A Jonjo Dickman double saw Consett record their ninth consecutive league win and remain top of the league after a tight 2-1 win over away day specialists Penrith.

Anthony Lund replaced Andrew Cuthbertson for the home side allowing Jamie Poole to move into centre midfield while Penrith travelled in confidence after winning 6 of their 7 away league matches so far this season.

The game got off to a predictably tight start and there was no incident to note in the first 10 minutes but in the 11th minute it was the vistors who took the lead in bizarre fashion with Dean Douglas lobbing the ball over a motionless Barry Poskett from near enough the halfway line. It looked like a genuine effort from Douglas rather than a hopeful punt forward and it was completely misjudged by the home goalkeeper.

More chances followed from the vistors on 28 and then 35 minutes, firstly with Matthew Lea dragging a 15 yard effort wide and then Douglas inexplicably blazing over when played clean through by James Earl.

Consett hadn't strung a move together at this point or even had a solitary shot at goal while at the other end, goalscorer Douglas and centre forward Matthew Lea were causing all sorts of problems.

However, they say good teams find a way through adversity and sure enough The Steelmen equalised on 42 minutes with their first real attack. Lewis Teasdale floated a diagonal ball from the right wing, which found Carl Piecha in the penalty area. His cut back found the in form Gavin Barton 6 yards out and while his effort was superbly blocked on the line the rebound fell kindly for Jonjo Dickman who couldn't miss from close range.

Dale Burrell came on for David Scorer at half-time and took up the right wing back role, with Ryan Bell moving into the back three.

The change certainly seemed to have a positive effect and Consett made a much better start to the 2nd half and while no clear cut chances were created Lewis Teasdale and Craig Robson both went close from distance on 50 and 60 minutes respectively.

The game went through a somewhat attritional phase after the hour mark with a number of yellow cards handed out - most noteably to Wayne Robertson and Gavin Barton for matching elbows to the others head.

The game opened up at this point with both teams going for the 3 points and it built up to a thrilling climax. On 89 minutes substitute Daniel Robinson played the ever dangerous Dean Douglas through on goal. The Penrith goal scorer found himself a little wide after rounding Poskett and seemed to delay looking for someone to pass too rather than shoot himself. This delay allowed Ryan Bell to get back and while the ball was cleared there looked to be a strong case for a handball against the Consett defender.

The Penrith bench were up in arms at the officials and their mood wasn't improved in the 90th minute when a smart turn and shot by Teadale was well saved but the rebound again landed at the feet of Jonjo Dickman who poked home his second unmissable close range effort of the game. Before the game could restart Robinson was given his marching orders for continuing his protests against the denied penalty in too vociferous a fashion.

There was barely time for any more action and the score finished 2-1 to Consett. The vistors were arguably the better side and certainly deserved at least a point from the game but don't title contenders seem to win games like these?

Full time: Consett 2-1 Penrith

ANDY BALL