Coxhoe Athletic moved to within a couple of points of leaders Darlington RA when they won for the third time in five attempts on Saturday.

The newcomers finished 3-1 in front of Harton and Westoe after taking an early lead with an own goal by Keith McRichie. Ralph Petitjean made it two on the hour and five minutes alter it was all over for the visitors who conceded a third goal to David Hutchinson.

McRichie atoned for his earlier lapse by scoring a consolation goal for Harton and Westoe near the end.

Stokesley are third after having won three of their four matches during which they have conceded only three goals.

Richard Hore and Jonathan Newton struck inside the opening 20 minutes to make it difficult for Shotton Comrades. Worse was to follow when James Alsop and John Humberstone netted within 13 minutes during the second period and although Robert Waddell pulled a goal back for Shotton, Stokesley went nap with a late strike by Tony Sivills.

Ryhope CW were involved in an exciting game at Cleator Moor Celtic who just edged a 3-2 result. Gareth Evans and Paul Gunn put the home side in control but Stephen Rochester threw the Wearsiders a lifeline when he found the net on 72 minutes.

In a frenetic finale, Evans made it 3-1 only for Lee Ellis to reduce Ryhope's deficit but despite pressing in the last few minutes, they were unable to claim an equaliser.

The games at Birtley Town, Whitehaven and Wolviston were cancelled as were the Wearside League Cup First Round ties at Boldon CA and Jarrow.

Ferryhill Athletic went out of the competition when they failed to make their superiority count against Washington Nissan UK who won 2-1.

David King and Richard Bland gave Nissan the cushion of a two-goals interval lead but despite dominating the entire second period, all Ferryhill had to show for their efforts was an 89th-minute goal by Stuart Cottam.

New Marske won 3-1 at Annfield Plain where they had the incentive of a 12th-minute effort by David Brown. Ian Johnson added a second goal and although Shaun Kilkenny pulled a goal back for the Plainsmen, New Marske finished strongly with a second goal near the end by Johnson.