Consett sent out a powerful statement tonight after their weekend wobble, winning 5-0 at Crook Town to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Northern League.

Top scorer Dale Pearson led the way with a hat-trick after being restored to the starting line-up as one of six changes from the previous game.

Ryan King was given his first start since returning to the club in the summer, and Darren Holden, James Metcalfe, Dan Marriott and Callum Guy also came into the XI.

Dale Pearson took just three minutes to make his mark, sweeping the ball home from close range from Jermaine Metz’s pinpoint cross.

On 15 minutes Consett took control when another of the newcomers, young centre-back James Metcalfe, came in at the back post, pictured below, to finish Luke Carr’s superbly-delivered free-kick.

On 29 minutes it was 3-0 when Jake Orrell’s corner from the right was headed home by yet another of the changes, Ryan King, who outjumped his man.

Five minutes later the result was beyond doubt when the Crook keeper made a fine double save from Carr and then Guy, but was helpless to stop Dale Pearson scoring his second of the night.

It remained 4-0 at half-time, and four minutes into the second half Dale Pearson completed his hat-trick, taking the ball round the keeper, pictured top, after super play by Marriott.

It was almost six on 69 minutes, when Guy hit the post and the rebound fell to King, whose shot was cleared off the line by some excellent defending.

But Consett settled for 5-0, and a home defeat for fellow title hopefuls North Shields at the hands of Ryhope CW meant it was a good night all round.

A special mention should go to the Conny Army, who once again travelled in large numbers, giving Crook a bumper attendance of 503 – by far their biggest so far this season.

• Consett’s next game is on Saturday, 23 October, when they host Atherton Laburnum Rovers from the North West Counties League in the 1st Round of the FA Vase at Belle View Stadium. Kick-off is 3pm, and supporters are reminded that season tickets are not valid for cup matches. Admission will be £7 for adults, £5 for OAPs and £2 for under-16s.