In the Premier Division, Steels SC won 1-0 away to Penshaw Catholic Club to lead the division by six points as well as having a game in hand of their rivals and can be considered champions. The runners up spot is still undecided. The vital game is between Killingworth and Billingham CGS. It could win the runners up place for either side whereas a draw would favour Owton.
In Division One, Darlington Croft pulled off a spectacular 2-0 away win over the already promoted Marden to give them an excellent chance of promotion (three clubs go up in each division). Stephen Bailles gave them an interval lead but they had to fight all the way after the restart and the issue was only settled two minutes from time when Stephen Craggs with a wonderful diving head put away a cross from Jamie Leafe. Other stars for Croft were centre-back Martin Nicholls and keeper Andrew Fothergill.
In Division One, Hartlepool Catholic Club have gained promotion and look like being runners up to the Touchdown Hotel despite not having played a game since March 29, the results of the teams below them having made it possible.
Barnard Castle Glaxo lost 1-2 at home to Moor House and must win one of their last two matches if they are to be promoted as Hebburn could pip them to the post. The first half finished goal less but after the restart Moor House took the lead when Steven Parkes found the net with a 25 yard free kcik and minutes later he made it 2-0. The Castle now tried all they knew to save the game and pulled one back when Corby Vaistell slotted home a spot-kick but time was against them and now they have it all to do.
In Division III Wynyard Veterans kept their promotion hopes alive they won 1-0 away to bottom of the league side Steels FC. The Veterans lead 1-0 at the interval and had to hand on desperately most of the second half as Steels pressured them. Steels' failure was due to the lack of marksmen and has resulted in them being relegated. But as they say: "the hallmark of a good team is to play badly and still win" - this is Wynyard's case.
Billingham Town lost 1-3 away to promotion hopefuls Whitley Bay who opened in fine style and dominated the first half. A brace of goals from Dave Lawson and one from Terry Fry put them 3-0 up at the break and the restart was a case of what we have we hold. Five minutes from time Billingham scored a consolation goal.
In Division Four, Crook Town lost 1-2 at home to second placed Houghton Swifts and now look to have lost out in gaining promotion. In fairness it has been quite a good season for a new club, they have got together a workmanlike side and should be capable of achieving promotion next season, to finish in the top half of the table always takes a great deal of effort and next season will see Crook becoming a much stronger and more experienced side.
Wynyard Old Boys lost 0-1 away to the Halfway House. The Wynyard enjoy their football, they play to keep fit and a draw or a win is always an added bonus. They are the life-blood of the over-40s league.
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