Durham City Reserves moved to joint top of the league when they won 5-1 at home to Simonside SC.

A hat trick by Michael Conlon had them 3-0 up in the first half. The first came from a melee in the box when all he had to do was nudge it in. The second, from a vicious shot which the Simonside keeper fumbled, allowing the ball to cross the line. He got the third from a tap in after the ball rebounded from the foot of the post. In the second half Gavin Wilson moved down the right and crossed for Barry Cook to finish it off. David Basham got a consolation goal for Simonside before Scott Hembrough made it 5-1 to the City with a fine header from a right wing cross.

Hartlepool Town came out 1-0 winners against Whitehill FC in an evenly balanced match with both team having difficulty creating chances. Whitehill were unlucky not to be in front after five minutes when David Burnham's shot rebounded off the crossbar. It was stalemate for the rest of the first half and well into the second half until the 75th minute when a neat bit of play by Dave Coull on the right got a cross in to Stephen Doyle who beat the keeper.

Belford House scraped through to earn the three points from Gateshead A. They were chasing the game nearly all the first half after Gary Scott put Gateshead in front on ten minutes. Young Ian Chippendale in goal for Gateshead was outstanding in the rest of the first half keeping Belford easily at bay. The second period was the same right until the 75th minute when Mark Green managed to beat Gateshead's 17 year old in goal. Belford got the crucial winner five minutes later. John Wardropper the scorer.

Shildon Railway went out of the Clem Smith Bowl going 2-1 down at home to Durham University. The Railway were in front on eight minutes. A neat bit of one two play by Neil Robinson and Stuart Blackett found Kevin Hamilton who beat the keeper from close range. The University drew level on 38 minutes after being awarded a penalty. Burns made no mistake from the spot. The match looked like going into extra time until Dave Blacklock headed the winner for the University on 86 minutes.

Durham Victoria Bridge went out of the competition going down 4-1 at home to Seaham Mallad. Thomas Fletcher, John Campbell and Chris Hills put the Mallard 3-0 up in the fist half. Nicky Barker pulled a goal back for the Vic before Lee Cuthberts made it 4-1.

Brandon Prince Bishops made progress in the Bowl with a 1-0 win away to Seaham Town. Michael Filles getting the crucial winner in 83 minutes.

Saturday's results: Belford House FC 2 Gateshead A 1, Durham City Afc Res. 5 Simonside SC 1, H'pool T 1 Whitehill FC 0.

Clem Smith Bowl: Durham Victoria Bridge 1 Seaham Mallard 4, Ebchester FC 0 Coxhoe Athletic 11, Seaham Town Comm. FC 0 Brandon Prince Bishop 1.