Wearside League: Darlington RA won for only the second time but would be pleased with their performance against Gateshead Reserves at Brinkburn Road. Stephen Johnson scored three times and after hitting two goals in the first 15 minutes, he clinched RA's winner on 75 minutes.

Gateshead Reserves recovered from a poor start and after George Wetherley reduced the two-goals deficit in the 40th minute, they equalised through Simon Reay on the hour.

New Marske moved to the top of the table for the first time this season when they defeated bottom-of-the-table Washington Nissan UK.

First-half goals by James Kesterton and Billy Millington put the Seasiders on their way and although David Mosley pulled a goal back, New Marske were never troubled and Kesterton added a second goal.

Cleadon SC stay second despite being held to a draw by neighbours Boldon CA who led at the interval through Lee Seff. Danny Nixon earned Cleadon their point and they are just one point behind New Marske.

Stokesley SC conceded pole position when they lost a nine-goals thriller to Birtley Town. Michael Mackay was Birtley's hero as he struck four times with Michael Ford also on target in a 5-4 victory. Craig Johnson bagged a brace and others on target for Stokesley were Jonathan Newton and Nathan Haslam.

Jonathan Mullen (2), Anthony Kent and Christopher Graves were all on target in Harton and Westoe's 4-0 defeat of Ferryhill Athletic and Annfield Plain just edged Windscale 2-1 with a late winner from Chris Soulsby. The visitors went ahead on 30 minutes through Lee Dixon before Michael Murray levelled.

Wolviston suffered one of their biggest defeats in years losing 8-1 at Whitehaven for whom Robbie Fowler (3), Craig Robson (2), John Wright (2) and Alex Roberts all found the net. Guy Whatmore scored a consolation strike.

Barnard Castle Glaxo conceded a two-goals lead and had to settle for a share of the points with Jarrow.

Joe Bourn and Darren Harrison struck for Glaxo with Gary Attwell twice on the mark for the Tynesiders.

After going behind in just the second minute to Christopher Stanton, North Shields recovered and finished comfortable 4-1 winners over Ryhope CW at Ralph Gardner Park. Paul Blakey levelled in the 46th minute and two goals in nine minutes by Roy Gordon and Stephen Miller ended the hopes of Ryhope.

Former Stanley United striker Stephen Hamil completed the scoring with just three minutes remaining but there was still time for Ryhope's goalkeeper Michael Burlinson to be sent off for handling outside the penalty area.