Crook Town, leaders of Division III, won the Echo Cup, defeating the Toll Bar 4-1. They hope to achieve a unique double, now having won the first let but may have to settle for just promotion.

Crook took the lead after eight minutes when a free-kick, taken by Kevin Smith from just outside the box took a wicked deflection to beat the keeper, the Toll Bar fought back strongly but Crook's defence held firm and shortly before the interval Sanderson scored to give Crook a 2-0 interval lead. The restart saw Sanderson score his second of the game and made it 3-0. To their credit the Toll Bar never gave up and still continued to attack whenever possible and eventually Christie scored to make it 1-3. Then they were definitely unlucky when a diving header from Paul Teasdale flashed past the post. In the closing minutes Roberts scored to put Crook 4-1 up. For Crook, captain Stephen Hodgson was outstanding in defence.

Man of the match award went to two goal-scorer Sanderson. For the Toll Bar all their players were heroes who never stopped trying and refused to give in until the final whistle. A fine final, Crook were worthy winners but the Toll Bar were gallant losers.

In the Kenny Ball Cup, Premier side Darlington Croft, although in relegation trouble, proved too good for Division One promotion hopefuls Glaxo by defeating them 1-0. The question now posed is if Glaxo could not defeat a lowly side like Croft, how would they fare if promoted and is their present side good enough to survive in the Premier? he answers will be found next season.

Langley Park Rams Head tried hard but found the difference between Premier and Division Two too much and lost 3-0 to Holywell Fat Ox.

But Division Three promotion contenders almost caused a shock by only losing 3-2 at home to second top Premier side Ferryhill Greyhound who began in fine style and went 2-0 up. Over confidence and wishful thinking allowed Telecom to settle down and come back strongly and draw level just before the interval. The restart saw a much more even game but once Ferryhill had regained the lead there was no second chance for Telecom.

Newton Aycliffe lost 3-1 at home to Division Champions Wardley Green. Wardley led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of a Tony Joyce goal. Joyce scored again after the restart to make it 2- 0up but Neil Morris scored to pout Aycliffe back into the game. Peter Duggan made it 3-1 late on to settle the issue.

In the Premier Norton-Stockton turned in a superb performance to come from behind and win a vital relegation battle against Blackhall Hardwick. Tim Hogan shot Blackhall into an early lead but Paul Denham levelled shortly before half time. the second half saw end to end football before Colin Heggon scored the all-important goal to out Norton-Stockton 2-1 in the lead. Blackhall tried all they knew to get the equaliser but the visitors' defence held out under heavy pressure.

In Division Two Wynyard Veterans look like ending as championship as well as being promoted as they are six and nine points clear of their nearest rivals, but they had to pull out all the stops to draw 1-1 away to the Barnes Hotel who belied their lowly position.

Billingham Town still have it all to do to avoid being relegation, they lost 4-2 at home to Gateshead Greencroft, who with only one game to play, have to set back and hope the remaining games result in their favour.

In Division Three Durham City Strollers with two games left look like finishing in mid-table. It has been a mediocre season for them, they lost 1-3 away to promotion favourites Houghton CC.

In Division Four Thornley Celtic won 4-1 at home to Marsden Vets to keep their promotion hopes alive, possible rivals are Pennywell Comrades and Darsley Park.

Darsley Park lost to the champions Peterlee FC 0-1 and must win their last four matches if they are to have a chance of promotion.

Pennywell Comrades won 2-0 at home to Hartlepool Warrior to stay on target in third spot.

As stated the last two promotion place concern those three clubs who each await for someone to drop vital points.