Darlington RA moved to within a point of leaders Stokesley SC and have a game in hand on their rivals following an emphatic victory over Gateshead Reserves at Brinkburn Road on Saturday.

The Tynesiders, playing their first game since the opening day of the season, wilted as Michael Carter rifled four goals and Nigel Bolton converted a penalty.

David Taylor claimed a consolation for Gateshead who have been concentrating on the survival of the club and were given dispensation by the league to postpone their programme.

It is never easy to get a result at Boldon CA as Stokesley SC found out when they were held to a 1-1 draw despite taking a second-minute lead through Craig Johnson. Michael Meek equalised on 20 minutes and although there were chances at both ends, there were no further goals.

Coxhoe Athletic continue to impress and they came from behind to defeat last season's runners-up Birtley Town. The home side had the better of the first period going in front after just four minutes through Michael Ford but Coxhoe found their form and were rewarded with goals by Philip Best and John Jury.

Jarrow are fourth as they continue to enjoy their best start to a season in years. Ben Thompson gave Annfield Plain the advantage with a first half goal but after John Grant levelled on 54 minutes, further goals flowed from Mark Lally and Grant as Jarrow finished 3-1 winners.

Ryhope CW were another side to score first and lose. Stephen Rochester was their marksman but a brace from James Kesterton earned New Marske the points.

Sport Catterick gave a good performance before losing at Harton and Westoe for whom goalkeeper Neil Smith scored a freak goal, his long clearance finding the net with the aid of the strong wind.

Mark Johnson scored a fine solo effort on 75 minutes and Daniel Efford added a second goal four minutes from time as Cleadon SC edged Shotton Comrades 2-0 and Wolviston maintained their recent impressive form defeating Whitehaven 3-0 when all the goals were scored in the last nine minutes.

When a corner by Paul Griffiths was only partially cleared, Ian Bishop crashed the ball into the net from 20 yards and two minutes later, Wayne Collins turned the ball into his own net following a ball into the area by Carl Wilson.

In the last minute another centre, this time from Gareth Richardson caused problems for Whitehaven and Liam McPhillips marked his debut by scoring Wolviston's third goal.

Two sides scored nine times. Ferryhill Athletic managed just one from Drew Birtley at Windscale who romped home with strikes by Mark Young (3), Lee Dixon (2), Kevin Law, Joe Shepherd, Paul Collins and Ryan Stonehouse (og).

But Washington Nissan UK crashed 9-0 at Cleator Moor Celtic for whom Gareth Evans (2), David Megan (2), Gary George, Phil Thompson, Darren McMahon (pen),Gareth MacArran and Michael Fiddler hit the target.