PRUDHOE Town dashed Richmond Town’s hopes of a top two finish as they turned in their best performance in years.

Richmond’s ambitions of pipping Redcar Athletic to the runners-up spot were all but ended as a depleted Prudhoe side produced what manager Mattie Thompson described as the best performance of his three seasons at the club to record the memorable 2-0 victory.

Travelling with just 11 men, although Thompson was named as a substitute if needed, they fielded three 17-year-olds in the form of Ryan Newbrook, Luke Banks and Brad Rodgers.

But the fact they had many key men missing didn’t affect their game plan which was to soak up the Richmond pressure and then catch their high flying hosts out on the counter attack.

To a man, Prudhoe were outstanding throughout with defender Mick Rankin, in his more usual outfield role after filling in between the sticks the week before, excelling to earn the man of the match award.

Liam Blair returned in goal and he played a huge role, as did defenders Niki Shepherd, Kieran Russel, David Wansell and Rankin, in preserving the clean sheet against wave after wave of attack.

They were prepared to throw their bodies on the line, and the well-organised back four refused to allow Richmond to break through.

And it was the defence’s good work which started a flowing move for the opening goal, a move of real quality by all involved.

Turning over the ball in the corner of the pitch, Prudhoe quickly field their way into attack with a couple of intricate, slick passes out wide setting up a good opportunity.

The ball was finally teed up for Liam Henderson and he timed his run well to put his laces through the ball and rifle it into the top corner from outside the area.

The game continued in the same manner but free scoring Richmond, who had found the target 105 times in their 33 league games, were constantly knocked back, Blair making some top saves to keep his side ahead.

It was over to hard-working lone striker Jack Barker to wrap the points up for Prudhoe, his goal just rewards for running himself into the ground for the cause.

A ball from the back had the teenager racing through untracked and he won the race with Richmond keeper Harry Wray, lobbing the ball over the stranded shot stopper from just inside the opposing half.

Prudhoe maintained their great form as they held champions Jarrow to a goalless draw at Kimberly Park on Wednesday evening.

The newly crowned champions were hoping to sign off with a bang but were thwarted by a solid Prudhoe defence.

Meanwhile, the six points earned for defeating Seaham Red Star Reserves will stand, despite Seaham resigning from the league. As FA rules allow, the club’s results will not be expunged from the league as the league campaign is 75 per cent completed.