There are three surprise leaders at the top of the league after the third week of fixtures were completed this week.

The league has been reduced to 12 teams after the resignation of CLS and Durham after playing only one match. The loss is all the more disappointing as the team has been a constant member of the league since its conception and for as long as records of the Northern Police League before it, show. The club's secretary Mattie Pearson has been secretary for 30 years and was bitterly disappointed by the club's demise. Their resignation this week left Tyne and Wear without a fixture. Newcastle's match with Darlington was also cancelled due to work commitments.

Of the remaining fixtures the top match of the day saw Easington take on Durham Fire. The league champions have had a faltering start to the season and lost this one 3-0. The match was goalless with ten minutes remaining then Easington caved in to goals by Billy Willis, Steve Holcroft and Dean Kennedy. The win thrusts Durham Fire to the top of the table fore the first time ever.

Sedgefield and Langbaurgh remain unbeaten after three matches following their 2-2 draw. The result is the more impressive for Sedgefield who finished last season with only one point and see themselves sitting fourth after three matches. Dave Hardman and Rob Tansey got their goals, Langbaurgh had to the only 100 per cent record before this match, but the draw keeps them level at the top on points. Their goals were scored by Paul Hodgson and Ally Lancaster.

Sunderland Saints are the third team level at the top after an impressive start where they have taken four points off last season's top two and followed that with a 2-0 win at Stockton this week. Mick Robinson scored both goals.

Frankland got back to winning ways with a 5-0 thumping of Derwentside. Two goals in a minute just before the interval set them on their way, scored by Richie Huskinson and Ian Gibson. Further goals from Gibson and Peter Jobling (2) wrapped up the points. Derwentside lost the three points accrued against CLS after their resignation.