TWO goals from the in-form Thomas Wilkie saw Haltwhistle Jubilee extend their lead at the top of Northern Alliance Division Two.

A healthy crowd turned out to watch the 3-1 victory over Jesmond at the Burn after an early morning pitch inspection had ruled the playing surface was in good enough condition despite heavy rain.

The high-flying Jubes went into the game full of confidence, on the back of a 6-0 win over Stobswood Welfare the previous week.

After surviving an early scare when Jesmond almost took the lead, the Jubes took advantage of the visitors’ missed opportunity, by taking the lead themselves on 19 minutes, when Wilkie converted from an assist by skipper Mark Robson.

Five minutes later, another of Haltwhistle’s in-form men, Greg Irwin, found the top corner with a superb strike from a free-kick. The centre forward was 30-yards from goal, and manager Cameron Bell described the strike as “top class”.

Wilkie found the net again early in the second half, and the 3-0 lead put Haltwhistle in a commanding position. Several more chances were to follow for the Jubes, who were eager to entertain the home crowd.

The Jubes couldn’t find another breakthrough, but Blyth scored a consolation goal in the last minute of the game. Man of the match was Scott Jacobsen, who was praised by his manager.

Bell added: “Chidge put in great disciplined display in the middle of the pitch, despite picking up a yellow card just five minutes into the game.

“Jesmond had two players sin binned either side of half time which helped our cause, but, ultimately, it was a deserved three points.”

The win saw Haltwhistle go six points clear at the top of the league table, ahead of second placed AFC Newbiggin, and third placed Cramlington Town.

With 32 goals to their name, Haltwhistle are the league’s highest scorers so far. They also have the meanest defence to date, having conceded just seven times.

On Saturday, they will welcome title challengers Newbiggin to the Burn, in the Reeves Independent George Dobbins League Cup.

It will be their fourth consecutive home fixture. Kick off it at 2pm.