Report

Consett remain third in the 1st Division after an excellent 3-0 win at Shildon – their first victory at Dean Street in five visits.

The Steelmen took the lead in the 10th minute when Calvin Smith’s precise pass saw Dale Pearson run onto the ball and bury it into the net with an excellent first-time finish.

It was the big striker’s 12th goal of the season, all scored in his last 10 games, and better was to follow.

In the 18th minute it was 2-0 when Ali Alshabeeb gave Pearson an almost identical chance, and again he drilled the ball home. His 13th of the season was certainly unlucky for Shildon.

Pearson and Luke Carr both had chances to increase the visitors’ lead as they passed the home team off the park, and the pair were both within inches of scoring from a great Darren Holden cross.

Kyle Hayes made an important save from Billy Greulich-Smith right on half-time, and the Steelmen carried a fully deserved 2-0 lead into the break.

Eleven minutes into the second half Consett scored again, though there was an element of good fortune about the goal which made it 3-0.

A poor clearance by goalkeeper Shaun Newbrook fell to Carr, who slipped the ball to Jake Orrell. He drove into the box, and his shot was deflected past the stranded Shildon keeper by a defender.

Shildon had lots of possession in what was left of the game, leaving Consett to play on the break, and although both sides had a few chances, there were no more goals.

The result draws Consett level on points with second-placed Stockton Town, who were surprisingly beaten 1-0 at Ryhope CW, though the Anchors have lots of games in hand.

Newton Aycliffe, who won 1-0 at Billingham Town, are 4th on the same points, again with games in hand, while North Shields, who beat Newcastle benfield 4-2, are a point behind in 5th.

• Many thanks to Stephen Finch for the excellent picture of Dale Pearson’s second goal which illustrates this article.

• Full match report and more pictures to follow.