North Sunderland stretch lead at top of NNL

Their win over Rothbury stretched their advantage over Tweedmouth harrow, who did not have a game, and who have the advantage of two games in hand.

There were also wins for Amble St Cuthbert and Wooler, whilst Craster drew with Embleton.

North Sunderland 3

Rothbury 1

Rothbury’s recent run of good form came to a halt as a good performance from North Sunderland saw them extend their led at the top of the table.

Goals from Stephen Rutter and Chris Coe saw the home side ahead at half time while in the second half Kyle Smith netted for Rothbury, but a Craig Greive goal ensured the win for the Seahouses side.

Amble St Cuthbert 3

Shilbottle CW 2

Amble just came out on top in this local derby played in glorious conditions at the Running Track ground.

With both sides playing their first game in a month, it was St Cuthberts who took an early lead when Brad McClelland scored from the penalty spot having been brought down in the box after only seven minutes play.

The Colliers had a golden opportunity to draw level shortly after but Adam Weightman put his effort wide. However, he did find the net after 15 minutes to draw his side level.

A bullet header from Brad McClelland put Amble ahead once again after 20 minutes and it took a tremendous save from Andrew Wilson in the Shilbottle goal shortly after to prevent St. Cuthberts going further ahead.

A headed goal from Adam Weightman from a Scott Neal cross just before the interval saw the sides level at 2-2 at the break.

The second half was fairly even but the game was decided by a scrappy goal after 70 minutes when a scramble in the Shilbottle box saw the ball strike Mark Ellis and rebound into the net.

Amble had keeper Josh Rutherford sent off five minutes from time for handling outside of the box but the ten men hung on to secure the points.

Belford 1

Wooler 2

Following a goalless first half Wooler took a two goal lead thanks to strikes from Brandon Crombie and Johnny Porteous.

They held the advantage until the 85th minute when a Liam Romaines goal for Belford meant a tense finish to the game.

Craster Rovers 2

Embleton WR 2

In a close and hard fought local derby neither team could manage a goal during the first half.

After the break Adam Gattens gave Embleton the lead with Liam Jefferson equalising for Craster.

Jordan Turnbull then restored the visitors’ lead but a second goal from Jefferson saw the points shared at the final whistle.

Table - North Sunderland 18-41, Tweedmouth Harrow 16-35, Rothbury 16-33, Amble St Cuthbert 17-28, Newbiggin Res 16-26, Embleton 19-25, Belford 18-23, Wooler 15-19, Shilbottle 15-17, Craster 17-17, Alnwick Res 17- -6

Fixtures

Fixtures for Saturday, March 31, are:

Bilclough Cup semi-finals - North Sunderland v Newbiggin res; Embleton WR v Amble St Cuthbert (1.30pm KO).

League - Wooler v Craster Rovers; Tweedmouth Harrow v Shilbottle; Belford v Rothbury.