Alliance sides play on amid virus fears

Action from North Sunderland v West Jesmond on Saturday.

In the Premier Division, Alnwick Town had a 4-0 home win over Shankhouse (see back page), whilst in Division 1, Rothbury suffered a 5-1 away defeat at the hands of Cramlington United.

In the Development Division, North Sunderland were at home to second-placed West Jesmond and the Newcastle visitors racked up a 0-3 win which helped them close the gap on league leaders Ponteland United Reserves to nine points, and with the advantage of having four games in hand.

North Sunderland got off to a poor start and conceded a soft goal after only three minutes when Jesmond broke up the left and crossed into the box for their striker to score.

With the wind advantage, the Seahouses side pressed for an equaliser and created a few half chances, but at half-time they still trailed 0-1.

Just 90 seconds into the second half, however, they conceded again when the visitors doubled their advantage.

A third was added from the penalty spot following a foul by the stand-in Sunderland goalkeeper, who was booked, but he later made amended when he saved a second penalty following a trip.

Wooler went down to a 4-2 away defeat at the hands of Wideopen A. The Glendale side made a poor start and found themselves a goal down inside the first minute.

Tait equalised, but when he was tackled as he got in his shot he was injured and had to be substituted. A long throw and cross to the back post saw Wideopen tap in at the back post for a 1-2 interval lead.

In the second half Wooler again got themselves on level terms when Crombie cut inside and netted.

But their joy was short-lived as Wideopen went 2-3 up with a second goal from their striker, before the added a fourth with a 25 yard strike in the last minute.

Lowick’s away game at Red House Farm, the second time they were due to meet in as many weeks, was postponed.

On Monday evening, following the latest government update on the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Northern Alliance Football League issued a statement to confirm that all fixtures have now been suspended until further notice.