THERE is no change at the top of the table following the midweek programme but it was touch and go for leaders North Shields when they entertained championship rivals Windscale at Ralph Gardner Park.

There was a sensational start to the game when the Robins were awarded a penalty but David Little's spot-kick was saved by the visitors' goalkeeper Ronald Hughes. Neil Hartley had a header which came back off the upright with the Windscale keeper beaten and on 50 minutes, it was the turn of North Shields stopper Stephen Smith to save a penalty by Howard Kirkbride. Ten minutes later Windscale celebrated when they went ahead. Smith dived at the feet of Paul Barwise and when the ball broke loose Ricky Parnaby slotted into an empty net.

Home pressure was rewarded with an equaliser from Neil Hartley but there was only a minute remaining when debutant Willie Moat scored to help earn North Shields three crucial points.

They still have a nine points lead over Redcar Town, who have two games in hand. The Seasiders were also involved in a thrill-a-minute contest with Jarrow and it was not until the 88th minute that they claimed the winning goal.

Jarrow took the lead on 12 minutes when a Redcar defender handled on the line and was sent off. Keith Hallway drove the penalty into the net but even with 10 men, Redcar went in at the break 2-1 up with strikes from Conrad McCormick and Darren Mowbray. Jarrow hit back and gained an equaliser by Mark Diamond before Glen Dolan sent home supporters into raptures with a 35-yard free kick which flew into the top corner of the net.

Wolviston were the top scorers of the night as they put six goals past Stanley United who took the lead in the 10th minute through Chris Russ. Gary Crawford levelled almost immediately and before the break the home side were on top with further strikes from Andrew Steel and Keiron White. Both players scored again in the second period and John Symon also found the net to assist Wolviston back to winning form.

Darlington RA, too, put their recent disappointments behind them in defeating Stokesley SC 2-0 with first-half goals by James Chapman and Michael Carter while Birtley Town, who have lost just once in 22 outings, romped home 4-0 against Ferryhill Athletic. In the only league game played on Monday, Harton and Westoe saw off the challenge from Jarrow by a 2-0 margin.

Darlington RA lost out to a golden goal in the final of the Durham Trophy to Hartlepool Boys Welfare.