Durham Alliance Combination League: Molloy magic show scuppers Sherburn's bid to rise up the table

Bishop Auckland Reserves achieved that feat on the back of a convincing 5-1 home win over Sherburn, inspired by a well-taken hat-trick from star man Reed Molloy.

Jordan Wymer and Dale Sadler also got in on the act as Bishops moved three points behind second-top Wheatley Hill WMC.

Jamie Taylor notched for Sherburn, whose top performer was Andrew Hope.

Hall Farm Glasshus, on a bye week, remain top, two points ahead of Wheatley Hill but having played a match more.

Durham City Reserves, playing their first match since October 15, fought for a 2-2 draw at newcomers Billingham, who doubled their points tally.

Mathew Arnell and sub Sam Brown struck City’s goals, with Ben Joyeux starring.

The Teessiders’ marksmen was two-goal man of the match Shaun Laverick.

Two league clubs crashed out of the Auckland Charity Cup at the second round stage, both losing to Crook and District League teams.

West Auckland Tunns went out 2-1 at Shildon Railway, despite producing a spirited performance.

Jamie Cranston firing the visitors in front, but Adam Pinkney’s penalty just before the break levelled matters and a luckless own goal sent West Auckland out of the competition. Paul Jordan was Tunns’ star man.

Blackhill & Ebchester exited with a 7-2 thumping at Heighington, who had Phil Raine (2), Phil Park (2), James Alderson, Daniel Dixon and Joe Kennedy on target.

Richy Parkin bagged both consolations for the visitors.