On September 20 West Cornforth were bottom of division three without a point having lost all their opening games, but now they are joint second and and have won their last five matches.

Last Saturday saw them win 3-1 at home against Boldon Black Bull. Boldon opened in fine style taking an early lead courtesy of a Barry Turnbull goal, but Cornforth's defence held firm and close on half-time Steve Coppley levelled when he shot home a cross from David Kendall. The restart saw Cornforth on the attack and they went into a 2-1 lead courtesy of a fine solo run by Tony Rowe. The game swung end to end and the issue was only settled in the closing minutes when David Graham netted from close in to end the game 3-1 in the home side's favour. Jimmy Hudson starred for West Cornforth.

Durham C Strollers drew 2-2 at home to Houghton Cricket Club. Durham led 2-0 at the interval through goals from Steve Thompson and Steve Greenham, but fell away after the restart and Houghton scored twice to draw level and but for the brilliance of the Stollers' keeper Coulson, who pulled off several fantastic saves, might have ended up winners.

Crook Town turned in a below par performance losing 6-2 away at Hedworthfield Deneside. The first half was a fairly close encounter, the home side three times taking the lead after Crook had drawn level, but the restart saw the visitors gaining control and scoring three more goals without reply. Crook now trail second from bottom, but they are far too good a side to be in that position. If they could play the entire game like they did in the first half there is now the slightest doubt promotion would be there.

In the premier division Ferryhill Greyhound got over last week's hiccups. They began in fine style and were well on top for the first 20 minutes and took the lead through Martin Cantwell but failed to increase their lead by half-time. The restart saw Holywell Fat Ox storm back into the game and they drew level when Peter Saunders slammed home a pass from Foreman. Fat Ox continued to apply pressure and went into a 2-1 lead when Mulholland headed home a cross from Dodds. The Greyhound came back strongly, John Gredy had the ball in the net, but it was disallowed for offside. Then Cantwell's shot hit the bar and was cleared and the game finished 2-1 to Fat Ox.

Norton-Stockton have still to find last season's form, they lost 3-1 away to the league leaders Steels SC who always had the edge and led 2-0 at the break. After the restart they still held the advantage and went 3-0 up before Norton replied. Scorers were Martin Henderson a brace and Dave Tate one for Steels, Jedd Forrest was Norton's scorer.

Darlington Croft drew 1-1 with Blackhall Hardwick. It was a very tight game in which neither side had a definite advantage. Kevin Pearson gave the visitors an interval lead when he slotted a Gerry Hogan corner kick, but Anthony Thorn levelled for the Croft after the restart. Stars were Routledge and Pearson for Blackhall and Paul Power, Roger Wick and Mark Smith for Croft.

In division one Consett are joint top, the won 3-0 against Sunderland Catholic. Consett never looked like losing, 2-0 up at the interval from goals by Bernard Malone and Neil Gladstone. The restart followed a similar pattern with Consett in control and the game was virtually over when George Murray scored and made it 3-0.

Newton Aycliffe won 2-0 against Sedgefield and move into the top half of the table. Geoff Peadon shot them into an interval lead and Neil Morris put away a spot kick for a foul on Peadon to give Aycliffe a 2-0 victory.

Glaxo are still in third place, although they lost 1-0 away to Wearmouth.

In division two the Rams Head drew 0-0 with Gateshead Greencroft and Darlington Railway, despite scoring four goals, lost 9-4 at home to Wynyard Veterans.

Billingham Town drew 2-2 at home to Spring Gardens.