Northallerton’s hopes of edging closer to the promotion pack were dashed when they were beaten 7-4 at Bedlington tonight.

They went behind after just 5 minutes to a goal by Ian Herron, but Nicky Martin equalised.

However, Dylan Williamson and John Sherlock scored twice before the half hour mark , with Martin pulling another back by half time. Bedlington went 5-2 up by the hour with two goals by Cameron Fenton, and after Chris Emms and Kerry Hedley put Northallerton back into the game, Fenton and Kevin Westphal made it 7-4 for Bedlington.

In the first division, Hebburn are now top after coming from behind to beat Newcastle Benfield 2-1, while Consett are now second after they scored twice in the last 20 minutes to beat Ryhope CW 4-2.

Sunderland RCA are third after coming from behind to beat Whitley Bay 3-2.

Meanwhile, Blyth FC, who resigned from the league just a month into the season, have been hit with a £2,000 fine.