough at home to New Marske, who won with strikes from Stephen Barker
and Shaun Mackin.

Coxhoe Athletic were no match for Annfield Plain who scored twice in each half.
Dean Lee and Stephen Kirkbride were the early marksmen before John Clarke and
Aaron Robertson also got in on the scoring act.

Brothers Stephen and Mark Williams gave Boldon CA a perfect start and although
Adam Blenkinsopp threw Willington a ray of hope, the South Tynesiders finished
strongly taking their tally to four thanks to Michael Meek and Jason Donnelly.

An only goal two minutes from the end by James Kesterton was sufficient for
Teesside Athletic against Kirkbymoorside.

The result lifted the Teessiders into third position but they still have a lot
to do if they are to realise their promotion aspirations.

Silksworth were saved the long journey to Cleator Moor Celtic and a waterlogged
pitch also caused Easington Colliery's game at Guisborough Town HC to be called
off.