Brown nets at double as Rothbury win at home

The visitors faced an uphill battle at times as they twice found themselves down to only nine men with one player sent off and two sin-binned.

Tony Brown was the man of the moment. The talented midfield maestro netted twice, rattled the woodwork twice, and was only denied a hat-trick by a diving penalty save.

Rothbury got themselves ahead five minutes before the break when Brown scored from a free kick. Moments later another dead ball struck the top of the bar.

Early in the second half Brown had a penalty saved after McCann was fouled. Newcastle were then reduced to nine men with a sin-binning, but they got themselves on level terms soon after when Dylan Swann netted from the spot after a hand ball.

Rothbury were back ahead within seconds through McCann and minutes later the Reds were celebrating again as Felton fired in Coe’s deep cross at the back post.

The 17-year-old was also instrumental in Rothbury’s fourth, having his heels clipped in the box and being sent tumbling for another penalty in the 83rd minute. Brown coolly stepped up again and made no mistake.

In the Development League, Lowick’s away trip to Red House Farm was postponed - they will now face Amble Masons at home in the second round of the NFA Minor Cup this weekend.

North Sunderland, who have lost only one of their seven games played so far in the league, were without a fixture - they will now take on West Jesmond at home in the Minor Cup on Saturday, with their next league game away to Whitley Bay Sporting Club A.

This meant the only local side in action at the weekend was Wooler, who took on Newcastle Chemfica Amateurs at home. And for the second week in a row the Glendale side had to come from 2-0 down at half-time to win.

Goalscorers were Liam Nesbit (2) Tom Allan and Brandon Crombie.

Next up for Wooler is a home game against Rothbury on Saturday in the Minor Cup.