ALSTON Moor Sports Club survived a late scare to jump up to third in Division Two of the Crook and District League.

Two goals in the final 10 minutes from visitors Newton Aycliffe Turbinia threatened a comeback, but Alston held on to record the 4-3 victory which now sees them occupy an automatic promotion spot.

Alston looked in cruise control as they took the lead, Ross Thomson opening the scoring as he cracked home an excellent effort from a tight angle in the 20th minute.

Both sides neutralised the other‘s attacking threat at the beginning of the second half, but Alston were two goals to the good when Jordon Norris surged forward and hit an unstoppable drive from 20 yards.

Turbinia were back in it when a quickly taken free kick caught Alston out. The two goal cushion was restored when the visitors’ defence gifted the ball to Callum James, and he made no mistake with a clear run on goal.

The result looked beyond doubt five minutes later as Nathan Frazer turned smartly and drilled the ball wide of the away goalkeeper to make it 4-1.

With Alston looking home and hosed, they were given a scare with 10 minutes to go as Aycliffe benefited from a freak goal. A pass back to Alston shot stopper Jason Williams looked harmless enough, until his clearance struck an onrushing striker and rebounded into his net.

A great strike then reduced the deficit to just one goal, but Williams came to the rescue to ensure the home side were celebrating three points as he made several good saves in the closing stages.