Westoe 2 went 22 points clear of third place in Division Two with a 3-2 win over struggling Sunderland 2.

Jeff Stoker and Ben Sims had initially given the hosts a 2-0 lead on Wearside, but the South Shields outfit’s top order proved far too strong.

Stoker put together a convincing 3-0 win over Brian Fascione, while Sims came through a 3-1 battle with Stephen Wilkinson.

Stoker has started the season well after Christmas winning all four of his games 3-0. However, a recurring back issue is a concern as the Mackems hope to avoid a second straight relegation.

Westoe 2 have been the team to beat in the division all season and showed why with a classy top order performance.

Norman Broomfield and Lee Anderson eased past Colin Sidney and Kevin Dryden respectively.

Ryan Hall was made to work harder for his 3-1 win, Eric Anderson showing typical grit before being ground down by the younger mans speed and fitness.

7 points kept Sunderland fourth from bottom, with another tough game against in-form Benwell Hill next up.

15 points for Westoe saw them top the league, and with struggling Primrose and Chester-le-Street as their next two fixtures they look likely to seal promotion.