Easington are hoping for other clubs' problems to rescue them from relegation after they were thumped 8-0 by Kennek Ryhope CA.

Easington, who reached the last qualifying round of the FA cup four years ago, are guaranteed a bottom two spot along with Shotton, but they are hoping that league rules might rescue them.

Northern League officials are undertaking inspections of all Second Division grounds, and have warned that clubs who fail to reach the required standard may be kicked out of the league.

Easington manager Peter Grasham said: "If there's a way of getting back into the league through the back door, then we'll take it. I know that's not very nice, but we'll take anything if it means staying in the league."

The league, however, won't be making any announcement about ground gradings for at least a fortnight.

Easington were well and truly thumped, with their keeper, Brian Bailey, preventing double figures on a number of occasions.

Phil Bell (4), Jon Wightman (2) and Craig Peel (2) were Ryhope's scorers. Ryhope also scored eight without reply against Easington earlier in the season, when Wightman scored seven.

First Division leaders Dunston will have to wait until Tuesday before they can win the league when they lost 3-2 at Jarrow Roofing.

Both sides had chances before Roofing took the lead after 43 minutes, when Gavin Cogden fired home from 25 yards. Paul Hodgson hit the bar for Roofing before Dunston levelled after 47 minutes through David Southern's low shot. Adam Johnston quickly restored Jarrow's lead, only for Southern to volley Dunston level again. And just when it seemed as if the teams would share the points, Johnston got the winner from the penalty spot.

Shildon completed their fixtures with a 2-1 home win over Chester-le-Street, scoring their winner in the last minute.

Danny Richmond put them into the lead after 17 minutes, when he ran half the length of the field and chipped Chester keeper Ian Aitken.

The 1-0 scoreline looked as if it would be enough, until Chester levelled through a David Turner effort two minutes from the end.

But Shildon got the winner through Graham Liddle in a stoppage time scramble.

Shildon will finish fourth if Billingham Town lose to Dunston on Tuesday night.

Town, meanwhile, thumped relegated Washington 4-1 at Bedford Terrace.

They stormed into a three goal lead in the first half hour. Tom Jones headed them in front after just four minutes from a Carl Chillingsworth assist, then Jones crossed for Chillingsworth to score at the near post.

Jason Ainsley made it three with a powerful left foot shot from just outside the area.

Washington pulled a goal back through Tony Hanson after 79 minutes, but Chillingsworth set up David Turner to score the fourth from close range.

League Cup semi-finalists Billingham Synthonia beat Thornaby 2-0 in their derby at Central Avenue.

Synners had the better of the first half and eventually took the lead after 55 minutes when Neil Radigan scored from a Dave Connor cross. Then former Darlington youngster John Alexander weaved past three defenders and fired the second ten minutes later. Tow Law won their second game inside four days when they beat Brandon 3-1 at Ironworks Road. They took the lead after 15 minutes when Mark Turner scored from an Anth Lowther corner, then seven minutes later Brandon keeper Barry Poskitt pushed another Lowther corner into his own net.

Lawyers got another early in the second half through Danny Craggs from another setpiece. Brandon's Scott Bell pulled a goal back late in the game.

Esh Winning completed their fixtures with a 2-0 defeat at Peterlee. The game was heading for a goalless draw until the closing minutes. Paul Hinton put Peterlee in front from the spot after Stephen Winspear was brought down, then Stephen Pitman scored from a rebound in stoppage time. Peterlee are set for a top eight finish, just a season after they escaped relegation on the last day.

Horden dropped to fourth bottom after they were beaten 1-0 at home by relegated Marske United, who might appoint a new manager soon. Chris Keegans scored the winner from a Shaun Howes pass.

In the other game, Morpeth won 3-2 at Guisborough. Morpeth were twice in the lead through Gary Cooke and Ian Nickalls, only for their goals to be twice cancelled out by Darren Mowbray. Chris Taylor got the winner for Morpeth near the end.

In the other Second Division games, Consett now need just one point for promotion after they won 4-0 at relegated Shotton. Paul Terrell scored a hat-trick to take his league goals tally for the season to 24, with Stephen Lish scoring the other. Shotton are four points behind second bottom Easington with two games left. Already promoted Ashington lost 2-1 at Whickham. Kevin Hay put Whickham ahead at the second attempt after 18 minutes, then Ian Robson scored from a rebound. Glen Bolton pulled a goal back for Ashington.

Newcastle Benfield Saints need three points for promotion from their last four matches after they won 2-1 at Hebburn. Stephen Young scored both goals after 41 and 50 minutes to give him 27 league goals for the season. Rob Marsden replied for Hebburn late in the game.

Washington Nissan are still in touch in fourth place after they beat Prudhoe 2-0 with goals from Andy Allen and Jon Collingwood.

Northallerton. who still have four games remaining, could still finish in the top six after they beat Willington 1-0. Craig Winter scoring their goal with a header.

Evenwood are without an away win for four months after they went down 4-2 at Newcastle Blue Star. Andy Bowes (2), Chris Rue and Lee Ludlow scored for Star, with Stephen Houlahan scoring both for Evenwood.

Murton climbed out of the bottom four after they won 2-1 at South Shields. Willie Crew and David Stephenson scored for Murton, with Bob Swan replying.

Norton are still in the bottom three after they drew 1-1 at Seaham Red Star. The home side took the lead through youngster Richard Milburn, but Craig Murray equalised with a penalty.

* The league has announced that the league cup final on May 3 will be held at Whitley Bay if Durham beat Billingham Synthonia in their semi tomorrow night, but if Synners win, then the game will be staged at Durham City. Dunston are already through to the final.