Wearside League: West End edge home as Smith strikes late in Stokesley thriller
Fourth-top West End enjoyed a superb start, going ahead with a fine finish from Jordan Cook, on 15 minutes, and a strike by Lee Smith two minutes later.
James Cassidy extended the advantage on the break early in the second half.
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Hide AdStokesley, though, staged an impressive fightback when all looked lost. Jake Matthews got them on the scoresheet and Ryan Rivis volleyed a second before Hardman converted a Rivis cross to equalise two minutes from time.
West End regrouped, though, and had an effort cleared off the line before Smith hit their winner, with goalkeeper Kieran Hazard left stranded.
Boldon CA consolidated fourth place thanks to a convincing 3-1 derby triumph at Harton and Westoe CW.
Dan Nolan opened the scoring for Boldon with a right-foot shot in the 13th minute.
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Hide AdThey remained in command, but Harton showed their character to level in the 67th minute, as Aaron Coulson struck for the home side.
In the 75th minute, following a scramble in the box, Jonny Gage got the final touch to put Boldon 2-1 up.
Then, five minutes later, Adam Bell completed the scoring to take all three points back to Boldon.
Leam Rangers went down 3-0 at Hartlepool, who had Lee Jones, Jamie Tumilty and Ashley Clark on target.
Bottom club Coxhoe Athletic lost 3-1 at Redcar Athletic, with David Cairns levelling at one point.
Joe Bennett (penalty), Andy Jennings and Anthony Jones steered Redcar home.