WEARSIDE LEAGUE
by MALCOLM PRATT
 
Silksworth  failed to halt Teesside Athletic's strong challenge for promotion to
the  Skilltrainingltd  Northern League when they suffered a 4-1 defeat  in  last
night's Wearside League game.
 
Following  a goal-less first half, Greg Booth fired the visitors in front with a
good  finish  from  eight yards but almost immediately Scott  Walker  equalised,
heading home a well-taken free kick by Anthony Rogerson.
 
For  most of the game, it looked as if the Wearsiders would at least hold  their
illustrious  visitors but the Teessiders ended strongly, scoring three times  in
the final 12 minutes.
 
Andy Porritt scored a magnificent goal in the 78th minute when he cut inside and
curled the ball into the net.
 
Five  minutes  later  James Kesterton was on target and in the  last  minute  he
completed the scoring.
 
Teesside Athletic are now third-top and although 10 points behind leaders Ryhope
CW, have played two games fewer than their rivals.
 
Easington Colliery appeared to be on their way to victory when they led Annfield
Plain by two goals at the halfway stage.
 
In  the  23rd minute Chris Wallace produced a clinical finish from  outside  the
penalty area and seven minutes later Kevin Devine doubled the Colliers' lead.
 
Shaun  Sager threw the Plain a lifeline with his goal after 58 minutes and  with
five  minutes  left on the clock he equalised. Two minutes from time  substitute
Aaron Robinson clinched a dramatic winning goal for the visitors.
 
An  only goal in the 10th minute by Paul Millward earned lowly Guisborough  Town
HC  victory  over  Boldon  CA and Cleator  Moor  Celtic  consolidated  fifth-top
position with a 5-3 victory at neighbours Windscale.