HEXHAM moved a step closer to the top six in Northern Alliance Division One with a 2-1 win over Seaton Burn.

Despite conceding a late goal, the Green and Whites never looked in danger of dropping points at the town’s Wentworth Leisure Centre on Saturday.

After a good start to the game, the hosts took the lead after 12 minutes. Peter McRoberts weaved his way down the left flank, before cutting the ball back for the onrushing Dylan Mabunu, who fired a powerful shot under the goalkeeper.

Hexham remained on the front foot, and a good move involving Sam Mannion, Vinnie Proudlock, and Kurtis Harvey, saw the latter put the ball in the net. But the linesman flagged for offside, and the goal was chalked off.

Seaton Burn, who sit 12th in the division, had the occasional flurry upfield. However, home keeper Nathan Byerley always looked comfortable.

A physically big and strong side, the visitors did pose a threat from set pieces, but Hexham remained the dominant force as the sides went in 1-0 at half time.

The hosts extended their lead on 57 minutes, when Byerley rolled the ball out to right back Tom Hacking, who sent Mabunu away down the right flank.

He was marshalled into the corner by a defender, but fired in a cross which was met at the far post by Mannion, who side-footed the ball high above the keeper and into the net.

On 87 minutes, Hexham failed to clear their lines, and the ball fell to a Seaton Burn man who hit a cross-shot through a ruck of players to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The hosts gave a run out to substitutes Lewis Furness, Kieran Robley, and Calum Thomas. Delighted Manager Martin Lowes said Mabunu and Mannion have now scored in their last three consecutive matches. Hexham will travel to Felling Magpies in the league on Saturday.