In the Premier Division Ferryhill Greyhound stay top. They were held to a 0-0 draw by Seaton Delaval in a game which ended in a defensive battle with very few scoring chances.

The Masons Arms turned in a vastly improved performance and were unlucky to lose 3-5 at home to Grindon. Ken Dufferweil gave Masons n early lead, but Grindon fought back strongly and two quick goals from Kevin Thompson put the visitors 2-1 up. Masons rallied and close on the interval Dufferweil scored his second of the match to level at 2-2. Shortly after the restart both sides lost their keepers through pulled muscles and the sides had to be reshuffield. Bub Speight made it 3-2 to the visitors and shortly after Harbisher ma\de it 4-2. Masons again rallied and Chris Chapman scored to make it 3-4 and now Masons pushed all forward for the equaliser but Grindon's defence held firm and in the closing minutes grabbed a fifth goal through Bobby Wilson in a breakaway.

In the Villa Real Cup semi-final Owton Manor Hartlepool won 3-2 away to the unbeaten Steels Social Club. The Manor were first to score when Micky Skirving netted, but Steels came back strongly after the restart and goals from Peter Stronach and sub Alan Hurst gave them a 2-1 lead. The Manor were still a force to be recognised and in a fighting finish scored twice through Skirving and Lewis to win the game 3-2. The hero of the match was Manor's keeper Acker Harrison who saved ex-Sunderland star Barry Dunn's spot kick at a very vital period of the game.

In Division One the clash between two promotion contenders, Croft and Wallsend RAOB ended in a goalless draw probably a very fair result as neither side were able to break the deadlock.

Newton Aycliffe now move into fourth spot. They won 3-0 away to bottom league club Barnes Hotel. Langley Park Rams Head are experiencing a bad period at the moment and have dropped from third place into seventh. They lost 1-5 away to Wallsend Rising Sun.

The two lowly places sides, Sedgefield and Wardley Green, who are much better than their placing suggest, drew 2-2. Wardley took an early lead only for Sedgefield to level and after the restart Sedgefield led 2-1 only for Wardley to equalise late on. Scorers for Sedgefield were Peter Carruthers and John Barber.

In Division Two the top two clubs met and second place Touchdown Hotel won 2-1 against Hartlepool Catholic Clubs.

Consett Duke of Wellington are experiencing a bad spell and have now dropped into the bottom five. They lost 0-3 away to fourth bottom side Moor House.

In Division Three Wingate drew 3-3 at home to Darsley Park. The match seemed over at half-time with Wingate leading 3-0 but Darsley Park rallied after the restart pulling one back through Rob Graham and with only five minute remaining mounted a grandstand finish scoring twice through Charlie Lodge and Mark Shearer.

Durham C Strollers at last came good. They played exceptionally well to win 4-1 at home to Whitley Bay. Leading 3-1 at the break the issue was never in doubt as they were always well in control despite the Bay taking an early led. Architect in charge of their fortune is Martin Maggiore who was outstanding and has revitalised Durham who are no longer in bottom place. Scorers were Stephen Greenham and Steve Thompson who each notched a brace.

Another club whose fortunes have changed are Darlington Railway who won 3-0 away to Hartlepool RNC. The player responsible is ex-Coventry City and Darlington star Kevan Smith. Scorers for Darlington were Tony Wake, Dale Elgie and Mick Wake.

West Cornforth stay in sixth place. They won 3-1 at home to Roker Queen Vic leading 2-0 at the interval courtesy of a brace from man of the match Tony Rowe. Roker pulled one back but the issue was settled when Geoff Stephenson netted with a powerful drive from 30 yards to make it 3-1. Maurice Dunn starred for the home side.

In Division Four Trimdon Veterans excelled themselves winning 4-0 away to the leaders Hedworthfield. Wynyard Old Boys lost 2-6 at home to Crook Town in a game of two halves. The Old Boys could not come to terms with the state of the pitch, heavy, muddy quagmire. Crook revelled in it and just ploughed through the midfield whereas the Old Boys were bogged down and led 4-0 at half-time. After the restart Crook scored to make it 5-0 up but the Old Boys rallied and using the wings kept the ball out of the muddy centre of the field and pulled two back through Ken Moody and Philadelphia Dougls and kept on attacking before Crook made it 6-2 from a breakaway late on.