The Colliers led through Dom Moan’s penalty, and Gary Shaw was also on the scoresheet for the Green Army, but goals from Antonio Agostinho, Thomas Ions, Harvey Walsh and Aaron Costello helped Ryton to the three points.

Upon kick-off at a wet and miserable Kingsley Park, Tommy Best went close early on for the Colliers with a long range shot, but it was Ryton who looked the brighter.

Despite Ryton looking sharp, it was the Colliers who broke the deadlock. Moan was fouled in the penalty area in the 11th minute, and he dusted himself down to convert the penalty.

In the 27th minute, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion equalised. An initial shot bounced back off the post, but Agostinho was quickest to react to convert the rebound.

Two minutes later, Ryton took the lead. Ions unleashed a 22 yard effort, and Steven Hubery had no chance as it darted into the stanchion in the top corner.

Early in the second half, the Colliers had a couple of good chances. Good strength from Jay Roper created a chance for himself in the 51st minute, but he failed to find the target with a shot, and then Moan had an opportunity on the volley from a cross, but it was saved.

The opening 15 minutes of the second half was probably the Colliers’ best spell of the game, and in the 60th minute, they equalised. Moan hit the post with a low shot, and after the ball bounced about with no one in full control, it eventually dropped to Shaw who converted from 10 yards.

Five minutes later, Ryton regained their lead in controversial style. A long range shot crashed off Walsh who looked a few yards offside, and it possibly came off his arm. Walsh’s deflection was a wicked one and it nestled into the net with no chance for Hubery. The assistant kept his flag down and the goal stood.

With just five minutes to play, Ryton wrapped up the win as Costello’s well struck low shot made sure of the points for the hosts.

Full-time: Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 4-2 Easington Colliery

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion: Dawson, Lowery, Groves-Forbes, Grieveson, Esdaille (c), Russel, Devine, Skivington, Ions, Lawson, Agostinho

Subs: Richardson, Costello, Shanley, Walsh, Donaghey

Easington Colliery: Hubery, Carr, Eltringham, Forster, McGuinness (c), Ord, Moan (Turnbull, 75′), Best (Bowman, 65′), Roper, Shaw, Tapping (Pearson, 18′)

No unused subs