PONTELAND United Reserves continued to build momentum at the top of Northern Alliance Devleopment Division on Saturday.

The league leaders travelled to north Northumberland to take on Lowick, where strong winds made conditions difficult for both sides.

Nevertheless, Ponteland’s superiority proved significant as they ran out convincing 4-0 winners.

Lutfur Karim and Daniel Troughton have both been among the goals this season, and that continued on Saturday.

Karim netted a brace, while Troughton and Sean Mcdonald both registered.

All of the goals came in the first half, which delighted manager Kennie Malia. But despite the fact Ponteland kept a clean sheet, Malia was disappointed with the second half performance.

He said: “Despite very tough conditions in the first half, we played the better football and scored all four goals of the game.

“In the so-called easier half, we got a little bit sloppy and didn’t really get going, but never looked like giving it away.”

The two-goal Karim was named man of the match for Ponteland, who remain 18 points clear at the top of the Development Division.

Their closest challengers, West Jesmond, who have seven games in hand over United, won 2-0 against third placed Morpeth.

Ponteland will travel to take on Morpeth on Saturday, in a bid to inflict another defeat on one of their league title rivals.

Morpeth are 20 points behind Ponteland, but have six games in hand.