Redcar Town pulled off a surprise win at top of the table North Shields in one of only two league fixtures that survived the winter freeze in the Wearside League. Good chances were at a premium in the first period although Shields's David Little was unlucky with an 18th minute header which deflected over the bar to safety.

The vistors took the lead ten minutes into the second period when Lee Bythnay stole in at the far post to head home from a corner. Redcar were immediately put under pressure at the other end but keeper Peter Flear saved well from Anthony Robson's header.

Redcar, however, caught the home side on the break and doubled their advantage when Billy Millington struck on 65 minutes. Despite a strong penalty appeal by the home side, Redcar held on until virtually the last kick of the game when substitute Dominic Riley returned from injury to hit his ninth goal in five matches as consolation for North Shields.

New Marske collected a point when they travelled to Ryhope CW. The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges and Ryhope were indebted to their keeper Chris Errington who performed well to keep the visitors at bay. The home side had the best opportunity to clinch the match when Stephen Rochester was put clean through, but he put his effort harmlessly wide.

The visitors' chances increased when Ryhope's Chris Wilson was sent off on 60 minutes but as conditions deterioated the heavy pitch took it's toll and the game ended in stalemate.

In the Sunderland Shipowner's Cup Barnard Castle Glaxo opted to play their 'home' tie at opponents Jarrow's ground to avoid a fifth blank week and will have been glad they did when Ross Murray snatched the winner with only five minutes of extra time remaining.

The visitors had taken the lead when Ross scored the first of his two goals but Wearside League's basement club pegged the scores back when Stephen Dunn equalised before half time. Ross's brother Stewart struck to restore the lead to the visitors but again Jarrow showed spirit when Brendan Mulholland equalised with only five minutes of normal time remaining. Penalties were looming when Ross Murray struck the winner.