The Kenny Ball Cup quarter-final Darlington Croft shocked newly-promoted probable division one champions Blackhall Hardwick by defeating them away from home.

The Croft, who are one of the most improved sides in division one, have also gained promotion, took the lead after 30 minutes when Mike Nelson volleyed home a cross from Mark Smith and held on to that lead despite all Blackhall's efforts. The game was end to end football, chances were missed, but Blackhall's lack of a marksman cost them the game. Stars for Darlington were Ian Raper and Davy Hams.

In the Premier, the Masons Arms, once known as Capt Flint's Pirates, have never been the same since Capt Flint left them and went somewhere abroad to live. they lost 6-4 away to the Lord Seaham, from all accounts they were the better side but dubious decisions lost them the game. Next season should be a different matter and probably they will win promotion.

In Division Two Glaxo will be promoted, unless they to lose 18-0 at home to British Telecom tomorrow. The Castle led the Touchdown Hotel 1-0 after 20 minutes but a gilt-edged chance to make it 3-0 was wasted and the home side came back strongly scoring four goals to end up 4-2 winners in a game they looked like losing.

In Division Three the championship is still undecided although it lies between the promoted clubs Hylton Castle, Wynyard Veterans and Billingham Town. The leaders Hylton Castle won 5-2 at home against Darlington Railway. The Railway opened in fine style taking the lead after five minutes. Hylton, however fought back strongly and Brian Conlon levelled midway through the first half. Heavy pressure paid off when shortly before the interval Conlon scored his second of the match to put Hylton 2-1 in the lead. The restart saw Hylton still on top. Terry Wright saw his spot kick brilliantly saved by Darlington's keeper but made amends by scoring a few minutes later and then with a fine solo run scored again to make it 4-1. Robson made it nap by making it 5-1, Darlington scored late on to end the match 5-2 down.

Billingham Town stay in third place, they won 3-0 at home to Wingate, all goals coming in the first half courtesy of Colin Rivers, Cooper and Gavin. The second half was a case of what we have we hold and it was mostly defensive rather than exciting.

Wynyard Vets stay in second place waiting for Hylton to slip up. They won 3-0 at home to Whitley Bay. The first half was even with both sides missing chances. The Vets brought on three subs after the restart and the changes saw them take control. Mo Najah headed home a cross from Freddy Surplus to put them 1-0 in the lead. Alan Morning volleyed home a centre from Tony Docherty and Paul Wilkinson scored a third to settle the issue 3-0.

In Division Four Crook Town drew 4-4 away to Thornley Celtic. They will probably finish in the top six which is quite good for a new site. At one period they looked promotion candidates but the bad weather caused postponements and after the resumption Crook faltered for a few games. Next season should see Crook getting among the top three.

Wynyard Old Boys lost 5-0 at home to Houghton Mill Inn. The first half was fairly even with Old Boys rather unlucky to be 0-1 down, but after the restart Old Boys tired and Houghton took over and won 5-0 quite comfortably. Old Boys blamed the hard ground and a fast running ball. They were more at home on heavy, muddy grounds where passing takes over rather than speed.