WALLINGTON continued their climb up the Northern Alliance Premier Division table with a 4-0 win over rivals Ponteland United. 

A brace apiece for Jake Walton and John Paxton put the visitors 4-0 up at half time, before the hosts scored a late consolation from Dean Richmond. 

Wallington got off to a dream start, with Walton opening the scoring after just two minutes, and they never looked back. 

Walton scored both his, and Wallington's second from an outstanding team move, involving Kyle Reardon and Michael Angus. 

The latter provided the cross which enabled Walton to net his fifth goal in four games. 

Shortly afterwards, a Walton free kick was saved, but Paxton was on hand to score a tap-in from the rebound. 

Wallington had goalkeeper Aaron Carr to thank when he made a vital save when a Ponteland forward was through one-on-one. 

Midfielder Reardon said: “In the first half we were very effective, with high pressing and energy all over. 

“Walton’s first and Paxton’s second were both the result of pressure that resulted in us robbing the last defender and going through.”

Ponteland made three substitutions at half time, and the second period was more evenly contested.

Josh Willis and Paxton both had opportunities to add to the scoreline, but failed to convert.

Richmond’s consolation goal came late in the game for Ponteland, and club secretary Alan Birkinshaw was full of praise for Wallington. 

He said: “Wallington got an early goal and they never looked back after their good start. 

“They were full of running and closed down every ball. We could not cope with that in the first half.”

Birkinshaw said Ponteland were not at full strength, and fielded several inexperienced youngsters.

He explained: “There were five players who were making either their debuts, or their second or third appearances for us. 

“We have to encourage these lads and give them time to gel as a team. We were up against a very experienced side in Wallington with players who have been part of that team for a long time.”

Birkinshaw said United got off to a good start to the season, but have been under strength in more recent weeks.  

He added: “We have been creating chances, but the lack of a goalscorer has been a problem, and we’ve been without our two regular centre halves."