ANOTHER goal from the free-scoring Lutfur Karim wasn’t enough for Ponteland United Reserves on Saturday.

The Northern Alliance Development Division leaders crashed to a 4-1 home defeat to West Jesmond on a disappointing afternoon.

But the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story, for United were missing several key players.

A severely depleted Ponteland side struggled to cope with the West Jesmond threat, and the Tynesiders inflicted only the second league defeat on United of the current campaign.

In fact, West Jesmond are the only side to have beaten United in the Development Division this season. Saturday’s victory means they have now completed a league double over Kennie Malia’s side, following a 3-2 victory on back in September.

Malia admitted his side’s display wasn’t good enough. However, he praised the efforts of fringe players who stepped into the starting XI.

He said: “It was a dreadful performance from us today from start to finish. We were second best all over the pitch.

“When you’re missing a lot of big players, it is always going to be a tough ask going into a game against the only team to have taken all three points off us this season. We will put this behind us and go again in the next game.”

Ponteland’s in-form striker Karim continued his hot streak in front of goal with another strike, following his hat-trick against Wooler the previous week.

Despite Saturday’s result, this impressive Ponteland United Reserves side have enjoyed a fine season so far, with plenty to play for in 2020.

The forward has now scored nine goals in in his past four games.

l Meanwhile, Northern Alliance Premier Division side Wallington earned a 1-1 draw away to Winlaton Vulcans on Saturday.

The Greens, based at Scots Gap, are eighth in the league after taking a share of the spoils against Winlaton, who are fifth.

Simon Farrier was the goalscorer in a match which could have gone either way. Goalkeeper Aaron Carr was named man of the match for an impressive performance between the sticks.

It is understood this was the first ever meeting between the two sides. The result means Wallington are still unbeaten away from home since the opening day of the season in August, when they lost 1-0 to AFC New Fordley.