Seaham's new manager, Wilf Constantine, saw the measure of the task ahead as his side lost 4-1 at home to Jarrow Roofing.

Constantine, who was previously manager of Easington and Shotton, admitted "There's plenty of work to do" as the defence leaked goals again.They are second from bottom this morning, with just one point from seven games.

All the goals came in the second half. Paul Chow put Roofing ahead from a tight angle, then Paul Hodgson scored with a deflected shot. Justin Perry scored with a powerful effort after seven minutes, and after John Keegans pulled one back, Tony Woodhouse headed the fourth.

Two goals from former Darlington striker Lee Ellison gave West Auckland the points at Thornaby .

Ellison, signed in the morning from Bishop Auckland, put West into the lead from the penalty spot after six minutes, and he got the second on the hour.

Marske United climbed further away from danger by beating Chester-le-Street 2-1.

John Woods headed them into the lead after 21 minutes after Chester keeper Lenny French fumbled a corner, but Marske keeper John Jackson dropped a clanger and Martin Bowes levelled.

However, Marske got the winner just after half time when Darren Ward scored from a Neil Hodgson pass.

Washington had an excellent 5-0 home win over Consett.

They took the lead after five minutes with a good goal by Lee O'Donovan, then Paul Robinson added a second with a shot on the turn.

Tony Gibson, Steve Burns and Robinson finished it off.

Newcastle Blue Star beat Morpeth 2-0 at the Wheatsheaf, with goals from Ross Greenhill and Lee Suddes.

In the second division, leaders Penrith lost their unbeaten record when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Hebburn. Robbie Marsden scored both goals.

South Shields went level with them on points after they thrashed Murton 6-0, Andy Howarth scored two of the goals.

Washington Nissan are third after they beat Shotton 3-1, scoring twice inside the last three minutes, while Esh Winning are just behind them after they defeated Whickham 6-0.

Northallerton beat Evenwood 2-0, while Willington lost 3-1 at home to Prudhoe. Eppleton's good start was ended when they lost 3-1 against Kennek Ryhope CA.