Not for the first time, the weather caused havoc with the programme and only three games were played.

Just one of three cup-ties went ahead with championship contenders Birtley Town eventually easy winners on their visit to Redcar Town, but not before the home side had shook their opponents by leading at the half-way stage.

Redcar could only muster nine men but did not sit back and went ahead with a header from Tony Peacock.

In the second half, however, Birtley made their numerical advantage count as the Seasiders' tired and a hat-trick from former Chester-le-Street player Paul Bryson and a brace of goals by Paul Terrell secured a 5-1 win.

In the League, Stanley United continued their improvement at the expense of Boldon CA, who have now lost their last four fixtures.

Stephen Handy gave Boldon the advantage before the home side equalised with an own-goal when an attempted clearance by the visitors goalkeeper rebounded from one of his players.

There was no luck, though, as leading scorer Aaron Scott put Stanley in front from a pass by Alan Humble. Scott then turned provider, feeding a corner to Keith Burn who headed home for the third goal.

Stanley are now seventh, with the same number of points as Darlington RA while near the bottom, Ryhope CW improved their position defeating Harton and Westoe 3-2.

The Wearsiders' made the best possible start with two goals inside the first 13 minutes by David Baxter. Michael Meek hit back with a minute of the first half remaining but with almost the last kick, Richard Nell restored Ryhope's two goals advantage.

Harton started the second half strongly and threw the game wide open with a goal from David Hopper on 57 minutes.

From then on, it was all to play for but Ryhope held on for a crucial win - only their fourth in 17 attempts - and they are now four places off the basement, a comfortable 13 points ahead of bottom-of-the-table Jarrow.