Seaton Carew edge nine-goal thriller as Northern League Division Two weeks turn on small margins

The scoreline of the week came on Friday night, when Seaton Carew beat Billingham Synthonia 5-4 in front of 254 people. It was the first time Synthonia had travelled to Seaton Carew, according to their preview, and the home side's win came a few days after they had beaten Prudhoe Youth Club 4-0 on Saturday. In that game Robbie Lithgo scored twice in four minutes before the break, Craig Linsel added a third, and Jack O'Gorman was sent off for Prudhoe in the 77th minute. Lewis Standing took the club's player of the match award for his work at both ends of the pitch.

Billingham Town's home game with Durham United on Saturday doubled as a fundraiser for Ethan Strike, an 18-year-old who has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and a prognosis of 12 to 15 months. Proceeds from the half-time crossbar challenge, which had reached a £572 jackpot, were to go to his fundraiser, with friends of Ethan collecting at the gate. The same club, Prudhoe noted, had beaten Newcastle University 6-0 the previous weekend.

At Hartlepool, Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Park View saw 17-year-old Xander Hunt score his first goal for the club in the 72nd minute. On Friday, the club announced the return of forward Max Naylor from Northallerton Town. Naylor had come through the club's junior section and made his Stockton Town debut at 16. He went straight into the squad for the visit of Tow Law Town. The club also marked John Ward's 700th first-team game as a supporter and report writer, 834 FC games in all counting juniors. Earlier, they had won 2-1 at Durham United, with Lewy Green claiming both goals after a correction.

In Chester Le Street, Chester Le Street Town drew 1-1 at home on Friday with Darlington Town, who had Jack Stapley from Northallerton available to play on the night of his signing. Jarrow won 3-1 at Sunderland RCA, with Jack Honour and Ryan Hardie among the scorers. Tow Law Town won 4-0 against Grangetown Boys Club, and Stokesley Sports Club lost 3-2 at Park View.

Saturday's fixtures include Boldon C.A. against Ryton & Crawcrook Albion, the first of six straight home games. Boldon are offering Sunderland and Newcastle season-ticket holders concession-price adult entry for that match and the next. Alnwick Town host Seaham Red Star, having played North Shields in the Newcastle Flooring Senior Cup on Wednesday.