Steels are the Premier Division champions. they won 3-0 away to the Lord Seaham to clinch the title.

Norton-Stockton continued their fight to avoid relegation by defeating Holywell Fat Ox 4-2 at home. This was a set back for the Fat Ox as they were hoping to pip Ferryhill Greyhound for the runners-up spot.

Norton turned in a performance which totally belied their lowly position. Playing attacking football they always held the edge, 2-1 up at half time they never gave up their advantage after the restart and finished 4-2 worthy winners. Scorers were Hatfield and Mark Steel a brace each.

In the Robson Patterson Cup (Premier) Ferryhill faltered losing 4-1 after extra time to Blackhall Hardwick. The game finished goalless and extra time was necessary. Kevin Simpson gave Ferryhill the lead but Hugh Healey quickly levelled and then in a space of seven minutes the game was lost as Healey, Ed Trenchman and Tim Hogan all scored to put Blackhall 4-1 in the lead.

In Division One Wardley Green are champions, they won 7-1 at home to Wallsend Rising Sun in a midweek game.

Consett are runners up as they drew 2-2 at home to Grindon Broadway. Grindon have three games to play and must win all three to be promoted. Their last match is against Barnard Castle which they must win as a draw will give the Castle promotion being in third place.

Barnard Castle won 2-1 away to Moor House which gives them the edge of promotion. They now have to wait the outcome of Grindon's two games, Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield both away before the final deciding game against each other.

Newton Aycliffe lost 6-0 at home to the Touchdown who have just missed out on promotion.

In Division Two Wynyard Veterans are looking good for promotion, they won 3-1 away to Whitley Bay and are now clear leaders by five points with games in hand.

Langley Park Rams Head won 2-1 away to the Marsden Inn to stay in touch should any of the teams above them slip-up.

In Division Three Crook Town still top the league, they won 4-0 at home to Regency Windows and have a good chance of being promoted.

Durham City Strollers turned in a fine performance to dent Hed-Deneside promotion bid by winning 5-4 at home. Leading 2-0 they saw Deneside fight back to level the score at 2-2 at the interval. They then went 3-2 down but levelled 3-3 down and then came good to score twice and end up 5-4 winners, their star was Steve Dawson who scored four goals, Paul Allaker got the other.

In Division Four Peterlee look champions they won 2-1 away to rivals Steels. Hartlepool Warrior avenged their cup defeat by winning 4-1 this time when they played Trimdon Veterans.

Wynyard Old Boys could not cope with third-placed Darsley Park eventually losing 5-0 at home.

Thornley Celtic at last came back to form by winning 2-1 at home to Grindon Veterans. They are in second spot but have played three games more than the two contenders below them, Darsley Park and Pennywell Comrades so promotion for second or third place is still in the balance.

The final of the Echo Cup takes place on Wednesday at Herrington YMCA's ground. Kick off 6.30pm when the Toll Bar play Crook Town.

The officials are Colin Makepeace, John Man and Mark Moore.

Crook Town are Division Three leaders on goal difference from Houghton CC. Promoted last season they have enjoyed a fantastic run of success, being unbeaten since January 24 they have won every match scoring a total of 41 goals and only conceding four. Their manager Kevin Cooper is this year's Over 40s Manager of the year, is a remarkable person, suffering from multiple sclerosis, he has come to terms with this disability in so much he manages together with Billy Dunn and runs Crook Town Over 40s, never missing a game home or away or training sessions and also travels a great deal to sign players for the betterment of the club. His most recent signings have been ex Crook player David Neil, a prolific score, ex Tow Law Jeff Hall and Tow Law's joint manager Brian Fowler. Also in the side are three ex-Crook players, Dennis Dolphin, Dennis Pinkney who holds a record 500 appearances for Crook and their captain Stephen Hodgson. They have a squad of 20 players, who are local players like Kevin Smith, Philip Hanson and Kevin Sanderson. The team will be selected on the night of the final.

The other finalist the Toll Bar are fourth from bottom but should avoid relegation as they have two games in hand of the teams below them. Promoted at the right time as their cup run shows. Managed by Paul Teasdale they have become a workmanlike side and could prove form wrong.

Three players who have fitted in well are Nelson, Christie and Taylor. it could be a very exciting final with the Toll Bar upsetting the league leaders Crook Town.