West Auckland arrived at Belle Vue Park as one of the form teams of the Albany Northern League First Division, having scored 19 goals in their last four matches. But Consett deservedly took the three points with a gritty, determined performance capped by three well taken goals, two of which could be goal of the season contenders.

Consett went close after 11 minutes when Scott Wilson made a good run to get onto Tony Halliday’s cross but his shot was blocked by a defender. Gradually though the visitors gained the ascendancy with former Sunderland player Steve Agnew prominent. After 20 minutes McGuire fired straight at Consett keeper Stuart Kelly then a minute later West headed just wide at the far post. 

But The Steelmen took the lead out of the blue on 25 minutes. Auckland keeper Hall’s kick fell kindly for Andrew Thompson who returned the ball over the keeper’s head and into the net from at least 35 yards if not further. Encouraged by taking the lead, Consett almost doubled their advantage three minutes later when Colin McLeod headed wide from Lee Suddes’ corner. At the other end Agnew volleyed wide from 18 yards following Stout’s cross.

The Steelmen did increase their lead after 32 minutes. Chris Hodgson, returning after injury, went past a defender before sending over a perfect cross. Suddes met the ball well with his head but Hall saved, however Halliday was on hand to put the ball in via the upright.

Half Time: Consett 2-0 West

Gareth McKenna replaced the injured Suddes at half-time and it was from his corner that McLeod saw his header clawed out by Hall. The visitors then enjoyed a good spell. After 56 minutes good play by Allen set up a shooting chance for substitute Lang but Kelly made a superb one handed diving save to deny him. Two minutes later Agnew found himself clean through but he shot wide with only Kelly to beat.

Auckland eventually did reduce the deficit after 67 minutes when Stout’s 25 yard grass cutter found its way into the bottom corner of the net. But Consett restored their two goal advantage two minutes later with a Colin McLeod special. Wilson won the ball in midfield and laid the ball to ‘Macca’ who curled in a shot from the edge of the box.

A lapse in the visitors defence presented Neil Lowdon with a golden opportunity but he shot straight at the keeper while Stout headed wide of the Consett goal when he should have done better. The game ended with both sides being reduced to ten men. With five minutes to go Consett’s McKenna received a straight red for a bad challenge, then two minutes later West was dismissed for the visitors for his second booking.

The win moved Consett two places up the table and out of the relegation zone.