North Shields moved into pole position with a scintillating performance against Birtley Town who had led the table for several weeks.

The outcome was expected to be close but in the event, the Robins romped to a 5-0 victory and avenged their only defeat so far.

They went ahead on 14 minutes when a free kick fell to Eddie Miller who slotted past Kevin Harrison for his 11th of the season.

Goalkeeper David Lanning did well to prevent a free kick from Birtley's Anthony Cosgrove reaching the net before Anthony Robson outjumped visiting keeper Stephen Harrison to head in the second goal.

When Roy Gordon rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home seven minutes into the second half, there was no way back for Birtley and in the last seven minutes North Shields cemented their best win of the season with goals by Ian Dugdale and debutant Dominic Elliott.

There was a shock for title contenders Stokesley SC who went down 2-1 at home to Barnard Castle Glaxo. Even though Glaxo have shown better form in recent times, Stokesley were odds-on favourites but all they had to show was one goal from Jonathan Newton. Stuart Murray, with a brace, earned Glaxo only their third win of the campaign.

Cleadon SC stay on the fringe of the title race after defeating neighbours Boldon CA by the odd goal in three but they left it late before securing three crucial points.

After Craig Rolfe had cancelled out an early goal for the home side, scored by Danny Nixon, a draw was on the cards until Mark Johnson coolly finished with time running out.

Paul McDonald celebrated his home debut with a brace of goals in Jarrow's 3-0 defeat of Ferryhill Athletic. The game was into the last minute when Michael Hutchinson struck the home side's third goal.

Ryhope CW produced a good performance visiting Windscale. Christopher Stanton gave them a 25th-minute advantage and after Gordon Hodgson equalised, Andrew Plaice struck the winner ten minutes from time.

Darlington RA went nap in an eight-goal thriller against Gateshead Reserves at the International Stadium. Stephen Johnson rifled a hat-trick and Andy Roberts scored a couple with Paul Gibbs (2) and Richard Maughan responding for the Tynesiders.

New Marske gained a point in a 1-1 draw at Harton and Westoe and remain fifth from top. Debutant Mark Robinson netted for the home team and Kevin Burke headed into his own net just before the break.

The games between Annfield Plain and Washington Nissan UK and Wolviston v Whitehaven were postponed because grounds were unfit following heavy rain.