Northern League: City weave bright Patton to make merry at Esh Winning

Chester-le-Street (blue and white hoops) battle against Northern League rivals Marske United

Yet Esh made a dream start as Jonathan Yip fired them into a 12th-minute lead.

Once Kyle Patton bagged an eight-minute brace, the hosts faced an uphill battle and it was just about all over for them when Jamie Allen made it 3-1.

Just before the end, Andre-Vasilo Ardekcan completed a comprehensive victory.

Stockton Town are the new leaders following a 2-1 victory at Willington, courtesy of Tom Coulthard (2). Michael Brown had given the Hall Lane side the lead.

Brandon United are second-bottom, just two points in front of Esh, after crashing to a 6-0 defeat at home to Billingham Town, whose match winners were Steve Oakley (2), Dan Lambert (2), Chris Dickinson and Craig Hutchinson.

Billingham Synthonia could only draw 2-2 at Hebburn Town, whose first four matches yielded only three points.

But Dan Chambers and Scott Wallace halted Synners’ early-season surge after Max Craggs had struck twice for the hosts.

Crook Town suffered a fifth defeat in six games after losing narrowly at Darlington RA. Maurice Martin and Ian Maddison replied to strikes from Chris Tarn (2) and Danny Aldridge.

Shildon were within seconds of maintaining a 100 per cent record in Division One when third-top Whitley Bay forced a 2-2 draw.

The Railwaymen – who conceded just one goal in their opening three games – led by the 23rd minute through Anthony Bell and Paul Connor.

But Alex Kempster halved the deficit and, in the last minute, Ross Wilkinson claimed a dramatic equaliser for Bay.

Newcastle Benfield drew 2-2 with Guisborough Town. Jack Errington and Lewis Scorgie netted foir Benfield, with Matthew Pennal and a Stephen Tobin own goal levelling it up.

Dunston UTS won 2-1 at Penrith in their FA Cup replay. Martyn Coleman gave the hosts a second-minute lead, but James Luccock and Liam Thear turned the tie around.