SEATON Delaval’s struggles at the bottom of the Northern Alliance Premier Division continued as they conceded 10 goals to a rejuvenated Ponteland United.

The visitors showed little mercy on their hosts to pick up three crucial points in a game which saw Seaton reduced to nine men and United down to 10.

Zac Bewley is returning to his devastating best form for Pont and was a thorn in the hosts’ side all game, and it was he who broke the deadlock when he glided past his marker and found the back of the net on 18 minutes.

It was 2-0 just two minutes later when new signing Dean Gallagher sent the ball home following a pin point cross field pass.

Before the half hour, the teams were both down to 10 men. The home goalkeeper was given his marching orders on 25 minutes when he brought Gary Cook down while the striker was clean through. Ponteland midfielder Chris Hibbit was sent off five minutes later for a reckless tackle soon after. Hibbit will now serve a four-match suspension after being sent off on his return from a three-game ban.

Ponteland grabbed the upper hand and were 3-0 up when Gary Cook netted, but Jack McNally hit a goal back just before the break to give Delaval hope.

The game was put to bed after the break as Cook went on to complete his hat-trick, his third goal the pick of the bunch as he swivelled to send a volley into the far corner.

Louis Calvert was introduced from the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring twice within seven minutes to take the score to 7-1.

Bewley’s influence continued to frustrate Seaton and full back Ryan Nelson cynically brought him down, resulting in a coming together between the two players. Both were booked but it was Nelson’s second yellow and the home side were down to nine men.

Ponteland took full advantage and fired home three further goals, Darren Young’s strikes in the 73rd and 89th minutes sandwiching Liam Bell’s goal five minutes from time.

They will expect a tougher challenge when they travel to Premier Division rivals Blyth Town on Saturday with a place in the prestigious Northumberland FA Les Todd Senior Benevolent Bowl semi-finals up for grabs.