Shildon manager Ray Gowan was annoyed his team conceded two late goals in their victory at Guisborough on Saturday.

Shildon won 3-2 to put them third in the table, ten points behind leaders Durham with three games in hand, but Gowan thought the margin of victory should have been greater.

"I'm disappointed about the late goals we conceded," he said. "Goal difference will be quite important later in the season.

"But on the other hand, I can't grumble, because we've won two difficult away games at Morpeth and now Guisborough this week."

Shildon took the lead after 22 minutes when Garry Barnes fired home from twelve yards, then Lee Ellison added the second from a pass by Danny Richmond. And Barnes showed he is back on the goals trail when he grabbed his 40th of the season from another Richmond pass.

Ellison hit the bar in the second half, but Guisborough fought back in the closing stages. A clearance by Jamie Middleton rebounded off John Ryan into the Shildon net, and in stoppage time Mark Sunley headed home from a corner.

Leaders Durham City dropped points when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Thornaby. In the course of the game, they lost three strikers. Glen Robson was injured in the warm up, Micky Dunwell injured his ankle early in the game, and Andrew Shaw broke his ankle in the second half.

Manager Billy Cruddas said: "A draw is always a good point at Thornaby."

Durham took the lead after four minutes when Shaw scored from a Stephen Stewart pass, and in the second half Adrian Swan pulled off a superb save from a Gavin Mudd shot.

Thornaby came more into the game as it went on, and after Durham had penalty appeals turned down for a foul on Robbie Herbert, Richie Storr scored with a low shot with just a few minutes left.

In the second division, Crook climbed further away from the relegation zone with a 3-1 away win at fellow strugglers Norton. They took the lead with a near post header by John Shotton after 15 minutes and, after Crook keeper Andrew Sams pulled off two good saves, they went further ahead when Dale Anderson fired home from 25 yards.

They made the game safe early in the second half when Shotton turned on the edge of the box and found the bottom corner. Norton pulled a late goal back through Stuart Wennington although Brian Sherlock missed two good chances to put real pressure on Crook.

In the only other second division game to be played, Murton drew 1-1 with Alnwick. Dean Fox put Murton ahead from the penalty spot, but Richard Kirby equalised in the dying minutes for Alnwick.

On Friday night, South Shields won their local derby at Hebburn 4-2. Shields, under the new management team of Micky Haley and Alan Anderson were a goal down at half time.

Gary Donaldson and Rob Marsden scored for Hebburn, with Andy Liddle and Craig Stoker replying. But Stoker and Haley scored for Shields to give them the points late in the game.

l Bishop Auckland Referees society are holding a coaching course for referees, beginning on Wednesday at Spennymoor Catholic Club.

The sessions start at 7.30 and details are available from Terry Farley on 01325 313647, or Ernie Minto on 01388 814183.