Northern League: Ton-up Ryhope back in promotion places as Winter reigns supreme

Gary Pearson’s men produced an excellent performance to defeat visitors Northallerton Town 3-0.

Powerful striker Conor Winter rifled a brace, making the breakthrough six minutes before half-time, heading home a Davie Gordon cross, and doubling the lead just before the hour mark with another header.

Influential midfielder Nathan O’Neill converted a 78th-minute penalty to confirm the home side’s superiority, capping an outstanding all-round performance from the Wearsiders.

Ryhope leap-frogged Billingham Synthonia into third place with the victory and are just two points behind second-top Chester-le-Street, with three games in hand.

Ryhope are back in action tomorrow, visiting Brandon United for the first of two meetings between the clubs this month.

South Shields need just one more win to secure promption after beating Brandon United 3-1 in front of a 660-strong crowd at Mariners Park.

Brandon fought gamely and held out until the 65th minute.

Former Penrith striker Martyn Coleman, who has proved to be an astute signing by manager Jon King, made the breakthrough after rounding the keeper.

He all but wrapped up the points on 77 minutes, forcing home a superb, curling free-kick from Andrew Brown, and Leepaul Scroggins made it three, blasting into the top corner in stoppage time.

There was still time for Paul Basey claimed an added-time consolation for the visitors, tapping home after a defensive mistake.

Tow Law’s trip to Thornaby was postponed.

Darlington 1883’s Evo-Stik League Premier Division title push suffered a big setback with a 3-1 defeat at Frickley Athletic last night.

Graeme Armstrong’s goal had Martin Gray’s side ahead at the break, but the Yorkshire outfit hit back with three second-half strikes from Tyler Williams, Thomas Davie and Jacob Hazel.

Darlo trail leaders Blyth Spartans by seven points with three games in hand, continuing at home to Nantwich tomorrow.

Joe Tait netted twice as Spennymoor Town won 3-1 at Droylsden, after trailing, in Division One North. Nathan Fisher was also on target for second-top Moors.