Victory lifts Shields six clear at top

SOUTH Shields moved six points clear at the top of the BetVictor NPL Premier Division table with an impressive 2-0 win at FC United of Manchester.

New signing Samni Odelusi was named as a substitute as another Mariners forward staked his place for a regular spot when Lee Mason fired his side ahead from close range with 36 minutes on the clock.

Mariners striker Jason Gilchrist made his return from injury during the second half and he made an instant impression by doubling the lead with a powerful finish against his former club.

Hebburn Town romped to one of the biggest wins in their history as they hit double figures in their Mitre Sports Brooks Mileson League Cup Group H tie at Birtley Town.

Kevin Bolam’s side were six goals up at half-time thanks to first half braces from Luke Sullivan and Olly Martin, and a goal apiece from Carl Taylor and Michael Richardson.

There was no let-up after the interval as Sullivan went on to complete his hat-trick and Lewis Suddick and Louis Storey went on to add their names to the scoresheet.

Former South Shields midfielder Richardson grabbed his second and the Hornets’ tenth goal of the night with 12 minutes remaining, but the scoring wasn’t finished yet and both Storey and Sullivan added to their tallies in the closing stages.

An injury-time strike from Ben Dibb-Fuller took the score to 13-0 as the Division One leaders produced a stunning display.

Former Newcastle United defender Olivier Bernard signed off from his three-match stint as caretaker manager of Durham City with a 3-2 defeat at Chesterle-Street Town in Group H.

A Callum Banki brace wasn’t enough to give Bernard his second consecutive win.

Tow Law Town achieved a hardearned 3-2 win at Carlisle City in the other Group H tie.