Glorious night as red-hot Ryhope hit five to sink West Auckland

Gary Pearson’s men went ahead as early as the second minute, when Tom Bott fired past goalkeeper Mark Bell.

On 18 minutes it was 2-0, with Joe Melvin scoring following a corner from James Ellis.

Ryhope were rampant and extended their lead when Ellis beat goalkeeper Bell from the edge of the box.

Two minutes later, Ellis sensationally scored again, at the back post, to make it 4-0 and leave West reeling.

In the second half, Alex Francis pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute, when he scored from close range.

Three minutes later, Paul Connor smashed home the hosts’ second goal, but Ryhope held their nerve and clinched a 5-2 victory in the 88th minute when Nathaniel Skidmore slid in to complete a memorable win.

Second-bottom Washington were looking for much-needed points at home to Newcastle Benfield, but they went down 3-1.

However, the night started well for the Mechanics, as they went ahead when Shaun Pickford slotted home a sixth-minute cross from Cameron Wilson.

However, Joe Hailes equalised when he turned the ball past goalkeeper Daniel Gladstone.

On the hour mark, Paul Brayson hit a terrific free-kick into the bottom corner of Gladstone’s net, then Ritchie Slaughter hit an amazing shot from the halfway line to make it three.

Jarrow Roofingwere beaten 5-2 by mid-table visitors Whitley Bay.

Bay scored the opening goal after 10 minutes, when Scott Jasper tapped in from close range.

Three minutes later, Chris Salmon followed up to score the second, after Liam Brookes hit the bar. It was 3-0 after 18 minutes when Jasper scored his second with a good run and clinical finish.

Roofing pulled one back with a great 24th-minute effort from David Palmer, but Alex Kempster fired a low shot into the corner of the net to restore Bay’s three-goal advantage.

After 77 minutes, following a breakaway, Kieran Brannen finished well to hit Bay’s fifth. Paul Gardiner grabbed a 92nd-minute consolation.

Marske United were good 3-0 winners at Newton Aycliffe, thanks to Danny Earl and two-goal Craig Gott.

Tow Law Town were stunned by visitors Durham City in last night’s only Second Division game.

The Lawyers were looking for a win to go top of the table, but the Citizens secured a comfortable 2-0 success, their second win in a row.

City took a 36th-minute lead, when Callum Smith fired the ball home.

Durham sealed the win, with just two minutes left, when Nicky Allen scored their second.