Spraire slay the Dragon

Spraire RA remain top of Division One this week as they took part in one of only two first division games - a game that was to see their opponents Green Dragon relegated to Division Two. Richie Hindle did much of the damage with a four-goal haul, while Graham Dodsworth helped himself to a brace. Martin Ward, Mark Brooks and Scott Dawson were also on target as Spraire ran out 9-0 victors.

Nestfield Club kept up the pressure in second place as they beat The Northern Echo 5-2 to move nine points clear of third-placed Coundon Forresters, although the reigning champions do have five games in hand on Nestfield.

In Division Two, Shuttle & Loom became the first side to secure promotion thanks to a 5-1 victory over Allstars, but they face a tough battle for the championship as both second placed Bishop Auckland Cricket Club, and Hurworth Albion in third, have enough games in hand to overhaul the Shuttle's lead.

Meanwhile, Jack Horners kept the pressure on the top three as they edged past struggling Sadberge 5-4 to remain in fourth slot. Paul Scott gave the Jack's the lead from the penalty spot midway through the first half, before adding his second of the game to give the Jack's an early advantage. Richard Tutty notched from close range to put the Jack's into a commanding 3-0 lead just before half time, but Sadberge looked like a completely different team in the second half, and they soon brought the scores level at 3-3 as top-scorer Mark Grant hit a hat trick. Darren Wilson then completed the reversal as he put Sadberge 4-3 ahead, but Jack's weren't to be beaten. It was Richard Miller who managed to draw the scores level again before Andy Vernon notched the winner that leaves Sadberge struggling for points.

Another struggling side is Greyhound who are only a point above the relegation zone, despite having played three games more than Sadberge.

Their plight wasn't helped on Sunday as they were beaten 3-1 by Bishop Auckland Derby, while Copper Beech DCS picked up a point that should be enough to take them out of relegation trouble. Copper Beech looked like they were on their way to a defeat however as they found themselves 2-0 behind to Northern Spirit at half time thanks to a Mike Donnelly brace. However, the Beech took control of the second half and laid siege to the Spirit goal, although they were almost caught out by a few Spirit counter-attacks. The Beech finally broke through in the 82nd minute though when Ged Callaghan notched a vital goal, and then just minutes before the final whistle Stuart Ward teed-up Darren Riley to hit an equaliser that virtually condemns Northern Spirit to third division football next season.

In Division Three AFC Orange resumed normal service as they beat Falchion 5-0 - a result which leaves them needing only one point from their three remaining fixtures to take the Division Three championship. Daniel Ofosu came off the bench to notch a brace for Orange, whilst Chris Wardell, Kevin Kokes and Steven Charlton notched the other goals. Meanwhile, second-placed Canney Hill Athletic could only manage a 2-2 draw against seventh-placed Biglins News, whilst the other promoted side, Yates's Wine Lodge, went down 6-3 to Pizza Perfekt - a result which sees the Pizzaboyz move into the fourth promotion slot in place of Royal British Legion, although the Legion do have three games in hand. Mike Weston (2), Liam Coleman (2), Carl Batty and Paul Hope were the Pizzaboyz scorers as they turned round a 3-1 half time deficit that had been caused by goals from Chris Chadwick (2) and Rob Lowery for the Lodgers.

Hathaway Auckland and District League

Brandon Station are through to the final of the South Durham Bowl. They trailed to an early Stanhope goal but Paul Eales equalised.

John Bell lobbed Brandon into the lead just before half time and they would have had many more but for the Stanhope keeper who made some excellent saves. Paul Webster added a third for Brandon in the last minute.

Neil Morgan put Spennymoor Quinns Inn one up at home to Shildon Railway in the League Cup. The Railway equalised just before half time through Doug Grant. Quinns had much of the play in the second half but the visitors showed them how to finish and goals from Martin Smith and Stuart Blackett gave Shildon a 3-1 win.

Tom Kelly was man of the match for DSRM with all four goals in his sides 4-1 victory at Archdeacon in the Darlington Charity Cup.

DSRM were good value for their win after taking a two goal lead. Archdeacon pulled back to 2-1 at half time but DSRM were well on top in the second half.

Paul Arnott gave Black and Decker the lead at Darlington RA Social Club. By half time the game had turned in favour of the RA who led 3-1. A goal immediately after half time put the game beyond Black and Decker though sub Stephen Baker pulled it back to 4-2 ten minutes from time. Coxhoe Athletic took the lead through David Hutchinson after half an hour of their Weardale Cup tie with Willington Cottles. Kevin Bush headed a second from a corner and sub Paul Weir added number three near the end.

Darlington and

District League

Oa slippery pitch at Abbey Road, Grey Horse, fielding 11 players for the first time in a number of weeks, demonstrated their capabilities when up to full-strength with a 4-0 win against an ageing Grammar School Old Boys. Debutant Trenton Hewitt and Darren Tate with goals in each half were Horse's scorers.

Post Boy took advantage of everyone else's inactivity to move four points clear at the top of the table with a comfortable 6-0 win against a rusty Rothmans who had not played for a month. Peter Robson (2), Paul Robson, Jamie Watson, Jason Rothwell and Michael Seal were the leaders' marksmen.

In the Darlington Charity Cup Archdeacon entertained DSRM of the Auckland League, but lost 4-1. However, for the second week running RA Social did the league proud when they beat Black and Decker 4-2. Decker took an early lead but Andrew Weatherall equalised and RA they took the lead through Nigel Clarke when everyone else expected Decker to be awarded a free kick. RA continued in the ascendancy and further strikes from Peter Gormley and Steven Boyle increased their advantage to 4-1. Decker pulled one back with ten minutes remaining and despite constant pressure throughout the remainder of the game RA hung on for an excellent win. They now meet league opposition in the shape of Speedy Hire in the quarter-finals.