Failure to put away their scoring chances in recent weeks has led to a temporary decline in Billingham CGS's fortunes causing them to fall away in the championship race but are still very much concerned in the runners-up spot.

Last Saturday a lack of a marksman saw them lose 2-0 at home to Owton Manor in the Robson Pattison semi-final. Hero of the match was the Manor's Micky Skirving who scored in each half, the first being a spot kick which he took himself after he was fouled by Billingham's keeper and the second was from a fine effort which he was put through by Jimmy Costello, Billingham had no answer to Skirving's bursts of speed whereas the Manor's solid defence were able to contain most of Billingham's attacks.

Billingham still have a chance to show their true form when they play Steels SC in the quarter finals of the Kenny Ball Cup.

In the Alan Spedding Cup semi-final Darlington Croft lost 2-0 away to Wardley Green. The Green opened in fine style taking the lead after five minutes when Keith Robson headed home a cross from Joyce and went 2-0 up when Peter Duggan toe-poked the ball home in a goalmouth scramble. The restart saw end-to-end football but no goals. The Green were awarded a spot kick which Duggan put away but it had to be retaken as some of the players encroached the area and this time Duggan's kick hit the post and was cleared to safety.

Ken Scott and Martin Nicholls starred for Wardley Green.

In the semi-final of the Echo Cup Wynyard Veterans lost 2-1 away to Hylton Castle. The first half belonged to the Vets who led at the interval and it was only the brilliance of Hylton's defence which prevented further goals. The restart saw Hylton's fightback and midway through the half Brian Conlon scored to level the match. It was now anybody's game and play swung from end to end. Ten minutes from time disaster struck for the visitors. A long throw-in by Andy Chapman was flicked by Wright and the Vets' keeper could only help the ball into the net for an own goal. Hylton's defence, although under heavy pressure in the closing minutes, managed to hold out.

In the Billy Lorraine Cup semi-final Crook Town lost 3-1 at home to the unbeaten Division Four leaders Oddies. The first half was fairly even. Michael Wharton shot Oddies into the lead early but quickly levelled and the first half ended 1-1. The restart saw Oddies slowly gaining control and further goals from Micky Taylor and Henderson settled the tame 3-1 in the visitors' favour.

In the Premier Masons Arms continue to improve, they drew 1-1 at home to the Lord Season. In Division Four Wynyard OB lost 2-0 away to Houghton Mill Inn in a very close game. Mark Shell scored both goals.

Thornley Celtic won 1-0 at home to Winstons. Michael Howey scoring late on after a goalless first half.

Trimdon Vets drew 0-0 away to Halfway House in a game in which a draw was a fair result. Frenchman Patrice Lesca was outstanding for the home side.