Teesside Athletic ended Birtley Town's unbeaten record in no uncertain style when they romped to a 4-1 victory on Saturday.

The home side went into the game with ten wins and three draws out of 13 but more than met their match in the league newcomers.

Despite trailing to a 21st-minute goal by Stephen Rochester, Teesside dominated although they were helped along the way by some poor defending.

Billy Millington equalised on 28 minutes before two goals in as many minutes right on the stroke of half-time left the leaders with a mountain to climb.

Stephen Lenaghan and Millington took full advantage of defensive lapses and, inspired by their first half performance, Teesside added a fourth goal courtesy of James Trainor just before the end.

Cleadon SC closed in on Birtley and are now eight points off the top with five games in hand.

They had their work cut out though before seeing off a strong challenge from lowly Nissan SSC Sunderland.

Mark Johnson and Danny Efford scored in the first period for Cleadon with Gavin Daywood replying.

After Johnson again found the net, Nissan hit back through Stephen Bagley but the home side held on for a 3-2 victory.

Stokesley SC moved up in to third position after another close contest. Michael Patterson gave Ryhope CW a seventh-minute advantage before Ben Walker and Ian Fairlamb put the home side in front in the 38th minute to win.

Harton and Westoe also won by a 2-1 margin against Windscale. Kevin Burke and David Wells, with a penalty, were on target for the home team.

Coxhoe Athletic are still without a point after losing 6-0 at Jarrow for whom Dean Patton rifled a hat-trick. Other scorers were Gary Atwell, Ryan Houson and Michael Meek.

Boldon CA led New Marske by three goals with just 20 minutes remaining but only just secured a 3-2 win.

Ian Jackson, David Stephenson and Tony Ditchburn appeared to have put the visitors in to an unassailable position before Trevor Williams led the fight-back. Gary Hinchley then added a second goal but New Marske were unable to produce an equaliser.

Ferryhill Athletic are second from the basement after going down 4-0 at Wolviston.

Matthew Sykes, John Cairns and Jimmy Greening were all on the mark and in the second period Cairns again found the net.

Annfield Plain bowed out of the Durham Challenge Cup losing 3-1 to Billingham Town at Derwent Park.

David Turner was a first half marksman for the visitors and after John Moore levelled with a penalty, Billingham took the tie with a brace of goals from Jamie Clark.

With five minutes remaining Plain's Alan Coxon hit the woodwork.