Coxhoe Athletic moved to within three points of Stokesley SC when they defeated the leaders in the match of the day on Saturday.

Skipper Gary O'Hara gave his side the best possible start when he scored after just ten minutes and thereafter there was little between the teams but Coxhoe celebrated with a second crucial goal five minutes from time by substitute Lee Thistlewaite.

Darlington RA were disappointed that their fixture at Sport Catterick had to be postponed but they were no doubt delighted to hear the result from Stokesley.

They remain second just a point adrift of Stokesley with two games in hand.

Jarrow moved into fourth place defeating Ferryhill Athletic 4-1 despite falling behind to a 26th-minute goal by Andrew Howard. Dean Patton levelled on the stroke of half time and immediately on resuming, Stephen Brown celebrated his debut giving Jarrow the lead.

Ferryhill defended well but a brace of goals in the final stages from Dean Patton ended any hopes they had of mounting a comeback.

Annfield Plain produced a good performance winning 3-2 at Cleator Moor Celtic where they led through Aaron Robinson, Scott Moat and Matthew Gent. There were just 15 minutes remaining when David Meagan threw Celtic a lifeline and when Gareth Evans added a second goal for the Cumbrians, he set up a frenetic final five minutes but the Plain held on.

Boldon CA were also in Cumbria and they too returned home with full points.

David Hopper was a third-minute marksman at Whitehaven and Michael Meek secured victory in the second period.

Ryhope CW went nap at home to Windscale who gained a consolation goal in the last minute from Peter O'Donnell. Stephen Rochester was the toast of the Wearsiders as he rifled four goals with Christopher Callaghan the other marksman.

Cleadon SC were another side in scoring mode at home to Gateshead Reserves.

Danny Nixon (2), Andrew Quinn and Daniel Efford scored in a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

Wolviston met Birtley Town for the third time in five seasons in the Durham Challenge Cup and bowed out to an only goal scored by Ross Preston on the hour.

Wearside League: Cleadon SC 4, Gateshead Reserves 0; Cleator Moor Celtic 2, Annfield Plain 3; Coxhoe Athletic 2, Stokesley SC 0; Harton and Westoe v Shotton Comrades postponed; Jarrow 4, Ferryhill Athletic 1; New Marske v Washington Nissan UK - postponed, Ryhope CW 5, Windscale 1; Sport Catterick v Darlington RA - postponed; Whitehaven 0, Boldon CA 2.

Durham Challenge Cup first round: Birtley Town 1, Wolviston 0.