LEADERS Cleadon SC left it late before clinching a 3-2 victory at Wolviston.
Dean Moore was an early marksman for the home side but two goals in eight minutes by Kyle Gooden and Danny Efford turned the tables.
Wolviston levelled through Paul Roberts and with time running out Finbar Lynch struck the winner.
Birtley Town moved into second with a 4-0 victory at Coxhoe Athletic.
Tony Thirkell rifled a hat-trick and Neil Blue scored the fourth.
Willington are the league's leading scorers after winning a seven-goal thriller against Jarrow.
Ian Ward had them in front and after John Grant equalised, Willington went into a 4-1 lead as Ward completed his hat-trick and Tony Stafford also netted.
It looked all over for Jarrow but Dean Patton reduced the arrears and then scored again to make it 4-3 but Willington held on.
Teesside Athletic were two up inside 32 minutes but had to settle for a draw at home to Whitehaven.
Ian Johnson netted following a free kick and James Kesterton struck from a corner. Craig Burns reduced Whitehaven's deficit on the stroke of half time and Michael Farrer set up an exciting last half hour with an equaliser.
Stokesley SC went nap at New Marske, winning 5-1. Paul Rodham was a first minute marksman and although Lee Magor levelled 15 minutes later, there was no stopping Stokesley and Rodham. He hit three goals and others on target were James Alsopp and Jon Newton.
Ryhope CW went down 4-1 visiting Windscale who were ahead through Darren Donald, Mark Young, Howard Kirkbride and Mark Young before they claimed a last minute consolation.
Gateshead Low Fell were also in Cumbria and they too suffered defeat by a three goal margin. Zak Rudd, Craig Padley and Darren Mahon (penalty) saw Cleator Moor Celtic to a 3-0 win.
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