Darlington RA anticipated a difficult game when they met last season's runners-up Birtley Town, who had lost just once in eight outings - but Dave Woodcock's side romped home.

Six goals flowed with Warren Byrne again in scintillating form. He scored twice in the first 14 minutes and when former Shildon player Nigel Bolton made it three by the 34th minute, it was game over.

Mark Radmore headed in the fourth and Byrne took his personal tally to four with a couple of late strikes.

RA remain just a point behind Stokesley SC who were also in scoring form at Cleator Moor Celtic. A 4-0 victory courtesy of Adam Bramley (2), James Alsop and Craig Johnson enabled them to maintain their slender advantage.

Coxhoe Athletic are third but winless Washington Nissan UK, who have conceded more goals than any other side, made them work hard for a 4-2 victory.

Lee Thistlethwaite, Carruthers and Turton had Coxhoe three up by the halfway stage and Soppitt made it four but in the last ten minutes Nissan reduced the deficit through Andrew Peacock and Nick Hill.

Sport Catterick were the biggest scorers of the day as they put seven goals past Shotton Comrades, who replied twice through Lee Buck and Lee Beaston (pen).

The hero was Sam Vernalls who rifled five goals, including two penalties. Carl Handley was also on the mark with a brace.

All the goals were scored in the second period when Harton and Westoe won 3-2 at Whitehaven. Anthony Kent (pen), Danny Burridge and Dale Wells were their marksmen with Robert Fowler and Wayne Collins responding for the Cumbrians.

Ferryhill Athletic gave a much improved performance but still went down to fourth-top Windscale for whom Joe Shepherd opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Mark Young made it two and Ferryhill were disappointed not to take a share of the points.

Andy Steel (2) and Carl Wilson netted in Wolviston's 3-2 defeat of Boldon CA who responded through John Taylor and Kevin Lloyd as Wolviston made it four wins out of five.

Annfield Plain bowed out of the Durham Challenge Cup to Northern Alliance side Ryton. Four goals from Robert Dale and one by Kelvin Armstrong enabled Ryton to end 5-1 as the Plain managed just one goal from Aaron Robertson.

In an all-league tie, Mark Johnson's 40th-minute strike was sufficient for Cleadon SC against Jarrow at Jack Clark Park.