Northern League title contenders Newton Aycliffe created a six-point gap at the top of the table with a comprehensive victory on Tuesday evening.

In their final home match of the season at Moore Lane, Aycliffe overcame in-form West Allotment Celtic to extend their advantage with three fixtures to go.

Second-placed Ashington have four matches remaining, while third-top Bishop Auckland are effectively out of the running as they are eight points adrift with nine to play for.

Three days after seeing off Sunderland RCA 9-0, Aycliffe had their shooting boots on again to complete their home fixtures for the campaign unbeaten, this time winning 4-0 with striker Eddie Thomas scoring hat-trick.

It was a notable victory, and not only because it strengthened Aycliffe’s hold on top spot.

West Allotment came into the fixture fifth in the table having not lost in nine games, winning eight in that period and conceding just twice.

But on Tuesday, in front of an attendance of 339, Aycliffe did not look back from the moment they took a sixth-minute lead through Liam Jarvie, the striker converting after midfielder playmaker Ethan Wood supplied the assist.

The contest was as good as over thanks to two Thomas goals within five minutes early in the second half; the first being a fine first-time strike across the goalkeeper after meeting Callum Munro’s pass from the right.

And soon Wood’s flick inside the penalty area teed up Thomas to make it 3-0.

Thomas’ treble was completed in the closing stages, tapping in following a Jack Clarkson backheel after Jacob Mallinson hit the bar, to put the seal on an 18th win out of 19 home league matches this campaign.

Aycliffe are now without a fixture until a week on Saturday when they go to Carlisle City. On Wednesday, April 19 they are at Northallerton – the only team to draw at Aycliffe this season – and Brian Atkinson’s side conclude the season at Penrith Saturday, April 22.

Ashington bid to cut the deficit when they go to Whitley Bay on Good Friday (12pm).