HEXHAM Phoenix underlined their credentials as title contenders by edging out reigning Hexham and District Sunday League champions Haltwhistle Jubilee .

Goals from Lewis Loughhead and Kurtis Harvey saw last season’s runners-up pick up the three points in the slender 2-1 triumph, Andy Elliott excelling for hosts Hexham.

Dan Kirkup registered for Haltwhistle but it was not enough as they lost for the first time this term, with Thomas Wilkie their star man.

Prudhoe Town enjoy bragging rights over town rivals Halfway House Prudhoe courtesy of the unlikeliest of sources.

Captain David Bransby has been a rare scorer for the club over the years, but he helped himself to a hat-trick as Town defeated their Youth Club opponents 5-3. The man of the match was joined on the scoresheet by Connor Vasey and Ste Forster, with Paddy Finnerty hitting two and Adi Sutcliffe one in reply for Halfway, who had Danny Driver impressing at the back.

Division Two leaders Heddon St Andrew’s pushed home their advantage at the top by hitting Hexhamshire for double figures.

Mark Murtagh and Richard Harrison both hit trebles, while Dan Walker and Andy Appleby helped themselves to doubles in the 12-2 triumph. Michael Connelly and Mark Richardson also netted while Ross Bailey was man of the match. For ‘Shire, Lee Riley and Robbie Nixon found the back of the net and Phil Tipple was man of the match.

Jada Doris hit two, and Scott Bennett, Martin Smith, Tommy Tams and Nathan Reed one each as Ryton Social Club kept the pressure on with a convincing 6-0 win over Swinburne Arms Stamfordham . Defender Ant Sanderson was named star man for his role in keeping Stamfordham out, with Michael Jobson the away side’s star man.

Goals from Tom North and Steven Leetham saw a Hexham Hearts side, best served by Duncan Scott, edge out Rose and Crown Bellingham 2-1. The hosts’ sole scorer Robert Simpson was also man of the match.

Marc Nixon completed his hat-trick to see Barrasford come from behind and send them into the last 16 of the Northumberland FA Sunday Minor Cup. Trailing 3-2 to Ashington Town, Barrasford’s key man inspired them to a 4-3 victory, with teammate Will Forsyth joining him on the scoresheet.

Division One frontrunners Prudhoe Social Club put in a great effort but fell to a strong Benwell Springbank, James Watson scoring and Andy Sagar man of the match in the 3-1 reversal.

Division Two side Haydon Bridge Anchor were also eliminated as an under strength squad went down 7-2 at home to Stobswood, man of the match Kevin MacDonald and Darren Dobson with their goals.

Both Bardon Mill Bowes Lyon and Adam and Eve Prudhoe conceded their ties as they were unable to raise teams for their respective trips to Ashington Station Lounge and High Street Blyth.