Champions Birtley Town moved to the top of the table for the first time this season with a 3-1 victory over Boldon CA, who fought their way back into the game after conceding two goals just before the break.

Their hopes were finally ended when Birtley clinched a crucial third goal with just 15 minutes remaining and thereafter, there was no way back for Boldon.

The result turned when Birtley scored twice in a three-minute spell.

In the 42nd minute Michael MacKay broke the deadlock and right on the stroke of half time Paul Richardson added a second goal.

Boldon took up the challenge from the start of the second period and were rewarded after an hour when Keith McRichie reduced the deficit. Birtley though hit back and Keith Foster just about put thgame beyond the visitors when he converted a 75th-minute penalty.

One-time leaders Cleadon SC drew their local derby with Harton and Westoe at Jack Clark Park. Danny Nixon opened for the home side before Jonathan Mullen earned Harton a well-deserved share of the points.

Darlington RA and Ryhope CW ended goal-less at Brinkburn Road. A poor game produced few chances but in the final minutes RA had opportunities to end winners.

The Monkwearmouth Charity Cup tie between New Marske and Barnard Castle Glaxo produced no fewer than ten goals with victory going to the Seasiders by a margin of 7-3.

James Kesterton rifled a hat-trick, Ben Walker bagged a brace with Stephen Hodgson and Ian Johnson taking New Marske's tally to seven. After Ross Murray struck on 44 minutes, he completed his hat-trick for Glaxo scoring twice in the last ten minutes.

Wolviston also reached the second round with a 3-1 victory at Annfield Plain who led from an early stage courtesy of Chris Ewart. Andy Steele levelled right on half time and added a second goal in the 65th minute before Gareth Richardson, with a penalty, secured Wolviston's place in the next stage.

One tie was played in the League Cup and leaders Stokesley easily accounted for Ferryhill Athletic, scoring three times in each half. Anthony Sivills (2), Craig Johnson (2), Niall Southall and Jonathan Newton were the marksmen.

North Shields progressed in the Northumberland Senior Cup with a 2-1 win at Ponteland United when they met in a First Round replay.

The Robins took the lead on 38 minutes through Anthony Robson whose powerful header eluded Steven Liddle.

Graham Suddick equalised in the 65th minute before Shields grabbed the winner with 15 minutes remaining. Following a corner by Martin Graham, John McCabe was left with a simple task at the far post.

Two sides from the League were involved in the Cumberland County Cup.

Windscale won 1-0 at Keswick but Whitehaven went out 2-1 to Wetheriggs.