Birtley Town, with ambitions of joining the Arngrove Northern League, claimed the scalp of Crook Town when they met in the first round of the Durham Challenge Cup.

The visitors took a 16th-minute lead as Roy Allen broke clear and it was not until the 55th minute that Stephen Rochester equalised from a corner.

Wayne Booth then clinched the winner eight minutes later with an individual effort from the edge of the penalty area. Crook pressed in the later stages but Birtley held on for a 2-1 victory.

Teesside Athletic were also on cup duty and they needed extra-time before defeating Grangetown Boys Club 4-1 in the North Riding Senior Cup.

James Kesterton was an early scorer but Grangetown restored parity on the stroke of half-time through Stephen Scott. In added time Billy Millington, Steve Thompson and Kesterton earned Teesside their place in the next round.

Stokesley SC reached the third round of the Wearside League Cup but the 5-1 scoreline against Cleator Moor Celtic flattered them.

Gareth Evans equalised Paul Roddam's early goal for Stokesley, who had a lucky break regaining the lead on 65 minutes. Stephen Pennock pounced when the ball bounced off a defender.

There was little between the teams but three goals in the last five minutes by James Alsop, Ian Fairlamb and Ian Redpath enabled Stokesley to progress.

Cleadon SC reduced Birtley Town's lead at the top of the table to five points and they still have three games in hand on their rivals. They were pressed all the way in the South Tyneside derby by Jarrow and the result was decided by an only goal from Daniel Nixon in the 24th minute.

At the bottom, Coxhoe Athletic and Ferryhill Athletic both gained only their second point of the season when they drew 1-1. An own goal from Philip Lawson had the visitors in front at the halfway stage but immediately on resuming Andrew Soppitt levelled.

Nissan SSC Sunderland maintained their improved form holding Harton and Westoe to a 2-2 draw.

Danny Burridge put the home side ahead after just seven minutes but two goals in as many minutes from Matthew Raine and Tom Donkin swung the initiative to Nissan.

Carl McMahon restored parity and Harton then passed up the opportunity to take all three points as Dale Wells failed to convert a penalty.

New Marske went down 2-0 to Whitehaven in an ill-tempered game. The home side's Lee Magor was sent off and five of his colleagues booked, while three Whitehaven players received yellow cards.

Mike Farrer converted a 29th-minute penalty and five minutes later he again struck. The Seasiders rarely threatened and a poor game petered out with victory going to the Cumbrians.

Willington were another side to win by a 2-0 margin defeating Boldon CA with two second-half goals by David Pickering and David Snow while an only goal from Alan Surtees on 15 minutes, who lobbed the goalkeeper from long range, was sufficient for Ryhope CW at Wolviston.

Paul Sewell and Kevin Law both scored twice in a 4-1 victory for Windscale at home to Gateshead Low Fell whose only reply was credited to Stephen Mattinson.