Northern League: Sunderland RCA can go third in Division One with home win tonight, at end of a magnificent season

RCA, playing for the second time in successive days, host Jarrow Roofing in a crucial clash for both sides and deserve a big crowd as they close out a magnificent campaign.

Roofing will be relegated if they lose.

Last night, RCA travelled to Newton Aycliffe and won 2-0 to go two points behind third-top West Auckland, who have ended their season. Shildon, in fifth, could also finish third.

The Meadow Park men took a 19th-minute lead, when Dylan Elliott powered home a shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Just before half-time, RCA had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Jack McLaren.

Luke Page, though, made it 2-0 after 69 minutes, scoring from a tight angle, when goalkeeper McLaren should have done better.

Fourth-bottom Bishop Auckland ended their season with a 6-1 mauling at Dunston UTS and could still go down.

They are four points above Jarrow Roofing, who have two games to play.

Bishops struck in the second minute, when Chris Winn netted, but Dale Burrell soon equalised. After 30 minutes, Mark Fitzpatrick gave Dunston the lead and Burrell made it 3-1 in the 47th minute.

Fitzpatrick scored his second to make it 4-1, then Burrell completed his hat-trick on the hour mark, with Ben Pollock adding to Bishops’ woes.

Marske United moved top of the table, above Morpeth Town on goal difference and still with games in hand, after a 1-0 win over Guisborough Town, with Andrew Stephenson notching on 61 minutes.

Penrith routed hosts Newcastle Benfield 5-0 to move six points clear of the drop zone, never looking back after Martyn Coleman’s fourth-minute opener.

Coleman went on to complete a four-goal haul, with Willie Paul making it five,

Billingham Synthonia secured only their second win, pipping Team Northumbria 3-2, thanks to strikes from Alex Nelson, Phil Caley and Tom Gavin (penalty). Matthew Lowrie and Ryan Redford cut the deficit, but Synners held on for the win.

In Division Two, Jarrow rescued a 2-2 draw at Crook Town with Daryll Donnelly’s late leveller. Kris Allen put Jarrow ahead, but Wayne Gredziak and Ben Clarke turned it around for Crook.

Brandon United lost 3-1 at leaders Blyth, after leading with Kieran Alderson’s 33rd-minute strike. David Robinson, Michael Chilton and John Parker guided Blyth home.

Willington claimed a 1-0 Second Division win at Heaton Stannington last night, with Conor Winter bagging the only goal.

Whickham moved into second place with a 2-1 win over Thornaby, courtesy of Joe Mole and Andrew Bulford (penalty), with Kurtis Howes replying.

Lewis Rees’s goal earned Darlington RA a 1-0 victory over visitors Ryton & Crawcrook Albion.