Stokesley SC produced a five-star performance against Boldon CA and were rewarded by moving to the top of the table for the first time this season.

Third-placed Boldon almost held their own in the first half when the only goal was scored by Paul Aldridge but in the second period, Stokesley made their numerical advantage count when two visiting players were ordered off.

Jonathan Newton converted a penalty and as Stokesley continued to dominate, further goals flowed from Matthew Homan, Michael Wilson and Stephen Pennock and the home side emphatic 5-0 winners.

North Shields made it five consecutive victories by winning 2-0 at Barnard Castle Glaxo who never recovered from conceding a third-minute goal. Roy Gordon and Paul Ross were involved in the build-up before Dominic Graham turned well and slotted his shot past Paul Hedley from the edge of the box.

Stuart Murray twice went near for Glaxo and at the other end, Paul Blakey had an effort brilliantly saved by Hedley before the Robins went two up after 28 minutes. Blakey and Anthony Robson combined to set up the chance for Ross and when he was brought down, David Little beat Hedley from the penalty spot.

After leading 2-0, Darlington RA were pegged back to 2-2 and eventually just edged Annfield Plain 3-2. Neil Jackson and Stephen Johnson were RA's early marksmen before Phil Raisbeck, with a penalty and Gary Clark, levelled. It was Johnson who grabbed the Brinkburn Road club's winner during the second period.

Ferryhill Athletic maintained their improved form holding Stanley United to a 2-2 draw. Stuart Cotton was a fifth-minute scorer for the home side but on 20 minutes Alan Humble equalised.

Immediately on resuming, Paul Ettenfield again put Athletic in front and with 15 minutes remaining, John Stark earned Stanley a share of the points.

Lowly Cleadon SC, who recently defeated championship contenders Wolviston, sprang another surprise when they saw off the challenge from another of the fancied clubs, New Marske.

Two goals in the first ten minutes by Mark Johnson and Adam Peacock presented the Seasiders with a formidable challenge. Gary Owens threw them a lifeline but on the stroke of half time, Johnson scored his second goal and there were only a few minutes remaining when Young made the final score 3-2.

Second-from-bottom Ryhope CW picked up a valuable point at Harton and Westoe.

They took the lead with a Stephen Rochester penalty in the 49th minute but within two minutes it was 1-1 when Lee Seff struck.

The games between Jarrow and Wolviston and Redcar Town and Birtley Town were postponed because of waterlogged grounds.