Wearside League: North Shields strengthened their claim for the championship when they defeated third-top Redcar Town by a single goal following a tense, closely-fought match.

The result was a double blow to the Seasiders who had three points deducted by the League for fielding an ineligible player in the original fixture which was ordered to be replayed.

North Shields, though, are not complaining and now lead New Marske by three points and Redcar Town by eight.

The decisive goal came as early as the 16th minute when Neil Hartley celebrated his return to the side and chipped goalkeeper Peter Flear from outside the box.

The Robins missed the chance to go two up on 57 minutes. Michael Chilton was brought down but Flear came to Redcar's rescue with a superb save from Anthony Lowther's penalty kick.

His opposite number, Stephen Smith, had to pull off an equally top-drawer save to deny Jonathan Stott whose fierce shot was destined for the top corner of the net while at the other end, Chilton and Andy Bowman both went close.

New Marske also won 1-0 at third-from-bottom Ferryhill Athletic who, despite being forced on the defensive, withstood the pressure until the 70th minute. Ian Johnson finally broke the deadlock to maintain his side's interest in the destination of the title.

Windscale are fourth, two points adrift of Redcar Town, following their 3-2 victory at home to Boldon CA. Howard Kirkbride was on target for the Cumbrians and Craig Rolfe for the visitors before Kevin Law and Stuart Sanderson put Windscale in command. A second goal by Rolfe late in the game threw Boldon a lifeline but Windscale held on.

Ryhope CW staged a magnificent rally to gain a 3-3 draw with Harton and Westoe who led by three goals from Keith McRichie (two) and Dave Hopper after just 25 minutes.

Nicky Smith reduced the deficit on the stroke of half time and two goals in a minute from Steve Rochester and Kevin Bennison levelled the scores.

A second-half goal by debutant Paul Tirrell earned Jarrow a share of the points at Stokesley SC who led through Jonathan Newton, and Stanley United also came from behind at Whitehaven.

Gary Burns put the home side ahead at the halfway stage and a Richard Johnson penalty earned Stanley a valuable point.

Cleadon SC put five past Annfield Plain who managed just one from Michael Murray. Paul Thompson (two), Anthony Fyall, Gerard Quinn and Mark Johnson were all on target for Cleadon.

l The Final of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup between Birtley Town and Redcar Town will be played at Birtley today (11 am)