A welcome return to winning ways for Consett as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win at West Auckland Town. In a largely one-sided contest, the Steelmen also saw a goal disallowed and hit the woodwork three times, as they made light work of relegation threatened West. This was, however, just the sort of game that Consett have been failing to win in recent weeks.

Consett fielded the same outfield ten, save for a couple of numbering changes, as that which drew at home to West Allotment Celtic in midweek. There was however a new face in goal, with Jack Norton, recently signed from Tow Law Town, making his debut.

The Steelmen set the tone early with Richard Logan beating his marker to a cross at the near post but scooping the ball just wide from the edge of the six yard box.

Then in the 12th minute a good Consett move saw Paul Robinson back-heel the ball into the path of David Pounder who flicked it on to Jonjo Dickman whose shot was deflected wide.

Richard Logan created a shooting chance

Paul Robinson's header hits bar and goes over

There was no respite for the beleaguered West defence and on 17 minutes Scott’s deflected free kick arrived too quickly at Adam Emson at the back post, who could only divert an instinctive header wide.

It was 28 minutes before the new Consett keeper was called into action, and it came from a Neil Pattinson shot from distance which Norton saved well despite the ball bouncing awkwardly in front of him.

Ten minutes later Norton was called upon to make a better save when Chris Musgrave collected Garry Barnes’ deep cross and fired in a low shot which Norton did well to block.

Half time: West 0-0 Consett

Consett had another stroke of luck five minutes later when Norton’s attempted clearance hit Liam Clough and rebounded back towards goal but just wide.

This spurred Consett into further action and after Scott’s 25 yard effort dipped inches over the bar, Emson headed Pounder’s cross against the foot of the post.

On 62 minutes the Consett defence again misjudged a hopeful ball forward as a free kick sailed over their heads to the unmarked Kevin Bromley but thankfully for the Steelmen his wild effort was well high and wide of the target.

Two minutes later Pounder’s 25-yard daisy cutter skimmed inches wide of the upright, and then almost immediately after the restart Scott’s cross to Emson at the back post resulted in the tall winger firing across goal and well wide.

Adam Emson beats his man

Carl Piecha heads clear

It was almost two in a minute as Logan’s touch off set up Scott and his powerful drive cannon back off bar. A goal for the former Nissan man would have been a fitting reward for a quite outstanding performance in a wide right role.

Fifteen minutes from time Robinson headed home Scott’s corner only to see the goal disallowed for a push. Consett’s disappointment was short-lived though as seconds later Dickman skipped through a couple of challenges before passing the ball into net off the post from 18 yards out.

With West a spent force by this stage it was just a question of how many Consett would get and they added a third three minutes later. Pounder worked a short corner with Scott who picked out Ormston in the penalty area and he drilled in a low shot on the turn to make it 3-0.

In the 85th minute Emson released Robinson who attempted to chip West keeper Whittlestone, who almost fumbled it into the net but was grateful to grab it at the second attempt.