Stokesley SC consolidated second position and did their goals difference a world of good when they put ten past Ferryhill Athletic.

They are now just five points behind leaders Birtley Town with two games in hand and with 75 goals, the leading scorers.

Jonathan Newton excelled with five goals and others flowed from Craig Johnson (2), Richard Hore, Adam Bramley and Anthony Sivills. Stuart Cottam scored a consolation for Ferryhill.

North Shields, 2-0 winners over Jarrow, have played the same number of fixtures as Stokesley and have identical points. They were put to the test by Jarrow despite taking the lead after just ten minutes with a powerful header from Paul Ross following a corner by Roy Gordon.

Ian Dugdale made it two on 66 minutes, taking a through ball from skipper David Little in his stride before slipping it past Liam Richardson but Jarrow were far from finished and Stuart Anderson went close before David Newton rattled the crossbar.

New Marske maintained their interest in the championship race defeating Washington Nissan UK 5-1 when Craig Mendum hit a hat-trick. Ian Johnson and Adam Henry also found the net while youngsters Adam Livingstone and Harrison Davies both impressed. Stephen Brian responded for Nissan.

One-time leaders Cleadon SC slipped back to fourth top following a 3-2 defeat at Darlington RA for whom Paul Freary bagged a brace of goals. Andrew Roberts was also on target and for Cleadon, Mark Johnson and Gary Hornsby (og) replied.

Wolviston played almost the entire second half with just ten men following the dismissal of Paul Griffiths for a handling offence but they withstood pressure from Barnard Castle Glaxo to finish 2-1 winners.

Andy Steele gave them a 20th-minute lead after being set up by David Dowd and ten minutes later Steele was the provider for Michael Diciccio who slotted past Phil Laverick.

There were just four minutes remaining when Joe Baum pulled a goal back for Glaxo but an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Gary Hayes ensured the points went to Wolviston.

All the goals were scored in the second half when Boldon CA defeated Ryhope CW 4-1. Michael Meek (2), Scott Baxter and Craig Rolfe netted with Alan Surtees on the mark for Ryhope.

Annfield Plain reached the third round of the League Cup with a 3-1 victory at Harton and Westoe where they took an early lead through Michael Murray. Jonathan Mullen levelled but in the last 12 minutes, Matthew Gent and Shaun Little earned the Plain their place in the next stage of the competition.