WITH four goals from in-form striker Lutfur Karim, Ponteland United Reserves extended their lead at the top of the Northern Alliance Development Division.

Their league game with Morpeth Town Reserves went ahead under the lights at Woolsington’s Druid Park on Wednesday evening, and it ended in a further three point haul for the hosts as they hit their visitors for five without reply.

Man of the match Karim was again in the thick of the action, finding the back of the net four times as he put Morpeth to the sword.

The striker has been the focal point of United’s attack in recent games and has scored five in his past two games, being named man of the match for Ponteland in both fixtures.

For his impressive performances, Karim was named the club’s player of the month for November.

Against Morpeth, he was joined on the scoresheet by James Hepple as the five goals pushed United past the 50-goal mark in league fixtures this season.

The victory took Ponteland 16 points clear of nearest rivals Gosforth Bohemians Reserves.

However, Gosforth, who have three games in hand over their fellow title candidates, reduced the advantage to 13 points at the weekend when they thumped 13th-placed Lowick 6-0 on Saturday.

Ponteland will hope to continue to lead the charge at the top of the table this coming weekend as they are due to travel to ninth placed Wooler on Saturday for a 2pm kick off.