Championship-chasing Stokesley SC now have six games in hand on leaders Birtley Town after their fixture at Ryhope CW was postponed on Saturday.

"Obviously, we were disappointed that the match was called off since it means another game to be rearranged. I can see us playing three times a week to complete our programme on time," said secretary Peter Grainge.

Stokesley dropped back to fourth from top and are 13 points adrift of Birtley with North Shields second, 12 points better off than Stokesley having played three games more.

Birtley visited New Marske and gained a valuable 3-1 victory. Chris Lamb set them on their way with a brace of goals early in the second period and although James Kesterton reduced the deficit, the home side conceded a late strike to Michael McKay.

When the Harton and Westoe ground was declared unfit, North Shields quickly switched the fixture to their Ralph Gardner Park ground and the move paid off.

But had the visitors converted two penalties, the result might well have been different. David Lanning brilliantly saved Anthony Kent's fifth minute spot kick and Shields celebrated by taking a two goals lead through Paul Blakey and Anthony Robson.

Harton were awarded a second penalty and again Lanning was equal to Kent's shot. Soon afterwards, it was the turn of the Robins to be given a spot kick and David Little fired past Brett Wilson.

Cleadon SC climbed into third position but realistically they are out of the running for the title. Goals by David Wheeler, Owen Peterson and Peter Bradley earned them victory at Gateshead Reserves who replied only once through Scott Kerr.

An only goal as early as the third minute by Michael Carter was sufficient for Darlington RA at Annfield Plain while Wolviston battled for a point at home to Windscale playing 75 minutes with just ten men following an injury to Matthew Martin.

Ian Bishop put them ahead in the 12th minute and Ricky Parnaby levelled midway through the second period.

Boldon CA made the long journey to Whitehaven worthwhile, returning with a 4-1 victory to their credit. Paul Oley (2), Scott Baxter and Craig Rolfe all netted with Robert Fowler recording a consolation goal for the Cumbrians.

Jarrow versus Washington Nissan UK was called off.