Northern League: Palmer pilots Red Star to upward mobility in success at Washington

Seaham Red Star handed high-flying Washington a second successive defeat in Saturday's First Division clash at Nissan.
Seaham Red Star (blue) attack agaist Washington on Saturday. Picture by Kevin BradySeaham Red Star (blue) attack agaist Washington on Saturday. Picture by Kevin Brady
Seaham Red Star (blue) attack agaist Washington on Saturday. Picture by Kevin Brady

Conditions were extremely difficult and early on Mark Collingwood’s Star were on the defensive, but using the counter attack to advantage.

Robbie Bird tested Washington goalkeeper Jonathan Carmichael three times in the first 10 minutes, but, at the opposite end, Shaun Newbrook was really extended denying Chris Winn.

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Just before the interval, Seaham broke the deadlock with Craig Lynch exchanging passes with David Paul before sliding the ball wide of Carmichael.

Washington’s hopes of saving the game nose-dived when they conceded twice in six early second-half minutes.

Culpable defending opened up the opportunity for David Palmer to double the lead, and he drove into the top corner of the net for 3-0, giving Carmichael no chance.

The Mechanics’ Anthony Callaghan crashed a free-kick against the crossbar, but it was only late in the game that the home side claimed a consolation goal from captain Mark Davison, who placed a lovely shot into the roof of the net.

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Red Star are now up to mid-table, while Washington remain fourth.

Shildon are the out-and-out leaders with an eight-point cushion over Guisborough, whose match of the day at third-top Morpeth Town was postponed.

Shildon, pipped at the post for the championship last season, romped to a 5-0 win over Dunston UTS as Michael Rae (2), Lewis Dodds, Billy Greulich Smith and Lewis Wing notched.

Newton Aycliffe cannot be discounted in the title race and they advanced their chances with a 2-1 win at Sunderland RCA.

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Conditions were horrendous, but the sides produced a good game which was decided with a brace of goals from John Campbell. After 49 minutes, he pounced on a defensive error. Then, after Colin Larkin levelled, Campbell volleyed past Andrew Hunter for the winner.

Consett’s Belle View Stadium all-weather pitch can withstand rain but not snow, and an hour into the game between third-bottom Durham City and Marske, the referee called a halt because the lines were no longer visible.

There was no score, but there had been chances for both teams, notably when City keeper Tom Flynn brilliantly parried a goalbound effort from Nathan Mulligan.

His opposite number, Robert Dean, was at full stretch to keep out an Aidan Haley shot and Durham were close again through Harvey Saunders before James Moore rattled the Marske woodwork.

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Norton and Stockton Ancients remain bottom after losing at Bishop Auckland, who led from the eighth minute through Ross Colquhoun’s header.

It wasn’t until seven minutes from time though that they sealed victory, despite a plethora of chances, as Priestley Griffiths made it two. Sean Tarling completed a 3-0 victory right on time.

Bedlington are second-bottom. Whitley Bay – with Ian Chandler back in charge – are fourth from the basement after their derby against North Shields was postponed, and West Allotment Celtic stayed fifth-bottom after losing to rejuvenated West Auckland.

Michael Hall, Adam Burnicle and Chris Emms secured 3-1 success, with Dan Robinson replying late on.