Tyne and Wear maintained their grip at the top with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Frankland. Goals from Peter Hamill and Richard Biggs, were just enough to see the Fire team through. Ian Gibson scored for Frankland who were left to rue some missed late chances.

Langbaurgh remain second as they also won by the odd goal in three against fellow challengers Durham HQ. The league's leading scorer Tony Insall had given HQ the lead in the second half with his 22nd goal of the season. Matt Lymer equalised from the penalty spot with his 15th goal of the season. Ally Lancaster notched the winner for Laugbaurgh, as they kept lap their best season for some time.

Durham Fire moved into third place with a 4-0 win over injury plagued Derwentside. Glen Stewart scored a goal in both halves, with Simon Waggot and Dave Ibbotson getting second half goals. The win, is vital for the Fire team to keep up the pressure on the leaders.

Darlington secured their second win of the season, with a 5-2 victory over close rivals Sedgefield and in the process the two teams exchanged positions. Goals from Fred Wood (2), Kev Marshall, Dave Parker and Dave Barker were more than enough to put the smiles, back on Darlo faces.

Stockton made it three wins out of five with a surprise three goal win over Easington.

Goals from Andy Blackett, Gary Cookland and Paul Davison ensured that the home team took all he points.

P W D L F A Pts

Tyne and Wear 13 9 2 2 50 36 29

Langbaurgh 16 8 4 4 48 36 28

Durham, Fire 12 6 4 2 41 23 22

Newcastle West 11 6 3 2 33 22 21

Durham HQ 15 16 3 6 40 33 21

Easington 14 6 3 5 29 32 21

Derwentside 16 6 2 8 41 48 20

*Sund Saints 9 6 1 2 23 11 16

Stockton 13 4 1 8 27 37 13

Frankland 10 2 2 6 20 26 8

*Darlington 11 2 1 8 20 44 4

**Sedgefield 14 1 4 9 28 47 1

*Denotes three points deducted

**Denotes six points deducte