Seaton Carew's first night under lights brings nine goals and two red cards

Seaton Carew switched on their new floodlights on Friday and Billingham Synthonia were the first visitors to play under them. The match finished 5-4 to the home side, with 254 in attendance, one player sent off from each team and a first Northern League hat-trick in the club's history.

It belonged to Robbie Lithgo. He put Seaton ahead after a goalless first quarter of an hour, and Synthonia then scored twice within six minutes. Adam Stuart levelled at 2-2 before the break. In the second half Lithgo scored from long range, then added a third four minutes later. Synthonia answered almost at once through a substitute with his first touch. Synthonia's number 9 was sent off for serious foul play on Connor Johnson, and four minutes later Seaton's Lewis Standing followed for what the club called a perceived similar offence. A late handball gave Seaton a penalty, and Drew Lake scored it with five minutes left. The club says Lithgo only returned from injury two weeks ago and has scored six goals since. He is also nominated for September's Goal of the Month at Seaton, voting closing on Monday 5 October. Synthonia's own award went to Harry Lambert for a strike at Seaton Carew the week before.

The rest of Saturday's programme was quieter. Alnwick Town beat Seaham Red Star 4-0, with goals from Kyle Cockburn, Jaymie Shell, Joshua Leonard and Thomas Wilson, in front of 80 people. Jarrow beat Stokesley 4-1 at home. AFC Newbiggin won 2-0 at Park View, Billingham Town edged Durham United 2-1 before 244, and Boldon C.A. beat Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 2-0. Hartlepool drew 1-1 with Tow Law Town, Josh Stiff scoring in the 22nd minute and two late saves from Douglas preserving the point.

Friday night's Division Two fixtures brought two away wins, with Durham United losing 1-3 at home to Prudhoe and Ryton & Crawcrook Albion losing 1-3 to Park View.

The week had a sadder side. Hartlepool paid tribute to Brandon Grimes, a referee described by the club as a familiar face across the Northern League. Darlington Town were due to remember former vice chairman Peter Murphy before their home match with Alnwick Town.

In the transfer market, Euan Potts returned to Alnwick, and Darlington Town signed Mason Hardy from Seaham Red Star. Next on the cup calendar, Boldon face Jarrow in the FA Vase on Saturday 10 October, and Seaton Carew will host Spennymoor Town in the Durham Challenge Cup.