THE Plainsman are back on top of the Consett Sunday League third division after claiming maximum points against the Duke of Wellington while previous leaders Dipton Bird Inn were being foiled at the Burton House.

Goals from Stephen Mallett and Gavin Talbot cleared the way for the Plainsman's 2-0 success, while a solitary Alex Atkinson goal was sufficient for Burton House to account for the Bird Inn in their derby showdown.

David Scott scored twice for the Horse and Groom as they drew 4-4 with Swalwell Poacher, while David Boakes scored again as Stanley Board Inn won 4-1 at the Scotch Arms.

Joe Clark and Alan Fairhurst each bagged doubles as Delves Club won 7-2 at the Prince of Wales with Scott Sommerville scoring both home goals.

In the Consett Charity Cup, Stanley Towneley Arms just edged it 3-2 at Black Horse where Martin McKinney hit both home goals.

Former Middlesbrough YTS players Darren Grimes and Gary Clark scored for the Towneley Arms with Alan College bagging the all winner.

In the North West Durham Charity Cup, there were four goals for Aaron Hodgson, an Andrew Thompson hat-trick and a goal by Colin Wheatley as AK Leisure saw off Golden Lion 8-3.

Darren Bell's hat-trick and braces from Kevin Eglon and Darren Watson helped guide Stateside to a 9-0 home win over Pelton Crown, while Paul Pilkington, 3, helped steer Oxhill Central to a 5-3 success at Freemasons.

In division one, the battle of the cricket clubs went the way of home side Annfield Plain who beat Lintz 2-1. A Paul Sawyer goal earned Blackhill Comrades a 1-1 draw at Station Ex Juniors, who netted through Paul McCourt.

Darren Rowcroft scored the Bute Arms goal as they lost out 2-1 at home to Blackhall Mill whose points winners were Derek Waters and Alan Rennison.

Ian Costello scored twice as Stanley Central beat the Cricketers 3-1 in division two, and it ended 1-1 between the Steel Club and Tantobie.