The battle at the foot of the division between the two Brinkburn rivals AFC and Wanderers saw AFC dominate the game with some fine passing. They took the lead with an excellent move through the centre of the park, ending in Robert Creek powering the ball home from 18 yards. The home side doubled their lead when James Wilkinson put in a great early cross for Steve Appleby who found himself with plenty of room the penalty box to head home from 15 yards. Second half saw the visitors get a goal back through Martin Allinson, AFC came back to claim their two goal advantage when Creek picked up the ball, beat two defenders and fired an unstoppable shot low into the corner for the net giving the keeper little chance. Creek then completed an excellent hat-trick when he slotted home from close range, Richard Parks pulled fired home a second half penalty for the Wanderers, but it was AFC who claimed the points with a 4-2 victory.

Spraire RA overcame a battling Nestfield side 3-0 with an excellent team performance by the home side. First half goals from Anthony McMaster, Darren Kokes and a rare Richard Tutty effort put Spraire in command at the break and although Nestfield applied pressure in the second half they were unable to break down the home side's defence.

Third-placed Shuttle and Loom visited Hurworth Albion but it was the home side who gained three valuable points with a close 2-1 victory.

P W D L F A Pts

East End 12 10 1 1 43 17 31

*N Aycliffe SC 12 11 0 1 50 17 30

Shuttle and Loom 15 7 2 6 42 38 23

Nestfield 14 7 0 7 47 32 21

*Killinghall Arms 13 7 1 5 34 25 19

Spraire RA 15 6 1 8 45 42 19

Hurworth Albion 14 5 0 9 35 43 15

AFC Brinkburn 14 3 1 10 20 56 10

Brinkburn Wand 13 2 0 11 14 59 6

*Denotes three points deducted

SUNDAY'S FIXTURE: Nestfield v Killinghall Arms