Northern League: Washington throw away two points in late stunner at Norton

Although the Teessiders led at the interval, with Phil Caley’s strike, by the 86th minute the Mechanics were 3-1 in front.

Mark Davison, who failed with a 37th-minute penalty, made amends by scoring the equaliser on 62 minutes.

Two goals from Joe Walton and Davison looked to have put Washington into a winning position, but, after Caley cut the deficit to a single goal, Thibault Charmey levelled at 3-3 in the very last minute.

Shildon now need only five points to be crowned champions following Morpeth Town’s 3-1 defeat at home to West Auckland.

The FA Vase finalists, who scored first through Dale Pearson, are now out of the running, leaving only Marske United to fight it out for top spot.

Adam Burnicle, Ross Gardiner and Callum Hassan won the points for West, who only recently secured their top-flight status for another season.

Newcastle Benfield have also celebrated this week. For much of the campaign they have been too near the bottom for comfort, but their safety was confirmed with Tuesday’s results and last night they defeated Dunston UTS 4-1.

Paul Brayson, with a brace, Anth Taylor and Stephen Baptist did the damage, with Malcolm Morien replying.

Durham City’s fate still hangs in the balance after their fixture at North Shields was postponed. With four games to play, they are seven points behind West Allotment Celtic, who have completed their programme.

Although they were thrashed 5-1 by Hebburn Town, Esh Winning have escaped ending in the bottom two of the Second Division.

Callum Smith, Chris Summers and a hat-trick by substitute Glen Hargrave earned the South Tynesiders the points. Adam Ward’s penalty was all Esh could manage.

They are three points ahead of second-bottom Birtley Town, who have only one game to play, and have a much superior goal difference.

Crook Town are fifth from the basement after losing 2-0 at Heaton Stannington, for whom Adam Rowntree scored both goals.