HALTWHISTLE maintained their challenge at the top of the Tyneside Amateur League with a convincing win over Red House Farm Seniors.

The 6-1 home victory on Saturday left Haltwhistle two points behind leaders Ponteland United Reserves, with Haltwhistle having two games in hand over their rivals. 

The Jubes started the match on the front foot, and were 5-0 up inside the first half hour, thanks to goals from Jack Barker, Dan Parker, James Charteries, Reece Thirtle and Greg Irwin. 

The visitors scored a penalty in the second half, but it proved to be scant consolation, before Irwin netted his second to complete the scoring. 

Manager Cameron Bell said: “We played really well and created a lot of chances in the first half. 
“We just scored once in the second half, but that was because Red House Farm improved after the break, so we have to give credit to the opposition. 

“It was an excellent day for us, and we will keep working hard to build on this win.”
Barker was named man of the match, while Shaun Hepple deputised in goal for Haltwhistle. 

While he didn’t quite manage a clean sheet, Hepple made some impressive saves.  
Haltwhistle had been due to play against Morpeth Mighty Oaks in the Northumberland FA Minor Cup on Saturday. 

But the Morpeth side have conceded the game, which means Haltwhistle, who reached the final of the competition last season, will advance to the last 16. 

Instead, Haltwhistle will travel to third-bottom Wideopen A in the league on Saturday. 
Bell added: “It’s an opportunity for us to keep things going in the league. 

“Ponteland are in cup action, so if we win, we will return to the top of the league, so there is plenty of motivation for us.”

This is Haltwhistle’s second successive season in Saturday football, after making the switch from the Hexham and District Sunday League. 

Last summer, they moved back to their home ground at the Burn Field, after a lengthy spell playing at Bardon Mill, to allow for refurbishment work to take place at the Burn. 

The pitch was re-surfaced while the clubhouse was given an extensive makeover.