BEEHIVE were buzzing after they held high-flying Spennymoor Thorns to a 1-1 draw last week.

Thorns have enjoyed a strong start to their First Division campaign after a string of fine results alleviated them to third in the top flight.

And it had looked like they would maintain their fruitful form when Steven Richardson put his side 1-0 up after just 40 seconds.

But Stephen Brown equalised for Beehive in the 20th minute - and the Bishop Auckland-based club held out for a precious point.

"It was an excellent result for us," said Beehive Manager Mike Hill. "Especially after we started the game with only ten men - Victor Coglan had put his clock forward instead of back!"

Beehive had several good chances to take the lead before half-time, but Thorns became stronger after the break and attacked for most of the second half - failing to break down Beehive's back line.

"It was a fair result," added Hill. "I was pleased with the result because in our last few games the results haven't reflected our performances. We've had several players missing through holiday and injury and when we have a full squad to select from I think we should move quite a bit higher up the league. Any of our players could have won the man-of-the-match award last week - they all played with great commitment and determination."

There was only two other games played in the First Division last Sunday due to the weather.

Brandon recorded a fine 5-2 win over Binchester Social Club. Binchester had enjoyed a positive start to the season, with wins over Eldon Lane and The Grand showing they could compete in the First Division.

But Brandon - another of the league's sides enjoying a new lease of life - comfortably beat Binny last week with four goals by Andrew Stewart and one from Graham Stobbs. Stewart Allen and Jeff Morrow scored for Brandon.

Meanwhile, Tudhoe United hauled themselves off the bottom with a 1-0 win over Eldon Lane. "It's good to be off the bottom," said Secretary James Curley. "We knew when we won promotion that it was going to be a hard year for us, and having lost some players it has been hard. But it's good to get our second win and get off the bottom." Defender Gary White scored the decisive goal for Tudhoe.

In Division Two, top-of-the-table Postchaise were given a boost when two of their nearest rivals drew.

Postchaise had no game last week, but second-placed Eldon Arms drew 1-1 at home to third-placed Brawns Den. Simon Malkin scored for the Arms and Craig Fish for the Den, who can still go top if they win their games in hand.

Elsewhere, the two in-form sides Shildon Athletic and Victoria locked horns, with Athletic running out 4-2 winners.

Shildon finished mid-table last season, but five wins from 10 has helped them up to fourth.

"We're enjoying some good form," said Secretary Wayne Stout. "It was a hard game against the Vic, they put up a good fight. But the wind didn't help and probably spoiled the game. I think we're unbeaten in the league in two months now, so we're doing well."

Kevin Kavanagh and Darren Dodds both netted a brace a-piece for Shildon, while Martin Longthorne scored both Vic goals.

* League secretaries are reminded that the bottles of spirits needed for the Christmas Prize Draw are due in at next Wednesday's November League Meeting (6th).

Results round-up, Sunday, October 20: Division One: Thorns 1, Beehive 1; Brandon 5, Binchester SC 2; Tudhoe Utd 1, Eldon Lane 0.

Division Two: Shildon Athletic 4, Victoria 2; Green Tree 6, Boot & Shoe 1; Eldon Arms 1, Brawns Den 1.