Wearside League: A strong second-half performance earned Birtley Town a 4-1 win over Nissan SSC Sunderland.

Tony Thirkell gave them a tenth minute lead but the Wearsiders deservedly equalised on 35 minutes through Kirk Hardy.

Once Birtley got their noses in front for a second time however, there was no stopping them. Thirkell scored his second in the 52nd minute to be quickly followed by a brace from Stephen Rochester.

Teesside Athletic recorded their third victory defeating Coxhoe Athletic 3-1 while Wolviston led through Richard Walker but went down at Annfield Plain who clinched the winner with three minutes remaining. Bary Lindoe restored parity in the 75th minute before Aaron Robertson hit the winner.

Stokesley SC missed the opportunity to go third, losing 3-1 at Whitehaven. Paul Roddam replied for Stokesley.

New Marske left it late before claiming a point in their home fixture with Ryhope CW who led through Anthony Douthwaite. With just a minute left Trefor Williams equalised.

Willington twice led but had to settle for a share of the points at Harton and Westoe. Danny Lee put the visitors in front but within six minutes Gary Brook restored parity. It appeared John Banks had secured the points for Willington with his 85th minute goal but there was still time for Carl McMahon to equalise.

Boldon CA went nap in their Sunderland Shipowners' Cup first round tie at home to Gateshead Low Fell who failed to respond. Ian Jackson (2), Aidan McCaffery, Dale Stephenson and Mark Williamson swept Boldon to a 5-0 victory.

Cleadon SC just edged Windscale 3-2 and Jarrow went out to an only goal by Craig Scott in the 82nd minute at home to Cleator Moor Celtic.