Tones topples leaders

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), April 5, 2006

Only three games went ahead because of waterlogged pitches but the results were significant at both top and bottom.

Cleadon SC's lead was trimmed to a single point when they were defeated at Coxhoe Athletic, who had managed just four victories in their previous 25 games.

When Finbar Lynch gave Cleadon a half-time lead, it appeared they were on their way to another victory but Coxhoe played much better in the second half to run out 2-1 winners.

Andrew Allen made three outstanding second half saves to keep Coxhoe in the game before player-manager Don Williams equalised and with, only 15 minutes remaining, Robert Tones hit the winner.

Jarrow were full value for a goalless draw at Windscale. James Dolan kept the Cumbrians in with a chance, saving twice from Chris Liddle, while his opposite number Jonathan Carmichael was also in good form.

In the last minute, Jarrow almost snatched victory as a 35-yard shot by Brad Thompson forced Dolan into turning the ball over the crossbar.

Windscale are second, a point behind Cleadon, and Stokesley SC are third, equal on points with the Cumbrians. They hit Nissan SSC Sunderland for six as the goals flowed from Jonathan Newton (3), Harrison Davies, Richard Mills and Richard Hore.

Stephen Bagley scored Nissan's consolation goal, completing his side's best move of the game.

Ferryhill Athletic remain bottom but are just a point behind Nissan with six games in hand.

New Marske are third from the basement but have completed fewer fixtures than any other side. They have managed just 18 and still have as many to play.