HEXHAM have moved to within touching distance of the top six in Northern Alliance Division One.

They defeated Wallsend Boys Club 3-2 on Saturday, and currently sit eighth with several games in hand over their rivals.

Playing away from home, Hexham started brightly, and enjoyed most of the possession during the opening 20 minutes.

But against the run of play, Wallsend took the lead courtesy of a quick breakaway goal.

Hexham equalised before half time, after a good move involving Peter McRoberts, Lewis Loughhead, and Dylan Mabunu, led to the latter firing into the top left corner from the edge of the box. In the second half, Loughhead made it 2-1 to the Greens when his free kick from 20 yards was deflected into the net.

There was a set-back for Hexham when Wallsend scored immediately after the re-start. Following a ball over the top, Wallsend beat the offside trap, and a home forward lifted the ball over advancing keeper Nathan Byerley.

The visitors introduced substitutes Lewis Furness and Lewis McPartlan. The two 18-year-olds were full of running, with Furness offering an attacking outlet from right wing back.

Hexham had a penalty appeal turned down when Loughhead went to ground in the box.

But they got the winner 12 minutes from time when Robbie Pattison, who was moved forward into a striker’s role, ran at the Wallsend defence and fired a low shot to the goalkeeper’s left.

Manager Martin Lowes said: “It was a good game. We adjusted well to the artificial pitch, and the lads played well.”

Hexham were set to travel to Gosforth Bohemians on Wednesday night, and they will host Longbenton on Saturday, both in league fixtures.