One point separates top five in NL Division 2, and it should be six

Carlisle City coach Jim Nichols was content after last night’s 3-2 away win at Willington.

“We weren’t at our best but was quite comfortable,” he observed despite a scoreline that suggested a tight game.

City took the lead in the sixth minute with a James Earl penalty and only failed to hold it for two minutes between Luke Bailey’s equaliser and their second, scored by Dan Kirkup just before half time.

Jordan Palmer added a third before Michael Tait scored Willington’s second to make for a tense finish.

Video provided by Willington FC twitter.

Goals from last night's 3-2 defeat to @CarlisleCityFC ⬇️

A fine strike from @lukebailey102 & a header from @mjt8__ wasn't enough to earn Willo a deserved point.

Watch out for a great finish from @jord1199.

A tough game with some odd decisions for both sides#willo #teamibby pic.twitter.com/Gk05u52dUW

— Willington AFC (@WillingtonAFC) October 8, 2020

Weekend league leaders Crook Town had already lost 4-3 on Tuesday to Tow Law, so City were among a number of clubs hoping to take advantage. But they were all away from home, so Crook could afford to be hopeful.

Bedington Town and Easington Colliery both drew 0-0 away from home at Redcar Athletic and Ryton & Crawcrook respectively.

Both host clubs were among the top sides last season, so the loss of away points might not be as bad as it looks.

Newcastle University had a very laudable 4-2 in at Jarrow.

Billingham Synthonia were the highest placed team to have a home tie on Wednesday night but their recent excellent form came to a shuddering halt when Birtley beat them 2-1. Kelvin Thier and Tony Smith were their scorers after Foz Garton had given the Synners a half time lead.

Worryingly for the top five is the resurgence of last year’s best side, West Allotment Celtic. After a shaky start, they recorded their fourth straight win with a 3-2 home win over Durham City.

But the eye opening scoreline of the night came at Brandon United’s Welfare Ground in County Durham. Goals from Jonathan Wright 2, Connor Campbell 2, Lewis Burns, Josh Wilson, Ryan Bailey and Richie Hoggins saw Heaton Stannington win by eight goals to nil.

The Stan had only scored ten goals in their previous six games.

Washington beat Sunderland West End 4-1in the other game.

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 TOP 8 (Top4 promoted)

They have games in hand over everyone and will almost certainly be  level with that top six. Their next match is at home to Washington then they have three away games however

Upcoming this Saturday is a truncated schedule of games due to cup ties.

4th plays 2nd in the day’s biggest games as Nichol’s City face the long trip to Easington.

Bedlington have a great chance to extend their lead at the top with a home game against 13th placed Sunderland West End. Tow Law Town are at home to Willington and must be optimistic following their defeat of Crook Town.

All their eyes will be on last year’s runaway leaders West Allotment who will be looking for their fifth straight win when Washington Visit Tyneside.

FIXTURES (All 10/10/20 at 3pm)

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