THE hard efforts from a group of Prudhoe YC Seniors players to clear the pitch of snow were rewarded.

For the team took advantage of being the only game in the division to go ahead at the weekend, jumping up to second spot in the second division of the Northern Alliance.

Prudhoe maintained their excellent run of form to leapfrog their promotion rivals, the hosts clinical in their 5-1 victory over Wideopen and District.

The game looked likely to join most of the rest of the North-East on the casualty list, as the 3G pitch at Prudhoe High School was covered in snow just hours before kick off.

But the sterling handiwork of a group of determined players with shovels in hand ensure the game could go ahead.

And they approached the fixture with a sense of purpose, knowing fine well three points would put the pressure on the teams at the top of the table.

Sam Brown and Jack Bell both went close early on, while defender Danny Driver brought a great save from the visiting goalkeeper with an effort destined for the top corner.

A great chance then followed for the lively David Burns as he broke clear, but his shot went wide when he had just the goalkeeper to beat.

The breakthrough came on 25 minutes as Kieran Russel's superb 40-yard, cross-field pass picked out Matty Robinson, and the winger connected with the ball to steer the ball from the edge of the box and into the back of the net.

An excellent team goal followed five minutes later as the ball found its way from goalkeeper Robert Thirtle all the way up top.

Brad Rodgers threaded a great ball into the path of full back Darren Graham, and he crossed for Sam Mannion to knock home from 10 yards out.

The Seniors went into the break three goals ahead as they added to their tally just before the break, Robinson collecting the ball from bell and, from just outside the area, smashed the ball into the net in a typically thumping fashion.

It was 4-0 just five minutes into the second half when Burns was on hand to divert Bell's cross into the goal.

The fifth came with 20 minutes remaining, man of the match Robinson sending in a teasing low cross from the right for Mannion to apply the finishing touch for his second of the afternoon.

The prized clean sheet for teenage goalkeeper Thirtle was surrendered with just five minutes to go, Harry Johnson notching a consolation for the visitors.