CONSETT made it three wins in a row with as a two-goal show from David Pounder inspired the Steelmen to a 4-1 win over Esh Winning on a perfect night for football at Belle Vue.

Despite sitting second-bottom of the league the visitors came into the game full of confidence after registering their first league win of the season at the weekend, hammering Chester-le-Street 5-1.

However, Nicky Martin, who was the main architect of that win with four goals, only started on the bench, apparently suffering from a groin strain.

Carl Piecha goes up

Andrew Cuthbertson looks for a pass

The game started quietly, and it certainly wasn't apparent early on that the teams were separated in the league by 17 points. Indeed, in the first quarter of an hour the only shot of note came from Esh's Craig Coates, who drove fiercely from 20 yards but his effort was straight at Danny Staples in the home goal.

Consett had the first golden chance on 16 minutes, and will still be wondering how they didn't score. Firstly, David Pounder was played clean through on goal following persistent play from Gavin Parkin down the right flank, only to see his effort was saved by Gareth Young in the visitors' goal. The rebound fell to Andrew Cuthbertson on the edge of the area who volleyed superbly, only for the ball to somehow end back in the visiting goalkeeper's hands after coming off the crossbar, his back and finally the post!

Consett did have the ball in the net 10 minutes later, but Pounder's neat lobbed finish was ruled out for offside, and while it looked like a marginal decision from the stands, there was little complaint from the players.

The home side looked stunned, but parity was restored in fine style only three minutes later when David Pounder curled in a majestic free kick from 25 yards. Young in the Esh goal didn't even attempt to move.

Both sides had half-chances shortly before the break, but the teams reached the interval at 1-1, which was a fair reflection of the play.

Half time: Consett 1-1 Esh

The second half started with no changes on either side, but it was evident Consett manager Kenny Lindoe had had words with his troops, and right from the off they looked like the superior team their league positions suggested.

David Pounder lets fly

Steve Huggins takes a tumble

It was all one-way traffic now, and on the hour mark the influential Huggins made a surging run down the right before cutting back to Pounder from the byline, and Consett's No 10 made no mistake, smashing into the roof of the net from 12 yards.
Ten minutes later the game was put beyond all doubt as Esh failed to mark again from a setpiece, and centre half Michael Coulthard powered home a header from another Huggins set play.

The visitors were now looking ragged, and their mood couldn't have been eased by the sight of Mattie Moffat coming on with 15 minutes to go.

But the big striker couldn't add to his 77 goals in 79 appearances in Consett colours, and neither could his team-mates.
Overall, it was a comfortable and well-deserved win for Consett after a tricky first half, and the team will now look to continue their march up the table at home to Bishop Auckland.